Abstract: Disclosed are a device and a method for compacting a continuously conveyed fiber composite (V) by means of heat (W) impingement. A heated treatment medium (L) is blasted towards the fiber composite (V) by means of at least one nozzle arrangement (2a, 2b). Said nozzle arrangement (2a, 2b) comprises a plurality of adjacent blasting nozzles (4) which are disposed at a distance (a) from each other. An intermediate space (5) is formed between two adjacent nozzles (4). Said intermediate space (5) between blasting nozzles (4) is essentially closed to the fiber composite (V) counter to the conveying path (F) such that an overpressure (P) can be created in a pressure chamber (6) located between the nozzle arrangement and the surface (O) of the fiber composite (V), whereby the treatment medium (L) can be blasted through the entire thickness of the fiber composite (V) even when said fiber composite has a great thickness.

Abstract: A web coating process and apparatus employing a coating applicator, dryer or curing station and web-handling equipment for conveying the web past the coating applicator and through the dryer. The web is enclosed from at least the coating applicator to the dryer or curing station in a close-coupled enclosure or series of close-coupled enclosures supplied with one or more streams of conditioned gas flowing at a rate sufficient to reduce materially the particle count or change materially a physical property of interest in a close-coupled enclosure.

Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed for controlling gas flow in a gas dryer such as a twin tower regenerative gas dryer. The device has a housing in which is mounted an electronic control circuit. At least two electrically operated valves (e.g. solenoid valves) for controlling functions of the dryer are provided with plugs or sockets and adapted to co-operate with corresponding sockets or plugs in a wall of the housing electrically connected to the electronic circuit. The valves are mounted on, externally of, the housing and are electrically connected to the control circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a drum of a clothes dryer having a drum for accommodating clothes to be dried in a cabinet, the apparatus comprises: a driving motor for generating a driving force to rotate the drum; and a roller connected to a rotational shaft of the driving motor and contacting an outer circumferential surface of the drum, for transmitting a driving force of the driving motor to the drum. According to this, a reliability of an operation for rotating the drum can be increased.

Abstract: A footwear assembly structured to be collapsible comprising a sole including a front portion and a rear portion movably interconnected by an intermediate segment. An upper extends along at least a portion of the length of the sole, depending upon the style of the footwear, wherein the upper and the sole are preferably structured to define the sandal configuration which may vary in style. The intermediate portion includes sufficient flexibility to significantly reduce the size of the sandal by folding the sole into a stored orientation defined by the front and rear portions disposed in at least partially overlying relation to one another. A pouch-like container is dimensioned and configured to receive and maintain at least a pair of the sandals on the interior thereof, when in the stored orientation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus directed to a multi-layer honeycomb sole. A footwear item in accordance with the invention includes a sole that includes a top layer attached to a bottom layer such that their edges are fused together. The top layer includes a first honeycomb core having an exposed surface that includes contours configured to accommodate contours of a foot. The first honeycomb core includes unsealed cells that have walls with perforations. The bottom layer includes a second honeycomb core that includes sealed cells.

Abstract: A composite reinforced toecap for a shoe includes multiple composite fiber reinforcement layers and a larger fiber layer laminated between and extending out from the composite fiber reinforcement layers. The fiber layer is made of continuos-strands. The composite fiber reinforcement layers are made of fiber-reinforced-plastic composite materials, are laminated on the fiber layer to form a pre-product toecap. A bonding coating is applied to the fiber layer that extends beyond the composite fiber reinforcement layer to form a binding. The pre-product is cured and has a binding that can be sewn to the sole, upper or tongue of a shoe.

Abstract: A grind rail apparatus coupleable to an underside of a footwear for grinding is provided. The grind rail apparatus includes a body having an upper side and a lower side, the upper side of the body coupled to the underside of the footwear. The grind rail apparatus also includes a plurality of rails extending from the lower side of the body.

Abstract: A heel has a body, a circuit board, multiple illuminating elements, an integrated circuit unit, a power source, a switch, a push button and a cover. The body is permeable to light and has a recess. The circuit board is received in the recess. The illuminating elements are mounted on the circuit board. The integrated circuit unit is mounted on the circuit board and is electrically connected to the illuminating elements. The power source is electrically connected to the illuminating elements through the integrated circuit unit. The switch is electrically connected between the power source and the integrated circuit unit. The push button abuts against the switch to actuate the switch when the push button is pushed. The cover is attached to the body and has a bore defined through the cover for the push button extending out from the bore.

