Abstract: The combination of: a) first and second spaced pulleys; b) an endless belt; and c) a belt installation jig having a body with: a pulley pressing part; a belt holding part; and a belt pressing part. The belt installation jig and belt cooperate so that with the belt operatively wrapped against the second pulley and partially operatively wrapped against the first pulley, turning of the first pulley causes the belt to progressively wrap around the first pulley to a fully operatively wrapped state, whereupon further turning of the first pulley situates the belt installation jig for separation from the belt and pulleys.

Abstract: A torque transfer device for efficiently increasing the torque transferred from a drive unit to another device (e.g. transmission, sprocket, etc.). The torque transfer device generally includes a drive unit, a first rotating member rotatably attached to the drive unit, wherein the drive unit rotates the first rotating member, a receiving unit, a first rotating member rotatably attached to the receiving unit and a connecting arm attached to a first attachment point of the first rotating member and a second attachment point of the second rotating member. The first attachment point is offset from a first rotational axis of the first rotating member and the second attachment point is offset from a second rotational axis of the second rotating member.

Abstract: A method for forming a convex tilting zone (23) at a main body-surface (11) of a transverse element for application in a push belt for a continuously variable transmission comprises the step of applying a die (30) that is placed against the main body surface (11) under pressure. However, the die (30) is pressed against the main body surface (11) just outside of an area where the tilting zone (23) needs to be formed. By applying the die (30), a recessed area (27) is arranged in the main body surface (11), wherein retraction of the material of the transverse element takes place along an upper edge (28) of this area (27). A retraction area that is obtained in this manner is suitable to function as tilting zone (23). An important advantage of the application of the described method is that the pressure that is exerted on the die (30) may be considerably lower than the pressure that is required during conventional processes for forming a tilting zone (23).

Abstract: A silent chain using double-sided driving link plates having symmetrical upper and lower teeth has a problem that it is unable to assure a required risky sectional area of the plates because a width between upper and lower crotches is narrow. The invention provides a silent chain using double-sided driving link plates whose required risky sectional area is maintained by using link plate whose back side is undercut and whose upper and lower parts are unsymmetrical even though its front side has a shape of a normal link plate. A distance from a line connecting centers of pin holes to a bottom of an upper-side crotch is equal to or more than ½ of a diameter of the pin hole to assure the risky sectional area. Teeth of the back side are cut away to form a flat surface to assure a contact area with a shoe and others.

Abstract: A compact low capacity torque limiter is installed in a drive sheave of a belt drive connecting an engine to the hammer mill of a horizontal grinder.

Abstract: A drive device (1) for machine auxiliary units (K, L, S/G) for transmitting a machine drive force from a machine (VM) to the machine auxiliary units by a belt. At least one machine auxiliary unit is provided as an electrical machine (S/G) that has either a poly-V-belt pulley to be driven by a poly-V-belt or a toothed belt pulley to be driven by a toothed belt. The belt has a toothed side (R1) and a poly-V side (R2) opposite one another, wherein a machine belt pulley is designed to drive the toothed side of the belt for transmitting the machine drive force, if the electrical machine has a poly-V-belt pulley, or is designed as a poly-V-belt pulley if the electrical machine has a toothed belt pulley.

Abstract: A power shaft including a belt retaining geometry is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The power shaft includes a shaft including a normal belt position portion adapted for receiving a belt and a reduced diameter portion formed on the shaft and located adjacent to the normal belt position portion. The belt can move into the reduced diameter portion of the power shaft during operation and the reduced diameter portion creates an alignment tension force on the belt that operates to return the belt to the normal belt position portion.

Abstract: A power transmission belt having a body with a length, a width between laterally spaced sides, and a thickness between inside and outside surfaces. At least one load carrying member extends in a lengthwise direction. The body has a plurality of teeth spaced along at least one of the inside and outside of the body. The teeth have a width that decreases progressively from: a) a first location between the inside and outside surfaces; and b) one of the inside and outside surfaces so that the one surface has a width that is less than a width of the other surfaces. A cloth layer is applied to the one surface and is a multiwoven structure with interwoven: a) warp; and b) at least two different wefts.

