Including Diverse Member For Interconnecting Opposite Ends To Complete Loop (e.g., Repair Link For Broken Chain, Etc.) Patents (Class 474/218)
  • Patent number: 10774904
    Abstract: A torsional spring tensioning system for a power transmission chain is disclosed. In embodiments, the torsional spring tensioning system includes at least one torsion spring coupled to a pair of links (e.g., an inner link and an outer link) of the power transmission chain. The torsional spring includes a first spring leg and a second spring leg flexibly coupled by at least one winding. The winding is coupled to a pivot that connects the inner and outer links together. Meanwhile, the first spring leg is coupled to the inner link, and the second spring leg is coupled to the outer link. As a result of this configuration, the torsional spring biases the inner link toward the outer link, or vice versa, to produce/maintain tension in the power transmission chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventors: Hasanen Mohammed Hussen, Mahmoud A. Mashkour, Salman H. Omran, Laith Jaafer Habeeb, Nabeh Natik Alderoubi
  • Patent number: 9593898
    Abstract: A trigger assembly retention apparatus. It is useful in allowing the easy removal and reinsertion of a trigger assembly of a gun for cleaning, replacement, inspection or the trigger assembly or any other reason.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Aurthur J. Elftmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9541160
    Abstract: An anti-backbend chain comprises a plurality of alternate chain links joined by respective chain hinges, a spring element comprising at least a first spring arm being provided. The spring element rests on a chain hinge and the first spring arm extends to a neighbouring chain hinge and is movably in contact therewith under the biasing force of the spring element, so as to obstruct bending of the anti-backbend chain in a first pivot direction. In addition, an anti-backbend chain drive is provided, in particular a chain drive for driving automated door or gate systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: IWIS ANTRIEBSSYSTEME GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Christopher Kranz, Orhan Sahin
  • Patent number: 9243685
    Abstract: The invention relates to a noise reduction device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device that is suitable for use with a drive chain, for reducing noise and vibration resulting from the chain contacting its surrounding environment (rattle noise). The present invention has particular but not exclusive application in reducing noise in chains installed as part of powered door assemblies. In one form, the invention provides a noise reduction device suitable for use with a chain comprising a plurality of connected links, the device adapted for attachment to a link, such that when attached, the member is fixed to and movable with the link and presents one or more surfaces to an environment surrounding the chain, the or each surface provided with damping means to reduce noise associated with the chain contacting the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Automatic Technology (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Ray Russell Hawkins, Toan Quac Dang
  • Patent number: 8499927
    Abstract: A pin assembly for a chain of a material moving system includes a pin having a first end and a second end, the first end having a threaded portion extending to a guide region having a reduced cross-section compared to the threaded portion, the threaded portion being at least partially modified during fabrication of the pin, the guide region extending to a transition region of increasing cross-section with respect to the guide region from the first end toward the second end, the transition region terminating at a shoulder. A fastener is configured to engage the threaded portion during construction of the chain. During construction of the chain, the pin and the fastener form a compression fit therebetween in response to a predetermined torque applied to the fastener, damaging at least a segment of the fastener, substantially limiting reuse of the fastener after the fastener has been disassembled from the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: CNH America, LLC
    Inventors: Herbert M. Farley, Andrew V. Lauwers, Robert Stewart Boyd
  • Patent number: 7837584
    Abstract: A chain includes a connecting unit including two chain plates, and a link unit having first and second link plates parallel to the chain plates and a link pin. The first link plate is formed with a stop block and a retaining hole having an insert hole portion and a retaining hole portion. The link pin has an engaging end portion extending through the chain plates and the retaining hole portion. The connecting unit is pivotable about the link pin between a first position, where the link pin is allowed to move entirely from the retaining hole portion into the insert hole portion to thereby allow removal of the link pin from the first link plate, and a second position, where the link pin is not allowed to move entirely from the retaining hole portion into the insert hole portion due to contact of an edge of one of the chain plates with the stop block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: KMC Chain Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel Wu
  • Publication number: 20100133020
