Sprocket Chain Patents (Class 59/5)
  • Patent number: 11946528
    Abstract: A chain and an inner link plate for a bicycle chain having chain rollers is provided. A protrusion of the inner link plate in relation to the respectively assigned chain roller in a front lower longitudinal end region of an inner link plate outer periphery is reduced, in comparison to the protrusion in a front upper longitudinal end region and/or in a rear lower longitudinal end region of the inner link plate outer periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbH
    Inventors: Henrik Braedt, Sebastian Heyna
  • Patent number: 11798158
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring chain health of a chain having multiple links in a closed loop, as the chain cycles. The system includes: a camera statically positioned with respect to the chain, the camera configured to generate a frame to include a link from among the multiple links; and a controller module operationally coupled to the camera and programmed to repeat the steps of: receiving the frame; converting the frame to a black and white frame with a high-contrast; identifying a link type of the link in the black and white frame based on referencing a plurality of predefined skyline templates; and, storing the link with the link type and a respective temporal marker in a cache, storing a sequence. The system continues until discovering that the chain has cycled back to the starting link, identifies a type of chain for the chain, and fingerprints the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Dennis J Carroll, Paerhati Remutula, Philip L Griggs, Sai Rohit Kumar Danda, Minchao Zhu, Avinash Gunda, Jason P Joye, David R Kracko
  • Patent number: 11780149
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a winding device for producing a fiber composite loop chain and a winding method, and belongs to the field of production equipment. The problem that an existing composite loop chain forming technology has tension defects is solved. The winding device includes a main shaft assembly, a clamp pushing-in mechanism, travel switch assemblies, a mold pushing mechanism, a clamp pulling-out mechanism, a positioning and clamping mechanism and a tension control mechanism which are fixedly connected to a rack. The main shaft assembly includes a driving mechanism, a bearing pedestal, a rotating main shaft, clamp sliding shafts and a supporting block. The driving mechanism is connected with one end of the rotating main shaft, and the other end of the rotating main shaft is connected with the supporting block. The rotating main shaft is connected with the bearing pedestal through a bearing, and the bearing pedestal is fixed to the rack. Two clamp sliding shafts are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: HARBIN FRP INSTITUTE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Diyang Hou, Yongchun Liu, Hua Zhang, Yunfeng Zhang, Ruiqing Yang, Yang Liu, Chundong Fei, Liang Zhao, Jiliang Jiang
  • Patent number: 11548591
    Abstract: A sprocket and chain assembly for bicycles is revealed. The sprocket and chain assembly for bicycles includes a bicycle sprocket and a bicycle chain. A contact part of the bicycle sprocket and a contact part of the bicycle chain in contact with each other are made of a multi-layer clad metal which is composed of a first metal and a second metal. The first metal has higher hardness and density than the second metal. A surface material for the contact parts of the bicycle sprocket and the bicycle chain is the first metal for providing sufficient wear resistance and ensuring service life of both the bicycle sprocket and the bicycle chain. Moreover, the lightweight design of the bicycle sprocket and the bicycle chain is achieved and sufficient structural strength is provided by the contact parts made of the multi-layer clad metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: HUANG CHIEH METAL COMPOSITE MATERIAL TECH. CO., LT
    Inventor: Chin-Han Wang
  • Patent number: 11543004
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a chain drive system capable of reducing sliding resistance between a chain and a guide shoe, suppressing an increase, over time, in sliding resistance, and reducing wear on the guide shoe. A chain drive system according to the present invention includes a chain having a plurality of chain plates, a plurality of sprockets on which the chain is wound, and one or more guides each including, integrally or separately, a guide shoe having a chain-running surface, and slidably guiding, in presence of lubricating oil, the chain. At least one of the plurality of chain plates has a lubricant region retaining a solid lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventor: Masahiro Koyama
  • Patent number: 9003758
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Iwis Motorsysteme GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Martin Bodensteiner, Wolfgang Krause, Richard Koschig
  • Patent number: 8763356
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignees: Ketten-Wulf Betriebs GmbH, Aumund Foerdertechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Kremer, Peter Kisters, Christian Kirschniok
  • Patent number: 8661776
    Abstract: A link chain is made of chain links connected by chain joints, a chain joint comprising at least one bearing and a pin guided in a pivotable manner and in contact with this chain joint bearing. At least one bearing surface of the pin or chain joint bearing has a hard material layer applied by a PVD process, formed from a compound including at least two metals and a non-metal, at least C, N or Si being selected as the non-metal and the two metals being selected from Cr, Mo, W, Ti, Cu, Zn, Zr, Ta, Nb, Al, B, V, Hf, whereby the two metals differ from each other and the first metal is present in the hard material layer in a crystal structure that differs from the crystal structure of the second metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: IWIS Motorsysteme GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Gerald Joergensen, Stefan Belmer
