Means For Adjusting Belt Tension Or For Shifting Belt, Pulley Or Guide Roll Patents (Class 474/101)
  • Publication number: 20120088617
    Abstract: A system for an engine drive that engages a single timing band with a camshaft, a crankshaft and various accessory drives in such a configuration that the camshaft is rotated in a direction opposite that of the crankshaft, while ensuring a reflex wrap angle around each drive sprocket coupled to the camshaft, crankshaft and various accessory drives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Tom Suchecki
  • Patent number: 8137222
    Abstract: An accessory drive tensioner system may include a bracket, a coupling mechanism, and a biasing member. The bracket may have an aperture therethrough and a tensioner hub coupled thereto. The coupling mechanism may extend through the aperture to rotatably couple the bracket to a mounting member that is fixed relative to an engine. The biasing member may be engaged with the coupling mechanism and the bracket to bias the bracket axially along the coupling mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel D. Cottrell, V.
  • Publication number: 20120065009
    Abstract: A tensioning device is provided for a ribbed V-belt of a motor vehicle with at least one tensioning pulley that is directly and functionally connected to the ribbed V-belt and with a controller designed for varying the position and/or configuration of the tensioning pulley in dependence on the instantaneous operating state of at least one belt pulley on a driven side and/or a driving side that is connected to the ribbed V-belt in order to operationally adapt the tension of the ribbed V-belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Torsten MUELLER
  • Patent number: 8092327
    Abstract: In a spring-loaded tensioner lever having a coiled torsion spring accommodated in a space inside the lever, a stopper mechanism, comprising a pin held removably in a hole in the lever, holds an arm of the torsion spring against movement in the unwinding direction while the lever, or the chain, is being mounted on a mounting surface. The pin and a bent end of the arm of the spring fit into holes in the mounting surface positioned so that a pivot shaft-receiving hole of the lever is automatically aligned with a shaft-mounting hole in the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Akira Kobara, Atsushi Hayami
  • Patent number: 8062157
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tensioner, in particular a tensioner for a driving chain of an internal combustion engine, comprising a tensioning plunger which is axially movably guided in a plunger bore of a plunger reception means and an adjuster for readjusting the shift of the operating range of the tensioning plunger caused by wear. The adjuster comprises a hydraulic adjusting element and a closable pressure chamber provided on the bottom of the plunger bore. The adjusting element delimits the pressure chamber against the plunger bore and is axially movably guided in said plunger bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Iwis Motorsysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Henning Geibel, Sandra Ketterl, Martin Bodensteiner
  • Publication number: 20110281676
    Abstract: Starter-alternator assembly including a poly-V belt comprising a body made of elastomeric material, a plurality of filiform resistant inserts longitudinally embedded in the body, and a coupling portion integrally connected to the body and comprising a plurality of V-shaped ribs set alongside one another and alternating with V-shaped grooves. The belt has a dynamic modulus, with a tensile force pre-set at 600 N at a frequency 15 Hz, that after 10 000 cycles is higher than 110 000 N/rib/branch, and is advantageously made with resistant inserts obtained from at least one first fibre material and one second fibre material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Dayco Europe S.r.L.
