Guide Roll Mounted For Movement Of Its Axis Along Arcuate Path To Tension Belt Patents (Class 474/133)
  • Publication number: 20110224039
    Abstract: A process for producing a sliding bearing bush in a cast component of lightweight metal, preferably a tensioning lever of a belt tensioner. The process includes the following steps: a die, which forms the seat for a sliding bearing bush to be pressed in and has radially outer groove drawing noses, is inserted into a lightweight metal pressure die-casting die. After the liquid lightweight metal has been injected into the lightweight metal pressure die-casting die and subsequently solidified, the die is then drawn out of the lightweight metal pressure die-casting die in such a way that an aperture, which has a groove profile, is formed as a seat for the sliding bearing bush to be pressed in.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Michael Huss, Hermann Stief, Thomas Kraft
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7972232
    Abstract: A chain drive tensioner system with translating pivot point is disclosed. The chain drive tensioner system with translating pivot point includes a chain drive tensioner assembly and a tensioner arm in operable communication with a chain. The chain drive tensioner assembly is in operable communication with the tensioner arm, and the tensioner assembly is moveable between a first tensioner position and a second tensioner position. The tensioner arm includes an internal gear and an external gear rotatably mounted within the internal gear, such that movement of the tensioner assembly from the first tensioner position to the second tensioner position along with concurrent rotation of the external gear within the internal gear is operable to move the tensioner arm laterally from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Clyde A. Bulloch
  • Publication number: 20110081999
    Abstract: A belt assembly and adjustment mechanism for a belt drive system including a belt. The belt assembly and adjustment mechanism includes a first bracket that is attachable to a first portion of the belt drive system, and a second bracket that is attachable to a second portion of the belt drive system. The second portion is different from the first portion. The mechanism also includes a belt drive system component that is positioned between the first bracket and the second bracket. The component is pivotally coupled to the first bracket on one side of the component and is pivotally coupled to the second bracket on another side of the component. The component is further slidably coupled to one of the first bracket and the second bracket such that the component is movable between a first orientation at which the belt is configured to be tensioned and a second orientation at which the belt is configured to be installed on the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Brendan H. Geraghty
  • Patent number: 7918755
    Abstract: An eccentric tensioning device for tensioning a traction means is provided. The eccentric tensioning device includes a track roller device having a running disk and a rolling bearing, a work eccentric for supporting the track roller device, the work eccentric being supported on an adjustment eccentric, a single torsion spring for pretensioning the work eccentric, and a fixing device for securing the work eccentric in a mounting position in which the torsion spring is located in a pretensioned state. The fixing device is positionable on a flange surface upon which the eccentric tensioning device is mountable during attachment, in which the running disk is forced radially relative to the rotating axis of the rolling bearing against the associated traction means under effect of the work eccentric, and a free switching path is traversed through an axial play being overcome against an axial force applied solely by the torsion spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rainer Baumuller, Roland Arneth, Niels Flamig
  • Publication number: 20110070984
    Abstract: An accessory drive tensioner assembly may include a bracket assembly, a fastener and a tensioner hub. The bracket assembly may include first and second bearings axially spaced from one another. The fastener may extend through the first and second bearings to rotationally couple the bracket assembly to an engine structure and may define a rotational axis for the bracket assembly. The tensioner hub may be coupled to the bracket assembly and may be located axially between the first and second bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: SCOTT W. KOTZUR
  • 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: 7887445
    Abstract: A tensioner for tensioning a belt includes a support housing that defines, at least in part, a spring cavity and an arm pivotably attached to the support housing. A spring is disposed in the spring cavity and is operatively connected to the arm and support housing to bias the arm to pivot relative to the support housing. The spring is a round wire coil spring having an unloaded axial height and wherein the spring cavity has a height greater than the unloaded axial height of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventors: James G. Quintus, Edward A. Rammel
  • Patent number: 7883436
