Abstract: A method for tensioning a synchronous toothed belt with the tensioner so as to substantially inhibit movements of the pivot arm as attributed to dynamic tension variations in a belt drive system while damping movements of the arm. A method for tensioning a synchronous belt drive with the tensioner by biasing a moveable pulley against the belt with a force sufficient to limit the amplitudes of resonance tension variations and damping the biasing of the pulley to prevent substantially most cyclic movements of the pivot arm while simultaneously accommodating thermal changes in drive length.

Abstract: An accessory drive tensioner for an engine includes a cover adapted to enclose a portion of the engine, a hub carrier formed integrally with the cover, and a tensioner arm and wheel assembly journalled to the hub carrier. The tensioner arm and wheel assembly includes a flanged hub having a clindrical center section in contact with a bearing post also formed integrally with the cover, and a generally planar cover section in contact with the annular wall.

Abstract: A tensioner for a power transmission belt that is adapted to be operated in an endless path and a method of making the tensioner is provided, the tensioner comprising a support unit for being fixed relative to the belt, a belt engaging unit carried by the support unit and being movable relative thereto, a coiled torsion spring having a first end operatively interconnected to the support unit and a second end operatively interconnected to the belt engaging unit for urging the belt engaging unit relative to the support unit and against the belt with a force to tension the belt, the spring having a certain torque when the belt engaging unit is disposed at a certain position relative to the support unit, the tensioner having changeable structure holding one of the ends in an adjusted position relative to its respective operatively interconnected unit so as to provide for the certain torque of the spring when the belt engaging unit is disposed at the certain position relative to the support unit.

Abstract: A tensioner for a power transmission belt is disclosed comprising a return spring associated mechanically with a tensioner roller with which the belt cooperates for controlling the movement of said roller under the action of said spring, wherein the vibrations likely to arise in the belt are damped by a rubber sheath integral with said spring for forming a chamber closed at its ends by seals, one at least of which has a nozzle for the inlet and/or outlet of air into and/or out of the chamber defined by said sheath and said seals.

Abstract: A tensioner to be used keeping a cap of a tension rod up for tensioning a belt or chain wherein an air vent releasing an inner pressure of a casing by a vertical orifice formed on the center of the cap of tension rod and connected with a horizontal orifice formed through the cap and the tension rod. A spring pin is inserted into the horizontal orifice keeping the abutted edges thereof up so as to prevent a leakage of lubrificant.

Abstract: A tensioner with a pulley rotatably mounted to a pivot arm that is biased with a spring, the pivot arm includes a leg extension for inhibiting movement of the arm with a damping member. A method for tensioning a synchronous toothed belt with the tensioner so as to substantially inhibit movements of the pivot arm as attributed to dynamic tension variations in a belt drive system while damping movements of the arm. A method for tensioning a synchronous belt drive with the tensioner by biasing a moveable pulley against the belt with a force sufficient to limit the amplitudes of resonance tension variations and damping the biasing of the pulley to prevent substantially most cyclic movements of the pivot arm while simultaneously accommodating thermal changes in drive length.

Abstract: A tensioning device is provided for selecting and imparting torsional bias to a shaft and simultaneously providing a shock absorbing mechanism. The device includes a resilient elastomeric biasing member in the form of a web extending radially between the shaft and an actuator member. The first end of the biasing member is connected to the shaft for conjoint rotation therewith and the second end of the biasing member is connected to the actuator member. A locking mechanism selectively connects the actuator member to a fixed frame after a torsional biasing force is imparted to the shaft.

Abstract: A tensioner for a power transmission belt that is adapted to be operated in an endless path and a method of making the tensioner is provided, the tensioner comprising a support unit for being fixed relative to the belt, a belt engaging unit carried by the support unit and being movable relative thereto, a coiled torsion spring having a first end operatively interconnected to the support unit and a second end operatively interconnected to the belt engaging unit for urging the belt engaging unit relative to the support unit and against the belt with a force to tension the belt, the spring having a certain torque when the belt engaging unit is disposed at a certain position relative to the support unit, the tensioner having changeable structure holding one of the ends in an adjusted position relative to its respective operatively interconnected unit so as to provide for the certain torque of the spring when the belt engaging unit is disposed at the certain position relative to the support unit.

