Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a metal link rod (6) that is longitudinally reinforced in its thickness by fiber reinforcement (2), the method comprising the following steps: making a metal blank including at least one longitudinal housing (11, 12) leading into an edge face of the blank; inserting fiber reinforcement (2) in the housing; connecting the fiber reinforcement to the blank by metal diffusion around the fibers of the fiber reinforcement (2); and finishing the blank in order to obtain a link rod (6). The invention also provides a link rod having a metal matrix in which reinforcing fibers are embedded that extend on either side of a longitudinal axis (X) of the link rod, the fibers leading into an edge face of the link rod.

Abstract: A portable disassembly tool is provided to disassemble a track link assembly from a machine by removing opposed track links from the track link assembly. The portable disassembly tool includes first and second members that are tightly secured to the track link to be removed by a plurality of fasteners. The second member has clearance holes therein to freely receive the ends of the associated track pin assemblies. A third member having spacer members extending therefrom is disposed adjacent to the second member with the spacer members extending into the respective clearance holes into contact with the ends of the track pin assemblies and secured to the second member by a second plurality of fasteners. By alternately tightening the plurality of fasteners, the track link is pulled from the associated track pin assemblies. During the removal of the track link, binding in any direction is overcome.

Abstract: In a crawler belt comprising pairs of opposite links connected endlessly via pins press-fitted into the links, fixing surfaces of pins or links are successively pressed and deformed from the fixing surfaces in an axial direction along the circumferences inside or outside of openings of pin-press-fitting holes by means of local pressing in the axial direction, whereby the end portions of the pins or part of the circumferences of the openings in the links are expanded or narrowed in diameter. The expanded or narrowed portions are fixedly engaged with the opposing engaging spaces. The surface hardness of the expanded or narrowed portions is set to be lower than that of the other portions. With such structure and method, the links and pins can be easily and firmly connected with sufficient holding force in the axial direction, securing accurate, quick and easy fixing of pins and assembling of pins and links.

Abstract: Chain parts and other steel articles are provided with hard, wear-resistant carbide coatings by tumbling them in a heated retort with a particulate mix which includes a source of vanadium and/or niobium. The steel substrate comprises a steel having at least 0.2% carbon, preferably 0.7-1.2%. Where the chromium content of the steel is 4-12%, preferably 4-8%, the chemical deposition process includes drawing a small amount of chromium from the steel substrate into the vanadium or niobium carbide coating, where it is distributed substantially homogeneously, helping to provide adhesion strength to the coating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of assembling a joint of an endless track chain for track-type machines to prevent endplay in the joint is disclosed. The joint includes a pair of links and a cylindrical pin. Each link includes a outwardly offset outboard end collar having a boss extending outwardly therefrom and a bore therethrough. Each boss has an outer surface. The pin includes opposite end portions. Each end portion is pressed and non-rotatably mounted into respective one of the bores of the outboard end collars. The method comprises the steps of forming an annular groove about each of the end portions, placing a swage tool against the outer side surface of the boss in axial alignment with the pin, and applying a sufficient force on the swage tool to form at least one mechanically formed nodule protruding from the outer side surface into a respective ones of the grooves. The nodule having a cross-sectional configuration substantially conforming to the groove.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of assembling a joint of an endless track chain for track-type machines to prevent end play in the joint is disclosed. The joint includes a pair of links and a cylindrical pin. Each link includes a outwardly offset outboard end collar having a boss extending outwardly therefrom and a bore therethrough. Each boss has an outer surface. The pin includes opposite end portions. Each end portion is pressed and non-rotatably mounted into respective one of the bores of the outboard end collars. The method comprises the steps of forming an annular groove about each of the end portions, placing a swage tool against the outer side surface of the boss in axial alignment with the pin, and applying a sufficient force on the swage tool to form at least one mechanically formed nodule protruding from the outer side surface into a respective ones of the grooves. The nodule having a cross-sectional configuration substantially conforming to the groove.

Abstract: A rocker joint pin for use in a chain to articulately interconnect link plates of the chain has a beveled edge at opposite end faces thereof. The beveled edge is formed by forming a V-shaped groove transversely across a surface of a continuous wire and subsequently severing the wire at the bottom of the V-shaped groove.

