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Showing papers on "Pulley published in 2002"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: MRI now enables precise visualization of the mechanical state of the living human orbit, providing abundant consistent evidence for the active pulley hypothesis, a re‐formulation of ocular motor physiology.
Abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) now enables precise visualization of the mechanical state of the living human orbit. Resulting insights have motivated histological re-examination of human and simian orbits, providing abundant consistent evidence for the active pulley hypothesis, a re-formulation of ocular motor physiology. Each extraocular muscle (EOM) consists of a global layer (GL) contiguous with the tendon and inserting on the eyeball, and a similar-sized orbital layer (OL) inserting on a connective tissue ring forming the EOM pulley. The pulley controls the EOM path and serves as the EOM's functional origin. Activity of the OL positions the pulley along each rectus EOM to assure that its pulling direction shifts by half the change in ocular orientation, the half-angle behavior characteristic of a linear ocular motor plant. Half-angle behavior is equivalent to Listing's law of ocular torsion, and makes 3-D ocular rotations effectively commutative. Pulleys are configured to maintain oblique EOM paths orthogonal to half-angle behavior, and violate Listing's law during the vestibulo-ocular reflex. Rectus pulley positions shift during convergence, facilitating stereopsis. Innervations, fiber types, and metabolism of the OL and GL differ, consistent with the elastic loading of the former, and viscous loading of the latter. Disorders of the location and stability of rectus pulleys are associated with predictable patterns of incomitant strabismus that may mimic cranial nerve palsies. Surgical interventions improve defective pulley function. Understanding of ocular motor control requires characterization of the behavior of the EOM pulleys as well as knowledge of angular eye orientation.

158 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: Pulley instability, resulting in EOM sideslip during ductions, occurs in some cases of incomitant strabismus.
Abstract: PURPOSE. Connective tissue pulleys serve as functional mechanical origins of the extraocular muscles (EOMs) and are normally stable relative to the orbit during gaze shifts. This study evaluated pulley stability in incomitant strabismus. METHODS. Contiguous 2- or 3-mm thick magnetic resonance images (MRIs) perpendicular to the orbital axis spanned the anteroposterior extents of 12 orbits of six patients with incomitant strabismus. Imaging was performed in central gaze, supraduction, infraduction, abduction, and adduction. Rectus EOM paths were defined by their area centroids and plotted in a normalized, oculocentric coordinate system. Paths of EOMs ran toward the pulleys. Sharp EOM path inflections in secondary gaze indicated pulley locations in three dimensions. RESULTS. MRI revealed substantial inferior shift of the lateral rectus (LR) pulley of up to 1 mm during vertical gaze shifts in patients with axial high myopia and a posterior shift from abduction to adduction in simulated Brown syndrome. There was substantial LR pulley shift opposite the direction of vertical gaze in a subject with X-pattern exotropia who had undergone repeated LR surgery. The medial rectus (MR) pulley shifted inferiorly with gaze elevation in Marfan syndrome. Pulley instability was associated with significantly increased globe translation during gaze shifts. CONCLUSIONS. Pulley instability, resulting in EOM sideslip during ductions, occurs in some cases of incomitant strabismus. Resultant patterns of strabismus may depend on static pulley positions, pulley instability, and coexisting globe translation that alters pulley locations relative to the globe. Translational instability of pulleys and the globe could produce abnormalities in actions of otherwise normal EOMs, and connective tissue disorders causing these instabilities should be considered as potential causes of strabismus. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2002;43:2169 ‐2178)

100 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a dynamic finite element model is developed for pulley belt-drive systems and employed to determine the transient and steady-state response of a prototypical belt drive.
Abstract: In this study, a dynamic finite element model is developed for pulley belt-drive systems and is employed to determine the transient and steady-state response of a prototypical belt-drive. The belt is modeled using standard truss elements, while the pulleys are modeled using rotating circular constraints, for which the driver pulley's angular velocity is prescribed. Frictional contact between the pulleys and the belt is modeled using a penalty formulation with frictional contact governed by a Coulomb-like tri-linear friction law. One-way clutch elements are modeled using a proportional torque law supporting torque transmission in a single direction. The dynamic response of the drive is then studied by incorporating the model into an explicit finite element code, which can maintain time-accuracy for large rotations and for long simulation times. The finite element solution is validated through comparison to an exact analytical solution of a steadily-rotating, two-pulley drive. Several response quantities are compared, including the normal and tangential (friction) force distributions between the pulleys and the belt, the driven pulley angular velocity and the belt span tensions. Excellent agreement is found. Transient response results for a second belt-drive example involving a one-way clutch are used to demonstrate the utility and flexibility of the finite element solution approach.

