| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 474135000 | Guide roll spring biased in belt-tensioning direction | 85 |
| 20080220919 | Low Profile Tensioner with Arcuate Spring - A tensioner operable to substantially maintain a specified tension in a flexible drive, such as a belt or chain, includes a spring, mounted laterally to the pivot shaft of the tensioner, which biases the tensioner arm towards the flexible drive. The spring is arcuate in shape and is maintained in a correspondingly arc-shaped spring retainer on a mounting plate of the tensioner. The arcuate shape of the spring and spring guide on the tensioner arm follows as the tensioner arm pivots towards and away from the flexible drive. The tensioner also has a wear take up mechanism to maintain the friction bushing in continuous engagement with the tensioner arm. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080234083 | Tensioner - A tensioner comprising a shaft ( | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080248907 | ACCESSORY DRIVE TENSIONER SYSTEM - An accessory drive tensioner system may include a bracket, a coupling mechanism, and a biasing member. The bracket may have an aperture therethrough and a tensioner hub coupled thereto. The coupling mechanism may extend through the aperture to rotatably couple the bracket to a mounting member that is fixed relative to an engine. The biasing member may be engaged with the coupling mechanism and the bracket to bias the bracket axially along the coupling mechanism. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080274846 | THIN AUTOTENSIONER - An autotensioner comprises a torsion coil spring interposed between a base and a rocking arm, and a tubular bushing provided between an inside surface of the base and an outside surface of the rocking arm. The torsion coil spring pushes and biases the rocking arm toward the bushing, and brings the pushing direction substantially in coincidence with the axial load direction of the force, acting on a stepped bolt supporting the rocking arm, from a belt. When the belt tension becomes high, the arm axial center displaces slightly from the base axial center, an extremely large first damping force acts on the rocking arm. When the belt tension becomes low, the smaller second damping force acts on the rocking arm. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080274847 | BELT TENSIONING DEVICE - A belt tensioning device for a continuous belt drive. The device includes a torsion spring assembly ( | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080280713 | Belt Tensioner - The aim of the invention is to improve a belt tensioner for a belt drive of an internal combustion engine, having a central bearing device which serves to define a pivot axis for the belt tensioning arm, and having a bearing sleeve which is connected to the tensioning arm, wherein the bearing device extends through the bearing sleeve and the bearing sleeve is mounted in a friction-damping manner by means of a plain bearing arrangement, so as to be pivotable about the bearing device, with said improvement being such that a good function of the belt tensioner is maintained despite a simplification of the design and a reduction in differently designed parts. Said problem is solved by means of a generic belt tensioner for a belt drive of an internal combustion engine, in which the plain bearing arrangement has at least two opposite sliding faces which have the same material. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080293527 | Vehicle Belt Drive Torsion Bar Tensioner with an Improved Damping Device - A tensioner ( | 11-27-2008 |
| 20090005202 | BELT TENSIONER AND METHOD FOR MAKING A BELT-TENSIONER ARM AND A SPRING CASE - A belt tensioner includes an arm, a spring case, and a helical spring having inwardly projecting first and second end portions. Another belt tensioner includes a spring, an arm, a spring case, and a pivot bushing surrounding the spring. An additional belt tensioner includes an idler pulley having a bearing with a mounting hole and includes an arm having a post. The post is positioned in the mounting hole, and an annular rim of the post is deformed radially outward and over the bearing. A method for manufacturing an arm and a spring case of a belt-tensioner includes obtaining a belt-tensioner-arm casting mold including a first section and a second section and obtaining a belt-tensioner-spring-case casting mold including a first segment and a second segment. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090011881 | Tensioner with Reinstallation Feature - A tensioner enables easy and reliable reinstallation of the tensioner and belt in the field service while simultaneously making it possible to utilize a one-way clutch device to ensure continuous belt tension control without cumbersome manual alignment and/or realignment procedures. The tensioner has a pivot shaft configured for mounting on an engine surface. A tensioner arm is mounted on the pivot shaft for pivotal movement between a free arm stop position and premount stop position. A belt-engaging pulley is mounted for rotation on the tensioner arm. A base cup is rotatably mounted around an end of the pivot shaft. The base cup has an arcuate slot having a free arm stop end and a premount stop end. The tensioner arm cooperates with the arcuate slot limiting the pivotal movement of the tensioner arm. A spring is coupled between the tensioner arm and the base cup biasing the tensioner arm in a belt-tensioning direction. An anti-kickback stop mechanism engages the pivot shaft and has a lost motion connection with the tensioner arm wherein the tensioner arm moves through a free range without engaging the anti-kickback mechanism. The tensioner arm 1) rotates the anti-kickback mechanism as the tensioner arm moves beyond the free range towards the premount stop position and 2) enables the anti-kickback mechanism as the tensioner arm moves beyond the free range towards the free arm stop position, limiting travel of the tensioner arm therebeyond. The spring is fixable relative to the pivot shaft upon the tensioner being mounted on the engine surface. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090023528 | Motorcycle Chain Guide and Tensioner - A chain guide and tensioner for guiding and applying tension to a chain may include a first tensioner arm, a second tensioner arm being positioned in a spaced relationship with respect to the first arm member, a shaft member for connection to the first arm member, and a roller member including a groove for guiding the chain. The roller member may include a pair of opposing flanges to define the groove and the height of the opposing flanges may be at least the height of the chain. The first tensioner arm may be biased by a biasing member, and the biasing member may include a spring. The biasing member may include a shock absorber, and the roller member may be positioned by a collar member. The collar member may move along a roller bushing member to adjust the roller member to be aligned with the chain, and the spring may be positioned over a spring bushing member. The spring bushing member may maintain a spaced relationship between the first tensioner arm and the second tensioner arm, and the second tensioner arm may be connected to the vehicle. The flange may include a chamfered edge. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090054186 | Tensioner - A tensioner comprising a base, a pivot arm rotationally connected to the base, a pulley journalled to the pivot arm, a torsion spring engaged between the base and the pivot arm for biasing the pivot arm, a damping member non-rotatingly engaged with the base, a thrust plate rotationally moveable in conjunction with the pivot arm, and the torsion spring exerting an axial force directly upon the thrust plate and thereby upon the damping member, pressing the damping member into frictional engagement with the pivot arm and with the thrust plate. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090062048 | BELT DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A belt member is supported by a plurality of roller members including a first roller member and moves in a predetermined direction of movement. A coupling member is coupled with the first roller member. An abutting member makes contact with the coupling member by changing tilting of a rotational axis of the first roller member and moves the coupling member in a forward direction and a reverse direction to correct meandering of the belt member. Abutting positions of the coupling member with respect to the abutting member when moving the coupling member in the forward direction and in the reverse direction are variable to support respective movement directions. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090075768 | Tensioner - A tensioner comprising a base, a pivot arm rotationally connected to the base, a pulley journalled to the pivot arm, a torsion spring engaged between the base and the pivot arm for biasing the pivot arm, a first damping member and a second damping member, each engaged with the base such that each cannot rotate with respect to the base but can move axially, a friction member connected to and rotationally moveable with the pivot arm, the friction member disposed between the first damping member and the second damping member, and the torsion spring exerting a normal force directly upon the first damping member, thereby pressing the first damping member and the second damping member into frictional engagement with the friction plate. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090082146 | TENSIONING DEVICE OF A TRACTION MECHANISM DRIVE - The invention relates to a tensioning device of a traction mechanism drive, having a tensioning lever mounted on a base housing and rotatable by a pivot bearing. A coil spring is arranged coaxially to the pivot bearing. The pivot bearing comprises a bearing journal, a bearing hub and at least one plain bearing sleeve which is arranged between the bearing journal and the bearing hub, and a central radial force application plane of the tensioning roller is axially spaced apart from a central radial bearing plane of the pivot bearing. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090118045 | Tensioner - A tensioner comprising a cantilever spring having a first arm ( | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090124442 | Tensioner - A tensioner comprising a base, an arm engaged with the base for oscillatory movement, a torsion spring engaged with the base and the arm, the torsion spring exerting a force on the arm, a damping mechanism exerting a frictional damping force between the base and the arm for damping an arm oscillation, the damping mechanism comprising a Belleville spring, the frictional damping force instantaneously adjustable by changing a Belleville spring force. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090131208 | Tensioner With Molded Arm - A tensioner for tensioning a flexible drive means is disclosed which has fewer components than comparable prior art tensioners. The tensioner is less expensive to manufacture and assemble and is easily installed. The tensioner includes a tensioner arm molded from a suitable plastic material and a pivot bushing formed from a different material, the pivot bushing preferably being over molded about the tensioner arm. The pivot bushing and tensioner arm include a series of longitudinal slots to form fingers from the tensioner arm and pivot bushing, the fingers engaging the pivot surface of the pivot shaft about which the arm pivots. A coil spring is used to bias a rotatable member on the tensioner arm into contact with the flexible drive means to be tensioned and a portion of the coil spring engages the fingers to squeeze them to increase the frictional force between the pivot bushing and the pivot surface to dampen the tensioner when the tensioner arm is moved in one direction. A unique thermal management system is also disclosed which employs thermal insulating coatings and thermal dispersant coatings to manage the temperature of the tensioner arm to enhance its expected operating lifetime. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090163312 | Tensioner - A tensioner comprising a base comprising a first portion, an arm comprising a second portion, the arm pivotally connected to the base, a pulley journalled to the arm, a resilient member compressively disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the resilient member comprising a gap within which the first portion and the second portion are disposed, and the resilient member comprising a bore, the bore engaging the arm. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090215563 | TENSIONER FOR A TRACTION MEANS SUCH AS A BELT OR THE LIKE - The invention relates to a tensioner ( | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090215564 | TENSIONER FOR A TRACTION MECHANISM - A tensioner ( | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090239696 | Tensioner - A tensioner comprising a base, a pivot arm pivotally engaged with the base, a torsion spring engaged between the base and the pivot arm for biasing the pivot arm, a first damping member and a second damping member disposed between the pivot arm and the base, the first damping member wedgingly engagable between the pivot arm and the second damping member, and the second damping member frictionally engaged between the first damping member and the base. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090275432 | TENSIONER WITH HUB LOAD BALANCING FEATURE - A tensioner assembly with a drive member, a tensioner arm, a shaft, a pivot bushing, a torsion spring and a load balancing element. The tensioner arm has a hub portion, a drive member mount and an arm disposed therebetween. The drive member is coupled to the drive member mount. The shaft is mounted coaxially within the hub portion. The pivot bushing has a frustoconical bearing surface, which engages a corresponding frustoconical surface in the hub portion, and is slidably mounted on the shaft. The torsion spring is received between the shaft and an outer wall of the hub portion and biases the tensioner arm about the shaft in a predetermined rotational direction. The load balancing element is received between and abuts the outer wall and the torsion spring to transmit a radially outwardly directed force generated by the torsion spring to the outer wall at a predetermined location. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090286636 | Sealed tensioner - A sealed tensioner comprising a base, an arm pivotally engaged with the base, a spring engaged with the base and the arm, a bushing operationally disposed between the base and the arm, the arm being pivotally engaged with the bushing, a first seal engaged with the arm for preventing a fluid from contacting the bushing, and a second seal engaged with the base for preventing a fluid from contacting the bushing. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090286637 | TENSIONING DEVICE FOR A TRACTION MECHANISM, IN PARTICULAR A BELT OR A CHAIN - A tensioning device for a traction mechanism, in particular a belt or a chain, is provided including a lever arm ( | 11-19-2009 |
