Abstract: Present embodiments relate to a tie plate orientation device. More specifically, but without limitation present embodiments relate to a tie plate orientation device that orients tie plates in a desired orientation for subsequent feeding, including an optional handheld magnetic device for manual assisted manipulation of the tie plates.

Abstract: An inverter manufacturing cell includes a table including a base, a frame configured to receive a work piece, and at least one pivotable lift arm attached to the base and to the frame. The pivotable lift arm is configured to pivot relative to the base about at least one axis such that the frame and work piece rotate from a first, generally horizontal position to a second, generally vertical position. After rotating to the second, vertical position, the frame is configured to slide such that the frame and work piece further rotate to a third, generally horizontal position wherein the frame and work piece are inverted relative to the first, generally horizontal position.

Abstract: An automated pallet inspection station includes a frame, a transport system carried by the frame for transporting a pallet to be inspected, and at least one pallet feature sensing head adjacent the transport system for inspecting the pallet. The at least one pallet feature sensing head includes a downward looking pallet feature sensing head positioned above the transport system for inspecting a top surface of the pallet, and an upward looking pallet feature sensing head positioned below the transport system for inspecting a bottom surface of the pallet.

Abstract: A board removal apparatus for a wooden pallet includes a frame, and a carriage carried by the frame. The carriage includes a pair of spaced apart tables with a fixed gap therebetween. The carriage is movable between a pallet receiving position and a board removal position. The pallet includes spaced apart stringers and boards on top and bottom surfaces thereof. The pallet is positioned on the carriage when in the pallet receiving position so that a board to be removed overlies the fixed gap. A board removal assembly is carried by the frame and includes a push rod and a board removal foot pad pivotally coupled thereto. The push rod and the board removal foot pad are inserted between adjacent stringers when the carriage is in the board removal position. The board removal foot pad overlies at least a portion of the board to be removed and overlies at least a portion of the fixed gap between the pair of spaced apart tables.

Abstract: Tool having a body and at least one jamb-securing finger can be used to install a pre-hung door. The body can be removably attached to a building component about a door opening such as a 2×4, with the finger(s) for holding a jamb component of the pre-hung door. The tool may be intrinsically adjustable. A kit may include the tool, a fastener and/or a spacer.

Abstract: An automated pallet inspection and repair apparatus includes an inspection station and a repair station. The inspection station includes a laser that illuminates a pallet, a camera that collects the reflected light and a computer system. The computer system analyzes the output of the camera and acquires the pallet's geometry and topography. The design of the pallet is determined by the computer software. A decision to repair the pallet is made by comparing the acquired pallet data against the design criteria. If the pallet needs repair, a recipe of repair steps is constructed by inspecting each of the pallet's elements. The recipe is transmitted to the automated repair station.

Abstract: A multi-step method to repair damaged wooden pallets includes in a first step, the connector members of the pallet element to be replaced are cut through by means of a band saw and then removed. In a subsequent step, both the partially disassembled pallet as well the new pallet elements are transferred into an assembly station, where the new pallet elements are attached to the pallet from the top side. Preferably, damaged bottom parts of the pallet are removed as a module Before the replacement module is attached, preferably the position of the connector elements still present in a top deck board member is electronically scanned, such that the new connector members can be applied in a position offset to the existing connector members.

Abstract: A nailing mechanism for a packing plate comprises a middle feeding device, an upper feeding device, a lower feeding device, a first conveying belt, a second conveying belt, a third conveying belt, a first push panel, a second push panel, a plurality of first nail guns, and a plurality of second nail guns, wherein the nailing mechanism are used to automatically assemble a plurality of first, second, and third slabs together to make a finished packing plate, thus lowering production costs and enhancing manufacturing efficiency.

Abstract: A pallet nail press for embedding outwardly extended fasteners of a pallet, particularly a block-type pallet having a top surface formed by a plurality of top-deck panels. The press includes a main support frame and an anvil surface having a plurality of plates resiliently attached to the press frame. The hammer beam and the anvil plates are vertically aligned. A mechanism for compressing the pallet between the hammer beam and the plurality of anvil plates is used for pressing the outwardly extended fasteners against the resiliently mounted anvil plates for embedding the fasteners in the top surface of the top-deck panels of the pallet.

