Abstract: The invention comprises a tensioning idler. An outer belt bearing ring is resiliently engaged to an inner ring. The belt bearing ring and inner ring each rotate about an axis of rotation. The belt bearing ring is connected to the inner ring with the resilient material whereby the belt bearing ring rotates about an axis of rotation that is eccentrically moveable in a plane with respect to an inner ring axis of rotation. The resilient material imparts a belt tension as the belt bearing ring rotates. The resilient material may comprise springs, compressible fluids, incompressible fluids, or elastomers or a combination of the foregoing. The tensioner is mounted on an engine, bracket, or other device.

Abstract: A belt tensioner for a power transmission belt may be provided that operates on an endless path and that utilizes asymmetric motion control. The belt tensioner may have an arm with a belt engaging section and a drum section, a support member for securing the tensioner relative to the belt, where the arm pivots on the support member, and a tension spring that urges the arm to pivot about the support member in a first direction and urges the belt engaging section against the belt with a force to tension the belt. The tensioner also may have a fluid filled chamber inside a portion of the drum section of the arm and a valve pivotally attached to the tensioner so that the valve extends across the fluid containing chamber.

Abstract: An idler assembly which is easily removable from a mower deck is disclosed. The idler assembly is rotatably mounted to the mower deck about a shouldered shaft and held in place by an easily removable spring clip. An idler pulley is rotatably attached to the other end of the idler arm. A spring is connected to a spring clip which is secured to the top of the idler arm. The spring causes the idler arm to rotate about the shouldered shaft and forces the idler pulley to apply tension to the drive belt. The idler arm also includes an extension which protrudes beyond the radius of the idler pulley to contact a snubber or bumper. The snubber is secured to the mower deck by a snubber bracket.

Abstract: A hydraulic chain tensioner for an internal combustion engine includes a support body forming a cylindrical housing which receives a piston slidable in the housing and which carries a pressure pad acted upon by the piston and arranged to come into contact with the chain. A high-pressure chamber is defined by the housing and the piston. A source of pressurized hydraulic liquid supplies the tensioner with lubricating liquid and completes the filling of the high-pressure chamber.

Abstract: This invention provides a chain tensioner that is compact, excellent in operation, easy to maintain and handle and low in manufacturing cost. This chain tensioner has a tubular housing 1 having a bottom, a plunger 3 installed in the inner periphery 1a of the housing so as to smoothly slide inside the housing, a return spring 5 providing the plunger 3 with a force pushing outward, a plurality of latching grooves 33a-33d formed on the outer periphery of the plunger 3, a resister ring 7 capable of locking in the latching grooves, and a check valve 6 that is mounted on the bottom of the housing inner periphery 1a, provides the housing inner periphery 1a with operating oil and prevents its reverse flow. The range of backward movement of the plunger 3 is limited by mating the resister ring 7 locked in the latching grooves 33a-33d with a first stopper 21 formed on the housing inner periphery 1a.

Abstract: In a ratchet-type hydraulic tensioner for a chain transmission, having a plunger and a housing forming a high pressure oil chamber, an excess supply oil discharge passage is provided. The discharge passage communicates with an oil supply passage leading from an oil supply opening, which receives oil under pressure from a oil pump, to a hydraulic check valve mechanism in the housing, which delivers oil to the high pressure oil chamber. Excess oil is discharged to the exterior of the tensioner housing and directed toward the chain. Excessive chain tension is avoided, and smooth and reliable chain travel, and suppression of whistling sounds, are achieved.

