Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a fastener with head and shank portions is disclosed. The invention includes the steps of and apparatus for transferring the fasteners from a feed mechanism such that the fasteners are positioned for coating. The fasteners are then conveyed through a plurality of operating stations, beginning with a heating station where the shank portions of the fasteners are heated. Subsequently, at a material applying station, a coating material is applied to the heated shank portions. A preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention includes using a magnetic holder to carry the fasteners horizontally by their head portions, where fasteners are centered by a rotating wheel, heating the shank portion to a temperature above the melting point of the applied material and applying the material to the heated shank portion to form a coating thereon. The magnetic holders are part of an endless traveling belt that rotates continually.

Abstract: A method of making a reusable, self-sealing threaded fastener having an integral seal and which does not require additional curing or heating after installation is disclosed. The sealant is a soft pliable olefin based material designed to flow between the bearing shoulder and threads of the fastener, and the abutting bearing surface of a receptacle as the fastener is tighted into the receptacle thereby creating a tight seal.

Abstract: An adjustable nozzle applicator and method for the application of liquid to a surface including a main nozzle member and an insert nozzle portion positioned therein. The bottom floor of the main nozzle member is configured to form a trough for channeling and directing the liquid. The insert portion encloses part of the trough and is disposed adjacent but not touching a wall of the main nozzle member to create an output aperture port. At the output aperture port, the liquid exits the aperture in a fashion resembling a waterfall without the use of any input pressure. Such a gentle waterfall flow of liquid is particularly useful for the application of liquids that are delicate in nature. Overflow liquid exits through the floor of the applicator. The width of the waterfall at the output may be varied by adjustment of the distance between the main nozzle member and the insert portion for precise control of the flow and application of the liquid.

Abstract: This invention relates to threaded fasteners, an apparatus for making such threaded fasteners and methods of fastening parts. The tip of the shank of a threaded fastener has at least one thread coated with a lubricating or masking material to reduce the drive torque necessary for fastening as well as provide a protective coating for the fastener during subsequent processing operations. The drill tip of the disclosed self-drilling fasteners is coated with a lubricating material to reduce drive torque and to eliminate binding when drilling through fibrous material. The present invention also prevents the build-up of corrosion inhibiting materials on threaded fasteners attached to parts to be fastened together. A masking and/or insulating material is first applied to the threaded fasteners attached to the parts to substantially prevent applied corrosion inhibitor from adhering to the threads of the fastener.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a fastener with head and shank portions is disclosed. The invention includes the steps of and apparatus for transferring the fasteners from a feed mechanism such that the fasteners are positioned for coating. The fasteners are then conveyed through a plurality of operating stations, beginning with a heating station where the shank portions of the fasteners are heated. Subsequently, at a material applying station, a coating material is applied to the heated shank portions. A preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention includes using a magnetic holder to carry the fasteners horizontally by their head portions, heating the shank portion to a temperature above the melting point of the applied material and applying the material to the heated shank portion to form a coating thereon. The magnetic holders are part of an endless traveling belt that rotates continually. The fastener carriers have teeth that engage a rack to rotate the fasteners.

