METHOD AND MACHINE FOR THE AUTOMATIC FORMATION OF ORNAMENTAL CHAINS WITH EIGHT-SHAPED LINKS

摘要

Chains having links in the shape of a figure eight can be made by the method and apparatus of the present invention. The last link of the chain is first held in a secure position. Oval shaped loops are cut from an oval shaped helix in such a manner that the ends of the loops are spaced apart. The ends of the loops are then passed through the eyes of the held last link of the chain. The ends of the loop are then closed and the loop is then grasped at opposite ends of the oval and twisted to form the figure eight shape. The present invention has a collet 30 for holding the last link of the chain, a collet 40 for grasping the loops created from the oval shaped helix. The collet 40 is movable for insertion of the arms of the loop into the eyes of the last link. A clamp 50 joins the ends of the loop and the clamp 50 and collet 40 then perform a twisting motion which results in the loop being formed into a figure eight shape.