Abstract: Chain hanger devices are described for attachment to a bicycle frame for supporting and retaining the drive chain vertically and laterally when the rear wheel and drive sprocket are removed from the frame. The hanger devices engage the chain without requiring manual manipulation of the chain. The rear wheel can be inserted into the frame again without physically handling the chain.

Abstract: A tensioner lever for applying tension to an endless chain, belt or the like comprises an elongated arm and a plastic shoe, having at least one L-shaped element engaging both the back face and one side edge of the arm, at least one projection engaging the opposite side edge of the arm, and a U-shaped end hook engaging an end of the arm.

Abstract: A traveling chain transmission system for effecting a driving connection between laterally spaced driving and driven shaft. A first wheel is mounted on the driving shaft, and a second wheel is mounted on the driven shaft. Each of the wheel have substantially identical pitch diameters. An endless, flexible torque transmitting operatively connects the first and second wheel. A traveling insert band circumscribes and operatively engages one of the wheel at a time, and when the traveling insert band engages one of the wheel, the insert band is located radially inwardly of the endless flexible torque transmitting. The traveling insert band has leading and trailing ends located in substantially circumferentially opposed juxtaposition when the traveling insert band operatively engages one of the wheel. Derailing and locking members are also provided selectively to derail the leading end of the traveling insert band from that wheel operatively engaged thereby.

Abstract: A traveling chain transmission system for effecting a driving connection between laterally spaced driving and driven shaft. A first wheel is mounted on the driving shaft, and a second wheel is mounted on the driven shaft. Each of the wheel have substantially identical pitch diameters. An endless, flexible torque transmitting operatively connects the first and second wheel. A traveling insert band circumscribes and operatively engages one of the wheel at a time, and when the traveling insert band engages one of the wheel, the insert band is located radially inwardly of the endless flexible torque transmitting. The traveling insert band has leading and trailing ends located in substantially circumferentially opposed juxtaposition when the traveling insert band operatively engages one of the wheel. Derailing and locking members are also provided selectively to derail the leading end of the traveling insert band from that wheel operatively engaged thereby.

Abstract: An outdrive system for watercraft includes use of plastic or other relatively flexible material, e.g., compared to metal, especially as a housing material, and techniques which enable and/or at least facilitate use of such housing material. One of those techniques employs a flexible member, such as a belt, to couple power between the input and output of an outdrive and another employs a cooling system to remove heat. The invention also relates to use in a vehicle drive, especially for watercraft, of housing materials that are not subject to corrosion, galvanic action and the like.

Abstract: A chain link is provided with a concave back configuration that substantiy matches the curvature of the contact surface of a chain tensioner. In the chain assembly, as the backs of the links contact the chain tensioner surface, the contact stresses are reduced as a result of the matched curvatures. The link geometry is utilized in both silent chain and roller chain assemblies.

Abstract: A tape drive system for the weft gripper of a shuttleless loom which uses a plastically undeformable tape formed of composite laminate layers containing rigid fibers. The tape is driven by a sprocket engaging perforations provided along the tape and the engagement is being ensured by two shoulder blocks. Additionally the tape is provided with a permanent magnet at that end carrying said weft gripper cooperating with a metal plate extending along the whole or at least part of a tape travel track.

Abstract: While chain tensioners are used with chains on the engine of a motor vehicle, conventional blade spring configurations do not apply consistent forces throughout the life of the chain. The chain tensioner comprises two blade springs mechanically interlocked within a shoe, the shoe being adapted to contact the chain of the motor vehicle. The two blade springs each have a minimal form radius that is substantially smaller than the minimal form radius of a single blade spring, the single blade spring being otherwise identical to the two blade springs, and the thickness of the single blade spring being the same as the combined thickness of the two blade springs.

