With Sequential Links Pivoted About Discrete Pivot Pin Patents (Class 474/156)
  • Patent number: 7108622
    Abstract: A roller chain transmission comprises a sprocket having at least first teeth and second teeth having different tooth forms, the first teeth and second teeth being randomly arranged, and the number of the second teeth not exceeding four times of the number of the first teeth. The roller chain may also have pins of slightly differing diameters, randomly arranged along the length of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Isamu Okabe
  • Patent number: 7074147
    Abstract: A sprocket includes a hub and a plurality of teeth projecting radially outwardly from the hub. At least one cushion ring is located adjacent the teeth, and the cushion ring defines a plurality of compression pads separated from each other by transverse grooves. Each of the compression pads is defined symmetrically about a circumferential mid-point. When part of a sprocket with symmetric tooth spaces, the cushion ring is being operable identically in first and second opposite rotational directions. In one arrangement, the compression pads each include a planar outer surface having a leading and a trailing end, wherein the leading end and trailing end are located a common radial distance from a center of the hub about which the sprocket rotates. The tooth spaces of the sprocket can be symmetric, asymmetric and the root surface can be relieved. The sprocket can include multiple tooth profiles distributed randomly about the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Cloyes Gear and Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Young
  • Patent number: 6958026
    Abstract: An improved tooth profile for a roller chain sprocket enables noise reduction from impact and polygonal action during the meshing process. The profile of the engaging flank consists of three portions which are the seating, impact and distal portions all three of which are arcs with well-defined radii and arc centers. The profile of the disengaging flank is determined in accordance to a modified form of the JIS standard in which the sprocket pitch is smaller than the roller chain pitch. The impact point is located at the tangent point, thus permitting a gradual change of the roller velocity, thereby lessening the impact level and the effects of polygonal action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignees: Institute of High Performance Computing, Sunstar Logistic Singapore Pte Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu Yong Wang, Gui Rong Liu, Chun Lu, Kwang Peng Quek, Yoshihisa Noguchi
  • Patent number: 6910980
    Abstract: A method for installing a cushion ring on a sprocket body to construct a sprocket assembly includes applying a deforming force to a cushion ring so that an opening therein is deformed to a shape that accommodate passage of a non-circular flange of a sprocket body therethrough. When the cushion ring is deformed, the non-circular flange of the sprocket body is inserted through the opening of the cushion ring. The deforming force is then released from the cushion ring so that the cushion ring is trapped between the flange and another portion of the sprocket body. The sprocket assembly includes at least one and typically two cushion rings trapped by respective non-circular flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Cloyes Gear and Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20040220004
    Abstract: The invention concerns a linear actuator capable of transmitting tractive forces as well as thrust forces and operating then as a rigid single-piece rod. The invention is characterised in that it comprises two identical actuating belts (1, 1′) with notches on each of their sides (10, 10′; 11, 11′) and provided on one first side (10, 10′) with uniformly spaced blocks (2, 2′) which mesh with drive members (3) such that the two actuating belts (1, 1′) are independent upstream of the drive members (3), whereas downstream of said members, they are integrally assembled so as to define a section extending along a straight line wherein the linear actuator operates like a single-piece rigid rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Joel Bourc'His
  • Publication number: 20040209721
    Abstract: This invention comprises a sprocket gear for facilitating the derailing of the chain of a bicycle transmission and other prime movers. The sprocket gear having at least two sprockets axially and concentrically positioned relative to one another. Each sprocket includes a non-circular configuration having at least one long radius and at least one short radius. The sprockets being axially aligned adjacent to one another such that the short radius of one sprocket is axially substantially aligned with and substantially equal in length with said long radius of an adjacent sprocket. The sprockets include a perimeter, a front face, and a back face. Gear teeth project axially from at least a first perimeter segment of said front face and wherein at least a second perimeter segment of said front face is free of gear teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Jesse R. Chattin
  • Publication number: 20040204274
