Pulley Engages Exterior Surface Of Belt Patents (Class 474/139)
  • Patent number: 9140339
    Abstract: A turret includes a rotary bearing with an inner race, an outer race and a central axis of rotation. An internal tooth drive sprocket is fixed to the outer race of the bearing and centered on the central axis of rotation of the bearing. A turret plinth is fixed to the inner race of the bearing. A drive mechanism for rotating the turret plinth with respect to the internal tooth drive sprocket includes first and second sprocket assemblies each having a pair of upper and lower external tooth sprockets fixed to a shaft. The middle chain row of a triple roller chain engages the internal tooth drive sprocket. One of the outer chain rows engages the upper sprockets of the first and second sprocket assemblies and the other of the outer chain rows engages the lower sprockets of the first and second sprocket assemblies. Hand wheels connected to the shafts of the sprocket assemblies provide input motion to the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Todd Dickinson, Michael N. Norris, Lewis F. Campanile, Frank Petrosillo, Bryan W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9126805
    Abstract: A rope of a lifting device, more particularly of a passenger transport elevator and/or freight transport elevator, an elevator, and a method for manufacturing the rope are disclosed. The rope includes an unbroken load-bearing part, the profile of which is essentially of rectangular shape, and the width of the cross-section is greater than the thickness and which load-bearing part comprises glass fiber reinforcements and/or aramid fiber reinforcements and/or carbon fiber reinforcements and/or polybenzoxazole fiber reinforcements and/or polyethylene fiber reinforcements and/or nylon fiber reinforcements in a polymer matrix material. The long sides of the cross-section of the load-bearing part include one or more grooves symmetrically or asymmetrically in the longitudinal direction of the rope, which grooves divide the load-bearing part into smaller parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Raimo Pelto-Huikko, Petri Kere
  • Patent number: 9017194
    Abstract: A distributed drive includes a frame, a main sprocket, and a plurality of drive assemblies mounted therearound for rotation of the main sprocket. The main sprocket has a circumferential drive rim around which the drive assemblies are mounted in driving engagement with the drive rim so as to selectively rotate the main sprocket relative to the frame. Each drive assembly includes at least two auxiliary sprockets lying substantially in the plane of the main sprocket. An endless belt is mounted around the auxiliary sprockets so that a span of the endless belt spans between a pair of the auxiliary sprockets in an arc-of-contact with the drive rim. At least one of the two auxiliary sprockets is a selectively driven drive sprocket for selective rotation of the main sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Warrior Rig Ltd.
    Inventor: Allan Stewart Richardson
  • Patent number: 9017198
    Abstract: A vehicle has a motor-gear unit, a trailing wheel of the vehicle being connected the output shaft of the gear and an input shaft of the gear being connected to a motor. The gear has an outer wheel, an inner wheel and a traction means extending between the outer wheel and the inner wheel. A revolving transmitter is also provided which lifts the traction means off the outer periphery of the inner wheel and pushes it against the inner periphery of the outer wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: TQ-Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Rudi Hoebel, Antonius Georg Rossberger
  • Patent number: 9003788
    Abstract: An energy harvesting system comprises a first region having a first temperature and a second region. A conduit is located at least partially within the first region. A heat engine configured for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy includes a shape memory alloy forming at least one generally continuous loop. The shape memory alloy is disposed in heat exchange contact with the first region and the second region. The shape memory alloy is driven to rotate around at least a portion of the conduit by the response of the shape memory alloy to the temperature difference between the first region and the second region. At least one pulley is driven by the rotation of the shape memory alloy, and the at least one pulley is operatively connected to a component to thereby drive the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul W. Alexander, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Patrick B. Usoro, Nilesh D. Mankame, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Peter Maxwell Sarosi, Christopher P. Henry
  • Publication number: 20150080159
    Abstract: A timing belt spacer tool with an arcuate spacer portion of predetermined uniform thickness and an extension tab extending in an axial direction from the mid-section of the spacer portion. The extension tab may have a grip, which may be in the form of a protrusion, bulge, thickness variation, edging, bead, or the like. The opposing ends of the arcuate spacer portion may be flexible enough to be straightened in use but still return to their original arcuate shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: THE GATES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Scott Johnson
  • Patent number: 8974336