Abstract: A drive belt guide for a drive belt system. A preferred drive belt guide assembly (41) includes a member (48) with means for accepting a fastener (52) wherein the fastener accepting means (49) establishes a pivot point for member (48), and wherein the member includes an elongate finger (93) projecting away from the pivot point and adjacent to a drive belt. The drive belt guide assembly (41) also includes an anchor (50) with means for accepting a fastener (52) wherein the fastener accepting means (57) establishes a pivot point for the anchor (50), and wherein the anchor (50) includes sharp protrusions (51) and (53) spaced away from the pivot point, and wherein the anchor (50), includes means for restraining the member (48) from rotational displacement.

Abstract: A chain guide having a shoe made of plastics is disclosed. It has a pair of L-shaped side engaging members adapted to engage with the respective sides of the arm and a U-shaped hook member adapted to engage with the chain-introducing end of the arm.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket cover is formed as a unitarian molded disk of sufficient diameter to overlie and project radially outwardly beyond the teeth of a bicycle drive sprocket. The cover is attached to the sprocket by bolts, the heads of which are then covered by decorative panels having outwardly projecting tabs that are received in complimentary slots formed in the sprocket cover.

Abstract: A bicycle drive chain guide for bicycles having gear shifting capability wherein the guide can be secured to the bicycle frame and has a curved surface which prevents the chain from derailing during a gear shift.

Abstract: A roller chain tensioning device includes a pair of low friction chain engaging blocks that are held selectively together by a flexible strap and fastener device. The blocks include formed surfaces for loosely receiving the side plates of the chain and for roller engagement by the chain rollers. The chain flights are received with the rollers in moving contact with the guide blocks while the chain side plates are loosley and freely received by opposed grooves, opposite to the roller engaging surfaces. The blocks are provided with opposed roller engaging surfaces of different size to facilitate operation with chains having rollers of different size. The strap and fastener enable selective adjustment of the blocks toward or away from one another thereby adjust tension along the engaged chain flights.

Abstract: A toothed-belt fixing mechanism allows an end portion of a toothed-belt to be inserted between a toothed-pulley rotatable only in one direction and a guide member positioned so that a predetermined gap is formed between the guide member and peripheral teeth of the toothed-pulley. Teeth of the toothed-belt engage with the peripheral teeth of the toothed-pulley.

Abstract: A guide for the motion of a pair of weft grippers inside the shed of a shuttleless loom, in which two control straps each carrying one of the grippers move on a substantially horizontal plane under the action of two gearwheels with reciprocating motion. A plurality of elements guide the straps in this motion, these guide elements being aligned on a sley facing a reed of the loom and positioned perpendicularly thereto, the straps having a substantially rectangular section of greater width than thickness and a shaped recess extending along each longitudinal side edge. The guide elements are substantially horizontal tooth projection, shaped like and engaged in those recesses. The projections are wedge-shaped, the apices of the wedges being substantially half way along the thickness of the straps. The straps are wider and thicker adjacent the grippers than remote from the grippers.

Abstract: There is provided a thin finite linear motion rolling guide unit having an apparatus for preventing a positional deviation of a holder. The guide unit comprises a U-shaped bed member, an inverse U-shaped table member, and a M-shaped holder sandwiched between the bed member and the table member. Holding holes are formed horizontally in a line at regular intervals in a pair of outside opposite walls so as to rotatably hold the balls between the opposite track grooves formed on the bed member and the table member. Circular holes are formed in the central portions in the lognitudinal direction of the inside opposite walls of the holder. A pin is pressure inserted and fixed into the holes. A single type inside belt and a double-single type outside belt are wrapped to the central portion of the pin by a half rotation in the opposite directions so that the outside belt comes into contact with outer edges of the inside belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to the engineering sector of cycle accessories.The derailleur in accordance with this invention is worthy of note as the rear part of the forks (1) (2) is formed to take a quick fixing system to provide for bracing them.

Abstract: An anti-chain wrap device has a plurality of lifters which are raised and curved to be adjacent the rotary path of the chainrings, respectively, to strip or free a struck chain from the chainring. The lifters are finger blade members which are joined near their lower ends to provide a more rigid construction.

