Showing papers on "Pulley published in 1997"

High fidelity mechanical transmission system and interface device

Abstract: A high-fidelity mechanical transmission system for transmitting forces which can be used in a human-computer force feedback interface device connected to a host computer. The transmission system includes multiple stages, including an actuator stage coupled to an actuator and one or more additional stages. The actuator stage includes a rotatable capstan pulley coupled to the actuator, a cylindrical capstan drum, and a flexible member, such as a cable, coupling the capstan pulley and drum. The cable is coupled to the capstan drum at both ends, and causes the capstan drum to rotate for multiple revolutions. The output stage is coupled to the driven object to rotate the driven object. The output stage can include a capstan pulley, capstan drum, and cable. An interface device can include the transmission system for inputting motion signals to a connected host computer and for providing force feedback to the user. The interface device includes a user manipulatable object, such a steering wheel, joystick, or the like, which is manipulated by the user to interact with the host computer.

Cable-type steering device

Abstract: A cable-type steering device in which a driving pulley coupled to a first pulley shaft connected to a steering wheel and a follower pulley coupled to a second pulley shaft connected to a steering gear box are connected to each other by operating cables, whereby a steering torque input to the steering wheel is transmitted through the operating cables to the steering gear box. At least one of transmission of a steering torque between the driving pulley and the first pulley shaft and transmission of a steering torque between the follower pulley and the second pulley shaft is carried out through a tapered coupling portion including a tapered surface formed on an outer periphery of at least one of the first and second pulley shafts and a tapered surface formed on an inner periphery of at least one of the driving pulley and the follower pulley.

All-terrain vehicle, drive train for such a vehicle and method of its operation

Abstract: A personal all-terrain vehicle (ATV) includes an engine of vertical shaft type, which has a power output shaft extending vertically above the engine. The engine power output shaft carries one pulley assembly of a belt-type continuously variable transmission (CVT), the second pulley assembly is carried by a vertically extending shaft supported in a bearing assembly secured to the engine. The vertically extending shaft carries shaft power vertically to a level below the engine at which a gear unit of T-configuration is disposed. The T-configuration gear unit provides for selection. of forward/reverse directions of travel for the vehicle, and also provides for splitting of shaft power between forward and rear differentials of the vehicle.

Arm powered treadmill

Abstract: A motorless treadmill (10) for exercising the upper body and lower body of a user. Displacement of an upper-body exercise mechanism such as a pair of reciprocating arm members (16a, 16b) rotates a drive roller (28). The drive roller (28) is coupled to an endless belt (12), and a transmission system (20) links the drive roller (28) to the upper body exercise mechanism such that arm movements are translated into belt rotation. In one embodiment, pulleys are used as the transmission system (20) to transmit the energy from the movement of the arm members to the belt. A flywheel (60) may be added to store energy to smooth the belt rotation.

Vertical strip storage device

Abstract: A vertical strip storage device for bridging strip running interruptions in continuous strip production includes a supporting frame forming a looping tower. The continuous strip is looped around deflecting rollers mounted on upper and lower horizontal roller bridges. The roller bridges move synchronously and vertically, one above the other, toward and away from one another. The inherent weight of one roller bridge compensates for the inherent weight of the other roller bridge as a counterweight. A joint cable drive is used to move the roller bridges. One of the roller bridges is at the upward cable portion of the vertically deflected joint cable drive and the other roller bridge is at the downward cable portion of this vertically deflected joint cable drive. The joint cable drive includes pulley blocks supported in the upper region and in the lower region of the supporting frame. Each pulley block includes stationary rollers connected to the supporting frame and loose rollers connected to the respective roller bridges. A cable of each pulley block is guided to a cable drum such that when the cable drum rotates, the associated roller bridge moves.

