IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF DRIVING CHAINS FOR MACHINERY
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, &
Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF DRIVING CHAINS FOR MACHINERY."
A communication from abroad by William Dana Ewart, of Chicago, Illinois,
United States of America.
Sealed the 21st December 1870, and dated the 5th July 1870
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th July 1876.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF
DRIVING CHAINS FOR MACHINERY." A communication.
The first part of my Invention relates to the construction of links for chains
used in connection with sprocket wheels in machinery of various kinds.
This part of the said Invention consists in making a cast rectangular link with
an open central space and a broad open book cast in permanent form upon one or
both of the end bars, and with one of the side bars depressed at one end to pass
through the opening in the hook of another link for the purpose of coupling and
uncoupling; it also consists in constructing the hook with ribs as herein-after
described. The links are cast entire so as to leave a large open central space. A
wide open hook is located upon the end bar of the link. This hook is cast in per-
manent form in one piece, and at the same time with the link, so that it is ready
for coupling, so far as its form is concerned, as soon as taken from the mould. This
hook may also be cast on the other end bar if desired, the double-hooked link being
used alternately with a plain bar link in making the chain. The other end bar is
round, and of such size as to fit well in the said hook. The side bars, or one of
them, must be made sufficiently small at one end to pass through the opening of
the hook, so that when a link is turned up relatively to the hook of another link
one of its side bars can be slipped through the opening in the hook and the end
bar passed into the latter to couple the two links together. Ribs cast upon the
hook brace the latter against stretching, and also serve as guides to direct the link
upon the sprockets, which may be made to wear entirely between these ribs. I
make these links preferably of malleable iron, but they may be made of any other
suitable metal. The side bars and one end bar are preferably fluted, this form
[Price 6d.]

page_text: being peculiarly adapted to the use of malleable iron; but the bars may be round
or of any other form desired. The inner surface of the hook can be cast upon a
chill also to secure a perfectly fitting joint and a hard wearing surface.
The second part of my Invention relates to a coupling of such construction
that single bar links may be coupled directly to each other without the use of an
intermediate piece.
This part of the said Invention consists in making the link bar with a divided
or branching hook on one end and a cross bar or T head on the other; and also in
combining bar links of this construction to form open rectangular links with two,
three, or more bars. The link bar may be constructed with fluted sides or of any
other form desired. The upper and lower sides of this bar are depressed at one
end, and upon this end of the bar is a round cross head. Upon the other end of
the bar is the coupling hook, which has two branches centrally divided with an
opening between the two branches sufficiently large to receive the link bar. The
branches of the hook should project on each side of the bar in line with the ends of
the cross head. The hooks are cast-in permanent form, and in one piece with the
link bar and cross head. The single bar link described above may be duplicated
to form a rectangular open link with three sides enclosed.
According to another method of combining the single bar links, one single bar link
occupies a central position, and one half of another similar link is joined to it upon
each side thereof, the branches of the hooks and the sections of the cross heads being
brought together so as to unite and form the hooks and end bars of the link.
The third part of this Invention relates to an attachment to the aforesaid links
for the purpose of fastening slats or other like articles thereto, said attachment
being cast in one piece with the link. The link is in some instances provided with
a projection at one side thereof, cast at the same time and in one piece with the
link. This projection has two flanges, between which the slat is placed and fastened
by a rivet. Or the attachment may be constructed in the form of a box at the side
of the link into which the end of the slat is inserted. In some instances the
attachment extends across from link to link of the chains so as to furnish a support
to the slat throughout its entire length. This form may also be used for the purpose
of attaching elevating buckets to the chains. Or the attachment may have the
form of a loop on the top of the link and extend from one side to the other, the end
The
of the slat being placed upon the top of this loop plate and fastened thereto.
said attachment may have a rivet cast therewith, and when the rivet is cast with
the attachment in any of the forms to which it is adapted the slat of an endless
carrier or other like article may be quickly fastened to the link by simply pushing
the rivet through a hole in the slat and heading it down.
The fourth part of this Invention relates to a modification for adapting the link
above described for use in corn shellers.
