Including Nonmetallic Part Patents (Class 474/207)
  • Patent number: 11353088
    Abstract: A chain unit lubricated and sealed with magnetic fluid includes a pin shaft, a magnetic sleeve, a first pole piece and a second pole piece. The sleeve is fitted over an outer periphery of the pin shaft. Both ends of the pin shaft protrude from the sleeve. A first gap exists between an inner peripheral surface of the sleeve and an outer peripheral surface of the pin shaft. The first pole piece is arranged at one of the sleeve and has a first mating hole. A second gap exists between an inner wall surface of the first mating hole and the outer peripheral surface of the pin shaft. The second pole piece is arranged at the other end of the sleeve and has a second mating hole. A third gap exists between an inner wall surface of the second mating hole and the outer peripheral surface of the pin shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Decai Li, Yanwen Li, Siyu Chen
  • Patent number: 11274739
    Abstract: A pulley structure may include: a tubular outer rotating body having a belt looped thereon; an inner rotating body which is disposed radially inside the outer rotating body and which is rotatable relative to the outer rotating body; and a torsional coil spring which is arranged in a spring accommodating space formed between the outer rotating body and the inner rotating body. At least in a state in which the pulley structure has not been operated even once, grease containing a rust inhibitor is applied to an opposing surface of the inner rotating body opposing an inner peripheral surface of the torsional coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd.
    Inventors: Hayato Shimamura, Katsuya Imai, Ryosuke Dan, Takashi Morimoto
  • Patent number: 9217657
    Abstract: Device for dispensing embraces a walled, hollow housing having an inside wall surface and having an opening on a first end; a piston that sealingly engages the inside wall surface, beginning at a position away from the first end; and an actuating connection to the piston internal the housing. A material for dispensing can be supplied to the inside of the hollow housing, and dispensed through the opening by actuation and movement of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Jerry E. Eschenburg
  • Patent number: 9091250
    Abstract: A low friction joint apparatus for chain links is provided. The apparatus may include a first link pin rigidly coupled to a first chain link, a second link pin rigidly coupled to a second chain link, a sprocket roller coaxially and pivotally disposed about the second link pin, a plurality of radial bearings radially disposed between the second link pin and each of the first link pin and the sprocket roller, and a plurality of axial bearings axially disposed between the second link pin and the first chain link, and between the sprocket roller and the second chain link. The second link pin may be coaxially and pivotally disposed about the first link pin. The sprocket roller may be rotatable relative to each of the first and second chain links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Himmelmann
  • Patent number: 8789880
    Abstract: The invention relates to a link chain having two rows of chain elements wherein the chain elements of one row are rotatably connected to those of the adjacent row in the chain plane in such a way that each chain element has two rotational axes, of which each one of the two rotational axes of two different chain elements is in adjacent rows, and that the chain elements of one row are connected to one another by means of toothings of their ends in such a way that the chain is flexible in the chain plane, wherein the rotational axes are designed such that the chain remains in a set position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Kintec-Solutions GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Mackert
  • Patent number: 8663045
    Abstract: There is provided a seal chain in which sealing performance of a seal mechanism is enhanced so as to be able to deal with a displacement radially of the connecting pins, and to be able to keep a sealing function for a long period of time even if highly fluid lubricant is used. Each seal mechanism comprises an inner circumferential ring fitted and fixed onto the end of the bush an annular seal receiving member disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner circumferential ring so as to be movable in the radial direction and attached with an annular member enclosing a radial seal on the side of the outer link plate, a bellows seal extending between the inner circumferential ring and the annular seal receiving member and deformable in the radial direction and a seal ring provided on the side of the outer link plate facing to the inner link plate at the position corresponding to the annular radial sealing member concentrically with the pin to abut with the annular sealing member to seal the lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Company
    Inventor: Makoto Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8460141
    Abstract: A chain has links formed by pairs of internal and external plates respectively connected by pins and inserts fitted onto the pins and projecting through the internal plates. Rollers are fitted onto the inserts between the internal plates and a lubricated interface is identified between each roller and the respective insert. The roller is provided, at each end, with a bevel or cavity tilted inwards the roller to identify a seat between the internal plate and the external surface of the respective insert, into the seat the sealing gasket being accommodated. A further sealing gasket is advantageously arranged between the plates to seal an interface between the pin and insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Regina Catene Calibrate S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Garbagnati, Massimiliano Fumagalli
