Showing papers on "Pulley published in 2003"

Wrist with decoupled motion transmission

Abstract: The present invention is a wrist mechanism and a method for making robotic devices in which the transmission of motion, force and/or torque around a revolute joint can be accomplished without coupling This construction allows mounting the actuators on the base or lower elements of a mechanism, so that only linkage elements move the end-effector Thus reducing inertia of the moving elements and increasing performance of the device The decoupled motion of the end-effector or links is achieved by routing their transmission cables around idler pulleys placed parallel to the joint rotation axis on an optimal position such any stretch on the transmission cable is minimized In particular, this construction can be use for robotic surgical tools that have two independently driven jaws, decoupled and orthogonal from its articulating wrist This device may be used in grasping, cutting, suturing or alike operations

Cable crossover exercise apparatus

Abstract: A highly versatile exercise apparatuses is disclosed. More particularly, the invention relates to an exercise apparatus including a central weight stack and opposed extension arms. Upper and lower pulleys direct a cable into the opposed extension arms such that variations in the cable reaction and tension are minimized when either arm is moved.

Foldable Transportable Multiple Function Pilates Exercise Apparatus and Method

Abstract: A multi-function Pilates exercise apparatus featuring a foldable frame ( 200 - 203 ), a counterbalance mechanism ( 271 ), a wheeled base ( 90 ), a rotatable pulley riser with a flexible pulley mount ( 112 ), gear changing apparatus (FIG. 9 ) and adjustable footbar ( 471 ). The frame is designed to fold into an upright position and to be rolled to a desired location. The pulley assemblies may be rotated and positioned below the carriage rails. The gear changing apparatus permits the user to adjust the carriage position with a single handed operation. The exercise system includes a reformer, a pole apparatus, and mat mode including a long/short box.

Overrunning Alternator Decoupler Pulley with Bare Wire Spring and Grease Lubrication

Abstract: A decoupler assembly (20) is provided for allowing an alternator to be rotatably driven by a serpentine belt (14) in an engine of an automotive vehicle and for allowing the speed of the belt to oscillate relative to the alternator. A hub is fixedly carried by a drive shaft (15) from the alternator for rotation therewith. A pulley (50) is rotatably journaled to the hub by a ball bearing member (55). The ball bearing member includes lubricant for minimizing frictional wear therein. A bare, helical clutch spring (71) is operatively coupled between the hub and pulley for transferring rotational movement from the pulley to the hub during acceleration of the pulley relative to the hub by the serpentine belt and for allowing the hub to overrun the pulley during deceleration of the pulley relative to the hub.

Dual-direction pulley system

Abstract: A dual-direction pulley system is disclosed in conjunction with an exercise machine. The pulley system provides resistance to a pivotally mounted actuator lever when the lever is rotated clockwise and when the lever is rotated counterclockwise. In a preferred embodiment the dual-direction pulley system provides resistance for a seated leg curl/extension exercise machine such that a user can perform leg curls and leg extensions from a single seated position.

Isolator for alternator pulley

Abstract: A decoupler for an alternator pulley in a serpentine drive system has a resilient, helical spring member that couples the alternator pulley with a hub structure through a spring retaining member A bushing is disposed between the spring retaining member and the hub structure to facilitate sliding engagement therebetween An annular sleeve member is disposed between the spring member and the alternator pulley to facilitate sliding engagement therebetween The spring member is connected at one end thereof to the hub structure and connected at an opposite end thereof to the spring retaining member The resilient spring member transmits the driven rotational movements of the alternator pulley by the serpentine belt to the hub structure such that the alternator shaft is rotated in the same direction as the alternator pulley while being capable of instantaneous relative resilient movements in opposite directions with respect to the alternator pulley during the driven rotational movement

Dual-function treading exerciser

Abstract: A dual-function treading exerciser includes a treading platform, an upright frame, and a movable handle assembly. The frame includes an upright frame body and two fixed handles connected fixedly to an upper portion of the frame body. The movable handle assembly includes two pulling devices and a rotary shaft journalled on the frame. Each pulling device includes a housing with a receiving chamber, a pulley disposed rotatably in the chamber, a pull cord wound on the pulley, a handgrip fastened to an end of the cord and movable rearwardly to unwind the cord from the pulley, and a biasing unit for biasing the cord to wind around the pulley when the cord is pulled rearwardly and is subsequently released.

