Belt Guide Has Surface In Sliding Contact With Belt Patents (Class 474/140)
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Patent number: 8920272Abstract: A guide plate 4 is disposed on the outermost side in the width direction of a silent chain 1 comprising link plates 2 which are pivotably linked by means of linking pins 3. The guide plate 4 has a pair of pin holes 41 into which the linking pins 3 are inserted, and also has side end parts 42 which are disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction thereof, and an upper end part 43 and a lower end part 44 which link the side end parts 42 in the longitudinal direction. The upper end part 43 and the lower end part 44 are formed with a tapered transverse section, and become steadily thinner toward the tip end.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2010Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: Toshikazu Tokita
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Patent number: 8900079Abstract: A transmission guide comprises a synthetic resin shoe supported by and integrally molded with a synthetic resin base by two-part molding. A guide length retaining mechanism, which can be formed by one or more protrusions on the back of the shoe and one or more cooperating recesses on the supporting surface of the base, retains the shoe against longitudinal movement relative to the base. A guide width retaining mechanism, which can be formed by projections on the edges of the shoe and cooperating holes formed in side walls extending from the supporting surface of the base, retains the shoe against widthwise movement relative to the base.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.Inventors: Kaori Mori, Masahiko Konno, Yuji Kurematsu
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Publication number: 20140349796Abstract: Provided is a chain guide that offers improved assembly efficiency by a more easily engageable interlock structure, operates more quietly by reducing noise caused by collision between mating parts and looseness of the shoe, and improves durability by reducing wear and fatigue of the mating parts. A lateral interlock structure formed by hole parts 121 and mating protrusions 161 restricts relative displacement of the base 110 and the shoe 150. An opposite interlock structure formed by a groove part 131 and mating protrusions 171 restricts relative displacement of the base 110 and the shoe 150 in the height direction. The mating protrusions 161 and 171 are elastic mating elements. The lateral interlock structure and the opposite interlock structure are a snap-fit joint in which a meshed state is achieved through elastic deformation of the mating protrusions 161 and 171 that occurs in a moving process during assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.Inventors: Yudai Takagi, Masahiko Konno
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Patent number: 8888628Abstract: The synthetic resin guide in accordance with the invention comprises an elongated synthetic resin shoe having a front surface for sliding contact with the transmission medium and a back surface opposite from the front surface and a plurality of engaging members disposed in longitudinally spaced relationship to one another. The guide also comprises an elongated synthetic resin base in contact with the back surface of the shoe and supporting the shoe, the base having a plurality of longitudinally spaced engaged portions each of which engages with one of the engaging members. One engaging member is fixed to the engaged portion with which it is engaged. The other engaging members are longitudinally movable relative to the engaged portions with which they are engaged. Thus, the guide allows longitudinal thermal expansion and contraction of the shoe relative to the base.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.Inventors: Masahiko Konno, Kaori Mori, Yuji Kurematsu
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Publication number: 20140335985Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding element for use in a chain transmission apparatus, comprising a sliding contact section for engagement in sliding contact with a chain, wherein the sliding contact section consists of a plastic material comprising a matrix polymer and dispersed therein graphite platelets comprising platelet particles having a thickness of at most 250 nm. The invention relates to an engine comprising a first sliding element in sliding contact with a second element, wherein at least a sliding contact section is made of such a plastic material comprising such thin graphite platelets. The invention further relates to a chain transmission apparatus, comprising a chain, and a sliding element comprising (i) a sliding contact section engaged in sliding contact with the chain and (ii) a main body reinforcing and supporting the sliding contact section, wherein the sliding contact section consists of such a plastic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2012Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventors: Zhujuan Wang, Michael Hubertus Helena Meuwissen, Roy Antoine Hendrikus Wilhelmus Proost