    Abstract: A sprocket assembly includes a sprocket body comprising: (i) first and second hubs that project axially outward from opposite first and second axial faces; and, (ii) a plurality of teeth that extend circumferentially in a row and that project radially outward between the first and second hubs. Each of the teeth includes a drive flank and a coast flank. The drive flank and coast flank of at least some of the teeth are shaped differently from each other so as to define an asymmetric tooth profile. First and second metal cushion rings are captured and float eccentrically on the first and second hubs, respectively. The teeth are identical or multiple asymmetric tooth profiles are used on a single sprocket body and arranged in a regular or irregular pattern. The root surface between successive teeth can be relieved so that a space is defined between the root surface and a roller that bridges the root.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: James D. Young
  • Publication number: 20040185977
    Abstract: A sprocket and a roller chain drive system including same are disclosed. The sprocket is a random engagement sprocket comprising a first plurality of A-profile teeth formed with a first asymmetric profile and a second plurality of B-profile teeth formed with a second asymmetric profile. The A-profile teeth each define a first pressure angle and the B-profile teeth each define a second pressure angle that is at least 5 degrees greater than said first pressure angle so that a minimum separation &Dgr; is defined. The sprocket is defined with added chordal pitch reduction of 0.2% up to 1% relative to the link pitch of the associated roller chain. The sprocket can be defined with root relief and/or can comprise resilient cushion rings. Initial roller contacts made with the A-profile and B-profile teeth are modulated owing to the pressure angle separation and added chordal pitch reduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: Cloyes Gear and Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Young, Kurt M. Marshek
  • Publication number: 20040138019
    Abstract: A detachable freewheel turner for a bicycle mainly comprises a wrench formed with two through holes and a chain including a plurality of connectors, and at a end of the first connector formed with a hole, a junction plate connected to the two connectors which are adjacent to the hole, a pivot hole formed in the junction plate, the hole and pivot hole in the chain corresponding respectively to the through holes of the wrench. Two pins detachably extend through the through holes in the wrench and the hole and pivot hole in the chain, so as to secure the chain to the wrench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Mao-Shu Liu
  • Patent number: 6761657
    Abstract: A sprocket is defined to include added chordal pitch reduction when in a new or “as-manufactured” condition. The sprocket chordal pitch Ps′ is purposefully reduced as compared to the as-built chain pitch Pc (or a theoretical maximum sprocket chordal pitch) a select amount referred to herein as “added chordal pitch reduction.” This added chordal pitch reduction is in addition to the inherent chordal pitch reduction that exists owing to manufacturing tolerances. A sprocket incorporating added chordal pitch reduction is highly desired in that it facilitates extension of the meshing time interval for an associated chain roller. The sprocket is formed to have a chordal pitch that is reduced relative to a maximum theoretical sprocket chordal pitch (or the chain link pitch) by an amount between about 0.2% and about 1% of the maximum theoretical sprocket chordal pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Cloyes Gear and Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Young
  • Publication number: 20040002402
    Abstract: In a sprocket for use with a roller chain, a wear limit marker, having a different color from that of the base material of the sprocket, is provided on side surface of a sprocket tooth adjacent to a keyway. The wear limit marker is disposed on an imaginary line extending in the direction of the pressure angle, and is located in a hole or groove provided in a side surface of the sprocket tooth. The marker makes it possible to determine easily and reliably whether or not wear at the location at which wear of a sprocket tooth proceeds most rapidly is within a predetermined limit, and the location of the marker makes it possible to evaluate wear conditions even when the sprocket is installed in a machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Kenichiro Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20030228950
    Abstract: A sprocket for an inverted tooth chain includes at least one and typically first and second resilient cushion rings for adapted to be engaged by the guide links of an associated inverted tooth chain. The sprocket is usable with conventional inverted tooth chains and/or with a new inverted tooth chain that includes guide links for each row of the chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: James D. Young
  • Patent number: 6656072
