Abstract: A camera assembly includes a motor configured to generate a driving power; a motor shaft that extends from the motor, such as to define a first axis, and is configured to rotate by the driving power of the motor; a pulley configured to rotate on a second axis, that is spaced from the first axis, according to rotation of the motor shaft; a belt configured to couple the motor shaft and the pulley, and convert the rotation of the motor shaft to rotation of the pulley, and tension of the belt applies a force to the motor shaft in a direction towards the second axis; a camera module configured to be mounted on the pulley and rotate together with the pulley; and an elastic body configured to apply a biasing force to the motor shaft such as to bias the motor shaft in a direction away from the second axis.

Abstract: A synchronous belt drive system having: a synchronous belt with a tensile cord of high-modulus fiber such as glass, carbon, PBO, or aramid; a driver sprocket and at least one driven sprocket, at least one of which is an obround sprocket; and a tensioner having: a base having a cylindrical portion extending axially with a radially outer surface and a receiving portion, an eccentric arm pivotally engaged with the radially outer surface, a torsion spring disposed within the receiving portion, the torsion spring applying a biasing force to the eccentric arm, and a pulley journalled to the eccentric arm. Preferably, no one of the eccentric arm, pulley, or torsion spring is axially displaced along an axis A-A from the others. The obround sprocket has a toothed surface and at least one linear portion disposed between two arcuate portions having a constant radius, the linear portion having a predetermined length.

Abstract: A synchronous belt drive system comprising a first obround sprocket having a toothed surface and at least one linear portion disposed between two arcuate portions, the arcuate portions having a constant radius, the linear portion having a predetermined length, a sprocket having a toothed surface, the sprocket engaged to the first obround sprocket by an endless toothed member, and the first obround sprocket having a magnitude and a phase such that an angular displacement timing error between the sprocket and the first obround sprocket is less than 1.5 degree peak to peak.

Abstract: A belt drive mechanism with gear back-up comprises a driving pulley to which a driving gear is attached, a driven pulley to which a driven gear is attached, a drive belt drivingly connected between the driving and driven pulleys, and a back-up gear disposed between the driving and driven gears. When the drive belt is engaged with the driving and driven pulleys, teeth of the back-up gear are spaced apart from teeth of the driving and driven gears, and at least a portion of the teeth of the back-up gear are interposed between the teeth of the driving and driven gears. Thus, in a normal state, the drive belt is driven by the driving pulley and drives the driven pulley. However, in case of belt failure, the back-up gear is driven by the driven gear attached to the driving pulley and drives the driven gear attached to the driven pulley instead of the drive belt.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, powertrain unit having output shaft, and a drive sprocket coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith. A swing arm has a first end pivotably coupled to the frame and a second end supporting a drive wheel of the vehicle. A wheel sprocket is coupled to the drive wheel for rotation therewith, and a flexible final drive member is wrapped around the drive sprocket and the wheel sprocket to establish a driving relationship therebetween, the flexible final drive member forming a loop. An idler bracket is fixed with respect to the frame and supporting both an upper idler and a backside idler. The upper idler is positioned within the loop such that the flexible member engages an upper side of the upper idler. The backside idler is positioned outside the loop such that the flexible member engages an upper side of the backside idler.

Abstract: An auto tensioner is mounted on a rotating shaft of an engine auxiliary device rotating about the rotating shaft by a power transmitted through a power transmission belt. The auto tensioner pivots about a pivot shaft. The auto tensioner has one side rotatably fastened to the pivot shaft and another side fastened to a driving member, and pivots about the pivot shaft in accordance with an operation of the driving member.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) that is supplied with power from an input. The CVT also includes a pair of pulleys, at least one of which having a variator that is configured to translate linearly along an axis of the input. A mechanical lock is configured to selectively lock the input with the variator such that the input and the variator rotate in unison. This allows the hydraulic pressure supplied to the CVT to reduce while the variator and the input remain locked.

