Flexible idler
AssigneeThe Gates Corporation
InventorJohn D. Redmond
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An idler having a flexible member. The flexible member comprises a rubber or elastomeric material. The flexible member also defines a gas chamber. The spring rate of the flexible member is a function of the flexible material and the size of and pressure in the gas chamber. A belt or chain bearing surface of the flexible member bears upon a belt or chain trained between two pulleys. The flexible member is compressible in response to a preload caused as the idler is pressed against the chain or belt. The flexible member damps vibrations in the belt or chain during operation. This results in quieter operation of the idler/pulley system as well as increases the operating life of the belt.
Claims13
An idler comprising:
- a hub;
- a flexible member having a chamber containing a pressure and a continuous bearing surface on an outer circumference;
- and
- the flexible member connected to the hub.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.