Abstract: The invention relates to an elastomeric product which contains a radical cross-linked rubber mixture, especially drive belts. For the production of elastomeric products, especially drive belts, having a long service life and producible in an environmentally friendly way, the rubber mixture contains (a) 0.1 to 50 phr of at least one carboxylic acid, which is at least ?,? unsaturated and ?,? unsaturated and preferably has at least one allylic hydrogen atom; and, (b) 0.1 to 50 phr of at least one salt-former as co-activator.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 14, 2006
Date of Patent:
June 14, 2011
Assignee:
ContiTech Antriebssysteme GmbH
Inventors:
Karl-Friedrich Grüssel, Reinhard Teves, Michael Well
Abstract: An exemplary assembly includes at least one elongated tension member (32). A jacket covers at least some of the tension member (32). The jacket comprises a polymer material (64, 68) including a friction stabilizer (62) that facilitates maintaining a desired friction characteristic of at least an exterior surface on the jacket.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 15, 2008
Publication date:
June 9, 2011
Inventors:
Xiaomei Yu, Gopal R. Krishnan, John P. Wesson, John M. Milton-Benoit
Abstract: A power transmission belt (10) includes: a belt body (11) including a part (14) which is in contact with a flat pulley and which is made of a rubber composition containing an ethylene-?-olefin elastomer with an ethylene content of less than or equal to 60% by mass as raw rubber. The rubber composition forming the contact part (14) with the flat pulley has a storage modulus of 20-60 MPa at 25° C. and a storage modulus of 12 MPa or more at 100° C., short fibers are not blended into the rubber composition, and the grain direction of the rubber composition corresponds to a belt lengthwise direction.
Abstract: A flexible endless belt includes cords extending generally lengthwise of the belt in multiple turns. An Outer end of each cord may be located in a position that is not substantially laterally outward of other portion of the laterally outermost turn of the cord so as to prevent fraying of the cord at the outer end. When the belt is received on roller in a baler, the outer ends of the cords lead at least a part of respective transition portions. A carcass for the belt may have a first cord wound in a Z-direction along the length of the belt and comprising at least two threads wound in the Z-direction and a second cord wound in an S-direction along the length of the belt and comprising at least two threads wound in the S-direction.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 26, 2006
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2011
Assignee:
Tri Corp.
Inventors:
William T. Muma, William H. S. Chen, Yu-Chun Chen
Abstract: Noise and vibration of a helically-toothed-belt transmission device driven under heavy load or at a high-speed rotation, are reduced. A backlash “D” is selectively enlarged in a helically-toothed-belt transmission device that transmits drive force by meshing between a helically toothed belt and a helically toothed pulley. That is, a tooth helix angle “?” is set in a range of ?0.2?1?W·?/Pt?0.75, with “Pt” being a tooth pitch, “?” a tooth helix angle, and W the width of the belt. The backlash “D” between the helically toothed belt and the helically toothed pulley is set to be 1.6%-3% of the tooth pitch “Pt”.
Abstract: A power transmission chain includes a plurality of links aligned in a chain travel direction and a coupling member that includes a first power transmission member and a second power transmission member. The first power transmission member includes an opposing portion that opposes the corresponding second power transmission member and contacts the corresponding second power transmission member on a contact portion that undergoes displacement in association with a change of a bending angle between corresponding links in a contact state including at least one of rolling contact and sliding contact. The opposing portion includes an arc-shaped portion having a predetermined radius of curvature and a rate-of-change increasing portion. The arc-shaped portion includes a portion that forms the contact portion when the bending angle is equal to or greater than zero and equal to or smaller than a predetermined boundary angle.
Abstract: A friction drive belt for transmitting power while being wound around a pulley such that a compression rubber layer provided on an inner periphery of a belt body is in contact with the pulley enables both of noise reduction during the run of the belt and greater durability. A plurality of pores 15 having an average size of 5-120 ?m are formed in the compression rubber layer 12 such that the compression rubber layer 12 has an air content of 5-40%.
