A method for optimizing the link plates of a plate-link chain drive chain for use in a variable speed unit of a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission. The inner and outer walls of each lock includes radial bearing surfaces on the flange of the ring and the casing rail, respectively. A modulated signal with such data symbols arranged therein is transmitted. Applications for such biocompatible crosslinked polymers and their precursors include controlled delivery of drugs, prevention of post-operative adhesions, coating of medical devices such as vascular grafts, wound dressings and surgical sealants.