Showing papers on "Pulley published in 2004"

Electric power-steering device

Abstract: An electric power-steering device has a speed-reducing mechanism (17) for reducing the speed of an output shaft (16) of an electric motor (15). The speed-reducing mechanism (17) has an internal gear (39) engaged and rotated with the output shaft (16) and an external gear (40) with which the internal gear (39) internally meshes. A drive pulley (41) rotatable together with the external gear (40) and a driven pulley (42) provided so as to surround a steering shaft are connected by an endless belt (43). Speed reduction is obtained by the internal gear (39) and the external gear (40), and the speed-reducing mechanism (17) as a whole achieves a high reduction ratio without greatly reducing the diameter of the drive pulley (41).

Steering mechanism for bi-directional catheter

Abstract: A bi-directional catheter with nearly double the throw in its catheter tip deflection defines a puller wire travel path having a U-turn a pulley which minimizes the offset angle between the puller wire and the longitudinal axis of the control handle while maximizing the travel distance of that puller wire for any given distance traveled by the pulley drawing the puller wire. In particular, the control handle of the catheter which includes a steering assembly having a lever arm carrying a pair of pulleys for drawing corresponding puller wires to deflect the tip section of the catheter. The pulleys are rotatably mounted on opposing portions of the lever arm such that one pulley is moved distally as the other pulley is moved proximally when the lever arm is rotated. Because each puller wire is trained on a respective pulley, rotation of the lever arm causes the pulley that is moved proximally to draw its puller wire to deflect the tip section in the direction of the off-axis lumen in which that puller wire extends.

Compound archery bow

Abstract: A compound archery bow includes a bow handle having projecting limbs, and first and second pulleys mounted on the limbs for rotation around respective axes. A bow cable arrangement includes a bowstring cable extending from a bowstring anchor through a bowstring let-out groove on the first pulley and then toward the second pulley. A first power cable extends from a first power cable anchor through a power cable let-out arrangement on the first pulley toward the second pulley, and a second power cable extends from the second pulley through a power cable take-up arrangement on the first pulley to a second power cable anchor on the first pulley. Draw of the bowstring cable away from the handle lets out bowstring cable from the bowstring let-out groove and rotates the first pulley around the first axis, lets out the first power cable from the power cable let-out arrangement on the first pulley and takes up the second power cable into the second power cable take-up arrangement on the first pulley. A power cable stop is disposed on the first pulley at a position to be engaged by the first power cable as the first pulley is so rotated to inhibit further rotation of the first pulley and thereby inhibit further draw of the bowstring cable.

Transmission and constant speed accessory drive

Abstract: An infinitely variable speed ratio planetary ball transmission comprising planetary members in rolling contact with moveable inner and outer races and a constant speed accessory drive system utilizing the transmission. The transmission is infinitely variable between ratios of approximately 0.3 and 1.0. A transmission input shaft is connected to a prime mover such as a vehicle engine crankshaft by a drive belt. The transmission comprises at least one output shaft that is coaxial with the input shaft. An output pulley is attached to the output shaft. A belt is engaged between the output pulley and various engine accessories. A second end of the transmission output shaft may be directly coupled to an engine accessory mounted on the transmission. An included control system senses a crankshaft speed. A processor analyses the crankshaft speed and accordingly adjusts the transmission ratio using a stepper motor connected to a worm drive to maintain a constant output speed regardless of crankshaft speed.

Two speed transmission and belt drive system

Abstract: A two speed transmission (100) and belt drive system utilizing the transmission (100). The two speed transmission (100) comprises a planetary gear train comprising an input pulley (10) connected to an input carrier (20), and a sun gear (18) and a ring gear (17). The input carrier (20) also comprises a plurality of planetary gears (15) disposed between the sun gear (18) and the ring gear (17). The sun gear (18) is engaged with an electromagnetic brake member (190). The ring gear (17) is engaged with an output pulley (30). A one-way clutch (22) is disposed between the input (20) carrier and the output shaft (31). The brake member (190) is engaged at engine idle and is disengaged at engine speeds above idle. When the brake member (190) is engaged the sun gear (18) does not rotate, thereby driving the ring gear (17) and output pulley (30) at a greater speed than the input pulley (10).

