System Including Spaced Pulleys Interconnected By A Belt Patents (Class 474/148)
  • Publication number: 20040127317
    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: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Kamiya Takuroh, Koide Hiroshi
  • Publication number: 20040097309
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Gerhard Kirstein
  • Patent number: 6699147
    Abstract: A vegetation mower incorporating a drive train using two mechanical transmissions to selectively drive the ground engaging wheels at different speeds. The drive train incorporates a single pulley belt to transfer power from the mower engine to the drive wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Speece, Mark Kluck, Hartmut Kaesgen
  • Patent number: 6672982
    Abstract: A motorcycle has a final drive, including a flexible drive member, such as a chain or a belt, that extends between the drive pulley and the driven pulley. A belt retention member is positioned proximate a forward portion of the final drive to reduce the likelihood of the belt skipping free of the drive pulley. The belt retention member preferably includes an upper belt retention portion and a lower belt retention portion. Preferably, the upper drive retention portion is positioned further forward relative to the lower belt retention portion such that the upper portion is moved more forward relative to an axis of rotation of the pulley. In this manner, the belt retention member allows more slack to be thrown during rapid acceleration from a decelerated state in the illustrated motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Ikusue, Daisuke Nakao
  • Patent number: 6659897
    Abstract: A chain drive assembly for elevating a load such as a vehicle carriage on a leisure ride. The assembly comprises an endless loop lift chain and a plurality of drive chains. The lift chain has a plurality of chain links comprising a pair of laterally spaced outer link plates pivotally connected to inner link members disposed at least in part between the outer link members. The inner or outer link members of each link have a row of teeth for engagement in openings between links of the drive chains. The drive chains being disposed so as to engage the teeth at a rectilinear stretch of the chain loop so as to drive the chain in a longitudinal direction. The inner and outer links of the lift chain being arranged to define an opening designed to receive a projection on the load. The assembly serves to spread the load between the drive chains and their drive systems. The conveyor chain does not articulate under load and can be reduced in weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Renold PLC
    Inventor: Michael Charles Christmas
  • Publication number: 20030224890
    Abstract: An actuator comprises a driving force-transmitting mechanism which includes a belt member running over a driving pulley and a driven pulley, and a guide mechanism which includes a plurality of balls which rolls along first ball-rolling grooves formed on a frame, and second ball-rolling grooves formed on a slider. The guide mechanism guides the slider when the slider is displaced along the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigekazu Nagai, Akio Saitoh, Masaru Saitoh
  • Patent number: 6652400
    Abstract: A chain drive for driving two adjacent parallel shafts, such as two overhead camshafts in an internal combustion engine, includes a drive chain guided by a drive mechanism and chain wheels mounted on the shafts. The chain wheels are axially offset and overlap each other. At least one support wheel on one shaft is associated with the chain wheel on the other shaft. An edge area of the part of the chain which does not engage a chain wheel is guided and supported on the shaft by the support wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: FEV Motorentechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Duesmann, Lukas Wagener, Rainer Lach, Jürgen Buck
  • Patent number: 6645103
    Abstract: A belt apparatus is provided for use in a document processing system having a baseplate, a removable bearing assembly connected to the baseplate and having a drive pulley to which a drive belt is drivingly coupled. The belt apparatus comprises a bracket coupled to the baseplate and for supporting the drive belt when the bearing assembly including the drive pulley is removed from the baseplate. The bracket supports the drive belt below the baseplate to allow the drive belt and the drive pulley of a replacement bearing assembly to be easily coupled together without having to lift the baseplate to gain access to the space below the baseplate. Preferably, the bracket comprises a substantially U-shaped bracket. The bracket may include a pair of flanges on which the drive belt rests when the bearing assembly is removed from the baseplate. The pair of flanges extend in substantially opposite directions relative to each other and substantially parallel with the plane in which the baseplate lies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Fredrik L. N. Kallin, Svetozar Doroslovac
  • Patent number: 6638192
    Abstract: An automatic cooling mechanism is provided for an electrical device having a high-temperature element and a rolling shaft. The mechanism includes a fan mounted within the electrical device and a transmission mechanism connected between the fan and the rolling shaft for transmitting rotational kinetic energy from the rolling shaft to the fan to rotate the fan for reducing the temperature of the high-temperature element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Mustek Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Sun Chen