Abstract: A front derailleur for use in a bicycle. The front derailleur provides a plurality of speeds through selective engagement of a driving chain with any one of at least three sprockets by applying a control force to a portion of a link mechanism urged by an urging member thereby moving a chain guide connected with the link mechanism against the urging force of the urging member. The link mechanism is operable to move the chain guide while varying its posture so as to provide an increased pivot amount between the sprocket pair adjacent the urging side whereas to provide a reduced pivot amount between the sprocket pair distant from the urging side, in comparison with the conventional mechanism of this type. This novel construction permits sufficient urging force at the middle sprocket position in accordance with increase in the deformation amount of the urging member, thereby to provide a reliable change speed operation by the sufficient urging force.

Abstract: A paper feed tractor comprising a tractor frame including a pair of side frames and a belt guide disposed between and coupled to the side frames, a sprocket wheel supported for rotation between the two side frames, an endless belt adapted to be driven by the sprocket wheel to slidably travel on guide walls formed on three peripheral faces of the belt guide, and a cover mounted at a side thereof for pivotal motion on one of the side frames from and to a position in which it extends on a linear one of the guide walls of the belt guide. The endless belt has feed pins provided projectingly in a row at equal intervals on an outer peripheral face thereof, and a paper holder provided on the cover is positioned, on at least one side of the feed pins, in parallel to the outer peripheral face of the endless belt.

Abstract: A chain tensioner particularly for use in confined spaces having a blade ing mechanically interlocked with a plastic shoe. The plastic shoe engages the chain to be tensioned and the shoe may be made of a rigid heat stabilized nylon.

Abstract: A chain tensioning device includes a pair of spaced blocks having opposed surfaces configured for abutment with a chain. An elongated connecting bar extends between the blocks and through aligned apertures formed through each of the blocks. The blocks are independently adjustably secured along the length of the connecting bar by set screws. The opposed chain abutment surfaces are configured as mirror image rectangular channel tracks having a central projection. In use, the device is placed in engagement with an endless loop type sprocket driven chain and the blocks are adjustably positioned along the length of the connecting bar with the rectangular channel tracks in engagement with opposite sides of the endless chain loop. The device provides a simple and inexpensive mechanism for tensioning a chain in the absence of a supporting structure for mounting an additional idler sprocket.

Abstract: The pre-timed distribution unit, in particular for internal combustion engines, is constituted by a first sprocket wheel, and a second sprocket wheel with a plurality of sprocket sets, a multiple-link chain taut between said sprocket wheels and defining a space inside which a guide shoe is housed, which is constituted by at least a plate-shaped structure provided with guides radiused by a first and a second mating, trueing circumferential edges. In an alternative form of practical embodiment, the unit comprises a guide shoe whose guides are associated with enlarged, laterally protruding portions.

Abstract: A sprocket retention/chain guide member for use in the timing drive mechanism for an internal combustion engine where a timing chain acts to rotate the engine camshaft from the crankshaft and time the opening and closing of the inlet and exhaust valves for the engine cylinders based on reciprocation of the pistons. The retention/guide member is adapted to be mounted on the front of the engine block and has oppositely disposed arcuate grooves loosely receiving the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets and guide channels on each side of the member acting as snubbers for the chain. The member, chain and sprockets form a subassembly for shipping and ease of assembly on the block with the sprockets being received on the crankshaft and camshaft. Also, a chain tensioner may form a portion of one guide channel.

Abstract: A cover device for a driving chain stretched between a front chain gear and a rear chain gear of a bicycle, which is provided with a large number of first and second covers each provided with an outside cover portion for covering a space between the link plates of the chain and side cover portions in continuation of both widthwise ends of the outside cover portion for covering the side surface of each link plate. The utmost end of each of the side cover portions is bent toward the center of the width dimension of the outside cover portion to thereby form an engaging portion engageable with the widthwise edge of each link plate.

Abstract: The flapping-preventing runner (10) constituting the subject-matter of the present invention is constituted by two half-runners (11) and (12), each comprising a couple of divergent guides (14) designed for supporting and guiding the two branches of a transmission chain (21). The two half-runners (11) and (12) are housed inside the dead space existing between the sprocket wheels (19) and (20) and the transmission chain (21) which connects them. In an alternative form of practical embodiment of the invention, the guides (14) are provided with flanges (28) which totally enclose the two transmission chain branches (21).

