Belt Formed Of Rigid Links Patents (Class 474/206)
  • Patent number: 7107754
    Abstract: According to the invention, the resistance of the links of a D-profile chain may be increased, whereby the transitions between the flanks (2, 3) and the outer planar bearing surfaces of the links comprise roundings of radius r, which is 0.2 to 0.4 times the value of the separation (A) between the flanks of the chain links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: RUD-Kettenfabrik Rieger & Dietz GmbH u. Co.
    Inventors: Rolf Sinz, Hans Dalferth, Uwe Wistuba, Heribert Herzog
  • Patent number: 7077774
    Abstract: In a roller chain transmission, the diameter D of the rollers, the outer diameter d of the pins, and the height H of the inner plates satisfy the relationships 0.72P?D?0.79P, 0.40P?d?0.44P, and 0.96P?H, with respect to the chain pitch P. The radius r of the arc of the tooth gap bottom of the sprocket teeth satisfies the relationship 0.505D?r?0.505D+0.069{square root over (D)}. The transmission chain exhibits high durability due to improved strength and wear resistance under high loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Isamu Okabe, Tomotaka Koga
  • Patent number: 7059985
    Abstract: A power transmission chain has rows of pivotally connected, interleaved drive links and guide links. One guide link is included in each row of links and the guide links are positioned on alternate lateral sides of the chain in each row. A sprocket that can engage the power transmission chain has teeth that extend radially outwardly at the periphery of the sprocket. The sprocket teeth are separated from adjacent teeth by a distance that is approximately the length of the links of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: George L. Markley, Mark MacDonald Wigsten
  • Patent number: 6966170
    Abstract: Device for closing a chain, particularly a bicycle chain, comprising a first and a second pair of end outer plates connected by at least one pair of inner plates, a pair of rivets so engaging a pair of end holes of the first and the second pair of outer plates and the corresponding holes of a pair of, inner plates arranged at the ends of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Campagnolo Srl.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Patent number: 6939260
    Abstract: A chain assembly drivingly engages a plurality of sprocket teeth that extend radially outwardly from a sprocket of an automobile drivetrain. The chain assembly includes a plurality of rigid links pivotally interconnected to each other to form an endless loop, wherein each of the plurality of rigid links includes a driving surface for drivingly engaging each of the plurality of sprocket teeth during rotation of the sprocket in a first driving direction. A plurality of flexible links are each operatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of rigid links for engaging each of the plurality of sprocket teeth prior to the driving engagement with the driving surface, wherein each of the plurality of flexible links are elastically deformable for dampening noise due to the driving engagement between the plurality of sprocket teeth and the plurality of rigid links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Tesma International Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng Mu, David Mark Pascoe, Jianwen Li
  • Patent number: 6925794
    Abstract: A chain, a chain wheel and a chain transmission for a lifting gear in accordance with the present invention increases the dynamic resistance of a round steel chain that is primarily intended for use in combination with a lifting gear. The chain members (5, 6) are locally deformed plastically in the area of their braces (9, 10) so as to form flat lateral zones (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: RUD Kettenfabrik Reiger & Dietz GmbH u. Co.
