Positive tracking pulley and belt construction

Abstract

An endless belt apparatus (10) which can be used in either a timing, driving, and/or load carrying system, has a generally cylindrical drive pulley (12) in the outer surface (22) of which is provided recesses for engaging with an associated belt (26) including a planar web (28) provided with projections (34, 34') arranged in a symmetrical matrix for positively engaging with the recesses of the pulley for tracking and/or advancing the belt. Similar recesses provided in the other pulleys of the system will permit the belt to rotate such pulleys as a function of the rotation of the drive pulley. Circumferential grooves either recessed (24) or formed by annular rings (82) can be provided on the pulley for tracking purposes and axial channels (64) or sprocket teeth (90) for drive purposes, although it is contemplated that a symmetrical matrix of recesses (74) be provided on the pulley for matingly receiving the matrix of projections (34, 34') and permitting both training and advancing, in either direction, of the belt (26) simultaneously.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.