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Patent number: 8876642Abstract: One exemplary embodiment includes a U-shaped chain guide bracket including a base wall extending in a longitudinal direction from an upstream end to a downstream end of the base wall, and a pair of laterally opposed side walls extending away from the base wall and having laterally opposed mounting pads and apertures. The base wall and opposed side walls establish an upstream end, a downstream end, a central portion between the upstream and downstream ends, and a general U-shaped cross-section at least at each of the upstream and downstream ends and at the central portion. The bracket is formed from sheet metal.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2010Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: Bradley F. Adams
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Publication number: 20140323255Abstract: A chain transmission is provided which is capable of reducing friction loss in the transmission of power without the risk of compromising the durability of a chain guide mechanism and the chain. The chain transmission includes a chain and a chain guide mechanism. The chain guide mechanism includes a first guide and a second guide having a smaller radius of curvature than that of the first guide. The plurality of plates include a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a backside height set such that the first plate does not contact the first guide when the first plate is guided by the first guide and such that the first plate contacts the second guide when the first plate is guided by the second guide.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.Inventors: Yuji Kurematsu, Masanori Yokoyama
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Publication number: 20140274513Abstract: A chain guide is provided which has a simple configuration, decreases the occupation space inside an engine room, while maintaining the necessary strength, rigidity, and durability, reduces the number of production steps and material waste, reduces the production cost, prevents vibrations and breaks during the use, and has high utility. A chain guide includes a guide shoe and a base member supporting the guide shoe along the chain running direction. A first insertion groove for receiving insertion of one end portion of the base member to fix the same and a second insertion groove for receiving insertion of the other end portion to fix the same are provided below the running guide portion 111 of the guide shoe.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.Inventors: Yuichiro Ishikawa, Masahiko Konno
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Publication number: 20140274514Abstract: A chain guide is provided in which durability is increased, weight can be reduced, material cost is reduced, the uniformity of resin orientation is improved, dimensional errors, errors in shape, internal strains, and defects are reduced, and bending rigidity such as rigidity against deflection and torsion is augmented with a simple configuration. The chain guide is provided with reinforcing ribs at a guide main body. The reinforcing ribs include first inclined reinforcing ribs and second inclined reinforcing ribs that cross each other. A zone in which the reinforcing ribs are not present is provided in the intermediate portion between two support porting.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.Inventors: Kaori Mori, Masahiko Konno, Yuji Kurematsu
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Publication number: 20140248983Abstract: The occupation space of a chain inside an engine room can be reduced, while the necessary strength, rigidity, and durability are maintained, the sheet thickness can be decreased, the number of production steps and material waste can be reduced, stress concentration and strains during bending and fixing can be reduced, load offset during fixing and loosening of bolts or the like can be prevented, the increase in vibrations and noise during the use can be prevented, the maintenance operation load can be reduced, and utility can be increased with a simple configuration. A chain guide is provided with a base member supporting a guide shoe. The base member has a base mounting portion and base wall portions formed to sandwich the guide shoe from both sides in a width direction. The guide shoe has a guide shoe mounting portion at a position apart from the base mounting portion in the chain running direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.Inventors: Yuichiro Ishikawa, Yuji Kurematsu
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Patent number: 8821329Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include bicycle chain rings for bicycles having specially shaped ramps with lifting surfaces for improved up-shifting performance. Additional embodiments of the bicycle chain rings of the present invention may be configured with one or more additional features formed within the chain rings including a transition slide, a tapered ramp face, a ramp bridge, a ramp lead, a trailing transition slide and a wear pin.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Wick Werks, LLCInventors: Christopher A. Wickliffe, Eldon Goates
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Publication number: 20140243132Abstract: There is provided a chain guide that reduces a space occupied by the chain guide in an engine room while maintaining required strength, rigidity, and durability with a simple configuration, reduces the number of manufacturing steps and the waste of a material, does not require a structure that permits an error, prevents increases in vibration and noise during use, and reduces the burden of a maintenance operation. The chain guide has a guide shoe and a base member that reinforces the guide shoe, and an attachment portion includes an attachment member that is provided separately from the guide shoe and the base member and can be fixed to at least one of the guide shoe and the base member or both of the guide shoe and the base member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.Inventors: Yuji Kurematsu, Katsuya Nakakubo, Takeshi Ogawa
