Improvements in or relating to the Manufacture of Chains.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 8th Aug.. 1895
Complete Specification Left, 8th June, 1896-Accented, 7th Nov., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to the Manufacture of Chains.
I, GEORGE HENRY TAYLOR of 47 Cannon Street, in the County of London,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to the manufacture of chains whereby they can be more
rapidly and efficiently made than heretofore as well as with great saving of labour.
According to my invention I first cut from iron, steel, or other metallic bars of
suitable diameter, the blanks of proper length to form links of the required
dimensions and by preference with scarfed or chamfered ends. The blanks may
be either in a hot or cold state and by preference made by an automatic feeding
and shearing machine attached to the bending machine which acts upon them, and
may consist of a central vertically arranged die or mandrel, and two other
horizontally arranged dies operated by rams and working by hydraulic steam or
other power.
The horizontal dies are on opposite sides of and in conjunction with
the first mentioned die or mandrel and reciprocate at right angles thereto, one
of the horizontal dies serving to bend the blanks into the form of a staple or
U shape, and the other horizontal dic, then coming into operation and bending the
face ends of the staple around the central die or mandrel in such a manner_as_to
cause the scarfed or chamfered ends to lie closely one above the other ready for
welding together by a further operation so as to form the solid link ready to
receive the connecting links to form a continuous chain.
When a sufficient number of these links have been made the upper die can be
changed for another for bending and forming other links having their scarfed or
chamfered ends lying one above the other, but with a sufficient space between them
to permit of the links being coupled together when the chain is in process of
forination.
The centrally arranged die or mandrel may be so constructed that after the
blank has been acted upon by both of the horizontally arranged dies it can be
raised and the link be thus liberated preferably by a spring.
The machine is preferably so constructed that the operations of bending the
blanks and releasing the links are performed automatically. If required the dies
may be made detachable so as to enable them to be changed for others of larger or
smaller dimensions according to the size of the links to be formed.
The links formed in the bending machine after being raised to a welding heat by
the agency of a specially constructed high temperature furnace or by an electric
current are next placed in a forging machine worked by steam, hydraulic or other
power and consisting of suitably shaped dies which are caused to press or squeeze
the links between them and thereby effectually shut and weld the scarfed or
chamfered ends of the links one upon and with the other.
Thus a number of complete links are turned out ready to be coupled to the
partly formed links produced in the bending machine. For this purpose the dies
of the forging machine can be changed for others of suitable form, or if more
convenient the machine may be provided with a separate die working independently
of the first mentioned one. Two of the completed links are then coupled with one
of the partly formed or connecting links and the latter is heated to a welding
temperature and pressed or squeezed between the dies thereby completing the

page_text: formation of this link. This operation is repeated again and again with other
links until a chain of the requisite length has been produced. Means may be
provided for supporting those links wbich have been coupled together in the
building up of the chain, so that as the chain increases in length its additional
weight may be prevented from affecting the convenient manipulation of the link
under process of welding. This may be effected by means of an inclined surface
situated in close proximity to the dies, upon which the finished chain can rest and
along which it can be conducted either by hand or by suitable mechanism to any
convenient place. The dies used for closing and welding the open ends of the
connecting links may be of U shape so as to act upon only that portion of the links
requiring to be shut and welded and also to permit of the other links coupled to it
remaining unaffected thereby.
When dies of this shape are employed the edges or ends of the acting or Ụ shape
portions thereof may be slightly rounded so as to prevent that part of the link
which remains outside the die and unaffected by it from being marked or abraded.
Apart from the foregoing method of coupling and welding the links the operation
may consist of treating each heated bent open link separately that is to say the
operator may place one within the other and shut and weld each link continuously.
A cutting machine is attached to or near by the forging machine, worked by steam
hydraulic or other power fitted with a ram and interchangeable cutters shaped to
the inside and outside and part of the welded portion of the link for the purpose of
cutting off and removing any fin or protuberance on the link that might exist
through inequalities in the diameters of the blanks or links.
It is obvious that the bending and welding of the links may if required be
performed at either the sides or ends of the links.
In a modified construction of the bending machine which is preferably operated
by hydraulic power I provide means for enabling several blanks to be acted upon
at one and the same time thereby producing a number of links at a single operation.