    Inventors: Hans Dalferth, Rolf Sinz
  • Patent number: 6890278
    Abstract: A chain is provided in which adjacent links are attached to one another by a coupling pin that permits the links to rotate relative to one another on a connecting axis defined by a coupling pin. The links have movable link plates and can be fixed against relative rotation or released, at least on one side of the chain, by selectively engaging or disengaging the link plates. In one embodiment a restoring force urges movable link plates outwardly on both sides of the chain, toward locking engagement with the plates of the next adjacent links. The movable link plates are depressible against the restoring force, sufficiently to permit the adjacent link plates to overlap and pivot freely. The couplings between links can be switched between fixed and free rotational states by passing them through a path with converging walls that depress the movable link plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffrey Theorin Prince
  • Patent number: 6855080
    Abstract: A roller chain incorporates a plurality of rolling members between a roller and a bushing. A thrust bearing plate is provided between the end surfaces of the roller and inside surfaces of inner link plates. The outer diameter of the roller is smaller than the widths of the inner link plates and the outer link plates and the roller is accomodated in a projected area of the widths of the inner link plates and the outer link plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Makoto Kanehira, Tomoyuki Saji
  • Patent number: 6852052
    Abstract: A guide channel for energy guiding chains which can be mounted on a base structure, has parallel, lateral guide elements extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide channel, between which an energy guiding chain can rest and bottom guide elements, on which the lower strand of an energy guide chain can rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Igus Spritzgussteile für die Industrie GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Jonas
  • Publication number: 20040185979
    Abstract: The chain according to the invention comprises a plurality of linking members arranged one behind the other so as to form a closed loop, each linking member comprising two end links intended to come into contact with truncated surfaces of the continuously variable transmission, as well as intermediate links, while pivot pins are provided, allowing the mutual pivoting of two adjacent linking members, which extend through the openings made at least in these intermediate links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Schulze, Reinhold Friedrich Reber
  • Publication number: 20040185978
    Abstract: A chain is provided in which adjacent links are attached to one another by a coupling pin that permits the links to rotate relative to one another on a connecting axis defined by a coupling pin. The links have movable link plates and can be fixed against relative rotation or released, at least on one side of the chain, by selectively engaging or disengaging the link plates. In one embodiment a restoring force urges movable link plates outwardly on both sides of the chain, toward locking engagement with the plates of the next adjacent links. The movable link plates are depressible against the restoring force, sufficiently to permit the adjacent link plates to overlap and pivot freely. The couplings between links can be switched between fixed and free rotational states by passing them through a path with converging walls that depress the movable link plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey Theorin Prince
  • Publication number: 20040157691
    Abstract: A multi-strand chain forms a chain drive including at least two chains so that the chain drive may communicate a force when the chain is pushed or pulled. The chains may be separated or disengage so as to be stored compactly. The chains may be engaged to form the chain drive so that the chain drive is substantially rigid and in a linear orientation, and pivotally connected chain links may not substantially rotate relative to each other and may not be deflected substantially from the linear orientation. The chains may be engaged and disengaged by rotating around sprockets which deliver the force to the chain drive. The chain drive may be utilized as a garage door system for raising or moving laterally a garage door or movable barrier with the chain drive in compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Olmsted
  • Publication number: 20040138020
    Abstract: Tooth-shaped link member (1) for a transport tooth chain (11) with apertures (2) and two end-terminal toes (3) for the form-fitting engagement with a gear 99), which is geometrically adapted to the configuration of the gear (9), and which in addition each exhibit a lower contact surface (6) for gliding on a gliding surface of a guide body (8), wherein as an additional means for reducing the wear on the link member (1) a third gliding toe (4) is provided with does not come in form-fitting contact with the gear (9) which is arranged centrally between the end-terminal toes (2) of the link member 91) in order to enlarge the total surface of the link member on the gliding surface (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: REXROTH MECMAN GMBH
