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.

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.

Abstract: An adjustable tensioner with a base, a pivot-arm that oscillates about a pivot secured to the base, a pulley attached to the pivot-arm, a compression spring with a first end operatively connected to the pivot-arm and a second end operatively connected to a shoe that presses a convex surface of the shoe against a concave arcuate surface of the pivot-arm, to the shoe held in place against a protuberance secured to the base by a balance of forces. An adjustment feature allows setting a base position with respect to an indicated predetermined belt spring force.

Abstract: A belt drive system can appropriately transmit power of an electric rotating machine without setting initial belt tension to be large. In the belt drive system, a stationary tension pulley 18 is located on the side opposite to a crank pulley with respect to an electric rotating machine pulley 13 so that contact angle of a belt that is wrapped around the electric rotating machine pulley 13 in contact therewith may be in a range of 130° to 230°; an idle pulley 17a of a first stopper-equipped auto-tensioner 17 is located between the electric rotating machine pulley 13 and an internal combustion engine crank pulley 2; and position of the idle pulley 17a is fixed at the time of starting an internal combustion engine; while the idle pulley 17a coming to be movable at the time of driving the electric rotating machine as a generator.

Abstract: A tensioning or deflection pulley for a belt drive includes a carrier and a track roller comprised of an inner ring, an outer ring, and a connecting assembly, including a wheel disk extending between the inner and outer rings, and a rib assembly disposed in both sides of the disk in circumferential spaced-apart relationship, for interconnecting the inner and outer rings. The track roller is supported on the carrier by a sealed rolling-contact bearing via a fastening screw. A first sealing element is connected to the track roller on a carrier-distal side, and a second cap-shaped sealing element is disposed between the carrier and the track roller and detachably secured to the inner ring of the track roller to thereby seal the track roller on both sides.

Abstract: A belt tensioning device for traction mechanisms includes a receiving and mounting housing, a pulley carrier pivotally connected to the receiving and mounting housing, a bearing supporting the pulley carrier relative to the receiving and mounting housing, and a spring located between the pulley carrier and the receiving and mounting housing for applying the tensioning force. The belt tensioning device, in normal operation, on the slack side between a generator and a main pulley can also be used when the slack side becomes the load side by a blocking mechanism which enables swinging motion of the pulley carrier relative to the receiving and mounting housing in a first direction, and limits or prevents such motion in a second, opposite direction.

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

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing belt-related noise in an engine, wherein the belt is engaged with an alternator pulley connected with an alternator, and a crankshaft pulley connected to an engine crankshaft. The method includes controlling rotor current in the alternator in a manner to selectively synchronize variations in rotor speed with variations in crankshaft speed, thereby preventing large variations in belt tension to reduce noise.

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

Abstract: A belt transmission apparatus capable of changing a tension of a belt by the action of belt tension adjuster 9, 30 from a first optimal value of higher tension suitable for the starting of engine 1 to a second optimal value of lower tension suitable for driving an accessory after engine 1 has been started. The belt transmission apparatus includes a rotating electric machine pulley 8 of a rotating electric machine for transmitting starting power to engine 1; engine pulley 2 for transmitting starting power to engine 1 and rotation power of engine 1 to accessories; auxiliary pulleys 3, 4, 5 rotated by the power from engine pulley 2 to drive the accessories belt 10 wrapped around rotating electric machine pulley 8, engine pulley 2 and auxiliary pulleys 3, 4, 5: and belt tension adjuster 9, 30 for urging belt 10 to set tension in a plurality of stages.

Abstract: A method and system are taught for a tensioner for an endless power transmission belt in an engine. The method and system comprise an AGS pulley and crankshaft pulley coupled to the belt, one of the AGS pulley or the crankshaft pulley operating as a driving pulley that drives the belt so that a tight span and slack span are created in the belt on opposite sides of the driving pulley. The method and system also comprise accessory pulleys coupled to the belt. The tensioner comprises first and second arms, each arm rotatably coupled to a pulley, the pulleys being positioned such that a first one of the pulleys is coupled to the tight span and a second one of the pulleys is coupled to the slack span.

