provements in or relating to Sprocket Wheel and Chain Gear.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Nov., 1899
Complete Specification Left, 30th July, 1900-Accepted, 1st Sept., 1900
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
Improvements in or relating to Sprocket Wheel and Chain Gear.
I, REGINALD HADDAN, of the Fum of Herbert Haddan & Co, of 18, Buckingham
Street, Strand, W.C, London, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this
onvention a communication to me from abroad by John Clarence Hollingsworth,
of no occupation, of 1437, South Sixth Street, Tena Haute, Vigo County,
Indiana, United States of America, to be as follows.-
This invention consists of and relates to sprocket wheels and chains
Uidinary sprocket chains either are complicated, expensive, weak in proportion
to weight, or not durable, will wear and stretch, have small bearing surfaces
between the links, will hold dut and git, are hard to clean, and produce great
friction even when lubricated Ordinary sprocket wheels wear and cut by the
action of the chain upon the wheel and by the gut which is adhered by the
lubricants
The object of this invention is to produce an improved chain and wheel that
may be used in conjunction without lubrication; and in such use effect a reduc-
tion of fiction, demonstrate gitater strength for a given weight and dimension
of chain, be easily mounted the former on the latter, and be producible at lower
cost than the ordinary structures
The invention consists further in the construction, airangement and combina-
tion of elements hereafter set forth, pointed out in the claims and illustrated
by the accompanying diawings, in which,
Fig 1 is a side elevation of a sprocket wheel and chain associated in the manner
required for piactical use
Fig 218 an edge elevation of the sprocket wheel
Fig 3 18 a 01oss section of the sprocket wheel Fig 4 is a plan of a portion
of the sprocket chain Fig 5 is a cross section of the chain on the indicated
line 5-5 of Fig 4, and illustrated with dotted lines to indicate certain planes
and a line of contact referred to in the specific description. Fig 6 18 a plan and
Fig. 7 a longitudinal section of one of the links showing the seat or depression
and the projection of the link Figs 8 and 9 are closs sections of a link
llustrating the inner faces of the end portions thereof and the seat and pro-
jection formed therein and thereon at one side of the longitudinal centre of the
link Fig 10 is a plan of a separable link formed in sections connected hy
tuinbuckles and Fig 11 is a plan of the same link without the turnbuckles
Fig 12 is a plan of a link open at one side for the insertion or removal of
adjacent links and provided with a chip for closing the opening thereof Fig 13
is a perspective of the closing clip detached from the link
In the construction of the device as shown the letter A designates a sprocket
wheel adapted for conjunctive use with a twisted-link chain B, also of peculiar
construction.
The teeth D of the sprocket wheel A may be of the usual form and are se
arranged radially upon the periphery of the rim D of the wheel as to be
separated by equal distances.

page_text: In order that the periphe.y of the wheel may conform to the shape of the
twisted links of the cham D, said periphery is of such width as to project or
extend laterally from the line of the bases of the teeth on either side thereof and
the projecting portions or flanges, designated as E³ and E', are provided with
recesses, depressions of seats Hi and H The depressions or seat on either side
or the teeth D are relatively aanged in such manner as to form shoulders H'
and H on either side of the teeth, the shoulders 11 on one side of the teeth
being located at a point in advance of the shoulder. H on the opposite side of
the teeth The formation of the flanges and the seats and shouldeis therein
has the effect of bioadening the bases of the teeth to provide seats for engagement
with the twisted links of the sprocket chain By this means or by reason of this
construction the sprocket wheel is adapted for use conjunctively or in combina-
tion with a twisted link chain The chain has twisted links with openings for
the sprockets of the wheel so that it will travel evenly and smoothly about
the wheel and present the openings of successive links so that the sprockets
of the wheel may readily enter said openings. Each link of the chain has an
individual twist or shape approximating to such form that any two adjacent links
cross each other at oblique angles and mutually contact on a line (dotted in
Fig 5) on the inner or axial surfaces of the ends thereof to provide a convex
bearing for each other Thus the inner surface of one link 1olls upon the
contacting surface of the other link, reducing fiction due to chain flexure to
a minimum, for the reason that the convex face of one link contacts with and
1olls upon the convex face of the other link, and the two convex faces rolling
together provide a frictionless bearing for each other in respect of any flexure
of one link relative to the other as 18 occasioned in the travel of the chain to,
on and away from the wheel Any two adjacent links of the chain cross each
cther at the ends or extremities of the line of contact there-between, thereby
seating or fulcruming said adjacent interengaging links upon each other, whereby
in the use of a complete chain of such links on one or more sprocket wheels,
the torsional movement of any two adjacent inter-engaging links ielative to each
other is limited and inappreciable in one direction and approximately unlimited
in the other duection, thus permitting the chain to be crossed, the line of contact
between the inter-engaging ends of adjacent links extending continuously between
two points on opposite sides thereof designated as a b.
