Tension Adjuster Or Shifter Driven By Electrical Or Fluid Motor Patents (Class 474/110)
  • Patent number: 9970331
    Abstract: An outboard marine engine comprises a vertically aligned bank of piston-cylinders; an intake camshaft that operates a plurality of intake valves for controlling inflow of air to the bank of piston-cylinders; an exhaust camshaft that operates a plurality of exhaust valves for controlling outflow of exhaust as from the bank of piston-cylinders; and a cam-to-cam connector that connects the intake camshaft to the exhaust camshaft such that rotation of one of the intake and exhaust camshafts causes rotation of the other of the intake and exhaust camshafts. The cam-to-cam connector is located vertically above a lowermost intake valve in the plurality of intake valves, vertically above a lowermost exhaust valve in the plurality of exhaust valves, vertically below an uppermost intake valve in the plurality of intake valves and vertically below an uppermost exhaust valve in the plurality of exhaust valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Belter, Gregg D. Langenfeld, Mark A. Kollock
  • Patent number: 9963197
    Abstract: An electric bicycle rear derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a chain guide, a linkage assembly and a battery bracket. The chain guide is pivotally supported with respect to the base member between a retracted position and an extended position. The linkage assembly operatively couples the chain guide to the base member. The battery bracket is supported as a separate part on the base member. The battery bracket configured to receive a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Atsushi Komatsu, Yuta Kurokawa, Shingo Sakurai
  • Patent number: 9896150
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device is basically provided with a main support body, an external handlebar fixing structure and an operating unit. The main support body has an abutment that is configured to contact an end of a handlebar in a state where the bicycle operating device is mounted to the handlebar. The external handlebar fixing structure is disposed on the main support body. The external handlebar fixing structure is configured to contact an external surface of the handlebar in a state where the bicycle operating device is mounted to the handlebar. The operating unit is mounted to the main support body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takaaki Fujiwara, Tatsuya Matsushita, Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazutaka Fukao
  • Patent number: 9896272
    Abstract: Adjustment and tensioning of a drag slat chain system is necessary in order to best handle loads while keeping the drag moving and minimizing chances of the chain jumping the sprocket. An automated means of such adjustment is accomplished by providing a known force to tension the chain to a known “slack” and then automatically setting a mechanical stop to maintain an “ideal” tension range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: WEILER
    Inventors: William Aaron Hood, Michael Allen Kooker
  • Patent number: 9863531
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device that includes a second switching valve that is switchable between a third position in which the forward range pressure input from the first switching valve is output to the shift controller and the reverse range pressure is blocked when the second signal pressure is off and a fourth position in which the reverse range pressure input from the first switching valve is output to the shift controller and the forward range pressure is blocked when the second signal pressure is on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kutsubo, Kazuki Kojima, Koji Makino, Yoshimitsu Hyodo, Kenichi Tsuchida
  • Patent number: 9863510
    Abstract: A hydraulic auto-tensioner includes a cylinder with a sleeve fitting hole, and a sleeve press-fitted therein. A rod has its bottom end slidable in the sleeve. A return spring is mounted between a spring seat at an upper portion of the rod and a bottom surface of the cylinder. An oil passage, with a check valve, is formed between the fitting surfaces of the sleeve fitting hole and the sleeve and communicates the pressure chamber with the reservoir chamber. The rod has a valve fitting hole open to its bottom surface, and an oil passage communicating the valve fitting hole with the reservoir chamber. A relief valve, mounted in the valve fitting hole, includes a valve seat with a valve hole having an orifice for restricting the flow rate of oil released from the pressure chamber into the reservoir chamber through the oil passage when the relief valve opens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Aisaku Satomura, Tadahisa Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9810297