Abstract: In a chain drive for an internal combustion engine, said chain drive comprising a driving wheel (2), a driven wheel (3), an endlessly circulating chain (1) that connects the driving wheel (2) and the driven wheel (3), a chain tensioner (9) acting on the slack strand (7) of the chain (1), and an additional tensioning device (12) that is loaded by a spring (13) and acts on the tight strand (6) of the chain (1) while being arranged for pivoting, a further driven wheel (4) is installed in the tight strand (6) of the chain drive and is used as a driving wheel for a rotatably mounted compensating shaft for offsetting free forces and moments that occur during operation of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: In a tensioner for a timing belt or chain in an engine, a plunger, which is spring-biased in a protruding direction, is temporarily held in a retracted condition by a pivoted U-shaped or L-shaped wire spring. The spring has a locking portion engageable with a pin or groove on the plunger, and two arms having ends remote from the locking portion. The ends are pivoted to the housing on laterally displaced pivot axes. The lateral displacement of the pivot axes causes the wire spring to be under stress when its locking portion is engaged with the plunger, and the stress urges the locking portion toward a disengaged position. Thus, the plunger is held in its retracted condition during assembly by the locking portion of the wire spring, but is automatically released by disengagement of the locking portion from the plunger when the plunger is moved farther in the retracting direction.

Abstract: A transmission drives a radial fan about a fan axis in a vehicle cooling unit including a plurality of heat exchangers arranged to surround the radial fan to receive a radial air flow therefrom. A driving pulley, a driven pulley, and a idler pulley of the heat exchangers.

Abstract: A tensioning device (32) for tensioning at least two, substantially length-invariant belts (18, 24) includes a first belt (18) guided about a first axis (A), which repeatedly guides an adjusting movement in an adjustment direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the first axis (A). In addition, the first belt (18) and a second belt (24) are guided about a common second axis (B), whereby the tensioning directions (V18, V24) of the first belt (18) and of the second belt (24) in a region of the second axis (B) forms a varying angle of between 0° and 180°.

Abstract: A belt tension adjusting device has a stationary fulcrum shaft, an arm pivotally supported on the fulcrum shaft through a slide bearing formed of a synthetic resin, a tension pulley mounted on the arm at one end thereof for tensioning a belt, and a damper having a piston rod abutting the arm on the other end thereof. The tension pulley is pressed against the belt by pivoting the arm under the force of the piston rod, thereby adjusting the tension of the belt. The inner peripheral surface of said slide bearing, which is in slide contact with said fulcrum shaft, is formed so as to have a surface roughness RA of not more than 6.3 &mgr;m. The slide bearing is formed of a resin composition comprising 65-85 vol % of a thermoplastic polyimide resin, an aromatic polyether ketone resin or a mixture of the resins, and 15-35 vol % of a tetrafluoroethylene resin.

Abstract: A treadmill (10) includes a frame on which are mounted transverse forward and rearward roller assemblies (14, 16). An endless belt (18) is trained about the forward and rearward roller assemblies. A deck (20) is positioned between the upper run of the belt and the frame. The rearward portion of the deck (20) is mounted to the frame by a pivot connection (24) to allow pivoting of the deck about an axis transversely to the length of the deck. Elongate springs (26) of adjustable stiffness are mounted either along the sides of the frame to underlie the side margins of the deck, or transversely of the deck, to support the deck in conjunction with the pivot connection (24) and to absorb impact loads imparted on the deck by the user.

Abstract: An improved intermediate belt system (ITM module) is provided, which controls the lateral motion of the belt in the scan direction of an EP printer, without the use of edge reinforcements or other attachments added to the belt. The tracking system of this ITM module is passive, and maintains roll alignment/parallelism within a predetermined tolerance while also maintaining roll conicity-end flare to a predetermined maximum diametral variation over the roll to minimize the effect of external forces on the belt walk rate. The ITM module also provides angled tracking guides near the tension roll to control the lateral position of the belt; the position of these tracking guides is adjustable at time of manufacture to achieve the desired lateral belt position.

Abstract: The invention comprises a self-contained mechanical belt tensioner that produces damping which is a function of the applied hubload through the effect of frictional forces derived from the sliding action of mutually opposing wedges. A first wedge or conical piston is contained within a housing. The conical piston cooperates with a second or conical wedge. A surface of the conical wedge slides on the inner surface of the housing. The conical wedge is expandable in a direction normal to the inner surface of the housing. A spring urges the conical wedge into engagement with the conical piston. As the pulley is loaded, as with an impulse load, the piston will move into the conical wedge. This, in turn, will cause the conical wedge to expand against the inner surface of the housing. The expansion of the conical wedge in the housing will increase the frictional force between the conical wedge and the housing. This will have the effect of damping movements of the conical piston and, in turn, of the pulley.

