Link Assembling Patents (Class 59/7)
  • Patent number: 4878345
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved chain assembly and a method for making the same. In general, the method of making a chain assembly in accordance with the present invention, comprises forming a plurality of links having a preselected shape and placement of apertures therein. A plurality of wire blanks are formed having an outer diameter to permit insertion into the apertures of the links. Such link is retained in a fixed position and a wire blank is inserted into each aperture of the link. On one end of each wire blank, a head is formed having a diameter larger than the aperture into which the wire blank is inserted. A mating link is placed into engagement with each link containing wire blanks with the end of each blank inserted in one aperture of the mating link in a manner to form a chain assembly. On the other end of each wire blank, a head is formed to complete interlocking of the links and blanks in forming the chain assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Inventor: Stephen K. Bechtold
  • Patent number: 4870739
    Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus for removing pins from connecting link boat hardware. After connecting links are used to secure anchors or buoyes to chains, the links often become corroded and it is difficult or impossible to remove the connecting link pin on order to release the anchor or buoy. The invention is a portable apparatus which can be attached to a connecting link in a position of alignment with the connecting link pin. A plunger is then activated so as to force the pin out of the connecting link so that the connecting link can be disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Inventor: Raymon E. Richards
  • Patent number: 4863418
    Abstract: A link assembly for a lightweight, non-metallic, conveyor or load transmission chain having significantly greater strength and other performance improvements compared to previous non-metallic chain links is disclosed. Each link assembly includes a pair of identical sidebars each comprised of high-strength filamentary material wound in an elongated loop configuration and fixed in a matrix of hardened resin and a connecting pin having a stiff reinforced composite core and a surrounding sleeve of low friction wear resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Envirex Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Fillar, Thomas J. Casper, James H. Wiegand
  • Patent number: 4833875
    Abstract: An assembling device including a tool to assemble a master link with the ends of a roller chain to form a continuous roller chain such as the drive chain utilized to drive a motorcycle. The device resembles a vise structure and includes a stationary plate or anvil with recesses receiving the headed end of the pins on a master link and a movable plate having a surface engaging a side plate to be press fitted onto the free ends of the pins of the master link with the movable plate including apertures into which the free ends of the pins may extend when the side plate is press fitted onto the pins inwardly of the grooves provided in the free end portions of the pins which normally receive a locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Inventors: Henry Buermann, Jr., Alvin W. Day
  • Patent number: 4766720
    Abstract: Conventional apparatus for pressing the track links onto pin and bushings of the track chain during assembly thereof experience difficulty in aligning the links with the pin and bushings because the presses become somewhat loose and out of alignment. The subject apparatus overcomes this problem by providing a self aligning feature in the link locating and driving means. The link locating and driving member is mounted on the pressure plate that is attached to the press rams. A support plate is guided from the pressure plate by guides and resilient members that allow the support plate to shift with respect to the pressure plate with the aid of tapered noses on plungers supported by pressure barrels as the rams move forwardly to press the links onto the pin and bushings held in a fixture. In this manner any misalignment is accounted for by the self-aligning feature of the locating and driving members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Dean W. Martin
  • Patent number: 4718228
    Abstract: An apparatus for displacing a line of track chain is disclosed which is employable for the purpose of disassembling, assembling, or reassembling the chain. A guide table for guiding movement of the chain is adapted to tilt only in the upward direction together with a pair of rails which are raised or lowered by actuating a first cylinder. A trolley moves forward and backward in the space as defined by both the rails by actuating a second cylinder while it is guided along the rails. The trolley is provided with an engagement rod which extends upwardly therefrom through a slot on the guide table to come in engagement to a bushing in the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Maruma Jyusharyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasumitsu Moriki, Hirotomo Numakura, Masayuki Fukui
  • Patent number: 4693406
    Abstract: An improved hand tool is provided which permits easy field removal and replacement of connecting rivets employed with agricultural implement sickle sections, and is especially designed for use with relatively new so-called double sickle sections which present only very limited working clearance. The tool preferably includes a pair of jaw sets respectively extending from each end of a handle. The handle is contoured to allow pivotal adjustment between various sickle section spacings. The jaw sets carry structure for either removing or replacing a rivet on a damaged sickle section without removing the sickle section mounting bar from the cutter bar. A removable anvil is included as a component of the rivet-replacing jaw set to permit replacement of different types of rivets through the simple expedient of reversing the anvil position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Center Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Bartholomew, Harold Bauer, Loren E. Berry, Glen Ediger
