Blanks And Processes Patents (Class 59/8)
  • Patent number: 11867256
    Abstract: A bicycle chain includes inner link members and outer link member. An inner link having two connecting openings which are formed at a distance from each other, pass through the inner link in the thickness direction thereof and are each designed for receiving a connecting component in order to connect the inner link to a further inner link in order to form an inner link member of a bicycle chain. An outer link member may be formed and attached to the inner link. The inner and/or outer links may be formed with features asymmetric about various orientations of the links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbH
    Inventors: Pedro Miguel Nunes Dos Santos, Diogo Daniel Soares Da Silva
  • Patent number: 11624423
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism includes a chain. The chain includes a plurality of inner link units and a plurality of outer link units. Each of the inner link units includes two inner chain plates. Each of the inner chain plates has an inner waist section. At least one of the outer link units includes two outer chain plates. Each of the outer chain plates has an outer waist section that has a protruding part and a recessed part. A distance between the inner waist sections of each of the inner link units is smaller than a distance between the protruding parts of the outer chain plates of the at least one of the outer link units, and is equal to or smaller than a distance between the recessed parts of the at least one of the outer link units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: KMC Chain Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel Wu
  • Patent number: 11598227
    Abstract: An articulated chain with alternating inner chain links and outer chain links which are each connected to each other by means of a chain joint, wherein each outer chain link comprises at least two outer link plates and two chain studs connecting them to each other, each inner chain link comprises at least two inner link plates and two joint sleeves connecting them to each other, and for forming a chain joint, one chain stud each of the outer chain link extends through a joint sleeve of the inner chain link. The joint sleeves of the inner chain links are embodied as winding sleeves and firmly connected to the inner link plates, wherein the sleeve joints of the two winding sleeves are positioned on the same side of a link plate's longitudinal axis and face each other, and the sleeve joints are arranged at a distance to the link plate's longitudinal axis and at a distance to an upper apex or to a lower inflection point of the winding sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: IWIS MOTORSYSTEME GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Ritz, Andreas Urbanek
  • Patent number: 11525495
    Abstract: A link chain comprises an inner link plate, an outer link plate, a bushing and a pin that form a chain link, and a labyrinth seal between the outer link plate and the inner link plate. The labyrinth seal comprises at least one lug having lug length and at least one groove having a groove depth, the lug length and groove depth being between 10% to 50% of an average respective link plate thickness, wherein in response to an overload of the link chain, the flow of force within the link chain is partially diverted across surfaces of the labyrinth seal formed by the at least one lug and the at least one groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: KETTENWULF BETRIEBS GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Hebbecker, Tobias Wulf
  • Patent number: 11493111
    Abstract: A chain plate includes two end segments, and an intermediate segment between the end segments. One of the end segments has an extension portion extending away from a rod hole of the end segment in a lengthwise direction. A distance from a center of the rod hole to an edge of the end segment in the lengthwise direction is greater than a distance from the center of the rod hole to an edge of the end segment in a widthwise direction. An inner surface of the chain plate has a first inclined region corresponding to a peripheral region of the end segment, and a second inclined region corresponding to the extension portion and between the first inclined region and the rod hole. The intermediate segment is formed with a recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: KMC CHAIN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Daniel Wu
  • Patent number: 11231087
    Abstract: A piece of chain for use in a metal-constructed chain is composed of pieces of chain made up of lengthwise parallel side plates and connectible successively to each other by link pins at pivot points included in linking portions present at what are the opposite ends in its longitudinal direction. The chain is operated by a drive assembly whereby in association with a bearing surface, present in a midsection of the chain-constructing piece of chain, is provided a notch substantially transverse relative to the chain traveling direction and including a recess comprising a leading edge and a trailing edge, and being, when the chain is being driven, in cooperation with substantially transverse mating surfaces included in the sprocket consistently with the successive notches of the chain. The piece of chain includes a back or edge member connecting its opposite side plates, and a supplementary arrangement coupled in connection therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: FINNCHAIN OY
    Inventor: Pekka Tuomikoski
  • Patent number: 9003758
    Abstract: A method for producing high-performance chain link plates with a link plate pitch T, comprises: clocked feeding of a sheet metal band with a feed length V per cycle, pre-punching at least two chain link plate blanks arranged in succession, re-cutting at least one chain link plate blank, wherein at least the still connected head areas of the chain link plate blanks arranged in succession are excepted from the re-cutting process separating the connected head areas of chain link plate blanks arranged in succession, wherein the feed length V is smaller than 2.1×T and the upper and/or lower side of the head areas connected to each other is/are provided at least partially with a concave run by a punching process substantially adjacent to the end face produced later. A method is also provided for producing a high-performance chain and to correspondingly produced high-performance link plates and high-performance chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Iwis Motorsysteme GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Martin Bodensteiner, Wolfgang Krause, Richard Koschig