    Abstract: An assembly for maintaining tension in a drive belt features a housing mounted on a base. The housing contains a biasing element that exerts torque on the housing to bias the housing in a radial direction. A lever arm is connected to the housing and rotates with the housing in response to the bias of the biasing element. A pulley is connected to the lever arm and engages a drive belt in response to the bias force of the biasing element on the lever arm. The pulley deflects the shape of the belt to provide tension in the belt. In one embodiment, the apparatus allows the user to switch the position of the biasing element and alter the direction of torque on the lever arm. In another embodiment, the lever arm and pulley are removable from the housing and replaceable with other arms and pulleys having different configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Fenner U.S., Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S Mosser, Francis B Fatato
  • Publication number: 20110015015
    Abstract: A mechanical tensioner that includes a pulley arm with a tension pulley for a tension element drive of an internal combustion engine. The pulley arm is mounted to a mounting base that is fixedly attached to the engine. A spring that functions in compression and torsion is located about a pivot axis on the mounting base, with one end connected to the pulley arm and the other end attached to the mounting base. The spring provides torsion to the pulley arm to maintain tension on the tension element, and is also compressed between a mounting flange of the pulley arm and a support flange on the mounting base to transmit an axial force between the pulley arm and an outer hub that is fixed to the mounting base. A shaped bush which functions at least as a damping element, and can also function as a bearing, is located in the space between the outer hub and the pulley arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Ross Gresley
  • Patent number: 7866292
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for shifting the phase between a driver gear and a driven gear in communication by a timing belt are provided as well as methods for configuring the apparatus. The apparatus may continuously vary the phase relationship between the driver gear and the driven gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventors: Rikki Scott LaBere, Robert Allen Weaver
  • Patent number: 7823688
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric power steering for a motor vehicle, that may include a gear rack (11) that is positioned axially displaceable inside a steering housing (1) and can be driven by an electric servomotor (16), arranged inside a motor housing (7), with the aid of a belt (14) and a gear (12) for assisting with the steering. A simple and reliable belt tensioning is possible by providing an insertion wedge (21) between the motor housing (7) and the steering housing (1), which pushes the motor housing (7) away from the steering housing (1) for the purpose of tensioning of the belt (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta SteerTec GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Spengler, Jens Keppler, Jens Stolzenburg
  • Patent number: 7823687
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric power steering for a motor vehicle that may include a gear rack (11) that is positioned axially displaceable inside a steering housing (I) and is driven by an electric servomotor (16), arranged inside a motor housing (7), with the aid of a belt (14) that runs inside a surrounding housing part (6) and a gear (12) for assisting the steering, wherein the belt (14) is configured ferromagnetically and at least one magnet (20) is arranged inside the housing part (6), beside the belt (14) and at a distance to the belt (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta SteerTec GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Spengler, Jens Keppler, Jens Stolzenburg
  • Patent number: 7803078
    Abstract: A tensioner comprising a base, a pivot arm pivotally engaged with the base, a torsion spring engaged between the base and the pivot arm for biasing the pivot arm, a first damping member and a second damping member disposed between the pivot arm and the base, the first damping member wedgingly engagable between the pivot arm and the second damping member, and the second damping member frictionally engaged between the first damping member and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Alben D'Silva, John Harvey, Oliver Stegelmann
  • Patent number: 7771299
    Abstract: A V-belt continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a straddle-type vehicle includes a measurement plate for a rotational speed sensor for detecting a rotational speed of a primary sheave shaft to control a speed change ratio. The measurement plate is disposed on an opposite end of the primary sheave shaft, to one end of which a driving force of an engine is input, with respect to a primary sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigehiro Mochizuki, Kazuhiko Izumi
  • Publication number: 20100113200
    Abstract: A bicycle chain tensioner is provided with a bracket, a tensioner arm, a securing position adjustment mechanism and a chain engaging member. The bracket has a bicycle axle mounting portion and an arm attachment portion. The tensioner arm is adjustably secured to the arm attachment portion of the bracket. The securing position adjustment mechanism selectively fixes the tensioner arm with respect to the bracket in one of a plurality of the securing positions. The chain engaging member is attached to the tensioner arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20100105507