Abstract: A tension control mechanism includes a drive wheel and a jack wheel rotatably mounted with respect to a chassis of a self-propelled power tool. An idler arm is pivotally mounted to the chassis and carries an idler wheel. A flexible drive member entrains the drive wheel and the jack wheel and drives the idler wheel. First and second bias members bias the idler arm in opposing rotational directions, which move the idler wheel toward or away from the flexible drive member to respectively increase or decrease tension. A ratchet arm is attached to the idler arm has a hook. A ratchet head is fixed to the chassis and has ratchet teeth for engaging the hook to permit relative motion between the hook and the ratchet teeth to increase tension, and to limit relative motion between the hook and the ratchet teeth to prevent an excessive decrease in tension.

Abstract: A tensioner includes a base, a tension arrangement rotatable at the base, a damping member being rotated in a loading direction by the tension arrangement, and an elastic member biasing against the damping member. The position of the damping member depends by the layout geometry of the specific application and is directly in opposition to the hub load. The reaction force of the cylindrical surface of the base on the damping member is very near to the plan of the external forces represented by the hub load to minimize the deflection of the shaft. The tension arrangement is rotated to push the damping member for generating a first positive tension between the damping member and the base, and to expand the elastic member radially for generating a second positive tension between the elastic member and the damping member, so as to enhance a damping force of the tensioner.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission belt guide is mounted next to a driven clutch assembly and in close proximity with the CVT belt at the CVT's lowest drive ratio. The CVT belt connects between a pair of moveable sheaves of the drive and driven clutch assemblies to provide a variable CVT drive ratio between a lowest drive ratio and a highest drive ratio. When contacting the CVT belt, the CVT belt guide prevents a ripple or wave from appearing in the un-tensioned side of the belt, prevents the CVT belt from losing contact with the driven clutch, and prevents undesirable vehicle performance at the lowest drive ratio.

Abstract: A tensioner includes a base, a tension arrangement rotatable at the base, a damping member being rotated in a loading direction by the tension arrangement, and an elastic member biasing against the damping member. The position of the damping member depends by the layout geometry of the specific application and is directly in opposition to the hub load. The reaction force of the cylindrical surface of the base on the damping member is very near to the plan of the external forces represented by the hub load to minimize the deflection of the shaft. The tension arrangement is rotated to push the damping member for generating a first positive tension between the damping member and the base, and to expand the elastic member radially for generating a second positive tension between the elastic member and the damping member, so as to enhance a damping force of the tensioner.

Abstract: A yard maintenance device having a working assembly selectively rotatable based on operation of an engine of the device may include a belt drive system. The belt drive system may include at least one driven pulley operably coupled to the working assembly, a drive shaft operably coupled to the engine, a drive belt configured to selectively couple the drive shaft to the at least one driven pulley, a tension adjustment assembly, and a control unit. The tension adjustment assembly may be configured to operably couple to at least one component of the belt drive system to adjust a position thereof to modify tension of the drive belt. The control unit may be configured to provide electronic control of the tension adjustment assembly.

Abstract: A belt assembly for internal combustion engine that has a tensioner mount is described. The belt assembly includes a spacer that is rotatably coupleable to the tensioner mount, and a tensioner that is co-rotatably coupled to the spacer. The spacer is positioned between the tensioner and the tension mount.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling an engine drive belt tensioner system in which the engine is controlled by an engine stop-start system. When the engine stop-start system decides to stop the engine, the engine drive belt tensioner system is operated so as to increase the tension in a respective drive belt to a high level during the engine stop process. This reduces the time taken for the engine to stop and will tend to reduce any tendency for reverse rotation of the engine at the end of the stop phase.

