Abstract: A ceramic drive system includes highly efficient, light weight, durable, and wear and abrasion resistant sliding and rotating components. In particular, the components of the ceramic drive system has center links, center rollers and sprockets arranged for sliding and rotating contact and each comprising high precision tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (TZP) ceramic or alternatively zirconia-alumina ceramic composite.

Abstract: A sealed chain is provided that traps lubricant and dust electrostatically. The chain includes an inner plate which is penetrated by a bushing and an outer plate which is penetrated by a pin. The inner and outer plates are connected alternatingly. Between the inner plate and the outer plate, a seal which is coaxial with the bushing and the pin, is provided in contact with the inner and outer plates. The contact area between the seal and the inner plate is smaller than the contact area between the seal and the outer plate. An annular dust hole, which is around the end of the bushing for sliding on the pin is formed on the inner part of the surface of the seal facing the inner plate. When chain bends due to, for example, winding by a sprocket, the seal slides on the inner plate thus, generating electrostatic charge. The end of the bushing 12, which slides on the pin, is encircled by the dust hole, which entraps lubricant electrostatically on sliding surfaces and dust formed by the wear of sliding surfaces.

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.

Abstract: A chain link 1 assembly body includes a pre-molded resin sleeve having a uniformly cylindrical inner periphery and a partially convexly contoured outer periphery, a bushing conformed to the shape of the sleeve and inner links each having a bushing press-fitted hole for fitting around the ends of the bushing. The method includes the step of providing an engineering plastic resin sleeve and a bushing. The sleeve is pre-molded to have a uniformly cylindrical inner periphery and an outer periphery having a convex contour for a central portion of the sleeve and uniformly cylindrical contours for the opposed ends of the sleeve. The bushing is originally uniformly cylindrical prior to its ends being press-fitted into bushing press-fitted holes of inner links.

Abstract: An endless driven sprocket chain (10) includes inner links (24) which couple to outer links (26) through a resilient bushing (50). A pin (42) having a shaft (44) with a hexagonal cross sectional shape mates with a corresponding hole in outer link plates (32, 34). The shaft (44) also mates with a hexagonal cross sectional shaped hole in the bushing (50) through an metallic insert (56). The bushing is pressed into a metallic sleeve (58) which in turn is press fit into inner link plates (28, 30) at holes (36) therein. The hexagonal alignment of the holes (40) in the outer link plates (32, 34) with the corresponding hole (54) in bushing 50 defines a resting position where the inner links (24) reside at an oblique angle to the outer links (26). When the inner links (24) form a substantially straight line with the outer links (26) the bushing is deformed and imposes a force of the links (24, 26) that urges the links (24, 26) toward the resting position.

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.

Abstract: An improved force feeder chain assembly including a force drive chain assembly on a conventional combine harvester apparatus and having a force feed slat assembly mounted thereon. The force feed slat assembly includes a plurality of elongated slat members for rotation on the force drive chain assembly for conventional harvesting operation. The force feed slat assembly includes a self-lubricating stripper insert member easily assembled and disassembled on respective elongated slat members for conversion of the force feed slat assembly from normal harvesting operations for use in a grain stripper harvesting operation. The force feed slat assembly with the stripper insert member thereon is easily and economically converted so as to be usable for all harvesting of crops, including the method of grain stripping utilized on a grain stripper combine harvester apparatus.

Abstract: A chain comprising links and pins formed from fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin is disclosed. Each link has bores, and each pin has a body for insertion through the bores of adjoining links to connect the links pivotally. The body has two diametrically opposite rows of grooves formed in its peripheral surface, has a front end from which an annular shell projects coaxially and an axial protrusion extends through the shell coaxially, and has a rear end formed with a flange. The shell has a radially outwardly projecting shoulder formed around its mid-portion, has a frustoconical front end portion, and has radially extending slits which makes the shell radially compressible. The link which has a bore positioned at the inlet for the insertion of the pin, has bosses which are engageable with the flange for holding the pin against rotation to maintain the rows of grooves at right angles with respect to a longitudinal direction of the links.

Abstract: In a roller chain having a seal between inner and outer link plates, an encircling member is provided which surrounds the seal to reduce entry of foreign particles and maintain minimum separation between the link plates.