    Abstract: A power transmission belt (10) includes: a belt body (11) including a part (14) which is in contact with a flat pulley and which is made of a rubber composition containing an ethylene-?-olefin elastomer with an ethylene content of less than or equal to 60% by mass as raw rubber. The rubber composition forming the contact part (14) with the flat pulley has a storage modulus of 20-60 MPa at 25° C. and a storage modulus of 12 MPa or more at 100° C., short fibers are not blended into the rubber composition, and the grain direction of the rubber composition corresponds to a belt lengthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Bando Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eijiro Nakashima, Shigeki Okuno
  • Publication number: 20140274512
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a chain guide superior in silence, which includes: a guide base extending in a traveling direction of a chain; a plurality of roller shafts attached to the guide base at an interval along the traveling direction of the chain; and rollers each rotatably supported by one of the roller shafts. The roller has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface for guiding the chain. The outer circumferential surface of the roller has a cylindricity not greater than 20 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Shinji Oishi, Akio Kato, Takahiro Yamashita, Katsufumi Abe
  • Patent number: 8755999
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Dynamic Research Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Kelly, Peter Broen, Jordan Silberling, John Zellner
  • Patent number: 8517159
    Abstract: An emergency braking system for use in connection with a drive apparatus including a drive belt and pulley system for transferring power from a prime mover to a transmission or transaxle. The braking system includes a pulley engaged to the drive belt and a spring engaged to the pulley to provide a bias force thereto. When tension from the belt is removed from the pulley, the spring forces the pulley into engagement with an actuator to engage a brake mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Thomas J. Langenfeld
  • Publication number: 20130090200
    Abstract: A distributed drive includes a frame, a main sprocket, and a plurality of drive assemblies mounted therearound for rotation of the main sprocket. The main sprocket has a circumferential drive rim around which the drive assemblies are mounted in driving engagement with the drive rim so as to selectively rotate the main sprocket relative to the frame. Each drive assembly includes at least two auxiliary sprockets lying substantially in the plane of the main sprocket. An endless belt is mounted around the auxiliary sprockets so that a span of the endless belt spans between a pair of the auxiliary sprockets in an arc-of-contact with the drive rim. At least one of the two auxiliary sprockets is a selectively driven drive sprocket for selective rotation of the main sprocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: WARRIOR RIG LTD.
    Inventor: WARRIOR RIG LTD.
  • Publication number: 20120142469
    Abstract: A chain guide having a mounting bracket mounted to the bottom bracket shell with multiple coaxial pulleys, each of which is in substantially planar alignment with one chainring of a crank with two or more chainrings. Each pulley cog engages the bicycle chain when the chain is on a corresponding chainring. One of the pulley cogs can be replaced by a roller mounted to the bracket coaxially with the first pulley cog and in substantially planar alignment with the corresponding chainring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Eko Sport, Inc.
    Inventors: Darek C. Barefoot, Ryan K. Cranston
  • Patent number: 8057335
    Abstract: An emergency braking system for use in connection with a drive apparatus including a drive belt and pulley system for transferring power from a prime mover to a transmission or transaxle. The braking system includes a pulley engaged to the drive belt and a spring engaged to the pulley to provide a bias force thereto. When tension from the belt is removed from the pulley, the spring forces the pulley into engagement with an actuator to engage a brake mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Thomas J. Langenfeld
  • Publication number: 20110124451
    Abstract: An energy harvesting system comprises a first region having a first temperature and a second region. A conduit is located at least partially within the first region. A heat engine configured for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy includes a shape memory alloy forming at least one generally continuous loop. The shape memory alloy is disposed in heat exchange contact with the first region and the second region. The shape memory alloy is driven to rotate around at least a portion of the conduit by the response of the shape memory alloy to the temperature difference between the first region and the second region. At least one pulley is driven by the rotation of the shape memory alloy, and the at least one pulley is operatively connected to a component to thereby drive the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul W. Alexander, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Patrick B. Usoro, Nilesh D. Mankame, Geoffrey P. Mc Knight, Peter Maxwell Sarosi, Christopher P. Henry
  • Publication number: 20110124453