    Abstract: Projections colliding with constricted portions at the center of hourglass-shaped pin link plates and with constricted portions at the center of hourglass-shaped roller link plates are provided at an annular resilient body. When a roller chain starts to mesh with a sprocket, constricted portions at the centers of hourglass-shaped link plates of the roller chain can be pushed radially outwards from the sprocket by the projections of the resilient body, vibrations occurring at the roller chain meshing with the sprocket can be made small, vibrations at each part of the roller chain can be made small, collision speed when rollers of the roller chain collide with teeth bottoms of the sprockets can be reduced, and the generation of noise can be suppressed. Moreover, because hourglass-shaped link plates are used, the roller chain can be made lighter than when flat oval shaped or oval shaped link plates are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruomi Sugita, Masahiko Sekita
  • Patent number: 6652402
    Abstract: A chain drive comprises a chain having a plurality of articulating chain links and a toothed sprocket. The sprocket and the chain links have bearing surfaces that contact one another during meshing of the chain. The surfaces are disposed along the length of the chain between the apertures and to one side of a sprocket tooth. One of the bearing surfaces is arcuate so that during meshing of said chain link the bearing surfaces are brought into contact such that the instantaneous centre of rotation of the meshing chain link passes from the first pivot pin of a link to the point of contact of the bearing surfaces before passing to the second pivot pin of the link. This reduces the noise generated by collision of the chain links and the sprocket teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Renold, PLC
    Inventors: Christian Poiret, Alexandre Charton
  • Publication number: 20030186766
    Abstract: An improved tooth profile for a roller chain sprocket enables noise reduction from impact and polygonal action during the meshing process. The profile of the engaging flank consists of three portions which are the seating, impact and distal portions all three of which are arcs with well-defined radii and arc centres. The profile of the disengaging flank is determined in accordance to a modified form of the JIS standard in which the sprocket pitch is smaller than the roller chain pitch. The impact point is located at the tangent point, thus permitting a gradual change of the roller velocity, thereby lessening the impact level and the effects of polygonal action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Yu Yong Wang, Gui Rong Liu, Chun Lu, Kwang Peng Quek, Yoshihisa Noguchi
  • Publication number: 20030176251
    Abstract: A method for installing a cushion ring on a sprocket body to construct a sprocket assembly includes applying a deforming force to a cushion ring so that an opening therein is deformed to a shape that accommodate passage of a non-circular flange of a sprocket body therethrough. When the cushion ring is deformed, the non-circular flange of the sprocket body is inserted through the opening of the cushion ring. The deforming force is then released from the cushion ring so that the cushion ring is trapped between the flange and another portion of the sprocket body. The sprocket assembly includes at least one and typically two cushion rings trapped by respective non-circular flanges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: Cloyes Gear and Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20030119614
    Abstract: A silent chain transmission mechanism includes a sprocket and a silent chain having link interleaved link rows each composed of plural randomly selected link plates and connected together by connecting pins. The outside dimensions of the link plate are smaller than the outside dimensions of a link, but the outside dimensions of the link match the design reference dimensions of a link plate capable of proper meshing with the sprocket. The requirement for manufacturing accuracy and the effort required for assembly of the silent chain are reduced. However, the silent chain travels on the sprocket on the chain traveling line so that improved noise, vibration and friction properties, and traveling stability are realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Toyonaga Saitoh
  • Patent number: 6575861
    Abstract: A sprocket for engaging a power transmission chain and for limiting motion of the chain along the radial direction of the sprocket is disclosed. The sprocket supports the chain at the sprocket teeth to limit chain motion in the radial direction of the sprocket at the sprocket teeth. The support limits chain motion in the radial direction including motion induced by chordal fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventors: George L. Markley, Mark MacDonald Wigsten
  • Publication number: 20030087714
    Abstract: A sprocket is provided having a plurality of teeth around its circumference. Adjacent teeth are separated by roots each having a root radius defined as the distance between the center of the sprocket and a point along the root closest to the sprocket center in a radial direction. In one aspect of the invention, the sprocket comprises at least two different root radii arranged in a pattern effective to redistribute tensions imparted to a chain by the sprocket at one or more predetermined sprocket orders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin B. Todd