Abstract: A chain drive mechanism, especially for a construction toy system, is assembled with individual U-shaped chain link elements. The chain link elements are notched at their open ends and provided with bearing portions at their closed ends. The notched open ends are arranged for snap-fit attachment over the bearing portions of adjacent links, enabling a flexible chain of any length to be easily assembled. Drive pins, preferably coaxial with the bearing portions, project outwardly from each side of the chain links and are engagable with grooves of spaced-apart drive wheels, collectively forming a sprocket assembly. The drive wheels can be individual gear elements otherwise used in a toy construction system for gear drive mechanisms. The base portions of the U-shaped link elements are grooved transversely for the snap-fit attachment of construction toy connector parts, allowing the chain elements to carry other components.

Abstract: A readily adjustable belt and a link construction wherein a plurality of links of similar construction are detachably connected in end to end relationship to define an endless torque transmitting belt. Each link is formed of an injection molded plastic part having a female end portion and a male end portion arranged such that the male portion of one link can be readily snap-fitted to the female portion of the next adjacent link. The respective links are identical in structure and are provided in complementary interlocking structure to facilitate attachment and to insure positive interlocking engagement of adjacent links, and yet render the links readily detachably connected so as to facilitate rendering a belt readily adjustable. The respective links are also provided with transversely extending indentations formed in the upper and lower surfaces thereof to impart flexibility thereto. Tapering side surfaces are provided with a non-slip textured surface.

Abstract: A readily adjustable belt and a link construction wherein a plurality of links of similar construction are detachably connected in end to end relationship to define an endless torque transmitting belt. Each link is formed of an injection molded plastic part having a female end portion and a male end portion arranged such that the male portion of one link can be readily snap-fitted to the female portion of the next adjacent link. The respective links are identical in structure and are provided in complementary interlocking structure to facilitate attachment and to insure positive interlocking engagement of adjacent links, and yet render the links readily detachably connected so as to facilitate rendering a belt readily adjustable. The respective links are also provided with transversely extending indentations formed in the upper and lower surfaces thereof to impart flexibility thereto. Tapering side surfaces are provided with a non-slip textured surface.

Abstract: A plastic cable chain having two free ends comprises at least two metallic cables jacketed in a plastic material and spaced apart by cross-linked spacer members. Each of the cables have opposing free ends with a respective eyelet for facilitating the coupling of the eyelets on opposing cable free ends. The eyelets are connected by a connecting link to define thereby a continuous substantially plastic cable chain. In a preferred embodiment, the eyelets are formed by the free end of the cable being bent over and joined to another part of the cable to form a closed loop. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a length of the plastic cable as well as to a method of coupling the ends of the plastic cable together to make a continuous chain.

Abstract: A chain formed of links made of fiber-reinforced resin composite material. Each link has a terminal loop located at each axial end of a long strap. Loops, located at adjacent ends of successive links, are joined by relatively short connecting links that overlap bushings located within each of the loops. The bushings and connecting links are held in position at each lateral side of the links by pins and washers. A ring surrounds each link where the strap flares to form each terminal loop. The loops may be unitary or spaced laterally to receive within the space a unitary loop of an adjoining link aligned axially with the other loop. A pin located within the loops supports washers at each lateral side of the links to maintain the position of the links and to transfer load between the links.

Abstract: The invention provides sealing members for a chain. A pair of sealing members is provided for each end of a bushing. The sealing members respectively surround the ends of the bushing and are housed between inner sidebar portions and the outer sidebar portions of the chain. Each of the sealing members includes a collar which is pressed onto one of the ends of the bushing and which is positioned in closely spaced relation to one of the inner sidebars. Each collar has a circumferential flange or outer and inner collar portions which extend toward and engage one of the outer sidebars. Each collar defines an annular groove surrounding the bushing. Each sealing member further includes a resilient sealing ring housed in each annular groove. Each resilient sealing ring surrounds the bushing and engages in a sealing relation with the outer sidebar engaged by the collar in which it is housed.

Abstract: A roller chain is provided with links having some rollers of nylon. The nn rollers may be arranged with standard metallic rollers in patterns along the length of a single-strand or double strand roller chain. The nylon is polytetramethylene-adipamide.

Abstract: Improved articulation structure is provided for pivoting links of a modular belt, namely a hinge strip of flexible material such as a thermoplastic elastomer and mating receptacle aperture slots in link ends. The modular links are all alike with flared ends in the slots permitting the hinge strip to flex a limited angle without frictional rubbing with the links. The slots have limited constant widths facing outwardly to prevent movement of the hinge strip in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the belt. Staggered end fingers of the links are half the thickness of a central body portion which provides a smooth top surface without apertures for interdigitation with similar end to end links. This construction is particularly useful for operation in abrasive conditions where wear on conventional pivot pins would significantly reduce belt life.

