Automatic tensioning mount for belts

A method for automatically tensioning a belt, the method comprising:

• engaging a puller assembly having a first indicia, the puller assembly being coupled to a fixed base by a screw, the screw being threadably engaged to the puller assembly;
• engaging a belt side assembly with a second indicia;
• attaching an end of a belt to the belt side assembly;
• engaging the belt to a motorized drive, wherein movement of the belt side assembly in a first direction increases tension on the belt and the motorized drive and movement of the belt side assembly in a second direction decreases tension on the belt and the motorized drive;
• engaging a spring mechanism having a first end attached to the puller assembly and a second end coupled to the belt side assembly, the spring mechanism being compressed so as to exert a force in the first direction;
• and
• adjusting the screw until the first indicia and the second indicia are coincidental,
• wherein the first indicia and the second indicia are both holes having about equal diameters.

The apparatus comprising:

• a motorized drive;
• a belt engaged to the motorized drive, the belt including a belt tensioner,
• the belt tensioner comprising
• a base structure;
• a linear guide attached to the base structure, the linear guide having a major axis aligned with one axis of motion;
• a carriage arranged on the linear guide such that motion of the carriage further comprises limited to being along the major axis;
• a belt attached to the carriage such that motion of the carriage along the major axis towards the base structure increases tension on the belt and movement of the belt side assembly away from the base structure decreases tension on the belt, wherein the carriage further comprises a puller assembly with a first indicia and a belt side assembly with a second indicia, the belt side assembly being attached to one end of the belt, wherein the first indicia and the second indicia are both holes having about equal diameters;
• and
• a spring mechanism having a first end attached to the puller assembly and a second end coupled to the belt side assembly.