Guide Roll Spring Biased In Belt-tensioning Direction Patents (Class 474/135)
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Publication number: 20130079185Abstract: A belt tensioning device for a belt drive having at least one apparatus with a housing, a driveshaft and a belt pulley, as well as an infinite belt for driving the belt pulley. The belt tensioning device includes a base that can be or is firmly connected to the apparatus, exactly one tensioning arm that, relative to the base, is supported so as to be pivotable around a pivot axis and that, via a torsion spring, is supported in the circumferential direction against the base. The belt tensioning device also includes a tensioning roller that, at the tensioning arm, is supported so as to be rotatable around an axis of rotation and serves to tension the belt. When the belt tensioning device is mounted at the apparatus, the pivot axis of the tensioning arm is arranged inside the outer diameter of the belt pulley of the apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: MUHR UND BENDER KGInventors: Stefan Schauerte, Joachim Jud, Simon Pfeifer, Manfred Jung
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Patent number: 8403785Abstract: A tensioner is disclosed that achieves asymmetric damping in part by using a ramp-ramp assembly. The tensioner comprises a tensioner axle defining a pivot axis, an arm mounted on the tensioner axle so as to permit the arm to pivot about the pivot axis, a first tensioner component having first ramp features, a second tensioner component having second ramp features, and a ramp bushing having an upper ramp surface and a lower ramp surface. The first tensioner component is engaged to the arm for rotation therewith and the second tensioner component is coupled to the tensioner axle. The ramp bushing is disposed between the first tensioner component and the second tensioner component such that the upper ramp surface seats within the first ramp features and the lower ramp surface seats within the second ramp features.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2008Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Dayco IP Holdings, LLCInventor: Anthony E. Lannutti
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Patent number: 8403780Abstract: A tensioner comprising a base comprising a first portion, an arm comprising a second portion, the arm pivotally connected to the base, a pulley journalled to the arm, a resilient member compressively disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the resilient member comprising a gap within which the first portion and the second portion are disposed, and the resilient member comprising a bore, the bore engaging the arm.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: The Gates CorporationInventors: Oliver Stegelmann, Xinjian Fan
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Patent number: 8353795Abstract: Described herein is a tensioner for a belt of a drive of a motor vehicle, comprising: at least two idle pulleys designed to co-operate with respective belt runs of the belt; two arms bearing the pulleys; and elastic means acting at least indirectly on the arms for tensioning the belt, in which the arms are constrained to one another, and at least one of the arms is hinged to a first mobile axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Dayco Europe S.R.L.Inventors: Andrea Montani, Alberto Ruffini
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Patent number: 8337344Abstract: A tensioner for a belt drive, comprising: a base carrying a pin defining an axis; a tensioning arm, which can rotate about the pin and supports an idle pulley; and a damping element, which is constrained to a hinge point eccentric with respect to the axis and is carried by one between the base and the tensioning arm so as to co-operate with a friction surface carried by the other between the base and the tensioning arm. The belt tensioner further comprises a resilient element having a first end portion connected in a single point to the damping element and a second end portion connected to the other between the base and the tensioning arm to cause a rotation of the damping element about the hinge point against the friction surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Dayco Europe S.R.L.Inventors: Maria Cesare Meano, Renzo Gozzano
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Publication number: 20120316018Abstract: A tensioner comprising a pulley, a base having a sleeve, an arm pivotally engaged with the base, the pulley journalled to the arm, a torsion spring connected between the arm and the base, an adjuster member rotatably engaged within a sleeve hole, a damping member fixedly connected to the arm, the damping member compressed between the arm and the base in an axial direction, the damping member having a frictional engagement with the base to damp an arm oscillation, and a retainer having an expandable member connectable to the adjuster, the expandable member engaged with a sleeve groove.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventors: Peter Ward, Juergen Hallen
