Links Pivotable About Diverse Axes During Operation (e.g., "universal" Connection Facilitating Alignment With Sprockets In Diverse Planes) Patents (Class 474/210)
  • Patent number: 10556748
    Abstract: The forged link and round bottom drag conveyor paddle assembly and method of making same provide for use of a hollow sleeve for engaging link ends together and engaging round bottom drag conveyor paddles to the link through engagement of a suitable connector through the round bottom drag conveyor paddles and the sleeve to make the round bottom drag conveyor paddles easily replaceable. As an alternative embodiment a solid sleeve incorporating threaded ends is also proposed for use in engaging round bottom drag conveyor paddles to a forged link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: T.F. & J.H. BRAIME (HOLDINGS) P.L.C.
    Inventor: Roger Victor Bruere
  • Patent number: 8069645
    Abstract: The invention relates to a link chain having two or more 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 in each case one of the two rotational axes belongs to two different chain elements in adjacent rows, and that the chain elements of one row are connected to one another by means of toothed devices at their ends in such a way that the chain is flexible in the chain plane. The chain elements at one end of the link chain are likewise provided, at their outer side, with a toothed device, which is in engagement with an actuator. The actuator is a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, an electromotive actuator or a manual drive actuator. The actuator may have a latching fitting, wherein the latching fitting is provided with a toothed surface that is in engagement with a toothed surface of a chain element in one row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Kintec-Solution GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Mackert
  • Patent number: 8066604
    Abstract: The chain comprises a plurality of external links (2), each defined by a pair of parallel external plates (4, 5) and by two rotation pivots (6) interpositioned between the two external plates (4, 5). The chain also comprises a plurality of internal links (3), each defined by a pair of parallel internal plates (7, 8) and by two bushes (9) interpositioned between the plates and each internal link (3). Each of the rotation pivots (6) is inserted coaxially in a bush (9) and so defines an alternated succession of external links (2) and internal links (3) and defines with the bush (9) a spherical coupling surface. The chain also comprises anti-rotation elements (12) for reducing a possibility of rotation with respect to an alignment direction of each pair of adjacent links (2, 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: F.S.A. S.R.L.
    Inventors: Ermanno Righi, Sandro Montanari
  • Patent number: 6652402
    Abstract: A chain drive comprises a chain having a plurality of articulating chain links and a toothed sprocket. The sprocket and the chain links have bearing surfaces that contact one another during meshing of the chain. The surfaces are disposed along the length of the chain between the apertures and to one side of a sprocket tooth. One of the bearing surfaces is arcuate so that during meshing of said chain link the bearing surfaces are brought into contact such that the instantaneous centre of rotation of the meshing chain link passes from the first pivot pin of a link to the point of contact of the bearing surfaces before passing to the second pivot pin of the link. This reduces the noise generated by collision of the chain links and the sprocket teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Renold, PLC
    Inventors: Christian Poiret, Alexandre Charton
  • Patent number: 6526740
    Abstract: A chain (CA) comprises a plurality of link units (10), each including a pair of link plates (11) and a connection member (12) placed between the link plates (11) at one end of each link unit (10). The link plates (11) of one link unit (10) are connected end to end with the link plates (11) of another link unit (10) by a connecting pin (13) in such a way that the link units (10) are angularly displaced by 90 degrees from one link unit (10) to another as viewed along an extending direction of the chain (CA), whereby the successive link units (10) of the chain (CA) can be alternately bent in two different directions. The chain (CA) thus constructed can be bent and run in desired directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Oriental Chain Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Tanemoto, Tadasu Sawamori
  • Publication number: 20030017896
    Abstract: A sprocket for engaging a power transmission chain with offset series of drive links and guide links is disclosed. The sprocket has teeth that extend radially outwardly at the periphery of the sprocket that support a chain engaging the sprocket. The sprocket teeth are separated from adjacent teeth by a distance that is approximately the length of the links of the chain. A power transmission chain is disclosed that has rows of pivotally connected, interleaved drive links and guide links. One guide link is included in each row of links and the guide links are positioned on alternate lateral sides of the chain by each row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: George L. Markley, Mark MacDonald Wigsten
  • Patent number: 6267701
    Abstract: A chain and sprocket system includes a plurality of chains and phased or offset sprockets. Problems related to equalizing or sharing the load between the driven sprockets in a multiple axis, phased system are eliminated by providing sprockets that rotate independently of one another and having only one of those sprockets transmit load or power to the driven shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Philip J. Mott
  • Patent number: 6199830
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chain elevator comprising an elevating chain (1) made up of links (2) attached to each other, whereby the planes formed by adjacent links are primarily at a 90° angle in relation to each other; an elevating element (3) having a driven chain gear (7) arranged to it, the elevating chain (1) being led to couple with the driven chain gear from the fixing point (9) of the fixed end (8) of the elevating chain located above the driven chain gear (7); and a driving chain gear (100) located above the driven chain gear (7), the elevating chain being led to couple with the driving chain gear from the driven chain gear (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: KCI Konecranes International PLC
    Inventor: Tapani Kiiski
  • Patent number: 6010421
    Abstract: A master link for a standard chainwheel chain, having a substantially planar shackle body having a bore located thereon and first and second extensions extending from the shackle body and terminating at respective ends thereof. The extension have longitudinal axes and are twisted about 90.degree. along their longitudinal axes. The respective ends of the extensions have bores therethrough. A tab member is positioned parallel to the shackle body and has a bore therein in substantial alignment with the bore in said shackle body. A 180.degree. bent portion connecting said shackle body and said tab member. A first pin connects said bores in the extensions and a second pin connects the bores in the shackle body and the tab member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Babbitt Steam Specialty Company
    Inventor: Edwin V. Babbitt, III
  • Patent number: 5989140
    Abstract: A both-side meshing type silent chain is provided which not only permits improvement in durability of a tensioner and a chain guide, but also permits a high-speed and smooth transfer of power. The both-side meshing type silent chain has a high durability and includes a plurality of articular train plates and a plurality of guide train plates. Each of the plurality of articular train plates and the plurality of guide train plates have main teeth for engagement with a sprocket disposed on an inner peripheral side of a chain. The plurality of articular train plates are alternately connected to the plurality of guide train plates with pins. Guide plates, which are guided by side faces of the teeth of the sprocket, are disposed on both outer sides of each of the plurality of guide train plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Koichi Ichikawa, Nobuto Kozakura, Tsutomu Haginoya
  • Patent number: 5692985
    Abstract: A racing game machine includes an endless plate member formed with running lanes on a top surface thereof, the endless plate member having a grade-separated intersection portion; endless transporting chains provided below the endless plate member, each endless transporting chain having a magnetic portion; guide members provided below the endless plate member, each guide member being operable to hold one of the endless transporting chains within respective courses corresponding to the running lanes; a moving mechanism operable to move the endless transporting chains independently of one another along the respective guide members; running objects each having a magnetic portion; and a controller operable to control the moving mechanism in accordance with a predetermined game program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Konami Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Hirata, Kazuhito Matsuura
  • Patent number: 5419743
    Abstract: A low noise chain drive of this invention includes toothed sprockets and an endless silent chain having sets of link plates successively connected for articulation by means of connecting members. Each set has a plurality of transversely aligned link plates with each having a pair of link plate teeth designed to engage the sprocket and a pair of openings through which the connecting members are inserted. The link plate teeth are defined by an outside flank and an inside flank. The sprocket has sprocket teeth defined by a sprocket tooth flank.The sprocket tooth flanks and the outside flanks are profiled such that the outside flanks have a swelling located between the tip of the link plate tooth and a point that is in contact with the sprocket tooth after the completion of the engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive K.K.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takeda, Tetsuji Kotera
  • Patent number: 5382199
    Abstract: The present invention provides a roller chain for pin oven application, having an increased pin and bushing diameters for larger bearing areas. Decreased bushing and roller thicknesses provide increased bearing areas for prolonging chain life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: U.S. Tsubaki, Inc.
