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 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 damper assembly has a chain, a first mounting element and a second mounting element. The chain has a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of links pivotally interconnected by transverse articulation elements. It has a straight configuration in which the links are substantially aligned in a linear direction, and has at least one resilient member configured to force adjacent links of the chain to articulate out of the straight configuration. The first and second mounting elements are each attached to the chain and are movable relative to one another between a first position and a second position, and are arranged to urge the chain towards the straight configuration when they are moved towards the second position.

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 load monitoring system for use with a load conveyor such as a lifting assembly of a forklift truck or other mobile load handler. The conveyor has a load support for supporting a load to be conveyed and a load-bearing chain or cable. A load transducer is attached to the load conveyor and generates an output signal representative of the load applied to the chain at any particular point in time. From the output signal the time during which the element has been used in a particular load range is determined as well as the remaining service life of the element. The load data may be collected and processed locally or may be transmitted to a remote computer or hand-held device for analysis. The mobile load handler may also have a data reader so that that it may be used in inventory management in which a plurality of loads each labelled with load identification data are moved between a plurality of storage zones each labelled with location identification data by the handler.

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 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 has 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 said 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 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.

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.

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.

Abstract: 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.

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.

Abstract: A drive chain has a plurality of links (1) each comprising a pair of opposed cranked link plates (2). Each link plate (2) has two connection apertures (7) and is connected to an adjacent link plate (2) by a pin (6) passing through overlapping connection apertures. An aperture (7) at one end of each link plate is fitted with a sleeve (11) in which said pin (6) is releasably engaged by means of a key connection. The sleeve (11) is connected to said link plate (2) by means of an interference fit with the respective connection aperture (7).