Showing papers on "Pulley published in 2006"

V-ribbed belt

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a V-ribbed belt 1 in which a plurality of V-shaped rubber ribs 5 are included, short length fibers 6 are blended with the rubber rib 5, and one portion among the short length fibers 6 projects to the rubber rib side surface 5a, an appearance coefficient of dynamic friction is kept low at the time of normal operation, with respect to a driven pulley V-groove surface of the rubber rib side surface 5a; and when the rubber rib side surface 5a and the pulley V-groove surface are slipped from each other in such a manner that the driven pulley is locked, the break of the belt 1 is prevented by operating a torque limiter 16 housed in a DL pulley 10, for example, in such a way that torque applied to the pulley is made to increase by raising the appearance coefficient of the dynamic friction exactly and in an early stage SOLUTION: The V-ribbed belt is constituted so that short length fibers 6a may be buried in the rubber rib 5 by processing in thermal contraction the short length fibers 6a projecting from the rubber rib surface 5a, by friction heat between the rubber rib side surface 5 and the pulley V-groove at the time of slipping COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Variable configuration articulated tracked vehicle

Abstract: A variable configuration articulated tracked vehicle comprises a chassis, a pair of right and left drive pulleys, a right and left planetary wheel, a right and left track, a right and left arm mechanism, and a right and left drive motor. The drive pulleys are rotatably attached to the chassis and each pair of drive pulleys is in the same plane. The planetary wheels are movable relative to the chassis such that each planetary wheel is in the same plane as its respective drive pulleys. The tracks extend around the pair of drive pulleys and the planetary wheel on the respective sides. The arm mechanisms connect the respective planetary wheel to the chassis. Each arm mechanism is rotatably attached to the chassis with a cam. The cam defines a motion path of one end of the arm whereby the motion of the planetary wheel provides a path for the planetary wheel such that the track path defined by the respective drive pulleys and the planetary wheel is a constant track length. The motors are each operably connected to the respective pair of drive pulleys for driving the track.

Apparatus for pivotally orienting a projection device

Abstract: An apparatus that provides for rotation about two axes orthogonal to each other includes a gimbal having two arms adjoining a portion that is mounted to a base for rotation about a first axis. A shaft defining a second axis orthogonal to the first pivotally couples a mounting plate to the arms. The mounting plate has an arcuate edge with first and second parallel grooves therein adapted to receiving a drive cable. A drive cable that is engaged with a drive pulley is aligned by at least one idler pulley with the first and second grooves of the mounting plate. The drive cable has opposing free ends that are received in the first and second grooves of the mounting plate. A motor is coupled to the drive pulley for controlling the drive cable travel, to accordingly rotate the mounting plate to provide for orientating a device in a desired direction.

Variable speed stent delivery system

Abstract: A delivery system for deploying a medical device, such as a stent, at increasing deployment speed is described. The system comprises a catheter comprising a catheter shaft, a retractable sheath slidably mounted on the catheter shaft, and the device in a compressed state sandwiched between the shaft and sheath. A control handle is included with a housing and knobs for a user to apply a rotary or other force to retract the sheath. The sheath is attached to a slider that is mounted on a slide rod and attached to a drive belt. A take up pulley is provided in the housing and connected to the belt input knob, so that the pulley turns when the knob is turned. The belt is attached to the pulley so that the drive is wound onto the rotating pulley. As the belt winds upon the pulley, the overall outside diameter of the pulley increases, thereby increasing the deployment speed.

Robot and manipulator

Abstract: A robot has a flexible power transmission member, an input rotation axis rotated by a power generation source, a driving link connected at both ends of the flexible power transmission member, which transmits a rotation torque of the input rotation axis to the flexible power transmission member, and a driven pulley around which the flexible power transmission member is hung.

Torque limited decoupler

Abstract: A decoupler assembly is provided for allowing an alternator to be rotatably driven by a serpentine belt 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 from the alternator for rotation therewith. A pulley is rotatably journaled to the hub by a ball bearing assembly. A bare, helical clutch spring 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. A torque limiter, preferably a spring or sleeve, is wrapped about the torsion limiting outward expansion of the torsion isolating the torsion spring from torques above a predetermined limit.