A wide flange is cast in one piece with the link laying its support upon the
sides of the latter. This flange is located upon the upper side of the link, the
opening in which it spans, and its lower edge is cut away that it may not interfere
with the sprockets on the driving wheels. The link thus constructed is intended for
use in corn shellers in which the ears of corn are fed to the shelling devices
lengthwise, and in a continuous line, the inachine being constructed so that one or
several lines of ears are running to the feeder continuously. A chain composed of
my ordinary links with these links interposed at suitable distances from cach other
is provided for each feeder, and running continuously over sprocket wheels forces
the ears of corn to the sheller by bringing the flanges against the ends of the ears.
The fifth part of the said Invention relates to modifications for adapting the
detachable link above described for use as a carrier or elevator for certain articles
without the use of slats.
This part of my Invention comprises an attachment to the side bars of the link,
consisting of an upright braced projection either with or without a connecting
flange in front cast in one piece with the link. The link with this attachment is
adapted for use as a carrier for ice, corn, either in the ear or shelled, straw, and

page_text: other like materials. I use an open detachable link and cast an upright flange or
projection upon the side bar or bars of the said link. This flange is triangular in
form, the base of the triangle being along the side bar of the link, thus giving a
strong brace and support to the front portion which comes immediately in contact
with the material to be elevated or carried along by means of the triangular
shaped web.
For some purposes, when the articles to be carried are smaller, it is desirable to
connect the two projections in the side bars by a flange in front.
The sixth part of my Invention is designed to adapt the detachable link above
described for use in driving harvester rakes, such as those in which the rake is
attached to and carried along by a driving chain.
The link may be of ordinary construction, except that the sides are enlarged
towards the hook end to give strength to the link and a suitable support to a pin,
which is cast upon one side of the link and in one piece therewith. This link
provided with the pin is placed in a chain composed of my ordinary links. The
said pin is inserted in a suitable socket in the rake head or some other part of the
raking apparatus, and the rake is thus attached to the chain and is carried along
with it; at the same time the link is left open so that the sprockets upon the
driving wheels operate upon it the same as upon the other links of the chain.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 5th
January 1877.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF
DRIVING CHAINS FOR MACHINERY." A communication from abroad by William
Dana Ewart, of Chicago, Illinois, United States of America.
The first part of my Invention relates to the construction of links for chains
used in connection with sprocket wheels in machinery of various kinds.
This part of the said Invention consists in making a cast rectangular link with
an open central space and a broad open hook cast permanently upon one or both
of the end bars, and with one of the side bars depressed at one end to pass through
the opening in the hook of another link for the purpose of coupling and uncoupling;
it also consists in constructing the hook with ribs as herein-after described.
Figure 1 is a plan of two links coupled. Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same.
Figure 3 is a similar elevation showing one of the links turned up for coupling
and uncoupling.
Figure 4 is a sectional view on the line x, x, Figure 1; and Figure 5 is a similar
view on the line y, y, Figure 1.
In these Figures, which illustrate the first part of my Invention, A, A, represent
the side bars of the links which are used in my driving chain; B, one of the end
bars; and C, the other end bar of the same link. The links are cast entire,
to leave a large open central space, as shewn. A wide open hook D is located
upon the end bar C of the link. This hook is cast permanently in one piece and
at the same time with the link, so that it is ready for coupling so far as its form
is concerned as soon as taken from the mould; this hook may also be cast on the
other end bar if desired, the double hooked link being used alternately with a plain
bar link in making the chain. The other end bar B is round and of such size as
to fit well in the hook D. The side bars A, A, or at least one of them, must be
made sufficiently small at one end to pass through the opening of the hook D, so

page_text: that when a link is turned up relatively to the hook of another link, as shown
in Figure 3 of the Drawings, one of its side bars can be slipped through the opening
in the hook and the end bar B passed into the latter to couple the two links.
If the side bars are larger than the opening of the hook it is only necessary to
make a depression a at one end of one or both of the side bars. The width of
the hook must not be greater than that of the open central space so that the links
can be straightened, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. When thus coupled together
they can be uncoupled only by turning the links into the position shown in
Figure 3, and then slipping the end bar out of the hook. Ribs d are cast upon
the hook which brace the latter against stretching, and also serve to a certain
extent as guides to direct the link upon the sprockets, which may be made to wear
entirely between these ribs. I make these ribs preferably of malleable iron, but
they may be made of any other suitable metal. The side bars and one end bar
are preferably fluted, this form being peculiarly adapted to the use of malleable
iron, but the bars may be round, or of any other form desired. A chain composed
of these links can be lengthened or shortened with the greatest ease and without
destroying the links, and a great saving is effected in repairs, as if a link should
break it is only necessary to uncouple it, as described, and couple a new one in its
place. As the hooks are cast in permanent form no bending, rivetting, or other
manipulation of the link will be necessary after it comes from the mould except
the ordinary finishing, and the links may therefore, if desired, be made of metal
which will not bend. The inner surface of the hook can be cast upon a chill also
to secure a perfectly fitting joint and a hard wearing surface.
