With Common Belt Concurrently Engaging Input And Plural Output Pulleys Patents (Class 474/87)
  • Patent number: 11047455
    Abstract: A belt tensioning device for a crusher or a screening machine for tensioning at least one circulating drive belt which is deflected about a belt pulley of a drive and has a load strand and an empty strand. The drive can be driven with a crushing assembly, a screening unit, a generator, or the like of the crusher by the drive belt. The vibrational stress acting on the machine chassis can be significantly reduced in that the belt tensioning device has two tensioning rollers each of which is rotatably mounted on a holder of a tensioning part. One tensioning roller is paired with the empty strand and the other is paired with the load strand. Additionally, the two tensioning parts can be adjusted relative to each other between an open position and a tensioning position, in which the tensioning parts are held against each other at least opposite the tensioning direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventors: Frank Lebender, Daniel Andreas, Vjekoslav Belosevic, Tobias Köhler, Karl Füller, Otto Blessing
  • Patent number: 10816065
    Abstract: An automatic belt tensioner for a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The automatic belt tensioner includes an arm body including an upper arm on which first and second idlers are mounted and a lower arm on which a third idler is mounted. The automatic belt tensioner further includes a spring provided between the upper arm and the lower arm and providing elastic force for relative longitudinal movement of the upper arm and the lower arm, and a rail bracket mounting the arm body on an engine and guiding relative longitudinal vertical motion of the arm body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sangyun Kim, Jae Ik Ahn, Ji Sung Park
  • Patent number: 10674031
    Abstract: A driving device is used in an image reading apparatus, and reciprocates a scanning unit for reading an image on an original. The driving device comprises a pull member, a driving pulley which transmits driving force to the pull member, a following pulley which applies tension to the pull member and a pulley holder having a pulley axis which holds the following pulley rotatably. Then, the pulley axis has a lock pawl capable of locking an upper end portion of the following pulley and canceling engagement with the following pulley by being tilted toward a side of an axial center by elastic deformation. Furthermore, the lock pawl is arranged at a side of a tension acting direction from the pull member to the following pulley except the farthest position from the driving pulley among positions in a circumferential direction of the pulley axis. It is possible to attach and detach the following pulley easily at a time of maintenance or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masahiro Imoto, Yasuhiro Suto, Shohichi Fukutome, Kenji Nakanishi, Kazuhiro Iguchi
  • Patent number: 10113622
    Abstract: An integrally driven linkage for a conveyor system is provided. The integrally driven linkage includes inner and outer links, an axle upon which bearings are placed to support a two stage pulley arrangement and a multitude of additional axles which carry bearings and two position sheaves which carry daisy chained belt loops from one axle to the next. Cables and hoses may be externally attached at each outside link thereby providing a functional cable carrying device. The outside links may be stepped to prevent radial motion in one or more direction and/or to limit radial motion. The integrally driven linkage may be used for virtually any industrial or commercial application where mechanical and control energy is needed for non-stationary equipment, and is not limited to conveyor systems but may be applied to virtually any electro-mechanical device, including but not limited to pneumatic and hydraulic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Nor-Tech Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Jerome H. Morris, John A. Radtke, Scott M. Kelly, Chris A. Hatch, Edward H. Sanders, R. Luke McMurray
  • Patent number: 9309712
    Abstract: A drive apparatus for a rotor of a revolving door, wherein the drive apparatus includes a drive device, which is motion-coupled to the rotor via a drive belt. The drive apparatus further includes a tensioning device for tensioning and deflecting the drive belt, wherein the drive belt connects the drive device, the tensioning device and the rotor. The tensioning device and/or the drive device are mounted with a variable distance between one another, so that an extension of the drive belt caused by acceleration or deceleration of the rotor is compensated by varying the distance between the tensioning device and the drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: AGTATEC AG
    Inventors: Heinz-Peter Aeppli, Kari Oila
  • Patent number: 9297223
    Abstract: A power transmission for a slewing interface includes a rotor rotatable relative to a stator about a slewing axis, at least one drive sprocket mounted on the stator adjacent the rotor, a first drive cooperating with the at least one drive sprocket, at least two satellite sprockets on the rotor and spaced around the rotor, at least one drive belt mounted around the drive sprockets and around the satellite sprockets in driving engagement collectively therewith, power is delivered continuously from the first drive to at least one of the satellite sprockets at all times during rotation of the rotor about the slewing axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Warrior Rig Ltd.