Abstract: The invention is a combination drive and suspension system that includes an upper drive assembly and a lower drive assembly pivotally connected. The pivoting drive system provides improved ground clearance for a farm vehicle capable of carrying a large quantity of field application material.

Abstract: A dual-ratchet wheel transmission apparatus includes: a drive wheel set, having a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel coaxially integrated with a drive shaft; a driven wheel set, being coaxially set with a driven shaft in which the driven shaft is connected to an output for transmission, the driven wheel set including: a first driven wheel being centrally integrated with a unidirectional ratchet wheel, in which the first driven wheel engages with the first drive wheel for transmission, a second driven wheel being centrally integrated with another unidirectional ratchet wheel, in which the second driven wheel is connected to the second drive wheel via a transmission element. By the aforementioned configuration, whether the drive wheel set rotates forward or backward, the transmission set rotates in only one direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention facilitate shifting by reducing forces on certain shifting components and includes a snowmobile comprising a chassis, an engine supported by the chassis, a drive train operatively connected to the engine, the drive train comprising a reverse sprocket assembly functionally coupled to an upper sprocket assembly, a jackshaft rotatable within the upper sprocket assembly, and a pinion operatively connected to the jackshaft and selectively positionable axially along the jackshaft to a first position that engages the upper sprocket assembly to translate the snowmobile in a forward direction or to a second position that engages the reverse sprocket assembly to translate the snowmobile in a reverse direction.

Abstract: Coupling members (50) are inserted into through-holes (9 and 10) in links (2) of a chain (1). The coupling member (50) includes first and second pins (3 and 4). Pairs of end portions (14 and 15, 27 and 28) of the first and second pins (3 and 4) with respect to an orthogonal direction (V) orthogonal to both a chain travel direction (X) and a chain width direction (W) are received by receiving portions (38 and 39, 40 and 41) provided to the corresponding through-holes (9 and 10) in the corresponding links (2). At least one of the end portions (14, 15, 27, and 28) includes a curved surface portion (14, 15, 32a, or 32a) received by the corresponding receiving portion (38, 39, 40, or 41). The curved surface portion (14, 15, 32a, or 32a) includes an apex portion (20, 22, 33, or 33) with respect to the orthogonal direction (V), and the curvature radius of the curved surface portion (14, 15, 32a, or 32a) is increased continuously or step by step as headed toward the apex portion (20, 22, 33, or 33).

Abstract: A power transmission chain (1) includes a plurality of link plates (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 2J) aligned along the chain travel direction (X1) and a plurality of connection members (50, 3) connecting these link plates (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 2J) to each other. When the link plates (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 2J) are viewed along the chain width direction (W1), the link plates (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 2J) each include discrimination portion (22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, 22G, 22H, 22J, 22K) for discriminating the chain travel direction (X1).

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket assembly has two or more sprockets in which a chain is shifted between adjacent pairs of the sprockets. Each sprocket includes a chain engaging portion with a plurality of teeth and an attachment portion. At least one of the larger sprockets has a plurality of space maintaining projections extending axially towards an adjacent one of the sprockets. In a preferred embodiment, a predetermined axial space exists between a free end of each of the space maintaining projections and the adjacent one of the sprockets.

Abstract: A chain drive system includes a drive sprocket, a driven sprocket and a chain looped over the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket. The chain and the sprocket having respective sliding surfaces slidable relative to each other in the presence of lubricating oil, and any adjacent chain components of the chain having respective sliding surfaces slidable relative to each other in the presence of lubricating oil. At least one of the sliding surfaces between the chain and the sprocket and at least one of the sliding surfaces between any adjacent chain components have hard carbon coatings formed on base portions thereof. Each of the hard carbon coatings has a hydrogen content of 10 atomic % or less.

