The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 20, 2011
Filed:
Jul. 24, 2008
Clyde A. Bulloch, Hartland, MI (US);
Clyde A. Bulloch, Hartland, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A variable leakdown chain drive tensioner system includes a chain drive tensioner in operable communication with a chain. The chain drive tensioner includes a tensioner body with at least one leakage hole defining a first leakdown path and a tensioner piston assembly in operable engagement with the tensioner body. As the chain wears, the tensioner piston assembly is moveable from a first position, allowing flow through the first leakdown path, to at least a second position, substantially blocking flow through the first leakdown path. The tensioner body may also include a second leakage hole defining a second leakdown path and the tensioner piston may also have a third position. The first position would allow flow through the first and second leakdown paths, the second position would allow flow through only the second leakdown path, and the third position would substantially block flow through both the first and second leakdown paths.