    Inventors: Carlo Trappolini, Marco Di Meco
  • Publication number: 20110269584
    Abstract: A tensioner for a chain or similar power transmission medium comprises a spring-biased plunger having annular rack teeth with gradually sloping forward surfaces and steeper rearward surfaces. The teeth are engaged by radially movable balls received in inclined grooves in an axially movable annular ball seat disposed in an annular groove formed in the wall of a plunger-accommodating hole in a tensioner housing. The bottoms of the inclined grooves face a steep rearward surface of a rack tooth, and the annular ball seat is axially movable in the annular groove and biased in the plunger protruding direction by a spring that exerts a biasing force greater than the biasing force exerted on the plunger. The balls and the movable annular ball seat block retraction of the plunger on engine start-up, but permit retraction when excessive force is imparted to the plunger while the plunger is in a protruding condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.,
    Inventors: Osamu Yoshida, Yuji Kurematsu, Atsushi Hayami
  • Publication number: 20110256971
    Abstract: A roller-chain tensioning assembly includes a resilient bow-shaped structure to which are mounted first, second and third guide wheels. These guide wheels are mounted in such manner that a roller chain can be threaded around said first guide wheel on side facing away from said bow, around said second guide wheel on side facing said bow, and around said third guide wheel on side facing away from said bow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Richard J. Kilshaw
  • Publication number: 20110256969
    Abstract: A tensioner having a closing-type torsion spring that is employed to bias a pivot arm about a pivot shaft. The tensioner includes a damper that continuously contacts an inside surface of the torsion spring to dampen torsional vibration transmitted through the torsion spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Marek Frankowski, Liviu Tanjala, Jacek Stepniak, Frank Schimpl
  • Publication number: 20110253083
    Abstract: A drive configuration for driving one or more rotating sprockets (e.g., of an engine drive train), including a flexible force transmitting member forming a closed curve enclosing an area; a drive sprocket situated outside the area and driving the force transmitting member; first and second pulleys situated at least partially within the area and on opposing sides of the drive sprocket so as to urge the force transmitting member against the drive sprocket; and one or more driven sprockets each coupled to the force transmitting member. The drive configuration may include a cartridge including a base, one or more secondary pulleys being situated on opposing sides of the first pulley such that a timing belt is urged into contact with a drive sprocket and each of the pulleys. Accordingly, a timing belt may be rapidly installed or removed by inserting or removing the cartridge according to the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Victor A. Grossman
  • Patent number: 8033374
    Abstract: A drive arrangement for a shaft has a module carried by the shaft and including a motor, a driven wheel and a drive wheel. The motor, gearbox and drive wheel are carried on a slider plate which can slide transverse to the axis of the shaft. A front plate is fixed transverse to the axis of the shaft. A Bowden cable has its sheath attached to the front plate, and its inner cable attached to the slider plate, so that manipulation of the Bowden cable at a remote location allows force to be applied between the plates either tightening the belt to apply drive from the motor to the shaft, or releasing tension in the belt, to disengage the drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Bruce Stanley Gunton
  • Publication number: 20110241509
    Abstract: An apparatus for driving an actuating mechanism, of an apparatus for opening and/or closing a furniture part accommodated in a movable manner on a basic furniture part, including a drive unit for driving the actuating mechanism via a transmission arrangement with a plurality of transmission members. The actuating mechanism is arranged on one of the furniture parts and can be brought temporarily into contact with the other furniture part during opening and/or closing. The contact between the actuating mechanism and the other furniture part is broken during an opening operation. The transmission arrangement includes a traction-mechanism device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Grass GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen AHLFELD, Jörg Janzen
  • Patent number: 8011410
    Abstract: A driving mechanism for a labeling machine includes a plurality of driving arm assemblies and a gear set. The driving arm assemblies and the gear set are independent and can rotate quickly and are less likely to be worn off, and can drive feeding wheels coupled on axles to rotate concurrently to draw and convey a roll of film. A dust guarding plate is provided to surround a base. The driving mechanism provides secure transmission and simple repair and maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Fu-Chuan Huang
  • Patent number: 8002657
    Abstract: A tensioner operable to substantially maintain a specified tension in a flexible drive, such as a belt or chain, includes a spring, mounted laterally to the pivot shaft of the tensioner, which biases the tensioner arm towards the flexible drive. The spring is arcuate in shape and is maintained in a correspondingly arc-shaped spring retainer on a mounting plate of the tensioner. The arcuate shape of the spring and spring guide on the tensioner arm follows as the tensioner arm pivots towards and away from the flexible drive. The tensioner also has a wear take up mechanism to maintain the friction bushing in continuous engagement with the tensioner arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: John R. Antchak, James W. Dell, Hubertus G. Mevissen