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Publication number: 20120316019Abstract: A tensioner comprising a sleeve, an adjuster cooperatively engaged with an inner surface of the sleeve, a pivot arm pivotally engaged with the sleeve, a pulley journalled to the pivot arm, a torsion spring engaged with the sleeve for urging the pivot arm, an elastomeric damping ring connected to the arm and in compressive frictional contact between the sleeve and the arm whereby a tangential friction force damps a pivot arm movement, the elastomeric damping ring exerting a radial force on the sleeve, and a retaining member connected to the adjuster and cooperatively engaged with the sleeve whereby the adjuster and sleeve are kept in a predetermined relation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventors: Peter Ward, Juergen Hallen, Holger Schever
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Patent number: 8287410Abstract: A tensioning device has a tension arm mounted on a base. A pulley is mounted on the tension arm for engaging a looped belt. By changing mounting bushings, one can select either a static mode wherein the tension arm is held stationary relative to the base, or a dynamic mode wherein, in response to a changing force applied between the pulley and the belt (due to vibrations or load changes, for example), the tension arm moves relative to the base such in a manner as to maintain the force substantially constant. Several such devices can be employed in a system for controlling the tension of a looped belt, one or more of the devices being in the static mode and one or more being in the dynamic mode. Several such systems can be employed in a complex machine such as a photocopier or medical apparatus for controlling the tension in a number of different belts.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: York Industries, Inc.Inventors: Hartmut Schmid, Paul O'Donnell
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Patent number: 8277348Abstract: A tensioner including a support structure defining a pivot axis, an arm coupled to the support structure for rotation about the pivot axis, and a damping mechanism. The arm includes a cup having the damping mechanism seated therein. The damping mechanism includes a first tensioner component that is generally cup-shaped and has first ramp features on the rim thereof, a second tensioner component having second ramp features, and a damper spring coupling the first tensioner component to the second tensioner component. The first tensioner component is rotatable with the arm and the second tensioner component is non-rotatable. The damper mechanism has the first ramp features aligned with the second ramp features and rotation of the first tensioner component in a first direction moves the first ramp features relative to the second ramp features and translates the first tensioner component into damping engagement with the arm.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2011Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Dayco Products, LLCInventor: Anthony E. Lannutti
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Publication number: 20120115657Abstract: A tensioner in accordance with the present invention employs a spindle and a tensioner arm which are preferably manufactured by a suitable manufacturing process, such as die casting, negating a requirement for machining operations. The biasing spring of the tensioner is wound with wire having a non-circular cross section to increase the spring force of the spring compared to a similar spring wound with wire of circular cross section and, as the tensioner arm is moved away from the flexible drive, the diameter of the biasing spring expands and the coils press a dampening shoe into contact with a wall of the tensioner arm producing a dampening force. The tensioner is simple to assemble and requires a relatively small package volume for the biasing force it can produce.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2012Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventors: John R. Antchak, James W. Dell, Gerald J. Hamers, Feng Liu
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Publication number: 20120088618Abstract: A derailleur 10, for moving a chain 60 to different sized sprockets arranged small to large in a sprocket nest 101 is disclosed. The derailleur 10 has a feed arm for directing the chain 60 onto one of multiple sprockets within the sprocket nest 101. The feed arm 11 is rotatably mounted at a pivot end on an angular pivot 12 and when the feed arm 11 rotates about the pivot 12 an opposite chain guide end of the feed arm 11 traces a path substantially parallel to a tangent to the outer periphery of the sprocket nest 101. The movement of the feed arm 11 is mechanically driven by a user command and is preferably moved by a connected rod or wire or cable 109. The guide end of the derailleur 10 has a chain guide, wherein the chain guide is a smooth surface or a roller or toothed roller. The derailleur 10 further has a chain slack take-up assembly having a pivotal take-up idler arm 20 for chain slack take-up, which is pivotably connected to the chain guide end of the feed arm 11.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2010Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: ZIKE LLC.Inventors: Nathan Anthony Scolari, George Robert Reiter