Abstract: A free-floating tensioning device having motion damping capabilities and gyroscopic action stabilizing capabilities for use in a drive system having a flexible drive element is disclosed. The tensioning device includes a tensioning assembly along with a damping member and/or a stabilizing member. The tensioning assembly has first and second tensioning members, each having a contact surface that contacts the drive elements, and a positioning component for securing the tensioning members a selected distance away from one another in order to apply a suitable tensioning force to the drive element. The damping member is connected to the tensioning assembly and is suitable for damping the vibration and oscillation of the tensioning device during operation. The damping member includes a damping material.

Abstract: A torque transmission apparatus having an infinitely variable gear ratio particularly suited for use as a bicycle transmission. The apparatus may be mounted on conventional bicycles and replaces the usual derailleur mechanism. A novel means is used to effect the gear changes which requires less force than previous devices. All force transmitting components of the apparatus are mechanically engaged without relying on friction which eliminates any possibility of slippage within the transmission.

Abstract: An overshift preventer comprising a guard plate having a chain biasing region, a base member integral with the guard plate and adjustable horizontally adjacent the chain gears of a bicycle, and a clamp for supporting the base member and for mounting the guard plate to a bicycle seat tube perpendicularly in a spaced parallel relationship to the front chain gears.

Abstract: A guide rail, and method of making same, for the guiding and/or tightening of chains that are used in internal-combustion engines, for example, for driving camshafts, auxiliaries or the like is disclosed. For reasons concerning weight and manufacturing, the guide rail consists of a plastic material and is formed by a slideway lining body and a carrier. Both the carrier and the slideway lining body are produced in a progressive manufacturing cycle and are interconnected via one or several dovetailed connections.

Abstract: The chain tensioner has an arcuate curved bow with a correspondingly shaped, perforated sheet metal part extending over its entire length and which has a U-shaped cross-section. A plastics material layer is injection moulded all around said sheet metal part. A swivel bearing is located at one end, while at the other end a support part is provided, on which the bow is pressed against the chain running externally on a sliding surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting power by a chain engaged with sprockets incorporates therein with a chain retaining member at a position at which the chain engages with one of the sprockets for maintaining the engagement between the chain and the one sprocket. With the provision of the chain retaining member, even if the chain becomes loose due to elongation with age, disengagement of the chain from the sprockets can be eliminated, resulting in a reduction in the frequency at which the chain tension must be adjusted.

Abstract: A chain guide (10) secured to an attachment tab (22) of an attachment link (20) of a roller chain (12) is disclosed for stabilizing the roller chain (12) on a chain rail (14). Chain guide (10) is generally symetrical about longitudinal and lateral axes and includes a central, right parallelepiped portion (26) integrally formed intermediate end portions (34) having a cross section of an isosceles triangle. The surfaces (36) of end portions (34) pilot chain guide (10) onto the chain rail (14). The support surfaces (28) of portion (26) slideably abut the face (16) of the chain rail (14). A socket (46) is provided intermediate and parallel to the support surfaces (28) for slideably receiving the attachment link (20). In the most preferred form, chain guide (10) is secured to the attachment tab (22) by detents (56) formed on the sides (48) of socket (46) for a snap interlock with a hole (24) formed in the attachment tab (22).

Abstract: A railroad car hand brake has a housing with a chain opening in said housing. There is a shaft mounted in the housing which mounts a chain drum which is rotated by a drive gear. The drum is formed and adapted to engage a link chain whereby turning of the drum moves the chain inwardly through the housing opening, around the drum and then outwardly through the housing opening. A chain stripper is attached to the housing and has a portion thereof positioned between the incoming and outgoing chain, in alignment with and extending toward the drum to prevent the chain from wrapping around the drum.

