Abstract: A starter and accessory drive system and method for hybrid drive vehicles is provided. The invention isolates the accessory drive system from the transfer of torque between a starter motor and the crankshaft of the engine. In one embodiment, a dedicated flexible drive member transfers torque from the starter motor to the crankshaft to re-start the engine. In another embodiment, a torque transfer control is employed to selectively apply torque from the starter motor to the accessory drive, to drive the accessories when the engine is stopped, and/or to the engine crankshaft to re-start the engine. In another embodiment of the invention, the accessory drive is isolated from the engine crankshaft and is instead driven by a drive motor on the accessory drive while the engine crankshaft is connected to a starter motor and/or generator which can be energized to re-start the engine.

Abstract: A starter and accessory drive system and method for hybrid drive vehicles is provided. The invention isolates the accessory drive system from the transfer of torque between a starter motor and the crankshaft of the engine. In one embodiment, a dedicated flexible drive member transfers torque from the starter motor to the crankshaft to re-start the engine. In another embodiment, a torque transfer control is employed to selectively apply torque from the starter motor to the accessory drive, to drive the accessories when the engine is stopped, and/or to the engine crankshaft to re-start the engine. In another embodiment of the invention, the accessory drive is isolated from the engine crankshaft and is instead driven by a drive motor on the accessory drive while the engine crankshaft is connected to a starter motor and/or generator which can be energized to re-start the engine.

Abstract: A tensioner for tensioning a flexible drive means is disclosed which has fewer components than comparable prior art tensioners. The tensioner is less expensive to manufacture and assemble and is easily installed. The tensioner includes a tensioner arm molded from a suitable plastic material and a pivot bushing formed from a different material, the pivot bushing preferably being over molded about the tensioner arm. The pivot bushing and tensioner arm include a series of longitudinal slots to form fingers from the tensioner arm and pivot bushing, the fingers engaging the pivot surface of the pivot shaft about which the arm pivots. A coil spring is used to bias a rotatable member on the tensioner arm into contact with the flexible drive means to be tensioned and a portion of the coil spring engages the fingers to squeeze them to increase the frictional force between the pivot bushing and the pivot surface to dampen the tensioner when the tensioner arm is moved in one direction.

Abstract: A power-operated system for actuating the liftgates of motor vehicles is disclosed. The system includes a controllable strut with internal locking structure that includes a driver and a valve assembly. The controllable strut is typically mounted on one side of the liftgate between the liftgate and the vehicle's frame. Conventional strut may be mounted on the other side of the liftgate. One end of each strut is connected to a powered articulating arm. To move the liftgate between open and closed positions, the articulating arms move the controllable strut and the other strut between positions of greater and lesser mechanical advantage. During the movements, the locking structure in the controllable strut may be activated and deactivated either cyclically or continuously to momentarily to retain the controllable strut as particular lengths.

Abstract: A driveshaft for a snowmobile has an elongated hollow tube having a longitudinal extent. The tube has a series of circumferentially spaced longitudinally extending splines. Both ends of the tube each have an insert for journal mounting the tube. At least two sprockets are mounted on the tube in a spaced relation. Each of the sprockets has an inner hub which has an inner circumferential surface contoured to complementarily engage with the tube in a frictional fit.

Abstract: A power-operated system for actuating the rear doors or liftgates of motor vehicles includes a strut assembly having two struts, each strut mounted on one side of the door between the door and the vehicle's door frame. One end of each strut is connected to a powered rotating arm. To open the door, the rotating arms change the angular orientation of the struts such that they have a substantial mechanical advantage. In this position, the force provided by the struts overcomes the weight bias of the door, thus opening the door. To close the door, the rotating arms change the angular orientation of the struts such that the struts have a decreased mechanical advantage, reducing the force provided by the struts, and therefore causing the door to fall closed under its own weight bias. A control system for controlling the power-operated system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power-operated system for actuating the rear doors or liftgates of motor vehicles is disclosed. The system includes a strut assembly having two struts, each strut mounted on one side of the door between the door and the vehicle's door frame. One end of each strut is connected to a powered rotating arm. To open the door, the rotating arms change the angular orientation of the struts such that they have a substantial mechanical advantage. In this position, the force provided by the struts overcomes the weight bias of the door, thus opening the door. To close the door, the rotating arms change the angular orientation of the struts such that the struts have a decreased mechanical advantage, reducing the force provided by the struts, and therefore causing the door to fall closed under its own weight bias. A control system for controlling the power-operated system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A driveshaft for a snowmobile has an elongated hollow tube having a longitudinal extent. The tube has a series of circumferentially spaced longitudinally extending splines. Both ends of the tube each have an insert for journal mounting the tube. At least two sprockets are mounted on the tube in a spaced relation. Each of the sprockets has an inner hub which has an inner circumferential surface contoured to complementarily engage with the tube in a frictional fit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tensioner for use in an engine. The tensioner comprises a fixed structure that fixes to the engine. A movable structure is mounted for movement relative to the fixed structure in a belt tensioning and opposite directions. A pulley member has a belt engaging surface that engages with the belt. One of the fixed and movable structures has an interior surface defining a fluid chamber containing fluid and the other includes a chamber dividing structure. The chamber dividing structure defines first and second chamber portions on opposing sides thereof. A biasing element biases the movable structure in the tensioning direction to tension the belt. Relative movement of the movable structure in the tensioning direction displaces fluid from the first to the second chamber portion and increases fluid pressure in the first chamber portion and decreases fluid pressure in the second chamber portion, and the reverse occurs during movement of the movable structure in the opposite direction.