Abstract: A medical device is provided. The medical device includes an elongated device body having a steerable portion including a plurality of segments. The segments are co-axially mounted over at least one elongated elastic element which is configured for limiting rotation of the segments with respect to each other. The medical device also includes a control wire running alongside the elongated device body and being unrestrained at the steerable portion such that tensioning of the control wire angles the steerable portion from a longitudinal axis of the elongated device body and deflects the control wire away from the steerable portion.

Abstract: A power transmission drive member adapted to mesh with a drive sprocket to transmit rotary motion, the drive member comprising a plurality of engaging mechanisms, each comprising an engaging body comprising an engagement pocket adapted to engage with the drive sprocket, each of which engagement pockets comprising a first engaging surface and a second engaging surface spaced apart from the first engaging surface, the first and second engaging surfaces forming an engaging surface pair, which pair is rotatable about an engaging mechanism rotational axis, wherein the power transmission drive member comprises a carrier, which carrier is articulated and is adapted to support the plurality of engaging mechanisms.

Abstract: This application provides an endoscopic device having at least one shaft with at least one portion deflectable, and having at least one deflection mechanism, which is configured to deflect the deflectable portion and includes at least one first connection member and at least one second connection member. When the connection members are arranged in a straight position relative to each other, a straight-position spacing exists defined by a shortest connection between a geometric midpoint of the first connection member and a geometric midpoint of the second connection member and, when the connection members are arranged in a deflection position relative to each other, a deflection-position spacing exists which is defined by a shortest connection between a geometric midpoint of the first connection member and a geometric midpoint of the second connection member, and the deflection-position spacing in the deflection position is greater than the straight-position spacing in the straight position.

Abstract: A method, system, and article of manufacture provide for multi-user collaboration on a three-dimensional (3D) design. The 3D design is acquired in a computer-aided design (CAD) application. A commenting process for a comment to be associated with a selected part of the 3D design is activated. Textual user input for the comment is dynamically processed as the comment is received. The processing recognizes that the text relates to creating or modifying the selected part, retrieves a list of alternative parts (based on similarities between the alternative parts and the selected part), and displays a graphic representation of an alternative part. An alternative part is selected and inserted in the comment as a proposed replacement part. The comment including the proposed replacement part is provided to another user.

Abstract: A plate link chain for a continuously variable cone pulley transmission is disclosed. The plate link chain includes a first chain link, a second chain link, and a third chain link having plates and being connected to one another by joints having rocker pins. The rocker pins have end faces configured to transmit friction forces between the plate link chain and cone pulleys, wherein at least one of the plates has at least one overlapping tip. The first, second, and third chain links form a triplet and have different plate assemblies comprised of a first plate unit or a second plate unit, each of the chain links having at least one plate positioned transversely to a running direction of the plate link chain and are repeated in the running direction of the plate link chain.

Abstract: A surgical end effector configured for interchangeable use in connection with a hand-held surgical system and a robotically-controlled surgical system is disclosed. The surgical end effector comgrises a cartridge mounting gortion, a firing member, an anvil, and an end effector shaft assembly configured to be interchangeably attachable to a proximal shaft gortion grotruding from one of the hand-held surgical system or the robotically-controlled surgical system such that the surgical end effector is selectively articulatable relative to the groximal shaft gortion about multigle axes that are transverse to a shaft axis that is defined by the proximal shaft gortion.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may be a medical device with increased compression resistance. The medical device may include an elongate shaft having a proximal end region, a distal end region, a lumen extending therethrough, and a tension resistance member extending at least partially between the proximal end region and the distal end region. An exoskeleton may be disposed along an outer surface of the shaft. The exoskeleton may include a plurality of discrete segments engaged with one another. At least one of the segments may be coupled to the tension resistance member.