  • 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: 8733076
    Abstract: An assembling method for a torque transmission chain, including a step of manufacturing split pieces of the chain in such a manner that a predetermined number of pins are held by a linear pin holding jig and then a predetermined number of links are press-fitted to the pins; a step of linearly arranging the split pieces so as to overlap split piece coupling links each arranged at any one of both ends of each of the split pieces; a step of inserting the pin through the overlapped split piece coupling links; and a step of pulling both ends of a whole of the plurality of split pieces coupled to each other via the split piece coupling links to thereby fix the pin to a pin fixing portion of the split piece coupling links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Miura, Teruko Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 8661776
    Abstract: A link chain is made of chain links connected by chain joints, a chain joint comprising at least one bearing and a pin guided in a pivotable manner and in contact with this chain joint bearing. At least one bearing surface of the pin or chain joint bearing has a hard material layer applied by a PVD process, formed from a compound including at least two metals and a non-metal, at least C, N or Si being selected as the non-metal and the two metals being selected from Cr, Mo, W, Ti, Cu, Zn, Zr, Ta, Nb, Al, B, V, Hf, whereby the two metals differ from each other and the first metal is present in the hard material layer in a crystal structure that differs from the crystal structure of the second metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: IWIS Motorsysteme GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Gerald Joergensen, Stefan Belmer
  • Publication number: 20130153373
    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: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Herbert M. FARLEY, Andrew V. Lauwers, Robert Stewart Boyd
  • Patent number: 8407978
    Abstract: A method for producing pins for a control chain, which has link plates that are connected to each other by the pins. The pin ends are arranged in receiving bores arranged inside the link plates. The pin is made of steel of the type 100Cr6 or 32MnCrMo6-4-3, subjected to a carbonitriding method and has a wear zone between the 1/30 and the 1/60 part of the diameter thereof after abrasive removal on the carbonitrited pin surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Hahn, Bolko Schuseil
  • Publication number: 20120088619
    Abstract: An outer plate for a chain is disclosed, the outer plate having two bores each adapted to receive an end of a pin. Each one of the bores has an inner wall with a layer of imbedded abrasive material. A chain assembled from the outer plates and the pins is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Horst Adel, Troy Luck
  • Patent number: 8146340
    Abstract: A bush is pressed into a link plate in a turning link rank that turns relatively with a pin. The bush is molded into a seamless cylindrical shape by cold-forging and is coated with a metal carbide layer formed by cementation of chrome, vanadium and other metals and having Vickers hardness of 1300 Hv or more similarly to the pin. Afterwards, the bush is treated by a quenching, tempering or isothermal transformation process. Thereby, wear resistance of the pins and the link plates of a silent (link) chain is improved, productivity is improved and associated costs are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Daido Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Shimada, Nobuyuki Matsui
  • Patent number: 8136339
    Abstract: The oil-free chain is obtained by connecting a pair of inner link plates which are connected by oil-impregnated bushings and a pair of outer link plates, which are connected by pins inserted into adjacent oil-impregnated bushings of adjacent inner link plates alternately. The oil-impregnated bushing is obtained by impregnating a bushing made of a metal sintered body with perfluoropolyether having a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. equal to or higher than 350 mm2/s. The bushing is impregnated with perfluoropolyether having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the operating temperature of the oil-free chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Takeshi Kondo, Toshihiko Takashima, Ikutaro Nakagawa, Takahisa Andoh, Masahide Komeda
  • Publication number: 20110308227
    Abstract: A method for producing pins for a control chain, which has link plates that are connected to each other by the pins. The pin ends are arranged in receiving bores arranged inside the link plates. The pin is made of steel of the type 100Cr6 or 32MnCrMo6-4-3, subjected to a carbonitriding method and has a wear zone between the 1/30 and the 1/60 part of the diameter thereof after abrasive removal on the carbonitrided pin surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Hahn, Bolko Schuseil
  • Publication number: 20110251004
    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: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher Pfahl, Jeff Miller, Dick Virgo
  • Patent number: 7966798
    Abstract: Device for stretching a transmission chain closed in itself and comprising pairs of elongated rocker elements mutually coupled by links, said rocker elements being destined for a torque transferring cooperation with the pulley sheaves of a pulley sheave transmission, and comprising a first and a second supporting surface which support a chain to be treated over an angle of an arc and having an adjustable mutual distance to generate tensile stresses in the chain supported thereby, in which the first supporting surface is freely rotatable accommodated between the first ends of two distant frame parts, the second supporting surface is freely rotatable accommodated on an auxiliary carrier between the two frame parts, said carrier being provided with two opposite stubby shafts, protruding there from and of which the axis lies at a distance from the axis of rotation of the second supporting surface which is rotatably supported by said auxiliary carrier and lies near the second end of the frame parts while of said s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Gear Chain Industrial B.V.