Abstract: A conduit carrier chain having end-to-end pivotally connected link plate sides has a stop element between each pair of pivotally connected link plate ends. The stop element has two lateral sides which each interfit with one of the two pivotally connected ends to limit the range of angular motion of one link plate relative to the other. The lateral sides of the stop element can be made with camber and radius stop surfaces in different positions, so that the average camber and radius of a length of chain can be adjusted for particular applications simply by changing the assembly orientation of the stop element between the two ends. A tie bar or a cover is also provided which spans the sides of the chain and has pockets which fit over noses on the link plates to rigidly connect the sides of the chain.

Abstract: A chain link having a pair of spaced sidebars provided with a set of aligned bores and a round pin positioned within so as to extend through the aligned bores utilizes sidebars and a pin which cooperate in a manner which positively secures the pin in position within the bores and which accommodates a removal of the pin from the bores in a manner which prevents damage to the link components. The pin has a head on one end and an annular rib on its other end, and the sidewall of one of the aligned bores possesses a diameter which tapers in size from one end of the bore to the other end thereof and is adapted to flex outwardly to accommodate the passage of the annular rib therethrough.

Abstract: The invention is directed to improved and lighter weight links for chains of a harvesting conveyor. The conveyor chain links are constructed of a stronger lighter weight material or constructed with conventional material but of a smaller diameter with a lubricous clip or bushing positioned on the surfaces where the links join to make up the chain. Using aero space composite materials and technology the chains will have an extended life.

Abstract: A link assembly for a lightweight, non-metallic, conveyor or load transmission chain having significantly greater strength and other performance improvements compared to previous non-metallic chain links is disclosed. Each link assembly includes: a pair of identical sidebars each comprised of high-strength filamentary material wound in an elongated loop configuration and fixed in a matrix of hardened resin; a connecting pin having a stiff reinforced composite core and a skin-tight sleee of non-abrasive material; low friction bushing means between the sidebars and connecting pin; and retaining means for holding the assembly together.Methods of making the unique sidebar and connecting pin components are also disclosed.

Abstract: A log-transporting conveyor chain is described. The conveyor chain incorporates log-transporting links with attached guide blocks which, in combination with an enclosing chain raceway, prevent undesirable play in the chain.

Abstract: A link assembly for a lightweight, non-metallic, conveyor or load transmission chain having significantly greater strength and other performance improvements compared to previous non-metallic chain links is disclosed. Each link assembly includes a pair of identical sidebars each comprised of high-strength filamentary material wound in an elongated loop configuration and fixed in a matrix of hardened resin and a connecting pin having a stiff reinforced composite core and a surrounding sleeve of low friction wear resistant material.

Abstract: A chain guide (10) secured to an attachment tab (22) of an attachment link (20) of a roller chain (12) is disclosed for stabilizing the roller chain (12) on a chain rail (14). Chain guide (10) is generally symetrical about longitudinal and lateral axes and includes a central, right parallelepiped portion (26) integrally formed intermediate end portions (34) having a cross section of an isosceles triangle. The surfaces (36) of end portions (34) pilot chain guide (10) onto the chain rail (14). The support surfaces (28) of portion (26) slideably abut the face (16) of the chain rail (14). A socket (46) is provided intermediate and parallel to the support surfaces (28) for slideably receiving the attachment link (20). In the most preferred form, chain guide (10) is secured to the attachment tab (22) by detents (56) formed on the sides (48) of socket (46) for a snap interlock with a hole (24) formed in the attachment tab (22).

Abstract: A chain link assembly comprises a pair of inner sidebar portions, each defining an aperture and having innermost and outermost surfaces. A hollow bushing is secured to the pair of inner sidebar portions. The bushing includes a central portion which extends between the inner sidebar portions and integral stud portions at each end of the central portion which project into each of the apertures of the inner sidebar portions and terminate at the outermost surfaces of the inner sidebar portions. A pair of seals encircle each of the stud portions, each seal lying between the innermost surface of the inner sidebar portion and the central portion of the bushing.

Abstract: A sealed pivot joint suitable for joining together the adjacent links of an endless belt, for example, a tank track. The joint has a bearing (10) rotatable on a pin (8), and an elastic sleeve (20) whose extremities are in sealed relationship to the pin and bearing thereby preventing the ingress of abrasive material into, and the egress of lubricant from, the bearing surface (12). The sleeve is maintained in circumferential tension by tensioning members (14, 16, 18) between the sleeve and the pin which act to prevent wrinkling of the sleeve when the pin and bearing are rotated relative to one another thereby reducing abrasive wear on the outer surface of the sleeve.

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.