Abstract: A window regulator comprising a vertically extending support member having respectively on upper and lower ends thereof turn up guide members, a drive cable extending between the two turn up guide members and being connected to a movable driven member such as a bracket connected to a window glass, and a drive mechanism for moving the drive cable. One of the turn up guide members is movably supported on the support member such that the distance between the turn up guide members can be changed, and a spring is provided to urge the movable turn up guide member in the direction separating from the stationary turn up guide member.

Abstract: An adjustable locked center and dynamic tensioner include both a method for setting tension in a belt or chain drive system and apparatus for setting the friction torque so as to match the system setting torque. The method includes forcing the tensioner against a stable mounting surface with sufficient spring load that a target friction torque will be required to rotate the tensioner. The tensioner arm is then rotated into the belt or chain until, when the setting torque is removed, the belt or chain will counter rotate the tensioner arm and the target friction torque in the tensioner will cause the target setting tension to remain in the system. The apparatus includes a tensioner arm pivotally mounted on a fixed surface with a spring engaging the arm and being clamped against the fixed surface. Modifications include introducing a compliant coupler such as an elastomeric busing or spring between the stable mounting surface and the tensioner arm.

Abstract: A mechanical differential gearing transmission utilizing a plurality of parallel axis rotating shafts and an indirect pulley diameter control variator mechanism in order to provide an infinitely variable forward and reverse gearing between an engine and powered rotating wheels.

Abstract: A tensioning device is provided for a flexible belt wound around the pulleys of a drive mechanism. The tensioning device includes an elastic biasing element and a damping mechanism. The biasing element applies a force on the belt in a predetermined direction to oppose belt slackenings. The damping mechanism dampens movements of the belt. The biasing element and the damping mechanism constitute a single unit wherein both exert on the belt forces which act on the belt at the same time in a predetermined direction to maintain a predetermined tensioning. The biasing element acts independently of the damping mechanism in the presence of considerable slackenings of the belt and functions as part of the damping mechanism to dampen thrusts of the belt acting on the device in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction. A connection unit connects the damping mechanism to the biasing element.

Abstract: A device for tensioning a power transmission belt which passes over a pulley. The pulley is supported by an arm and by a rotary part which has one end of an elastically-deformable element fixed thereto, the element being wound around the part and having its other end fixed to a fixed point. The element is constituted by a length of flat belt comprising a layer of cord embedded in a strip of elastomer material. The invention is particularly applicable to the car industry and to the domestic appliance industry.

Abstract: A belt tensioner and method of making the same are provided, the tensioner comprising a support for being fixed relative to a belt, a belt engaging unit carried by the support and being movable relative thereto, a spring operatively associated with the support and the belt engaging unit for urging the belt engaging unit relative to the support and against the belt with the force to tension the belt, the support comprising a housing containing the spring and an arm plate that is interconnected to the housing by a shaft of the support, the belt engaging unit comprising an arm rotatably mounted on the shaft and having a portion disposed intermediate the arm plate and the housing so as to be rotatable thereto, and a bushing disposed between the portion of the arm and the arm plate to facilitate movement therebetween, the arm plate having an extension extending around the portion of the arm and being operatively interconnected to the housing to tend to prevent cocking of the arm on the shaft when the belt engaging

Abstract: Belt tensioning apparatus for a serial printer wherein a spring imparts a predetermined pull to driving belt by applying a predetermined force to a slide on which a belt return idle pulley is mounted, and wherein a slide is offset from a working point and in the direction opposite to the force exerted by the spring by an amount controlled by a stop pad, preferably resilient and position adjustable, or automatically changeable in position owing to belt elongations occurring during operation.

