Abstract: A fastener feeding apparatus is used to supply a pair of strips of detachably connected staples to a magazine of a fastener driving device in each loading cycle of the feeding apparatus. A plurality of pairs of strips of staples are supplied to an inclined receiving bin of the fastener feeding apparatus in a nested configuration and a pair of strips slide along the bin until positioned against a stop block in alignment with a pusher mechanism. When the fastener driving device is positioned adjacent an exit chute for receiving the strips of staples, the pusher mechanism engages one of the strips of staples and pushes the one strip of staples toward the exit chute. The other strip of staples is held in place by a stop so that the one strip is separated from the other strip of staples. Once the strips of staples are separated, the stop is retracted and the pusher moves both strips of staples along an orienting device adjacent the exit chute.

Abstract: An assembly of fasteners for use in a power fastener driving tool includes a number of fasteners having elongated shanks held in spaced apart relation by a pair of strips of frangible plastic material. Each strip includes a series of sleeves holding shanks of the fasteners and a series of spacer segments integrally joining the sleeves. The strip closer to the fastener heads is weaker than the strip closer to the fastener points. As an end fastener is driven from the assembly, the sleeve of the weaker strip associated with the next fastener to be driven is permitted to fracture, while the sleeve of the stronger strip remains intact.