Abstract: The invention comprises a tensioner having a pulley journaled to a housing. The housing further comprises a guide. The guide slidingly engages rails on a base. The guide and rails constrain the housing to move in a predetermined linear path. The rails are horizontally offset from two axis defined by the pulley. The pulley load is also vertically offset from the axis of movement of the guide. The guide and rails have a predetermined frictional coefficient so that the cumulative result is an asymmetric damping effect. Further, a linkage is connected between the housing and a camming body. The camming body is rotatably connected to the base. A biasing member such as a torsion spring biases the camming body against the belt load through the linkage. The radius of the camming body is variable to maintain a constant belt load as the tensioner pulley moves in response to a load change.

Abstract: An idler assembly which is easily removable from a mower deck is disclosed. The idler assembly is rotatably mounted to the mower deck about a shouldered shaft and held in place by an easily removable spring clip. An idler pulley is rotatably attached to the other end of the idler arm. A spring is connected to a spring clip which is secured to the top of the idler arm. The spring causes the idler arm to rotate about the shouldered shaft and forces the idler pulley to apply tension to the drive belt. The idler arm also includes an extension which protrudes beyond the radius of the idler pulley to contact a snubber or bumper. The snubber is secured to the mower deck by a snubber bracket.

Abstract: In a multi spindle drive belt tensioning assembly a motor is mounted to a frame and the drive pulley is coupled for rotation to the motor shaft. At least two driven pulleys are each coupled to a driven member rotatably mounted to the frame. The driven pulleys are spaced apart relative to one another and at least one belt is in engagement with the drive pulley and each of the driven pulleys. In either pulley is rotatably coupled to the frame between two of the driven pulleys and engageable with the belt. The idler pulley is movable relative to the belt to increase or decrease the tension thereof and the degree of engagement between the belt and the driven pulleys. The idler pulley is adjustable relative to the belt to allow a desired belt tension in engagement between the belt and the driven pulleys such that the belt extends approximately 180 degrees around the circumference defined by each of the driven pulleys.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device (6) for a traction means (2) of a drive system (1) which produces different pretensioning forces in a first strand (2a) and in a second strand (2b) by means of a turning lever (8, 11), the length ratio between the corresponding inner lever arm (8a, 11a) and the corresponding outer lever arm (8b, 11b) being different.

Abstract: A tensioner, for a timing chain, belt or the like in an internal combustion engine, has a projection-preventing hook that secures a spring-urged plunger in a withdrawn condition prior to installation of the tensioner, but releases the plunger during operation so that the plunger can exert a force on a pivoted chain- or belt-engaging tensioner lever. A resisting member is provided on a fulcrum pin on which the hook is pivoted, in order to exert a frictional force on the hook, thereby preventing the hook from unexpectedly returning to its plunger latching condition and preventing vibration noise to movements of the hook. The tensioner can be mounted without regard to its direction, and therefore a threaded mounting can be used, simplifying mounting and demounting of the tensioner.

Abstract: A cartridge type hydraulic tensioner for a chain or belt is described comprising a cylinder (11) with an inner bore (13) and a hollow piston (12) sliding in the cylinder and biased outward by an elastic means and by pressurized fluid fed into said bore (13), at least one rack (20) being formed on the skirt of said piston (12) and engaged by a toothed pad (21) passing through a corresponding aperture (22) formed in the wall of the cylinder and biased against said rack by an annular spring (25) housed in an annular seat (24) formed in the skirt of the cylinder (11) without protruding from the bulk of said cylinder.

Abstract: The precision cable drive system of the present invention consists generally of a frame upon which is mounted the components of the drive. These include a motor having a drive shaft, a plurality of idler pulleys, a tensioner, and a drive pulley, to which the object being rotated is connected. A cable composed of woven polymer fibers is wrapped around the shaft of the motor and is stretched around the idler pulleys, the tensioner and the drive pulley. The drive is capable of rotating the drive pulley, and the load attached to it, by fractions of a degree, without play between the motor shaft and the drive pulley. The drives are used in a compact image steering device to rotate cameras and illuminators about two axis of rotation.