Abstract: In an electrophotographic system, a compact, space-efficient device is provided which allows adjustment and quick release of a photosensitive belt. An idler roller supporting the belt is used in conjunction with a cam which provides a take-up feature. A configuration is provided which allows the cam to be disengaged, and the idler roller retracted to facilitate removal of the belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for tensioning a belt consisting of a tensioner arm having an idler pulley for engagement with a surface of a drive belt, structure for mounting the tensioner arm to a suppport for pivoting movement about a pivot axis in first and second opposite directions, and structure for biasing the tensioner arm in one of the first and second directions. The mounting structure includes first and second members with first and second relatively movable cooperating friction generating surface for damping rotation of the tensioner arm. At least a portion of one of the friction generating surfaces is concave opening towards the tensioner with at least one of the friction generating surfaces having at least a portion defined by other than a radius centered on the pivot axis of the tensioner arm to thereby produce a greater resistance to rotation of the tensioner arm in the other of the first and second directions than in the one of the first and second tensioner arm pivoting directions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a tensioning device for a portable handheld tool machine such as a grinding machine or cutting and grinding machine. Such machines have an arm which includes two component sections axially displaceable toward each other and between which a belt tensioning device is mounted. The displaceable component must be displaced against the force of the tensioning device toward the component fixed on the housing of the machine when mounting a new belt. This is inconvenient and leads to difficulties when mounting a new belt. A setting device is provided which acts upon the belt tensioning device. The setting device is movable between first and second positions and blocks the tensioning force in its first position and releases the tensioning force in its second position.

Abstract: An automatic tensioning device for drive belts is equipped with a friction damper with low damping action against vibrations transmitted by the drive belt. A hydraulic shock damper has with high damping action is provided for large surge pulses. Preferably, the hydraulic shock damper an idle stroke in which the friction damper is active.

Abstract: A belt tensioner and method of making the same are provided, the tensioner comprising a support for being fixed relative to a belt, a belt engaging arm carried by the support and being movable relative thereto, a spring operatively associated with the support and the belt engaging arm for urging the belt engaging arm relative to the support and against the belt with a force to tension the belt, the support comprising a shaft having a longitudinal axis, the belt engaging arm being rotatably mounted on the shaft, the arm having a bearing surface angled relative to the axis and the support having a bearing surface angled relative to the axis and facing the bearing surface of the arm, and a bushing disposed between the bearing surfaces and in engagement therewith to facilitate movement therebetween and to tend to prevent cocking of the arm on the shaft when the belt engaging arm is tensioning the belt.

Abstract: A tensioning device for belts, chains and the like, particularly for the camshaft drive of an internal combustion engine, the device comprising a tension pulley mounted on a movable carrier and a control element by which, when heating occurs, the carrier can be moved by an actuating member in the slackening direction of the belt against the action of a pressure spring, the control element comprising a hollow cylindrical sleeve and a pressure piston arranged therein for longitudinal displacement on whose part lying outside the sleeve a pressure member with a slanting contact surface forming an acute angle with the piston axis is fitted, the contact surface being in contact with a corresponding contact surface of the carrier of the tension pulley for increasing the working reliability of the control element so that automatic adjustment of a defined belt pretension is effected during operation.