Elevator rope slip detector and elevator system

Abstract: An elevator system in which a pulley is provided in an elevator shaft. A rope is entrained about the pulley to move as a cage moves. The pulley is provided with a pulley sensor generating a signal depending on rotation of the pulley. The cage has a cage speed sensor for directly detecting the cage speed. A control panel has a first speed detecting section for determining the cage speed based on information received from the pulley sensor, a second speed detecting section for determining the cage speed based on information received from the cage speed sensor, and a judging section for judging whether a slip is present between the rope and the pulley according to the cage speed information determined, respectively, at the first and second speed detecting sections.

Coupled Belt-Pulley Vibration in Serpentine Drives With Belt Bending Stiffness

Abstract: A method is developed to evaluate the natural frequencies and vibration modes of serpentine belt drives where the belt is modeled as a moving beam with bending stiffness. Inclusion of bending stiffness leads to belt-pulley coupling not captured in moving string models. New dynamic characteristics of the system induced by belt bending stiffness are investigated. The belt-pulley coupling is studied through the evolution of the vibration modes. When the belt-pulley coupling is strong, the dynamic behavior of the system is quite different from that of the string model where there is no such coupling. The effects of major design variables on the system are discussed. The spatial discretization can be used to solve other hybrid continuous/discrete eigenvalue problems.

Exercise device and method of using same

Abstract: An aspect of the invention involves a method of using a collapsible exercise device including providing a collapsible exercise device; positioning a first end of an adjustable incline at a desired height with respect to a vertical support member so that the adjustable incline is at a desired inclination; moving first and second combination pulley-support and pull-up bars to a desired position; moving first and second pulleys connected to the first and second combination pulley-support and pull-up bars to a desired location; and moving a support platform along the adjustable incline through cable movement through the first and second pulleys on the combination pulley-support and pull-up bars.

Modelling of loss mechanisms in a pushing metal V-belt continuously variable transmission. Part 1: Torque losses due to band friction:

Abstract: The power transmission efficiency of continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) based on the pushing metal belt is acknowledged to be lower than that of discrete ratio alternatives. This tends to negate the potential fuel economy benefits that are obtained by improved engine/load matching with a CVT. This series of three papers details an investigation into the loss mechanisms that occur within the belt drive as a first step to obtaining improvements in efficiency.Experimental work has been undertaken to investigate the no-load and low-load torque losses associated with a pushing metal V-belt CVT. This first paper describes a new analysis of the principal torque losses occurring in the metal belt CVT due to relative motion occurring between the belt segments and bands. The work takes into account new findings in other research and changes in the design of the metal V-belt. The torque loss model proposed in this paper is supported by experimental data from several different test procedures. A numbe...

Control device for continuously variable transmission

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control device for a continuously variable transmission capable of constituting a vehicle system with high safety and fuel efficiency by the optimum control of a transmission gear ratio of a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) when an engine stops while the vehicle is in travel. SOLUTION: When the engine stops and is switched to a neutral state, while changing the transmission gear ratio of a CVT 4 to a target transmission gear ratio which is changed according to vehicle speeds, after a CVT-ECU 14 disengages a lock-up clutch of a torque converter 2 and a forward/backward clutch 3, a control parameter of a feedback control circuit is changed to reset an integral term. At the same time, the CVT-ECU 14 calculates inertia torque based on the change amount of target rotation speeds of a primary pulley 18, and then hydraulic pressure PD is changed using the calculated inertia torque. Thereby, clamp pressure required by a belt 20 is secured. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Apparatus and method for providing a sliding door mechanism

Abstract: A drive assembly for a sliding door is disclosed, the drive assembly having a power drive unit for providing a rotational force to rotate a cable drum of the drive assembly, the power drive unit being mounted within the sliding door; a cable having one end secured a guide track of the drive assembly and another end secured to the guide track; a roller assembly configured to slidably engage the guide track; an arm fixedly secured to the sliding door and pivotally mounted to the roller assembly at a pivot point; a pulley rotationally mounted to the roller assembly, the axis of rotation of the pulley being aligned with the pivot point and the cable engages the pulley in opposite directions as the cable drum rotates and the roller assembly slides along the guide track as the cable drum rotates, wherein movement of the roller assembly causes movement of the sliding door.