Abstract: The machine is designed to form pallets by assembling cardboard longitudinal beams (1) and transverse beams (2) comprising means for storage, feed and dosing of longitudinal beams (1) and with means for storage, feed and dosing of transverse beams (2), means provided at corresponding areas (4, 5) for placing the longitudinal beams (1) longitudinally edgewise and coupling transversally thereto the corresponding transverse beams (2), both being provided with complementary notches for assembling the same. The longitudinal beams (1) from the area (4) are displaced on rails (16) and are situated in the area (5) where the transverse beams (2) fall and are pushed vertically by a pusher (22) to assemble the transverse beams (2) onto the longitudinal beams (1) previously and appropriately placed in the area.

Abstract: A scuffing device (30) arranged to impart texture to a plastic pallet surface (12) having a plurality of cutting members (34) axially aligned and mounted adjacent each other, the cutting members (34) having radial toothed edges for cutting into and imparting texture to the plastic pallet surface upon rotating engagement therewith. The device further having a shaft upon which the cutting members are mounted for providing rotational movement to the cutting members.

Abstract: A block attacher for attaching blocks to slats as stringers for pallets includes a slat dispenser disposed to dispense individual slats to a slat driver, the slat driver being selectively positionable. A first block dispenser dispenses a block to an assembly station where a position fixture is disposed to operatively cooperate with the slat driver and the block dispenser to position the dispensed block abutting the individual slat when the slat driver is in a first selected position. At least one other position fixture is disposed to operatively cooperate with the slat driver to position a second dispensed block abutting the individual slat when the slat driver is in a second selected position. The subsequent blocks may be dispensed by the same block dispenser as the first block, or by different dispensers.

Abstract: An apparatus for building pallets comprises a jig frame adapted to maintain a plurality of deck boards in deck board locations on top of a plurality of stringers in parallel stringer locations. A gantry frame is mounted above the jig frame and a plurality of nailing guns is mounted on the gantry frame. The gantry frame is movable with respect to the jig frame to position and operate the nailing guns to nail deck boards to stringers. The nailing guns are mounted to the gantry frame such that they can move up and down with respect to the gantry frame, and the nailing guns are biased toward a lowest gun position. Each gun can move vertically so that when using uneven boards, all guns will fire.

Abstract: A truss fabrication system and method for use in fabricating trusses has a truss set-up table and a gantry movable relative to the truss set-up table for pressing connector plates into truss members. A wheel guide directs movement of the roller assembly relative to the truss set-up table. The truss set-up table has a substantially horizontal table deck having a side edge, and extension arms projecting generally horizontally outward from the side edge. A gantry press moves relative to the truss set-up table and is sized and arranged relative to the truss set-up table for pressing connector plates into truss members supported on the table deck and for pressing connector plates into truss members supported on the extension arms. The extension arms are spaced apart from each other along the table deck side edge to define work bays sized to permit a worker to pass into the work bay to the table deck side edge for manipulating the truss components on the table deck.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for at least partially disassembling a pallet, the pallet having a plurality of deck board support interfaces, includes providing at least one cutting device that is positionable at any one of the board support interfaces and selectively positioning the at least one cutting device adjacent a particular board support interface of the pallet. The particular board support interface is cut with the at least one cutting device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for moving a truss assembly from a truss assembly table work surface are presented having lift out rails movable between a recessed position beneath the work surface and a raised position above the work surface. A support element assembly is movably mounted to each lift out rail and has at least one support surface for supporting a truss assembly when the lift out rail is in the recessed position. The support element assembly is movable between an up position and a down position. In the up position the support surface is flush with the work surface of the truss table, the support element assembly in the up position when the lift out rail is in the recessed position. In the down position the support surface does not interfere with a truss assembly sliding on the slide mechanism of the lift out rail, the support element assembly in the down position when the lift out rail is in the raised position.

Abstract: A method of assembling a truss utilizing a truss assembly apparatus having a truss table with a work surface, the steps comprising: arranging at least two truss members on the work surface to form a truss in a first assembly zone; clamping the truss in the first zone with a movable first clamp rail having at least one flip-arm recess therein; and automatically flipping the truss from the first assembly zone to a second assembly zone by activating a plurality of flip arms, at least a portion of one of the plurality of flip arms movable into the at least one corresponding flip-arm recesses of the first clamp rail.

