Roller Chain Patents (Class 59/4)
  • Patent number: 11714501
    Abstract: An example digital pen holder can include a fastener to attach a digital pen to the digital pen holder, an integrated pen tip storage, and an integrated pen tip extractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Charles J. Stancil, Derek Kanas
  • Patent number: 10837519
    Abstract: A bush chain includes a plurality of units. The plurality of units are coupled together in an endless shape and each include a pair of inner plates, a bush, a pair of outer plates, and a coupling pin. The pair of inner plates each include a pair of bush holes. The bush is fixed to the bush hole and includes a pin hole. The pair of outer plates are each disposed at the outside of the respective inner plate. The coupling pin is fixed to the outer plates, and is inserted through and rotatable in the pin hole of the bush. Abrasive particles are embedded in an inner peripheral face at the pin hole of the bush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Fujiwara, Takeo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8783006
    Abstract: A chain includes a plurality of sliding members that moves relative to each other. At least one of sliding members is formed of a martensitic stainless steel, and contains, in a superficial layer thereof, elemental substances of carbon and nitrogen at a range from 0.17 to 0.50 mass % in total, while a precipitation amount of carbide and nitride is 0.05 mass % or less in total.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Daido Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Baba
  • Patent number: 8601783
    Abstract: Links in industrial chains are connected by pins in bushings. Internal sealing rings in internal annular grooves near ends of bushings prevent inward movement of debris and outward movement of grease past the grooves. Steel internal sealing rings are expanded further into the grooves upon insertion of the pins through the bushings and the steel rings. The steel rings tightly grip the pins and rotate with the pins. Opposite ends of the bushings extend slightly from inside sidebars. Outer conical nitrile seals have collars placed on extended ends of the bushings and have large radiused ends for contacting inner surfaces of outside sidebars that hold the pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: U.S. Tsubaki, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Pfahl, Jeff Miller, Dick Virgo
  • Publication number: 20130305852
    Abstract: A roller maintaining chain includes an elongate strip having multiple holes separated by separation blocks. Each hole has a hole face perpendicular to the elongate strip. Each separation block has a top separation block and a bottom separation block. Each of the top and bottom separation blocks has an accommodating surface which has a flat surface and an inclined stop surface. A part of each accommodating surface is perpendicular to planes on the axial direction of the elongate strip. The flat surfaces of the top and bottom separation blocks are smoothly connected to each other. The inclined stop surfaces are inclined toward the top direction of the holes to maintain the rollers in the holes. The method for making the roller maintaining chain uses a left mold and a right mold, the two molds are split inclinedly and laterally to obtain the roller maintaining chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Ming-Che HSU
  • Publication number: 20130190121
    Abstract: A roller chain may include a link having a pair of outer plates connected to a pair of pins, where one of the pins sufficiently extends outside the plate to facilitate connection with a stud and thereby provide connection for attachments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: The Timken Company
    Inventors: Vernon Eugene Skipper, James David McLuckie, Donald John Noordt, Garrett James Griffy, Thomas Christopher Paul
  • Patent number: 8327614
    Abstract: A repair roller may include a cylinder with components that may have an outer surface, an inner surface and end surfaces. Each of the end surfaces may include a mating portion and outer portions that extend from the ends of the mating portion. A pair of complementary interlocking elements may be disposed within the mating portion for secure engagement of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventors: Roger Allen Tegeler, Vernon Eugene Skipper, Thomas Christopher Paul
  • Publication number: 20120302385
    Abstract: A bushing including a wall having a generally cylindrical configuration with the first and second ends at the outer surface joined to define a continuous outer diameter and the first and second ends at the inner surface disposed adjacent to define a discontinuous inner diameter and a seam that may extend from the inner surface toward the outer surface to an end point along approximately 40-50% of the thickness of the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Drives, LLC
    Inventor: Edwin Pawlicki
  • Patent number: 8052561
    Abstract: A method for optimizing the link plates of a plate-link chain drive chain for use in a variable speed unit of a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission. The chain includes plate links formed from pairs of plates that have openings through which pairs of rocker members extend. The plates include longitudinally-extending legs that extend in the chain movement direction and vertical legs that extend perpendicular to the chain movement direction. The method is directed to minimizing bending stresses in the longitudinal and vertical legs of the plates as the chain passes around a pulley, and as the rocker members and the chain tension impose forces on the plates. The stress minimization results in minimal material usage and minimal weight of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Oberle, André Teubert