    Abstract: A power transmission belt (10) includes: a belt body (11) including a part (14) which is in contact with a flat pulley and which is made of a rubber composition containing an ethylene-?-olefin elastomer with an ethylene content of less than or equal to 60% by mass as raw rubber. The rubber composition forming the contact part (14) with the flat pulley has a storage modulus of 20-60 MPa at 25° C. and a storage modulus of 12 MPa or more at 100° C., short fibers are not blended into the rubber composition, and the grain direction of the rubber composition corresponds to a belt lengthwise direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: BANDO CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Eijiro Nakashima, Shigeki Okuno
  • Publication number: 20110124452
    Abstract: An energy harvesting system comprises a first region and a second region having a temperature difference therebetween. A plurality of heat engines are located proximate to the conduit and configured for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy. The heat engines each include a shape memory alloy forming at least one generally continuous loop. The shape memory alloy driven to rotate by heat exchange contact with each of the first region and the second region. At least one pulley for each of the plurality of heat engines is driven by the rotation of the respective shape memory alloy, and each of the at least one pulleys is operatively connected to a component to thereby drive the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul W. Alexander, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Nilesh D. Mankame, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Andrew C. Keefe, Christopher P. Henry, Nicholas W. Pinto, IV
  • Publication number: 20110103954
    Abstract: The present invention deals with a new system for transmitting energy through a cable (2) and interconnected pulleys (1, 3, 5). The traditional power transmission through pulleys sizes the system of belts and friction surfaces depending on energy to be transmitted and is obtained through systems composed of a rotary element for every point of application and of a flexible element for the connection. In the proposed system, the flexible element is a high-resistance cable (2) and friction on the rotary element is increased by using interconnected pulleys, which increase the cable friction surface allowing power transmissions without any sliding till the cable breaking point. The lightness of such system allows it to find optimum application in transmitting to ground all wind energy produced at an upper level. The system of interconnected pulleys (1, 3, 5) is further applied to discontinuous tractions in the sailing field, replacing the traditionally used winches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Giovanni Vergnano
  • Patent number: 7563187
    Abstract: In a drive belt system, an idler pulley 6 is formed by an auto belt alignment pulley. For example, a pulley body 60 is rotatably carried on a hollow cylindrical shaft member 62, a support rod 63 is inserted in the shaft member 62, and the pulley body 60 and the shaft member 62 are connected to each other via a pin 64 (pivot axis C2) for angular movement about the pin 64. The pin 64 is inclined orthogonally to the shaft member 62 and forward in the direction of rotation of the pulley body 60 with respect to the direction of a radial shaft load L. With this configuration, when a flat belt 8 deviates to one side, the pulley body 60 inclines to create a level difference in the direction of the radial shaft load L and angularly moves orthogonally to the flat belt 8, thereby correcting the deviation of the flat belt 8. To fulfill the auto belt alignment function, belt span lengths Si and So between the idler pulley 6 and both the adjacent pulleys 3 and 4 are each set larger than the width of the flat belt 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Bando Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirofumi Miyata
  • Patent number: 7491142
    Abstract: A belt driving device is provided and includes a plurality of rollers including a driving roller. A belt is configured to be tensioned by the plurality of rollers, and to be driven by the driving roller. The driving roller is arranged adjacent to where an outside body contacts an outer surface of the belt. A pair of fluctuation absorbing members may be configured to absorb tensional fluctuation of the belt at an upstream and a downstream of a cleaning member in a direction which the belt is driven. A detecting means may be utilized to detect a driving load of one of the driving roller and the outside roller and a controller is configured to drive another roller of the driving roller and the outside roller based on the driving load detected by the detecting means. An outside roller may be configured to contact an outer surface of the belt and to be driven by a second motor; a controller configured to control the second motor by a less loop gain than a loop gain to control the first motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kamiya Takuroh, Koide Hiroshi
  • Patent number: 7458883
    Abstract: An apparatus for abrading a surface is provided. The apparatus has a compact profile and includes a drive mechanism disposed in a housing. The drive mechanism includes a substantially vertical drive shaft rotatably mounted on a first plate and including a drive pulley mounted on the shaft. The drive pulley is rotatably connected to at least one coplanar pulley mounted on a substantially vertical shaft and disposed between the first plate and a second plate attached substantially parallel to the first plate. Thus, use of the apparatus in height-restricted spaces is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: B A Werk Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian Alexander Wilson, Ronald Eric Kliewer, Charles Donald Beadle
