Abstract: A technique for providing a variable-ratio coupling between output shaft and input motor involves driving an output shaft with drivers that are out of phase with each other. Advantageously, the technique provides a gear reduction via a simple, high-efficiency mechanism; continuous output torque is provided by alternating the load between two belts deflected by, by way of example but not limitation, cam devices.

Abstract: An eccentric pivot arm tensioner capable of automatic belt tensioning and substantially simultaneous operating range indexing during installation. The tensioner comprises a stop plate and cooperating lock plate. The tensioner comprises a pivot arm having a pivot arm member that cooperatively engages a base plate member. In a first, or transit mode, the pivot arm member temporarily engages the base plate member to put a torsion spring and thereby the pivot arm in a preloaded condition. The lock plate is engaged with the stop plate. As a mounting fastener is engaged into a mounting surface the pivot arm member is automatically disengaged from the base plate member by an axial movement of the pivot arm, thereby allowing the pivot arm to rotate and thereby impart a torsion spring force to a belt, i.e., tensioning the belt in an operating position.

Abstract: A reel drum is rotatably supported on a board, and a tensioner case is detachably mounted to the board in the vicinity of the reel drum. Wires are extended from the reel drum in directions opposite to each other. A pair of tension rollers pressed onto the respective wires and roller holders rotatably supporting the respective tension rollers are attached to the tensioner case to be allowed to move in directions substantially orthogonal to the respective wires when the wires are tensioned. Moreover, the tensioner case is provided with biasing means to bias the roller holders in directions that the tension rollers are pressed onto the respective wires. The biasing means is a torsion spring. A contact portion of each roller holder which a wire end extended portion of the torsion spring is in contact with has an angle shape with a ridge aligned in a direction orthogonal to the wire end extended portion of the torsion spring.

Abstract: A tensioner arm comprises a tool-engagement portion for engaging with a tensioner-arm rotation tool, and a jig-holding portion which has a through hole for accepting a tensioner-arm fixation bar jig being inserted thereinto from above at a portion of the tensioner arm extending upward from the base end portion. A bearing case comprises a contact face portion which is provided at a face located below the jig-holding portion of the bearing case so as to accept the bar jig being inserted into the through hole of the tensioner arm, and an engagement stair portion which is provided at the contact face portion so as to engage with the bar jig such that move of the tensioner arm toward the belt by the biasing mechanism is restricted. A belt tensioner which enables an easy belt exchanging even by a single worker without detaching surrounding components of the engine can be provided.

Abstract: A belt tensioner system includes a belt tensioner and a bumper idler pulley. The belt tensioner includes an arm which is adapted to be rotatably-biased and includes a tensioner idler pulley which is supported by the arm and which travels in an arcuate path when the arm rotates. The bumper idler pulley is positioned at least partially in the arcuate path to stop the travel of the tensioner idler pulley when the arm rotates to a predetermined rotational position. In one application, the belt tensioner system is for an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: In a belt drive of an internal combustion engine, a two-arm belt tensioner has a fixed tubular supporting portion; a first and a second arm fitted to the tubular supporting portion to rotate about a common hinge axis, and supporting respective idle wheels cooperating with respective branches of the drive belt; and an elastic device for forcing the arms towards each other; the elastic device having a torsionally elastic elongated member extending through the tubular supporting portion, coaxially with the hinge axis, and having respective opposite end portions projecting outwards of the tubular supporting portion; the end portions being fitted with respective end caps, one of which is fitted directly with one of the arms, and houses one end, connected integrally to the other cap, of the other arm.