  • Publication number: 20030195071
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic cooling mechanism for an electrical device having a high-temperature element and a rolling shaft. The mechanism includes a fan mounted within the electrical device and a transmission mechanism connected between the fan and the rolling shaft for transmitting rotational kinetic energy from the rolling shaft to the fan to rotate the fan for reducing the temperature of the high-temperature element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Sun Chen
  • Publication number: 20030186766
    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 centres. 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Yu Yong Wang, Gui Rong Liu, Chun Lu, Kwang Peng Quek, Yoshihisa Noguchi
  • Patent number: 6595728
    Abstract: A rigid and fragile material drilling machine is provided, its driving means for driving the upper and lower drilling bit approximating the rigid and fragile material includes a control handle; upper and lower rear gears and associated upper and lower first synchronizing wheels, said upper and lower rear gears being engaged with each other; upper and lower first timing chains being wound around said upper and lower first synchronizing wheels and upper and lower second synchronizing wheels, respectively; upper and lower second timing chains being wound around said upper and lower third synchronizing wheels and upper and lower fourth synchronizing wheels, respectively; and drilling rod guiding sleeves, the gear racks thereof being engaged with said the upper and lower front gears, respectively. The rigid and fragile material drilling machine of the present invention, which is simplified in structure with a compact design and low cost, can be conveniently used wherever a power supply is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Zhenghua Miao
  • Publication number: 20030083167
    Abstract: A variable speed drive comprising two drives, an output drive wheel and an endless, extendible member that is driven by the drives and extends around and rotates the output drive wheel. The drives are operable to move the endless member around an endless path at a first speed at a first driving position and at a second speed at a second position. This causes local expansion or contraction of the endless member around the output drive wheel and so varies its speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: John Philip Roger Hammerbeck
  • Publication number: 20030073529
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Larry Sakundiak
  • Patent number: 6505543
    Abstract: A pneumatic linear actuator has a body (10), a chamber (14) in the body that is closed by the end heads (15), a piston (11) that is arranged in the chamber and moved by a fluid sent alternately to the ends of the piston, and a slide or carriage (13) that is movable on the body driven by the piston. A belt (20) is driven on pulleys (19, 21, 22) and connects the piston to the slide, so that a stroke and a velocity at least twice that of the slide correspond to the stroke of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Gimatic S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Maffeis
  • Publication number: 20020183150
    Abstract: A chain drive comprises a chain having a plurality of articulating chain links and a toothed sprocket. The sprocket and the chain links have bearing surfaces that contact one another during meshing of the chain. The surfaces are disposed along the length of the chain between the apertures and to one side of a sprocket tooth. One of the bearing surfaces is arcuate so that during meshing of said chain link the bearing surfaces are brought into contact such that the instantaneous centre of rotation of the meshing chain link passes from the first pivot pin of a link to the point of contact of the bearing surfaces before passing to the second pivot pin of the link. This reduces the noise generated by collision of the chain links and the sprocket teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Christian Poiret
  • Publication number: 20020155911
    Abstract: A silent chain and sprocket assembly is disclosed for use with a chain tensioner that provides driving contact on both sides of the chain and improved system wear, noise and vibration characteristics without adding to the chain's weight or material costs. The front-side sprockets employ sprocket teeth and engage the front-side silent chain links in conventional fashion. The back-side driven sprockets differ from prior silent chain sprockets in that the sprockets employ small protrusions instead of traditional teeth. The silent chain engages a back-side sprocket protrusion using the geometry of either a single link, or that of two adjacent links, as the chain wraps on the back-side sprocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: John A. Hummel, Harold J. Fraboni
  • Patent number: 6464605