Abstract: A tubular film cutting arrangement for cutting tubular shrink film into sleeves of suitable length for application to containers includes a support member having a film passage opening therein; a plurality of knife drive pulleys rotatably mounted to the support member and spaced apart around the film passage opening, each knife drive pulley having a knife member mounted thereon for rotation with the knife drive pulley; a plurality of idler rollers rotatably mounted to the support member, each idler roller arranged between two of the knife drive pulleys, wherein a drive belt path is formed between the knife drive pulleys and the idler rollers; and a drive belt extending along the drive belt path such that a first side of the drive belt is in contact with each of the knife drive pulleys and a second side of the drive belt is in contact with each of the idler rollers; wherein the idler rollers are positioned to interact with the second side of the drive belt in order to hold the first side of the drive belt in c

Abstract: A transmission system is provided for transmitting power from an engine to a milling rotor in a cold planer. The transmission system includes a first circuit, a second circuit, and a shaft. The first circuit is disposed in a first plane and configured to be operatively driven by the engine. The second circuit is disposed in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane and configured to operatively drive the milling rotor. The shaft couples the first circuit to the second circuit wherein the engine and the milling rotor are axially offset.

Abstract: A drive arrangement (10) has first and second wheels (12, 14) and an endless loop member (16). The path of the member (16) is defined in part by a third wheel (18), between the wheels (12, 14). The wheel (18) is movably mounted so that the length can be changed for the path of the member (16) as it passes around the wheel (18), between the wheels (12, -14). Accordingly, the member (16) can be tightened or slackened around the wheels (12, 14), so that the wheels (12, 14) can be coupled to convey drive from one to the other, through the member (16), or disengaged, so that drive is not conveyed.

Abstract: A clamping device (1) of a traction mechanism drive, comprising a fixedly positioned base part (2), with which a pivot arm (3) is associated. The pivot arm (3) can be pivoted via a rotary bearing, consisting of a hub (9), a pin (5) of the base part (2) and a sliding bearing (10). A spring means (12) inserted between the base part (2) and the pivot arm (3) exerts an expansion force and effects a non-positive support of a tensioning roller (11) that is connected to the pivot arm (3) on a traction mechanism. In order to damp adjusting movements of the pivot arm (3), a damping device (13) is provided, which comprises two separate spring-loaded friction elements. For this purpose, a friction disk (14) is supported with form fit on the supporting disk (8) connected to the pin (5) of the base part (2) and with friction fit on the pivot arm (3).

Abstract: A drive unit includes a drive pulley connected to a drive source, a driven pulley connected to a target to be moved, at least one relay pulley for transmitting power from the drive pulley to the driven pulley, a plurality of belts including a first belt entrained around the drive pulley and the relay pulley, and a second belt entrained around the relay pulley and the driven pulley, a first tension application device, and a second tension application device. The first tension application device contacts the first belt to provide tension thereto. The second tension application device contacts the second belt to provide tension thereto. A cyclic speed variation component of the first belt in one rotation period transmitted to the driven pulley via the relay pulley and a speed variation component of the second belt in one rotation period transmitted to the driven pulley counteract each other.

Abstract: According to aspects illustrated herein, there are provided methods and systems for applying continuous tension on a belt/cable system. The automatic tensioning system includes a pivot mechanism and a locking mechanism. The pivot mechanism includes a pivot arm extending between an idler pulley and a pivot point. The idler pulley is mateable with a belt/cable. The belt/cable is routed about the idler pulley. The idler pulley rotates by the movement of the belt/cable, and the pivot arm pivots in an opposing direction from the belt/cable at the pivot point to apply continuous tension to the belt/cable as the pivot arm pivots. The locking mechanism is in communication with the pivot arm to secure the pivot arm in position, and the locking mechanism is adjustable.