  • Patent number: 6533107
    Abstract: A silent chain power transmitting apparatus includes a silent chain and two or more sprockets with different number of teeth, wherein the sprockets each have a tooth form formed by hobbing with a hob cutter having teeth profiled similarly with the profile of a series of trapezoidal teeth formed by the inside flanks of longitudinally overlapping link plates of the silent chain so as to cut the periphery of a cylindrical workpiece with an amount of addendum modification set in such a manner that an engagement height of the inside flank at the onset of the meshing engagement between the silent chain and the sprocket is in equal to the distance between the sprocket center and the connecting pin centers when the silent chain is wrapped around and seated on the sprocket. The outside flanks of the silent chain have a first portion profiled by an envelope that is tangent to every one of a group of tooth forms of the sprockets when the silent chain is wrapped around the sprockets with different numbers of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Kenshi Suzuki, Masatoshi Sonoda, Hiroshi Horie
  • Patent number: 6500084
    Abstract: The chain and sprocket design of the present invention is applicable to sprockets (9) which have an even number of teeth and chains which use inward-pointing teeth and parallel links (2) and outer guides (8). The sprocket is designed such that alternate teeth (6) of the sprocket are of increased width such that when the sprocket is properly oriented they extend outward between outer guide links, which are shaped to allow the teeth to enter the inter-guide gap. If the chain attempts to jump a tooth, such that the sprocket is oriented with the wider teeth aligned with the outer guide links, the wider teeth will contact the guide links and prevent the chain from seating in the sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark MacDonald Wigsten
  • Publication number: 20020193194
    Abstract: A timing drive sprocket for a direct injection engine having excellent wear resistance, durability and quiet operation is produced by suppressing wear acceleration at the sprocket tooth surfaces resulting from deterioration of the engine oil, even in a direct injection engine of the kind in which the lubricating oil is likely to deteriorate rapidly. In the timing drive sprocket, a surface hardened layer is formed on at least a tooth surface of the sprocket by a carbonitriding and tempering treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Isamu Okabe
  • Publication number: 20020183150
    Abstract: A chain drive comprises a chain having a plurality of articulating chain links and a toothed sprocket. The sprocket and the chain links have bearing surfaces that contact one another during meshing of the chain. The surfaces are disposed along the length of the chain between the apertures and to one side of a sprocket tooth. One of the bearing surfaces is arcuate so that during meshing of said chain link the bearing surfaces are brought into contact such that the instantaneous centre of rotation of the meshing chain link passes from the first pivot pin of a link to the point of contact of the bearing surfaces before passing to the second pivot pin of the link. This reduces the noise generated by collision of the chain links and the sprocket teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Christian Poiret
  • Patent number: 6485115
    Abstract: The cartridge assembly being lubricated and includes a bushing rotatably mounted on a pin with a passageway to receive lubrication oil in the pin. The end portion of the pin includes first and second collars having a groove to receive a sealing arrangement. The collars are press fitted onto the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Kevin M. Egle
  • Publication number: 20020169044
    Abstract: A sprocket includes a hub and a plurality of teeth projecting radially outwardly from the hub. At least one cushion ring is located adjacent the teeth, and the cushion ring defines a plurality of compression pads separated from each other by transverse grooves. Each of the compression pads is defined symmetrically about a circumferential mid-point. When part of a sprocket with symmetric tooth spaces, the cushion ring is being operable identically in first and second opposite rotational directions. In one arrangement, the compression pads each include a planar outer surface having a leading and a trailing end, wherein the leading end and trailing end are located a common radial distance from a center of the hub about which the sprocket rotates. The tooth spaces of the sprocket can be symmetric, asymmetric and the root surface can be relieved. The sprocket can include multiple tooth profiles distributed randomly about the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Cloyes Gear and Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Young
  • Publication number: 20020132689