    Inventor: Allan Stewart Richardson
  • Patent number: 9291237
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBOSHI BELTING LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Izu, Masakuni Yoshida, Hirofumi Okabe
  • Patent number: 9188202
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for imparting tension to strands of an endless power transferring member loop (12) encircling a drive sprocket (14) and at least one driven sprocket (16 a, 16b). Two tensioning arms (38a, 18b) are spaced apart and have guided movement relative to at least one fixed pin (26) with a tension driver (5) operably engaged with one of the tensioning arms (18a, 18b) for driving both tensioning arms (18a, 18b) in motion acting through a rotatable, motion transfer body (34) located generally centrally with respect to the endless loop power transferring member (12) for connection to corresponding motion transfer locations (30a, 30b) associated with the pair of tensioning arms (18a, 18b), either directly or indirectly. A link assembly (60) can connect first ends (40a, 40b) to the motion transfer body (34) and second locations (42a, 42b) to corresponding opposite ends of the two spaced apart tensioning arms (38a, 18b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventors: George L. Markley, Simon Barrette
  • Publication number: 20150148160
    Abstract: A belt drive arrangement for an internal combustion engine, includes a drive pulley which is driven by a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, a first output pulley with which a first auxiliary unit can be driven, a second output pulley with which a second auxiliary unit can be driven, and a belt which has an inner face and an outer face opposite the inner face and which loops at least some portions of the drive pulley and the output pulleys as a belt transmission. The inner face of the belt loops the drive pulley and the first output pulley while physically contacting same, and the outer face loops the second output pulley while physically contacting same. An internal combustion engine is provided with such a belt drive arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Leopold EISTERLEHNER, Friedrich TISCHBERGER, Christian BRAMBERGER
  • Publication number: 20150135671
    Abstract: A drive system includes a first transmission, a second transmission and at least one flexible driving member. The first transmission is operably coupled to a first set of wheels to provide drive power to the first set of wheels responsive to engagement of the first transmission. The second transmission is operably coupled to a second set of wheels to provide drive power to the second set of wheels responsive to engagement of the second transmission. The at least one flexible driving member is operably coupled to a remote actuator and a drive shaft of the walk-behind outdoor power equipment device. The at least one flexible member selectively engages one of the first transmission or the second transmission to switch a walk-behind outdoor power equipment device between all wheel drive operation and another drive mode via the remote actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: John Helgesen, Eric Lennings, Robert Fancher, Matthew Lambert
  • Patent number: 9033834
    Abstract: A secondary assembly drive of an internal combustion engine and a method for operating same are provided. The secondary assembly drive includes: a first drive wheel (1) which can be rotatably connected to a crank shaft (CR) of the internal combustion engine, an electric machine which can be operated either as a generator (AL) of as a motor (M) and a second drive wheel (2) which can be rotatably connected to the electric machine (AL, M), an air-conditioning compressor (A/C) and a third drive wheel (3) which can be rotatably connected to the air-conditioning compressor, a traction element (4) which rotates infinitely and which wraps around the drive wheels, and an actuable clutch (7) for disconnecting the drive of the electric machine and of the air-conditioning compressor from the crankshaft when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Hartmann, Hermann Stief
  • Publication number: 20150113932
    Abstract: A drive system includes a first transmission, a second transmission and at least one flexible driving member. The first transmission is operably coupled to a first set of wheels to provide drive power to the first set of wheels responsive to engagement of the first transmission. The second transmission is operably coupled to a second set of wheels to provide drive power to the second set of wheels responsive to engagement of the second transmission. The at least one flexible driving member is operably coupled to a remote actuator and a drive shaft of the walk-behind outdoor power equipment device. The at least one flexible member selectively engages one of the first transmission or the second transmission to switch a walk-behind outdoor power equipment device between all wheel drive operation and another drive mode via the remote actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventors: John Helgesen, Eric Lennings, Robert Fancher, Matthew M. Lambert
  • Patent number: 8727921