Thus (Fig 5) the planes K-K, L-L, tangential to the extreme upper and
lower points of adjacent links and the plane determined by the extremities of the
line of contact ab are parallel when the chain travels to, upon and away from
the wheel.
The transverse lines of contact between inter-engaging ends of the links of the
chain are established as described whenever the chain is running approximately
taut or is in its normal operative position in passing over a sprocket wheel.
In operation, flexing relative to each other to and away from the wheel, and
because of the fulciuming of adjacent links on each other at the ends of the
line of contact therebetween, said links roll upon each other as contradistinguished
from a sliding contact commonly found resulting from flexure of two links
crossing each other at right angles, and to prevent any possibility of lateral
ridewise movement of the inter-engaging_ends of the links relative to each
other, there is formed a lug or projection X on one end of each link to engage
in a seat or depression J in the engaging surface of the next link
This con-
struction will prevent the links from climbing on each other and tightening an
endless chain beyond the point of satisfactory operation in fast-running machines
The links also are formed with rounded outer surfaces on their ends arranged
to engage and roll upon and away from the sprocket teeth in approaching or
leaving the wheel, as contradistinguished from a sliding contact between the
links and teeth commonly found in the seating or unseating of chams relative
to a sprocket wheel Because of the rolling contact of the teeth and links,
assisted by the absence of torsional vibration in one direction, the friction there-

page_text: between is minimized, resulting in longer life and greater ease in the operation
thereof
As shown in Figs 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the drawing herewith, each link Es
formed with a depression J in the inner surface of one end and a projection X
on the inner surface of the other end, whereby in the assembling, or inter-
suspending association, of the links the projection X of one link will enter,
seat or engage in the depression J of the adjacent link. The form of chain
illustrated in Figs 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the drawing herewith and just described
preferably has the seats and projections in the centres of the ends of the links
or at one side of the longitudinal centres of the links, because in the provision
of the ball and socket engagement a more perfect rolling contact between the
links may be attained and a contact of the inner convex surfaces of the links
on either side of the ball and socket (see dotted lines in Fig. 5) supplementing
the contact of the ball and socket provides a more uniform distribution of the
strain laterally of the links on and throughout the ends of the links than would
seem to be possible in a construction wherein the only contact between the links
is at a given point Furthermore such ball and socket engagement or contact
effectually prevents lateral slipping of one link relative to the link
inter-associated therewith, which slipping is undesirable as it tends to shorten
the working length of the chain slightly and cause the chain, when taut under a
strain, to bind on the sprocket, and not run freely It is preferable to stamp or
punch the seats or recesses in the links rather than to drill them, since in the
stamning or punching none of the material is removed and the end portion of the
link is slightly broadened without weakening the resistance to flexure or breakage
In the use of the chain, without the projection and socket, under strain the
links contact with each other on lines between and connecting the points of
crossing of one link on the other and the strain 18 distributed across the end
of the link on this line of contact between the convex surfaces rolling on each
other Experiment has demonstrated the greater strength of a chain emploving
twisted links crossing each other at oblique angles and contacting on a line
as compared to a chain formed of straight links crossing each other at right
anoles and contacting on a point, and further that by forming the chain of twisted
1.nks crossing each other at oblique angles and providing the links with inter-
engaging projections and depressions the ends of the links will contact, not only
on the surface of the projection or on a line around the projection, but also on a
line extending laterally from the projection, thus distributing the strain across the
link or throughout the length of the end of the link when the chain is drawn taut
and arranged flat for running over a wheel and at the same time provides a centre
on which any two links may flex relative to each other and that will prevent
lateral slipping of one link relative to the link inter-associated therewith
In the construction of a chain of endless form it is desirable to have one or
more links shaped and arranged for removal and replacement and to this end
there may be used the links shown in Figs 10 11 12 and 13