Abstract: The invention is an improved belt tensioner for a belt drive system having a belt tensioner, a first belt tensioner pulley, a crankshaft pulley, an accessory pulley, and a power transmission belt trained about the first belt tensioner, crankshaft, and accessory pulleys. The belt tensioner is of the type that includes an attachment point adapted to be affixed to a stationary point relative to a cylinder block of an engine, a track, and a first carrier mounted in sliding relation with the track with two degrees freedom of movement. The first belt tensioner pulley is rotatably mounted upon the first carrier for engaging the power transmission belt. A resilient member biases the first carrier in longitudinal relation to the track. The improvement comprises the tensioner including a second carrier mounted in sliding relation with the track with two degrees freedom of movement. A second belt tensioner pulley is rotatably mounted upon the second carrier for engaging the power transmission belt.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are described in which in some embodiments, an automatic tensioner employs a puller assembly with a first indicia coupled to a fix base by a movement mechanism, a belt side assembly with a second indicia attached to one end of a belt, and a spring mechanism having a first end coupled to the puller assembly and a second end coupled to the belt side assembly. In some embodiments, the movement of the puller assembly in a first direction increases tension on the belt and movement of the puller assembly in a second direction decreases tension on the belt. In some embodiments, the spring mechanism compressed to exert a force in the first direction. In some embodiments, a movement mechanism is then adjusted until the first indicia and the second indicia are coincidental.

Abstract: A high output light source, such as a stage lighting luminaire, produces light along a path. The belt which drives a driven device is kept away from that path by passing it around the opposite side of the pulley.

Abstract: A tensioning arrangement to an endless linkage of a drive train is provided. The tensioning arrangement includes a tension arm and a spool mounted at the tension arm. The spool includes a rib generally centrally located between opposing first and second endwalls of the spool. The rib includes a greater outer diameter relative to an outer diameter of adjacent cylindrical portions abutting the rib. Both opposing first and second endwalls of the spool are of greater outer diameter so as to steer the endless linkage therebetween in general alignment with the rib. A spring includes a hook free end engaged at the tension arm, and a linear shaped free end engaged at the frame so as to bias the spool against the endless linkage.

Abstract: A belt tensioner with a retainer can be brought into contact with a belt via a belt support for applying a tensile force. The retainer is joined at a distance from the belt support to a radial plain bearing and it can be swivelled about the axis of rotation of the radial plain bearing, whereby the tensioning and swivel movements of the belt support occur under the action of a coil spring. For a belt tensioner of this type, which with a compact construction runs essentially wear-free, it is suggested that the retainer is subject to the action of a spring, which exerts a force (F3) essentially parallel to the axis of rotation on the retainer, the said force (F3) counteracting the force (F1) exerted by the belt on the retainer.

Abstract: A roller assembly (30) for a belt drive system (1) of an agricultural machine, the roller assembly (30) having a shaft (50), a roller (20, 22) rotatably mounted on said shaft (50), and adjustment means for adjusting the position of the shaft (50). The adjustment means comprise means (62, 64) for angular adjustment of the position of the shaft (50) in two distinct directions (X, Y).

Abstract: A tensioner for a traction member, in particular a belt of a traction drive for an internal combustion engine, includes a base constructed for rotation about a rotation axis and having a pivot arm. The pivot arm has a free end for connection of a rotatable tension roller which bears against a traction member. A spring member urges the pivot arm to seek a forced engagement of the tension roller upon the traction member. Disposed between the base and the pivot arm is a damping element for damping an adjusting movement of the pivot arm. A pivot bearing supporting one portion of the base on a machine part for rotation about the rotation axis, whereby the rotation of the base in relation to the machine part is realized by an actuator to thereby adjust a biasing force of the traction member.

Abstract: A tensioner for a traction drive to maintain a belt under tension includes a base part and a pivot arm connected to the base part for swinging about a rotation axis and having a free end for rotatable arrangement of a roller which is supported on the power transmitting member. A torsion spring acts on the pivot arm for urging the roller against the belt and applies an axial force on a damping unit for damping an adjusting movement of the pivot arm. The damping unit includes a slitted friction bushing constructed to have a wedge ring with conical inner and outer surfaces for formfitting engagement in a circular ring shaped recess of the base part or the pivot arm. The recess has contact surfaces to complement the inner and outer surfaces of the friction bushing for formation of two conical contact zones.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tensioner (10) by mounting an end member (38) on an end of a hollow tensioner shaft (24) includes a step of providing an end member (38) of sheet material with an opening (76) having a plurality of annularly spaced inwardly extending pointed projections (78). A hollow shaft (24) has an outwardly extending shoulder (82) at an end portion thereof. A relative axial movement between the end member (38) and the hollow shaft (24) is effected so that the end member (38) abuts against the shoulder (82) of the hollow shaft (24). The hollow shaft (24) is deformed at the end portion radially outward to embed the projections (78) into the hollow shaft (24) to thereby form a joint (32) therebetween.

