US Patent 11512762 Right angle mechanical actuator for tensioner

An actuator for transmitting an input force in a first direction from an input mechanism to a force in a second direction at an output mechanism. The actuator may be incorporated into a tensioner for tensioning a belt. The device includes a plurality of aligned spherical elements in a curved raceway. The input mechanism transmits force to a first of the series of spherical elements. The spherical elements are substantially incompressible so that the series of spherical elements transmits the force along the curved raceway from the input mechanism to the output mechanism.