Abstract: A debarking chain having bent links; the bent links being bent either right or left, from end to end at a bend angle of from about 5 to about 90 degrees to provide a flail type debarking chain having protruding edges or corners that increase the efficiency in which bark is removed from logs during debarking operations. Bent link chains include right bent links that are bent to the right proximate the middle of the link, where the weld is preferably located, when the link is viewed from the side with the weld on the far side and left bent links that are bent to the left proximate the middle of the link, where the weld is preferably located, when the link is viewed from the side with the weld on the far side. Disclosed inventions also include a debarking drum having a plurality of debarking chains having at least two bent links, as well as debarking devices having such a debarking drum and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A debarking chain having passing links; the passing links being substantially rounded in order to permit the passing links to pass through adjacent links such that the orientation of the passing link relative to its adjacent links can change at random in order to randomly distribute the wear and stress from any impact of adjacent or next to adjacent links on the passing links so that the overall wear life of the present debarking chain is extended over similar chain with elongated, oblong links of the prior art. The invention also includes a debarking drum having a plurality of debarking chains having at least one, preferably a plurality of passing links, as well as a debarking device having such a debarking drum. The debarking device preferably includes a chipping device and a method of using the same.

Abstract: A debarking chain having bent links; the bent links being bent either right or left, from end to end at a bend angle of from about 5 to about 90 degrees to provide a flail type debarking chain having protruding edges or corners that increase the efficiency in which bark is removed from logs during debarking operations. Bent link chains include right bent links that are bent to the right proximate the middle of the link, where the weld is preferably located, when the link is viewed from the side with the weld on the far side and left bent links that are bent to the left proximate the middle of the link, where the weld is preferably located, when the link is viewed from the side with the weld on the far side. Disclosed inventions also include a debarking drum having a plurality of debarking chains having at least two bent links, as well as debarking devices having such a debarking drum and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A debarking chain having passing links; the passing links being substantially rounded in order to permit the passing links to pass through adjacent links such that the orientation of the passing link relative to its adjacent links can change at random in order to randomly distribute the wear and stress from any impact of adjacent or next to adjacent links on the passing links so that the overall wear life of the present debarking chain is extended over similar chain with elongated, oblong links of the prior art. The invention also includes a debarking drum having a plurality of debarking chains having at least one, preferably a plurality of passing links, as well as a debarking device having such a debarking drum. The debarking device preferably includes a chipping device and a method of using the same.

Abstract: A debarking chain having passing links; the passing links being substantially rounded in order to permit the passing links to pass through adjacent links such that the orientation of the passing link relative to its adjacent links can change at random in order to randomly distribute the wear and stress from any impact of adjacent or next to adjacent links on the passing links so that the overall wear life of the present debarking chain is extended over similar chain with elongated, oblong links of the prior art. The invention also includes a debarking drum having a plurality of debarking chains having at least one, preferably a plurality of passing links, as well as a debarking device having such a debarking drum. The debarking device preferably includes a chipping device and a method of using the same.

Abstract: Self-tensioning snow chain for attachment to a vehicle wheel. The self-tensioning snow chain includes a chain and a tensioning device including a housing having a top including a set of housing teeth, a bottom and at least one aperture defined by the top and the bottom when joined together; a lever interconnected to the housing; a cord; a ratchet spool having a set of ratchet teeth on an upper surface, the ratchet teeth mate with the housing teeth, an under surface and a channel between the upper and under surfaces to receive the cord that is interconnected with the ratchet spool; a tension spring interconnected with the ratchet spool that places a bias on the ratchet spool toward a wind-up direction; and a wave spring positioned between a top surface of the bottom of the housing and the under surface to bias the ratchet spool towards the housing teeth.

Abstract: A debarking chain having passing links; the passing links being substantially rounded in order to permit the passing links to pass through adjacent links such that the orientation of the passing link relative to its adjacent links can change at random in order to randomly distribute the wear and stress from any impact of adjacent or next to adjacent links on the passing links so that the overall wear life of the present debarking chain is extended over similar chain with elongated, oblong links of the prior art. The invention also includes a debarking drum having a plurality of debarking chains having at least one, preferably a plurality of passing links, as well as a debarking device having such a debarking drum. The debarking device preferably includes a chipping device and a method of using the same.