    Abstract: A drive arrangement (10) has first and second wheels (12, 14) and an endless loop member (16). The path of the member (16) is defined in part by a third wheel (18), between the wheels (12, 14). The wheel (18) is movably mounted so that the length can be changed for the path of the member (16) as it passes around the wheel (18), between the wheels (12, -14). Accordingly, the member (16) can be tightened or slackened around the wheels (12, 14), so that the wheels (12, 14) can be coupled to convey drive from one to the other, through the member (16), or disengaged, so that drive is not conveyed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Bruce Stanley Gunton
  • Publication number: 20100081529
    Abstract: A tensioning device for a traction mechanism drive for a belt drive that is incorporated in an internal combustion engine, in order to drive components of the engine or installed accessories. The tensioning device has a construction that is advantageous under production and construction viewpoints, by a high degree of robustness, and also by an advantageous mechanical operating behavior. The tensioning device includes a base part, a swivel arm, a torsion spring with a first winding end section that is allocated to the swivel arm and a second winding section that is allocated to the base part for applying a pivoting moment acting between the base part and the swivel arm and forcing the swivel arm in a tensioning direction, and a damping device for generating a damping force that counteracts a pivoting of the swivel arm directed against the tensioning direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Thorsten Liebel, Fred G. Seebeck, Scott Thompson
  • Patent number: 7686720
    Abstract: A portable power take-off unit for mounting to and dismounting from the rear of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, providing mechanical operational power to construction and farm implements and machinery includes an engine for driving a belt and pulley assembly that drives a chain and sprocket assembly that, in turn, drives a power take-off shaft at selectable high or low speeds. An elongated drive shaft from the machinery is connected to the power take-off shaft for connection to the implement or machinery so that power can be provided thereto. The power take-off unit includes a hydraulic system, comprising a pump, reservoir, couplers, and hoses, for controlling the operation of the machinery, and a manually operable engagement lever for engaging and disengaging the belt and pulley system thereby controlling the engagement and disengagement of the power take-off shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Roger Nikolai
  • Patent number: 7678000
    Abstract: A tensioning arrangement to an endless linkage of a drive train is provided. The tensioning arrangement includes a tension arm and a spool mounted at the tension arm. The spool includes a rib generally centrally located between opposing first and second endwalls of the spool. The rib includes a greater outer diameter relative to an outer diameter of adjacent cylindrical portions abutting the rib. Both opposing first and second endwalls of the spool are of greater outer diameter so as to steer the endless linkage therebetween in general alignment with the rib. A spring includes a hook free end engaged at the tension arm, and a linear shaped free end engaged at the frame so as to bias the spool against the endless linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America, LLC.
    Inventors: Travis L. Harnetiaux, Chad M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7648436
    Abstract: A technique for providing a variable-ratio coupling between output shaft and input motor involves driving an output shaft with drivers that are out of phase with each other. Advantageously, the technique provides a gear reduction via a simple, high-efficiency mechanism; continuous output torque is provided by alternating the load between two belts deflected by, by way of example but not limitation, cam devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Tibion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Horst, Richard R. Marcus
  • Publication number: 20090264233
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly drive or traction mechanism drive, which is designed as a belt drive, of an internal combustion engine, with one tensioning roller and/or one deflecting roller which encloses in each case one belt pulley. In the operating state of the belt pulley, a traction mechanism, which is designed as a V-ribbed belt, is guided on the running surface of the belt pulley. Here, the belt pulley of the deflecting roller has a smooth running surface against which the V-ribbed belt is supported with the profiled inner side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventor: Hermann STIEF
  • Patent number: 7588507
    Abstract: An autotensioner comprises a torsion coil spring interposed between a base and a rocking arm, and a tubular bushing provided between an inside surface of the base and an outside surface of the rocking arm. The torsion coil spring pushes and biases the rocking arm toward the bushing, and brings the pushing direction substantially in coincidence with the axial load direction of the force, acting on a stepped bolt supporting the rocking arm, from a belt. When the belt tension becomes high, the arm axial center displaces slightly from the base axial center, an extremely large first damping force acts on the rocking arm. When the belt tension becomes low, the smaller second damping force acts on the rocking arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Unitta Company