Abstract: A belt tensioning device for shifting a pulley such that a belt passed around the pulley is tightened to a predetermined tension. The device includes a rod coupled to the pulley, a member coupled to and movable along the rod, and a spring that exerts a reactive force against the member when the member is moved in a first direction along the rod. The device further includes a spacer which engages the member to limit the advancement of the member in the first direction.

Abstract: A tensioner for a traction member includes a faceplate that is stationarily secured to a machine part, with a working eccentric member rotatably supported on the faceplate for limited rotation against a spring force. After pre-installation of the tensioner, a locking device fixes the position of the working eccentric member relative to the faceplate. In one installation position, a catch limits the pivot range of the working eccentric member.

Abstract: An externally installable and removable bearing and shaft assembly for supporting an end of a rotatable member for rotation relative to a support member or structure, which when installed, applies an axial preload force against a shaft of the assembly, for reducing the occurrence of flexure or bending of the shaft due to side loads during the rotation which can lead to fatigue failure including shaft breakage.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission having an endless V belt running across a driving pulley and a driven pulley, a transmission ratio changing mechanism for changing the running diameters of the belt around the pulleys radially in opposite directions to each other, and a tension-adjusting unit for pressing the belt to obtain belt tension. The tension-adjusting unit includes a tension roller coming into pressure contact with the slack side of the belt from outside, a swing arm having an end rotatably supported on a transmission case, a link member having an end rotatably supporting a shaft of the tension roller and another end rotatably coupled with another end of the swing arm, and an urging member for swingingly urging the swing arm so that the tension roller presses the belt. A linkage structure having two degrees of freedom is used for supporting the tension roller, so that the tension roller can automatically move to a position where it does not interfere with either pulley at any transmission ratio.

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

Abstract: A belt tensioner for a power transmission belt is provided that operates on an endless path and that utilizes asymmetric motion control. 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, where the arm pivots about the support member, and a tension spring that urges the arm to pivot about the support member in a first direction and urges the belt engaging section against the belt with a force to tension the belt. The tensioner also has a stator inside the drum section utilized to form arcuate spaces circumferentially spaced around the stator between the stator and the drum section and arcuate shaped wedges in the arcuate spaces.

Abstract: A combination belt tensioner and idler has a fixed pivot structure. A moveable arm is mounted for pivotable movement about the pivot structure. A belt tensioning pulley is mounted on the moveable arm. A helical coil spring biases the moveable arm in a direction so as to force the pulley into tensioning engagement with a belt. A mounting bolt mounts the fixed pivot structure on a motor vehicle engine. An idler pulley is mounted for rotational movement about an axis defined by the mounting bolt.

Abstract: A traction device for an internal combustion engine includes a tensioning device having two lever arms of different lengths which are rigidly connected together and which are pivotally mounted for rotation about a rotation axis. Each of the lever arms supports on one end a tension pulley. The tensioning device is provided for positioning the tension pulleys on a pulling strand and a return strand by imposing an elastic force thereon.

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.

Abstract: Engine accessory drive belt tension is maintained by a spring loaded roller positioned to impinge against the belt. Belt deflection is reflected by changes in position of the roller, and measured by a deflection sensor. Changes in deflection may indicate changes in belt elasticity, indicating the possible need to change the belt.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to determining and controlling the appropriate moment at which a combined starter/alternator should transition from start-up mode to alternator/generator mode following an IC engine start-up sequence. The method relies on either belt/chain tensioner position or the position of the belt/chain itself to determine when the IC engine has achieved self-sustaining operation and signal the starter/alternator to transition from start-up to generator mode.

Abstract: Crank drive belt systems feature a triple pulley tensioner which may be applied in various ways to provide proper tensioning on belt spans adjacent a motor generator for both starting and generating functions of the system. The tensioner provides adequate belt wrap and damping functions for the systems. In a simplified embodiment, the belt system connects a crankshaft or crank pulley with a motor generator pulley and at least one accessory drive pulley, such as an air conditioner compressor. The triple pulley tensioner includes a fixed tensioner housing mounting a fixed rotatable pulley and two tensioner arms carrying pulleys for tensioning the belt spans on either side of the motor generator. The fixed pulley is positioned on a third belt span between the accessory and the crank and combines with the tensioner pulleys to maximize belt wrap around the MG pulley, the crank pulley, and the accessory pulley, if needed. Numerous alternative arrangements may be provided.