Abstract: In an auxiliary-driving system in an engine, a crank pulley, a first auxiliary pulley and an idler pulley having a tensioner function are disposed in a triangular configuration with the idler pulley located in an uppermost position; and a second auxiliary pulley is disposed in a space surrounded by these pulleys. An endless transmitting belt is reeved around the pulleys. An inner surface of the transmitting belt is reeved around the first auxiliary pulley; and an outer surface of the transmitting belt is reeved around the second auxiliary pulley. Thus, the adjustment of the tension of the transmitting belt and other maintenance are facilitated, the transmitting efficiency of the transmitting belt can be enhanced, and compactness of the auxiliary-driving system itself and improvement in mileage can be achieved.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission has an endless V belt (15) running across a driving pulley (11) and a driven pulley (21), a transmission ratio changing mechanism for changing the running diameters of the belt around the pulleys radially in opposite directions to each other, and a tension-adjusting unit (50) for pressing the belt to obtain belt tension. The tension-adjusting unit (50) includes a tension roller (51) coming into pressure contact with the slack side of the belt (15) from outside, a swing arm (53) having an end rotatably supported on a transmission case (6), a link member (52) having an end rotatably supporting a shaft of the tension roller (51) and another end rotatably coupled with another end of the swing arm (53), and urging means (54, 55) for swingingly urging the swing arm (53) so that the tension roller (51) presses the belt (15).

Abstract: A tensioning and damping element for chain drives, which comprises an elastically deformable ring part and a toothed rim arranged at the periphery thereof, the ring part being circular in the stress-free, uninstalled state and assuming, in the stressed, installed state, an ellipse-like shape between a non-loaded strand and a loaded strand of the chain drive, the toothed rim engaging with the non-loaded strand and the loaded strand and in so doing transmitting to the two strands a tensioning force which is caused by the ellipse-like deformation of the ring part. The ring part is constructed in such a manner that its cross-sectional profile steadily changes with increasing deformation of the ring part, in such a manner that the ratio of the height of the cross-sectional profile to the width of the cross-sectional profile in the maximally biased state of the ring part is at least 4% smaller than in the stress-free state of the ring part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a substantially constant belt tension under changing temperature conditions is provided by a geometric layout of a motor, belt and pulley system and a selection of manufacturing materials for component parts having a predetermined relationship of thermal expansion coefficients between themselves.

Abstract: A tensioning device for a chain (1) comprising a housing (3), said housing (3) carries a first sliding shoe (6) for contact with a first side (7) of the chain (1) with the tensioning device further comprising a tensioning piston (5,23) that is guided on the housing (3) and comprises a second sliding shoe (8,24) for contact with a second side (9) of the chain (1) whereby in an economic and simple-to-manufacture tensioning device, the housing (3) and the first sliding shoe (6) are made in one piece with each other.

Abstract: A ratchet tensioner has a plunger retractably mounted in a housing and urged by a spring in a direction to project outward from the housing, and a ratchet pawl pivotally mounted on the housing and having a first prong normally engaged with one of ratchet teeth formed on the plunger so as to prevent backward motion of the plunger. The ratchet pawl also has a second prong spaced a predetermined distance from the first prong in the backward direction of the plunger and engageable with a second rack tooth to release meshing engagement between the first prong and the rack tooth when the plunger is moved forward due to a slack of a timing chain used with the tensioner. In order to maintain a predetermined amount of backlash between the first prong and the rack teeth, the rack teeth have a height greater than a half pitch of the ratchet teeth.

Abstract: A transmission for a self-propelled engine includes an endless transmission (1) with a belt (2) between a driving pulley (3) and a driven pulley (4) carried by the input shaft (5) of a clutch engaging mechanism (7) whose output shaft (6) is coupled to the wheels (20) of the machine. The clutch engaging mechanism (7) is a toothed clutch engagement disposed within a housing (19) mounted oscillably about the output shaft (6) of the clutch engaging mechanism (7) in the direction of tensioning or respectively relaxing the belt (2) of the endless transmission, at least under the action of a control mechanism (13), whose operation is subject to the control member (10) of the clutch engaging mechanism so as to give rise to the passage to the clutch engaged condition of the clutch engaging mechanism (7) and then the tensioning of the belt (2).