    Inventors: Kazumasa Ayukawa, Hiromi Matsuura
  • Publication number: 20090197724
    Abstract: A fixed or adjustable chain guide includes a captured shoulder bolt fastener. An adjustable chain guide such as a chain tensioner arm assembly includes a tensioner arm with a pivot bore defined about a pivot axis. The pivot bore includes an inner end opening through a rear face of the tensioner arm and an outer end opening through a front face of the tensioner arm. The tensioner arm further includes at least one resilient fastener retaining tab located adjacent the pivot bore. The shoulder bolt extends through the pivot bore and is engaged by the at least one resilient fastener retaining tab, and the at least one fastener retaining tab inhibits separation of the fastener from the tensioner arm. The fastener preferably includes an annular groove or other recess to be engaged by the one or more fastener retaining tabs in order to permit the tensioner arm to rotate relative to the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: James D. Young
  • Patent number: 7530911
    Abstract: A belt tensioner for a belt drive system as a belt tensioner, a first belt tensioner pulley, a crankshaft pulley, an accessory pulley, and a power transmission belt trained about the first belt tensioner, crankshaft, and accessory pulleys. The belt tensioner is of the type that includes an attachment point adapted to be affixed to a stationary point relative to a cylinder block of an engine, a track, and a first carrier mounted in sliding relation with the track with two degrees freedom of movement. The first belt tensioner pulley is rotatably mounted upon the first carrier for engaging the power transmission belt. A resilient member biases the first carrier in longitudinal relation to the track. The tensioner further includes a travel limiting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventor: Alexander Serkh
  • Publication number: 20090111630
    Abstract: The present invention provides, as one aspect, a belt tension adjusting device of a vehicle alternator. The device comprises an adjust bar that has an elongated hole having a rack configuration, one end of the adjust bar being fixed; a belt tension adjusting gear that has a through-hole at the center thereof, and has a gear-shape member corresponding to the rack configuration of the elongated hole at the outer circumference thereof; and a fixing bolt that fixes the adjust bar and the belt tension adjusting gear with an adjust stay of the vehicle alternator in a state where the belt tension adjusting gear is passed through the elongated hole; wherein tension of a belt stretched around a pulley of the vehicle alternator is adjusted by rotating the belt tension adjusting gear to move the adjust stay in a longitudinal direction of the elongated hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Harumi Kume
  • Patent number: 7497794
    Abstract: A first belt tensioner includes an arm, spring case, coil spring, and arm plate. The arm is adapted to support an idler pulley and has a hook portion. The spring case is disposed in the arm and has a first spring seat. The spring is disposed in the spring case. The arm plate has a second spring seat. The spring is longitudinally compressed between the arm plate and the spring case. The spring is in torsion with the end portions of the spring seated against a corresponding spring seat and with the arm plate rotationally positioned under the hook portion. A method for assembling the first belt tensioner includes using the arm plate to longitudinally compress the spring and rotating the arm plate. A second belt tensioner includes an arm, spring case, coil spring, arm plate, and pivot bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony E. Lannutti, Steve E. Scott, Robert C. Joslyn, Robert J. Crist, Terrence R. Quick, Douglas G. Gerring, Randall R. Diefenderfer, Stephen G. Webb
  • Patent number: 7479078
    Abstract: A belt tensioner system includes a belt tensioner and a bumper idler pulley. The belt tensioner includes an arm which is adapted to be rotatably-biased and includes a tensioner idler pulley which is supported by the arm and which travels in an arcuate path when the arm rotates. The bumper idler pulley is positioned at least partially in the arcuate path to stop the travel of the tensioner idler pulley when the arm rotates to a predetermined rotational position. In one application, the belt tensioner system is for an automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventor: Robert C. Joslyn
  • Publication number: 20090005202
    Abstract: A belt tensioner includes an arm, a spring case, and a helical spring having inwardly projecting first and second end portions. Another belt tensioner includes a spring, an arm, a spring case, and a pivot bushing surrounding the spring. An additional belt tensioner includes an idler pulley having a bearing with a mounting hole and includes an arm having a post. The post is positioned in the mounting hole, and an annular rim of the post is deformed radially outward and over the bearing. A method for manufacturing an arm and a spring case of a belt-tensioner includes obtaining a belt-tensioner-arm casting mold including a first section and a second section and obtaining a belt-tensioner-spring-case casting mold including a first segment and a second segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Robert J. Crist, Kevin G. Dutil, Robert C. Joslyn, Anthony E. Lannutti, Earl E. McShane, Steve E. Scott, Stephen G. Webb