Wheel driven suction nozzle

Abstract: A wheel driven suction nozzle having an upper body attached to an under body An opening is formed at a front of the upper body which provides access to a suction cavity An agitator covered with a fluff material is removably rotatably mounted within the cavity and extends partially out a bottom of the under body to clean and shine bare floors A cover is hingedly mounted to the upper body and movable between an open position which provides access to the cavity and allows for removal of the agitator, and a closed position which covers the cavity and prevents removal of the agitator A cogged front pulley is attached to one end of the agitator A cogged belt is driven by a rear cogged pulley and engages the front pulley whereby rotation of the rear pulley rotates the agitator A front gear is rigidly connected to the rear pulley and engages a rear gear which is rigidly connected to an axle shaft A pipped wheel is attached to each end of the axial shaft whereby rotation of the wheels rotates the rear gear which, in turn, rotates the front gear, the rear pulley and thus the agitator

Input station for belt conveyor

Abstract: An input station for a wide continuous conveyor belt that moves in a conveyor run through an input station to a discharge location, around a head pulley, through a return run around a tail pulley, and back into the input station. At the input station the belt rides on a plurality of N conventional central support rollers each mounted between two inner stanchions. A plurality of at least 2N elongated, flat, stationary slider rails support each extreme outer edge of the conveyor belt through the input station. There are 2N troughing rolls, one at each end of each central roller, between the slider rails and the central rollers. 2N fixed inner stanchions support each central roller and one end of each of its troughing rollers. 2N fixed medial support members each support one end of a troughing roller. The slider rails are supported by the medial support members and by 2N outer stanchions.

Variable tension pulley system

Abstract: The variable tension pulley system including a drive pulley, a slave pulley, a belt interconnecting the drive pulley and slave, a tensioner assembly positioned between the drive pulley and the slave pulley and in engagement with the belt. The tensioner assembly includes an elongated rack, a drive rod rotatably positioned on the rack, the drive rod having opposing ends and being selectively rotatable in a positive rotation or a negative rotation. The tensioner assembly also includes a drive block positioned on each end of the rod and in moveable engagement with the rack, each of the drive blocks being moveable along the length of the rod upon rotation of the rod, the drive blocks moving toward each other when the rod is rotated in the positive direction, and the drive blocks moving away from each other when the rod is rotated in the negative direction, a slide block slidably positioned on the rod adjacent to, inside of and in selective engagement with each drive block, and in slidable engagement with the rack, each slide block being moved toward the other slide block by the associated drive block when the drive blocks are moved toward each other, and a tensioner pulley attached to each slide block, each tensioner pulley in engagement with one of the opposing belt spans. The tensioner pulleys displace the opposing belt spans closer together upon positive actuation of the tensioner system in the positive direction. The use of the variable tension pulley system on an upper body exercise machine using a fan is also described.

Cable and pulley linkage for exercise machine

Abstract: A cable and pulley assembly has a first floating pulley unit having a pulley housing and a pair of pulleys rotatably mounted side-by-side in the housing for rotation about a single pulley axis, and a second floating pulley unit having a pulley housing and at least one pulley rotatably mounted in the housing A first cable is linked to the housing of the first floating pulley unit, and a second cable is linked to the housing of the second floating pulley unit A third cable extends around one of the side-by-side pulleys in the first pulley unit, around the pulley of the second pulley unit, and around the other side-by-side pulley of the first pulley unit The resistance on the first cable is then four times that on each section of the third cable, and plural pull points are provided for selective connection to exercise stations

Portable animal hoist

Abstract: A portable animal hoist (10) comprises the vertical member (12). The member holder (12B) is securely attached to the top end of the vertical member (12) on one distal end. The opposite distal end of the member holder (12B) is wrapped around the tree (30) and securely fastened with the removable fastening device to the top of the vertical member (12) by the vertical member horizontal bracket (12A). The member holder (12B) functions to removably support the portable animal hoist (10) on the verticle member. A top cross member (14T) is securely attached perpendicularly to the top end of the vertical member (12). The bottom cross member (14B) securely attached at the bottom end of the vertical member (12) and positioned perpendicularly thereto. A horizontal member (16) is pivotally connected at the back distal end by the first fastener (28) to the top end of the vertical member (12) extending perpendicularly therefrom. A top pulley bracket (20) is securely fastened to the front distal end of the horizontal member (16). When the user pulls on the distal end of the rope (26), the lift member (24) is raised. When the user loosens the rope (26), the lift member (24) lowers.