94 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: These studies challenge current concepts of both the anatomy and mechanics of the thumb pulley system with implications for clinical procedures such as trigger thumb release and pulley reconstruction.
Abstract: To examine the precise conformation of the annular and oblique pulleys of the thumb flexor sheath, anatomic dissections were undertaken on 14 hands. In all specimens a distinct pulley was found between the A1 and oblique pulleys. This is named the variable annular pulley or Av pulley. There appear to be 3 discrete forms of this pulley designated type I to III. The biomechanical study was done on 8 limbs by using linear strain transduction techniques. The analysis showed that the strain in the oblique pulley was greater in extension than in flexion of the thumb. This statement remains true even after division of either the A1 or Av pulley and after section of both pulleys. The oblique pulley does not prevent bowstringing of the flexor pollicis longus when A1 and Av pulleys have been sectioned. These studies challenge current concepts of both the anatomy and mechanics of the thumb pulley system with implications for clinical procedures such as trigger thumb release and pulley reconstruction.

74 citations


Patent
10 Apr 2002
TL;DR: A belt having a non-woven region on a pulley engaging surface has a random coverage to reduce natural frequency harmonics, control frictional characteristics, permeation and thermal resistance as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A belt having a non-woven region on a pulley engaging surface. The non-woven region has a random coverage to reduce natural frequency harmonics, control frictional characteristics, permeation and thermal resistance. The non-woven may comprise a combination of softwood and hardwood pulp, or synthetic materials applied in a random matrix to a body having a fiber loading.

71 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, an analysis of the frictional mechanics of a steadily rotating belt drive is carried out using a physically appropriate creep-rate-dependent friction law, which predicts no adhesion zones in the belt-pulley contact region.
Abstract: An analysis of the frictional mechanics of a steadily rotating belt drive is carried out using a physically appropriate creep-rate-dependent friction law. Unlike in belt-drive mechanics analyzed using a Coulomb friction law, the current analysis predicts no adhesion zones in the belt-pulley contact region. Regardless of this finding, for the limiting case of a creep-rate law approaching a Coulomb law, all predicted response quantities (including the extent of belt creep on each pulley) approach those predicted by the Coulomb law analysis. Depending on a slope parameter governing the creep-rate profile, one or two sliding zones exist on each pulley, which together span the belt-pulley contact region. Closed-form expressions are obtained for the tension distribution, the sliding-zone arc magnitudes, and the frictional and normal forces per unit length exerted on the belt. A sample two-pulley belt drive is analyzed further to determine its pulley angular velocity ratio and belt-span tensions. Results from this analysis are compared to a dynamic finite element solution of the same belt drive. Excellent agreement in predicted results is found. Due to the presence of arbitrarily large system rotations and a numerically friendly friction law, the analytical solution presented herein is recommended as a convenient comparison test case for validating friction-enabled dynamic finite element schemes. ©2002 ASME

65 citations


Patent
20 Dec 2002
TL;DR: In this article, a lift belt with a ribbed profile on a pulley engaging surface is described, which exhibits increased load lifting capacity due to the increased surface area of the ribs as compared to a flat belt.
Abstract: The invention comprises a lift belt (10) having a ribbed profile (25) on a pulley engaging surface. The lift belt also comprises steel tensile cords (15) within an elastomeric body. The ribbed profile engages a ribbed profile on a pulley. The lift belt exhibits increased load lifting capacity due to the increased surface area of the ribs as compared to a flat belt. The belt (10) also comprises conductive tensile cords having a resistance (Br). A change in resistance is used for measuring a belt condition as well as a belt load.