Low friction, direct drive conveyor belt

Abstract: A thermoplastic endless belt (100) has a smooth outer surface substantially free of discontinuities and an inner surface with a plurality of teeth (106) at a given belt pitch. The teeth are adapted to engage a pulley (102) with circumferentially spaced sheaves (104) at a pulley pitch greater than the belt pitch. The belt is slightly stretchable so that the pulley can drive the endless belt when engaging the teeth within a range of load on the belt. Means (132, 136, 138) are provided to minimize friction between the belt and the drive pulley. Also, a position limiter (200) ensures that the driven tooth stays engaged optimally with the drive sheave.

Self-propelled vehicle for movement within a tubular member

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle (20) for movement within a tubular member (22) includes propulsion mechanisms (28) distributed about a core element (24). Each of the propulsion mechanisms (28) includes a drive belt (28). A first pulley (34), a second pulley (36), and a mid-roller assembly (38) are encompassed by and engage the drive belt (28). The mid-roller assembly (38) is spring-loaded for providing an outwardly-directed force (40) to an underlying portion (42) of the drive belt (28) to press the drive belt (28) against an inner wall (44) of the tubular member (22). A motor arrangement (46), in communication with the propulsion mechanisms (28), actuates one of the first and second pulleys (34, 36) to rotate the drive belt (28) in contact with the inner wall (44) of the tubular member (22) thereby moving the vehicle (20) within the tubular member (22).

Cable tensioning in a robotic surgical system

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for setting, maintaining, and adjusting a cable tension in a telerobotic surgical system are provided. A cable tensioning apparatus includes, in one example, an arm, a pulley rotatably coupled to the arm, and a base operably coupled to the arm, the base including a translation mechanism for changing the position of the pulley to control a tension of a cable movable along the pulley. A termination block includes, in one example, a block including two cable pathways with each cable pathway having a retaining means for a ball fitting, and a support for moving a cable along the two cable pathways, the cable including a ball fitting in each of the cable pathways.

Toothed belt and tooth cloth used therefor

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a belt which maintains a regular motion of an engine and a power transmission device through the prevention of the wear and damage of a belt tooth part generated under a heavy load condition and of the wear, and of damage of an end surface of the belt due to the movement of the belt to a pulley flange part by reducing a friction coefficient while maintaining an adhesion force of a material employed for the tooth part of the toothed belt. SOLUTION: A toothed belt 5 includes: a back part 2 taking as a base material a plurality of rubbers arranged at predetermined intervals along a longitudinal direction; and the surface of the tooth part 3 covered with tooth cloth 4. At least the tooth cloth 4 is double woven cloth. A meshing side with the toothed pulley is formed of fabric having a low friction coefficient and an excellent abrasion resistance. A rubber side is made up of rubber with a high adhesion force. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Three axis drive apparatus

Abstract: A pulley drive mechanism 26 for driving a second pulley 23 includes: a spline shaft 27 rotated integrally with the second pulley 23 , for supporting the second pulley so that the second pulley can be moved in the direction of Y-axis in the drawing; a third pulley 28 arranged at one end portion of the spline shaft 27 ; and a third belt drive mechanism 29 for driving the spline shaft 27 through the third pulley 28.

Method and apparatus for wave energy conversion using a floating pulley and counterweight

Abstract: A wave energy conversion system includes a tether connected to the ocean floor or to an anchor weight at one end and a counterweight at the other. The tether passes over a pulley connected to a float. As the float moves up and down due to wave motion, the counterweight is raised and lowered and the tether rotates the pulley. An axle of the pulley is connected to a power conversion system for creating usable energy from the rotation and a power transmission system for transmitting the usable energy to shore. The pulley may be suspended from the float and directly connected to immersion pumps for generating energy. Multiple systems can be used and connected together to provide additional power levels.

Power transmission pulley

Abstract: The invention relates to a power transmission pulley comprising a pulley element having a ribbed outer outline that is adapted to receive a ribbed belt, and a resilient element interposed between the pulley element and a receiver device for coupling to a member driven by the belt. The pulley includes a freewheel device disposed in series with the resilient element between the pulley element and said receiver element.

