Abstract: Power transmission chains (10, 40, 60) which are suitable for automotive uses as well as other uses and which have a reduced susceptibility to wear and corrosion, in which such chains (10, 40, 60) are constructed to include a plurality of sets (12, 14) of links (11, 13) joined at overlapped ends (11a, 13a) thereof by a pivot (16) including at least one ceramic joint component (16), such as a pivot means (16). Such chains (10) also include means (18a, 18b) to drivingly engage sprocket teeth (37) of a sprocket drive (35).

Abstract: In a cam torque actuated (CTA) system that has a crank shaft coupled to at least one cam shaft. The system has at least one timing gear associated with the crank shaft or a cam shaft. The timing gear includes at least two groups of toothlike projections including a first group having a first distance to the center of the wheel, and a second group having a second distance to the center of the wheel. The first distance is different from the second distance. Whereby torsional energy for torque actuated purposes is increased for the CTA system. The system may further include a resonator which is positioned upon the at least one cam shaft, the resonator including at least one mass and at least one elastic element. Whereby torsional oscillation of the at least one cam shaft at a predetermined engine speed range is increased.

Abstract: A power transmission system for transmitting power between sprockets mounted on rotating members. The system includes a chain comprising a plurality of transverse elements maintained in a stack by a carrier received in slots in each transverse element. Power is transmitted along the chain by contact between the principal faces of the transverse elements. The transverse elements include a plurality of load bearing elements which are configured to engage the teeth of the sprockets and to provide power transmission therewith. The chain extends along a run from a driving sprocket to a driven sprocket and moves along the run from the driving sprocket to the driven sprocket. An antibuckling guide is positioned along the run to prevent deflection of the chain perpendicular to the run.

Abstract: A compression belt for a CVT having multiple variable pulleys comprises a plurality of interconnected load blocks, each having a unitary construction and a crowned strut edge for contacting and mechanically linking the pulleys of the CVT, wherein the radius of the crown is determined by the maximum allowable contact stress of the material from which the strut is manufactured, and the radius is located such that the contact point of the strut with the pulley remains close to the rocking radius of the strut.

Abstract: A split sprocket (2) for use with power transmission chains (3), with a spring (33) rotationally biasing the halves (16)(17) of the sprocket, in which the relative rotation of the two halves under the influence of the spring caused an effective increase in diameter of the saddles (25) between the teeth of the sprocket, thereby automatically taking up tension in a chain.

Abstract: A gear set comprising a pair of phased split gears, a driven gear (1) and a driving gear (2). The sections ((3)(4) and (5)(6)) of each of the split gears are offset from each other, preferably by one-half pitch, and in one of the two split gears, the sections of the gear may rotate relative to each other. The two sections of that gear must then be connected by a means that allows the transmission of torque between the two, preferably by being resiliently loaded by a torsion spring (33) or other bias medium to the leading edge of the meshing tooth of the mating gear. When the driving split gear is turned, force is initially applied to the driven gear through the resilient bias medium. This allows perfect mesh between the two gears in the drive while taking manufacturing variability into consideration.

Abstract: An inverted tooth chain which transmits power through compression. The chain has two kinds of elements, connected together by pins: inner sprocket-engaging blocks, and outer force-transmitting guide links. The ends of the sprocket-engaging blocks are connected by pins to adjoining guide links. A retaining band, preferably made of a number of laminated steel bands, runs over the backs of the sprocket-engaging blocks, and is held in place by pins running across the chain between the tops of the guide links. The sprocket engaging blocks have teeth extending inward to engage the mating teeth of sprockets, and the outward facing backs of the blocks are preferably curved and crowned to form a surface for the steel bands to center themselves as they run. The guide links are shaped to transfer the load from link to link through flat end surfaces, and are extended outward so that the pairs of guide links form rails within which the steel bands are contained.