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Publication number: 20140235390Abstract: A guiding device for guiding a belt of a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission. The device includes a first guiding section and a second guiding section that is spaced from the first guiding section, and between which the belt is guided in a running direction. The guiding sections have a longitudinal extent that corresponds to the running direction of the belt and a transverse extent that is perpendicular thereto, and lateral edge sections that delimit the guiding sections in the transverse direction. At least one guiding section has at least one longitudinal rib that extends in the longitudinal direction and that is positioned apart from the lateral edge sections in order to improve the guiding device structurally and functionally.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KGInventor: Andreas URBANEK
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Publication number: 20140213401Abstract: By employing a simple configuration, a space required for engine room can be minimized while securing enough strength, rigidity, and durability, and a reduction in a material waste, manufacturing processes, and manufacturing cost can be accomplished while occurrence of a crack or breakage during use is prevented. A chain guide includes a guide shoe, a base member configured to reinforce the guide shoe, and attaching sections. The base member is formed by a bar made of a metal material.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.Inventors: Masahiko Konno, Kaori Mori, Yuichiro Ishikawa, Yudai Takagi
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Publication number: 20140200105Abstract: A safety apparatus safety apparatus for use with a sheave has a first plate suitable for placement over one side of the sheave, a second plate suitable for placement on an opposite side of the sheave, and a carriage positioned at a periphery of the first and second plates. The carriage extends across a gap between the plates. The carriage is movable along the peripheries of the first and second plates. The carnage includes a lust carriage and a second carriage which are independently movable with respect to each other. The carriage includes a first body, a second body, and a discoidal member pivotally mounted to the first and second bodies. The discoidal member has a hole suitable for allowing the cable of the sheave to pass freely therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: ALEXANDER/RYAN MARINE & SAFETY CO.Inventors: Joseph D. COCCA, John RYAN, III
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Publication number: 20140187371Abstract: A chain guide member may include a base portion forming a body of a chain guide member and a protruding portion protruding from the base portion and configured to be in contact with a circumferential surface of a roller of a chain.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Min Yong Lee
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Publication number: 20140179472Abstract: A chain guide is provided by which a chain can be guided silently. The chain guide includes: a guide base arranged along a portion of the outer periphery of a chain for transmitting torque and elongated in the direction in which the chain travels; a plurality of roller shafts spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the guide base; and a plurality of rollers for guiding the chain. The rollers are rotatably supported by the respective roller shafts. The rollers guide the chain by rolling. An arrangement interval between each adjacent pair of the rollers is set such that any two of the pins by which pieces of the chain are joined together do not pass any two of the rollers at the same time.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Inventors: Akio Kato, Shinji Oishi
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Publication number: 20140179473Abstract: The invention provides a chain guide capable of reducing a space the guide occupies in an engine room while maintaining necessary strength, rigidity, and durability with a simple configuration, reducing manufacturing man-hour and a waste of a material, preventing an increase in vibration and noise during use without necessity of forming a structure for allowing an error, and reducing a maintenance work load. A chain guide includes a guide shoe and a base member configured to support the guide shoe. The base member includes a base attaching section extending perpendicularly to a chain traveling direction. The guide shoe includes a guide shoe attaching section extending perpendicularly to the chain traveling direction in a position spaced apart from the base attaching section in the chain traveling direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.Inventors: Masahiko Konno, Yuichiro Ishikawa, Takahiro Matsushita