  • Patent number: 8601783
    Abstract: Links in industrial chains are connected by pins in bushings. Internal sealing rings in internal annular grooves near ends of bushings prevent inward movement of debris and outward movement of grease past the grooves. Steel internal sealing rings are expanded further into the grooves upon insertion of the pins through the bushings and the steel rings. The steel rings tightly grip the pins and rotate with the pins. Opposite ends of the bushings extend slightly from inside sidebars. Outer conical nitrile seals have collars placed on extended ends of the bushings and have large radiused ends for contacting inner surfaces of outside sidebars that hold the pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: U.S. Tsubaki, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Pfahl, Jeff Miller, Dick Virgo
  • Patent number: 8250846
    Abstract: A push-pull chain that can bend in one direction only, and is provided with at least two rollers on each of the driving pins, one of the rollers engages a drive sprocket and the other of said at least two rollers engages a chain guide surface. An actuator for e.g. opening and closing a window that uses this dual-roller push-pull chain. A link driven push-pull chain that can bend in one direction only, with links that is shaped as an engagement surface for engaging a drive sprocket. An actuator for e.g. opening and closing a window that uses the link driven push-pull chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventor: Jens Joerren Soerensen
  • Patent number: 8146340
    Abstract: A bush is pressed into a link plate in a turning link rank that turns relatively with a pin. The bush is molded into a seamless cylindrical shape by cold-forging and is coated with a metal carbide layer formed by cementation of chrome, vanadium and other metals and having Vickers hardness of 1300 Hv or more similarly to the pin. Afterwards, the bush is treated by a quenching, tempering or isothermal transformation process. Thereby, wear resistance of the pins and the link plates of a silent (link) chain is improved, productivity is improved and associated costs are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Daido Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Shimada, Nobuyuki Matsui
  • Publication number: 20110251004
    Abstract: Links in industrial chains are connected by pins in bushings. Internal sealing rings in internal annular grooves near ends of bushings prevent inward movement of debris and outward movement of grease past the grooves. Steel internal sealing rings are expanded further into the grooves upon insertion of the pins through the bushings and the steel rings. The steel rings tightly grip the pins and rotate with the pins. Opposite ends of the bushings extend slightly from inside sidebars. Outer conical nitrile seals have collars placed on extended ends of the bushings and have large radiused ends for contacting inner surfaces of outside sidebars that hold the pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher Pfahl, Jeff Miller, Dick Virgo
  • Patent number: 8033389
    Abstract: A conveyor chain including a chain pin having an exterior surface; a bearing having a generally tubular body portion having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the chain pin disposed in the generally tubular body portion of the bearing so that the interior surface of the bearing surrounds the exterior surface of the chain pin; and a low friction liner material secured to a surface selected from the exterior surface of said chain pin, the interior surface of the bearing, the exterior surface of the bearing, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Missman, Saul Murillo, Brad Haywood
  • Publication number: 20110209457
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device for correcting the alignment of the machining of a chainset housing (1b), the housing comprising a pair of half-casings (2a, 2b) inserted in one of the openings of the housing (1b) to position the parts (3a, 3b) of a pedalling effort or chain tension sensor which pivots inside the casing (2) and positions the shaft of the chainset (4) so as to rotate eccentrically compared to the pivot axis (Y-Y?) of the sensor (3) inside the casing (2), said device being characterized in that the sensor enables pivoting of the half-casings via a rolling-contact bearing (5) which, in a cross section passing through the axes of the half-casings, allows a ball-joint-like turning of the pivot axis of the effort sensor (3) with respect to the axes of the half-casings in order to allow the pivot axis of the sensor to be positioned independently of the axes of the two half-casings so that errors of alignment between the axes of the two half-casings can be eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Dominique Crasset
  • Patent number: 7914410
    Abstract: A bicycle chain connecting link basically has a first link plate, a second link plate, a first link pin and a second link pin. The first link plate has a longitudinal slot. The second link plate has a pair of pin attachment openings. The first and second link pins each have a first pin end retained to the first link plate and a second pin end releasably coupled in the pin attachment openings of the second link plate to be separated from the second link plate and reattached to the second link plate. At least one of the first pin ends of the first and second link pins is slidable within the longitudinal slot of the first link plate in a longitudinal direction of the longitudinal slot of the first link plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Toshinari Oishi, Kenji Kamada
  • Patent number: 7806794
    Abstract: A power transmission chain includes a plurality of links, a plurality of pins, and a plurality of interpieces. By pressing upper and lower edges of the pin into upper and lower edges of a through hole, the pin is connected to the link. The end of the pin which is located at a front end side when the pin is pressed is formed in a shape into which the upper and lower edges of the pin are pressed at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Masaru Fuse