Abstract: An engine tensioning system including tensioner arms and a rotary actuating tensioner capable of driving multiple tensioner arms making multiple chain or belt contacts. The rotary actuating tensioner has connector pins fixed to a rotating surface to which tensioner arms are attached. Rotation of this surface is accomplished through a combination of springs and hydraulic pressure. When the surface rotates, the attached tensioner arms are driven laterally against the engine chain or belt, keeping it taut.

Abstract: A tensioner comprises shaft members that mate with each other by way of thread portions. A first shaft member is rotatable with respect to a casing and is restrained from moving in its axial direction. A second shaft member, which is restrained from rotating with respect to the casing, is movable in its axial direction. A torsion spring applies torque in a first direction to the first shaft member. A torque switching member, which can switch frictional torque in association with the rotation of the first shaft member, is provided between the first shaft member and the casing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for reducing the vibrations of a control chain in a camshaft drive of an internal combustion engine. At least one engine parameter is measured that is indicative of the vibrational state of the engine. The at least one engine parameter is used to determine the vibrational state and to adjust the tension of the control chain. Thus, the built-up of resonances and of strong vibrations may be avoided.

Abstract: A combination starter-generator system for use in a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has an internal combustion engine and a battery. The system includes a starter-generator electrically coupled to the battery to generate a current and to start the internal combustion engine. A drive mechanism connects the starter-generator machine and the internal combustion engine. The starter-generator machine generates the current by receiving a charging torque from one side of the drive mechanism and starts the internal combustion engine by imparting a starting torque to a different side of the drive mechanism. The charging torque or the starting torque is a greater torque. A passive tensioning system cooperates with the drive mechanism to tension the drive mechanism only at the side of the greater torque.

Abstract: An azimuth drive unit for a solar power system has a multistage sprocket configuration. The drive unit includes an input shaft for receiving an input torque, where the multistage sprocket configuration is coupled to the input shaft. The sprocket configuration converts the input torque into an output torque, and an output shaft is coupled to the sprocket configuration for applying the output torque to a solar reflector. In a highly preferred embodiment, the sprocket configuration includes a tensioning system contacting one or more of the chains and a housing of the drive unit. The tensioning system applies a tension force to the contacted chains such that backlash in the sprocket configuration is reduced. The present invention also provides for a plurality of bearing members coupled to the output shaft for adding stiffness to the output shaft.

Abstract: A tensioner has a substantially U-shaped stopper pin hooked at opposite end parts on a tensioner body and part of a plunger, respectively, to keep the plunger in a retracted position against the force of a spring before the tensioner is mounted to an engine body at an appropriate position relative to a power transmitting chain.

Abstract: A dynamic track tension adjuster is connected between the body of a tracked vehicle and an arm-like axle member of the vehicle. The adjuster swings the arm-like member so that a wheel on the axle member engages the vehicle's track with differing force. The adjuster includes a cylinder with two pistons extending therefrom and a compressible fluid between the pistons. A motor fixed to the cylinder drives a gear train that includes a transfer gear connected to one of the pistons. A shaft co-axially fixed to the transfer gear threads with a rod such that the rod translates when the shaft rotates. Translation of the rod swings the axle member.

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: In pressing a slack-side span of a V-ribbed belt, entrained about a crank pulley variable in rotational speed, auxiliary pulleys and an idler pulley, with an auto tensioner, thereby automatically balancing tension of the belt, the damping coefficient DI of the auto tensioner is set in accordance with the modulus of longitudinal elasticity of the belt. For example, when the modulus of longitudinal elasticity of the belt is at least 9800 N/100% rib and less than 29400 N/100% rib, the damping coefficient DI of the auto tensioner is set at at least 20% and less than 100%. In this manner, even if the rate at which the auto tensioner absorbs elongation of the belt is as extremely small as 0.3 to 1.0 mm/deg, a rocking motion of the auto tensioner can be avoided thereby reducing the occurrence of a slip or a frictional sound of the belt and the occurrence of abrasion and frictional sounds of friction members, such as an insert bearing and a thrust washer, of the auto tensioner.

