Bi-directional belt tensioner

A method for tensioning a belt, comprising the steps of:

• providing a base having a shaft;
• attaching a torsional biasing element to the base;
• providing a housing having an attached bearing;
• attaching the housing to the base and the spring so that the housing encloses the biasing element and the biasing element is operable to provide a torsional force in a first direction to bias the housing relative to the base;
• attaching an arm to the housing;
• detaching the housing from the base;
• reversing the biasing element after the housing is detached from the base;
• re-attaching the housing to the base after reversing the biasing element;
• attaching a pulley to the arm;
• rotating the housing in a first direction relative to the base so that the biasing element provides a torsional force biasing element in a direction opposite the first direction;
• and
• moving the pulley into contact with a belt after rotating the housing relative to the base so that the torsional force tensions the belt.

A tensioner for tensioning a drive belt, comprising:

• a housing having a generally open lower end;
• a base closing the open lower end of the housing;
• a shaft disposed within the housing, projecting upwardly from the base and fixedly attached to the base;
• an arm formed separately from the housing and the base, and connectable with either the housing or the base, wherein the arm comprises a first end configured for connecting the arm to the housing or the base and a second end configured for mounting a machine element;
• a bearing disposed within the housing and connected with the shaft and the housing so that the housing is rotatable relative to the base about the shaft;
• a fastener detachably connecting the housing to the base;
• and
• a reversible biasing element disposed within the housing and providing a torque to bias the housing relative to the base, wherein when the biasing element is disposed in a first orientation, the biasing element is operable to bias the housing in a clockwise direction relative to the base, and when the biasing element is reversed into a second orientation, the biasing element is operable to bias the housing in a counter-clockwise direction relative to the base.