    Inventor: Thorsten Meyer
  • Publication number: 20040058765
    Abstract: A static link chain (4) composed of a number of chain links (1,2) each made up of a short tensioned chain link part (2) and a long compression-loaded chain link part (1), both of which overlap and are joined to each other by bushing joints (3). A clamping device (7,8), which is subjected to tensile force and which stabilizes the link chain (4) under load, is affixed to the long chain link parts (1) at a distance A parallel to the bushing joints (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: HJS Gelenksystem GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Kubein-Meesenburg, Hans Naegerl, Dankmar Ihlow
  • Patent number: 6695731
    Abstract: A link chain for use in the continuously variable transmission of the power train in a motor vehicle is assembled of pairs of composite identical or dissimilar links each having a stack of apertured plates, and of coupling units employing pairs of non-circular pins extending through registering portions of apertures in the respective stacks of plates. The pins are designed to cooperate with the plates to limit the extend of inward and outward pivotability of links of the respective pairs from positions of alignment, and the pins carry stops which act alone or cooperate with diaphragm springs or with other types of springs to prevent wobbling of the plates. The plates can be provided with projections which cooperate with the pins to limit the extent of pivotability of the pairs of links relative to each other and/or to prevent jamming of pairs of links in angular positions from which they cannot return to the positions of alignment. Each plate is traversed by two pairs of pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: André Linnenbrügger, André Teubert
  • Patent number: 6666013
    Abstract: A chain which does not generate hydrogen brittleness is formed with components having improved wear resistance. At least one part of the chain, for example a surface, is covered with a diamond-like amorphous carbon coating (DLC). Further, metallic particles are dispersed into the diamond-like amorphous carbon coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Takerou Nakagawa, Shigeo Tamura
  • Patent number: 6663523
    Abstract: The present invention is an auxiliary chain for drawing assemblies including at least a track formed by multiple contiguous links able to act on a product to draw it. The auxiliary chain is interposed between the relative track and support the auxiliary chain including multiple contiguous links, each link including an idler roll equipped with an axial hole, a join pin and two connection elements each suitable to cooperate with a respective end of the idler roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche SpA
    Inventor: Bruno Chiuch
  • Patent number: 6662544
    Abstract: A chain is composed of multiple units each having two outer plates, two inner plates and a pin securely connecting the outer plates to the inner plates. The inner plate has two hollow cones oppositely formed on two sides of the inner plate and two tubes each formed on a corresponding one of the hollow cones. A space between an inner face of the hollow cone and the tube is defined to receive therein oil. A rivet hole is defined to align with a pin hole in the outer plate. Therefore, after the outer plates and the inner plates are combined by the pin, the oil inside the chain unit is able to gradually flow out of the chain to lubricate the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Hua-Tien Wu
  • Patent number: 6539699
    Abstract: The link plates, bushes or rollers of a transmission chain are treated so as to produce a surface layer of iron bisulphide. The surface improves the resistance of the chain to wear and also accelerates the running-in process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Renold PLC
    Inventors: Christian Poiret, Alexandre Charton
  • Publication number: 20030017896
    Abstract: A sprocket for engaging a power transmission chain with offset series of drive links and guide links is disclosed. The sprocket has teeth that extend radially outwardly at the periphery of the sprocket that support a chain engaging the sprocket. The sprocket teeth are separated from adjacent teeth by a distance that is approximately the length of the links of the chain. A power transmission chain is disclosed that has rows of pivotally connected, interleaved drive links and guide links. One guide link is included in each row of links and the guide links are positioned on alternate lateral sides of the chain by each row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: George L. Markley, Mark MacDonald Wigsten
  • Publication number: 20020173392
    Abstract: In a roller chain in which a plurality of rolling bodies is disposed between a roller and a bushing, between a bushing and a pin, or between a roller and a pin, the rolling bodies include at least one carbon-impregnated ceramic rolling body, or at least one carbon-coated steel rolling body. Preferably, the carbon-impregnated or carbon-coated rolling bodies are disposed in an alternating configuration with steel rolling bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Katsuo Doi, Yasushi Nagai, Seiji Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 6450910