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.

Abstract: A belt tensioner for tensioning the belt of a belt drive system includes an eccentric adjusting member, a pivot structure eccentrically mounted on the adjusting member for pivoting around the adjusting member, a belt-tensioning pulley mounted to rotate on the pivot structure, a biasing member that resiliently biases the pivot structure in a belt-tightening direction, and a coupling structure. The coupling structure temporarily couples the pivot structure to the adjusting member to pivot with it during a belt installation procedure, and the configuration keeps the coupling structure unloaded except for a limited period of time during the installation procedure such that the coupling structure can be installed and removed easily. The tensioner is rendered operative after the pivot structure is uncoupled from the adjusting member, thus allowing the pivot structure to pivot with respect to the adjusting member.

Abstract: A belt tensioning device for a continuous belt drive. The device includes a torsion spring assembly (20) with a longitudinal axis (A2) and with at least one torsion bar or torsion tube (32). The torsion spring assembly (20) can be clamped axially and in a rotationally fast way into a rack. A tensioning arm (19), at one end, is arranged at the torsion spring assembly (20) so as to be aligned approximately radially relative to the longitudinal axis (A2). A tensioning roller (15) is rotatably fixed at the other end of the tensioning arm (19). The axis of rotation (A1) of the tensioning roller (15) extends substantially parallel relative to the longitudinal axis (A2) of the torsion spring assembly (20), and the tensioning arm (19) can be resiliently supported relative to the rack so as to oscillate around the longitudinal axis (A2).

Abstract: An autotensioner comprises a cup-shaped stationary member, an arm rotatably attached to an opening of the stationary member. An axial bore is formed in the bottom of the stationary member. A rocking wall extending to the bottom is provided at the arm. A first friction member is provided between the rocking wall and the inner wall of the opening. The first friction member is gripped between the rocking wall and the inner wall. A rocking shaft extending to the bottom is provided at the center of a lid portion of the arm. The rocking shaft is inserted in the axial bore. A second friction member is provided between the rocking shaft and the axial bore. The first friction member and the second friction member are formed of a synthetic resin mainly comprised of PPS, exhibit high limited PV factors, and exhibit low coefficients of friction.

Abstract: Engine accessory drive belt tension is maintained by a spring loaded roller positioned to impinge against the belt. Belt deflection is reflected by changes in position of the roller, and measured by a deflection sensor. Changes in deflection may indicate changes in belt elasticity, indicating the possible need to change the belt.

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.

Abstract: A belt tensioner assembly for an internal combustion engine. A pair of tension members such as rollers engages the belt on opposite sides of a driving/driven member, such as a starter/alternator. The tension members are movably secured to the engine block or other device and are spring biased to engage the belt. Engaging the belt at multiple points and on either side of a driving/driven member, a floating tensioning device is created thus facilitating the ability to maintain sufficient minimum tension in the belt to prevent slippage regardless of load conditions.

Abstract: Plural auxiliary devices such as a water pump and a generator coupled to a serpentine belt-drive system are driven by an internal combustion engine mounted on an automobile vehicle. The generator is divided into a first generator having a pulley in which a one-way clutch is installed and a second generator having a usual solid pulley. Fluctuations in the belt tension caused by changes in instantaneous rotational speed of the internal combustion engine are suppressed or reduced by the one-way clutch installed in the pulley of the first generator. An inertia torque of a rotor of the first generator may be made higher than that of the second generator because effects of the inertia torque on the belt tension fluctuations are alleviated by the one-way clutch.

Abstract: A belt tensioning device for traction mechanisms includes a receiving and mounting housing, a pulley carrier pivotally connected to the receiving and mounting housing, a bearing supporting the pulley carrier relative to the receiving and mounting housing, and a spring located between the pulley carrier and the receiving and mounting housing for applying the tensioning force. The belt tensioning device, in normal operation, on the slack side between a generator and a main pulley can also be used when the slack side becomes the load side by a blocking mechanism which enables swinging motion of the pulley carrier relative to the receiving and mounting housing in a first direction, and limits or prevents such motion in a second, opposite direction.

