Patent ID: 7354363
Filing Date: 2008-04-08
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
1. A tensioner for a power-transmitting belt comprising: a base; an arm pivotably attached to the base; a pulley rotatably attached to the arm for engaging a power-transmitting belt; a spring operatively connected to the arm and the base for urging the arm to pivot relative to the base such that the pulley on the arm engages the belt with a force to tension the belt; and a hydraulic strut pivotably attached at a first point to the base and pivotably attached at a second point to the arm such that pivotal movement of the arm on the base either extends or compresses the strut, the strut operable to restrict movement of the arm through asymmetric fluid damping, the strut comprising: wherein the first and second fluid chambers within the strut contain magnetorheological fluid.