Wearable resistance exercise apparatus and method

Abstract: A wearable resistance exercise apparatus comprises at least one pulley, a cable coupled to the at least one pulley, at least one handle located at the end of the cable and adapted to be gripped by a user, and a wearable support member, wherein the at least one pulley is located on the wearable support member. A tension adjusting device on the wearable support member allows for varying levels of resistance to be set. The apparatus is worn by a user wishing to perform resistance exercises. The user establishes a level of resistance desired for the exercises by manipulating the tension adjusting device. Exercises are performed by gripping the handle and pulling it in a manner intended to stimulate muscle building.

Mechanics and Sliding Friction in Belt Drives With Pulley Grooves

Abstract: The steady mechanics of a two-pulley belt drive system are examined where the pulley grooves, belt extension and wedging in the grooves, and the associated friction are considered. The belt is modeled as an axially moving string with the tangential and normal accelerations incorporated. The pulley grooves generate two-dimensional radial and tangential friction forces whose undetermined direction depends on the relative speed between belt and pulley along the contact arc. Different from single-pulley analyses, the entry and exit points between the belt spans and pulleys must be determined in the analysis due to the belt radial penetration into the pulley grooves and the coupling of the driver and driven pulley solutions. A new computational technique is developed to find the steady mechanics of a V-belt drive. This allows system analysis, such as speed/ torque loss and maximum tension ratio. The governing boundary value problem (BVP) with undetermined boundaries is converted to a fixed boundary form solvable by a general-purpose BVP solver. Compared to flat belt drives or models that neglect radial friction, significant differences in the steady belt-pulley mechanics arise in terms of belt radial penetration, free span contact points, tension, friction, and speed variations.

Multifunction seat control apparatus and method

Abstract: A multifunction seat control system (11) includes a pulley mechanism (30) in an enclosure, an actuation shaft to attach an external handle, and multiple latch actuation cables. The pulley mechanism (30) includes multiple circumferential slots (48) in which the cables ride, and cable-end entryways through which associated cables ends can be inserted. A lockout device detects a seat-back position to selectively limit the rotational travel of the pulley mechanism. The pulley mechanism (30) is rotationally actuated to a predetermined angle to release a seat-back latch so the seat back can recline or fold forward, and beyond the predetermined angle to release seat-bottom latches so the seat can tumble into a stowage configuration. The control system optionally includes a headrest cable to release a headrest as the seat back is folded forward, and a release strap to actuate the pulley mechanism from behind the seat.

Abdominator: abdomen and obliques exercise machine

Abstract: The present invention describes a specialized exercise apparatus and method for use that targets the muscles in and around the abdominal, oblique muscles and mid section of the body. The machine is comprised of a flat platform upon which an individual stands while grasping a pair of handlebars that are positioned at waist height. The handle bars are attached to the top of a vertical riser that extends downwardly and is attached to a pair of horizontal rotating pivot arms. The pivot arms are attached to the center of a rotating power pulley horizontally suspended by bearings below the forward area of said platform. The power pulley is connected by a belt to a resistance mechanism, such as a flywheel or turbine fan, again suspended by bearings, below the rear portion of said platform. In the flywheel adaptation of this invention, additional resistance is provided by an adjustable magnet that is controlled by a lever mounted to the side of the vertical riser. An individual stands upon the apparatus, and while keeping the lower body relatively stationary, rotates the handle bars, and thus the pivot arms, from side to side up to 220 degrees of rotation and provides an adjustable measure of resistance which produces an increased use of the muscles in and around an individual's torso and midsection area.

Accessory drive system and method for a belt-alternator-starter electric hybrid vehicle

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention provide an accessory drive system for a belt-alternator-starter electric hybrid vehicle. The apparatus includes a drive pulley connected to an engine output shaft, a plurality of accessories that are each connected to a driven pulley, and a selectively engageable torque transmitting device disposed between the engine crankshaft and a transmission. A belt-alternator-starter system is connected to another driven pulley. A drive belt connectively couples the drive pulley and the driven pulleys and is operable to transfer drive forces between the drive pulley and the driven pulleys. A controller is operatively connected to the torque transmitting device, the engine and the belt-alternator-starter system. The controller is configured to control the torque transmitting device, the engine and the belt-alternator-starter system to ensure the accessories are adequately powered.