In the construction of the device shown in Figs 10 and 11 the link is formed
in like sections placed end to end and oppositely sorew threaded for the reception
of turnbuckles 1 and 2, whereby the sections are connected rigidly in such a
Danner as to be readily separated and removed To prevent accidental loosening
of the turn-buckles holes are drilled between the ends of the sections of the
Jinks and through the turnbuckles and pins 3 and 4 inserted in the holes thus
formed, thus effectually preventing any movement of the turn-buckles on the link
until the pins are removed
In the construction of the device shown in Fios 12 and 13 the link is formed
with an opening at one side of such size as to admit of the passage thei ethrough
of the adjacent link or links and the ends of the link adjacent the opening are
flattened top and bottom to a slight extent A clin 5, made of steel and U-shaped
in cross section is provided and forked at one end to embrace the flattened faces
of one end of the link and piyot on a pin 6 seated therein. The body of the

page_text: clip overreaches on bridges the opening of the link and 18 secured at its opposite
end to the opposite end of the link by a screw 7 seated in the holes 8, 9 of the
clip and traversing the hole 10 in the link end
1000
Improvements in or relating to Sprocket Wheel and Chain Gear.
I, REGINALD HADDAN, of the Firm of Herbert Haddan & Co., of 18, Buckingham
Sueet, Strand, WC, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention a communication to me fiom abroad by John Clarence Hollingsworth,
of no occupation, of 1437, South Sixth Street, Terra Haute, Vigo County,
Indiana, United States of America, and in what manner the same 19 to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement..
This invention consists of and relates to sprocket wheels and chains
Ordinary sprocket chains either are complicated, expensive, weak in proportion
to weight, or not durable will wear and stretch. have small bearing surfaces
between the links, will hold dnt and grit, are hard to clean, and produce great
fiction even when lubricated Ordinary sprocket wheels wear and cut by the
action of the chain upon the wheel and by the gut which is adhered by the
lubiicants
The object of this invention is to produce an improved chain and wheel that
may be used in conjunction without lubrication, and in such use effect a reduc-
tion of friction, demonstrate greater strength for a given weight and dimension
of chain, be easily mounted the former on the lattor, and be producible at lower
cost than the ordinary structures
The invention consists further in the construction arrangement and combina-
tion of elements hereinafter set forth, pointed out in the claims and illustrated
by the drawings filed with my Piovisional Specification, in which
Fig 1 is a side elevation of a sprocket wheel and chain associated in the manner
1equired for practical use
Fig 2 is an edge elevation of the sprocket wheel
Fig. 3 18 a cross section of the sprocket wheel Fig is a plan of a portion
of the sprocket chain. Fig 5 18 a cross section of the chain on the indicated
line 5 5 of Fig 4, and illustrated with dotted lines to indicate certain planes
and a line of contact referred to in the specific description Fig 6 18 a plan and
Fig 7 a longitudinal section of one of the links showing the seat or depression
and the projection of the link Figs 8 and 9 are cioss sections of a link
illustrating the inner faces of the end portions thereof and the seat and pio-
jection formed therein and thereon at one side of the longitudinal centre of the
nk Fig 10 is a plan of a separable link formed in sections connected by
tuinbuckles and Fig 11 is a plan of the same link without the turnbuckles
Fig 12 is a plan of a link open at one side for the insertion or removal of
adjacent links and provided with a clip for closing the opening thereof Fig 13
18 a perspective, of the closing clip detached from the linh
In the construction of the device as shown the letter A designates a sprocket
wheel adapted for conjunctive use with a twisted-link chain B also of peculiar
construction
The teeth D of the sprocket wheel A may be of the usual form and are so
arranged radially upon the periphery of the rim D of the wheel as to be
separated by equal distances,

page_text: In order that the periphery of the wheel may conform to the shape of the
twisted links E of the chain B, said periphery is of such width as to project or
extend laterally from the line of the bases of the teeth on either side thereof and
the projecting portions on flanges designated as E³ and E' are provided with
recesses, depressions or seats H and H The depressions or seats on either side
of the teeth D are relatively arranged in such manner as to form shoulders H³
and H on either side of the teeth, the shoulder H³ on one side of the teeth
being located at a point in advance of the shoulders H on the opposite side of
the teeth The formation of the flanges and the seats and shoulders therein
has the effect of broadening the bases of the teeth to provide seats for engagement