To effect this I may employ a horizontal die or mandrel of a section corresponding
to the shape of the link to be produced and caused to descend upon a suitably
shaped lower die supporting the blanks so that on the descent of this die or
mandrel all the blanks will be formed at the same time into staple or U shape.
The die or mandrel remains in its lowered position and another suitably shaped
die arranged above it, is in its turn caused to descend upon the said lower die or
mandrel, and thus complete the bending operation. The upper die may be changed
for another of suitable form for producing links with open ends or sides in the
same manner as that described with reference to the first bending machine. The
die or mandrel is preferably made detachable so that it can be withdrawn in order
to remove or release the links therefrom which may be done automatically. The
links produced by this machine are similar to those produced by the machine
already mentioned.
It will thus be seen that by my invention not only is a great saving of time and
labour effected in the manufacture of chains, but the links comprising such chains
are more perfectly and regularly formed and by reason of the method employed in
welding the link possesses more homogeneity, and consequent strength than has
been arrived at by any process of hand manufacture which has been employed up
to the present time.
Dated this 8th day of August 1905
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: improvements in or relating to the Manufacture of Chains.
I GEORGE HENRY TAYLOR of 47 Cannon Street in the County of London,
Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
This invention relates to the manufacture of chains whereby they can be more
rapidly and efficiently made than heretofore as well as with great saving of labour.
According to my invention I first cut from iron, steel, or other metallic bars of
suitable diameter, the blanks of proper length to form links of the required
dimensions and by preference with scarfed or chamfered ends
The blanks may
be either in a hot or cold state and by preference made by an automatic feeding
and shearing machine attached to the bending machine which acts upon them, and
may consist of a central vertically arranged die or mandrel, and two other
horizontally arranged dies operated by rams and working by hydraulic steam or
other power.
The horizontal dies are on opposite sides of and operate in conjunction
with the first mentioned die or mandrel and reciprocate at right angles thereto, one
of the horizontal dies serving to bend the blanks into the form of a staple or U-shape,
and the other horizontal die, then coming into operation and bending the face ends.
of the staple around the central die or mandrel in such a manner as to cause the
scarfed or chamfered ends to lie closely one above the other ready for welding
together by a further operation so as to form the solid link ready to receive the
connecting links to form a continuous chain.
When a sufficient number of these links have been made the upper die can be
changed for another for bending and forming other links having their scarfed or
chamfered ends lying one above the other, but with a sufficient space between them
to permit of the links being coupled together when the chain is in process of
formation.
The centrally arranged die or mandrel may be so constructed that after the
blank has been acted upon by both of the horizontally arranged dies it can be
raised and the link be thus liberated by a spring, or a stop or abutment.
The machine is preferably so constructed that the operations of bending the
blanks and releasing the links are performed automatically. If required the dies
may be made detachable so as to enable them to be changed for others of larger or
smaller dimensions according to the size of the links to be formed.
The links formed in the bending machine after being raised to a welding heat by
the agency of a high temperature furnace or by an electric current are next placed
in a forging machine worked by steam, hydraulic or other power and consisting of
suitably shaped dies or "swages" which are caused to press or squeeze the links
between them and thereby effectually shut and weld the scarfed or chaintered ends
of the links one upon and with the other.
Thus a number of complete links are turned out ready to be coupled to the
partly formed links produced in the bending machine. For this purpose the dies
of the forging machine can be changed for others of suitable form, or if more
convenient the machine may be provided with a separate die working independently
of the first mentioned one. Two of the completed links are then coupled with one
of the partly formed or connecting links and the latter is heated to a welding
temperature and pressed or squeezed between the dies thereby completing the
formation of this link. This operation is repeated again and again with other
links until a chain of the requisite length has been produced. Means may be..
provided for supporting those links which have been coupled together in the
building up of the chain, so that as the chain increases in length its additional

page_text: weight may be prevented from affecting the convenient manipulation of the link
under process of welding. This may be effected by means of an inclined surface
situated in close proximity to the dies, upon which the finished chain can rest and
along which it can be conducted either by hand or by suitable mechanism to any
convenient place. The dies or "swages" used for closing and welding the open
ends of the connecting links may be of U shape so as to act upon only that portion
of the links requiring to be shut and welded and also to permit of the other links
coupled to it remaining unaffected thereby.
