Difference between revisions of "Chain" - New World Encyclopedia

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:''This article is about the literal, physical chain.''
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{{Images OK}}{{Approved}}{{copyedited}}
[[Image:The Great Chain Today.JPG|thumb|right|Part of The Great Chain at West Point.]]
 
 
[[Image:Broad chain closeup.jpg|thumb|A broad metal chain made of [[torus]]-shaped links.]]
 
[[Image:Broad chain closeup.jpg|thumb|A broad metal chain made of [[torus]]-shaped links.]]
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A '''chain''' is a series of connected '''links,''' usually made of [[metal]]. Chains are made for various purposes and therefore come in different shapes and styles. For example, some chains are designed for lifting (as with a [[Hoist (device)|hoist]]) or pulling a load, or for securing against theft (such as when securing a [[bicycle]]). Such chains have links that are [[torus]] shaped. Other chains are designed for transferring power in [[machine]]s, [[conveyor belt]]s, bicycles, and [[motorcycle]]s. Such chains, known as [[roller chain]]s, have links that mesh with the teeth of appropriately designed [[sprocket]]s.
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{{toc}}
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Chains can also be used for decorative purposes, as in [[jewelry]]. On a somber note, chains have also been historically used as devices to hold [[slave]]s and [[prisoner]]s under restraint.
 
[[Image:Kettenvergleich.jpg|thumb|Roller chains.]]
 
[[Image:Kettenvergleich.jpg|thumb|Roller chains.]]
 
[[Image:Chain.gif|frame|right|Roller chain and sprocket.]]
 
[[Image:Chain.gif|frame|right|Roller chain and sprocket.]]
  
A '''chain''' is a series of connected '''links'''. A chain may consist of two or more links.
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== Types of chains and their uses ==
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There are various types of chains designed for various uses. A number of them are listed below.
  
A chain is usually made of [[metal]].
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* [[Ball and chain]]: It refers to a restraining device used to slow down prisoners.
 +
* [[Bicycle chain]] (or [[chain drive]]): This chain transfers power from the pedals of a bicycle to the drive-wheel, thus propelling the bicycle. It is the main distinguishing feature of the safety bicycle. Based on its shape and function, it is classified as a [[roller chain]].
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* [[Bicycle lock]]ing chain: It is a chain used for locking a bicycle to a stationary post.
 +
* [[Chain gun]]: It is a type of machine gun that utilizes a chain, driven by an external power source, to actuate the mechanism rather than using recoil.
 +
* [[Chain link fencing]]: This type of fencing utilizes vertical wires that are bent in a zig-zag fashion and linked to each other.
 +
* [[Chain-linked Lewis]]: This is a lifting device made from two curved steel legs.
 +
* [[Chain of office]]: It is a collar or heavy gold chain worn as an insignia of office or mark of fealty in medieval Europe and the United Kingdom.
 +
* [[Chain pump]]: It is a type of water pump where an endless chain has circular discs positioned on it.
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* [[Chainsaw]]: It is a portable mechanical, motorized saw, commonly used in [[logging]] activities such as [[felling]], [[limbing]], and [[Log bucking|bucking]].
 +
* [[Chain-shot]]: It is a type of ammunition for a [[cannon]], used to inflict structural damage to a vessel during [[naval warfare]].
 +
* [[Chain weapon]]: This medieval weapon was made of one or more weights attached to a handle with a chain.
 +
* [[Curb chain]]: It is used on curb bits when riding a horse.
 +
* [[Door chain]]: It is a type of security chain on a door that allows one to open a door from the inside while making it difficult for someone outside to force his or her way in.
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* [[Flat chain]]: This form of chain is used chiefly in agricultural machinery.
 +
* [[Jack chain]]: This toothed chain is used to move logs.
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* [[Jewelry]]: Many necklaces and bracelets are made of small chains of gold and silver.
 +
* [[Keychain]]: This small chain connects a small item to a keyring.
 +
* [[Ladder chain]]: It is a light wire chain used with sprockets for low-torque power transmission.
 +
* [[Lead shank]] (or "stud chain"): It is used on difficult horses that are misbehaving.
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* Leg iron chains (or [[fetters]]): They are used as an alternative to handcuffs.
 +
* [[Nunchaku]]: It is the name for karate sticks linked by a chain.
 +
* [[Omega chain]]: It is a pseudo-chain in which the "links" are mounted on a backing rather than being interlinked.
 +
* [[O-ring chain]]: It is a specialized type of [[roller chain]].
 +
* [[Pull switch]]: It is an electrical switch operated by a chain.
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* [[Roller chain]]: This type of chain is most commonly used for the transmission of mechanical power in bicycles, motorcycles, and industrial and agricultural machinery.
 +
* [[Snow chain]]: It is used to improve traction in the snow.
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* [[Timing chain]]: It is used with an [[internal combustion engine]], to transfer rotational position from the crankshaft to the valve and ignition system, typically with a 2:1 speed reduction.
  