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Patent number: 8142315Abstract: A tensioner assembly with a drive member, a tensioner arm, a shaft, a pivot bushing, a torsion spring and a load balancing element. The tensioner arm has a hub portion, a drive member mount and an arm disposed therebetween. The drive member is coupled to the drive member mount. The shaft is mounted coaxially within the hub portion. The pivot bushing has a frustoconical bearing surface, which engages a corresponding frustoconical surface in the hub portion, and is slidably mounted on the shaft. The torsion spring is received between the shaft and an outer wall of the hub portion and biases the tensioner arm about the shaft in a predetermined rotational direction. The load balancing element is received between and abuts the outer wall and the torsion spring to transmit a radially outwardly directed force generated by the torsion spring to the outer wall at a predetermined location.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Litens Automotive PartnershipInventor: James W. Dell
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Patent number: 8142314Abstract: A tensioner in accordance with the present invention employs a spindle and a tensioner arm which are preferably manufactured by a suitable manufacturing process, such as die casting, negating a requirement for machining operations. The biasing spring of the tensioner is wound with wire having a non-circular cross section to increase the spring force of the spring compared to a similar spring wound with wire of circular cross section and, as the tensioner arm is moved away from the flexible drive, the diameter of the biasing spring expands and the coils press a dampening shoe into contact with a wall of the tensioner arm producing a dampening force. The tensioner is simple to assemble and requires a relatively small package volume for the biasing force it can produce.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2006Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Litens Automotive PartnershipInventors: John R. Antchak, James W. Dell, Gerald J. Hamers, Feng Liu
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Publication number: 20120058848Abstract: A tensioner may be part of a power system to tension an endless power transmitting element. The tensioner includes an arm having an arm arbor with a slot therethrough that is rotatable about a first axis, a bushing having a sleeve that includes a cut-out and a removable sleeve-segment that has a protrusion thereon, the sleeve-segment being receivable in the cut-out with the protrusion in the slot, and a spring coupled to the arm for rotation of the arm about the first axis into tensioning engagement with a power transmitting element. The spring is positioned where it can radially expand into contact with the protrusion of the bushing, at least the protrusion on the sleeve-segment, as the arm is rotated in a direction opposite the direction of tensioning engagement such that the bushing is urged radially outward relative to the arm arbor to provide frictional damping.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: DAYCO PRODUCTS, LLCInventors: Anthony E. Lannutti, Robert J. Crist, James Kevin Lindstrom
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Publication number: 20120058847Abstract: A tensioner is disclosed that may be part of a power system where the tensioner provides tension to an endless power transmitting element such as a belt, chain, or other continuous loop. The tensioner has an arm that is rotatable about a first axis and includes an arm arbor having a slot therethrough, a bushing having a protrusion and being positioned adjacent the arm arbor with the protrusion received in the arm arbor's slot, and a spring coupled to the arm urging the arm to rotate about the first axis into tensioning engagement with a power transmitting element. The spring is positioned where it can radially expand into contact with the protrusion of the bushing as the arm is rotated in a direction opposite the direction of tensioning engagement such that the bushing is urged radially outward relative to the arm arbor to provide frictional damping.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: DAYCO PRODUCTS, LLCInventors: Joshua J.B. Ferguson, Anthony E. Lannutti
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Publication number: 20120057908Abstract: A belt unit includes a belt wound around a plurality of rollers to rotate endlessly, a contact member disposed along a surface of the belt, an opposing member disposed facing the contact member via the belt, a moving member including an action receiving portion, to swing and movably support the opposing member to contact and separate from the belt, and a moving assembly. The moving assembly includes an actuator to bias the action receiving portion in a first direction in which the opposing member contacts the belt and in a second direction opposite the first direction in which the opposing member separates from the belt, a drive mechanism to move the actuator in the first and the second directions, and an elastic member to transmit a moving force of the actuator to the action receiving portion when the actuator moves.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Yuuji Meguro