The object of the second part of my Invention is to provide a coupling of such
construction that single bar links may be coupled directly to each other without
the use of an intermediate piece. This part of the said Invention is illustrated
in Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of the Drawings.
Figure 6 is a plan of a bar link with a branching hook. Figure 7 is a plan of
the same with the other side upward.
Figure S is a side elevation showing the coupling.
Figure 9 is a plan of open rectangular links with branching hooks; and
Figure 10 is a plan of links with three bars and branching hooks.
This part of the said Invention consists in making the link bar with a divided
or branching hook on one end, and a cross bar or T head on the other, and also in
combining bar links of this construction to form open rectangular links with two,
three, or more bars, as will be herein-after fully described.
In these Figuras A represents a single bar adapted for use as a link bar, which
may be constructed with fluted sides or of any other form desired. The upper and
lower sides of this bar are depressed at one end, as shown at a, a, in Figures 6 and
S of the Drawings, and upon this end of the bar is a round cross head B. Upon the
other end of the bar is the coupling hook which has two branches C and C, being
centrally divided with an opening between the two branches sufficiently large to
receive the link bar A. The branches of the hook should project on each side of the
bar in a line with the ends of the cross head. If desired the branches of the hooks
may be provided with ribs c, cl, for strengthening them, and also guiding the links
upon the sprocket wheels. The hooks are cast in permanent form and in one piece
with the link bar and cross head. The links are coupled together by slipping the
cross head end wise into the hook, the link bar being held in the position shown in
Figure 8 of the Drawings until it comes opposite the opening in the hook, when
it should be turned down into said opening between the branches of the hook. The
single bar link above described may be duplicated to form a rectangular open link
with three sides enclosed. Links formed by duplicating the single bar link in
this manner are shown in Figure 9 of the Drawings, in which the cross heads are
cut short on one side of the link bars A but elongated on the other, to be united
and form the end bar of the combined link. For some purposes when large sized
links are required this construction of link is very desirable.
In Figure 10 of the Drawings another method of combining the single bar liuks

page_text: is shown. In this construction one bar link occupies a central position, and one
half of another similar link is joined to it upon each side thereof, the branches of
the hooks and the sections of the cross heads being so brought together as to unite
and form the hooks and end bars of the link. The dotted lines x, x, and y, y, show
the lines of union between the sections as above described. By this combination
of the single bar links a very strong three-bar link is formed, which is peculiarly
adapted for use when links of very large size are required to sustain a severe
strain. The middle bar A supports and strengthens the end bars of the link
so as to effectually prevent the bending or crippling of the side bars A.
I have shown only two forms of link obtained by combining the single bar
links, but it is evident that this system of building up from the unit shown in
Figure 6 of the Drawings may be greatly extended. The modifications shown
are sufficient to illustrate the method upon which the combinations may be made.
The third part of my Invention consists in an attachment to the links above
described for the purpose of fastening slats or other like articles thereto, said
attachment being cast in one piece with the link. This part of my Invention is
illustrated by Figures 11 to 22 of the Drawings.
Several forms of attachment are shown in these Figures, but all are intended
for the same purpose of attaching slats or other similar devices to the links, and
therefore may be regarded as modifications of each other.
In Figure 11 the link A is provided with a projection B at one side thereof cast
at the same time and in one piece with the link. The piece B has two flanges b, b,
between which the slat is placed and fastened by a rivet passing through the
hole b¹.
In Figures 12 and 13 the attachment is constructed in the form of a box at the
side of the link into which the end of the slat is inserted.
In Figures 14 and 15 a similar attachment is shown extending across from link
to link of the chains to furnish a support to the slat throughout its entire length.
This form may also be used for the purpose of attaching elevating buckets to the
chains.
