Improved Method and Means for the Production of Chain-links and Chains.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Aug., 1897-Accepted, 13th Nov.,
1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved Method and Means for the Production of Chain-links and
Chains.
I, FRITZ THEILE, Schwerte in the Province of Westfalia in the German Empire,
Manufacturer, 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 subject of the present invention is a method and means by which, in making
chain link or a chain matrix or mould and die are employed to take the place of
forging or casting same, for the production of chains with links having thickened
end parts.
In the accompanying drawings:-
Figure 1 illustrates a view of the matrix used for the production of the link.
Figure 2 shows a front view of the matrix and die.
Figure 3 shows a front view of the matrix.
Figure 4 shows a finished chain link.
Figure 5 shows four links of a chain produced according to the method forming
the subject of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a chain link ready for welding.
By means of the new working process an iron rod of equal thickness, which has
previously been formed into a chain-link, is at the same time welded, stretched,
by being forced into the matrix under the pressure of the die, and stamped for
one half of its length whilst in a glowing heat under a heavy or power hammer by
means of a matrix or mould, and upon turning the chain-link the second half of
the side parts is stretched in the matrix in order to strengthen the end piece
accordingly. A chain manufactured of such links possesses special advantages
over a chain of equal weight manufactured according to the hitherto known
process in being obviously considerably stronger and more durable at the wearing
parts.
The matrix A is provided with a cavity b which is formed in such a way that its
diameter in cross section from bottom to top (line -r, yy, ― of Figure 2)
gradually increases and the measurements of the plan of the cavity b from the
front side of the matrix to the centre of the cavity increases likewise (line x-r,
yy, z of Figure 1).
If chains of short links are to be produced the core c of the matrix A will have
to be provided on its front side with a concave as shown at d which corresponds
with the measurements of the chain-links, and serves for the reception of the
already welded and finished link. The die B carried by a power hammer is
formed semi-circularly at its lower end which corresponds in cross section with
the cavity bat y-y of Figure 2 and which is provided with a proove at its lower
end, corresponding in shape to the curvature desired to be given to the top of the
link to be produced. A welding without the formation of fins or ridges is
obtained by this particular shape of the cavity in the matrix or mould, besides
giving a characteristic form to the chain-links.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:-
1. The improved method and means for the manufacture of chain-links with
thickened end parts, consisting in pressing them into shape by a die and matrix
substantially in the manner and for the purposes herein described and set forth.
2. A matrix or mould to be used in connection with the manufacture of chain-
links, the diameter of the cavity of which increases in both upward and backward
direction and a die, fitting into the cavity of the matrix, provided with a groove in
its lower end corresponding with the shape it is desired to give to the top surface
of the link substantially as and for the purposes herein described and set forth.
Dated the 19th day of August 1897.
PHILLIPS & LEIGH,
No. 22 Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.