Variable diameter pulley

Abstract: A variable diameter pulley comprises a pair of pulley main bodies (18, 19) connected to a rotating shaft (15), and a power transmission ring (20) interposed between the pulley main bodies. A belt (2) is passed around an outer periphery of the power transmission ring (20). The power transmission ring (20) is made eccentric relative to an axis (15a) of the rotating shaft (15) so as to be varied in its contact diameter (D). Both pulley main bodies (18, 19) are rotatable together and relatively movable in an axial direction. Both pulley main bodies (18, 19) are biased by an elastic member (22) to move toward each other. The respective pulley main bodies (18, 19) are threadedly connected to the rotating shaft (15) by a torque cam mechanism (T) composed of a pair of thread connection mechanisms, which are inversely threaded to each other. Torque for effecting rotation of the respective pulley main bodies (18, 19) relative to the rotating shaft (15) is converted into a force, which causes both pulley main bodies (18, 19) to approach each other in equal amounts of stroke.

Adjustable supporting table

Abstract: An adjustable supporting table generally comprises a basic frame (10), a first moveable bracket (20), a first pulley assembly (30), and a first driving device (40). The basic frame (10) includes a main traverse rod (11). The first moveable bracket (20) is pivotally attached to the basic frame (10) and is provided with a traverse rod (22). The first pulley assembly(30) is configured by a plurality of basic frame pulleys (31), a plurality of first pulleys (32), and a first cable (33). The basic pulley assembly is rotationally disposed at the main traverse rod (11) of the basic frame (10). The first pulleys (32) are rotationally disposed at the traverse rod (22) of the first moveable bracket (20). The first cable (33) is routed along those plurality of basic pulleys (31) and first pulleys (32). The first driving device (4) is fixedly disposed on the basic frame(10) for extending or rewinding the first cable (33). When the first driving device (40) is actuated, the first cable (33) can be extended or wound such that the first moveable bracket (20) can be disposed at a desired position. To be accompanied when published by Figure 1 of the drawings.

Cooling structure of belt transmission for vehicle

Abstract: A cooling structure of a belt transmission for vehicles which limits the consumed power for cooling to a minimum and does not deteriorate cooling performance of the transmission. A drive pulley having a variable pitch diameter and a driven pulley which is driven through a drive belt and has a variable pitch diameter is housed in a substantially elliptical housing. An intake port formed in the vicinity of a suction part of the cooling fan formed on the drive pulley in the housing to forcedly introduce air from the outside and exhaust air to the outside. An exhaust port on the housing in a normal direction of the driven pulley at the rearward of a center of rotation of the driven pulley as seen from a side.

Infinitely variable transmission

Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission has a gear neutral (GN) point and serves as an output member by torque circulation. When a pulley ratio thereof is within a predetermined range from the GN point, a coasting state occurs which may hinder smooth torque transmission based on the transmission efficiency and generate a great engine braking effect (failure in the transmission resulting from the coasting state) based on a large gear ratio. When the pulley ratio assumes a predetermined value that may cause failure in transmission resulting from the coasting state, upon release of the accelerator pedal, an electronic throttle system performs control such that the engine outputs a predetermined torque. Thus a positive driving state is always established. In this state, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) is shifted in the upshift direction to escape rapidly from a range defined by the pulley ratio of the predetermined value.

Precision direct drive mechanism for a power assist apparatus for a bicycle

Abstract: A power assist apparatus which includes a battery pack that connects with a motor housing with the battery pack being removably mounted on the frame of the bicycle and the motor housing being mounted on a mounting plate which is carried by one of the support wheels of the bicycle. The power assist apparatus is designed to not only assist in the manual operation of the bicycle but also as a sole source of power for the bicycle. The mounting plate is to be affixed to the frame of the bicycle upon the desired location being selected for the mounting plate. The motor assembly operates a drive gear, pulley or sprocket which connects to a driven gear, pulley or sprocket which is mounted in conjunction with one of the support wheels of the bicycle. The motor housing may be disconnectable from the mounting plate as also the battery pack is capable of being disengaged from the frame of the bicycle permitting the bicycle to be used as a conventional bicycle without the power assist apparatus. The motor assembly is indexed to the axle of the support wheel maintaining accurate alignment in all operating conditions and upon repeated engagements and disengagements of the support wheel from the bicycle frame.