59 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a solution approach combines precision point synthesis with optimization to realize optimal SDCSC mechanisms, which satisfy the design specifications exactly at selected precision points and approximate them in the least-squares sense elsewhere along a specified trajectory.
Abstract: Single Degree-of-freedom Coupled Serial Chain (SDCSC) mechanisms form a novel class of modular and compact mechanisms with a single degree-of-freedom, suitable for a number of manipulation tasks. Such SDCSC mechanisms take advantage of the hardware constraints between the articulations of a serial-chain linkage, created using gear-trains or belt/pulley drives, to guide the end-effector motions and forces. In this paper, we examine the dimensional synthesis of such SDCSC mechanisms to perform desired planar manipulation tasks, taking into account task specifications on both end-effector motions and forces. Our solution approach combines precision point synthesis with optimization to realize optimal mechanisms, which satisfy the design specifications exactly at the selected precision points and approximate them in the least-squares sense elsewhere along a specified trajectory. The designed mechanisms can guide a rigid body through several positions while supporting arbitrarily specified external loads. Furthermore, torsional springs are added at the joints to reduce the overall actuation requirements and to enhance the task performance. Examples from the kinematic and the kinetostatic synthesis of planar SDCSC mechanisms are presented to highlight the benefits.

58 citations


Patent
20 May 2002
TL;DR: A lifting device that can effectively lift a variety of objects and enhance portability is described in this article, where the lifting device includes a mast separable into a plurality of sections and a pulley supported by a first section of the mast.
Abstract: A lifting device that can effectively lift a variety of objects and enhance portability. The lifting device provides demountable portability that enables easy adaptation of the invention for objects of varying size. This adaptability provides a universality that minimizes the number of lifting devices need. The demountable nature of the invention also aids in efficient storage. Generally described, the lifting device includes a mast separable into a plurality of sections and a pulley supported by a first section of the mast. A dolly that supports the mast includes one or more transport structures for movably supporting the lifting device. An actuator is mounted on a second section of the mast. A carriage captured on the mast is configured to slide along the mast and directly or indirectly support an object to be lifted. The lifting device also includes a belt with a first end and a second end. The first end attaches to the carriage and the second end attaches to the actuator so that the belt extends over the pulley. The actuator selectively reels the belt in and out when the belt is positioned over the pulley. This causes the carriage to move up and down along the mast. The belt is removable from the pulley. The first section of the mast is removable from the second section of the mast when the belt is removed from the pulley. This provides the lift with demountable portability.

48 citations


Patent
15 Aug 2002
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe a portable exercise device with a force measuring system and a length adjuster, including a pulley/securing device assembly and a cord having a gripping structure at each of its ends.
Abstract: A portable exercise device ( 20 ) having a force measuring system ( 28 ) and a length adjuster ( 30 ). The exercise device includes a pulley/securing device assembly ( 22 ) and a cord ( 24 ) having a gripping structure ( 26 ) at each of its ends. The pulley/securing device assembly has a pulley ( 38 ) for engaging the cord and a securing device ( 34 ) for securing the exercise device to a door ( 46 ). The force measuring system engages one of the gripping structures and determines magnitude of a tensile force ( 68 ) applied to that gripping member. The force measuring system is in communication with an electronic display ( 88 ′) that displays the magnitude of the tensile force to a user ( 27 ). The force measuring system may be powered by batteries ( 104, 104 ′) contained in the housing of the force measuring system, contained in a handgrip ( 52 ) of the gripping structure, or located aboard the electrified glove, may be powered by a power generating system ( 132 ) driven by the pulley during, or may be powered by a piezoelectric sensor ( 72 ) used to measure the force applied to the cord. The length adjuster includes a body ( 162 ) having a plurality of slots ( 164 ) that threadedly receive a portion of the cord and allow a user to create, and adjust the size of, an excess loop ( 190 ) to change the effective length of the cord.

