Showing papers on "Pulley published in 1976"

Transmission for self-propelled, walking lawn mowers

Abstract: A belt-driven transmission designed particularly for self-propelled, walking lawn mowers is provided. The transmission is mounted on a deck of a mower between a front pair or a rear pair of wheels and is driven through a pulley on the engine drive shaft and a pulley on the transmission connected by a belt. With this arrangement, the engine requires no special power take-off shaft to drive the mower. Consequently, the transmission can be universally applied to many different self-propelled lawn mowers. The new transmission can also be equipped with a deadman's clutch. Further, it can be provided with a manually-adjustable pulley of variable diameter to provide different speeds and torque for the drive shaft of the driven wheels. Also, in accordance with the invention, the drive shaft has a ratchet coupling device near each driven wheel to provide a differential effect for the wheels when the mower is being turned.

Memory alloy heat engine and method of operation

Abstract: A heat engine and method of operation employing an alloy having a shape memory effect. A memory alloy element such as one or more wire loops are cyclically moved through a heat source, along a path toward a heat sink, through the heat sink and then along another path in counter-flow heat exchange relationship with the wire in the first path. The portion of the wire along the first path is caused to elongate to its trained length under minimum tension as it is cooled. The portion of the wire along the second path is caused to contract under maximum tension as it is heated. The resultant tension differential between the wires in the two paths is applied as a force through a distance to produce mechanical work. In one embodiment a first set of endless memory alloy wires are reeved in non-slip engagement between a pair of pulleys which are mounted for conjoint rotation within respective hot and cold reservoirs. Another set of endless memory alloy wires are reeved in non-slip engagement about another pair of pulleys which are mounted in the respective hot and cold reservoirs. The pulleys in the cold reservoir are of a larger diameter than those in the hot reservoir and the opposite reaches of the wires between the two sets of pulleys extend in closely spaced-apart relationship in counter-flow heat regenerator zones. The pulleys are turned to move the two sets of wires in opposite directions. The wires are stretched as they are cooled upon movement through the heat regenerator toward the cold reservoirs, and the wires contract as they are heated upon movement through the regenerator zones toward the hot reservoir. This contraction of wires exerts a larger torque on the greater diameter pulleys for turning the pulleys and supplying mechanical power. Means is provided for applying a variable tension to the wires. Phase change means is provided for controlling the angular phase of the pulleys of each set for purposes of start up procedure as well as for optimizing engine operation under varying conditions of load, speed and temperatures.

Deadman control and blade clutch for power rotary lawn mowers

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lawn mower comprising a driven pulley drivingly connected to a cutter blade located in a blade housing, an endless belt reeved around a drive pulley and the driven pulley, an idler pulley mounted for rotation on an arm mounted for movement relative to a neutral position with the idler pulley disengaged from the belt, a first spring urging the arm from the neutral position so as to engage the idler pulley with the belt to remove slack therefrom, a control linkage movable between a drive position and a neutral position, another spring biasing the control linkage toward the neutral position, and a connection between the linkage and the arm for displacing the arm to the neutral position against the action of the first spring when the control linkage is in the neutral position and for permitting movement of the arm, under the influence of the first spring and independently of the second spring, from the arm neutral position so as to engage the belt to remove slack therefrom when the control linkage is in the drive position

Variable density heat engine

Abstract: A heat engine employs an endless belt including a number of discrete elements which will interact with a force field, and are interconnected by a shape memory material, such as Nitinol. Two portions of the belt are maintained at different temperatures and the belt is constrained to move the elements in a continuous path into a field attracting the elements at the hot portion and out of the field at the cold portion. The cold portion is stretched and the hot portion contracts to maintain a condition of higher element density on the portion entering the field and thus a net force drives the belt about a pulley mounted on a power takeoff shaft.

Two wheel compound archery bow

Abstract: An improved compound archery bow is disclosed which is formed by a pair of opposed limbs joined to a centrally positioned handle section. A pair of pulleys are mounted by brackets extending inwardly from the ends of the limbs, each of the pulleys being pivotally mounted on the brackets through an eccentric axis of the pulley. A cable system for holding the bow string in a tensioned condition is passed through the two opposed pulleys, and the two ends anchored in a pair of extensions of the eccentric axis of the pulley.