  • Patent number: 7914410
    Abstract: A bicycle chain connecting link basically has a first link plate, a second link plate, a first link pin and a second link pin. The first link plate has a longitudinal slot. The second link plate has a pair of pin attachment openings. The first and second link pins each have a first pin end retained to the first link plate and a second pin end releasably coupled in the pin attachment openings of the second link plate to be separated from the second link plate and reattached to the second link plate. At least one of the first pin ends of the first and second link pins is slidable within the longitudinal slot of the first link plate in a longitudinal direction of the longitudinal slot of the first link plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Toshinari Oishi, Kenji Kamada
  • 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: 7559190
    Abstract: A chain link for a roller chain or a sleeve-type chain that has a plurality of link plates with openings for receiving chain sleeves that can be brought into engagement with a sprocket wheel to transmit force. The chain sleeve has a central region that is engaged with the sprocket wheel and that has a larger outer diameter than its end regions that are held in the link plate openings. A method is disclosed for producing a chain sleeve for a chain link of a chain, which is produced by deep drawing, or by machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Joachim Spörrer
  • 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: 7490715
    Abstract: Link chain with improved wear resistance as well as method of manufacturing such a link chain. For manufacturing of a link chain, several chain links (39; 40) comprising link pins (41) or plates provided with coatings being applied by means of a PVD process are assembled. The coatings consist of hard material layers and/or slide material layers. It is possible that no PVD coating is provided on a transition zone (1a; 4) of elements (41; 42) used for the manufacturing of the chain links predetermined for connection with another element (42; 41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Joh. Winklhofer & Soehne GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Helmut Girg, Martin Kohn, Stefan Pintoiu, Stephan Schmitt, Gerald Jörgensen, Bernhard Schachtner
  • Patent number: 7472538
    Abstract: A method or producing rollers and sleeves for chains, particularly for roller chains or sleeve-type chains. The rollers and sleeves are of cylindrical form and they are deep-drawn from a sheet metal material. The drawn components can remain attached to the sheet metal for convenience in transporting them and later separated from the sheet as they are needed. Alternatively, the drawn components can be separated from the sheet metal material and can be pressed into the openings that remain in the sheet metal, again for convenient transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Joachim Spörrer, Olaf Donath, Georg Backert, Michael Dotterweich, Alexander Fichtner, German Lang
  • Patent number: 7472539
    Abstract: A link plate for a plate-link chain that is composed of a plurality of chain links that include link plates, wherein adjacent chain links are hingedly connected with each other by connectors received in openings of the link plates. The link plate is a plate member having a predetermined thickness and a pair of spaced openings. Web regions between an outer edge section of the plate and an adjacent plate opening have a width that is less than about 0.8 times the predetermined thickness of the plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Joachim Spö{umlaut over ( )}rrer
  • Patent number: 7467509
    Abstract: In a seal chain, a seal mechanism disposed between opposed surfaces of inner and outer link plates comprises an elastic ring, a seal ring adhered to the outer link plate, an annular resin seal having a base adhered to the inner link plate, a tongue on the annular resin seal in abutting relationship with the outer link plate, and a ring-shaped plate adhered to the outer link plate. The elastic ring is held between an inclined surface formed on an end of a bushing that protrudes past the inner link plate, and an inclined inner surface of the seal ring. The inner circumferential surface of base of the annular resin seal slides on the outer circumferential surface of the seal ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Kentaro Yamane, Makoto Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20080307767
    Abstract: In the case of a roller chain having pins, bushes, rollers, inner plates and outer plates, respectively two bushes are connected to each other by at least two inner plates and consequently form a chain link. A roller which surrounds each bush is mounted rotatably on the latter and respectively two successive chain links being connected to each other in an articulated manner in that each bush sits on one of the two ends of the bush protruding beyond the latter and two pins which are surrounded thus by two successive chain links are connected at least by two outer plates. The pins comprise austenitic stainless steel and their surface layer is formed by an S-phase of the austenitic steel which is obtained by nitriding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Detlef Ragnitz, Christophe Cenac