    Abstract: A sprocket is defined to include added chordal pitch reduction when in a new or “as-manufactured” condition. The sprocket chordal pitch Ps′ is purposefully reduced as compared to the as-built chain pitch Pc (or a theoretical maximum sprocket chordal pitch) a select amount referred to herein as “added chordal pitch reduction.” This added chordal pitch reduction is in addition to the inherent chordal pitch reduction that exists owing to manufacturing tolerances. A sprocket incorporating added chordal pitch reduction is highly desired in that it facilitates extension of the meshing time interval for an associated chain roller. The sprocket is formed to have a chordal pitch that is reduced relative to a maximum theoretical sprocket chordal pitch (or the chain link pitch) by an amount between about 0.2% and about 1% of the maximum theoretical sprocket chordal pitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: James D. Young
  • Publication number: 20020128101
    Abstract: A chain sprocket has the flank shapes of successive teeth along the circumference differing from one another. The flank profiles vary according to a precise or randomly determined rule (randomisation). It allows the noise level of the chain to be reduced without affecting the load on said chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: Morse TEC Europe SpA
    Inventor: Giuseppe Baddaria
  • Patent number: 6443795
    Abstract: A transmission chain includes a plurality of unitary chain links, each of which has parallel first and second side plates, first and second connecting pins, first and second pivot pins, and first and second pivot seats. The first and second pivot pins of one of the chain links are connected pivotally, removably and respectively to the first and second pivot seats of an adjacent one of the chain links, so as to enable the transmission chain to possess the characteristics of an adjustable chain length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Wen-Pin Lin
  • Publication number: 20020098930
    Abstract: A system for the transmission of motion to a winch for sailboats, in particular for racing and/or cruising sailboats, comprises first belt transmission means housed inside a pedestal and second belt transmission means between the pedestal and a winch. The transmission system comprises in particular a drive pulley housed in the pedestal, a driven pulley intended to be coaxially mounted onto the primary rotational shaft of the winch, a single belt between the drive pulley and the driven pulley and a pair of motion deviation pulleys between the drive pulley and the driven pulley. The transmission system thus provide for the use of a single belt and a plurality of pulleys; this allows to remarkably reduce the manufacturing costs of the system and simplify its assembly operations onto the boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: Harken-Italy
    Inventors: Andrea Merello, Alberto Lozza, Luciano Bonassi
  • Patent number: 6375589
    Abstract: An improved chain drive mechanism having a closed loop of roller chain passing round the opposite sprocket wheels. The profile of each tooth formed on the circumference of the sprocket wheel is in conformity with the envelope curve traced by a roller when the roller moves with its center following an involute-trochoid curve. The involute-trochoid curve is determined by offsetting the roller pitch line a certain distance apart outside the contact pitch line, and by rotating the contact pitch line on the base circle of the sprocket wheel to allow a point on the roller pitch line to trace a curve. The certain distance is so determined that the roller pitch may be equal to the incremental arc length, which is determined by dividing the circumference of the base circle by the number of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Sankyo Oilless Industry
    Inventors: Hiroshi Makino, Hidetsugu Terada
  • Patent number: 6371874
    Abstract: A sprocket has a central through-hole for attachment of the sprocket to a rotating shaft, a boss coaxial with the through-hole, and teeth on the periphery of the sprocket. The boss has a cylindrical outer surface coaxial with the through-hole and having stepped small-diameter portions formed at opposite ends of the boas. A cushion body is in the form of a disk having an eccentric through-hole and includes an annular bearing having a cylindrical inner surface defining the through-hole, and a cushion member press-fitted over a cylindrical outer surface of the bearing. The bearing is slidably mounted on the cylindrical outer surface of the boss on each side of the teeth, and a ring-like flange is press-fitted over each stepped portion of the boss so as to prevent the cushion body from moving in the axial direction of the sprocket while allowing sliding movement of the cushion body relative to the boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Kozo Inoue
  • Patent number: 6371875