Abstract: In a friction transmission belt in which a compression rubber layer provided to an inner circumferential side of the belt body is wrapped over pulleys such that the compression rubber layer contacts the pulleys, such a configuration that both of a noise reduction and durability while the belt is running can be achieved is obtained. The compression rubber layer is configured so as not to include short fibers and so as to have a surface roughness, i.e., an Ra of at least a pulley contact surface of the compression rubber layer equal to or more than 3 ?m.
Abstract: Metal coated organic polymer compositions are useful as vehicular transmission parts. Such parts may have lighter weight, and/or superior corrosion resistance, and/or be more easily fabricated than similar conventional transmission parts.
Type:
Application
Filed:
October 1, 2008
Publication date:
November 25, 2010
Applicants:
MORPH TECHNOLOGIES, INC., E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
Inventors:
Andri E. Elia, Michael R. Day, Jonathan McCrea, Glenn Steed, Andrew Wang
Abstract: A power transmission belt incorporating an adhesive treatment system and method for bonding fiber to rubber which includes an optional primer coat based on a low-molecular-weight isocyanate, followed by an overcoat including: (a) a prepolymer based on an isocyanate-terminated diene oligomer, and optionally (b) a low-molecular-weight isocyanate, and/or (c) a thermoplastic urethane comprising the reaction product of the same prepolymer with MDI and EHD. A polyester, aramid, or carbon fiber tensile cord for rubber reinforcement may be treated with the primer coat and the overcoat. A power transmission belt or other dynamic rubber product having ethylene-alpha-olefin elastomer as the primary rubber constituent may be reinforced by the tensile cord.
Abstract: The present invention provides a friction transmission belt having a friction transmission surface having a rubber composition containing a plasticizer, the plasticizer forming a film on the friction transmission surface, a change in friction coefficient (?) with respect to a change in slipping velocity (V) indicated by a difference between a pulley speed and a belt speed (d?/dv) being 0 or a positive value in a dry state and a wet state.
Abstract: A flexurally elastic drive belt (1) has a cover layer (2), a reinforcement layer (3) formed of individual cords (4) and a substructure (5). The substructure can include ribs (6) and grooves (7). The drive belt is further provided with a textile overlay on the working side (8) thereof that is susceptible to wear. The textile overlay (10; section B of FIG. 1) of the drive belt (1) combines a very durable resistance to wear and a noise attenuation especially for wet noises. This is achieved in that the overlay has, in a state in advance of fabrication and vulcanization, an elongation at tear of at least 30% in the longitudinal direction and of at least 100% in the transverse direction and is made of a textile material including staple fibers in a proportion in terms of quantity of at least 30% by weight.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 3, 2010
Publication date:
September 23, 2010
Inventors:
Henning Kanzow, Marko Schleicher, Reinhard Teves, Claus-Lüder Mahnken
Abstract: A method of providing a mark on a power transmission belt having a body with a length and laterally spaced side surface. The method includes the step of providing a mark on at least one of the laterally spaced side surfaces. The invention is also directed to a power transmission belt having a length and laterally spaced side surfaces, with a mark on at least one of the laterally spaced side surfaces.
Abstract: A power transmission belt has a compression section, a tension section, and a load carrying section. The load carrying section has a plurality of reinforcing cords. The reinforcing cords are formed from poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO). In each reinforcing cord, the cords have a yarn twist greater than the cord twist, and the cord twist is in the range of one-forth to one-half of a ply twist.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 27, 2006
Date of Patent:
August 24, 2010
Assignee:
Veyance Technologies, Inc.
Inventors:
Jeffrey Dwight Lofgren, Larry Dean Goettsch
Abstract: An elevator system design incorporates a belt having a jacket coating a plurality of elongate load bearing members such as steel cords. The jacket includes a plurality of spaced grooves on at least one side of the belt. The width of the grooves and the size of at least the drive sheave in the system are selected so that a ratio of the groove width to the sheave diameter is within a selected range. In one example, the ratio preferably is less than about 0.05. The grooves also preferably include a fillet at the edges of the grooves where the grooves meet with the sheave-engaging surface on the belt jacket.
Abstract: A power shaft including a belt retaining geometry is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The power shaft includes a shaft including a normal belt position portion adapted for receiving a belt and a reduced diameter portion formed on the shaft and located adjacent to the normal belt position portion. The belt can move into the reduced diameter portion of the power shaft during operation and the reduced diameter portion creates an alignment tension force on the belt that operates to return the belt to the normal belt position portion.