Safety system for overhead support of weighted articles

Abstract: An improved safety system or apparatus for raising, lowering, and supporting in an elevated or lowered position a weighted article from an overhead support. The system or apparatus includes a safety pulley member having a pulley sheave over which a link chain passes, the link chain having one end connected to the weighted article and the other end connected to an attachment means positioned within reach of a person so that the person may pull the link chain downwardly to raise the weighted article to a desired elevation out of reach, the link chain then being locked to the attachment means. The weighted article may be a clothes basket, other receptacle, or any other article in which it is desired to suspend overhead. When tension in the link chain between the safety pulley member and the fixed attachment means is suddenly or abruptly reduced and the weighted article begins to fall by gravity and the safety pulley member swivels by gravity to a position where its arrestor arm interrupts the path of the link chain and grips a single link of the chain and prevents the weighted article from dropping freely to the floor.

Roller type of conveyor

Abstract: A roller type of conveyor including a support and a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted on the support for moving items therealong. A slip pulley is piloted on and rotatable relative to the rollers, and a drive mechanism and a drive belt are operative relative to the slip pulley for rotating the rollers up to a desired point of resistance by the rollers, to thus provide an accumulating type of conveyor. Tension members are in contact with the drive belt for adjusting the drive pressure and thus the accumulation feature of the rollers, and a brake is also operative on the rollers for interrupting rotation and it is under the control of mechanism and sensors, all being related to the item accumulation feature.

Variable-V-belt transmission

Abstract: The invention concerns a stepless variable belt transmission with pulleys which comprise two axially movable conical halves. The displacement of the pulley halves is effected by hydraulic piston-cylinder units rotating along with the pulleys. At least one hydraulic piston-cylinder unit is provided with a compensation chamber wherein a pressure is built up as a function of the speed. According to the invention the compensation chamber communicates with a closable opening with the cylinder chamber by means of which the pulley halves are relatively moved.

Driving pulley mechanism

Abstract: The mechanism comprises at least one driving pulley comprising of two parts which are each provided with one part of a cable groove, which groove has a relatively great output transmission capacity. The parts are pressed toward each other by pressing devices, which comprise spiral springs or leaf springs which rest on and are coupled for rotation with the driving pulley parts. Each driving pulley may cooperate with another (identical or conventional) driving pulley which rotates at the same speed, e.g., by means of two gears mounted on the peripheral edges of the driving pulleys.

Device for synchronously rotating solar collectors

Abstract: A device for rotating solar collectors has a pulley assembly connected to an individual solar collector of a bank of such collectors for rotating the collector in synchronization with the sun. Connected to the pulley assembly by a flexible member is a drive arrangement including a rigid drive rod mounted for reciprocating movement perpendicular to the extent of a shaft on which the collector is journaled. The flexible member is disposed about a non-circular track provided on the pulley assembly and secured to the drive rod for rotating the pulley as a function of movement of the drive rod.

Sheet handling apparatus

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a sheet of a flexible material between a first and a second position. The apparatus includes an elongated frame and an air-pervious endless belt movably mounted on first and second pulleys positioned at each end of the frame. The belt has its upper rung travelling from the first pulley, adjacent the first position, to the second pulley, adjacent the second position, and is arranged to receive a lead strip of the sheet from the first position. A vacuum chest having a perforated top extends longitudinally of and below the upper rung of the belt. There are means for evacuating air from the chest in order to apply a vacuum at the undersurface of the belt and thereby cause the lead strip to cling to the belt. The apparatus has means defining an opening where the sheet leaves the belt and an air jet means able to direct air through the opening. The air is directed contrary to the direction of movement of the belt and with a velocity sufficient both to overcome any gripping effect of air entrained within the air-pervious belt and to lift the sheet of flexible material.

