Patent ID: 8888626

Claim:
An automatic tensioning system, comprising: a pivot mechanism including a pivot arm extending between an idler pulley and a pivot point, said idler pulley is mateable with a belt, said belt routed about said idler pulley, wherein said idler pulley rotates by the movement of the belt, said pivot arm being pivotal in a first rotational direction at said pivot point whereby tension is applied to said belt; and an adjustable locking mechanism in communication with said pivot arm, said locking mechanism being coaxially pivotal with said pivot arm at said pivot point, separately from said pivot arm, said locking mechanism including a wedge surface and a wedge, said wedge is sandwiched between said wedge surface and said pivot arm, and at least one compression spring arranged to apply force to said wedge in a direction towards said pilot point and between said pivot arm and said wedge surface, wherein pivot arm is pivotable in said first rotational direction and away from said wedge, the adjustable locking mechanism further having a wedge wing, said wedge wing extending from said wedge surface, said wedge wing including an elongated slot and a locking pin extending therein, said wedge wing and elongated slot provide for adjustment of said locking mechanism, said wedge wing locking said locking mechanism in a position corresponding to a predetermined minimum tension setting of said belt.