Abstract: Several methods of forming links for use with the creation of rope chains is disclosed, whereby the outer peripheries of such links are contoured prior to assembly into rope chains. In one embodiment, the wire used in the formation of intertwinable links is contoured and then cut into individual, pre-contoured links. In another embodiment, the outer periphery of non-contoured links are individually contoured prior to the intertwining of such links to form actual rope chains. In another embodiment, individual links are collectively contoured, preferably after arrangement on a support such as a mandril. Such contouring can be accomplished by hand, machine or the like.

Abstract: Several methods of forming links for use with the creation of rope chains is disclosed, whereby the outer peripheries of such links are contoured prior to assembly into rope chains. In one embodiment, the wire used in the formation of intertwinable links is contoured and then cut into individual, pre-contoured links. In another embodiment, the outer periphery of non-contoured links are individually contoured prior to the intertwining of such links to form actual rope chains. In another embodiment, individual links are collectively contoured, preferably after arrangement on a support such as a mandril. Such contouring can be accomplished by hand, machine or the like.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making hollow links or rings and for making chain made from hollow links by receiving seamless wire which has an inner core and an exterior surface, for example, a gold alloy surface, making a perforation in the wire so as to expose the inner core at the perforation, and forming the wire into an open or closed link such that the perforation is located on a hidden portion of the link. The inner core may then be removed from the open or closed link by dissolving it in acid, wherein the acid contacts the inner core at the perforation thus allowing the acid to dissolve the inner core. A chain may be made by coupling each link with at least one preceding link to produce the chain.

Abstract: Chains having links in the shape of a figure eight can be made by the method and apparatus of the present invention. The last link of the chain is first held in a secure position. Oval shaped loops are cut from an oval shaped helix in such a manner that the ends of the loops are spaced apart. The ends of the loops are then passed through the eyes of the held last link of the chain. The ends of the loop are then closed and the loop is then grasped at opposite ends of the oval and twisted to form the figure eight shape. The present invention has a collet 30 for holding the last link of the chain, a collet 40 for grasping the loops created from the oval shaped helix. The collet 40 is movable for insertion of the arms of the loop into the eyes of the last link. A clamp 50 joins the ends of the loop and the clamp 50 and collet 40 then perform a twisting motion which results in the loop being formed into a figure eight shape.

Abstract: A machine for the formation of ornamental chains with cylindrical helix-shaped links, comprising: a first section (A) for handling each loose link up to the connection thereof with the corresponding link, of the chain being in the process of formation, which has been last connected, with a handled vertical shaft (12) carrying a horizontal guide support (15) for a slide (16) of a collet-holder unit horizontally sliding between an inoperative retracted position and two advanced positions for seizing a loose link from a link-forming machine and for positioning the loose link in connection position, respectively; with a collet (35) for the hold of the loose link, which is subjected to a helicoidal feeding motion along its longitudinal axis to carry out the connection with the corresponding last link of the chain in the process of formation; a second section (B) for blocking the last link but one of the chain in the process of formation, with a hollow vertical motorized axially sliding shaft (42) carrying a horizo

Abstract: A method for rendering automatic the production of ornamental chains of the kind known as "partridge's eye" and the like, wherein two link elements shaped as a turn are linked to form a link of the chain so that the free ends of one are roughly at the center of the other. Then the link is compressed transversally and axially to cross said end portions of the two link elements, so that the free ends of one element come into contact with the internal contour of the other. The link formed in this way is twisted, at its ends, welded in correspondence with the overlap points of the two link elements, and then linked to a link element suitable to form the subsequent links.

Abstract: A rope chain made from precious metals, having tightly interfitting rings of a given cross-section diameter, each ring having a small gap slightly larger than its cross-section diameter to permit one ring to pass through the gap of a second ring, each of said rings having an inner diameter equal to just over X times greater than the ring cross-section diameter, where X is a number equal to or greater than 3, said rope chain being formed by a plurality of assemblies of said rings, in series, each assembly comprising X+1 rings, each ring of said assembly being angularly intertwined with an adjacent ring, each said assembly of rings comprising at least one ring oriented with its gap about 180.degree.

Abstract: A machine for the production of an ornamental chain known as "bow-type" chain, the chain consisting of a sequence of large links, twisted in a figure-of-eight shape and incorporating a smaller link, linked together by smaller links. The machine comprises a first and a second station for forming and linking the small links and the large links and a transportation gripper which, beside transferring the chain in formation from one station to the other one, takes part in the formation of the links in both stations. An auxiliary gripper is provided which is integral with the transportation gripper, for the positioning of the smaller link on the large link, while the latter is twisted to incorporate the small link. Two small links for every large link are produced in the respective stations and, during the production of the small links to be incorporated in the large links, the large link production station is temporarily stopped.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing ornamental chains of the type known as "peacock eye", formed by a sequence of pairs of links, of the twisted type, each pair including one small and one large link, which are concentric, the large link engaging the large and small links of the immediately preceding and subsequent pairs. The apparatus is substantially of the type capable of producing chains having alternating links, and comprises, in association with the unit for producing the large links, devices for advancing the chain already formed towards an elevated collection unit and for moving the end length of chain, freely suspended, to bring it successively into alignment with the spiral of wire from which the large link is made and with the unit for forming the said large link already concatenated. A mobile pincer undertakes the transportation of the small links towards the production unit of the large links and the allocation of the latter to the first loop of the spiral.

