Plural Guide Rolls Engaging Single Belt Patents (Class 474/134)
  • Patent number: 6726532
    Abstract: A tensioning assembly for a polishing belt on a linear chemical mechanical polishing apparatus. The tensioning assembly comprises first and second rollers which are operably engaged by respective air cylinders and exert a selected degree of downward tension on the lower run of the horizontal polishing belt. A third roller biased typically by a spring pushes upwardly on the lower run of the belt between the first and second rollers. Accordingly, the first and second rollers, in conjunction with the third roller, tension the belt on the apparatus to maintain optimum material removal rates and uniformity. The degree of tension exerted on the belt can be varied according to stretching of the belt resulting from prolonged use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hun Lin, Tien-Chen Hu, Tso-Hsu Lin, Hong-Chin Pu, Jeng-Fang Chang, Der-Yuan Hong
  • Publication number: 20040077446
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: DANA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eric Keith Manning
  • Publication number: 20040072642
    Abstract: The invention is an improved power transmission belt tensioner of the type having a first pulley adapted to communicate with a surface of a power transmission belt, a first arm supporting the first pulley upon which the first pulley is rotatably mounted via a first pulley bearing, a second pulley adapted to communicate with a surface of the power transmission belt, a second arm supporting the second pulley upon which the second pulley is rotatably mounted via a second pulley bearing. It is improved by the inclusion of a strut, a first attachment point for the strut, and a second attachment point for the strut, with the strut attached to the first and the second attachment points. The first arm is rotatably supported at a first pivot. The second arm is rotatably supported at a second pivot. The first pulley and the first attachment point are each laterally offset in relation to the first pivot and substantially balanced in terms of parasitic torque across the first pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Alexander Serkh
  • Publication number: 20040043854
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning device for use in vehicle power steering assembly, in particular, having a drive unit for rotating an input pulley rotatably connected to an output pulley via a flexible belt. The tensioning device includes a housing and an arm movably attached relative to the housing. A contact device is mounted on the arm and is adapted to be engaged with a portion of the belt between the input and output pulleys. The arm is movable relative to the belt to position the contact device against the belt to provide tension on the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Richard R. Fraley, Mark Joseph Bugosh, William Albert Konior
  • Patent number: 6689001
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventors: Larry R. Oliver, Richard J. Meckstroth, Joseph W. Zamm
  • Publication number: 20040002401
    Abstract: The present invention is an efficient and durable drive system support that is easy to install and includes a flex plate engagable to a first end and a second end of a drive system, which carries strain applied to the drive system from tension in a drive belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Chris A. Iverson
  • Publication number: 20030224889
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Tai-Yang Luh
  • Publication number: 20030220164
    Abstract: Crank drive belt systems feature a triple pulley tensioner which may be applied in various ways to provide proper tensioning on belt spans adjacent a motor generator for both starting and generating functions of the system. The tensioner provides adequate belt wrap and damping functions for the systems. In a simplified embodiment, the belt system connects a crankshaft or crank pulley with a motor generator pulley and at least one accessory drive pulley, such as an air conditioner compressor. The triple pulley tensioner includes a fixed tensioner housing mounting a fixed rotatable pulley and two tensioner arms carrying pulleys for tensioning the belt spans on either side of the motor generator. The fixed pulley is positioned on a third belt span between the accessory and the crank and combines with the tensioner pulleys to maximize belt wrap around the MG pulley, the crank pulley, and the accessory pulley, if needed. Numerous alternative arrangements may be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Goro Tamai
  • Patent number: 6652401
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method of using tensioners to tune a belt drive system. A tensioner having a damping rate is used on an accessory belt slack side and a tensioner having a having a damping rate is used on an accessory belt tight side. Outside of a predetermined engine speed range, the tight side tensioner arm does not move because the dynamic tension in the span is less than the tight side tensioner friction damping. Within a predetermined engine speed range the tight side tensioner arm moves in order to damp a belt drive system vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventor: Keming Liu
  • Publication number: 20030216203
    Abstract: A tensioner for generating tension in a power-transmitting belt is provided. The tensioner includes a base, which may be secured to an engine, and an arm that is movably attached to the base. A pulley is rotatably attached to the arm for engaging the belt. A spring is operatively connected to the arm and the base for urging the arm to move relative to the base in a first direction. When the arm is moved in the first direction, the pulley is moved into engagement with the belt with a force to tension the belt. The tensioner further includes a stop that is adjustably positioned on the base to limit the movement of the arm in a second direction. The position of the stop on the base may be automatically adjusted by the spring during installation of the tensioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Larry R. Oliver, Richard J. Meckstroth, Joseph W. Zamm