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Patent number: 8123640Abstract: A tensioner for tensioning a belt includes a support housing at least in part defining a spring cavity. A damping member having a first friction bearing surface is at least partially disposed in the spring cavity. An arm pivotally attached to the support housing has a second friction bearing surface. A spring is located in the spring cavity and operatively connected to the arm and damping member to pivot the damping member about a pivot location such that the first friction bearing surface of the damping member is biased against the second friction bearing surface of the arm to dampen relative movement between the arm and the support housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2010Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Dayco Products, LLCInventors: James G. Quintus, Robert C. Joslyn
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Patent number: 8118698Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioner (1) for an endless drive, in particular of an internal combustion engine, wherein the tensioner has base part (2) and a tensioning part (3) which can rotate relative to the former, a spring element (11) which is arranged between the base part and the tensioning part (3) so as to impart a force, and a friction apparatus (13) which is provided between the spring element (11) and the base part or the tensioning part (3) and by way of which the relative movement between the base part (2) and the tensioning part (3) is damped. In order to improve a tensioner of the generic type in such that a simple construction is possible with satisfactory tensioning, it is proposed to arrange the friction apparatus (13) radially outside the spring element (11).Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Litens Automotive GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Guhr
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Publication number: 20120028744Abstract: A belt tensioning unit (1) having a rotatably fixed base part (2) and a tensioning part (3) which can be rotated in a limited manner in relation to the base part against the action of an energy storage unit (6) is provided. Between the base part (2) and the tensioning part (3) a friction device (8) is radially arranged between the energy storage unit (6) and a friction surface (10). The friction device is pre-tensioned by the energy storage unit (6) in a radial outward direction against the friction surface (10) when the base part (2) and the tensioning part (3) are rotated in relation to each other. In order to obtain a simple friction device (8) having improved friction properties, it is proposed to design the friction device (8) as a friction segment (9) that encloses two friction surfaces arranged symmetrically to each other and opposite of each other at the friction surface (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Bernd Hartmann, Thorsten Liebel, Johann Singer, Christine Thomann
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Patent number: 8100793Abstract: A tensioner (1; 50; 60) for a vehicle belt drive, having a housing (2) defining a cavity (3) having an axis (A); at least one arm (4) fitted to the housing (2) to rotate about the axis (A); an idle pulley (5) fitted to the arm (4); a torsion bar elastic member (6) housed at least partly in the cavity (3) and having a first end portion (15) integral with the arm (4), and a second hand portion (16) connected rigidly to a retaining portion (17) to permit tensioning of the elastic member (6); and a damping device (30) for damping oscillation of the arm (4), and having a conical friction member (32) cooperating axially with a mating surface (34) and loaded by axial elastic means (33). The friction member (32) is interposed between the arm (4) and the housing (2); and the elastic member (6) produces an axial thrust component depending on torsion of the elastic member and for pressing the friction member (32) and the mating surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignees: Dayco Europe S.R.L. Con Unico Socio, Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Luca D'Amicantonio, Heinz Lemberger
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Publication number: 20120010034Abstract: A traction mechanism drive, in particular for an internal combustion engine, including a vibration damper (1) having a base part (2) and a rotary part (3) that can be rotated to a limited extent relative to the base part against the effect of an energy store (6). Between the base part (2) and the rotary part (3), a friction unit (8) having a friction ring (9) formed of a support element (15) and a sliding element (16) arranged radially outside of the support element (15) for forming a friction contact in relation to a friction surface (10) is effective. The friction ring (9) is produced in one piece from the support element (15) and the sliding element (16), and the support element (15) and the sliding element (16) are cast on top of each other. A positive fit (17) is effective between said support element and sliding element in the circumferential direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2010Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Jurgen Gilmer, Thorsten Liebel, Gerhard Prosch, Christoph Schuster, Johann Singer, Christine Thomann
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Patent number: 8092328Abstract: A dual tensioner assembly for a two-belt drive system including a mounting bracket, a first and second cup coaxial and integrally formed on opposite sides of the mounting bracket with a common base wall having a hub formed therein, a first and second pivot arm each having an integral cylindrical member and each having a tensioner pulley journaled thereon, a tensioning mechanism in each cup biasing its respective pivot arm, a pivot shaft in each cup that is fitted into the hub, and a sleeve bushing on each pivot shaft pivotably supporting its respective cylindrical members.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: The Gates CorporationInventors: Piotr Dec, Sorin Ciobotaru
