The Manufacture of Chains without Welding from Bars having the Shape of an X or a Cross in Transverse Section, and Machinery for the Purpose.
Year: 1893

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
The Manufacture of Chains without Welding from Bars having the
Shape of an X or a Cross in Transverse Section, and Machinery
for the Purpose.
I, OTTO KLATTE, Manager of The "Germania" Company, Neuwied on the
Rhine, 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:-
The object of this invention is, the manufacture of chains without welding from
metal bars of X or cross shape in transverse section, and consisting in passing such
bars between rollers arranged in opposite pairs and provided with suitable pro-
tuberances and depressions in such a position that the flanges are placed diagonally
relatively to the axes of the rollers, so as to convert each bar into two sets of
connected links, from which the barbs or pieces remaining between the links are
removed when the two sets of links are separated, or severed from one another in
the places where they adhere together, the cores still connecting the opposite ends
of the links of each set being sawn and wrenched, or wrenched alone, in which
latter case, the said core or plug must be reduced before the shearing by the rolling
mill to a barb formed by the jumping of the rollers.
In order that the foregoing series of operations may be carried into practice, I
describe certain machinery available for the purpose, said machinery consists of
four rollers arranged in two opposite pairs, and provided with suitable projections
or protuberances and depressions, in such a position that the flanges, or ribs of the
bar shall be diagonal relatively to the axes of the rolls, the bar being converted
into two sets of connected links, the intervening metal forming barbs, webs, or fins
between the links being knocked off, or otherwise removed.
The two sets of links are separated from one another by shearing in the places where
the links of one set are connected to those of the other set whereupon the central strips
or cores still connecting the opposite ends of the links of each row are sawn into and
torn off, or simply torn off in which latter case, the strips, plugs, or cores must be
reduced before the shearing takes place by means of the rolling mill to a barb
formed by the jumping of the rolls.
The displacing of the material, or the lengthening, of the solid bar while it is
being converted into sets of links amounts to 36%, the lengthening when giving the
final shape amounts to 11 % more; the waste amounts to 7%
Each one of the four rolls arranged in opposite pairs is formed of three, five, or
six discs arranged in close proximity on the axes of the rolls, and provided on
their outer periphery with corresponding protuberances and depressions.
In Sheet 1 of the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1 is a plan of a portion of the periphery of such a roll.
In the roll shown the discs are marked i, 2, 3, 3, 2, 1, the discs which bear the
same numbers have the same shape.
Figures 2, 3, and 4 show respectively the discs 1, 2, and 3, in side view.
Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8 are sections on lines 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8, of
Figures 2, 3, and 4.
Figure 9 is a vertical section through the centre of the four rolls, which operate
conjointly.
After its passage through this rolling mill, the cross shaped bar has assumed the

page_text: 4 is the core connecting the opposite ends of the links. of each set; while the
outer and inner webs left between the links bear the numbers 5 and 6 respectively.
These webs are knocked off. either by means of stamps, or dies, or by two, or
three roils provided with suitable teeth, and adjustable by hydraulic power.
On Sheet 2, Figure 12 shows a pair of such rollers (chamfering or edging
rollers), partly in section and partly in elevation. The portion on the left hand
side (see also Figure 13) serves to remove the outer webs or gluts (5, Figures 10
and 11) while the right hand part see also Figure 14 serves to remove the inner
webs (6, Figures 10 and 11). The X or cross shaped bar is passed two or more
times between these rollers in such a position that its flanges are respectively
vertical and horizontal. After the webs are knocked off, the two sets of links, the
vertical row and the horizontal row, are severed one from the other by shearing in
the places marked 7, Figure 10. This is effected by means of duo- or trio-rolls.
In Sheet 3, Figure 15 shows, in elevation, three rolls of suitable calibre. The
grooves marked 8, 8, serve to straighten the two sets of links, while the grooves 9, 9;
10, 10, 11, 11 push, or displace the set of links which are horizontal relatively to
the set of those that are vertical, and hence effect the shearing at the places 7.
The two sets of links pass the grooves of the rollers in the order of sequence
indicated by the numbers of these grooves, and are thus gradually displaced, one
relatively to the other. The sets of links are passed through the rollers at least
twice; the second time, the set of links which was horizontal during the first
passage is now vertical. This operation takes place after the bar or sets of links
are cooled, as they come in a still warm condition from the rolls, after having been
rolled, and having had the webs removed down to a given temperature depending
on the nature of the material, for iron for instance down to 150-200 degrees, for
steel down to blue colouring.
After the shearing is effected, the two sets of links are severed from one
another, but the links of each set still adheres by the cores. These cores are
now sawn through as far as necessary by means of the arrangement shown in
Figures 16 to 19, Sheet 4. The said arrangement or mechanism consists of a block
or bearing 12 adjustable in two directions for the two sets of links and of two
shafts carrying saws 13, 14. The distance between the saws is equal to the
distance between the links. The saws rotate in the direction of the arrows,
Figure 17. The saws of one shaft cut off the cores 4 of one set of links, while
the saws of the other shaft cut off the cores of the other set of links, first, from
one end of the cores, then from the other end of the same after the chain links
have been turned over, this sawing being carried on to such an extent as to leave
a small central connecting pin (Figure 19). The sawing is effected after previously
heating of the sets of links, or without the aid of heat. After this sawing
operation, the cross bar which is converted into two sets of links is heated again,
if it has become too cold, and then wound on a drum, or it can be left straight if
there is room enough.
which have
fluted rolling
In Sheet 5,
rolling train
In order to make the surfaces of those parts of the links
been sheared round, the sets of links are passed twice through a
train consisting of four rollers arranged in two opposite pairs.
Figure 20 shows the central part of the four rollers of this
in vertical section, Figure 21 the two co-working parts of the two vertical
rollers in side elevation, and Figure 22 shows a plan of the lower roller.
After having been passed through this train the chain links are pressed
into the desired form by means of a rolling train comprising four sprocket,
or shell like rollers arranged in two opposite pairs, whereby the small tenons or
pins still uniting the sets of links are broken off. Figure 23 is a vertical section
of the central part of these four rollers. Figure 24 is a plan of the periphery of
the lower roller, and of the two horizontal rollers, from one of which, (the upper-
most one in Figure 24) the upper half is supposed to be removed. The calibres
of the rollers composing this rolling mill are so selected that the said rollers
shall surround the links on all sides except at their points of contact, so as to