    Abstract: A hydraulic auto-tensioner for an engine accessory is provided where a sleeve fit-in hole is formed at an upper surface of a bottom portion of a cylinder accommodating a hydraulic oil, a lower end portion of a sleeve is press-fitted in the sleeve fit-in hole, and a lower end portion of a rod is slidably inserted in the sleeve to define a pressure chamber inside the sleeve. A lower end face of the sleeve is in abutment with a divided bottom surface of the sleeve fit-in hole to trap burrs produced when the lower end portion of the sleeve is press-fitted into the sleeve fit-in hole between the divided bottom surface of the sleeve fit-in hole and the lower end face of the sleeve, so that burrs are prevented from mixing into the hydraulic oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi Kitano, Tsuyoshi Fukahori, Aisaku Satomura, Masayoshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 9803728
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission pulley includes a body defining a hollow tube having a longitudinal central bore. Multiple cylinders are fixed to the body each having a cylinder bore in fluid communication with the longitudinal central bore. A piston is slidably positioned in the cylinder bore of each of the cylinders. A pressurized fluid present in the central bore acts equally against each of the pistons to equally outwardly displace the pistons. A biasing member is connected to each piston and is in direct contact with the pressurized fluid. A friction member is connected to a free end of each of the pistons. Diametrically opposed ones of the friction members define a pulley diameter that varies depending on a portion of the diametrically opposed ones of the pistons extending outwardly from the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Yogesh Kumar Dewangan, Venu Ganti
  • Patent number: 9797482
    Abstract: A belt tensioner for an accessory drive of an internal combustion engine having a lever arm rotatably assembled to a hydraulic strut assembly. The hydraulic strut assembly including a fixing eye for rotatably mounting to a mounting boss of an engine, the fixing eye having a cupped portion at a first end to seat onto the mounting boss and a travel limiter at a second end extending along an axis of the hydraulic strut to limit travel of the lever arm toward the fixing eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Scott Thompson, Andrew Kaye, Jesse Myers
  • Patent number: 9765856
    Abstract: A tensioner device, includes a housing defining a cavity with a plunger disposed in the cavity. A spring is engaged with the plunger for biasing the plunger in an outward direction. An oil passage is in communication with the cavity for delivering pressurized oil to the cavity and an oil reservoir is disposed in the housing and in communication with the cavity. The oil reservoir includes a vent opening at a vertical level at least as high as the oil passage into the cavity so that oil is maintained with the cavity when the tensioner is installed in an inverted orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Eric D. Staley
  • Patent number: 9758217
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur for operating a chain guide. The derailleur has primary actuator that imparts a primary displacement on the chain guide that has at least a component in an axial direction with respect to an assembly of toothed wheels. The derailleur also has secondary actuator that imparts a secondary displacement on the chain guide that has at least a component in a radial direction with respect to the assembly of toothed wheels. The secondary actuator can operate independently of the primary actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventors: Alberto Bortoli, Gianluca Bortolozzo, Paolo Pasqua
  • Patent number: 9751591
    Abstract: A bicycle dual control device hydraulically operated, so that using one single device the cyclist may operate, by applying different hand pressures or taps from the handlebar, two unidirectional control mechanisms, preferably a brake and a bicycle gear-shifting mechanisms. The control device comprises two unidirectional control units within a single lever or handgrip attached to the handlebar, wherein each one of them comprises an acting member, an operating member connected to a control circuit and a coupling element which links the two previous members. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the operating member related to the gear shifting is hydraulic and comprises a piston and a cylinder mounted integrated inside the brake acting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Rotor Componentes Tecnológicos SL
    Inventors: Pablo Carrasco Vergara, David Martinez Garcia, Carlos Miguel Carton Cordero
  • Patent number: 9746055
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a chain tensioner which enables operations on an elastic ring member during assembly and maintenance work to be readily performed and which is capable of eliminating protrusion of an operating portion of the elastic ring member in a direction opposite to a mounting surface, with a simple configuration. A ring holding portion 112 provided on an open side of a plunger housing hole 111 includes a pressing projection 113 and a restricting portion 114 which restrict rotation of the elastic ring member 130 and which oppose both outer sides of a pair of operating portions 132 of the elastic ring member 130 in a circumferential direction, and the pressing projection 113 is arranged at a position closer to a mounting surface 115 than the restricting portion 114.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Takagi, Osamu Yoshida, Yuji Kurematsu