Abstract: An electronic control for damping oscillation of a swinging backhoe assembly includes a crossover valve that connects the hydraulic lines that supply hydraulic fluid to the boom swing cylinders to each other whenever an electronic controller senses incipient oscillation or swinging of the backhoe assembly. The electronic controller senses such parameters as pressure in the conduits and the position of the operator controls or the position of the boom swing control valve that the operator controls to determine incipient oscillation when the backhoe assembly is stopped. The crossover valve may remain open for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A single joystick type control handle controls the chute and deflector of a snowthrower. The control handle can be moved laterally from side to side and a second linkage including a gear connection laterally rotates the chute from side to side in the same direction, i.e. movement of the control handle to the left rotates the chute to the left and vise versa. The gear connection has a mechanical advantage that increases the amount of the angular rotation of the chute, i.e. the chute rotates further than the angular movement of the control handle. The control handle can also be moved longitudinally from fore to aft and a second linkage comprising a flexible cable pivots the deflector up and down on the chute in the same direction, i.e. moving the control handle forward pivots the deflector down and vise versa. A locking mechanism is provided to hold the chute and the deflector in their adjusted positions.

Abstract: In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a system for coupling excavation equipment components includes a pin assembly configured to couple a first tool body to a second tool body. The pin assembly is configured to be received at least partially within a pin bore of the second tool body. The pin assembly includes an elongate insert having a first end and a second end. The insert defines a plug bore extending at least partially through the insert from the first end. The pin assembly also includes a first plug that is configured to be received at least partially within the first end of the insert.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an implement to a prime mover, the connection apparatus including a body arranged to be mounted on the prime mover. The body includes a connection device for connecting the body to the implement; the connection device comprising a locking member adapted to move to a first position, in which the locking member engages the implement to lock the implement and the body together, and said locking member also being adapted to move to a second position in which the locking member is disengaged from the implement so that the implement can be demounted from the body.

Abstract: A portable automatic ironing press for trousers includes two housings each having a rectangular pressing ironing plate pivotally mounted on a base. A central dividing plate is rigidly connected to the base and has a cut in its top part located between the pressing ironing plates while at least one of the plates has a heating element. The base has a lower horizontal part and at least one lateral vertical part rigidly linked to each other. The vertical part of the base includes guiding elements and an extended shaft bearing an arm. In the base of the press are located the electronic control bloc, control board and at least one driving gear to guide the tools to open and press the pressing ironing plates and operate the extended shaft. The housing includes windows through which the lower part of the trousers can be discharged.

Abstract: A desk calendar has a base, a calendar page binder, two end blocks and a central block. The base has a top, a rear end, two sides, an auxiliary appliance stand and a channel. The auxiliary appliance stand is formed on the top to provide a place for an auxiliary appliance. The channel is defined in the top along the rear end of the base. The calendar page binder is mounted on the top of the base adjacent to the auxiliary appliance stand to hold calendar pages. The end blocks are securely mounted respectively in the ends of the channel. The central block is mounted in the channel between the end blocks to define two spaces respectively between the central block and the end blocks and has at least one pen hole.

Abstract: An accessory for wheels includes a body, two appendages extending from the body, each of the two appendages having a securing mechanism and an aperture, and each of the two appendages being wrapped around a diameter of a spoke and the securing mechanism being placed in the aperture, thereby securing each of the two appendages about the spoke.

