Abstract: A coupling (2) is disclosed. The coupling (2) comprises an outer member (4), an inner member (8), an intermediate member (6) and a plurality of buffer elements (18, 20). The outer member (4) comprises a plurality of radially inward projections (10), the inner member (6) comprises a plurality of radially outward projections (16) and the intermediate member (6) comprises a plurality of radially inward projections (14) and a plurality of radially outward projections (12). The plurality of buffer elements (18, 20) are disposed between the projections (10, 12, 14, 16). The plurality of radially inward projections (10) of the outer member (4) and the plurality of radially outward projections (12) of the intermediate member (6) are radially overlapped, and the plurality of radially outward projections (16) of the inner member (6) and the plurality of radially inner projections (14) of the intermediate member (6) are radially overlapped.

Abstract: A lubricated gear coupling for transmitting torque between an input shaft and an output shaft, comprising a first hub connected to the input shaft, the first hub comprising at least one gear tooth and a first raised edge, a second hub non-rotatably connected to the output shaft, the second hub comprising at least one gear tooth and a second raised edge, a sleeve gear comprising at least one gear tooth, wherein the first hub and the second hub are arranged within the sleeve gear, the gear tooth of the first hub and second hub corresponding with the gear tooth of the sleeve gear, wherein torque is transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft with axial, radial, and angular movement occurring between the first hub and the second hub and, a draining means arranged on the sleeve gear, wherein the lubricant can flow through.

Abstract: A chain has inner and outer links pivotally interconnected by transverse pins. In a straight configuration the links are substantially aligned in a linear direction. At least one resilient elongate flexible member is threaded along at least part of the length of the chain between the pins in alternate directions so as to force adjacent links of the chain to articulate out of the straight configuration. A chain in this form may be proof loaded before service by applying a tensile load and the elongate flexible member may be removed. A chain assembly comprises a plurality of said chains running between first and second connection brackets.

Abstract: A chain comprises a plurality of axially spaced tubular rollers that are interconnected by a plurality of link plates. Each link plate has two protruding articulation elements that are each rotatably received in one of the rollers and each have a complementary shaped bearing surface for sliding against the inner surface of the roller. The interconnection of the rollers can be achieved in several different ways, and many different designs of link plate can be adopted.

Abstract: A method for detecting the strain applied to a transmission chain includes positioning a strain gauge on an inwardly-facing surface of a first of a pair of opposed outer link plates, spacing the inwardly-facing surface of the first outer link plate from an outwardly-facing surface of a first of a pair of opposed inner link plates facing the first outer link plate, connecting the strain gauge into a bridge network and an electric circuit, and using an output of the electric circuit to determine the strain applied to the chain.

Abstract: A chain such as a roller bush chain comprising a plurality of interconnected chain link members (2,3) is provided with a wiper element (9) that extends at the interface between overlapping portions of the link members. The wiper may be a formation defined on one of the link members or a bush (8) of the chain or may be a separate component between the link members. The wiper has a wiping edge that in use moves relative to a surface of at least one of the members and serves to wipe that surface clean of deposits or debris so as to allow lubricant to penetrate to the bearing between the pin and link members or bush and to reduce the risk of wear.

Abstract: A transmission chain comprises has a data collection device mounted on at least one of the links. A strain gauge sensor is mounted on the inwardly facing surface of an outer link plate symmetrically about a centre link thereof and measures the strain on the link plate. The measurements are compared to a threshold and a visual indicator mounted on the chain is activated if the threshold is exceeded. The data collection device can be controlled by a first controller device that simply switches it between a quiescent state to an overload detecting state or a second controller type can be used for data-logging and analysis.

Abstract: A chain or belt tensioner comprises a plunger displaceable in a bore of a housing between retracted and extended positions. The plunger and the bore between them define a variable volume chamber for receipt of pressurised hydraulic fluid. The tensioner is designed for insertion into a supporting bore of the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine such that the plunger has only a limited number of possible orientations so that it can engage with the tensioner arm. The plunger has an air purge passage that extends from adjacent to the chamber to atmosphere. The passage formation is designed so that there is a portion of it adjacent to the chamber is uppermost in any orientation of the plunger so as to ensure rapid and effective air purging. There may be a single air purge passage extending in an axial direction along the length of the plunger or a combination of several axial and circumferential portions that permit the plunger to be disposed in more than one orientation.

Abstract: A roller chain for high load applications has a pin with a diameter that is larger than the pin of an ANSI chain of the same pitch but the chain still falls within the spatial envelope of the ANSI chain so that it can be used on a standard ANSI sprocket. The roller and bush are of reduced thickness in comparison to an equivalent ANSI heavy series chain.

Abstract: A door closer device for connection between a door leaf and a door frame serves to automatically close the door after opening. The device has a housing that is received in the door leaf and a chain have one end connected inside the housing and the other end connected to the door frame. A spring connects the chain to the housing and serves to urge the chain into the housing bore. The chain links are pivotally connected plates with opposed side edges arranged such that a side edge of a link faces a corresponding side edge of an adjacent link. Each side edge defines a first portion and a second portion. The facing first portions of adjacent links are adapted to come into abutment when the links are arranged such that the longitudinal axis of the chain extends substantially in a straight line so as to prevent the links from pivoting in a first direction.

Abstract: A power transmission chain has a plurality of overlapping inner and outer link plates interconnected by transverse pins that pass through aligned apertures in the overlapping plates. The pins are square or rectangular in cross section and one of the planar surfaces on each pin is designed to bear against an arcuate bearing surface defining part of the aperture in the inner link plate. The outer link plate is has a square or rectangular aperture that is a friction fit with the pin. The arrangement provide an articulating joint in which there is rolling contact between the planar and arcuate bearing surfaces during articulation of the first link member on the pin and thus reduces noise and wear.