Abstract: A drive belt tensioning method and assembly using a dual spring tensioner. A pulley from a drive belt/pulley system is mounted onto a pivot arm having a pivot point. A tensioner spring mounts between the machine frame and the pivot arm, such that is causes rotation of the pivot arm about the pivot point in the opposite direction that the belt/pulley system causes rotation about the pivot point. A stop is used to keep the pivot arm in the position of tensioner spring/belt/pulley system equilibrium. This stop is mounted to the machine frame after the pivot arm equilibrium is reached. A retainer spring mounts between the machine frame and the pivot arm such that when in tension it causes a rotational force about the pivot point in the same direction that the tensioner spring causes a rotational force about the pivot point.

Abstract: A power transmission device is disclosed which is capable of easily, swiftly and appropriately altering the distance between the axes of a pair of transmission wheels such as pulleys, enabling an endless belt to be kept under constant and appropriate tension without necessitating a tension roller. This power transmission device comprises an endless belt wound around a pair of transmission wheels; and a cam-type adjusting mechanism which is interposed between a driving side supporting member and a driven side supporting member and configured to adjust a distance between the axes of the wheels. This cam-type adjusting mechanism comprises a supporting shaft secured to either the driving side supporting member or the driven side supporting member and disposed parallel to the rotational axes of the wheels; and a cam rotatably secured via a manipulating boss member to the supporting shaft.

Abstract: An idler or tensioning assembly for an electronically controlled sanding/polishing machine is provided, the sanding/polishing machine utilizing a plurality of exchangeable polishing wheel assemblies of which the idler assembly is one. Each polishing wheel assembly interfaces with the sanding/polishing machine through a coolant manifold and a polishing wheel shaft receptor. The idler assembly is operative to provide releasable tension to a sanding/polishing belt that is situated around the idler and the associated sanding/polishing wheel. The idler assembly has a pivoting idler that is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder utilizes coolant tapped from the coolant manifold of the idler assembly for actuation. Coolant is provided to the hydraulic cylinder in response to a valve signal. The idler assembly thus has a tensioned mode and an untensioned mode.

Abstract: An adjustable tensioner with a base, a pivot-arm that oscillates about a pivot secured to the base, a pulley attached to the pivot-arm, a compression spring with a first end operatively connected to the pivot-arm and a second end operatively connected to a shoe that presses a convex surface of the shoe against a concave arcuate surface of the pivot-arm, to the shoe held in place against a protuberance secured to the base by a balance of forces. An adjustment feature allows setting a base position with respect to an indicated predetermined belt spring force.

Abstract: A drive system for an imaging device of the type having a curved arm. The drive system includes a carrier that engages and supports the curved arm such that the curved arm can be moved along the carrier. The drive system includes a belt extending through the carrier and secured about the periphery of the curved arm. The drive system receives and drives the belt to move the curved arm relative to the carrier. The drive system includes a tensioning mechanism configured to move in such a direction relative to the carrier in order to increase the tension on the belt and to move in such a direction relative to the carrier in order to decrease the tension on the belt.

Abstract: In an auxiliary-driving system in an engine, a crank pulley, a first auxiliary pulley and an idler pulley having a tensioner function are disposed in a triangular configuration with the idler pulley located in an uppermost position; and a second auxiliary pulley is disposed in a space surrounded by these pulleys. An endless transmitting belt is reeved around the pulleys. An inner surface of the transmitting belt is reeved around the first auxiliary pulley; and an outer surface of the transmitting belt is reeved around the second auxiliary pulley. Thus, the adjustment of the tension of the transmitting belt and other maintenance are facilitated, the transmitting efficiency of the transmitting belt can be enhanced, and compactness of the auxiliary-driving system itself and improvement in mileage can be achieved.