Abstract: An adjust pin (1) for connecting a plurality of blocks (2) to each other to make up a wrist watch band (3) is formed of a metal with a property having a superelastic region where a stress remains constant against variation in strain. The adjust pin (1) is provided with a bent part (5) for causing a bending stress in the superelastic region to act on the inner wall face of a connecting through-hole (2a) of a block (2) in a state wherein the block (2) is joined with an adjoining block (2). When the adjust pin (1) is inserted in the blocks (2), and the bent part (5) is positioned in the connecting through-hole (2a), the bent part (5) provides a force acting on the inner wall of the connecting through-hole (2a) by the agency of the bending stress in the superelastic region, thereby securely holding the adjust pin (1) by a spring force thereof.

Abstract: A rocker pin for use in a power transmission chain has an identifying mark for distinguishing the rocker pin from another rocker pin having a different thickness or a different rocker surface. The identifying mark may include a groove, ridge, colored mark, lustrous streak or the like provided on a peripheral surface except a rocker surface in the longitudinal direction of the rocker pin. The rocker pin having such identifying mark can be visually identified with ease so that the rocker pin is prevented from being mixed with a different kind of rocker pins. This enables easy and confusion-free storage of the rocker pin and prevents incorrect combination of a longer pin and a shorter pin, which may occur when they are used in combination to form a single rocker joint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the case hardening, tempering and coating of a medium carbon alloy chain pin. A medium carbon alloy chain pin is provided and is case hardened to a selected radial depth. The case hardened chain pin is quenched and then tempered to introduce a gradient from the surface of the chain pin inwardly in carbon content and hardness. The chain pin is then coated with an electroless nickel and fluorinated carbon co-deposition to increase surface hardness.

Abstract: A jointed unit (1) has several adjacent elements (2, 3) connected to one another by a pair of connecting members (5, 6) situated at opposite ends in which they are connected so as to be able to rotate. The members (5, 6), which include the pair of adjacent elements (2, 3) are made integral with one another by a fastening bar (4) connected to the members (5, 6) by screws (7) in a reversible manner. In one embodiment, the members (5, 6) are a pair of links, each having two cylindrical blind holes (5c, 5d, 6c, 6d) into which studs (2c, 2d, 3c, 3d) engage and protrude from the ends of the elements (2, 3) to be connected together.

Abstract: An indexing apparatus for a track press machine moves and positions a track chain assembly into and out of the work area of the track press machine. The indexing apparatus includes upper and lower indexing portions, each having a powered drive mechanism for contacting and driving the track chain assembly. Fluid operated cylinders apply a force between the drive mechanisms and the track chain to prevent slippage. Fluid motors power the drive mechanisms to positively and continuously move the track chain. The indexing cycle is automatically controlled for fast and consistent work operations.

Abstract: A split clevis which is especially suited for suspending heat transfer chain from hangers in rotary kilns is disclosed. The clevis comprises first and second arms and an opening is provided at one end of each arm for receiving an end link of a chain. In a chain assembly including the clevis, the end link connects the rest of the links in the chain to the first and second arms. A support shaft is provided on the first arm. The support shaft has a first portion, adjacent to the second end of the first arm to which it is attached. The first portion of the support shaft is received in the hanger aperture. A second, end portion of the support shaft has a reduced diameter and there is a shoulder between the first and second portions of the support shaft. An aperture is provided in the second arm for receiving the second, end portion of the support shaft.

Abstract: A chain formed of links made of fiber-reinforced resin composite material. Each link has a terminal loop located at each axial end of a long strap. Loops, located at adjacent ends of successive links, are joined by relatively short connecting links that overlap bushings located within each of the loops. The bushings and connecting links are held in position at each lateral side of the links by pins and washers. A ring surrounds each link where the strap flares to form each terminal loop. The loops may be unitary or spaced laterally to receive within the space a unitary loop of an adjoining link aligned axially with the other loop. A pin located within the loops supports washers at each lateral side of the links to maintain the position of the links and to transfer load between the links.