  • Patent number: 7437870
    Abstract: A chain link plate includes an elliptical plate body having opposite first and second surfaces, and two mounting holes spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the plate body and extending from the first surface to the second surface. The plate body has a central longitudinal line that passes through centers of the mounting holes, and two transverse lines that pass respectively through the centers of the mounting holes and that are perpendicular to the central longitudinal line. The plate body has an intermediate juncture portion defined between the transverse lines, and opposite end portions integrally and respectively connected to opposite ends of the intermediate juncture portion. The intermediate juncture portion has a largest width greater than that of each of the end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: KMC Chain Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel Wu
  • Patent number: 7427251
    Abstract: A roller chain for bicycles having outer and inner chain links. The outer and inner chain links have outer and inner link plates, respectively. The chain links are joined by tubular pins. The chain links have holes for receiving the tubular pins. The holes have an outward-opening conical contour for receiving a deformed head of the pin. The roller chain is assembled into a working unit by using a closing link to join two inner chain links. The closing link can be assembled and dismantled without plastic deformation or press-fitting forces on the closing link. The configuration of the hole contour and deformed heads allows the outer link plates to enter into a connection with the pins such that a slight movement of the pin in its seat in the hole in the outer link plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Reiter, Pedro Santos
  • Publication number: 20080078158
    Abstract: A roller element (10) is provided which has a central body (1) and a roller unit (2). The roller unit (2) is mounted so as to circulate on a non-circular race (21) about the central body (1) and so as to be mobile with respect to the central body (1) by the rolling movement of the rollers (3) of the roller unit (2) on the central body (1). The rollers (3) are configured as balls or substantially cylindrical elements. A peripheral surface of the rollers (3), for a substantial part, is shaped as a rolling surface that corresponds to the central body (1) and for rolling off on the central body (1). The elements of the roller unit (2) have play in relation to one another and/or the roller unit has play regarding its mobility in relation to the central body (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: WRH WALTER REIST HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Walter Reist
  • Patent number: 7343730
    Abstract: An investment cast, stainless steel chain link is provided for chains used in water and wastewater treatment. The chain link comprises a pair of spaced apart, elongated sidebars having forward ends and rearward ends. The forward ends are spread apart and are provided with outwardly and laterally extending bosses having transverse boss pin bores coaxially aligned with each other. The rearward ends are interconnected by a cylindrical barrel having a barrel pin bore extending through each of the sidebars. The sidebars are formed with outwardly and laterally projecting reinforcing ribs-extending between the bosses and the barrel pin bore along a substantial length of the sidebars. A freely rotatable chain pin is inserted through aligned boss and barrel pin bores from either end thereof for interconnecting first and second pairs of sidebars. An arrangement is provided for preventing the lateral dislodgement of the chain pin from the sidebars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventors: Michael W. Humcke, Anthony D. Krallman
  • Patent number: 7325391
    Abstract: A bicycle chain has an outer link with two outer link plates, an inner link formed with two inner link plates and a link pin connecting adjacent ones of the together. The link plates are configured to aid in smoothly shifting a chain moves between sprockets. The outer link plates have the outer link peripheral edges that are shaped differently. One of the outer link plates has an exteriorly facing surface with a first chamfered outer edge portion extending along a section of its outer link peripheral edge at a first end portion and a first reduced area part having a reduced radial dimension with respect to a radial dimension of the first end portion lying along a longitudinal axis. The inner link plates have center connecting portions with different minimum widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Toshinari Oishi, Yusuke Nishimoto, Atsuhiro Emura
  • Patent number: 7267220
    Abstract: A derailleur drive chain structure for downhill event operating in conjunction with a gear disk includes inner chain plates, outer chain plates, sleeves, and pins. Each sleeve is disposed between each pair of inner chain plates. Each pin is to connect each pair of abutted outer and inner chain plates. Two ends are provided on a first side of each outer chain plate. The outer edge of each outer chain plate externally to the two ends is disposed with a protruding portion to improve tensile strength and flexibility of the chain to upgrade its impact withstanding performance for improving riding safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Wen-pin Wang