    Abstract: A roller chain sprocket includes a number of sprocket teeth each having an engaging flank and a disengaging flank. An engaging flank of a first tooth of the sprocket cooperates with a disengaging flank of a second tooth to define a tooth space having a root surface extending between the engaging flank and the disengaging flank. The root surface has a first root surface portion defined by a first radius extending from an arc center of the first root surface portion. A cushion ring is mounted to a first face of the sprocket and has a number of alternating compression pads and grooves. A first groove has a first groove portion defined by a second radius extending from an arc center of the first groove portion. The arc center of the first groove portion being positioned at least proximate a radial line extending between a center of the sprocket and the arc center of the first root surface portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Cloyes Gear & Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Young
  • Patent number: 6325734
    Abstract: A random engagement roller chain sprocket for use primarily in automotive engine chain drive applications which incorporates different asymmetrical tooth profiles for improved noise reduction. In particular, the sprocket includes a first plurality of sprocket teeth each having a first tooth profile including a first engaging flank, a first engaging root, and a first flat positioned between the first engaging flank and first engaging root wherein a first roller initially contacts the first flat at the onset of the first roller meshing with the sprocket. The sprocket also includes a second plurality of sprocket teeth each having a second tooth profile different from the first tooth profile and including a second engaging flank, a second engaging root, and a second flat tangent to the second engaging root remote from the second engaging flank wherein a second roller initially contacts the second flat at the onset of meshing between the second roller and the sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Cloyes Gear and Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Young
  • Patent number: 6322472
    Abstract: A positioning device comprising a first flexible member and a second flexible member which can be engaged to form a rigid member, wherein said first flexible member comprises a chain provided with a plurality of compression members, and said second flexible member comprises a locking chain which, when said first flexible member and said second flexible member are brought together inhibits separation of said compression members, characterized in that said compression members are planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Joerg-Erich Schulze-Beckinghausen
  • Patent number: 6322473
    Abstract: A drive mechanism includes a drive shaft and a sprocket drive assembly. The sprocket drive assembly includes a hub mechanically coupled to the drive shaft, a first side support secured to the hub, a second side support secured to the hub, and a plurality of engagement members each interposed between the first side support and the second side support. Each of the plurality of engagement members is rotatably secured to each of the first side support and the second side support. The drive mechanism further includes a track assembly which has a plurality of shoes which are secured to one another to form a track, and a plurality of drive lugs which are mounted to the plurality of shoes. Each of the plurality of drive lugs has a first grasping notch and a second grasping notch defined therein. The plurality of drive lugs includes a first drive lug and a second drive lug which are adjacent to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: J. Scott Burdick, Delbert D. Dester, Kevin M. Egle, Thomas E. Oertley
  • Patent number: 6277045
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, a shaft driving apparatus and timing assembly in the form of a camshaft sprocket having first and second ends extending perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The first end for defining an annular timing surface positioned adjacent an angular position sensor and including a first arcuate surface region extending outwardly in the axial direction from the sprocket's first end and a second surface arcuate region recessed in the axial direction with respect to the first arcuate surface region. As the camshaft rotates, the closeness of the position sensor to the first arcuate surface region and the relative greater distance of the sensor to the second arcuate surface region produces different effects so that the sensor can detect the camshaft's angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Nicole M. Waters Scheuer, Mahlon C. Smith, IV, Valentin I. Kavnatsky, Robert B. Deady, Steven S. Filipovski, Reinhard Koch, Barry Kline
  • Patent number: 6244983
    Abstract: A silent chain and sprocket combination includes a silent chain having a plurality of interleaved links, each link having a pair of teeth, with each tooth having an inner flank and an outer flank. The links of the chain engage the sprocket teeth on their inside flanks during initial engagement and full engagement. The sprocket tooth has a flank shape with a first part that matches the lower portion of the shape of the inside flank of the link tooth and a sprocket tooth flank shape with a second part that matches the upper part of the link tooth shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive K.K.
