Abstract: Chain link material for use in fences and other various applications are formed with flattened end portions so as to improve the handling and safety characteristics thereof. The flattened end portions of the chain link fence are formed by bending, trimming, welding together and then painting cut ends of the wire forming the chain link material. This bending, trimming, welding and painting is performed in a series of assemblies held on one or both sides of a chain link material being indexed through a weaving machine. The series of assemblies are moveable into and out of contact with the cut ends of the wires in the chain link material so as to bend, trim, weld together and paint the welded together ends.

Abstract: Chain link material having a coating thereon for use in fences and other various applications are formed with knuckled ends so as to improve the appearance thereof. The knuckled ends of the coated chain link fence are formed by knuckler assemblies held on either side of the coated chain link material as it moves through a weaving machine. The knuckling assemblies are moveable into and out of contact with the cut ends of coated wires woven into the chain link material, and include rotatable bend elements which contact an extended length of and bend the cut ends without cutting, marring or scraping the coating.

Abstract: Chain link material for use in fences and other various applications are formed with flattened end portions so as to improve the handling and safety characteristics thereof. The flattened end portions of the chain link fence are formed by trimming, bending and then securing together cut ends of the wire forming the chain link material. This trimming, bending and securing is preferably performed in end flattening assemblies held on either side of a chain link material weaving machine, which assemblies are moveable into and out of contact with the cut ends of the wires in the chain link material so as to trim, bend and then secure the bent ends together by twisting, welding or clipping the same together.

Abstract: An improved system for operating a chain link fence weaving machine. The system includes an electronic motor coupled to a main spindle shaft of the weaving machine. A trough is disposed adjacent to a weaving blade attached to the main spindle and coupled to the weaving machine. The trough receives two intercoiled needles (picket) from the weaving blade for weaving the fence. The trough has first and second opposing portions positioned to receive the picket therebetween. A retaining slot extends between the first and second portions. The radius of the first portion of the trough is less than the radius of the second portion thereof to prevent the two intercoiled needles being woven in the trough from extending into the slot. An actuation mechanism opens and closes the retaining slot to frictionally engage or release a portion of the fence held in the slot. A control system is coupled to the motor for controlling the fabrication rate of fence being woven.