  • Patent number: 7117575
    Abstract: In manufacturing a link plate for a roller chain, a band of sheet steel is intermittently forwarded along a path past series of dies, including rough punching dies and shaving dies. The punching dies and corresponding shaving dies are located symmetrically on opposite sides of an intermediate location along the path. The intermediate location coincides with a location at which the lateral deviation of the band reverses. Consequently, the outer peripheral surfaces of the plate and the inner peripheral surfaces of the connecting pin holes, both being formed by rough punching, are brought into very close alignment with the shaving dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Toshifumi Satou, Masatoshi Chadou
  • Patent number: 7013631
    Abstract: The linked bracelet, in particular for a watch, comprises a metal hinged chain passing through a series of ornamental tubular links (4) made of ceramic material, each ornamental link (4) having at least one longitudinal passage (20), in which a metal link and a hinge associated with it are housed and can rest against an inside surface (26) of the base (27) of the ornamental link in the region of the hinge, when the hinge is in a folded position. A front face (23) of each ornamental link (4) has at least one raised section (34) located in the same region of the width of the ornamental link as said inside surface (26) where the hinge or the metal link rests, this raised section being arranged to abut against the opposite front face (24) of the adjacent ornamental link when the hinge is in said folded position. This arrangement balances the vertical force (F) exerted by the chain on the base (27) of the ornamental link at the right place and thus prevents any risk of fracture by transverse bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Comadur S.A.
    Inventor: Rui Carrola
  • Patent number: 6938732
    Abstract: A chain with links made of plates connected with hollow pins containing a reserve of lubricant connected with the chain parts to be lubricated. The lubricant reserve is contained in replaceable cartridges inserted removably in the pins through an appropriate end passage. The cartridge can be made with an enlarged section to constitute a plug of the pin in which it is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Regina S.I.C.C. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Garbagnati
  • Publication number: 20040261392
    Abstract: A chain connecting pin extracting apparatus comprises a main body; a pin extractor support supported by the main body; and a pin extractor supported by the pin extractor support for movement in a direction of a pin extractor axis defined by the pin extractor. The pin extractor comprises a force receiving component adapted to receive a connecting pin extracting force; a tip adapted to apply the connecting pin extracting force to the connecting pin, wherein the tip is dimensioned to extend into a link pin opening in a first direction along the pin extractor axis; and a residue moving surface disposed between the force receiving component and the tip and facing at least in part in a second direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshinari Oishi, Kenji Kamada
  • Publication number: 20040237496
    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: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Campagnolo Srl
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Patent number: 6782687
    Abstract: A roller chain for moving a web of textile material in a tenter frame. The roller chain has inner members flexibly joined to outer members in an alternating manner with a sleeve and a bolt. A running roller having an inner ring; an outer ring and sealing rings forming a ball bearing assembly is mounted on the sleeve. The sealing rings substantially seal ball bearings enclosed in the running roller. The sealing ring has a spacing element consisting of individual metallic inserts distributed approximately equally around a circumference of the sealing ring. The spacing element transmits axial force applied to an inner tab of an inner member to an inner ring of the running roller. The sealing ring has a lubrication groove formed thereon in fluid communication with a lubrication hole on a sleeve and a lubrication channel in an interior of the bolt for lubricating the ball bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Konrad Mingers
  • Patent number: 6676552
    Abstract: A drive chain suitable for use in a continuously variable transmission of a motor vehicle. The transmission has two pairs of spaced drive members about which the chain passes to transfer torque from one drive member to the other. The chain includes a plurality of link elements that include spaced, side-by-side plate links. The plate links include openings in which pairs of parallel rocker members are disposed for relative rocking movement of at least one rocker member about its longitudinal axis. The rocker members extend outwardly beyond the plate links and are retained in position by retaining members that engage particular rocker members. A method for stretching the chain is also disclosed in which areas of some of the plate links are plastically deformed before the chain is put to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Klaus Scheufele, Werner Gruca