  • Patent number: 6648783
    Abstract: Tensioning device for traction means, such as belts or chains, with a housing-like part in which a tensioning mechanism and a spring elements tensioning the traction means are mounted, whereby the tensioning device can be placed in an assemblage of the traction means drive having a drive shaft so that the tensioning mechanism encompasses the drive shaft, with the housing-like part being disposed so as to prevent rotation, wherein the tensioning mechanism comprises two tensioning arms (7, 8, 26, 27, 47, 49) that are mounted in the housing-like part so as to be able to rotate about axes and with respect to one another, with the tensioning arms being spring-biased by a common spring element (14) that is retained with one end in one tensioning arm and with the other end in the other tensioning arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: INA Wälzlager Schaeffler oHG
    Inventor: Michael Bogner
  • Patent number: 6638191
    Abstract: A tensioning device includes an adjustable tensioning arm having first and second opposed ends, a first mounting bracket secured to the first end of the adjustable tensioning arm, and a second mounting bracket pivotally connected to the second end of the adjustable tensioning arm. The adjustable tensioning arm includes a middle member having first and second opposed ends, a first end member engaged with and extending from the first end of the middle member and a second end member engaged with and extending from the second end of the middle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Hankins, Fred Tuffly
  • Publication number: 20030199350
    Abstract: A combination starter-generator system for use in a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has an internal combustion engine and a battery. The system includes a starter-generator electrically coupled to the battery to generate a current and to start the internal combustion engine. A drive mechanism connects the starter-generator machine and the internal combustion engine. The starter-generator machine generates the current by receiving a charging torque from one side of the drive mechanism and starts the internal combustion engine by imparting a starting torque to a different side of the drive mechanism. The charging torque or the starting torque is a greater torque. A passive tensioning system cooperates with the drive mechanism to tension the drive mechanism only at the side of the greater torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Rassem Ragheb Henry
  • Publication number: 20030176250
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Steven G. Austin, Alexander Serkh
  • Publication number: 20030176249
    Abstract: A traction device for an internal combustion engine includes a tensioning device having two lever arms of different lengths which are rigidly connected together and which are pivotally mounted for rotation about a rotation axis. Each of the lever arms supports on one end a tension pulley. The tensioning device is provided for positioning the tension pulleys on a pulling strand and a return strand by imposing an elastic force thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: INA-SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Rudolf Polster, Rudolf Berger, Michael Bogner
  • Patent number: 6609989
    Abstract: A drive belt of an internal combustion engine has a first pulley mounted on a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, and a second pulley mounted on a shaft of a starter generator of the internal combustion engine. A belt is looped about both pulleys. A tensioner includes two tensioning arms, each of which loading a belt run of the belt and operating either as load-carrying belt run or non-load carrying belt run. Both tensioning arms are disposed to pivot about a rotation axis, with tensioning rollers mounted onto the tensioning arms and spring-biased against the belt. The tensioning arm disposed respectively upon the load-carrying belt run is urged into a stop position by a force applied by the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Michael Bogner, Rudolf Berger
  • Publication number: 20030153420
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Clayton R. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20030153421
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method of using tensioners to tune a belt drive system. A tensioner having a damping rate is used on an accessory belt slack side and a tensioner having a having a damping rate is used on an accessory belt tight side. Outside of a predetermined engine speed range, the tight side tensioner arm does not move because the dynamic tension in the span is less than the tight side tensioner friction damping. Within a predetermined engine speed range the tight side tensioner arm moves in order to damp a belt drive system vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Keming Liu
  • Patent number: 6592481
    Abstract: A synchronous drive arrangement for a printer of the present invention includes a timing belt passed over drive pulleys each being mounted on a particular print drum. The timing belt is made up of two narrow belt parts produced by dividing a single belt. Assuming that the belt parts have n teeth each, one of the belt parts is shifted from the other belt part by one-half of the number of teeth n. The belt parts are so positioned as to cancel each other's eccentricity component during rotation. The arrangement reduces synchronization errors ascribable to the eccentricity of the timing belt while preserving the low-cost configuration of timing belt connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Tohoku Ricoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Sato, Keiichi Chiba
  • Publication number: 20030109342
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Larry R. Oliver, Richard J. Meckstroth, Joseph W. Zamm
  • Publication number: 20030060315