  • Publication number: 20110195810
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tensioning device, in particular for a timing chain of an internal combustion engine, having a housing, a tensioning piston guided in a piston bore of the housing, and a locking means for limiting the retraction motion of the tensioning piston into the piston bore of the housing. The locking means comprises a locking ring arranged on the tensioning piston. Furthermore, the locking means comprises a separate locking sleeve that can be reversibly radially expanded and is arranged at one tensioning end of the housing to introduce the locking ring into the locking means in the retraction direction of the tensioning piston and to retain the locking ring in the locking means in the tensioning direction of the tensioning piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: IWIS MOTORSYSTEME GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Renzo Perissinotto
  • Patent number: 7993226
    Abstract: A clamping device with mechanical damping for a traction mechanism drive is provided. The device includes a clamping arm which carries a tension roller on one end thereof and is rotatably mounted in a housing at the other end thereof via a shaft connected thereto in a rotationally fixed manner, and is elastically supported on the housing by a torsion spring. A free end of the shaft is connected to a friction disk in a rotationally fixed manner, and a friction lining is arranged between the friction disk and an axial abutment surface of the housing. The invention reduces the friction lining wear and increases the damping capacity thereof. To accomplish this, a separate friction disk (7??) is connected to a separate friction lining (8??) in a positively locked manner without play, and the separate friction lining ((8??) is in frictional contact with the axial abutment surface (10) of the housing (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Mack, Bernd Hartmann, Thomas Mennerat, Jorg Kaiser, Manfred Wilhelm
  • Publication number: 20110190083
    Abstract: An accessory drive system for a vehicle comprises an electric motor adapted for receiving power from a battery and a least one accessory component for the vehicle. A serpentine belt is connected the motor and to the at least one accessory component such that the motor drives the at least one accessory component. A frame supports the electric motor and the at least one accessory component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: ALTe
    Inventors: Albert W. Harrison, III, John D. Thomas, William Jeff DeFrank, Nam-Huan Thai-Tang
  • Patent number: 7988578
    Abstract: A belt tensioning device for use in a machine motion application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Patriot Universal Holdings, LLC.
    Inventors: Rick G. Gosz, Mark A. Kubsh
  • Patent number: 7980976
    Abstract: A tensioner for tensioning a flexible drive means, such as a timing belt or chain, includes a pulley to contact the belt. The pulley is mounted on a tensioner arm and the tensioner arm can be rotated about a pivot shaft mounted to the tensioner by a spring. The axis about which the pulley rotates is spaced from the axis of the rotation of the tensioner arm with respect to the pivot shaft and the spacing of these axes of rotation results in the pulley moving through an eccentric towards or away from the belt when the tensioner arm is rotated. A stop is used to limit the range of movement of the tensioner arm between a desired range of movement defined by a free arm stop and a backstop. The position of the stop is adjustable by an installer. The angular range of movement of the tensioner arm is adjustable from a position suitable for installation of the tensioner to a position suitable for operation of the installed tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Jacek Stepniak, Jorma J. Lehtovaara, Marek Frankowski
  • Publication number: 20110152021
    Abstract: Disclosed is a release mechanism suitable for releasing and disengaging a chain drive means associated with a drive mechanism for a movable extendable frame assembly. In the arrangement, the drive mechanism includes a drive, a wheel assembly and a drive chain associated with the drive to drive wheels associated with the frame assembly. The mechanism also includes a quick release for permitting the chain drive to be released and disengaged from driving the wheels. The quick release has a movable support mounting the drive, and in which the support is movable about a fixed point to raise and lower the drive from a lower chain tensioned position to an upper chain release position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Thor Global Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventors: Thorkil J. JOHANNSEN, Alex Lecker
  • Publication number: 20110130232
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to decrease the impact sound of the ratchet mechanism generated at the time of piston retraction. The tensioner includes a piston 3 slidable in the piston bore 2a of the housing 2 and an expandable circlip member 5 engageable with the engagement groove 3a of the piston 3. The piston bore 2a has a guide groove 20 formed therein that has front and rear stop surfaces 20a, 20b adapted to contact the circlip member 5. The engagement groove 3a is formed by a round seat portion S0 that the circlip member 5 is adapted to seat, a piston-retraction restricting portion S0S1 that is formed on front side of the round scat portion S0 and a piston-advance permitting portion S0S2 that is formed on the front side of the round seat portion S0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: BORGWARNER MORSE TEC JAPAN K.K.
