Including Wire Member Coiled About Pivotal Axis Between Links Patents (Class 474/208)
  • Publication number: 20090124445
    Abstract: A power transmission chain includes a plurality of links and a bending-restraining mechanism. The bending-restraining mechanism includes a wire extending in a lengthwise direction along the chain and engaging at least three adjacent joints of the chain. The wire is formed such that it elastically deforms when an inside link rotates around the inner joint in a first direction from a linearly extending state, the wire thereby applying a bending resistance to the inside link during articulation of the chain. In one embodiment, the wire includes at least one curved section clipped around at least a majority of a circumference of at least one joint. In another embodiment, the wire is formed such that a predetermined bias due to a bending deformation of the wire is applied to the inside link when the chain is extended linearly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: BorgWarner Morse TEC Japan K.K.
    Inventors: Kouji Morishige, Timothy J. Ledvina
  • Patent number: 5938553
    Abstract: A barrel-shaped coil spring roller is formed by closely winding spring wire rods having fine crepe-like concave-convex surfaces on the surface of the barrel-shaped coil spring roller. The fine crepe-like concave-convex surfaces serve as a lubricating oil reservoir and are formed by a shotpeening process. Lubricating oil is retained on the fine crepe-like concave-convex surfaces formed by the shot-peening process. Sliding noises between the spring wire rods adjacent to each other, which noises are generated by elastic deformation of the barrel-like coil spring roller when in engagement with the toothed surface of the sprocket, are reduced by the lubricating oil. The wear on both of the barrel-shaped coil spring roller and the sprocket is lessened and the power loss is reduced. The low noise chain is capable of retaining a lubricating oil on the surface of spring wire rods of a barrel-shaped coil spring roller for long periods of time, while still maintaining a noise reduction effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Hiroki Ishida, Toshihiro Hosokawa, Sachihiko Maeda, Takahisa Andoh
  • Patent number: 4766997
    Abstract: A chain conveyor system includes a plurality of interconnected links. The links include first barrel portions connected to engage and be driven by a mechanical drive mechanism including a sprocket wheel. Removable high wear preformed coiled bands having free ends are wrapped around the barrel portions of the links to provide bearings to minimize wear on the links resulting from contact with the mechanical drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: The Budd Company
    Inventor: Joseph R. Hannum
  • Patent number: 4459124
    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: October 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Inventor: Alan R. Newton
  • 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