Abstract: A trigger assembly for activating a firing mechanism. The trigger assembly includes a trigger having a sear arm with a first sear surface, and a firing element including a body portion with a second sear surface and an engagement portion for engagement with the firing mechanism, for activating the firing mechanism. The trigger assembly also includes a captured roller positioned for engagement with the first and second sear surfaces. The trigger is pivotable between a load position, in which the captured roller is held between the first and second sear surfaces, and a release position, in which the second sear surface is disengaged from the captured roller and the firing element is released. The firing element is pivotable between a first position, in which the firing element is held by the captured roller, and a second position, in which the firing element is disengaged from the captured roller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to monitor endless belts and related belt drive systems by non-contact sensors for wear or an anomalous function, determining the state of belt drive system and detecting early stages of belt and system failure. A sensing unit featuring one or several independent sensor elements is placed near a belt of a polymer matrix with a fiber cord load bearing core to monitor several simultaneously occurring normal modes of operation. The sensor can determine soundness of the whole timing drive continuously by processing the collected signal and detecting structural damage. The collected data is processed by a microcontroller integrated with the sensor. The apparatus and method uses a non-contacting capacitor array having sensing element(s) connected to electronic circuitry that is adapted to sense the dynamic capacitance change coupled with electrocapacitive and piezoelectric effects exhibited by the belt. The sensor continuously monitors the belt during normal operation.

Abstract: A tensioner (10) features a backstop device (40) which allows free rotation of the pivot arm (20) in one direction but not the other. Reverse rotation is prevented by friction that is able to resist torque on the pivot arm (20) under ordinary operating conditions which otherwise could permit belt tooth-skip to occur. In disclosed embodiments, the backstop device (40) includes a stop sleeve (50) and a clamp holder (60) which are axially interlocked and are able to rotate relative to each other. A clutch spring (80) surrounds permits relative rotation between the stop sleeve (50) and the clamp holder (60) in one direction but not the other. A clamp (70) retained within the clamp holder (60) frictionally engages the pivot shaft. A viscous coupling may be used in place of the frictional clamp.

Abstract: A tensioner for an endless belt comprising a stationary structure on which a pivotal tension arm with an idler pulley is mounted. A spring between the tension arm and the stationary structure acts to bias the pulley against the belt, thereby applying tension. The invention includes a one-way device that is operable in response to the extent of pivotal movement of the tension arm in the forward direction to establish different positions at which pivotal movement in the return direction is limited. A damping system is used to restrict pivotal movement of the tension arm as a result of sudden short-time vibratory movements or dynamic vibrations in cold conditions.

Abstract: A crankshaft decoupler has a mounting hub, a pulley rotatably mounted on the mounting hub, an annular carrier mounted within said pulley, a biasing device mounted therebetween, and a one way clutch mounted between the annular carrier and the pulley. The biasing device cushions the belt drive from crankshaft impulses and lowers the angular resonant frequency of the belt system. The one way clutch prevents sudden reversal of the belt tension in the drive due to start/stop of the engine or sudden deceleration of the engine and prevents momentary reverse slip belt squeal as a result of the tensioners' inadequate output for the reverse mode. The one way clutch limits the maximum amount of torque which may be transmitted preventing belt slippage during momentary overload.