Abstract: An adjustable leg for a truss fabrication system used in mass production of trusses. The system has a truss set-up table and a gantry press movable relative to the truss set-up table for pressing nailing plates into truss members. The table is supported on legs which are readily adjustable in height even after installation of the table to maintain the table in a level orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the production of pallets (2), which are assembled from several base beams (4) and at least one load deck (3), which is folded to form a deck level (10) comprising essentially prism-shaped stiffeners in the form of deck projections (12), which load deck (3) is anchored to the base beams (4) in that the projections (12) are inserted into recesses (22) in the base beams (4), which recesses (22) have essentially the same shape as the outer cross-section of the projections (12).

Abstract: A device and method for severing fasteners securing deck boards to pallet runners. A band saw extends across a table recess. The band saw is spaced above the tabletop aligning the saw between the deck boards and runners. The recess includes stop surfaces enabling the pallet to be pivoted from a horizontal position through a vertical position and then to an upside down position while the saw blade remains within the pallet for severing fasteners securing the opposite top deck board from the pallet.

Abstract: A composite pallet includes at least two channels and a plurality of stringers. Each channel includes a U-shaped cross-section with an inward facing leg extending from each outer edge of the U-shaped cross-section. Each stringer preferably includes a lengthwise body and at least two retention members. At least two channel retention slots are formed on a bottom of each stringer. Each retention slot is sized to receive an outer width of the channel. Each retention member is attached to a bottom of a stringer in a single channel retention slot. At least one fastener is inserted through the junction of a single stringer and a single channel. A second embodiment of the composite pallet includes at least two channels with outward facing legs and a plurality of stringers with projections that are sized to receive the at least two channels.

Abstract: A pallet board removal assembly for providing mechanical assistance to remove any board of a pallet for replacement includes a frame having rollers forming a bed. A pair of jaws are pivoted with staggered distal ends to clamp and subsequently remove a selected board from a pallet. The invention further includes a board cushioning assembly to control movement of the removed board and an optional nail press assembly to drive nail stubble into the stringers of the pallet.

Abstract: A truss assembly apparatus and a method for assembling a truss utilizing the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a truss table having a work surface divided into a first and second assembly zone. The apparatus further includes first and second clamping assemblies for clamping the truss in the first and second assembly zones. The apparatus includes a flip-over assembly having a flip-over arm movable relative to the truss table for moving the truss from a first truss position in the first assembly zone, wherein a first truss face contacts the work surface, to a second truss position in the second assembly zone, wherein a second truss face contacts the work surface. The flip-over arm is movable between a home position adjacent said work surface and an extended position, wherein the flip-over arm may be perpendicular to the work surface. In another alternative, at least a portion of the flip-over arm may extend over the second assembly zone when the flip-over arm is in the extended position.

Abstract: A block attacher for attaching blocks to slats as stringers for pallets includes a slat dispenser disposed to dispense individual slats to a slat driver, the slat driver being selectively positionable. A first block dispenser dispenses a block to an assembly station where a position fixture is disposed to operatively cooperate with the slat driver and the block dispenser to position the dispensed block abutting the individual slat when the slat driver is in a first selected position. At least one other position fixture is disposed to operatively cooperate with the slat driver to position a second dispensed block abutting the individual slat when the slat driver is in a second selected position. The subsequent blocks may be dispensed by the same block dispenser as the first block, or by different dispensers.

Abstract: A pallet assembly device is disclosed that is configured to automatically position pallet components together and to automatically secure such components to each other. Furthermore, the pallet assembly device of the invention is preferably fed stacks of pallet components, and thereby eliminates the need for an assembly operator to manually position various pallet components in a jig or carriage. Yet further, the device preferably comprises a plurality of wheels that are positioned to simultaneously engage opposite sides of a pallet component and comprises a drive motor. The drive motor is preferably operatively connected to at least one of the plurality of wheels in a manner allowing the drive motor to rotationally drive and rotationally stop at least one of the plurality of wheels so as to move the component along an assembly path. A method of assembling pallet components using a pallet assembly device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bump bonding unit is disclosed including a novel storage, transport, and feed system for allocating trays that hold IC chips to various operations of the bump bonding unit. The bump bonding unit includes fist and second tray storage and feed apparatuses that transport trays from empty stacks to full stacks and vice versa, and a transfer head for picking up an IC chip without a bump formed thereon and moving the IC chip to a bump formation location, and for picking up the IC chip with the bump formed thereon and moving the IC chip to a storage location. The bump bonding unit also includes a bump forming unit for forming the bump on the IC chip. Each tray storage apparatus includes a carrier that moves vertically to position a stack of trays, a tray receiver that cooperates with the carrier to support a lowermost tray in the respective stack of trays, and tray holder to support and release a tray supported by the tray receiver.

