Chain forming method and apparatus

A method for producing oriented, one-way links from a stock chain having first and second rounded ends and parallel spaced straight sides. The method comprises: moving the chain to a first forming station; forming protuberances in each straight side adjacent the first end of at least a single first link at the first station, the protuberances extending laterally outwardly from the at least on first link; moving the chain to a second forming station; rotating the chain; forming protuberlances one each straight side adjacent the first end of at least a single second link orthogonal to the first link at the second station, the protuberances extending laterally outwardly from the at least one second link; and repeating the above step until all links of the chain have protuberances formed therein. The apparatus comprises: a first forming station; an indexing sprocket for moving the chain to the first forming station; an indentation press for forming protuberances in each straight side section adjacent the first end of at least a single first link at the first station, the protuberances extending laterally outwardly from the at least one first link; a second forming station; a second indexing sprocket for moving the chain to the second forming station; and a second indentation press for forming protuberances on each straight side section adjacent the first end of at least a single second link orthogonal to the first link at the second station, the protuberances extending laterally outwardly from the at least one second link.