Machine for testing chain and sprocket type drive systems

An apparatus for measuring and testing chain wear elongation and determining power capacity of a chain-sprocket drive system and other transmission systems, the apparatus comprising a base frame which can indirectly support chains and sprockets under test;

• a driving sprocket shaft;
• a moveable sprocket shaft means;
• a cylinder mounted substantially parallel to the chains to apply load to said chain sprocket drive system;
• means for attaching said cylinder to the base frame;
• a linear bearing plate attached to said cylinder through which load is applicable to two test chains and four sprockets under test in one instance;
• a motor mounted on said base frame, having a rotatable shaft;
• means for coupling said rotatable motor shaft to a driving sprocket shaft for developing a torque on said driving sprocket shaft means urging the same to rotate relative to said base frame and can hence apply power to overcome friction in the chain-sprocket drive system under test;
• said torque being transmittable via the chains and sprockets between said driving sprocket shaft and a movable sprocket shaft means which permits rotation of said movable shaft to occur without rotation of said base frame;
• speed sensing means for sensing the rotational speed of sprockets;
• and counting system means for counting rotation of the said movable shaft located on said linear bearing plate and an elongation sensing switch to stop drive system operation of said drive system if chain elongation exceeds a fixed amount;
• a clevis and chain load measuring system comprised of strain gages which form a Wheatstone bridge and measure strain in said clevis through which load is applied to the chains;
• and a noncontact temperature measuring system to determine the temperature of chains and sprockets during operation;
• and a lubrication system comprised of a gravity feed and brush for wiping lubricant on the test chains and an environmental and safety cover for protecting the operation as well as for enclosing the chain drive system.