Abstract: A combined spray and vacuum nozzle includes a nozzle housing containing a powder supply passage and a vacuum withdrawal passage, where the powder supply passage and the vacuum withdrawal passage are arranged in a side-by-side relationship. The nozzle housing has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion features a spray port in communication with the powder supply passage and a vacuum port in communication with the vacuum withdrawal passage. The spray port is positioned adjacent to the vacuum port. The proximal end portion of the nozzle housing adapted to communicate with a source of aspirated powder and a vacuum source so that the powder supply passage communicates with the source of aspirated powder and the vacuum withdrawal passage communicates with the vacuum source.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a thermoplastic powder to internal threads of a fastener includes a vacuum nozzle having an end adapted to engage a first surface of the fastener. A spray tube is sized to be inserted within the bore of the fastener and communicates with a source or sources of thermoplastic powder and pressurized air. A bushing is mounted on the spray tube so that the spray tube is able to slide with respect to the bushing. The bushing is adapted to engage a second surface of the fastener. The spray tube and bushing are movable between clamping positions, where the vacuum nozzle and the bushing engage the first and second surfaces of the fastener, and release positions where the vacuum nozzle and the bushing do not engage the first and second surfaces of the fastener.

Abstract: A combined spray and vacuum nozzle includes a nozzle housing containing a powder supply passage and a vacuum withdrawal passage, where the powder supply passage and the vacuum withdrawal passage are arranged in a side-by-side relationship. The nozzle housing has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion features a spray port in communication with the powder supply passage and a vacuum port in communication with the vacuum withdrawal passage. The spray port is positioned adjacent to the vacuum port. The proximal end portion of the nozzle housing adapted to communicate with a source of aspirated powder and a vacuum source so that the powder supply passage communicates with the source of aspirated powder and the vacuum withdrawal passage communicates with the vacuum source.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a thermoplastic powder to internal threads of a fastener includes a vacuum nozzle having an end adapted to engage a first surface of the fastener. A spray tube is sized to be inserted within the bore of the fastener and communicates with a source or sources of thermoplastic powder and pressurized air. A bushing is mounted on the spray tube so that the spray tube is able to slide with respect to the bushing. The bushing is adapted to engage a second surface of the fastener. The spray tube and bushing are movable between clamping positions, where the vacuum nozzle and the bushing engage the first and second surfaces of the fastener, and release positions where the vacuum nozzle and the bushing do not engage the first and second surfaces of the fastener.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a retention element for retaining first and second components in assembled relationship. The first component comprises a body having first and second external surfaces and an inner wall defining an aperture extending through the body, and the second component comprises a longitudinal member having a size and configuration to permit insertion within said aperture to thereby assemble the components. The retention element comprises: an elastromeric protuberance extending into the aperture from a base adhering to the inner wall to a distal edge which spans a portion of the aperture. The protuberance also has an inside wall and an outside wall which meet at the distal edge and together define a flexible free end.

Abstract: A fastener assembly including a retention and alignment element used in combination with a first component having a cylindrical wall defining a bore and a second component having an elongated shaft for insertion into the bore of the first component. The retention and alignment element comprises a plurality of elongated polymeric protuberances, each having (i) a base fixed to the cylindrical wall of the first component, (ii) a height sufficient so that together the free ends of the protuberances define a passageway that creates an interference fit with the shaft of the second component, and (iii) a length sufficient to maintain the shaft of the second component generally collinear with the axis of the bore of the first component.

Abstract: A fastener assembly including a retention and alignment element used in combination with a first component having a cylindrical wall defining a bore and a second component having an elongated shaft for insertion into the bore of the first component. The retention and alignment element comprises a plurality of elongated polymeric protuberances, each having (i) a base fixed to the cylindrical wall of the first component, (ii) a height sufficient so that together the free ends of the protuberances define a passageway that creates an interference fit with the shaft of the second component, and (iii) a length sufficient to maintain the shaft of the second component generally collinear with the axis of the bore of the first component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a retention element for retaining first and second components in assembled relationship. The first component comprises a body having first and second external surfaces and an inner wall defining an aperture extending through the body, and the second component comprises a longitudinal member having a size and configuration to permit insertion within said aperture to thereby assemble the components. The retention element comprises: an elastromeric protuberance extending into the aperture from a base adhering to the inner wall to a distal edge which spans a portion of the aperture. The protuberance also has an inside wall and an outside wall which meet at the distal edge and together define a flexible free end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use with powdered resin feeders that provide a continuous stream of powder to a plurality of spray nozzles for the application of powder to a plurality of work-pieces. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus converts a single powder stream into a plurality of uniform powder streams through the use of a multi-tiered system having dividers and receptacles that accurately divide a single powder stream into a plurality of powder streams. In another preferred embodiment, a double-ended stud having ends with differing break-away torques may be created by the device's ability to distribute different amounts of powder to the spray nozzles.