Abstract: A debarking chain having passing links; the passing links being substantially rounded in order to permit the passing links to pass through adjacent links such that the orientation of the passing link relative to its adjacent links can change at random in order to randomly distribute the wear and stress from any impact of adjacent or next to adjacent links on the passing links so that the overall wear life of the present debarking chain is extended over similar chain with elongated, oblong links of the prior art. The invention also includes a debarking drum having a plurality of debarking chains having at least one, preferably a plurality of passing links, as well as a debarking device having such a debarking drum. The debarking device preferably includes a chipping device and a method of using the same.

Abstract: Self-tensioning snow chain for attachment to a vehicle wheel. The self-tensioning snow chain includes a chain and a tensioning device including a housing having a top including a set of housing teeth, a bottom and at least one aperture defined by the top and the bottom when joined together; a lever interconnected to the housing; a cord; a ratchet spool having a set of ratchet teeth on an upper surface, the ratchet teeth mate with the housing teeth, an under surface and a channel between the upper and under surfaces to receive the cord that is interconnected with the ratchet spool; a tension spring interconnected with the ratchet spool that places a bias on the ratchet spool toward a wind-up direction; and a wave spring positioned between a top surface of the bottom of the housing and the under surface to bias the ratchet spool towards the housing teeth.

Abstract: Self-tightening snow chain for attachment to a vehicle wheel to provide traction. The preferred self-tightening snow chain includes a traction cable and a tensioning device including a housing having a top including a set of housing teeth, a bottom and at least one aperture; a lever interconnected to the housing; a ratchet spool within the housing having a set of ratchet teeth that mate with the housing teeth and a channel between upper and under surfaces to receive a cord that is interconnected with the ratchet spool; a tension spring that places a bias on the ratchet spool toward a wind-up direction; and a wave spring. A preferred tensioning device includes a cord sub-unit having two knobs, one on each end, and a grommet encircling the cord. A method of assembling the tensioning device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A debarking chain having passing links; the passing links being substantially rounded in order to permit the passing links to pass through adjacent links such that the orientation of the passing link relative to its adjacent links can change at random in order to randomly distribute the wear and stress from any impact of adjacent or next to adjacent links on the passing links so that the overall wear life of the present debarking chain is extended over similar chain with elongated, oblong links of the prior art. The invention also includes a debarking drum having a plurality of debarking chains having at least one, preferably a plurality of passing links, as well as a debarking device having such a debarking drum. The debarking device preferably includes a chipping device and a method of using the same.

Abstract: A link assembly comprising a body and a closure. The body is generally c-shaped and includes two ends that confront each other in a spaced-apart relation. Each end of the body is provided with two or more external, helical thread sets that extend from each end towards the body. The closure includes a main section with first and second ends and a threaded interior surface that extends the length of the closure member. The treaded interior surface of the closure member engages and mates with each of the thread sets at the ends of the body. The closure is movable between a first or open position, which exposes a gap between the ends of the body, and a second or closed position that closes the gap between the ends of the body. Preferably, the closure member can be moved between the first and second positions in approximately five revolutions.

Abstract: Self-tightening traction assemblies or snow chains having tensioning devices that can be used with snow chains for attachment to a vehicle wheel to provide traction. The preferred tensioning device including a housing having a top including a set of housing teeth, a bottom and at least one aperture; an actuator interconnected to the housing; a ratchet spool within the housing having a set of ratchet teeth that mate with the housing teeth and a channel between upper and under surfaces to receive at least one cord that is interconnected with the ratchet spool; a tension spring that places a bias on the ratchet spool toward a wind-up direction; and a wave spring. Preferred embodiments include a bracket that can secure the actuator to the housing and provide strength to the tensioning device. The tensioning devices of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of applications not limited to self-tightening snow chains.

Abstract: A debarking chain having passing links; the passing links being substantially rounded in order to permit the passing links to pass through adjacent links such that the orientation of the passing link relative to its adjacent links can change at random in order to randomly distribute the wear and stress from the impact of adjacent or next to adjacent links on the passing links so that the overall wear life of the present debarking chain is extended over similar chain with elongated, oblong links of the prior art. The invention also includes a debarking drum having a plurality of debarking chains having at least one, preferably a plurality of passing links, as well as a debarking device having such a debarking drum. The debarking device preferably includes a chipping device and a method of using the same.