Abstract: In a chain tensioner comprising a plunger having toothed racks engageable with wedge-shaped cams which cooperate with oblique cam-guiding surfaces, the cam-guiding surfaces are formed on a cam-receiving ring disposed in an enlarged part of the cam-receiving hole adjacent the front end of the tensioner housing, and axially movable, through a limited distance, in a space between a shoulder and a seal cap. The axially movable cam-receiving ring increases both the minimum and maximum backlash distances of the plunger, thereby making it possible for the tensioner to accommodate different chain conditions by changing the axial dimensions of the cam-receiving ring, or the space in which it moves, instead of, or in addition to, modifying the angle of the cam-guiding surfaces.

Abstract: A belt damper for a gear train is provided. An endless belt is wrapped around pulleys mounted to an idler gear and an output gear. The pulleys are mounted to splined shafts which are axially aligned with and connected to splined gear shafts on which the idler and output gears are mounted. Pressurized lubricant is supplied to both splined connections. The combination of the lubricant in the spline connections and the damping effect of the belt provides for an effective damping system. A tension device may also be applied to vary tension imposed on the belt.

Abstract: A chain tensioner comprising a housing, a plunger having racks formed on its opposite sides, a protrusion biasing spring, cams arranged in oblique guide grooves in the housing and engageable with the racks of the plunger, and a spacer supporting a cam biasing spring. The minimum backlash distance X is equal to h/tan ?, where h is the height of the rack teeth, and ? is the angle of the cam guide surfaces relative to the protruding direction of the plunger. The angle ? is between 15° and 70°. The tensioner prevents wobbling noises produced by a timing chain on starting an engine, prevents whistling sounds due to excess tensioning of the chain, and allows backlash to be readily set to accommodate the requirements of a wide variety of engines.

Abstract: A chain tensioner is provided, in which the design conditions of a register ring are optimized in compliance with the required functions so as to improve the durability, the operational stability and the like of the chain tensioner. A register ring is formed of a steel material having a tensile strength of 1000 to 3500 N/mm2. At the same time, an overlapping allowance of the register ring with respect to engagement grooves of a plunger is set within the range of 30 to 50% of a wire diameter of the register ring. Furthermore, a bending stress generated in the register ring when the register ring is made to slide between the engagement grooves to increase its diameter is set within the range of 500 to 1700 N/mm2.

Abstract: A variable speed drive assembly with a double pulley, and a transmission input pulley. A first belt extending between a power source and a double pulley and a second belt extending between the double pulley and the transmission input pulley. A linkage assembly operating to move the double speed pulley toward the transmission input pulley to increase the vehicle speed. The drive assembly capable of disengaging or placed in a neutral condition when power to the vehicle is removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioner (1) for a traction drive with a rotationally fixed housing (2) to a side of which a rotatable swivel arm (10), provided with a rotatable tension roller, is associated. A torsion spring (7) is placed between the housing (2) and the swivel arm (10) for loading the swivel arm (10) in the direction of an end position. Support of the tension spring (7) is realized by an insert (17a) placed in a circular ring shaped space (16) radially defined by a housing portion and the torsion spring (7).

Abstract: An engine chain or belt tensioning system includes a tensioner pivot arm with a ratcheting means that includes backlash in an engine timing system. The tensioner system includes a tensioner pivot arm having a fixed pin, ratchet teeth, and a connection for a rotation-causing device, all being spaced radially outward from a pivoting feature. The pivoting feature and the fixed pin are positioned between two strands of a chain. An arm carrying a shoe extended outside the strands of chain and positioned to contact an outside portion of chain is pivotally mounted to the fixed pin. Rotation of the pivot arm causes the arm and shoe to draw inwards, imparting tension to the chain strand. The ratchet teeth allow free rotation of the tensioner arm in one direction, but not the other.