with the twisted links of the sprocket chain. By this means or by reason of this
construction the sprocket wheel is adapted for use conjunctively or in combina-
tion with a twisted link chain The chain has twisted links with openings for
the sprockets of the wheel so that it will travel evenly and smoothly about
the wheel and present the openings of successive links so that the sprockets
of the wheel may readily enter said openings Each link of the chain has an
individual twist or shape approximating to such form that any two adjacent links
cross each other at oblique angles and mutually contact on a line (dotted in
Fig 5) on the inner or axial surfaces of the ends thereof to provide a convex
bearing for each other Thus the inner surface of one link rolls upon the
contacting surface of the other link, reducing friction due to chain flexure to
a minimum. for the reason that the convex face of one link contacts with and
rolls upon the convex face of the other link and the two convex faces rolling
together provide a frictionless bearing for each other in respect of any flexure
of one link relative to the other as is occasioned in the travel of the chain to,
on and away from the wheel Any two adjacent links of the chain cross each
other at the ends or extremities of the line of contact therebetween, thereby
seating or fulciuming said adjacent interengaging links upon each other, whereby
in the use of a complete chain of such links on one or more sprocket wheels
the torsional movement of any two adjacent inter-engaging links relative to each
other is limited and inappreciable in one direction and approximately unlimited
in the other direction thus permitting the chain to be crossed, the line of contact
between the inter-engaging ends of adjacent links extending continuously between
two points on opposite sides thereof designated as a h
Thus (Fig 5) the planes K-K. L-L tangential to the extreme upper and
lower points of adjacent links and the plane determined by the extremities of the
line of contact a-bare parallel when the chain travels to, upon and away from
the wheel
The transverse lines of contact between inter-engaging ends of the links of the
chain are established as descubed whenever the chain is running approximately
tant or is in its normal operative position in passing over a sprocket wheel
In operation, flexing relative to each other to and away from the wheel and
because of the fulcruming of adiacent links on each other at the ends of the
line of contact therebetween, said links roll upon each other as contradistinguished
fiom a sliding contact commonly found resulting from flexure of two links
crossing each other at right angles; and to prevent any possibility of lateral
sidewis movement of the inter-engaging ends of the links ielative to each
other, there 19 formed a lug or projection X on one end of each link to engage
in a seat or depression T in the engaging surface of the next link
This con-
struction will prevent the links from climbing on each other and tightening an
endless chain beyond the point of satisfactory operation in fast-running machines
The links also are formed with rounded outer surfaces on their ends arranged
to engage and roll upon and away from the sprocket teeth in approaching or
leaving the wheel, as contradistinguished from a sliding contact between the
links and teeth commonly found in the seating or unseating of chains relative
to & sprocket wheel Because of the rolling contact of the teeth and links
assisted by the absence of torsional vibration in one direction, the friction there

page_text: between is minimized, resulting in longer life and greater ease in the operation
thereof
As shown in Figs 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, of the drawing each link E is
formed with a depression J in the inner surface of one end and a projection X
on the inner surface of the other end, whereby in the assembling, or inter-
Buspending association of the links the projection X of one link will enter
Beat or engage in the depression J of the adjacent link The form of chain
illustrated in Figs 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the drawing herewith and just described
preferably has the seats and projections in the centres of the ends of the links
or at one side of the longitudinal centres of the links, because in the provision
of the ball and socket engagement a more perfect rolling contact between the
links may be attained and a contact of the inner convex surfaces of the links
on either side of the hall and socket (see dotted lines in Fig 5) supplementing
the contact of the ball and socket provides a more uniform distribution of the
strain laterally of the links on and throughout the ends of the links than would
seem to be possible in a construction wherein the only contact between the links
is at a given point Furthermore such ball and socket engagement or contact
cffectually prevents lateral slipping of one link relative to the link
inter-associated therewith, which slipping is undesirable as it tends to shorten
the working length of the chain slightly and cause the chain, when taut under a