  • Patent number: 9739348
    Abstract: A tensioner device for a belt or chain defines a housing defining a bore with a plunger disposed in the bore. A spring is engaged with the plunger for biasing the plunger in an outward direction. The housing further includes an oil chamber connected to an oil passage in communication with the oil chamber for delivering pressurized oil to the oil chamber, wherein when the oil chamber is pressurized the pressurized oil applies a counter force opposing a force of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Spix, Roxann M. Bittner
  • Patent number: 9702441
    Abstract: Provided is a chain tensioner that can improve the degree of freedom in setting the oil supply position with a simple structure, can supply sufficient and necessary oil when restarted after a long time after the stop of oil supply, can entirely be made shorter and smaller, and can be produced easily with reduced cost. In a chain tensioner 100 in which a plunger 120 inserted in a plunger bore 111 of a tensioner body 110 is biased outward by biasing means 140 provided in an oil pressure chamber 101 to be extendable and contractible, an oil reservoir chamber 123 is formed on an outer side than a check valve 150 inside a plunger body 126, and a connection/adjustment groove 103 forming an oil supply space 102 is formed in an inner circumferential surface of the plunger bore 111.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Yuji Kurematsu, Osamu Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9689474
    Abstract: Provided is a chain tensioner that is capable of restricting the movement of a plunger at an engagement position, hardly causes its breakage and abrasion even if receiving a great force applied to the plunger, needs no setting for a backlash amount, and allows the engagement position of the plunger to be freely shifted forward and backward. The tensioner body has an engagement member that extends toward and retracts from engagement grooves provided on the outer periphery of the plunger, a press member that presses, in one direction, a cam member which maintains and releases the extending state of the engagement member, and a hydraulic supply path through which oil is supplied to press the cam member in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the press member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Onoda, Osamu Yoshida, Yuji Kurematsu
  • Patent number: 9677649
    Abstract: A hydraulic auto-tensioner includes a plunger fitted to a bottom end portion of a rod so as to be slidable along a radially inner surface of a valve sleeve and a radially outer surface of the rod. The plunger has a bottom plate formed with a valve hole. A first leakage gap is defined between sliding surfaces of the plunger and the valve sleeve, and a second leakage gap of which the flow resistance is lower is defined between sliding surfaces of the plunger and the rod such that while the engine is running normally, oil in a pressure chamber leaks into a reservoir chamber through the second leakage gap, and when starting the engine by actuating a starter/generator, the plunger rises until the valve hole is closed so that oil in the pressure chamber leaks into the reservoir chamber through the first leakage gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi Kitano, Tadahisa Tanaka, Eiji Maeno
  • Patent number: 9656723
    Abstract: An electrical bicycle derailleur includes a base member and a movable member movably arranged between a retracted position and an extended position. A linkage operatively couples the movable member to the base member. The linkage includes a first link member and a second link member. The first link member is disposed closer to the base member than the second link member. A motor unit is operatively coupled to the first and second link members to rotate the first and second link members. A linkage housing is configured to support the first and second link members and the motor unit. A first diameter of the first link member is different from a second diameter of the second link member and/or a first tooth number of the first link member is different from a second tooth number of the second link member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tachibana, Takeshi Ueda, Yuta Mizutani, Keijiro Nishi, Takahiro Tabata
  • Patent number: 9656811
    Abstract: Adjustment and tensioning of a drag slat chain system is necessary in order to best handle loads while keeping the drag moving and minimizing chances of the chain jumping the sprocket. An automated means of such adjustment is accomplished by providing a known force to tension the chain to a Known “slack” and then automatically setting a mechanical stop to maintain an “ideal” tension range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Weller, Inc.