Variable-speed pulley and clutch

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch and variable-speed pulley has a movable pulley flange mounted for both axial and rotational movement relative to a fixed flange. The fixed flange hub has a cylindrical primary bearing at the opposite side of the pulley groove from the flange and has a hub extension of reduced diameter which provides an elongated outboard bearing surface. The movable flange is on a hub sleeve which has an elongated internal bearing liner engaging the primary bearing and has an outboard bearing riding on the hub extension surface. The hubs have counterbores defining a spring chamber about the hub extension, where a spring acts to urge the flanges apart. Thrust faces on the hubs, radially outward of the spring, come together to limit flange closing movement. Plastic disk-shaped centrifugal weights mounted in angularly spaced channels on the back of the movable flange are normally under preload against a reaction cone on the hub extension, to limit opening movement of the flanges and to provide initial frictional torque drive between the movable flange and the cone. Centrifugal force drives the weights outward along the cone to urge the flanges together. A threaded joint between the hub extension and the fixed flange hub receives spacers to shift the opening limit while maintaining the preload and initial torque drive. A spacer between the hub thrust faces shifts the closing limit position. Equal spacers maintain the same throw while varying the pulley groove width to suit different width belts.

Pulley lift assembly and curtain system employing same

Abstract: A multifunctional pulley lift assembly is provided for supporting and lifting a foldable curtain. The assembly is easily attached to an overhead structural beam by means of a horizontally adjustable clamp mechanism. A plurality of said pulley lift assemblies, in proper alignment and provided with lifting cables, are utilized in a curtain raising system wherein said cables are guided by said pulley lift assemblies to a winch mechanism.

Variable speed flat belt transmission

Abstract: The subject transmission includes a pair of pulleys mounted for rotation on spaced parallel axes, each pulley having axially spaced sets of oppositely inclined guideways for adjustably receiving drive elements which engage the internal face of an endless flat belt extending around the pulleys and transmitting power from one to the other; one set of guideways on each pulley is axially movable relative to the other to adjust the drive elements toward and away from the pulley axis and vary the effective diameters of the pulleys thus changing the drive ratio of the transmission. Fluid pressure responsive actuators effect the relative movement of the guideways to change pulley diameters under a suitable control system which may be manual or automatic.

Mower spindle and spindle drive belt braking arrangement for rotary mower having plurality of mower spindles

Abstract: A braking arrangement for use with rotary mowers of the type comprising a pair of spaced apart arbors, each supporting for rotation a spindle having a mower blade mounted on the lower end thereof. A driven pulley is secured to the upper end of each spindle. The two driven pulleys are driven by a common drive belt. An idle pulley is movable either into tensioning or nontensioning relation to the drive belt to cause said belt to be in either driving or nondriving relation to the driven pulleys. To prevent coasting of the two mower blades and of the drive belt upon movement of the idler pulley to a nontensioning position, a rod-like pivoted brake member is provided which has a common braking cooperation with both driven pulleys. A biasing spring constantly urges the brake member toward braking position. A nonadjustable disabling link moves with movement of the idler pulley support arm so that when the idler pulley is moved to belt tensioning position the disabling link pivotally moves the brake member against the force of its biasing spring to a nonbraking position. When the idler pulley and the drive belt are moved to untensioned position, the disabling link is moved to a position in which the biasing spring is free to move the brake member into simultaneous braking engagement with both driven pulleys to prevent coasting of both mower blades, and also to bring the drive belt to a stop.

Stepless speed change gear for motor propulsion systems of motor vehicles

Abstract: A stepless speed change gear of the type in which a main shaft and a driven shaft have respective pulleys formed by plates of controlled variable separation, interconnected by a vee belt. A drive shaft is housed coaxially within the main shaft and connected at one end through a friction clutch with a driving shaft of an engine, the other end of the drive shaft being connected to the main shaft through a reversing gear including an epicyclic gear train.