    Inventors: Simon Barrette, Kazuyuki Miyake
  • Publication number: 20110120115
    Abstract: An energy harvesting system includes a heat engine and a component configured to be driven by operation of the heat engine. The heat engine includes a first member, a second member, a shape memory alloy material, and a tensioner. The second member is spaced from the first member. The shape memory alloy material operatively interconnects the first member and the second member. The shape memory alloy material is configured to selectively change crystallographic phase from martensite to austenite and thereby contract in response to exposure to a first temperature. The shape memory alloy material is also configured to selectively change crystallographic phase from austenite to martensite and thereby expand in response to exposure to a second temperature. The tensioner is configured to apply tension to the shape memory alloy material as the shape memory alloy material selectively expands and contracts such that the shape memory alloy material is taut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul W. Alexander, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Nilesh D. Mankame, Xiujie Gao, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Andrew C. Keefe, Christopher P. Henry
  • Publication number: 20110111898
    Abstract: A clip-type tensioner member having a piston in a housing and a ratchet mechanism. A plurality of rack teeth are formed on the outer periphery of the pistons. A clip member elastically engages with the rack teeth and is positioned in a recess in the housing. The points of contact of the clip member on the housing are different in the retracted and engaged positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Kunihiko Mishima
  • Publication number: 20110101293
    Abstract: A winch driven by a rotatable cassette. The cassette can be rotated into multiple different positions. Each of the addition positions produces a different speed up the output for a cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: PRODUCTION RESOURCE GROUP L.L.C.
    Inventor: James Kempf
  • Patent number: 7927242
    Abstract: In a hydraulic chain tensioner having a housing, a hollow plunger slidable in a plunger-accommodating hole in the housing, and a hollow sleeve extending into the plunger from a bottom of the plunger-accommodating hole, and a check valve mounted at the opposite end of the sleeve, a passage is provided on the outer surface of the sleeve to accelerate the balance of pressure between a first high pressure chamber between the check valve and the protruding end of the plunger and a second high pressure chamber between the inner end of the plunger and the bottom of the plunger-accommodating hole. In an alternative embodiment, balance is accelerated by communication between the second high pressure chamber and an oil reservoir inside the sleeve on the upstream side of the check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Namie, Hiroshi Hashimoto, Hiroyuki Miyake
  • Publication number: 20110081996
    Abstract: Tension apparatus for a belt drive system. The tension apparatus includes a first component that is movable between a first tension position corresponding to a first belt length and a second tension position corresponding to a second belt length that is longer than the first belt length. The tension apparatus also includes a second component, a first component bracket coupled to the first component and defined by a first surface having a first perceptible indicator, and a second component bracket coupled to the second component and located adjacent the first component bracket. The second component bracket is defined by at least one second surface that has second perceptible indicators. The first perceptible indicator is selectively alignable with one of the second perceptible indicators in response to movement of the first component to one of the first and second tension positions such that tension of the belt is adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Brendan H. Geraghty
  • Publication number: 20110073692
    Abstract: A belt tensioning system configured to more effectively maintain the proper tension in a belt that can be engaged and disengaged. Proper tension in the belt is maintained even if the belt stretches or contracts by including a spring biased member between a tension wheel and a pivot frame. The spring member is preloaded such that when the belt stretches the tension wheel is biased against the belt by the force of the spring. Also, by selectively engaging the tension system one can avoid overloading the engine without the need to incorporate a clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: John T. Bouwers, Justin J. Humpal
  • Patent number: 7901310
    Abstract: A belt tensioner for a belt drive is designed to connect an engine shaft of an internal-combustion engine to a reversible electric machine which has the function of starting motor and current generator; the belt tensioner comprises a fixed part and a pair of arms, hinged on a common pin carried by the fixed part and provided with respective idle pulleys, and a spring, which forces the two arms towards one another so as to load the pulleys elastically against respective branches of the belt. The two arms of the belt tensioner are provided with respective first arrest elements, which are designed to interact with the fixed portion to define respective positions of arrest of the arms themselves under the action of the spring, and respective second arrest elements, which are designed to interact with the fixed portion to define respective positions of end-of-travel of the arms under the action of the pull of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Dayco Europe S.R.L.