  • Patent number: 7712298
    Abstract: A chain plate structure includes a first outer link plate and a second outer link plate, and each of which includes a first/second through hole, a first/second connection hole, a first/second trough and a first/second engaging trough at two sides of the first/second connection hole. A first/second rib extends from an inner periphery of the first/second engaging trough and at least one first/second protrusion extends from the first/second rib. When the first and second outer link plates are connected to each other, the gap between two adjacent inner link plates of a chain is less than 2.3 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Wen-Pin Wang
  • Patent number: 7568334
    Abstract: A pin is relatively rotatably fitted into a pin hole formed in an outer link plate of a chain. A plurality of helical grooves are formed on an outer circumferential surface of the pin. A pitch P between adjacent helical grooves in the axial direction is equal to or less than a width in the axial direction of the pin hole of the outer link plate. At least one helical groove is arranged to oppose an arbitrary generatrix on an inner circumferential surface of the pin hole. Also, when a radius of the pin is R and a relative rotation angle with the mating member is ?, a pitch P? in the circumferential direction between adjacent helical grooves is R? or less. Thus, at least one helical groove is arranged to always pass each position in a sliding range between the pin and the pin hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Fujiwara, Morinobu Kawamura
  • Patent number: 7546725
    Abstract: Link plates of a silent chain are produced by first shaving the inner surfaces of the connecting pin holes, the sprocket tooth-engaging surfaces, and the backs of the link plates, and then forming dimples on those surfaces by shot-peening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Shimaya, Kenichi Nagao, Toshitaka Ogo
  • Patent number: 7543437
    Abstract: A link plate assembly includes two first plate, two second plate, and two pins. The first plate includes a first aperture, a second aperture and a receiving aperture. Four convex portions facing the second plate are formed on the first plate. The second plate includes a first aperture and a second aperture. Two concave portions facing the first plate are formed on the second plate. One end of each pin is secured to the first aperture of the first plate. The other end of each pin includes a head portion and a groove portion. The head portion passes through the first aperture of the second plates and the receiving aperture of the other first plate. The groove portion passes through the second aperture of the first plate. The convex portions of the first plates contact with a non-concave part of the second plates when assembling. The convex portions coincide with the concave portions to disassemble the link plate assembly as the second plate is rotated relative to the first plate in a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Tien Hsin Industries Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Chih-Chung Chin
  • Patent number: 7490715
    Abstract: Link chain with improved wear resistance as well as method of manufacturing such a link chain. For manufacturing of a link chain, several chain links (39; 40) comprising link pins (41) or plates provided with coatings being applied by means of a PVD process are assembled. The coatings consist of hard material layers and/or slide material layers. It is possible that no PVD coating is provided on a transition zone (1a; 4) of elements (41; 42) used for the manufacturing of the chain links predetermined for connection with another element (42; 41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Joh. Winklhofer & Soehne GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Helmut Girg, Martin Kohn, Stefan Pintoiu, Stephan Schmitt, Gerald Jörgensen, Bernhard Schachtner
  • Patent number: 7472539
    Abstract: A link plate for a plate-link chain that is composed of a plurality of chain links that include link plates, wherein adjacent chain links are hingedly connected with each other by connectors received in openings of the link plates. The link plate is a plate member having a predetermined thickness and a pair of spaced openings. Web regions between an outer edge section of the plate and an adjacent plate opening have a width that is less than about 0.8 times the predetermined thickness of the plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Joachim Spö{umlaut over ( )}rrer
  • Patent number: 7437870
    Abstract: A chain link plate includes an elliptical plate body having opposite first and second surfaces, and two mounting holes spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the plate body and extending from the first surface to the second surface. The plate body has a central longitudinal line that passes through centers of the mounting holes, and two transverse lines that pass respectively through the centers of the mounting holes and that are perpendicular to the central longitudinal line. The plate body has an intermediate juncture portion defined between the transverse lines, and opposite end portions integrally and respectively connected to opposite ends of the intermediate juncture portion. The intermediate juncture portion has a largest width greater than that of each of the end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: KMC Chain Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel Wu
  • Patent number: 7427251