When dies of this shape are en ployed the edges or ends of the acting or U shape
portions thereof may be slightly rounded so as to prevent that part of the link
which remains outside the die and unaffected by it from being marked or abraded.
Apart from the foregoing method of coupling and welding the links the operation
may consist of treating each heated bent open link separately that is to say the
operator may place one within the other and shut and weld each link continuously.
A cutting machine is attached to or near by the forging machine, worked by steam
hydraulic or other power fitted with a ram and interchangeable cutters shaped to
the inside and outside and part of the welded portion of the link for the purpose of
cutting off and removing any fin or protuberance on the link that might exist
through inequalities in the diameters of the blanks or links, or might be formed
between the dies of the forging machine.
It is obvious that the bending and welding of the links may if required be
performed at either the sides or ends of the links.
In a modified construction of the bending machine which is preferably operated
by hydraulic power I provide means for enabling several blanks to be acted upon
at one and the same time thereby producing a number of links at a single operation.
To effect this I may employ a horizontal die or mandrel of a section corresponding
to the shape of the link to be produced and caused to descend upon a suitably
shaped lower die supporting the blanks so that on the descent of this die or
mandrel all the blanks will be formed at the same time into staple or U shape.
The die or mandrel remains in its lowered position, and another suitably shaped
die arranged above it, is in its turn caused to descend upon the said lower die or
mandrel, and thus complete the bending operation. The upper die may be changed
for another of suitable form for producing links with open ends or sides in the same
manner as that described with reference to the first bending machine. The die or
mandrel is preferably made detachable so that it can be withdrawn in order to
remove or release the links therefrom which may be done automatically.
links produced by this machine are similar to those produced by the machine
already mentioned.
The
It will thus be seen that by my invention not only is a great saving of time and
labour effected in the manufacture of chains, but the links comprising such chains
are more perfectly and regularly formed and by reason of the method employed
in welding the link possesses more homogeneity, and consequent strength than has
been arrived at by any process of hand manufacture which has been employed up to
the present time.
The invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings
in which
Figures 1 and 2 are vertical sections taken respectively on the lines 1-1 and
2-2 of Figure 3, of a combined blank-cutting and bending machine constructed
according to my invention.
Figure is a plan of the machine with the upper part removed and certain
portions shown in section.
Figures 4 and 5 are face views of two of the cams employed in the machine
shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, a third cam employed therein being represented in
-dotted lines in Figure 2.
Figure 6 is a face view of one of the bending dies.
Figures 7, 8, and 9 are respectively a plan, and a side and end elevation of
one form of link produced in the machine represented in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

page_text: Figures 10 and 11 are respectively a side elevation partly broken away, and a
front elevation of one form of the welding and forging machine, and
Figure 12 is a front elevation partly broken away of a modified construction of
the bending machine.
Like letters indicate like parts throughout the drawings.
In constructing a machiue in the manner shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3 I mount
on a preferably-hollow base-plate A a frame B on the upper part of which is
supported in bearings B1, a cam shaft C which is rotated through gear
wheels DD1 from the driving shaft E. This latter shaft is supported in two
or more bearings B2 (only one of which is shown in Figure 2) secured to, or
formed in part with the fiame B and may have mounted on it fast and loose
pulleys E1 or be provided with other means for transmitting rotary motion to it for
example it may be directly connected with a motor.
On the shaft C I secure three cams F FI and G; the two cams F F1 on
opposite ends of the shaft C operate the bending-dies H H1 respectively and the
intermediate cam G operates the mandrel J.
The cams FF1 are connected to the bending-dies H and H 1 by blocks F 2
adapted to slide vertically in dove-tail guides B 3 at the ends of the frame B.
As the two blocks F 2 are both alike and they are arranged to perform similar
functions the following description of one and its connections will suffice for both.
The block F 2, at its upper part, is connected to the cam F or F1 by an anti-
friction roller F 3 which engages with the groove of said cam, and at its lower part
the block F 2 is connected by a link F4 to a set of toggle arms or levers F5 F6 of
which, the arms F. besides being pivotted at F7 to the luk F4 and arms F 6 are
pivotted at F8 Figure 1 to a lug or projection A of the base-plate A; the toggle
arms F6 are pivotted to the outer end of the block H 2 which is arranged to move
horizontally in dovetail guides A 2 on top of the base plate A, and to whose inner
end is attached the before mentioned die H or H 1. The dies H H1 may form
integral parts of the blocks H2 but to enable them readily to be changed when
links of a different shape or size are to be made, I prefer to fit them to the
blocks H 2 so that they may conveniently be detached and replaced by others.
The mandrel J is detachably scoured to the lower end of a ram or plunger JI
whose upper end is connected to the before mentioned cam G by an antifriction
roller J2 which engages with the groove of that cam. The plunger J 1 is free to
slide vertically in bearings B4 fitted in the frame B and at or about its middle has
pivotted to it one end of a lever K which is itselt pivotted in bearings BJ
Figure 2 provided on the frame B. The mandrel J is conveniently formed thinuer
at its lower end than at its upper end around which latter part the actual bending
of the metal rod or blank takes place. The lower end of the inandrel J when the
latter is in its lowermost or operative position, engages with a hole A3 formed
in the inclined bottom of a shoot A 4 so that the mandrel is held rigid when the
rod or bar is beut around it and the thrust or pressure upon the bearings B4 is
reduced.
The cams F F 1 and G are of such shape and are so arranged as to provide
during each revolution thereof for the following cycle of operations taking
place, viz. :
1st. The mandrel J is moved downwards to its lowest position while the bending
dies H H1 are moved outwards from it; this is effected by the portions 1-2
(representing one sixth of the revolution) of the three cams FF1 G moving past
the respective rollers F 3 J 2; in the drawings the plunger J is shown depressed
and the bending dies H H 1 are shown in their outermost position as at the
completion of this sixth part of the revolution of the cams.
2ndly. The bending die H is advanced towards the mandrel J while the latter
(still depressed) and the bending die H 1 remain stationary; this is effected by the
portions 2-3 (representing a third of the revolution) of the three cains F FIG
Doving past the respective rollers F 3 J 2.
3rdly. The bending die H 1 is advanced towards the mandrel J while the latter

page_text: (still depressed) and the bending die H (which die is then in its innermost position)
remain stationary; this is effected by the portions 3-4 (representing a third of the
revolution) of the three cams F F1 G moving past the respective rollers F3 J2.
4thly. Both of the bending dies H H I are moved outwards from the mandrel J
which, simultaneously therewith, is moved upwards; this is effected by the
portions 4-1 (representing the last sixth of the revolution) of the cams F FIG
moving past the respective rollers F 3 J 2.
The next similar cycle of operations commences simultaneously with the termina-
tion of the preceding one.
The before mentioned lever K is pivotted to a lever arm L secured upon a
rocking shaft L 1 of a cutting or shearing machine M. This machine M which is
represented merely in diagram in the drawings, is adapted through the rocking
motion imparted to the shaft L1 to cut the rod or bar X into the lengths
(hereinafter called blanks XI) necessary for the proper formation of the chain
links; any construction of shearing machine which will provide for the fulfilment
of these functions may be employed.
On the rocking shaft L 1 is secured a toothed wheel or sector L 2 which gears
with a spur wheel N formed in one with, or secured through a shaft N 1 Figure 2 to,
a larger toothed wheel N 2 which, in turn gears with a toothed wheel N 3, mounted
loosely on a shaft. O. The wheel N 3 operates a pawl N 4 adapted when moved
in one direction to engage with and rotate a ratchet wheel N and when moved
in the opposite direction to slip over the teeth of, and not rotate the ratchet whee!.
The ratchet wheel is secured on the shaft O of the upper of the two preferably
grooved feed 1ollers O1 whose two shafts O and O2 are geared together by spur
wheels O 3 only one of which is shown in the drawings (see Figure 1). Besides
the feed rollers O11 also preferably provide one or more pairs of loosely-running
guide rollers Pat either side of the shearing machine M (or these guide rollers P
may be replaced by fixed guides) and a fixed guide PI to properly direct the uncut
rod or bar X to the shearing machine M and the blanks XI from the shearing
machine M to the bending machine.
The feed rollers 01 are rotated and consequently the blanks XI are fed forward
only during the ascent of the plunger J 1; the blanks remain stationary during
the descent of the plunger.
The rod or bar X may be cut through either perpendicular or at an incline
to its axis according to whether the links are to be butt-jointed or lap-jointed.
The blanks XI are fed to the bending machine one immediately behind another.
In the arrangement shown in the drawings I have represented the recess H 3 of
the bending die H as provided with a horizontal groove H 4 and the corresponding
recess H 3 of the bending die H 1 as provided with two inclined grooves H 5 (see
particularly Figure 6), the object of which latter is while bending the blanks XI
into link form to deflect its two ends into different planes and at the same time
leave these ends at such a distance apart as clearly indicated in Figures 7, 8, and 9,
as to enable another link to be passed between them. The face of the die H on
either side of the recess H 3 therein is also provided with horizontal grooves H 6
which serve to guide and support each blank XI when it is first moved up to the
mandrel J. The links of the chains constructed according to this invention may
be formed either all in the manner shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9 or every alternate
link may be of that construction, and the other links formed by means of two dies
both similar to the die H that is to say each having a horizontal groove H4 by
which latter arrangement the two blank ends whether "scarfed" or not are brought
into the same plane and quite close together.
The operation of the before described apparatus is as follows
--
A blank XI is fed into the machine during the descent of the plunger J 1 and is
supported in the grooves H 6 of the die H, being retained in these grooves by the
mandrel J as shown in Figures 1 and 3. The die H is then advanced so as to
bend the blank X1 around the mandrel J, into the U-form represented in dotted
lines in Figure 3. Then while the mandrel J is still depressed, and the bending

page_text: die H is in its innermost position, the bending die H is moved forward and
bends the two ends of the blank towards each other either as shown in
Figures 7, 8, and 9, in different plane, or, as previously described, in the same
plane. The two dies H H 1 are then withdrawn and simultaneously therewith, the
5 plurger J 1 is raised, and the bent blank or partly formed link is raised along with
the mandrel until it meets a stop or abutment (not shown in the drawings) which
may form part of the lower of the two bearings B4, and which prevents the further
ascent of the link, while the plunger completes its up-stroke. By these means the
link is forced off the upper or larger part of the mandrel J and falls into the
shoot A 4 which delivers it either into the hollow base plate A, from which it may be
removed through a suitable opening, or directly into a suitable receptacle, the
shoot A 4 if desired being continued so as to deliver the partly formed links at the
outside of the base-plate A.
In Fig. 9 I have represented, in full lines, the partly-constructed link formed
from a blank having its ends perpendicular to its axis, and in dotted lines, the
link formed from a blank having its ends inclined to its axis the latter providing
for the making of a "scarfed "joint.
After the link has been formed in the manner previously described it is taken
to a welding and forging machine such as shown in Figs. 10 and 11, wherein the
partly-formed link is brought to a welding heat by a strong current of electricity or
to a welding and forging machine fitted with an oxy-hydrogen or other high-
temperature furnace.
power.
66
"
The machine shown in Figs. 10 and 11 comprises two dies or "swages" Q Q 1
the former secured in the machine frame Q2 and the latter secured to the
plunger or ram Q3 which may be raised and lowered by hydraulic or other
The dies or swages QQI are shaped to suit the form of link to be
operated upon, for example, if the joint or weld is to be made at the end of the
link as when the blanks are bent to the shape shown in Figs. 7, 8 and 9, the
"
swages are formed with U-shaped grooves or recesses so that they act upon
only that portion of the link requiring to be shut and do not affect the link or
links coupled to the one being welded. The "swages" QQ1 are capable of being
removed so as to enable others to be substituted for them, when a chain of a
different size or pattern is to be made. On the frame Q2 two movable jaws Q4
are mounted, these being connected to a hand lever Q5 so that they may be
moved nearer together or farther apart; if desired a treadle or foot lever may be
substituted for the hand lever Q5. The two jaws Q4 may be formed with
grooves to enable them to better engage with the chain links to be welded; these
jaws constitute the two terminals of an electric transformer Q6 the current from
which may be switched on and off by operating the switch bandle or wheel Q7.
The two jaws Q4 may be movable in a vertical direction so as to allow them to
descend as the link, being welded, during the forging operation, is forced down on
to the "swage"Q; in this arrangement springs, weights or equivalent would be
provided for returning the jaws Q4 to their normal raised position.
When a link is to be welded in the last described machine it is first engaged
with the last preceding link of the chain and then clamped between the jaws Q4
by operating the lever Q5, the electric current is then switched on by operating
the wheel Q7 and the link is thereby brought to a welding heat at which juncture
the die or " swage" Q1 is forced down and effects the welding together of the two
ends of the link-blank. The current is then switched off and the jaws Q4
opened so as to release the link after which another link-blank is connected to the
chain and the next welding operation proceeded with. Should a fiu be formed at ▸
the joint, for example such as might result if the molten metal were expressed
between the meeting faces of the "swages" Q Q 1, this may be removed in a
suitable trimming or cutting machine.
If desired the welding machine may be provided with two movable plungers
instead of, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11, only one, so that pressure may be applied!
at the underside as well as the upper side of the link.
T

page_text: In the modified construction of the bending machine shown in Fig. 12 which is
operated by steam or other power, preferably hydraulic power, several blanks
may be bent into link-form at a single operation. To effect this I employ a
horizontal die R having a groove or recess H 3 for receiving a mandrel S and a
number of grooves or recesses H 4 in the walls of the groove H 3. Each of the
grooves H 4 is adapted to receive a link-blank, these blanks at the commencement
of the bending operation being laid across the groove H3 in other grooves H 6
formed in the upper face of the die R.
The mandrel S is mounted in two or more rams or plungers S1 and is capable
of being moved in the direction of its length independently of the plungers so as
to strip off the link-blanks at the completion of the bending operation.
As a convenient means of moving the mandrel S longitudinally I may provide
it with a screw-threaded extension S 2, capable of sliding vertically in guides T U
of which the guides T may be formed in the machine frame T 1, and the guides U
in a frame or casting U 1, which may be provided with a bearing U2 for
supporting the outer end of the mandrel-extension or screw S2 when the mandrel
is withdrawn from the link-blanks. On the screw S 2 between the guides U is
provided a nut S3 which may be formed in one with a hand-wheel S4 to enable it
to be readily rotated for moving the screw either backward or forward in the
direction of its length. I do not however restrict myself to this or any other
particular means of moving the mandrel S, as various devices either manually or
power-operated, may be employed for the purpose.
The upper die R1 which is secured to the ram V may have grooves H3 H4
similar to the lower die R, but unlike the die R has no grooves on its face. The
die R 4 shown in Fig. 12 is provided with a groove H 3 like the die R and with
inclined grooves H 5 which in conjunction with the grooves H 4 in the die R cause
the blanks bent thereby to take the form shown in Figs. 7, 8 and 9.
The operation of the last described machine is as follows;-
The mandrel S and die R 1 at the commencement of the operation are in their
raised positions as shown in Fig. 12. The blanks are placed in the grooves H 6
conveniently by an automatic-feeding apparatus and the rams S1 and consequently
the mandrel S are depressed so that by the latter all the blanks are simultaneously
bent down into the grooves H4 and thereby caused to assume a staple or
U-shape. The mandrel S then remains in its lowered position and the die R 1 is
depressed, the ends of the link-blanks being thereby bent together over the top
of the mandrel S so as to complete the bending operation. The mandrel S is
then withdrawn from the bent link-blanks and dies R R 1 as by rotating the
wheel S 4 in the required direction. The die R1 is then raised and the link-
blanks removed from the die R; or, before withdrawing the mandrel from the
link-blanks the latter may be loosened in the dies R R 1 by slightly raising first
the die R 1 and then the mandrel S, after which the mandrel S may be withdrawn
so as to leave the link-blanks quite free in the die R.
The last described machine may be provided with a number of mandrels S and
a corresponding number of bending grooves H3 H4 and H 3 H 5 for increasing
the number of partly-formed links turned out at each operation.