Abstract: In a chain tensioner having a plunger biased to protrude from a housing by a spring, a pair of wedge-shaped cams are received in tapered recesses in the end of the housing, cooperate with racks formed on opposite sides of the plunger, and are urged against oblique seats formed by the tapered recesses by a biasing spring. The cams and racks produce a ratcheting action maintaining chain tension by preventing retracting movement of the plunger. The cams and racks disperse the load imparted to the plunger by the chain, and reduce localized wear, allowing the housing to be made from a light weight material such as aluminum. Accuracy requirements associated with conventional pawl-type ratcheting tensioners are avoided.

Abstract: A variable speed drive assembly with a double pulley, and a transmission input pulley. A first belt extending between a power source and a double pulley and a second belt extending between the double pulley and the transmission input pulley. A linkage assembly operating to move the double speed pulley toward the transmission input pulley to increase the vehicle speed. The drive assembly capable of disengaging or placed in a neutral condition when power to the vehicle is removed.

Abstract: A belt driving device is provided and includes a plurality of rollers including a driving roller. A belt is configured to be tensioned by the plurality of rollers, and to be driven by the driving roller. The driving roller is arranged adjacent to where an outside body contacts an outer surface of the belt. A pair of fluctuation absorbing members may be configured to absorb tensional fluctuation of the belt at an upstream and a downstream of a cleaning member in a direction which the belt is driven. A detecting means may be utilized to detect a driving load of one of the driving roller and the outside roller and a controller is configured to drive another roller of the driving roller and the outside roller based on the driving load detected by the detecting means. An outside roller may be configured to contact an outer surface of the belt and to be driven by a second motor; a controller configured to control the second motor by a less loop gain than a loop gain to control the first motor.

Abstract: The invention is an improved tensioner for tensioning a power transmission belt. It is of the type having a pulley adapted to communicate with a surface of a power transmission belt, an arm supporting the pulley upon which the pulley is rotatably mounted via a pulley bearing, and having a shaft supporting the arm. The shaft is rotatably supported by a pivot bearing. Further, it is of the type having an attachment point for a strut with the strut attached to the attachment point. It is improved by the pulley and the attachment point being laterally offset in relation to the pivot bearing and substantially balanced in terms of parasitic torque across the pivot bearing.

Abstract: A pulley fixing apparatus of an office machine having a pulley fixing part rotatably fixing a driven pulley on a frame, a sliding part movably supporting the pulley fixing part on the frame, and an automatic tension adjusting part elastically urging the pulley fixing part in a direction such that the driven pulley imparts a predetermined tension to a power-transmitting belt. The pulley fixing apparatus readily enables mounting and dismounting of the power-transmitting belt and the driven pulley and control of the power-transmitting belt tension by simplifying structure and assembly. Further, the pulley fixing apparatus reduces manufacturing cost and assembly time by decreasing the number of parts.

Abstract: A belt tensioner assembly for an internal combustion engine. A pair of tension members such as rollers engages the belt on opposite sides of a driving/driven member, such as a starter/alternator. The tension members are movably secured to the engine block or other device and are spring biased to engage the belt. Engaging the belt at multiple points and on either side of a driving/driven member, a floating tensioning device is created thus facilitating the ability to maintain sufficient minimum tension in the belt to prevent slippage regardless of load conditions.

Abstract: A power transmission device is disclosed which is capable of easily, swiftly and appropriately altering the distance between the axes of a pair of transmission wheels such as pulleys, enabling an endless belt to be kept under constant and appropriate tension without necessitating a tension roller. This power transmission device comprises an endless belt wound around a pair of transmission wheels; and a cam-type adjusting mechanism which is interposed between a driving side supporting member and a driven side supporting member and configured to adjust a distance between the axes of the wheels. This cam-type adjusting mechanism comprises a supporting shaft secured to either the driving side supporting member or the driven side supporting member and disposed parallel to the rotational axes of the wheels; and a cam rotatably secured via a manipulating boss member to the supporting shaft.