  • Patent number: 4635437
    Abstract: A device for punching holes in a surveyor's chain and in metal pieces used for repairing the chain and for riveting together the punched chain and metal pieces comprising an elongated vertical housing having an elongated vertically oriented opening extending transversely therethrough and defined by a continuous wall, an upper vertical bore extending from the top of the housing into the vertical opening, a lower female die element received in the lower portion of the opening and having a flat horizontally extending recess therein whose width is equal to that of the chain to be repaired, the female die element also including a pair of spaced holes located on the flat recess, an upper male die member received in the upper portion of the opening and vertically slidable therein, the male die member having a pair of punching rods projecting downwardly, an arbor shaft having a threaded portion received in a threaded portion of the upper bore, a handle for rotating the arbor shaft, the arbor shaft having a lower port
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: R. W. Steele, II
    Inventor: Kenny R. Parton
  • Patent number: 4621491
    Abstract: Method to properly discriminate fitting pressure of articulated track links. Loading pressure in the ram of a track press is compared with both the lower and upper limit pressure values which are prescribed with reference to the range of fitting pressure specified for the links. Fitting of a link is determined acceptable when a sum of the press loading time is longer than a predetermined value while press pressure is maintained within the range between both the lower and upper pressure values; whereas it is determined unacceptable when the sum of press loading time is shorter than the predetermined one or when time in which press pressure exceeds the upper limit pressure is longer than a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: Maruma Jyusharyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasumitsu Moriki, Akira Tanaka, Izumi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 4612765
    Abstract: Conventional apparatus for pressing retaining rings into a track assembly do not properly line up with the retaining ring when the press is under the high pressure required. The subject apparatus overcomes this problem by providing a self-aligning anvil for driving a tool. The anvil has an adapter for mounting it to the press and an anvil member with a work surface for engaging the tool. The adapter engages the anvil member along a semi-spherical mating surface having a radius extending from the intersection of the centerline of the anvil and a plane extending through a tool land of the tool where it engages the workpiece. The anvil member is attached to the adapter by a pin attached to the anvil member which extends across the semi-spherical mating surface into a resilient member mounted in the adapter at its center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Livesay
  • Patent number: 4602414
    Abstract: An improved hand tool is provided which permits easy field removal and replacement of connecting rivets employed with agricultural implement sickle sections, and is especially designed for use with relatively new so-called double sickle sections which present only very limited working clearance. The tool preferably includes a pair of jaw sets respectively extending from each end of a handle. The handle is contoured to allow pivotal adjustment between various sickle section spacings. The jaw sets carry structure for either removing or replacing a rivet on a damaged sickle section without removing the sickle section mounting bar from the cutter bar. A removable anvil is included as a component of the rivet-replacing jaw set to permit replacement of different types of rivets through the simple expedient of reversing the anvil position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: Center Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Bartholomew, Harold Bauer, Loren E. Berry, Glen Ediger
  • Patent number: 4575914
    Abstract: The hinge-assembly to which the invention relates has a sleeve (3) located about the central section of a hinge-pin (2), and two thrust-rings (7) associated as one with the pin itself and abutting the ends (33) of the sleeve, the rings themselves housing respective seals (10). These seals (10), together with the rings (7) prevent any outflow of lubricant from the interspace between the breasted surfaces of pin (2) and sleeve (3). The assembly-procedure when uniting said hinge-assembly to the track-links involves preparation and prior lubrication of the hinge itself, followed by a pause of sufficient duration in which to check for any leaks, after which--and only after which--the links are fitted up to the pre-assembled hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Assignee: Italtractor I.T.M. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gennaro Armida, Decio Sacco, Walter Grilli
  • Patent number: 4570436
    Abstract: The assembly machine of the present invention automatically assembles chain elements into a continuous chain at a high speed. The machine automatically aligns and assembles elements into assembled relation and includes structure for aligning a pair of side links with a first center link, structure for assembling a first pin in assembled relationship with the pair of side links and first center link, structure for aligning a second center link with said pair of side links, structure for assembling a second pin in assembled relationship with the pair of side links and second center link, and structure for advancing assembled chain elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Inventor: Donald S. Wilkie
  • Patent number: 4548031
