Claims:We Claim:

1. A mechanism (100) for adjusting position of a tension pulley (11) for adjusting tension of a power transmission belt, the mechanism (100) comprising:
a body (1) defining a cavity;
a support member (2), rigidly supported and extending into the cavity of the body (1);
a piston (3), movably disposed in the cavity, the piston (3) is configured to displace between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP) within the cavity relative to the support member (2);
a resilient member (4), circumferentially disposed around the support member (2) and loaded between the body (1) and the piston (3), the resilient member (4) is structured to displace between a compressed state and a relaxed state such that that the piston (3) displaces between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP);
a shaft (6), movably connected to the support member (2) at one end and the tension pulley (11) at an other end, wherein the movement of the piston (3) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP) displaces the shaft (6) to adjust position of the tension pulley (11) for adjusting tension of the power transmission belt; and
a locking mechanism (5), provisioned in the body (1), the locking mechanism (5) is configured to selectively restrict displacement of the piston (3) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP).

2. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (1) includes an end cap (10) for rigidly supporting the support member (2) in the cavity.

3. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the piston (3) is defined with engaging surface (7) to engage with the locking mechanism (5).

4. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism (5) includes a stopper (8) pivotally connected to the body (1), the stopper (8) is defined with teeth at one end to selectively engage with the engaging surface (7) and restrict displacement of the piston (3) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP).

5. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stopper (8) is configured to pivot in a first direction to selectively allow displacement of the piston (3) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP).

6. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism (5) includes a stopper spring (9) connected to an other end opposite to one end of the stopper (8), the stopper spring (9) is configured to compress and allow displacement of the piston (3) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP).

7. A tension adjustment system (200) for a power transmission belt, the system (200) comprising:
a tension pulley (11) disposed in contact with the power transmission belt; and
a mechanism (100) connected to the tension pulley (11), the mechanism (100) is configured to adjust position of the tension pulley (11) for adjusting tension of a power transmission belt, the mechanism (100) comprising:
a body (1) defining a cavity;
a support member (2), rigidly supported and extending into the cavity of the body (1);
a piston (3), movably disposed in the cavity, the piston (3) is configured to displace between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP) within the cavity relative to the support member (2);
a resilient member (4), circumferentially disposed around the support member (2) and loaded between the body (1) and the piston (3), the resilient member (4) is structured to displace between a compressed state and a relaxed state such that that the piston (3) displaces between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP);
a shaft (6), movably connected to the support member (2) at one end and the tension pulley (11) at an other end, wherein the movement of the piston (3) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP) displaces the shaft (6) to adjust position of the tension pulley (11) for adjusting tension of the power transmission belt; and
a locking mechanism (5), provisioned in the body (1), the locking mechanism (5) is configured to selectively restrict displacement of the piston (3) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP).

8. The system (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the piston (3) is defined with engaging surface (7) to engage with the locking mechanism (5).

9. The system (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism (5) includes a stopper (8) pivotally connected to the body (1), the stopper (8) is defined with teeth at one end to selectively engage with the engaging surface (7) and restrict displacement of the piston (3) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP).

10. The system (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the stopper (8) is configured to pivot in a first direction to selectively allow displacement of the piston (3) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP).

11. The system (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism (5) includes a stopper spring (9) connected to an other end opposite to one end of the stopper (8), the stopper spring (9) is configured to compress and allow displacement of the piston (3) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP).