Abstract: A power transmission chain has opposed first link members arranged alternately with opposed second link members along the length of the chain. The first and second link members are connected to one another in an articulated manner such that there is rolling contact between the two at respective bearing surfaces. The second link members are disposed freely between adjacent pins. Each first link member is connected in a friction fit to each end of the pin. The bearing surfaces run transverse to the longitudinal axis of the chain. The design reduces the polygonal effect by providing for two articulating joints between adjacent pins and significantly reduces wear by providing rolling contact at the bearing surfaces.

Abstract: An inverted tooth transmission chain with articulating link plates has improved wear resistance and life expectancy. The articulating link plates are blanked from steel having an aluminium content of 0.01% to 0.08% by weight and a grain size number of at least 8 ASTM. The link plates are then carburised by heating them to a temperature in the range 800° C. to 1000° C. for a period of between 10 to 60 minutes in a conventional carburising atmosphere including, for example, methane or propane. The link plates are then quenched or austempered in an oil or salt bath. The final hardness of the carburised link plate is in the region of 600 to 700 Hv (Vickers hardness value).

Abstract: A chain or belt tensioner comprises a plunger displaceable in a bore of a housing between retracted and extended positions. The plunger and the bore between them define a variable volume chamber for receipt of pressurised hydraulic fluid. The tensioner is designed for insertion into a supporting bore of the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine such that the plunger has only a limited number of possible orientations so that it can engage with the tensioner arm. The plunger has an air purge passage that extends from adjacent to the chamber to atmosphere. The passage formation is designed so that there is a portion of it adjacent to the chamber is uppermost in any orientation of the plunger so as to ensure rapid and effective air purging. There may be a single air purge passage extending in an axial direction along the length of the plunger or a combination of several axial and circumferential portions that permit the plunger to be disposed in more than one orientation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically monitoring the wear of a chain when in operation in a chain drive assembly. First and second markers are applied to the chain at a predetermined distance apart. A first sensor is disposed adjacent to the chain to coincide with the position of the first marker. A second sensor is disposed adjacent to the chain to coincide with the position of the second marker. The sensors generate signals in response to the detection of the markers. When the chain drive is operated the first and second sensors are initially triggered substantially simultaneously by said first and second markers respectively. After the chain extends through wear elongation is identified by detecting a time delay between the triggering of the first and second sensors by the respective markers. One of the sensors is then moved to a position where substantially simultaneous triggering of the sensors by the markers can be resumed.

Abstract: A chain or belt tensioner comprises a plunger displaceable in a housing between retracted and extended positions. A stop ring between the plunger and housing frictionally contacts a smooth surface of the housing. A recess in the plunger has a tapered face for engagement with a bevelled surface of the stop ring. Inward movement of the plunger causes the tapered face to engage the stop ring and to force it to deform outwardly to a wedging position in which the stop ring is wedged between the tapered face and the surface thus preventing further inward movement of the plunger. The recess has a second face that engages the stop ring when the plunger moves out of the housing so as to slide it over the surface. The invention provides for a stop mechanism that enables retraction of the plunger to be prevented at an infinite number of positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically monitoring the wear of a chain when in operation in a chain drive assembly. First and second markers are applied to the chain at a predetermined distance apart. A first sensor is disposed adjacent to the chain to coincide with the position of the first marker. A second sensor is disposed adjacent to the chain to coincide with the position of the second marker. The sensors generate signals in response to the detection of the markers. When the chain drive is operated the first and second sensors are initially triggered substantially simultaneously by said first and second markers respectively. After the chain extends through wear elongation is identified by detecting a time delay between the triggering of the first and second sensors by the respective markers. One of the sensors is then moved to a position where substantially simultaneous triggering of the sensors by the markers can be resumed.

Abstract: A chain drive assembly for an internal combustion engine comprises a chain tensioner (6) that acts upon a chain (2) that is used to drive the cam shafts (4) of the engine. The tensioner has a hydraulically actuated plunger (30) which is moveable within a housing and biasing means in the form of a solenoid (34), compression spring or motor that urges the plunger outwards of the housing at least when there is no hydraulic pressure. The tensioner is controlled by means of a control unit (8) that receives signals from various transducers that transmit signals providing information in relation to the performance of the engine. The control unit receives the measured information, calculates the desired tension to be applied to the chain and transmits the control signal to the chain tensioner so as to operate the biasing means or control the hydraulic pressure so that the desired chain tension is applied.

Abstract: A chain drive assembly for elevating a load such as a vehicle carriage on a leisure ride. The assembly comprises an endless loop lift chain and a plurality of drive chains. The lift chain has a plurality of chain links comprising a pair of laterally spaced outer link plates pivotally connected to inner link members disposed at least in part between the outer link members. The inner or outer link members of each link have a row of teeth for engagement in openings between links of the drive chains. The drive chains being disposed so as to engage the teeth at a rectilinear stretch of the chain loop so as to drive the chain in a longitudinal direction. The inner and outer links of the lift chain being arranged to define an opening designed to receive a projection on the load. The assembly serves to spread the load between the drive chains and their drive systems. The conveyor chain does not articulate under load and can be reduced in weight.

Abstract: A belt or chain tensioner comprises a plunger that is slidably received in a chamber of the tensioner housing. The plunger is biased by a spring to project out of the housing and into contact with a tensioning shoe by which tension is applied to the chain or belt. The chamber is supplied with hydraulic fluid to damp movement of the plunger within the housing. The spring is captively connected between the plunger and housing and located outside of the housing. The tensioner is simple to install and remove from an internal combustion engine as the plunger and housing are held together by the spring.