  • Patent number: 6662544
    Abstract: A chain is composed of multiple units each having two outer plates, two inner plates and a pin securely connecting the outer plates to the inner plates. The inner plate has two hollow cones oppositely formed on two sides of the inner plate and two tubes each formed on a corresponding one of the hollow cones. A space between an inner face of the hollow cone and the tube is defined to receive therein oil. A rivet hole is defined to align with a pin hole in the outer plate. Therefore, after the outer plates and the inner plates are combined by the pin, the oil inside the chain unit is able to gradually flow out of the chain to lubricate the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Hua-Tien Wu
  • Patent number: 6658837
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chain that consists of chain members with respective two inner flat links (1) that are parallel with respect to each other and two bushes (2) that are rigidly located between the inner flat links and that link two ends of said links each. The chain further comprises outer flat links (5) that interlink the chain members. Said outer flat links are parallel with respect to each other and hinge the ends of two adjacent chain members that face each other by rigidly linking each of the opposing ends with one respective end of the pin. Said opposing ends link two ends of two outer flat links which in turn link two chain members. Said pin is guided through a bush and is rotatably received therein. The bushes protrude at their two ends from the outer faces of the inner flat links that face the respective outer flat links and said protrusion is provided with at least one lubricant passage (6) that extends from the outer diameter to the inner diameter of the bush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Arnold & Stolzenberg
    Inventor: Erhard Vogt
  • Patent number: 6640534
    Abstract: A chain with mutually connected chain links (1, 2) each comprising a back portion and two parallel wall portions protruding substantially perpendicularly therefrom, in which wall portions corresponding rivet holes have been provided in each of the two and members of the chain link, wherein the chain links (1, 2) are connected with one another by means of an end member of a chain link with a comparatively narrow (2) back portion which is inserted into an end member of a neighbouring chain link with a comparatively broad back portion (1) such that the rivet holes (1c, 2c) in the parallel wall portions of the two end members (1a, 1b,2a-2b) are positioned opposite one another for engaging a river (3) or a shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventors: Jesper Harnæs, Stig Mathiesen
  • Publication number: 20030167749
    Abstract: A chain has links made up of pairs of outer and inner plates (11,12) connected respectively by pins (13) and bushes (14) fitted on the pins (13) and projecting through the inner plates. Between the bush and its pin there is a lubricated interface and on each end of the bush (14) is mounted and compressed between an inner and an outer plate an annular seal (15). The seal when not compressed between the plates is generically shaped with a lip (19) projecting towards the axis of the seal. With the chain assembled said lip (19) tends to wedge between the bush (14) and the outer plate to recover the wear on the seal (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Carlo Garbagnati, Massimiliano Fumagalli
  • Publication number: 20030159425
    Abstract: The respective ends of a chain body composed of alternate inner and outer links are connected to form an endless loop by a connecting link comprising a first pair of connecting plates and a second pair of connecting plates. Two long connecting pins are secured to the second connecting plates. One of the long connecting pins is inserted through a long bushing, which extends through a spacer and is fixed to the first connecting plate. The other long connecting pin extends through a bushing extending through a pair of inner plates of an inner link at one end of the chain body, and spacers are provided between the inner plates and the second connecting plates. The resulting chain has an odd number of links, but lacks the weakness and susceptibility to breakage of conventional chains having odd numbers of links, utilizing offset plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Tetsufumi Matsuura
  • Publication number: 20030121248
    Abstract: To provide a sealed chain that can prevent damaging an annular sealing member made of an elastic material without increasing the width size of the chain and can reduce the production cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Takashi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6527106
    Abstract: A roller adapted to be rotatably mounted on a bushing of each link assembly of a chain comprises a split roller composed of two roller segments assembled together. The split roller can be easily mounted on the bushing from a radial direction of the bushing even though the bushing is integrally formed with links to form a single link assembly. The link assembly has a one-piece structure and hence is improved in strength and rigidity. The bushing of the link assembly is free from damage or break even when the chain is subjected to a great tensile force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Minoru Tanabe, Katsutoshi Shibayama, Yoshihiro Murakami