  • Patent number: 7419448
    Abstract: A hollow cylindrical pulley body 5 is carried rotatably by a hollow cylindrical shaft member 11. A support rod 8 is inserted in the shaft member 11 to support the shaft member 11 for rocking motion about a pivot axis C2 orthogonal to the shaft member 11. The pivot axis C2 is inclined backward in the direction of belt travel with respect to the direction of load on the shaft member 11. With this configuration, when the drive belt 3 deviates to one side, the pulley body 5 is immediately angularly moved so that it is inclined with a level difference with respect to the direction of load on the shaft member 11 and is positioned obliquely relative to the drive belt 3, thereby producing a force of returning the drive belt 3 to its normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Bando Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Miyata, Shinichiro Nishikawa, Masashi Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 7367916
    Abstract: A belt drive for a secondary unit of an internal combustion engine includes a friction wheel drive having a friction wheel, a cam device for adjusting the engagement of the friction wheel to the drive wheel of the secondary unit, the cam device having a cam, a swivel arm by which the friction wheel is connected to the cam which is rotationally mounted on a side of the engine, and a spring biasing the swivel arm in a tension direction. The friction wheel is in permanent position of frictional engagement with a drive wheel of the secondary unit to drive the secondary unit and with an outside of a belt on a drive wheel of the internal combustion engine or of another secondary unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignees: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Societe Anonyme
    Inventors: Rudolf Wimmer, Peter Foessl, Philipp Wieser, Heinz Lemberger
  • Patent number: 6938544
    Abstract: A belt drive for a machine for printing images on a flat printing material, having a continuous belt revolving during operation, includes a belt guide having stops for two protruding edges of the belt, the edges being oriented in a longitudinal direction of the belt and opposite one another in a transverse direction of the belt; and a machine for printing images on flat printing material having such a belt drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Dieter Bäcker, Roland Hirth, Richard Mack, Ralf Weiser
  • Publication number: 20040097310
    Abstract: A belt driving apparatus has a motor for generating the driving force, a toothed driving pulley rotating by the driving force, an endless toothed belt wound on the pulley, wherein a first surface of the toothed belt has teeth corresponding to teeth of the pulley and a second surface of the toothed belt is substantially smooth, an auxiliary roller for holding the toothed belt in a gap defined by the pulley and the auxiliary roller, a roller holding unit for holding the pulley and the auxiliary roller to be able to respectively rotate on axes of the pulley and the auxiliary roller and maintaining the gap between the pulley and the auxiliary roller and an urging member for urging the roller holding unit in a direction to the toothed belt around the pulley in order for the auxiliary roller hold by the roller holding unit to provide a tension to the toothed belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Takashi Koase, Eiichi Miyashita, Yasuhiko Yoshihisa, Masaaki Tsuda
  • Patent number: 6497634
    Abstract: An infinite variable transmission with input shaft (52), planetary carrier (28), planetary pulleys (36) and planetary gears (32) with planetary axles (30) equiangularly disposed on the carrier (28). Variable pitch pulley (41) adjust a serpentine belt (38) which adjust the rotation of the planetary gears (32) to adjust the output shaft (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Veritran, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Bode, A. Keith Miller, Mark R. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 6116325
    Abstract: A break away operating cord system for retractable coverings for architectural openings such as windows, doors, arches or the like includes a mounting plate to which an operating cord is attached and wherein the mounting plate is releasable from the remainder of the control system for the retractable covering allowing the operating cord to be separated from most of the covering to avoid injury to a child or infant whose head might be trapped within the closed operating cord loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Marek Jarosinski
  • Patent number: 6117044
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical transmission, which transmission includes guide members for realizing a rotational translating movement of a wheel which is connected to an output shaft and which makes contact with an endless belt of mutually abutting push links, which guide members are assembled from at least two linear guide tracks received mutually perpendicularly in the same plate and guide elements co-acting with the linear guide tracks, wherein guide elements are connected to the wheel for rotational translation and guide elements are rigidly connected to the frame whereby the plate is movable in linear manner relative to the frame and the wheel is displaceable in linear manner relative to the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Heerke Hoogenberg