Abstract: A track press machine for assembling and dis-assembling endless track chains has a rigid box-like frame structure formed of extremely thick metal plates. The plates include a pair of side plates, a base plate and a top plate, all the plates being connected together by threaded fasteners to enclose a rectangular work area. A large diameter fluid master cylinder and two fluid slave cylinders are connected to each side plate with the rods of the cylinders extending through the side plates and into the work area. The rods of each set of master and slave cylinders are connected together through a tool mounting bar. The box-like frame structure provides rigidity to withstand the large forces generated by the fluid cylinders and the master slave cylinder arrangement provides fast, repetitive cycle times.

Abstract: A tool mounting arrangement for a track press includes a bracket assembly for lateral and vertical adjustment of the tool mounting to compensate for variations in the spacing of the track components due to different amounts of wear. The bracket assembly includes a tool mounting plate which is connected to a reaction bar by an adjustment plate and a pair of brackets. A pair of threaded shafts penetrate the brackets and bear against the adjustment plate for moving the tool mounting plate vertically. A threaded rod is connected to the reaction bar and an adjustment wheel on the rod is in engagement with the adjustment plate for moving the tool mounting plate laterally. A pair of spring loaded apparatus maintain a preselected downwardly directed force on the bracket assembly.

Abstract: A clamp mechanism forces a track chain to seat properly and completely in a holding fixture prior to dis-assembly of the track chain. The clamp mechanism has a hold-down bar, for engaging the track chain, a linkage assembly connected to the hold-down bar, and a fluid powered cylinder for moving the hold-down bar into engagement with the track chain. Track chains being dis-assembled within a track press do not always seat properly in a holding fixture, which can cause damage to the track press tooling or the holding fixtures. The subject clamp mechanism seats the track chain fully into the holding fixture and maintains a force on the track chain during dis-assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of assembling a joint of an endless track chain for track-type vehicles to prevent end play in the joint is disclosed. The joint includes a pair of links and a cylindrical pin. Each link includes a laterally outwardly offset outboard end collar having a boss extending outwardly therefrom and a bore therethrough. Each boss has an outer periphery and the pin includes opposite end portions. Each end portion is pressed and non-rotatably mounted into a respective one of the bores of the outboard end collars. The method comprises the steps of forming a generally arcuately shaped annular groove about each of the end portions of the pin, placing a punch device against the outer periphery of the boss in radial alignment with the groove in the end portion of the pin, and applying a sufficient force on the punch device to form at least one mechanically formed nodule protruding from the second bore of each outboard end collar into a respective one of the grooves.

Abstract: A fluid control system for a track press has first and second main fluid work circuits and a plurality of auxiliary fluid work circuits. The first and second work circuits are substantially similar and each has a pair of dual acting slave cylinders and one single acting master cylinder. The cylinder rod of each master cylinder is connected to the cylinder rods of the respective slave cylinders through a reaction bar. Each of the first and second work circuits has a fluid reservoir and a high flow capacity control valve in direct communication with a respective fluid reservoir and a respective master cylinder. During fast forward and reverse of the slave cylinders, the piston and rod of each master cylinder is advanced or retracted due to the interconnection with the reaction bar. During fast forward, fluid is drawn from the reservoirs at a fast rate to rapidly fill the large slave cylinders. This provides extremely fast cycle times.

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.

Abstract: The bracelet of this invention includes an inner chain (1) formed from links (2,3) articulated in succession to one another by means of connecting pins (10). The chain is at least partially surrounded by decorative elements (11) formed for example of ceramic. The connecting pins exhibit projections (19, 20) from both lateral sides (13,14) of the inner chain and serve as retaining means for the decorative elements on the inner chain. In one embodiment of the invention the pin projections penetrate into slideways (17, 18) formed in the lateral portions (15,16) of the decorative element. Such bracelet is intended for horological applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for assemblying link chains of the type having paired links joined together with cross pins joining successive pairs of links longitudinally as chain links having a pitch corresponding to the distance between successive cross pins connecting the paired links. The apparatus has a pair of opposed presses each having a corresponding ram head. The ram heads are cylically operated from a retracted starting position and advanced toward each other and retracted to their retracted position. The ram heads are provided with tools on tool bars for transporting and assemblying paired links on successive cross pins. A trolley travels between the ram heads in a diection forwardly three half pitches and then in a reverse direction two half pitches. The trolley upon reaching the second reverse half-pitch returns to the forward movement of its next operating cycle. The trolley advances successive individual cross pins spaced along the path of travel and thus transports the link chain assembly.