Chains are usually made in one of two styles, according to their intended use:
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In addition to the above uses, some people wear wallets with chains attached to their belts, or pants decorated with chains. At times, a chain is used as a percussion instrument for [[special effects]], such as in [[Schönberg]]'s "[[Gurre-Lieder]]" and [[Janáček]]'s "[[From the House of the Dead]]." Also, chains have been used to prevent the passage of ships through waterways, as was done with the [[Hudson River Chain]]s during the [[American Revolutionary War]].
 
 
* Those designed for lifting, such as when used with a [[Hoist (device)|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 [[dimension]]s.
 
 
 
* Those designed for transferring power in machines have links designed to mesh with the teeth of the [[sprocket]]s of the machine, and are flexible in only one dimension. They are known as [[Roller chain]]s.
 
 
 
Chains can also be decorative as [[jewelry]].
 
 
 
== 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]].
 
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
 
* [[Bicycle]]
 
* [[Bicycle]]
 
* [[Jewelry]]
 
* [[Jewelry]]
Line 60: Line 47:
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
 
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* American Chain Association. 2006. ''Standard Handbook of Chains: Chains for Power Transmission and Material Handling,'' 2nd edition. Boca Raton, FL: Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1574446470.
 +
* Ballantine, Richard. 2001. ''Richard's 21st-Century Bicycle Book.'' Woodstock, NY: Overlook Press. ISBN 1585671126.
 +
* Kanehira, Makoto, and Kyosuke Otoshi. 1997. ''The Complete Guide to Chain.'' Wheeling, IL: Tsubaki. ISBN 0965893200.
 
* Waszek, Glen F. 2001. ''Making Silver Chains: Simple Techniques, Beautiful Designs.'' New York: Lark Books. ISBN 1579901832.
 
* Waszek, Glen F. 2001. ''Making Silver Chains: Simple Techniques, Beautiful Designs.'' New York: Lark Books. ISBN 1579901832.
  
==External links ==
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== External links ==
 +
All links retrieved January 25, 2017.
 +
* [http://chain-guide.com/toc.html The Complete Guide to Chain: Table of Contents.]
 +
* [http://chain-guide.com/applications/1-5-1-bicycle-chain.html The Complete Guide to Chain: Bicycle Chain.]
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* [http://chain-guide.com/applications/1-5-3-chains-automotive-engines.html The Complete Guide to Chain: Chains for Automotive Engines.]
  
 
[[Category:Physical sciences]]
 
[[Category:Physical sciences]]

Revision as of 21:43, 7 January 2020

A broad metal chain made of torus-shaped links.

A chain is a series of connected links, usually made of metal. Chains are made for various purposes and therefore come in different shapes and styles. For example, some chains are designed for lifting (as with a hoist) or pulling a load, or for securing against theft (such as when securing a bicycle). Such chains have links that are torus shaped. Other chains are designed for transferring power in machines, conveyor belts, bicycles, and motorcycles. Such chains, known as roller chains, have links that mesh with the teeth of appropriately designed sprockets.