    Abstract: An example drive train assembly for a power conversion system includes a first sprocket which defines an axis of rotation, at least two secondary sprockets adjacent to the first sprocket and at least one belt. The axis of rotation lies outside of an area defined by the belt. The belt is operable to transfer mechanical power between the first sprocket and the two secondary sprockets in response to a rotation of the first sprocket about the axis of rotation. The belt defines a first side having one of a first plurality of notches and a first plurality of teeth and an opposing second side having one of a second plurality of notches and a second plurality of teeth. The first sprocket defines the other of the first plurality of notches and the first plurality of teeth and the secondary sprockets define the other of the second plurality of notches and the second plurality of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Fabio P. Bertolotti, John P. Wesson
  • Publication number: 20130296086
    Abstract: A traction drive of an internal combustion engine and a method for operating the same are proposed. The traction drive includes two parallel drive levels, and as well as a normal operating mode it permits the following operating modes:—starting of the internal combustion engine,—boosting of the internal combustion engine, and—stationary-mode airconditioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Hauck, Martin Rauch
  • Publication number: 20130288835
    Abstract: A traction drive of an internal combustion engine and a method for operating same. In two drive planes the traction drive includes an auxiliary drive (1) and a starter (7) and enables, in addition to a normal operating mode, the following operating modes: starting of the internal combustion engine, boosting of the internal combustion engine, auxiliary air conditioning and decoupling of the auxiliary drive (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Christian Hauck, Martin Rauch
  • Publication number: 20130274043
    Abstract: A secondary assembly drive of an internal combustion engine and a method for operating same are provided. The secondary assembly drive includes: a first drive wheel (1) which can be rotatably connected to a crank shaft (CR) of the internal combustion engine, an electric machine which can be operated either as a generator (AL) of as a motor (M) and a second drive wheel (2) which can be rotatably connected to the electric machine (AL, M), an air-conditioning compressor (A/C) and a third drive wheel (3) which can be rotatably connected to the air-conditioning compressor, a traction element (4) which rotates infinitely and which wraps around the drive wheels, and an actuable clutch (7) for disconnecting the drive of the electric machine and of the air-conditioning compressor from the crankshaft when necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Bernd Hartmann, Hermann Stief
  • Patent number: 8529182
    Abstract: A transport apparatus and a library apparatus are provided. The transport apparatus includes a holding mechanism, a base and a lifting/lowering mechanism. The holding mechanism holds an object to transport. The holding mechanism is mounted on a base. The lifting/lowering mechanism lifts and lowers the base in first directions. The drive mechanism moves the holding mechanism in a plane including second directions that are different from the first directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Tsukasa Minemura
  • Patent number: 8485868
    Abstract: A floor treatment apparatus includes a frame, a housing which is rotatable with respect to the frame according to a main axis, at least three head pulleys which are rotatable with respect to the housing according to respective head axes which are regularly spaced around, and which are parallel to, the main axis, a motor supported by the frame and a main belt drivable by the motor and being slung around the drive pulley and the driven head pulleys. Furthermore, the main belt is slung around a first auxiliary pulley and a second auxiliary pulley. The second auxiliary pulley is driven by the first auxiliary pulley. An auxiliary belt is slung around a fixed pulley connected to the frame and around the second auxiliary pulley for rotating the housing with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Design Technologies LLC
    Inventor: James Weder
  • Patent number: 8366517
    Abstract: A floor treatment apparatus includes a frame, a housing which is rotatable with respect to the frame according to a main axis, at least three head pulleys which are rotatable with respect to the housing according to respective head axes which are regularly spaced around, and which are parallel to, the main axis, a motor supported by the frame, a drive pulley which is drivable by the motor, a main belt tensioning pulley and a main belt which is slung around the drive pulley, the head pulleys and the main belt tensioning pulley. Further an auxiliary pulley is coaxially connected to the main belt tensioning pulley. A fixed pulley is connected to the frame. An auxiliary belt is slung around the auxiliary pulley and the fixed pulley for rotating the housing with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Design Technologies LLC
    Inventor: James Weder
  • Patent number: 8226510