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.

Abstract: The chain for pressing a plurality of annular segments against a pipeline includes a plurality of links which are interconnected by pivot pins. At least some of the pivot pins are provided with eccentrics which are disposed within the inner links so that upon turning of a pivot pin using a suitable tool, the tension on the chain can be adjusted. Nuts are rigidly secured at the ends of the pivot pins carrying the eccentrics to facilitate turning of these pivot pins.

Abstract: A chain link having a pair of curved extremities and being generally in the shape of an elongated loop. The loop defines two sides which converge towards the middle of the link where the two sides are rigidly jointed together, as by a weld, thereby forming a pair of interior spaces progressively narrowing towards the middle. Such link is adapted for use in alternation with pin links in a chain designed to remove waste material in a livestock enclosure. A method of making the link is further disclosed.

Abstract: A conveyor or chain having a tubular filament-wound cylindrical element used as the pins interconnecting the link plates and/or as rollers or bushings in the chain assembly. The element is formed from a length of tubular material which is wound on a mandrel having an outside diameter equal to the inside diameter of the tubular element. The filament of the winding is a long aramid fiber which is integrated in the tubular material by an adhesive agent.

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.

Abstract: A spiral wire, comprising adjacent thread spirals (1) positioned in pairs with loops thereof interlapping to form transverse rows of loops in the wire, and linking threads (2) inserted in the rows of loops. The opposite ends of the spiral wire are interconnected by means of a seam thread (2A) into an endless wire. In order to make it easier to insert the seam thread, a clearance (X) is provided between the interlapping loops (1Aa) of the two spirals (1A) forming the seam position, which clearance extends in the direction of the seam thread so that the loops are able to yield with respect to each other in that direction. The spirals of the seam portion are preferably made of a thinner thread, a thread having a flat cross-section or interconnected with a sparser spacing of the loops.

Abstract: Detachable links are formed by a first link having a part-spherical end joined to a cylindrical first intermediate portion and a second link having a receiving end with spaced, generally U-shaped arms defining a slot. The arms resiliently spread apart to receive and then snap back to capture the part-spherical portion, leaving the cylindrical portion in the slot. The joined links may be freely relatively pivoted through substantially 180 degrees and may be freely relatively rotated through a full 360 degrees about the axis of the cylindrical portion. The part-spherical portion may have one upstanding cylindrical stub or a diametrically opposed pair which are positionable either between the legs of the arms or in the slot between arms. These stubs limit the free rotation between links by resisting same except as permitted by forcible rotation in 90 degree steps due to spreading apart and snapping back of the arms.

Abstract: Bicycle Chain is made of alternating bushing links and pin links. The bushing links have parallel bushings held in interference fit in bushing plates and extended axially beyond the bushing plates, solid metal rolls with a lubricating plating are held loosely on the bushings, and loosely between the bushing plates. The bushings extend axially outward beyond the bushing plates for substantial distances. Pins extend through the bushings and are fixed in pin plates to form pin links which alternate with the bushing links. The pin plates are held outward from the bushing plates for a substantial amount by the axial bushing extensions to prevent dirt build up. The pin plates, bushing plates and bushings are plated with an anti-corrosion plating. The pins and rolls are plated with a porous metal plating with solid polymeric lubricant held within pores of the plating for lubricating the pin-bushing interior interface and for lubricating the roll-bushing and roll-bushing plate interfaces.

Abstract: A tension spring device comprising a linear draw element and spring member surrounding the draw element and connected thereto by connection sleeves.

Abstract: A plate chain conveyor assembly including a plurality of plate members each having first and second opposite ends, a single hinge eye being provided at the first end of each plate member and two juxtaposed hinged eyes being provided at the second end of each plate member. Plate members are disposed adjacent one another such that the single hinge eye of each plate interengages with the two juxtaposed hinge eyes of an adjacent plate member to form a passage therethrough. A hinge bolt is disposed in each passage formed by the interengaged hinge eyes. Each hinge bolt has cylindrical ends connected to a center section. The center section has a cross section which changes from a substantially circularly shaped center portion to a substantially lens shaped cross section towards each of the cylindrical ends.