Abstract: An expandable pulley comprising a plurality of adjacent segments, each segment being radially moveable, each segment slidingly engaged with a pin member, each pin member having an engagement with each segment such that each segment is moveable in a direction substantially at an angle (?) to a radial along each pin member, a moveable guide member engaged with each segment for spatially locating each segment with respect to another segment, a counterweight cooperatively connected to each segment and cooperatively engageable with each pin member, each counterweight exerting a force opposing a segment centripetal force, and each pin member connected to a hub.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes a reduction gear mechanism (17) for reducing the rotation speed of an output shaft (16) of an electric motor (15). The reduction gear mechanism (17) comprises an inscribed gear (39) rotatable interlockingly with the output shaft (16), and a circumscribed gear (40) in which the inscribed gear (39) is inscribed. An endless belt connects a driving pulley (41) integrally rotatable with the circumscribed gear (40) and a driven pulley (42) disposed so as to surround a steerable shaft. By heightening the reduction gear ratio by the speed reduction using the inscribed gear (39) and the circumscribed gear (40), the reduction gear mechanism (17) as a whole can achieve a high reduction gear ratio without making the diameter of the driving pulley (41) very small.

Abstract: A chain drive, especially to a camshaft/camshaft drive for a motor vehicle engine, comprising at least two chain wheels and one drive chain. The gear rims of the at least two chain wheels are arranged to be laterally offset to each other in the axial direction. The chain drive is performed as a multiple chain, wherein each of the offset gear rims of the chain wheels have their own track of the multiple chain due to the lateral displacement of the gear rims. The tip diameters of the offset gear rims and the chain wheels are overlapping. At least one support wheel is provided laterally next to a gear rim of an associated chain wheel, which engages into the empty track of the multiple chain not engaged with the gear rim of the associated chain wheel and is driven together with the associated chain wheel.

Abstract: A drive system for a robot includes a track including opposed sidewalls, an electrified rail positioned between the sidewalls, a shoe mounted on the robot for contacting the electrified rail providing power to the robot, a drive motor mounted on the robot, a rotating drive member, the drive member engaging the track to drive the robot when the drive motor is actuated, means for coupling the drive member to the drive motor and means for increasing the friction between the drive system and the track at selected locations along the track.

Abstract: An inverted tooth chain drive system includes an inverted tooth chain structured for inside flank engagement. The chain includes link rows each including leading inside flanks that project outwardly relative to trailing outside flanks of a preceding link row. The system further includes a sprocket with which said inverted tooth chain is drivingly engaged. The sprocket includes a plurality of teeth circumferentially spaced about an axis of rotation, each tooth comprising an engaging flank and a disengaging flank. Some of the teeth are defined with a first tooth form in which said engaging flank thereof is defined with a first pressure angle and others of said teeth are defined with a second tooth form in which the engaging flank thereof is defined with a second pressure angle that is different from the first pressure angle in order to stagger or modulate the initial meshing impacts between the leading inside flanks of the chain and engaging flanks of the sprocket teeth.

Abstract: A compensating drive for driving a compensating shaft of an internal combustion engine, comprising a toothed belt or a chain, which connects a crankshaft driven wheel of the internal combustion engine to a drive wheel on the compensating shaft or shafts, in which case the crankshaft driven wheel (2, 2?) and/or the drive wheel or wheels (5) of the compensating shafts (4) are shaped to be non-circular in such a way that they transmit to the drive a variability, which at least partially compensates the vibrations produced during the rotation of the crankshaft (1).

Abstract: Belt drive comprising a crankshaft pulley, an accessory pulley, a transmission belt wound on the crankshaft pulley, an accessory pulley, a water pump friction pulley and a friction wheel having a friction surface co-operating with the friction pulley and a back of the transmission belt at a section of the belt that is wound around the crankshaft pulley; the friction wheel is made of metal and has a knurled friction surface, the friction pulley comprises a soft friction annulus with the friction surface of the friction wheel.

