Self-energized controllable belt tensioner

Abstract

A variable speed drive system for prime mover driven accessories which includes a self-energized controllable belt tensioner in combination with a variable diameter pulley assembly. The tensioner, upon command, uses a pump continuously driven by a fixed diameter pulley positioned by a rotary or linear actuator to take up and tension the belt passing over the same pulley. In the variable speed drive, this tensioner functions typically together with a variable diameter pulley which operates on the belt by forces which are directed toward increasing the variable pulley diameter. A hydraulic flow system with appropriate pump, valves, lines, and actuator can all be self-contained in the rotary tensioner. Selenoid valves are used in an on-off fashion with an actuator to move a pulley arm attached to the actuator generating the required belt tension to decrease the variable pulley diameter as desired upon command.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.