Chains Patents (Class 59/78)
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Patent number: 7237376Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignees: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Luwa, Inc.Inventors: Scott Baxter Shirley, Carlton Leon Jones
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Patent number: 7237375Abstract: An investment cast, stainless steel chain link is provided for chains used in water and wastewater treatment. The chain link comprises a pair of spaced apart, elongated sidebars having forward ends and rearward ends. The forward ends are spread apart and are provided with outwardly and laterally extending bosses having transverse boss pin bores coaxially aligned with each other. The rearward ends are interconnected by a cylindrical barrel having a barrel pin bore extending through each of the sidebars. The sidebars are formed with outwardly and laterally projecting reinforcing ribs extending between the bosses and the barrel pin bore along a substantial length of the sidebars. A freely rotatable chain pin is inserted through aligned boss and barrel pin bores from either end thereof for interconnecting first and second pairs of sidebars. An arrangement is provided for preventing the lateral dislodgement of the chain pin from the sidebars.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2007Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Inventors: Michael W. Humcke, Anthony D. Krallman
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Patent number: 7231759Abstract: A chain 1 with individual links 2, 3, inserted one into the other, of which at least every second link is formed as a flat link 3. When the flat link 3 has a vertical orientation in the shank region 6, 7 connecting the curvatures 4, 5, the flat link has a smaller maximum diameter H in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction L. The vertical diameter H of a shank 6, 7 being smaller than the diameter the flat link 3 in the curvatures 4, 5, such that the flat chain links 3 have a ratio of its cross sectional area in the shank region 6, 7 to the cross section area in the central regions 8 of the curvatures 4, 5 is greater than 0.55 and smaller than 0.85. The plane of the horizontal maximum diameter L in the shank region 6, 7 is disposed off-center and offset with respect to the outside of the particular shanks 6, 7.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: J.D. Theile GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Rainer Benecke
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Patent number: 7207162Abstract: A chin chain for bits/bridles used in equestrian sports (e.g. curb bits) has a first chain element and a second chain element. The first element has members formed of loops that are twisted in one direction, and the second element has members formed of loops that are twisted in the opposite direction. The first element and the second element are linked by at least one connecting ring and are capable of being connected to the bridle.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventor: Karin Deffner
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Patent number: 7150142Abstract: An improved chain, compatible with food grade lubricants, is capable of use in poultry and other meat processing facilities. The chain comprises pairs of side links alternating with center links, and held together with pins. A pair of lubricating wells is located on each side link, proximate the insertion point of the pins. The lubricating well provides lubricating access to the pins, and is capable of retaining lubricant such that lubricant is continuously provided to the pins and their pivot points throughout the operation of the chain.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2005Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Wilkie BrothersInventor: Donald Wilkie
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Patent number: 7107754Abstract: According to the invention, the resistance of the links of a D-profile chain may be increased, whereby the transitions between the flanks (2, 3) and the outer planar bearing surfaces of the links comprise roundings of radius r, which is 0.2 to 0.4 times the value of the separation (A) between the flanks of the chain links.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2002Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: RUD-Kettenfabrik Rieger & Dietz GmbH u. Co.Inventors: Rolf Sinz, Hans Dalferth, Uwe Wistuba, Heribert Herzog
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Patent number: 7086218Abstract: An articulated ring, such as a finger ring is based on a cast linkable connector element and a cast open connector link element having hooked ends which are fitted to posts provide on said cast linkable connector element The invention also includes a novel method of making an articulated ring structure which is based on the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of cast linkable connector elements having a top layer and a bottom layer with the top layer and said bottom layer connected by two posts; (b) providing a plurality of cast connector link elements with two ends, with a hook at each of said ends, and each hook adapted to engage a post on the cast linkable connector; and (c) engaging each hook of each of the plurality of cast connector link elements with a post of two different cast linkable connector elements to form an articulated ring structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2005Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: M & J - R & R Grosbard, Inc.Inventor: Lloyd Frank Pasach
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Patent number: 7065952Abstract: The present invention discloses a chain where, upon the stressing of the chain, the links automatically arrange themselves with respect to one another in terms of their position in the chain, preventing any undesired link. A link can be developed in the form, in top view, of a drop or in the form of a keyhole. The described chain is not only suitable for application in lashing loads, but also for use with the manipulation of all accessory chain parts, in which the placement of a link is required, for example shortening hooks, shortening straps or the like.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2002Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: J.D. Theile GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Rainer Benecke