strain, to bind on the sprocket, and not run freely It is preferable to stamp or
punch the seats or recesses in the links rather than to drill them, since in the
stamping or punching none of the material is removed and the end portion of the
link is slightly broadened without weakening the resistance to flexure or breakage
In the use of the chain, without the projection and socket under strain the
links contact with each other on lines between and connecting the points of
crossing of one link on the other and the strain is distributed across the end
of the link on this line of contact between the convex surfaces rolling on each
other Expenment has demonstrated the greater strength of a chain cmploving
twisted links crossing each other at oblique angles and contacting on a line
as compared to a chain formed of straight links crossing each other at right
angles and contacting on a point, and further that by forming the chain of twisted
links crossing each other at oblique angles and providing the links with inter-
engaging projections and depressions the ends of the links will contact not only
on the surface of the projection or on a line around the projection, but also
links crossing cach other at oblique angles and providing the links with inter-
on the surface of the projection or on a line around the projection, but also on a
line extending laterally from the projection, thus distributing the strain across the
link or throughout the length of the end of the link when the chain is drawn taut
and arranged flat for running over a wheel and at the same time provides a centre
on which any two links may flex relative to each other and that will prevent
lateral slipping of one link relative to the link inter-associated therewith.
In the construction of a chain of endless form it 18 desirable to have one or
more links shaped and arranged for removal and replacement and to this end
there may be used the links shown in Figs 10 11 12 and 13
In the construction of the device shown in Figs 10 and 11 the link is formed
on like sections placed end to end and oppositely screw threaded for the reception
of turn-buckles 1 and 2, whereby the sections are connected gidly in such a
manner as to be readily separated and removed To prevent accidental loosening
of the turn-buckles holes are drilled between the ends of the sections of the
links and through the turn-buckles and pins 3 and 4 inserted in the holes thus
formed thus effectually preventing any movement of the turn buckles on the link
until the pins are removed
In the construction of the device shown in Fis 12 and 13 the link 18 formed
with an opening at one side of such size as to admit of the passage there-through
of the adjacent link or links and the ends of the link adjacent to the openings are
flattened top and bottom to a slight extent A clip 5 made of steel and U-shaped

page_text: in cross section is provided and forked at one end to embrace the flattened faces
of one end of the link and pivot on a pin 6 seated thei ein The body of the
clip over reaches or budges the opening of the link and is secured at its opposite
end to the opposite end of the link by a screw 7 seated in the holes 8, 9 of the
clip and traveising the hole 10 in the link end
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed 1 declare that
I claim is:
1 In an apparatus for transmitting power, a chain composed of like links
having projection and socket engagement substantially as described and twisted
to such angles that the planes tangential to the extreme upper and lower points
of said links and the plane determined by the extremities of the common lines
of contact of adjacent links shall be parallel, in combination with a sprocket
wheel, having teeth arranged on its periphery and so shaped as to successively
engage within the successive links of the chain, the periphery of the wheel
between the teeth being concaved to form seats to the engaging end portions
of the chain links.
2. A sprocket wheel for conjunctive use with a twisted projection and socket
engaging link chain, having teeth on its periphery to enter the openings in the
links of the chain, and having a periphery with depressions approximately to
conform to the shape of said links and Hanges on either side of said periphery
and shoulders on said flanges on either side of said teeth
3 A sprocket wheel for conjunctive use with a twisted projection and socket
engaging link chain, having a periphery depressed at points to conform to the
shape of the twisted links of the chain and shoulders at intervals on said periphery
on each side of the sprocket wheel, the shoulders on one side of the teeth being
in advance of the should 13 on the other side of the teeth
4 The combination with a sprocket wheel of a projection and socket engaging
chain whose links engaging by projection and socket are twisted relative to
their longest diameters to such an angle that the planes tangential to the
extreme upper and lower points of said links and the plane determined by the
extremities of the common lines of contact of adjacent links shall be parallel.
5 The combination with a sprocket wheel of a chain comprising a series of
links engaging by projection and socket, the ends of each link being at such angle
to each other that when the extremities of the contacting lines of adjacent links
on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the links are in the same plane, the
chain will be flexible in one duection and inflexible in the other direction
torsionally
6 In an apparatus for transmitting power, a sprocket wheel, sprocket teeth
on said wheel, which teeth are arranged in a row on the central portion of the
face of the wheel and approximately equi-distant from the sides of said wheel,
in combination with a chain composed of a series of twisted links, which links
engage each other by means of projections and sockets and are each formed of a
single loop and so twisted and shaped as to piesent an opening for the reception
of successive teeth on the wheel
7 In an apparatus for transmitting power, a sprocket wheel and teeth on said
wheel, which teeth are located in a row approximately at the centre of the face
of the wheel and equi-distant from the sides of said wheel, the said wheel having
its perimeter formed with depressions in combination with a chain composed of a
series of twisted links which links engage each other by projections and sockets
and are each formed of a single loop and so twisted and sliaped as to present an
opening for the reception of successive teeth on the wheel, the outer faces of the
links resting at times within the depressions of the wheel.
8 A sprocket wheel provided with teeth, the bases of which teeth are broadened
in opposite directions at opposite ends to form shoulders for impact with the

page_text: ends of chain links, in combination with a chain substantially as described and
shaped for seating against said shoulders.
A chain composed of like links, each constructed of a single loop of metal
embracing the two adjacent links and formed with a depression on the inner face
of one end thereof and a projection on the inner face of opposite end portion
thereof.
10 A chain composed of like links, each constructed of a single loop of metal
embracing the two adjacent links and formed with a depression on the inner face
of one end thereof and a projection on the inner face of the opposite end portion
thereof, said links being twisted and arranged to cross each other at oblique
angles and contacting on lines extending in opposite directions from said
projection and depression.
11 The combination with a sprocket wheel of a chain comprising a series of
links, the ends of each link being at such angle to each other that when the
extremities of the contacting lines of adjacent links on opposite sides of the
longitudinal axis of the links are in the same plane the chain will be flexible in
one direction and inflexible in the other duection toisionally one of the links
being shaped and arranged for removal and replacement relative to the links
adjacent thereto
12 The combination with a sprocket wheel of a chain whose links are twisted
relatively to then longest diameter to such an angle that the planes tangential
to the extreme upper and lower points of said links and the plane determined
by the extremities of the common lines of contact of adjacent links shall be
parallel, one of the links of the chain being shaped and ananged for removal
and replacement relative to the adjacent links
13 A chain composed of like links, each constructed of a single loop of metal
embracing the two adjacent links and formed with a depression on the inne
face of one end thereof and a piojection 011 the innel face of
the opposite end portion thereof, which links are twisted relative to then
longest diameters to such an angle that the planes tangential to the extreme
upper and lower points of said links and the plane determined by the extremities
of the common lines of contact of adjacent links shall be parallel
14 A chain composed of like links, each constructed of a single loop of metal
embracing the two adjacent links and formed with a depression on the inner face
of one end thereof and a projection on the inner face of the opposite end poition
thereof, which links are twisted relative to then longest diameters to such an
angle that the planes tangential to the extreme upper and lower points of said
links and the plane determined by the extremities of the common lines of
contact of adjacent links shall be parallel, one of the links of the chain being
shaped and arranged for removal and replacement relative to the adjacent links
15 A removable and replaceable chain link formed in sections sciew threaded
at the meeting ends and turnbuckles mounted on the threaded portions of the
link sections.
16. A removable and replaceable chain link formed in sections, tuin-buckles
connecting said sections and pins connecting the turnbuckles to the link sections
to prevent relative movement thereof
17. A chain composed of twisted links each of which links is formed with a
depression in the inner face of one end and a projection on the inner face of the
opposite end thereof, both the depression and projection being located at one side
of the longitudinal centre of the link
Dated this 30th dex of July 1900