    Inventors: Sergio Lolli, Luca D'Amicantonio
  • Patent number: 7899378
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes at least one supporting roller, a movable belt supported by the supporting roller, and a shifting restricting unit to prevent the movable belt from shifting to any one side along an axial direction of the supporting roller. The shifting restricting unit includes a guide rail formed between the movable belt and the supporting roller to guide movement of one end of the movable belt, and a belt pressurizing member formed at the other end of the movable belt to generate tension on the movable belt to compensate for a shifting force on the guide rail side by the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Se-ra Lee, Myung-ho Kyung
  • Patent number: 7892125
    Abstract: A device for tensioning a flexible drive member includes a pair of opposing contact elements adapted to simultaneously engage upper and lower spans of the flexible drive member. The device further includes a connecting member to draw the contact elements together and position the contact elements at a selected distance from each other to provide a predetermined tension to the flexible drive member. The tensioning device may be implemented in a print substrate transport subsystem adapted to move media through a print system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron T. Nelson, Ng Boon Hang, Alan Boo Keng Aik, Brent R. Jones
  • Patent number: 7891631
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a supporting structure, includes a retractable connecting unit, a bottom pivotal shaft device, a top pivotal shaft device and at least one linking device. The retractable connecting unit is that a slide engaging sheet is provided on top of a fixed engaging sheet, and an adjusting member is provided between the fixed and the slide engaging sheets, a bottom end and a top end are respectively provided at the bottom portion and the top portion of the retractable connecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Jarllytec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yung-Ta Lee, Yu-Tsun Hsu
  • Publication number: 20110034281
    Abstract: A tensioning device has a tension arm mounted on a base. A pulley is mounted on the tension arm for engaging a looped belt. By changing mounting bushings, one can select either a static mode wherein the tension arm is held stationary relative to the base, or a dynamic mode wherein, in response to a changing force applied between the pulley and the belt (due to vibrations or load changes, for example), the tension arm moves relative to the base such in a manner as to maintain the force substantially constant. Several such devices can be employed in a system for controlling the tension of a looped belt, one or more of the devices being in the static mode and one or more being in the dynamic mode. Several such systems can be employed in a complex machine such as a photocopier or medical apparatus for controlling the tension in a number of different belts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: YORK INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: Hartmut SCHMID, Paul O'DONNELL
  • Patent number: 7874949
    Abstract: In a power unit, a counter shaft of a transmission and a crank shaft of an internal combustion engine, both located below a main shaft of the transmission, are arranged parallel to each other on a separating plane H of a crankcase. In a transmission mechanism T which drives an oil pump located below the separating plane H, a drive sprocket is placed on the main shaft of the transmission and a driven sprocket is placed on a drive shaft of the oil pump. An endless chain slidably touches a slender long chain guide along the running direction of the endless chain. The chain guide is fitted only to an end wall of an upper crankcase at its fitting part. The chain guide stretches across the end wall of the upper crankcase and an end wall of a lower crankcase, and effectively suppresses vibration of the endless chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichi Tawarada
  • Publication number: 20110009219
    Abstract: The invention relates to a synchronous flat belt drive, wherein at least one series arrangement of projections (210) has a purely rolling engagement with a series arrangement of apertures on a flat belt (100). The flat belt (100) supports on a pulley (300) only radially, and on a rotation member (200) only tangentially. The generatrix of the series arrangement of apertures is the rolling of a pulley working surface cylinder with projecting projections (210) of a rotation member (200) formed as a face gear. The flat belt (100) is formed of at least a single strip in a layer arrangement of at least one layer, wherein the ends of the individual strips are variously arranged in a layer. An individual strip forms also several layers and is also as an endless strip part of a layer arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Ludwig Dierl
  • Publication number: 20110003656
    Abstract: A transmission includes a drive member, a driven member having a connection mechanism, and an at least partially flexible transmission coupled to the drive member and the connection mechanism of the driven member and configured to cause movement of the driven member in response to movement of the drive member. The connection mechanism is configured to be adjusted to vary a tension force applied to the flexible transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Richard P. Bennett, Peter Ebbitt, Hyosig Kang, Brian D. Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20100317479
    Abstract: Bicycle chainset comprising: two cranks (4,5) each comprising, at one end, means (7) for fastening a pedal, a main axle, of axis x-x?, coupled in rotation to the two cranks (4, 5) and intended to be fitted into a bottom bracket (3) of a bicycle frame (2), and at least one toothed chainring (8) rotated by the cranks (4,5). The chainset comprises, furthermore, universal adaptor means (15) for the chainring (8) that are rotated by the cranks (4,5) and that enable the chainring (8) to be positioned and removed by interlocking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Jean-Yves Delale
