Abstract: Low-noise pulleys and methods of constructing low-noise pulleys are disclosed. In a first aspect, first and second pluralities of arms extending radially outward from the outer hub to the outer rim are angularly offset from each other about the axis of rotation to eliminate symmetry across the lateral midline of the pulley. In a second aspect, the radially outermost ends of a plurality of arms are arcuately spaced apart according to a pitch sequence describing a pseudo-random pattern of relative spacings so as to reduce or eliminate rotational symmetry of the pulley. In a third aspect, features of the first and second aspects are combined, and in one embodiment, first and second pluralities of arms are, respectively, approximately oppositely canted so as to vary the arcuate spacings of the laterally outermost ends of the arms.

Abstract: An efficiency boost of power transmission to the front end accessory drive (“FEAD”) system is provided by a crankshaft damper having a hub, an inertia member operably attached to the hub by an elastomeric member, and a one-way clutch operably attached to the inertia member and to drive a belt-engaging surface. The one-way clutch is operably associated with the crankshaft damper for increasing the average RPM input to the FEAD system relative to the average crankshaft input.

Abstract: Low-noise pulleys and methods of constructing low-noise pulleys are disclosed. In a first aspect, first and second pluralities of arms extending radially outward from the outer hub to the outer rim are angularly offset from each other about the axis of rotation to eliminate symmetry across the lateral midline of the pulley. In a second aspect, the radially outermost ends of a plurality of arms are arcuately spaced apart according to a pitch sequence describing a pseudo-random pattern of relative spacings so as to reduce or eliminate rotational symmetry of the pulley. In a third aspect, features of the first and second aspects are combined, and in one embodiment, first and second pluralities of arms are, respectively, approximately oppositely canted so as to vary the arcuate spacings of the laterally outermost ends of the arms.

Abstract: Low-noise pulleys and methods of constructing low-noise pulleys are disclosed. In a first aspect, first and second pluralities of arms extending radially outward from the outer hub to the outer rim are angularly offset from each other about the axis of rotation to eliminate symmetry across the lateral midline of the pulley. In a second aspect, the radially outermost ends of a plurality of arms are arcuately spaced apart according to a pitch sequence describing a pseudo-random pattern of relative spacings so as to reduce or eliminate rotational symmetry of the pulley. In a third aspect, features of the first and second aspects are combined, and in one embodiment, first and second pluralities of arms are, respectively, approximately oppositely canted so as to vary the arcuate spacings of the laterally outermost ends of the arms.

Abstract: Low-noise pulleys and methods of constructing low-noise pulleys are disclosed. In a first aspect, first and second pluralities of arms extending radially outward from the outer hub to the outer rim are angularly offset from each other about the axis of rotation to eliminate symmetry across the lateral midline of the pulley. In a second aspect, the radially outermost ends of a plurality of arms are arcuately spaced apart according to a pitch sequence describing a pseudo-random pattern of relative spacings so as to reduce or eliminate rotational symmetry of the pulley. In a third aspect, features of the first and second aspects are combined, and in one embodiment, first and second pluralities of arms are, respectively, approximately oppositely canted so as to vary the arcuate spacings of the laterally outermost ends of the arms.

Abstract: A tensioning system including a body having a base and an engagement surface pivotally coupled to the base. The system further includes a biasing mechanism operatively coupled to the engagement surface to bias the engagement surface relative to the base, and a locating device coupled to the body. The locating device is configured to rotationally position the tensioning system, and the locating device has an adjustable effective length.

Abstract: Low-noise pulleys and methods of constructing low-noise pulleys are disclosed. In a first aspect, first and second pluralities of arms extending radially outward from the outer hub to the outer rim are angularly offset from each other about the axis of rotation to eliminate symmetry across the lateral midline of the pulley. In a second aspect, the radially outermost ends of a plurality of arms are arcuately spaced apart according to a pitch sequence describing a pseudo-random pattern of relative spacings so as to reduce or eliminate rotational symmetry of the pulley. In a third aspect, features of the first and second aspects are combined, and in one embodiment, first and second pluralities of arms are, respectively, approximately oppositely canted so as to vary the arcuate spacings of the laterally outermost ends of the arms.

Abstract: This invention provides an Information Content Processing Device comprising a system of hardware and software, together with a method, for personalizing prerecorded text, pictures, video, and/or audio media with unfinished segments. The prerecorded media is personalized with personal content media to produce a final multimedia production in digital format for storage on a storage device. Because of the multitude of possible file formats associated with a multimedia production, an Expert Media Facility communication link exists to assist the user in its creation.

Abstract: A deicer is provided for breaking up and removing accumulated ice on an airfoil surface. The deicer includes a bondside surface that is bonded to the airfoil surface, a breezeside surface on which the ice will accumulate, and passage-defining surfaces therebetween. The passage-defining surfaces define a plurality of expansible and contractible inflation passages and include a moisture-impervious coating whereby moisture within the inflation passages will not be absorbed by the surfaces. The bondside, breezeside and passage-defining surfaces may be contained on a deicer panel and means may be provided for introducing inflation fluid to and evacuating inflation fluid from the passages to expand and contract the inflation passages to break up and remove the accumulated ice.