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Patent number: 7040120Abstract: A flexible piece of jewelry, such as a charm bracelet or necklace, that utilizes non-continuous chain links that constitute the continuous chain of the piece of jewelry. This link design allows more non-continuous links to be added to the bracelet as the child grows and the need for a larger piece of jewelry evolves and minimizes damage to the piece of jewelry caused by the addition of additional charms or links.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Inventor: Roxanne A. Hunter
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Patent number: 7032372Abstract: A chain link is designed in the form of a main body portion which is shaped into a loop enclosing an open interior space. Adjacent ends of the loop are spaced from one another and are disposed at a first acute angle to a centerline of the loop of the main body portion. The adjacent ends further are each tapered away from the opening by flats at a second acute angle on opposite sides of the centerline in both of the adjacent ends.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group, LLCInventor: Dan Horvath
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Patent number: 6952916Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 10, 1999Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: ASSA Abloy Financial Services ABInventor: Howard Fountaine
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Patent number: 6925794Abstract: A chain, a chain wheel and a chain transmission for a lifting gear in accordance with the present invention increases the dynamic resistance of a round steel chain that is primarily intended for use in combination with a lifting gear. The chain members (5, 6) are locally deformed plastically in the area of their braces (9, 10) so as to form flat lateral zones (11).Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2001Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: RUD Kettenfabrik Reiger & Dietz GmbH u. Co.Inventors: Hans Dalferth, Rolf Sinz
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Patent number: 6895739Abstract: A chain comprises links formed from bar stock having a specific cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, which is a chain of 16 mm size, the cross-section comprises four convex arcuate sides (10a), (10b), (10c) and (10d), each of which has a radius of curvature at least 10% greater than the chain size (i.e. at least 10% greater than 8 mm) and preferably at least 15% greater than the chain size. In this way, a chain is produced which has the profile which is similar to the profile attained by the chain after a significant period of wear, involving a significant increase in the surface-to-surface contact between adjacent links, reducing the effective wear rate, and reducing the rate of effective lengthening of the chain due to wear.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Parsons Chain Company LimitedInventors: Roger Dudley, Lakbir Ghaman
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Patent number: 6895738Abstract: A security chain including a plurality of links interconnected. Each link includes a central member having first and second ends. The central member is formed by a hollow elongated tube with openings at the first and second ends. The hollow elongated tube has a generally circular cross section. First and second connector members are each welded across a separate one of the openings providing a high strength security chain suitable for anti-theft applications. Additional types of security chains are disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Inventor: Robert A. Vito
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Patent number: 6890278Abstract: A chain is provided in which adjacent links are attached to one another by a coupling pin that permits the links to rotate relative to one another on a connecting axis defined by a coupling pin. The links have movable link plates and can be fixed against relative rotation or released, at least on one side of the chain, by selectively engaging or disengaging the link plates. In one embodiment a restoring force urges movable link plates outwardly on both sides of the chain, toward locking engagement with the plates of the next adjacent links. The movable link plates are depressible against the restoring force, sufficiently to permit the adjacent link plates to overlap and pivot freely. The couplings between links can be switched between fixed and free rotational states by passing them through a path with converging walls that depress the movable link plates.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2001Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Inventor: Jeffrey Theorin Prince
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Patent number: 6881500Abstract: A chain including chain pins 15, which connect an inner link plate and an outer link plate, are made of carburized or refined steel, and have the entire surface on which a large number of dimples 17 are provided which are formed through a primary shot peening performed at an arc height value of 0.35 to 0.8 mmA. Furthermore, dimples 21 with a size smaller than that of the dimples 17 are formed by applying a secondary shot peening performed at an arc height value smaller than that of a primary shot peening to the dimples 17 which have been subjected to the primary shot peening.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Sugiyama Chain Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shinichiro Sugiyama