Abstract: A tensioner for an endless power transmission belt, the belt being driven about a sheave. The tensioner may comprise a base, a resilient device, and first and second arms pivotally coupled for movement in an open and a closed direction. The tensioner may also comprise first and second pulleys rotatably coupled to the first and second arms, the resilient device biasing the arms in the closed direction in which the first and second pulleys apply tension to the belt. The tensioner may also comprise first and second stops positioned outside the arms on the base to limit the movement of the arms in the open direction in response to an increase in tension in the belt.

Abstract: A belt tension adjustment apparatus and an optical scanner using the same. The belt tension adjustment apparatus includes a plate spring and/or a tension spring. Utilizing the elasticity of the plate spring or the elastic forces provided by the plate spring and the tension spring, a section of the transmission belt bends to produce a tension in the belt. With the belt tension adjustment apparatus, belt tension in the transmission belt can be easily adjusted and hence the belt can be easily mounted or dismounted from the belt wheels during installation, maintenance or adjustment.

Abstract: An idle wheel adjustment assembly has a generally L-shaped frame, a coiled spring, an oblong rocking frame, a first shaft pin, a first bearing, a first idle wheel, a second shaft pin, a second bearing, and a second idle wheel. The generally L-shaped frame has a through hole and an end column. The oblong rocking frame has a main shaft, an upper pillar, an upper circular hole, and a lower round hole. The first bearing is inserted in the first idle wheel. The second bearing is inserted in the second idle wheel. The first shaft pin is inserted through the upper circular hole and the first bearing. The second shaft pin is inserted through the lower round hole and the second bearing. The main shaft is inserted through the through hole. The coiled spring has a first hook end connected to the upper pillar and a second hook end connected to the end column.

Abstract: The invention is an improved belt drive system of the type having an automatic belt tensioner, an automatic belt tensioner pulley, a crankshaft pulley, an accessory pulley, and a power transmission belt trained about the automatic belt tensioner pulley, the crankshaft pulley, and the accessory pulley. It is improved by the inclusion of an initial tensioner.

Abstract: A tensioner having a base. A spring connected to the base biases a plate, having a pulley, toward a belt. Frictional blocks are aligned on the base in a staggered fashion along a spring centerline. The plate slidingly moves in a linear path between the blocks. The blocks constrain the path of the plate allowing movement in only a single axis parallel to a spring axis. A hubload from a belt running on the pulley combined with the spring force acting on the plate creates a force couple acting on the plate through the frictional blocks. The engaging surfaces between the plate and the blocks have a predetermined coefficient of friction thereby creating a damping force as the pulley and plate move in a linear path on the blocks.

Abstract: A method and system are taught for a tensioner for an endless power transmission belt in an engine. The method and system comprise an AGS pulley and crankshaft pulley coupled to the belt, one of the AGS pulley or the crankshaft pulley operating as a driving pulley that drives the belt so that a tight span and slack span are created in the belt on opposite sides of the driving pulley. The method and system also comprise accessory pulleys coupled to the belt. The tensioner comprises first and second arms, each arm rotatably coupled to a pulley, the pulleys being positioned such that a first one of the pulleys is coupled to the tight span and a second one of the pulleys is coupled to the slack span.

Abstract: An idler assembly which is easily removable from a mower deck is disclosed. The idler assembly is rotatably mounted to the mower deck about a shouldered shaft and held in place by an easily removable spring clip. An idler pulley is rotatably attached to the other end of the idler arm. A spring is connected to a spring clip which is secured to the top of the idler arm. The spring causes the idler arm to rotate about the shouldered shaft and forces the idler pulley to apply tension to the drive belt. The idler arm also includes an extension which protrudes beyond the radius of the idler pulley to contact a snubber or bumper. The snubber is secured to the mower deck by a snubber bracket.

