Chain forming method and apparatus

Abstract

A method for producing oriented, one-way links from a stock chain having first and second rounded ends and parallel spaced straight sides. The method comprises: moving the chain to a first forming station; forming protuberances in each straight side adjacent the first end of at least a single first link at the first station, the protuberances extending laterally outwardly from the at least on first link; moving the chain to a second forming station; rotating the chain; forming protuberlances one each straight side adjacent the first end of at least a single second link orthogonal to the first link at the second station, the protuberances extending laterally outwardly from the at least one second link; and repeating the above step until all links of the chain have protuberances formed therein. The apparatus comprises: a first forming station; an indexing sprocket for moving the chain to the first forming station; an indentation press for forming protuberances in each straight side section adjacent the first end of at least a single first link at the first station, the protuberances extending laterally outwardly from the at least one first link; a second forming station; a second indexing sprocket for moving the chain to the second forming station; and a second indentation press for forming protuberances on each straight side section adjacent the first end of at least a single second link orthogonal to the first link at the second station, the protuberances extending laterally outwardly from the at least one second link.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.