Abstract: An improved muzzle brake, attached to the end of a rifle barrel reducing the recoil of the rifle includes an internally threaded attaching end, engaging outer threads of a rifle barrel, a flattened projectile end, with an overall increasing taper from the attaching end to the projectile end, a flat upper surface which does not impede the sight line of the rifle, a flat lower surface, and two lateral surfaces including a first lateral oval vent, a second lateral oval vent and a third lateral oval vent, the first lateral vent defining a first flat brake plate having a first central bore, the second lateral oval vent defining a second flat brake plate having a second central bore and the third lateral oval vent defining a third flat brake plate having a third central bore penetrating through the projectile end, wherein a bullet fired from the rifle travels through the attaching end, the first central bore, second central bore and third central bore, while the gasses generated by the fired projectile are deflecte

Abstract: In an autoloading gun construction having the breach end of a barrel removably assembled to the forward end of a barrel extension which is positioned between and secured to wall sections of two opposing receiver plates of a receiver section, the improvement comprising an aperture formed thru each wall section, and a weld formed between edge portions of each aperture and adjacent portions of the barrel extension.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a new and improved adjustable rear sight for firearms which comprises a polymer sight body and a metal aperture screw which is adjustable for elevation by screwing the aperture screw up or down in a threaded insert which is inserted in a cavity which extends from an upper surface to a lower surface of the sight body. The polymer sight is held securely in a sight mounting dovetail via a flex plate which is held to the bottom of the sight body by a flange on the bottom end of the threaded insert. The flex plate is sized to fit tightly in the sight mounting dovetail.

Abstract: A weapons magazine including a magazine body adapted for storing rounds therein, a biasing device for urging rounds out of the magazine body, a power source disposed in a portion of the magazine body, and a light mounted on a surface of the magazine body in electrical communication with the power source.

Abstract: A portable indicator device for use with ice fishing tip-ups, attachable to the tip-up's articulating arm via a pinch-type clip, for enhancing the signaling capability of the tip-up. The device contains a motion-activated pendulum switch to complete the circuit between a battery and dual light and buzzer electronic alarms, enclosed within a colored, translucent housing, when the tip-up arm swings into a vertical position upon a fish strike. The pendulum switch may be easily re-set by lowering the tip-up arm to its formerly horizontal position.

Abstract: A fishing lure enhancement including multiple flexible primary legs projecting from a central hub, each primary leg formed of two or more flexible secondary legs. Primary legs are adapted to protect the lure from entanglement with weeds and other obstructions as well as providing pulsed motion during intermittent retrieval. Secondary legs are adapted to flare during pulsed retrieval and provide individual secondary motion.

Abstract: A crimp usable in attaching terminal tackle, such as a hook, to a fishing line. The crimp may include a preattached pin extending from the crimp. The pin may be used to facilitate attachment of a baitfish to the hook. In at least one embodiment, the pin may be used to attached a baitfish to a hook by inserting the pin through a lower and upper jaw of a baitfish.

Abstract: A foundation fumigation system includes a fumigant container assembly. The fumigant container assembly contains a quality of fumigant to be applied around a foundation of a structure. The fumigant container assembly has a valve portion for selectively releasing the fumigant. A distribution control and monitoring assembly is operationally coupled to the fumigant container assembly. The distribution control and monitoring assembly facilitates the distribution of the fumigant. A distribution system is operationally coupled to the distribution control and monitoring assembly. The distribution system has at least one distribution member environmentally couplable to the fumigant container assembly. The distribution member facilitates distributing the fumigant around the foundation. The distribution system has a plurality of nozzle members. Each one of the nozzle members is in environmental communication with the distribution member.

Abstract: A hanger assembly for hangingly supporting a potted plant that includes a supporting collar and a plurality of flexible support members. The supporting collar includes at least one aperture extending therethrough to receive one or more potted plants. The flexible support members are connected to at least one supporting collar so that the supporting collar may be slidably adjusted along the length of the flexible support member.

Abstract: An electrically operated fast-food service window with a plurality of upwardly focused infrared emitter/receivers mounted on the fast-food service window in a manner such that the emitter/receivers emit infrared beams at an angle slightly askew of an imaginary vertical plane. The sensors are used to reliably detect an employee in the immediate proximity of the fast-food service window as the employee bends over the horizontal service shelf adjacent to and attached to the fast-food service window as the employee begins to reach towards a customer. The sensors, although focused towards the interior of a building, do in not detect employees or traffic in the immediate vicinity of the fast-food service window thereby virtually eliminating the unintentional opening of the window. The uniquely oriented sensors are connected to an electric motor operator which opens the window as an employee prepares to deliver merchandise or other items to a customer.

Abstract: An automation assembly is adapted to be connected to a door system of a motor vehicle. The automation assembly is modular and includes a frame that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A motor is fixedly secured to the frame and adapted to receive power. The motor converts the power into a rotational output force. The motor includes a non-ferrous core. A set of pulleys and rollers are fixedly secured to the frame at predetermined positions to direct the path of a continuous belt. The continuous belt is fixedly secured to the door system such that the motor moves the continuous belt and the door system bidirectionally between an open position and a closed position. Sensors are used to determine the position of the door, the speed thereof and whether the door is being moved manually.

Abstract: A washer door or lid as defined by a tempered glass panel bordered by an open frame-like encapsulation of one-piece injection molded polymeric/copolymeric synthetic plastic material. The latter material is preferably acrylonitrile/styrene/acrylate polymer blended with mica glass beads at a ratio of substantially 70%–30% to 90%–10% by weight, but preferably 80%–20% by weight. Further specifics of the washer lid include a relatively thick inner periphery of the encapsulation which securely grips and reinforces an outer peripheral edge of the tempered glass panel, a rigid outer peripheral skirt, an indiscrete handle, a reinforced hand corder for a switch actuator and opposite rear corners carrying hinges for securing the washer lid to an associated washer opening.

Abstract: A bathroom compartment in a bathroom includes at least one partition having a core with one or more core layers, the core layers being made from wood or cellulose fibers which are surrounded and bound by a hot-curing resin. The core includes pigment to provide a solid-core color. The outer surface of the core may be provided without a surface covering or may be covered with a clear sheet of material or a sheet of material having the same color as the solid core color.

Abstract: A tall building (100) includes a plurality of ray structures (104, 106) extending outward from a central, generally conical hollow reinforced-concrete core (102). In three of the rays (104), a frame (118) extends diagonally downward and outward from the core. If a building floor located above the barrier falls onto the floors extending outward from the barrier, the latter floors will fail in such a manner as to cover the barrier frame and shed all floors that fall onto the resultant barrier from above it. A chain-reaction failure caused by failed floors falling on successively lower floors is thereby interrupted, and floors below the barrier are protected from damage by floors that have fallen from above the barrier.

Abstract: A swivel joint apparatus for supplying utilities to a rotating building rotatable about a central axis has an inner, fixed spindle for securing to a fixed base of the building to extend co-axially with a central axis of rotation of the building, and an outer casing rotatably mounted on the spindle for securing to the rotatable part of the building. The spindle has a series of spaced annular flanges defining a series of annular chambers and at least one ring seal mounted on the peripheral edge of each flange for rotatable sealing engagement with the outer casing so that the casing forms an outer wall of each of the annular chambers. A lower end wall of the spindle has a plurality of ports for connection to fixed utility lines in the base for fluid supply to and from the building, each port connected through the spindle to a respective annular chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates towards an erection lift anchor with welding plate assembly for embedment in a concrete member, such as a precast or tilt-up wall. The erection anchor of the present invention allows for concrete members, such as walls, to be positioned by the use of standard lifting equipment (cranes with cable attachments, etc.) by connecting lifting attachments to the erection lift anchor which is embedded in a concrete member. The present invention also allows for concrete members to be connected together via the erection lift anchor whereby the welding plate of one erection lift anchor embedded in a first concrete member is welded to the welding plate of another erection lift member embedded in a second concrete member.

Abstract: A child's handrail assembly is mounted beneath another handrail and comprises three 6? dual pull-lock extension rods; a plurality of durable lightweight 1? diameter rods, which can be adjusted to fit any size handrail and connected together by an interlocking coupling. Each dual pull-lock extension rod includes an upper strap that is wrapped around the existing handrail and a lower strap that is wrapped around the lower rods to suspend the lower rods beneath the existing handrail and form a child's handrail.

Abstract: An improved interior wall construction that provides both sound attenuating and fire resistant properties. The improved wall construction eliminates the need for conventional vertical studs by including at least one rigid interior structural panel comprised of compressed straw. A compressed straw panel is situated in a substantially layered configuration with conventional non-woven insulation, at least one air space and a gypsum board sheet on each face. Connection between the compressed straw panel and at least one gypsum board sheet is comprised semi-flexible substantially Z-shaped resilient channel members. The Z-shaped channel members and compressed straw panel each being capable of partially attenuating sound energy passed therethrough.