Abstract: A belt tensioner comprises a support fixed relative to a belt, a belt engagement device including a pulley being carried by the support and being movable relative to the support, a mechanical spring operatively associated with the support and the belt engagement device for urging the pulley against the belt to tension the belt, and a frictional dampening element operatively associated with the support and the belt engagement device to dampen the movement of the belt engagement device relative to the support in at least one direction of movement. The support being fixed to a fixed portion and including a shaft. The belt engagement device is engaged rotatably around the shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying an optimum tensioning force to an endless belt or the like, including a first pivot axis, a belt engaging pulley eccentrically supported for rotation about a second axis displaced from the first pivot axis, a torsional biasing spring for urging the belt-engaging pulley into belt-tensioning engagement with the belt and for automatically maintaining the tension force applied to belt. The torsion spring is disposed about the first axis within the eccentric pulley, which includes further springs for releaseably gripping the pivot to adjustably limit the applied tensioning force in a first direction and in a second direction, whereby the tension in the belt is optimally maintained throughout the engine operating temperature cycle.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides a device which a non-linear force/distance relationship of spring or other device and linearizes it in a range of interest. In accordance with the invention, the device comprises a first gear section and a second gear section. The first and second gear sections are pivotally supported in a meshing relationship. The first gear section includes gear teeth extending about an arc of a first circle having a first center, and the second gear section includes gear teeth extending about an arc of a second circle having a second center. The mating pair of sections comprise a non-circular gearing pair. For limited ranges of motion the non-circular gears can be approximated by eccentrically mounted circular gears. The two gear sections thus pivot eccentrically with respect to each other such that a variable torque or force must be applied to one gear section to obtain a constant torque or force from the other gear section, and vice versa.

Abstract: A belt tightening device is provided for open-end spinning machines which is capable of ensuring good belt thrust, eliminating vibrations, and reducing the noise level of the machine. Each bearing box of a belt tightening roll is attached to the end of a pair of flat legs extending in spaced apart relationship to each other along the endless driving belt. The legs are connected to the bearing box either by spring elements, or are formed themselves by leaf springs.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for tensioning of a pulling element (1) of a printer and in particular of a matrix printer, for a back and forth motion of a part (5) or of a carriage includes a first deflection roller (11) and a second deflection roller (12). A wedge surface (15) is furnished, which upon increasing inclination (16) is slidable in a direction parallel to a frame surface (17) disposed perpendicular to the pulling direction (18) and which wedge is subjected to the force of a tension spring (22) such that the adjustable second deflection roller (12) serves the purpose of an increase of the tensioning force in the pulling element (1).

Abstract: A power take-off shaft stabilizer unit for maintaining a relatively constant distance between an engine crankshaft and a PTO shaft has a bracket attached to the engine. The bracket receives a bearing unit comprising a casting having a bearing seat or a bearing mounted therein and a plurality of taps formed in the casting. The bearing unit receives the PTO shaft. At least three studs are connected to the casting via taps formed therein. The studs are utilized to connect the bearing unit to the bracket through a plurality of holes formed in the bracket. A first spring loaded bracket arrangement for maintaining an approximately constant belt tension between the engine output shaft and the PTO shaft during rotation thereof is operatively connected to the bearing unit via the two studs. A second spring loaded bracket arrangement for maintaining the position of the PTO shaft relative to the bracket approximately constant is operatively connected to the bearing unit via the other stud.

Abstract: A combined water pump and belt tensioner includes an arm pivoted to the outside of the water pump housing so as to swing about the axis of the pump shaft. Loads on the arm are transmitted to the pump housing, but not to the pump shaft. A pulley on the arm both tensions the belt and powers the pump shaft through a small drive belt that compensates for the swinging of the arm.

Abstract: A tensioner for a power transmission belt that is adapted to be operated in an endless path and a method of making the same are provided, the tensioner comprising a support unit for being fixed relative to the belt, a belt engaging unit carried by the support unit and being movable relative thereto, and a mechanical spring unit operatively associated with the support unit and the belt engaging unit for urging the belt engaging unit relative to the support unit and against the belt with a force to tension the belt. The spring unit has a longitudinal axis and is spiraled about the axis thereof. The support unit comprises a shaft unit having a longitudinal axis and is fixed from movement relative to the belt engaging unit, the belt engaging unit having a portion thereof rotatably carried by the shaft unit so as to rotate relative to the shaft unit. The support unit comprises a cup-shaped casing having an open end and receiving the spring unit therein.