    Abstract: A roller chain for bicycles having outer and inner chain links. The outer and inner chain links have outer and inner link plates, respectively. The chain links are joined by tubular pins. The chain links have holes for receiving the tubular pins. The holes have an outward-opening conical contour for receiving a deformed head of the pin. The roller chain is assembled into a working unit by using a closing link to join two inner chain links. The closing link can be assembled and dismantled without plastic deformation or press-fitting forces on the closing link. The configuration of the hole contour and deformed heads allows the outer link plates to enter into a connection with the pins such that a slight movement of the pin in its seat in the hole in the outer link plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Reiter, Pedro Santos
  • Patent number: 7325391
    Abstract: A bicycle chain has an outer link with two outer link plates, an inner link formed with two inner link plates and a link pin connecting adjacent ones of the together. The link plates are configured to aid in smoothly shifting a chain moves between sprockets. The outer link plates have the outer link peripheral edges that are shaped differently. One of the outer link plates has an exteriorly facing surface with a first chamfered outer edge portion extending along a section of its outer link peripheral edge at a first end portion and a first reduced area part having a reduced radial dimension with respect to a radial dimension of the first end portion lying along a longitudinal axis. The inner link plates have center connecting portions with different minimum widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Toshinari Oishi, Yusuke Nishimoto, Atsuhiro Emura
  • Patent number: 7237376
    Abstract: A system for repairing a continuous loop chain includes a plurality of pairs of chain links, each link having a pair of straight, substantially parallel side bars. Each pair of chain links has an outer link having a first width between the outer link side bars, and an inner link having a second width between the inner link side bars. The second width is less than the first width such that the side bars of the inner link are adapted to fit between the side bars of the outer link. The outer links and inner links are pivotally joined to each other. A repair link having a pair of offset side bars is adapted to connect on one end to the inner link of one of the pairs of chain links and on the other end to the outer link of another one of the pairs of chain links. In this way, a defective link, or a pair of defective links, can be replaced by one or more of the repair links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignees: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Luwa, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Baxter Shirley, Carlton Leon Jones
  • Patent number: 7201687
    Abstract: Power transmission chains (10, 40, 60) which are suitable for automotive uses as well as other uses and which have a reduced susceptibility to wear and corrosion, in which such chains (10, 40, 60) are constructed to include a plurality of sets (12, 14) of links (11, 13) joined at overlapped ends (11a, 13a) thereof by a pivot (16) including at least one ceramic joint component (16), such as a pivot means (16). Such chains (10) also include means (18a, 18b) to drivingly engage sprocket teeth (37) of a sprocket drive (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J. Mott, Timothy J. Ledvina, James Wyckoff
  • Patent number: 6952916
    Abstract: A multi-link connector which is particularly suitable for use with a window operator. The multi-link connector includes a plurality of links (12) joined together by a joining arrangement (11). The links (12) include a base (13) and a pair of oppositely disposed walls (14) so that the links (12) form a generally channel shaped elongate length. The joining arrangement (11) provides a plurality of drive elements (11a) which extend transversely between the walls (14) and are accessible through a gap (16) formed between the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: ASSA Abloy Financial Services AB
    Inventor: Howard Fountaine
  • Patent number: 6938732
    Abstract: A chain with links made of plates connected with hollow pins containing a reserve of lubricant connected with the chain parts to be lubricated. The lubricant reserve is contained in replaceable cartridges inserted removably in the pins through an appropriate end passage. The cartridge can be made with an enlarged section to constitute a plug of the pin in which it is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Regina S.I.C.C. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Garbagnati
  • Patent number: 6782688
    Abstract: A chain has links made up of pairs of outer and inner plates connected respectively by pins and bushes fitted on the pins and projecting through the inner plates. Between the bush and its pin there is a lubricated interface and on each end of the bush is mounted and compressed between an inner and an outer plate an annular seal. The seal when not compressed between the plates is generically shaped with a lip projecting towards the axis of the seal. With the chain assembled the lip tends to wedge between the bush and the outer plate to reduce the wear on the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Regina S.I.C.C. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Garbagnati, Massimiliano Fumagalli
  • Publication number: 20030233821
    Abstract: A silent chain for preventing chordal action without decreasing power transmission efficiency. A link plate 2 of a silent chain includes a pair of teeth and pin apertures. The link plate 2 further includes a protrusion that protrudes in a link thickness direction on the link centerline CL above the pin aperture centerline CP. When the silent chain bends rearwardly or toward a backside, the protrusion of the link plate 2 interferes with the shoulder of each link plate 2′ adjacent to the link plate 2, thereby restricting back bending of the link plates 2, 2′. When the silent chain bends in a meshing direction, the protrusion of the link plate 2 does not interfere with the link plate 2′. In such a way, chordal action or oscillation of a chain span can be restrained without decreasing power transmission efficiency of the silent chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: BorgWarner Morse TEC Japan K.K.