  • Patent number: 6086494
    Abstract: A positively controlled raising cylinder raising machine, having a plurality of raising cylinders, circumferentially arranged on a rotary framework, a toothed driving belt for driving the raising cylinders being engaged with a portion of the toothed circular periphery of the raising cylinder, said toothed driving belt being driven by a transmission toothed pulley arranged around a central portion of a circumference defined by the circular periphery of the raising cylinders and operatively coupled to a driving motor, the raising cylinder driving belt being moreover engaged with a pair of switching pulleys holding the driving belt tensioned, the switching pulleys being arranged inside the circular periphery of the raising cylinders on opposite sides of said transmission toothed pulley and near the transmission toothed pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Emanuele Crosta
  • Patent number: 5733214
    Abstract: In a system for adjusting the tension of an endless transmitting belt in an internal combustion engine, a control system automatically adjusts the tension to be applied from a tensioner to the endless transmitting belt. The control system includes a driving-side rotational state detecting device for detecting the rotational state of a driving wheel which drives the endless transmitting belt. A driven-side rotational state detecting device detects the rotational state of a driven wheel driven by the endless transmitting belt. A control unit calculates a difference in rotational phase between the driving and driven wheels from results of detection by both rotational state detecting devices and controls the operation of a tension changing device in accordance with the difference in rotational phase. Thus, it is possible to accurately and quickly accommodate a very small variation in tension of the transmitting belt without specially using a strain gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuaki Shiki, Kaoru Shimamura, Tsutomu Saka
  • Patent number: 5518460
    Abstract: The combination of an endless power transmission belt construction and a pulley therefor, the belt construction and methods of making the same are provided, the belt construction having opposed inner and outer surfaces with one surface defining a plurality of longitudinally disposed and alternately spaced apart like projections and grooves that are adapted to mesh with a ribbed surface of one pulley, and a planar surface adapted to operate on a planar surface of another pulley, wherein the planar surface of the belt construction comprises a polymeric material. The polymeric material of the planar surface provides a greater tractive force on the planar surface of the pulley. The planar surface further provides means to prevent abrasive particles accumulating thereon, thereby reducing wear upon the planar surface of the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack D. White, Jr., Kenneth D. Richmond
  • Patent number: 5470281
    Abstract: Drive apparatus (2) for a cycle (4), which drive apparatus (2) comprises a frame (6), a motor (8), a first pulley (10) which is driven by the motor (8), a second pulley (12), and an endless belt (14) which passes around the two pulleys (10, 12) and which is driven by the first pulley (10), the drive apparatus (2) being such that during use the belt (14) as in driving engagement with a tire (16) of a wheel (18) of the cycle (4), and the drive apparatus (2) being such that during use the first pulley (10) does not engage the tire (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Sinclair Research Limited
    Inventor: Clive M. Sinclair
  • Patent number: 5458710
    Abstract: The combination of an endless power transmission belt construction and a pulley therefor, the belt construction and methods of making the same are provided, the belt construction having opposed inner and outer surfaces with one surface defining a plurality of longitudinally disposed and alternately spaced apart like projections and grooves that are adapted to mesh with a ribbed surface of one pulley, and a planar surface adapted to operate on a planar surface of another pulley, wherein the planar surface of the belt construction comprises a polymeric material. The polymeric material of the planar surface provides a greater tractive force on the planar surface of the pulley. The planar surface further provides means to prevent abrasive particles accumulating thereon, thereby reducing wear upon the planar surface of the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack D. White, Jr., Kenneth D. Richmond
  • Patent number: 5419742
    Abstract: A vibration proofing system for an engine timing chain utilizes a tensioner on the slack side of the chain path, in which a ring-shaped, chain-engaging shoe is rotatably disposed on a circular frame mounted on the piston of a tensioner mechanism, and in which the shoe surrounds the frame and tensioner mechanism. Engine oil, which is used in the tensioner, is supplied from the tensioner to lubricate the rotatable chain-engaging shoe. On the tension side of the chain path, a guide includes fixed support, a first ring rotatable on the support, and a ring-shaped, chain-engaging shoe which is in off-centered relationship to the support and the inner diameter of which is larger than the outer diameter of the first ring. Engine oil is supplied through the support to lubricate the first ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Shimaya
  • Patent number: 5366417