Abstract: An elevator load bearing assembly includes a plurality of cords within a jacket. The jacket has a plurality of grooves spaced along the length of the belt assembly. In one example, the grooves are separated by varying spacings along the length of the belt. In another example, at least a portion of each groove is aligned at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the belt. Another example includes a combination of the different spacings and the non-perpendicular alignment.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 4, 2001
Date of Patent:
March 2, 2010
Assignee:
Otis Elevator Company
Inventors:
John Pitts, Bruce Swaybill, Patricia A. Derwinski, Hugh James O'Donnell
Abstract: A belt tensioning device for a belt drive which comprises a driving machine with a driving belt pulley drivable by a driveshaft around a driving axis, and a plurality of further belt pulleys and with an infinite belt which is wrapped around the driving belt pulley and the further belt pulleys wherein the belt tensioning device comprises a housing in which two tensioning arms are supported so as to be pivotable around a common pivot axis, in which tensioning arms there are supported tensioning rollers with axes of rotation extending parallel to the driving axis, wherein the tensioning arms are supported relative to one another by spring means, wherein, with the driving belt pulley mounted at the driving machine, the housing can be mounted in that, in an annular region surrounding the driveshaft of the driving belt pulley, the housing is contact-free relative to the driving machine.
Abstract: In a friction drive belt B, at least a contact part 13 of a belt body 10 with a pulley is made of an elastomer composition. The contact part 13 of the belt body 10 with a pulley has a large number of cellular pores 15 formed in the contact surface with the pulley.
Abstract: A motor to accessory drive system wherein an electric or gasoline motor, having a housing with a drive shaft end protruding from the motor housing, is mounted with respect to the accessory to be driven, such as a pump or a generator, which also has a housing with a drive shaft protruding from the accessory housing, with a mounting plate secured at one end to the motor housing, and secured at another end to the accessory housing whereby the accessory is supported from the motor. The mounting plate is provided with spaced apertures with the drive shaft ends of the motor and accessory respectively protruding through the apertures in parallel alignment. A drive pulley is mounted on each of the protruding drive shaft ends in alignment in a common plane and an endless belt is in driving engagement with the pulleys.
Abstract: The present invention is directed to an endless power transmission belt having an elastomeric body and at least one treated textile fabric, the treated textile fabric including a first treatment including a polyamide and an epoxy; and optionally, a second treatment including an RFL adhesive.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 21, 2004
Date of Patent:
June 23, 2009
Assignee:
Veyance Technologies, Inc.
Inventors:
Jeffery Dwight Lofgren, Larry Dean Goettsch, Wesley James Billups
Abstract: A power transmission belt incorporating an adhesive treatment system and method for bonding fiber to rubber which includes an optional primer coat based on a low-molecular-weight isocyanate, followed by an overcoat including: (a) a prepolymer based on an isocyanate-terminated diene oligomer, and optionally (b) a low-molecular-weight isocyanate, and/or (c) a thermoplastic urethane comprising the reaction product of the same prepolymer with MDI and EHD. A polyester, aramid, or carbon fiber tensile cord for rubber reinforcement may be treated with the primer coat and the overcoat. A power transmission belt or other dynamic rubber product having ethylene-alpha-olefin elastomer as the primary rubber constituent may be reinforced by the tensile cord.
Abstract: A noise suppressor for a straddle-type vehicle provided with a belt type continuously variable transmission having a resin-block-type belt. A portion of an air passage for guiding air to a belt chamber is formed in a closed casing. The closed casing includes a dish-shaped first casing member and a dish-shaped second casing member. An inlet port and an exhaust port are formed in the second casing member. Partition walls in the form of curved plate pieces are formed in the first casing and second casing members. Air flow paths formed by the partition walls are U-shaped, thereby forming a serpentine flow.
Abstract: A torque vectoring drive system is presented for use in a motor vehicle. The torque vectoring drive system includes a differential unit having an input shaft, a first axle shaft, a second axle shaft, and a carrier, the differential rotatably driving the axle shafts while permitting the axle shafts to have independent speeds of rotation. The system includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having an input shaft driveably coupled to the carrier of the differential and an output shaft driveably coupled to the first axle shaft of the differential. The CVT is operable to variably control the drive torque of the first axle shaft relative to the second axle shaft to provide torque vectoring.