    Inventor: Akio Matsuda
  • Patent number: 6666013
    Abstract: A chain which does not generate hydrogen brittleness is formed with components having improved wear resistance. At least one part of the chain, for example a surface, is covered with a diamond-like amorphous carbon coating (DLC). Further, metallic particles are dispersed into the diamond-like amorphous carbon coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Takerou Nakagawa, Shigeo Tamura
  • Patent number: 6662544
    Abstract: A chain is composed of multiple units each having two outer plates, two inner plates and a pin securely connecting the outer plates to the inner plates. The inner plate has two hollow cones oppositely formed on two sides of the inner plate and two tubes each formed on a corresponding one of the hollow cones. A space between an inner face of the hollow cone and the tube is defined to receive therein oil. A rivet hole is defined to align with a pin hole in the outer plate. Therefore, after the outer plates and the inner plates are combined by the pin, the oil inside the chain unit is able to gradually flow out of the chain to lubricate the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Hua-Tien Wu
  • Patent number: 6658837
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chain that consists of chain members with respective two inner flat links (1) that are parallel with respect to each other and two bushes (2) that are rigidly located between the inner flat links and that link two ends of said links each. The chain further comprises outer flat links (5) that interlink the chain members. Said outer flat links are parallel with respect to each other and hinge the ends of two adjacent chain members that face each other by rigidly linking each of the opposing ends with one respective end of the pin. Said opposing ends link two ends of two outer flat links which in turn link two chain members. Said pin is guided through a bush and is rotatably received therein. The bushes protrude at their two ends from the outer faces of the inner flat links that face the respective outer flat links and said protrusion is provided with at least one lubricant passage (6) that extends from the outer diameter to the inner diameter of the bush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Arnold & Stolzenberg
    Inventor: Erhard Vogt
  • Patent number: 6640534
    Abstract: A chain with mutually connected chain links (1, 2) each comprising a back portion and two parallel wall portions protruding substantially perpendicularly therefrom, in which wall portions corresponding rivet holes have been provided in each of the two and members of the chain link, wherein the chain links (1, 2) are connected with one another by means of an end member of a chain link with a comparatively narrow (2) back portion which is inserted into an end member of a neighbouring chain link with a comparatively broad back portion (1) such that the rivet holes (1c, 2c) in the parallel wall portions of the two end members (1a, 1b,2a-2b) are positioned opposite one another for engaging a river (3) or a shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventors: Jesper Harnæs, Stig Mathiesen
  • Publication number: 20030192299
    Abstract: A wear resistant chain, which smoothly articulates and slides for a long period of time without generating unusual wear elongation even if used together with an extremely deteriorated lubricating oil having a high degree of oxidation, has both ends of a bushing are force-fit into bushing holes of a pair of inner plates respectively and both ends of a connecting pin which is rotatably mounted into the bushing are force-fit into pin holes of a pair of outer plates disposed on both of the outer sides of the pair of inner plates. The bushing uses the base material of one steel selected from an austenite stainless steel, a martensite stainless steel, a precipitation-hardening steel, a high-carbon chromium bearing steel and an alloy tool steel each subjected to heat curing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Arimasa Kaga, Toshifumi Satoh
  • Publication number: 20030195074