    Abstract: A belt driving device and associated method are provided. The driving device 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. An outside roller is configured to contact an outer surface of the belt and to be driven by a driving source. A detection portion is configured to detect a driving load of one of the driving roller and the outside roller. A controller is configured to drive the other one of the driving roller and the outside roller based on the driving load detected by the detection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kamiya Takuroh, Koide Hiroshi
  • Publication number: 20110253083
    Abstract: A drive configuration for driving one or more rotating sprockets (e.g., of an engine drive train), including a flexible force transmitting member forming a closed curve enclosing an area; a drive sprocket situated outside the area and driving the force transmitting member; first and second pulleys situated at least partially within the area and on opposing sides of the drive sprocket so as to urge the force transmitting member against the drive sprocket; and one or more driven sprockets each coupled to the force transmitting member. The drive configuration may include a cartridge including a base, one or more secondary pulleys being situated on opposing sides of the first pulley such that a timing belt is urged into contact with a drive sprocket and each of the pulleys. Accordingly, a timing belt may be rapidly installed or removed by inserting or removing the cartridge according to the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Victor A. Grossman
  • Patent number: 7980975
    Abstract: A drive configuration for driving one or more rotating sprockets (e.g., of an engine drive train), including a flexible force transmitting member forming a closed curve enclosing an area; a drive sprocket situated outside the area and driving the force transmitting member; first and second pulleys situated at least partially within the area and on opposing sides of the drive sprocket so as to urge the force transmitting member against the drive sprocket; and one or more driven sprockets each coupled to the force transmitting member. The drive configuration may include a cartridge including a base, one or more secondary pulleys being situated on opposing sides of the first pulley such that a timing belt is urged into contact with a drive sprocket and each of the pulleys. Accordingly, a timing belt may be rapidly installed or removed by inserting or removing the cartridge according to the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Victor A. Grossman
  • Publication number: 20110136417
    Abstract: A floor treatment apparatus includes a frame, a housing which is rotatable with respect to the frame according to a main axis, at least three head pulleys which are rotatable with respect to the housing according to respective head axes which are regularly spaced around, and which are parallel to, the main axis, a motor supported by the frame and a main belt drivable by the motor and being slung around the drive pulley and the driven head pulleys. Furthermore, the main belt is slung around a first auxiliary pulley and a second auxiliary pulley. The second auxiliary pulley is driven by the first auxiliary pulley. An auxiliary belt is slung around a fixed pulley connected to the frame and around the second auxiliary pulley for rotating the housing with respect to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: DESIGN TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: James WEDER
  • Publication number: 20110136418
    Abstract: A floor treatment apparatus includes a frame, a housing which is rotatable with respect to the frame according to a main axis, at least three head pulleys which are rotatable with respect to the housing according to respective head axes which are regularly spaced around, and which are parallel to, the main axis, a motor supported by the frame, a drive pulley which is drivable by the motor, a main belt tensioning pulley and a main belt which is slung around the drive pulley, the head pulleys and the main belt tensioning pulley. Further an auxiliary pulley is coaxially connected to the main belt tensioning pulley. A fixed pulley is connected to the frame. An auxiliary belt is slung around the auxiliary pulley and the fixed pulley for rotating the housing with respect to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: Design Technologies LLC
    Inventor: James Weder
  • Patent number: 7954580
    Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention provide an accessory drive system for a belt-alternator-starter electric hybrid vehicle. The apparatus includes a drive pulley connected to an engine output shaft, a plurality of accessories that are each connected to a driven pulley, and a selectively engageable torque transmitting device disposed between the engine crankshaft and a transmission. A belt-alternator-starter system is connected to another driven pulley. A drive belt connectively couples the drive pulley and the driven pulleys and is operable to transfer drive forces between the drive pulley and the driven pulleys. A controller is operatively connected to the torque transmitting device, the engine and the belt-alternator-starter system. The controller is configured to control the torque transmitting device, the engine and the belt-alternator-starter system to ensure the accessories are adequately powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Patrick B. Usoro
  • Patent number: 7857720