  • Patent number: 7850559
    Abstract: A hydraulic tensioning system (10) for an endless drive (1) of an internal combustion engine (2). In an operating mode, the piston (9) of the tensioning system (10), which is supplied with a hydraulic fluid, is supported against a tensioning rail (6) with a non-positive fit, with the rail pre-tensioning the traction drive element (4). If the hydraulic fluid in the tensioning system (10) is not sufficient, the tensioning rail (6) is supported on an elastic end stop (13a) of the system (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lucian Botez, Brandon Glass, Bolko Schuseil
  • Publication number: 20100263351
    Abstract: A drive mechanism comprising a first sprocket encircled by a tensioned chain and an orbit sprocket arranged to orbit the first sprocket in response to a resynchronisation signal. The orbit sprocket is arranged to displace the tensioned chain relative to the first sprocket. The first sprocket is rotatable and is coupled to an output drive sprocket by the tensioned chain such that the first and output drive sprockets are rotatable in synchronicity, whereby the orbit of the orbit sprocket alters the relative angular orientation of the first and output drive sprockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: MARK JOHN EDWIN BELLIS
  • Patent number: 7785220
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle has a power operated lift-gate that is opened and closed by two drive units. The typical drive unit has a guide channel, an attachment assembly that is disposed in the guide channel, a flexible drive member that is attached to the attachment assembly and formed in a loop for moving the attachment assembly in the guide channel. The flexible drive member is trained solely around two pulleys at the respective opposite ends of the guide channel to form the flexible drive member in a narrow loop. One of the pulleys is an idler pulley that is part of an adjustable pulley assembly and the other pulley is driven by a power unit that is attached to the guide channel. The adjustable pulley assembly adjusts the distance between the pulleys to take up slack in the flexible drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Strattec Power Access LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Ciavaglia, Lloyd W. Rogers, Jr., Howard W. Kuhlman, Brian N. Orr, Eric R. Hansen, John R. Rice, Joseph M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7766775
    Abstract: A chain tensioner includes a housing having a closed bottom. A rod is axially movably inserted in the housing for pressing a chain. A wear ring is mounted to the outer periphery of the rod and is biased by a return spring mounted in the housing in a direction away from the bottom of the housing. A nut member is mounted between the wear ring and the bottom of the housing so as to be coaxial with the housing and axially movable relative to the housing. A ring-shaped spring member is provided between the nut member and the bottom of the housing to support the nut member. A screw rod is provided between the rod and the bottom of the housing and in threaded engagement with the nut member. A spring is provided between the screw rod and the bottom of the housing to bias the screw rod in a direction away from the bottom of the housing. The screw rod has an end surface that is in abutment with the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Sato, Satoshi Kitano, Yoshiaki Ryouno, Kouichi Onimaru
  • Patent number: 7758460
    Abstract: A carriage driving apparatus includes: a biaser which biases a pulley holder in a tensioning direction to tension a timing belt; and a biaser holder which holds the biaser such that the pulley holder is allowed to move to the slackening position when the biaser is not held by the biaser holder, and the pulley holder is biased by the biaser in the tensioning direction when the biaser is held by the biaser holder, the biaser holder limiting movement of the pulley holder in a slackening direction to slacken the timing belt, to a disengagement inhibit position between the slackening position and the tensioning position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Osakabe, Takashi Ohama
  • Publication number: 20100160098
    Abstract: In a timing chain driving system, the tooth pitch of a driven sprocket from which a tension span of the chain travels toward a driving sprocket varies cyclically around the circumference of the driven sprocket and cyclically increases and decreases the effective length of the tension span in synchronism with cyclic variations in the rotational speed of the driving sprocket, thereby moderating fluctuations in chain tension. Marks on the side of the driven sprocket identify the locations at which the tooth pitch is largest and where the tooth pitch is smallest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Sonoda, Kohei Kunimatsu
  • Patent number: 7736254
    Abstract: A compact cable tension tender device includes a movable member having a first stop and a second stop spaced apart from the first stop. A first attachment may be provided on the moveable member for cable that extends in a first direction. The first attachment may engage the first stop to limit the movement of the cable in the first direction relative to the movable member. A second attachment may be provided on the moveable member for cable that extends in a second direction. The second attachment may engage the second stop to limit the movement of the cable in the second direction relative to the movable member. A resilient coupler coupled to the first attachment and to the second attachment may urge the first attachment to move in the second direction and the second attachment to move in the first direction relative to each other to maintain cable tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Schena
