Abstract: In one aspect, a tensioner is provided, comprising, a first tensioner arm and a second tensioner arm, a first wheel and a second wheel. The first tensioner arm is pivotable about a first pivot axis. The second tensioner arm is pivotally connected to the first arm so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis located at a selected distance from the first pivot axis. The first wheel is rotationally connected to the first tensioner arm about a first rotation axis. The second wheel is rotationally connected to the second tensioner arm about a second rotation axis. The first and second wheels are configured to engage an endless drive member. The first and second wheels are biased in respective first and second free arm directions.

Abstract: In an aspect, a clutch assembly is provided that uses an electromagnet to generate a magnetic circuit which drives an armature to a position whereat it engages the clutch to operatively connect a rotating member to a stationary member. In embodiments wherein the armature initially rotates with the rotating member, the magnetic circuit passes through the stationary member. In embodiments wherein the armature is initially stationary, the magnetic circuit extends through the rotating member.

Abstract: In one aspect, a tensioner that incorporates a fluid actuated cylinder and that is capable of precognitively anticipating when it is desirable to increase the tension in a belt or other endless drive element so as to prevent belt slip prior to events that would raise the risk of it.

Abstract: A driven accessory comprising a first rotary clutch portion, a second rotary clutch portion, a wrap spring and an actuator. The actuator is selectively operable for generating a force that is applied to a second end of the wrap spring. The actuator includes an actuator input member that is rotatable about a rotary axis relative to the first rotary clutch portion. The actuator input member is axially movable along the rotary axis between a first position, in which the actuator input member is drivingly engaged to the first rotary clutch portion to cause the wrap spring to uncoil against a clutch surface on the first rotary clutch portion such that rotary power is transmitted between the first rotary clutch portion and the second rotary clutch portion, and a second position in which the actuator input member is disengaged from first rotary clutch portion.

Abstract: A driven accessory (10) is provided that includes a first rotary clutch portion (50), a second rotary clutch portion (52), a wrap spring (56) and an actuator (60). The wrap spring (56) is configured to transmit rotary power between the first and second rotary clutch portions (50, 52). The actuator (60) is selectively operable for generating a drag force that is applied to the wrap spring (56) to control torque transmission through the wrap spring (56). The actuator (60) includes an actuator input member (140), a brake shoe (144) and a motor (142) that is configured to translate the brake shoe (144) axially along the rotary axis (70). The drag force is generated when the motor (142) is operated in a first mode so that transmission of rotary power between the first rotary clutch portion (50) and the second rotary clutch portion (52) is interrupted.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a tensioner that is capable of precognitively anticipating when it is desirable to increase the tension in a belt or other endless drive element so as to prevent belt slip prior to events that would raise the risk of it.