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Publication number: 20140162820Abstract: The present invention is to suppress wear of outer diameter surfaces of chain guiding rollers (41) in a chain guide and extend the life. Respective shaft ends of a plurality of roller shafts (31) are supported by pairs of facing side plate portions (22) of guide bases (21) arranged to face each other in a one-side part of a timing chain (5) for transmitting torque. Each of the rollers (41) formed by a plurality of chain guiding roller bearings is rotatably supported by each of the plurality of roller shafts (31). Rollers whose surface hardness is greater than surface hardness of the timing chain (5) by 4 points or more of Rockwell hardness are used as the rollers (41), so as to prevent earlier wear of the outer diameter surfaces of the rollers (41) due to contact with the timing chain (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Inventors: Akio Kato, Shinji Oishi
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Patent number: 8747263Abstract: A transmission guide comprises a synthetic resin shoe and a more rigid synthetic resin base, integrally molded by two-member molding. The base is formed with a pair of spaced, opposed, side walls extending in the direction of elongation of the base along opposite edges of a shoe-supporting surface of the base. These side walls engage respective side edges of the shoe, and extend past the front surface of the shoe so that they can restrict lateral movement of a transmission chain sliding along the front surface of the shoe. Indentations in the side walls receive protrusions formed on the edges of the shoe. Edges of the openings of the indentations are chamfered or convexly curved to avoid interference with the movement of the chain along the guide.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain CoInventors: Masahiko Konno, Kaori Mori, Yuji Kurematsu
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Publication number: 20140155209Abstract: A chain guide includes a plurality of roller shafts provided on one side of a timing chain for torque transmission and spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of a guide base facing the timing chain. The respective roller shafts rotatably support chain guiding rollers in the form of needle roller bearings. The rollers are cylindrical members having the same diameter over the entire axial direction such that the rollers are movable in the axial direction relative to the timing chain. The rollers are supported so as to be movable in the axial direction. When the rollers and the timing chain move relative to each other in the axial direction and the rollers move relative to the roller shafts in the axial direction, contact portions between the rollers and the roller shafts are displaced in the axial direction, so that radial loads are not locally applied.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Inventors: Akio Kato, Shinji Oishi
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Patent number: 8740737Abstract: In a transmission guide, a synthetic resin shoe and a synthetic resin base are integrally molded by two part molding. Strips projecting from a supporting surface of the base extend in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base, and concave grooves formed in the shoe, which also extend in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base and of the shoe, receive the strips of the base and are fused with the base.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.Inventors: Masahiko Konno, Kaori Mori, Yuji Kurematsu
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Publication number: 20140148288Abstract: There is provided a chain guide capable of improving rigidity and durability without enlarging its structure to the side opposite to a chain travel surface with a simple configuration, and reducing the size of a guide shoe without increasing the number of components to thereby lower manufacturing cost. The chain guide includes the guide shoe and a guide body that supports the guide shoe, and the guide body has support wall portions that are provided near at least one side of both sides of the guide shoe in a width direction thereof so as to extend to the side of a chain at least at one position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2013Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.Inventor: Toshihiko Miyazawa
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Patent number: 8715122Abstract: A chain tensioner blade assembly shoe includes a first spring-receiving slot and a second spring-receiving slot. The first spring-receiving slot includes: (i) a first lower wall; (ii) a first outer wall; (iii) a first locking tab located adjacent the rear face of the shoe. The second spring-receiving slot includes: (i) a second lower wall; (ii) a second outer wall; (iii) a second locking tab located adjacent the rear face of the shoe. The first and second locking tabs extend only partially toward and are spaced from the inner surface of the shoe central portion. A spring is located in a spring-receiving region and includes a first end located in the first spring-receiving slot between the first outer wall and the first locking tab, a second end located in the second spring-receiving slot between the second outer wall and the second locking tab, and a central portion in contact with the inner surface of the shoe central portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Cloyes Gear and Products, Inc.Inventor: James D. Young
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Patent number: 8668608Abstract: A chain guide that contacts a chain connecting a cam sprocket and a crank sprocket, and has a contact portion contacting the back of the chain in a length direction of the chain and a convex curved line in a cross-section of the contact portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Seung Woo Lee, Sung Hwan Oh, Hong Kil Baek