Abstract: A bicycle-chain outer link plate comprises a first outer-link end portion, a second outer-link end portion, and a first outer-link intermediate portion. The first outer-link end portion comprises a first outer surface, a first inner surface, a first outer-link opening, and a first outer-link end outermost edge. The first outer-link intermediate portion comprises a first intermediate outer surface, a first intermediate inner surface, a first outer-link intermediate outermost edge, a first additional outer-link intermediate outermost edge, and a first intermediate chamfer. The first intermediate chamfer has a first minimum distance defined between the first outer-link intermediate outermost edge and the first inner edge along a reference line. A distance defined between the first outer-link intermediate outermost edge and the first additional outer-link intermediate outermost edge on the reference line is minimum in the first outer-link intermediate portion.

Abstract: A linear extension and retraction mechanism includes a plurality of flat-plate shaped first pieces that are connected to each other, and a plurality of second pieces having a cross-sectional U-shaped groove frame shape that are connected to each other. A leading first piece of the plurality of first pieces and a leading second piece of the plurality of second pieces are joined by a head section. The first and second pieces become linearly rigid when the first pieces are joined to an upper part of the second pieces, and the first and second pieces return to a bent state when separated from each other. Protrusion sections that protrude inward are extended in the width direction in a bottom plate of each second piece. Corners of edge parts of the protrusion sections are chamfered.

Abstract: A drive chain includes a plurality of outer plates, inner plates and pins. Each outer plate has two outer pivoting holes and two first protruding surfaces. A virtual line connecting the centers of the outer pivoting holes of each outer plate is defined as a first major axis. Each inner plate has two inner pivoting ends and a first protruding portion. A virtual line connecting the centers of the two inner pivoting holes of each inner plate is defined as a second major axis. The first protruding portion has a second protruding surface. Each pin is threaded through two inner plates and two outer plates. An included angle is formed between the first and second major axes. The first protruding surface contacts and overlaps the second protruding surface to form an overlapping region whose area decreases as the included angle decreases.

Abstract: A bicycle-chain outer link plate comprises a first outer-link end portion, a second outer-link end portion, and a first outer-link intermediate portion. The first outer-link end portion comprises a first outer-link opening and a first outer-link end outermost edge. The second outer-link end portion comprises a second outer-link opening and a second outer-link end outermost edge. The first outer-link intermediate portion comprises a first outer-link intermediate outermost edge and a first additional outer-link intermediate outermost edge. The first outer-link intermediate portion has a first distance defined in an axial direction on a first outer-link longitudinal axis. The first outer-link intermediate outermost edge has a second distance defined in the axial direction. The first outer-link end outermost edge has a third distance defined in the axial direction. The first distance is larger than the second distance and the third distance. The second distance is larger than the third distance.

Abstract: A bicycle chain comprises a first outer link plate and a second outer link plate. A first outer-link longitudinal axis extends through a first outer-link center axis and a second outer-link center axis to divide a first outer surface into a first side and a second side when viewed in an axial direction. A second outer-link longitudinal axis extends through a third outer-link center axis and a fourth outer-link center axis to divide a second outer surface into a third side and a fourth side when viewed in the axial direction. The fourth side includes a first circumferential area and a first chamfer free area. The first circumferential area has a first angle equal to or larger than 20 degrees. The first chamfer free area is adjacent to the first circumferential area. At least one second chamfer is provided outside the first chamfer free area.

Abstract: A chain may be engageable with a chainwheel assembly that includes a plurality of chainwheels having different tooth counts. The chain includes a plurality of inner links having inner link plates, a plurality of outer links having outer link plates, and a plurality of pins joining the outer and inner links in alternating sequence. The chain also may include the inner link plate having a chamfer disposed on a surface of a link plate, the chamfer disposed on a central region of an inner link extending between two points, the chamfer having a contour between the two points that is discontinuous at a central region of the inner link plate. The chain also may include a second chamfer and the first chamfer forming a ridge of constant thickness therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle, a firing system, a shaft assembly defining a shaft axis, an articulation joint assembly, an end effector, and articulation means is disclosed. The shaft assembly comprises at least one rotary drive shaft assembly. The articulation joint assembly comprises a first joint segment defining a proximal socket, a second joint segment comprising a proximal gimbal movably supported within the proximal socket and defining a distal socket, and a third joint segment comprising a distal gimbal movably supported within the distal socket. The surgical end effector is operably coupled to the third joint segment and comprises a firing member operably interfacing with the at least one rotary drive shaft assembly. The articulation means selectively moves the third joint segment in multiple directions that are transverse to the shaft axis.