45 citations


Patent
31 Jul 2002
TL;DR: In this article, a belt tensioner for tensioning the belt of a belt drive system includes an eccentric adjusting member, a pivot structure eccentrically mounted on the adjusting member for pivoting around the adjusting members, a belt-tensioning pulley mounted to rotate on the pivot structure, a biasing member that resiliently biases the pivoting structure in a belttightening direction, and a coupling structure.
Abstract: A belt tensioner for tensioning the belt of a belt drive system includes an eccentric adjusting member, a pivot structure eccentrically mounted on the adjusting member for pivoting around the adjusting member, a belt-tensioning pulley mounted to rotate on the pivot structure, a biasing member that resiliently biases the pivot structure in a belt-tightening direction, and a coupling structure. The coupling structure temporarily couples the pivot structure to the adjusting member to pivot with it during a belt installation procedure, and the configuration keeps the coupling structure unloaded except for a limited period of time during the installation procedure such that the coupling structure can be installed and removed easily. The tensioner is rendered operative after the pivot structure is uncoupled from the adjusting member, thus allowing the pivot structure to pivot with respect to the adjusting member.

Patent
29 Mar 2002
TL;DR: In this paper, a bending manipulation device for endoscope is described, where a pair of control wires are taken up by a pulley provided in and given a rotary motion by the main control portion of the endoscope.
Abstract: A bending manipulation device for endoscope wherein a pair of control wires are taken up by a pulley provided in and given a rotary motion by the main control portion of the endoscope, and one of control wires extended out from the pulley corresponding to the turning operation thereof is taken up by the pulley while the other is paid out from the pulley, thereby enabling the bending manipulation to be carried out. The groove of the above pulley is formed in the shape of a spiral continuously extending in the peripheral direction of this pulley and is used in common by the above pair of control wires. One part from the one end of the groove and the other part from the other end of the groove are arranged side by side and in parallel with each other. Each of control wires is alternately taken up on the groove of the pulley corresponding to the turning direction of the pulley.

Patent
17 Jan 2002
TL;DR: In this paper, an improved power transmission belt which has a relatively thick rubber backing layer for improved interface with associated pulleys and improved wear resistance is described. But the belt also has an aramid, glass, or other high modulus relatively inextensible cord secured by a layer of fabric (21, 32, 42, 52).
Abstract: This invention provides an improved power transmission belt which has a relatively thick rubber backing layer (19) for improved interface with associated pulleys and improved wear resistance. The belt also has an aramid, glass, or other high modulus relatively inextensible cord (18) secured by a layer of fabric (21, 32, 42, 52).

Patent
18 Oct 2002
TL;DR: A pulley arrangement for a compound archery bow that combines the forgiveness and symmetry of a dual cam system with the positive draw stop (hard wall), enforced synchronization (or built-in timing) between opposite pulley assemblies, and high let-off associated with single cam systems is described in this paper.
Abstract: A pulley arrangement for a compound archery bow ( 100 ) that combines the forgiveness and symmetry of a “dual cam” system with the positive draw stop (hard wall), enforced synchronization (or built-in timing) between opposite pulley assemblies, and high let-off associated with “single cam” systems The pulley rigging ( 112 ) includes only a single cable reference anchor to a limb ( 104, 106 ) Certain pulleys ( 108, 110 ) include rotating module portions ( 183, 214 ) effective to change the wrapped lengths of power and control cables ( 270, 272 ) to change draw length (L D ) while the bow ( 100 ) is strung, and at a brace condition with the drawstring ( 116 ) under full tension, and without changing the timing of the pulley members ( 108, 110 ), or changing the lengths of rigging members ( 112 ) Certain embodiments include a resilient element ( 196 ) in a positive draw stop ( 194 ) to reduce noise as the draw stop ( 194 ) engages a rigging element ( 270 ) A resilient element ( 206 ) adapted to reduce drawstring vibration may further be included, in one or more pulleys, and arranged to contact the drawstring ( 116 ) as the pulleys ( 108, 100 ) over-rotate A preferred mounting arrangement employs a flanged bearing assembly ( 200 ) to resist bearing walk relative to the pulley on which the bearing assembly ( 200 ) is installed Certain preferred embodiments of pulleys ( 108, 110 ) include a spiral cam shape at a let-off portion of the string cams ( 150, 210 )