    Abstract: A synchronous belt drive system comprising an obround sprocket (10) having a toothed surface and at least one linear portion (16) disposed between two arcuate portions (14,15), the arcuate portions having a constant radius (R1, R2), the linear portion having a predetermined length, a second sprocket (300) having a toothed surface, the second sprocket engaged to the obround sprocket by an endless toothed member (200), the second sprocket connected to a rotary load, the rotary load having cyclic torque fluctuations, and a radius (R1) of the obround sprocket (10) oriented at a belt entry point (201) which coincides with a maximum amplitude of a cyclic torque fluctuation such that a span length (SL) of the endless toothed member is made to vary in a manner that substantially cancels the cyclic torque fluctuations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventor: Fraser Lacy
  • Patent number: 7730702
    Abstract: A header for a harvesting machine with a movable cutterbar includes a belt drive mechanism connecting a stationary pulley mounted on the frame of the header and a relatively movable pulley mounted on the movable part of the header. The belt drive mechanism includes two guide pulleys, a belt mounted along said pulleys, and a pivot assembly mounted on the auger shaft. The guide pulleys are mounted on opposite lever arms of the pivot and said belt drive mechanism further includes a tensioning mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Geert P. Mortier, Paolo Pictricola
  • Patent number: 7726275
    Abstract: A belt integrated starter generator may selectively drive accessory components while an engine is off. The belt integrated starter generator may also selectively drive a crankshaft of the engine. Clutches are used to access rotational power from the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Michael Deniston, Paul M. Gartner
  • Patent number: 7591254
    Abstract: A supercharger control system is installed at the bottom front end of the engine, directly onto the crankshaft. An accessory drive belt around the accessory belt pulley rotates continuously to keep vehicle accessories operating. A second belt around a larger pulley drives the supercharger blower. When the dashboard mounted switch is turned on, electricity from the engine energizes an electromagnet, which compels engagement of the rotating accessory pulley with the supercharger pulley by means of a slide plate. The belt around the supercharger pulley then rotates, operating the supercharger. If the driver does not require extra power and performance delivered by the supercharger, the switch is turned off, stopping the flow of electricity. This shuts down the magnetic field, causing the pulleys to be disengaged and disconnecting the supercharger, while still allowing the crankshaft to operate the accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Billy Machner
  • Patent number: 7582032
    Abstract: An anti-vibratory device with rotary compensation weights includes two sets of two identical rotors with respective eccentric compensation weights, the units being symmetrically disposed in relation to an axis of symmetry and the axes of rotation of the rotors being parallel between themselves and orthogonal in relation to the axis of symmetry; and a rotational drive system for the rotors. Advantageously, the device includes controllable mobile equipment carrying the drive system and being able to slide along the axis of symmetry in order to drive the dephasing of the rotors with eccentric compensation weights associated with the sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventors: Thomas Manfredotti, Damien Sequera
  • Publication number: 20090131207
    Abstract: A drive configuration for driving one or more rotating sprockets (e.g., of an engine drive train), including a flexible force transmitting member forming a closed curve enclosing an area; a drive sprocket situated outside the area and driving the force transmitting member; first and second pulleys situated at least partially within the area and on opposing sides of the drive sprocket so as to urge the force transmitting member against the drive sprocket; and one or more driven sprockets each coupled to the force transmitting member. The drive configuration may include a cartridge including a base, one or more secondary pulleys being situated on opposing sides of the first pulley such that a timing belt is urged into contact with a drive sprocket and each of the pulleys. Accordingly, a timing belt may be rapidly installed or removed by inserting or removing the cartridge according to the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Victor A. Grossman
  • Patent number: 7497793
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a derailleur for a chain bicycle designed to move forward with either forward or reverse rotation of the bicycle's pedals. The chain bicycle comprises a single endless chain, first and second rear wheel sprocket assemblies, first and second one-way clutches to transmit power to a rear wheel hub in only a forward direction, and an idler roller. Any one sprocket of the second rear wheel sprocket assembly engages with the endless chain by using a pantograph linkage, and at the same time, any one sprocket of the first rear wheel sprocket assembly engages with the endless chain by using a chain hook member. The idler roller is coupled to a second base member via a plurality of joint shafts, so as to permit not only rotating, tilting and sliding motions thereof relative to any one joint shaft, but also elastic pivotal rotation in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction relative to another joint shaft parallel to a pedal shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Min Young Hee
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20070173361
    Abstract: A traction-mechanism drive is provided including a drive crankshaft and a traction-mechanism wheel, especially a belt or chain wheel, located on the crankshaft. At least one other shaft is integrated into the drive via a traction-mechanism wheel, especially a belt or chain wheel, and also a traction mechanism, especially a belt or chain, is guided over the traction-mechanism wheels. One of the traction-mechanism wheels (7), which is integrated into the drive (1) to compensate for first-order spurious vibrations introduced into the drive (1) via one of the shafts (6), is round and arranged eccentric (e) to the shaft rotational axis (MW).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventor: Bolko Schuseil
  • Patent number: 7207912
    Abstract: A shift control apparatus is provided for a bicycle having a plurality of front sprockets and a plurality of rear sprockets, wherein a front derailleur shifts a chain among the plurality of front sprockets and a rear derailleur shifts the chain among the plurality of rear sprockets. The apparatus comprises a shift unit that provides signals for shifting the front derailleur and the rear derailleur; and a prohibiting unit operatively coupled to the shift unit and providing signals so that the chain is prohibited from engaging at least one of i) a laterally innermost front sprocket in combination with a laterally outermost rear sprocket, and ii) a laterally outermost front sprocket in combination with a laterally innermost rear sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Takeda, Tadashi Ichida
  • Patent number: 7070526
    Abstract: An engine accessory drive that has a primary drive driveable by a crankshaft of the engine is disclosed. The accessory drive includes a rotational member mounted on a drive shaft and driveable by the primary drive, the drive shaft having an axis of rotation offset from the axis of rotation of the crankshaft. The accessory drive further includes a secondary drive having a flexible continuous secondary drive member external of the engine and driveable by the rotational member, and at least one engine accessory driveable by the secondary drive. The at least one engine accessory includes at least a balance shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventor: Howard J. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7044875
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Litens Automotive
    Inventor: Witold Gajewski
  • Patent number: 7004864
    Abstract: In an auxiliary-driving system in an engine, a crank pulley, a first auxiliary pulley and an idler pulley having a tensioner function are disposed in a triangular configuration with the idler pulley located in an uppermost position; and a second auxiliary pulley is disposed in a space surrounded by these pulleys. An endless transmitting belt is reeved around the pulleys. An inner surface of the transmitting belt is reeved around the first auxiliary pulley; and an outer surface of the transmitting belt is reeved around the second auxiliary pulley. Thus, the adjustment of the tension of the transmitting belt and other maintenance are facilitated, the transmitting efficiency of the transmitting belt can be enhanced, and compactness of the auxiliary-driving system itself and improvement in mileage can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoki Hotta
  • Patent number: 6840877
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Larry Sakundiak
  • Patent number: 6743133
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a chain drive, in particular camshaft/camshaft drive for an automotive engine, the chain drive comprising at least two chain gears and a drive chain. Such a chain drive shall be made more compact without excessively great losses in its low-noise characteristics. To this end at least two chain gears are arranged in laterally offset relationship with one another in axial direction. The drive chain is a multiple-track chain. Each of the offset chain gears has assigned thereto a separate track of the multiple-track chain due to the lateral offset. The tip diameters of the offset chain gears are overlapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Joh. Winkelhofer & Sohne GmbH und Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Fink, Peter Schulze
  • Publication number: 20040053721
    Abstract: A serpentine accessory-belt, aggregate, drive arrangement wherein an intake side of an engine block is placed toward the frontal side of a vehicle, and engine accessories are mounted at the right side of the engine in a forward direction of the vehicle, enabling to minimize thermal damage to a serpentine belt and facilitate accessibility and maintenance of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Sung-Baek Joo
  • Publication number: 20040053718