Abstract: A flexor for an endless track includes a tensile load-carrying core encapsulated in an elastomeric case and being in the form of a single plate wrapped lengthwise by a core having a tensile pre-load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor chain, which comprises chain links (1) consisting of a barrel portion (2) and elongated side bars (3,4), the first ends of which are attached to the ends of the barrel, whereby the distance between the free ends of the side bars (3,4) corresponds to the length of the barrel (2) including the side bars attached to it. In order to enable the assembly of a chain of identical, mutually similar parts without tools, the surfaces located opposite each other at the free ends of the bars (3,4) of the chain links are provided with studs (5,6), the outer diameter of which corresponds to the inner diameter of the barrel (2) and the elasticity of the bar (3,4) material is such that the bars can be spread from each other to such an extent as to enable the insertion of the studs (5,6) of one chain link into the barrel (2) of another chain link.

Abstract: A guide chain with supporting link chains including chain links which are connected by crosspieces. To limit the mutual pivot angle, each chain link is provided with slots which extend about a common pivot axis, with engaging studs of an adjacent chain link extending into the slots. In order to facilitate assembly and improve the support capability of the guide chain, each chain link is made as one piece, is provided at one end, on one side, with a disc-shaped plate in which are disposed the slots, and is provided at the other end, on the opposite side, with a cup, on the bottom of which are formed the engaging studs. The diameter of the plate is less than the diameter of the cup, so that the plate of one chain link can be placed into the cup of another chain link.

Abstract: Bicycle Chain is made of alternating bushing links and pin links. The bushing links have parallel bushings held in interference fit in bushing plates and extended axially beyond the bushing plates, solid metal rolls with a lubricating plating are held loosely on the bushings, and loosely between the bushing plates. The bushings extend axially outward beyond the bushing plates for substantial distances. Pins extend through the bushings and are fixed in pin plates to form pin links which alternate with the bushing links. The pin plates are held outward from the bushing plates for a substantial amount by the axial bushing extensions to prevent dirt build up. The pin plates, bushing plates and bushings are plated with an anti-corrosion plating. The pins and rolls are plated with a porous metal plating with solid polymeric lubricant held within pores of the plating for lubricating the pin-bushing interior interface and for lubricating the roll-bushing and roll-bushing plate interfaces.

Abstract: A connection for use with chain links includes a main body portion which has at least one and preferably two support bars extending outwardly from each side of the main body portion, a recess or groove in the support bar adjacent its distal end spaced from the main body portion a distance to allow a plurality of chain links to be mounted thereon in spaced relationship, a securing clip located within each recess or groove to retain the chain links in position on, and relative to, the support bars with faces being adjacent, and one or more raised portions on at least one face of the chain links to space the chain links apart.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a conveyor chain with a plurality of chain rollers, for conveying individual items or similar material handling applications, in which respectively two chain rollers are arranged coaxially at a predetermined distance with respect to one another on a common chain pin in such a way so as to be able to rotate, whereby side bars laterally arranged on the chain pins are used to connect respective sequentially arranged chain rollers, and the individual chain components are adapted to form an endless chain. The chain also includes conveyor rollers on those chain pins which are respectively arranged between two adjacent chain rollers of the chain, and these conveyor rollers have a larger diameter than the chain rollers. Recess-like depressions which are formed between two adjacent conveyor rollers in the chain are filled by bridge-forming space members which are secured on the respective chain pins, or on sleeves.

Abstract: An endless power transmission chain includes link assemblies made up of spaced apart cylindrical pins connected at their opposite ends to parallel outer link plates. Spaced apart inner link plates interconnect the link assemblies and are provided with self-lubricating bearings for journalling the interconnected pins to provide a flexible chain assembly. Chain rollers or bushings of polyurethane or similar resilient non-metal material are rotatably mounted on the link pins between the inner link plates and are directly engageable with the chain sprocket teeth for deflection to provide distribution of chain load over a greater surface area of the sprocket teeth as well as between adjacent teeth engaged with the chain. The chain includes centrally mounted bracket members secured to the link pins for connecting the chain to a series of spaced apart foils or blades for a fluid dynamic power generating apparatus using a translating foil or blade system.

Abstract: A machine and method are disclosed for securing a loop of thermoplastic strap around an article so that two overlapping portions of strap are bonded together. One form of an apparatus in the machine has a strap engaging weld pad with spaced-apart, parallel strap-engaging ribs for effectively making a friction-fusion weld in thin film strap. Another form of the apparatus in the machine includes a rack gear associated with a weld pad and engaged with an arc of teeth on a torsion bar for utilizing the torsional oscillation kinetic energy to reciprocate the weld pad along a linear path of motion. Another form of the apparatus in the machine includes a strap carrier chain for forming the strap in a loop about an article and the chain may include a resilient lug positioned between each pair of adjacent cross pins in the chain.