  • Patent number: 8337348
    Abstract: In a silent chain, cushion pads are provided in the inner flank regions of at least every second link row. These cushion pads restrict inward flexion of the chain and reduce vibration of the free span regions of the chain. The cushion pads can be individual pads each associated with a link plate, or elongated pads each associated with a row of link plates. In either case, side parts protruding toward the outside of the loop formed by the chain can also restrict outward flexion of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kabai, Shuuji Hamaguchi, Takayuki Morimoto
  • Patent number: 8146340
    Abstract: A bush is pressed into a link plate in a turning link rank that turns relatively with a pin. The bush is molded into a seamless cylindrical shape by cold-forging and is coated with a metal carbide layer formed by cementation of chrome, vanadium and other metals and having Vickers hardness of 1300 Hv or more similarly to the pin. Afterwards, the bush is treated by a quenching, tempering or isothermal transformation process. Thereby, wear resistance of the pins and the link plates of a silent (link) chain is improved, productivity is improved and associated costs are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Daido Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Shimada, Nobuyuki Matsui
  • Publication number: 20110294616
    Abstract: There is provided a seal chain in which sealing performance of a seal mechanism is enhanced so as to be able to deal with a displacement radially of the connecting pins, and to be able to keep a sealing function for a long period of time even if highly fluid lubricant is used. Each seal mechanism comprises an inner circumferential ring fitted and fixed onto the end of the bush an annular seal receiving member disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner circumferential ring so as to be movable in the radial direction and attached with an annular member enclosing a radial seal on the side of the outer link plate, a bellows seal extending between the inner circumferential ring and the annular seal receiving member and deformable in the radial direction and a seal ring provided on the side of the outer link plate facing to the inner link plate at the position corresponding to the annular radial sealing member concentrically with the pin to abut with the annular sealing member to seal the lubricant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Makoto Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8057340
    Abstract: A chain has a resin member integrally molded on an inner circumferential surface of a bushing with a strong joining force between the resin member and an inner circumferential surface of the bushing. The chain has an inner link in which both end portions of a pair of front and rear bushings are press-fitted into bushing holes of a pair of right and left inner plates, and an outer link in which both end portions of a pair of front and rear pins are press-fitted into pin holes of a pair of right and left outer plates. The inner and outer links are alternately connected to each other in a longitudinal direction of the chain. The inner circumferential edge portions 112a of both end portions of the bushing 112 are chamfered, and the bushing is lined with the resin member 115 insert-molded on an inner circumferential surface of the bushing 112 to produce flared ends, and a central portion of the lined bushing 112 between the ends thereof becomes thicker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Tomoo Suko, Katsuya Enomoto
  • Publication number: 20110251004
    Abstract: Links in industrial chains are connected by pins in bushings. Internal sealing rings in internal annular grooves near ends of bushings prevent inward movement of debris and outward movement of grease past the grooves. Steel internal sealing rings are expanded further into the grooves upon insertion of the pins through the bushings and the steel rings. The steel rings tightly grip the pins and rotate with the pins. Opposite ends of the bushings extend slightly from inside sidebars. Outer conical nitrile seals have collars placed on extended ends of the bushings and have large radiused ends for contacting inner surfaces of outside sidebars that hold the pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher Pfahl, Jeff Miller, Dick Virgo
  • Publication number: 20110136606
    Abstract: A chain-sprocket mechanism is disclosed which is highly resistant to corrosion caused by a potential difference arising when metallic materials of different types contact each other. A chain of the chain-sprocket mechanism is structured by coupling a plurality of chain links that consist of pairs of outer plates, pairs of inner plates, bushings fixed to the inner plates and pins inserted through the outer plates, the inner plates and the bushing, which meshes with teeth of a sprocket. The surface of either of the bushing or the teeth is formed of a non-metallic material; thereby, a potential difference does not arise through the contact between the bushing and the teeth. Accordingly, corrosion caused by a potential difference can be avoided, i.e., the corrosion resistance of the chain-sprocket mechanism can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: HITACHI METALS TECHNO, LTD.
