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3 reference results for: chain

Columbia Encyclopedia

chain, flexible series of connected links used in various ways, especially for the transmission of motive power, for hoisting (see pulley), and for securing or fastening. Commonly, mechanical energy from a motor or other source applied to a sprocket wheel is conveyed by means of an endless chain to another sprocket wheel for driving a mechanism. Examples of such an arrangement are found in bicycles, motorcycles, and conveyor belts. The chain in this application is so designed that each consecutive link fits over a sprocket, the distance between links being called the pitch. The relative speed of the wheels varies according to their relative circumferences and, thus, the number of sprockets on each. There are several types of chain for the transmission of power. A detachable-link chain has links that are simple rectangles, each with a connecting hook at one end by which it is attached to the next link. A pintle chain has links that are approximately U-shaped. The closed end of each link fits into the open end of the next one; a pin holds the two links together. A block chain consists of metal blocks that are joined together by side plates and pins to form links. A roller chain has links consisting of side plates with hollow cylindrical rollers between them. Pins pass through the rollers and side plates to hold the links together. A silent, or inverted-tooth, chain has links made of toothed metal plates. A number of these links are placed side by side to form a group. Each group is joined to another one by meshing the ends of the links of both groups and inserting a pin there. By repeating the process a chain can be formed. Its width can be varied by varying the number of links in a group. Although not completely silent, this type of chain is quieter than other power transmission chains. The coil chains used in hoists and for locking or fastening purposes are of the open-link type, comprising solid interlocked rings, or of the stud-link type, in which a stud, or bar, across the link keeps the chain from kinking.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia Copyright © 2004, Columbia University Press.
Licensed from Columbia University Press

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Wikipedia

A chain is a series of connected links. This article is about the literal, physical chain. A chain may consist of two or more links.

A chain is usually made of metal.

Chains are usually made in one of two styles, according to their intended use:

Those designed for lifting, such as when used with a hoist; for pulling; or for securing, such as with a bicycle lock, have links that are torus shaped, which makes the chain flexible in two dimensions.

Those designed for transferring power in machines have links designed to mesh with the teeth of the sprockets of the machine, and are flexible in only one dimension. They are known as Roller chains.

Chains can also be decorative as jewellery.

Uses for Chain

Specific uses for chain include:

Bicycle chain, chain that transfers power from the pedals to the drive-wheel of a bicycle thus propelling it
Chain drive, the main feature that differentiated the safety bicycle
Chain gun, type of machine gun that utilizes a chain, driven by an external power source, to actuate the mechanism rather than using recoil
Chain pumps, type of water pump where an endless chain has positioned on it circular discs
Chain-linked Lewis, lifting device made from two curved steel legs
Chainsaw, portable mechanical, motorized saw
Curb chain, used on curb bits when riding a horse
Door chain, a type of security chain on a door that makes it possible to open a door from the inside while still making it difficult for someone outside to force his or her way inside
Keychain, a small chain that connects a small item to a keyring
Lead shank (or "Stud chain"), used on difficult horses that are misbehaving
O-ring chain, a specialized type of roller chain
Roller chain, the type of chain most commonly used for transmission of mechanical power on bicycles, motorcycles, and in industrial and agricultural machinery
Snow chains, used to improve traction in snow
Timing chain, used to transfer rotational position from the crankshaft to the valve and ignition system on an internal combustion engine, typically with a 2:1 speed reduction.
Ball and chain, phrase that can refer to either the actual restraint device that was used to slow down prisoners, or a derogatory description of a person's significant other
Bicycle lock (or "bicycle chain"), lockable chain
Leg iron chains (Fetters), an alternative to handcuffs
Chain link fencing, type of fencing that utilizes vertical wires that are bent in a zig zag fashion and linked to each other
Chain of office, collar or heavy gold chain worn as insignia of office or a mark of fealty in medieval Europe and the United Kingdom
Chain weapon, a medieval weapon made of one or more weights attached to a handle with a chain
Nunchaku, karate sticks linked by a chain
Omega chain, a pseudo-chain where the 'links' are mounted on a backing rather than being interlinked
Pull switch, an electrical switch operated by a chain
Flat chain, form of chain used chiefly in agricultural machinery

Decorating clothing, some people wear wallets with chains connected to their belts, or pants decorated with chains
Jewelry, many necklaces and bracelets are made out of small chains of gold and silver
Jack chain, a toothed chain used to move logs
Ladder chain, a light wire chain used with sprockets for low torque power transmission

Chains can also be used as a percussion instrument for special effects, such as in Schönberg's Gurre-Lieder and Janáček's From the House of the Dead
Chain-shot, a type of ammunition for a cannon, used to inflict structural damage to a vessel during naval warfare
In order to prevent ship passage through a waterway, as was with the Hudson River Chains during the American Revolutionary War.

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Last updated on Tuesday July 08, 2008 at 02:17:46 PDT (GMT -0700)
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Wikipedia

CHAIN can refer to:

CHAIN programming language
CHAIN (industry standard), an acronym for Ceced Home Appliances Interoperating Network, a standard for a multi-brands home network of interactive household appliances.