Abstract: A generator for alleviating fluctuations in instantaneous rotational speed of an internal combustion engine is included in a belt-drive system. When an average rotational speed of the generator is lower than a predetermined speed, e.g., an idling speed, a generation torque of the generator is controlled to reduce the belt tension fluctuations. When the average speed of the generator is higher than the predetermined speed, the generator is controlled in a usual manner to supply a stable power to the electric loads.

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.

Abstract: An idler pulley is provided with a plurality of attachment locations, or holes, extending through a hub portion of the pulley to allow the pulley to be attached to a stationary object in a plurality of alternative configurations in order to provide a way for adjusting or selecting the tension of a belt used in conjunction with the idler pulley. Threaded fasteners pass through selected attachment locations of the hub portion of the idler pulley and are threaded into anchor locations on a stationary object, such as an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A ball bearing for a pulley that is a component of a wrapping connector transmission device installed to an engine for an automobile. In the bearing, the depths of ball grooves formed in the inner ring and the outer ring of the ball bearing are set so that the risk rate of the ball being stranded on the shoulder becomes approximately the same for the inner ring and the outer ring under pure thrust load. Furthermore, the depth of the ball groove of the outer ring is set shallower than the depth of the ball groove of the inner ring. The depth of the ball groove of the outer ring is set in a range of 12-19% of the diameter of the ball.

Abstract: A tension roller with eccentric internal pivot and a tensioning device consists of a cylindrical roller having a shape adapted for each type of transmission housing one or several roller bearings, which are integral with a hub including a large base plate pivoting about a fixed axis. The eccentricity between the fixed axis and the axis of rotation of the roller enables, by the pivoting of the device about an axis, to cause the roller to travel along a circular path, with an amplitude twice the value fo the eccentricity, which provides the tensioning stroke of the transmission. The flange, housed in the hub, in its central part, is actuated by the screw clamping the device on the bearing surface. The hub may comprise one or several driving arms which enable to simultaneously exert and measure the tensile load of the transmission, using standard clamping tools available off-the-shelf.

Abstract: A belt tensioner for a power transmission belt is provided that operates on an endless path and that utilizes asymmetric motion control. 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, where the arm pivots about the support member, and a tension spring that urges the arm to pivot about the support member in a first direction and urges the belt engaging section against the belt with a force to tension the belt. The belt tensioner further comprises a cavity between the arm and the support member and a bushing comprising a bowed flange positioned in the cavity.

Abstract: A belt tensioner with integral damping for use in tensioning an endless drive belt of a drive system, comprising: a housing including a pivot shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and formed with an outer axial end, and having a horizontal bottom and a circumferential wall extending vertical from the horizontal bottom, the circumferential wall having an inner circumferential wall surface and an outer circumferential wall surface, the housing being mounted rotatably fixed on said pivot shaft; a lever arm mounted pivotally on said pivot shaft and formed with a distal end and a tubular proximal end, the tubular proximal end extending into and operably connected to the housing; a spring element operatively connected to the housing and to the lever arm for pivoting the lever arm about the longitudinal axis in a belt tensioning direction; a pulley assembly mounted on the distal end of the lever arm for receiving an endless drive belt and applying a tensioning force on the endless drive belt upon pivoting the le

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tensioner (10) by mounting an end member (38) on an end of a hollow tensioner shaft (24) includes a step of providing an end member (38) of sheet material with an opening (76) having a plurality of annularly spaced inwardly extending pointed projections (78). A hollow shaft (24) has an outwardly extending shoulder (82) at an end portion thereof. A relative axial movement between the end member (38) and the hollow shaft (24) is effected so that the end member (38) abuts against the shoulder (82) of the hollow shaft (24). The hollow shaft (24) is deformed at the end portion radially outward to embed the projections (78) into the hollow shaft (24) to thereby form a joint (32) therebetween.

Abstract: The invention is an improved locked-center idler of the type having a pulley supported by a bearing. The bearing is mounted upon a tension adjusting member. It is improved by the tension adjusting member being in communication with a dual function fastener.