Abstract: The system includes at least one transmission belt for coupling the shafts of auxiliary devices to a pulley which can be coupled for operation to the shaft of the combustion engine, and an electromagnetically operated clutch between this pulley and the shaft of the engine. An overrunning clutch is interposed between the pulley and the shaft of the engine. The clutch is normally disengaged and de-energized. The pulley has a hub fitted on an extension of the shaft of the engine with the interposition of the overrunning clutch, and has a channel-shaped cross section with a concavity facing the internal combustion engine. The electromagnetically operated clutch comprises a winding which is fixed to the engine and which extends into the concavity of the pulley, and a ferromagnetic ring carried in an axially translatable way by a support element fixed with respect to rotation to the extension of the shaft of the engine.

Abstract: Continuously variable transmission provided with a primary pulley and a secondary pulley, around which a drive belt is arranged, clamped between two conical pulley discs of the respective pulley, a running surface of at least one pulley disc of the primary pulley and the secondary pulley, via which running surface this pulley disc contacts the drive belt, being provided, as seen in a cross section oriented perpendicular to a tangential direction, with a curvature, so that a pulley angle between a tangent on the running surface and a radial direction varies between a lowest value at the location of a radially innermost position on the running surface and a highest value at the location of a radially outermost position on the running surface. The curvature of the running surface of the primary pulley and that of the running surface of the secondary pulley differ from one another.

Abstract: A wheel, such as a pulley or a sprocket, includes a hub and a sleeve. The hub has an outer surface with a plurality of substantially axially aligned teeth. The sleeve has: (a) an inner surface with a plurality of substantially axially aligned grooves that engage the teeth of the hub; and, (b) an outer band engagement surface that engages a band, such as a belt or a chain. As the band tends to become misaligned with respect to the wheel, the sleeve automatically moves axially with respect to the hub to correct the misalignment.

Abstract: A rotating disk is provided, which can rotate by a rotational angle about a rotational axis (12) and has a number of teeth (20) arranged on a periphery of the rotating disk (10) and tooth spaces (22) located between the teeth, through whose middle runs a tooth-space middle line (30), and the rotating disk (10) has a periodically changing tooth-space geometry. The rotating disk (10) has a tip circle radius (24) that is constant. In addition, a drive device and a belt drive with a rotating disk (10) are provided.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for converting a substantially linear driving force to a rotary propulsive force where in apparatus comprises a pedal assembly for accepting a substantially linear drive force and a drive assembly for transferring the substantially linear drive force to a rotary motion through a power transference assembly linked to the pedal assembly and the drive assembly.

Abstract: A working unit includes a gear body disposed forwardly of a tubular member around which a wire is wound and having a rotational axis disposed substantially parallel to the tubular member, and a first gear and a second gear for transmitting rotation of a gear body to another gear body. The numbers of turns of wires, the size of a main shaft, and the size of a gear body, which are positioned forwardly of the tubular member, have no adverse effect on the manner in which a wire is wound around the tubular member. The wire can be wound around the tubular member over a wide region thereof for increasing the angular displacement of the gear body. The increased angular displacement of the gear body makes it possible to increase the angular displacement and rotational torque of the gear body.

Abstract: A working unit comprises a gear body rotatable in a direction perpendicular to a reference axis, a gear ring including a proximal end surface held in contact with the gear body and rotatable about the reference axis to change the direction of rotation of the gear body, a first end effector body held in contact with an axially distal end surface of the gear ring at an upper portion thereof, and rotatable about a rotational axis perpendicular to the reference axis to change the direction of rotation of the gear ring, and a second end effector body held in contact with the axially distal end surface of the gear ring at a lower portion thereof, and rotatable in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first end effector body rotates, about the rotational axis. The first end effector body and the second end effector body are openable and closable symmetrically with respect to the reference axis.