    Inventors: William Aaron Hood, Michael Allen Kooker
  • Patent number: 9643786
    Abstract: A telescoping belt tightener for conveyors includes an elongated outer body and a slider tube inserted in one end, with the slider tube able to slide into and out of the outer body to varying lengths. An adjuster at an opposing end can be turned to extend or retract the slider tube from the outer body. A bearing collar, with a bearing cavity that fits a spherical bearing, is attached to the slider tube. A collar shield snugly fits with the bearing collar to keep contaminants from entering the bearing cavity. One or both ends of the outer body include a stopper for keeping contaminants from entering the outer body. The outer body is round and without standing surfaces on which food and debris could accumulate. The outer body and adjuster are unitary parts without crevices in which contaminants can collect. The belt tightener is well-suited for food-grade applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Bryant Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Lee Palmer, Collyn McKinley Rankin, Jon Michael Helt, Todd A. Brennecke, Daniel M. Genz, Frederick H. Thimmel
  • Patent number: 9618097
    Abstract: Provided is a tensioner in which the durability of the tensioner body is increased, the tensioner body is reduced in weight, and the arrangement space is reduced. A tensioner 100 includes a tensioner body 110, a plunger 120, and a ratchet 130. The tensioner body 110 has a hole outer circumferential wall 112 and a pair of pin support walls 116, 117. The hole outer circumferential wall 112 has a pair of outer circumferential wall portions 113, 114 crossing a virtual line L extending in the pin longitudinal direction through the center of the plunger housing hole 111. At least one of the outer side surfaces of the pair of pin support walls 116, 117 is formed on the inner side, in the pin longitudinal direction, of the outer side surface of one of the outer circumferential wall portions 113, 114.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Toshitaka Ogo, Takahiro Shinnoki
  • Patent number: 9605732
    Abstract: A tensioner (10) for an endless loop power transmission member can include the assembly of a plunger (12) operably engageable with an endless loop power transmission member, and a piston (14) guiding the plunger (12) for sliding coaxial movement in a direction of the endless loop power transmission member and defining an oil reservoir (26) for receiving hydraulic fluid. A bearing (28) can have bearing balls (30) located in a counter bore (32) coaxial with piston bore (34). The counter bore (32) can have a steep taper (36) on which the bearing balls (30) ride, such that as the plunger (12) moves in an extending direction, the bearing balls (30) move out of the counter bore (32) allowing free extending movement of the plunger (12), and as the plunger (12) moves in a retracting direction, the bearing balls (30) are driven down into the steep taper (36) preventing the plunger (12) from retracting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: BORGWARNER, INC.
    Inventors: Dale N. Smith, Mark Wigsten
  • Patent number: 9599199
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a tensioner is provided which includes: an arm, including a pivot mount; a pulley rotatably mounted to the arm; and a strut pivotally connected to the arm. The strut includes: a base, having a pivot mount; a first body moveable relative to the base; a first resilient element connected between the base and the first body, the first resilient element having a first stiffness coefficient; a second body moveable relative to the first body, the second body having a pivot mount; a second resilient element connected between the first body and the second body, the second resilient element having a second stiffness coefficient that is lower than the first stiffness coefficient; and an actuator, connected to the base and first body, for selectively moving the first body towards the base and compressing the first resilient element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: LITENS AUTOMOTIVE PARTNERSHIP
    Inventor: Garreth Graves
  • Patent number: 9587719
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cam chain chamber accommodating a cam chain and a chain guide guiding the cam chain. The engine also includes a chain tensioner including a case main body, a plunger sliding in the case main body, a coil spring biasing the chain guide against the cam chain via the plunger, interlocking teeth located on a surface of the plunger, and an engaging portion engaged with the interlocking teeth and configured to inhibit the plunger from moving in a direction away from the chain guide. The engine also includes oil supply passages in an inner wall of the cylinder head and an inner wall of the cylinder body and configured to supply oil to the chain tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takehiko Shiraoya, Kyohei Fujikura, Tadakatsu Hosokawa, Nobuyuki Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 9556963