Abstract: A bicycle chain comprises an inner link plate. The inner link plate comprises a first inner-link end portion, a second inner-link end portion, an inner-link intermediate portion, at least one first inner-link chamfered portion, and at least one second inner-link chamfered portion. The at least one first inner-link chamfered portion is provided at least on an inner-link outer peripheral edge in a first inner-link surface. The at least one second inner-link chamfered portion is provided at least on the inner-link outer peripheral edge in a second inner-link surface. The at least one first inner-link chamfered portion has a first non-overlapped portion with respect to the at least one second inner-link chamfered portion when viewed from an axial direction. The at least one second inner-link chamfered portion has a second non-overlapped portion with respect to the at least one first inner-link chamfered portion when viewed from the axial direction.

Abstract: An object is to provide a silent chain that enhances the degree of design freedom for component dimensions to improve a chain strength with respect to a chain tensile force and that suppresses chain wear elongation. A silent chain includes a plurality of link plates arranged in a chain longitudinal direction and a chain width direction and coupled together by coupling pins so as to be bendable. The silent chain includes a plurality of plate longitudinal-direction trains each having the link plates arranged in the chain longitudinal direction. At least one of the plate longitudinal-direction trains includes a plurality of protruding-portion-installed plates having protruding portions protruding in the chain width direction from one side surface of a plate portion. The protruding-portion-installed plates 20 are arranged adjacently to one another in the chain longitudinal direction, with the protruding portions being different from one another in orientation in the chain width direction.

Abstract: A cable carrier chain having link sections that include metal and plastic portions to allow the chain to operate at high velocity yet also be suitable for high acceleration and deceleration and/or heavy load applications. The metal portions are “free floating” when the chain rotates around a pivot point to allow the plastic portions to flex, but become “locked out” when the chain is no longer rotating to provide sufficient strength to support the load of the chain.

Abstract: A chain and sprocket drive system that includes a sprocket and an inverted tooth chain assembly configured to mesh with the sprocket is provided. The chain assembly includes at least two rows of links, each of the links having teeth with a pair of inner flanks, a pair of outer flanks, tips interconnecting a respective inner flank and outer flank, and a radiused crotch located between the pair of inner flanks. The inner flanks have an enlarged profile in a direction toward a center of the link in comparison to a profile of the outer flanks. A contact position with a tooth of the sprocket engaged therewith is located on the link in an area extending from the inner flank into the radiused crotch and on the sprocket in an area of the radiused tip of the tooth.

Abstract: An articulated chain having alternating inner and outer chain links connected by hinge, having a running direction, each inner link comprising a link plate and each outer link comprising two link plates and two hinge pins interconnecting, each hinge pin rotationally fixed in an opening of the associated outer link plates and extending through an opening of the associated inner link to form a chain hinge, the links having plate backs for contact with a tensioning or guide rail. The link plate back comprises a leading area viewed in the running direction and an adjoining trailing area, the leading area extending substantially parallel to a plane projected between center lines of pin openings and hinge openings, respectively, and the trailing area extending from a part of the link plates at an angle to the plane projected between the center lines, the vertex of the angle pointing in the running direction.