| 20100022340 | TENSIONING DEVICE FOR A TRACTION MECHANISM, PARTICULARLY A BELT OR A CHAIN - A tensioning device for a traction mechanism, particularly a belt or a chain, including a tensioning lever over which the traction mechanism is guided and on which a tensioning spring is disposed with one end thereof, the other end thereof being provided on a spring holder by which the tensioning device can be fastened to an external object. A holding pin ( | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100105508 | TENSIONING DEVICE OF A BELT AND CHAIN DRIVE - A tensioning device for a belt or chain drive with a tensioning lever ( | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100113201 | CLUTCHED DAMPER FOR A BELT TENSIONER - A tensioner is disclosed that achieves asymmetric damping in part by using a ramp-ramp assembly. The tensioner comprises a tensioner axle defining a pivot axis, an arm mounted on the tensioner axle so as to permit the arm to pivot about the pivot axis, a first tensioner component having first ramp features, a second tensioner component having second ramp features, and a ramp bushing having an upper ramp surface and a lower ramp surface. The first tensioner component is engaged to the arm for rotation therewith and the second tensioner component is coupled to the tensioner axle. The ramp bushing is disposed between the first tensioner component and the second tensioner component such that the upper ramp surface seats within the first ramp features and the lower ramp surface seats within the second ramp features. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100137084 | Wear Compensated Tensioner - A tensioner for tensioning flexible drives employs an extruded shaft which can provide a relatively complex cross sectional shape to provide anti-rotation features to inhibit rotation of a pivot bushing located on the shaft. The pivot bushing has a frustoconical outer shape, as does the pivot surface of the hub of the tensioner arm which pivots on the pivot bushing. A dampening spring urges the pivot bushing towards the tensioner arm's pivot surface, providing for wear compensation and for dampening. The degree of dampening which is generated between the pivot bushing and the tensioner hub can be selected in a variety of manners: by varying the spring force; by changing the effective contact surface area between the pivot bushing and pivot surface; and/or by changing the coefficient of friction between the pivot bushing and the pivot surface. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100173738 | Automatic Belt Tensioner - The invention relates to an automatic belt tensioner comprising a basic part that is connected to a tensioning part so as to be rotatable about a common axis of rotation, a helical spring that is joined to the basic part and the tensioning part, and a wrapping bush which is wrapped at least in some areas with a radial enveloping force by means of the helical spring. According to the invention, the material of the wrapping bush contains reinforced plastic in order to ensure that the belt tensioner provides good damping and good cushioning properties if possible during the entire service life thereof while being universally usable and having a simple design. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100184546 | DAMPING DEVICE OF A MECHANICAL TENSIONING SYSTEM FOR A TRACTION MECHANISM DRIVE - A damping device of a mechanical tensioning system for a traction mechanism drive for damping pivoting movements of a tensioning arm. The tensioning arm is supported at one end by a tensioning roller on a traction mechanism and is rotatably mounted at the other end on a positionally fixed housing part, which has an annular friction element. The periphery of the friction element is a friction lining which interacts with a friction surface of the housing part surrounding the friction element. A torsional spring connects the housing part and tensioning arm. The tensioning arm is acted on with a torsional moment, generating a continuous preload of the traction mechanism which is supported on the friction element and exerts a radially outwardly acting force on the friction lining. Also, surface contact means, which act on the friction lining, transmit radial force between the torsional spring and friction lining. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100210385 | TENSIONER ASSEMBLY FOR A ROTARY DRIVE - A tensioner assembly for an endless drive element is provided that utilizes rotary motion and damping with decoupled tensioning and damping components. The tensioner assembly includes a rotatable element in contact with a span of the drive element and rotatable via the drive element, and a first linkage supporting the rotatable element for rotation thereon. A torsion spring connects the first linkage for pivoting about a pivot point with respect to a base. The torsion spring is configured to bias the rotatable element in a direction to tension the drive element. A linear damper is operatively connected to the first linkage at a distance from the pivot point, such as by a second linkage or lever arm, and connected to the base for damping pivoting motion of the first linkage. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100222169 | ASYMETRIC DAMPING BELT TENSIONER - A tensioner for a belt drive, comprising: a base carrying a pin defining an axis; a tensioning arm, which can rotate about the pin and supports an idle pulley; and a damping element, which is constrained to a hinge point eccentric with respect to the axis and is carried by one between the base and the tensioning arm so as to co-operate with a friction surface carried by the other between the base and the tensioning arm. The belt tensioner further comprises a resilient element having a first end portion connected in a single point to the damping element and a second end portion connected to the other between the base and the tensioning arm to cause a rotation of the damping element about the hinge point against the friction surface. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100234155 | Tensioner For Flexible Drives - A tensioner in accordance with the present invention employs a spindle and a tensioner arm which are preferably manufactured by a suitable manufacturing process, such as die casting, negating a requirement for machining operations. The biasing spring of the tensioner is wound with wire having a non-circular cross section to increase the spring force of the spring compared to a similar spring wound with wire of circular cross section and, as the tensioner arm is moved away from the flexible drive, the diameter of the biasing spring expands and the coils press a dampening shoe into contact with a wall of the tensioner arm producing a dampening force. The tensioner is simple to assemble and requires a relatively small package volume for the biasing force it can produce. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100261564 | ROTARY TENSIONER - An assembly for maintaining tension in a drive belt features a housing mounted on a base. The housing contains a biasing element that exerts torque on the housing to bias the housing. An arm is connected to the housing and rotates with the housing in response to the bias of the biasing element. A pulley is connected to the lever arm and engages a drive belt in response to the bias force of the biasing element on the lever arm. The pulley deflects the shape of the belt to provide tension in the belt. A sealing element provides prevents migration of debris into the housing and provides a biasing force to impede translatory movement of a first half of the housing from a second half of the housing, while allowing rotation of the first half relative to the second half. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100323833 | BELT TENSIONER WITH DAMPING MEMBER - A tensioner for tensioning a belt includes a support housing at least in part defining a spring cavity. A damping member having a first friction bearing surface is at least partially disposed in the spring cavity. An arm pivotally attached to the support housing has a second friction bearing surface. A spring is located in the spring cavity and operatively connected to the arm and damping member to pivot the damping member about a pivot location such that the first friction bearing surface of the damping member is biased against the second friction bearing surface of the arm to dampen relative movement between the arm and the support housing. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100331127 | DUAL TENSIONER ASSEMBLY - A dual tensioner assembly for a two-belt drive system including a mounting bracket, a first and second cup coaxial and integrally formed on opposite sides of the mounting bracket with a common base wall having a hub formed therein, a first and second pivot arm each having an integral cylindrical member and each having a tensioner pulley journaled thereon, a tensioning mechanism in each cup biasing its respective pivot arm, a pivot shaft in each cup that is fitted into the hub, and a sleeve bushing on each pivot shaft pivotably supporting its respective cylindrical members. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110015016 | Tensioner - A tensioner comprising a base having a shaft, a pivot arm engaged with the shaft, a pulley journalled to the pivot arm, an arcuate damping member frictionally engaged with a pivot arm inner surface, a torsion spring having a first end engaged with the pivot arm, the torsion spring having a second end bearing upon the damping member so that upon loading of the torsion spring in the unwinding direction the damping member is compressed between the second end of the torsion spring and the base thereby causing a normal force to be imparted upon the pivot arm by said damping member. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110015017 | Tensioner - A tensioner comprising a base having a shaft, a pivot arm engaged with the shaft, a pulley journalled to the pivot arm, an arcuate damping member frictionally engaged with a pivot arm inner surface, a torsion spring having a first end engaged with the pivot arm, the torsion spring having a second end bearing upon the damping member so that upon loading of the torsion spring in the unwinding direction the damping member is compressed between the second end of the torsion spring and the base thereby causing a normal force to be imparted upon the pivot arm by said damping member. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110028253 | Tensioning Device with Restraint System - A tensioning device for a flexible driving means, in particular a chain tensioner for a timing chain of an internal combustion engine, with a housing, a tensioning piston guided in a piston bore of the housing and a latching element arranged outside on the housing, is provided. A latching profile is provided on the front region of the tensioning piston in the tensioning direction. The latching element has at least one spring arm protruding over the housing in the tensioning direction, which engages the latching profile of the tensioning piston outside of the housing. The latching element for the delimitation of the free working range between a front end-stop and a rear end-stop in and against the tensioning direction is arranged movably on the housing. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110034281 | DEVICE FOR PLACING LOOPED BELT UNDER TENSION - A tensioning device has a tension arm mounted on a base. A pulley is mounted on the tension arm for engaging a looped belt. By changing mounting bushings, one can select either a static mode wherein the tension arm is held stationary relative to the base, or a dynamic mode wherein, in response to a changing force applied between the pulley and the belt (due to vibrations or load changes, for example), the tension arm moves relative to the base such in a manner as to maintain the force substantially constant. Several such devices can be employed in a system for controlling the tension of a looped belt, one or more of the devices being in the static mode and one or more being in the dynamic mode. Several such systems can be employed in a complex machine such as a photocopier or medical apparatus for controlling the tension in a number of different belts. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110065539 | Engine Accessory Drive With Belt Tensioner and Same Plane Idler - A belt tensioner for a starter generator drive is provided. The belt tensioner comprises a carrier having a pivot defining a first pivot axis at a first end and a carrier arm extending from the pivot to terminate in a second end. An idler pulley is rotatably mounted to the carrier for rotation about the first pivot axis and a tensioner pulley is rotatably mounted to the carrier at the second end of the carrier arm for rotation about a second axis. The second axis extends parallel to and is arcuately moveable relative to, the first pivot axis. A tensioner is in communication with the second end of the carrier arm for biasing the carrier arm and the tensioner pulley against a drive belt for tensioning the drive belt engaged by the idler pulley and the tensioner pulley. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110070985 | Drive Belt Tensioner for Motor Generator Unit - A drive belt tensioner assembly for a motor-generator unit is comprises a motor-generator unit having a rotatable drive pulley, configured to engage a drive belt, extending therefrom. A drive belt assembly housing is fixed to the motor-generator unit and has an inner surface defining an opening through which the rotatable drive pulley of the motor-generator unit extends. A tensioner mounting ring is mounted to, and rotatable with respect to, the drive belt assembly housing. A tensioner pulley is mounted for rotation on the tensioner mounting ring and is configured to engage the drive belt on a side of the motor-generator unit drive pulley. A biasing assembly having a first end mounted to the tensioner mounting ring and a second end mounted in a fixed relationship to the motor-generator unit exerts a biasing force on the tensioner mounting ring to rotate the ring and the tensioner pulley against the drive belt. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110070986 | Drive Belt Tensioner for Motor Generator Unit - A drive belt tensioner for mounting to a motor-generator unit comprises a tensioner pulley support having a centrally located pivot defining a pivot axis and first and second reaction arms extending outwardly from the centrally located pivot to define an angle therebetween. Tensioner pulleys are rotatably mounted to the second ends of each of the first and second reaction arms. The reaction arms are configured to flexibly bias the tensioner pulleys when engaged by a drive belt force to maintain a desired drive belt tension. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110105261 | Tensioner - A tensioner comprising a torsion spring, a pulley directly journalled to an end of the torsion spring, an elastomeric damping member constrained within a torsion spring coil through an arc of contact of at least 270°, and the elastomeric damping member in damping contact with the torsion spring coil. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110152023 | Belt Tensioner - A tensioner for tensioning a belt that includes a support housing, an arm pivotably attached to the support housing, a spring operatively connected to the support housing and the arm, and a deflectable armplate seated on the arm and deflected into engagement with the support housing to provide an axial force that clamps the arm and the support housing together without axially compressing the spring. The spring biases the arm to pivot relative to the support housing. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110177897 | Tensioner - A tensioner comprising a base ( | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110207568 | Bi-Directional Belt Tensioner - An assembly for maintaining tension in a drive belt features a housing mounted on a base. The housing contains a biasing element that exerts torque on the housing to bias the housing in a radial direction. A lever arm is connected to the housing and rotates with the housing in response to the bias of the biasing element. A pulley is connected to the lever arm and engages a drive belt in response to the bias force of the biasing element on the lever arm. The pulley deflects the shape of the belt to provide tension in the belt. In one embodiment, the apparatus allows the user to switch the position of the biasing element and alter the direction of torque on the lever arm. In another embodiment, the lever arm and pulley are removable from the housing and replaceable with other arms and pulleys having different configurations. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110294615 | ONE-WAY DAMPED OVER-ARM TENSIONER - A tensioner for a power transmitting element in a drive system is disclosed. The tensioner comprises a threaded shaft that includes threading and at least one non-threaded end and defines a pivot axis, an arm rotatable about the pivot axis on the non-threaded end of the threaded shaft, a torsion element biasing the arm to rotate about the pivot axis, a threaded nut threadedly connected to the threaded shaft. The threaded nut has a first surface in frictional engagement with the arm and is rotatable about the threading. The threaded nut acts as a one-way limited slip clutch to provide asymmetric damping to the arm and controlled resisting torque in a variable relative proportion compared to the mean torque and returning torque. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110300976 | Clutched Damper For A Belt Tensioner - A tensioner including a support structure defining a pivot axis, an arm coupled to the support structure for rotation about the pivot axis, and a damping mechanism. The arm includes a cup having the damping mechanism seated therein. The damping mechanism includes a first tensioner component that is generally cup-shaped and has first ramp features on the rim thereof, a second tensioner component having second ramp features, and a damper spring coupling the first tensioner component to the second tensioner component. The first tensioner component is rotatable with the arm and the second tensioner component is non-rotatable. The damper mechanism has the first ramp features aligned with the second ramp features and rotation of the first tensioner component in a first direction moves the first ramp features relative to the second ramp features and translates the first tensioner component into damping engagement with the arm. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110306451 | DRILL PRESSES HAVING SPRING-LOADED DRIVE BELT TENSIONERS - A drill press includes a motor having a rotatable shaft and a stepped motor pulley mounted on the rotatable shaft, a rotatable spindle and a stepped spindle pulley mounted on the rotatable spindle, and a stepped center pulley located between the motor pulley and the spindle pulley. A first drive belt connects the center pulley with the motor pulley, and a second drive belt connects the spindle pulley with the center pulley. A spring-loaded drive belt tensioner applies tension to the first drive belt. The belt tensioner has a first position for applying a first level of tension to the first drive belt and a second position for applying a second level of tension to said first drive belt that is less than the first tension level. When the belt tensioner is in the second position, the positions of the belts on the stepped pulleys are changeable. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110312455 | RADIAL DAMPING MECHANISM AND USE FOR BELT TENSIONING - A tensioner for an endless power transmitting element in a drive system is disclosed that includes an arm rotatable about an axis and having a sleeve that includes a ramp face or contoured face, a damper cup having a protrusion and a plate, a spring case that houses the sleeve of the arm and the damper cup with the damper cup's plate mated with the ramp face or contoured face of the sleeve. During wind-up of the tensioner, a normal force is applied to the damper cup's protrusion that moves the plate along the ramp face or contoured face in a first direction, and in the first direction the ramp face or contoured face pushes the damper cup generally radially outward into the spring case to provide frictional damping. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20120004059 | COMPACT TENSIONER WITH SUSTAINABLE DAMPING - A tensioner assembly that includes a base, an arm, an opening spring (i.e., a torsion spring that opens or radially expands with increasing torque applied thereto), a spring reaction member, and a pivot bushing. The tensioner assembly is configured to orient various loads in predetermined directions. For example, a spring load can be oriented to counteract a hub load to reduce a bushing load that acts on the pivot bushing. As another example, a spring reaction force exerted by the spring reaction member can be employed by a damping mechanism to generate a grounding force that is parallel to the spring reaction force and is directed to intersect an axis about which the arm pivots relative to the base. A tensioner assembly having improved assembly characteristics is also provided. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120010034 | TRACTION MECHANISM DRIVE HAVING A VIBRATION DAMPER - A traction mechanism drive, in particular for an internal combustion engine, including a vibration damper ( | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120028744 | BELT TENSIONING UNIT - A belt tensioning unit ( | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120058847 | TENSIONER WITH EXPANDING SPRING FOR RADIAL FRICTIONAL ASYMMETRIC DAMPING - A tensioner is disclosed that may be part of a power system where the tensioner provides tension to an endless power transmitting element such as a belt, chain, or other continuous loop. The tensioner has an arm that is rotatable about a first axis and includes an arm arbor having a slot therethrough, a bushing having a protrusion and being positioned adjacent the arm arbor with the protrusion received in the arm arbor's slot, and a spring coupled to the arm urging the arm to rotate about the first axis into tensioning engagement with a power transmitting element. The spring is positioned where it can radially expand into contact with the protrusion of the bushing as the arm is rotated in a direction opposite the direction of tensioning engagement such that the bushing is urged radially outward relative to the arm arbor to provide frictional damping. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120058848 | Tensioner With Expanding Spring For Radial Frictional Asymmetric Damping - A tensioner may be part of a power system to tension an endless power transmitting element. The tensioner includes an arm having an arm arbor with a slot therethrough that is rotatable about a first axis, a bushing having a sleeve that includes a cut-out and a removable sleeve-segment that has a protrusion thereon, the sleeve-segment being receivable in the cut-out with the protrusion in the slot, and a spring coupled to the arm for rotation of the arm about the first axis into tensioning engagement with a power transmitting element. The spring is positioned where it can radially expand into contact with the protrusion of the bushing, at least the protrusion on the sleeve-segment, as the arm is rotated in a direction opposite the direction of tensioning engagement such that the bushing is urged radially outward relative to the arm arbor to provide frictional damping. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120088618 | DERAILLEUR - A derailleur | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120115657 | TENSIONER FOR FLEXIBLE DRIVES - A tensioner in accordance with the present invention employs a spindle and a tensioner arm which are preferably manufactured by a suitable manufacturing process, such as die casting, negating a requirement for machining operations. The biasing spring of the tensioner is wound with wire having a non-circular cross section to increase the spring force of the spring compared to a similar spring wound with wire of circular cross section and, as the tensioner arm is moved away from the flexible drive, the diameter of the biasing spring expands and the coils press a dampening shoe into contact with a wall of the tensioner arm producing a dampening force. The tensioner is simple to assemble and requires a relatively small package volume for the biasing force it can produce. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120316018 | Tensioner - A tensioner comprising a pulley, a base having a sleeve, an arm pivotally engaged with the base, the pulley journalled to the arm, a torsion spring connected between the arm and the base, an adjuster member rotatably engaged within a sleeve hole, a damping member fixedly connected to the arm, the damping member compressed between the arm and the base in an axial direction, the damping member having a frictional engagement with the base to damp an arm oscillation, and a retainer having an expandable member connectable to the adjuster, the expandable member engaged with a sleeve groove. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120316019 | Tensioner - A tensioner comprising a sleeve, an adjuster cooperatively engaged with an inner surface of the sleeve, a pivot arm pivotally engaged with the sleeve, a pulley journalled to the pivot arm, a torsion spring engaged with the sleeve for urging the pivot arm, an elastomeric damping ring connected to the arm and in compressive frictional contact between the sleeve and the arm whereby a tangential friction force damps a pivot arm movement, the elastomeric damping ring exerting a radial force on the sleeve, and a retaining member connected to the adjuster and cooperatively engaged with the sleeve whereby the adjuster and sleeve are kept in a predetermined relation. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20130079185 | Belt Tensioning Device For A Belt Drive And Apparatus With A Belt Tensioning Device - A belt tensioning device for a belt drive having at least one apparatus with a housing, a driveshaft and a belt pulley, as well as an infinite belt for driving the belt pulley. The belt tensioning device includes a base that can be or is firmly connected to the apparatus, exactly one tensioning arm that, relative to the base, is supported so as to be pivotable around a pivot axis and that, via a torsion spring, is supported in the circumferential direction against the base. The belt tensioning device also includes a tensioning roller that, at the tensioning arm, is supported so as to be rotatable around an axis of rotation and serves to tension the belt. When the belt tensioning device is mounted at the apparatus, the pivot axis of the tensioning arm is arranged inside the outer diameter of the belt pulley of the apparatus. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130085027 | FLATWIRE RADIAL ASYMMETRIC DAMPING BY COIL REACTION PATH - What is described is an improved asymmetric damping apparatus which utilizes a flatwire spring to provide both bias in the tensioning direction for a belt tensioner and asymmetric damping against sudden rotational movement of the belt tensioner in the winding direction. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130095966 | FLEXIBLE ROTARY BELT DRIVE TENSIONER - A rotary belt drive tensioner including a damping mechanism decoupled from the torque output and pulley alignment of the tensioner such that the damping force and the torque output may be independently variable. The damping mechanism includes a shoe plate and at least one shoe set includes a damping shoe and a shoe spring. The shoe plate is operatively attached to one of the arm and the base, and the shoe spring exerts a radial load on the damping shoe in sliding engagement with the other of the arm and the base to generate a flexible damping force. In one embodiment, the rotary belt drive tensioner includes a damping mechanism containing three damping shoe sets positioned generally equidistant from each other on the shoe plate. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130095967 | TENSIONING DEVICE FOR A BELT DRIVE AND ELECTRIC ENGINE WITH SUCH A TENSIONING DEVICE - A tensioning device ( | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130116073 | CLAMPING DEVICE - A clamping device ( | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130217526 | BELT TENSIONING DEVICE WITH VARIABLE SPRING FACTOR - A tensioning system including a base and an arm pivotally coupled to the base, the arm having an engagement surface thereon. The system further includes a biasing mechanism operatively coupled to the arm to bias the arm relative to the base. The biasing mechanism includes a coil spring having a plurality of coils, at least some of the coils or parts thereof being configured to switch between an activated state and deactivated state based upon a position of the arm relative to the base. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130260933 | SEALED BELT TENSIONING DEVICE - A tensioning system including a base and an arm pivotally coupled to the base, the arm having an engagement surface and being configured to pivot relative to the base about a pivot axis. The system further includes a biasing mechanism operatively coupled to the arm to bias the arm relative to the base, and a seal assembly sealingly positioned between the arm and the base. The seal assembly is coaxial with the pivot axis and configured to accommodate relative axial movement between the base and the arm and relative radial movement between the base and the arm while still maintaining a seal therebetween. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130310207 | HYDRAULIC DAMPING MECHANISM AND USE FOR BELT TENSIONING - A hydraulic damper for providing fluid damping to a tensioner in a drive system that includes a damper cup, which is mounted to the tensioner and configured to rotate about a central axle in tandem with the tensioner, an end plate having an outer face and an inner face, which is attached to the damper cup forming a fluid chamber, a pin attached to the end plate and extending away from the inner face and toward the damping cup, a damping fluid, which is contained within the fluid chamber, a rotatable plate having an opening configured to accept the pin through the rotatable plate and rotate about the central axle, and a fixed plate having an opening configured to accept the pin through the fixed plate, which is fixed to and does not rotate about the central axle. During wind-up and tensioning of the tensioner, a shear force is applied to the rotatable plate moving through the damping fluid to provide damping to the tensioner. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20140031157 | TENSIONER ASSEMBLY - A tensioner assembly includes a pulley arm pivotable about a pivot shaft, and a tension pulley mounted on the pulley arm at its end remote from the pivot shaft and pressed against a belt to keep the tension of the belt. The tension pulley is rotatably mounted around a base portion of the pulley arm through a rolling bearing with the inner surface and axial rear end surface of the bearing inner race in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the base portion and an end surface of a shoulder of the base portion, respectively. The base portion has an axial through hole formed with an internal thread on its inner surface. A support bolt is threaded into the through hole from the axial front end to press the rolling bearing against the end surface of the shoulder. The internal thread has an axial front end located in the vicinity of, or axially rearwardly of, the end surface of the shoulder. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140038758 | TENSIONER - A tensioner includes a movable member, a fixed member, biasing means provided between the fixed member and the movable member and configured to bias the movable member along a pressing direction, and a damping member provided between the fixed member and the movable member and configured to damp the pivoting movement of the movable member. The damping member is made of a resin composition whose sliding friction force damps the pivoting movement of the movable member, and a contact angle between the resin composition and water is 70° to 100°, both inclusive. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140051534 | Belt Tensioner for a Pump Jack - The belt of a pump jack connects an output pulley of a motor and an input drive pulley of the transmission and is tensioned by an idler roller with end flanges which is spring tensioned into engagement with the belt. The idler roller is carried on a base frame adjustable longitudinally and transversely to the belt on a concrete support base. An upstanding support is carried on the base frame including a platform carrying bearings for a pivotally mounted arm extending to the roller for supporting the roller axis transverse to the belt and a spring connects to the arm for applying a force to the arm to press the roller against the belt. The upstanding support and the pivotally mounted arm are all arranged one side of the idler roller so as to present the idler roller to the belt from one side of the belt. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140213400 | BELT DRIVE SYSTEM - A belt system comprising a driver pulley, a driven pulley, a belt trained between the driver pulley and the driven pulley, a belt tensioning device engaged with the belt, a first idler engaged with the belt between the driver pulley and the driven pulley, a second idler engaged with the belt, the second idler engaged with the belt span immediately upstream of the driver pulley, the second idler comprising an arm journalled to a base, the arm urged to load the belt by a torsion spring, the arm having an effective length of less than 6 mm, and the torsion spring having a spring rate of approximately 0.128 mm/deg. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140235388 | MECHANISM FOR ADJUSTING TENSION OF BELT OF A BICYCLE - A mechanism for adjusting tension of a belt of a bicycle includes a link pivotably connected between an arm and a frame. The arm has a tension adjustment bolt connected to one end thereof and the frame has a guide wheel connected thereto. An extension spring is between the arm and the frame. The link, the arm, the extension spring and the frame form a four-link mechanism is cooperated with the extension spring to allow the guide wheel to consistently press the belt to keep the belt with a proper tension. When the bolt is unscrewed, the whole mechanism is moved downward from the belt so that the replacement of the rear wheel and the belt is easy and convenient. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140256488 | BELT TENSIONER - A belt tensioner for attaching to a generator of an auxiliary unit drive of an internal combustion engine, including a tensioner housing mounted on the generator having a cavity, two tensioning rollers which act with a pretensioning force on the belt in a direction of revolution upstream and downstream of the pulley of the generator, a bow spring which produces the pretensioning force accommodated in the cavity, a circular-arc-shaped tensioning lever mounted in the cavity movable in a plane of the circular arc and which is acted on by the force of the bow springs and supports one of the tensioning rollers, and a sliding bearing for the tensioning lever, which sliding bearing extends at the inlet of the cavity. The tensioning lever has a steel core with an aluminum sheath which completely encloses the part of the steel core which extends outside the cavity and inside the sliding bearing. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140274510 | TENSIONER WITH EXPANDING SPRING FOR RADIAL FRICTIONAL ASYMMETRIC DAMPING - A tensioner is disclosed that may be part of a power system where the tensioner provides tension to an endless power transmitting element such as a belt, chain, or other continuous loop. The tensioner has an arm that is rotatable about a first axis and includes an arm arbor having a window therethrough, a bushing having a protrusion and being positioned adjacent the arm arbor with the protrusion received in the arm arbor's window, and a spring coupled to the arm urging the arm to rotate about the first axis into tensioning engagement with a power transmitting element. The spring is positioned where it can radially expand into contact with the protrusion of the bushing as the arm is rotated in a direction opposite the direction of tensioning engagement such that the bushing is urged radially outward relative to the arm arbor to provide frictional damping. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274511 | BELT TENSIONER FOR A POWER TRANSMISSION BELT SYSTEM - Belt tensioners for a power transmission belt system are disclosed. The belt tensioners have a support member, an arm, a torsion spring operatively coupled therebetween, and an improved damping assembly. The arm includes a housing section pivotally mounted to the support member for rotation about the arm. This housing section has a rub surface against which the damper assembly is seated. The damper assembly has a body having a friction surface frictionally contacting the rub surface of the arm and a damper spring integrated with the body. The improvement of the damper assembly is that the rub surface of the arm includes a trough concentric about the axis of rotation and the friction surface of the body includes an annular protrusion seated in the trough. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140287859 | TENSIONER WITH INCREASED DAMPING - In an aspect, a tensioner for an endless drive member, comprising a shaft and base that are mountable to be stationary relative to an engine, a tensioner arm that is pivotable relative to the shaft about a tensioner arm axis, a pulley on the tensioner arm rotatable about a pulley axis that is offset from the tensioner arm axis, and that is engageable with an endless drive member, a bushing that is positioned radially between the pulley and the tensioner arm to support the pulley radially during relative rotation between the pulley and the tensioner arm, a tensioner spring that is positioned to urge the tensioner arm towards a free arm position, a damping element that engages the tensioner arm and that is engaged by a plurality of axially spaced segments of the tensioner spring. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140287860 | TENSIONER WITH DAMPING STRUCTURE MADE FROM TWO COMPONENTS WITH NO ROTATIONAL PLAY THEREBETWEEN - In an aspect, a tensioner is provided, comprising a base, a tensioner arm, a tensioner spring, a wheel, and a damping structure. The base is mountable to an engine. The tensioner arm is pivotally connected to the base for movement about a tensioner arm axis. The tensioner spring is connected between the base and the tensioner arm and is positioned to urge the tensioner arm towards a free arm position. The wheel is rotatably mounted to the tensioner arm and is engageable with an endless drive member. A friction surface is provided on one of the base and the tensioner arm. The damping structure is provided on the other of the base and the tensioner arm and engages the friction surface to generate friction during rotation of the tensioner arm. The damping structure includes a sleeve that contains at least one aperture and a damping element that contains at least one lug that engages the at least one aperture with no circumferential clearance therebetween. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140315673 | Spring, Belt Tensioning Device, and Assembly - A spring, especially for use in a belt tensioning device, with a number of at least 1.25 and at a maximum 2.5 coils, which extend around a spring axis A | 10-23-2014 |
| 20150031485 | TENSIONER WITH MULTIPLE NESTED TORSION SPRINGS - A tensioner is disclosed that may be part of a power system where the tensioner provides tension to an endless power transmitting element such as a belt, chain, or other continuous loop. The tensioner has an arm that is rotatable about a first axis. The tensioner also includes an outer spring and at least one inner spring. The outer spring has an outer coil that defines an outer diameter. The inner spring has an inner coil that defines an inner diameter. The inner diameter of the inner coil is less than the outer diameter of the outer coil such that at least a portion of the inner spring is received by the outer spring. The outer spring and the inner spring both urge the arm to rotate about the first axis and into tensioning engagement with the power transmitting element. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150362047 | TENSIONING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING SUCH A TENSIONING DEVICE - A tensioning device comprising a receiver housing, a lever arm mounted on the receiver housing and rotatable with respect to the receiver housing around a first rotation axis, a pulley mounted on the lever arm and rotatable with respect to the lever arm around a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis, and a spring mounted between the receiver housing and the lever arm and adapted to apply a torque for rotating the lever arm around the first rotation axis. The receiver housing and the lever arm are screwed together around the first rotation axis. The spring applies an axial damping effort, parallel to the first axis, on cooperating threaded portions respectively provided on the receiver housing and on the lever arm. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150369346 | Tensioner With Overmolded Pivot Arm - A tensioner comprising a base, a pivot arm comprising cast aluminum, a spring disposed between the base and the pivot arm for urging the pivot arm, a pulley journalled to the pivot arm, a steel shaft overmolded within the pivot arm, the shaft pivotally engaged with the base, the shaft comprising a waist portion for connecting to the overmolded pivot arm, and a pin releasably engaged between the pivot arm and the base. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20160146312 | BELT TENSIONING DEVICE - A belt tensioning device comprises a base member having an attachment portion and an opening for a drive shaft; first and second tensioning arms that are pivotably supported by first and second bearings on the base member around first and second pivot axes and have first and second tensioning rollers | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160146313 | TENSIONER WITH IMPROVED DAMPING - In an aspect, a tensioner for tensioning an endless drive member on an engine, is provided, comprising a base that mounts to the engine, a tensioner arm that is pivotally connected to the base for pivotal movement about a tensioner arm axis, a pulley rotatably mounted to the tensioner arm for rotation about a pulley axis that is spaced from the tensioner arm axis, a tensioner spring and a damping member. The tensioner spring is positioned to urge the tensioner arm into an endless drive member. The spring has a first helical end and a second helical end. The first helical end is positioned to transfer force with a first spring end force transfer surface on the base and the second helical end is positioned to transfer force with a second spring end force transfer surface on the tensioner arm. The damping member is positioned in a surrounding relationship with the tensioner spring. The damping member includes a spring force adjustment member having a first end face and a second end face spaced from the first end face by a selected angular spacing. The damping member includes a first portion that contains the spring force adjustment member and that is generally rigid, and at least one second portion that is adjacent the first member and that is flexibly joined to the first member. The spring force adjustment member is positioned between one of the spring ends and one of the spring end force transfer surfaces on one of the base and the tensioner arm. The damping member is frictionally engaged with the other of the base and the tensioner arm during pivotal movement of the tensioner arm relative to the base. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160186839 | TENSIONER WITH AXIAL SEAL - A tensioner having an axial seal comprising a base having a receiving portion, the receiving portion extending about a circumference of the base, a pivot arm pivotally engaged with the base, the receiving portion in continuous proximity to the pivot arm, a spring urging a movement of the pivot arm, and an axial seal engaged with the receiving portion, the axial seal comprising members extending in an axial direction (A-A), the members in sliding contact with a pivot arm surface. | 06-30-2016 |