  • Patent number: 6393818
    Abstract: A rolled product for a chain and a method for producing the rolled product are disclosed. Plural dimples are formed in a zigzag pattern in at least one of inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the rolled product, the dimples absorbing plastic deformation of a rolled workpiece when the rolled product is forced through a circular orifice of a die, and plural recessed portions are defined by the dimples on any imaginary straight line on the dimpled surface in the axial direction of the rolled product. The absorption of plastic flow by the dimples prevents a waving phenomenon from occurring at the end faces of the rolled product. When the rolled product is used as a chain component such as bushing or roller, it is possible to prevent leakage of a lubricant in the axial direction of the rolled product, and hence possible to improve the lubricant retaining performance in a rotating and sliding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Takerou Nakagawa, Sachihiko Maeda, Atsuhiro Tamiya, Takeshi Kimura, Takeshi Kondo
  • Patent number: 6393820
    Abstract: A chain such as these used in a fork lift truck carriage lifting mechanism has a plurality of interleaved link assemblies each having a pair of outer link plates and a plurality of intermediate link plates. The outer link plate has a strength less than that of any intermediate link plate when measured in an unassembled state. The reduced strength may be achieved by a reduction in thickness or head area of the link plate. The outer link plates may have a stiffness of 60% to 90% of the average stiffness across the chain and a first group of intermediate link plates of certain chain configurations have a stiffness of 70% to 90% of the average stiffness of the chain. The invention provides for a chain in which the load is more evenly shared between link plates and allows a single composite chain to be replaced by two smaller chains without loss of load capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Renold Plc
    Inventors: Steven M. Varnam, Detlef Ragnitz, Michael Charles Christmas
  • Publication number: 20020026782
    Abstract: A rolled product for a chain and a method for producing the rolled product are disclosed. Plural dimples are formed zigzag in at least one of inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the rolled product, the dimples being formed for absorbing a plastic deformation of a rolled workpiece when forced through a circular orifice of a die, and plural recessed portions are defined by the dimples on any imaginary straight line in the axial direction of the rolled product. A waving phenomenon does not occur at end faces of the rolled product. When the rolled product is used as a chain component such as bushing or roller, it is possible to prevent leakage of a lubricant in the axial direction of the rolled product and hence possible to improve the lubricant retaining performance in a rotating and sliding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Takerou Nakagawa, Sachihiko Maeda, Atsuhiro Tamiya, Takeshi Kimura, Takeshi Kondo
  • Patent number: 6330788
    Abstract: A plate chain comprising outer and inner chain links which are interconnected at joint places formed as slide bearings, with each joint place formed by a sleeve of the inner chain link and by a pin bolt of the outer chain link which rotates in the sleeve substantially about its own axis. The wear characteristics of the resulting joint places are improved. At least one portion of the lateral surface of the pin bolt and an associated portion of the inner surface of the sleeve have a different circumferential contour at the pulling side, so that the pin bolt is supported on the sleeve at least two circumferentially spaced-apart points or lines of contact at the pulling side. A method for producing chain members includes forming a sleeve with a joint trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Joh. Winklhofer & Soehne GmbH und Co. KG
    Inventor: Gerhard Winklhofer
  • Patent number: 6321523
    Abstract: A chain comprises inner link plates that are each connected to an adjacent outer link plate by means of at least one pin that passes through overlapping portions of the respective links. Outboard of the inner link plates the pin supports a rotary bush with a radially extending flange. The bush in turn supports one end of an outer link plate and a roller. The outer link plate is an interference fit with the bush and the roller is rotatable relative thereto. In use the rollers are supported on a guide rail as the chain moves. The location of the bush bearing and roller provides easy access for maintenance and lubrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Renold PLC
    Inventor: Michael Charles Christmas
  • Patent number: 6311469
    Abstract: A drive chain has opposed pairs of inner link plated that are interconnected by cast outer links. Pins pass through aligned apertures in overlapping end portions of the inner and outer links. Each pin is fixed relative to the inner link. The outer link has open or blind bores that receive end portions of the pins in a pivotal relationship. A bearing area is defined between the outer surface of the pin and an inner surface of the outer link bore. The provision of a bearing area in the outer link makes maintenance and sealing easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Renold PLC
    Inventor: Michael Charles Christmas
  • Patent number: 6308510