Abstract: A chain-type driving force transmitting apparatus includes a case having a lower space accumulating therein lubricating oil, an input shaft rotatably supported by the case, an output shaft arranged in parallel with the input shaft and rotatably supported by the case, and a chain wound around the input shaft and the output shaft and lifting up the lubricating oil accumulated in the lower space of the case. The chain-type driving force transmitting apparatus further includes a separator positioned adjacent to the chain and dividing the lower space of the case into a first chamber housing the chain and a second chamber. The separator has an inclined portion formed at an upper end of the separator and inclining towards the chain so as to receive the lubricating oil lifted up by the chain, wherein the lubricating oil received by the inclined portion flows into the second chamber.

Abstract: A power transmission mechanism comprising: a flexible power transmission element; a pair of a drive pulley and a driven pulley on which the flexible power transmission element is wound, each the pulley having a pin-embedding hole formed to extend from the outer circumferential thereof toward the center thereof, and a slit elongated in the circumferential direction of the pulley to extend to opposite sides of the embedding hole and communicating with the embedding hole; and a pair of columnar or tapered anchor pins each having a path hole penetrating the anchor pin across the lengthwise direction thereof to receive the flexible power transmission element inserted therein, wherein each the anchor pin receiving the flexible power transmission element in the path hole thereof is embedded in the embedding hole of the associated pulley under pressure, and the flexible power transmission element is thereby held on the pulley.

Abstract: A motor-driven steering apparatus includes a steering member reciprocating in correspondence to a steering wheel operation, a ball nut inserted to a ball thread shaft of the steering member, a drive pulley driven by an electric motor, and a driven pulley coupled to the drive pulley via a belt and integrally rotating with the ball nut. The drive pulley is provided with a pulley main body which is rotatably supported in both sides in an axial direction by a pair of rolling bearings, and is provided with a plurality of tooth portions, and a pair of regulating members attached to both end sides in an axial direction thereof. The respective regulating members is pinched between an inner ring of the rolling bearing and an end portion of the pulley main body.

Abstract: A drive device, preferably for lifting columns for height-adjustable tables, comprising an endless chain (31) running over first and second chain wheels (16, 17) with a first chain run and a second chain run between the two chain wheels, wherein at least one chain run may be connected with a movable element in the structure in which the drive device is incorporated. The drive device comprises a stick-shaped element (5), where the chain wheels (16, 17) are mounted at their respective ends and the one chain wheel (16) is driven by an electric motor (6) via a transmission and where both the electric motor and the transmission are likewise mounted on the stick-shaped element so that the drive device essentially appears as a finished, mountable unit. The length of stroke is determined solely by the selection of the length of the drive device, just as the drive device may be constructed for a slender column profile. The drive device is moreover easy to mount.

Abstract: A C-axis driving device of a computer numerical controlled (CNC) lathing and milling machine includes a spindle, an encoder, a spindle motor, and a servo motor. The spindle has a clamping device and a transmission portion. This encoder connects with the transmission portion via an auxiliary timing belt. The spindle motor and the servo motor connect with the transmission portion via at least one driving timing belt. Only at most one of the spindle motor and the servo motor is to drive this transmission portion at any time during operation. So, it has a simple structure to achieve the clutching change function. It can save more space. And, it can significantly reduce the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A synchronous rear belt drive system for belt driven motorcycles and a method of altering the final drive ratio of such motorcycles utilizing the present rear belt drive system is disclosed. The present rear belt drive system provides a plurality of interchangeable sprocket rings, which are assembled on a universal center hub. The selectively interchangeable sprocket rings include different dimensional characteristics and tooth configurations, which produce a wide range of final drive ratios. In one embodiment the front sprocket rings, rear sprocket and drive belt include two rows of obliquely angled teeth that prevent axial movement of the drive belt and permit a narrower belt, reduced sprocket weight, and increased horsepower. In an alternative embodiment the interchangeable sprocket rings include a single, annular row of straight teeth that are compatible with the original equipment rear sprocket and belt and also function to reduce sprocket weight and increase horsepower.