Abstract: A mechanism and process for coating tapped holes in specialty articles having varying external configurations, such as metal stampings. The specialty article is positioned in a preselected orientation at a loading station, and is then engaged by a carriage assembly and moved from the loading station to a heating station, and then to a spray and discharge station. During movement between stations, the article is maintained in the preselected orientation to allow proper heating and spraying of the tapped holes.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a coating to the head-shank junction of externally threaded fasteners in an automated fashion. The fasteners are positioned, head down, on rotating part holders positioned about the periphery of a rotating disc. The part holders may be magnetic or other forms, and are adapted to maintain the fasteners in a generally fixed position during their movement. The fasteners are pre-heated at a heating station during their rotational movement on the disc. A dispenser is then used to apply the coating to the articles, in timed sequence to the movement of the articles. In this fashion, a coating can be applied to selected portions of the entire periphery of the head-shank junction. A method for applying a coating to the head-shank junction of externally threaded fasteners in an automated fashion also forms part of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use with powdered resin feeders that provide a continuous stream of powder to a plurality of spray nozzles for the application of powder to a plurality of work-pieces. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus converts a single powder stream into a plurality of uniform powder streams through the use of a multi-tiered system having dividers and receptacles that accurately divide a single powder stream into a plurality of powder streams. In another preferred embodiment, a double-ended stud having ends with differing break-away torques may be created by the device's ability to distribute different amounts of powder to the spray nozzles.

Abstract: A mechanism and process for coating tapped holes in specialty articles having varying external configurations, such as metal stampings. The specialty article is positioned in a preselected orientation at a loading station, and is then engaged by a carriage assembly and moved from the loading station to a heating station, and then to a spray and discharge station. During movement between stations, the article is maintained in the preselected orientation to allow proper heating and spraying of the tapped holes.

Abstract: A powder spray apparatus for coating threaded fasteners capable of operating at an optimum spray condition. Air supply and powder supply tubes communicate within an air/powder entrainment block. The jet diameter of the air supply tube is sized to provide an optimum spray condition at which a constant supply of powder is provided through a powder spray tube at an optimum powder density and velocity. These powder density and velocity conditions maximize the powder build rate on the threads of the fastener, and also increase production rates. The resulting coated fasteners exhibit a low torque scatter, and a highly uniform patch. A method for operating a powder spray apparatus at the optimum spray condition also forms part of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a powder stream to be applied to a work piece includes a powder reservoir, a mixing chamber, a powder metering valve, a transfer conduit, and a nozzle. The metering valve allows control of the powder flow from the reservoir into the mixing chamber where it is dispersed with and entrained in an air flow entering the chamber through an aspirating inlet. The air entrained powder is then conveyed from the mixing chamber via the transfer conduit to the nozzle. The nozzle includes a controllable gas flow input and a powder stream generating passageway configured and associated with the transfer conduit to generate a reduced pressure in the conduit and mixing chamber which draws the air borne powder from the chamber into the nozzle. One or more of the individual components are adjustable to control the size, configuration, thickness or other parameters of the coating on the work piece as a result of the applied powder stream.

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: An apparatus for coating an internally threaded fastener includes a support having a support aperture in axial alignment with an aperture in the fastener, a nozzle for applying a coating onto the internal threads located on the fastener aperture, means for reciprocally moving the nozzle through said support aperture and into said fastener aperture to align with the fastener threads, and means for maintaining the spray head in a stationary position within the fastener aperture while said reciprocally moving means continues through its reciprocal cycle.

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 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: 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.