Abstract: A truss assembly apparatus and method for assembling a truss utilizing the apparatus are presented, the apparatus comprising a truss table having a work surface with a first and second assembly zone. A first clamping assembly has a movable first clamp rail for clamping the truss in the first assembly zone, the first clamp rail having at least one flip-arm recess therein. A flip-over assembly has at least one flip-over arm movable relative to the work surface for moving the truss from a first truss position-in the first assembly zone to a second truss position in the second assembly zone, the flip-over arm movable into the flip-arm recess of the first clamp rail. The apparatus may have a plurality of such recesses and flip arms. The truss assembly apparatus may further comprise a second clamping assembly having a movable second clamp rail for clamping the truss in the second assembly zone, the second clamp rail having a flip-arm recess therein movable into the flip-arm recess of the second clamp rail.

Abstract: The method for boring and bolting pallets comprises filling an assembly jig located at a pre-boring station with the components to form an incomplete pallet; simultaneously boring the intersections of the incomplete pallet by raising a plurality of drills to the incomplete pallet, thereby creating a bored pallet; delivering the assembly jig containing the bored pallet form to a bolting table; and bolting together the components of the bored pallet form into a pallet.

Abstract: An apparatus for making pallets includes an automatic stringer feeding system; an automatic stringer advancing system; a pallet assembly station; a nail delivery system; and a pallet stacking system. Wood stringers are automatically fed to a series of hoppers which facilitate advancing the stringers into the pallet assembly station. Spaced apart deck boards are nailed, via a gantry movable along a longitudinally extending frame on generally parallel spaced apart linear guide bearings, to both sides of the supporting base of transversely positioned stringers in the pallet assembly station. Multiple nailing stations in adjacent spaced relationship include a pneumatically driven double ram for nailing together stringers and overlying deck boards positioned within the pallet assembly station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for boring and bolting pallets. The apparatus for boring and bolting pallets comprises an assembly jig for holding and maintaining the positioning of two or more main components, two or more cross components, a plurality of space support components, and a panel top component (collectively, components) wherein the assembly jig holds the components in proper position to form an incomplete pallet; a boring machine for simultaneously boring each intersection of the incomplete pallet in the assembly jig by raising a plurality of drills to the incomplete pallet, resulting in the assembly jig containing a bored pallet having a plurality of bores; and one or more conveyor systems for delivering the assembly jig containing the bored pallet to a bolting table wherein the components are bolted together into a pallet.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly line for automatically and continuously assembling vehicle components to a vehicle assembly. The vehicle assembly line can include multiple stations such as a component assembly station, module assembly station, fluid filling station, door assembly station, wheel alignment station, and brake test station.

Abstract: Truss table assembly for assembling a truss without manual flipping of the truss. In one embodiment, the truss table assembly includes two truss tables and two flipper arms. Each truss table has a worksurface that is configured to support the truss members as nailing plates are engaged to the truss members. The flipper arms are configured to flip the truss from a truss member first surface in contact with the worksurfaces to a second surface in contact with the worksurfaces so that nailing plates may be positioned over the truss member second surface and engaged to the truss members.

Abstract: An electrical junction box or mounting assembly includes a box having a top wall and a side wall. The side wall extends downwardly away from the top wall and defines a cavity therein. A fixture support is provided. A dimple is provided in the top wall, and the fixture support engages the dimple. The fixture support may be sufficiently smooth for preventing wear to plastic-coated electrical wire which engages exposed surfaces of the fixture support. A side mounting plate may be provided for attaching the box to the side of a support. An adhesive may be provided for securing the box to a support. A fixture support-receiving cavity not connected with the main junction box cavity may be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming re-enforced stiffening means such as panels for use in palletainers, re-enforcement being provided by ribs in which said ribs are shaped, folded and secured to a panel.

Abstract: A pallet assembly apparatus provides a conveyor having a plurality of carriers attached thereto. The conveyor moves the carriers along an assembly path in a downstream direction. As each carrier moves along the assembly path in the downstream direction, it passes first slat hopper, a set of stringer hoppers, a second slat hopper and then a nailer. Detents of the carriers pull the necessary bottom slats, stringers, and top slats as needed to assemble the pallet. The nailer fastens the slats to the stringers. Once the carrier moves past the nailer, the detents move to a resting position in which they are removed from the assembled pallet and the pallet is removed from the pallet assembly apparatus.