12. A vehicle comprising a system (200) as claimed in claim 7.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to power transmission mechanism. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a mechanism and a system for adjusting tension of a power transmission belt.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally, vehicles powered by a prime mover employ a power transmission belt or an auxiliary drive belt which typically drives one or more accessories from a shaft of said prime mover. Conventionally, the vehicles are employed with a single power transmission belt which is also called as a serpentine belt to simultaneously power all accessories coupled to the prime mover. For example, the power transmission belt may be employed to drive an air conditioning compressor, an air pump, a power steering pump, an alternator, a fan, a water pump, radiator fan, a camshaft pulley, power brake vacuum pump and the like, based on power being derived from the prime mover via a driving pulley.
To ensure efficient operation and driving of the accessories without belt slip which may cause the belt to wear off, it is necessary that the belt has to be tensioned appropriately for adequate transmission of power. Even though the belt may be initially tensioned while assembling, during prolonged operation of the prime mover, the belt may be subjected to wear-off or elongation due to material properties. Slip of the power transmission belt due to insufficient tension may cause heat and lead to failure. Furthermore, the power transmission belt may exhibit vibrations due to the torsional vibration of the prime mover together with the torque changes in the accessories which may cause failure of the power transmission belt.
With advent of technology, belt tensioners operating with various configurations have been developed and employed in conjunction with the prime movers to mitigate slip and vibrations of the power transmission belt. The belt tensioners, in general, includes an arm with a belt engaging pulley mounted at one end and, another end pivotally connectable to the prime mover. The belt tensioners are configured to exert force on the power transmission belt and maintain the required tension to mitigate the slip and the vibrations in the power transmission belt. Conventionally, the belt tensioners may be classified into two types, that is, automatic belt tensioners and manual belt tensioners.

Typically, the automatic belt tensioners employ complex mechanism such as either torsions springs or sensors, actuators, wires, and the like, to automatically adjust and maintain a defined tension in the power transmission belt. However, due to complex construction, such configurations render increase in cost of the vehicle. Further, the manual belt tensioners require an operator to manually operate the belt tensioner and fix tension exerted on the power transmission belt. However, tension exerted on the power transmission belt changes as the power transmission belt experiences wear and elongation during the operational life of the power transmission belt and requires the operator to frequently adjust force exerted by the belt tensioner to maintain the defined tension. Furthermore, to reduce frequent adjustment, the belt tensioner is typically adjusted such that, high force is exerted on the power transmission belt, which leads to premature failure of the power transmission belt as well as the accessories that are driven by the power transmission belt.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional mechanisms.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a mechanism and a system as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the mechanism and the system as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure a mechanism for adjusting position of a tension pulley for adjusting tension of a power transmission belt is disclosed. The mechanism includes a body defining a cavity. A support member is rigidly supported and extends into the cavity of the body. Further, a piston is movably disposed in the cavity, where the piston is configured to displace between a first position and a second position within the cavity relative to the support member. A resilient member is circumferentially disposed around the support member and loaded between the body and the piston, where the resilient member is structured to displace between a compressed state and a relaxed state such that that the piston displaces between the first position and the second position. Furthermore, a shaft is movably connected to the support member at one end and the tension pulley at an other end, where the movement of the piston between the first position and the second position displaces the shaft to adjust position of the tension pulley for adjusting tension of the power transmission belt. Additionally, the mechanism includes a locking mechanism which is provisioned in the body. The locking mechanism is configured to selectively restrict displacement of the piston from the second position to the first position.

In an embodiment, the body includes an end cap for rigidly supporting the support member in the cavity.
In an embodiment, the piston is defined with engaging surface to engage with the locking mechanism.
In an embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a stopper pivotally connected to the body, the stopper is defined with teeth at one end to selectively engage with the engaging surface and restrict displacement of the piston from the second position to the first position. Further, the stopper is configured to pivot in a first direction to selectively allow displacement of the piston from the first position to the second position.

In an embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a stopper spring connected to an other end opposite to one end of the stopper, the stopper spring is configured to compress and allow displacement of the piston from the first position to the second position.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a tension adjustment system for a power transmission belt is disclosed. The system includes a tension pulley disposed in contact with the power transmission belt. A mechanism is connected to the tension pulley and is configured to adjust position of the tension pulley for adjusting tension of the power transmission belt. The mechanism includes a body defining a cavity. A support member is rigidly supported and extends into the cavity of the body. Further, a piston is movably disposed in the cavity, where the piston is configured to displace between a first position and a second position within the cavity relative to the support member. A resilient member is circumferentially disposed around the support member and loaded between the body and the piston, where the resilient member is structured to displace between a compressed state and a relaxed state such that that the piston displaces between the first position and the second position. Furthermore, a shaft is movably connected to the support member at one end and the tension pulley at an other end, where the movement of the piston between the first position and the second position displaces the shaft to adjust position of the tension pulley for adjusting tension of the power transmission belt. Additionally, the mechanism includes a locking mechanism which is provisioned in the body. The locking mechanism is configured to selectively restrict displacement of the piston from the second position to the first position.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1a illustrates a schematic sectional view of a tension adjustment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 1b illustrates a perspective view of a tension adjustment system of Figure. 1a.