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Patent number: 6871486Abstract: A chain link has a substantially centrally located juncture section with a first eye portion integrally connected to one end of the juncture section and a second eye portion integrally connected to the opposite end of the juncture section. The eye portions extend longitudinally outwardly from opposite ends of the juncture section and are disposed at a substantial angle relative to each other at opposite ends of the link. Such link may be connected to contiguous links to form a segment of a chain, with all of the links in a segment of chain thus produced having substantially the same orientation when the chain is held straight.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Columbia Steel Casting Co., Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Moehnke, Stephen P. Doan, Richard John Stewart, David Garnet John Conroy, Martin Charles Simpson, James Anthony Russell, Peter Alan Lude
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Patent number: 6855081Abstract: An articulated chain comprising chain links interconnected at chain hinges, with each chain hinge comprises a hinge pin and a hinge bearing surrounding said hinge pin, and the hinge pins are provided with a bonded layer on the outer circumferential surface thereof. The hinge bearings are produced from a sintered material, with the bottom of the borided layer, which faces the base material, being provided with teeth.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Joh. Winklhofer & Sohne GmbH and CO.KGInventor: Richard Koschig
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Patent number: 6837037Abstract: A chain formed by interconnecting rubber rings of the same or various shapes. The rings are either solid or non-solid and are interconnected such that the individual rings are moveable relative to each other and yet are substantially inseparable.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Inventor: Jonathan Willinger
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Patent number: 6799415Abstract: For the purpose of providing a loop chain in which light-related members can be easily attached to and detached from the loops, and do not readily fall off, and which has a good appearance from the standpoint of design, a loop 3 is provided with an engaging tab 3a, 3b, and a latching adapter 10 comprising a light-related member or a latching adapter 15 is fitted to the engaging tab.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Inventor: Yutaka Hara
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Publication number: 20040185978Abstract: A chain is provided in which adjacent links are attached to one another by a coupling pin that permits the links to rotate relative to one another on a connecting axis defined by a coupling pin. The links have movable link plates and can be fixed against relative rotation or released, at least on one side of the chain, by selectively engaging or disengaging the link plates. In one embodiment a restoring force urges movable link plates outwardly on both sides of the chain, toward locking engagement with the plates of the next adjacent links. The movable link plates are depressible against the restoring force, sufficiently to permit the adjacent link plates to overlap and pivot freely. The couplings between links can be switched between fixed and free rotational states by passing them through a path with converging walls that depress the movable link plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2003Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventor: Jeffrey Theorin Prince
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Patent number: 6782688Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 24, 2003Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Regina S.I.C.C. S.p.A.Inventors: Carlo Garbagnati, Massimiliano Fumagalli
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Patent number: 6782687Abstract: A roller chain for moving a web of textile material in a tenter frame. The roller chain has inner members flexibly joined to outer members in an alternating manner with a sleeve and a bolt. A running roller having an inner ring; an outer ring and sealing rings forming a ball bearing assembly is mounted on the sleeve. The sealing rings substantially seal ball bearings enclosed in the running roller. The sealing ring has a spacing element consisting of individual metallic inserts distributed approximately equally around a circumference of the sealing ring. The spacing element transmits axial force applied to an inner tab of an inner member to an inner ring of the running roller. The sealing ring has a lubrication groove formed thereon in fluid communication with a lubrication hole on a sleeve and a lubrication channel in an interior of the bolt for lubricating the ball bearing.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co.Inventor: Konrad Mingers
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Patent number: 6782689Abstract: In a method of making a chain, in particular a round steel chain of tempered steel, a chain strand is produced in a conventional manner and subject to the usual heat treatment of normalizing, hardening and annealing. Annealing is implemented at a low temperature level of below 200° C. A tempered steel is used having a microstructure which, after hardening and annealing, has a stable residual austenite content between 3% and 10%. After the final calibration process, the chain strand is subjected to a thermal aftertreatment at a temperature between 190° C. and 250° C. This relieves stress resulting from the calibration process and the associated work-hardening. In this way, the notch impact energy capacity is enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2003Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Thiele GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Günther Philipp