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Publication number: 20140051535Abstract: A guard for a chain and chain ring of a bicycle includes a bracket and a bracket extension. The bracket extension has a first end and a second end, and at least the second end is integrally formed. The second end includes a U-shaped configuration configured to house a chain retainer. The bracket and the bracket extension may be secured to one another using two fasteners. The bracket and the bracket extension may rotate relative to one another when only one of the fasteners is attached and may be fixed relative to one another when both of the fasteners are attached.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: Eko Sport, Inc.Inventors: Ryan K. Cranston, Paul J. Aieta, Scott S. Winans
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Patent number: 8617015Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include bicycle chain rings for bicycles having specially shaped ramps, tapers and profiled teeth for improved shifting performance. The embodiments of bicycle chain rings of the present invention may be configured for large chain rings on double cranksets and large and middle chain rings on triple cranksets. The embodiments of bicycle chain rings of the present invention may also be retrofitted to existing bicycle cranksets by replacing original chain rings. The embodiments of bicycle chain rings of the present invention may further be configured for any standard crankset mounting bolt configuration and for any suitable number of teeth.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2006Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Wick Werks, LLCInventor: Christopher A. Wickliffe
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Patent number: 8617012Abstract: A chain tensioner assembly includes a bracket with a main wall and a ramp surface. A blade assembly is connected to the bracket and includes a blade located adjacent the main wall of the bracket. The blade includes: (i) a first blade end with a pivot aperture; (ii) a second blade end contacting the ramp surface; and, (iii) a central blade portion that extends between the first and second blade ends. The central blade portion includes a chain engaging surface. A first spring-retaining slot is located in the first blade end and includes inner and outer open sides that open respectively through inner and outer faces of the blade. A second spring-retaining slot is located in the second blade end. A spring includes a first end located in the first spring-retaining slot, a second end located in the second spring-retaining slot; and, a central portion that abuts the central blade portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Cloyes Gear and Products, Inc.Inventors: James D. Young, Darren J. Stewart
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Patent number: 8579746Abstract: In a chain guide mechanism having a guide bridge for integrally holding two chain guides, a chain and a driving sprocket for more efficient assembly and maintenance, the guide bridge has a oil inlet on a surface of its sprocket-pressing base for receiving oil from an oil supply port in an engine block on which the guide bridge is mounted. The oil inlet communicates, through an internal passage within the base of the guide bridge, with an oil discharge port within a groove in which teeth of the driving sprocket travel.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.Inventors: Kaori Mori, Masahiko Konno
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Patent number: 8561750Abstract: A chain guide device wherein it is unnecessary to make a chain guide body a thick and heavy member to enhance the productivity of the chain guide body. The chain guide body is split into a left guide half having a left-side upper split surface and a left-side lower split surface which are formed along a longitudinal direction of a chain and a right guide half having a right-side upper split surface and a right-side lower split surface. The guide bodies, which are roughly U-shaped, can be easily demolded after injection molding to enhance productivity. The contact of the chain with the split surfaces is lessened, as compared with the case where split surfaces are inclined at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the chain. Accordingly, wearing of the split surfaces is restrained, and it is unnecessary to make the chain guide body greater in thickness and weight.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takaya Kakimoto, Mikio Uchiyama
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Patent number: 8529388Abstract: A mechanical tensioner for a traction drive element is provided. It includes a housing with a bore having an open end and a closed bottom. A plunger having a first end is located in the bore. The first end of the plunger has a tapered slot or tapered opening defined therein forming a hollow wall portion of the plunger. The hollow wall portion is discontinuous in a circumferential direction. A wedge insert is located at least partially in the slot or opening. The wedge insert has an outer surface with a contact area that is complementary to the tapered slot or tapered opening. A spring is located between the wedge insert and closed bottom of the housing. The spring forces the wedge insert into the tapered slot or tapered opening with an increase in force as the plunger is depressed into the bore in the housing. This forces the hollow wall portion outwardly in order to provide a friction damping feature that increases with the distance that the plunger is depressed.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co, KGInventor: Simon Xunnan He