    Abstract: A track assembly includes a frame. The track assembly also includes a drive wheel and an idler wheel rotateably secured to the frame. The track assembly further includes an endless belt having an inner surface and an outer surface. The endless belt is disposed around the drive wheel and the idler wheel. The track assembly also includes a guide block secured to the inner surface of the endless belt. The track assembly further includes a first roller rotateably secured to the guide block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Wilhelm Brinkrolf
  • Publication number: 20020123402
    Abstract: An inverted tooth chain which transmits power through compression. The chain has two kinds of elements, connected together by pins: inner sprocket-engaging blocks, and outer force-transmitting guide links. The ends of the sprocket-engaging blocks are connected by pins to adjoining guide links. A retaining band, preferably made of a number of laminated steel bands, runs over the backs of the sprocket-engaging blocks, and is held in place by pins running across the chain between the tops of the guide links. The sprocket engaging blocks have teeth extending inward to engage the mating teeth of sprockets, and the outward facing backs of the blocks are preferably curved and crowned to form a surface for the steel bands to center themselves as they run. The guide links are shaped to transfer the load from link to link through flat end surfaces, and are extended outward so that the pairs of guide links form rails within which the steel bands are contained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Philip J. Mott, David C. White
  • Publication number: 20020115512
    Abstract: A wrapping connector driving device for transmitting a rotational motion from a driving shaft to a driven shaft comprises a driving wheel operatively connected to the driving shaft, a driven wheel operatively connected to the driven shaft, a wrapping connector wound around the driving wheel and the driven wheel in a stretched state therebetween, and a bracket which is mounted to an electric motor provided with the driving shaft and a drive device provided with the driven shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Mike Mishler
  • Patent number: 6435995
    Abstract: A drive for an inverse kinematics device with two parallel axles moved in opposing directions and non-uniformly rotating. The axles have an angular relationship and the drive is supplied externally by at least one essentially uniformly rotating axle. Each of the axles carries an oval wheel, wherein the ovality of the wheels correspond to the angular relationship. The oval wheels are firmly fixed to the associated axle. The periphery of the oval wheels is designed for the positive acceptance of a traction element. At least one uniformly rotating wheel is provided having a periphery designed for the positive acceptance and drive of the traction element. Two traction elements are provided for the transmission of turning moments and power from one of the uniformly rotating wheels onto the oval wheels. Each drive line includes a wheel, traction element and an oval wheel containing an elastic element, which can compensate for impairment of the constancy of peripheral velocity of the oval wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Oloid AG
    Inventor: Reinhold C. Salgo
  • Patent number: 6432009
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission that comprises an input shaft to which torque may be applied, an adjustable gearing mechanism, and a driven element. The adjustable gearing mechanism is attached to the input shaft and is configured to continuously vary the drive ratio in response to the applied torque transmitted through the input shaft. The adjustable gearing mechanism includes a hub operatively connected to said input shaft, resilient arms, and an engaging portion. The resilient arms are attached to the hub. In one embodiment of a continuously variable transmission, the hub and the plurality of resilient arms are integrally formed so as to form a one-piece member. The resilient arms are configured to continuously adjust the outer diameter formed by the resilient arms. The engaging portion is integral with each of the resilient arms and is configured to cooperate with an endless member such as a chain. The driven element is operably connected to said gearing mechanism by the endless member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Kyle L. Hansen, Larry L. Howell
  • Patent number: 6419603
    Abstract: In a device for transmitting a compressive force along essentially a straight path utilizing an articulated transfer element that can bend in one direction. The transfer element has a toothed side and a back side which is turned away from the toothed side, a plurality of sequential block right projections in the longitudinal direction of the toothed belt and the block like elevations are shaped in such a way that on a straight path they lie against one another to transmit the compressive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Andreas Grasl
  • Publication number: 20020086752
    Abstract: A quiet drive device for motor vehicle sliding sunroofs is proposed capable of withstanding even strong drive forces and permitting an equal, that is to say, smooth displacement of a cover of the motor vehicle sliding sunroofs. The drive device comprises a toothed belt, which is guided so that two parallel line sections are formed on the toothed belt. On the running line sections the toothed belt, with an external toothing extending without interruption over its outer circumference, is in meshing engagement with two drive cables for a cover. An internal toothing extending without interruption over the inner surface of the toothed belt is in meshing engagement with a toothed pinion that can be driven to rotate in both directions and is partially wrapped by the toothed belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Norberr Friedrich, Rainer Hattass