Abstract: A device for applying nailing plates to the ends of wooden ties includes a plate feeder for applying nailing plates to the generally vertically-oriented ends of a wooden tie horizontally disposed therein. The plate feeder includes a frame on each side for holding a nailing plate in a generally vertical orientation adjacent one of the ends of the wooden tie, a dispenser associated with each frame for dispensing nailing plates to the frame; and a piston on each side actuable to partially press a nailing plate held in the frame into the ends of the wooden tie. A tie feeder for conveys ties to the plate feeder. There is also a press for pressing nailing plates partially embedded in the ends of a wooden tie, into the ends of the wooden tie. A conveyor conveys wooden ties from the plate feeder to the press.

Abstract: The automatic pallet collar apparatus comprises a frame that has a fixed rail and a movable rail to adjust the width of the frame. A rotatable driving member is in operative engagement with the frame to move forward a set of wood members. A downstream cutting station cut the wood members into a precise length. The drilling station drills holes into the wood member and rivets are dropped into the holes at the rivet mounting station. A downstream turner station turns each wood member downside up and a hinge is positioned onto the rivets at the hinge mounting station. The rivets are then fastened to firm hold the hinge to the wood member. A suitable logo may be printed in the screen printing station and the finished pallet collar components are then stacked at the stacker station.

Abstract: A machine for inserting stringers into pallets includes a table assembly that establishes a horizontal working surface upon which a pallet can be placed and clamped in position. A carrier assembly that is movable in a generally horizontal plane includes an elongate trough into which a stringer can be placed. The trough carries a movable clamping rail that is adapted to clamp a stringer in the trough. The trough also carries a movable spreader bar that is adapted to spread deckboards a distance adequate to receive a stringer. The machine includes a hydraulic cylinder for reciprocating the carrier assembly toward and away from a pallet disposed on the working surface. The machine also includes a movable clamp that prevents a pallet from moving on the working surface. After a stringer has been inserted into a pallet, the spreader bar is lowered and the stringer is nailed in place. The carrier assembly then is retracted in preparation for another stringer insertion operation.

Abstract: A pivotal hold down arm for holding boards as they are being nailed by nailing guns to form a pallet. The nailing guns are carried on a movable gantry. Rollers are carried by the gantry for limiting the downward movement of the nailing guns.

Abstract: A device for driving nails in at least one selected nailing pattern into an arrangement of components is disclosed. The device includes a frame, a retaining means for retaining an arrangement of components to be nailed in the frame, a nailing means comprising a plurality of movable nailing heads for delivering nails in the selected nailing pattern to the arrangement, a nail delivery means for delivering nails to the nailing heads, means for causing at least one of the nailing heads to move in a direction transverse to a machine direction relative to the nailing surface during a nailing operation, means for causing the nailing heads to move in a machine direction and in an opposite direction relative to the arrangement of components and means for causing the nailing heads to move in a direction normal to a machine direction.

Abstract: A tool is provided for installing a positioning disk on a skid and the tool includes outer, intermediate and inner telescopingly engaged members with outer member including first and second ends in which tubular first and second abutment plugs, respectively, are removeably secured. One end of the intermediate member is disposed between the plugs and has a weight and impact sleeve secured thereabout for impacting with the plugs and the intermediate member projects outwardly out of the plug secured in the first end of the outer member and has diametrically opposite longitudinal slots formed therein through which the opposite ends of a diametric support shank carried by the inner member extend. The support shank ends are slidably received in the slots and have axial hand grips carried by the terminal ends thereof outwardly of opposite sides of the intermediate member, the latter also being rotably received within the outer member.

Abstract: A pallet nail press used to drive random fasteners extending from the pallet after repair and assembly has taken place. The pallet nail press includes multiple continuous feed and exit conveyors that pre-position individual repaired pallets within a press support assembly having multiple vertical lift beams below the conveyors. The vertical lift beams are driven by a lift bag assembly. In use, the pre-positioned pallet is lifted off the continuous conveyor and driven against correspondingly positioned anvil beams driving the outwardly extending fasteners flush with the pallet. Sensors activate positioning pins and lift bag air assembly in a selected nature, cycling the pallets through the pallet nail press.