Figure 2a illustrate schematic sectional view of a mechanism for adjusting position of a tension pulley when piston is in first position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2b illustrate schematic sectional view of the mechanism for adjusting position of a tension pulley when piston is in second position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system and method illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other mechanisms, systems, assemblies, devices, methods, and processes for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that, such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a mechanism, a system, or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, a tension adjustment system for a power transmission belt is disclosed. The system includes a tension pulley disposed in contact with a power transmission belt, the tension pulley is configured to exert force on the power transmission belt. A mechanism is connected to the tension pulley and is configured to adjust position of the tension pulley for adjusting tension of the power transmission belt. The mechanism includes a body defining a cavity, and a support member is rigidly supported and extending into the cavity of the body. Further, a piston is movably disposed in the cavity, where the piston is configured to displace between a first position and a second position within the cavity relative to the support member. The mechanism further includes a resilient member which is circumferentially disposed around the support member and loaded between the body and the piston, where the resilient member is structured to displace between a compressed state and a relaxed state such that that the piston displaces between the first position and the second position. Furthermore, a shaft is movably connected to the support member at one end and the tension pulley at an other end, where the movement of the piston between the first position and the second position displaces the shaft. The displacement of the shaft adjusts position of the tension pulley for adjusting tension of the power transmission belt. Additionally, the mechanism includes a locking mechanism which is provisioned in the body. The locking mechanism is configured to selectively restrict displacement of the piston from the second position to the first position. The mechanism is adapted to adjust the position of the tension pulley such that the tension pulley of the system maintains the desired tension on the power transmission belt to mitigate slip and vibrations of the power transmission belt.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 and 2. It is to be noted that the mechanism and the system may be employed in any vehicle including but not limited to a passenger vehicle, a utility vehicle, commercial vehicles, and any other vehicle having a prime mover for the vehicle operation. However, neither the vehicle nor the complete power transmission system is illustrated in the figures for the purpose of simplification of figures.

Figures 1a and 1b is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a tension adjustment system (200). The tension adjustment system (200) may be configured to adjust tension of a power transmission belt [not shown] in a belt drive mechanism which is configured to operate auxiliary components. In an embodiment, the system (200) may be employed to adjust tension of the power transmission belt equipped in the belt drive mechanisms employed in vehicles, engines, generators, turbines, motors, and any other device which requires a power transmission belt for operation. In an exemplary embodiment, the power transmission belt may be belt drive mechanism disposed outside of an engine block of the vehicle and may be configured to drive accessories such as, but not limited to, an air conditioning compressor, an air pump, a power steering pump, an alternator, a fan, a water pump, and power brake vacuum pump from a crankshaft pulley. In an embodiment, the vehicle may be employed with at least one tension adjustment device to adjust tension of one or more power transmission belts. The tension adjustment system (200) may be disposed on the engine block of the vehicle or may be disposed on a bracket connectable to the engine block of the vehicle. The tension adjustment system (200) includes a tension pulley (11) which may be disposed in contact with the power transmission belt. In an embodiment, the tension pulley (11) may be including, but not limited to, pulley, a bearing, a shaft and any other device capable of guiding the power transmission belt. Further, the tension adjustment system (200) includes a mechanism (100) connected to the tension pulley (11). The mechanism (100) may be configured to adjust position of the tension pulley (11) such that, tension of the power transmission belt may be adjusted.