Powered rope climbing apparatus

Abstract: Portable power driven rope climbing apparatus (10) having a motor (14) driving a gear reduction mechanism (18) which drives a pulley wheel (20) securing a rope (12) extending thereabouts a rope output guide member (26) for maintaining the rope in engagement with the pulley wheel an attachment mechanism (42) for attaching an external load The attachment mechanism (42) comprises a rope entry guide member (22) for supporting a rope as it enters the apparatus, which provides a fulcrum point about which the mass of the apparatus exerts a first moment the attachment mechanism (42) further comprising seat member for supporting said load, said seat member being held remote from the main body (10) such that the load, when mounted thereon exerts a second, opposed moment about the fulcrum

Method of using a collapsible exercise device

Abstract: An aspect of the invention involves a method of using a collapsible exercise device including providing a collapsible exercise device; positioning a first end of an adjustable incline at a desired height with respect to a vertical support member so that the adjustable incline is at a desired inclination; moving first and second combination pulley-support and pull-up bars to a desired position; moving first and second pulleys connected to the first and second combination pulley-support and pull-up bars to a desired location; and moving a support platform along the adjustable incline through cable movement through the first and second pulleys on the combination pulley-support and pull-up bars.

Suture pulley for use with graft tensioning device

Abstract: A suture pulley assembly includes a pulley wheel that is rotatably attached to an adjustable tension applicator used in joint repair surgery (e.g., to repair an ACL) so as to equalize the tensile load that is applied to each side of a looped suture by the adjustable tension applicator. The pulley wheel includes a pair of pulley plates that define a pulley space therebetween into which a looped suture is placed and that are oppositely-biased in order to spread apart and contract in response to differences in size of the looped suture as a result of, e.g., the existence of a knot or half knot. The pulley wheel is rotatably attached to the tension applicator by a post. A spring biases one of the suture pulley plates toward the other in a manner that allows for the aforementioned expansion of the pulley space.

Electric umbrella stand

Abstract: An electrical stand poling umbrella comprises a stand pole, a sliding seat, a suspending arm, a pulling arm, a frame and a drive mechanism. The frame includes a fixed joint mounted at a top of a central rod, a movable joint mounted at a bottom of the central rod, and multiple upper ribs and lower ribs. The drive mechanism includes an electromotor, a rope axle linked to the electromotor by a gear assembly, and a rope having a first end fastened on the rope axle. The drive mechanism is installed in the movable joint. The rope has a second end extending in turn through the frame, the suspending arm, and the pulley and is fastened on the stand pole. The electromotor is electrically connected with a power supply by a wire. The drive mechanism will not be dampened in rainy days. The stand pole has an enough strength for long usage life. In addition, the electromotor has a lower output power and is highly efficient. A hand crank is provided on the stand pole for manual operation.

Continuously variable transmission

Abstract: Cooling efficiency of cooling air is enhanced and durability of a continuously variable transmission is improved. The continuously variable transmission to be mounted on a vehicle has a transmission case. A primary pulley driven by an engine and a primary pulley linked to drive wheels are rotatably accommodated in the transmission case. A V-belt is provided to extend for winging between the primary pulley and the secondary pulley, and the rotation of the primary pulley is continuously changed and transmitted to the secondary pulley. Fan blades are formed in the primary pulley, and a scroll surface is formed in transmission case from an intake region of the cooling air toward a discharge region thereof so as to gradually away from top faces of the fan blades in a radial-outer direction. Thereby, blowing efficiency of the cooling air can be enhanced and an interior of the transmission case can be sufficiently cooled, whereby the durability of the V-belt can be enhanced.

Modelling of loss mechanisms in a pushing metal V-belt continuously variable transmission. Part 2: pulley deflection losses and total torque loss validation

Abstract: The power transmission efficiency of continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) based on the pushing metal belt is acknowledged to be lower than that of discrete ratio alternatives. This tends to negate the potential fuel economy benefits that are obtained by improved engine/load matching with a CVT. This series of three papers details an investigation into the loss mechanisms that occur within the belt drive as a first step to obtaining improvements in efficiency. This second part follows on from an initial paper in which an analysis was performed of the losses that occur due to relative motion between the bands and segments of the belt. Additional experimental work has been performed indicating that a significant deflection occurs in the pulleys of the variator. Further torque-loss models are proposed in addition to that discussed in Part 1, representing a smaller but still significant torque loss associated with the belt. The work takes into account new findings in other research and changes in the design of the metal V-belt. The third paper in this series develops a number of models to predict belt-slip losses in the variator system, based on force distribution models developed in Part 1.