Abstract: A tensioner for a power transmission belt that is adapted to be operated in an endless path and a method of making the same are provided, the tensioner comprising a support unit for being fixed relative to the belt, a belt engaging unit carried by the support unit and being movable relative thereto, a mechanical spring unit operatively associated with the support unit and the belt engaging unit for urging the belt engaging unit relative to the support unit and against the belt with a force to tension the belt, and a frictional dampening unit operatively associated with the support unit and the belt engaging unit to dampen the movement of the belt engaging unit relative to the support unit in at least one direction of movement thereof. The dampening unit has a longitudinal axis and the support unit comprises a shaft having a longitudinal axis and being fixed from movement relative to the belt engaging unit.

Abstract: A typewriter carriage cable snubber which is automatically reset at the time power is turned on is described. The cable is normally tensioned by a mechanism which is spring driven to maintain the cable tension at the proper value, and a snubber is provided to prevent the positioner from allowing the cable path to shorten under the increased tension that occurs during carriage acceleration. When the power is turned off, the cable tends to shrink due to the decreased temperature. When power is turned on, the carriage is initialized by positioning it at the left end of its range. At this position the cable tensioning mechanism can be reset to allow a shorter cable length by having an extension of the carriage disengage the snubber, allowing the positioning mechanism to reset itself to a shorter cable length.

Abstract: A tensioner for a power transmission belt that is adapted to be operated in an endless path and a method of making the same are provided, the tensioner comprising a support unit for being fixed relative to the belt, a belt engaging unit carried by the support unit and being movable relative thereto, a mechanical spring unit operatively associated with the support unit and the belt engaging unit for urging the belt engaging unit relative to the support unit and against the belt with a force to tension the belt, and a frictional dampening unit operatively associated with the support unit and the belt engaging unit to dampen the movement of the belt engaging unit relative to the support unit in at least one direction of movement thereof. The dampening unit has a longitudinal axis and the support unit comprises a shaft having a longitudinal axis and being fixed from movement relative to the belt engaging unit.

Abstract: In a tract wire tightening device for a carriage of a printer, a wire connected to the carriage is looped around pulleys. A motor to drive the wire is movable with respect to a base. A spring is interposed between the motor and the base so as to bias the pulley which is interlocked with the motor.

Abstract: A tensioner for a power transmission belt that is adapted to be operated in an endless path is provided and comprises a support unit for being fixed relative to the belt, a belt engaging unit carried by the support unit and being movable relative thereto, a mechanical spring unit operatively associated with the support unit and the belt engaging unit for urging the belt engaging unit relative to the support unit and against the belt with a force to tension the belt, and a frictional dampening unit operatively associated with the support unit and the belt engaging unit to dampen the movement of the belt engaging unit relative to the support unit in at least one direction of movement thereof. The dampening unit has a longitudinal axis and the support unit comprises a shaft having a longitudinal axis and being fixed from movement relative to the belt engaging unit. The belt engaging unit has a portion thereof rotatably carried by the shaft so as to rotate relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A safety interlock system for mounting on the support assembly of a row-crop harvester is provided to protect against damage from a loose or broken gathering member being drawn into the chopper of the harvester. Specifically, the system includes a guide sprocket mounted on an idler arm that is urged by spring means to tension the gathering member. If the gathering member is loose or breaks, the idler arm swings forward under the force of the spring. A linkage, connected to the idler arm, moves in response thereto and interacts with a finger lever to activate a switch. Activation of the switch energizes an interrupter means, such as an electronic clutch, that interrupts the drive to the gathering member. The switch is protected from damage, dirt and debris by being mounted away from the gathering member within a compartment in the support assembly.

Abstract: A yarn false twisting apparatus is disclosed which comprises a pair of rotating circular discs having cooperating friction surfaces for engaging a running yarn at a twisting zone. A pressure applying member is positioned to apply a biasing force to the rear surface of one of the discs locally at the twisting zone, and the pressure applying member comprises a receptacle slideably mounting a piston which extends from the end of the receptacle to engage the disc. The receptacle is eccentrically mounted to permit selective positioning of the biasing force with respect to the yarn path of travel. The discs are mounted on pivotal rocking arms whereby the ratio of yarn twist to yarn speed may be adjusted, and an eccentrically mounted pin provides closely controlled adjustability for the arms and thus the twist ratio.

