Abstract: A tie device (1) is provided, for tying objects together, such as reinforcing bars (7, 8) prior to pouring concrete therearound. The tie device (1) comprises a pair of arms (2, 3) in a U- or V-shaped configuration, and has a hook (5, 6) at each end thereof. The hooks (5, 6) are designed to automatically interengage when brought together. An apparatus and method for tying the tie device (1) are also provided.

Abstract: A brake mechanism of a wire reel arranged in a reinforcing bar binding machine in which a binding wire 3 is fed from a wire reel 2, wound round reinforcing bars 7, and twisted by a twisting hook 8 so that the reinforcing bars can be bound with the binding wire, comprises the steps of: a brake means 11; and a brake lever 12 for operating the brake means 11, wherein the brake lever 12 is linked with a motor 9 for driving the twisting hook 8, the brake means 11 is operated by the brake lever 12 when the twisting motor 9 is normally rotated so that the brake means 11 is engaged with the circumferential edge portion of the wire reel 2 so as to apply the brake to the wire reel 2, and the brake lever 12 and the brake means 11 are reversely operated when the twisting motor 9 is reversed so that the braking operation can be released.

Abstract: A tieing device in the form of a wire element preferably made of spring steel consists of a straight piece of wire with an elbow and two hooks facing in opposite directions. The wire element is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and furthermore simple to apply. An apparatus for fitting the wire elements uses a particular oblique placement of a wire element magazine and two plungers, one of which displaces the wire element sideways and the other subsequently pushes one hook under one of the reinforcing rods.

Abstract: A frame containing a wire supply coil and a clamping and cutting shears actuated by toggle links connecting the arms of the shears to the frame. The pivot of the shears is attached to one end of a piston, the other end of which slides in a cylinder in the frame. A compression spring between the piston and cylinder tends to bias the piston away from the frame thereby applying a wire clamping force to the jaws of the shears through the action of the toggle links. A drag strut is provided to oppose the biasing force and open the jaws of the shears. The rotating shaft of a commercially available rachet spring return twister is attached to the frame. This twister converts a linear pulling motion into rotary motion thereby twisting the wire and making the fastener. Further pulling on the twister shears the wires.