Abstract: A piston rod position detecting mechanism is proposed which can detect continuously or in a multiple-point manner that the piston rod position has changed due to increase or decrease in the protruding amount of the piston rod due to aging. The protruding amount from a cylinder end wall is detected by a position detecting mechanism comprising a detecting coil housed in a bobbin provided at the cylinder end, a flange portion formed on the piston rod, and a coil spring. Also, an autotensioner and an electromagnetic valve with such a position detector are proposed. Further, a belt tension adjusting device is provided with a detector for detecting the position of a tension pulley which is pivotable with increase or decrease in the belt tension.

Abstract: A tensioning device for traction means, especially for toothed belts, is provided with a tensioning arm (3) on which a tensioning roller (1) is rotatably arranged. Furthermore a stopper (12) is provided which restricts a swiveling angle of the tensioning arm (3), whereby a detachable locking device (15) is provided through which the tensioning arm (30) and the stopper (12) are locked for joint swiveling into a position provided for the stopper (12).

Abstract: Crank drive belt systems feature a triple pulley tensioner which may be applied in various ways to provide proper tensioning on belt spans adjacent a motor generator for both starting and generating functions of the system. The tensioner provides adequate belt wrap and damping functions for the systems. In a simplified embodiment, the belt system connects a crankshaft or crank pulley with a motor generator pulley and at least one accessory drive pulley, such as an air conditioner compressor. The triple pulley tensioner includes a fixed tensioner housing mounting a fixed rotatable pulley and two tensioner arms carrying pulleys for tensioning the belt spans on either side of the motor generator. The fixed pulley is positioned on a third belt span between the accessory and the crank and combines with the tensioner pulleys to maximize belt wrap around the MG pulley, the crank pulley, and the accessory pulley, if needed. Numerous alternative arrangements may be provided.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of using tensioners to tune a belt drive system. A tensioner having a damping rate is used on an accessory belt slack side and a tensioner having a having a damping rate is used on an accessory belt tight side. Outside of a predetermined engine speed range, the tight side tensioner arm does not move because the dynamic tension in the span is less than the tight side tensioner friction damping. Within a predetermined engine speed range the tight side tensioner arm moves in order to damp a belt drive system vibration.

Abstract: The current manufacturing practice in the recreational boating industry is to align and couple a singular inboard engine to a singular impeller drive. The disclosed invention is a power transmission device that allows for coupling of a singular engine to one or more impeller drives. The invention can provide a single engine watercraft with the advantages of a twin-engine watercraft, but at half the complexity and half the weight of a twin-engine installation. The present invention can also be employed for the installation of a larger high performance engine while powering standard low cost impeller drives, and without fear of loss in reliability, or even in a multiple fashion, within a multi-engine watercraft, allowing for various options such as closer placement of the impeller drives without the staggering of engines.

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

Abstract: An asymmetric damping mechanism for use in a belt tensioner. The damping mechanism comprises two parts having substantially similar arcuate shapes for engaging a tensioner. The first part is in contact with the second part at a pivotable point of contact. The point of contact position is determined according to the desired asymmetric damping factor. The first part is also in contact with a spring. The second part is in contact with a tensioner arm. The damping mechanism also comprises two damping shoes, each having a damping band. The damping band is joined to the damping shoe by a plurality of vertical grooves on the damping shoe cooperating with a plurality of grooves on the damping band. The damping mechanism has an asymmetric damping factor in the range of approximately 1.5 to 5.

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.

Abstract: Tensioning device for traction means, such as belts or chains, with a housing-like part in which a tensioning mechanism and a spring elements tensioning the traction means are mounted, whereby the tensioning device can be placed in an assemblage of the traction means drive having a drive shaft so that the tensioning mechanism encompasses the drive shaft, with the housing-like part being disposed so as to prevent rotation, wherein the tensioning mechanism comprises two tensioning arms (7, 8, 26, 27, 47, 49) that are mounted in the housing-like part so as to be able to rotate about axes and with respect to one another, with the tensioning arms being spring-biased by a common spring element (14) that is retained with one end in one tensioning arm and with the other end in the other tensioning arm.