Abstract: In an embodiment, a tensioning apparatus includes a housing and a fastener extending at least partially through the housing. The apparatus also includes a trolley adjustably positioned within the housing about the fastener. The apparatus also includes a pulley disposed outside the housing and coupled to the trolley, where the pulley moves in unison with the trolley along an opening in the housing.

Abstract: A hydraulic tensioner having a piston sliding around an outside surface of a pin or rod, so that the high pressure chamber for chain control is created by the area between the piston internal diameter and the rod outside diameter. A spring around the outside of the rod presses against the bottom of the piston, biasing the piston outward during low oil pressure conditions. Preferably, the piston is steel and the rod is aluminum, the reverse of prior art designs, which means that as temperature increases, the piston to bore clearance reduces. This can offset the oil viscosity reduction and maintain the same performance over operating temperatures.

Abstract: A ground-engaging track system includes a track roller frame, an idler, and anti-backbending rollers supported by the track roller frame at locations between track rollers and the idler. The anti-backbending rollers define an idler space receiving the idler partially therein and positioned to oppose backbending of a deflection-sensitive section of a ground-engaging track.

Abstract: In an industrial hybrid engine, an endless rotary band wound around a drive pulley of a crankshaft and a motor pulley of an electric motor for power is provided. The electric motor is attached to an engine body by using a support bracket. A tension mechanism is supported by the support bracket, the tension mechanism tensioning the endless rotary band in a direction in which the endless rotary band is stretched. A second support bracket that supports the electric motor separately from the support bracket is provided.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a tensioning apparatus includes a housing and a fastener extending at least partially through the housing. The apparatus also includes a trolley adjustably positioned within the housing about the fastener. The apparatus also includes a pulley disposed outside the housing and coupled to the trolley, where the pulley moves in unison with the trolley along an opening in the housing.

Abstract: Chain tension monitoring device (40) is configured for monitoring a chain tension force (FC) of a drive chain (27) extending in a longitudinal direction forming closed loop between two sprockets (26, 28). The chain tension monitoring device (40) comprises a sensor device (41) configured for mechanically contacting the drive chain (27), detecting movement of the drive chain (27) transversely, in particular orthogonally, to the longitudinal direction of the drive chain (27), and providing a detection signal indicating the detected movement of the drive chain (27); and an evaluator (50) configured for receiving the detection signal provided by the sensor device (41) and determining a chain tension force (FC) of the drive chain (27) from said detection signal.

Abstract: A tensioning assembly for a belt conveyor system includes a tension roller having a roller body and an axial shaft, a support frame for supporting the tension roller on first and second axial end portions of the shaft, and an abutment device articulated to the support frame and configured and adapted for movement between a first position in abutment against axial end portions of the shaft of the tension roller to locate the tension roller in an operative position relative to the support frame, and a second position in which the abutment means is withdrawn from axial end portions of the shaft of the tension roller such that the tension roller is movable to a release position.

Abstract: A stepless transmission transmits a driving force by an endless transmission member (5) wound around a V-groove (6) of an input pulley (1). The input pulley (1) has moving parts (9) which are fastened by threaded engagement so as to be axially movable with respect to a transmission case (3) and have ring gears (10), to which rotation can be input from the outer periphery sides, and pulley half discs (13) which are relatively rotatable with respect to the moving parts (9), which axially move integrally with the moving parts (9) and which are contactable with an endless transmission member (5). The pulley half discs (13) and an input shaft 2, which is disposed at the center of the pulley half discs (13), rotate together as one piece. The ring gears (10) are each rotationally driven from a drive source of the same drive member.

Abstract: The present invention has a mechanical rotation drive mechanism (50) that drives rotation of at least one rotation pinion sprocket (22; 23) on its axis from among a plurality of pinion sprockets (20). The mechanical rotation drive mechanism (50) drives the rotation of at least one rotation pinion sprocket (22; 23) on its axis in concert with a sprocket movement mechanism (40A) so as to eliminate a phase shift, associated with a radial direction movement of the plurality of pinion sprockets (20) by the sprocket movement mechanism (40A), of the plurality of pinion sprockets (20) with respect to a chain (6).