Referring to Figures 2a and 2b which are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating the mechanism (100) for adjusting the position of the tension pulley (11). The mechanism (100) includes a body (1) which is hollow defining a cavity. The body (1) may be defined with a lateral cross-sectional profile having at least one of a circular shape, a rectangular shape and any other curved or polygonal shape for accommodating components of the mechanism (100). The body (1) may be defined with an opening at one end which may be covered by an end cap (10). Further, a support member (2) may be rigidly supported and extending into the cavity of the body (1), where the end cap (10) may be configured to rigidly support the support member (2) in the body (1). In an embodiment, the support member (2) may be an elongated member, for example, the support member (2) may be a tube, a shaft, a pipe, and the like. Additionally, a fastener (12) may be fastened on the end cap (10) and may be configured to adjustably secure the end cap (10) and/or the support member (2) in the body (1).

The mechanism (100) further includes a piston (3) movably disposed in the cavity of the body (1). The piston (3) may be disposed around the support member (2). In an embodiment, the piston (3) may be disposed within the cavity of the body (1) and adjacent to the support member (2) such that the piston (3) is capable of displacing at an offset to the support member (2). The piston (3) may be configured to displace between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP) within the cavity relative to the support member (2). The piston (3) may be defined with engaging surface (7) on an outer circumference. In an embodiment, the engaging surface (7) may be defined on at least a portion of the outer circumference of the piston (3) and may be defined throughout the outer circumference of the piston (3). In the exemplary embodiment, the engaging surface (7) may be defined on a portion of the outer circumference of the piston (3). The engaging surface (7) may include one of but not limited to teeth, keys, protrusions, depressions, indents and any other surface pattern capable of engaging or gripping with another device.

Further, the mechanism (100) may include a resilient member (4) that may be circumferentially disposed around the support member (2). In an exemplary embodiment, the resilient member (4) may be loaded between the body (1) and the piston (3) and may be structured to displace between a compressed state and a relaxed state. Further, the resilient member (4) may be provisioned within the piston (3) and may be restricted at the end cap (10). The resilient member (4) may be operable such that, force exerted by the resilient member (4) biases the piston (3) towards the second position (SP). For example, the resilient member (4) in the compressed state may be configured to position the piston (3) in the first position (FP) [as seen in Figure 2a]. Further, the resilient member (4) in the relaxed state may be configured to displace the piston (3) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) [as seen in Figure 2b] due to resilience nature of such resilient member (4). In an embodiment, operation of the piston (3) may correspondingly vary based on the type and the physical nature of the resilient member (4). Additionally, a shaft (6) may be disposed in the body (1) such that the shaft (6) may be in contact with the piston (3). The shaft (6) may be movably connected to the support member (2) at one end and rigidly connected to the tension pulley (11) at an other end. The shaft (6) relative to the movement of the piston (3) may be configured to displace between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP). The shaft (6) upon displacement from the first position (FP) towards the second position (SP) adjusts the position of the tension pulley (11) which in-turn adjusts tension of the power transmission belt. Movement of the shaft (6) towards the second position (SP) exerts force or load on the power transmission belt which increases tension acting on the power transmission belt [as seen in Figure 2b]. In an embodiment, during operational life of the power transmission belt, the expansion of the belt creates reduction in the tension applied by the tension pulley (11). As tension varies due to parameters including, but not limited to, during prolonged usage, wear-off, load, and the other parameters affecting tension on the belt, the resilient member (4) may experience loss of resilience to attain the relaxed state and de-compresses from the compressed state until a predetermined resilience is offered by the power transmission belt which is in contact with the tension pulley (11). The resilient member (4) de-compressing from the compressed state to the relaxed state, displaces the piston (3) towards the second position (SP) which in-turn displaces the shaft (6) connected to the tension pulley (11) towards the second position (SP) to apply force on the power transmission belt and selectively adjust the tension of the power transmission belt.