Abstract: A belt tensioning system for maintaining consistent and constant tension in a serpentine drive system which includes a series of pulleys and an endless belt interconnecting the pulleys. The tensioning system utilizes a low rate power spring which acts on the idler pulley, and through the idler pulley on the belt, and is suitable to maintain tension over a broad range of belt length variation and pulley locations and provide damping adequate to prevent undue pulley oscillation over a broad range of system vibration conditions. In one form of the invention, the spring itself is effectively fixed at one end to the engine block and at the other end to a tensioner housing so as to operate on the idler pulley and maintain the tension and provide the damping. The hysteresis of the spring, responding to pulley movement, thus assists in the damping.

Abstract: A speed changer for a bicycle includes a plurality of sprocket wheels provided on the hub of its rear wheel and having different diameters, a transmission chain, a movable member, a chain positioning frame supported rotatably on the movable member and carrying a guide pulley and a tension pulley for guiding the chain about one of the sprocket wheels while maintaining the chain under tension, and a spring having one end fastened to the movable member for urging the frame in the direction which enables the chain to be tensioned. The other end of the spring is engaged with a mechanism mounted for rotation relative to the frame and an adjustable coupling is provided between the mechanism and the frame to vary the spring force applied to the frame to thereby vary the spring tension applied to the chain.

Abstract: A belt sander having a vertically slotted casing for receiving an idler shaft; a crowned idler pully rotatably mounted on the idler shaft; a crowned, power driven drive pully rotatably mounted on the casing; a guide shaft attached perpendicular to the idler shaft; a first alignment plate attached to the casing interior; a second alignment plate slideably mating the casing interior between the first alignment plate and the idler shaft, said plates being bored to slideably receive the guide shaft; and a spring mounted in compression between the alignment plates.

Abstract: For simple and rapid tightening of one or more presser belts of a continuous sheet feeder two support-levers are connected to a swivelling shaft next to the feeder frame, at the free ends of which the tension roller is pivoted. Furthermore, a tension lever is connected to the swivelling shaft. A holding member is slidably mounted on the swivelling shaft and can be fixed in any set position. One end of a spring engages the holding member and the other end is pivoted on the feeder.

Abstract: An idler mechanism for maintaining tension on a drive belt in a drive belt system comprising an idler arm, a pulley mounted on the arm for rotation about a rotational axis, a pivotally adjustable mounting plate, means pivotally mounting the arm to the mounting plate eccentrically with respect to the pivot axis of the plate, and resilient means operatively associated with the pivotal mounting means for resiliently biasing the pulley into tensioning engagement with the drive belt. Application of a predetermined input torque to the pivot axis of the adjustable plate imparts a substantially constant tension to the drive belt substantially independent of belt length within predetermined tolerances.

Abstract: Carriage drive means having cables or belts for transmitting drive force and a spring for tensioning the cables or the belts. A rigid member interposed between the spring and the cable or belt, the rigid member constituting a self-locking mechanism which allows the member to move, when elongation occurs in the cable or belt, to a position in which the elongation is absorbed by the tension of the spring, but does not allow same to move in a direction in which it is restored to its original position.In the aforesaid self-locking mechanism, the rigid member may be in the form of a segmental cam which engages with suitable friction the shaft of a pulley mounted for movement while having the cable wound thereon, or the rigid member may engage with suitable friction a pivotal member for supporting in a position remote from the pivot the pulley having the cable wound thereon.

Abstract: A tensioning device for maintaining a predetermined amount of tensioning force on an endless drive belt for a vehicle accessories drive system. A shaft is mounted in a fixed position on the vehicle engine adjacent the drive belt. A housing is pivotally mounted on the shaft and is biased by a torsional coil spring in a belt tensioning direction. The spring is located within an annular space formed by spaced inner and outer housing walls and is telescopically mounted with respect to the shaft. A lever extends generally radially outwardly from the housing and an idler pulley is mounted on an end of the lever and is moved into tensioning engagement with the drive belt by the torsion spring. One end of the spring is attached to the housing and the other end is adapted to be fixed with respect to the shaft. The spring is placed in torsion and biases the lever and housing in the belt tensioning direction.