Abstract: A tensioning device (10) for a flexible drive element (16), the tensioning device comprising a first tensioning member (40) having a first contact surface (58), and a second tensioning member (140) having a second contact surface (158). Straps (34, 36) and positioning devices (42, 44, 142, 144) secure the first and second tensioning members a selected distance away from one another. In one arrangement, the positioning devices form a ratchet-like mechanism arranged such that the force required to move the tensioning members toward one another is smaller than the force required to move the tensioning members away from one another. The tensioning device may be operated without any members securing the tensioning device with respect to the sprockets.

Abstract: An adjustable speed garage door operator which has a longitudinal rail with a trolley mounted on the rail and connected to a door to open and close it. A chain is connected to the trolley and is mounted on a front idler sprocket and can be selectively mounted on different drive sprockets which have different numbers of teeth so as to vary the speed of the door.

Abstract: A protective device for a driving chain stretched across a front gear and a rear gear of at a bicycle, which forms a guard body inserted below a driving side path of the chain at the driving side of the chain travelling from the rear gear to the front gear and having a chain guide surface for guiding axially outwardly part of the chain on the driving side path with respect to a rear bicycle wheel, the guard body is mounted on the bicycle frame through a mounting member, so that, even when the chain vibrates due to a bounce of the bicycle while running, the chain is prevented from contacting the rear wheel to be carried along with the rotation of the rear wheel.

Abstract: A derailleur includes a linkage mechanism including a fixing member, a chain guide having an inner guide plate and an outer guide plate generally parallel to one another, and a linkage device supported to the fixing member and movable axially relative to the front chain gear assembly. The inner guide plate includes an elongate urging portion on its inner side surface closest to the outer guide plate. The urging portion is swollen in a direction toward the outer guide plate and is provided to contact the driving chain to urge it when the chain guide is moved to shift the driving chain. The inner guide plate has a first mounting device positioned above the urging portion and another mounting device positioned below the urging portion. The linkage device is connected to the inner guide plate at both the mounting devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rocking idler for guiding driving members such as roller chains, belts and like members, comprising a hub adapted to be freely rockably mounted on the same axis of rotation of a driving mechanism, said hub having extending therefrom in a diverging manner a couple of guiding means adapted to receive the respective two laps, the taut lap and the slackening lap of the chain and like driving means which is a part of the driving assembly.

Abstract: A method of making a tensioner for a power transmission belt that is adapted to be operated in an endless path is provided and comprises the steps of providing a support unit for being fixed relative to the belt, providing a belt engaging unit to be carried by the support unit and be movable relative thereto, operatively associating a mechanical spring unit with the support unit and the belt engaging unit for urging the belt engaging unit relative to the support unit and against the belt with a force to tension the belt, operatively associating a fluid dampening unit with the support unit and the belt engaging unit to dampen the movement of the belt engaging unit relative to the support unit in at least one direction thereof, forming the mechanical spring unit to comprise a pair of springs disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation, disposing at least a part of the fluid dampening unit between the springs and in substantially parallel relation therewith, and forming the fluid dampening unit to compris

Abstract: A front derailleur for a bicycle having a chain guide with inner and outer plates for shifting a driving chain from one to another of at least two front chain gears. The inner plate has a swollen portion extending toward the outer plate, which urges the chain toward a larger diameter front chain gear and which is disposed between a first chain traversing position where the chain, when in the process of being shifted from a smaller diameter front chain gear to the larger diameter one, traverses the chain guide at an initial stage wherein the chain is raised by contact with the larger diameter chain gear and a second chain traversing position where the chain traverses the chain guide at the final stage wherein the chain is raised by contact with the larger diameter gear before completion of the chain shift operation.

Abstract: A motorcycle engine having a tensioning mechanism for a cam chain. The mechanism includes a guide on the slack side of the chain which is controlled by two spaced pivotally-mounted links. One of the two links is biased by a spring to tension the cam chain. A sliding rod mechanism prevents facile motion of the links to lessen tension in the cam chain while allowing free tightening. The links are of such proportional extent that the end of the guide nearest the driving sprocket provides the tensioning motion while the end of the guide adjacent the driven sprocket remains tangent thereto.