Equilibrium and Belt-Pulley Vibration Coupling in Serpentine Belt Drives

Abstract: Serpentine belt drives with spring-loaded tensioners are now widely used in the automotive industry. Experimental measurements show that linear system vibration coupling exists between the pulley rotations and the transverse span deflections. Former models that treat the belt as a string and neglect the belt bending stiffness cannot explain this coupling phenomenon. In this paper a new serpentine belt system model incorporating the belt bending stiffness is established. The finite belt bending stiffness causes nontrivial transverse span equilibria, in contrast to string models with straight span equilibria. Nontrivial span equilibria cause linear span-pulley coupling, and the degree of coupling is determined by the equilibrium curvatures. A computational method based on boundary value problem solvers is developed to obtain the numerically exact solution of the non[ linear equilibrium equations. An approximate analytical solution of closed-form is also obtained for the case of small bending stiffness. Based on these solutions, the effects of design variables on the equilibrium deflections and span-pulley coupling are investigated.

Integrated air compressor

Abstract: An air compressor unit having an enclosure with a base. A motor is rigidly mounted to the base, and the motor drives both an airend and an impeller. The airend is pivotally mounted with respect to the base. The airend is directly connected to a horizontal separator tank, and the separator tank supports the airend. The airend and separator tank comprise a single integrated unit, and the separator tank is pivotally mounted to the base. The motor is a dual shafted motor having a drive side shaft and a non-drive shaft extending from opposite ends of the motor. A drive system is coupled to the drive side shaft and transfers power from the motor to the airend. The drive system is a belt and pulley system, and the airend is pivoted with respect to the motor to adjust belt tension. The impeller is coupled to the non-drive side shaft.

High performance tightener

Abstract: A self-blocking seat-belt retractor comprising a housing (10), at least one locking device (23) for the seat-belt shaft (12),consisting of a locking means (25) which can be controlled in a vehicle-sensitive and/or seat-belt-sensitive manner and which engages in a locking toothed gearing system on the side of the housing, also comprising a tightening device which acts upon the belt shaft (12) and consists of a drive wheel (13) which is placed in a rotating position by a drive device (51), said drive wheel being able to be coupled to the belt shaft (12) when the tightening device is released. The invention is characterised in that the drive wheel (13) of the tightening device can be connected to the belt shaft (12) in a force-transmitting manner by the locking device (23) for the belt shaft (12).

Elevator with transmission-suspension arrangement consisting of a belt and pulleys

Abstract: The lift system (2) has a drive transmission arrangement consisting of flat belts (8) and pulleys (10a,10b,12a-12c). The flat belt is manufactured in optional length as cut meter pieces and consists of an elastomer material, and is reinforced by ties. The flat belt on at least one of its sides, which may be the lower or upper side, is provided with longitudinal ribs, and the pulleys are grooved or flat pulleys and serve as deflection and drive pulleys. In the case of a belt with ribs on both sides the ribs are geometrically different in their construction.

Transmission gear apparatus for motor vehicle

Abstract: A transmission gear for an automobile includes a dynamo-electric machine operating as a motor and a generator, a dynamo-electric machine control device, a dynamo-electric machine pulley, an auxiliary machine pulley, a crank pulley rotatable relative to or integrally with the crank shaft, a sun gear coupled to the crank pulley, planetary gears each rotatable and revolvable along an outer periphery of the sun gear, a carrier for supporting the planetary gear rotatably and revolvably and connected to the crank shaft, an internal gear meshing with the planetary gear, an electromagnetic clutch for changing over the internal gear between restrained and unrestrained states, an electromagnetic clutch changeover control device, and a one-way clutch provided between the internal gear and the carrier.

Belt-type continuously variable transmission

Abstract: The rigidity of a movable pulley half is enhanced by the rigidity of a cylinder fixed to a back surface of the movable pulley half and influences of a controlled hydraulic pressure and a centrifugal hydraulic pressure which are exerted in a hydraulic fluid chamber partitioned in the cylinder. On the other hand, an annular protruding portion having detection teeth for a rotation sensor is formed on a back surface of an outer circumferential portion of a fixed pulley half, whereby the difference in rigidity between both the pulley halves is reduced by the effect of the annular protruding portion to improve the rigidity of the fixed pulley half, thereby making it possible to allow the variation characteristics of a misalignment relative to a drive ration to approach a characteristic set in advance.

Belt tensioner for electric power steering unit

Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning device for use in vehicle power steering assembly, in particular, having a drive unit for rotating an input pulley rotatably connected to an output pulley via a flexible belt. The tensioning device includes a housing and an arm movably attached relative to the housing. A contact device is mounted on the arm and is adapted to be engaged with a portion of the belt between the input and output pulleys. The arm is movable relative to the belt to position the contact device against the belt to provide tension on the belt.