Abstract: A running machine belt is a belt rotated by a driving roller of a running machine main body. The running machine belt is formed in an endless shape and in width enough for allowing a person to stand thereon. The running machine belt includes a core belt formed of at least one kind of fiber material, a soft layer provided on a front surface of the core belt on which the person stands, and a graphite paint layer provided on a rear surface of the core belt that comes into contact with the driving roller.
Abstract: A power transmission belt has a compression section, a tension section, and a load carrying section. The load carrying section has a plurality of reinforcing cords. The reinforcing cords are formed from poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO). In each reinforcing cord, the cords have a yam twist greater than the cord twist, and the cord twist is in the range of one-forth to one-half of a ply twist.
Type:
Application
Filed:
October 27, 2006
Publication date:
May 1, 2008
Inventors:
Jeffrey Dwight Lofgren, Larry Dean Goettsch
Abstract: A belt has at least two fiber strands which have synthetic fiber threads twisted in themselves and are designed for acceptance of force in longitudinal direction. The strands are arranged at a spacing relative to one another along the longitudinal direction of the belt and are embedded in a belt casing. At least one of the strands comprises an electrically conductive indicator thread which is twisted together with the synthetic fiber threads of the strand, wherein the indicator thread is arranged outside the center of the fiber bundle. The indicator thread has a breaking elongation (?ult,Ind) which is smaller than the breaking elongation (?ult,Trag) of individual synthetic fiber threads of the strand. It can be electrically contacted so that an electrical monitoring of the integrity thereof is made possible.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 15, 2005
Date of Patent:
February 5, 2008
Assignee:
Inventio AG
Inventors:
Roland Eichhorn, Claudio De Angelis, Karl Weinberger
Abstract: The present invention provides a paper-sheet-conveying endless belt which is produced through a small number of production steps, which includes a thin core member, and which exhibits excellent durability. The paper-sheet-conveying endless belt includes a core member formed of a heat-shrinkable tube, and a rubber-like elastic member provided thereon.
Abstract: An apparatus for the production of a fibrous web, in particular a paper web or paperboard web, having a belt formed from individual threads which are connected together, in particular woven together, whereby the surface of the threads is constructed to be structured in order to improve the paper quality and the production flow.
Abstract: A frictional forced power transmission belt transmits power to a pulley with its belt body wound around and in contact with the pulley. At least a contact part of the belt body with a pulley is formed of a rubber composition which contains ethylene-?-olefin elastomer as a rubber component but contains substantially no short fibers and which has a rubber hardness of not less than 80 but less than 95 when measured with a type A durometer in conformity with JIS K6253.
Abstract: An endless power transmission belt comprising load carrier cord comprising a cord formed from a plurality of strands, wherein the strands comprise fibers of para-aramid and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP); and a method for increasing the flexural fatigue resistance and durability of an endless belt, comprising the step of selecting for the belt's load carrier cord a yarn comprising a fiber of para-aramid and PVP.
Abstract: This invention has an object of enhancing the cold resistance of a heavy duty power transmission V-belt without impairing its durability at high temperatures, ensuring its sufficient power transmission capability and concurrently enhancing its permanent set resistance. To attain the object, the invention employs, for a rubber element of the belt, a rubber composition in which 20 to 40 parts by weight of a metal salt monomer of an organic acid and 5 to 35 parts by weight of short fibers are mixed into 100 parts by weight of a rubber component composed of EPDM and HNBR in their ratio of 55/45 to 75/25, the rubber hardness measured with a durometer Type D is 40 to 60, the value of t5 given by a Gehman torsion test is ?50° C. to ?35° C., and the amount of acetone extract from the rubber component is 9% or less.