  • Publication number: 20080300077
    Abstract: A tensioning device for a traction element, such as a belt, band or chain, is provided having a tensioning arm (1) arranged on a machine part on which an idler pulley or deflection pulley for the traction element is rotatably mounted via a roller bearing (2), and includes a protective cap (15) which is in a frictionally locking or positively locking manner on the idler pulley and covers the bearing region of the idler pulley. The idler pulley is a sheet-metal sheave (16) and includes, for securing the protective cap (15), a snap-in groove (17) which is formed in an end region of the sheet-metal sheave (16) which has an outwardly conical shape, with the end region having a thickness (A) which is less than a thickness (E) of the sheet metal of the sheet-metal sheave (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Benoit Kapfer, Jacky Herrmann, Constant Einsetler
  • Publication number: 20080287234
    Abstract: A belt drive (1) including a belt drive element (4) such as a belt or a chain and a plurality of wheels (1, 6, 7, 8) seated on shafts and integrated into the drive, around which the belt drive element is wound. Parasitic oscillations are introduced into the belt drive (1) by at least one shaft. For the purpose of generating a counter-oscillation, at least one wheel (3) has a non-circular shape. The non-circular wheel (3) is configured, in terms of its shape, in such a manner that it is adapted to generate a counter-oscillation which compensates at least two different main oscillation orders of the parasitic oscillation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Roman Kern, Rainer Pflug
  • Patent number: 7448974
    Abstract: A belt tensioner includes an arm, a spring case, and a helical spring having inwardly projecting first and second end portions. Another belt tensioner includes a spring, an arm, a spring case, and a pivot bushing surrounding the spring. An additional belt tensioner includes an idler pulley having a bearing with a mounting hole and includes an arm having a post. The post is positioned in the mounting hole, and an annular rim of the post is deformed radially outward and over the bearing. A method for manufacturing an arm and a spring case of a belt-tensioner includes obtaining a belt-tensioner-arm casting mold including a first section and a second section and obtaining a belt-tensioner-spring-case casting mold including a first segment and a second segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Crist, Kevin G. Dutil, Robert C. Joslyn, Anthony E. Lannutti, Earl E. McShane, Steve E. Scott, Stephen G. Webb
  • Publication number: 20080207367
    Abstract: A tensioning device for a belt drive is provided, with a lever arm, which is rotatably supported on a base plate with a damping mechanism and on which a pulley and a spring element can be or are mounted. An arrangement is provided to prevent automatic loosening of the screw connection between the lever arm (3, 15) and the bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Michael Bogner, Matthias Schmidl
  • Publication number: 20080058140
    Abstract: A new asymmetrically damped tensioner is provided utilizing a roller clutch engaged with a tensioner arm through a frictional contact. During normal operation, the roller clutch enables the tensioner arm to pivot in a first direction to take up belt slack with negligible frictional damping applied to the motion of the tensioner arm. When the tensioner arm pivots in a second direction, away from the belt, however, in a condition commonly known as wind-up, the roller clutch engages and creates a frictional linkage between the tensioner arm and a fixed surface. This frictional linkage provides asymmetric frictional damping to the tensioner to limit movement in the second direction and combat wind-up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Douglas G. Gerring
  • Publication number: 20080058142
    Abstract: A new tensioner is disclosed that achieves asymmetric damping in part by using a moveable ramp plate. The moveable ramp plate is in frictional contact with the arm provides asymmetric frictional damping for the tensioner arm when the arm experiences wind-up and begins to move away from the belt. The ramp plate is rotatably associated with the movement of the tensioner arm through a spring. The tensioner arm may pivot in two directions. As the tensioner arm pivots in a direction toward the belt the ramp plate is urged such that friction between the ramp plate and tensioner are minimized. When the tensioner arm pivots in the opposite direction, as potentially typified by wind-up, the ramp plate is urged such that friction between the ramp plate and tensioner is increased thereby minimizing wind-up of the tensioner arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Robert C. Joslyn
  • Publication number: 20080020878
    Abstract: Device and methods for arresting the upward movement of a continuous loop chain used to power a motorcycle. A roller wheel is suspended in space directly over the drive chain by means of a bracket and associated assembly. The positioning of the roller is designed to prevent the drive chain from impacting and damaging other components of the motorcycle when the rear suspension is compressed fully. The apparatus is designed to fit existing fastener locations on the motorcycle so that installation requires no modification other than the replacement of the original fasteners supplied by the manufacturer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Elden R. Carl