    Inventor: Jacobus Hubertus Maria Van Rooij
  • Patent number: 7942766
    Abstract: To obtain a compact structure and to increase at the same time the structural stiffness of an apparatus for plastically deforming and strengthening the links, which are intercoupled by rocker pins, of a complete endless transmission chain, said apparatus comprises a first and a second pair respectively of conical supporting surfaces for the ends which protrude outside said links of the rocker pins of a transmission chain, mounted thereon, said surfaces having a controllable mutual distance, the invention propose to add a third similar pair of supporting surfaces, provided for cooperation with the first and second shaft. This measure also speeds up the treatment of the transmission chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Gear Chain Industrial B.V.
    Inventors: Jacobus Hubertus Maria van Rooij, Johannes Henricus Nelissen
  • Patent number: 7937925
    Abstract: A drive chain suitable for use in a continuously variable transmission of a motor vehicle, the transmission having 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. A method for stretching the chain is also disclosed, in which areas of some of the plate links are plastically deformed by stretching the chain before the chain is put to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: André Linnenbrügger, Oswald Kroninger, Klaus Scheufele, André Teubert
  • Patent number: 7882689
    Abstract: In the state where plural sheets of link plates which are single parts are laminated, tension for widening a distance between through-holes is loaded by a pair of pins which are inserted through the through-holes of the link plates so as to load pretension serving as a predetermined compressive residual stress on the link plates. Subsequently, the pair of pins are extracted from the link plates. Consequently, connection members are inserted through the corresponding through-holes of the plurality of link plates so as to assemble a chain with an endless shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Tada, Kozue Matsumoto, Kazuo Rokkaku
  • Patent number: 7775030
    Abstract: Larger pre-tension is applied to each link such that residual compressive stress is larger at the portion of the link facing the inside of a chain than the outside. Assuming that for each of the links in a state that pre-tension is not applied, a predetermined pitch is P, a first inclination angle of a fixing portion of the front inserting portion with respect to a chain proceeding direction is ?, and a second inclination angle of a fixing portion of the rear inserting portion with respect to a chain proceeding direction is ?, when the pre-tension is applied to each of the links, the pitch changes into P+?P, the first inclination angle changes into ???? and the second inclination angle changes into ?+?? where ?P>0, ??>0, and ??>0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Yasuhara, Hiroshi Toyota
  • Patent number: 7757473
    Abstract: Manufacture method and manufacturing apparatus for power transmission chain according to the invention are adapted to accomplish exact positioning of pin members and link plates. This permits the pin members to be positively press-inserted into pin holes of the link plates and hence, the fabrication of the power transmission chain is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Jtekt Corporation
    Inventor: Masaru Fuse
  • Patent number: 7749119
    Abstract: A device for inserting an articulation pin (28) to pivotally connect the outer plates (12) and the inner plates (14) of a chain, particularly a bicycle chain. The device comprises an articulation pin (28) and a guide element (30) which is to be separated from the pin (28) after the insertion of the pin (28) within aligned holes (16, 18) of the plates (12, 14). The pin (28) is provided at one end thereof with a snap engaging portion (38) shaped so as to expand the holes (16) of the outer plates (12) in a radial direction during the insertion of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Patent number: 7669401
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for producing a chain composed of chain links and of connecting elements. According to the invention, the chain can be produced in an essentially continuous manner whereby largely eliminating the need to make separating cuts and enabling the production of loadable and durable articulated connections of chain links. To this end, the invention provides that: connecting elements each having two holes are used; the connecting elements are inserted in cavities in first tools, and; chain links are produced with contact at least to partial areas of connecting elements. Inside the holes, joint pins are produced that are a part of the chain links. The invention also relates to a method and device for producing a chain, which is composed of chain links and of connecting elements, made of shapeable materials, particularly plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Kabelschelpp GmbH
    Inventor: Toralf Schneider
  • Patent number: 7617668
    Abstract: A press-fitting apparatus includes a first retaining jig having a required number of pin insertion holes into which generally longitudinally half portions of pins and interpieces can be inserted, a second retaining jig having a required number of pin insertion holes into which one end portions of the pins and interpieces can be inserted, and pressing jigs each for pressing the link into a predetermined position relative to the pins and interpieces. In the press-fitting of the links, the press-fitting operation is divided into two steps, and in each of the two steps, the links are stacked from central portions of the pins and interpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Miura