    Abstract: A link plate for silent chains includes a circumferential edge beveled to a greater extent at at least one of opposite longitudinal ends of the link plate than at another part including a pair of link teeth, so as to form a tapered butt-inserting portion which enables smooth intermeshing engagement of the link plate relative to a pair of laterally spaced ones of such link plates when the link plates at opposite ends of an elongated chain is connected together to form an endless chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Masaaki Matsumoto, Koichi Inoko
  • Patent number: 6435996
    Abstract: A silent chain for use with a sprocket has a plurality of interleaved rows of link plates connected together in an endless fashion, each link plate having a pair of teeth. Each of the teeth has an inside flank and an outside flank surface merging at a tip of the tooth. The inside flank has a smooth contact surface which is smaller in width than the smooth contact surface of the outside flank surface. The point where the link plate starts to move into contact with the tooth flank of the sprocket is set to locate in an area having the smooth contact surface at a relatively high rate of occupancy. With this arrangement, noise occurring at the mesh between the link plate and the sprocket can be reduced. The point where the meshing engagement completes is set to locate in an area having the smooth contact surface at a relatively high rate of occupancy. This arrangement improves the wear resistance and fatigue strength of the link plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Horie, Kazumasa Matsuno, Shigekazu Fukuda, Takayuki Funamoto, Yoshinori Iwasaki, Nobuyuki Onoda
  • Publication number: 20020111236
    Abstract: A chain is provided in which adjacent links are attached to one another by a coupling pin that permits the links to rotate relative to one another on a connecting axis defined by a coupling pin. The links have movable link plates and can be fixed against relative rotation or released, at least on one side of the chain, by selectively engaging or disengaging the link plates. In one embodiment a restoring force urges movable link plates outwardly on both sides of the chain, toward locking engagement with the plates of the next adjacent links. The movable link plates are depressible against the restoring force, sufficiently to permit the adjacent link plates to overlap and pivot freely. The couplings between links can be switched between fixed and free rotational states by passing them through a path with converging walls that depress the movable link plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey Theorin Prince
  • Patent number: 6419603
    Abstract: In a device for transmitting a compressive force along essentially a straight path utilizing an articulated transfer element that can bend in one direction. The transfer element has a toothed side and a back side which is turned away from the toothed side, a plurality of sequential block right projections in the longitudinal direction of the toothed belt and the block like elevations are shaped in such a way that on a straight path they lie against one another to transmit the compressive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Andreas Grasl
  • Patent number: 6406396
    Abstract: An endless loop transmission chain balances the differences in moments and stresses on its inner and outer links. The chain is comprised of a plurality of links that are pivotally connected in stacks and in overlapping series. The links are fashioned with holes perpendicular to the link faces, and the links are either “robust” or “thin”. Robust links may be made of material of greater tensile strength, they may be formed by mating at least two thin links, and/or they may be made of thicker material. A plurality of pins serially connects and stacks the links. The pins fit though the holes in each link perpendicular to the link face. Robust and thin links are alternated in stacks in a pattern that balances link tension when the chain is under tension. Fewer links carry the tension between any set of adjacent pins. When it is used in a transmission, this chain has at least 10% higher torque-carrying capacity than the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas J. Turner
  • Publication number: 20020065161
    Abstract: The link plates, bushes or rollers of a transmission chain are treated so as to produce a surface layer of iron bisulphide. The surface improves the resistance of the chain to wear and also accelerates the running-in process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Christian Poiret
  • Patent number: 6387002