Belt tensioner for motor vehicle

Abstract: A belt tensioner (10) for tensioning a drive belt or timing belt (16) comprises an eccentric adjusting member (18) having an end surface thereof constructed and arranged to be mounted directly in surface-to-surface engagement with respect to a belt tensioner mounting surface for an engine frame (12). A pivoted structure (30) is mounted on the eccentric adjusting member (18) for pivoted movement between a first position and a second position, and a belt tensioning pulley (90) is mounted for rotational movement on the pivoted structure (30). A coil torsion spring (50) is constructed and arranged to resiliently bias the pivoted structure (30) in a belt tightening direction away from the first position and toward the second position, the eccentric adjusting member (18) being movable during an installation procedure to move the pivoted structure (30) against the bias of the coil torsion spring (50) into a position wherein the belt tensioning pulley (90) is disposed in predetermined static tensioning relation with the belt (16), at which point the eccentric adjusting member (18) is to be manually fixed. The end surface of the eccentric adjusting member (18) is in sliding surface-to-surface relation with the mounting surface (12) during rotation of the eccentric adjusting member (18).

Inverted block and tackle window balance

Abstract: Pulleys of a block and tackle window balance include hub steps that interact with other components to reduce the introduction of dirt and dust particles into areas vulnerable to wear. The hub steps of some of the pulleys are recesses formed about the axial bores of the pulleys that mate with protrusions on an axle and a washer. The hub steps of other pulleys are protrusions that abut a support plate and heads of rivets that act as axles. The hub steps allow inverse mounting of the window balance so that the balance can be mounted in a shoe channel for movement with a sash of the window, attached to the sash shoe, and the cord can be attached to the jamb or frame, thus increasing sash travel.

Substrate treatment equipment

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a substrate treatment equipment with a substrate-carrying transfer mechanism wherein the stroke of an arm is loNg, an operating region of a movable part is small and an arm warps and vibrates only slightly. SOLUTION: When a pulley PU4 is driven by a motor built in a head 24 and rotates in one direction, a boom 42 connected to a belt BE goes ahead in an AB direction and protrudes from the head 24. When the boom 42 protrudes from the head 24, the belt BE put on a pulley PU1 of the bottom 42 also rotates, since it is fixed to the side of the head 24 via a stopping member 47, and a holder member 41 connected to the belt BE goes ahead to the AB direction and protrudes from the boom 42. As a result, the holder member 41 moves to a position of a solid line, wherein the transfer arm 40 is expanded most.

Belt tensioner with bottom wall of base juxtaposed pivot arm

Abstract: A belt tensioner of the Zed type with a base member, a pivot-arm, a pivot-pin, a pulley attached to the pivot-arm, a torsional spring attached between the base member and pivot-arm, and wherein the base member has a "tube pan" shape with a cantilevered inner wall that supports the pivot-pin, a cantilevered outer wall, and a bottom wall interconnecting the inner and outer walls and oriented with the bottom wall juxtaposed the pivot-arm. Optionally, the spring is connected to a damping mechanism that generates a reaction force in generally the same direction as a belt force or hub load. In another embodiment, a second, damping spring generates a reaction force in generally the same direction as the belt force with a constant damping force.

High speed, compound, belted diverter and method of operating same

Abstract: A conveyor diverter (20) that is capable of engaging objects, such as packages (16) of varying size and weight, traveling at high speed along a conveyor (12) without damaging impact, and can reliably divert such objects off the conveyor (12) to an output location without any decrease in conveyor speed. The diverter (20) may include a frame (22) pivotally mounted for rotation about an axis adjacent to the conveyor, a belt mounted about a pair of pulleys (24, 26), one of which is movable against a spring. The belt deforms upon contact by the articles. After an article and the diverter come into engagement with each other, the swinging speed of the diverter, and, optionally, the speed of the diverter belt, may be accelerated to increase the exit speed of the article.