    Abstract: A bottle-rotating device has a rotation device and an auxiliary pressing device. The rotation device corresponds to an induction coil in an induction cap sealer. The rotation device has a bottom plate, a top plate, a belt, a drive train and a driver. The belt and the drive train are mounted between the bottom plate and the top plate, and the drive train has a straight section corresponding to the induction coil. The belt is mounted around the drive train is driven by the driver. The auxiliary pressing device corresponds to the rotation device. The auxiliary pressing device has a pressing strip securely held on pressing strip holders parallel to the straight section of the drive train. Accordingly, the bottles will be rotated and the foil on the bottle can be heated evenly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Hua-Chang Pang
  • 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: 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: 20030104886
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Witold Gajewski
  • Patent number: 6447225
    Abstract: A spindle assembly, with improved belt drive, is suitable for a multi-axis machining cell providing tool movements along predetermined axes of motion, such as the X-, Y- and Z-axes. Plural machining spindles, each provided with a driven pulley, are mounted to a headstock of a machining cell. A spindle, drive motor is also mounted to the headstock and is provided with a drive pulley. A drive belt is trained, preferably by serpentine wrap, over the drive pulley and subsets of driven pulleys, and transmits rotational motion from the drive pulley to the driven pulleys. Preferably, at least one set of drive pulley and driven pulleys is constituted by herringbone sprockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Ann Arbor Machine Company
    Inventor: Lanny Green
  • Publication number: 20010007838
    Abstract: A scanner driving device is provided for driving an image-scanning unit mounted inside a scanner for allowing the image scanning unit to move reciprocally inside the scanner for scanning documents. The scanner driving device comprises a step motor, a belt driving mechanism interconnected between the image scanner unit and the step motor, and a control unit for controlling the step motor in response to a pre-determined scanning resolution. The step motor directly drives under the control of the control unit a timing belt pulley of the belt driving mechanism to move the image scanning unit connected to the belt driving mechanism, so that required components as well as production cost can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Publication date: July 12, 2001
    Applicant: UMAXDATA SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Sunny Chen, Jer-Kuei Mai
  • Patent number: 6019692
    Abstract: A belt drive device is constructed by looping a timing belt 14 about a driving sprocket 9, a cam sprocket 11, and a driven sprocket 12 for transmitting a driving force from the driving sprocket 9 to the sprockets 11, 12. A dynamic damper 15, comprising a ring mass 153 and an elastic ring 152 for holding the ring mass 153, is mounted on the driven sprocket 12 that has the largest amplitde of torque fluctuation among the sprockets 11, 12. The dynamic damper 15 absorbs revolution fluctuations of the driven sprocket 12 that has the largest amplitude of torque fluctuation. Thus, at the time of resonance during which the belt load on the timing belt 15 sharply increases, the sharp increase in the timing belt load can be minimized, and maximum load on the timing belt 15 can be decreased, whereby the durability of the timing belt 15 can be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ichiyo Kojima, Satoshi Imai, Kiyoshi Hatano, Setsuo Nishihara
  • Patent number: 5979924
    Abstract: A crank assembly for a bicycle uses a plurality of auxiliary sprockets and chains to achieve high ratios of wheel speed to pedal-rotation speed. The compact crank assembly is especially well suited for use on full-suspension bicycles, as high gear ratios are attained without altering the normal size and layout of the main sprocket and drive chain of the bicycle. The auxiliary sprockets may be coupled by a simple axle or, alternatively, may be coupled by a rider-adjustable transmission to provide greater control over the gear ratio of the crank assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Cannoncale Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher P. D'Aluisio, Mario M. Galasso, Robert H. Humphries, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE43562
    Abstract: A shift control apparatus is provided for a bicycle having a plurality of front sprockets and a plurality of rear sprockets, wherein a front derailleur shifts a chain among the plurality of front sprockets and a rear derailleur shifts the chain among the plurality of rear sprockets. The apparatus comprises a shift unit that provides signals for shifting the front derailleur and the rear derailleur; and a prohibiting unit operatively coupled to the shift unit and providing signals so that the chain is prohibited from engaging at least one of i) a laterally innermost front sprocket in combination with a laterally outermost rear sprocket, and ii) a laterally outermost front sprocket in combination with a laterally innermost rear sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Takeda, Tadashi Ichida