Abstract: A chain or belt tensioner comprises a plunger displaceable in a bore of a housing between retracted and extended positions. A radially resilient stop ring disposed in the bore between the plunger and housing is engaged in frictional contact with a smooth surface of the housing. A recess in the plunger is defined opposite the smooth bore and has a tapered face for engagement with a bevelled surface of the stop ring. The tapered face tapers radially inwardly in the direction towards the open end of the bore so that movement of the plunger relative to the housing towards the retracted position causes the tapered face to engage said surface of the stop ring and to force it to deform in a radial direction to a wedging position in which the stop ring is wedged between the tapered face and the bore surface so as to prevent further inward movement of the plunger.

Abstract: An arrangement in connection with a belt drive device having two counter-rotating continuous belts operated by drive rollers traveling around stretching rollers, whereby the belts are urged towards one another by press rolls to draw a cable between the belts. Adjustment of the stretching rollers is provided by an adjustment mechanism that effects the axle with which the stretching rollers are associated.

Abstract: A tensioning device for traction device, particularly chains, comprises an element, particularly a tension shoe (1) that tensions the traction device. The tension shoe (1) is mounted on a pivot axle (2) for pivoting relative to a base element (3), and a spring element (4) acting between the tension shoe (1) and the base element (3) urges the tension shoe (1) against the traction device. To simplify the assembly of the tension shoe (1) and the base element (3), it is proposed that one of the elements (1, 3) comprises at least one mounting eye (6, 11) having a radial mounting aperture (7, 12) for radially receiving the pivot axle (2) arranged on the respective other element (1, 3).

Abstract: A device is designed to press the transmission belt of an electric cart and is formed of a pivot set, a first swiveling member, a second swiveling member, a first wheel set, a second wheel set, and an elastic element. The first and the second swiveling members are pivoted with the pivot set such that they are located at two sides of the transmission belt. The first and the second wheel sets are provided with one or more rollers which are pivoted to the first and the second swiveling members. The rollers come in contact with the transmission belt to enhance the transmission effect of the transmission belt. The elastic element provides the first and the second swiveling members with a spring force enabling them to swivel toward the transmission belt.

Abstract: A blade tensioner is configured with a blade shoe having a chain sliding face, several plate-spring-like blade springs stacked on the reverse side of chain sliding face of the blade shoe in order to apply a spring force to the blade shoe, and spacer members provided between respective adjoining blade springs and brought in contact with corresponding blade springs at least at two points separated from each other by a fixed distance. In such case, the blade springs contact the spacer members at a fixed span. Accordingly, the damping factor of the overall blade spring or system is constant, so that the damping performance of the blade tensioner can be stabilized.

Abstract: A device for tensioning a drive belt extending between a vehicle power source and its driven attachment is provided. The device includes first and second members slideably coupled together and adapted to extend between and operably engage a first powered shaft member and a second shaft member carried on the attachment. A compression spring is coupled with the slideable members for urging them apart and tensioning a belt entrained around pulleys carried on the two shaft members. An overcenter locking structure is provided to secure the spring in its compressed configuration or release the compression and retract the slideable members for removal, adjustment and/or installation. Adjustable stops abutting the ends of the spring permit the level of spring force to be selected for a variety of applications.

Abstract: A belt transmission apparatus is capable of changing a set tension of an automatic belt tensioner 30 between a first optimal value suitable for engine starting and a second optimal value suitable for driving an accessory after an engine 1 has been started. The belt transmission apparatus includes a rotating electric machine pulley 8 of a rotating electric machine for transmitting starting power to the engine 1; an engine pulley 2 for transmitting the starting power to the engine 1 and also transmitting a rotation power of the engine 1 to accessories; auxiliary pulleys 3, 4, 5 being driven to rotate by the power from the engine pulley 2 thereby to drive the accessories, respectively; a belt 10 wrapped around the rotating electric machine pulley 8, the engine pulley 2 and the auxiliary pulleys 3, 4, 5 in succession; and a belt tension adjuster 9, 30 for urging the belt 10 so as to set a tension of the belt 10 in a plurality of stages.