page_text: impart to them the required form shown in Figure 25 and to fully sever them. In
the present case this form is such that the links are stronger at the parts where
friction usually occurs than in the centre, and are consequently more resistant and
durable independently of the material of which they are made, and of the fact
that welding is dispensed with. The chains are finally cleaned upon emery discs,
may be shaken if required, and filed, if necessary. For the last mentioned
purpose, the appliances shown in Figures 26 and 27, Sheet 4, may be used, their
construction is perfectly clear as drawn, and need no further description here.
Instead of forming the first rolling train through which the cross shaped bar
passes, of rollers composed of a number of discs arranged in proximity to one
another on the axes of the rollers, solid rollers may likewise be used, the shape of
the links being cut therein, or the rollers may be provided with tyres containing,
or comprising such shapes.
In Sheet 6, Figure 28 is a vertical section of such a roller; Figure 29 is a
similar section of the central part of a rolling mill consisting of such rollers;
Figure 30 is a plan of a part of the periphery of the lower roller, and of a part
of a horizontal roller, while Figures 31 to 34 show two sections and two views
of chain links such as they are formed by these rollers out of a metal bar.
Figures 31 and 32 are a section on line 9-10 and a section on line 11-12 of
Figure 34 respectively. The indented or notched roller, of which Figure 29
shows a section on line 13-14 of Figure 30, and Figures 35 and 36 show two
sections on lines 15-16, 17-18, of the same figure, is formed in such a manner
that the metal of the bar is compressed at the places where the chain links have
their ends facing, or opposite one another (see Figure 34 at 4) so, as to form a
cross shaped barb, Figure 31, and receives at the places where each two links
engage one with the other (see Figure 34 at 7) the cross section shown in the
middle of Figure 32. From the so altered cross shaped bar the outer barbs or
gluts 5, and the inner webs 6, Figure 34, are removed by stamps, or dies, or by
means of the rollers described with reference to Figures 12, 13, and 14, Sheet 2.
The central, or innermost parts of the two barbs are not removed thereby, so that
between each opposite two ends of the links there remains a cross shaped connecting
pin 4 (shown in black in Figure 31).
The two shaped sets of links, the horizontal and the vertical, are separated by
shearing one from the other at the places marked 7, Figure 32.
The shearing which is facilitated on account of the reduced cross section 7 is
again carried out by means of the rollers shown in Figure 15, Sheet 3, or by means
of suitable stamps. (The sawing of the connecting pin 4 and the rounding off of
the parts 7 are dispensed with here.)
The two sets of links are passed, after a preliminary heating, through the
sprocket rolling mill (Sheet 5, Figures 23 and 24), whereby the little connecting
pins 4 between the links are torn off. Instead of using such a sprocket rolling
mill, the links may, when they have received in the rolling mill, Figures 29
and 30, a shape as perfect as possible corresponding to the shape of the grooves of
this mill, and after having been freed from their barbs and sheared, be torn off
one from the other by a hydraulic wrenching mechanism, or apparatus carefully
adjusted whenever required for use. After cooling, the chain links are cleaned in
the manner hereinbefore set forth. The rolling train Figures 29 and 30 which
gives to the link its practically finished shape may, instead of being constructed of
suitably indented solid rollers, be formed with a number of discs having corre-
sponding protuberances and depressions, or indentations in the same manner, as
illustrated in Figures 1 to 9; such rollers formed of discs, are shown in
Figures 37, 38, 39, and 40, Sheet 7. The toothed discs 1, 2, 3, 3, 2, 1, Figure 37,
form with the aid of their stiffening plates 17, a whole piece firmly held together
by the bolts 18. This whole piece is firmly fixed by the bolts 20 between the
stiffening discs 19 keyed on the shaft. The bolts 20 pass through long holes 21,
Figure 40, formed in the toothed discs and stiffening plates 17, so that after the
bolts 20 are loosened, the toothed discs and their plates 17 may be turned a given