    Inventor: Leon N. Ducharme
  • Patent number: 5201269
    Abstract: A roller chain for a paper infeed device of a web-fed rotary printing machine utilizes a plurality of fork shaped butt straps which are arranged in sequential inverted order. Fork ends of adjacent butt straps are carried by a roller axle bolt. Base portions of adjacent butt straps are connected by a hinge pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gunther O. Eckert
  • Patent number: 5192252
    Abstract: A roller chain is provided with sets of links constructed of unequal pitch n order to alter the pattern of contacts between the chain and the sprocket and the resulting noise spectrum. The varying pitch lengths through the chain are achieved by varying the length of the inside links or the lengths of the outside links. Alternatively, the sizes and configurations of the rollers or bushings are varied. Configurations can include circular rollers, elliptical rollers or triangular rollers. The pattern of variation of the pitch of the links is randomized throughout the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive Transmission & Engine Components Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Skurka, Francis J. Hunter
  • Patent number: 4895248
    Abstract: A conveyor belt chain comprises identical links, preferably made of acetal. Each link has a cylindrical head (2) and two legs (3) extending in "V"-form from the head. Between the outer ends of these legs the head (2) of a next adjacent link is coupled for relative movement of the links in horizontal and vertical planes. A part-cylindrical sleeve (10) of a material differing from that of the links is rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical head (10) and provided with external, diametrically opposed bearing surfaces (12) for engaging bearing surfaces (15) on the legs (3), said bearing surfaces extending in right angle to an axis perpendicular to the axis of the head. The sleeve (10) eliminates direct contact between the links with accompanying friction problems in their relative rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Inventor: Mats E. Wahren
  • Patent number: 4869466
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for protecting rope from abrasion as it is drawn over building parapets, rock edges and irregular terrain. The device comprises a series of chain-like links having large side plates to retain the rope upon rods interconnecting the side plates. The side plates have both radial and axial free play upon the rods, so that the chain can twist substantially to adapt to the terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventor: Kyle Isenhart
  • Patent number: 4557374
    Abstract: Especially for modular conveyor belting that is capable of negotiating both horizontal curves and vertical ones, belt tension is spread across the belt using, for each respective set of interconnected links, a rod which can be cammed vertically against an inclined surface at a lateral margin of the belt as a horizontal curve is negotiated, thereby altering the distance between the links in the set. In various embodiments, the camming force is supplied by a conveyor bed rail surface provided in the turn, by the gravity force on at least one link in each set or by rotation of the rod. In preferred embodiments, the cam slots are relieved to facilitate cleaning. Even where horizontal turning is not required, some cammed adjustment is preferably provided, again to facilitate cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: The Cambridge Wire Cloth Company
    Inventor: Robert H. Bode
  • 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: 4429785
    Abstract: A plate chain conveyor assembly including a plurality of plate members each having first and second opposite ends, a single hinge eye being provided at the first end of each plate member and two juxtaposed hinged eyes being provided at the second end of each plate member. Plate members are disposed adjacent one another such that the single hinge eye of each plate interengages with the two juxtaposed hinge eyes of an adjacent plate member to form a passage therethrough. A hinge bolt is disposed in each passage formed by the interengaged hinge eyes. Each hinge bolt has cylindrical ends connected to a center section. The center section has a cross section which changes from a substantially circularly shaped center portion to a substantially lens shaped cross section towards each of the cylindrical ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Inventor: Manfred Dango
  • Patent number: 4399909
    Abstract: A trolley conveyor system chain for pulling trays of the conveyor through horizontal turns and climbing and descending grades. A link of the chain has a single pair of vertical and a single pair of horizontal wheels mounted thereon. A Y or vertical axis of the vertical wheels and an X or horizontal axis of the horizontal wheels intersect at a point and a link mechanism maintains the horizontal wheels in an ideal position relative to a chain rail assembly on which the wheels rotate and also aligns the chain to prevent collapse of the chain under tensile and compressive forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1983
    Inventor: Roman Gorelik
  • Patent number: 4372619
    Abstract: Hauling and cutting equipment includes a conveyor trough having a longitudinal side wall on each side with a support rail structure on at least one side having a chain guide groove therealong through which a endless link chain extends. A cutting machine overlies the trough and is guide on the rail structure and includes a drive on one side with a sprocket or chain wheel which has teeth which engage in horizontally disposed links of the link chain. The space between the teeth accommodates the vertically disposed links of the chain. The link chain comprises long horizontal links and short vertical links which are shorter than the horizontal links. The clear division of the vertical links correspond to the double link diameter of the horizontal links except for a mall clearance for movement play. The engagement division of the chain wheel is matched to the length of the vertical links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1983
    Assignee: Halbach & Braun
    Inventor: Gert Braun
  • Patent number: 4353459
    Abstract: An endless conveyor chain is a sequential assembly of block links formed of a polymeric material, interconnected by thin fleixble links of undulated shape, formed of either metallic or polymeric material, which are easily capable of flexing through their thicknesses, making it possible for the chain to negotiate lateral turns in the conveying run by producing edgewise flexure in the links. Large bearing stresses, which normally result in applications where chain joint lateral articulation occurs in nonlinear chain travel, are minimized or eliminated since the requisite lateral movement is allowed by flexure in the thin links away from the chain joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventor: Victor D. Petershack
  • Patent number: 4290762
    Abstract: A multiple link transmission chain composed of interconnected identical links, having identical ends which are angularly disposed with respect to each other by 90 degrees in relation to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1981
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • 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