Patent
08 Feb 2002
TL;DR: In this article, a human power amplifier includes an end-effector that is grasped by a human operator and applied to a load, and a force sensor that measures the vertical force imposed on the end effector by the operator and delivers a signal to a controller.
Abstract: A human power amplifier includes an end-effector that is grasped by a human operator and applied to a load. The end-effector is suspended, via a line, from a take-up pulley, winch, or drum that is driven by an actuator to lift or lower the load. The end-effector includes a force sensor that measures the vertical force imposed on the end-effector by the operator and delivers a signal to a controller. The controller and actuator are structured in such a way that a predetermined percentage of the force necessary to lift or lower the load is applied by the actuator, with the remaining force being supplied by the operator. The load thus feels lighter to the operator, but the operator does not lose the sense of lifting against both the gravitation and inertial forces originating in the load.

Patent
10 Jan 2002
TL;DR: In this article, a combined gear change and brake control unit in a support body which can be fastened to a bicycle handlebar is described, which includes a ratchet mechanism that leaves the shaft free to turn by a predetermined amount in the release direction of the cable.
Abstract: A combined gear change and brake control unit in a support body which can be fastened to a bicycle handlebar. The brake control lever and gear change control unit are carried by a support body. The gear change unit has a rotatable shaft attached to a pulley with an end portion of a derailler control cable wound thereon. The shaft is subject to a return torque that turns the shaft to release the cable. The unit has a gear change lever that controls the rotation of the shaft in a direction that winds the cable onto the pulley and a cable release button. The gear change control unit includes a ratchet mechanism that leaves the shaft free to turn by a predetermined amount in the release direction of the cable.

Patent
24 Dec 2002
TL;DR: In this article, a cable and pulley mechanism inside a housing has a pulley rotatably mounted on a shaft that spins in only one direction, and a brake wheel or brake bushing is attached to the shaft.
Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable personal training and exercise device with a cable and pulley mechanism which also is a mobile personal training and exercise device having an ergonomic plastic external housing that with the use of straps fits in the hand as well as against different parts of the body. The present invention has a cable and pulley mechanism inside a housing which has a pulley rotatably mounted on a shaft that spins in only one direction. The pulley spins in both directions so that it is spring biased for rewinding a cord onto the pulley. Next to the pulley is a brake wheel or brake bushing that is attached to the shaft. The brake wheel or brake bushing and a pulley spinning on a single shaft inserts into a sealed ball bearing on both ends. A spring is connected to the bottom of the pulley. In the center of the pulley is a combination ball bearing/one-way clutch that turns the shaft only in one direction. The shaft is attached to the brake wheel or brake bushing. Secured around the outer edge of the brake wheel is a brake band. Secured around the outer edge of the brake bushing is a brake clamp. The brake band or brake bushing can be tightened for variable resistance through a tension adjustment assembly including a tension bolt. There is also a multi-directional guide unit mounted on the housing for allowing the pulley cords to be pulled in multiple directions with variable amounts of friction. The cord, which is wrapped around the pulley, emerges through a multi-directional bearing that rotates 360 degrees, thus allowing full range of three dimensional motion. Therefore, a user may pull the cords of the pulley for exercising various muscles of the user and adjust the resistance force of the cord at an appropriate level from the user. Different attachments can be connected to the snap at the end of the cord or cable such as a grip handle, wrist strap, waistband, ankle strap and foot strap.

Patent
06 Dec 2002
TL;DR: In this paper, a tensioner for an endless power transmission belt, the belt (12) being driven about a sheave, is described. But the tensioner may also include a base (22, 122), a resilient device (46, 146), and first and second arms (24, 26, 124, 126) pivotally coupled for movement in an opened and a closed direction.
Abstract: A tensioner (14, 114) for an endless power transmission belt, the belt (12) being driven about a sheave. The tensioner may comprise a base (22, 122), a resilient device (46, 146), and first and second arms (24, 26; 124, 126) pivotally coupled for movement in an opened and a closed direction. The tensioner (14, 114) may also comprise first and second pulleys (25, 27; 125, 127) rotably coupled to the and second arms (24, 26; 124, 126), the resilient device (46, 146) biasing the arms in the closed direction in which the first and second pulleys (25, 27; 125, 127) apply tension to the belt (12). The tensioner (14, 114) may also comprise first and second stops (28, 30; 128, 130) positioned outside the arms on the base (22, 122) to limit the movement of the arms in the open direction in response to an increase in tension in the belt.