Abstract: A roller chain adapted to be placed in compression between two members one of which is movable and the other fixed and to bear high pressure arising between these members, comprises a plurality of rollers on each of a series of transverse axles, the axles being interconnected by links of a height less than the external diameter of the rollers. Sleeves are threaded on the axles and the rollers turn on these sleeves. The roller chain is confined between guide surfaces provided on at least one of the relatively moving members between which it is disposed, this member also having removable members thereon that define these guide surfaces, the guide surfaces contacting the outermost links.

Abstract: Guide means are provided for a fixed track chain drive system to avoid velocity fluctuation caused when the chain enters and exits a drive sprocket during continued travel between straight tracks. Said guide means comprises a curved track section located between the drive sprocket and straight track having a varying curvature depending upon a mathematical computation derived between the chain lengths when traveling in the straight track and on the drive sprocket.

Abstract: A retainer for preventing a conveyor drive chain from jumping off its sprocket is presented. The retainer comprises a shoe having a lining with an arcuate working surface of anti-friction material disposed over a lower run portion of the chain that is disposed over a drive sprocket. Coils springs bias the lining into engagement with the drive chain. Means are provided for maintaining the center of the working surface of the lining substantially concentric with the center of rotation of the drive sprocket.

Abstract: In a live roller conveyor wherein friction drive wheels underlie and drive the live rollers, sprockets mounted on the frame drive the friction drive wheels and are themselves driven by a driving chain course running below them. Both the driving and return courses of the chain are supported and guided by the same chain guide member of extruded plastic which is mounted on the frame and includes laterally projecting flanges having shoulder portions which directly support and guide the respective chain courses. The drive mechanism is provided with multiple sheet metal guard members which are mounted in alternately overlapping (shingle) fashion along the conveyor and are constructed with sections which are readily bendable to accommodate curved stretches of the conveyor. This drive mechanism and the guard members are equally useful on straight and curved conveyors and on combinations of straight and curved conveyor sections.

Abstract: A carriage for descending stairs carrying a person under the control of an operator, i.e., an able-bodied person walking behind the carriage. The person in the carriage rests upon a seat with an upright back. The carriage is supported at its sides upon two support units each of which has an endless belt which extends along a rigid longitudinal frame with two pulleys mounted upon horizontal axes at the opposite ends of the frame, and with belts extending around those pulleys and forming two longitudinal runs between the pulleys. Each belt is formed by a continuous strip of heavy fabric with a continuous strip of flexible rubber bonded to the fabric. The belts of the support units act as brakes to retard the movement down the stairs.

Abstract: A first shaft is screwed with a second shaft. The first shaft is secured rotatively to a bearing through a spring and the second shaft is secured slidably to another bearing. A pushing force in a fixed direction is provided to the second shaft through the screwed portion by actuating a spring torque in a rotative direction to the first shaft, whereby a determined tension is given to a chain when a tensioner is slackened in use.

Abstract: A tension providing mechanism including two shafts, one having an external screw and the other having an internal screw, the shafts being connected by engaging the screwed portions with each other. One of the shafts is supported for axial translation without rotation, and the other shaft is supported for rotation and is restrained from axial sliding. The rotatable shaft includes a torsion spring for applying spring torque in a direction to cause the other shaft to extend in an axial direction against a member, such as a drive chain, in order to increase the tension thereof. A locking mechanism is provided for constraining movement of the rotatable shaft, the locking mechanism being in the form of a lever having one end removably engaged with a split groove provided in the end of the shaft, the other end of the locking mechanism being latched to a projection formed on the case in which the tension providing mechanism is housed.

Abstract: An arrangement for protecting a belt has a cover element arranged to at least partially surround a belt pulley, and a hood element arranged on the cover element and adjustable relative to the other in direction normal to the axis of the belt pulley. The hood element may be telescopically displaceable over the cover element and fixable to the same. The hood element may also be formed as a bellows with an adjustable length.