    Abstract: In a silent chain comprising guide link plates, connecting pins fixed to pin holes of the guide link plates, and toothed inner link plates, and wherein connecting pins fit loosely in the pin holes of the inner link plates, the base material of the inner link plates is an austenite stainless steel, a martensite stainless steel, a precipitation-hardening steel, a high-carbon chromium bearing steel or an alloy tool steel, and is subjected to heat curing. The inner walls of the pin holes are coated with TiN, CrN, DLC, Al2O3, Mo, TiAlN, TiC, TiCN, AlN, Si3N4, SiC or NiP. The surface of each connecting pin is coated with a metallic hard coating containing at least one element selected from Cr, V, Nb, Ti, Zr, Ta, Mo and W. The base material of the connecting pins and the base material of the inner link plates are different from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Arimasa Kaga, Toshifumi Satoh
  • Publication number: 20030177752
    Abstract: A chain which does not generate hydrogen brittleness is formed with components having improved wear resistance. At least one part of the chain, for example a surface, is covered with a diamond-like amorphous carbon coating (DLC). Further, metallic particles are dispersed into the diamond-like amorphous carbon coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Takerou Nakagawa, Shigeo Tamura
  • Patent number: 6612103
    Abstract: To provide a type of link plate for a silent chain characterized by the fact that the link plate can be differentiated by appearance from the other link plates. The link plate has a pair of teeth, each of which has an inside flank surface, an outside flank surface and a tooth tip part that connects them, with the outside flank surface and the back side part connected to each other by a shoulder part. For the tooth tip part, a portion is cut off on the side toward the outside flank surface to form a cut portion, and, on the shoulder part, a bump portion is formed projecting outward. By means of the cut portion and the bump portion, it is possible to differentiate the link plate from other link plates different from it with respect to one or several properties, such as plate thickness, material, heat treatment, hardness and finish processing of pin holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: BorgWarner Morse TEC Japan K.K.
    Inventors: Akio Matsuda, Tsujii Yoshitomo, Kenichi Matsuura
  • Patent number: 6539699
    Abstract: The link plates, bushes or rollers of a transmission chain are treated so as to produce a surface layer of iron bisulphide. The surface improves the resistance of the chain to wear and also accelerates the running-in process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Renold PLC
    Inventors: Christian Poiret, Alexandre Charton
  • Patent number: 6526740
    Abstract: A chain (CA) comprises a plurality of link units (10), each including a pair of link plates (11) and a connection member (12) placed between the link plates (11) at one end of each link unit (10). The link plates (11) of one link unit (10) are connected end to end with the link plates (11) of another link unit (10) by a connecting pin (13) in such a way that the link units (10) are angularly displaced by 90 degrees from one link unit (10) to another as viewed along an extending direction of the chain (CA), whereby the successive link units (10) of the chain (CA) can be alternately bent in two different directions. The chain (CA) thus constructed can be bent and run in desired directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Oriental Chain Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Tanemoto, Tadasu Sawamori
  • Publication number: 20020078675
    Abstract: To provide a type of link plate for a silent chain characterized by the fact that the link plate can be differentiated by appearance from the other link plates. The link plate has a pair of teeth, each of which has an inside flank surface, an outside flank surface and a tooth tip part that connects them, with the outside flank surface and the back side part connected to each other by a shoulder part. For the tooth tip part, a portion is cut off on the side toward the outside flank surface to form a cut portion, and, on the shoulder part, a bump portion is formed projecting outward. By means of the cut portion and the bump portion, it is possible to differentiate the link plate from other link plates different from it with respect to one or several properties, such as plate thickness, material, heat treatment, hardness and finish processing of pin holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Borg-Warner Automotive K.K.