Abstract: A bicycle chainwheel assembly includes at least one smaller chainwheel and at least one larger chainwheel, the chainwheels engageable by a chain. The larger chainwheel includes a first tooth and a second tooth disposed adjacent the first tooth opposite a drive rotation direction. The first tooth and the second tooth have a configuration that improves the shifting of a chain from a smaller chainwheel to the larger chainwheel. The first tooth has a lateral recess and the second tooth has a deflection chamfer. The second tooth may also have a recess. The first and second teeth have a configuration that prevents the first and second teeth from capturing the chain. An inner link plate of the chain includes a chamfer disposed on an outer side surface in a central region of the plate.

Abstract: A bicycle chain comprises a first inner link plate. The first inner link plate comprises a first end portion, a second end portion, and a first intermediate portion. The first end portion includes a first opening, a first chamfered section, and a first chamfer-free section. The first chamfer-free section is provided in at least a first chamfer-free angular range when viewed from an axial direction parallel to a first center axis. The first chamfer-free angular range is defined from a first circumferential end of the first chamfered section to a first inner-link longitudinal centerline of the first inner link plate. The first chamfer-free angular range is equal to or greater than 30 degrees with respect to the first center axis.

Abstract: An articulating laparoscopic instrument including a handle, an outer shaft, an end effector, and a wrist assembly. The wrist assembly connects the end effector to the shaft and includes torque and articulation mechanisms. The torque mechanism includes a plurality of links disposed over the rod and connected with one another in a pivotable yet rotationally locked fashion. The articulation mechanism includes a plurality of articulation member disposed over the rod to collectively define a deflection section. The links freely rotate relative to the articulation members, with the rod and links collectively bending in response to a change in shape of the deflection section.

Abstract: A silent chain 1 in which a plurality of links 2 each having a pair of tooth parts 21 which mesh with sprockets and a pair of pin holes 20 are arranged in the lengthwise direction and thickness direction and are linked so as to be able to pivot about one another by linking pins 5 which are inserted into the pin holes 20, and sliding plates 3 are provided. The sliding plates 3 have a pair of pin holes 30 into which the linking pins 5 are inserted, and also have a back surface part 3a which has a greater back surface height h2 than the back surface height h1 of the links 2 and comes into contact with a tensioner arm or chain guide. The sliding plates 3 do not have tooth parts which mesh with the sprockets.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a cable support member having high durability and excellent manufacturing performance. A cable support member of the invention includes: a plurality of holding members; and an elastic member. Each holding member has an elastic member insertion passage through which the elastic member is inserted, and has joint surfaces enabling a rotation of the holding member with coming into contact with the adjacent holding members at both sides in the longitudinal direction. The elastic member is inserted through the elastic member insertion passages in the holding members so as to align and maintain the holding members, and exerts a compression force on the holding members. With such a configuration, a neutral state where the cable support member is substantially in a linear fashion and a curved state where the cable support member is bending-deformed are obtainable.

Abstract: Inner links of a chain are formed as an integral link unit, each having a pair of connecting pin portions and a pair of plate portions coupling the pair of connecting pin portions, so as to have higher strength and improved durability, whereby the cost of the chain is reduced because of the ease of assembly and a reduction in the number of components. The chain is formed by coupling together link units and pairs of link plates alternately and pivotally in a longitudinal direction of the chain. The link unit is formed by inseparably joining a pair of connecting pin portions and a pair of plate portions at joint parts.

Abstract: At least one member composing a chain bearing, e.g., a pin, includes a surface layer composed of vanadium carbonitride (VCN) coating on a surface of a base material of the one member. An oxide (VO) film having a predetermined thickness is also formed on a surface of the surface layer such that the oxide film is interposed between the surface layer and another member, e.g., a pin hole, composing the bearing. The VO film is suppressed from being formed excessively by the VCN coating even under a severe environment.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement used to create a seal between a first part of a chain and a second part of the chain, wherein the second part can at least be pivoted in relation to the first part, includes a sealing ring with an annular sealing lip for sealing a lubricant area between parts which can be pivoted towards each other, and an elastic ring which is adapted to be fixed to one of the parts and which is adapted to exert pressure in the sealing ring. In addition, a supporting ring is arranged between the sealing ring and the elastic ring.