    Abstract: A bicycle chain guide device includes a plate mounted to the crank axle has two protrusions and each of the protrusions has a first roller and a second roller connected thereto. The chain engaged with a chainwhell passes between the first roller and the second roller on each of the two protrusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Cheng-Xun Jiang
  • Patent number: 6511393
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device (6) for a traction means (2) of a drive system (1) which produces different pretensioning forces in a first strand (2a) and in a second strand (2b) by means of a turning lever (8, 11), the length ratio between the corresponding inner lever arm (8a, 11a) and the corresponding outer lever arm (8b, 11b) being different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Ina Walzlager Schaeffler oHG
    Inventors: Arno Bogl, Rudolf Polster
  • Patent number: 6506137
    Abstract: An automotive tension device features a pair of pulleys which are pivotally mounted on the same pivot arm. The pulleys are positioned within the drive system (e.g., a belt drive system) in such a manner that the moments relative to the pivot axis created by the force resultant of the driving member passing around each of the pulleys are oppositely directed. Thus, the pulleys provide rotational support for each other. The tension device and arrangement is positioned within a belt drive system having a combination starter/generator, wherein the crankshaft ordinarily drives the belt but the starter/generator drives the belt on engine startup (an arrangement which creates varying kinematic conditions within the belt).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Litens Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Guhr
  • Publication number: 20020183149
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission has an endless V belt (15) running across a driving pulley (11) and a driven pulley (21), a transmission ratio changing mechanism for changing the running diameters of the belt around the pulleys radially in opposite directions to each other, and a tension-adjusting unit (50) for pressing the belt to obtain belt tension. The tension-adjusting unit (50) includes a tension roller (51) coming into pressure contact with the slack side of the belt (15) from outside, a swing arm (53) having an end rotatably supported on a transmission case (6), a link member (52) having an end rotatably supporting a shaft of the tension roller (51) and another end rotatably coupled with another end of the swing arm (53), and urging means (54, 55) for swingingly urging the swing arm (53) so that the tension roller (51) presses the belt (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Temma, Takafumi Oshibuchi, Hisayasu Murakami
  • Publication number: 20020086751
    Abstract: A drive belt of an internal combustion engine has a first pulley mounted on a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, and a second pulley mounted on a shaft of a starter generator of the internal combustion engine. A belt is looped about both pulleys. A tensioner includes two tensioning arms, each of which loading a belt run of the belt and operating either as load-carrying belt run or non-load carrying belt run. Both tensioning arms are disposed to pivot about a rotation axis, with tensioning rollers mounted onto the tensioning arms and spring-biased against the belt. The tensioning arm disposed respectively upon the load-carrying belt run is urged into a stop position by a force applied by the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Michael Bogner, Rudolf Berger
  • Publication number: 20020039943
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Alexander Serkh
  • Patent number: 6282873
    Abstract: A belt tension mechanism for tensioning an associated belt drive system on an associated vehicle is provided. The associated belt drive system includes a double stacked pulley, a first belt for providing power from a power mechanism to the double stacked pulley and a second belt for providing power from the double stacked pulley to an associated implement. A first tensioning mechanism is provided for tensioning the first belt and a second tensioning mechanism is provided for tensioning the second belt. A tension arm selectively simultaneously tensions the first and second belts from an inoperative condition to an operative condition or from an operative condition to an inoperative condition. A balancing mechanism is also provided for balancing tension on the first and second belts as the implement is selectively height adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventor: Douglas J. Wilken
  • Patent number: 6179740
    Abstract: A tensioning device (10) for a conventional drive system, which includes pulleys (not shown) interconnected by a flexible drive element (12), includes a frame assembly (20), upper left and right contact rollers (22) and (24), and lower left and right contact rollers (26) and (28). The frame assembly (20) includes proximal and distal frame sidewalls (38) and (40) which are rectangular in shape. Each contact roller (22), (24), (26), and (28) engages the flexible drive element (12) and forms a U-shaped channel (30) with a bottom circumferential surface (22) and vertical sidewalls (34). The contact rollers (22), (24), (26), and (28) rotatably attach to bearing axles (72), (74), (76), and (78) which connect the contact rollers to the frame sidewalls through their respective positional locating apertures (42), (44), (46), and (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Moxee Innovations Corporation
    Inventor: Howard F. Walker
  • Patent number: 6165092
    Abstract: A guide assembly for a bicycle chain is fitted to the crank or front chain ring and remains in position as the chain ring rotates. The assembly has chain guide assemblies to stop the chain from coming off the chain ring. By not having the assembly attached to the frame, but instead to the chain ring or crank, the assembly can be used on a large number of different makes of bicycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventors: Benjamin Bramham, Antony Morana