  • Patent number: 6413180
    Abstract: A power transmitting mechanism includes a first silent chain trained around teeth of a first driving sprocket and a teeth of first driven sprocket, and a second silent chain trained around teeth of a second driving sprocket and teeth of a second driven sprocket. The first and second driving sprockets are mounted in parallel relationship on a single drive shaft, and the teeth of the first driving sprocket are offset from the teeth of the second driving sprocket by one-half pitch. The pitch of the driving sprockets is a random pitch which varies in a random pattern along the circumference of the sprockets. The silent chains have a single pitch. By thus phasing the two driving sprocket, periodic meshing impact sounds emitted from the respective silent chains are canceled out or offset each other. The periodicity of the meshing impact sound is agitated by the random tooth pitch of the driving sprockets to such an extent that resonance sound is sufficiently reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Makoto Kanehira, Kazumasa Matsuno, Masao Maruyama
  • Publication number: 20020082129
    Abstract: A chain transmission device for controlling the timing system of an internal combustion engine with two overhead camshafts, and having a first chain transmission from the drive shaft to an intermediate shaft, and a second chain transmission from the intermediate shaft to both the camshafts; and wherein the first transmission defines a step-down transmission ratio between the drive shaft and the intermediate shaft; the second transmission defines a step-down transmission ratio between the intermediate shaft and the camshafts; the chain of the second transmission has a pitch smaller than the pitch of the chain of the first transmission; and the intermediate shaft is defined by the drive shaft of a fuel pump of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Pietro Bianchi, Dragoljub Milanovic
  • Publication number: 20020058559
    Abstract: The invention comprises a continuously variable transmission pulley. The pulley comprises at least one axially moveable sheave section which is coaxial with a second sheave section. Each sheave section has a series of radial grooves which are axially and radially aligned. The radial grooves are arranged in pairs between each sheave section. The belt blocks span between the sheave sections, each having opposing arcuate ends that slidingly engaging a pair of grooves. The belt blocks are arranged circumferentially about an axial sheave centerline. Each belt block also has a surface for receiving a multi-ribbed belt. At least one elastic member encircles the belt blocks so as to control their relative positions, keeping them in contact with the sheave grooves as the pulley rotates. As the movable sheave is moved axially, each belt block moves radially within its respective grooves so as to increase or decrease the effective diameter of the pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Applicant: The Gates Corporation
    Inventor: ALEXANDER SERKH
  • Publication number: 20020055405
    Abstract: A track assembly includes a frame. The track assembly also includes a drive wheel and an idler wheel rotateably secured to the frame. The track assembly further includes an endless belt having an inner surface and an outer surface. The endless belt is disposed around the drive wheel and the idler wheel. The track assembly also includes a guide block secured to the inner surface of the endless belt. The track assembly further includes a first roller rotateably secured to the guide block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: Jeff A. Greene
    Inventor: WILHELM BRINKROLF
  • Publication number: 20020049105
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic cooling mechanism for an electrical device having a high-temperature element and a rolling shaft. The mechanism includes a fan mounted within the electrical device and a transmission mechanism connected between the fan and the rolling shaft for transmitting rotational kinetic energy from the rolling shaft to the fan to rotate the fan for reducing the temperature of the high-temperature element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Applicant: McGuire Woods LLP
    Inventor: SUN CHEN
  • Patent number: 6375589
    Abstract: An improved chain drive mechanism having a closed loop of roller chain passing round the opposite sprocket wheels. The profile of each tooth formed on the circumference of the sprocket wheel is in conformity with the envelope curve traced by a roller when the roller moves with its center following an involute-trochoid curve. The involute-trochoid curve is determined by offsetting the roller pitch line a certain distance apart outside the contact pitch line, and by rotating the contact pitch line on the base circle of the sprocket wheel to allow a point on the roller pitch line to trace a curve. The certain distance is so determined that the roller pitch may be equal to the incremental arc length, which is determined by dividing the circumference of the base circle by the number of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Sankyo Oilless Industry