Adjustable pulley assembly for a suspended door

Abstract: An adjustable pulley assembly includes a fixing plate securely mounted on top of an upper frame of a suspended door, an adjusting seat mounted to the fixing plate, a pulley seat securely attached to the adjusting seat to move therewith, a pulley attached to the pulley seat, and an adjusting bolt An axle is extended through the pulley, a screw hole in the pulley seat, and a vertical slot in the adjusting seat, and a nut is engaged on a distal end of the axle An adjusting bolt is extended through a hole in a top plate of the pulley seat and a screw hole in a top plate of the adjusting seat A distance between the top plate of the pulley seat and the top plate of the adjusting seat is changed when the adjusting bolt is turned

Magnetic tension control weight training machine

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic tension control weight training machine containing a base, large revolver wheel, belt disc, shaft set, bearing assembly, pulley assembly, magnetic resistance flywheel, pulling rope and a reposition device. A wheel spacer is welded to the center of the large revolver wheel within which there is a bearing assembly, on one side fixed with a small revolver wheel for reposition. The shaft set fits through the bearing assembly, one end welded with a shaft disc to fasten the belt disc that is connected with the magnetic resistance flywheel and the large revolver wheel by means of the belt. The size of the small revolver wheel and the active pulley makes the extension length of the flexible components quite short. The reposition device adjusts the reposition course through the active pulley and the adjustment bolt, allowing for the control of the force.

A two-arm belt tensioner for a belt drive

Abstract: A belt tensioner (20) for a belt drive (1) is designed to connect an engine shaft (6) of an internal-combustion engine (2) to a reversible electric machine (4) which has the function of starting motor and current generator; the belt tensioner (20) comprises a fixed part (21) and a pair of arms (23, 24), hinged on a common pin (31) carried by the fixed part (21) and provided with respective idle pulleys (25, 26), and a spring (27) , which forces the two arms (23, 24) towards one another so as to load the pulleys (25, 26) elastically against respective branches (15a, 15b) of the belt (15). The two arms (23, 24) of the belt tensioner are provided with respective first arrest elements (37, 47), which are designed to interact with the fixed portion (21) to define respective positions of arrest of the arms themselves under the action of the spring (27) , and respective second arrest elements (38, 48), which are designed to interact with the fixed portion (21) to define respective positions of end-of travel of the arms (23, 24) under the action of the pull of the belt (15) .

Substrate carrying system and substrate processing system

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To carry semiconductor wafers with a large degree of freedom in carriage while reducing the footprint of a system where a plurality of vacuum processing chambers are connected to the circumference of an airtight carrying chamber provided with a substrate carrying system. SOLUTION: First and second articulated arms of substantially identical structure turnable about the center of a carrying chamber are provided. Each articulated arm consists of a turning arm and a forward end arm for holding a wafer, and a middle stage arm provided between both arms. In an ordinary articulated arm where the substrate holding arm performs a linear motion, a gear ratio between a base end pulley of the turning arm and a supporting pulley on the forward end side is 2:1 and a gear ratio between a fixed pulley on the base end side of the middle stage arm and a forward end pulley on the forward end side is 1:2, but the former gear ratio is set at 2.67:1, for example. The substrate holding arms of the first and second articulated arms advance while drawing curves away from each other and make an open angle of 45° when the arms extend fully. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Nonstick and Stick-Slip Motion of a Coulomb-Damped Belt Drive System Subjected to Multifrequency Excitations

Abstract: In this paper, the rotational vibration of a belt drive system with a dry friction tensioner subjected to multiple harmonic excitations is studied. The work is focused on the impact of the dry friction torque combined with the multiexcitation frequencies on dynamic characteristics of the system. An analytical solution procedure is developed for the first time to predict two kinds of periodic responses of the system, i.e., nonstop and one-stop motion characterized by the nonstick and stick-slip vibration of the tensioner arm in the system, respectively. Utilizing this method, parametric studies are carried out to obtain the frequency response of a prototypical belt drive system subjected to harmonic excitations from both the driving and driven pulleys. It is found that the tensioner Coulomb friction torque has a significant impact on the amplitude response of the system-it reduces the vibration amplitude of the tensioner arm, but for other components in the belt system it can either decrease or increase the amplitudes under different situations. Furthermore, if the excitation frequency from the driving pulley is larger than or equal to that from the driven pulley, the system vibration amplitudes are much larger than those under the opposite condition.