Accessory drive system and method for a hybrid vehicle with an electric variable transmission

Abstract: An accessory drive system for a hybrid electric vehicle having an electric variable transmission. The apparatus includes an engine operatively connected to the electric variable transmission. The electric variable transmission includes a gear arrangement configured to selectively produce a plurality of speed ratios. The electric variable transmission also includes at least two motor/generators connected to the gear arrangement, and to a storage device. A drive pulley is connected to an output shaft of the engine. A plurality of driven pulleys are each connected to an accessory. A drive belt connectively couples the drive pulley and the plurality of driven pulleys. A controller is operatively connected to the engine and the motor/generators, and is configured to control the engine and the motor/generators to ensure the accessories are adequately powered.

Timing Belt Tensioner

Abstract: A tensioner for tensioning a flexible drive means, such as a timing belt or chain, includes a pulley to contact the belt. The pulley is mounted on a tensioner arm and the tensioner arm can be rotated about a pivot shaft mounted to the tensioner by a spring. The axis about which the pulley rotates is spaced from the axis of the rotation of the tensioner arm with respect to the pivot shaft and the spacing of these axes of rotation results in the pulley moving through an eccentric towards or away from the belt when the tensioner arm is rotated. A stop is used to limit the range of movement of the tensioner arm between a desired range of movement defined by a free arm stop and a backstop. The position of the stop is adjustable by an installer. The angular range of movement of the tensioner arm is adjustable from a position suitable for installation of the tensioner to a position suitable for operation of the installed tensioner. In one embodiment, the movement of the stop from the installation position to the nominal operating position also compensates the spring.

Actuator for controlling inclination of treadmill and inclination control device of treadmill

Abstract: The present invention provides an inclination control device of a treadmill comprising: a pair of support members pivotally connected with at least one first hinge at the track part for extending from the track part to the ground; a pair of housings having a housing hinge respectively for being pivotally connected with each of the second hinge at the support members, and having female thread; a pair of screw rod engaging respectively with the female thread of each of the housing so as to be extruded from or inserted into by relative rotation therebetween; a pair of driving pulleys combined with each of the screw rod for rotating together with the screw rod; a belt engaging with the driving pulleys; a pinion engaging with the belt for transmitting a driving force via the belt to the driving pulleys; a motor for letting pinion rotate; and a bracket for rotatably fixing the pinion and the driving pulleys, and having a pair of bracket hinges on its both sides to be pivotally combined with each of the third hinges of the track part, whereby the first hinge, the second hinge and the third hinge form a three-linked structure so as to stably support the impact and/or load from a user's running in addition to enhance durability and to save the manufacture cost.

Tree stand hoist

Abstract: A tree stand hoist includes a holder frame with stop bars and harnesses for fastening to a tree, a bracket provided at the back side of the holder frame to support a cable wheel, a cable pulley assembly provided with a rope for fastening to the tree at a high place, a steel cable, which has one end fastened to the cable wheel and the other end inserted through the cable pulley assembly and terminating in a hook for hooking a tree stand, and a crank handle for rotating the cable wheel through a gear transmission mechanism to roll up the steel cable so as to lift the tree stand for setting up on the tree.

Belt type continuously variable transmission

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a belt type continuously variable transmission which measures by using a magnetic sensor, capable of measuring a rotational speed and reducing a weight with a simple structure. SOLUTION: The belt type continuously variable transmission 100 continuously controls a transmission gear ratio by changing a groove width between a driving pulley and a driven pulley 10. At least an outer circumference of the driven pulley 10 is made of a non-magnetic material, a pin 20 containing a magnetic material is mounted on the outer circumference of the driven pulley 10, and a rotating speed of the driven pulley 10 is measured by the magnetic sensor 30 sensing the pin 20 in this transmission. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Device for transmitting the rotating movement to a driven shaft, in particular for fluid recirculating pumps