Abstract: A high output light source, such as a stage lighting luminaire, produces light along a path. The belt which drives a driven device is kept away from that path by passing it around the opposite side of the pulley.

Abstract: A tensioner having a pulley journaled to a housing. The housing further comprises a guide. The guide slidingly engages rails on a base. The guide and rails constrain the housing to move in a predetermined linear path. The rails are horizontally offset from two axis defined by the pulley. The pulley load is also vertically offset from the axis of movement of the guide. The guide and rails have a predetermined frictional coefficient so that the cumulative result is an asymmetric damping effect. Further, a linkage is connected between the housing and a camming body. The camming body is rotatably connected to the base. A biasing member such as a torsion spring biases the camming body against the belt load through the linkage. The radius of the camming body is variable to maintain a constant belt load as the tensioner pulley moves in response to a load change.

Abstract: A tensioning device (32) for tensioning at least two, substantially length-invariant belts (18, 24) includes a first belt (18) guided about a first axis (A), which repeatedly guides an adjusting movement in an adjustment direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the first axis (A). In addition, the first belt (18) and a second belt (24) are guided about a common second axis (B), whereby the tensioning directions (V18, V24) of the first belt (18) and of the second belt (24) in a region of the second axis (B) forms a varying angle of between 0° and 180°.

Abstract: A belt apparatus is provided for use in a document processing system having a baseplate, a removable bearing assembly connected to the baseplate and having a drive pulley to which a drive belt is drivingly coupled. The belt apparatus comprises a bracket coupled to the baseplate and for supporting the drive belt when the bearing assembly including the drive pulley is removed from the baseplate. The bracket supports the drive belt below the baseplate to allow the drive belt and the drive pulley of a replacement bearing assembly to be easily coupled together without having to lift the baseplate to gain access to the space below the baseplate. Preferably, the bracket comprises a substantially U-shaped bracket. The bracket may include a pair of flanges on which the drive belt rests when the bearing assembly is removed from the baseplate. The pair of flanges extend in substantially opposite directions relative to each other and substantially parallel with the plane in which the baseplate lies.

Abstract: Use of the present invention enables the alignment and servicing of the rear derailleur of a bicycle without having the rear wheel or a specialized fixture mounted in the dropouts. For the present invention, the apparatus is placed on the frame of the bicycle and the chain routed over a toothed pulley. A tensioning spring in the apparatus provides the proper chain tension and allows the rear derailleur to be serviced or aligned.

Abstract: An idler assembly which is easily removable from a mower deck is disclosed. The idler assembly is rotatably mounted to the mower deck about a shouldered shaft and held in place by an easily removable spring clip. An idler pulley is rotatably attached to the other end of the idler arm. A spring is connected to a spring clip which is secured to the top of the idler arm. The spring causes the idler arm to rotate about the shouldered shaft and forces the idler pulley to apply tension to the drive belt. The idler arm also includes an extension which protrudes beyond the radius of the idler pulley to contact a snubber or bumper. The snubber is secured to the mower deck by a snubber bracket.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring chain pull of a conveyor drive that includes a conveyor drive having a fixed frame, a moveable frame, a spring assembly and a sensor assembly. The moveable frame supports a motor and is biased against the fixed frame by the spring assembly to oppose a force generated by the conveyor drive chain pull. The sensor assembly can be installed or removed without disassembly of the spring assembly and preferably without substantial interruption to the operation of the conveyor drive.

Abstract: A tensioner for tensioning engine driven driving elements, such as belts or chains, is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the tensioner is initially installed with the pivot structure spaced past the perpendicular angular position thereof. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the tension required to move the pivot structure to the end of its range of angular positions is at least 75% more than at the hot engine angular position thereof. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the tensioner has a stop at the maximum travel position thereof and the tension required to move the pivot structure to its maximum travel position is at least 75% more than at the hot engine angular position thereof. In accordance with a still further aspect of the invention, the tension required to move the pivot structure to a potential tooth skip angular position is greater than the maximum tension the engine is capable of creating.