Abstract: A tensioner for a power transmitting element in a drive system is disclosed. The tensioner comprises a threaded shaft that includes threading and at least one non-threaded end and defines a pivot axis, an arm rotatable about the pivot axis on the non-threaded end of the threaded shaft, a torsion element biasing the arm to rotate about the pivot axis, a threaded nut threadedly connected to the threaded shaft. The threaded nut has a first surface in frictional engagement with the arm and is rotatable about the threading. The threaded nut acts as a one-way limited slip clutch to provide asymmetric damping to the arm and controlled resisting torque in a variable relative proportion compared to the mean torque and returning torque.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tensioner which comprises: a base; a swing arm mounted on the base, rotating about a first central axis with respect to the base; an elastic element positioned between the base and the swing arm, which is used for biasing the swing arm to rotate with respect to the base; a frictional device which is located between the elastic; element and the base or the swing arm, for buffering the relative movement between the swing arm and the base, wherein the elastic element exerts along the radial direction a first pressure on the frictional device such that a first frictional force is produced between the frictional device and the base or the swing arm, and the tensioner further comprises a supporting bock which exerts along the radial direction a second pressure on the frictional device such that a second frictional force is produced between the frictional device and the base or the swing arm.

Abstract: A tightener for a belt drive cooperates with the belt in the presence of oil, and has a pin with a first axis; a base plate integral with and substantially perpendicular to the pin; a cam arm connected in a rotary manner to the pin and movable with respect to the base plate; a contact member carried by the cam arm; and an elastic member connected to the cam arm to activate the contact member against the belt. The tightener also has a friction member made of oil-resistant material and axially supporting the cam arm on the base plate; and axial elastic means for loading the friction member against the base plate.

Abstract: A cam actuated hydraulic brake system and an in plane tensioner pulley belt drive system may be used on autonomous vehicles, such as dynamic motion elements for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. The brake system utilizes a cam driven by a servo to push the piston push rod of a hydraulic master brake cylinder, thus distributing pressurized brake fluid throughout the brake system. The pulley drive system uses an articulating arm for the driven pulley, and that arm may also have connected to it one or two tension pulleys, each of which is in contact with the belt. Because the drive pulley and the tensioner pulleys pivot about the same pivot axis, the needed belt length remains nearly constant across the entire range of the articulating arm.

Abstract: A tensioner having a closing-type torsion spring that is employed to bias a pivot arm about a pivot shaft. The tensioner includes a damper that continuously contacts an inside surface of the torsion spring to dampen torsional vibration transmitted through the torsion spring.

Abstract: A drive belt tensioner assembly for a motor-generator unit is comprises a motor-generator unit having a rotatable drive pulley, configured to engage a drive belt, extending therefrom. A drive belt assembly housing is fixed to the motor-generator unit and has an inner surface defining an opening through which the rotatable drive pulley of the motor-generator unit extends. A tensioner mounting ring is mounted to, and rotatable with respect to, the drive belt assembly housing. A tensioner pulley is mounted for rotation on the tensioner mounting ring and is configured to engage the drive belt on a side of the motor-generator unit drive pulley. A biasing assembly having a first end mounted to the tensioner mounting ring and a second end mounted in a fixed relationship to the motor-generator unit exerts a biasing force on the tensioner mounting ring to rotate the ring and the tensioner pulley against the drive belt.

Abstract: A novel tensioner for use with flexible drives, such as serpentine accessory belts on automobiles includes a tensioner arm to spindle pivot design which employs a frustoconical bushing between an inner pivot surface of the tensioner arm and a spindle shaft. The frustoconical design of the bushing resists off axis movement of the tensioner arm and a wear take up mechanism biases the bushing into contact with the inner pivot surface to compensate for normal wear of the bushing and/or pivot surface. A thrust plate is mounted to the end of the spindle shaft and rides in a thrust washer, the thrust plate and thrust washer being held captive in the tensioner arm such that the tensioner arm can pivot about the bushing and the spindle and the thrust plate and thrust washer assist in inhibiting off-axis movement of the tensioner arm. In one embodiment, the biasing force which biases the bushing against the inner pivot surface of the tensioner arm can be varied to change the amount of dampening of the tensioner.