    Abstract: A machine for the production of decorative chains made up of links of different forms and/or dimensions connected according to any programmable sequence, comprising at least two independent formation stations (1, 1') in alternate operation according to a prefixed, alterable program on the basis of the features of the chain to be manufactured, and a take-up unit (14), for transferring the chain from one station to another according to said program. Drive means for said take-up unit (14) are provided in each station for actuating the opening and closure of pliers (27), carried by said unit (14) during chain take-up and delivery phases, for producing an axial movement of said unit (14) to and from said stations in coincidence with said phases and for producing an angular displacement of said unit (14) with respect to its axis during said phases. Finally, said drive means enable the station to release the last formed link to said take-up unit (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Assignee: I.C.M. S.p.A. Italiana Costruzioni Metalmeccaniche
    Inventors: Bucefari Massimo, Lazzarini Michele
  • Patent number: 4512070
    Abstract: A saw chain rivet spinner includes a base, a support portion secured to and extending upwardly from the base and a spindle sleeve secured to the support portion and spaced above the base. A rotatable spindle, which has an upper end and a lower end defining a generally vertical axis of rotation for the spindle, is slideably mounted with respect to the spindle sleeve for axial movement relative to the spindle sleeve. A spring mounted between the spindle and the spindle sleeve urges the spindle axially upwardly toward a first raised position. A manually actuated cam mounted with respect to the spindle and spindle sleeve is operable selectively to move the spindle axially downwardly toward a second lowered position wherein the lower end of the spindle is proximate the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1985
    Inventor: Richard C. Anhalt
  • Patent number: 4506501
    Abstract: Apparatus for repairing a section of chain having a closed rectangular frame and a hydraulic ram located within the confines of the frame. The frame has a pair of spaced parallel side rails, a front end member connecting one end of the side rails, and a rear end member connecting the other end of the side rails. Each side rail has a U-shaped downwardly opening notch located between the front end member and the rear end member to lie over a chain to be worked on. An anvil is located on a face of the front end member and the front member is removably connected to the side rails so it may be reversed relative to the side rails to locate the anvil within the confines of the frame when connecting chain sections and outside of the confines of the frame when disconnecting chain sections. The ram has a first head which contacts chain connecting pins to disconnect chain sections and a second head which contacts a link to connect chain sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Inventors: Donald L. DeVall, Hu D. DeVall, Clarence L. Tennant
  • Patent number: 4429525
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for connecting and disconnecting links in a multi-strand roller chain by exerting on the roller link plates discrete, laterally-spaced, longitudinal forces in one direction on a first row of roller links, and simultaneously exerting equal forces but in an opposite direction on a longitudinally-spaced apart second row of roller links, thereby relaxing the intervening chain links disposed between the first and second rows of roller links which are being drawn together by the application of the equal but opposite forces. The apparatus includes yokes having a first and a second two-prong fork operable for the prongs to become mounted transversely on both sides of the pin plates, at their narrow waists, and to bear against the rounded heads of their adjacent, interconnecting roller plates. The prongs have end portions which project outwardly of both sides of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Inventor: Ron K. Doak
  • Patent number: 4394810
    Abstract: The invention comprises a combination vise and breaker pin for facilitating repair of metal drive chains. The vise serves to pull the links of a chain together so that tension is maintained throughout the chain while links between vise jaws become loose and readily repairable. This feature is combined with a breaker pin moving within a hollow channel axial of a full thread hex head bolt. A breaker point having an annular shoulder is attached at one end of the breaker pin. The breaker pin is free to slide back and forth within the bolt except as limited by the annular shoulder. The breaker pin cooperates with a U-shaped cradle suitable for holding a link. The breaker point is brought into contact with the center bearing of a chain link when the left and right-hand jaws of the vise are moved toward one another. The bolt carrying the breaker pin is then tightened against the chain link bearing pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1983
    Inventor: Larry E. Womble
  • Patent number: 4365401
    Abstract: A hydraulic rivet tool having a pair of opposing supports on a frame one of which holds an anvil and the other supporting a hydraulic cylinder. A hollow sleeve is extensible from the cylinder and carries a guide to clamp the workpiece. Contained within the sleeve for relative movement therewith is a dual purpose piston carrying a rivet engaging member. A spring is interconnected between the sleeve and the piston to restrict their relative motion until the sleeve guide has clamped the workpiece. Hydraulic fluid under pressure delivered to the cylinder first causes the piston and sleeve to extend from the hydraulic cylinder and causes the sleeve to clamp the workpiece. The piston then, overcoming the spring restricting the relative motion between it and the sleeve, continues its movement to perform work on the rivet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1982
    Assignee: Owatonna Tool Company
    Inventor: Robert S. Ogren
  • Patent number: 4339961
    Abstract: Conventional apparatus for assembling a track chain tend to impose undesireable bending moments and residual loads thereon. The apparatus (22) of this invention overcomes these problems by providing a pair of movable pressure heads (26,28) registering with first and second contact points (142,144) on opposite ends of a chain link (134) and a pressure equalizing plate (68) for sensing the resistance force at each contact point (142,144) to direct an increased pressure to a selected one of the contact points (142,144) in response to the differential between the resistance forces at the contact points (142,144).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1982