Abstract: An endless power transmission belt having (1) a tension section; (2) a cushion section; and (3) a load-carrying section disposed between said tension section and cushion section; and the belt containing an elastomeric composition comprising (a) cross-linked elastomer; and (b) from 1 to 50 phr of high molecular weight polyacrylonitrile fiber.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 14, 2003
Date of Patent:
June 6, 2006
Assignee:
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Inventors:
Thomas George Burrowes, Carol Sue Hedberg
Abstract: A power transmission belt is formed so that the back face side of a belt body is covered with a reinforced fabric woven with warps and wefts. In the reinforced fabric, the direction of warps and the direction of wefts make equal angles with the belt widthwise direction, and each of two directions of consecutive yarn intersections of the warps and wefts formed to stand out from the belt surface makes a certain angle with the belt widthwise direction.
Abstract: An endless power transmission belt including a treated fiber embedded in an elastomeric body, the treated fiber having a first treatment of a polyamide and an epoxy, and optionally, a second treatment including an RFL adhesive.
Abstract: The power transmission ability of a belt for high power transmission is predicted. A power transmission ability curve of the belt that does not depend on the layout relative to the pulleys is found, thereby to facilitate evaluation of the belt power transmission ability and designing of the transmission condition of a belt drive system. To this end, for the high power transmission belt, a relational expression between the WD factor which is the pressing force against pulleys per belt unit length and the ST factor which is the effective tension of the belt per unit contact length to the pulleys is found. Based on the relational expression, evaluation of the power transmission ability of the belt is conducted. The WD-ST relational expression becomes a power transmission ability curve which is inherent to the belt B but independent of the layout relative to the pulleys, therefore facilitating evaluation of the belt power transmission ability and designing of the transmission condition of the belt drive system.
Abstract: The present invention provides for a power transfer belt that is manufactured of a highly thermally conductive polymer composition, in contrast to the typical rubber material used to fabricate the belts of the prior art. The new and unique belt of the present invention is manufactured of a thermally conductive polymer material that is easily injection moldable into any desired shape and configuration. Further, the polymer composition is very thermally conductive, which assists in dissipating heat that is generated by the friction created during normal operation of the device. The new belt material and its construction allow heat to be conducted directly through the surface of the belt thus preventing heat buildup within the belt itself, thereby preserving and extending its life. Further, the present invention provides a novel method whereby a thermally conductive belt is manufactured through net shape molding.
Abstract: The power transmission striated belt includes an elastomeric matrix (21) and a lengthwise supporting structure consisting of polyamide 4.6 twisted strands (20). The supporting structure (21) is selected so that the stress-elongation diagram of the belt exhibits an average slope ranging from 12 to 20 daN/% of elongation per width centimeter. The twisted strands are wound with an almost null nominal tension, and the curing operation and the cooling operation after curing are carried out without any belt tensioning.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 27, 2001
Date of Patent:
May 24, 2005
Assignee:
Hutchinson
Inventors:
Alain Winninger, Jean Claude Sedilleau, Jean-Jacques Robert
Abstract: A frictional forced power transmission belt transmits power to a pulley with its belt body wound around and in contact with the pulley. At least a contact part of the belt body with a pulley is formed of a rubber composition which contains ethylene-&agr;-olefin elastomer as a rubber component but contains substantially no short fibers and which has a rubber hardness of not less than 80 but less than 95 when measured with a type A durometer in conformity with JIS K6253.
Abstract: A method of bonding an ethylene•&agr;-olefin rubber composition with a fiber material. The method includes the steps of adhesion treating the fiber material with a resorcinol-formalin-rubber latex with an ethylene•&agr;-olefin elastomer latex and vulcanization bonding the adhesion-treated fiber material together with an unvulcanized ethylene•&agr;-olefin rubber composition.
Abstract: A power transmission belt, and more particularly a toothed power transmission belt, comprising a longitudinally extending tensile member composed of one or more carbon fiber cords, wherein the belt exhibits belt growth of not more than 0.1% based on its original length after 48 hours under High Temperature Belt Growth Analysis performed at 100° C., and a method for producing such belts exhibiting reduced belt growth.