Expansible pulley with torque and centrifugal response

Abstract: A V belt pulley clutch assembly for a variable speed transmission which may be either the driving or the driven pulley, and which has one movable sheave which is both speed and torque responsive, and wherein the torque responsive portions comprise raised spiral ramps on the hub of the movable portion of the V belt pulley driven through saddle type members riding on the spiral ribs. The ribs are spiraled axially along the hub of the movable portion of the V belt pulley in a direction so that when the driven member is subjected to more load the unit tends to shift into a lower drive ratio. That is when the drive clutch assembly is powered from a drive shaft, the spirals are arranged so that the pulley halves tend to separate under increasing load on the belt. The ribs are on the external surface of a hub and can be die cast draft free for permitting driving and sliding between two relatively movable pulley halves.

Guide pulley for wide belts

Abstract: A guide pulley for wide belts is comprised of two smooth cylindrical cylinders secured to or journaled on a shaft in spaced relation and a grooved pulley freely journaled on the shaft intermediate the two cylinders for the reception of a guide rib integral with and extending longitudinally of a wide belt intermediate the edges thereof disposed in engagement with the two cylinders.

False twist texturizing spindle

Abstract: A spindle adapted for mounting on the framework of a false twist texturizing machine. The spindle includes a platen having three bosses mounted perpendicularly thereon, the bosses being positioned on the platen to form a triangle. Friction discs are carried on the bosses and overlap one another to define a zig-zag path for the yarn. A two-piece fixed guide tube aligned with the center of the triangle formed by the bosses feeds the yarn into and out from the spindle. A motor pulley is mounted on a lever which pivotally attaches to the platen, the motor pulley being adapted to engage a tangential belt disposed adjacent the platen to impart rotary motion to the pulley. A belt drive interconnects the motor pulley with the bosses to rotate the same. A rod pivots the lever to engage or disengage the motor pulley with the tangential belt and control rotation of the bosses.

Aircraft door counterbalance system

Abstract: A counterbalance system for aircraft doors which includes a varying radius pulley mounted to the door and a spring-powered reel to apply a substantially uniform force on the pulley to exert a moment on the pulley which is opposite the moment exerted by the door.

Mount for motor having variable pitch pulley

Abstract: A motor mount having novel means for maintaining the belt from the motor to the driven instrumentality in constant undeviated alinement notwithstanding that a variable pitch pulley is used, of which one flange is axially slidable and the other flange is nonslidable, but wherewith relative lateral displacement between the pulley flanges and belt is compensated for simultaneously with the varying of the pitch diameter of engagement of the belt with said flanges.

Exercise device for use in the performance of sit-ups

Abstract: An exercise device comprising a shoulder harness which is connected through a line extending over a pulley to individual handle members. The pulley is secured to a fixed support and the person using the device is positioned on the floor near and facing the support. The exercise device is used to assist in the performance of sit-ups from a variety of initial positions. As force is applied through the handles to move them away from the pulley, this force is transmitted through the connecting line to the shoulder harness to urge it toward the pulley.

Motorized conveyor pulley

Abstract: A motorized conveyor pulley in which a rim and two end discs form a closed compartment and an electric motor and speed reducer are disposed in axial alignment with one another in the compartment. The motor is supported by a nonrotatable shaft extending through one end disc, and the speed reducer is connected to the motor by an input shaft and has an output shaft which is rigidly connected to the other end disc for rotating the pulley in response to the operation of the motor. A bearing is provided on said first shaft for permitting free rotation of the pulley with respect to the motor and the shaft, which are preferably prevented from rotating by a torque arm connected to the shaft. The air in the compartment is recirculated through the motor and along the inside surface of the pulley rim to cool the motor. The enclosed compartment is essentially sealed to minimize the entrance of dirt, excess moisture and other foreign materials thereinto, thus prolonging the life of the motor and speed reducer and minimizing the service requirements on the pulley assembly.

Centrifugal fluid expansible pulley with manifold vacuum control means

Abstract: A pulley in which one flange, slidably mounted on a driving shaft, is movable towards another flange, fixed to the shaft, in response to the centrifugal force created by rotation of the shaft, acting on a quantity of oil contained in an annular chamber which is defined by the movable flange and a back-plate fixed to the driving shaft and is permanently connected to either the ambient atmosphere or a source of oil through a breather passage.