Automatic closer of pop-up door of vehicle

Abstract: A connection wire is connected to a part of a rear door popped up in a door-opening direction by an urging force. A pulley rotates responsive to a driving motor inside a wire-winding device to wind the connection wire thereon. In this manner, the rear door is automatically closed. The pulley is urged in a connection wire-winding direction by a power spring. A clutch is between the pulley and the driving motor. When the rear door is pressed by an operator's hands in a door-closing direction while the rear door is being closed, the pulley is rotated by the power spring, thus winding the connection wire thereon and preventing the connection wire from becoming loose. At this time, the connection between the pulley and the driving motor is cut off by the clutch. Thus, the pulley is rotated by the power spring freely and rapidly. In this manner, the rear door can be closed manually even while it is being closed automatically. Further, the connection wire can be prevented from becoming loose and from being sandwiched between the body of the vehicle and the periphery of a rear opening thereof.

Covering mechanism for a greenhouse

Abstract: A covering mechanism for a greenhouse (10) comprises two symmetric covering panels (20) that move between the sides and the top center of the greenhouse when pulled by a cable system from a central shaft (40) at the top of the greenhouse. The panels are wrapped together around a tension spool (26) that rides on the greenhouse framing (12). One leading end (34) of the panels is attached to the side (32) of the greenhouse; the other is pulled to the top of the greenhouse by the cable system (36, 42) as the tension shaft (25) is unrolled. Tension is maintained on the covering panels both in covering and uncovering the greenhouse by the two sets of cables and tensioning springs (50) that compensate for the wrapping around the tension shaft. One of the cable sets (42), running from the covering to a central shaft (41) at the top of the greenhouse applies tension in a direction opposing that of the other set of cables (36), which runs from the covering to a driving shaft (40) on the end of the central shaft and then over a pulley (44) to a tension drum (26) on the end of the tension shaft. A motor (60) or hand crank turns the driving shaft and central shaft. Constant tension on the covering panels facilitates rainwater runoff and avoids the consequent damage due to rainwater collecting on the roof of the greenhouse.

Pulley with a pivoting flange and built-in jammer

Abstract: A pulley comprises a pair of flanges, a rotary roller mounted on a first spindle, and a second flange which oscillates on the first spindle. A jammer is incorporated inside the pulley and comprises a pivotable tumbler on a second spindle between an active locking position and an inactive unlocking position of a rope. The second spindle is tubular and extends parallel to the first spindle, and includes an internal orifice disposed to come into alignment with a hole of the second flange when the second flange reaches a position near to a closed position, so as to enable a snap-hook to be attached through an orifice of the tumbler simultaneously resulting in locking of the second flange in the closed position.

Light duty elevator door operator

Abstract: An elevator car door operator includes a drive motor, a drive pulley mounted for rotation by the drive motor, a continuous loop drive belt mounted on the drive pulley at one end of the belt and on an idler pulley at the other end of the belt, a drive bar connected to the drive belt and slidably mounted on a bar guide for translational movement across the elevator car door header. One or more doors are slidably mounted on guide tracks for movement between open and closed positions. One of the doors is either connected directly to the drive bar, or connected to a two-to-one relating cable mounted on the drive bar, so that the motion of the drive bar is transmitted to that door, thereby slidably positioning the door as the drive bar is slidably positioned by the belt along the length of the bar guide.