Abstract: “BELT TENSIONER WITH HIGH DAMPING RUBBER DEVICE”, the present invention refers to the technical field of belt tensioners in general, more specifically a belt tensioner (1) with high damping and with a rubber device (2), designed to generate higher rigidity and high damping to belts in combustion engines. The object of the tensioner is to reduce manufacturing costs, wearing and noise, both of the tensioner itself and the belt.

Abstract: A tensioner may be part of a power system to tension an endless power transmitting element. The tensioner includes an arm having an arm arbor with a slot therethrough that is rotatable about a first axis, a bushing having a sleeve that includes a cut-out and a removable sleeve-segment that has a protrusion thereon, the sleeve-segment being receivable in the cut-out with the protrusion in the slot, and a spring coupled to the arm for rotation of the arm about the first axis into tensioning engagement with a power transmitting element. The spring is positioned where it can radially expand into contact with the protrusion of the bushing, at least the protrusion on the sleeve-segment, as the arm is rotated in a direction opposite the direction of tensioning engagement such that the bushing is urged radially outward relative to the arm arbor to provide frictional damping.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning device comprising a back plate, on which is installed a tensioning roller provided with at least one bearing. The tensioning roller is installed on the back plate with the possibility of rotation about an eccentric axis (X6) in relation to the axis (X4) of the tensioning roller. The tensioning roller is provided with a protuberance engaged in a peripheral recess of the back plate, this peripheral recess limiting the movement of the protuberance between two abutments.

Abstract: A tensioning device for a traction mechanism drive for a belt drive that is incorporated in an internal combustion engine, in order to drive components of the engine or installed accessories. The tensioning device has a construction that is advantageous under production and construction viewpoints, by a high degree of robustness, and also by an advantageous mechanical operating behavior. The tensioning device includes a base part, a swivel arm, a torsion spring with a first winding end section that is allocated to the swivel arm and a second winding section that is allocated to the base part for applying a pivoting moment acting between the base part and the swivel arm and forcing the swivel arm in a tensioning direction, and a damping device for generating a damping force that counteracts a pivoting of the swivel arm directed against the tensioning direction.

Abstract: A tensioning system including a body having a base and an engagement surface pivotally coupled to the base. The system further includes a biasing mechanism operatively coupled to the engagement surface to bias the engagement surface relative to the base, and a locating device coupled to the body. The locating device is configured to rotationally position the tensioning system, and the locating device has an adjustable effective length.

Abstract: A belt assembly and adjustment mechanism for a belt drive system including a belt. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism includes a first bracket that is attachable to a first portion of the belt drive system, and a second bracket that is attachable to a second portion of the belt drive system. The second portion is different from the first portion. The mechanism also includes a belt drive system component that is positioned between the first bracket and the second bracket. The component is pivotally coupled to the first bracket on one side of the component and is pivotally coupled to the second bracket on another side of the component. The component is further slidably coupled to one of the first bracket and the second bracket such that the component is movable between a first orientation at which the belt is configured to be tensioned and a second orientation at which the belt is configured to be installed on the component.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a tensioner that is capable of precognitively anticipating when it is desirable to increase the tension in a belt or other endless drive element so as to prevent belt slip prior to events that would raise the risk of it.

Abstract: A belt tensioner includes a support housing at least in part defining a spring cavity and an arm pivotally attached to the support housing. A spring is located in the spring cavity and is operatively connected to the arm and the support housing to bias the arm about a pivot axis toward an unloaded position relative to the support housing. A damping member includes a hub and deflectable, force-applying elements that are connected to and spaced apart about a periphery of the hub. The force-applying elements are biased toward a contact surface of the arm to apply a frictional force between the contact surface and the force-applying elements to impede rotation of the arm relative to the support housing.