    Abstract: The invention relates to an overpressure valve (1) which is in the form of a one-way valve or a check valve and which includes a pot-shaped housing (2) with a base (3) and central opening (4) and which also has a valve seat (6) which interacts with a spring-loaded closing body (7). A guide sleeve (9) is inserted with a force fit or form fit into the housing (2) for the purpose of receiving a compression spring (8) which exerts a load on the closing body (7), which guide sleeve simultaneously ensures a construction of the overpressure valve (1) which is secured against falling apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Hartmann, Petrus Hubertus Kroon
  • Patent number: 9523414
    Abstract: A variable flow hydraulic tensioner (10) for a chain or belt can include a fixed member (12) having a first port (12a), and a movable member (14) in engaged with the fixed member (12). The movable member (14) can include a second port (14a) initially aligned with respect to the first port (12a) to allow fluid flow therethrough. A first spring (16) can bias the movable member (14) with respect to the fixed member (12) to align the first and second ports (12a, 14a) with respect to one another to allow fluid flow therethrough. A second spring (18) can have less spring force than the first spring (16) to bias the movable member (14) in an opposite direction with respect to the fixed member (12), such that as the chain or belt wears, a differential force between the first and second springs (16, 18) diminishes until the movable member (14) moves relative to the fixed member (12) sufficiently to offset the first and second ports (12a, 14a) with respect to one another to prevent fluid flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Chekansky
  • Patent number: 9499234
    Abstract: A bicycle component control apparatus is configured to control at least one bicycle component. The bicycle component control apparatus basically comprises a user operating device, an electric actuating unit and a hydraulic unit. The electric actuating unit is controlled in response to operation of the user operating device. The hydraulic unit is fluidly connected to the at least one bicycle component so as to fluidly control the at least one bicycle component in response to actuation of the electric actuating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Toshio Tetsuka
  • Patent number: 9470295
    Abstract: In a hydraulic tensioner device in which a high hydraulic pressure chamber is configured between a plunger accommodation hole of a tensioner body accommodating a plunger and the plunger to attenuate reactive force acting on the plunger, the tensioner body includes, in a discharge oil passage for discharging oil leaked from the high hydraulic pressure chamber, a pressure maintenance valve for opening and closing the discharge oil passage, air release passages are formed inside the pressure maintenance valve, and an air release valve for releasing air and preventing air from back flowing is provided in the air release passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Osamu Emizu, Takayuki Osako, Koji Terada
  • Patent number: 9453589
    Abstract: A tensioner for the controlled clamping and moving of an elongated body (A), in particular for an installation for laying pipelines, umbilicals or cables, includes a frame carrying at least two guiding boxes (3) that are arranged about an axis of symmetry (4), for clamping a segment of the elongated body (A). The guiding boxes (3) according to the invention are mounted mobile on their support frame through operating elements (5) including: (i) at least one linear actuator (5) including an operating cylinder extended by spring element, which operating cylinder and which spring element each have a longitudinal extension axis, the extension axes being oriented coaxially, or at least approximately coaxially, relative to each other, so as to form together the extension axis of the linear actuator; and (ii) programmable elements for controlling the operating cylinder in extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: REEL
    Inventor: Karamoko Konate
  • Patent number: 9435408
    Abstract: A tensioner, for a camshaft-camshaft chain drive with a drive chain and camshaft bearing bridge for fastening camshaft bearings to an engine block, comprises a tensioner housing with a guiding-side guide shoe, a tensioning piston slidably guided in a piston bore of the tensioner housing and provided with a tensioning-side tensioning shoe, and a fastening flange projecting laterally from the tensioner housing and having a mounting surface facing the tensioning side. A mounting plane defined by the mounting surface of the fastening flange intersects the tensioner housing at an axial distance from the guiding surface of the guide shoe at most 40% of axial transport length of the tensioner between the guiding surface of the guide shoe and the tensioning surface of the tensioning shoe. The camshaft bearing bridge has a contact surface for the fastening flange, to be in contact with the mounting surface of the fastening flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: IWIS MOTORSYSTEME GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Ulrich Lindner
