Abstract: A roller chain having at least one pair of offset links wherein the offset link plates are made with a steel having a high chromium content and are through-hardened using an austempering heat treatment (such as a salt bath quench). The resulting offset link plates may have a hardness in range of 44-50 HRC on the Rockwell hardness scale and a bainite metallurgical microstructure. The offset link plates may also have a greater fatigue strength than at least one of the inner link plates and the outer link plates. The inner and outer link plates may be formed out of a plain carbon steel which is heated, quenched and tempered to produce a martensite microstructure.

Abstract: A paddle bracket with superior durability and a grain elevator chain including such a paddle bracket are disclosed. The paddle brackets are used to connect paddles for moving the grain to the chain. Each paddle bracket has a brace portion for giving additional support to the intermediate portion of the bracket between the portion of the paddle bracket that connects to the other links in the chain and that portion of the paddle bracket that attaches to the paddle. An austempering process for forming a bainitic microstructure in the paddle bracket to further enhance the strength of the paddle bracket is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shaft and sprocket assembly having an elongate shaft, a sprocket wheel and at least one bracket member. The sprocket wheel encircles and engages the shaft wherein torque is transferrable between the shaft and the sprocket wheel. The sprocket wheel includes radially outwardly extending teeth and is formed by a plurality of sprocket members. Each of the sprocket members defines an angular portion of the sprocket wheel less than 360 degrees. The bracket member detachably secures the individual plurality of sprocket members together thereby allowing the sprocket members to be easily removed from and installed on the shaft. The bracket member is positioned such that no torque is directly transferred from the shaft to the bracket member. The shaft and sprocket assembly can be used in a variety of applications including in the feederhouse of an agricultural combine.