  • Publication number: 20100144472
    Abstract: The invention relates to a construction comprising (a) a plastic body comprising a mounting surface and (b) a bearing comprising a rotatable member and an inner member comprising a mounting bore mounted on the plastic body, wherein the plastic body comprises an axial extension comprising an axial extension head and protruding from the mounting surface, the axial extension protrudes into the mounting bore, and the construction comprises a plastic element being fixed to the axial extension head thereby keeping the bearing mounted on the plastic body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Harold H.J.P.G. Van Aken, Tim W.J.L. Dassen
  • Patent number: 7678001
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for the intermittent drive of a spindle (1) for a workpiece fixture, especially a forging machine, comprising a traction gear (7) consisting of a traction means (13) guided endlessly about a driving wheel (6) and a driven wheel (8), a continuous rotary drive (5) for the driving wheel (6) and a superposition drive (10) performing rotary oscillations. In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the superposition drive (10) comprises a support (11) which can be displaced in a rotary oscillating manner about the axis of the driven wheel (8), and deflection rollers (12) held on the support (11) for the traction strands (14) moving towards and away from the driving wheel (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: GFM Beteiligungs- und Management m.b.H. & Co. KG
    Inventor: Alfred Seeber
  • Patent number: 7662057
    Abstract: An eccentric tensioning device is provided for tensioning a power-transmission means constructed, for example, as a flat belt or toothed belt in a power-transmission means drive. The tensioning device can be brought into a pretensioned mounting state in an advantageous way. The eccentric tensioning device has a free roller device that includes a running disk and a roller bearing provided for supporting this disk, a working eccentric for supporting the free roller device, that can be displaced in the radial direction relative to the rotating axis of the roller bearing according to the magnitude of the pivoting of the working eccentric, a bearing journal device for supporting the working eccentric, a torsion spring for pretensioning the working eccentric, a fixing device for securing the working eccentric in a mounting position, in which the torsion spring is located in a pretensioned state, and an adjustment for supporting the bearing journal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Rainer Baumuller, Roland Arneth, Niels Flamig
  • Publication number: 20100029423
    Abstract: A tensioning device for a traction mechanism drive, in particular for a belt drive. The tensioning device can be produced in an advantageous manner from production and design aspects and which offers advantages over known concepts with regard to the wear of the friction surface element in that it has a base part, having a pivot arm, having a torsion spring, which is designed as a coil spring, for imparting a pivoting torque which acts between the base part and the pivot arm and which forces the pivot arm in a tensioning direction, and having a damping device for generating a damping force which counteracts a pivoting movement of the pivot arm counter to the tensioning direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Rainer Pflug, Bernd Hartmann, Thorsten Liebel, Scott Thompson
  • Publication number: 20100019501
    Abstract: A transmission belt speedup driving device of wind power generator set, includes a frame; a generator and speedup driving device mounted on a stand. The said speedup transmission belt device mounts between the other end of a spindle and the said generator, wherein a first level pulley of the said transmission belt device connects with an axle wind wheel through a coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Shouquan Sun
  • Publication number: 20100003059
    Abstract: A bearing member includes a bearing part that rotationally supports a rotational body, a load application part formed in the bearing part, wherein the load application part contacts the rotational body and applies a load to the rotational body in a radial direction of the rotational body, and a holding groove formed in the bearing part in a rotation axis direction of the rotational body, wherein the holding groove has an opening at one end, wherein the holding groove is adapted to hold a lubricant that is to be supplied to a sliding contact area between the rotational body and the load application part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: OKI Data Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto KITAMURA
  • Publication number: 20090318253
    Abstract: An apparatus including a belt support system having a first belt support roller and a system for automatically moving the first belt support roller. The belt support system partially wraps a continuous belt on a belt drive roller. The belt support system includes the first belt support roller at an upstream side of the belt drive roller and a second belt support roller at a downstream side. The system for moving the first belt support roller moves the first roller from a first location relative to the belt drive roller to a second different location, based upon a predetermined load of the belt on the first belt support roller to thereby reduce an amount of wrap of the belt on the belt drive roller and reduce a length of the belt located proximate to the belt drive roller between the first and second belt support rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Brad A. SWINFORD, Boris Rozenfeld, David W. Purcell