Abstract: Device for transmitting a rotating movement from movement generating means (21) to a driven shaft (2), comprising at least one friction coupling (20) and at least one induction coupling (30), arranged between said movement generating means (21) and the driven shaft (2) and substantially concentric with each other, wherein said movement generating means consist of a circular ring (21) having, formed on its outer circumferential edge, a pulley (21a) suitable for engagement with a corresponding drive belt (3); said circular movement-generating ring (21) is mounted on a bearing (40) keyed onto the fixed support body (11) of the driven shaft (2); the circular ring part (21) formed in the manner of a pulley (21a) is situated axially outside the fixed control element (22) of the friction coupling (20).

Drive system for imaging device

Abstract: A drive system for an imaging device is provided. The drive system comprises a table assembly for engaging and supporting a patient and a driving system for moving the table assembly. The driving system can be directly coupled to the table assembly. The table assembly comprises a carrier that engages and supports a patient and at least two elongated rails placed beneath the carrier and extending between the opposing sides of the table assembly. The driving system for moving the table assembly comprises at least one double end shaft motor, at least one belt coupled to the double end shaft motor via a coupling device and at least one pair of timer pulleys coupled to the belt. Further, each timer pulley is directly coupled to a feedback device at a first end and a brake device at a second end.

Torque fluctuation damper pulley

Abstract: A torque fluctuation damper pulley 10 is provided with a torque fluctuation damping elastic member 15 between a hub 11 attached to a rotational shaft and a pulley member 13. The torque fluctuation damping elastic member 15 includes a pair of rubber members 15A and 15B which sandwich a support portion 24 of the pulley member 13 under equal elastic forces from the front and rear in the axial direction of the pulley member 13 to joint the hub with the pulley member 13 elastically. Thus, the pulley member 13 always has equal forces being applied thereto from the front and rear in the axial direction, so that it becomes possible to make unnecessary any thrust bearing which would otherwise be required for positioning the pulley member 13 in the axial direction.

Safety entrance norm (SEN)

Abstract: The walls in the Unity Platform System are installed all along the platform to match the position of the train doors (for different model trains, two different systems have been proposed in the file; they are installed completely free from the train doors). The doors with roller bearings move on the seating sledge in the walls. All the doors are attached to one close circle rope, which moves over a pulley set. One drive group activates this rope. The drive group consists of one variable speed reversible motor, one brake and one drive sheave. There is no drive mechanism in/on each wall and door. The rope is pulled to the right or left by the drive sheave. All the doors open or close at the same time, being attached to the same rope. Besides, to bridge the gap between the platform edge and the train, three different 'Gap Devices' have been proposed in the file.

Accessory drive system and method for a parallel electric hybrid vehicle

Abstract: The present invention provides an accessory drive system for a parallel electric hybrid vehicle. The apparatus includes an engine and a motor/generator independently connectable to a transmission. At least one torque-transmitting device selectably connects an engine and a motor/generator with a transmission. A drive pulley is connected to an output shaft of the engine. A plurality of driven pulleys are each connected to an accessory. A drive belt connectively couples the drive pulley and the plurality of driven pulleys, and is operable to transfer drive forces between the drive pulley and the plurality of driven pulleys. A controller is operatively connected to the torque-transmitting device, the engine and the motor/generator, and is configured to control the torque-transmitting device, the engine and the motor/generator to ensure the plurality of accessories are adequately powered.

Wave power energy converter

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wave power energy converter improving the safety and life of the converter by leveling the variation of the energy conversion rate of a surface wave in one cycle and wire tension to suppress the maximal values thereof. SOLUTION: An energy storage means is composed of a tension pulley 9 and a support spring 10. A float 4 floating on the surface of water is vertically moved by the variation of water level by wave. When the float 4 is largely lowered by a strong surface wave of water, the tension f f is increased. When the tension f f is increased, the tension pulley 9 installed between a drive pulley 6 and a fixed pulley 7 is retracted downward against the force of the support spring 10 to store energy based on the tension f t . The energy is released when the surface of water is raised where effective wire tension is set at a negative value, converted into the energy of rotating motion, discharged and supplied to a generator 1 for power generation. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT