Belt Formed Of Rigid Links Patents (Class 474/206)
  • Patent number: 5758735
    Abstract: For use in determination of chain transmitted power, the combination comprising a tensioned chain having a succession of chain links with undulating edges; an idler supported to be driven in rotation by the chain, and having an undulating perimeter surface having a sine wave configuration and whose width dimension exceeds the width dimension between outermost chain surfaces; and certain of the chain undulating edges engaging portions of the idler undulating perimeter surfaces, whereby the chain changes direction as it travels lengthwise relative to the idler and rotatably drives the idler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Aerovironment, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul B. MacCready, Jr., William J. Nicoloff
  • Patent number: 5741196
    Abstract: A transmission chain, particularly for a bicycle, has inner links alternated to outer links. The inner and outer links are constituted by pairs of plates articulated to each other by means of pins. The plates of the inner links have their outer surfaces with a depressed central portion. The plates of the outer links have their inner surfaces with a depressed central portion. The plates of the outer links further have through holes for engagement of the articulation pins with enlarged end mouths opening on the outer surfaces of these plates, which receive the riveted ends of the articulation pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Valentino Campagnolo
  • Patent number: 5728023
    Abstract: A chain constructed of adjacent modules connected in end to end succeeding relationship serves many chain and drive belt uses, including for use as a chain drive, a cog belt drive, and as a fan belt with V-groove pulleys. The modules are of one or more parts, each part being of plastic, metal, or plastic encased metal. Various means of constructing and joining the modules are disclosed; some of these emphasize ease of assembly and disassembly. Each assembled module is without moving parts. To facilitate transmission of torque in drive applications, the module is shaped generally in one or more of the following ways: (1) with a cavity between its front and rear ends for receiving a tooth of a sprocket wheel; (2) with a body portion fitted in transverse cross section to the surfaces of one or more V-belt pulleys; or (3) with a body portion fitted in longitudinal cross section to a cavity of a cog wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventors: Arthur G. Green, David B. Palley
  • Patent number: 5709075
    Abstract: A chain consists of at least a pair of chain links, a pair of side plates mounted between the chain links, a chain roller composed of at least two rolling elements mounted between the side plates, and a rivet extending through the chain links, the side plates and the rolling elements, wherein the rivet is tightly fitted with the chain links and loosely fitted with the side plates and the rolling elements so that the side plates and the rolling elements can have a pivotable movement relative to the chain links and the rivet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Chia-long Wu
  • Patent number: 5589135
    Abstract: A height adjustable stand for laboratory equipment, in particular for rotary evaporators, possesses a holder arrangement (6). The holder arrangement is able to be displaced vertically on a stand post (5). By way of a motor driven lifting arrangement (9, 11), the holder device (6) can be vertically raised or lowered. A coupling (12) is provided between the holder arrangement (6) and the lifting arrangement (9, 11) for the powered connection and its release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Buchi Laboratoriums - Technik AG
    Inventor: Erwin Bossart
  • Patent number: 5533939
    Abstract: A cutting chain is provided which includes facing inner side bars (12) and outside members (14) which have substantially the same height. Further, the leading inner ends of the inner side bars (12) and the trailing inner end of the outside members (14) have a reduced radius to increase wear life while giving the chain a preferred direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Scott Martin, James L. Carothers
  • Patent number: 5520585
    Abstract: The chain is constructed of plastic modules connected in end to end relationship. It is claimed for all chain uses, including but not limited to use as a drive chain. Each individual module is without moving parts and, in most drive chain applications, has a cavity between its front and rear ends for receiving a tooth of a sprocket wheel. Each pair of adjacent modules has a transverse pin or pins extending from one module into a transverse pin-receiving socket or sockets of the other module so as to form a rotatable joint between the modules. Various means of constructing and joining the modules are disclosed. The plastic bicycle sprocket ring cluster which the plastic chain permits consists of stair-stepped multiple concentric rings of teeth which can be wider than a conventional bicycle chain now allows and which together can support each other by means of a common plastic infrastructure. The chain and cluster are light-weight and non-rusting; they can be also self-lubricating and colorful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventors: Arthur G. Green, David B. Palley
  • Patent number: 5465568
    Abstract: A chain structure for bicycles is composed of a series of inner chain plates, outer chain plates, rollers, and pins. Each inner plate has three arcuate peripheries at respective ends and slanting surfaces along one side of the arcuate peripheries. Each outer plate has also three arcuate peripheries at respective ends and slanting surfaces along one side of the arcuate peripheries. The slanting surfaces of the inner chain plates and outer chain plates are adapted to facilitate engagement of sprocket teeth with the chain plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Yaban Chain Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Bin Wang
  • Patent number: 5453058
    Abstract: A power transmission chain for a variable pulley transmission. The chain includes two half-chains placed side-by-side and offset by one-half pitch. Each half-chain has a plurality of interlaced inner links with each having a pair of depending toes to define a passageway to receive a strut that extends beyond the lateral width of the half-chain. A part of the portion of the strut extending beyond the one half-chain is substantially supported by a strut contact surface located adjacent the outer flank of the toes on the links of the other half-chain so that the strut is substantially fully supported across its full transverse width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Reese, Kyr Gaganidze
  • Patent number: 5439421
    Abstract: In a roller chain, a plastic bushing sleeve has flanges which are integrally formed on the ends of the sleeve by injection molding. These flanges fit into complementary recesses in the outer faces of the inner link plates of the chain and prevent axial translation of the sleeve. The flanges and recesses may be made non-circular to prevent rotation of the sleeve. Alternatively, complementary projections and depressions can be formed on circular flanges and on the floors of the recesses. A similar sleeve is incorporated into the rollers of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Kouji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5435789
    Abstract: A silent chain assembly of links having a single depending toe beneath one of the apertures of the link. The links are oriented into patterns to modify the patterns of contacts of the links with the sprocket teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Stellios A. Avramidis
  • Patent number: 5427583
    Abstract: To permit the advantage of low-noise operation, obtainable by using links of respectively different lengths in a sprocket chain built in the triple side bar arrangement, while providing longitudinal guidance to the links and preventing interference of longer links with shorter links, some of the chain links (1, 10) have the side bars (1a, 10a) formed with a projecting nose (12, 14), positioned on at least one end portion of the respective side bar of the link, the projection extending towards the next sequential chain link, with a maximum extent up to the joint piece or rocker element (3) interconnecting the links together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: P.I.V. Antrieb Werner Reimers GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hans J. Wolf
  • Patent number: 5412934
    Abstract: To provide a roller chain according to the present device pertaining to a bushed chain with an oil-impregnated sintered bushing fitted on a roller, which has an improved roller retaining power required during the sliding of the roller chain, and further requires no installation time and labor at the time of unlinking and linking of the roller chain, thereby preventing impairing or breaking each member. Pin diameter is increased to lower a bearing surface pressure to thereby improve wear resistance. Furthermore, the thickness of the sintered bushing axially supported on a pin is made nearly equal to that of the roller. According to the present device, the chain provided is a bushed chain with an oil-impregnated sintered bushing fitted on a roller, in which the working accuracy of the punched surface of a link plate has been improved, requiring no staking of a pin end face after installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Yamakyu Chain Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaru Furuyama
  • Patent number: 5400585
    Abstract: A chain structure is provided which includes a base plate having a pair of integral cylinders extending from one side. A connecting plate has a pair of elliptically contoured apertures at respective ends adapted to receive the corresponding cylinders. Each of the cylinders has an annular groove formed in a top portion with tapered surfaces. Each of the apertures has a pair of tapered walls at respective sides adapted to matingly engage with the tapered side walls of the connecting plate when the connecting plate is inserted into the base plate and the apertures are aligned in the annular grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Yaban Chain Ind'l Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen B. Wang
  • Patent number: 5397280
    Abstract: A chain and sprocket system includes a plurality of chains and phased or offset sprockets. The transmission system includes a random or hybrid chain with the offset sprockets. The timing system can include single or dual overhead camshafts, with phasing of the crankshaft sprockets and camshaft sprockets. The initial contacts of each chain assembly with the sprockets are phased or offset with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Skurka
  • Patent number: 5395291
    Abstract: The color coded safety master link is a modified master link used in endless roller chain drives. The invention allows the master link to be safely and quickly located while at the same time indicating the size of the endless roller chain. An extended first pin and extended second pin are connected to a first pin link plate. A second pin link plate engages the extended first pin and extended second pin. A color coded extension pin link plate engages the extended first pin and extended second pin. A locking pin link plate is provided for securing the extension pin link plate to the extended first pin and extended second pin, allowing the master link to remain in place when the roller chain drive is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas P. Fanning
  • Patent number: 5378205
    Abstract: An extruded metal chain pin (34) for connecting center and side links of a chain together. The chain pin (34) comprises an extruded solid cylindrical body (130), having two flattened transverse ends (132) and an extruded grain structure (134) extending parallel through the length of the cylindrical body (130). The pin is characterized by all of the extruded grain structures (134) extending parallel to the cylindrical body (130) and into the flattened transverse ends (132) before reaching flare-out points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventors: Allen P. Gohl, Edmund W. Gohl
  • Patent number: 5372554
    Abstract: A rocker joint for a chain has a crescent shaped aperture. The rocker joint includes a pair of rocker pins. Each rocker pin has a circular arc rocker surface, a circular arc seat surface and a pair of side surfaces. The aperture is bounded by a circular arc support surface and a seat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive K.K.
    Inventor: Tomonori Okuda
  • Patent number: 5322482
    Abstract: Bicycle chain plate includes an inner plate having a pair of protruding portions at respective ends of on one side thereof adopted to be inserted into two holes of an outer plate, respectively. The outer plate has also a pair of prtoruding portions at respective ends of one side thereof adopted also to be inserted into two holes of the inner plate so that the inner and outer plates are securely fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Nah Bang Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Bin Wang
  • Patent number: 5322483
    Abstract: A renovated bicycle chain includes generally an inner chain plate and an outer chain plate. The inner chain plate includes a pair of arcuate grooves at inner end of a pair of pin holes, respectively adopted to receive a corresponding arcuate protrusions extending from the inner end of a pin hole of the outer chain plate. Both inner and outer chain plates have an aperture at center with an angular groove adopted to accommodate the outer edge when inner and outer chain plates are connected. Luminescent emission diodes also may be applied to the chain plates as a warning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Yaban Chain Ind'l Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen B. Wang
  • Patent number: 5305594
    Abstract: A chain structure is provided which includes a base plate having a pair of integral cylinders extending from one side. A connecting plate has a pair of elliptically contoured apertures at respective ends adapted to receive the corresponding cylinders. Each of the cylinders has an annular groove formed in a top portion with tapered surfaces. Each of the apertures has a pair of tapered walls at respective sides adapted to matingly engage with the tapered side walls of the connecting plate when the connecting plate is inserted into the base plate and the apertures are aligned in the annular grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Yaban Chain Ind'l Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen B. Wang
  • Patent number: 5305358
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing and installing a control rod drive includes a first chain and a second chain. Each chain has a plurality of links, which have a pivotable portion and a rigid portion, for allowing the first chain to bend in a single direction and the second chain to bend in a single direction. The rigid portion of the second chain is positioned adjacent to and contacts the rigid portion of the first chain for providing a rigid column. An end block retains the first ends of the first and second chains and a drive mechanism draws the first and second chains through the drive mechanism, for moving the control rod drive. The control rod drive handling equipment may also include at least one first, at least one second, and at least one third chain guide for supporting the first and second chains, at least one wheel attached to the second chain guide, and a plurality of pins positioned through apertures of adjacently positioned links of the first and the second chains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Edward L. Wrobel
  • Patent number: 5267909
    Abstract: A roller chain is provided with the links having extending butt portions to prevent excess inward movement of the chain. The butts may be located on the inner links or outer links. A silent chain with block lacing is also provided with the butt portions on the guide links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Iacchetta
  • Patent number: 5226855
    Abstract: A tow chain consisting of a series of links which are joined together in a hingeable manner by means of vertical shafts. These links have such a towing pattern that the total sum of horizontal widths of the contact surfaces of two successive links of the tow chain are equal to or slightly smaller than the maximum horizontal width of the tow chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Elektriciteit Voor Goederenbehandeling Marine en Industrie, in het kort Egemin, naamloze vennootschap
    Inventor: Carlos Van Lierde
  • Patent number: 5203745
    Abstract: An inner and an outer plates for bicycle having multiple wheels of the present invention is to partially deform the inner plates and outer plates. The inner plates of the present invention have extending two triangular protuberances at respective edges of a reduced portion with the top marginal edge of each closed to the edges. The outer plates of the present invention have also extending a pyramidal protuberance from a reduced portion at one side thereof, with the respective bottom ends extending out of a portion therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventor: Wen B. Wang
  • Patent number: 5203746
    Abstract: Link-type chain assemblies are disclosed comprising alternating, laterally spaced pairs of inner and outer link plates having overlapping ends pivotally interconnected by rollers between the inner link plates at the overlapping ends. Mounting flanges extend axially outwardly from each of the inner and outer link plates, and plate members are mounted on the mounting plates to maintain the roller axes generally coplanar and to preclude pivotal displacement of adjacent pairs of inner and outer link plates about the roller axes in at least one direction. In one chain assembly, the plate members mounted on the mounting flanges span adjacent pairs of inner and outer link plates to preclude pivotal displacement of the spanned pair of link plates in opposite directions about the roller axis therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: The Will-Burt Company
    Inventor: Heidi E. Lehnert
  • Patent number: 5192251
    Abstract: The invention relates to chain structure comprising several form pieces (1) and a wheel arrangement comprising at least one drive wheel (7) for transferring the chain, which is formed of said form pieces (1). The bearing surface (1B) of each form piece (1) consists of at least one transverse opening (2) which is arranged to be situated near one of the articulations (4, 5), which opening consists of the contact edge, the bottom and the back edge. When the chain is in mesh said openings (2) of the chain co-operate with the transverse joint pins (9) belonging to said drive wheels (7). The free length of the joint pins (9) essentially correspond to the width of the form pieces (1), whereupon the contact area formed during the contact situation in said mesh of said pins (9) and the openings (2) essentially corresponds in length to the width of the form pieces (1). After said contact situation said pin (9) leaves the opening (2) of the chain from that end thereof which is on the side of the trailing edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Ketjumyynti Tumikoski Ky
    Inventor: Pekka Tuomikoski
  • Patent number: 5178585
    Abstract: A chain with an easily adjustable number of links for bicycles. The chain has links each having a first outer chain plate, a second outer chain plate, a first inner chain plate, a second inner chain plate, and a pin. The first outer chain plate has two holes each defined by overlapping circles of different diameters, forming a figure-eight outline. The pin has a flat button at an end thereof, a neck at the other end thereof, and a dome button formed on the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Ta Ya Chain Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsien S. Lin, Hung M. Ko, Ming T. Lin
  • Patent number: 5176584
    Abstract: A silent chain having a series of links, with adjacent links being pivotally joined by transversely-extending connecting pins. Each link is defined by a plurality of link plates disposed in sidewardly adjacent relationship, which link plates define inwardly projecting sprocket teeth adjacent opposite ends thereof. Guide plates are disposed adjacent opposite sides of some of the links and extend between adjacent connecting pins. Plate spring links are sidewardly interposed between adjacent link plates or between a link plate and a sidewardly adjacent guide plate. The spring link plates have a configuration such that no portion thereof extends into the pitch circle of the sprocket which meshes with the chain links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Hiroki Ishida, Masaru Morimoto, Nobuyuki Fujimoto, Masao Maruyama
  • Patent number: 5176585
    Abstract: A chain link is provided with a concave back configuration that substantiy matches the curvature of the contact surface of a chain tensioner. In the chain assembly, as the backs of the links contact the chain tensioner surface, the contact stresses are reduced as a result of the matched curvatures. The link geometry is utilized in both silent chain and roller chain assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive Transmission & Engine Components Corporation
    Inventor: Gary J. Novak
  • Patent number: 5151066
    Abstract: A chain comprises a plurality of pairs of outer and inner chain plates linked by rollers and pins, each chain plate being configured as a rectangle which has a protuberant arched portion on each transverse end thereof, and each chain plate having blade portions along longitudinal upper and lower edges thereof. Each inner chain plate has inward cylindrical flanges on an inner face thereof around a periphery of the countersunk through holes thereof. Each outer chain plate has a frustum-like projection surrounding the countersunk through holes on an inner face thereof, and an inward blade portion along an edge of each arched portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Inventor: Chia L. Wu
  • Patent number: 5147251
    Abstract: A three-way laced chain (40) has a plurality of links (32, 43, 45) that are rranged in rows (A, B and C) that extend across the width of the chain (40) where similarly located end regions of the links (42, 43, 45) are offset. The links (42, 43, 45) that extends along the longitudinal center of the chain (40). A plurality of first (43), second (42) and third (45) links are positioned in substantially parallel relationship with respect to each other. The second links (42) have a thickness less than the first links (43) and the third links (45) have a thickness greater than the thickness of the first links (43). An aperture (49) is located at each end of the first (43), second (42) and third (45) links. A plurality of connecting elements (51) extend through the apertures (49) and connect together adjacent first (43), second (42) and third (45) links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive Transmission & Engine Components Corporation
    Inventor: Edward H. Cole, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5147250
    Abstract: A chain (10) with a plurality of links (13) positioned in substantially pllel relationship with respect to each other where the links (13) having an aperture (15) located at each end. An end region (14) of the links (13) extends from the aperture (15) to the end of the links (13). A plurality of connecting elements (19) connect together adjacent links (13). The links (13) are interconnected in a three-link arrangement in which similarly located end regions (14) of the links (13) are offset and the pattern repeats every three links. The connecting elements (19) pass through the aperture (15) on one end of one of the links (13) and the aperture (15) on the opposite end of the adjacent links (13). The end region (14) of the links (13) extends substantially to the adjacent connecting element (19) whereby the material in the end region (14) of the links (13) is increased and substantially increases the strength of the chain (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive Transmission & Engine Components Corporation
    Inventor: Philip J. Mott
  • Patent number: 5107672
    Abstract: A rigid drive assembly is constructed of two interconnected, flexible chain elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: The Will-Burt Company
    Inventor: Harry E. Featherstone
  • Patent number: 5098349
    Abstract: A chain is a combination of plural links. Each link comprises a first inner chain plate, a second inner chain plate, a first outer chain plate, and a second outer chain plate linked by rollers and pins. Each chain plate includes a straight waist portion disposed between two semi-circular end portions, an inner face formed with an incline extending along an edge thereof, and a blade portion merging with the incline at the straight waist portion. The first outer chain plate includes a transverse dimension greater than that of the second outer chain plate, while the first inner chain plate includes a transverse dimension greater than that of the second inner chain plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Inventor: Chia L. Wu
  • Patent number: 5073153
    Abstract: A chain is a combination of a plurality of links, each link comprising a pair of outer and inner chain plates and rollers, each chain plate being dumbbell shaped and providing an inclined surface along an upper and lower edge of an inner surface thereof, from one lateral end to another. The inclined surface has a blade portion with a greater slope in a central straight portion of the chain plate, the inner chain plate further providing an inward projection on an innermost central portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventor: Chia L. Wu
  • Patent number: 5066265
    Abstract: A chain is a combination of a plurality of links, each link comprising a pair of outer and inner chain plates and rollers, each chain plate being dumb-bell-shaped and providing an inclined surface along an upper and lower edge of an inner surface thereof from one lateral end to another, the inclined surface having a blade portion with greater slope in a central straight portion of the chain plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Inventor: Chia L. Wu
  • Patent number: 4998907
