Difference between revisions of "Chain" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
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Chains can also be decorative as [[jewelry]].
 
Chains can also be decorative as [[jewelry]].
  
== Uses for Chain ==
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== Types of chains and their uses ==
Specific uses for chain include:
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There are various types of chains designed for various uses. A number of them are listed below.
  
* [[Bicycle chain]], chain that transfers power from the pedals to the drive-wheel of a bicycle thus propelling it
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* [[Bicycle chain]]: This chain transfers power from the pedals of a bicycle to the drive-wheel, thus propelling the bicycle.
* [[Chain drive]], the main feature that differentiated the safety bicycle
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* [[Chain drive]]: It is the main distinguishing feature of 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
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* [[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 pumps]], type of water pump where an endless chain has positioned on it circular discs
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* [[Chain pump]]: It is a type of water pump where an endless chain has circular discs positioned on it.
* [[Chain-linked Lewis]], lifting device made from two curved steel legs
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* [[Chain-linked Lewis]]: This is a lifting device made from two curved steel legs.
* [[Chainsaw]], portable mechanical, motorized saw
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* [[Chainsaw]]: A portable mechanical, motorized saw.
* [[Curb chain]], used on curb bits when riding a horse
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* [[Curb chain]]: This is 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
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* [[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.
* [[Keychain]], a small chain that connects a small item to a keyring
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* [[Keychain]]: This small chain connects a small item to a keyring.
* [[Lead shank]] (or "Stud chain"), used on difficult horses that are misbehaving
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* [[Lead shank]] (or "stud chain"): It is used on difficult horses that are misbehaving.
* [[O-ring chain]], a specialized type of [[roller chain]]
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* [[O-ring chain]]: It is 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
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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 chains]], used to improve traction in snow
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* [[Snow chain]]: It is used to improve traction in the 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.
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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.
* [[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]]
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* [[Ball and chain]]: In a literal sense, it refers to a restraining device used to slow down prisoners. It is sometimes used in a metaphorical sense, to describe someone who is slowing progress.
* [[Bicycle lock]] (or "bicycle chain"), lockable chain
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* [[Bicycle lock]] (sometimes called a "bicycle chain"): It is a chain for locking a bicycle to a stationary post.
* Leg iron chains ([[Fetters]]), an alternative to handcuffs
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* Leg iron chains (or [[fetters]]): They are used as 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 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 of office]], collar or heavy gold chain worn as insignia of office or a mark of fealty in medieval Europe and the United Kingdom

Revision as of 16:38, 21 July 2008

This article is about the literal, physical chain.
File:The Great Chain Today.JPG
Part of The Great Chain at West Point.
A broad metal chain made of torus-shaped links.
Roller chains.
Roller chain and sprocket.

A chain is a series of connected links. 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 jewelry.

Types of chains and their uses

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

  • Bicycle chain: This chain transfers power from the pedals of a bicycle to the drive-wheel, thus propelling the bicycle.
  • Chain drive: It is the main distinguishing feature of the safety bicycle.
  • 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 pump: It is a type of water pump where an endless chain has circular discs positioned on it.
  • Chain-linked Lewis: This is a lifting device made from two curved steel legs.
  • Chainsaw: A portable mechanical, motorized saw.
  • Curb chain: This 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.
  • Keychain: This small chain connects a small item to a keyring.
  • Lead shank (or "stud chain"): It is used on difficult horses that are misbehaving.
  • O-ring chain: It is a specialized type of roller 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.
  • Ball and chain: In a literal sense, it refers to a restraining device used to slow down prisoners. It is sometimes used in a metaphorical sense, to describe someone who is slowing progress.
  • Bicycle lock (sometimes called a "bicycle chain"): It is a chain for locking a bicycle to a stationary post.
  • Leg iron chains (or fetters): They are used as 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

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • American Chain Association. 2006. Standard Handbook of Chains: Chains for Power Transmission and Material Handling. 2nd ed. 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

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