  • Patent number: 6120401
    Abstract: A belt tension mechanism for tensioning an associated belt drive system on an associated vehicle is provided. The associated belt drive system includes a double stacked pulley, a first belt for providing power from a power mechanism to the double stacked pulley and a second belt for providing power from the double stacked pulley to an associated implement. A first tensioning mechanism is provided for tensioning the first belt and a second tensioning mechanism is provided for tensioning the second belt. A tension arm selectively simultaneously tensions the first and second belts from an inoperative condition to an operative condition or from an operative condition to an inoperative condition. A balancing mechanism is also provided for balancing tension on the first and second belts as the implement is selectively height adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventor: Douglas J. Wilken
  • Patent number: 6117034
    Abstract: A floating chain tensioner includes a pair of opposing sprockets with at least one sprocket in slidable relation relative to the other. A pair of elastomer tensioning bands urges the slide-mounted sprocket towards the other sprocket. The floating chain tensioner captures a drive chain between the sprockets to establish tension therein. The tensioning sprockets enjoy some freedom of movement relative to one another while maintaining tension against the drive chain during operation of an associated chain-driven mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Poly Hi Solidur
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Vine
  • Patent number: 6004237
    Abstract: A slide idler for a chain drive wherein the idler is provided with easily replaceable and rotatable bushings. The slide idler comprises two elongated members, each elongated member is provided with two inwardly extending polygonal mounting assemblies. Two cylindrical bushings having polygonal apertures corresponding to the polygonal mounting assemblies are mounted to these mounting assemblies and are sandwiched between the elongated members. A split pin is used to hold the slide idler together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: James Irwin Lodico, Jeremy Shane Ostrander, Chad Eric Plattner
  • Patent number: 5984819
    Abstract: A belt drive differential with an output shaft, two planet sprockets rotatably mounted to a carrier to orbit in a circular path about a carrier axis coaxial with the output shaft, a first output sprocket attached to the output shaft, a second output sprocket coaxial with the output shaft, and a toothed power transmission belt connecting the sprockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventor: Donald R McComber
  • Patent number: 5776025
    Abstract: An adjustable self-aligning tensioner, for a drive belt, the belt tensioner being self-aligning and readily adjustable. Such belt tensioner includes a pair of idler pulleys and a support for the pair of idler pulleys. A mount rotatably carries the idler pulley support. The mount is adjustably positioned relative to the drive belt, whereby the support carried by the mount locates the idler pulleys so as to be respectively engageable with the drive belt on opposite sides thereof. A mechanism reactive with the support and the mount urges the idler pulleys into engagement with the drive belt with a force so as to provide an adjustable preselected tension on the drive belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Brian R. Labudde, Alex B. Vayntrub
  • Patent number: 5737875
    Abstract: A tension apparatus of a vehicle door powered sliding device comprises a motor fixed to a base plate, a wire drum mounted to the base plate by a first shaft and rotated by the motor, a wire cable provided between a vehicle sliding door and the wire drum for pulling the sliding door forward or rearward when the wire drum rotates, first and second tension arms rotatably mounted on the first shaft and having tension rollers which makes contact with the wire cable, an intermediate lever rotatably mounted on the first shaft, an adjusting member for fixing the first tension arm and the intermediate lever so that an angle of the first tension arm and the intermediate lever can be adjusted, a tension spring provided between the intermediate lever and the second tension arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Patrick Dowling, Manabu Nakajima
  • Patent number: 5725450
    Abstract: A device for preventing derailment of a bicycle chain of a bicycle. Upper and lower guide members are positioned strategic to a drive sprocket of the bicycle to guide and maintain the chain in engagement with the drive sprocket regardless of the tension of the chain. The upper and lower guides force the chain to be engaged a longer circumferential distance on the drive sprocket to prevent the chain from jumping off the drive sprocket. Circular guards are mounted on each side of the drive sprocket to protect the drive sprocket and the chain entrained thereon from impact. The spacing of the circular guards provides a channel for receiving the chain as it traverses the drive sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Joshua Paris
    Inventor: Theodore A. Huskey
  • Patent number: 5613918
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of power transmission, and more specially, to a torque responsive belt tensioner for a friction belt. Because of recent concerns for the ecology of our planet there has been a resurgence of interest in human powered vehicles (HPV). This category incudes two, three and four-wheeled vehicles. The invention answers the need-for a power transmitting apparatus that will:a) provide forward motion,b) provide a coasting mode,c) provide a braking action,d) provide a reverse.The belt drive tensioner of this invention is lightweight and simple. It includes a rigid backing plate and idler carrier positioned on a drive shaft adjacent to a drive pulley. Two belt engaging members, rollers, or perpendicular columns or projections of sufficient height to contact the exterior surface of the drive belt are carried by the rigid backing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Daniel G. Fleischman