Abstract: A belt tensioning device for a belt drive having at least one apparatus with a housing, a driveshaft and a belt pulley, as well as an infinite belt for driving the belt pulley. The belt tensioning device includes a base that can be or is firmly connected to the apparatus, exactly one tensioning arm that, relative to the base, is supported so as to be pivotable around a pivot axis and that, via a torsion spring, is supported in the circumferential direction against the base. The belt tensioning device also includes a tensioning roller that, at the tensioning arm, is supported so as to be rotatable around an axis of rotation and serves to tension the belt. When the belt tensioning device is mounted at the apparatus, the pivot axis of the tensioning arm is arranged inside the outer diameter of the belt pulley of the apparatus.

Abstract: A tensioner comprising a base comprising a first portion, an arm comprising a second portion, the arm pivotally connected to the base, a pulley journalled to the arm, a resilient member compressively disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the resilient member comprising a gap within which the first portion and the second portion are disposed, and the resilient member comprising a bore, the bore engaging the arm.

Abstract: A soil plug processing mechanism for processing soil plugs which occur during ground maintenance. The soil plug processing mechanism having a separating device for picking up and processing the soil plugs by separating the soil plug material into fine particles and coarse particles. The separating device has at least one rotatable rotary sieve which has a rotatably driveable sieve drum with an outside surface which is configured at least partially as a sieve area.

Abstract: A mechanical tensioner that includes a pulley arm with a tension pulley for a tension element drive of an internal combustion engine. The pulley arm is mounted to a mounting base that is fixedly attached to the engine. A spring that functions in compression and torsion is located about a pivot axis on the mounting base, with one end connected to the pulley arm and the other end attached to the mounting base. The spring provides torsion to the pulley arm to maintain tension on the tension element, and is also compressed between a mounting flange of the pulley arm and a support flange on the mounting base to transmit an axial force between the pulley arm and an outer hub that is fixed to the mounting base. A shaped bush which functions at least as a damping element, and can also function as a bearing, is located in the space between the outer hub and the pulley arm.

Abstract: A bicycle chain tensioner is provided with a bracket, a tensioner arm, a securing position adjustment mechanism and a chain engaging member. The bracket has a bicycle axle mounting portion and an arm attachment portion. The tensioner arm is adjustably secured to the arm attachment portion of the bracket. The securing position adjustment mechanism selectively fixes the tensioner arm with respect to the bracket in one of a plurality of the securing positions. The chain engaging member is attached to the tensioner arm.

Abstract: A pulley assembly for a flexible motor vehicle transmission, comprising a supporting member rotatable about an axis, a pulley adapted to cooperate with a belt and connected to the supporting member to be rotatable about said axis with respect to the supporting member, elastic spiral means interposed between the supporting element and the pulley and comprising a sliding portion elastically loaded in radial direction against a sliding wall carried by one of either the supporting members or the pulley for tangential force drive coupling pulley to the supporting member. In particular, the elastic spiral means comprise a supporting element and sliding portion comprising at least one runner carried by the supporting element and sliding along the sliding walls.

Abstract: A new asymmetrically damped tensioner is provided utilizing a roller clutch engaged with a tensioner arm through a frictional contact. During normal operation, the roller clutch enables the tensioner arm to pivot in a first direction to take up belt slack with negligible frictional damping applied to the motion of the tensioner arm. When the tensioner arm pivots in a second direction, away from the belt, however, in a condition commonly known as wind-up, the roller clutch engages and creates a frictional linkage between the tensioner arm and a fixed surface. This frictional linkage provides asymmetric frictional damping to the tensioner to limit movement in the second direction and combat wind-up.

Abstract: A stable and play-free pivot connection of a bicycle derailleur between a parallelogram link and either a base member or a chain cage. The pivot points are formed with first and second bushings that are arranged as far from one another as possible. The parts are connected by pivot pins having a anti-rotation contour for preventing rotation of the pin within an inner pivot part. The axial displacement of the pivot pin is prevented by a securing element or by a deforming element engaging a holding contour on the pivot pin. One of the first and second bushings is protected and arranged in a blind hole and the other of the first and second bushings is covered on the outside by a pin head of the pivot pin.