Patent
19 Feb 2002
TL;DR: In this article, an endless belt is wound on the primary pulley and the secondary pulley so that the secondary is drivable connected to the primary, and the belt includes a steel belt portion, and a plurality of steel elements supported on the steel belt part and aligned along the steel portion.
Abstract: A continuously variable transmission of an automotive vehicle comprises a primary pulley disposed on a power input shaft, and a secondary pulley disposed on a power output shaft. Each of the primary and secondary pulleys includes a fixed wheel counterpart having a first sheave surface, and a movable wheel counterpart having a second sheave surface. The first and second sheave surfaces face each other to form a pulley groove whose width is changeable with axial movement of the movable wheel counterpart. An endless belt is wound on the primary pulley and the secondary pulley so that the secondary pulley is drivably connected to the primary pulley. The belt includes a steel belt portion, and a plurality of steel elements supported on the steel belt portion and aligned along the steel belt portion. The respective steel elements are engageable in the pulley grooves of the primary pulley and the secondary pulley. In the above arranged continuously variable transmission, the sheave surfaces of the fixed and movable wheel counterparts of the primary pulley has a first surface roughness, and the sheave surfaces of the fixed and movable wheel counterparts of the secondary pulley has a second surface roughness which is rougher than the first surface roughness.

Patent
23 Oct 2002
TL;DR: In this paper, a belt drive system for automatically controlling a belt tension is presented, which consists of an actuator controlled by a control module, which operates on a pivoted pulley.
Abstract: The invention comprises a belt drive system for automatically controlling a belt tension. The system comprises an actuator controlled by a control module. The actuator operates on a pivoted pulley. A belt is trained about the pivoted pulley as well as other pulleys driving various accessories. A series of sensors in the system detect a belt condition including a belt tension. Sensor signals are transmitted to the control module. The control module processes the signals and instructs the actuator to move the pivoted pulley, thereby increasing or decreasing a belt tension. A feedback loop from the sensors to the control module allows the belt tension to be continuously monitored and adjusted many times per second. The system may actively control a belt tension by anticipating a system condition to prevent a belt noise by comparing sensor signals to instructions stored in a control module memory.

Patent
15 Jan 2002
TL;DR: In this paper, an integrated conventional air conditioning system for use in trucks having an auxiliary power source to drive the compressor when the main engine is not operating is described, where an electric motor is mounted to and mechanically linked to the air conditioner compressor and a second clutch engagable pulley is coupled to the belt-driven pulley mounted on the shaft.
Abstract: An integrated conventional air conditioning system for use in trucks having an auxiliary power source to drive the compressor when the main engine is not operating. The compressor has a single shaft with a clutch engagable pulley coupled thereto and a belt-driven pulley mounted pulley thereon. The clutch engagable pulley is rotatable by the main engine and the pulley is operable to drive the shaft independently of the clutch engagable pulley when the main engine is not operating. An electric motor is mounted to and mechanically linked to the air conditioner compressor. The electric motor has a second clutch engagable pulley operatively coupled thereto wherein the second clutch engagable pulley is rotatable when the electric motor is operating. The second clutch engagable pulley is coupled to the belt-driven pulley mounted on the shaft. A means for is provided for selectively and independently engaging the first clutch engagable pulley and the second clutch engagable pulley for operation of the air conditioner compressor. An auxiliary power plant provides power to the he electric motor.

