Abstract: A self-feeding, self-aligning drill bit includes a working end with a cylindrical portion having a desired cutting diameter and a conical threaded portion extending therefrom terminating in a threaded tip. The diameter of the threaded portion increases from the tip toward the cylindrical portion such that it approaches the diameter of the cylindrical portion at their juncture. One or more flutes extend longitudinally through both the cylindrical portion and the threaded portion to form one or more cutting edges extending at an angle relative to the axis of the drill bit. The threaded portion may include one or more peripheral grooves staggered along the length of the threaded portion to provide additional cutting edges to reduce cutting torque. The threaded portion not only pulls the bit into the workpart but also the cutting edges thereof function to cut a preliminary hole and also cut apart the workpart debris to significantly reduce chip size.

Abstract: In a traverse rod assembly, a draw cord is trained around rollers at opposite ends of the rod with an intermediate portion of the cord also being trained around a tensioning device. The two opposite end portions of the cord are secured to a master carrier which is slidable back and forth on the rod from one end thereof to the middle of the rod. Each end portion of the cord is fastened to the carrier in essentially the same manner with a bight being formed in the end portion of the cord and around a finger projecting rearwardly from the backside of the carrier so that, upon progressing from the end of the cord, the leading end of the bight overlaps the trailing end of the bight thereby holding the trailing end of the cord against the backside of the carrier. From the bight, the cord is trained reversely through a wedge slot formed through the center portion of the carrier adjacent the finger and extends toward the roller at the adjacent end of the rod.