Abstract: A chain and sprocket system includes a plurality of chains and phased or offset sprockets. Problems related to equalizing or sharing the load between the driven sprockets in a multiple axis, phased system are eliminated by providing sprockets that rotate independently of one another and having only one of those sprockets transmit load or power to the driven shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a torsionally compliant sprocket assembly which reduces the transfer of the crankshaft torsional oscillations to other components in the engine such as the balance shaft drives. The assembly comprises a first sprocket, second sprocket and a planar torsion spring located between the two sprockets and the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a torsionally compliant sprocket system which absorbs crankshaft torsional vibrations and minimizes their transfer to other components in the engine system. In particular, the present system interposes resilient spring members between a crankshaft sprocket and an adjacent balance shaft drive sprocket which are interconnected. A damping mechanism provides damping of the system to reduce resonant oscillations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a torsionally compliant sprocket assembly which reduces the transfer of the crankshaft torsional oscillations to other components in the engine such as the balance shaft drives. The assembly comprises a first sprocket, second sprocket and a planar torsion spring located between the two sprockets and the shaft.

Abstract: A chain and sprocket system includes a plurality of chain assemblies and phased or offset sprockets. The individual chain assemblies are interconnected by a retention bracket to form a single composite chain assembly.

Abstract: A power transmission system for transmitting power between a plurality of toothed sprockets mounted on rotating members. The system includes a chain comprising a plurality of transverse elements arranged in an endless loop and maintained in a stack by a plurality of endless carriers received in slots in each transverse element. Power is transmitted along the chain by contact between the principal faces of the transverse elements. The transverse elements include a plurality of load bearing elements which are configured to engage the teeth of the sprockets and provide power transmission therewith.

Abstract: A chain and sprocket system includes a plurality of chains and sprockets. The system includes a central shaft, two chains, and two identical sprockets. Although the two sprockets have identical size, shape, and features, they can be assembled onto the central shaft in different orientations. These orientations are achieved by rotating one sprocket with respect to the other. Assembling one sprocket onto the shaft in a different orientation from a second sprocket results in a system where the outer sprocket teeth of one sprocket are phased with respect to the outer sprocket teeth of the other sprocket. In this way, a phased chain and sprocket assembly is composed of identical sprockets, which eases manufacture and assembly.

Abstract: A chain and sprocket system includes a plurality of chains and phased or offset sprockets. The transmission system includes a random or hybrid chain with the offset sprockets. The timing system can include single or dual overhead camshafts, with phasing of the crankshaft sprockets and camshaft sprockets.

Abstract: A chain and sprocket system includes a plurality of chains and phased or offset sprockets. The transmission system includes a random or hybrid chain with the offset sprockets. The timing system can include single or dual overhead camshafts, with phasing of the crankshaft sprockets and camshaft sprockets.

Abstract: The chain guide of the present invention, which will be utilized on the tight side of the chain of an engine system, is designed to reduce the lateral motion of the chain. The chain guide is constructed with raised side rails that taper inward to the center. The slot which guides and controls the chain gradually narrows towards the center.

Abstract: A silent chain for power transmission applications wherein the chain is in sliding contact with a chain guide or tensioner. The chain is constructed of some link plates having a higher back than other link plates. In operation, the higher backed links slide against the chain guide or tensioner while the lower backed links do not contact the chain guide or tensioner. Because not all of the links slide against the chain guide, the friction between the chain and chain guide is reduced.

Abstract: A hydraulic tensioner having a hollow plunger slidably fitted in a cavity in a housing and biased in a protruding direction by a spring and fluid. A check valve permits fluid to only flow into the cavity, and thereby protrude the plunger, but not out of the cavity. A sleeve slidably fits within the plunger hollow forming a small clearance between the lower end of the plunger and sleeve. The plunger is made of an elastic material capable of expanding in diameter upon increases in internal pressure to permit increased fluid flow through the increased clearance and thus release cavity fluid pressure to allow the plunger to recede into the cavity.

Abstract: A hydraulic tensioner for operation of a dual chain system including at least one piston maintaining force on two chain guide arms. One embodiment includes an inner and outer piston with a first spring within the bore and a second spring on top of the housing, where each piston contacts a chain guide arm. A second embodiment includes one piston with a fulcrum arm contacting the chain guide arms. A third embodiment includes two pistons arranged side-by-side sharing the same chamber and check valve assembly.