Abstract: Means are disclosed for use in a line printer having a print head for traversing between a first side frame and a second side frame. The print head is driven in its traverse by a flexible belt close-looped between an idler pulley and a driven pulley. A predetermined tension of the belt is provided and maintained by the means and method according to the invention.

Abstract: A device which maintains a predetermined tensioning force on the endless drive belt for vehicle accessories by use of a one-way clutch which prevents return of the tensioning means from its forwardmost tensioning position. In the preferred embodiment, a cylindrical shaft is mounted in a fixed position adjacent the drive belt. A roller clutch assembly is mounted on the shaft and includes an outer clutch housing rotatably mounted on the shaft. An outwardly extending lever is attached to the clutch housing and has an idler pulley rotatably mounted on the extended end of the lever. The pulley is moved into tensioning engagement with the drive belt by a torsional spring which is telescopically mounted on the shaft and clutch housing. The spring moves the pulley in a belt tensioning direction.

Abstract: A belt tensioning device for an endless drive belt for a vehicle accessories drive system. A sheet metal bracket is adapted to be mounted on an engine in a stationary position adjacent the drive belt and has a lever plate pivotally mounted thereon. An idler pulley is rotatably mounted on the lever plate and is movable into belt tensioning engagement by coil springs mounted on the bracket and engaged with the lever plate. A pair of pockets is formed in the bracket, each of which has an inclined surface which extends upwardly toward the lever plate. A camming block formed of a friction material is movably mounted in each pocket. Each block has an angled surface which is slidably engaged with the inclined surface of the pocket and has a planar coupling surface which frictionally engages the lever plate. The friction blocks provide a damping force on the lever plate when the lever plate attempts to move in the non-belt tensioning direction.

Abstract: A belt tensioning device for an endless drive belt for a vehicle accessories drive system. A bracket, which terminates in a pair of outwardly extending end flanges, is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle engine adjacent the drive belt. A cylindrical cup-shaped housing is mounted on each of the bracket flanges and contains a pair of volute springs. A plunger is operatively engaged by each of the volute spring pairs and is biased outwardly from an open end of the housing toward the oppositely mounted spring housing. The axes of the plungers are parallel to each other and spaced apart. A lever is pivotally mounted on the bracket intermediate the spring housings and extends from the bracket perpendicularly with respect to the axes of the plungers. The plungers are connected to the lever, one on each side of the lever pivot point.

Abstract: A belt tensioning assembling for use in a clothes dryer positions a drive belt in tensioned relation about a rotatable drum and a drive pulley mounted within the dryer housing. The belt tensioning assembly includes an idler pulley and a resilient mounting bar. The mounting bar is preferably pre-stressed to maintain the belt in aligned tensioned relation about the pulleys. The mounting bar includes a torsion arm member, a moment arm member, and a cantilevered positioning arm member onto which the idler pulley is rotatably mounted. The moment member joins one end of the positioning member to one end of the torsion member. The torsion member is secured in positioned load transfer relation with the housing. This locates the positioning member in predetermined spaced relation to the main axis of the drive pulley so that the idler pulley may be mounted thereon. Once mounted, the idler pulley may be moved to receive the belt thereover so as to provide tension thereto.

Abstract: A power take-off has a bracket attached to a truck engine and provided with a pivoted arm to the outer end of which the pump of a hydraulic system is attached and by which the pump pulley is positioned above and in alignment with a drive shaft pulley. Adjustable resilient means yieldably oppose movement of the pump pulley towards the drive shaft pulley and maintain the connecting belt under wanted tension. The arm may be depressed against the opposition of the resilient means to permit the belt to be easily removed or replaced.