    Abstract: A vibration proofing system for an engine timing chain utilizes a tensioner on the slack side of the chain path, in which a ring-shaped, chain-engaging shoe is rotatably disposed on a circular frame mounted on the piston of a tensioner mechanism, and in which the shoe surrounds the frame and tensioner mechanism. Engine oil, which is used in the tensioner, is supplied from the tensioner to lubricate the rotatable chain-engaging shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Shimaya
  • Patent number: 5304100
    Abstract: An automatic tensioner apparatus comprising an idler pulley engaging a transmission belt of a wrapping connector type transmission mechanism, an arm for swingably supporting the idler pulley with respect to a predetermined supporting surface, and a resilient member for exhibiting a resilient force for swinging the arm and the idler pulley in a direction to engage the transmission belt in order to apply a predetermined tension to the transmission belt. A casing for accommodating the resilient member is secured to the supporting surface and an arm pivot-supporting portion for swingably supporting a base portion of the arm is integrally provided on the casing in such a manner that the arm pivot-supporting portion is offset relative to the resilient member in a direction along the supporting surface and relative to the resilient member in a direction away from the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Moriyoshi Awasaka, Yoshio Kadoshima
  • Patent number: 5267908
    Abstract: The combination of an endless power transmission belt construction and a pulley therefor, the belt construction and methods of making the same are provided, the belt construction having opposed inner and outer surfaces with one surface defining a plurality of longitudinally disposed and alternately spaced apart like projections and grooves that are adapted to mesh with a ribbed surface of one pulley, and a planar surface adapted to operate on a planar surface of another pulley, wherein the planar surface of the belt construction comprises a polymeric material. The polymeric material of the planar surface provides a greater tractive force on the planar surface of the pulley. The planar surface further provides means to prevent abrasive particles accumulating thereon, thereby reducing wear upon the planar surface of the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack D. White, Jr., Kenneth D. Richmond
  • Patent number: 5261860
    Abstract: A drive apparatus, able to perform positioning of a driven object to be driven with a high degree of accuracy, sufficiently obtain the desired thrust even when using the low output of a driving source such as a motor, and allow the speed of movement of the driven object to be set as desired, is provided. This drive device, wherein a first belt-shaped member, to which driving force is applied with a driving source such as a motor, is engaged with a driven object to move said driven object, is equipped with a speed reduction function that functions by mounting a rotating body having a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion onto said driven object, engaging this large diameter portion with a belt-shaped member, stretching another belt-shaped member parallel to said belt-shaped member, engaging this belt-shaped member with the above-mentioned small diameter portion, and setting the ratio of the diameters of the above-mentioned large diameter and small diameter portions as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiji Takei
  • Patent number: 4781664
    Abstract: A drive power mission system having a driving pulley, a plurality of driven pulleys, and the power transmission belt laid in a serpentine manner over the pulleys. The driving pulley and at least one driven pulley, which are in contact with the inner surface of the power transmission belt, have a plurality of V-grooves arranged circumferentially. The V-groove fits to ribs formed on the inner surface of the belt, and the remaining pulley or pulleys, which are engaged with the outer surface of the power transmission belt have a plurality of protrusions arranged in parallel and circumferentially. The protrusions engage the outer surface of the belt, which is flat, and the power transmission belt is an endless belt having a plurality of ribs arranged longitudinally thereof. The ribs are substantially equal in section along the widthwise direction of the belt and the outer surface of the belt is flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd.
    Inventor: Junji Imamura
  • Patent number: 4666187
    Abstract: In a device for connecting and disconnecting hoses or pipes to and from difficultly accessible structures such as under water, it is aimed at providing a reliable device, which will be easy to operate, lends itself to repeated connecting and disconnecting of the hoses or pipes, also if necessary by remote control, and which is to a considerable extent selfcleaning. To this end the device has a movable supporting structure for carrying the hose or tube by engaging a freely rotatable end part thereon and an endless chain slung around a driving pinion and around two other chain pinions in the device, which latter pinions are positioned one to each side of the hose or pipe, are movable towards and away therefrom and are urged away therefrom. The chain is slung around part of the periphery of said part to engage a gear ring thereon with its run between the said two other chain pinions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: Ingenieursbureau Marcon (Marine Consultants) B.V.