page_text: angle upon the axle of the roller, which allows of the toothed discs of the four
rollers being accurately adjusted in any suitable relative positions.
The nuts of the fixing or locking bolts are held in position by means of securing
plates or other suitable contrivance. The above described disc rollers are formed
together into a rolling mill in the manner clearly shown in Sheet 8.
Figure 41 is front view partly in section; Figure 42 a plan, and Figure 43
shows on the left hand side a section on line 19-20 of Figure 41, seen from left
to right, and in the right hand side, a section on line 21-22, likewise seen from
left to right.
The shafts 21 of the two horizontal rollers, Figure 41, are carried on forked
bearings 22, which can be adjusted in a transverse direction on the standards 23 by
means of the side wedges or keys 24 (right side of Figure 43) and in a vertical
direction by the aid of the lower wedges 25. To facilitate this vertical adjustment,
each forked bearing is connected at the top with a holder strap, or frame 26
suspended to the bridge piece 27 connecting, or bracing the standards 23, and
capable of being raised, or lowered by a turn of the set screw 28 in the corre-
sponding direction.
The ends 29 of the strap or frame 26 are detachably connected with the bearing 22
in order to be able to shift the latter for the purpose of changing the rollers.
After having been properly adjusted, the bearings 22 are firmly fixed to the
standards by the bolts 30, Figure 41, (left hand side).
The upper roller is carried by the bridge piece 27 which is vertically adjustable
by means of the set screws 31, Figure 41. The bridge piece is prevented from
being pushed up by the tightening of the vertical pillars 32, Figure 43, which
connect the bridge piece with the bearings of the lower roller. The to and fro
rocking motion, or oscillation of this bridge piece is prevented by the inner
projections 33 of the heads of the standards 23, Figure 42, (right hand side) which
engage within a corresponding opening 34 of the said bridge piece 27, and by the
lateral bolts 35 passing through the head of the standard 23, Figure 41, (left hand
side), the end of the bolts which is opposite the roller entering a vertical slot 36 of
the bridge piece.
In order to adjust in their proper position in the frame, rollers of smaller, or
larger diameter than those represented, the standards, or uprights 23 can be shifted
on their bed plate, or foundation; the pillars 37 holding the standards together
are then adjusted accordingly.
The driving shaft 38, coupled with the shaft of the upper roller, can be adjusted
by means of the screw coupling 39, and the adjusting screw 40, and the intermediate
shaft 41, which is coupled with the shaft of the lower roll is adjusted by the key or
wedge 42.
The shaft 38 drives by means of the toothed wheels 43 and 44, the intermediate
shaft 41, and the lower roller; the motion of the upper roller actuated directly by
the driving shaft 38 is transmitted by the bevil wheels 45, mounted on both sides
of the upper roller to the bevil wheels 46 of the horizontal rollers. Several gear
wheels and bevil wheels are provided according to the diameters of the various
rollers used.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The manufacture of chains without welding from metal bars of ✗ or cross
shape in transverse section, and consisting in passing such bars between four rollers
arranged in opposite pairs, and provided with suitable protuberances and
depressions, in such a position that the flanges are placed diagonally relatively
to the axes of the rollers then removing from each bar thus converted into two sets
of connected links, the barbs remaining between the links, then separating the two
sets of links from one another, in the places where they adhere together, by
shearing, and finally sawing into and wrenching or simply wrenching the cores still

page_text: connecting the opposite ends of the links of each set in the case of the wrenching
alone the said core, or plug is reduced before the shearing, by the rolling mill to a
barb formed by the jumping of the rollers, as above described.
2. To carry out the operation protected by the above Claim 1, a rolling mill in
which the calibre, or periphery of the four rollers arranged in opposite pairs,
is formed as nearly as possible identical with the shape of the link required in order
to reduce as far as practicable, the central connecting barb, and the section of the
parts to be sheared as described and shown by the annexed drawings, Figures 29
and 30.
3. To carry out the process protected by the above Claim 1, a chamfering
or edging mill formed of two toothed or fluted rollers, whose periphery is so formed,
that one removes the outer barb left between the links, while the other removes
the inner barb, or burr, and thus reduces the connecting core to a minimum, as set
forth with reference to Figures 12, 13, and 14 of the annexed drawings.
4. To carry out the process protected by the above Claim 1, mechanism for
sawing the central core consisting of two rows of circular saws, so arranged one
relatively to the other, that one series of saws act upon the connecting cores of the
horizontal set of links, while the other saws act upon the connecting cores of the
vertical set of links, as indicated with reference to Figures 16, 17, 18, and 19 of
the drawings.
5. To carry out the process protected by the above Claim 1, the sprocket
moulding, or shell like mill formed of four rollers arranged in opposite pairs, which
nearly surrounds the chain links on all sides, compresses, and rolls the links into the
definitely desired form, and thereby wrenches, or tears off the connecting cores, as
described with reference to Figures 23 and 24 of the annexed drawings.
Doted this 10th day of Au 1002
H. GARDNER,
Patent Agent, 166, Fleet Street, London,
Agent for the said Otto Klatte.