Abstract: An improved threaded fastener with an integral sealing element bonded directly to the bearing shoulder and/or upper shank is provided. The sealant is a soft pliable olefin based material designed to flow between the bearing shoulder and threads of the fastener, and the abutting bearing surface of a receptacle as the fastener is tightened into the receptacle thereby creating a tight seal. The fastener with an integral sealing element is reusable and does not require additional curing or heating after installation.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating samples or small quantities of internally and externally threaded fasteners includes a powder feed, an induction heater, and dust collection system. A reciprocating, magnetized holder engages a friction drive to rotate a stud in front of a spray nozzle. In another embodiment, a nut sample machine includes a reciprocating powder spray nozzle mounted on an air cylinder and a water cooled support block for the nut. In a third embodiment a hydraulically controlled gate is sequenced with the reciprocating powder feed, providing a continuous coating operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating samples or small quantities of internally and externally threaded fasteners includes a powder feed, an induction heater, and dust collection system. A reciprocating, magnetized holder engages a friction drive to rotate a stud in front of a spray nozzle. In another embodiment, a nut sample machine includes a reciprocating powder spray nozzle mounted on an air cylinder and a water cooled support block for the nut. In a third embodiment a hydraulically controlled gate is sequenced with the reciprocating powder feed, providing a continuous coating operation. Methods for applying coating to the samples include steps that employ these embodiments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a fastener with head and shank portions is disclosed. The invention includes the steps of and apparatus for transferring the fasteners from a feed mechanism such that the fasteners are positioned for coating. The fasteners are then conveyed through a plurality of operating stations, beginning with a heating station where the shank portions of the fasteners are heated. Subsequently, at a material applying station, a coating material is applied to the heated shank portions. A preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention includes using a magnetic holder to carry the fasteners horizontally by their portions, heating the shank portion to a temperature above the melting point of the applied material and applying the material to the heated shank portion to form a coating thereon. The magnetic holders are part of an endless traveling belt that rotates continually. The fastener carriers have teeth that engage a rack to rotate the fasteners.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a fastener, particularly a fastener with a head portion and shank portion, with a coating material is provided. The invention includes the steps of and apparatus for supporting the fasteners such that the fasteners are positioned for coating. The fasteners are conveyed such that the fasteners are moved through a plurality of operating stations and pass through a heating station where the shank portions of the fasteners are heated. Subsequently, at a material applying station, a coating material is applied to the heated shank portions. A preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention includes supporting the fasteners on their head portions with the shank portions projecting upward, conveying the fasteners with their shank portions projecting upward for processing, heating the shank portion to a temperature above the melting point of the applied material and applying the material to the heated shank portion to form a coating thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus and method employed in applying a useful coating to fasteners is disclosed. Particularly, a resin material in powder form is preferably applied to a selected surface of the fastener to cover a desired length of the threads of the fastener. The apparatus includes a support for moving the fasteners deposited thereon to a position where the coating is applied, and a positioning device is provided to insure that the fastener is peripherally located for application of the coating. A cam mechanism associated with a plurality of tubes provides movement of the tubes for application of the resin material to the fasteners. The fasteners are subsequently removed from the support by fluid pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying locking material to an area of a fastener adapted for internal threading. The apparatus includes a support structure for moving a succession of internally threadable fasteners with support structure recesses positioning the fasteners for treatment. The fastener opening is filled with locking material and the fastener heated to soften the locking material and cause adherence to the internal walls of the fastener. A clearance pin can be used to selectively clear a passageway through the locking material either before or after the heating step. A gas pressure source directs a gas stream toward the opening of the fastener to form a passageway through the locking material attached to the fastener.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a fastener, particularly a fastener with a head portion and shank portion, with a coating material is provided. The invention includes the steps of and apparatus for supporting the fasteners such that the fasteners are positioned for coating. The fasteners are conveyed such that the fasteners are moved through a plurality of operation stations and pass through a heating station where the shank portions of the fasteners are heated. Subsequently, at a material applying station, a coating material is applied to the heated shank portions. A preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention includes supporting the fasteners on their head portions with the shank portions projecting upward, conveying the fasteners with their shank portions projecting upward for processing, heating the shank portion to a temperature above the melting point of the applied material and applying the material to the heated shank portion to form a coating thereon.

Abstract: A fastener, and a process and apparatus for coating fasteners, in which a resin type material is applied to the fastener is disclosed. A stream of resin type material is directed to each fastener and the threads of each of the fasteners, the threads may be covered over an arcuate variable length including complete 360.degree. coverage. The resin type material applied may be a masking material, a lubricating material and/or an insulating material enabling an accurate and consistent torque-tension characteristic to be maintained during coupling of the fastener in a variety of post-processing environments. Furthermore, the resin type material applied to the fastener is substantially resistant to the deposition of corrosion resistant or preventative materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spraying powder material from a plurality of nozzles. A powder material feed control section and a manifold section provide a uniform flow rate and uniform density pattern for a powder material feed stream sprayed from a plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing self-locking fasteners in which a resin deposit of patch is applied to a portion of the threads. A resin stream entrained in a gaseous jet is directed through a nozzle which is an axial registration with the fastener. The nozzle has an end wall and an arcuate slot therein which directs application of the entrained resin to the threads of the fastener in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A fastener, and a process and apparatus for coating fasteners, in which a resin type material is applied to the fastener is disclosed. A stream of resin type material is directed to each fastener and the threads of each of the fasteners, the threads may be covered over an arcuate variable length including complete 360.degree. coverage. The resin type material applied may be a masking material, a lubricating material and/or an insulating material enabling an accurate and consistent torque-tension characteristic to be maintained during coupling of the fastener in a variety of post-processing environments. Furthermore, the resin type material applied to the fastener is substantially resistant to the deposition of corrosion resistant or preventative materials.