    Inventors: Akio Matsuda, Tsujii Yoshitomo, Kenichi Matsuura
  • Patent number: 6393820
    Abstract: A chain such as these used in a fork lift truck carriage lifting mechanism has a plurality of interleaved link assemblies each having a pair of outer link plates and a plurality of intermediate link plates. The outer link plate has a strength less than that of any intermediate link plate when measured in an unassembled state. The reduced strength may be achieved by a reduction in thickness or head area of the link plate. The outer link plates may have a stiffness of 60% to 90% of the average stiffness across the chain and a first group of intermediate link plates of certain chain configurations have a stiffness of 70% to 90% of the average stiffness of the chain. The invention provides for a chain in which the load is more evenly shared between link plates and allows a single composite chain to be replaced by two smaller chains without loss of load capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Renold Plc
    Inventors: Steven M. Varnam, Detlef Ragnitz, Michael Charles Christmas
  • Publication number: 20020020612
    Abstract: A module having a cross-rib that is alternately offset from a centerline of the module and that is used in connection with a double row sprocket with alternating sprocket teeth. The module is of the type where a series of spaced apart link ends extending from each side of the module include aligned apertures to accommodate a pivot rod. The link ends along one end of a row of modules are interconnected with the link ends of an adjacent row. A pivot rod journaled in the aligned apertures of the side-by-side and end-to-end connected modules forms a hinge between adjacent rows. Rows of belt modules are then connected together to form an endless conveyor belt capable of articulating about a drive sprocket. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: Dieter Guldenfels
  • Patent number: 6330788
    Abstract: A plate chain comprising outer and inner chain links which are interconnected at joint places formed as slide bearings, with each joint place formed by a sleeve of the inner chain link and by a pin bolt of the outer chain link which rotates in the sleeve substantially about its own axis. The wear characteristics of the resulting joint places are improved. At least one portion of the lateral surface of the pin bolt and an associated portion of the inner surface of the sleeve have a different circumferential contour at the pulling side, so that the pin bolt is supported on the sleeve at least two circumferentially spaced-apart points or lines of contact at the pulling side. A method for producing chain members includes forming a sleeve with a joint trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Joh. Winklhofer & Soehne GmbH und Co. KG
    Inventor: Gerhard Winklhofer
  • Patent number: 6321523
    Abstract: A chain comprises inner link plates that are each connected to an adjacent outer link plate by means of at least one pin that passes through overlapping portions of the respective links. Outboard of the inner link plates the pin supports a rotary bush with a radially extending flange. The bush in turn supports one end of an outer link plate and a roller. The outer link plate is an interference fit with the bush and the roller is rotatable relative thereto. In use the rollers are supported on a guide rail as the chain moves. The location of the bush bearing and roller provides easy access for maintenance and lubrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Renold PLC
    Inventor: Michael Charles Christmas
  • Patent number: 6311469
    Abstract: A drive chain has opposed pairs of inner link plated that are interconnected by cast outer links. Pins pass through aligned apertures in overlapping end portions of the inner and outer links. Each pin is fixed relative to the inner link. The outer link has open or blind bores that receive end portions of the pins in a pivotal relationship. A bearing area is defined between the outer surface of the pin and an inner surface of the outer link bore. The provision of a bearing area in the outer link makes maintenance and sealing easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Renold PLC
    Inventor: Michael Charles Christmas
  • Patent number: 6244032
    Abstract: A chain comprises inner and outer links that articulate relative to one another on pins. The outer link having apertures which receive said pin ends in such a way that the links are easily assembled or dismantled. The pin ends have a retention portion that defines a flat and a bearing portion disposed between the retention portion and the inner link and defining a bearing surface for the outer link. The aperture in the outer link has an arcuate edge and a flat corresponding to that on the retention portion. The bearing surface has an arcuate portion that provides a rotational sliding fit with the arcuate edge of the outer link aperture and a reduced portion that is undercut with respect to the retention portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Renold PLC
    Inventors: Michael Charles Christmas, Michael David Barlow
  • Patent number: 6223515
    Abstract: A link chain having chain links interconnected at respective hinge points by a hinge bolt, at least one bearing bushing arranged on a hinge bolt, at least one roller arranged on said bearing bushing such that it is rotatable about the hinge bolt, and an axial retaining device attached to the hinge bolt and used for axially securing the bearing bushing and the roller. For reducing vibrations in the link chain, a bearing bushing is provided having an axial damping area on at least one end face area thereof, the damping area being formed integrally with the bearing bushing, and the bearing bushing being arranged such that the damping area rests against the axial retaining device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Joh. Winklhofer & Sohne GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Richard Koschig, Peter Graemann, Peter Schulze
  • Patent number: 6112510
    Abstract: A silent-chain transmission apparatus includes a silent chain and a sprocket. The silent chain is formed of a plurality of plates, each of which has a pair of link teeth each having an inner crotch and an outer flank. The plates are connected through use of connection pins. The sprocket has sprocket teeth that come into meshing engagement with the link teeth of the silent chain. Each of the inner crotches has a projection that is formed on a tooth tip side with respect to a working pitch line and has a straightly profiled portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Kouichi Ichikawa, Makoto Kanehira, Tsutomu Haginoya, Nobuto Kozakura, Kenshi Suzuki, Masatoshi Sonoda