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Publication number: 20120004059Abstract: A tensioner assembly that includes a base, an arm, an opening spring (i.e., a torsion spring that opens or radially expands with increasing torque applied thereto), a spring reaction member, and a pivot bushing. The tensioner assembly is configured to orient various loads in predetermined directions. For example, a spring load can be oriented to counteract a hub load to reduce a bushing load that acts on the pivot bushing. As another example, a spring reaction force exerted by the spring reaction member can be employed by a damping mechanism to generate a grounding force that is parallel to the spring reaction force and is directed to intersect an axis about which the arm pivots relative to the base. A tensioner assembly having improved assembly characteristics is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2009Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: LITENS AUTOMOTIVE PARTNERSHIPInventors: Wei Ma, Gerald J. Hamers
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Publication number: 20110312454Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a belt tensioner for tensioning a belt, comprising a pivot shaft that is fixedly mountable with respect to an engine block of an engine, a tensioner arm rotatably mounted to the pivot shaft for pivoting about a tensioner arm axis in a first direction and in an opposing second direction, a pulley rotatably mounted to the tensioner arm for rotation about a pulley axis, and a tensioner spring positioned to bias the tensioner arm in the first direction, wherein the tensioner spring has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is engaged with the tensioner arm, and a micro adjustment mechanism that is operatively connected to control the position of the second end of the tensioner spring so as to control the tension in the tensioner spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2010Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: LITENS AUTOMOTIVE PARTNERSHIPInventors: Rares I. Comsa, Flaviu P. Dinca, Jacek Stepniak, Gary J. Spicer
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Publication number: 20110312455Abstract: A tensioner for an endless power transmitting element in a drive system is disclosed that includes an arm rotatable about an axis and having a sleeve that includes a ramp face or contoured face, a damper cup having a protrusion and a plate, a spring case that houses the sleeve of the arm and the damper cup with the damper cup's plate mated with the ramp face or contoured face of the sleeve. During wind-up of the tensioner, a normal force is applied to the damper cup's protrusion that moves the plate along the ramp face or contoured face in a first direction, and in the first direction the ramp face or contoured face pushes the damper cup generally radially outward into the spring case to provide frictional damping.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2010Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: DAYCO PRODUCTS, LLCInventors: Anthony E. Lannutti, Joshua J.B. Ferguson
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Publication number: 20110306451Abstract: A drill press includes a motor having a rotatable shaft and a stepped motor pulley mounted on the rotatable shaft, a rotatable spindle and a stepped spindle pulley mounted on the rotatable spindle, and a stepped center pulley located between the motor pulley and the spindle pulley. A first drive belt connects the center pulley with the motor pulley, and a second drive belt connects the spindle pulley with the center pulley. A spring-loaded drive belt tensioner applies tension to the first drive belt. The belt tensioner has a first position for applying a first level of tension to the first drive belt and a second position for applying a second level of tension to said first drive belt that is less than the first tension level. When the belt tensioner is in the second position, the positions of the belts on the stepped pulleys are changeable.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Inventor: Sarah Jane Montplaisir
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Patent number: 8075433Abstract: A tensioner for tensioning a belt includes a support housing at least in part defining a spring cavity. A damping member having a first friction bearing surface is at least partially disposed in the spring cavity. An arm pivotally attached to the support housing has a second friction bearing surface. A spring is located in the spring cavity and operatively connected to the arm and damping member to pivot the damping member about a pivot location such that the first friction bearing surface of the damping member is biased against the second friction bearing surface of the arm to dampen relative movement between the arm and the support housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2005Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Dayco Products, LLCInventors: James G. Quintus, Robert C. Joslyn