Abstract: A timing belt tensioner for a motor vehicle engine comprising a pivot that is fixed relative to the motor vehicle engine. A tensioner arm is mounted for pivotal movement on the pivot. The tensioner arm has a friction surface disposed in friction sliding relation with an adjacent surface during the pivotal movement. A belt engaging pulley is mounted for rotation on the tensioner arm. A spring coupled with the tensioner arm biases the arm in a direction tending to force the pulley into tensioning engagement with the belt when the tensioner is installed on the motor vehicle engine. The spring biasing the arm into a working position maintains a predetermined range of tension in the belt during dynamic operating equilibrium of the belt.

Abstract: The invention is an improved belt drive system and method for a power plant. The power plant is of the type having a crankshaft pulley, an accessory pulley, a motor/generator pulley, a first belt tensioner, a first belt tensioner pulley, and a power transmission belt trained about the crankshaft pulley, the accessory pulley, the motor/generator pulley, and the first belt tensioner pulley. The power transmission belt has spans defined by terminations proximate to each of the pulleys. These spans include intermediate spans beginning at the crankshaft pulley and ending at the motor/generator pulley, following the direction of belt travel in normal operation. The intermediate spans include a first intermediate span having a crankshaft termination proximate the crankshaft pulley and a last intermediate span having a first motor/generator termination proximate the motor/generator pulley.

Abstract: An improved pulley set comprises a base defining a hollow space, one side of the hollow space forming a vertical wall having a screw hole and the other side of the hollow space forming an inclined wall, a guiding plane parallel to the inclined wall extending from the vertical wall, and positioning slots are respectively formed in the guiding plane and the inclined wall; a seat mounted within the hollow space of the base, tie seat having two inclined planes corresponding to the inclined wall and the guiding plane; and adjusting means disposed in the screw hole of the base for pushing against the seat such that adjusting the adjusting means will cause the seat to move along the inclined wall and the guiding plane of the base.

Abstract: The invention is an improved tensioner for tensioning a power transmission belt. The tensioner is of the type having a track, a carrier mounted in sliding relation with the track with two degrees freedom of movement, a pulley rotatably mounted upon the carrier and for engaging the power transmission belt, a spring biasing the carrier in longitudinal relation to the track, and a damping mechanism that modifies the biasing of the spring based upon movement of the carrier in relation to the track. It is improved by the damping mechanism having a shoe placed in asymmetrical damping relation to the carrier and the track. Further, the shoe includes a first friction bearing surface in mating relationship with a second friction bearing surface of the track.

Abstract: The invention is an improved belt tensioner for a belt drive system having a belt tensioner, a crankshaft pulley, an accessory pulley, and a motor/generator pulley. The belt drive system further includes a power transmission belt trained about the crankshaft pulley, the accessory pulley, and the motor/generator pulley. The belt tensioner is of the type including an attachment point adapted to be affixed to a stationary point relative to a cylinder block of an engine, a first belt tensioner pulley, a biasing member, and a connective portion adapted to communicate a force from the biasing member to the power transmission belt via the first belt tensioner pulley.

Abstract: The invention is an improved belt drive system for a power plant. It is of the type having a crankshaft pulley, an accessory pulley, a motor/generator pulley, a belt tensioner, and a belt tensioner pulley. It also includes a power transmission belt trained about the crankshaft, accessory, motor/generator, and the belt tensioner pulleys. The power transmission belt has spans defined by terminations proximate to each of the pulleys, including intermediate spans beginning at the crankshaft pulley and ending at the motor/generator pulley following the direction of belt travel in normal operation. The first of the intermediate spans has a first termination end proximate the crankshaft pulley. The last of the intermediate spans has a last termination end proximate the motor/generator pulley. It is improved by the tensioner pulley being proximate a termination end of an intermediate span not being either the first termination end or the last termination end.