Roller chain sprocket with added chordal pitch reduction

Abstract

A sprocket is defined to include added chordal pitch reduction when in a new or “as-manufactured” condition. The sprocket chordal pitch Ps′ is purposefully reduced as compared to the as-built chain pitch Pc (or a theoretical maximum sprocket chordal pitch) a select amount referred to herein as “added chordal pitch reduction.” This added chordal pitch reduction is in addition to the inherent chordal pitch reduction that exists owing to manufacturing tolerances. A sprocket incorporating added chordal pitch reduction is highly desired in that it facilitates extension of the meshing time interval for an associated chain roller. The sprocket is formed to have a chordal pitch that is reduced relative to a maximum theoretical sprocket chordal pitch (or the chain link pitch) by an amount between about 0.2% and about 1% of the maximum theoretical sprocket chordal pitch.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.