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.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for utility machinery is disclosed. The mechanism includes a driver wheel and a driven wheel that are coupled by means of an endless flexible band trained around outer rims of the driver and driven wheels. The driver wheel is adapted to transmit drive to the driven wheel in a forward direction F along a loaded side of the band. The mechanism further comprises an idler wheel that runs on an outer side of the band and applies an inwardly directed tensioning force to the band on a run of the band that is unloaded when forward drive is being transmitted. A reverse driver is positioned between the idler wheel and the driven wheel on an inner portion of the side of the band that is unloaded during forward drive. The reverse driver is adapted to selectively provide a reverse drive to the band.

Abstract: A synchronous drive apparatus and method, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of rotors comprising at least a first and a second rotor. The first rotor has a plurality of teeth for engaging the engaging sections of an elongate drive structure, and the second rotor has a plurality of teeth for engaging the engaging section of the elongate drive structure. A rotary load assembly is coupled to the second rotor. The elongate drive structure engages about the first and second rotors. The first rotor is arranged to drive the elongate drive structure and the second rotor is arranged to be driven by the elongate drive structure. One of the rotors has a non-circular profile having at least two protruding portions alternating with receding portions.

Abstract: Yarn is dispensed by a yarn guide mobile in translation parallel to generatrices of a rotary holder. The device comprises a carriage receiving the yarn guide and having fittings for being coupled with a flexible transmission and driving member adapted to impart to the yarn guide a reciprocating movement, in combination with a translational guide, parallel to the generatrices of the rotary holder. The yarn guide, the translational guide and the fittings being offset at an angle on the carriage to generate an additional speed component proximate to changeover points.

Abstract: A shiftable toothed-belt drive, containing an engagement and disengagement device, in order alternately to mesh radially and demesh radially a toothed belt, which is guided around at least two gearwheels, with and from at least one of the two gearwheels. A disengager in the form of two externally profiled pulleys is urged axially along the shaft of one of the gearwheels supporting the toothed belt for radially raising the belt and demeshing the belt from the gearwheel. An engager engages the outside of the belt for tensioning the belt sufficiently to counter the effect of the disengager, move the pulleys apart and mesh the belt with the one gearwheel.

Abstract: An improved tooth profile for a roller chain sprocket enables noise reduction from impact and polygonal action during the meshing process. The profile of the engaging flank consists of three portions which are the seating, impact and distal portions all three of which are arcs with well-defined radii and arc centers. The profile of the disengaging flank is determined in accordance to a modified form of the JIS standard in which the sprocket pitch is smaller than the roller chain pitch. The impact point is located at the tangent point, thus permitting a gradual change of the roller velocity, thereby lessening the impact level and the effects of polygonal action.

Abstract: An active vibration control system provides a mass which is movable through a large excursion while minimizing the system size in two of three dimensions to compensate for sensed vibrations. A first rotating member is rotatable about a first axis and a second rotating member is rotatable about a second axis to drive a belt mounting a mass. The first axis is offset from the second axis such that as the members are rotated, the belt is driven about an elongated path. This arrangement generates an impulsive vibratory force as the mass passes over each of the rotating members and quickly changes direction. A belt including a sinusoidal mass distribution generates a vibratory force that is a smooth sinusoidal output. Multiple systems are suitably usable in conjunction with one another to provide a wide range of vibratory outputs.

Abstract: A belt drive system for use in a positive drive application includes a transmission belt having a row of drive teeth spaced apart along a first side and a non-toothed opposite second side. The system includes a driver pulley, a counter-rotating driven pulley or pulleys, and the transmission belt. The counter-rotation is achieved by the incorporation of a 180 degree twist in a belt span between the driver pulley and the driven pulley and a recovery twist in a second belt span from the driven pulley back to the driver pulley.