    Abstract: An energy guiding chain is provided for guiding cables and hoses from a fixed location to a movable connection point. It is made of a plurality of chain straps (1a,1b) in a single strand. Each strap has a pair of joint sections with one joint section of each strap overlapping a joint section of an adjacent strap and being connected thereto by a pivot joint. Adjacent strap can be angled relative to one another with the joint axes (3a) of at least some chain straps (1a) intersecting each other and some chain straps (1b) having parallel joint axes (3b). Some of the chain straps (1a,1b) are provided with support frames for accommodating the cables and hoses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Igus Spritzgubteile fur die Industrie GmbH
    Inventor: Blase Gunter
  • Patent number: 6371876
    Abstract: In an energy guiding chain (1) for guiding cables, hoses and the like between two connection points, with several chain straps which are connected to one another via upper and lower cross-members in detachable fashion and assembled in two parallel strands, and which overlap one another and can be angled, there are alternating chain storage (2) designed as inner straps (3) with inner overlap areas (5) and as outer straps (4) with outer overlap areas (5) in each chain strand. The angling of the chain straps (2) relative to one another is restricted by stops (8, 9, 12, 13) located in the overlap areas (5). The curvature of the chain (1) is defined by the position of the stops (8, 9, 12, 13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Igus SpritzguBteile fur die Industrie GmbH
    Inventor: Gunter Blase
  • Patent number: 6364799
    Abstract: A quick-connection link for a bicycle chain, comprises a pair of plates, a pair of tubular articulating pins secured to one of the aforementioned plates, and a pair of quick-coupling pegs that are received in tubular pins and are gripped inside them to prevent separation of the other plate from the tubular articulating pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Campagnolo SRL
    Inventor: Valentino Campagnolo
  • Patent number: 6325735
    Abstract: A silent chain includes guide links and articular links arranged in the longitudinal direction of the chain. The guide links each include one or more guide link plates, and the articular links each include two or more articular link plates. When the chain is in the straight-line state, the inside flank of each meshing tooth of any one of the link plates projects outwardly from the outside flank of each meshing tooth of another laterally adjacent one of the link plates. The projecting length of the inside flank relative to the outside flank is allowed to vary between the adjacent links, either in a random fashion or in a regular alternate fashion, along the length of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Makoto Kanehira, Kazumasa Matsuno, Hitoshi Ohara, Shigekazu Fukuda, Hiroshi Horie, Takayuki Funamoto, Yoshihiro Kusunoki, Masao Maruyama
  • Patent number: 6308510
    Abstract: A drive chain comprises a plurality of inner links (1) interconnected by intermediate outer links and elongate pins (7) that are received in apertures in the inner and outer links. There is substantial clearance between the outer link and the corresponding inner links so as to permit flexion of the adjacent elongate pins in a direction substantially parallel to the length of the chain. The outer link may be in the form of a separate plate (6) or may be an integral part of the pins. In one embodiment the outer link is a crimped plate that offers resilience in the direction of the chain. The drive chains provide for shock absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Renold PLC
    Inventor: Michael Charles Christmas
  • Patent number: 6203460
    Abstract: A chain for use with a continuously variable transmission is formed in two portions that are phased, or offset, by one-half pitch length. The chain portions include an asymmetrical guide link on the outside of alternate rows. The inner links have a substantially horizontal lower body and a horizontal upper portion of the passageway to position the strut in close proximity to the chain pitch line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence Parks, Mark D. Reese
  • Patent number: 6135908
    Abstract: An endless flexible torque-transmitting device such as a chain belt in a continuously variable transmission of a motor vehicle has an improved arrangement of the chain links that provides a better distribution of the load between the individual links and thereby increases the torque- and power-transmitting capacity of the endless flexible torque-transmitting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Ivo Greiter
  • Patent number: 6077181
    Abstract: A silent chain has a plurality of interconnected plates adapted for operative engagement with toothed surfaces of a sprocket. Each of the plates has flank surface portions and crotch surface portions, with the crotch surface portions having protruding portions. The protruding portions of the crotch surface portions make contact with the toothed surfaces of the sprocket at the beginning of engagement of each plate with the sprocket and are spaced away from the toothed surfaces of the sprocket at least during engagement of the flank surface portions with toothed surfaces of the sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Makoto Kanehira, Takero Nakagawa, Masao Maruyama, Hitoshi Ohara, Nobuyuki Fujimoto, Masahiro Sato