    Inventor: Minetaka ENDO
  • Publication number: 20100216580
    Abstract: In a silent chain, cushion pads are provided in the inner flank regions of at least every second link row. These cushion pads restrict inward flexion of the chain and reduce vibration of the free span regions of the chain. The cushion pads can be individual pads each associated with a link plate, or elongated pads each associated with a row of link plates. In either case, side parts protruding toward the outside of the loop formed by the chain can also restrict outward flexion of the chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: TSUYOSHI KABAI, SHUUJI HAMAGUCHI, TAKAYUKI MORIMOTO
  • Patent number: 7775925
    Abstract: An oil-free chain has bushings which protrude from the outer surfaces of the inner link plates into which they are press-fit, and extend into bushing supporting bores formed in the inner surfaces of the outer link plates of the chain. These bushing supporting bores are formed by a pressing operation which produces offsets in portions of the outer plate, so that, as the bushing supporting bores are formed in the inner surfaces of the outer plates, bosses are simultaneously formed on the outer surfaces. The connecting pins of the chain are press-fit into pin holes in these bosses. The bushing supporting bores are formed without removal of material by machining, and therefore the strength of the outer plates is not compromised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Takashi Nakagawa, Hiroki Ishida, Toshihiko Aoki, Hirofumi Miki
  • Publication number: 20100154405
    Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a method and system for a buoyancy engine is presented. In an exemplary embodiment, the buoyancy engine includes a divider to separate a liquid environment from a gas environment, and a reservoir aperture in the divider. A rotating element, approximately opposite the reservoir aperture, provides tension to, and helps rotate, a segmented chain. The segmented chain is configured to form a solid inner surface when transitioning between the liquid and gas environments, but separate during vertical travel. As the segmented chain travels between the liquid and gas environments, a rotary motion is created which can be captured as electrical or mechanical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Joshua W. Frank
  • Publication number: 20100022341
    Abstract: A chain has links formed by pairs of internal and external plates respectively connected by means of pins and inserts fitted onto the pins and projecting through the internal plates. Rollers are fitted onto the inserts between the internal plates and a lubricated interface is identified between each roller and the respective insert. The roller is provided, at each end, with a bevel or cavity tilted inwards the roller to identify a seat between the internal plate and the external surface of the respective insert, into said seat the sealing gasket being accommodated. A further sealing gasket is advantageously arranged between the plates to seal an interface between the pin and insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Carlo GARBAGNATI, Massimiliano Fumagalli
  • Publication number: 20090318254
    Abstract: A chain has a resin member integrally molded on an inner circumferential surface of a bushing with a strong joining force between the resin member and an inner circumferential surface of the bushing. The chain has an inner link in which both end portions of a pair of front and rear bushings are press-fitted into bushing holes of a pair of right and left inner plates, and an outer link in which both end portions of a pair of front and rear pins are press-fitted into pin holes of a pair of right and left outer plates. The inner and outer links are alternately connected to each other in a longitudinal direction of the chain. The inner circumferential edge portions 112a of both end portions of the bushing 112 are chamfered, and a resin member 115 is insert-molded on an inner circumferential surface of the bushing 112 to produce flared ends, and a central portion of the bushing 112 between the ends thereof becomes a thick wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Tomoo Suko, Katsuya Enomoto
  • Patent number: 7571595
    Abstract: A chain link overlay and method of improving chain link aesthetics. The chain link overlay is designed to be permanently attached to a chain link. The overlay has an overlay front side with adornment, coloration, art work, or embossment, and also an overlay rear side which is intended to be attached to a chain link. The overlay rear side includes a pin head bore corresponding to each pin head extending from the chain link. When the overlay is attached to the chain link, each pin head extending from the chain link is disposed within a pin head bore. The overlay may be attached to the chain link with adhesive, solder, welding, or any other appropriate means of attachment. The overlay front side may feature artwork, coloration, decoration, and/or embossments, to increase the aesthetic appeal of a chain link to which the chain link overlay has been attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Eric Wettlaufer
  • Patent number: 7467509
    Abstract: In a seal chain, a seal mechanism disposed between opposed surfaces of inner and outer link plates comprises an elastic ring, a seal ring adhered to the outer link plate, an annular resin seal having a base adhered to the inner link plate, a tongue on the annular resin seal in abutting relationship with the outer link plate, and a ring-shaped plate adhered to the outer link plate. The elastic ring is held between an inclined surface formed on an end of a bushing that protrudes past the inner link plate, and an inclined inner surface of the seal ring. The inner circumferential surface of base of the annular resin seal slides on the outer circumferential surface of the seal ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Kentaro Yamane, Makoto Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20080304777
    Abstract: A conveyor chain including a chain pin having an exterior surface; a bearing having a generally tubular body portion having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the chain pin disposed in the generally tubular body portion of the bearing so that the interior surface of the bearing surrounds the exterior surface of the chain pin; and a low friction liner material secured to a surface selected from the exterior surface of said chain pin, the interior surface of the bearing, the exterior surface of the bearing, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: ROLLER BEARING COMPANY OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Missman, Saul Murillo, Brad Haywood
  • Publication number: 20080214344
    Abstract: A transmission chain comprises has a data collection device mounted on at least one of the links. A strain gauge sensor is mounted on the inwardly facing surface of an outer link plate symmetrically about a centre link thereof and measures the strain on the link plate. The measurements are compared to a threshold and a visual indicator mounted on the chain is activated if the threshold is exceeded. The data collection device can be controlled by a first controller device that simply switches it between a quiescent state to an overload detecting state or a second controller type can be used for data-logging and analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher James Lodge, Eduardo Abanses Enguita
  • Publication number: 20080161147
    Abstract: An oil-free chain has bushings which protrude from the outer surfaces of the inner link plates into which they are press-fit, and extend into bushing supporting bores formed in the inner surfaces of the outer link plates of the chain. These bushing supporting bores are formed by a pressing operation which produces offsets in portions of the outer plate, so that, as the bushing supporting bores are formed in the inner surfaces of the outer plates, bosses are simultaneously formed on the outer surfaces. The connecting pins of the chain are press-fit into pin holes in these bosses. The bushing supporting bores are formed without removal of material by machining, and therefore the strength of the outer plates is not compromised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Takashi Nakagawa, Hiroki Ishida, Toshihiko Aoki, Hirofumi Miki
  • Patent number: 7343730
    Abstract: An investment cast, stainless steel chain link is provided for chains used in water and wastewater treatment. The chain link comprises a pair of spaced apart, elongated sidebars having forward ends and rearward ends. The forward ends are spread apart and are provided with outwardly and laterally extending bosses having transverse boss pin bores coaxially aligned with each other. The rearward ends are interconnected by a cylindrical barrel having a barrel pin bore extending through each of the sidebars. The sidebars are formed with outwardly and laterally projecting reinforcing ribs-extending between the bosses and the barrel pin bore along a substantial length of the sidebars. A freely rotatable chain pin is inserted through aligned boss and barrel pin bores from either end thereof for interconnecting first and second pairs of sidebars. An arrangement is provided for preventing the lateral dislodgement of the chain pin from the sidebars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventors: Michael W. Humcke, Anthony D. Krallman
  • Patent number: 7063207
    Abstract: A chain conveyor assembly having the combination of a polymeric material and a hard diamond-like coating at the frictional interface of the chain links. The conveyor chain preferably includes male and female links connected to one another by connector pins. The shaft of each connector pin is coated with a diamond-like coating having high hardness, low friction and low wear characteristics. Opposite ends of the connector pins are connected to the female link while the shaft of the connector pin passes through the male link. A polymeric bushing is fitted to the male link in engagement with the shaft of the connector pin. Accordingly, relative movement between the links occurs at the interface of the DLC connector pin and the polymeric bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Greylock, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank B. Sykora
  • Publication number: 20040228563
    Abstract: A chain conveyor assembly having the combination of a polymeric material and a hard diamond-like coating at the frictional interface of the chain links. The conveyor chain preferably includes male and female links connected to one another by connector pins. The shaft of each connector pin is coated with a diamond-like coating having high hardness, low friction and low wear characteristics. Opposite ends of the connector pins are connected to the female link while the shaft of the connector pin passes through the male link. A polymeric bushing is fitted to the male link in engagement with the shaft of the connector pin. Accordingly, relative movement between the links occurs at the interface of the DLC connector pin and the polymeric bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Stapell/Guider Corporation
    Inventor: Frank B. Sykora
  • Publication number: 20040176201
    Abstract: Power transmission chains (10, 40, 60) which are suitable for automotive uses as well as other uses and which have a reduced susceptibility to wear and corrosion, in which such chains (10, 40, 60) are constructed to include a plurality of sets (12, 14) of links (11, 13) joined at overlapped ends (11a, 13a) thereof by a pivot (16) including at least one ceramic joint component (16), such as a pivot means (16). Such chains (10) also include means (18a, 18b) to drivingly engage sprocket teeth (37) of a sprocket drive (35).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J. Mott, Timothy J. Ledvina, James Wyckoff
  • Patent number: 6782688
    Abstract: A chain has links made up of pairs of outer and inner plates connected respectively by pins and bushes fitted on the pins and projecting through the inner plates. Between the bush and its pin there is a lubricated interface and on each end of the bush is mounted and compressed between an inner and an outer plate an annular seal. The seal when not compressed between the plates is generically shaped with a lip projecting towards the axis of the seal. With the chain assembled the lip tends to wedge between the bush and the outer plate to reduce the wear on the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Regina S.I.C.C. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Garbagnati, Massimiliano Fumagalli
  • Patent number: 6749059
    Abstract: A modular conveyor belt forming a hinge between consecutive belt rows hingedly connected by a two-part hinge pin. Hinge eyes along the forward and rearward ends of each row of belt modules include aligned openings for the hinge pins. The belt rows are arranged end-to-end with the hinge eyes of adjacent rows interleaved. The hinge pins are inserted in the passageway formed by the aligned openings of the interleaved hinge eyes. The hinge pins include first and second hinge pin members, such as flat strips. The openings in the hinge eyes are characterized by a narrow slotted portion for restraining the first hinge pin member against rotation within the slotted portion and a wider sector-shaped portion that allows the second hinge pin member to rotate relative to the first hinge pin member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James O. Gundlach, Christopher G. Greve, Robert S. Lapeyre
  • Publication number: 20040058766
    Abstract: A chain link assembly including a first link pivotally joined to a second link by a pin. The first link has a pair of first sidebars joined by a first barrel. Each first sidebar includes first and second ends joined by an inner surface and an outer surface. The first ends of each sidebar define coaxial first apertures coaxial with the first barrel, and the second ends define coaxial second apertures. A second link has a pair of second sidebars joined by a second barrel. Each second sidebar includes first and second ends joined by an inner surface and an outer surface. The second sidebar first ends define coaxial first apertures coaxial with the second barrel and the second apertures of the first link, and the second ends of the second sidebars define coaxial second apertures. A pin extends through the first apertures and first barrel of the second link and the second apertures of the first link to pivotally join the first link to the second link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Schumacher, Kevin S. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6666328
    Abstract: A chain conveyor assembly having the combination of a polymeric material and a hard diamond-like coating at the frictional interface of the chain links. The conveyor chain preferably includes male and female links connected to one another by connector pins. The shaft of each connector pin is coated with a diamond-like coating having high hardness, low friction and low wear characteristics. Opposite ends of the connector pins are connected to the female link while the shaft of the connector pin passes through the male link. A polymeric bushing is fitted to the male link in engagement with the shaft of the connector pin. Accordingly, relative movement between the links occurs at the interface of the DLC connector pin and the polymeric bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Stapell/Guider Corporation
    Inventor: Frank B. Sykora
  • Publication number: 20030153424
    Abstract: A seal (21) is constituted by an outer lip portion (22) to be held in abutting engagement with an outer link portion (9) of a crawler belt (7), an inner lip portion (23) to be held in abutting engagement with a bush (11), and an interconnecting bridge portion (24) bridged and connected between the outer and inner lip portions (22, 23). The outer lip portion (22) on the side of track link, the inner lip portion (23) on the side of bush, and outer bridge portion (24A) and inner bridge portion (24B) of the interconnecting bridge portion (24) are formed in thicknesses (T1, T2, T1′ and T2′), respectively, which are in the relations of (T2≈T2′>T1≈T1′). A maximum outside diameter portion (24C) of the interconnecting bridge portion (24) is located radially outward of a median point between inner and outer peripheral ends of the lip portion (23) on the side of bush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Hideki Akita, Yoshiaki Sekiguchi
  • 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: 20020072443
    Abstract: A sealed chain includes an elastic seal member fitted around the circumferential surface of a pin and disposed between the inner side surface of an outer link plate and the end face of a bushing. The end face of the bushing is retracted from the outer side surface of an inner link plate so that an annular recess or space is formed between the end face of the bushing, the outer circumferential surface of the pin and the peripheral wall of a bushing hole in the inner link plate. The seal member is partly received in the annular space. The width of the sealed chain is equal to that of a standard chain even when a relatively thick seal member such as an O-ring is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Makoto Kanehira, Tomoyuki Saji
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20020010047
    Abstract: A low noise roller chain includes a rigid roller made of metal and an elastic roller made of elastic material that are arranged end to end and fitted on a bushing between two opposed inner plates so as to jointly form a roller assembly. The width of the elastic roller is 13 to 45% of the overall width of the roller assembly, and the thickness of the elastic roller is larger than the thickness of the rigid roller by 5 to 25% of the thickness of the elastic roller. With the elastic roller thus constructed, noise generated upon abutment of the roller chain with a sprocket can be effectively suppressed without deteriorating the durability of the rigid metal roller. The elastic roller may be arranged in a zigzag pattern in the longitudinal direction of the roller chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Yoshio Kurokawa, Haruomi Sugita, Masahiko Sekita, Yasuaki Mukai, Hideaki Segami, Hirofumi Noro
  • Patent number: 6264579
    Abstract: In a toothed belt including at least one positioning-aiding/position-identifying tooth and a large number of driven teeth engageable with a driving toothed pulley, the positioning-aiding/position-identifying tooth is formed in a predetermined positioning area of the toothed belt and has a different shape from that of each of the driven teeth. The total amount of rubber used in the positioning-aiding/position-identifying tooth is set to equal an assumptive total amount of rubber in one or more imaginary driven teeth that could be formed in the predetermined positioning area if the positioning-aiding/position-identifying tooth was not formed in that area, and the amount of backing rubber used in a portion right behind the positioning-aiding/position-identifying tooth is set to be equal to or greater than an assumptive amount of backing in a portion right behind the imaginary driven teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Odai, Tatsuo Arai
  • Publication number: 20010003718
    Abstract: A transmission chain includes a plurality of cylindrical hollow bushes each of which has an outer circumferential surface press-fitted into a bush hole formed in at least one plate, as well as an inner circumferential surface rotatably supported by an outer circumferential surface of a pin. The at least one plate is arranged at such a position relative to a corresponding bush as to prevent a center portion of the bush from expanding radially outward even when the bush is press-fitted into the plate. Since deformation of a bush during press-insertion of the bush into the plates can be prevented and thus the parallelism of the inner circumferential surface of the bush is maintained, elongation of the chain which would otherwise occur due to wear at the initial stage of use of the chain is suppressed effectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Publication date: June 14, 2001
    Applicant: ARMSTRONG, WESTERMAN, HATTORI, McLELAND & NAUGHTON
    Inventors: KOUICHI ICHIKAWA, NOBUTO KOZAKURA, TSUTOMU HAGINOYA, TOYONAGA SAITOU
  • 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: 6042271
    Abstract: A link chain comprising a first left side link including an end having therein an aperture, a first right side link laterally spaced from the first left link and including an end having therein an aperture in alignment with the aperture of the first left link, a bushing fixed in the apertures in the first left and right side links and including a bore having an axis, and an annular inwardly facing bearing surface, a second left side link located adjacent and axially outwardly of the end of the first left side link and including an end having therein an aperture located in axial alignment with the bore of the bushing, a second right side link laterally spaced from the second left side link, located adjacent and axially outwardly of the end of the first right side link, and including an end having therein an aperture located in axial alignment with the bore of the bushing, and a hinge pin fixed in the apertures of the second left and right side links, extending through the bore of the bushing, and including a c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard Harris, Dennis E. Bozych, Dawne A. White