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: John W. Grillot, Teddy R. Young
  • 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: 4289015
    Abstract: A chain link tool including a pair of jaws on one side of the tool adapted to close the respective eyes of a cross chain connecting link, said jaws moving together as the handles are moved together and conversely, and such that a groove and a projection on the other side of the tool are adapted to receive the transverse portion of the side chain and to grasp the curved end of the cross-chain connecting link respectively when the handles are apart and to disengage the cross-chain connecting link as the handles are moved together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1981
    Assignee: H. K. Porter, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Porter
  • Patent number: 4282707
    Abstract: A tool for removal and reassembly of selective links of a chain includes separate clamping means for holding different types of chains and provides a tapered link engaging surface against which a selected link to be removed can be driven to separate the same from the chain. Indicators are also provided to enable a chain having removable pins to be aligned for the easy removal of the pins and the separation or reassembly of the links thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1981
    Inventor: Robert O. Fox
  • Patent number: 4276040
    Abstract: The barrels of the links of pintle chain for operation open end forward over a drive sprocket are extended inwardly respecting the tooth pockets of the sprocket and two, flat separately distinct areas of interengagement are provided. The two areas of interengagement include the bottom face of the barrel and the bottom face of the tooth pocket and the forward tooth face and rear barrel face. The intermediate corners of the tooth pockets and of the barrel are rounded only for practical purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1981
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventor: Victor D. Petershack
  • Patent number: 4265084
    Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00504 Sec. 371 Date July 16, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date July 16, 1979 PCT Filed July 16, 1979A method and apparatus for assembling an articulated track chain (10) affording controlled minimum end play, the chain (10) comprising a plurality of coacting, overlapping pairs of oppositely disposed links (20,22,24,26) having integral interconnecting pin and sprocket engaging members (16,18). An apparatus (122,124) for locating the coacting, overlapping pairs of links (20,22,24,26) at a preselected position on the pin (16,18), regardless of the variations in the link thickness due to manufacturing tolerances is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Richard E. Livesay
  • Patent number: 4221113
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating the links of flat conveyor chain in situ which is characterized by a clamp portion adapted to firmly grip a link in the chain and a base portion which includes a forcing rod positioned to engage the edge of the next adjacent link to push said edge out of engagement with the link being held by the clamp portion. The clamp portion comprises a pair of parallel extending leg portions which are spaced from one another to receive the link member. An opening provided in said leg portions through which a locking member is extended to secure the link disposed between the legs such that the connection between the adjacent link is aligned with the forcing rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1980
    Inventor: Ronald C. Jordan
  • Patent number: 4189828
    Abstract: This invention provides a device enabling movement of an electrical conductor through, or from one side to the other of, a string of insulators coupled between a supporting tower and a yoke plate, and has an upper frame with clamping jaws engageable with one of the insulators, a lower frame connectable to the yoke plate, and manually operable mechanism interconnecting the two frames for selectively moving them relative to each other in the direction of the axis of the insulator string to permit uncoupling of a portion of the string, movement therethrough of the conductor, and recoupling of the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1980
    Assignee: Sherman & Reilly, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Chadwick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4182153
    Abstract: A kit for use in selecting a proper spring bar for use in connecting a watch band to a watch case, and including a container holding a supply of spring bars of different lengths and types, a gauge part having portions of different widths adapted to be received within and measure differently dimensioned recesses or gaps in a watch case into which a band is to be connected, and coding markings on the gauge part and bars indicating which bar in the container will fit a particular case which has been measured by the gauge part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1980
    Inventor: Wayne G. Dawson
  • Patent number: 4157594
    Abstract: A compound plier type tool with elongate jaws configured as a chain chuck to move and hold the ends of a roller chain together for fastening by a link pin. The inner portions of the jaws provide cooperating pin and anvil structures to remove link pins from a roller chain. A species provides plural anvils for use with different sized chains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1979
    Inventor: Vern J. Raabe
  • Patent number: 4135360
    Abstract: A positioning apparatus initially positions a track chain link and automatically repositions the link in response to forces subjected upon the link by a track assembly machine when forcibly connecting the pin and links to form a track chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1979