Abstract: A tensioning assembly having a drive pulley, a tension pulley and a tension adjustment system is provided. The drive pulley has a first drive pulley channel and a second drive pulley channel. The tension pulley has a first tension pulley channel and a second tension pulley channel. The second tension pulley channel is aligned with the first drive pulley channel. The first drive pulley channel and the second drive pulley channel of the drive pulley and the first tension pulley channel and a second tension pulley channel of the tension pulley are configured and arranged to engage and route an endless looped member. The tension adjustment system is coupled to adjust the distance between the drive pulley and the tension pulley to adjust the tension in the endless looped member in relation to the drive pulley.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for establishing and/or maintaining proper alignment of a transfer mechanism. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an alignment system and method having one or more of: (a) a laser alignment device operable to providing precise locational coordinates for alignment of a robotic transfer mechanism relative to a holding structure; (b) an alignment tool for aligning a laser alignment device relative to robotic transfer mechanism; (c) lead in ramps to properly guide an individual specimen container into a holding well; and/or (d) a belt tensioning device for maintaining proper tension on one or more timing belts.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A drive unit includes a drive pulley connected to a drive source, a driven pulley connected to a target to be moved, at least one relay pulley for transmitting power from the drive pulley to the driven pulley, a plurality of belts including a first belt entrained around the drive pulley and the relay pulley, and a second belt entrained around the relay pulley and the driven pulley, a first tension application device, and a second tension application device. The first tension application device contacts the first belt to provide tension thereto. The second tension application device contacts the second belt to provide tension thereto. A cyclic speed variation component of the first belt in one rotation period transmitted to the driven pulley via the relay pulley and a speed variation component of the second belt in one rotation period transmitted to the driven pulley counteract each other.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A combined chain guide and chain ring protector for a bicycle for off-road use having a lower bracket sleeve, a chain ring around which a drive chain extends and a chain ring outer radius. The protector includes a mounting bracket secured at the lower bracket sleeve and a guard mounted thereto. An outer edge of the guard extends beyond the outer radius of the chain ring, thereby protecting a portion of the chain ring from inadvertent impacts. The chain guide extends from the mounting bracket along a path of the drive chain, and preferably includes an upper guide having an inner barrier positioned inboard of the bicycle chain an outer barrier positioned outboard of the inner barrier and an upper barrier positioned above the bicycle chain for preventing the chain from derailing from the chain ring in an upward direction.

Abstract: A chain tensioner includes a plunger axially slidable in a cylinder to define a pressure chamber, filled with hydraulic oil, whose volume is variable upon axial plunger movement. A restricted passage defined between the plunger and the cylinder communicates the chamber with outside. A spring biases the plunger to increase the pressure chamber volume. An oil supply passage supplies oil to the pressure chamber and a check valve allows only oil flow into the pressure chamber, and includes an annular valve seat, a check ball movable into and out of contact with the valve seat, and a check ball retainer formed by drawing. The retainer includes a tubular portion with a bottom at one end. The tubular portion has an opening, formed by punching outwardly, through which oil can flow in and out. The opening extends to a border between the tubular portion and the bottom of the retainer.

Abstract: A driving force transmission apparatus includes: a motion power transmission part for transmitting a motion power via a driving medium formed by a belt or a chain; and a tensioner for applying a tension to the driving medium. The tensioner includes: a compression spring for biasing the driving medium; a stopper for preventing the compression spring from being compressed to a length less than a predetermined length; and an adjustment part for pushing the compression spring to be the predetermined length in a direction toward the driving medium. According to this configuration, the tension of the driving medium is dominant at installation. When the driving medium becomes fatigue to some extent, the stopper of the tensioner becomes off and the compression spring absorbs the vibration of the driving medium. As a result, the exchange timing of the tensioner can be extended by a simple configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device comprising a pivoting arm on which a clamping roll is rotatably arranged. In order to damp pivoting movements of the pivoting arm, a damping device is provided in the region of a pivoting axis X. Furthermore, the pivoting arm is supported by a tension spring device which ensures a frictional arrangement of the clamping roll on a traction mechanism, in the assembled state.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A driving force transmission apparatus includes: a motion power transmission part for transmitting a motion power via a driving medium formed by a belt or a chain; and a tensioner for applying a tension to the driving medium. The tensioner includes: a compression spring for biasing the driving medium; a stopper for preventing the compression spring from being compressed to a length less than a predetermined length; and an adjustment part for pushing the compression spring to be the predetermined length in a direction toward the driving medium. According to this configuration, the tension of the driving medium is dominant at installation. When the driving medium becomes fatigue to some extent, the stopper of the tensioner becomes off and the compression spring absorbs the vibration of the driving medium. As a result, the exchange timing of the tensioner can be extended by a simple configuration.