    Abstract: A final drive unit includes a sprocket, a hub unit and a holding portion. The hub unit is arranged inside the sprocket and includes a hub portion and a cover member mounted to the hub portion. At least the hub portion is configured and arranged to rotate about a rotational axis together with the sprocket. The holding portion is arranged on one of the hub portion and the cover member of the hub unit in proximity to an outer end of the one of the hub portion and the cover member with respect to an axial direction of the rotational axis. The holding portion is configured and arranged to hold an end of a wire-shaped member that pulls a crawler belt when the crawler belt is wound around the sprocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Junichi Matsui, Atsumi Araki, Yukio Kometani
  • Patent number: 7712298
    Abstract: A chain plate structure includes a first outer link plate and a second outer link plate, and each of which includes a first/second through hole, a first/second connection hole, a first/second trough and a first/second engaging trough at two sides of the first/second connection hole. A first/second rib extends from an inner periphery of the first/second engaging trough and at least one first/second protrusion extends from the first/second rib. When the first and second outer link plates are connected to each other, the gap between two adjacent inner link plates of a chain is less than 2.3 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Wen-Pin Wang
  • Patent number: 7568334
    Abstract: A pin is relatively rotatably fitted into a pin hole formed in an outer link plate of a chain. A plurality of helical grooves are formed on an outer circumferential surface of the pin. A pitch P between adjacent helical grooves in the axial direction is equal to or less than a width in the axial direction of the pin hole of the outer link plate. At least one helical groove is arranged to oppose an arbitrary generatrix on an inner circumferential surface of the pin hole. Also, when a radius of the pin is R and a relative rotation angle with the mating member is ?, a pitch P? in the circumferential direction between adjacent helical grooves is R? or less. Thus, at least one helical groove is arranged to always pass each position in a sliding range between the pin and the pin hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Fujiwara, Morinobu Kawamura
  • Patent number: 7543437
    Abstract: A link plate assembly includes two first plate, two second plate, and two pins. The first plate includes a first aperture, a second aperture and a receiving aperture. Four convex portions facing the second plate are formed on the first plate. The second plate includes a first aperture and a second aperture. Two concave portions facing the first plate are formed on the second plate. One end of each pin is secured to the first aperture of the first plate. The other end of each pin includes a head portion and a groove portion. The head portion passes through the first aperture of the second plates and the receiving aperture of the other first plate. The groove portion passes through the second aperture of the first plate. The convex portions of the first plates contact with a non-concave part of the second plates when assembling. The convex portions coincide with the concave portions to disassemble the link plate assembly as the second plate is rotated relative to the first plate in a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Tien Hsin Industries Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Chih-Chung Chin
  • Patent number: 7216472
    Abstract: A guiding shaft structure for a chain connector includes a black shaft and a guiding bolt. The black shaft comprises a passage with a threaded section therein and a first protruding ring, a second protruding ring and a third protruding ring on an outer surface thereof. The guiding bolt comprises an insertion section and a guiding section. The insertion section comprises grooves, a circular flange and a guiding surface. The guiding section comprises a threaded portion. The black shaft and the guiding bolt are secured with each other to form a one piece and to provide a secure connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Wen-pin Wang
  • Patent number: 7131258
    Abstract: Device for closing a chain, particularly a bicycle chain, comprising a first and a second pair of end outer plates connected by at least one pair of inner plates, a pair of rivets so engaging a pair of end holes of the first and the second pair of outer plates and the corresponding holes of a pair of, inner plates arranged at the ends of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Patent number: 6966170
    Abstract: Device for closing a chain, particularly a bicycle chain, comprising a first and a second pair of end outer plates connected by at least one pair of inner plates, a pair of rivets so engaging a pair of end holes of the first and the second pair of outer plates and the corresponding holes of a pair of, inner plates arranged at the ends of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Campagnolo Srl.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Patent number: 6890278