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Roy D. Morley
  • Patent number: 4132063
    Abstract: Bushings formed by rubber rings bonded to the steel tubes having octagonal bores are inserted into or removed from two parallel groups of spaced cylindrical bores formed in a track shoe that is clamped in the machine. The machine includes a single hydraulic ram having an octagonal rod secured to its piston, which rod receives predetermined arrangements of bushings and/or spacers thereon that are first pivoted into alignment with the first group of bores to insert new bushings into the bores; and are thereafter pivoted into alignment with the second group of bores to insert another group of new bushings into the second group of bores. The radius and angle of the arc through which the push rod is pivoted is arranged to position corresponding flats of the two groups of octagonal bushings at the same but complementary angles to a reference plane having the axes of the bores lying therein. By placing an elongated spacer on the push rod, old bushings may be pushed out of each group of bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1979
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Fred A. Craig
  • Patent number: 4084369
    Abstract: Improved tool for easy removal and reassembly of selective links of a sprocket chain wherein a specially designed vise tightly clamps one or more links of the chain therein. A uniquely shaped impact punch is positioned to properly hold a selected link adjacent the vise, then transmits sharp impacts to the link to more quickly and easily dislodge the selected link from the remainder of the chain. The vise includes a stationary jaw or bucking block and a relatively movable jaw with the opposed faces thereof having inwardly protruding side edges to provide a recess or clearance in the mid-section of the jaws for receiving the outwardly bowed edges of the chain link held therein, whereby a better gripping relationship may be obtained. Further, the movable jaw is caused to tilt inwardly toward the bucking block at the top upon application of clamping pressure, whereby the clamp link(s) resist inadvertent dislodgement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1978
    Inventor: Herman E. Luebbers
  • Patent number: 4063412
    Abstract: A portable puller tool for track end connectors having a base with a fluid cylinder therein for mounting a ram for extension outwardly of the base, an arm extended outwardly from the base to locate an end thereof at a distance from the base to engage an end connector and a pair of pusher members connected to the ram for engagement with a pair of track pad shafts whereby extension of the ram relative to the base causes the base and arm end to move away from the track and pull the track end connector off said track pad shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1977
    Assignee: Owatonna Tool Company
    Inventor: Daniel A. Bruzek
  • Patent number: 4030286
    Abstract: A link drive chain repair tool includes a base plate upon which a pair of upstanding longitudinally aligned stud elements extend from its upper face. Clamping means depend from the lower face of the base plate for clamping of the base plate to a surface of the machine driven by the drive chain. One of the stud elements is threaded so as to receive a clamp nut thereon to receive the drive chain to the base plate. A pair of elongated link support members are positioned in spaced parallel relation on the upper face of the base plate to one side of the aligned stud elements so as to be adapted to provide lateral support for an adjacent pair of inner links of the drive chain during removal of a connecting outer link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1977
    Inventor: Frank Gibilaro
  • Patent number: 4027471
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for assembling articulated chain suitable for use in providing flexible track for heavy vehicles such as earth moving equipment, which chain comprises a plurality of links interconnected by coating, concentrically disposed pins and bushings. Means for providing semi-automatic operation of the apparatus, including indexing of the chain as assembled are described. Method steps and operation of the apparatus to avoid the introduction of bending moments in the previously assembled portion of the chain are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1977
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Charles E. Lipp, Teddy R. Young
  • Patent number: 3943702
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the continuous production of link-chains comprising alternate inner links and outer links, two inner links being connected by an outer link, each inner link being formed by a lower plate and by an upper plate, each of which is provided with two coaxial holes receiving a bush carrying a freely rotatable roller, each outer link comprising a lower plate and an upper plate joined by two pins inserted to pass through the corresponding bush of the inner link, to which the outer link is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1974
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1976
    Assignee: Automatisme & Technique
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Lacombe-Allard
  • Patent number: 3937005
    Abstract: A key for removing locking members from drive chains or the like comprised of a rigid body, at least one release groove and one reset groove formed in said body, with said release groove being tapered to form a wedge with one end of said body and being adapted to engage with, lift, and then release said locking member from said drive chain when the key is suitably positioned within the central opening of a fastened locking member and rotated therein, and with said reset groove being formed such that, when the reset groove end of the key is suitably placed within the central opening of an unfastened locking member suitably positioned over the sprocket shafts of adjacent chain links, the key can be rotated to reset the locking member to a fastened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1976
    Inventor: Raymond Becker