Abstract: An energy harvesting system includes a heat engine and a component configured to be driven by operation of the heat engine. The heat engine includes a first member, a second member, a shape memory alloy material, and a tensioner. The second member is spaced from the first member. The shape memory alloy material operatively interconnects the first member and the second member. The shape memory alloy material is configured to selectively change crystallographic phase from martensite to austenite and thereby contract in response to exposure to a first temperature. The shape memory alloy material is also configured to selectively change crystallographic phase from austenite to martensite and thereby expand in response to exposure to a second temperature. The tensioner is configured to apply tension to the shape memory alloy material as the shape memory alloy material selectively expands and contracts such that the shape memory alloy material is taut.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for tensioning a belt. An apparatus includes a fixed roller, rotatably coupled to a structure; a tensioning roller, rotatably coupled to a bracket; a biasing device coupled to the structure and to the bracket. The bracket and the tensioning roller are coupled to the structure only by the biasing device and a belt passing around at least a part of the fixed roller and at least a part of the tensioning roller.

Abstract: A belt drive mechanism with belt tensioner has a driving pulley pivoted to a fixing frame, a driven pulley pivoted to the fixing frame, with a belt wrapping thereon, and a tensioner which has a wheel pivoted to a mounting block of the fixing frame and rests against the running belt, and a cap rotatably covered to a top of the wheel. The cap has a through hole engaged with the mounting block and is capable of moving along a direction substantially perpendicular to a running direction of the belt at a contact position with the wheel. An elastic element is mounted between the mounting block and an inner side of the through hole and compressed by the moved cap to store an elastic force which releases to bring the wheel to press the running belt away from the mounting block for compensating a tensile force of the running belt.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In a power unit, a counter shaft of a transmission and a crank shaft of an internal combustion engine, both located below a main shaft of the transmission, are arranged parallel to each other on a separating plane H of a crankcase. In a transmission mechanism T which drives an oil pump located below the separating plane H, a drive sprocket is placed on the main shaft of the transmission and a driven sprocket is placed on a drive shaft of the oil pump. An endless chain slidably touches a slender long chain guide along the running direction of the endless chain. The chain guide is fitted only to an end wall of an upper crankcase at its fitting part. The chain guide stretches across the end wall of the upper crankcase and an end wall of a lower crankcase, and effectively suppresses vibration of the endless chain.

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 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 in such 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.

Abstract: A spring element that is designed for a flexible drive of an internal combustion engine. The spring element has a cylinder, in which a piston is guided in a linearly displaceable manner, a force being applied to the piston by spring means. Corresponding fixing eyes are respectively allocated to the cylinder and the piston for fixing the spring element. A transverse pin is associated with the piston to limit the travel of the spring element. The pin engages in a positive fit with backlash in a longitudinal guiding element of the cylinder.

Abstract: A chain tensioner for use with a chain of a vehicle engine, includes a housing and a plunger slidably mounted in a cylinder chamber formed in the housing. The plunger is biased outwardly by a return spring mounted in a pressure chamber defined in the cylinder chamber by the plunger. A check valve is provided in the cylinder chamber to prevent backflow of hydraulic oil in the pressure chamber. A relief valve, provided in the plunger, opens above a relief pressure, thereby discharging hydraulic oil in the pressure chamber. An oil leakage clearance is defined between the plunger and the inner wall of the cylinder chamber. The relief pressure and the oil leakage clearance dimension are determined such that the tension in the chain is kept at such a level that vibrations of the chain are minimum at any temperature of hydraulic oil and at any engine revolution speed.