  • Patent number: 5601223
    Abstract: At least two transporting and take-off rollers (2, 2') interact for the gripping of a cable (1) to be transported. The axes of rotation (3, 3') of the transporting and take-off rollers are each rotatably arranged on a cantilever arm (7, 7') capable of swivelling together about a second turning axis (6) arranged on a turning platform (10) and running perpendicular to the former axis and parallel to a common straight line (5) connecting the said two rollers (2, 2'). At least one of the two transporting and take-off rollers (2, 2') is arranged laterally adjustable in relation to its distance (a) from the second transporting and take-off roller (7). Further, first drive devices (25) connected so that they can swivel together with the turning platform (10), are provided for driving the two transporting and take-off rollers (2, 2').
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Komax Holding AG
    Inventors: Max Koch, Alois Lustenberger, Urs Dober
  • Patent number: 5579664
    Abstract: A camshaft driving mechanism for driving camshaft wheel members secured to two camshafts in a cylinder head through a power transmitting member mounted between a crankshaft wheel member and the camshaft wheel members; in this driving mechanism, the thickness of the camshaft wheel members is one-half or less of the width of the power transmitting member, one of the camshaft wheel members is offset in an axial direction from the other camshaft wheel member, and the camshaft wheel members partly radially overlap, or one of the camshaft wheel member has a center slit in the axial direction while the other camshaft wheel member fits in the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Eisaku Ohmon, Tadasu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5471895
    Abstract: A camshaft driving mechanism for driving camshaft wheel members secured to two camshafts in a cylinder head through a power transmitting member mounted between a crankshaft wheel member and the camshaft wheel members; in this driving mechanism, the thickness of the camshaft wheel members is one-half or less of the width of the power transmitting member, one of the camshaft wheel members is offset in an axial direction from the other camshaft wheel member, and the camshaft wheel members partly radially overlap, or one of the camshaft wheel member has a center slit in the axial direction while the other camshaft wheel member fits in the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Eisaku Ohmon, Tadasu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5385508
    Abstract: An assembly for guiding different types of inspection and machining apparatuses around permanently installed pipes and shafts in power plants and similar locations. Such assemblies are used for guiding equipment employed in the inspection and machining of elongated objects with a circular cross section around said objects. According to the invention the assembly is mounted around the object by a belt which is tightened between two belt pulleys so as to embrace the object. The belt pulleys are mounted on a body part to both sides of a drive motor that drives both belt pulleys synchronously via gear wheels. The mounting of the assembly on the object to be inspected is extremely rapid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Imatran Voima Oy
    Inventor: Lauri Pietikainen
  • Patent number: 5362279
    Abstract: A chain drive is described in which the chain travel length remains constant, as well as the chain tension, in spite of changes in separation between the driving and driven sprockets. Eccentric idlers enable the chain to be initially tensioned by offsetting these eccentric idlers through a sufficient distance to establish the proper chain tension. An idler sprocket provides a pivot for the two arms that support the chain drive, thereby enabling the arms to form a "V" configuration as the linear separation of the driving and driven sprockets, mounted on opposite ends of their respective arms, is varied. The eccentric idlers wrap the chain around at least a portion of the idler sprocket's driven and driving sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: CMS Gilbreth Packaging Systems
    Inventor: John M. Galchefski
  • Patent number: 5346437
    Abstract: A drive system for use in rotating a drive shaft of a component of a binding line can be selectively coupled to a primary motive power source associated with the binding line or to a secondary motive power source operated out of synchronization with binding line. The drive system includes a first drive pulley connected to the primary motive power source, a second drive pulley connected to the secondary motive power source and a double-sided drive belt which engages the drive shaft. A pulley set is coupled to the double-sided drive belt and is rotatable about a pivot point between first and second positions to transfer the double-sided drive belt between the first and second drive pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company
    Inventor: Bobby Chang
  • Patent number: 5316523
    Abstract: A device, such as a printer or plotter for driving media, has sprocket wheels with sprockets engaging sprocket holes at the edges of the media. The sprocket wheels are driven via a drive belt. In order to adjust the relative angular position of one of the sprocket wheels, rollers are mounted on an adjustment lever to separately engage two courses of the drive belt. Pivoting of the lever effects the adjustment of the lengths of the two courses of the belt. During an adjustment procedure, one sprocket wheel is held fixed, and the lever is pivoted to effect the angular displacement of the other sprocket wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Summagraphics N.V.