Motorcycle combination brake rotor and belt pulley assembly

Abstract: A motorcycle disk brake rotor in the shape of an annular ring is (i) mounted to the motorcycles rear wheel at the outside of its annulus and (ii) swept by the yoke of a disk brake caliper that is mounted to the inside of the annulus A belt pulley affixes at its exterior circumferential region--either rigidly or "floating"--the exterior annular region of the disk brake rotor which is in the shape of the annular ring A motorcycle disk brake caliper assembly is anchored at one mounting point to the motorcycle's rear axle shaft, and at a second mounting point to the motorcycle's suspension swingarm, engages the disk brake rotor from the inside of its annulus The combined disk brake and belt pulley assembly is compact and visually regularly appearing It may suitably be stylized with the same pattern as are the wheels of the motorcycle While providing both (i) braking and (ii) motive drive functions, it is entirely located upon but one side of the motorcycle's rear wheel, making that the view of the other side of the wheel is unobstructed and aesthetically improved It is suitably retrofitted to existing belt-drive motorcycles

Robot arm driver and robot hand

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wire driver for a robot arm, which operates in safety without applying excessive force to outside circumstances even if the robot arm interferes with the outside. SOLUTION: For a robot arm driver of a wire driven type to drive a robot arm with n-pieces of joints J1, J2, J3, a tension pulley 18, torque sensors 13, 14, 15 and tension adjusting mechanisms 5, 6 are arranged among link fixing pulleys PT1, PT2, PT3 and pulleys P11, P12, P21 pairing therewith. Pulleys PT1, PT2, PT3 are fixed to links 1, 2, 3 at joints J1, J2, J3, n-pieces of wires W are fixed to the link fixing pulleys PT1, PT2, PT3 and the wires W are wound at least one turn, not fixed, on the pulleys P11, P12, P21 paring with the link fixing pulleys PT1, PT2, PT3, so that the wires W slide on the pulleys P11, P12, P21 and the robot arm follows outer force not to apply excessive force to outside, when the robot arm contacts the outside. COPYRIGHT: (C)1998,JPO

Linear bicycle derailleur

Abstract: A derailleur (10) for a bicycle for changing the speed of the bicycle. The derailleur (10) can be distinguished from prior parallelogram designs in employing stationary guide rods (4) over which a pulley wheel assembly (5) is caused to slide as the bicycle's drive chain (16) is shifted between various drive sprocket wheels (13, 14). Gear shifting is done in a linear motion while being able to center the derailleur's pulley assembly (5) without the use of a return spring which is currently employed by present day parallelogram derailleurs.

Pad-type roller massager

Abstract: A pad type roller massager comprising an upper supporting bracket and a lower supporting brackets, an upper bracket cover and a lower bracket cover, a driving mechanism, a guiding column A, a sliding block, an eccentric motor, a positioning cover for motor, a position controller, a plurality of screws S, and a rollers assembly is provided. The upper and lower supporting brackets are connected by those pair of guiding column which are parallel with each other. A sliding block is moveably attached to the guiding columns and may move upward and downward along the guiding columns. The upper supporting bracket is enclosed with an upper bracket cover and the upper supporting bracket is rotationally disposed with a pulley therein. The lower supporting bracket is also enclosed with a lower bracket cover and the lower supporting bracket is disposed with a worm gear motor which in turn meshed with a worm gear having a pulley formed thereof. A belt is guided via the pulley and the worm gear having pulley. The free end of the belt are fixedly attached to the sliding block. Consequently, when the worm gear motor is rotated, the belt as well as the sliding block is moved upward and downward. The sliding block is further provided with a position controller which can reverse the rotating direction of the worm gear motor when the controller reach to the upper or lower supporting brackets. A plurality of rollers assemblies are carried by the sliding block and which may exert a massaging movement to the muscle when the rollers assemblies are moved along the guiding columns. The sliding block is further provided with an eccentric motor which provides vibration to the sliding block. As a result, the massager is featured with a three dimensional massaging movement.

Pulley alignment gauge

Abstract: A pulley alignment gauge for aligning pulleys in a drive system, such as a front end accessory drive system on an automotive engine, includes pulley mounts and a laser connected to a frame. The drive belt is removed before the gauge is placed on the pulleys. The pulley mounts position the gauge on one of the pulleys in the pair to be aligned. The laser emits a light beam onto the adjacent pulley to determine pulley alignment. The laser targets the center rib of the adjacent pulley being aligned and the rib spacing is used to gauge the degree of misalignment.