  • Patent number: 9423009
    Abstract: A hydraulic auto-tensioner includes a cylinder with a sleeve fitting hole, and a sleeve press-fitted therein. A rod has its bottom end slidable in the sleeve. A return spring is mounted between a spring seat at an upper portion of the rod and a bottom surface of the cylinder. An oil passage, with a check valve, is formed between the fitting surfaces of the sleeve fitting hole and the sleeve and communicates the pressure chamber with the reservoir chamber. The rod has a valve fitting hole open to its bottom surface, and an oil passage communicating the valve fitting hole with the reservoir chamber. A relief valve, mounted in the valve fitting hole, includes a valve seat with a valve hole having an orifice for restricting the flow rate of oil released from the pressure chamber into the reservoir chamber through the oil passage when the relief valve opens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aisaku Satomura, Tadahisa Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9414933
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for restoration of human or animal bone anatomy, which may include introduction, into a bone of an expansible implant capable of expansion in a single determined plane, positioning the expansible implant in the bone in order to correspond the single determined plane with a bone restoration plane and opening out the expansible implant in the bone restoration plane. A first support surface and a second support surface spread tissues within bone. The embodiments of the disclosure may also include injecting a filling material around the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Vexim SA
    Inventor: Ezzine Banouskou
  • Patent number: 9394976
    Abstract: A hydraulically ratcheted tensioner is provided. The tensioner includes a tensioner housing and a plunger including a groove is located partially in a piston chamber in the tensioner housing. The plunger is pressurizable by hydraulic fluid. A ratchet device includes a ratchet housing and a piston having an angled end. A spring biases the piston such that the angled end is forced against a ratchet pin that extends radially through a hole in the ratchet housing and the tensioner housing. The ratchet pin is biased against the piston by a ratchet spring. In a first, non-pressurized state, the ratchet pin engages the groove. In a second, pressurized state, the pressurized hydraulic fluid forces the piston against the spring such that the angled end disengages the ratchet pin and the ratchet spring moves the ratchet pin to a position disengaged from the groove, and the hydraulic fluid pressurizes the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ryan Duffy
  • Patent number: 9377087
    Abstract: A tensioner which adjusts the mean tensioner force to keep the chain tension as low as possible without sacrificing chain control, significantly improving drive efficiency as the chain wears and is subject to low dynamic loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin B. Todd, Mark E. Patton, Dale N. Smith
  • Patent number: 9377088
    Abstract: A tensioner which adjusts the mean tensioner force to keep the chain tension as low as possible without sacrificing chain control, significantly improving drive efficiency as the chain wears and is subject to low dynamic loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin B. Todd, Mark E. Patton, Dale N. Smith
  • Patent number: 9334932
    Abstract: In one aspect the invention relates to a tensioner that is capable of precognitively anticipating when it is desirable to increase the tension in a belt or other endless drive element so as to prevent belt slip prior to events that would raise the risk of it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: LITENS AUTOMOTIVE PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: John R. Antchak, Zbyslaw Stan Staniewicz, Andrew Malcolm Boyes
  • Patent number: 9303735
    Abstract: To provide a chain tensioner that has a simple structure, is universally usable, is capable of supplying sufficient and necessary oil when restarted after a long time after the stop of oil supply, enables reduction in entire length and size, and enables easy production and reduction in production cost. An urging unit 140 provided in an oil pressure chamber 101 to be expandable and contractible urges a plunger 120 outward from a plunger bore 111 in a tensioner body 110 of the chain tensioner 100. The plunger 120 includes a plunger body 126, a check valve 150 provided inside the body, and a reserve tube 130 that has an oil reservoir chamber 123 communicating with the oil pressure chamber 101 through an oil hole 132.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventor: Yuji Kurematsu
  • Patent number: 9212730
