CPC G01N 35/021 (2013.01) [G01N 30/02 (2013.01); G01N 2030/027 (2013.01)] | 19 Claims |
1. A chain comprising:
a plurality of links pivotally connected to each other such that the chain is configured to bend in one direction without back-bending, each of the plurality of links including a link body having:
an inner side facing a bending direction of the chain;
an outer side facing opposite the bending direction of the chain;
a back-bending prevention portion proximate the outer side of the link body including a first surface and a second surface, the first surface configured to prevent back bending when engaged with the second surface of a first other of the pivotally connected plurality of links, and the second surface configured to prevent back bending when engaged with the first surface of a second body of the pivotally connected plurality of links;
a post feature extending laterally across the link body, the post feature including a portion exposed from the inner side of the chain; and
a connection feature configured to engage with the post feature of the first other of the pivotally connected plurality of links to create one direction pivotal attachment without back-bending between the links,
wherein each of the plurality of links is made of a single integral piece of material, and
wherein the back-bending prevention portion includes a first flange having the first surface and a second flange having the second surface and a web between the first flange and the second flange.
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