In Figures 16 and 17 the piece B is shown in the form of a loop on the top of
the link and extending from one side to the other. The end of the slat is placed
upon the top of this loop plate and fastened thereto.
In Figures 18 and 19 the attachment is shown in the same form, but with a rivet
be cast therewith. My links are made of malleable iron, and when the rivet is cast
with the attachment in any of the forms shown and to which it is adapted the
slat of an endless carrier or other like article may be quickly fastened to the
link by simply pushing the rivet through a hole in the slat and heading it down.
The form shown in Figures 20 and 21 is intended for use with only one chain,
the slats being attached to the links near their centres and supported upon the
broad faces b, b, of the link, and rivetted to the vertical flanges B, B.
In Figure 22 a link is shown for the same purpose, but with lugs or ears cast
upon the sides to which the slats are fastened upon the under side of the link.
The fourth part of my Invention relates to a modification adapting the link
above described for use in corn shellers, and is illustrated in Figures 23, 24, and 25
of the Drawings, in which Figure 23 is a plan of the said link and its attach-
ment.
Figure 24 is a cross section thereof on the line x, x, Figure 23; and Figure 25 is
an end elevation of the same.
According to this part of the said Invention I cast the link with a large flange
or projection so that it operates as a carrier to feed the cars of corn to the shelling
apparatus.
A represents a link constructed as described. A wide flange B is cast in one
piece with the link, having its support upon the sides of the latter, as shown at a, a.
This flange is located upon the upper side of the link, the opening in which it spans,
and its lower edge is eat away, as shown at b, Figure 25, so as not to interfere
with the sprockets on the driving wheels.

page_text: The link thus constructed is intended for use in corn shellers in which the ears
of corn are fed to the shelling devices lengthwise and in a continuous line, the
machine being so constructed that one line or several lines of ears will be running
to the feeder continuously. A chain composed of my ordinary links with links
like the one herein described interposed at suitable distances from each other is
provided for each feeder, and running continuously over sprocket wheels forces the
ears of corn to the sheller by bringing the flanges B against the ends of the cars.
The fifth part of my Invention relates to modifications for adapting the detach-
able link above described for use as a carrier or clevator for certain articles without
the use of slats, and is illustrated by Figures 26 to 33 of the Drawings, in which
Figure 26 represents a link with an "attachment thereon adapting it for use as a
carrier; Figure 27 is a sectional view of this link on the line x, x, Figure 26; and
Figures 28 to 33 inclusive illustrate modifications of the form shown in
Figure 26.
According to this part of my Invention I provide an attachment to the side
bars of the link, consisting of an upright braced projection either with or without
a connecting flange in front cast in one piece with the link. The link with this
attachment is adapted for use as a carrier for ice, corn, either in the ear or shelled,
straw, and other like materials.
In these Figures, A represents an open detachable link, and B an upright flange
or projection cast upon the side bar or bars of the link. This flange is triangular
in form, the base of the triangle being along the side bar of the link, thus giving
a strong brace and support to the front portion which comes immediately in
contact with the material to be elevated or carried along by means of the triangular
shaped web b.
The link as shown in Figures 26 and 27 is provided with one of these flanges or
projections on each side bar, and is adapted for use as a carrier for blocks of ice
and other like articles, a single chain being used without any slats.
For some purposes, however, when the articles to be carried are small, it is
desirable to connect the two projections on the side bars by a flange C in front, as
seen in Figures 28 and 29 of the Drawings. This form of the link and attach-
ment is intended for use in corn shellers for carrying the ears end ways to the
shelling apparatus by means of the front flange being brought directly behind one
end of the car.
When, however, it is desired to carry forward shelled corn the flange C, as
shown in Figures 28 and 29, will be too narrow to perform efficient work, and
should be extended on each side, as shown in Figures 30 and 31, so as to push
forward before it a larger quantity of the grain at a time. For this last purpose
the link may be used in connection with a trough or any suitable hollow casing.
A chain with links at suitable intervals having these projections upon the side
bars makes a cheap and efficient straw carrier. For this purpose, however, it is not
absolutely necessary to attach the flange or projection to more than one of the
side bars.
A link with such an attachment is represented in Figures 32 and 33. Two or
more chains provided with such links and arranged at suitable distances from each
other may be used in the construction of a carrier for straw.