    Abstract: A hydraulic tensioner for a traction device (1) having a pressure chamber (2) in a housing (3), into which a medium that transmits pressure can be introduced, having a feed unit (5) having a non-return valve (6) at one end (4) of the pressure chamber and having an overpressure relief device (8) at the other end (7) of the pressure chamber (2), wherein the overpressure relief device (8) includes a closure element (11), a housing body (9) and a cage (10) which is at least partly arranged within the housing body (9) and which forms a stop for the closure element (11) on the side remote from the pressure chamber, wherein the cage (10) at least partly covers an end side of the housing body (9) that is remote from the pressure chamber. The invention also relates to a traction device drive having such a tensioner for a traction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Tyroller
  • Patent number: 9133916
    Abstract: A traction-means tensioning device having a housing that contains aluminum as a material, into which a slide sleeve is inserted axially immovably, within which a hydraulically actuatable, axially extendable piston is supported; a pressure chamber being provided between the piston, which is made of steel, and the slide sleeve, which is made of steel, that can be filled with a hydraulic medium; a securing element engaging on the slide sleeve and the housing to fix the axial position of the slide sleeve relative to the housing, the securing element being provided with an elongate fastening portion that is configured to be fixed in position in the housing and is provided at a housing-distal end with a head that is in form-fitting contact with the slide sleeve. Also, an internal combustion engine having such a traction-means tensioning device and a traction means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dominik Hofmann, Peter Tyroller
  • Patent number: 9109690
    Abstract: A system for an engine comprising an engine drive system and an oil delivery system is provided. According to one embodiment, the engine drive system includes a chain that engages a plurality of drive sprockets and a chain guide that pivots about a pin. Further, the pin may include an internal oil passage that is in fluidic communication with the oil delivery system. In this way, improved oil lubrication can be provided with simplified structure and manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris David Tiernan, Tom Suchecki
  • Patent number: 9091326
    Abstract: An air bleeding valve includes an annular valve element for removing air from oil contained in a hydraulic circuit of a hydraulic tensioner and for suppressing the removal of the oil. An air bleeding valve body is fitted in an air bleeding valve accommodating hole formed in the hydraulic tensioner. A circumferential groove having a rectangular cross section is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the air bleeding valve body. The annular valve element having a rectangular cross section is fitted in the circumferential groove so as to be movable in an axial direction parallel to the axis of the annular valve element, and displaceable in a radial direction toward and away from the axis of the annular valve element. Such air bleeding valve removes air in a hydraulic circuit while suppressing the removal of oil in the hydraulic circuit during starting operation of an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Tawarada, Yoshiaki Tsukada, Osamu Emizu
  • Patent number: 9086119
    Abstract: In a hydraulic tensioner, a check valve comprises a check ball disposed within a seat/retainer combination in which a ball seat and retainer are formed as a unit and connected by a bend. The check valve is mounted so that it can rotate within the tensioner housing about a center line, and formed so that its center of gravity is offset from the center line. The check valve unit therefore tends to assume a position in which its center of gravity is directly below the center line. Openings that allow flow of oil from the interior of the check valve unit to a hydraulic chamber in the tensioner are positioned so that, when the center of gravity of the check valve unit is directly below the center line, the check ball cannot block or restrict flow through the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Yuji Kurematsu
  • Patent number: 9080643
    Abstract: The damping device of the tensioning device has at least one damping channel that is open in both flow directions as a component of the fluid supply in such a way that during operation at least a portion of the supply stream is fed through the at least one damping channel into the pressure reservoir, and the damping device and the venting device are coupled with each other by fluid engineering means such that a drainage flow from the pressure reservoir occurs via the damping device and the venting device in combination, and the supply flow occurs predominantly independently of the venting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: IWIS MOTORSYSTEME GMBH & CO., KG
    Inventors: Renzo Perissinotto, Ulrich Schelzig
  • Patent number: 9074658
    Abstract: A chain tensioner lever has a chain guide surface which is formed such that in its main area extending from an end near a boss to an end near a piston contact, a curved track that slides along a timing chain in the chain travel direction has a continuously varying radius of curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Osamu Maeda