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Publication number: 20040139719Abstract: A chain link has a substantially centrally located juncture section with a first eye portion integrally connected to one end of the juncture section and a second eye portion integrally connected to the opposite end of the juncture section. The eye portions extend longitudinally outwardly from opposite ends of the juncture section and are disposed at a substantial angle relative to each other at opposite ends of the link. Such link may be connected to contiguous links to form a segment of a chain, with all of the links in a segment of chain thus produced having substantially the same orientation when the chain is held straight.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Applicant: Columbia Steel Casting Co., Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Moehnke, Stephen P. Doan, Richard John Stewart, David Garnet John Conroy, Martin Charles Simpson, James Anthony Russell, Peter Alan Lude
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Publication number: 20040083708Abstract: A security chain including a plurality of links interconnected. Each link includes a central member having first and second ends. The central member is formed by a hollow elongated tube with openings at the first and second ends. The hollow elongated tube has a generally circular cross section. First and second connector members are each welded across a separate one of the openings providing a high strength security chain suitable for anti-theft applications. Additional types of security chains are disclosed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Robert A. Vito
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Patent number: 6684619Abstract: The present invention provides a fence chain indicator enabling a single type of sheet body made of either a luminous material or a luminescent material to be attached to fence chain ring bodies of different dimensions, and also enabling this sheet body to be securely fastened. The fence chain indicator comprises a sheet body 10 which has flexibility, is made from either a luminous material or a luminescent material, and provided with fastening portions 11, 12 which are opened, at the opposite ends thereof, and is constituted such that a fastening member 13, which is provided with engagement grooves 13a for locking, is integrally attached to one end of the above-mentioned sheet body 10; a mating portion 14 is formed in the other end for mating with the above-mentioned fastening member 13; and a through-hole 15 of the above-mentioned fastening member 13 is formed in approximately the center portion of the above-mentioned sheet body 10.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Inventor: Yutaka Hara
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Publication number: 20040016225Abstract: The present invention discloses a chain where, upon the stressing of the chain, the links automatically arrange themselves with respect to one another in terms of their position in the chain, preventing any undesired link. A link can be developed in the form, in top view, of a drop or in the form of a keyhole. The described chain is not only suitable for application in lashing loads, but also for use with the manipulation of all accessory chain parts, in which the placement of a link is required, for example shortening hooks, shortening straps or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Rainer Benecke
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Patent number: 6666013Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.Inventors: Takerou Nakagawa, Shigeo Tamura
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Patent number: 6662545Abstract: A chain cover is provided which can be mounted on a general-purpose roller chain, can be attached and detached to and from the chain, and will not impair bendability of the chain. Side covers for covering both sides of the chain extend from both ends of a top cover for covering a top of the chain. Each side cover has a shaft hole for receiving a coupling pin of the chain, a convex arcuate front edge that is concentric with the shaft hole, a concave arcuate rear edge opposed to the front edge, and a tapered guide surface. The top cover is supported directly by roller links of the chain to allow the coupling pin to be inserted not deeply into the shaft hole.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Inventor: Eiji Yoshida
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Patent number: 6662544Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 31, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Inventor: Hua-Tien Wu
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Patent number: 6658837Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Arnold & StolzenbergInventor: Erhard Vogt
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Patent number: 6655832Abstract: A structural component made of hard material for a wristwatch, characterised in that it includes a hole fitted with an inner threading which is integral with said component, said threading being directly obtained by injection and thus without removing any material of said component for example by machining.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignees: Montres Rado SA, Comadur S.A.Inventors: Michael Bach, Christophe Guerry, Olivier Bucher
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Publication number: 20030213226Abstract: A chain link has a substantially centrally located juncture section with a first eye portion integrally connected to one end of the juncture section and a second eye portion integrally connected to the opposite end of the juncture section. The eye portions extend longitudinally outwardly from opposite ends of the juncture section and are disposed at a substantial angle relative to each other at opposite ends of the link. Such link may be connected to contiguous links to form a segment of a chain, with all of the links in a segment of chain thus produced having substantially the same orientation when the chain is held straight.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Applicant: Columbia Steel Casting Co., Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Moehnke, Stephen P. Doan
