Abstract: A chain link plate including a pair of enlarged end parts joined by an intermediate constricted part. Each end part has an opening therethrough. The link plate is symmetrical about a first axis which extends longitudinally of the link plate and passes through the centers of the openings. The link plate is also symmetrical about a second axis which extends perpendicular to the first axis and perpendicular to the axes of the openings. Each end part has a convex curved exterior edge surface generated about a first radius which is centered on the first axis. The intermediate constricted part has upper and lower concave curved exterior edge surfaces each defined about a second radius which is generated about a center point located in sidewardly spaced relationship from the link plate. The second radius is equal to the first radius.

Abstract: A method of blanking wherein an endless V-shaped groove of desired contour is formed on at least one of the top and bottom sides of a material sheet. The groove is shaped so that the external side thereof is at a right angle to the groove-cut surface of the sheet. A blank having the desired contour is then cut out of the sheet along the right-angled external side of the groove.

Abstract: A roller chain including a series of inner links each formed by a plurality of parallel inner link plates connected by a pair of hollow bushes. The inner links are connected by a series of outer links. Each outer link comprises a pair of parallel outer link plates connected adjacent the opposite ends thereof by a pair of pins. The pins on a given outer link extend through the bushes on the adjacent ends of two inner links to pivotally connect same together. The inner link plates and the associated bushes forming the inner links are fused together by a fillerless weld formed by electron beam or laser welding. The pins and the outer link plates can be similarly welded together. The resulting chain has substantially increased tensile and fatigue strength.