Abstract: A bicycle chain comprises a first outer link plate. The first outer link plate comprises a first end portion, a second end portion, and a first intermediate portion. The first end portion, the second end portion and the first intermediate portion defines a first outer peripheral edge. The first outer peripheral edge comprises a first end edge, a second end edge, a pair of first intermediate edges, and a first recessed edge. The first end edge extends about the first end portion. The second end edge extends about the second end portion. The pair of first intermediate edges extends along the first intermediate portion between the first end edge and the second end edge. The first recessed edge is provided between the first end edge and one of the first intermediate edges.

Abstract: A bicycle chain comprises a first outer link plate, a first inner link plate, and a first link pin. The first outer link plate comprises a first end portion, a second end portion, and a first intermediate portion. The first end portion includes a first opening having a first center axis. A first outer-link distance is defined from the first center axis to a first end edge. The first inner link plate comprises a third end portion, a forth end portion, and a second intermediate portion. The third end portion includes a third opening having a third center axis. A first inner-link distance is defined from the third center axis to a third end edge. A second inner-link distance is defined from the third center axis to a third end edge. The first inner-link distance is larger than the second inner-link distance and the first outer-link distance.

Abstract: A bicycle chain comprises a first inner link plate. The first inner link plate comprises a first end portion, a second end portion, and a first intermediate portion. The first end portion includes a first opening, a first chamfered section, and a first chamfer-free section. The first chamfer-free section is provided in at least a first chamfer-free angular range when viewed from an axial direction parallel to a first center axis. The first chamfer-free angular range is defined from a first circumferential end of the first chamfered section to a first inner-link longitudinal centerline of the first inner link plate. The first chamfer-free angular range is equal to or greater than 30 degrees with respect to the first center axis.

Abstract: A chain for a timing drive or an assembly drive of a drive device of a motor vehicle, which has a plurality of link packs articulatedly connected to one another and formed from middle links and cover links, with corresponding recesses through which chain pins or chain sleeves are inserted, and a plurality of inner links which connect the link packs to one another. At least the inner links and the middle links have different expansion behavior.

Abstract: In a transmission chain including alternately interleaved and articulably connected sets of link plates, the link plates of least one of the sets have back surfaces arranged for sliding contact with a chain guide. These back surfaces have a convex, substantially arc-shaped, curvature in the longitudinal direction of the chain, and a convex, substantially arc-shaped, curvature in the widthwise direction. The radius of curvature of the widthwise curve of the back surface of each of the link plates of the at least one set is at least as great as the radius of curvature of the curve of the same link plate in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An articulated chain having alternating inner and outer chain links connected by hinge, having a running direction, each inner link comprising a link plate and each outer link comprising two link plates and two hinge pins interconnecting, each hinge pin rotationally fixed in an opening of the associated outer link plates and extending through an opening of the associated inner link to form a chain hinge, the links having plate backs for contact with a tensioning or guide rail. The link plate back comprises a leading area viewed in the running direction and an adjoining trailing area, the leading area extending substantially parallel to a plane projected between center lines of pin openings and hinge openings, respectively, and the trailing area extending from a part of the link plates at an angle to the plane projected between the center lines, the vertex of the angle pointing in the running direction.

Abstract: A power transmission chain includes a plurality of link units which are aligned in a chain advancing direction, and each link unit includes a plurality of link plates which are aligned in a chain width direction W. The plurality of link plates include link plates which are punched out of a material by pressing to first and second specifications. A punching direction of the link plates to the first specification and a punching direction of the link plates to the second specification are made opposite to each other.

