Abstract: An electronically controlled accessory drive system for an automotive engine includes a drive pulley attached to an output shaft of the engine and a flexible drivebelt for connecting the drive pulley with driven pulleys. A tensioner maintains the drivebelt in contact with each of the drive and driven pulleys. The tensioner includes an arm which is rotatably mounted to the engine, and has a wheel for contacting the drivebelt. The wheel is urged into contact with the drivebelt by the arm, with the tensioner further including a governor for controlling rotational motion of the arm, with the arm being able to rotate freely in the direction toward the drivebelt, with the governor resisting motion of the arm in the direction in which tension in the drivebelt is decreased. Motion of the governor is controlled by an electronic controller which operates a magnetic coil disposed about a fluid passage through which a magnetorheological fluid must pass as the tensioner arm rotates.

Abstract: A system for powering various rotating vehicle accessories such as an alternator, a power steering pump, and an air-conditioning compressor from both a water pump and an engine's crankshaft. At relatively low engine crankshaft speeds, the accessories are driven by a clutch mounted on a water pump at a first speed ratio relative to the engine crankshaft speed; at relatively high engine crankshaft speeds, the accessories are driven by the crankshaft at a second speed ratio relative to the engine crankshaft speed.

Abstract: An accessory drive system for an automotive engine includes a drive pulley attached to an output shaft of the engine and a flexible drivebelt for connecting the drive pulley with driven pulleys. A tensioner maintains the drivebelt in contact with each of the drive and driven pulleys. The tensioner includes an arm which is rotatably mounted to the engine which has a wheel for contacting the drivebelt. Motion of the arm is controllably damped by a spool valve which controls the flow of hydraulic fluid in a hydrostatically lockable hydraulic cylinder incorporated in the tensioner.

Abstract: An accessory drive system for an automotive engine includes a drive pulley attached to an output shaft of the engine and a flexible drivebelt for connecting the drive pulley with driven pulleys. A tensioner maintains the drivebelt in contact with each of the drive and driven pulleys. The tensioner includes an arm which is rotatably mounted to the engine which has a wheel for contacting the drivebelt. The wheel is urged into contact with the drivebelt by the arm, with the tensioner further including a governor for controlling rotational motion of the arm with the arm being able to rotate freely in the direction in which tension of the drivebelt is increased, with the governor resisting motion of the arm in the direction in which tension in the drivebelt is decreased.

Abstract: An arm assembly for an automotive engine accessory drive belt tensioner has a wound spring which is permanently captured upon the arm by a retainer which is effective not only prior to installation of the arm upon an engine, but also after the installation and removal of the arm from an engine.

Abstract: An accessory drive tensioner for an engine includes a cover adapted to enclose a portion of the engine, a hub carrier formed integrally with the cover, and a tensioner arm and wheel assembly journalled to the hub carrier. The tensioner arm and wheel assembly includes a flanged hub having a clindrical center section in contact with a bearing post also formed integrally with the cover, and a generally planar cover section in contact with the annular wall.

Abstract: An intake manifold and alternator system for an internal combustion engine includes a manifold for conveying intake charge to a plurality of cylinders of an engine and an alternator driven by the engine, with the alternator being housed within a cavity formed within the manifold. Passages conduct liquid coolant from the manifold to the alternator for the purpose of dissipating heat arising within the alternator.

Abstract: A drive train assembly (10) for an automotive fan (12) which includes a hydraulic coupler (22) that dynamically interconnects a fan blade shaft (24) to a driving shaft (18) within a range of radial offsets to permit reduction of clearance required between the fan blade (26) and a body mounted shroud (30). The hydraulic coupler (22) includes driving and driven turbines (48,50) that are drivingly interconnected by means of a fluid (64) operated upon by a plurality of vanes (56,58) located in cavities (52,54) formed in each of the turbines. An anti-friction bearing (28) journals the fan blade shaft (24) in the shroud (30). A universal joint (32) or elastomeric coupler, connects the driving shaft (18) to the fan blade shaft (24) dynamically in any one of a number of relative angular positions. A clutch (20) is included to limit speed of rotation of the fan blade (26) within operational limits.