Bending control mechanism for endoscope

Abstract: A bending control mechanism for an endoscope includes a bending portion in an insertion portion of the endoscope. The bending portion is controlled by a bending wire extending therefrom. A pulley operates in linkage with a bending control lever through a shaft portion of the pulley. The lever is in a control portion of the endoscope. A driving wire winding groove spirals along the pulley's outer peripheral surface and extends in its peripheral direction. A driving wire winds along the groove. A connection member connects the driving wire with the bending wire. A guide member in the control portion has a slidably mounted connection member. With the most driving wire wound around the pulley, a relative position between the pulley and the guide member is such that the driving wire extends substantially in parallel to a guide surface of the guide member.

Hybrid drive assembly for a vehicle, in particular a scooter

Abstract: A hybrid drive assembly (1) for a vehicle having at least one drive wheel (2),the drive assembly including an internal combustion engine (3); a transmission unit (5) interposed between a drive shaft (4) of the internal combustion engine (3) and a propeller shaft (6) connected angularly to the drive wheel (2), and in turn including a continuously variable transmission (7) having a drive pulley (10) connected angularly to the drive shaft (4) and a driven pulley (11), and a centrifugal clutch (8) having a hub (20) connected to the driven pulley, and a driven bell (26) connected to the propeller shaft (6); and an electric machine (32) having a rotor (35) integral with the bell (26) of the centrifugal clutch (8) . The drive assembly (1) is controlled by a control unit (38), in response to a number of input signals (Ss, Sa, Sf), in a number of operating modes including an all-combustion propulsion mode, an all-electric propulsion mode, a first hybrid propulsion mode wherein the internal combustion engine (3) and the electric machine (32) are connected in series, and a second hybrid propulsion mode wherein the internal combustion engine (3) and the electric machine (32) are connected in parallel.

Stimulation-evoked eye movements with and without the lateral rectus muscle pulley.

Abstract: Recent studies have suggested that extraocular muscle (EOM) pulleys, composed of collagen, elastin, and smooth muscle, are among the tissues surrounding the eye. High-resolution magnetic-resonance imaging appears to indicate that the pulleys serve to both constrain and alter the pulling paths of the EOMs. The active pulley hypothesis suggests that the orbital layer of the EOMs inserts on the pulley and serves to control it. Based on anatomical data, the active pulley hypothesis also suggests that the orbital layer does not rotate the eye within the orbit; this is done by the global layer of the muscle. However, no physiological data exist to confirm this hypothesis. Here we used stimulation-evoked eye movements in anesthetized monkeys and cats before and after destruction of the lateral rectus muscle pulley by removal of the lateral bony orbit and adjacent orbital tissue. The absence of these structures resulted in increased lateral, in the primate, and medial, in the cat, eye-movement amplitude and velocity. Vertical eye movements in the cat were not significantly affected. The results indicate that these increases, confined to horizontal eye-movement amplitude and velocity, may be attributed to passive properties within the orbit. In relation to the active pulley hypothesis, we could discern no clear impact (in terms of amplitude or velocity profile of the movements) of lateral eye exposure that could be directly attributable to the active lateral pulley system.

Tendon transfers for thumb opposition: a biomechanical study of pulley location and two insertion sites.

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this biomechanical study was to test 5 proximal tendon pulley sites or routes of tendon transfer and 2 distal tendon insertion sites that are used commonly for performing a thumb opposition transfer. Methods Five fresh-frozen cadaver arms were used to test (1) an around flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) pulley, (2) an FCU loop pulley, (3) a Guyon's canal pulley, (4) a junction of the distal edge of the transverse carpal ligament and the ulnar border of the palmar aponeurosis (Royle-Thompson pulley), and (5) a palmar thenar subcutaneous transfer (Camitz). Two tendon insertion sites were tested: a palmar radial insertion into the abductor pollicis brevis and a dorsal ulnar insertion into the thumb proximal phalanx. Results The Guyon's canal and Royle-Thompson pulleys produced the greatest amount of approximation of the thumb pulp to the fifth metacarpal head. The around the FCU pulley, FCU loop pulley, and Camitz transfer produced the greatest palmar abduction. The Guyon's canal and Royle-Thompson pulleys were the most mechanically efficient pulleys, producing the least amount of transmitted force. The palmar radial insertion site produced better thumb opposition, metacarpophalangeal oint abduction, metacarpophalangeal joint flexion, and approximation of the thumb pulp to the fifth metacarpal head. Conclusions We conclude that the choice of the proximal pulley used may depend on the needs of the transfer, and a palmar radial thumb insertion is more effective than the dorsal ulnar insertion.