    Inventor: Gerard J. Verdonck
  • Patent number: 5281188
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, there is arranged a belt transmission for driving an accessory device. In this connection, deflection members are arranged so that the drive belt for its driving bears against, for example, the flywheel of the engine. The deflection members are arranged so that the area enclosed by the drive belt lies outside the area which encloses the axis of rotation of the flywheel. By virtue of the fact that consequently the drive belt can be mounted without the drive belt needing to cross the axis of rotation, the belt transmission can simply be arranged at the rear side of the engine. This means that the axial extent of the engine can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: SAAB Automobile Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Per Gillbrand
  • Patent number: 5242331
    Abstract: The V-belt drive has a V-belt (R), revolving endlessly around a drive pulley (A) and at least one driven pulley (C) and a back chucking roller (D) is associated with the V-belt on the slack side (R1). The back chucking roller (D) is preceded in the belt travel direction (RL) by a profiled idler pulley (E), and both rollers (D, E) form a clamping unit (SE) that is subjected to clamping force action and acts near the driven pulley (C). In every position of the clamping unit (SE) the entry and exit point (G1 and G2, respectively) of the V-belt (R) at the profiled idler pulley (E) are located before, in the belt travel direction (RL), or at best coincide with the entry point (K1 and K2, respectively) of the back chucking roller (D).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Claas oHG
    Inventor: Heinz Konig
  • Patent number: 5242179
    Abstract: A four limb exercising attachment for wheelchairs which will permit the occupant of the wheelchair to exercise all four limbs simultaneously, thereby affording proper bilateral movement of the arms and legs. The exercising attachment will also propel the wheelchair when operated in a suitable manner. The attachment may be used with most standard wheelchairs of the type having right and left front and rear wheels. The attachment includes right and left mounting assemblies, each mounting assembly being securable to the frame of a standard 4 wheel wheelchair at three or more spaced apart locations. A common input shaft will extend between the left and right mounting assemblies after they are mounted upon the wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Research Foundation of the State University of New York
    Inventors: David W. Beddome, William H. Macy, Joseph C. Mollendorf, Kenneth L. Peebles, Thomas G. Dressing
  • Patent number: 5236397
    Abstract: A belt tension adjustment mechanism having a pivoting pulley support plate adapted to cooperate with a pivoting ratchet plate. The pulley support plate directly or indirectly anchors a belt to be tensioned. A tension spring is associated with the ratchet plate to bias the ratchet plate towards a position of increased belt tension. The ratchet plate includes a teeth and pawl arrangement for preventing the ratchet plate from spontaneous rotation to a position of reduced belt tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Rover Mowers Limited
    Inventor: Douglas F. Green
  • Patent number: 5221236
    Abstract: A belt tensioning device for a belt driven bicycle that includes a tension plate having triangular positioned orifices. The plate is pivotally mounted to the frame with one of the orifices. Rollers are mounted in the other two orifices and the drive belt passes between the roller. When the belt tightens against one of the rollers, it pivots the tension plate, forcing the other roller into the belt and preventing any slack from occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventors: Matthew C. Raymer, David T. Mollendor
  • Patent number: 5179895
    Abstract: A residential trash compactor with two compartments suitable for separating recyclable from non-recyclable trash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: John R. Bauer