Abstract: A papermakers fabric formed from a plurality of elongated, generally cylindrical pintles which are positioned in spaced relationship relative to each other and with their axes substantially parallel to define the width of the fabric. A plurality of link members interconnect the several pintles to define the length of the fabric. Each link interconnects two pintles and the configuration of the link can be varied to facilitate the manufacture thereof, to facilitate construction of the fabric, and to facilitate repair of a damaged fabric while the same is on the papermaking machine. Additionally, the permeability of the fabric can be varied by changing the thickness of the links used to form the fabric. Moreover, the links can be made of injection molded plastic for reduced cost.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveying belt (10) is disclosed. The belt (10) is comprised of a plurality of plastic belt modules (14) releasably connected to one another to form an extended belt. Each module (14) has an upper surface (26), a lower surface (28), a first and a second (16, 18) and extending transversely of the conveying direction of the belt and a pair of opposed sides (22, 24). A plurality of lugs (38), attached to lug bars (30), are disposed along the first end. A plurality of lug receiving elements (32) are disposed along the second end (18) and releasably receive lugs (30) of an adjacent module (14).

Abstract: This invention involves a filament wound composite core which is combined with one or more additional cores to produce a loop track characterized by transverse curvature and stud bands extending between the sandwiched or laminated cores and which extend to provide sprocket engagement for transferring motive power to the loop track, and a system for mounting the novel loop track on a vehicle.

Abstract: A polymeric chain link including two sidebars and a barrel connecting the sidebars. The barrel is comprised of a male barrel portion and a female barrel portion, each barrel portion being an integral extension of one of the sidebars. The male barrel portion fits inside the female barrel portion, and the inner mating surface of the female barrel portion cooperates with the outer mating surface of the male barrel portion to couple the two portions, mechanically locking them together.

Abstract: A longitudinally, self-adjustable linking element is used to form a conveyor assembly for moving an article along a path. The linking element has two end sections, bearings mounted at each end section, and coupling elements for connecting the end sections with respect to each other. The coupling elements are fixedly secured to one of the end sections and shiftingly secured to the other end section. A closed loop conveying apparatus includes the longitudinally self adjustable linking element and rail guide members extend along the length of the conveying apparatus. Sprocket mechanisms are disposed at fixed spaced locations for changing the direction of movement of the conveying apparatus along the path.

Abstract: A plastic chain has a link which includes two sections formed of molded thermoplastic material. One end of each link section includes a first opening and is shaped so that when the link sections are joined, the ends will be spaced apart and the first openings aligned. The other end of each section includes a second opening. First and second mating means cooperate to join the other end to form a link. The ends with the first openings are spaced apart a sufficient distance to accommodate at least a portion of the joined other ends of an adjacent similarly-shaped link so that the first openings can be aligned with the second openings in the adjacent link to receive a link pin which is in the form of a hollow tube with a manually releasable resilient latch.

Abstract: Adjacent links of a chain are releasably locked together by a pin, which is inserted through the pivot joints of the chain. The pin has spaced apart shoulders which engage the outer surfaces of the outer links at the pivot joints when the pin is fully inserted in the links. The pin has a front end which is compressible to permit passage of the forward locking shoulder through the inner and outer links of the chain.

Abstract: A sprocket chain for use in a normally corrosive environment is made up of identical, clevis-type links of synthetic resin composition pivotally connected by quick detachable, twist-locking pivot pins also of synthetic resin composition. The links are each formed at one end thereof with relatively spaced apart, transversely aligned eyes which may be resiliently flexed inwardly toward one another to permit a locking lug on the pivot pin to move into snap-locking engagement with a notch or dwell formed in a cam-like locking surface on one of the eyes of the link. The pivot pins are quickly removable from the links by simply rotating the pin about 90 degrees in either direction and thereafter withdrawing the pin axially from the eyes of the link.

Abstract: The ends of the metal pins of a chain of balanced design are carried in the aligned bores of the chain link sidebars. The links are of an engineering plastic and the ends of each pin are deliberately fitted differently in the one and the other bores of the two sidebars such that cyclic loading as in chain operation causes the pin to "walk" in the direction of the other bore. Abutment means prevents movement of the pin in that direction and the pin is thereby self-securing but can be readily removed in the other direction when required.