  • 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: 7546725
    Abstract: Link plates of a silent chain are produced by first shaving the inner surfaces of the connecting pin holes, the sprocket tooth-engaging surfaces, and the backs of the link plates, and then forming dimples on those surfaces by shot-peening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Shimaya, Kenichi Nagao, Toshitaka Ogo
  • Publication number: 20090064652
    Abstract: A method of making a bushing 100 with blind grooves used as oil reservoirs for a chain, by which a number of blind grooves 112 for oil reservoirs are provided in an axial direction on an inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical steel member in forging processes comprises the steps of: fitting one end of a cylindrical steel member 106 to blind groove forming protrusions HP1 of a hollow die pin HP contained in a blind groove forming die D6, pressing the blind groove forming protrusions HP1 against an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical steel member 106 while a diameter widening center pin EP inserted from the other end to the one end of the cylindrical steel member 106 is abutted and held on a front end inner circumferential portion HP3 of the hollow die pin HP and pushing a blind groove forming punch P6 into the blind groove forming die D6 while pressing the other end of the cylindrical steel member 106 and sliding an inner circumferential surface 111 of the cylindrical steel member 106 with
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Hirofumi Miki
  • Publication number: 20090048047
    Abstract: In an inner link rank 9 of a silent chain before pre-stress is applied, hole pitches of outer link plates 37 are shortened as compared to those of inner link plates 38 and 39 (P 17<P18<P19), so that the hole pitches of the respective link plates are plastically deformed and are substantially lined up. Although the hole pitches of the respective link plates are substantially lined up after when the pre-stress is applied, the outer link plates in a width direction in the inner link rank has high fatigue strength by residual stress, so that the wear resistant performance of the chain may be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Masahiro Nagae, Nobuyuki Matsui
  • 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: 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: 7150142
    Abstract: An improved chain, compatible with food grade lubricants, is capable of use in poultry and other meat processing facilities. The chain comprises pairs of side links alternating with center links, and held together with pins. A pair of lubricating wells is located on each side link, proximate the insertion point of the pins. The lubricating well provides lubricating access to the pins, and is capable of retaining lubricant such that lubricant is continuously provided to the pins and their pivot points throughout the operation of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Wilkie Brothers
    Inventor: Donald Wilkie
  • Patent number: 7040080
    Abstract: There are proposed a track link production method capable of providing markedly improved wear life with good cost performance and a track link produced by this method. To this end, the track link production method includes a heat treatment process (Steps 4, 5) of applying quenching and low temperature tempering treatment to a whole link material after hot forging (Step 2), and is designed such that desired machining is applied to the link material (Step 3) before the heat treatment process (Steps 4, 5) and such that after the heat treatment process (Steps 4, 5), tempering (Step 6) and finish machining (Step 7) are sequentially applied to some of the parts which have undergone the machining process, the some parts including at least parts where high dimensional accuracy is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhide Okawa, Hiroshi Sunada
  • Patent number: 7007451
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothed chain comprising plates interconnected on chain joints, in particular tooth plates, each of the chain joints comprising a pin bolt and at least two substantially directly adjacently arranged tooth plates whose aligned joint openings surround a respective pin bolt. The wear characteristics of such a toothed chain shall be improved. To this end, the edge portions of the joint openings are rounded at the opposite sides of at least the outer ones of the adjacently arranged tooth plates for a wear-reducing nestling of the pin bolt in case of load. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of producing a toothed chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Peter Bachmair
  • 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: 6951124
    Abstract: Notched areas are provided on the outer periphery of a flat plate in the coining process to allow material of said plate flow more easily toward the periphery during the coining process. Use of flat plate provides a more economical way of making elements with accurate size and dimensions for continuously variable transmission belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Aida Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisanobu Kanamaru, Nobuyuki Ishinaga, Shingo Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 6863632