    Inventors: Hiroshi Makino, Hidetsugu Terada
  • Patent number: 6364797
    Abstract: A motorcycle has a final drive, including a flexible drive member, such as a chain or a belt, that extends between the drive pulley and the driven pulley. A belt retention member is positioned proximate a forward portion of the final drive to reduce the likelihood of the belt skipping free of the drive pulley. The belt retention member preferably includes an upper belt retention portion and a lower belt retention portion. Preferably, the upper drive retention portion is positioned further forward relative to the lower belt retention portion such that the upper portion is moved more forward relative to an axis of rotation of the pulley. In this manner, the belt retention member allows more slack to be thrown during rapid acceleration from a decelerated state in the illustrated motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masato Ikusue, Daisuke Nakao
  • Publication number: 20010031680
    Abstract: The present invention is a dynamically steerable mono belt apparatus and includes a first pivotable body element in communication with a second pivotable body element. A first pivot mechanism is attached to and positioned between the first pivotable body element and the second pivotable body element to allow the first pivotable body element to pivot in a first pivot plane of movement with respect to the second pivotable body element. The present invention also includes a continuous belt element formed as a loop and continuously rotatable in a first plane of rotation around the first pivotable body element, the first pivot mechanism and the second pivotable body element. The continuous belt element is flexible in the pivot plane of movement, such that when the first pivotable body element is pivoted, via the first pivot mechanism, in the pivot plane of movement, the continuous belt element is flexed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Applicant: Automatika, Inc.
    Inventors: Hagen Schempf, William A. Crowley, Robert A. Fuchs, Joshua N. Guyot, Edward C. Mutschler
  • Publication number: 20010031679
    Abstract: A variable speed drive comprising two drives, an output drive wheel and an endless, extendible member that is driven by the drives and extends around and rotates the output drive wheel. The drives are operable to move the endless member around an endless path at a first speed at a first driving position and at a second speed at a second position. This causes local expansion or contraction of the endless member around the output drive wheel and so varies its speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: John Philip Roger Hammerbeck
  • Publication number: 20010029215
    Abstract: A belt type transmission improves the durability of a support portion of a driven shaft by reducing a load acting on a driven shaft, and improves the durability of the belt and reduces noise by suppressing vibration of a driven pulley. The belt type transmission includes a driven pulley having a fixed pulley piece and a movable pulley piece fitted to a driven shaft. The fixed pulley piece is rotatably supported, respectively, on the driven shaft and a bearing holder, being a constructional element of a transmission case. The bearing holder has a size overlapping only the driven pulley, and is coupled to a left case, which is a constructional element of the transmission case, in the vicinity of the driven pulley. As a result, the rigidity for supporting the fixed pulley piece on the driven side can be increased, thereby enabling suppression of vibration by the driven pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Takashi Ohyama, Shinji Kuga, Tetsuaki Maeda
  • Publication number: 20010024986
    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: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Applicant: Tohoku Ricoh Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hisashi Sato, Keiichi Chiba
  • Patent number: 6267701
    Abstract: A chain and sprocket system includes a plurality of chains and phased or offset sprockets. Problems related to equalizing or sharing the load between the driven sprockets in a multiple axis, phased system are eliminated by providing sprockets that rotate independently of one another and having only one of those sprockets transmit load or power to the driven shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Philip J. Mott
  • Patent number: 6227994
    Abstract: Means are provided for effectively restricting or preventing occurrence of abnormal noise under cold ambient. The means are durable, cost effective and also keep the function of a pulley. A ball bearing 2 of a single row type includes an outer ring 2a and balls 2c. The outer ring 2a and each ball 2c are contacted with each other at two points. An oil groove 5 is formed at a position adjacent to the contact positions P and Q on the raceway surface between the raceway surface 3a of the outer ring and the balls 2c. The ball bearing 2 is fitted within or made integral with the inner diameter of a pulley body 1 having a peripheral surface 1e to be contacted with a belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Motoharu Niki, Yoshiaki Suzuki, Tadahisa Suzuki, Masahiro Muranaka
  • Patent number: 6220970