"
as each
In apparatus for electrically welding chains or chain-links as hitherto
constructed no means have been provided for reducing the thickness of the metal
at the joints to that of the other parts of the links, consequently it has not been
possible to produce what is known as the ordinary "chain of commerce
of the electrically-welded links is left with one or more protuberances which
render the chains particularly liable to kink and therefore unsuitable for running
gear and various other purposes. It has been sought to remove or reduce these
protuberances by hand or by a subsequent operation, but this has added so much
to the cost of manufacture that the chains could not be produced at a marketable
price.
By my invention I overcome all these difficulties by "swaging" or pressing the
joints of the links (whether butt joints or "scarfed "joints) to the normal size of

page_text: the metal, simultaneous with the welding operation, while at the same time I avail
myself of the speed and other benefits incidental to the use of electricity or a
high-temperature furnace, for bringing the blanks to welding heat.
I wish it understood that although I have hereinbefore described each chain link
as formed in one piece and with only one joint, I may form it in two U-shaped
pieces, or, if desired, in more than two pieces, each joint being reduced in thickness
to the normal thickness of the metal during the welding operation as previously
described.
Various modifications may be made without departing from the essential features
of the invention for example instead of the die R (Fig. 12) being stationary and
the mandrel S laterally movable I may move the die R towards the mandrel and
mount the latter so that it can be moved in only a longitudinal direction in
substantially the manner previously described in connection with Figs. 1, 2 and 3.
I am aware that electric-welding machines have already been provided with
devices for pressing the metal together in the direction of the axis of the straight
or bent bar whose two ends are to be welded together, this pressure tending to
thicken the joint in relation to the other parts of the metal and I wish it to be
understood that I do not herein claim that feature. I am however not aware of
any welding machine which has hitherto been provided with devices for applying
pressure in what in the claims I have referred to as a "lateral" direction, that is
to say, a direction tending to reduce the thickness of the metal at the joint or
which is transverse to the axis of the bar whose two ends are to be welded
together.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is ;-
-
1. In a link-bending machine the combination with a reciprocating mandrel of
two reciprocating dies such as H H¹ or R R¹ and means for moving the dies
towards the mandrel one after the other substantially as and for the purpose
described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
2. In the manufacture of chain links by means of a reciprocating mandrel and
two reciprocating dies such as H H or R R bending a straight blank into
U-form by advancing one of the dies towards the mandrel or the mandrel
towards the die and then bending the two ends of the blank towards each other
by advancing the other of the dies towards the mandrel and thereafter releasing
the bent link blank by withdrawing one or both of the dies and mandrel
substantially as described.
3. The combination with a link-bending machine of cutting and feeding
mechanism operating in conjunction therewith substantially as described and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
4. In a link-bending machine a die such as H¹ or R¹ having inclined grooves
such as H 5 for deflecting the ends of the blank into different planes substantially
as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
5. In the manufacture of chain links the application to a partly-finished link of
pressure in a "lateral" direction while the link is at a welding heat for the
purpose of maintaining at the joint or weld the same thickness of metal as at the
other parts of the link substantially as described.
6. In a chain link welding machine the combination with an electric or
oxy-hydrogen or other high-temperature furnace of a pressure device for preventing
the thickening of the joint in relation to the normal thickness of the metal
simultaneously with the welding operation.
"
7. The combination with an electric welding machine for chain links of dies or
"swages such as QQ movable in relation to each other for preventing the
thickening of the joint in relation to the normal thickness of the metal
simultaneously with the welding operation.
8. In an electric-welding machine for chain links the combination with jaws
B

page_text: such as Q4 constituting the terminals of the electric circuit and adjustable in
relation to each other in one plane of pressure devices such as the dies or
"swages" Q Q' adjustable in relation to each other in another plane substantially
as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
9. The combination and arrangement of parts constituting the complete bar
cutting blank-feeding and link-bending machine substantially as described and
illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.
10. The combination and arrangement of parts constituting the complete link-
bending machine substantially as described and illustrated in Figure 12 of the
accompanying drawings.
11. The combination and arrangement of parts constituting the complete chain
link forging and electric welding machine substantially as described and illustrated
in Figures 10 and 11 of the accompanying drawings.
Dated thig 8th day of June 1806
GEO. H. TAYLOR.
Boult & Wade,
Agents for the Applicant.
GEO. H. TAYLOR.
Boult & Wade,
Agents for the Applicant.