Abstract: A building component having first and second high density foam panels and improved bridging members for connecting the panels that extend between and may be molded into the panels. The bridging members include a pair of elongated end plates oriented in a top to bottom direction of the panels, a pair of substantially identical web members joining the end plates and being substantially symmetrically disposed above and below a central horizontal axis of the bridging member, and a pair of strip members oriented in the top to bottom direction of the panels intersecting the web members. The web members have a unique configuration that maximizes load bearing capacity with a minimum amount of material. The strip members may abut against and be substantially flush with respective inner surfaces of the foam panels to assist in positioning and forming the panels during molding. Seating areas for positioning horizontally and/or vertically disposed rebar in predetermined positions are also provided.

Abstract: In a device for closing side ends of packages enclosing only one roll or one row of rolls in an automatic packaging machine, operating apparatus are connected to the machine packaging line. A package, partially wrapped by a sheet, is fed to the packaging line in a forward direction, so that only the outer cylindrical surface of the package is touched by the operating apparatus. The operating apparatus translate and rotate the package about an axis, in the forward direction, so that edges of the sheet wrapping the package, during transferring along said packaging line, hit edges of stationary folding apparatus situated beside the packaging line, and become twisted.

Abstract: A crimper and method for crimping roll wrap overhang are provided. The crimper comprises a rotatable support for mounting to a drive shaft, a folding member on the support for engaging and bending flexible material (such as paper roll wrap) to generate a fold upon rotation of the support about a support axis, and a crease roller on the support in direction of rotation behind the folding member for creasing the fold upon rotation of the support. The crimper and crimping method are particularly suitable for crimping roll wrap overhangs of over 6 inches. The present invention also provides a crimping assembly comprising the crimper described herein.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) is disclosed including a web of film (20) extending between first and second pairs of pinch rollers (12–15) and onto a vacuum table (18). A rotary cutter (46) positioned before the first pair of pinch rollers (12, 13) includes laterally extending and spaced knives (52) for creating cuts (54, 58) in the film (20) which expand into vent openings (54?) positioned over the sides (68) of the product (72) when the film (20) is wrapped around and shrunk upon the product (72). A further rotary cutter (30) positioned between the pairs of pinch rollers (12–15) includes a cut-off knife (36) and first and second blades (44). The cut-off knife (36) creates a cut (60) in the film (20) to form a single sheet of film (20) and includes notches (38) in its cutting edge to form tie strips (62) connecting the single sheet to the web of film (20).

Abstract: A system for automatically packaging photosensitive rolls includes a flanged member installing device for selecting flanged members corresponding to a photosensitive roll and automatically installing the flanged members respectively on opposite ends of the photosensitive roll, a tape member applying device for automatically applying a joint tape to an end of the photosensitive roll, a packaging sheet working device for automatically processing light-shielding leaders to dimensions corresponding to the photosensitive roll, an applying mechanism for automatically applying the processed light-shielding leaders to the photosensitive roll, and a packaging sheet takeup device for automatically winding the light-shielding leaders around the photosensitive roll.

Abstract: A vertical stand-up pouch or flexible package having an integrated reclose strip, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The modified machine includes a crease-forming mechanism and an apparatus for applying a reclose strip to the sheet of material. The apparatus for applying a reclose strip is incorporated into the mechanism which supplies the continuous sheet of packaging material to the vertical form, fill, and seal machine. The invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch having an integrated reclose strip from a single sheet of packaging film by creating a vertical crease along one edge of a packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. Said vertical crease is formed using a stationary tucker bar positioned outside the packaging film tube and between two forming plates positioned inside the packaging film tube.

Abstract: A linear fitment applicator for applying fitments to a series of containers being conveyed along a form, fill, and seal packaging machine includes an anvil, a fitment dispenser, a sealer, at least one drive source for moving the anvil, and a wedge. The containers are conveyed along the machine have at least one open end and at least one pre-incised hole for receiving a fitment. The anvil features a fitment engaging element and moves both vertically and horizontally. The wedge locks the anvil into position while the sealer fastens the fitments to the containers. A method for applying the fitments to the containers also is disclosed.