Abstract: A rotating drive apparatus comprises a plurality of shafts rotatably mounted in the apparatus substantially parallel to each other. At least one shaft is adapted to be operatively connected to a power source for rotation thereof. An idler is rotatably mounted on one of the shafts. A first band connector engages at least two shafts such that turning of the first band connector in response to rotation of one shaft causes rotation of the other. A second band connector engages the idler and at least two shafts such that the two shafts engaged by the second band connector rotate when the first band connector turns.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a driven device having an input shaft is provided, including an attendant methodology for optimally configuring components thereof so as to minimize instability without recourse to utilization of a pivot regulating mechanism. The drive assembly includes a driving device having an output shaft, a driving device support structure, and a drive operatively linking the output shaft of the driving device with the input shaft of the driven device. The driving device support structure includes an anchorable base and a selectively positionable platform pivotable, with respect to the base, about a pivot axis so as to thereby define a tilt angle &agr; for the platform relative to a horizon. The drive including a drive sheave, a driven sheave, and an endless loop, a hub load being generated by the endless loop about the sheaves and acting therebetween along a hub load line. The hub load line has an angular relationship e relative to the horizon.

Abstract: An engine accessory belt drive includes a self-aligning pulley assembly including a relatively stationary outer assembly and a universally pivotable inner assembly supported by the outer assembly and able to be locked in position by tightening of a fastener. During alignment of the self-aligning pulley with the belt, the fastener is maintained in the loose position, allowing limited universal pivoting of the rotational axis of the pulley as a result of belt tension forces which act to align the pulley. After the pulley is aligned, the fastener is tightened to fix the rotational axis of the pulley and the inner assembly in the aligned position of the pulley. Features of the inner and outer assemblies of the pulley assembly are also described.

Abstract: A frictional forced power transmission belt transmits power to a pulley with its belt body wound around and in contact with the pulley. At least a contact part of the belt body with a pulley is formed of a rubber composition which contains ethylene-&agr;-olefin elastomer as a rubber component but contains substantially no short fibers and which has a rubber hardness of not less than 80 but less than 95 when measured with a type A durometer in conformity with JIS K6253.

Abstract: A two speed shift mechanism for a belt drive, including a rotatable shaft including a first pulley mounted thereon for rotation therewith, a tube concentric with the shaft and rotatable therearound, the tube including a shift hub mounted around a portion thereof for rotation therewith, and the shift hub supporting a second pulley in axially spaced relation to the first pulley for concentric rotation about the shift hub. The mechanism includes a collar mounted around the shift hub in the space between the pulleys for rotation with the shift hub and for axial movement relative thereto between a position adjacent the first pulley and a position adjacent the second pulley.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pneumatic system for displacing a cable (1) stretched in a loop between at least two pulleys (2, 3). Said system comprises at least an artificial muscle (5) inserted over a portion of the loop, the length of said artificial muscle varying depending on whether or not it is under pressure, means for pressurizing or not the artificial muscle, and means for alternately blocking two of said pulleys in a least one rotating direction.

Abstract: A drive device, preferably for lifting columns for height-adjustable tables, comprising an endless chain (31) running over first and second chain wheels (16, 17) with a first chain run and a second chain run between the two chain wheels, wherein at least one chain run may be connected with a movable element in the structure in which the drive device is incorporated. The drive device comprises a stick-shaped element (5), where the chain wheels (16, 17) are mounted at their respective ends and the one chain wheel (16) is driven by an electric motor (6) via a transmission and where both the electric motor and the transmission are likewise mounted on the stick-shaped element so that the drive device essentially appears as a finished, mountable unit. The length of stroke is determined solely by the selection of the length of the drive device, just as the drive device may be constructed for a slender column profile. The drive device is moreover easy to mount.