Abstract: A power transmission chain includes a plurality of links and a bending-restraining mechanism. The bending-restraining mechanism includes a wire extending in a lengthwise direction along the chain and engaging at least three adjacent joints of the chain. The wire is formed such that it elastically deforms when an inside link rotates around the inner joint in a first direction from a linearly extending state, the wire thereby applying a bending resistance to the inside link during articulation of the chain. In one embodiment, the wire includes at least one curved section clipped around at least a majority of a circumference of at least one joint. In another embodiment, the wire is formed such that a predetermined bias due to a bending deformation of the wire is applied to the inside link when the chain is extended linearly.

Abstract: An improved link for a chain for use with a sprocket, the link comprising a body having a pair of apertures for receiving connecting pins and a pair of teeth having outside flanks, and inside flanks between the teeth defining a crotch. The improvement includes an effective outer flank angle between a line tangent to the outer flank of the link at 1.5 P and a vertical line intersecting the tangent line of less than or equal to 29 degrees, an effective inner flank angle between a line tangent to the inner flank of the link at 0.5 P and a vertical line intersecting the tangent line of less than or equal to 29 degrees, and a plurality ratios. The links may be assembled into a chain and connected by a plurality of pins.

Abstract: An improved link for a chain for use with a sprocket, the link comprising a body having a pair of apertures for receiving connecting pins and a pair of teeth having outside flanks, and inside flanks between the teeth defining a crotch. The improvement includes an effective outer flank angle between a line tangent to the outer flank of the link at 1.5 P and a vertical line intersecting the tangent line of less than or equal to 29 degrees, an effective inner flank angle between a line tangent to the inner flank of the link at 0.5 P and a vertical line intersecting the tangent line of less than or equal to 29 degrees, and a plurality ratios. The links may be assembled into a chain and connected by a plurality of pins.

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).

Abstract: A power transmission chain includes a plurality of links and a bending-restraining mechanism. The bending-restraining mechanism includes a wire extending in a lengthwise direction along the chain and engaging at least three adjacent joints of the chain. The wire is formed such that it elastically deforms when an inside link rotates around the inner joint in a first direction from a linearly extending state, the wire thereby applying a bending resistance to the inside link during articulation of the chain. In one embodiment, the wire includes at least one curved section clipped around at least a majority of a circumference of at least one joint. In another embodiment, the wire is formed such that a predetermined bias due to a bending deformation of the wire is applied to the inside link when the chain is extended linearly.

Abstract: An extension from an element of a first chain contacts a second chain in a phased chain system such that the extension reduces resonance of the second chain. Preferably, an extension from an element of the second chain contacts the first chain to reduce resonance in the first chain. The extension snubs the motion of the mating chain to inhibit resonance. The extensions are preferably integral with their respective elements. In one embodiment, the extension extends from a guide link plate. In another embodiment, the extension extends from an inverted tooth link plate. In yet another embodiment, the extension extends from a pin. In a preferred embodiment, the extension extends at an angle to provide a slight preload with the adjacent chain. The elements having extensions are preferably randomly located along the chains. The first chain and the second chain are preferably inverted tooth chains.

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).

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).

Abstract: A small pitch silent chain for automotive vehicle or industrial drive applications having freely rotating pins. The chain includes interleaved rows of links which are interconnected by cylindrical pins. The pins are allowed to rotate freely with respect to the links. Washers press-fit to the ends of the pins secure the pins in the chain. The pins are provided with a surface coating of vanadium carbide or chromium carbide.

Abstract: A roller chain and sprocket drive with a randomized sprocket which modulates the roller position on the sprocket by varying the radial seating position of the roller while maintaining a constant chordal dimension between seated rollers. The roots between teeth of the sprocket have radii that vary between a nominal radius and a maximum radius and a minimum radius. This variation or randomization is intended to provide a noise modulation effect while avoiding the negative effects of high impact from conventional randomized sprockets.

Abstract: A chain and sprocket system includes a plurality of chains and sprockets. The system includes a central shaft, two chains, and two identical sprockets. Although the two sprockets have identical size, shape, and features, they can be assembled onto the central shaft in different orientations. These orientations are achieved by rotating one sprocket with respect to the other. Assembling one sprocket onto the shaft in a different orientation from a second sprocket results in a system where the outer sprocket teeth of one sprocket are phased with respect to the outer sprocket teeth of the other sprocket. In this way, a phased chain and sprocket assembly is composed of identical sprockets, which eases manufacture and assembly.

Abstract: A link plate for a roller chain has material added to the location on the link plate face where fatigue failure is most likely to occur in order to increase the fatigue strength of the link plate. This location is within a sector defined by a line extending radially from the aperture center in a direction perpendicular to the line connecting the two aperture centers and an imaginary line extending from the same aperture center toward the link plate end section at an angle of 30-45 degrees.

Abstract: A chain and sprocket system includes a plurality of chains and phased or offset sprockets. The transmission system includes a random or hybrid chain with the offset sprockets. The timing system can include single or dual overhead camshafts, with phasing of the crankshaft sprockets and camshaft sprockets.

Abstract: A chain and sprocket system includes a plurality of chains and phased or offset sprockets. The transmission system includes a random or hybrid chain with the offset sprockets. The timing system can include single or dual overhead camshafts, with phasing of the crankshaft sprockets and camshaft sprockets.

Abstract: The chain guide of the present invention, which will be utilized on the tight side of the chain of an engine system, is designed to reduce the lateral motion of the chain. The chain guide is constructed with raised side rails that taper inward to the center. The slot which guides and controls the chain gradually narrows towards the center.

Abstract: A silent chain for power transmission applications wherein the chain is in sliding contact with a chain guide or tensioner. The chain is constructed of some link plates having a higher back than other link plates. In operation, the higher backed links slide against the chain guide or tensioner while the lower backed links do not contact the chain guide or tensioner. Because not all of the links slide against the chain guide, the friction between the chain and chain guide is reduced.

Abstract: A single component tensioner arm or chain guide for a power transmission chain formed by injection molding which integrally forms both a carrier portion and a slide portion. The one piece tensioner arm is constructed of a polymer material containing graphite or aramid fibers to increase structural rigidity.

Abstract: A hydraulic chain tensioner has a stop mechanism. The tensioner includes a housing having a bore with a fluid filled chamber and a hollow piston slidably received within the bore and biased in a protruding direction by a spring. The housing has a set of teeth formed on the outside. The stop mechanism includes a rack that is connected to the piston and that extends along the side of the housing. The rack also has a set of teeth that engage the teeth of the housing.

Abstract: A chain and sprocket system includes a plurality of chains and phased or offset sprockets. The transmission system includes a random or hybrid chain with the offset sprockets. The timing system can include single or dual overhead camshafts, with phasing of the crankshaft sprockets and camshaft sprockets.

Abstract: A roller chain assembly has pins extending through the outer links with minimal projection beyond the outside edge of the outer links. The minimal pin projection provides a chain assembly of narrow construction.