Abstract: An oil tensioner includes a housing, forming a cylindrical bore therewithin, and a hollow cylindrical plunger. The housing and the plunger form an oil chamber therebetween, to which oil is supplied. The plunger is urged by a spring as well as external oil hydraulics. The plunger includes a screw groove, in communication with the oil chamber, formed on a sliding surface thereof abutting an inner surface of the housing. When the plunger is urged rearward, oil in the oil chamber flows gradually through the screw groove, thereby effectively lubricating the sliding surface therebetween.

Abstract: In a machine, such as an internal combustion engine, in which a chain is used to transmit rotating power from one shaft to another, the chain is situated in an oil-tight chain compartment which is separated from other lubricant containing spaces so that lubricating oil in the other spaces cannot flow directly into the lubricating oil in the chain compartment. Contamination of the chain lubricant is avoided, and the useful life of the chain is increased. In a first embodiment, a separate quantity of oil is situated in the chain compartment. In a second embodiment, the chain lubricating oil is recirculated in the chain compartment by a dedicated pump. In a third embodiment, filtered engine oil is delivered to the chain compartment through a passage in a shaft, and through a port in a chain sprocket on the shaft.

Abstract: An hydraulic tensioner using engine lubricating oil as its operating fluid is mountable on an engine block by a mounting plate serving both as a mounting adapter and as a closure for an oil reservoir opening in the tensioner housing. A gasket between the tensioner housing and the mounting plate prevents leakage of oil from the reservoir. To facilitate installation of the three-part assembly consisting of the tensioner, the mounting plate and the gasket, the three elements are temporarily secured together before mounting to enable the installer to handle the three elements easily with one hand. The temporary assembly of the three elements together also reduces the likelihood of damage to the gasket. Separate rivets, or bosses formed in the gasket, can be used to hold the elements together before mounting.

Abstract: A chain-type power transmission mechanism, having first and second sets of sprockets, each set of which has a sprocket provided on both a drive shaft and a driven shaft. A first chain extends over and between the first set of sprockets, and a second chain extends over and between the second set of sprockets. The two sprockets provided on at least one of the shafts are relatively changeable in rotational position whereby the forward side of one chain and the backward side of the other chain are tensioned.

Abstract: A fluid tensioner for use with power transmission chains such as automotive camshaft drive chains users engine lubricating oil as its operating fluid, and includes a built-in oil filter for removing foreign matter which might interfere with proper tensioner operation. The tensioner is attached directly to the outside wall of an engine block and, in one version the filter is disposed in an elongated recess formed in the portion of the tensioner housing which engages the engine block, and engine oil is received through an oil port in the block. The filter screen is tilted to maximize the distance between the oil port and the screen and between the screen and the channel in the tensioner through which oil flows to the tensioner mechanism. In another version, the tensioner has a built-in oil reservoir, and the filter is located either upstream or downstream from the reservoir and insertable through a passage leading to the outside of the tensioner housing for easy inspection and replacement.

Abstract: A tensioner for an endless power transmission chain or belt comprises a transmission-engaging element for directly contacting the transmission and applying tension thereto while permitting the transmission to move past the transmission-engaging element, a sliding element mounted for longitudinal movement along a line of movement extending toward the transmission-engaging element, a spring urging the sliding element along said line of movement in a direction toward the transmission-engaging element, and a pad made of plastics material, secured to an end of the sliding element and urged into engagement with the transmission-engaging element by the spring whereby the transmission-engaging element is urged against said transmission by the pad.

Abstract: An oil tensioner for applying a tensile force to chains, belts and similar wrapping type power transmitting mechanisms. The tensioner includes an oil reservoir for storing oil drawn from an engine block to a cylinder of a piston via a check valve, and returned to the reservoir via an orifice. The valve and orifice allow the piston to move more readily in one direction than in the other. A bell-shaped oil filter disposed adjacent to the bottom of the reservoir filters out chips and dust as well as controls the rate of oil outflow thereby preventing air from being drawn into the cylinder with the oil, and providing smooth oil flow and possible damage to the components.

Abstract: A hydraulically damped tensioner for a belt transmission system. A piston slidable with clearance in a cylinder form front and rear oil-filled chambers communicating through a passage in the piston with a check valve for restricting flow from the rear chamber to the front chamber. A piston rod is urged through the front chamber and against a roller by a spring in the rear chamber imparting tension on the belt. An opening, sealed by a removable plug, communicate with the front chamber to provide access for filling oil in both chambers.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated tensioner of a toothed belt. A piston slidable with clearance in a cylinder forms front and rear oil-filled chambers communicating through a passage in the piston with a check valve for restricting flow in one direction. A piston rod extending from one end of the piston is urged by a spring, through the front chamber, against a roller to impart tension on the belt. An oil reservoir communicating with the front chamber is enclosed by a spring-biased diaphragm for maintaining the oil pressure in the chambers above atmospheric pressure at all times.