    Inventor: Petrus C. Koot
  • Patent number: 4559910
    Abstract: The crankshaft of an internal combustion engine is supported in a split bearing assembly near one end of the crankshaft, with the lower half of the bearing assembly formed in a bearing holder secured to the engine block. An arcuate flange projects axially towards that end of the crankshaft. The flange underlies a crankshaft pulley which drives a timing belt. The arcuate surface of the flange is struck from a center offset from the crankshaft axis in order to provide clearance for the timing belt. The offset construction also improves the joint seal between the oil pan and the engine block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tadashi Tsuchiyama, Yoshiaki Hidaka
  • Patent number: 4557710
    Abstract: A drive unit preferably employed with a self-propelled lawn mower for driving at least one pair of wheels of the mower. An axle pulley is fixed on the axle of the drive wheels and a directional pulley is rotatably mounted above and in a spaced apart relation to the axle pulley. A drive belt is trained over an upper portion of the directional pulley and about a lower portion of the axle pulley and is then trained about an upper portion of a directional roller. The drive unit has a drive condition and an idle condition in which a portion of the drive belt, between the directional roller and the axle pulley, is in a generally vertical run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Inventor: C. Austin Greider
  • Patent number: 4536172
    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 mechanical spring unit operatively associated with a support unit and a belt engaging unit for urging the belt engaging unit relative to the support unit and against a belt with a force to tension the belt, and a fluid 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 fluid dampening unit comprising a rotary dampening unit and being coaxially aligned with the spring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Assignee: Dayco Corporation
    Inventors: Lee R. Burris, Billy L. Speer, Melvin D. Gayer
  • Patent number: 4481005
    Abstract: A chain drive system (10) wherein the chain (12) includes a plurality of interconnected links (14) is provided. The chain drive system (10) includes a drive gear (28) for driving the chain (12). A rack (20) is provided and includes a plurality of spaced apart teeth (22) for engagement with the links (14) of the chain (12). Idler gears (38, 40) are provided for causing engagement between the chain (12) and the rack (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventor: James A. Mann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4402240
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for slitting ribbon stock for use in making fins for a heat exchanger. A pair of slitter wheels are mounted to co-act on separate shafts. One of the shafts is driven by a motor and the other shaft is driven therefrom. Notched pulleys mounted on each shaft and a double sided belt connects the pulleys to maintain the slitter teeth and respective wheels in registration during rotation. A phase shifting device is further provided to allow for initial alignment of the slitter teeth relative to the pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1983
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Ross A. Moyer
  • Patent number: 4299584
    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 adjacent the drive belt and has a lever plate pivotally mounted thereon. An idler pulley is rotatably mounted on the lever plate and is adapted to be moved in a belt tensioning direction for engagement with the drive belt. A coil spring is mounted on the bracket and is engaged with the lever plate biasing the lever plate and pulley in the belt tensioning direction. A series of ratchet teeth is provided in the lever plate and is engaged by a detent which is mounted on the bracket and formed of a strip of spring steel. The spring steel detent-ratchet teeth engagement retards movement of the lever plate in a direction opposite to belt tensioning direction. Also the detent will bow outwardly due to the resiliency thereof while retarding the reverse movement of the lever plate to provide a damping effect on the belt engaging pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1981
    Assignee: Dyneer Corporation
    Inventor: Nolte V. Sproul
  • Patent number: 4216679
    Abstract: An endless power transmission belt is provided which comprises a first portion defining the bottom surface of the belt and comprising a plurality of laterally spaced power transmitting ribs and a groove between each adjacent rib, a second portion bonded to the first portion and acting as a tie band therefor and for the third portion which defines the top surface of the belt and also comprises a plurality of laterally spaced power transmitting ribs and a groove between each adjacent rib. The third portion is symmetrical with the first portion and the grooves in each portion provide a relief area between the ribs to allow debris to work through the tie band and become discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1980
    Assignee: Dayco Corporation
    Inventors: Anderson W. Howerton, Darrell L. Klein, James R. Thomas
  • Patent number: RE38887
    Abstract: An infinite variable transmission with input shaft (52), planetary carrier (28), planetary pulleys (36) and planetary gears (32) with planetary axles (30) equiangularly disposed on the carrier (28). Variable pitch pulley (41) adjust a serpentine belt (38) which adjust the rotation of the planetary gears (32) to adjust the output shaft (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Veritran, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Bode, A. Keith Miller, Mark R. Vaughn