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Publication number: 20030145575Abstract: A cable carrier chain having improved strength and flexibility (including improved bilateral flexibility) useful in automotive and other applications contains pivotally joined chain links, each link containing two side plates, two undercut pins, two round apertures which are slightly oversized relative to the pins, a hinged cover lid and a bottom support plate. In the chain, the undercut pins of one chain link are mated with the slightly oversized apertures of an adjacent link, giving the chain increased strength and flexibility. The cover lid preferably includes a hinge member having a relatively thin horizontal strap hinge disposed between two relatively thick vertical hinge straps. The bottom surface of the support plate preferably contains ribs which reduce noise and wear.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2002Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventors: Jefferson S. Mendenhall, John H. Bakker, Peter T. Bucco
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Publication number: 20030131580Abstract: The invention relates to a chain, a chain wheel and a chain transmission for lifting gear. The aim of the invention is to increase the dynamic resistance of a round steel chain that is mainly intended for use in combination with lifting gear. To this end, the chain members (5, 6) are locally deformed plastically in the area of their braces (9, 10) in such a manner that they have flat lateral zones (11).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2003Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventors: Hans Dalferth, Rolf Sinz
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Patent number: 6579200Abstract: A silent chain includes guide washers to prevent bending of the connecting pins during prestressing. The chain has multiple link plates, each with a pair of teeth and pin apertures. The links are interleaved in the transverse and longitudinal directions and are connected pivotally by connecting pins. The connecting pin is composed of a joint pin that is arcuate in cross-section and a rocker pin, which is shorter than the joint pin and arcuate in cross-section. A guide washer is provided for each connecting pin. The guide washer has guide parts that extend on both sides of the teeth of the link plate and includes a pin aperture for fixing the end of the joint pin.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Inventor: Shozo Wakabayashi
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Patent number: 6564540Abstract: Bracelet comprising a plurality of rows of links, each row of links comprising at least two links traversed by a rod engaged in at least one link of the next row, so as to join both rows in an articulate manner. The rod is constituted of a pin and a head screwed in an opening tapped in the pin. The next row of links can be disassembled by removing first the left link, by unscrewing the head, then by removing the right link with the pin.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: TAG-Heuer SAInventors: Ivan Greguitch, Antoine Dubois
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Patent number: 6550232Abstract: An energy line guide chain for running lines between a stationary and a movable connection, with jointed chain links of plastic, which define each a channel section extending in the direction of the energy line guide chain. Each chain link comprises opposite link plates extending in spaced relationship in a longitudinal direction of the energy line guide chain. The link plates are interconnected by at least one crosspiece. Each link plate comprises a joint body (6) and a joint receiver (7), which extend substantially crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the energy line guide chain. The joint body (6) of a link plate engages the joint receiver (7) of an adjacent link plate. Between the partially overlapping link plates of two adjacent chain links, a clearance is provided. The joint body (6) comprises two diametrically opposite outer surface areas (19). The joint receiver (7) has two diametrically opposite inner surface areas (18).Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Kabelschlepp GmbHInventors: Stephan Raymond Achs, Herbert Wehler, Willibald Weber
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Patent number: 6520709Abstract: Multi-piece elevator links, which may be of variable length or capacity or both, are produced by cutting a unitary link into two parts and connecting different combinations of shanks and link ends to form the desired elevator link. Rotation of the link ends with respect to the shank may be prevented. Adapters may be employed between the shank and the link ends to provide varying connections.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2000Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, Mark S. Sibille
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Publication number: 20030024231Abstract: An energy drag chain is provided for guiding tubes, cables or the like between two points or connection that can be moved relative to each other. The drag chain comprises a plurality of chain members hinged to one another, each having two lateral flat links and cross members inter-linking the flat links. Such a drag chain provides a sound-damping which does not entail the deposit of dirt on the support or the guide channel, and which can be reliably installed and supplied in a pre-assembled state with a pre-manufactured system. At least in one chain section the chain members are provided with damping devices that comprise a relatively soft material and project on one side. The damping devices can be particularly configured as mushroom plugs.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Applicant: Igus Spritzgussteile fur die Industrie GmbHInventor: Gunter Blase