Abstract: A chain tensioner includes a housing having a closed bottom. A rod is axially movably inserted in the housing for pressing a chain. A wear ring is mounted to the outer periphery of the rod and is biased by a return spring mounted in the housing in a direction away from the bottom of the housing. A nut member is mounted between the wear ring and the bottom of the housing so as to be coaxial with the housing and axially movable relative to the housing. A ring-shaped spring member is provided between the nut member and the bottom of the housing to support the nut member. A screw rod is provided between the rod and the bottom of the housing and in threaded engagement with the nut member. A spring is provided between the screw rod and the bottom of the housing to bias the screw rod in a direction away from the bottom of the housing. The screw rod has an end surface that is in abutment with the rod.

Abstract: A self adjusting chain adjustment trolley comprising a stabilizer bar trolley assembly affixed to a chain tensioner assembly for translationally engaging a track, the stabilizer bar trolley assembly having a chain second end attachment point for engaging a chain second end; a sliding door attachment point affixed to the chain tensioner assembly for engaging a sliding door; and a track engagement assembly affixed to the chain tensioner assembly for translationally engaging the track. The chain tensioner assembly comprises a movable chain first end attachment point for engaging a chain first end and a force applicator attached thereto, such that the force applicator applies a predetermined amount of force to the movable chain first end attachment point to create a predetermined tension on the chain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device comprising a pivoting arm on which a clamping roll is rotatably arranged. In order to damp pivoting movements of the pivoting arm, a damping device is provided in the region of a pivoting axis X. Furthermore, the pivoting arm is supported by a tension spring device which ensures a frictional arrangement of the clamping roll on a traction mechanism, in the assembled state.

Abstract: An eccentric tensioning device is provided for tensioning a power-transmission means constructed, for example, as a flat belt or toothed belt in a power-transmission means drive. The tensioning device can be brought into a pretensioned mounting state in an advantageous way. The eccentric tensioning device has a free roller device that includes a running disk and a roller bearing provided for supporting this disk, a working eccentric for supporting the free roller device, that can be displaced in the radial direction relative to the rotating axis of the roller bearing according to the magnitude of the pivoting of the working eccentric, a bearing journal device for supporting the working eccentric, a torsion spring for pretensioning the working eccentric, a fixing device for securing the working eccentric in a mounting position, in which the torsion spring is located in a pretensioned state, and an adjustment for supporting the bearing journal device.

Abstract: The check valve unit of a hydraulic tensioner comprises a check ball, a ball guide and a disc-shaped retainer. The retainer is fixed to the high pressure oil chamber side of the ball guide by crimping an annular portion of the ball guide over the outer edge of the retainer so that substantially all of an annular circumferential portion of the high pressure chamber side of the retainer is held underneath the crimped portion of the ball guide. The crimped portion of the ball guide forms a recess for receiving and positioning a plunger-biasing spring. A ball seat is similarly secured to the inflow side of the ball guide by crimping.

Abstract: A spring loaded track tensioning assembly for a track on a track driven vehicle has a spring subassembly that is retained on a spring shaft under a preload with a first fixed spring retainer and a second slidable spring retainer. The spring shaft has an outer end that extends beyond the second spring retainer and the outer end is slidably received in a bore in a piston or actuator shaft of a grease cylinder, with the end of the actuator shaft bearing on the second spring retainer. The grease cylinder contacts and applies a force to the second spring retainer, for initial positioning of the tensioning assembly, and additional loads on the first spring retainer that compress the spring cause the outer end of the spring shaft to slide in the bore of the actuator shaft as the second spring retainer slides along the spring shaft.

Abstract: In a hydraulic tensioner, a deairing valve unit, for releasing air mixed with oil in the high pressure oil chamber of the tensioner, comprises a check ball, a retainer, which envelops the check ball, but allows the check ball to move freely between an inflow end and an outflow end of a retainer passage, and a cylindrical ball seat press-fit into to a recess formed in a front end of the retainer. The deairing valve unit communicates with an exhaust vent formed in the front end of the plunger. A ball biasing spring is optionally provided to bias the check ball toward the ball seat.

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.