Abstract: A silent chain using double-sided driving link plates having symmetrical upper and lower teeth has a problem that it is unable to assure a required risky sectional area of the plates because a width between upper and lower crotches is narrow. The invention provides a silent chain using double-sided driving link plates whose required risky sectional area is maintained by using link plate whose back side is undercut and whose upper and lower parts are unsymmetrical even though its front side has a shape of a normal link plate. A distance from a line connecting centers of pin holes to a bottom of an upper-side crotch is equal to or more than ½ of a diameter of the pin hole to assure the risky sectional area. Teeth of the back side are cut away to form a flat surface to assure a contact area with a shoe and others.

Abstract: An anti-backbend chain comprises a plurality of alternate chain links joined by respective chain hinges, a spring element comprising at least a first spring arm being provided. The spring element rests on a chain hinge and the first spring arm extends to a neighbouring chain hinge and is movably in contact therewith under the biasing force of the spring element, so as to obstruct bending of the anti-backbend chain in a first pivot direction. In addition, an anti-backbend chain drive is provided, in particular a chain drive for driving automated door or gate systems.

Abstract: A chain is constructed by alternately connecting a pair of outer link plates connected together with pins and a pair of inner link plates connected together with bushings into which adjacent pins of adjacent pairs of outer link plates are inserted. On the outer and inner surfaces of component parts of the chain, a lubricant composition for chains containing 95% to 80% by mass of a lubricant which is liquid at room temperature and 5% to 20% by mass of a wax which is solid at room temperature and having a consistency of from 60 to 475 and a dropping point of from 60° C. to 120° C., is adhered.

Abstract: An articulated bushing chain comprises inner and outer chain links alternately connected to each other by a chain joint, the inner chain link comprising at least one inner plate and two joint bushings and the outer chain link comprising at least two outer plates and two joint pins interconnecting the same, each chain joint being defined by a joint bushing of the inner chain link and a joint pin of the outer chain link and the chain joint being configured as a rocker joint in which a rocking surface of the joint pin rolls on a convex inner rocker contour of the joint bushing during a movement of the joint. The rocking surface of the joint pin has a rocking radius larger than a limit value calculated according to a given formula. The rocking surface of the joint pin is prevented from slipping on the rocker contour of the joint bushing.

Abstract: A chain is provided, whose strength is increased and whose power loss is reduced as a result of reduced friction resistance between link units and link plates. A pair of link plates 160 are pivotally coupled to a link unit 101 in the chain 100. A pair of connecting pin portions 110 and a pair of plate portions 140 are inseparably joined at joint parts 150 to form one link unit 101. A stopper portion 123 is provided to the connecting pin portion 110 between a plate portion 140 and a link plate 160 adjacent each other in the width direction to restrict the link plate 160 from coming closer to the plate portion 140.

Abstract: A chain includes a plurality of sliding members that moves relative to each other. At least one of sliding members is formed of a martensitic stainless steel, and contains, in a superficial layer thereof, elemental substances of carbon and nitrogen at a range from 0.17 to 0.50 mass % in total, while a precipitation amount of carbide and nitride is 0.05 mass % or less in total.

Abstract: A link plate for a transmission chain composed of a plurality of link plates flexibly connected to one another has a guide-contacting edge for direct sliding contact with a chain guide. The guide-contacting edge is composed of a plurality of surface portions in alternating relationship with a plurality of grooves along the direction of chain travel.

Abstract: In a chain drive, the wear of a chain having a plurality of links, each of which is provided with a pair of pivot pins parallel to each other and transversally spaced apart, from each other and at least three strips parallel to one another and arranged side by side is controlled by means of a detection device adapted to detect the breakage of at least one of the strips and to emit a signal indicating to replace the chain itself.

Abstract: A non-back-bending chain having a plurality of links wherein said links include a rounded portion, a right flat portion, a bottom portion, and a left flat portion. The rounded portion allows the chain to bend or coil in one direction. The flat portions, when in contact, prevent the chain from bending in the opposite direction. Therefore, a chain that can be used to both “push” and “pull” is provided. Further, the chain can be used to provide a rigid extension that can be used to support a force even when only supported by one end. The chain can be retracted for storage and bunched or coiled.