    Abstract: A chain is provided in which adjacent links are attached to one another by a coupling pin that permits the links to rotate relative to one another on a connecting axis defined by a coupling pin. The links have movable link plates and can be fixed against relative rotation or released, at least on one side of the chain, by selectively engaging or disengaging the link plates. In one embodiment a restoring force urges movable link plates outwardly on both sides of the chain, toward locking engagement with the plates of the next adjacent links. The movable link plates are depressible against the restoring force, sufficiently to permit the adjacent link plates to overlap and pivot freely. The couplings between links can be switched between fixed and free rotational states by passing them through a path with converging walls that depress the movable link plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffrey Theorin Prince
  • Patent number: 6843744
    Abstract: A splice joint is for joining first and second synchronous drive belt ends, of the belt type comprising a reinforcement material layer covering a base layer formed from a first thermoplastic material. The joint comprises a fused portion of the base layer of the first and second belt ends that define a splice region. At least one coating layer of thermoplastic material overlaps the reinforcement layer of the end portions in the splice region. The coating layer is comprised of a second elastomeric material intended to melt and penetrate into interstices of the reinforcement material layer while within the mold press. Migration of the base layer material through the reinforcement material layer to the pulley-engaging outer surface is thereby inhibited. The second elastomeric material composing the coating layer may be selected to provide desired frictional and wear characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Michael John William Gregg, Hong Xuan Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6190277
    Abstract: A energy transmission chain for guiding hoses, cables and the like between two connection points includes chain links each having two side elements connected by cross-members. The side elements of adjacent chain links have overlapping sections and are joined to rotate around a pivot in one plane. Energy transmission chains with high lateral stability, which do not sag, particularly when installed in a lateral position, and which are simple and inexpensive to manufacture are frequently desired. This is the case if the moveable consumer connected to the energy transmission chain is traversed in a horizontal plane. Thus, at least one of the respective adjacent side elements (1) has at least one guide groove (7) extending parallel to the plane of rotation. The side element adjacent to this element engages one of the guide grooves over the entire angle of rotation by a guide element (8) extending parallel to the plane of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Igus Spritzgussteile für Die Industrie GmbH
    Inventor: Gunter Blase
  • Patent number: 6164439
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a connector pin for a modular conveyor belt. The connector pin is fabricated from two separate materials and includes a high strength polymer core which is covered by a low-friction polymer shell. The connector pin is used with a modular conveyor belt that includes a first conveyor link having a link end which is intermeshed with a link end on a second similar conveyor link. The openings in the first link and the second link are axially aligned with respect to each other such that they receive the connector pin of the present invention therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Stebnicki, Robert E. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6131728
    Abstract: The invention provides a cover for an over-lapping conveyor belt joint. The cover prevents gaps between the belts at the joint and draws the bolt heads into a recess on the underside of the joint, thereby reducing belt jump as the bolt heads pass over the rollers. The invention may also protect the leading edge of the upper belt. The invention is well suited to use on agricultural swath pick-ups such as those used on combines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Precision Metal Fabricating Ltd.
    Inventor: Aron Rizhanovsky
  • Patent number: 6090002
    Abstract: Manually powered propulsion apparatus includes a pedal and a rotatable member. A flexible transmission member is connected to the pedal and to the rotating member and includes pivotally interconnected link members. The link members are linearly disposed when the pedal is extended and cooperate to form a curved, self-supporting structure between the rotatable member and the pedal when the pedal is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: George T. Farmos
  • Patent number: 5980409
    Abstract: The invention relates to an energy transmission chain for guiding hoses, cables and the like between two connection points. The chain links each have two side elements connected by cross-members. The side elements of adjacent chain links have overlapping sections and are joined to rotate around a pivot in one plane. Energy transmission chains with high lateral stability, which do not sag, particularly when installed in a lateral position, and which are simple and inexpensive to manufacture are frequently desired. This is the case if the moveable consumer connected to the energy transmission chain is traversed in a horizontal plane. Thus, in the energy transmission chains disclosed, at least one of the respective adjacent side elements (1) has at least one guide groove (7) extending parallel to the plane of rotation. The side element adjacent to this element engages one of the guide grooves over the entire angle of rotation by means of a guide element (8) extending parallel to the plane of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Igus Spritzgussteile fur Die Industrie GmbH
