Centrifugal air compressor

Abstract

A centrifugal supercharger is disclosed that includes an internal drive mechanism which embodies the present invention. A pair of sprockets are connected to parallel input and output drive shafts and drivingly connected by a taut, high tension, endless cog-belt seated and running on the two sprockets. A plurality of belt stabilizing components are incorporated therein to provide maintenance-free, low-temperature operation of the drive mechanism. These stabilizing components include air ducts formed in the output sprocket, tensioning members formed in the belt, heat-resistant and high-speed ceramic ball bearings and shock absorbing springs that alone and in combination provide a highly efficient drive mechanism.

1 - 15 . (canceled)  
     
     
         16 . An internal drive mechanism for use in an air compressor adapted as a supercharger in an internal combustion engine comprising: 
 an impeller;    input and output shafts;    said output shaft connected directly to said impeller;    input and output sprockets mounted, respectively, on said input and output shafts;    an endless belt trained around and drivingly connected to said input and output sprockets;    said belt being a positive drive cog belt and said sprockets being positive drive cog sprockets mating with said belt; and    fiberglass longitudinal tensioning members formed within said belt.    
     
     
         17 . An internal drive mechanism for use in an air compressor adapted as a supercharger in an internal combustion engine comprising: 
 an impeller;    input and output shafts;    said impeller being integral with said output shaft;    input and output sprockets mounted, respectively, on said input and output shafts;    an endless belt trained around and drivingly connected to said input and output sprockets;    said belt being a positive drive cog belt and said sprockets being positive drive cog sprockets mating with said belt; and    the endless belt having at least one fiberglass tensioning member adapted to provide minimum strength necessary for operation.