  • Patent number: 5989141
    Abstract: A silent chain can prevent the link plates from rupturing and stretching in the longitudinal direction to the chain. The silent chain is formed such that the thickness of both the outer link plates of the joint link row having fewer plates on the connecting pin is made larger than any of thicknesses of the guide plates and the thicknesses of the other link plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Nobuto Kozakura, Tsutomu Haginoya, Masaaki Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5989140
    Abstract: A both-side meshing type silent chain is provided which not only permits improvement in durability of a tensioner and a chain guide, but also permits a high-speed and smooth transfer of power. The both-side meshing type silent chain has a high durability and includes a plurality of articular train plates and a plurality of guide train plates. Each of the plurality of articular train plates and the plurality of guide train plates have main teeth for engagement with a sprocket disposed on an inner peripheral side of a chain. The plurality of articular train plates are alternately connected to the plurality of guide train plates with pins. Guide plates, which are guided by side faces of the teeth of the sprocket, are disposed on both outer sides of each of the plurality of guide train plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Koichi Ichikawa, Nobuto Kozakura, Tsutomu Haginoya
  • Patent number: 5967926
    Abstract: A double-sided meshing type silent chain which permits improvement in service life of the shoe of a chain guide for example, also permits a smooth and high-speed transmission of power, and which has a high durability. A plurality of articular train plates and a plurality of guide train plates are alternately connected together with pins, the plates being formed on the front side with main teeth for engagement with a sprocket located on an inner peripheral side of the chain, and guide plates, whose inner faces are abutted against and guided by side faces of the teeth of the sprocket, are disposed on both outer sides of the plural guide train plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Nobuto Kozakura, Nobuhiro Odai, Tsutomu Haginoya
  • Patent number: 5966923
    Abstract: A conventional chain capable of reserving lubricating oil is complex in shape and expensive since each chain plate is formed with countersunk recesses and through-openings. Since the recesses are formed in an overlap region, the chain tends to rattle, producing noise. In the present invention according to which lubricating oil is fed toward a connecting pin, the lubricating oil is transferred to the connecting pin to effect intended lubrication. Part of the lubricating oil thus fed adheres to the recessed surfaces of the recesses and is prevented from immediately flowing down by viscous friction resistance and surface tension in the recessed surfaces. Thus, the oil is held in its adhering state. The lubricating oil gradually flows down to be used for lubrication as the chain moves. Thereby, after the chain has passed by an oil feeder, the connecting pin of the chain stays in such a state that oil is fed continuously for a long time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5950416
    Abstract: A tentering chain is assembled of inner links and outer links or link plates interconnected by journal pins passing through the outer link plates and through the inner links so that the latter are positioned between the outer link plates. The inner links have plates which are provided with integral bearing bushings that are interconnected at a junction (J) formed by pressing four bearing bushings together with a transition fit after a bearing roller has been placed on each of two of the four bushings to form the inner links. The inner link plates form with their bearing bushings two chain link sections (1, 2) that are easily interconnected at the junction (J) and also easily disconnected again at the junction. Both sections are made by casting or drop forging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Lindauer Dornier Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Horst Kerner, Hans-Juergen Maierhofer, Werner Bosch
  • Patent number: 5943855
    Abstract: A chain includes a plurality of link assemblies connected with each other. One of the adjacent link assemblies has a first pair of plates disposed apart in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chain and a pair of hollow cylindrical bushes press-fitted to the first pair of plates. The other of the adjacent link assemblies has a second pair of plates disposed apart in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chain so as to locate at the outside of the first pair of plates and a pin penetrated through the bush and press-fitted to the second pair of plates. A moisture absorption member which retains lubricant oil between the bush and the pin is placed between facing surfaces of the first and second plates. The moisture absorption member has a large deformation amount and a small restoration amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignees: Tsubakimoto Chain Co., U.S. Tsubaki, Inc.