Patent
21 Feb 2002
TL;DR: In this paper, a variable-speed V-belt drive with a fixed sheave with a cylindrical shaft and a movable sheave mounted on the shaft is described.
Abstract: A variable-speed V-belt drive includes: a drive pulley; a driven pulley including a fixed sheave with a cylindrical shaft and a movable sheave mounted on the cylindrical shaft so that the movable sheave can rotate and axially move; a V belt extended between the drive and driven pulleys; and a pressure mechanism of applying pressure to the movable sheave of the driven pulley. The pressure mechanism includes a helical cam groove formed in one of the cylindrical shaft and the movable sheave of the driven pulley, and a roller mounted on other of the cylindrical shaft and the movable sheave of the driven pulley so that the roller engages with the cam groove. The cam groove has opposite first and second working surfaces. The second working surface has a retaining surface of retaining the roller thereon when the vehicle travels in the engine-braking mode. The variable-speed V-belt drive can maintain the effect of engine brake at a high level even when traveling down a steep hill.

Patent
23 May 2002
TL;DR: In this paper, an asymmetric damping tensioner (10) system for belt drives on an engine is described, where the tensioner is placed anywhere before the first component of significant effective inertia, in the belt movement direction.
Abstract: The invention comprises an asymmetric damping tensioner (10) system for belt drives on an engine. A belt (16) is connected between a driver pulley (18) on a crankshaft and any number of driven pulleys. Each drive pulley is connected to an accessory such as an alternator, power steering pump, compressor or the like. The tensioner (10) is placed anywhere before the first component of significant effective inertia, in the belt movement direction. A biasing member (70) in the tentioner is used to maintain a tention in the belt. The tensioner further comprises a damping mechanism (34) to damp belt vibrations caused by the operation of the engine. Tensioner damping friction is unequal or asymmetric, depending upon the direction of movement of the tentioner arm (52). During acceleration the damping friction of the tentioner (10) in the unloading direction is significantly lower than the damping friction in the opposite, or loading direction, as is the case during deceleration. Lower damping friction during acceleration allows the tensioner arm (52) to quickly adjust to the increase in belt length caused by acceleration. Higher damping friction during deceleration prevents the tensioner arm (52) from being moved too far in the loading direction thereby causing slipping and noise. Asymmetric damping also significantly diminishes overall vibration in the belt during all phases of operation.

Patent
02 Jan 2002
TL;DR: In this article, a motorized window shade assembly with an elongated roller and an acoustically lossy drive belt supported by drive and roller pulleys is described. And the drive system includes a motor and a drive shaft having a central axis parallel to the central axis of the roller.
Abstract: A quiet motorized window shade assembly mountable within a window frame includes a flexible shade and an elongated roller. An end of the shade is retained on the roller for winding of the shade on the roller. The window shade assembly further includes a drive system located externally of the roller. The drive system includes a motor and a drive shaft having a central axis parallel to a central axis of the roller. The drive shaft is connected to an acoustically lossy drive belt supported by drive and roller pulleys to transfer rotation of the drive shaft to rotation of the roller. The roller and drive belt substantially span a distance that separates opposing surfaces of the window frame to provide minimal distances between the window frame and the shade.

Patent
01 Nov 2002
TL;DR: In this paper, a motor is connected to a series of pulleys and a corresponding series of straps are attached at one end to each pulley and at the other end to a bed sheet.
Abstract: This invention is a device for translatably positioning a patient along a bed. The device has a motor connected to a series of pulleys. A corresponding series of straps are attached at one end to a respective pulley and at the other end to a bed sheet. As the pulleys are rotated by operation of the motor, each strap is wound around its respective pulley thereby causing the associated sheet to be drawn in the general direction of the pulleys. The device may be operated by the patient or a caregiver and the device contains a safety mechanism that prevents the pulleys from pulling the associated bed sheet completely into the device. In one embodiment of the invention, the components of the device are received onto a portable, adjustable frame that permits the device to be transported to a number of different beds and used with beds of differing sizes.