Abstract: A traction mechanism drive, in particular for an internal combustion engine, including a vibration damper (1) having a base part (2) and a rotary part (3) that can be rotated to a limited extent relative to the base part against the effect of an energy store (6). Between the base part (2) and the rotary part (3), a friction unit (8) having a friction ring (9) formed of a support element (15) and a sliding element (16) arranged radially outside of the support element (15) for forming a friction contact in relation to a friction surface (10) is effective. The friction ring (9) is produced in one piece from the support element (15) and the sliding element (16), and the support element (15) and the sliding element (16) are cast on top of each other. A positive fit (17) is effective between said support element and sliding element in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A system for improving the efficiency of a belt-driven system is provided. The system is particularly adapted for retrofitting tensioners onto existing belt-driven machines or to incorporate a tensioner into an the existing design of a belt-driven machine with limited changes to the specifications of the existing design. The system includes a motor driving a belt that drives a pulley. The pulley drives a shaft or other element of the system. A tensioner is provided for tensioning the belt to impede slippage between the belt and the pulley. The tensioner is connected to the motor and a frame of the system via a mounting bracket that includes a first leg and a second leg having a plurality of mounting holes adapted to cooperate with mounts on the motor and a connector of the tensioner. In one embodiment, the mounting holes of the second leg are laterally offset from one or more mounting holes of the first leg.

Abstract: “BELT TENSIONER WITH HIGH DAMPING RUBBER DEVICE”, the present invention refers to the technical field of belt tensioners in general, more specifically a belt tensioner (1) with high damping and with a rubber device (2), designed to generate higher rigidity and high damping to belts in combustion engines. The object of the tensioner is to reduce manufacturing costs, wearing and noise, both of the tensioner itself and the belt.

Abstract: A gradual engagement system for use in power equipment is herein described. The gradual engagement system causes a clutch pulley to rotate around a clutch arm when an engagement tensile force is applied by an engagement spring. The engagement spring is attached to a pivot arm which is also connected to the clutch arm. The gradual engagement system allows the clutch arm to be pressed against a drive belt in a gradual fashion, providing for a smooth engagement of the various components of the power equipment.

Abstract: An accessory drive tensioner assembly may include a bracket assembly, a fastener and a tensioner hub. The bracket assembly may include first and second bearings axially spaced from one another. The fastener may extend through the first and second bearings to rotationally couple the bracket assembly to an engine structure and may define a rotational axis for the bracket assembly. The tensioner hub may be coupled to the bracket assembly and may be located axially between the first and second bearings.

Abstract: A tensioning device is provided to aid in the maintenance and replacement of a drive member of a drive system. The tensioning device operates to maintain tension in the drive member during prolonged use of the drive system through a biased roller that receives and guides the drive member and adapts continuously to maintain tension as the drive member changes properties through use. The tensioning device further operates to ease the replacement of the drive member by being rotatable against the bias to provide slack within the drive member, such that the drive member may be removed from the belt drive system. The tensioning device includes an arm and a base, with the arm being capable of limited rotation about the base. The arm includes the roller for guiding the drive member and is biased in one direction to maintain tension within the drive member. The arm may be rotated against the bias towards an engaged position wherein the arm is restricted from counter rotation in the direction of the bias.

Abstract: A new asymmetrically damped tensioner is provided utilizing a bearing-ramp clutch. During normal operation, the bearing-ramp clutch enables the tensioner arm to pivot in a first direction to take up belt slack with negligible frictional damping applied to the motion of the tensioner arm. When the tensioner arm pivots in a second direction, away from the belt, however, in a condition commonly known as wind-up, the bearing-ramp clutch locks against a fixed internal surface and creates a frictional damping force that is applied to the tensioner arm. This frictional linkage provides asymmetric frictional damping to the tensioner to limit movement in the second direction to mitigate wind-up.