Abstract: Method for transfer of a pallet from the slant table upon which it is made to a stacker or other location by using dual arms with endless chains thereon for moving the pallet after lifting the arms from a storage position just below an angled table surface to a horizontal position such that the upstream end of the pallet is raised. The pallet may be transferred by the chains to a starting position and raised and locked in a stack of pallets before another pallet begins the same cycle. The process may be made automatic by providing an air cylinder supplied by an air compressor both for lifting the upstream end of the pallet and raising the pallet into a stack of pallets and providing a duly connected limit switch for stopping the pallet where it is to be stacked.

Abstract: A semi-automatic, hand-operated, pallet building machine is disclosed wherein a gantry assembly is movably mounted to a pallet bed assembly. The gantry assembly is provided with an operator handle, a pair of roller assemblies, and a hinged, spring-retracted nailer carriage which contains a plurality of impact dischargable nail guns. The bed assembly is provided with adjustable slots and jigs for receiving, supporting and aligning the stringer boards and deckboards of a pallet. In operation, pallet stringer boards and top side deckboards are placed and properly positioned on the pallet bed assembly utilizing the adjustable slots and jigs.

Abstract: The invention is embodied in a plating apparatus having a pivotally mounted unitary c-shaped plating member including opposing arms joined at a bight portion. Pressing means extend between the opposing arms to force a splice-plate and a portion of a pallet towards each other. The pressing means includes a hydraulic cylinder powered by a two-stage pump that provides low-pressure, high flow during an initial run-out of the cylinder and high-pressure during actual impaling of the splice-plate into the pallet stringer. The pivot for the c-shaped member preferably extends from the center of gravity of the member to minimize unbalanced weight stressing the pivot pin. A holddown means is provided for holding a pallet against a pallet support member. The holddown means is likewise pivotally mounted.

Abstract: An automatic fastening machine where strips of covered fasteners (11) are fed from a reel 16 of fasteners into the rear of the fastening machine along a guide means (12) as needed. A fastener advancing means (13) intermittently urges the strip of fasteners toward a drive element (60). The drive element engages the top of the foremost fastener of the strip of fasteners to force the fastener into a work piece.

Abstract: A process for assembling vehicles having an integral body includes first mounting the components and subassemblies on an assembly frame and then moving them into position relative to the body of the vehicle so that connections can be made between the vehicle body and the components and subassemblies. After the connections have been made, the integral body with the components and subassemblies attached thereto can easily be lifted off the assembly frame. The assembly frame is easily adjustable to accommodate different types of vehicle bodies and easily holds the components and subassemblies in their proper position for connection to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A simplified apparatus for automatically inserting electronic components of different forms into printed circuitboards successively conveyed along a travel path which extends along a horizontal plane includes a feed mechanism for separately and simultaneously feeding different pluralities of electronic components of different forms to a pallet operative for separately and simultaneously receiving and conveying the electronic components to an inserting device operative for separately and simultaneously inserting the electronic components into successive printed circuitboards, each board in its turn.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a building module is disclosed and claimed. The building module includes a load bearing frame, preferably utilizing metal components welded together. The frame is produced in subsections, namely two portal frame subsections, a floor frame subsection, a roof frame subsection, and optionally cantilever section frame subsections. The various frame subsections are assembled with the use of jigs which monitor correctness of the appropriate components, after which the subsections are transferred to a final frame assembly site, where they are located on jigs which properly position same with respect to other subsections, after which the subsections are secured to each other to form a unified module frame. The frame is then lifted and casters or the like are removably secured to a lower portion of same, whereby the completed frame may be moved, preferably on a trackway, past a plurality of finishing stations where predetermined further assembly steps are performed at each such station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated frame assembly, particularly advantageous for use in forming furniture drawers, includes a first bin for storing drawer back portions, situated generally in an elevated position with respect to the rest of the machine, and a pair of opposed bins for storing drawer side portions in serially arranged fashion. A pushing mechanism feeds the drawer back portions one at a time into engagement with one of the serially aligned drawer side portions of each bin. The pushing mechanism, in the same motion, pushes the engaged back and side portions into engagement with a drawer front portion where the side portions are fastened to the drawer front and back portions. Glue is applied to the drawer back portions before they engage the drawer side portions and glue is applied to the drawer side portions before they engage the drawer front portion.