Apparatus and method of belt dynamic tension measurement

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring an operating front end accessory belt tension using a hubload transducer and a torque transducer The hubload transducer (100) comprises concentric rings with a strainable member (102) disposed in a coplanar fashion between an inner (101) and outer (103) ring The hubload transducer is used with a non-torque transmitting idler pulley The torque transducer comprises a strainable cylindrical member connected to a belt bearing surface and a rotating shaft The torque transducer will transmit a torque to a driven accessory It is used on accessories such as an air conditioner compressor or power steering pump Signals from the hubload transducer and torque transducer are used to calculate a drive efficiency as well as belt span tensions between the driver and driven accessories

V-belt-type continuously variable transmission

Abstract: A belt continuously variable transmission apparatus having a case which includes a power transmission case (which is part of a crankcase of an engine), a power transmission case cover, and an actuator cover assembled forwardly of the power transmission case cover (displaced forwardly on a vehicle body). The actuator cover is formed as a separate member from the power transmission case cover, and supports a motor for driving a movable part of a driving pulley. In addition, the actuator cover covers a gear system. The actuator cover is integrated with a cover of the water pump. The resulting configuration improves the assembling of the actuator cover of the belt continuously variable transmission apparatus.

Modelling of loss mechanisms in a pushing metal V-belt continuously variable transmission. Part 3: belt slip losses

Abstract: The power transmission efficiency of continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) based on the pushing metal belt is acknowledged to be lower than that of discrete ratio alternatives. This tends to negate the potential fuel economy benefits that are obtained by improved engine/load matching with a CVT. This series of three papers details an investigation into the loss mechanisms that occur within the belt drive as a first step to obtaining improvements in efficiency. This third paper follows on from two previous papers in which an analysis was performed modelling the torque losses that occur due to relative motion between the bands and segments of the belt, and between the pulleys and the belt due to pulley deflection effects. It describes additional experimental work, measuring the belt-slip speed tangentially about both of the pulleys in the variator. Additional loss models are proposed beyond those discussed in Parts 1 and 2 to describe the belt-slip phenomena, based on existing theory proposed by others. The analysis produced in this paper is validated against a range of experimental data and additionally through its close interaction with the torque-loss and torque-force distribution models proposed in Parts 1 and 2. The work takes into account new findings in other research and changes in the design of the current metal V-belt.

Rotation transmission device with built-in one-way clutch

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rotation transmission device with a built-in one-way clutch capable of surely performing locking operation of the one-way clutch in a wide temperature range from a low temperature to a high temperature, and capable of achieving long life of a support bearing. SOLUTION: This rotation transmission device is provided with a sleeve 1 as an inside member; a pulley 2 as an outside member concentrically arranged around the sleeve 1; a roller clutch 3 as the one-way clutch arranged between an outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 1 and an inner peripheral surface of the pulley 2, and capable of transmitting rotation force between the pulley 2 and the sleeve 1 only when the pulley 2 tends to be relatively rotated in a predetermined direction with respect to the sleeve 1; and the support bearing 4 arranged between the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 1 and the inner peripheral surface of the pulley 2 and supporting the pulley 2 so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the sleeve 1 while supporting a radial load applied to the pulley 2. COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Belt tensioner having an automatically adjustable travel stop

Abstract: A tensioner for generating tension in a power-transmitting belt (12, 12A, 112, 112A) is provided. The tensioner includes a base (22, 22A, 122, 122A), which may be secured to an engine (10, 10A, 110, 11 OA), and an arm (24, 24A, 124, 125, 124A, 125A) that is movably attached to the base. A pulley (26, 26A, 126, 127, 126A, 127A) is rotatably attached to the arm for engaging the belt. A spring (28, 28A, 128, 128A) is operatively connected to the arm (24, 24A, 124, 125, 124A, 125A) and the base (22, 22A, 122, 122A) for urging the arm to move relative to the base in a first direction. When the arm is moved in the first direction, the pulley (26, 26A, 126, 127, 126A, 127A) is moved into engagement with the belt (12, 12A, 112, 112A) with a force to tension the belt. The tensioner (114, 14A, 114, 114A) further includes a stop (30, 30A, 130, 131, 130A, 131A) that is adjustably positioned on the base (22, 22A, 122, 122A) to limit the movement of the arm (24, 24A, 124, 125, 124A, 125) in a second direction. The position of the stop (30, 30A, 130, 131, 130A, 131A) on the base may be automatically adjusted by the spring (28, 28A, 128, 128A) during installation of the tensioner.