Abstract: A toothed belt comprising a body made of elastomeric material, embedded in which is a plurality of longitudinal filiform resistant inserts, and comprising a toothging coated with a coating fabric; on top of the coating fabric a resistant layer is made to adhere, which increases the resistance to wear of the toothed belt and which comprises a fluorine-based plastomer with elastomeric material added, in which the plastomer is present in an amount greater than that of the elastomeric material. Preferably, the plastomer is polytetrafluoroethylene, and the elastomeric material comprises HNBR. Advantageously, the resistant layer has a thickness of between 0.01 and 1.5 mm, and between the coating fabric and the resistant layer is set an adhesive material.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 22, 2001
Date of Patent:
May 25, 2004
Assignee:
Dayco Europe S.r.l.
Inventors:
Marco Di Meco, Franco Cipollone, Arturo Carrano, Carlo Baldovino, Mario Pennazza, Tommaso Di Giacomo
Abstract: An on-machine-seamable industrial belt comprising a coated spiral base with a pin seam that offers easy installation, durability, high surface friction, and strength. The belt construction includes a helical spiral base produced from primarily polyester monofilament or blends thereof. The coating material is a liquid silicone rubber elastomer of Shore A durometer 15-50. The coating penetration encapsulates at least the top spiral filament and extends beyond the top surface of the base. The seam strength is substantially equal to that of the fabric body.
Abstract: An endless belt, comprising a molding in the shape of an endless belt obtained by mixing a crystalline resin having at least one hydroxyl group, carboxyl group or an ester linkage, an amorphous resin having at least one hydroxyl group, carboxyl group or an ester linkage, and a polymerization catalyst while heating, thereby preparing a resin composition; and molding said resin composition.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 28, 2000
Date of Patent:
December 9, 2003
Assignees:
Yukadenshi Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
Abstract: A belt having an elastomeric body and tensile cord embedded therein. The tensile cord comprises a polyamide 4.6 core with an outer sheath of polyester staple fibers. The modulus of the belt is in the range of approximately 1200 N/mm to 4500 N/mm.
Abstract: A low modulus power transmission belt having a multi-unit cord tensile member. The belt also comprises a low modulus elastomeric body. A multi-unit cord tensile member configuration is plied into the elastomeric body, the tensile cord members having an included angle in the range of 120° to 180° between each ply. The belt having an elastic modulus of less than 1,500 N/mm and having an elongation of approximately 6.8% over a load range of approximately 0-350 newtons.
Abstract: In a massy three-dimensional sheet patterning machine having a patterning device with cooperative components for positioning on opposite, front and back sides of a sheet and moving devices for respectively moving the cooperative components cooperatively, the improvements wherein the moving devices each include for the moving a belt having teeth complementary to grooves in at least a driving pulley for the belt.
Abstract: The invention comprises a low modulus power transmission belt having a multi-unit cord tensile member. The belt also comprises a low modulus elastomeric body. A multi-unit cord tensile member configuration is plied into the elastomeric body, the tensile cord members having an included angle in the range of 120° to 180° between each ply. The belt having an elastic modulus of less than 1,500 N/mm and having an elongation of approximately 6.8% over a load range of approximately 0-350 newtons.
Abstract: A belt for a continuously variable transmission includes a metal ring assembly formed of a plurality of endless metal rings laminated one on another, and a large number of metal elements each having a ring slot into which the metal ring assembly is fitted. In the belt, a crowning radius of the metal ring in a free state is set smaller than a crowning radius of a saddle face of the ring slot supporting the innermost metal ring. Thus, the metal ring assembly can be centered to a central portion of the saddle face, whereby a difference between a tensile stress at a central portion of an outer peripheral surface of the metal ring and a tensile stress at opposite ends of the outer peripheral surface can be reduced in an area where the metal belt is wound around a pulley, thereby preventing a reduction in durability.
Abstract: The invention comprises a multi-ribbed belt wherein a rib tip has a concave arcuate surface disposed between substantially flat surfaces, which are in turn disposed between rib side surfaces. The substantially flat surfaces are adjacent to curved surfaces which connect to rib side surfaces. The inventive rib profile and rib compound construction significantly reduce rib tip cracking, which significantly reduces belt flex fatigue under high applied frictional torque. Further, the inventive rib profile and rib compound construction significantly reduces high localized tensile stress/strain at the rib tip and highly localized shear stress at the rib flank, thereby significantly reducing rib tip cracking and rib tear off. The inventive belt also comprises a significantly reduced contact normal force, thereby increasing an operating life of the belt.