Chains can also be used for decorative purposes, as in jewelry. On a somber note, chains have also been historically used as devices to hold slaves and prisoners under restraint.

Roller chains.
Roller chain and sprocket.

Types of chains and their uses

There are various types of chains designed for various uses. A number of them are listed below.

  • Ball and chain: It refers to a restraining device used to slow down prisoners.
  • Bicycle chain (or chain drive): This chain transfers power from the pedals of a bicycle to the drive-wheel, thus propelling the bicycle. It is the main distinguishing feature of the safety bicycle. Based on its shape and function, it is classified as a roller chain.
  • Bicycle locking chain: It is a chain used for locking a bicycle to a stationary post.
  • Chain gun: It is a type of machine gun that utilizes a chain, driven by an external power source, to actuate the mechanism rather than using recoil.
  • Chain link fencing: This type of fencing utilizes vertical wires that are bent in a zig-zag fashion and linked to each other.
  • Chain-linked Lewis: This is a lifting device made from two curved steel legs.
  • Chain of office: It is a collar or heavy gold chain worn as an insignia of office or mark of fealty in medieval Europe and the United Kingdom.
  • Chain pump: It is a type of water pump where an endless chain has circular discs positioned on it.
  • Chainsaw: It is a portable mechanical, motorized saw, commonly used in logging activities such as felling, limbing, and bucking.
  • Chain-shot: It is a type of ammunition for a cannon, used to inflict structural damage to a vessel during naval warfare.
  • Chain weapon: This medieval weapon was made of one or more weights attached to a handle with a chain.
  • Curb chain: It is used on curb bits when riding a horse.
  • Door chain: It is a type of security chain on a door that allows one to open a door from the inside while making it difficult for someone outside to force his or her way in.
  • Flat chain: This form of chain is used chiefly in agricultural machinery.
  • Jack chain: This toothed chain is used to move logs.
  • Jewelry: Many necklaces and bracelets are made of small chains of gold and silver.
  • Keychain: This small chain connects a small item to a keyring.
  • Ladder chain: It is a light wire chain used with sprockets for low-torque power transmission.
  • Lead shank (or "stud chain"): It is used on difficult horses that are misbehaving.
  • Leg iron chains (or fetters): They are used as an alternative to handcuffs.
  • Nunchaku: It is the name for karate sticks linked by a chain.
  • Omega chain: It is a pseudo-chain in which the "links" are mounted on a backing rather than being interlinked.
  • O-ring chain: It is a specialized type of roller chain.
  • Pull switch: It is an electrical switch operated by a chain.
  • Roller chain: This type of chain is most commonly used for the transmission of mechanical power in bicycles, motorcycles, and industrial and agricultural machinery.
  • Snow chain: It is used to improve traction in the snow.
  • Timing chain: It is used with an internal combustion engine, to transfer rotational position from the crankshaft to the valve and ignition system, typically with a 2:1 speed reduction.

In addition to the above uses, some people wear wallets with chains attached to their belts, or pants decorated with chains. At times, a chain is used as a percussion instrument for special effects, such as in Schönberg's "Gurre-Lieder" and Janáček's "From the House of the Dead." Also, chains have been used to prevent the passage of ships through waterways, as was done with the Hudson River Chains during the American Revolutionary War.

See also

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • American Chain Association. 2006. Standard Handbook of Chains: Chains for Power Transmission and Material Handling, 2nd edition. Boca Raton, FL: Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1574446470.
  • Ballantine, Richard. 2001. Richard's 21st-Century Bicycle Book. Woodstock, NY: Overlook Press. ISBN 1585671126.
  • Kanehira, Makoto, and Kyosuke Otoshi. 1997. The Complete Guide to Chain. Wheeling, IL: Tsubaki. ISBN 0965893200.
  • Waszek, Glen F. 2001. Making Silver Chains: Simple Techniques, Beautiful Designs. New York: Lark Books. ISBN 1579901832.

External links

All links retrieved January 25, 2017.

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