  • Publication number: 20070293360
    Abstract: A tensioning arrangement to an endless linkage of a drive train is provided. The tensioning arrangement includes a tension arm and a spool mounted at the tension arm. The spool includes a rib generally centrally located between opposing first and second endwalls of the spool. The rib includes a greater outer diameter relative to an outer diameter of adjacent cylindrical portions abutting the rib. Both opposing first and second endwalls of the spool are of greater outer diameter so as to steer the endless linkage therebetween in general alignment with the rib. A spring includes a hook free end engaged at the tension arm, and a linear shaped free end engaged at the frame so as to bias the spool against the endless linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Travis L. Harnetiaux, Chad M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20070281813
    Abstract: A tensioning and vibration-damping device for a belt drive is provided, including means (1) for conveying rotary motion in the form of an endless chain or an endless belt and with a tension-roller carrier (2) that can pivot on a support component (3) with tension roller (5), wherein for ensuring a constant tension of the means for conveying rotary motion, the tension roller (5) can be brought into active connection with the means (1) for conveying rotary motion and the tension-roller carrier (2) together with the tension roller (5) can be loaded via a piezoelectric structure (6) with a determined pre-tensioning force against the means (1) for conveying rotary motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventor: Sergej Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20070249441
    Abstract: A powering system for a paper shredder carried by a vehicle having a two speed rear differential provides a power takeoff driven by a drive pulley irrotatably carried on a medial drive line shaft inserted between the vehicle forward and rearward drive line shafts. The range selector of the differential is modified to have a null position between speed ranges whereat rotational motion of drive line is not communicated through the rear differential to vehicle axles and wheels. An air bag carried powered by the vehicle pneumatic system selectively tensions and slackens drive belt tension to engage and disengage the power takeoff. Auxiliary apparatus to load unshredded paper into a storage area, feed the unshredded paper to the shredder and unload shredded paper from the vehicle are electrically powered by vehicle rechargeable batteries through switching means to regulate motor starting, stopping and reversing and to regulate shredder speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventor: Max R. Rajewski
  • Patent number: 7273432
    Abstract: A belt tensioner with a retainer can be brought into contact with a belt via a belt support for applying a tensile force. The retainer is joined at a distance from the belt support to a radial plain bearing and it can be swivelled about the axis of rotation of the radial plain bearing, whereby the tensioning and swivel movements of the belt support occur under the action of a coil spring. For a belt tensioner of this type, which with a compact construction runs essentially wear-free, it is suggested that the retainer is subject to the action of a spring, which exerts a force (F3) essentially parallel to the axis of rotation on the retainer, the said force (F3) counteracting the force (F1) exerted by the belt on the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Litens Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Schonmeier, Michael Fischer
  • Patent number: 7267626
    Abstract: The boss portion of an arm is oscillatably supported with respect to a support member. A tension pulley is rotatably engaged with a tip portion of the arm. A guide plate is fixed to the axial tip portion of the support member to face the boss portion. A friction plate is sandwiched between the boss portion and the guide plate to apply an oscillational resistance to the boss portion by a spring. A vibration attenuating member is provided in the guide plate so as to control the vibration of the guide plate caused by a stick-slip phenomenon in contacting portions between the friction plate, boss portion and guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kanji Kawasaki, Takashi Sumida
  • Publication number: 20070197326
    Abstract: A roller assembly (30) for a belt drive system (1) of an agricultural machine, the roller assembly (30) having a shaft (50), a roller (20, 22) rotatably mounted on said shaft (50), and adjustment means for adjusting the position of the shaft (50). The adjustment means comprise means (62, 64) for angular adjustment of the position of the shaft (50) in two distinct directions (X, Y).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventor: Andre S.N.C. Ducoulombier
  • Patent number: 7229374