  • Patent number: 6004237
    Abstract: A slide idler for a chain drive wherein the idler is provided with easily replaceable and rotatable bushings. The slide idler comprises two elongated members, each elongated member is provided with two inwardly extending polygonal mounting assemblies. Two cylindrical bushings having polygonal apertures corresponding to the polygonal mounting assemblies are mounted to these mounting assemblies and are sandwiched between the elongated members. A split pin is used to hold the slide idler together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: James Irwin Lodico, Jeremy Shane Ostrander, Chad Eric Plattner
  • Patent number: 5984816
    Abstract: A drive system having a belt with a length and a plurality of teeth spaced regularly along the length of the belt and a first pulley having a plurality of grooves for receiving the belt teeth with the belt and first pulley in operative relationship. The single pitch difference between the belt teeth and the grooves in the first pulley is between -0.04 mm and 0 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nishio, Kuniharu Uto, Takahide Mizuno, Yoshihisa Fujita, Akira Kawaguchi, Hideaki Tanaka
  • 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: 5921880
    Abstract: A low noise chain has a bushing provided with a substantially cylindrical large diameter portion in an outer periphery of a central portion thereof. Inner plates are mounted respectively on opposite ends of the bushing. A hollow thin cylindrical roller, having inner peripheral surfaces opposed across a clearance, is capable of forming an oil film layer relative to an outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion. The hollow thin cylindrical roller is rotatably externally fitted on the external outer peripheral surface of the bushing between the inner plates on opposite sides. A pair of O-rings is provided for sealing a clearance between both outer portions of the large diameter portion of the outer peripheral surface of the bushing and the inner peripheral surface of the hollow thin cylindrical roller. Outer plates are arranged on both outer sides of the inner plates on opposite sides. A chain pin rotatably extends through the bushing and has both ends mounted on the outer plates on both sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Eiji Ishimoto, Masatoshi Sonoda
  • 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: 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: 5809767
    Abstract: A chain with a seal body has a swelling seal body arranged between respective inner and outer plates provided on either side on a connecting pin. Any one of a water absorbent, an oil absorbent, and both a water and oil absorbent is contained in the base material resin of the seal body so that a swelling property is imparted to the seal body. When any one of water and oil is present around the chain, any one of the water and oil, respectively, penetrates into the clearance between the seal body and the plate to swell the seal body in the clearance part. Thus, the primary purpose of the chain with a seal body is to block a clearance between the inner and outer plates and the seal body in the chain by utilizing any one of the water absorbent, the oil absorbent, and the water and oil absorbent contained in the seal body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Koji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5806297
    Abstract: A resin chain is provided which includes a reinforcing plate and a resin portion having a contact surface therebetween such that it is difficult to separate the reinforcing plate from the resin portion at the contact surface. The resin chain includes outer plates with pins fitted therein and inner plates with bushings fitted therein. The outer plates and the inner plates are connected to each other in an alternate manner. A first reinforcing plate is a constituent of each outer plate. The first reinforcing plate has a pair of cylindrical front and rear boss portions with pins fitted therein and a flange portion which rises radially from the outer peripheries of the boss portions to connect the paired front and rear boss portions to each other. A second reinforcing plate is a constituent of each inner plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Koji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5806658
    Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a composite non-metallic and metallic chain for use in a waste water treatment system is provided. The chain includes a plurality of non-metallic chain link barrel connecting elements including central teeth receiving portions. Each of the barrel elements include first and second end portions extending from opposite ends of the teeth receiving portion. A plurality of metallic side bar members interconnect the non-metallic barrel elements and are rotatably coupled to the end portions of the barrel elements. A plurality of non-metallic bearing members are disposed about the end portions of the barrel elements between adjacent metallic side bar members for reducing friction and wear between the adjacent side bar members. A plurality of non-metallic clip members are secured with indentations formed in the end portions of the barrel elements for securing the metallic side bar members thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Polychem Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph R. Hannum