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Publication number: 20110300976Abstract: A tensioner including a support structure defining a pivot axis, an arm coupled to the support structure for rotation about the pivot axis, and a damping mechanism. The arm includes a cup having the damping mechanism seated therein. The damping mechanism includes a first tensioner component that is generally cup-shaped and has first ramp features on the rim thereof, a second tensioner component having second ramp features, and a damper spring coupling the first tensioner component to the second tensioner component. The first tensioner component is rotatable with the arm and the second tensioner component is non-rotatable. The damper mechanism has the first ramp features aligned with the second ramp features and rotation of the first tensioner component in a first direction moves the first ramp features relative to the second ramp features and translates the first tensioner component into damping engagement with the arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventor: Anthony E. Lannutti
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Publication number: 20110294615Abstract: A tensioner for a power transmitting element in a drive system is disclosed. The tensioner comprises a threaded shaft that includes threading and at least one non-threaded end and defines a pivot axis, an arm rotatable about the pivot axis on the non-threaded end of the threaded shaft, a torsion element biasing the arm to rotate about the pivot axis, a threaded nut threadedly connected to the threaded shaft. The threaded nut has a first surface in frictional engagement with the arm and is rotatable about the threading. The threaded nut acts as a one-way limited slip clutch to provide asymmetric damping to the arm and controlled resisting torque in a variable relative proportion compared to the mean torque and returning torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: DAYCO PRODUCTS, LLCInventor: Robert J. Crist
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Patent number: 8060968Abstract: An assembly for adjusting belt tension in a drain cleaning device is disclosed. The assembly includes an idler pulley assembly in which a pivotable idler pulley is urged against a belt by a tensioned spring. The tensile force exerted by the spring can be adjusted or otherwise changed by a rotatable spool engaged to the other end of the spring.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: Larry F. Babb, Michael J. Rutkowski
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Patent number: 8043180Abstract: A tensioner (1, 1?) for a traction mechanism such as a belt, chain or the like, with a tensioning lever (4) which can be acted on by a helical spring (2), can pivot about a stationary shaft and on which a tensioning element is provided for abutment against the traction mechanism to be tensioned. The helical spring (2) is held at its ends by spring receptacles (6, 7) and a means (8, 9, 71) is provided for delimiting the spring excursion.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Schaeffler KGInventors: Rainer Pflug, Matthias Schmidl, Roland Arneth, Stefan Mack
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Patent number: 8038555Abstract: A new asymmetrically damped tensioner is provided utilizing a bearing-ramp clutch. During normal operation, the bearing-ramp 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 bearing-ramp clutch locks against a fixed internal surface and creates a frictional damping force that is applied to the tensioner arm. This frictional linkage provides asymmetric frictional damping to the tensioner to limit movement in the second direction to mitigate wind-up.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Dayco Products, LLCInventors: Jeffrey A. Pendergrass, Robert C. Joslyn
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Patent number: 8038556Abstract: A tensioning device for a traction mechanism, particularly a belt or a chain, including a tensioning lever over which the traction mechanism is guided and on which a tensioning spring is disposed with one end thereof, the other end thereof being provided on a spring holder by which the tensioning device can be fastened to an external object. A holding pin (11) extends through the tensioning spring (4), with the pin at one end (11) thereof being disposed in a fixed position on the tensioning lever (2) and at the other end thereof having a locking section (22) disposed on a locking element (17) provided on a spring holder (6). The locking element can be adjusted between a locking position of the holding pin end (16), in which the tensioning device (1) is fixed in a position with the pretensioned tensioning spring (4), and a released position of the holding pin end (16), in which the holding pin (10) is axially displaceable in the locking element (17), and limited by a stop.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Matthias Schmidl, Stefan Mack, Rainer Pflug
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Publication number: 20110207568Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: Gary Smith, William McCotter, Thomas Hughes, Carl Cura, JoAnne Cura, Eric S. Mosser, Francis B. Fatato
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Patent number: 8002657Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Litens Automotive PartnershipInventors: John R. Antchak, James W. Dell, Hubertus G. Mevissen