Abstract: An inverted tooth chain and sprocket drive system in which the initial contact distance ICD, the meshing impact angle Sigma (?), the link plate entrance angle Beta (?), and other aspects of the meshing geometry are controlled and optimized to reduce noise and vibration by using a particular chain link plate form and, in preferred cases, by modifying the sprocket tooth pressure angle. The system can include first and second sprockets for which the pressure angle can be controlled to ensure that the desired values for the initial contact distance ICD, the meshing impact angle Sigma (?), and the link plate entrance angle Beta (?) are equal for both sprockets even though the sprockets have different tooth counts. For a chain pitch P in the range of 6.35 mm to 7.7 mm, the initial contact distance ICD is controlled such that 0.49 P?ICD?0.53 P, the meshing impact angle Sigma (?) is controlled such that ??34°, and the link plate entrance angle Beta (?) is controlled such that ??9°.

Abstract: Inner links of a chain are formed as an integral link unit, each having a pair of connecting pin portions and a pair of plate portions coupling the pair of connecting pin portions, so as to have higher strength and improved durability, whereby the cost of the chain is reduced because of the ease of assembly and a reduction in the number of components. The chain is formed by coupling together link units and pairs of link plates alternately and pivotally in a longitudinal direction of the chain. The link unit is formed by inseparably joining a pair of connecting pin portions and a pair of plate portions at joint parts.

Abstract: A toothed plate for a toothed-plate plate-link chain, wherein the toothed plate includes two teeth, each having an inner flank, and an indentation between the teeth. The indentation includes a transition between a tooth flank and a curved innermost region. The transition has a convex curvature and is positioned at a junction of one of the inner flanks and the innermost region.

Abstract: In a seal chain, a seal mechanism comprises a pair of mutually facing seal members, a first seal member of the pair being in contact with an inner plate of the chain, and a second seal member of the pair being in contact with an outer plate of the chain. A pair of resilient annular lips formed on the first seal member are in sliding contact with a surface of the second seal member. Each sealing member has lubricant-filled grooves facing the plate with which it is in contact.

Abstract: A method for producing high-performance chain link plates with a link plate pitch T, comprises: clocked feeding of a sheet metal band with a feed length V per cycle, pre-punching at least two chain link plate blanks arranged in succession, re-cutting at least one chain link plate blank, wherein at least the still connected head areas of the chain link plate blanks arranged in succession are excepted from the re-cutting process separating the connected head areas of chain link plate blanks arranged in succession, wherein the feed length V is smaller than 2.1×T and the upper and/or lower side of the head areas connected to each other is/are provided at least partially with a concave run by a punching process substantially adjacent to the end face produced later. A method is also provided for producing a high-performance chain and to correspondingly produced high-performance link plates and high-performance chain.

Abstract: A chain, in particular a technical chain, preferably a unidimensionally movable chain (plate link chain), more preferably a bolt chain or roller chain, has at least one or more chain links. The at least one chain link is constructed with pretensioning. A manufacturing method includes the following steps: assembling at least one chain link from at least two link plates with link plate holes and two bolts or sleeves. In the non-assembled state, the link plate is not straight, in particular has a curved form, and/or the link plate and the link plate holes have a hole axis, wherein the hole axis is not right-angled, and/or, in the non-assembled state, the bolt or the sleeve is not straight, in particular has a curved form. The chain is assembled from at least two chain links and at least one chain link is manufactured in this way.

Abstract: In a transmission chain including alternately interleaved and articulably connected sets of link plates, the link plates of least one of the sets have back surfaces arranged for sliding contact with a chain guide. These back surfaces have a convex, substantially arc-shaped, curvature in the longitudinal direction of the chain, and a convex, substantially arc-shaped, curvature in the widthwise direction. The radius of curvature of the widthwise curve of the back surface of each of the link plates of the at least one set is at least as great as the radius of curvature of the curve of the same link plate in the longitudinal direction.