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Publication number: 20020111236Abstract: A chain is provided in which adjacent links are attached to one another by a coupling pin that permits the links to rotate relative to one another on a connecting axis defined by a coupling pin. The links have movable link plates and can be fixed against relative rotation or released, at least on one side of the chain, by selectively engaging or disengaging the link plates. In one embodiment a restoring force urges movable link plates outwardly on both sides of the chain, toward locking engagement with the plates of the next adjacent links. The movable link plates are depressible against the restoring force, sufficiently to permit the adjacent link plates to overlap and pivot freely. The couplings between links can be switched between fixed and free rotational states by passing them through a path with converging walls that depress the movable link plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Jeffrey Theorin Prince
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Patent number: 6393820Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Renold PlcInventors: Steven M. Varnam, Detlef Ragnitz, Michael Charles Christmas
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Patent number: 6345492Abstract: The bracelet is formed of decorative elements (10) mounted on the links (20) of a chain (20). Each decorative element (10) includes over a portion of its length a central rib (16) and two lateral edges (18) connecting the cap (13) and feet (17, 19) made as an overthickness on the bottom (15). Each link includes on either side of a slot (2) two coupling elements (21, 31) connected by a bridge (7) provided with a pin hole (9), each having a lateral arm (28, 38) provided with a pin hole (29, 39) and forming with the bridge (7) a complementary recess (23, 33) of an extension (24, 34) provided with a pin hole (25, 35) at the other end. The bending of one link with respect to the following one is limited by blocking means provided either at the opposite pin holes or at recesses and extensions.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: Montres Rado S.A.Inventors: Denis Lüscher, Christophe Guerry, Sëbastien Bolzt, Michael Bach
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Patent number: 6321523Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 17, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Renold PLCInventor: Michael Charles Christmas
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Patent number: 6311469Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 2, 1999Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Renold PLCInventor: Michael Charles Christmas
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Patent number: 6308510Abstract: A drive chain comprises a plurality of inner links (1) interconnected by intermediate outer links and elongate pins (7) that are received in apertures in the inner and outer links. There is substantial clearance between the outer link and the corresponding inner links so as to permit flexion of the adjacent elongate pins in a direction substantially parallel to the length of the chain. The outer link may be in the form of a separate plate (6) or may be an integral part of the pins. In one embodiment the outer link is a crimped plate that offers resilience in the direction of the chain. The drive chains provide for shock absorption.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1999Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Renold PLCInventor: Michael Charles Christmas
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Patent number: 6260345Abstract: A silent chain includes double rocker joint pins articulately connecting together adjacent links of the chain. The double rocker joint pins are each composed of a longer pin and a shorter pin. The longer pin has a cross-sectional shape different from that of the shorter pin, and the thickness of the longer pin as measured in a direction parallel to a chain pitch line is made greater than the corresponding thickness of the shorter pin. By thus designing the longer pin relative to the shorter pin, the longer pin has a large mechanical strength sufficient to withstand not only an impact force applied when the longer pin is swaged or riveted at opposite ends thereof, but also a shear force and a bending force applied at one time to opposite end portions of the longer pin during power-transmitting operation of the chain.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2000Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.Inventors: Makoto Kanehira, Kazumasa Matsuno, Hitoshi Ohara, Shigekazu Fukuda, Hiroshi Horie, Takayuki Funamoto, Yoshihiro Kusunoki, Masao Maruyama
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Patent number: 6256974Abstract: A chain link is disclosed. The link is composed of two abutting link parts, one of which has an end which is slidably received within a correspondingly shaped end of the other link part, and a connector, preferably a retaining snap ring. The ring is received in cooperating grooves in, and locks, the two link parts in their abutting positions. The grooves, the ring, and the link parts are so shaped and positioned that, when the ring is received within the grooves, the link parts constitute a complete link of a desired configurations, and are securely locked to one another by the ring. The link parts may initially be separate and have second ends corresponding with the first ends. Alternatively, the free ends of the link parts may be connected to or integral with a link body which connects them. At least a portion of the link body is flexible or malleable.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: Douglas G. Shanks, Sr.
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Patent number: 6215068Abstract: A line guiding assembly is provided having lines that are held together by a common line bundling apparatus. The line bundling apparatus has disposed on its outside a sliding apparatus which acts in the longitudinal direction of the lines. The sliding apparatus prevents friction between an upper length portion and a lower length portion of a line assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1997Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Kabelschlepp GmbHInventor: Karl Meier