Abstract: A chain tensioner includes a housing having a closed bottom. A rod is axially movably inserted in the housing for pressing a chain. A wear ring is mounted to the outer periphery of the rod and is biased by a return spring mounted in the housing in a direction away from the bottom of the housing. A nut member is mounted between the wear ring and the bottom of the housing so as to be coaxial with the housing and axially movable relative to the housing. A ring-shaped spring member is provided between the nut member and the bottom of the housing to support the nut member. A screw rod is provided between the rod and the bottom of the housing and in threaded engagement with the nut member. A spring is provided between the screw rod and the bottom of the housing to bias the screw rod in a direction away from the bottom of the housing. The screw rod has an end surface that is in abutment with the rod.

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: In an autotensioner of a type in which a boss of an oscillating member is pivotally fitted on a spindle of a stationary member through a bush including a metal part and a resin layer formed on the inner periphery of the metal part, the clearance in its initially assembled state between the outer periphery of the spindle and the inner periphery of the bush is 60 ?m or less to make it difficult to cause fretting between the spindle and the bush even upon input of large short quick vibrations to the autotensioner and thereby extend the service life of the autotensioner. Furthermore, the spindle has a surface hardness of Hv 500 or more to prevent wear of the spindle itself from progressing even upon occurrence of fretting.

Abstract: A device for automatically maintaining tension and control of a drivebelt as the driving direction of the drivebelt is rapidly reversed and when the drivebelt is worn.

Abstract: A tensioning device for the cord loop of a window treatment apparatus includes a cord guide disposed in a housing, a biasing element such as a spring and a locking member that locks the cord guide into an installation position. During installation, the cord guide is fixed so that it cannot move and does not affect the tensioning of the cord. After installation, the locking member is removed and the cord guide can move in one direction or another to properly tension the cord.

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 shiftable toothed-belt drive, containing an engagement and disengagement device, in order alternately to mesh radially and demesh radially a toothed belt, which is guided around at least two gearwheels, with and from at least one of the two gearwheels. A disengager in the form of two externally profiled pulleys is urged axially along the shaft of one of the gearwheels supporting the toothed belt for radially raising the belt and demeshing the belt from the gearwheel. An engager engages the outside of the belt for tensioning the belt sufficiently to counter the effect of the disengager, move the pulleys apart and mesh the belt with the one gearwheel.

Abstract: A tensioning assembly for a polishing belt on a linear chemical mechanical polishing apparatus. The tensioning assembly comprises first and second rollers which are operably engaged by respective air cylinders and exert a selected degree of downward tension on the lower run of the horizontal polishing belt. A third roller biased typically by a spring pushes upwardly on the lower run of the belt between the first and second rollers. Accordingly, the first and second rollers, in conjunction with the third roller, tension the belt on the apparatus to maintain optimum material removal rates and uniformity. The degree of tension exerted on the belt can be varied according to stretching of the belt resulting from prolonged use.

Abstract: A tensioner has a tensioner body and a plunger slidably mounted in a hollow cylindrical part of the tensioner body. A plug is screwed into a female or internal screw formed from one end of the hollow cylindrical part. A coil spring is loaded in a spring accommodating hole of the plunger and in a spring accommodating hole of the plug. The coil spring is a left hand spring. On the other hand, the direction of the plug being screwed into the tensioner body is right, which is opposite to the winding direction of the coil spring. Since the direction of the plug being screwed and the winding direction of the coil spring are different, when the plug is being screwed into the tensioner body with the coil spring held between the plug and the plunger, the coil spring slides on the bottom of the spring accommodating hole of the plunger or on the bottom of the spring accommodating hole of the plug without being caught at either end.

Abstract: An idle wheel adjustment assembly has a generally L-shaped frame, a coiled spring, an oblong rocking frame, a first shaft pin, a first bearing, a first idle wheel, a second shaft pin, a second bearing, and a second idle wheel. The generally L-shaped frame has a through hole and an end column. The oblong rocking frame has a main shaft, an upper pillar, an upper circular hole, and a lower round hole. The first bearing is inserted in the first idle wheel. The second bearing is inserted in the second idle wheel. The first shaft pin is inserted through the upper circular hole and the first bearing. The second shaft pin is inserted through the lower round hole and the second bearing. The main shaft is inserted through the through hole. The coiled spring has a first hook end connected to the upper pillar and a second hook end connected to the end column.

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.