Abstract: A tensioner which adjusts the mean tensioner force to keep the chain tension as low as possible without sacrificing chain control, significantly improving drive efficiency as the chain wears and is subject to low dynamic loads.

Abstract: A tensioner which adjusts the mean tensioner force to keep the chain tension as low as possible without sacrificing chain control, significantly improving drive efficiency as the chain wears and is subject to low dynamic loads.

Abstract: A tensioner which adjusts the mean tensioner force to keep the chain tension as low as possible without sacrificing chain control, significantly improving drive efficiency as the chain wears and is subject to low dynamic loads.

Abstract: A tensioner which adjusts the mean tensioner force to keep the chain tension as low as possible without sacrificing chain control, significantly improving drive efficiency as the chain wears and is subject to low dynamic loads.

Abstract: A tensioner which adjusts the mean tensioner force to keep the chain tension as low as possible without sacrificing chain control, significantly improving drive efficiency as the chain wears and is subject to low dynamic loads.

Abstract: A tensioner which adjusts the mean tensioner force to keep the chain tension as low as possible without sacrificing chain control, significantly improving drive efficiency as the chain wears and is subject to low dynamic loads.

Abstract: A tensioner which adjusts the mean tensioner force to keep the chain tension as low as possible without sacrificing chain control, significantly improving drive efficiency as the chain wears and is subject to low dynamic loads.

Abstract: A tensioner which adjusts the mean tensioner force to keep the chain tension as low as possible without sacrificing chain control, significantly improving drive efficiency as the chain wears and is subject to low dynamic loads.

Abstract: A tensioner which adjusts the mean tensioner force to keep the chain tension as low as possible without sacrificing chain control, significantly improving drive efficiency as the chain wears and is subject to low dynamic loads.

Abstract: A tensioner which adjusts the mean tensioner force to keep the chain tension as low as possible without sacrificing chain control, significantly improving drive efficiency as the chain wears and is subject to low dynamic loads.

Abstract: A tensioner which adjusts the mean tensioner force to keep the chain tension as low as possible without sacrificing chain control, significantly improving drive efficiency as the chain wears and is subject to low dynamic loads.

Abstract: A tensioner which adjusts the mean tensioner force to keep the chain tension as low as possible without sacrificing chain control, significantly improving drive efficiency as the chain wears and is subject to low dynamic loads.

Abstract: A tensioner which adjusts the mean tensioner force to keep the chain tension as low as possible without sacrificing chain control, significantly improving drive efficiency as the chain wears and is subject to low dynamic loads.

Abstract: A tensioner which adjusts the mean tensioner force to keep the chain tension as low as possible without sacrificing chain control, significantly improving drive efficiency as the chain wears and is subject to low dynamic loads.

Abstract: A bar code reader missing link detection system for detection of missing, defective or misaligned chain links in assembled or in-process chains includes a light source for illuminating one or more chain links of a chain, a light sensitive diode array for detecting an image of a fixed scan line, produced by the light source, and a lens system for focusing incoming light produced by the light source onto the diode array, wherein the system is arranged such that the bar code reader reflects light from one or more of the chain links onto the diode array, and the diode array is continuously scanned, digitized, and the data obtained thereby interpreted to detect missing chain links.

Abstract: A vibration control system for an engine or transmission cover on a motor vehicle to absorb and dissipate gear or chain-induced vibration uses a piezoelectric strain actuator with a passive resonant control system to absorb and dissipate vibration at a fixed resonance frequency of transmission and engine timing covers. Another embodiment uses an open-loop active control system, based on signals already existing on-board in the engine controller and a control map of phase, amplitude and frequency. Still another embodiment employs a hybrid system, combining open- and closed-loop control.

Abstract: A blade-type chain tensioner (10, 110) is provided including a shoe (30, 130) adapted to impart tension to a chain (16), a blade spring (28, 128) engaging the shoe (30, 130), a piezoelectric strain element (35, 135) coupled to the blade spring (28, 128) or the shoe (30, 130), and a circuit (34, 137) adapted to receive a voltage or voltage data signal generated by a sensor (33, 133) coupled to the blade spring and shoe assembly (28/30, 128/130) in response to a vibration having a predetermined frequency or frequency band occurring in the blade spring and shoe assembly (28/30, 128/130), wherein the circuit (34, 137) is adapted to operably interact with the piezoelectric strain actuator element (35, 135) to induce a vibratory moment therein effective to reduce the vibration of the chain tensioner (10, 110).

Abstract: A blade-type chain tensioner (10, 110) is provided including a shoe (30, 130) adapted to impart tension to a chain (16), a blade spring (28, 128) engaging the shoe (30, 130), a piezoelectric strain element (35, 135) coupled to the blade spring (28, 128) or the shoe (30, 130), and a circuit (34, 137) adapted to receive a voltage or voltage data signal generated by a sensor (33, 133) coupled to the blade spring and shoe assembly (28/30, 128/130) in response to a vibration having a predetermined frequency or frequency band occurring in the blade spring and shoe assembly (28/30, 128/130), wherein the circuit (34, 137) is adapted to operably interact with the piezoelectric strain actuator element (35, 135) to induce a vibratory moment therein effective to reduce the vibration of the chain tensioner (10, 110). The piezoelectric strain element (35, 135) and the circuit (34, 137) can be configured as a passive damping system (10) or an active damping system (110), according to different aspects of the invention.

Abstract: A vibration control system for an engine or transmission cover on a motor vehicle to absorb and dissipate gear or chain-induced vibration uses a piezoelectric strain actuator with a passive resonant control system to absorb and dissipate vibration at a fixed resonance frequency of transmission and engine timing covers. Another embodiment uses an open-loop active control system, based on signals already existing on-board in the engine controller and a control map of phase, amplitude and frequency. Still another embodiment employs a hybrid system, combining open- and closed-loop control.

Abstract: A bar code reader missing link detection system for detection of missing, defective or misaligned chain links in assembled or in-process chains includes a light source for illuminating one or more chain links of a chain, a light sensitive diode array for detecting an image of a fixed scan line, produced by the light source, and a lens system for focusing incoming light produced by the light source onto the diode array, wherein the system is arranged such that the bar code reader reflects light from one or more of the chain links onto the diode array, and the diode array is continuously scanned, digitized, and the data obtained thereby interpreted to detect missing chain links.