  • Patent number: 9062741
    Abstract: A ratchet-type tensioner, comprising: a housing; a plunger supported by the housing for movement in opposite advancing and setback directions, the plunger having rack teeth provided thereon, and being arranged to advance with respect to the housing along the advancing direction for applying tension to a traveling transmission medium engaged with rotating members; and a ratchet mechanism capable of restricting the plunger from setting back due to a reaction force acting in a setback direction from the transmission medium; said ratchet mechanism comprising: a ratchet-receiving hole provided within the housing; a ratchet element slidable in the ratchet-receiving hole and movable in a sliding direction transverse to the advancing and setback directions; ratchet teeth on the ratchet element engageable with the rack teeth of the plunger; and a ratchet-biasing means for biasing the ratchet element in an engaging direction along the sliding direction so that the ratchet teeth engage with the rack teeth; said ratchet
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Yuji Kurematsu, Kaori Mori, Munehiro Maeda, Osamu Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20150126315
    Abstract: A tensioner for an engine accessory drive system includes a tensioner arm pivotally mounted for movement between a free arm position and a load stop position. The tensioner arm includes a pulley which engages a belt. A piston, disposed in a cylinder, is pivotally linked to the tensioner arm. A spring urges the tensioner arm towards the free arm position. A moveable load stop member, controlled by an actuator, projects into the cylinder. The load stop member abuts the piston to thereby arrest movement of the tensioner arm and define the load stop position. The actuator may drive the load stop member against the piston to move the tensioner arm towards the free arm position so as to increase belt tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Ron Farewell, Zbyslaw Staniewicz, Andrew M. Boyes
  • Patent number: 9022887
    Abstract: A clip-type mechanism for tensioning slack in a chain. A spring-biased piston is positioned in a bore in a housing. A ratchet rack is positioned on the piston, along with a clip member. A recess in the housing bore has an annular member with a hardened surface to reduce wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Borg Warner Inc.
    Inventor: Kunihiko Mishima
  • Publication number: 20150119175
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a variable belt tensioner of an internal combustion engine for adjusting a belt tensioning. The tensioner includes in a series configuration an electric motor, a worm drive, a lever drive and a belt tensioner roller. The worm drive is driven by the electric motor and is mechanically connected to the lever drive for transmitting a rotation thereto. The lever drive is mechanically connected to the belt tensioner roller for transmitting a translation thereto, thus allowing the belt tensioner roller to adjust the belt tensioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Torsten Mueller, Tobias Sandmann, Guenther Schlarb
  • Patent number: 8992357
    Abstract: A receiving housing of a hydraulic tensioning device for a traction mechanism drive in an internal combustion engine, having an opening that extends along a longitudinal axis for receiving a piston that is implemented for deflecting a tensioning rail of the traction mechanism drive. The receiving housing is a cast component, and the opening comprises an inner contour having an inner surface that comprises at least first segments and inclines for removing the workpiece from the mold in the opening. The second segments include surfaces that are directed into the inside of the opening and are aligned in parallel with the longitudinal axis. A sliding core is also provided that has an outer contour that is complementary to the inner contour of the opening of the receiving housing and fits into the opening. A traction mechanism drive and tensioning device having a receiving housing of this type are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Kastner
  • Publication number: 20150072814
    Abstract: A tensioning mechanism for tensioning an endless drive device such as, for example, a chain or a belt, is provided, with a tensioning device which can operatively engage with the endless drive device, a tensioning device seat in which the tensioning device is movably received, a pressure chamber being formed between the tensioning device and the tensioning device seat, a fluid inlet which opens into the pressure chamber, a fluid outlet exiting from the pressure chamber and a valve disposed in the fluid outlet. A tensioning mechanism is provided that avoids the drawbacks of known tensioning mechanisms and is, in particular, operable independently. It is provided for this that the valve is controlled automatically depending on temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Franz WACH, Renzo PERISSINOTTO