    Abstract: A connecting pin for use in a bicycle chain for example. The connecting pin has a pin body for connecting a plurality of connecting members at least one of which defines a through hole, an inserting portion attached to a longitudinal end the pin body, the inserting portion having a tapered portion insertible into and retainable at the through hole and a detachable connecting portion provided between the pin body and the inserting portion for detachably connecting the same. A connecting method using the connecting pin is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Shimano Industrial Company Limited
    Inventors: Keiichi Sawada, Masashi Nagano
  • Patent number: 4990124
    Abstract: Drag chain link typically employed for conveying cement clinker characterized by transversely ribbed underside adapted to trap a layer of clinker material for transferring a substantial portion of the normal chain wear to the clinker layer. Optionally, a grid of rectangular pocket forming ridges or other pocket forms may be employed over all or limited portions of the link face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventors: A. J. Bartoletto, Ronald W. T. Birchard
  • Patent number: 4983147
    Abstract: A chain has pairs of inner sheets and pairs of outer sheets. Each sheet has two rings. An annular flange is formed on each ring. An inner surface of an opposite end to a free edge of each annular flange is rounded so as to form a recess. Each annular flange of the outer sheet is received in the recess of one inner sheet. A pin is inserted through the annular flanges of a pair of inner sheets and a pair of outer sheets. A head of the pin is received in the recess of the outer sheet. The other end of the pin is deformed so as to be received in the recess of the other outer sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Inventor: Chia L. Wu
  • Patent number: 4979929
    Abstract: An adjustable torque transmitting belt comprising a plurlity of links. The links are attached end to end forming a belt of any desired length. The ends of the belt formed by the plurality of links are attached together by combining three different specialized links with a flexible bolt. The flexible bolt fits through a bore in a male link attached to one end of the belt, then through a bore in a rotator link, then treaded into a female link attached to the other end of the belt. A continuous loop belt is then formed that can be easily adjusted by the specialized link and flexible bolt assembly. A single flexible elongated link may be utilized in lieu of a plurality of smaller links. In another embodiment a plurality of identical links are assembled together to form an adjustable continuous belt. Each link can be securely attached without the use of tools due to the flexible nature of the configuration and the material of the similar links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Inventor: Robert Hynes
  • Patent number: 4932925
    Abstract: A tractive link member for connecting adjacent rods of an endless conveyor belt and for assuming tractive load. The links include a substantially flat piece of metal formed into a general U-shape with a pair of spaced leg portions joined by a connecting portion. Each of the leg portions have at least one hole for receiving adjacent rods of a conveyor belt. The substantially flat piece of metal along the length of the connecting portion has both a first thickness area and a second, reduced thickness area. The reduced thickness area is a compressed work-hardened area of the metal. The reduced thickness area in the connecting portion can form a curved bearing surface against which a rod can bear. A middle section of the link leg can diverge outwardly from an inner section of the link leg to form a single offset between the slotted portions of the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Ashworth Bros., Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald C. Roinestad, Michael R. Straight
  • Patent number: 4915673
    Abstract: A variable diameter pulley having a plurality of belt support members arranged in a circular pattern between a pair of side members. Each side member consists of a pair of adjacent disk members rotatable relative to each other. The disk members have crossing guideways which control the radial position of the belt support members as a function of the rotational orientation between them. Extendible elements are disposed between adjacent belt support members to provide the variable diameter pulley with a generally cylindrical belt engagement surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Werner Krude
  • Patent number: 4893710
    Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt is formed of a plurality of non-reversible modules having inter-fitting link ends connected together and hinged by pivot rods having a rod capturing arrangement at each end of the outermost link ends of end module assemblies which is a blocking member insertable into a slot in the widest and outermost link end with the flat surface of the blocking member facing the rod and a projection for cooperating with the rod hole for holding the blocking member in place but allowing it to be removed. The belt also has internal modules in addition to end modules and all modules are constructed such that the narrowest link ends of unequal width link ends are adjacent sprocket cavities but are offset in a direction of another link end to provide additional strength and rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Cambridge Wire Cloth Company
    Inventors: Peter K. Bailey, Michael L. Spangler
  • Patent number: 4871344