    Inventor: Gunter Blase
  • Patent number: 5876053
    Abstract: A pedal drive system imparts a rotational force, in part, through linear travel of the pedal. The system comprises parallel, dislocated first and second rotating shafts. A first left sprocket and a first right sprocket are each mounted on the first shaft. A second left sprocket and a second right sprocket are each mounted on the second shaft. A left chain is looped around the first left sprocket and the second left sprocket and engages the teeth of those sprockets. A right chain is, likewise, looped around the first right sprocket and the second right sprocket and engages the teeth of those sprockets. A right pedal is affixed to the right chain, and a left pedal is affixed to the left chain. The first shaft is affixed with a forward sprocket for rotation with the first left and first right sprockets. A driven wheel is affixed with a rearward sprocket. A drive chain is looped around the forward sprocket and the rearward sprocket, and engages the teeth of those sprockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Rex Russell Ray
  • Patent number: 5826705
    Abstract: The conveyor belt assembly includes links having forward and rearwardly laterally spaced projections with forward and rearward projections of adjacent links being interdigitated and coupled to one another by a shaft passing through the aligned openings of the link projections. The shaft includes a headed end having two retainer sections with projections extending in diametrically opposite directions outside of the peripheral confines of the shaft. Diametrically opposite inset portions at axially spaced locations are also provided. By inserting the non-headed end of the shaft through the aligned openings and pressing the headed end through the first opening, the headed end is deformed laterally, first in one direction and then in an opposite direction, in order to pass through the end opening into a lock cavity. The projections prevent axial movement of the shaft in respective opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Omni Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Earl A. Ramsey, Jeffrey E. DeLair
  • Patent number: 5597368
    Abstract: A toothed belt is provided with at least one end attachment part for connecting an end portion of a toothed belt to a housing part or a component to be driven. The end attachment part is a formed strip made of metal or plastic in order to make the attachment of the toothed belt quicker and simpler. The strip has elements or sections which engage in the teeth of the end portion and are securely held therein. In the assembled condition, the end attachment part includes a portion to facilitate a mechanical connection at its end facing away from the end portion of the toothed belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hubert Goser, Detlef Harbecke, Helmut Wille
  • Patent number: 5437577
    Abstract: A chain including a plurality of pairs of alternate inside links and outside links, rollers, pins, and a connector having two links, wherein each first end of the outside links and first ends of the links of the connector has a diameter the same as that of a second end of a corresponding inside link, and each second end of the outside links and second ends of the links of the connector has a diameter greater than that of a first end of a corresponding inside link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: Chia L. Wu
  • Patent number: 5395291
    Abstract: The color coded safety master link is a modified master link used in endless roller chain drives. The invention allows the master link to be safely and quickly located while at the same time indicating the size of the endless roller chain. An extended first pin and extended second pin are connected to a first pin link plate. A second pin link plate engages the extended first pin and extended second pin. A color coded extension pin link plate engages the extended first pin and extended second pin. A locking pin link plate is provided for securing the extension pin link plate to the extended first pin and extended second pin, allowing the master link to remain in place when the roller chain drive is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas P. Fanning
  • Patent number: 5376055
    Abstract: An elongated transmission chain is formed by roller assemblies and pairs of link plates extending in parallel spaced relationship outwardly of the roller assemblies to provide a pivotable connection therebetween. A master link pivotably connects the ends of the elongated chain and includes a pair of link plates overlapping the side plates of the roller assemblies at the ends of the chain. These master link plates have a pair of spaced apertures therein which are coaxially aligned with the apertures in the adjacent rollers of the roller assemblies at the ends of the chain. A pair of threaded fasteners seat in these apertures and extend between the master link plates and through the side plates and rollers. These fasteners are threadably engaged in assembly with the master link plates and are of length not greater than the spacing between the outer surfaces of the master link plates so that they do not extend outwardly thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: Robert C. Bauman
  • Patent number: 5299416