Abstract: A stopper change device (10) includes an airtight chamber body (21) detachably mountable on a head of a bottle, a gas supply port (19) for supplying N gas to the chamber body, an air vent valve (57) for discharging air from the chamber body, a first supporting structure (28) movable upward and downward for supporting a corkscrew, and a second supporting structure (34) movable upward and downward for containing a substitute stopper. The first and second supporting structures are mutually position changeable, and one of them is selectively placed above an opening of the bottle. When the first supporting structure (28) is placed above the opening, a bottle stopper can be pulled in N gas atmosphere. On the other hand, when the second supporting structure (34) is placed above the opening, the substitute stopper is mountable on the head of the bottle in N gas atmosphere.

Abstract: The wrapping of groups of products positioned according to a determined number of mutually superposed layers is achieved by feeding in succession groups of products firstly into a tubular case made to heat-sealable material and, then, to a first wrapping device when the number of layers is equal to one and to a second wrapping device when the number of layers is at least equal to two; the two wrapping devices being able to wrap each group inside a related wrapping sheet, which is folded substantially in contact with the related group, and which is stabilized by means of sealing operations.

Abstract: A saddle pad apparatus constructed from a first non-slip top layer which is stitched or welded to a second non-slip bottom layer with a stiffening layer contained between the top and bottom layers. Each layer is constructed from a poly vinyl chloride impregnated scrim. Each scrim is constructed with ventilation openings to allow for proper ventilation between the load being carried and the animal. The scrims are manufactured by applying a poly vinyl chloride material onto a fiber network with fibers areas and open areas to create a scrim with appropriate stiffness, softness, and ventilation while maintaining other appropriate characteristics.

Abstract: A hoof boot for the hoof of hoofed animals, the hoof boot comprising a ground engaging sole portion, a hoof bell and a means for retaining the hoof boot to the hoof, the hoof bell generally encircling the hoof, the means for retaining associated with the hoof bell wherein the hoof bell is initially separate from the sole portion, the means for retaining is carried by the sole portion and wherein the hoof bell is affixed to the sole portion by the means for retaining and the hoof bell and the sole portion are made fast to the hoof by the means for retaining.

Abstract: An attachment for releasably coupling a conduit or duct on a mower to the grass bagger inlet of a grass bagger. The duct has a front end connected to a cutting deck carried on the mower and a rear end connected to the grass bagger inlet. The duct is flexible and includes a spiral rib on an outer diameter of the duct. The grass bagger inlet includes inwardly protruding tabs on an inner diameter of the grass bagger inlet. When the rear end of the duct is pushed into the grass bagger inlet, the tabs on the grass bagger inlet engage the spiral rib on the duct in a ratchet type engagement to releasably hold the duct in the grass bagger inlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mechanically thinning crops, particularly those planted in rows. One or more crop thinning units are connected to the back of a tractor or other vehicle. Each of the units has the ability to sense plants and activate an arm which has a blade disposed thereon. An electronic control system enables data from several sensors to be evaluated such that plants may be selectively removed based on pre-established criteria. Sensors differentiate between weeds and plants, and maintain the cutting units above the crop rows.

Abstract: A fruit trailer is for a fruit harvesting system including a fruit collector including a vehicle and at least one collector conveyor carried thereby for collecting fruit shaken from a tree, and a fruit removal vehicle intermittently brought to the fruit trailer for receiving fruit therefrom. The fruit trailer may be towed by the fruit collector for receiving and temporarily holding fruit therefrom. The fruit trailer may include a fruit container for receiving fruit from the fruit collector, and a trailer conveyor within the fruit container for conveying fruit therefrom to the fruit removal vehicle. The fruit container may be translatable between a first position adjacent the fruit collector and a second position spaced from the fruit collector. The fruit container may be pivotable when in the second position to an inclined orientation so that fruit is gravitationally fed onto the at least one trailer conveyor.

Abstract: A synthetic rope for an elevator having improved resistance to compression and abrasion is provided and comprises a plurality of strands forming layers of the rope, each strand formed from a plurality of pre-twisted strands made from high modulus synthetic filaments. One or more of the strands or layers of strands may be impregnated with a lubricant, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, to reduce the abrasion among the strands and substrands, and increase the service life of the rope. The exterior of the rope may be covered by a jacket that provides for traction with the drive sheave. An elevator system comprising the claimed rope is also provided.

Abstract: 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.