    Abstract: A belt tensioner for a power transmission belt is provided that utilizes asymmetric motion control and is operable in a first condition and a second condition. The belt tensioner has an arm with a belt engaging section and a drum section, a support member for securing the tensioner relative to the belt, and a 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 has a stator coupled to the support member to form arcuate spaces circumferentially spaced around the stator between the stator and the drum section and arcuate shaped wedges in the arcuate spaces. The tensioner further has a Belleville spring coupled to the arm for pivoting therewith and a friction device in sliding contact with the wedges and Belleville spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Meckstroth, William K. Bowman, Steven J. Eck, Kevin G. Dutil, Earl E. McShane
  • Patent number: 7226377
    Abstract: A tensioner for a traction member, in particular a belt of a traction drive for an internal combustion engine, includes a base constructed for rotation about a rotation axis and having a pivot arm. The pivot arm has a free end for connection of a rotatable tension roller which bears against a traction member. A spring member urges the pivot arm to seek a forced engagement of the tension roller upon the traction member. Disposed between the base and the pivot arm is a damping element for damping an adjusting movement of the pivot arm. A pivot bearing supporting one portion of the base on a machine part for rotation about the rotation axis, whereby the rotation of the base in relation to the machine part is realized by an actuator to thereby adjust a biasing force of the traction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Manfred Kraus, Michael Bogner
  • Patent number: 7163478
    Abstract: A tensioner for generating tension in a power-transmitting belt is provided. The tensioner includes a base, which may be secured to an engine, and an arm that is movably attached to the base. A pulley is rotatably attached to the arm for engaging the belt. A spring is operatively connected to the arm and the base for urging the arm to move relative to the base in a first direction. When the arm is moved in the first direction, the pulley is moved into engagement with the belt with a force to tension the belt. The tensioner further includes a stop that is adjustably positioned on the base to limit the movement of the arm in a second direction. The position of the stop on the base may be automatically adjusted by the spring during installation of the tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventors: Larry R. Oliver, Richard J. Meckstroth, Joseph W. Zamm
  • Patent number: 7155144
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing tension to a photoreceptor belt mounted for rotation about a plurality of fixed rollers mounted to a frame of an imaging device comprises a tensioning roller having a longitudinal axis and a convex contact surface for forcing a wrap angle with an inner surface of the photoreceptor belt, a moment arm mounted at a first end to the frame for pivotal movement relative to the frame about a pivot axis fixed relative to the frame and mounted at a second end to the tensioning roller; and a force exerting mechanism mounted to the frame and coupled through the moment arm to the tensioning roller to provide a force perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tensioning roller, the force exerting mechanism being configured to increase the force exerted thereby as the length of the photoreceptor belt increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Atwood, Robert Hildebrand
  • Patent number: 7115056
    Abstract: A drive belt tensioning method and assembly using a dual spring tensioner. A pulley from a drive belt/pulley system is mounted onto a pivot arm having a pivot point. A tensioner spring mounts between the machine frame and the pivot arm, such that is causes rotation of the pivot arm about the pivot point in the opposite direction that the belt/pulley system causes rotation about the pivot point. A stop is used to keep the pivot arm in the position of tensioner spring/belt/pulley system equilibrium. This stop is mounted to the machine frame after the pivot arm equilibrium is reached. A retainer spring mounts between the machine frame and the pivot arm such that when in tension it causes a rotational force about the pivot point in the same direction that the tensioner spring causes a rotational force about the pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Alan E. Rapkin, Richard G. Luther, Morris A. Karski, Steven P. Bailey
  • Patent number: 7104909
    Abstract: A tensioning device for attraction mechanism including a receiving and mounting housing, a roller carrier pivotably connected to the mounting housing, a bearing which radially supports the roller carrier relative to the mounting housing, a spring between the roller carrier and the mounting housing for applying a tensioning force, and a damping device. The damping device includes a damping bush which, by friction, dampens any movement between the roller carrier and the mounting housing in such a way that damping is greater in the direction of an increasing tension force than in the direction of decreasing tension force. A flat band spring applies the friction force to the damping bush. The flat band spring is secured, at a first end, to the receiving and mounting housing in a rotationally fast way, and at a second end to the damping bush in a rotationally fast way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Muhr und Bender KG
    Inventors: Jochen Asbeck, Thomas Berndt, Joachim Jud, Rudolf Bonse