Abstract: The method includes providing a source of flat stock; forming the flat stock into a spherical shaped bead that includes connected semi-spherical bead halves with each half having opposed open recesses that are located in a circular edge that defines each semi-spherical half; providing a source of wire stock; forming the wire stock into a series of the interconnected links with each link having a middle section and contiguous opposed enlarged ends at respective ends of the middle section; positioning the formed links each between adjacently disposed spherical shaped beads for accommodation in facing recesses thereof; closing the connected semi-spherical bead halves to form the spherical shaped bead; and laser welding between the connected semi-spherical bead halves.

Abstract: Chains having links in the shape of a figure eight can be made by the method and apparatus of the present invention. The last link of the chain is first held in a secure position. Oval shaped loops are cut from an oval shaped helix in such a manner that the ends of the loops are spaced apart. The ends of the loops are then passed through the eyes of the held last link of the chain. The ends of the loop are then closed and the loop is then grasped at opposite ends of the oval and twisted to form the figure eight shape. The present invention has a collet 30 for holding the last link of the chain, a collet 40 for grasping the loops created from the oval shaped helix. The collet 40 is movable for insertion of the arms of the loop into the eyes of the last link. A clamp 50 joins the ends of the loop and the clamp 50 and collet 40 then perform a twisting motion which results in the loop being formed into a figure eight shape.

Abstract: A machine for the production of an ornamental chain of the type formed by so-called "figure-of-eight" links, comprising a slide (23) for transferring a section of wire of prefixed length, folded in a U shape, from a unit (51) for supplying said section of wire to a calibrated tubular guide (34), holding the already formed chain, to engage it with the last formed link of the chain. The guide (34) is radially surrounded by tools for bringing together (55,56) and permanently joining (71,72) the ends of the arms of said U-shaped section engaged in the last U-shaped link, and tools for centring (73) the resulting closed link with respect to the axis of the guide (34).A push device (81) is further provided for performing an alternating movement away from and towards the last formed U-shaped link along the axis of the guide (34) so as to supply a force onto said link, causing at the same time sliding of the chain inside the guide and folding the closed link about its middle transverse axis.

Abstract: A method for rendering automatic the production of ornamental chains of the kind known as "partridge's eye" and the like, wherein two link elements shaped as a turn are linked to form a link of the chain so that the free ends of one are roughly at the center of the other. Then the link is compressed transversally and axially to cross said end portions of the two link elements, so that the free ends of one element come into contact with the internal contour of the other. The link formed in this way is twisted, at its ends, welded in correspondence with the overlap points of the two link elements, and then linked to a link element suitable to form the subsequent links.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the art field of machines for crafting jewelry, namely, chains both in precious metal and in costume jewelry metals. The apparatus of the present invention includes an indexing mechanism for feeding at least one wire, a cutter for severance of the wire into discrete lengths, a horizontal link former that can move transversely relative to the direction the wire is being fed, and a vertical pincer the grips of which are designed to loop the longitudinal member around the entire cross-sectional periphery of the link former in such a way that the ends of a length of wire, formed into a link exceed the peripheral length of the link thus manipulated. The pincer moves through a path parallel to the link former and into a position where soldering means are located that fuse together the end stretched portions of excess length of the link into a bead, thereby embellishing the finished link.

Abstract: An apparatus for rendering automatic the production of ornamental chains of the kind known as "partridge's eye", wherein two link elements shaped as a turn are linked to form a link of the chain so that the free ends of one are roughly at the center of the other. The link is compressed transversally and axially to cross the end portions of the two link elements, so that the free ends of one element come into contact with the internal contour of the other. The link formed in this way is twisted, at its ends, welded in correspondence with the overlap points of the two link elements, and then linked to a link element suitable to form the subsequent links.

Abstract: A machine for the production of decorative chains made up of links of different forms and/or dimensions connected according to any programmable sequence, comprising at least two independent formation stations (1, 1') in alternate operation according to a prefixed, alterable program on the basis of the features of the chain to be manufactured, and a take-up unit (14), for transferring the chain from one station to another according to said program. Drive means for said take-up unit (14) are provided in each station for actuating the opening and closure of pliers (27), carried by said unit (14) during chain take-up and delivery phases, for producing an axial movement of said unit (14) to and from said stations in coincidence with said phases and for producing an angular displacement of said unit (14) with respect to its axis during said phases. Finally, said drive means enable the station to release the last formed link to said take-up unit (14).

Abstract: Apparatus for the simultaneous manufacture of several chains by means of not less than three and not more than five operating stations (5-8) equally distributed about a circular course and serving successively to add a link to the chains and to perform the operations required to finish the link. A set of movable conveyors (11-14) equalling in number the operating stations carried by an annular supporting member (22) rotatable about the vertical axis of the course successively presents depending ends (1a-4a) of the chains to the operating stations. A set of stationary conveyors (15-18) receives the chains discharged by the movable conveyors and conveys them to points from which they can be withdrawn to localities remote from the manufacturing apparatus.

Abstract: A machine for constructing a chain of metallic shaped links from a continuous wire including:means for shaping the wire in the form of a cylindrical wire spiral; means for gripping the first free turn of the spiral; means for cutting away the first spiral turn and associated with shaping means to urge the ends of the first turn to approach to one another, to form a chain link; shaping means to impart the desired configuration to the chain link; welding means to weld the ends of the chain link; and control means to move into the operative or inoperative positions and to make operative or inoperative in a predetermined time sequence and at desired times the various means composing the machine.

Abstract: A traversing device in a plant for manufacturing chains. A carriage for carrying the chain end under production is movable along a guide on at least one side of a rectilinear production line comprising different work stations. The guide is mounted on at least one traverse beam movable transversely relative to the rectilinear production line, so that the chain end can be moved aside from the rectilinear production line to at least one additional work station, e.g., for re-orientation of the last link element.

Abstract: A chain making plant for the manufacture of two chains at a time by means of a series of operating stations arranged along a substantially straight course. Two conveyor units are provided, each of which successively presents a depending portion of one chain to the operating stations. Each of the conveyor units comprises a carriage running on a track extending along the course and a transverse chain conveyor supported by said carriage, said transverse chain conveyor being arranged to feed the chain outwards step by step and being capable of being shifted transversely as a unit with respect to the carriage.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for electrically butt-welding high-strength chains. Previously bent and interengaged chain links are passed through a chain welding machine, each chain link in succession being alternately rotated about its axis and erected to a vertical position for engagement by upsetting members and welding electrodes.