    Inventors: Masaru Morimoto, Leon N. Ducharme
  • Patent number: 5938554
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Moster, Timothy J. Ledvina
  • Patent number: 5879257
    Abstract: A chain with a seal includes an elastic seal member, wherein the elastic seal member is held any one of an outer plate or an inner plate of the chain. In this way the elastic seal ember is prevented from falling off of the plate. Additionally the elastic seal member is held n either one of the inner plate or the outer plate so as to cover the plate in order to prevent the elastic seal member from falling off of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Koji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5857318
    Abstract: A transmitting chain is provided which can lower surface pressure between a bushing and a pin, which can well maintain a lubricating state, and which is high in durability so as to be capable of withstanding high load. A groove or a depression, into which lubricating oil, supplied from outside of the chain, is moved, is formed in at least one of a group including an inner peripheral surface of a bushing and an outer peripheral surface of a pin. A difference, space, or clearance, located between an inside diameter of the bushing and an outside diameter of the pin, of portions of the chain not including the groove or depression, is set in a range of from about 0.05 to 0.6% of the outside diameter of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Odai, Junichi Uchimaru
  • Patent number: 5810688
    Abstract: In the guide chain of the present invention, a plurality of chain members are serially connected. The adjacent chain members are pivotably connected to each other. Each of the chain members is formed into a U-shape by resin molding whereby a long member is accommodated in the chain members which have been serially connected. The chain members are molded with a blended resin, which is made by blending a plurality of kinds of resin, and in which reinforcing fillers are added. With the blended resin, surfaces of the chain members are made smooth without projecting reinforcing fillers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Harmo Souken
    Inventor: Tomio Hama
  • Patent number: 5803854
    Abstract: A silent chain having multiple links each having a pair of teeth and apertures, which are connected by connecting pins inserted into the apertures. The links have an sheared link bearing surface which further reduces the wear of the sprocket tooth surface and further prevents defective bending of the silent chain. The bearing surface of the link tooth has a shear surface which may be formed by shaving or fine-blanking. The shear surface length may be at least approximately 70% or at least approximately 90% of the link thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignees: Borg-Warner Automotive, K.K., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naosumi Tada, Kensuke Nakamura, Kazushige Yakubo, Yoshiyuki Ohtaka
  • Patent number: 5803853
    Abstract: A bicycle drive chain is provided for training on a rear speed changing gear assembly having up to nine concentric sprocket wheels. Each of the sprocket wheels has a thickness of about 1.8 mm. An outermost one of the sprocket wheels has an outer face that is displaced from an inner face of an innermost one of the sprocket wheels by a distance not greater than 37 mm. The bicycle drive chain includes inner and outer chain plates, pins for connecting the inner and outer chain plates, and rollers provided respectively on the pins for spacing apart the inner chain plates. The bicycle drive chain has a pitch defined by distance between axes of two adjacent ones of the pins and equal to about 12.7 mm. The pitch is 1.924.+-.0.060 times a total thickness of the bicycle drive chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: KMC Chain Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nick Wu
  • Patent number: 5803851
    Abstract: A chain drive (1), in particular for lifting devices, having a chain (3) which rotates about a chain wheel (2) and whose oval links (6) which are rotated in an alternate manner about 90.degree. interact as vertical and horizontal links with the chain wheel, wherein the horizontal links (6i) are received in pockets (7) of the chain wheel with substantially planar support surfaces (6) and can be supported with their curved ends (6') on teeth (10) which comprise convex flanks (12) and the vertical links (6s) are positioned in a groove (11) between the teeth, wherein the wire cross-section of the chain links (6) is a rectangle having a curvature adjoined thereto towards the inner part of the link and the convex flanks (12) and the planar support surfaces (8) contact each other in a substantially direct manner, i.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Pewag Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Gerard Walenta, Franz Fuchs
  • Patent number: 5799479
    Abstract: A chain capable of diminishing noise and wear occurring at the time of engagement of the chain with a sprocket is provided. At least a portion of an inner surface of each inner plate, which comes into opposition to a side face of a tooth top of the sprocket at the time of engagement of the chain with the sprocket, is chamfered in a shape conforming to the contour of a side tooth form of the sprocket tooth top. Since a chamfered portion of an inner surface of each inner plate has a shape conforming to the contour of a side tooth form of a sprocket tooth top, the chamfered portion and the sprocket tooth top come into contact with each other smoothly in a state of face-to-face contact, so that the level of noise generated upon engagement of the chain with the sprocket can be reduced and it is possible to suppress the wear of the inner surface of the inner plate and that of the tooth top of the sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Koji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5758484
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Ledvina, Philip J. Mott