It will be seen that although the form of the attachment is changed somewhat in
the different Figures of the Drawings to adapt the link to material of different kinds,
the same characteristic feature is retained throughout the modifications, namely, the
triangular flange or projection on one or both of the side bars, either with or with-
out a connecting flange, in front of any suitable width.
The object of the sixth part of my Invention is the adaptation of the detachable
link above described for use in driving harvester rakes, such, for instance, as that
generally known as the "wood rake," in which the rake is attached to and carried
along by a driving chain.
This modification of the said Invention is illustrated by Figures 34 to 37 of the
Drawings, in which Figure 34 is a plan of the link and attachment; Figure 35 is a

page_text: sectional view on the line x, x, Figure 34; Figure 36 is a side elevation of the said
link and pin; and Figure 37 is a cross section on the line y, y, Figure 34.
This part of the said Invention comprises the casting of the "rake pin," that is
to say, the pin by means of which the rake is attached to the chain, in one piece
with the link.
In these Figures, A represents a link of ordinary construction, except that the
sides are enlarged towards the hook end to give strength to the link and a suitable.
support to the pin B, which is cast upon one side of the link and in one piece
therewith, as clearly shown in the Drawings. This link provided with the pin is
placed in a chain composed of my ordinary links. The pin is inserted in a suitable
socket in the rake head or some other part of the raking apparatus, and the rake
is thus attached to the chain and is carried along with it; at the same time the link
is left open so that the sprockets upon the driving wheels operate upon it as upon
the other links of the chain.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it under-
stood that I claim-
First. Detachable links for driving chains constructed with central openings to
receive the sprockets or teeth of the driving wheels, and with open hooks at one or
both of their ends, which are cast permanently with the body of the links, so that
the latter may be securely coupled without bending the hooks, as above described.
Second. The combination of parts comprising the links for driving chains con-
structed with the open hook cast permanently with the link, the side bar made
sufficiently small at one end to pass through the opening of the hook, and the end
bar formed to fit within the hook, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the Drawings,
and for the purpose set forth.
Third. The hook provided with ribs, as shown in Figure 1 of the Drawings, for
the purpose set forth.
Fourth. In links for driving chains a coupling hook consisting of two distinct
and separate branches, constructed as shown in Figures 6 and 9 of the Drawings,
for the purpose set forth.
Fifth. A single bar link composed of the link bar, cross head, and branching
hook, constructed as shown in Figures 6 and 7 of the Drawings, and operating as
set forth.
Sixth. The combination, as set forth, of two or more single bar links constructed
with branching hooks, as described, to form a compound link having two or more
longitudinal bars, as shown in Figures 9 and 10 of the Drawings, and for the
purpose set forth.
Seventh. A link constructed with central openings to receive the sprockets or
teeth of the driving wheels, and provided with the supplementary piece or pieces
cast in one piece with one or more of the link bars, and adapted in form and con-
struction to receive and hold the slats of a conveyer which are fastened thereto, as
shown in Figures 11 to 22 of the Drawings.
Eighth. A link having a central open space for the sprockets to enter, and pro-
vided with a conveying flange extending from one side bar to the other and cast in
one piece therewith, as shown in Figures 23 and 25 of the Drawings, and for the
purpose set forth.
Ninth. A liuk for sprocket chains provided with an upright triangular flange or
projection rigidly attached to one or both of its side bars, as shown in Figures 26
to 33 of the Drawings, and for the purpose set forth.
Tenth. A link for use in a chain as a carrier, consisting of a link with a central
open space, triangular flanges or projections attached to the side bars, and a vertical
flange located in front of the said projections and connecting them, as shown in
Figures 28 to 31 of the Drawings, and for the purpose set forth.
Eleventh. A link with a central open space, constructed with side bars gradually
increasing in size towards the hook end of the link, and with the end bar at that
end enlarged and inclined backward, as shown in Figures 34 to 37 of the Drawings,
and for the purpose set forth.
.

page_text: Twelfth. A link for sprocket chains constructed with enlarged bars, and provided
with a harvester rake pin cast in one piece therewith, as shown in Figures 34, 35,
and 36 of the Drawings, and for the purpose set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fifth day of January, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
W. ROB. LAKE. (L.S.)