    Abstract: A vibration absorption assembly 12 and method for making the same having a base portion 30 which is movably connected to an intermediate portion 32 and to a top portion or cover 32. Assembly 12 contains several apertures or cavities 26 which operatively contain a pair of balls or spherical members 28 which absorb or dampen the vibrations emanating from a rotating member, such as a diesel fuel injection pump 14. Oil 27 is communicated into apertures 26 and is effective to lubricate the moving members 28. Further, portion or member 32 is selectively movable to allow access to several of the cavities or apertures 26 in order to allow fuel injection pump 12 to be removed from the engine 10 by use of fasteners 80, 82, and 84.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Tech., Inc
    Inventors: Alvin Henry Berger, Craig Edward Burch
  • Patent number: 6213905
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a roller chain and sprocket drive which has at least two sprockets with varied radial seating positions. The relative orientation of the sprockets are adjusted to provide favorable dynamics to the drive. This can include the minimization of the strand variation and providing the maximum strand variation for each chain strand to be phased differently than other strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: David C. White, Harold J. Fraboni
  • Patent number: 6135907
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for providing an automatic speed change transmission for transmitting power from a drive wheel to a driven wheel by way of an elastic drive belt. The driven wheel may be made to turn at a desired different speed from the drive wheel supplying the driving power by proper selection of the respective radii of the wheels and of the elastic drive belt. When a load or tension is applied to a portion of the drive belt by the drive wheel, the tensioned portion of the drive belt--which is selected to be capable of maximal elongation under tension ranging from ten percent (10%) to nineteen-hundred percent (1900%) beyond its untensioned length--stretches to a substantial extent, thus causing the driven wheel to turn faster to accommodate the elongated belt portion. The untensioned belt portion remains unstretched. Thus, the speed of the respective wheels may be stepped up or stepped down to a desired ratio by appropriate selection of belt elasticity and applied load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventor: Shane Yuan Hong
  • Patent number: 6093123
    Abstract: An integrated chain drive, sprocket, and tensioning assembly includes sprockets, a drive chain, and a guiding and supporting structure for the sprockets. This structure includes a fixed shoe that is integral with the body of a fluid operated tensioning device, and a movable element with a tensioning shoe that is adjustable in position. The assembly can be fixed to a base or fixed structure and forms a single pre-assembled unit for transportation and mounting to an engine body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Morse Tec Europe S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Baddaria, Enrico Zeccara, Michelino Bestetti
  • Patent number: 6082513
    Abstract: A clutch device has a shaft rod, a hollow torsion sleeve, a trip device, an outer toothed gear, an inner toothed gear, and a first belt pulley. The outer toothed gear is disposed on the trip device. The hollow torsion sleeve has a plurality of grooves. The trip device has a center hole to receive the hollow torsion sleeve, and a plurality of radiated thread holes. The inner toothed gear is disposed on the first belt pulley. The outer toothed gear engages with the inner toothed gear. Each radiated thread hole receives a ball, a spring, and a stud. Each groove receives the respective ball. The shaft rod is inserted through the hollow torsion sleeve, the first belt pulley, and a second belt pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Kuo-Hao Li
  • Patent number: 6030306
    Abstract: A chain drive system for use primarily in automotive timing drives, in particular V-type engines and horizontally opposed engines having a separate chain drive for each bank with coaxial crankshaft driving sprockets, wherein the chain meshing for these driving sprockets is staggered from bank-to-bank in order to reduce the chain drive system noise level. This engagement phasing is accomplished by offsetting the taut strand guide of one bank some amount greater than the opposite bank, effectively increasing the chain wrap and thereby compelling a delayed roller-sprocket engagement with respect to the opposite bank. The roller collision during meshing will therefore be phased from bank-to-bank, and the resulting noise levels generated therefrom will be reduced as a result of this phasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Cloyes Gear and Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Young
  • Patent number: 5989140
    Abstract: A both-side meshing type silent chain is provided which not only permits improvement in durability of a tensioner and a chain guide, but also permits a high-speed and smooth transfer of power. The both-side meshing type silent chain has a high durability and includes a plurality of articular train plates and a plurality of guide train plates. Each of the plurality of articular train plates and the plurality of guide train plates have main teeth for engagement with a sprocket disposed on an inner peripheral side of a chain. The plurality of articular train plates are alternately connected to the plurality of guide train plates with pins. Guide plates, which are guided by side faces of the teeth of the sprocket, are disposed on both outer sides of each of the plurality of guide train plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Koichi Ichikawa, Nobuto Kozakura, Tsutomu Haginoya