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a CVT belt having two multi-ribbed belts. Each belt is engaged in an opposing slot in a transversely mounted clip. Each belt is retained in each slot by a flat belt which is sandwiched into each slot with the multi-ribbed belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventor: Alexander Serkh
  • Publication number: 20040261393
    Abstract: In the manufacture of a link plate for a silent chain, a band of sheet steel is intermittently forwarded to string of punching dies and shaving dies. The band tends to follow a slightly curved path, which causes alignment errors in a conventional punching and shaving operation. However, in this case, each shaving die and its corresponding punching die are disposed in symmetrical relationship with respect to an intermediate position along the path of movement of the band, and the intermediate position coincides with the location at which the deviation of the band. As a result, the shaving dies are more accurately aligned with the punched surfaces produced by the corresponding punching dies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Toshifumi Sato, Toru Okabe
  • Publication number: 20040237497
    Abstract: A method of punching chain links for a power transmission chain from metal sheet material to ensure precise location of the apertures relative to the outer link contour of the link being created comprising the steps of piercing the metal sheet material to form the apertures and the back contour of the link at a first station. Piercing the metal sheet material to form link flanks at a second station. Shaving the apertures, the link flanks, and the back contour sequentially at a third same station as the metal sheet material is held stationary. Blanking the outer link contour to separate the link from the metal sheet material at fourth station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Anderson, Jim Benjamin, Takaharu Yoshimori
  • Patent number: 6824484
    Abstract: A drive chain suitable for use in a continuously variable transmission of a motor vehicle, the transmission having 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: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Ivo Greiter
  • Publication number: 20040221569
    Abstract: In a process for forming a linking element for a push belt for a continuously variable transmission, material is displaced from a central portion of the linking element during a blanking process, which central portion is substantially centrally located in the horizontal transverse direction. A blanking member which is applied during the blanking process, comprises a shaping surface which abuts against a front surface or a back surface of the linking element under the influence of pressure during the blanking process. The blanking member is provided with a relatively elevated central portion, which serves to displace material from the central portion of the linking element during the blanking process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Arnoldus Andreas Mutsaers, Lambertus Cornelis Hendrikus Buysen, Jeroen Herman van Liempd, Marc Andre Mussaeus
  • Patent number: 6782688
    Abstract: A chain has links made up of pairs of outer and inner plates connected respectively by pins and bushes fitted on the pins and projecting through the inner plates. Between the bush and its pin there is a lubricated interface and on each end of the bush is mounted and compressed between an inner and an outer plate an annular seal. The seal when not compressed between the plates is generically shaped with a lip projecting towards the axis of the seal. With the chain assembled the lip tends to wedge between the bush and the outer plate to reduce the wear on the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Regina S.I.C.C. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Garbagnati, Massimiliano Fumagalli
  • Patent number: 6666013
    Abstract: A chain which does not generate hydrogen brittleness is formed with components having improved wear resistance. At least one part of the chain, for example a surface, is covered with a diamond-like amorphous carbon coating (DLC). Further, metallic particles are dispersed into the diamond-like amorphous carbon coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Takerou Nakagawa, Shigeo Tamura
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 6539700
    Abstract: In a chain belt (1) for a continuously variable cone-pulley transmission of a vehicle, lengthwise links (3a, 3b, 3c) are connected by transverse coupling members (2a, 2b) passing through openings (4) in the links. Retainer elements (7) at the ends of the coupling members serve to secure the links against falling off the coupling members or becoming misaligned. The retainer elements are attached to at least selected individual coupling members by resistance welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: André Linnenbrügger
  • Patent number: 6539699
    Abstract: The link plates, bushes or rollers of a transmission chain are treated so as to produce a surface layer of iron bisulphide. The surface improves the resistance of the chain to wear and also accelerates the running-in process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Renold PLC
    Inventors: Christian Poiret, Alexandre Charton
  • 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