    Inventor: Akio Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20010000781
    Abstract: A short pitch tooth chain that reduces the level of impact noise generated during operation is disclosed. A chain system includes a first sprocket having a plurality of sprocket teeth spaced apart by a first distance, a second sprocket also having a plurality of sprocket teeth spaced apart by the first distance, and a short pitch tooth chain wrapped around the first and second sprockets. The short pitch tooth chain includes a first link having a first aperture spaced from a second aperture by a second distance, a second link having a first toe spaced from a second toe by the first distance, the second link having a third aperture and being connected to the first link by a first pin extending through the first and third apertures, and a third link having a third toe spaced from a fourth toe by the first distance, the third link having a fourth aperture and being connected to the first link by a second pin extending through the second and fourth apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: May 3, 2001
    Inventor: Reinhold Friedrich Reber
  • Patent number: 6220970
    Abstract: A vibration absorption assembly 12 and method for making the same having a base portion 30 which is movably connected to an intermediate portion 32 and to a top portion or cover 32. Assembly 12 contains several apertures or cavities 26 which operatively contain a pair of balls or spherical members 28 which absorb or dampen the vibrations emanating from a rotating member, such as a diesel fuel injection pump 14. Oil 27 is communicated into apertures 26 and is effective to lubricate the moving members 28. Further, portion or member 32 is selectively movable to allow access to several of the cavities or apertures 26 in order to allow fuel injection pump 12 to be removed from the engine 10 by use of fasteners 80, 82, and 84.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Tech., Inc
    Inventors: Alvin Henry Berger, Craig Edward Burch
  • Patent number: 6213905
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a roller chain and sprocket drive which has at least two sprockets with varied radial seating positions. The relative orientation of the sprockets are adjusted to provide favorable dynamics to the drive. This can include the minimization of the strand variation and providing the maximum strand variation for each chain strand to be phased differently than other strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: David C. White, Harold J. Fraboni
  • Publication number: 20010000171
    Abstract: A roller chain sprocket includes a number of sprocket teeth each having an engaging flank and a disengaging flank. An engaging flank of a first tooth of the cooperates with a disengaging flank of a second tooth to define a tooth space having a root surface extending between the engaging flank and the disengaging flank. The root surface has a first root surface portion defined by a first radius extending from an arc center of the first root surface portion. A cushion ring is mounted to a first face of the sprocket and has a number of alternating compression pads and grooves. A first groove has a first groove portion defined by a second radius extending from an arc center of the first groove portion. The arc center of the first groove portion being positioned at least proximate a radial line extending between a center of the sprocket and the arc center of the first root surface portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: April 5, 2001
    Inventor: James D. Young
  • Patent number: 6203462
    Abstract: A sprocket 1 includes a wavy region 2. The wavy region is formed at least at the outer periphery of the sprocket and extends in an undulating fashion along the circumference of the sprocket. The wavy region has a plurality of convex joint portions 3. A plurality of teeth 5 are formed at the outer end of the convex joint portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignees: Sunstar Giken Kabushiki Kaisha, Uni-Sunstar B.V.