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Publication number: 20130225342Abstract: A transmission chain is composed of pairs of outer plates and pairs of inner plates. The plates of each pair are in opposed, spaced relation to each other. The pairs of inner plates and the pairs of outer plates are disposed in alternating, overlapping, relationship along the length of the chain, with each pair of inner plates extending in a first direction into a space between one pair of outer plates, and in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, into a space between another pair of outer plates. Connecting pins connect the alternating pairs of plates in articulating relationship. Each of the connecting pins is press-fit into holes in a pair of inner plates and fits rotatably in holes in a pair of outer plates. A guide extends into a space between the outer plates, guiding the chain by engagement with inwardly facing surfaces of the outer plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.,Inventor: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.,
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Publication number: 20130217527Abstract: Retention mechanisms for bicycle drive trains are disclosed. In some embodiments, a retention mechanism may include a backplate having at least one spur, at least one chain ring coupled to the backplate, and a slider coupled to the spur. The slider may be positioned between the at least one chain ring and a bicycle chain, and may include at least one track and at least one chain guide (e.g., an O-ring or ring component) seated in the track. The at least one chain guide may be configured to rotate about the track while applying tension to the bicycle chain so as to reduce friction and/or dampen noise.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2013Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: GAMUT USAInventor: Gamut USA
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Publication number: 20130202437Abstract: A wind turbine with a roller push belt drive train is disclosed. The wind turbine comprises a tower with a nacelle mounted to the tower. A hub is rotatably mounted to the nacelle. A plurality of blades radially extends from the hub, which is mounted to a main shaft within the nacelle. In one embodiment, the main shaft is mounted to a drive sprocket. A driven sprocket is mounted to a generator input shaft of a generator. The driven sprocket is proximally aligned in the same plane as the drive sprocket, but the drive and driven sprockets do not contact each other. A roller push belt transfers motion from the drive sprocket to the driven sprocket. The roller push belt comprises a guide track around the perimeter of the circumferences of the drive and driven sprockets and a plurality of roller elements arranged along the guide track.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2012Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: Clipper Windpower, LLCInventor: Richard A. Himmelmann
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Publication number: 20130196803Abstract: The invention refers to a toothless link chain with alternating chain links, wherein inner and outer link plates of the chain links have a substantially identical height profile. The link plate backs of the inner or outer link plates, which are brought into contact with a guide rail, have an at least partial height offset to the link plate backs of the other link plates. A connecting line through the center points of the joint openings of each link plate divides the corresponding link plate into a first link plate section located above and a second link plate section located below the connecting line, where said second link plate section is asymmetric to the first link plate section, at least with respect to the height profile, and wherein the inner link plates are assembled at a 180° rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: IWIS MOTORSYSTEME GMBH & CO., KGInventor: IWIS Motorsysteme GMBH & Co., KG
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Publication number: 20130190118Abstract: What is disclosed is a chain guide for a bicycle including a guide member through which the chain passes and which is fastened to the frame of the bicycle via retaining arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2011Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: B-Labs AGInventor: Dirk Luede
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Patent number: 8465385Abstract: In a chain guide mechanism in which a pair of chain guides, at least one of which is a pivoted guide, are connected by mounting bosses a bridge so that the chain guides and bridge can be preassembled along with a chain and driving sprocket to form an integrated unit for installation in an engine, the chain guides include a chain-engaging guiding surface extending in a first direction from a location adjacent the mounting bosses, and a chain pressing portion extending in a second direction, opposite the first direction, substantially from the same location adjacent the mounting bosses. The pressing surfaces clamp the chain against the sprocket when a pivotable chain guide is rotated so that its chain engaging surface is moved away from the chain.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.Inventors: Masahiko Konno, Kaori Mori, Tatsuya Konishi