  • Patent number: 5957797
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus change speeds between a drive shaft and a driven shaft during power transmission between the shafts. Fixed diameter drive and driven wheels are secured to the shafts and a continuous elastic belt interconnects the drive wheel and the driven wheel. As power is transmitted between the shafts, one side of the elastic belt extending between the wheels is placed in tension and elongated in proportion to the tension while the other side of the elastic belt is untensioned and not elongated. The elongated portion of the belt remains elongated as it passes around the wheel which is driving and the slack portion of the belt remains relaxed as it passes around the wheel which is being driven. To accommodate the elongated state of the belt, the driving wheel must go faster than the driven wheel with the speed difference being dependent upon the amount of power being transmitted between the wheels and hence the amount of elongation of the elongated portion of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Wright State University
    Inventor: Shane Yuan Hong
  • Patent number: 5924947
    Abstract: An accessory belt tensioner for an automotive engine includes a hub adapted to be fixed to an engine, an arm journaled upon the hub, a tensioner pulley mounted upon the arm, a torsion spring interposed between the arm and hub, with the spring serving to resiliently bias the arm and tensioner pulley into contact with an accessory drivebelt, and a rotational fluid damper, incorporated within the hub, for damping the rotational motion of the arm with respect to the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce P. Williams
  • Patent number: 5908364
    Abstract: A noise preventing roller chain structure greatly reduces noise generated when a roller chain engages a sprocket or travels on a chain guide. The roller chain has a roller whose axial length is less than the space between opposed inner plates of the chain. A circumferentially continuous ridge portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the roller. A groove is formed in either the toothed surface of the sprocket or in the roller bearing surface of the chain guide. The ridge portion is fitted in the groove to guide and hold both end faces of the roller in a position spaced from the respective inner plates. An elastic member is embedded in the groove. It is thus possible to prevent the rubbing of the roller end faces with the surfaces of the inner plates and, concomitantly, the sound generated when the roller of the roller chain engages the sprocket or travels on the chain guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Koji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5853849
    Abstract: A belt for conveying articles, which belt has a body having a surface against which articles are placed to be frictionally held and thereby conveyed as the belt is advanced in operation. The belt body surface is defined by rubber and a porous filler in the rubber. The porous filler is present in the rubber in an amount of at least 5 parts by weight of porous filler per 100 parts by weight of rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nishio, Kazutoshi Ishida
  • Patent number: 5810687
    Abstract: A power window transmission includes a loop-like endless chain (12) surrounding and engaging opposed driving and driven sprocket (20, 18). The driving sprocket (20) is mechanically coupled to a motor (26) and the driven sprocket (18) is driven by the chain (12) to drive window crank handle shaft coupled thereto to operate the window. The sprockets (18, 20) are encased in separate and individual casings (32, 34) each of which is fixed to the car door structure with a bracket (64) provided with stepless-adjustable fastening device (68) fastened precisely to the car door structure. The sections of the chain located outside the sprocket casings (32, 34) are enclosed in flexible tubes (80) incorporating spring-based slack take-up device (81) arranged between an end of each of the tubes (80) and one of the sprocket casings (32, 34) to take up slacks of the tubes (80) following the change of length of the chain (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Nan-Shan Yang
  • Patent number: 5794478
    Abstract: A transmitting chain for an automobile electric window includes an endless transmitting chain, a lower gear, an upper gear, two lower chain protectors, two upper chain protectors, two elastic tubes and an elongate cover. The lower chain protectors contain the lower gear having a leaf connector to combine with a rotating mechanism, which rotates the lower gear. The lower gear then moves the chain, which then rotates the upper gear. The upper gear then moves a lowering and lifting mechanism of the electric window of an automobile. The endless chain has its two intermediate portions contained in the elastic tubes and the elongate cover covers the tubes to hold them side by side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Chin-Yun Huang
    Inventor: Kun Chu Chen