    Inventor: Norihiko Takamori
  • Patent number: 6179741
    Abstract: A roller chain sprocket includes a number of sprocket teeth each having an engaging flank and a disengaging flank. An engaging flank of a first tooth of the sprocket cooperates with a disengaging flank of a second tooth to define a tooth space having a root surface extending between the engaging flank and the disengaging flank. The root surface has a first root surface portion defined by a first radius extending from an arc center of the first root surface portion. A cushion ring is mounted to a first face of the sprocket and has a number of alternating compression pads and grooves. A first groove has a first groove portion defined by a second radius extending from an arc center of the first groove portion. The arc center of the first groove portion being positioned at least proximate a radial line extending between a center of the sprocket and the arc center of the first root surface portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Cloyes Gear and Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Young
  • Patent number: 6161445
    Abstract: A guide sprocket assembly for use in combination with a non-driven, rotating tail shaft. The guide sprocket assembly includes a lock plate assembly securely fixed to the tail shaft for rotation along with the tail shaft. The lock plate assembly includes an annular sprocket groove that receives an annular guide sprocket having a plurality of projecting teeth spaced along its outer circumference. The guide sprocket is retained within the annular sprocket groove by a sprocket retainer. The combination of the guide sprocket and sprocket retainer are freely rotatable within the annular sprocket groove relative to the lock plate assembly. The teeth of the guide sprocket engage a drive chain, and the guide sprocket can rotate either in the direction of rotation of the tail shaft or in an opposite direction to properly align the individual links of the drive chain with the teeth formed on the guide sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Svedala Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Worringer
  • Patent number: 6155943
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Ledvina, John A. Hummel
  • Patent number: 6120405
    Abstract: A drive mechanism includes a drive shaft and a sprocket drive assembly. The sprocket drive assembly includes a hub mechanically coupled to the drive shaft, a first side support secured to the hub, a second side support secured to the hub, and a plurality of engagement members each interposed between the first side support and the second side support. Each of the plurality of engagement members is rotatably secured to each of the first side support and the second side support. The drive mechanism further includes a track assembly which has a plurality of shoes which are secured to one another to form a track, and a plurality of drive lugs which are mounted to the plurality of shoes. Each of the plurality of drive lugs has a first grasping notch and a second grasping notch defined therein. The plurality of drive lugs includes a first drive lug and a second drive lug which are adjacent to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Oertley, Delbert D. Dester, Kevin M. Egle, J. Scott Burdick
  • Patent number: 6106425
    Abstract: A chain and sprocket system includes a plurality of chain assemblies and phased or offset sprockets. The individual chain assemblies are interconnected by a retention bracket to form a single composite chain assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip J. Mott
  • Patent number: 6074318
    Abstract: A roller chain (10) for reducing noise and vibration generated during engagement of the roller chain with a sprocket. The roller chain (10) has a plurality of inner link assemblies, each including a bushing (12) and inner plates (14) connected together and a plurality of outer link assemblies, each including a pin (16) and outer plates (18) connected together with the pins (16) extending through the bushings (12). The roller chain (10) further has rollers (20) respectively fitted on the bushings (12). The rollers (20) are each shorter than the spacing between the opposed inner plates (14). An elastic member (22) is fixed to the inner or outer peripheral surface of each roller (20). The elastic member (22) has projecting portions (24) projecting from both end faces of the roller and facing inside surfaces of the associated inner plates (14) to prevent collision of the roller (20) with the inner plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Koji Tanaka, Takahisa Ando
  • Patent number: 6013001
    Abstract: A bicycle sprocket includes a sprocket body having a first lateral side surface, a second lateral side surface opposite the first lateral side surface, and an inner peripheral surface. A plurality of teeth extend radially outwardly from the sprocket body and define a corresponding plurality of chain connector receiving spaces with a corresponding plurality of bottom edges between each pair of adjacent teeth, wherein each bottom edge receives a chain connector therein. The first lateral side surface defines a first recess extending radially inwardly from selected ones of the plurality of bottom edges, and the first lateral side surface defines a second recess extending radially inwardly from other selected ones of the plurality of bottom edges and spanning their corresponding pairs of adjacent teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 5997424
    Abstract: A random engagement roller chain sprocket for use primarily in automotive engine chain drive applications which incorporates different asymmetrical tooth profiles for improved noise reduction. In particular, the sprocket includes a number of first teeth each having a first engaging flank and a first disengaging flank, and a number of second teeth each having a second engaging flank and a second disengaging flank. One of the first engaging flanks cooperating with one of the first disengaging flanks or the second disengaging flanks of a first adjacent tooth to define a first asymmetrical tooth space for receiving a roller of an associated roller chain. The first asymmetrical tooth space including a first root surface between the one of the first engaging flanks and the first disengaging flanks or the second disengaging flanks. The first root surface being adapted for contacting a roller of an associated roller chain during rotation of the sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Cloyes Gear and Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Young