Abstract: Flail chain including interlocking chain links, at least one chain link being a passing link, the passing link having first and second segments and outer and inner perimeters, wherein the first segment is generally semi-circular and includes a weld section and the second segment includes a stabilizing portion on the outer perimeter opposite the weld section. The first segment includes rounded portions on each side of the weld section and the second segment including two rounded ends on each side of the stabilizing portion and the two rounded ends being continuous with rounded ends of the first segment. The stabilizing portion including at least two spaced apart points on the outer perimeter that stabilize the link on a surface such that the link can slide on the surface without changing its orientation relative to the surface. The invention further includes debarking devices and methods of manufacturing flail chains.

Abstract: Self-tightening traction assemblies or snow chains having tensioning devices that can be used with snow chains for attachment to a vehicle wheel to provide traction. The preferred tensioning device including a housing having a top including a set of housing teeth, a bottom and at least one aperture; an actuator interconnected to the housing; a ratchet spool within the housing having a set of ratchet teeth that mate with the housing teeth and a channel between upper and under surfaces to receive at least one cord that is interconnected with the ratchet spool; a tension spring that places a bias on the ratchet spool toward a wind-up direction; and a wave spring. Preferred embodiments include a bracket that can secure the actuator to the housing and provide strength to the tensioning device. The tensioning devices of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of applications not limited to self-tightening snow chains.

Abstract: A load-bearing device including an overload indicator and a wire form overload indicator are provided for interconnection of load bearing connectors, preferably elongated load bearing connectors, for bearing a load. In preferred embodiments, the load bearing connectors are chains, ropes, wire ropes, cables, straps and the like, preferably chain. The wire form overload indicator preferably includes a wire form quick-link having a first thickness, and first and second elongated sides. The first elongated side preferably includes an interconnectable gap through which connection loops of the load bearing connectors can pass when the interconnectable gap is unconnected. The interconnectable gap includes a connection end and a connectable end, the connecting end having a connector capable of connecting the connecting end to the connectable end to close the gap. The second elongated side preferably has a portion having a diminished thickness as compared to the first thickness.

Abstract: A load-bearing device including an overload indicator and a wire form overload indicator are provided for interconnection of load bearing connectors, preferably elongated load bearing connectors, for bearing a load. In preferred embodiments, the load bearing connectors are chains, ropes, wire ropes, cables, straps and the like, preferably chain. The wire form overload indicator preferably includes a wire form quick-link having a first thickness, and first and second elongated sides. The first elongated side preferably includes an interconnectable gap through which connection loops of the load bearing connectors can pass when the interconnectable gap is unconnected. The interconnectable gap includes a connection end and a connectable end, the connecting end having a connector capable of connecting the connecting end to the connectable end to close the gap. The second elongated side preferably has a portion having a diminished thickness as compared to the first thickness.

Abstract: Methods, system, and article of manufacture are provided for processing real estate loans based on loan data including personal data relating to a borrower, financial information relating to the borrower's financial position, and loan conditions including a loan term and information on the corresponding real estate, related to a real estate loan. Such methods, system, and article of manufacture generate a comparison model including an ability-to-pay rate reflecting an interest rate on the loan reflecting the borrower's ability to repay a loan having the loan conditions, a default rate reflecting an interest rate realizable if the loan is foreclosed and a new loan secured by the real estate originated, and a minimum rate reflecting an interest rate realizable if protocols from a sale of the real estate before expiration of the loan term are determined to be acceptable and a new loan secured by the real estate originated.

Abstract: Self-tightening snow chain for attachment to a vehicle wheel to provide traction. The preferred self-tightening snow chain includes a traction cable and a tensioning device including a housing having a top including a set of housing teeth, a bottom and at least one aperture; a lever interconnected to the housing; a ratchet spool within the housing having a set of ratchet teeth that mate with the housing teeth and a channel between upper and under surfaces to receive a cord that is interconnected with the ratchet spool; a tension spring that places a bias on the ratchet spool toward a wind-up direction; and a wave spring. A preferred tensioning device includes a cord sub-unit having two knobs, one on each end, and a grommet encircling the cord. A method of assembling the tensioning device is also disclosed.