    Abstract: A drive chain comprises a plurality of inner links (1) interconnected by intermediate outer links and elongate pins (7) that are received in apertures in the inner and outer links. There is substantial clearance between the outer link and the corresponding inner links so as to permit flexion of the adjacent elongate pins in a direction substantially parallel to the length of the chain. The outer link may be in the form of a separate plate (6) or may be an integral part of the pins. In one embodiment the outer link is a crimped plate that offers resilience in the direction of the chain. The drive chains provide for shock absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Renold PLC
    Inventor: Michael Charles Christmas
  • Patent number: 6260345
    Abstract: A silent chain includes double rocker joint pins articulately connecting together adjacent links of the chain. The double rocker joint pins are each composed of a longer pin and a shorter pin. The longer pin has a cross-sectional shape different from that of the shorter pin, and the thickness of the longer pin as measured in a direction parallel to a chain pitch line is made greater than the corresponding thickness of the shorter pin. By thus designing the longer pin relative to the shorter pin, the longer pin has a large mechanical strength sufficient to withstand not only an impact force applied when the longer pin is swaged or riveted at opposite ends thereof, but also a shear force and a bending force applied at one time to opposite end portions of the longer pin during power-transmitting operation of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Makoto Kanehira, Kazumasa Matsuno, Hitoshi Ohara, Shigekazu Fukuda, Hiroshi Horie, Takayuki Funamoto, Yoshihiro Kusunoki, Masao Maruyama
  • Patent number: 6223515
    Abstract: A link chain having chain links interconnected at respective hinge points by a hinge bolt, at least one bearing bushing arranged on a hinge bolt, at least one roller arranged on said bearing bushing such that it is rotatable about the hinge bolt, and an axial retaining device attached to the hinge bolt and used for axially securing the bearing bushing and the roller. For reducing vibrations in the link chain, a bearing bushing is provided having an axial damping area on at least one end face area thereof, the damping area being formed integrally with the bearing bushing, and the bearing bushing being arranged such that the damping area rests against the axial retaining device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Joh. Winklhofer & Sohne GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Richard Koschig, Peter Graemann, Peter Schulze
  • Patent number: 6141892
    Abstract: An apparatus for limiting sliding wear and kick-back wear in straight sidebar chains as well as offset sidebar chains includes a wear bar which is attached to the outer surface of the chain's sidebar. The wear bar includes a main body portion having a forward wear bar end in opposed relation to a rearward wear bar end. An inner wear bar surface is positioned adjacent the outer surface of the chain's sidebar and is separated from an outer wear bar surface by a distance at least as great as the distance by which the chain's pin heads extend beyond the sidebars. In one embodiment, the upper edge of the wear bar includes a pair of semi-circular openings which fit closely adjacent the protruding pin heads. In another embodiment, the openings in the wear bar fully encircle the pin heads. A recess formed in the lower wear bar edge is used to weld the wear bar to the chain's sidebar. The lower edge of the wear bar may also be hardened to limit wear to the wear bar itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Jeffrey Chain, L.P.
    Inventors: Dennis L. Moore, David L. King
  • Patent number: 6105356
    Abstract: A drive chain has a plurality of links (1) each comprising a pair of opposed cranked link plates (2). Each link plate (2) has two connection apertures (7) and is connected to an adjacent link plate (2) by a pin (6) passing through overlapping connection apertures. An aperture (7) at one end of each link plate is fitted with a sleeve (11) in which said pin (6) is releasably engaged by means of a key connection. The sleeve (11) is connected to said link plate (2) by means of an interference fit with the respective connection aperture (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Renold PLC
    Inventors: Bryan William Capstick, Edward Joseph Brownhill, Michael Charles Christmas
  • Patent number: 5950416
    Abstract: A tentering chain is assembled of inner links and outer links or link plates interconnected by journal pins passing through the outer link plates and through the inner links so that the latter are positioned between the outer link plates. The inner links have plates which are provided with integral bearing bushings that are interconnected at a junction (J) formed by pressing four bearing bushings together with a transition fit after a bearing roller has been placed on each of two of the four bushings to form the inner links. The inner link plates form with their bearing bushings two chain link sections (1, 2) that are easily interconnected at the junction (J) and also easily disconnected again at the junction. Both sections are made by casting or drop forging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Lindauer Dornier Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Horst Kerner, Hans-Juergen Maierhofer, Werner Bosch