Push pull type exercising device

Abstract: Improved body exercising devices of the type having a pair of flexible lines, each including a loop in an end thereof for engagement by the hands or feet of one or more individuals. Each line passes over a pulley connected to a support assembly. The support assembly includes a length of flexible line, two intermediate portions of which are connected together to form a closed loop and a pair of depending legs to which the pulleys are attached. The hand and foot engaging loops are formed by self-locking knots and include a reinforcing cover member. The loose end of the knot may be either woven into the line itself or tucked into the end of the reinforcing member so as to avoid injury or discomfort to the user. The pulleys may also have camming shoulders such that a pair of pulleys attached to each other at their eyelets results in their assuming and maintaining a 15° to 30° angle with respect to each other; and a double loop support assembly serves to hold the pulleys firmly together when the apparatus is used by an individual and to allow the pulleys to be separated from each other when two or more individuals use the apparatus as a dual isometric exerciser.

Dancer pulley mechanism

Abstract: A multiple stage wire drawing system with a plurality of pivotal dancer pulleys, each operable for maintaining wire stock tension between stages and for feeding wire stock downwardly along a generally helical path from an upper guide pulley receiving wire stock from a preceding draw block to a lower coaxial guide pulley aligned for guiding wire stock to a succeeding die block. Each pivotal dancer pulley is mounted via a support rotor on a relatively short pivot arm and for rotation about an axis inclined to its pivot axis, and a toggle type linkage is connected to the dancer pulley support rotor for controlling the angular relationship of the inclined dancer pulley to the coaxial guide pulleys.

Synchronous belt and pulley drive

Abstract: A synchronous belt and pulley drive in which the drive between spaced pulleys is primarily by frictional contact of a belt on the pulley peripheries; synchronization is insured by providing spaced teeth on the belt which teeth are accommodated by tooth gaps in the periphery of the pulleys The drive is further characterized by matching the pitch of the driveR pulley with the belt pitch under a first tension and matching the pitch of the driveN pulley with the belt pitch under a second tension, wherein the first tension is different and usually greater than the second tension

Cone pulley arrangement

Abstract: An infinitely variable cone-pulley transmission arrangement which includes an input shaft, a drive output shaft and at least a pair of cone-pulleys arranged on each shaft with a transmission element circulating between the respective pairs of pulleys. At least one cone-pulley on each shaft is mounted for axial displacement relative thereto in response to the movement of a transmission ratio setting member. A rotary connection is provided at at least one of the cone-pulleys for generating a torque-dependent and ratio-dependent pressing forces between the cone-pulleys and the transmission element. The rotary connection includes a presser device having a plurality of pairs of spaced oblique faces of variable gradient which lie peripherally opposite one another with rolling elements being interposed between each of the pair of oblique faces. An axially mounted support ring is arranged on the shaft with the rolling means being supported at least indirectly against an adjacent cone-pulley and the support rings. The pairs of oblique faces include channels arranged at the shaft which extend substantially parallel to the axis of the shaft with the channels having an effective oblique face gradient which is modified over the channel length. The rolling elements are arranged in the channels so as to be displaceable along the axis of the shaft over the entire transmission ratio. An abutment face is provided on at least one of the support ring and the adjacent cone pulley facing the respective channels or engaging the rolling means.

Adjustable endless belt of unitary construction

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable endless belt of unitary construction particularly adapted for use in high speed power transmission and commonly termed a fan belt The belt is comprised of a length of flexible and durable polymeric material, one end thereof defining an elongated male end portion of reduced diameter and the other end having a longitudinal channel therein extending from said end a distance equal to the length of the aforesaid male elongated end portion In defining the endless belt, the desired size is determined by extending the length of material about the pulleys upon which it is to be mounted; overlapping the two extended end portions until the desired tension and consequently belt length or size is determined; severing an equal length of material from each end; inserting the remaining extended male end portion into the channeled end; and securing the male end therein by a suitable polymeric glue

Variable diameter pulley

Abstract: A centrifugally operated variable diameter pulley. The pulley has a rotatable axle with a fixed pulley flange, a movable pulley flange and a fixed cover on the axle. Means are provided between the cover and movable flange, which are selectable positionable, to move the movable flange toward the fixed flange at continuous variable speed.