Air hose reel

Abstract: A reel for storing an air hose includes a hollow housing having a spring biased pulley rotatably mounted therein. A pressured air inlet extends through the housing along the pulley axis of rotation and is sealed to a nozzle rotating with the pulley. The pulley stores an air hose having one end connected to the nozzle and an opposite end extending through an opening in the housing for attachment to a pneumatic tool.

Cable winding method and cable winder

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable winding method and its winding machine It includes a machine frame, a mounting platform positioned on the middle portion of machine frame, a counting device and a control panel which are set on the mounting platform, it also includes a cable paying outreel which is set at one side of the mounting platform and is perpendicular to machine frame platform, a cable reversing device which is set between mounting platform and paying out reel, a take-up pulley and its driving device which is set at one side of mounting platform and parallel to machine frame platform, and a first guide wheel set in the inlet end of counting device, a cutting-off device set in the outlet end of counting device, a second guide wheel set at another side of the cutting-off device and a swinging device set between second guide wheel and take-up pulley

Method for operating a continuously variable transmission

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a continuously variable transmission provided with two pulleys (1, 2), each provided with two pulley discs (4, 5) which together define a tapering groove and between which a drive belt (3) is clamped at a radial position, i.e. running radius R, with the aid of an axial clamping force Fax for transmitting a torque T supplied to the transmission, during normal operation of the transmission, from one pulley (1) to the other pulley (2) with the aid of friction between the discs (4, 5) and the drive belt (3), which transmission is operated by an electronic operating unit. When the transmission is operating in a first operating mode of the operating unit, the latter detects the degree of movement between the pulley discs (4, 5) and the drive belt (3), i.e. drive belt slip S, with the aid of slip-detection means and uses an operating measure to actively control the detected drive belt slip S to a desired value Sw for this slip.

Selectable force exercise machine

Abstract: An exercise machine that outputs constant force from resilient resistances and allows continuously selectable levels of strength training resistance. The machine consists primarily of a pre-biased resistance element ( 50 ), a conical pulley structure with eccentric cross section ( 40 ), an axially adjustable force attachment point ( 34 ) and a frame ( 10 ). Flexible force transmission elements ( 30 ) conduct force to the user interface elements ( 16, 17 ) via pulleys ( 36 ).

Slippage prevention apparatus of belt-drive continuously variable transmission for automotive vehicle

Abstract: During a downshift of a belt-drive continuously variable transmission, occurring owing to vehicle deceleration, a CVT controller foretells that a slippage between a drive belt and each of primary and secondary variable-width pulleys tends to occur, when a primary pulley pressure is less than a first predetermined pressure level and a primary pulley speed is less than a first predetermined rotational speed. When the belt slippage has been foretold, the CVT controller inhibits the primary pulley pressure from dropping by setting an actual transmission ratio calculated before a set time period from a time when the slippage has been foretold or a transmission ratio of a relatively higher speed side as compared with a ratio-change operating state obtained when the slippage has been foretold, to a desired transmission ratio, or by relatively rising a line pressure as compared with a line pressure level produced when the slippage has been foretold.

Harmonic damper pulley removal tool

Abstract: A tool for removal of a pulley from a shaft includes articulated arms mounted on a hub with a thrust bolt provided to drive the hub and attached arms outwardly from a shaft on which the pulley is mounted. The arms comprise jaw members which in combination with wedge members ensure maintenance of the jaw members in mechanical contact with the pulley to thereby effect its removal from a shaft.

Vehicle driving system

Abstract: A vehicle driving system includes a pulley shaft synchronously rotating with a crankshaft of an engine, an auxiliary unit drive shaft driving an auxiliary unit, a planetary gear mechanism portion having elements such as a sun gear, a pinion carrier and a ring gear. The pulley shaft and the auxiliary unit drive shaft are adapted for connection to any two of the elements, respectively. The motor connecting to the remaining element of the planetary gear mechanism portion. A lock-up clutch connecting together the two or more elements of the planetary gear mechanism portion. A one-way clutch for restricting the rotation of the auxiliary unit drive shaft in one direction, wherein the planetary gear mechanism portion, the motor, the lock-up clutch, and the auxiliary unit drive shaft are coaxially disposed in line.