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Patent number: 7993226Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 11, 2005Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Stefan Mack, Bernd Hartmann, Thomas Mennerat, Jorg Kaiser, Manfred Wilhelm
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Patent number: 7985151Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning device of a traction mechanism drive, having a tensioning lever mounted on a base housing and rotatable by a pivot bearing. A coil spring is arranged coaxially to the pivot bearing. The pivot bearing comprises a bearing journal, a bearing hub and at least one plain bearing sleeve which is arranged between the bearing journal and the bearing hub, and a central radial force application plane of the tensioning roller is axially spaced apart from a central radial bearing plane of the pivot bearing.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2007Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Schaeffler KGInventor: Johann Singer
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Publication number: 20110177897Abstract: A tensioner comprising a base (7), a pivot arm (1) pivotally engaged with the base, a torsion spring (9) engaged between the base and the pivot arm, the torsion spring loadable by movement of the arm in an unwinding direction, a damping mechanism (8) frictionally engaged with an arm inner surface (11) and in a pressing engagement with the base, and further bearing upon a stop (71) on the base, and the damping mechanism urged radially outward into engagement with the inner surface of the arm as the torsion spring is loaded in the unwinding direction and by a pivotal motion of the damping mechanism about the stop (71).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Peter Ward, Alexander Serkh
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Patent number: 7980976Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 18, 2006Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Litens Automotive Inc.Inventors: Jacek Stepniak, Jorma J. Lehtovaara, Marek Frankowski
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Patent number: 7972231Abstract: A pulley assembly having first and second members. The first member is capable of cooperating with a power transmission belt to drive/be driven by the belt. The first member is movable guidingly relative to the second member around a first axis. A coil spring has a length and a circumference and a first portion attached to the first member and a second portion attached to the second member so that a force tending to move the first/second member around the first axis is transmitted through the coil spring to the second/first member. At least one of the first and second members has a groove bounded by a surface into which the respective portion of the coil spring is fit. The respective portion of the coil spring is clamp fit within the groove.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2005Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd.Inventors: Shigeru Kawamoto, Takeo Shimizu, Tomokazu Ishida
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Publication number: 20110152023Abstract: A tensioner for tensioning a belt that includes a support housing, an arm pivotably attached to the support housing, a spring operatively connected to the support housing and the arm, and a deflectable armplate seated on the arm and deflected into engagement with the support housing to provide an axial force that clamps the arm and the support housing together without axially compressing the spring. The spring biases the arm to pivot relative to the support housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2011Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: James G. Quintus, Edward A. Rammel
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Patent number: 7951030Abstract: A tensioner comprising a base, an arm pivotally engaged with the base, a pulley journalled to the arm, a torsion spring engaged between the arm and the base, the base comprising a cantilever leaf spring, a first friction disk operationally disposed between the cantilever leaf spring and the arm, the cantilever leaf spring biasing the first friction disk into frictional contact with the arm, the first friction disk rotationally fixed with respect to the base, a second friction disk rotationally fixed with respect to the base, a separator member disposed between the first friction disk and the second friction disk, the first friction disk and the second friction disk each having a wet coefficient of friction of approximately 0.12, and the separator member rotationally fixed with respect to the arm.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2008Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: The Gates CorporationInventors: Peter Alan Ward, Juergen Hallen
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Patent number: 7946938Abstract: A tensioner comprising a base, an arm engaged with the base for oscillatory movement, a torsion spring engaged with the base and the arm, the torsion spring exerting a force on the arm, a damping mechanism exerting a frictional damping force between the base and the arm for damping an arm oscillation, the damping mechanism comprising a Belleville spring, the frictional damping force instantaneously adjustable by changing a Belleville spring force.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: The Gates CorporationInventor: Juergen Hallen