Automatic steering system

Abstract: Structure for converting a conventional manual steering system of an off-road vehicle to an automatic steering system utilizing remote signals. A stepper motor is connected through a belt or chain drive to a drive mounted on the upper end of a steering shaft. The stepper motor is connected to a microprocessor and moves with the steering shaft in both a manual steering mode and an automatic steering mode. An encoder provides a signal to a microprocessor that changes operation to the manual mode if the number of steps reported by the encoder is different than what is expected. An assembly including alternate steering wheel, shaft pulley, adapter insert and stepper motor is easily connected to the steering column. A drive motor may also be directly connected to the steering shaft.

Athletic exerciser pulling device

Abstract: An improved device for athletic exercise by pulling at a resisting force. The device consists of a number of spring housing assemblies that are stacked and clamped in a column with at least one pulley wheel assembly to which a cord and pull handle is attached. A grooved metal shaft is disposed throughout the column longitudinal axis to drive all the constant-force spring assemblies which are stacked inside the device when the pulley wheel is caused to rotate. A person uses the device by first selecting which spring assemblies he wants to produce a particular resisting force level, by pushing separate selector levers, one for each spring. He then pulls at the pull handle to experience the chosen resisting force. The device design allows a user the choice of many resisting force levels, using only a small number of spring assemblies. The device is small, light in weight and conveniently shaped for easy attachment to any suitable restraining object.

Belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt

Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt comprises a frame, a belt reel rotatably mounted in the frame, and an energy converter coil having at least one metal strip. The energy converter coil has a plurality of metal strips which are disposed symmetrically with respect to the middle axis of the belt reel.

Continuously visible transmission

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The single axle transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. An additional embodiment is disclosed which shifts automatically dependent upon the rotational speed of the wheel. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The disclosed transmission may be used in vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. The transmission may, for example, be driven by a power transfer mechanism such as a sprocket, gear, pulley or lever, optionally driving a one way clutch attached at one end of the main shaft.

Belt speed reducing apparatus for electric power steering apparatus and electric power steering apparatus

Abstract: A belt speed reducing apparatus for an electric power steering apparatus includes a drive pulley having a first helical gear, a driven pulley having a second helical gear and a drive belt having a third helical gear in which a relationship of tan β<μ is established between a twist angle β of the respective helical gears and a friction coefficient μ between the first or the second helical gear and the third helical gear. Further, an electric power steering apparatus for adjusting a backlash between gears of a speed reducing apparatus brought in mesh with each other or adjusting a tension of a belt of a speed reducing apparatus.

Trailer particularly suited to hauling crushed and flattened vehicles

Abstract: This invention broadly provides a trailer having a side which opens and closes to prevent the loss of material during transport. In the preferred embodiment, the trailer includes three solid or rigid sides with a fourth side that opens and closes with a drape, though in alternative configurations, two or more sides may also open and close, preferably utilizing the methods and apparatus disclosed herein. In a simple configuration, the invention utilizes a cable suspended between opposing upper points, with a curtain having upper eyelets journaled thereon, enabling the curtain to open and close so as to permit access to the trailer interior. Although this may be carried out according to the invention with an upper cable that remains affixed, in the preferred embodiments, a winch and pulley system is used to tighten the cable, and to loosen the cable for detachment purposes. As a further refinement, a door composed of structural members is utilized, preferably toward the rear of the trailer, this door-like feature including an upper tube through which the cable extends, enabling the curtain to be retracted onto the tube, and the door folded over the back of the trailer to keep the closure out of the way during access to the trailer bed. The curtain or drape may be made from various materials, including a vertical louvers, chain-link, and the like, though the preferred material is a mesh with small openings similar or identical to that used in commercial tennis net construction.