Abstract: An apparatus for rendering automatic the production of ornamental chains of the kind known as "partridge's eye", wherein two link elements shaped as a turn are linked to form a link of the chain so that the free ends of one are roughly at the center of the other. The link is compressed transversally and axially to cross the end portions of the two link elements, so that the free ends of one element come into contact with the internal contour of the other. The link formed in this way is twisted, at its ends, welded in correspondence with the overlap points of the two link elements, and then linked to a link element suitable to form the subsequent links.

Abstract: The method disclosed for automatic decoration of helicoid members and/or links of whatever cross section from which to fashion chain-type articles of jewelry comprises not only conventional steps, but also the additional steps of milling the wire to be crafted, winding it around a former with splines that grip the milled surface, and decorating it while still wound around the former, following which, and before formation of the links, the wire can be shaped to match the cross section of the end part of the splined former. Such a method is carried into effect with apparatus featuring a splined former capable of movement within a spiral sleeve provided with windows through which tools used for crafting are afforded access to the wire, and a mechanism which alters the geometry of the initial rounded section of the helicoid so as to produce any one of a variety of shapes.

Abstract: The disclosure sets forth a different annular link as the building element; instead of using a split annular link of a 3:1 ratio of link inner diameter to major wire diameter, the link has substantially thinner annulus for forming the rope chain, an annulus that requires an over 5:1 ratio of inner annulus diameter to major wire diameter. The presently preferred ratio is between 5.2 and 5.7:1. It is possible to use even thinner annuluses, i.e. having greater ratios, e.g., 7.2-7.7:1 with even greater weight savings (approximately 35%), or other even greater odd-numbered ratios of inner annulus diameter to major wire diameter (e.g. 9.4-9.9:1). Thus, while there is no theoretical limit, there is probably a maximum practical upper limit to the ratio of inner annulus diameter to major wire diamater.

Abstract: A machine for the manufacture of chains of the "rope chain" type for the goldsmithery industry, in which each link is taken from a spiral of wire by means of one or more cuts tangential to the internal profile of the winding. The cuts can be simultaneous or consecutive. The cutting unit includes a pair of blades, the cutting plane of which is adjustable with respect to horizontal so that it can be perpendicular to the coil winding to be cut; it also oscillates between two cutting positions in order to obtain separation of the link with two consecutive cuts in correspondence to two intermittent, 180.degree. one-way rotations of the coil. For chain-linking, a calibrated passage with a decreasing section is provided, in which the take-up unit, after having united a link to those already joined, forces the chain to advance, producing closure of the links with partial overlapping of their contoured extremities.

Abstract: A watchband is comprised of a plurality of interconnected segments of generally helical shape. The segments are formed of tubular metal rods which may be composed of a noble metal alloy, a copper alloy or stainless steel. The use of tubular metal rods as opposed to solid metal rods results in a reduction in materials costs and a lighter weight watchband. The watchband is manufactured by winding a tubular metal rod on a mandrel into a generally helical shape, cutting the helically-wound tubular metal rod to predetermined lengths, and connecting together the lengths in lengthwise juxtaposition so that the coils of one length partly overlie the coils of adjoining lengths to thereby form a watchband comprised of interconnected tubular metal rod segments. By using tubular as opposed to solid metal rods, the annealing process normally required in order to wind the rod into helical shape can be eliminated.

Abstract: An improved link-making machine is described which comprises a frame and a mandrel mounted on the frame outwardly directed from the frame and arranged to receive the wire thereon. Means to form the wire are located adjacent the wire and disposed to receive the wire and to direct the wire around the mandrel to form a plurality of loops thereon, the outermost of which is positioned toward one end of the mandrel and characterized by an open eccentric end portion. Means to provide wire are adapted to the frame and positioned to direct the wire upon the means to form the wire and includes a power source and means to move the wire connected to the power source and activated by the power source to move the wire from a first position to a second position closer to the means to form, the distance between the two positions substantially corresponding to that length of wire required for one link.

Abstract: A machine for forming a Bismarck chain has first and second wire twisting heads alternately feeding and turning two wire helices disposed at an angle of about 90.degree. to each other. The first head adds a first helix of wire as a new link to the last link of the chain, and the second head adds a second helix of wire as a new link to the first helix. The first and second helices are cut after their formation. Thereafter, the chain is pulled upwardly away from the wire twisting heads a distance of two chain lengths. The last length in the chain is held above the wire twisting heads as the wire twisting heads feed and turn two new wire helices.