Measuring and testing – Dynamometers – Responsive to force
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-24
2001-10-16
Fuller, Benjamin R. (Department: 2855)
Measuring and testing
Dynamometers
Responsive to force
C073S862452, C073S862471, C073S862430
Reexamination Certificate
active
06301978
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device that allows a user to isolate and test an engine pulley in order to determine if the pulley needs repairing or replacing.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Various engine parts include one or more pulleys all of which are encompassed and driven by a single serpentine belt. Often, the pulleys begin rattling or squeaking which is not only annoying but can indicate that the pulley is loosening or deteriorating. However, because all of the pulleys are simultaneously operated by a single belt, it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine which pulley is malfunctioning when the engine is running. The present invention relates to a uniquely configured device for isolating and individually rotating a select pulley allowing a mechanic to systematically determine which vehicle pulley is malfunctioning.
Although a plurality of belt tensioning gauges exist, no devices have been heretofore designed for testing individual engine pulleys. Various engine testers exist in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,860,597 issued to Fenech relates to a belt tension tester including an enclosure with a movable load cell therein. The load cell is connected at one end to a belt contacting member and at the other end to a manually activated handle.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,444,065 issued to Okamuro relates to a belt tension gauge for accurately and visually indicating the tension on a fan belt including a spring loaded activating member movable on a frame. The frame also includes an indicator for displaying the belt tension.
Various other belt tension gauges also exist such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,362,062 issued to Peterson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,598 issued to Okamuro, U.S. Pat. No. 3,839,908 issued to Casper and U.S. Pat. No. 2,795,135 issued to Kremser.
Although a myriad of belt tension gauges exist, there are no devices specifically designed to individually test engine pulleys. The present invention provides a compact hand held device having a motorized pulley attached thereto that, in combination with a belt, drives a select engine pulley to assist a user in determining if the engine pulley is defective, worn or otherwise malfunctioning.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for isolating and testing an individual engine pulley. The device comprises an elongated hollow tubular shaft formed of a pair of telescoping sections whereby the shaft may be extended and retracted. The two telescoping shaft sections are spring biased in a retracted position. The shaft includes a handle at a first end and a motor driven pulley at an opposing end. A belt is placed about the pulley as well as a select engine pulley. When the shaft is extended, an activation means starts the motor to synchronously rotate the pulley, belt and designated engine pulley. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device which allows a user to individually test a select engine pulley.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device for testing a select engine pulley that is easy to use and inexpensive to manufacture.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device for testing a select engine pulley that is powered with a vehicle engine. Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the attached drawings and the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 486598 (1892-11-01), Okamuro
patent: 2795135 (1957-06-01), Kremser
patent: 3839908 (1974-10-01), Casper
patent: 4235091 (1980-11-01), Takano et al.
patent: 4237719 (1980-12-01), Takano
patent: 4362062 (1982-12-01), Peterson
patent: 4444065 (1984-04-01), Okamuro
patent: 4731044 (1988-03-01), Mott
patent: 4860597 (1989-08-01), Fenech
patent: 5354242 (1994-10-01), St. John
patent: 5780731 (1998-06-01), Matsui et al.
Fuller Benjamin R.
Martir Lilybett
Tolar Kenneth L
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