Abstract: In an apparatus of the type comprising a first assembly, a second assembly, an orientable rotatable connection between the first assembly and the second assembly, and a control device associated with the orientable rotatable connection, a method for controlling the actuation of the control device. Particular embodiments of the method include comparing an actual orientation of the second assembly with a target orientation, actuating the control device to perform a control device actuation cycle if the actual orientation is not acceptable, determining an updated actual orientation of the second assembly, comparing the updated actual orientation with the target orientation, and repeating the control device actuation cycle if the updated target orientation is not acceptable. A first exemplary embodiment of the method represents a target approach to achieving the target orientation. A second exemplary embodiment of the method represents an incremental approach to achieving the target orientation.

Abstract: A tensioner comprising a base, a pivot arm pivotally engaged with the base, a torsion spring engaged between the base and the pivot arm for biasing the pivot arm, a first damping member and a second damping member disposed between the pivot arm and the base, the first damping member wedgingly engagable between the pivot arm and the second damping member, and the second damping member frictionally engaged between the first damping member and the base.

Abstract: A tensioner comprising a base, a pivot arm pivotally engaged with the base, a torsion spring engaged between the base and the pivot arm for biasing the pivot arm, a first damping member and a second damping member disposed between the pivot arm and the base, the first damping member wedgingly engagable between the pivot arm and the second damping member, and the second damping member frictionally engaged between the first damping member and the base.

Abstract: A tensioner comprising a base, a pivot arm rotationally connected to the base, a pulley journalled to the pivot arm, a torsion spring engaged between the base and the pivot arm for biasing the pivot arm, a first damping member and a second damping member, each engaged with the base such that each cannot rotate with respect to the base but can move axially, a friction member connected to and rotationally moveable with the pivot arm, the friction member disposed between the first damping member and the second damping member, and the torsion spring exerting a normal force directly upon the first damping member, thereby pressing the first damping member and the second damping member into frictional engagement with the friction plate.

Abstract: A tensioner comprising a base, a pivot arm rotationally connected to the base, a pulley journalled to the pivot arm, a torsion spring engaged between the base and the pivot arm for biasing the pivot arm, a damping member non-rotatingly engaged with the base, a thrust plate rotationally moveable in conjunction with the pivot arm, and the torsion spring exerting an axial force directly upon the thrust plate and thereby upon the damping member, pressing the damping member into frictional engagement with the pivot arm and with the thrust plate.