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Publication number: 20130150192Abstract: A compliant guide device for a chain or a belt is provided. The compliant guide device includes a contact section and a mounting section. The contact section is configured to compliantly contact both a slack side and a tension side of the chain or belt. The mounting section is configured to be moveably mounted about a shaft utilized with the chain or belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2011Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: CHRYSLER GROUP LLCInventors: Ludwik W. Cholewczynski, Stan M. Mashkevich
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Patent number: 8454462Abstract: In a chain guide mechanism, fixed and movable guides are attached to a guide bridge by cooperation of bosses on the guides with boss-receiving holes formed in spaced-apart elements of arms of the bridge. A fixed guide is held against rotation by cooperation of a projection on its mounting boss with a notch in a boss-receiving hole in a guide bridge arm element. A base, extending from an intermediate location at which the arms come together has a pressing structure that engages bosses on a driving sprocket, and a groove for receiving teeth of the driving sprocket.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.Inventors: Masahiko Konno, Kaori Mori, Yuji Kurematsu, Akira Kobara, Manabu Hirayama
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Publication number: 20130125776Abstract: A ramp system for bridging a flexible cable to a rigid rail to improve the movement of a trolley along a low tension fixed aerial cableway. The ramp system has an inverted U-shaped elongated channel having a contact surface, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is disposed atop and contacts a portion of the cableway and an anchor configured to pivotably support the proximal end of the channel at a second point at a second level. The second level is disposed higher than the first level, wherein the distal end of the channel is slideably but positively secured to the portion of the cable and the first point, second point and distal end cooperate to form a triangular relationship, thereby reducing bending in the cable, reducing the approach angle and fatigue exerted on the channel and cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2012Publication date: May 23, 2013Inventor: Donald Perry
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Patent number: 8430774Abstract: A sandwiched-molded part for a transmission apparatus has a slide rail body and a rail support body. A chain runs in slidable contact with the slide rail body. The molded part has a first resin forming a surface layer. The first resin has NYLON (66) as a main component. The melt viscosity of the first resin at a temperature of 300° C. is 500 Pa·s to 2000 Pa·s at a shear rate of 1000 s?1. A second resin forms a core layer of the molded part and has a bending strength higher than that of the first resin. The wall thickness of the surface layer of the sliding part of the slide rail body is 1.0 mm or more.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2005Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignees: Tsubakimoto Chain Co., Asahi Kasei Chemicals CorporationInventors: Masahiko Konno, Sadahiko Yamaguchi, Tatsumi Murohoshi
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Patent number: 8425356Abstract: A retainer for keeping an endless drive member of a drive system in a desired position. In one embodiment, the endless drive member is configured as a belt, wherein the retainer keeps the belt in position for engagement with an associated sheave even when the belt is slackened. The retainer may be configured as an elongate member having a first end fixed to a structure and a second unsupported end opposite the first end. The retainer may be positioned near the sheave and may be elastically deflected to permit removal of the belt when desired. In one embodiment, the retainer is configured as a coiled compression spring.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Exmark Manufacturing Company, IncorporatedInventor: Tommy Joe Vachal
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Publication number: 20130095969Abstract: The invention relates to a chain catcher used on multiple chainring arrangements on bicycles in combination with a derailleur to prevent the drive chain from slipping off the smallest chainring into the space between the chainring and the bicycle frame. The embodiment of a chain catcher according to the invention permits especially simple mounting and adjustment by using an additional fastening element. The corresponding method includes completion of the positioning, fastening, and adjustment of the derailleur before the chain catcher is installed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventor: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
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Publication number: 20130090201Abstract: A transmission guide comprises a synthetic resin shoe supported by and integrally molded with a synthetic resin base by two-part molding. A guide length retaining mechanism, which can be formed by one or more protrusions on the back of the shoe and one or more cooperating recesses on the supporting surface of the base, retains the shoe against longitudinal movement relative to the base. A guide width retaining mechanism, which can be formed by projections on the edges of the shoe and cooperating holes formed in side walls extending from the supporting surface of the base, retains the shoe against widthwise movement relative to the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.Inventor: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