In an embodiment, the resilient member (4) may be selected and/or calibrated such that the predetermined resistance required to halt the de-compression of the resilient member (4) may be equal to the desired tension to be applied on the power transmission belt by the tension pulley (11) throughout the operational life of power transmission belt.

Furthermore, the mechanism (100) includes a locking mechanism (5) provisioned in the body (1). The locking mechanism (5) may be configured to selectively restrict displacement of the piston (3) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP). In an exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism (5) may be adapted to engage with the engaging surface (7) defined on the piston (3) to restrict displacement of the piston (3) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP). The locking mechanism (5) may include a stopper (8) pivotally connected to the body (1). Further, the stopper (8) may be defined with teeth at one end to selectively engage with the engaging surface (7) and restrict displacement of the piston (3) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP). In an embodiment, the stopper (8) may be defined with a profile defined with but not limited to keys, protrusions, depressions, indents, and any other surface pattern capable of engaging or gripping the engaging surface (7) of the piston (3). Upon de-compressing of the resilient member (4) from the compressed state to the relaxed state, the engaging surface (7) defined on the piston (3) may be adapted to exert force on the teeth of the stopper (8). The force exerted on the teeth pivots the stopper (8) in a first direction upon which the teeth of the stopper (8) disengage with the engaging surface (7) to allow displacement of the piston (3) towards the second position (SP). Additionally, the stopper (8) may be connected to a stopper spring (9) at an other end of the stopper (8) away and opposite to the one end of the stopper (8) defined with the teeth. The stopper spring (9) may be configured to compress when the stopper (8) pivots in the first direction. The stopper spring (9) may be configured to exert force on the stopper (8) such that the stopper (8) may be pivoted back into engagement with the engaging surface (7) when the resilient member (4) stops de-compressing due to the defined tension achieved by the power transmission belt and the force exerted on the teeth of the stopper (8) is removed.

In an embodiment, the stopper (8) and the engaging surface (7) may be arranged as a pawl and a ratchet mechanism.

In an embodiment, the resilient member (4) may be one of but not limited to a coil spring, tension spring, torsion spring, compression spring, extension spring, conical spring, and any other spring capable of biasing the piston (3) in the body (1) of the mechanism (100).

In an embodiment, the resilient member (4) may be configured to position the piston (3) in the first position (FP) in the relaxed state and the second position (SP) in the compressed state.

In an embodiment, the resilient member (4) may be positioned in the top portion of the piston (3) or the bottom portion of the piston (3) in the body (1).

In an embodiment, the resilient member (4) may be provisioned outside the body (1).

In an embodiment, the resilient member (4) may be connected to the shaft (6) to directly displace the shaft (6) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP). Further, the shaft (6) may be defined with the engaging surface (7) to engage with the stopper (8) of the locking mechanism (5).

In an embodiment, the tension adjustment system (200) may be aligned vertically or horizontally to contact the power transmission belt, based on application and nature of operation of the shaft (6).

In an embodiment, a pin (13) may be disposed in the mechanism (100) to lock displacement of the piston (3) [as seen in Figure 2a].

In an embodiment, an operator may manually displace the piston (3) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP) by disengaging the stopper (8) of the locking mechanism (5) from the engaging surface (7) on the piston (3).

In an embodiment, the system (200) and the mechanism (100) may be configured to adjust the position of the tension pulley (11) such that the tension pulley (11) maintains the desired tension on the power transmission belt throughout the operational life of power transmission belt to mitigate slip and vibrations of the power transmission belt.

In an embodiment, the mechanism (100) adjusts the position of the tension pulley (11) automatically based on the elongation attained by the power transmission belt.

In an embodiment, the system (200) is simple to construct and does not require complex electrical components. Further, the system (200) is comparatively cheaper to manufacture than an automatic belt tensioner.

Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Mechanism
200 System
1 Body
2 Support member
3 Piston
4 Resilient member
5 Locking mechanism
6 Shaft
7 Engaging surface
8 Stopper
9 Stopper spring
10 End cap
11 Tension Pulley
12 Fastener
13 Pin
FP First position
SP Second position