Patent
Goro Tamai1
23 May 2002
TL;DR: In this paper, a triple pulley tensioner is used to provide adequate belt wrap and damping functions for the belt systems of a motor generator and an air conditioner compressor for both starting and generating functions of the system.
Abstract: Crank drive belt systems feature a triple pulley tensioner which may be applied in various ways to provide proper tensioning on belt spans adjacent a motor generator for both starting and generating functions of the system. The tensioner provides adequate belt wrap and damping functions for the systems. In a simplified embodiment, the belt system connects a crankshaft or crank pulley with a motor generator pulley and at least one accessory drive pulley, such as an air conditioner compressor. The triple pulley tensioner includes a fixed tensioner housing mounting a fixed rotatable pulley and two tensioner arms carrying pulleys for tensioning the belt spans on either side of the motor generator. The fixed pulley is positioned on a third belt span between the accessory and the crank and combines with the tensioner pulleys to maximize belt wrap around the MG pulley, the crank pulley, and the accessory pulley, if needed. Numerous alternative arrangements may be provided.

Patent
02 Jan 2002
TL;DR: A quiet drapery pull system includes an elongated track that receives a master car and auxiliary cars as discussed by the authors, and the track defines a pair of curved surfaces for nested receipt of roller members of the cars to facilitate linear tracking of cars.
Abstract: A quiet drapery pull system includes an elongated track that receives a master car and auxiliary cars. The track defines a pair of curved surfaces for nested receipt of roller members of the cars to facilitate linear tracking of the cars. The cars preferably include tires that are made from a resilient material to limit noises caused by rolling contact and by slipping and dragging of the tires upon contact with surface imperfections of the track. The drapery pull system preferably includes a drive belt connected to a reversible motor and to the master car for driving the master car in each of opposite directions. The drive belt is preferably made from a resilient material to limit noise associated with contact between the drive belt and drive pulley and between the belt and the track.

Patent
24 Oct 2002
TL;DR: In this article, a combination belt tensioner and idler has a fixed pivot structure and a moveable arm is mounted for pivotable movement about the pivot structure, and a belt tensioning pulley is mounted on the moving arm to force it into tensioning engagement with a belt.
Abstract: A combination belt tensioner and idler has a fixed pivot structure. A moveable arm is mounted for pivotable movement about the pivot structure. A belt tensioning pulley is mounted on the moveable arm. A helical coil spring biases the moveable arm in a direction so as to force the pulley into tensioning engagement with a belt. A mounting bolt mounts the fixed pivot structure on a motor vehicle engine. An idler pulley is mounted for rotational movement about an axis defined by the mounting bolt.

Patent
15 Mar 2002
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe a wireless lifting assist device, which includes a pulley driven by an actuator attached to a ceiling, and an instrumented glove worn by an operator.
Abstract: A wireless lifting assist device includes a pulley driven by an actuator which is attached to a ceiling. An end-effector is suspended, via a line, from the pulley and interfaces the object to be maneuvered. The wireless lifting assist device further provides an instrumented glove worn by an operator. The glove measures the contact force the operator is exerting on either the object to be moved or the lifting assist device and generates a set of contact signals representing the contact force. The contact signals are transmitted to a controller. The controller generates a set of command signals to control the actuator as a function of the operator contact force such that a predetermined percentage of the force necessary to lift or lower the load is applied by the actuator, with the remaining force being supplied by the operator. The object thus feels lighter to the operator.

Patent
21 Jan 2002
TL;DR: In this paper, a window regulatoR (10) for operating a window pane of vehicle comprises a base plate (12) having a guide rail (20), a lifter plate (26) is slidably coupled to the guide rail and adapted for supporting the window pane.
Abstract: A window regulatoR (10) for operating a window pane of vehicle comprises a base plate (12) having a guide rail (20). A lifter plate (26) is slidably coupled to the guide rail (20) and adapted for supporting the window pane. A motor assembly (32) is secured to the base plate (12) and includes a drive housing and a power motor. A drive shaft, rotatably journaled to the drive housing, has a disc flange supporting a cylindrical shaft and a key shaft spaced from and parallel to the cylindrical shaft. A top and bottom cable (34, 36) drum are supported on the drive shaft, each of the cable drums including a key slot for aligning with and receiving the key shaft therethrough. The lifter plate is secured to the cable (38) between first and second pulleys (22, 24). A pair of compression springs (64) are coupled to the respective cable drums in opposite directions and maintaining tension on the cable.