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Publication number: 20130059688Abstract: A transmission guide comprises a synthetic resin shoe and a more rigid synthetic resin base, integrally molded by two-member molding. The base is formed with a pair of spaced, opposed, side walls extending in the direction of elongation of the base along opposite edges of a shoe-supporting surface of the base. These side walls engage respective side edges of the shoe, and extend past the front surface of the shoe so that they can restrict lateral movement of a transmission chain sliding along the front surface of the shoe. Indentations in the side walls receive protrusions formed on the edges of the shoe. Edges of the openings of the indentations are chamfered or convexly curved to avoid interference with the movement of the chain along the guide.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.Inventors: Masahiko Konno, Kaori Mori, Yuji Kurematsu
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Patent number: 8387244Abstract: The assembly method includes packaging of items for shipment and secures components of the assembly in a fashion and in the related position required for further assembly, as a unit, to an engine that is in the process of being assembled. The timed assembly arrives at the engine plant secured together such that it allows handling, at least in part, as a single component and with its parts arranged in the relative position required for proper timing and for securing to other components of the engine. The chain (44) is pinned between a tensioner pin (66) and the tensioner chain contacting surface (60) and between a guide pin (74) and the guide or snubber chain contacting surface (88). The tensioner is preferably pinned in a state of minimum extension.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2007Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: George L. Markley
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Publication number: 20130053196Abstract: A bicycle chain guide assembly that includes a mounting bracket adapted to be affixed to a bicycle, and a movable member movably mounted to the mounting bracket. The movable member includes a chain guide portion adapted to be positioned adjacent a chain ring of the bicycle and below a bottom bracket of the bicycle. When the assembly is mounted on a bicycle with a chain-ring, the movable member can move in a first direction such that the chain guide portion moves toward an outer circumference of the chain-ring and the movable member can move in a second direction such that the chain guide portion moves away from the outer circumference of the chain ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.Inventors: ATSUHIRO EMURA, YOSHIKAZU SUGIYAMA, HIDEKI IKEMOTO
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Publication number: 20130053197Abstract: In a transmission guide, a synthetic resin shoe and a synthetic resin base are integrally molded by two part molding. Strips projecting from a supporting surface of the base extend in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base, and concave grooves formed in the shoe, which also extend in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base and of the shoe, receive the strips of the base and are fused with the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.Inventors: Masahiko Konno, Kaori Mori, Yuji Kurematsu
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Publication number: 20130053195Abstract: A bicycle chain guide assembly that includes a chain guide member having a mounting portion adapted to be positioned adjacent a chain ring of a bicycle, and a contact member removably affixed to the mounting portion. The mounting portion extends in a chain-running direction and has a chain-ring side and an opposite side. The contact member includes a first end portion affixed to the mounting portion and a chain contact portion that extends from the first end portion in the chain-running direction and is positioned adjacent the chain-ring side of the mounting portion. A gap is defined between the chain-ring side of the mounting portion and the chain contact portion of the contact member.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.Inventors: ATSUHIRO EMURA, YOSHIKAZU SUGIYAMA, HIDEKI IKEMOTO
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Patent number: 8376883Abstract: A power transmission device includes a tubular stabilizer which is arranged between a primary pulley and a secondary pulley, and through which a string portion of a power transmitting chain is passed so as to be movable relative to the stabilizer whereby movement of the power transmitting chain is restricted. The stabilizer is supported by the power transmitting chain and is moved in the traveling direction of the power transmitting chain as the power transmitting chain moves in the traveling direction, and a movement of the stabilizer of which the amount is larger than or equal to a predetermined amount is restricted by a restricting device.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventors: Yuya Inoue, Shinji Yamane, Yoshihisa Miura, Teruko Nagaoka