    Abstract: A power transmission endless chain belt connecting two pulleys, including a belt body having multiple sets of link plates each set consisting of a plurality of parallel link plates, each of which has a pair of pin holes. The belt body further has multiple pins inserted into the pin holes such that the link plates of one set are pivotally connected to the link plates of the adjacent sets. The chain belt further includes multiple pairs of blocks each pair having opposed mutually rolling surfaces, each pair of blocks having an aperture through which the link plates of the corresponding set extend. The pins define first bending points of the belt. One of the pin holes formed in each link plate has a larger size than the other pin hole, and cooperates with the corresponding pin, to define a clearance therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kunio Morisawa
  • Patent number: 4813918
    Abstract: A plate-link chain for infinitely adjustable cone pulley drives, the link pivot elements of which, joining the individual chain links embodied by plate packets, are embodied as thrust members is disclosed. The thrust members are inserted into recesses of the plate-links, and with their end faces they serve to transfer frictional force between friction wheels and the plate-link chain. The embodiment is such that the length of the thrust members of individual links, defined crosswise to the direction of travel of the plate-link chain varies in a non-periodic sequence over the length of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Reimers Getriebe AG
    Inventors: Manfred Rattunde, Hans-Jurgen Wolf
  • Patent number: 4813224
    Abstract: In an energy supply chain for receiving cables, hoses and the like, the chain links are made box-shaped and are provided alternately with studs and circular orifices on their side walls, and consist entirely of plastic material, without the use of additional connecting elements. Each chain link consists of a pair of mirror-inverted side plates and of a pair of identically equal crosspieces, all of which made of plastic material. In a modified embodiment only the side plates of every second chain link are connected to one another by means of crosspieces, while the side pieces of the intervening chain links carry fork-shaped projections for receiving a flexible band. The afore-said two bands extending on both sides of the energy supply chain and over the entire length of the same, cover the interior against dirt or water splashes penetrating from outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Inventor: Gunther C. Blase
  • Patent number: 4704098
    Abstract: A link chain comprising a series of inner links, outer links and means connecting said inner and outer links for pivotal displacement about a series of transverse axes. The inner links are integral plastic structures of self-lubricating wear-resistant material, including a pair of side plates, a pair of bushing means extending between said plates and concentric with said transverse axes, and an outwardly projecting part at the side margin of each of the side plates extending along the central part of said side plates between the end edges of said adjacent outer links. The end edges of the metallic outer links and the projecting parts of the plastic structure are in the form of an arc of a circle concentric with the adjacent transverse axis. The thickness of the projecting part corresponds to the thickness of said outer links to form a substantially continuous sliding contact area along each side of the link chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Company
    Inventor: Yasumasa Tsubakimoto
  • Patent number: 4662994
    Abstract: The invention proposes the use, in the manufacture of link belts, of helical coils wound from elongate synthetic plastics material of non-circular, and preferably generally rectangular, transverse cross-section, the major dimension of the said cross-section extending widthwise of the link belt.By using, for example, flat monofilament yarns of a given cross-section in the production of an oval coil of a related major dimension it is possible to increase the cross-section of the wire receiving tunnel formed by two interdigitated coils without prejudice to the capability of interdigitated coils to remain in mutual engagement, and thus facilitate the introduction of hinge wires by mechanical means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Scapa-Porritt Limited
    Inventor: Richard T. G. Lord
  • Patent number: RE32941
    Abstract: The sprocket drive chain of this invention is particularly adapted for right angle drive but may also be used for straight or various other angular drive situations. The construction lends itself to ease of manufacture and especially for the automated manufacture of chain. In the preferred embodiment the chain comprises interlocked links rotatably coupled, such as by a pin and bushing combination, with stamped side plates to provide an intermediate tooth (sprocket) opening. The successive openings are adapted to receive a tooth at opposite 90.degree. angles thus readily being adapted to a right angle drive. Other embodiments employ a common pivot to support the side plates in successive 90.degree. opposite directions, and a single plate version useable with a slotted tooth sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Inventor: Alan R. Newton