    Abstract: A link for connecting a chain. The link has a first outer chain plate, a first pin, a second pin, and a second outer chain plate. The first outer chain plate has two circular holes. The pin has, at a first end, an enlarged flat head and, at a second end, a dome head near which a groove extends so as to form a neck. The second outer chain plate has a circular hole and a hole consisting of a relatively small semicircular hole overlapping partially with a relatively large semicircular hole. In a plant, the first pin is (a) inserted through a hole of the first outer chain plate, holes of two inner chain plates, and the circular hole of the second outer chain plate and (b) riveted at both heads to thereby combine these elements conventionally. The second pin is inserted through the other hole of the first outer chain plate and the enlarged flat head thereof is secured to the first outer chain plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Inventor: Chia-Long Wu
  • Patent number: 5242028
    Abstract: A motorized bicycle drive system featuring a motor drive with a one-way clutch, a pedal drive with a one-way clutch and a motor driveable sprocket, a removable interconnecting drive chain for interconnecting the two drives, and, a mounting device for detachably mounting the motor drive to a bicycle, whereby a motorized bicycle drive system can be compact, inconspicuous and easily removed from and remounted to a bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventors: Lisa J. Murphy, Thomas E. Mirades
  • Patent number: 5077966
    Abstract: A chain joint for round-link chain, particularly cutting chain, includes chain link arc members and chain link side members connecting the chain link arc members. Bearing members are provided on one side of the chain link arc members. The bearing members have threaded bores and a threaded bolt can be screwed into the threaded bores to form one of the chain link side members. The chain joint is without tension and meets the requirements of a true chain link and can be integrated into the dimensions of a round link chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Halbach & Braun Industrieanlagen
    Inventors: Gert Braun, Ernst Braun
  • Patent number: 4914903
    Abstract: A shackle of cast metal defines a threaded bore for a cast pin. The shackle is specially shaped to define a circular locus for a joined link whether said link contacts shackle body, ear or pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: J. O. Bernt & Associates Limited
    Inventors: Jorgen O. Bernt, Barry C. Forster
  • Patent number: 4860532
    Abstract: Two chain segments of a snow-chain are connected through elongated elements, where both ends of an element each exhibit an open slot in which a link of a chain segment is introduced. Thereafter, the slots are pressed shut until the chain links are at least formlocked, or even forcelocked therein. The method enables one to make the connection elements out of the same material as the one used for the chain segments, and to temper them together with the latter. Futhermore, the method can easily be performed by robots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Milz Produkte AG
    Inventor: Arthur Milz
  • Patent number: 4846769
    Abstract: A mechanical fuse for a reciprocating roller chain is provided which protects mechanical apparatus, such as a carriage assembly, from damage due to a mechanical power surge, or overload. A stirrup shaped body portion is included with a protruding member and a receiving member disposed thereon. The protruding member connects with a master link in the roller chain and the receiving member is connectable via a shear pin to either an end link in the roller chain, or the mechanical apparatus being protected. The shear pin is placed perpendicularly to the direction of the potential mechanical power surge and shears upon application of a tangential force which is greater than can be withstood by the shear pin, but less than the amount of force which will damage the mechanical apparatus, or any other drive components. Therefore, the shear pin separates and interrupts the roller chain path, relieving any mechanical overload, prior to any damage being sustained by the mechanical apparatus or roller chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: John T. Allen
  • Patent number: 4494945
    Abstract: A power transmission roller chain link construction comprises a first link pin plate with a pair of spaced apart substantially parallel link pins secured to said plate in a press-fit so that they extend parallel to the plate. A bushing is fitted over each pin and a roller link plate is press-fitted on the bushing adjacent each of its ends. A roller is rotatably mounted on each bushing between the roller link plates. The link pins, link pin portion and a rod portion extending outwardly from each link pin portion beyond the second link plate, the second link plate being press-fitted to the link pin adjacent their opposite ends from the first link plate. The rod portion of each link pin has a threaded area adjacent the second link plate and a nut is threadably engageable on the threaded area. The link is manufactured by first press-fitting the link pins to the first pin link plate thereafter assembling the bushing with the roller link plates at each end over the pin and assembling a bushing between the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: Enuma Chain Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teiji Ogino