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Publication number: 20110105261Abstract: A tensioner comprising a torsion spring, a pulley directly journalled to an end of the torsion spring, an elastomeric damping member constrained within a torsion spring coil through an arc of contact of at least 270°, and the elastomeric damping member in damping contact with the torsion spring coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventor: Yahya Hodjat
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Patent number: 7918758Abstract: In a drive assembly for driving a pulley of a water pump of a combustion engine, a movable supporting arm is fitted idly with a drive wheel, and is loaded by a torsion spring to bring the drive wheel into angular engagement with the pulley fitted to the shaft of the pump, and with a drive belt of the engine; an actuating device (being activatable to exert a force in opposition to that exerted by the torsion spring, and detach the drive wheel from the pulley.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2004Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Dayco Europe S.R.L.Inventors: Tommaso Di Giacomo, Heinz Lemberger
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Patent number: 7918755Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 5, 2010Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Rainer Baumuller, Roland Arneth, Niels Flamig
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Patent number: 7913479Abstract: A pulley/belt drive system attached to a mower deck has a belt tensioning mechanism for maintaining tension in an endless belt. The belt tensioning mechanism includes an idler arm pivotally mounted with respect to the mower deck such that the idler arm pivots about an idler arm pivot. A back-side idler pulley engaging a back-side portion of the belt and an inside idler pulley engaging an inside portion of the primary belt are rotatably mounted onto the idler arm. A belt tensioning device is attached to the idler arm to pivot the idler arm, wherein the back-side idler pulley and the inside idler pulley remain in a fixed orientation with respect to each other when the idler arm is pivoted.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: MTD Products IncInventor: Jimmy N. Eavenson, Sr.
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Publication number: 20110070986Abstract: A drive belt tensioner for mounting to a motor-generator unit comprises a tensioner pulley support having a centrally located pivot defining a pivot axis and first and second reaction arms extending outwardly from the centrally located pivot to define an angle therebetween. Tensioner pulleys are rotatably mounted to the second ends of each of the first and second reaction arms. The reaction arms are configured to flexibly bias the tensioner pulleys when engaged by a drive belt force to maintain a desired drive belt tension.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2009Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Joel M. Maguire, William C. Deneszczuk
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Publication number: 20110070985Abstract: A drive belt tensioner assembly for a motor-generator unit is comprises a motor-generator unit having a rotatable drive pulley, configured to engage a drive belt, extending therefrom. A drive belt assembly housing is fixed to the motor-generator unit and has an inner surface defining an opening through which the rotatable drive pulley of the motor-generator unit extends. A tensioner mounting ring is mounted to, and rotatable with respect to, the drive belt assembly housing. A tensioner pulley is mounted for rotation on the tensioner mounting ring and is configured to engage the drive belt on a side of the motor-generator unit drive pulley. A biasing assembly having a first end mounted to the tensioner mounting ring and a second end mounted in a fixed relationship to the motor-generator unit exerts a biasing force on the tensioner mounting ring to rotate the ring and the tensioner pulley against the drive belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2009Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: William C. Deneszczuk, Joel M. Maguire
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Publication number: 20110065539Abstract: A belt tensioner for a starter generator drive is provided. The belt tensioner comprises a carrier having a pivot defining a first pivot axis at a first end and a carrier arm extending from the pivot to terminate in a second end. An idler pulley is rotatably mounted to the carrier for rotation about the first pivot axis and a tensioner pulley is rotatably mounted to the carrier at the second end of the carrier arm for rotation about a second axis. The second axis extends parallel to and is arcuately moveable relative to, the first pivot axis. A tensioner is in communication with the second end of the carrier arm for biasing the carrier arm and the tensioner pulley against a drive belt for tensioning the drive belt engaged by the idler pulley and the tensioner pulley.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2009Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Joseph E. Robbins, William C. Deneszczuk