Abstract: The invention describes a system (1) for changing sleeves (12) that can be pushed onto ink transfer roller cores (24) of a printing machine (23). This system (1) includes at least one magazine (2), which includes at least one sleeve mounting device (10, 11), in which the sleeve mounting device (10, 11) can be moved relative to the frame (6, 7) of magazine (2) and at least one travel device (3), to which the magazine (2) can be connected, and with which the magazine (2) can be moved in the vertical and/or horizontal direction, as well as a drive (19), with which a drive force or drive torque can be furnished to move the sleeve mounting device (10, 11) relative to frame (6, 7) of magazine (2). The fact that the drive (19) is a component of the travel device (3), which can be brought into effective connection with the sleeve mounting device (10, 11) of magazine (2), is new and inventive.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a cartridge for storing C-clips. The cartridge includes two lateral members and a lower member extending between the lateral members. The lateral members extend beyond the lower member by at least the thickness of the C-clips so that first one of the C-clips can be moved past the lower member. A saddle is movably connected with the lower member for carrying some of the C-clips. The saddle includes a slope for contact with the first one of the C-clip. Thus, the saddle is moved as the first one of the C-clips is moved. A pocket is connected with the cartridge below the saddle for receiving a pin. A pusher is put movably in the cartridge for pushing the C-clips. An elastic element biases the pusher. A shell receives the cartridge. A hammering device forces the first C-clip onto the pin against the slope.

Abstract: This describes a procedure for replicative fabrication and packaging of at least one microstructured molded part as one magazine/molded part composite as well as a magazine with at least one microstructured molded part as one magazine/molded part composite. The first step covers fabrication of at least one microstructured molded part using an initially closed tool which consists of at least one first and one second tool half. In the second step, both tool halves are opened, whereby the molded part remains in the first tool half. In the third step, at least the second tool half is replaced with at least one additional tool half. In the fourth step, the replicative fabrication of the magazine is carried out using the first tool half containing the molded part and the additional tool half. Finally in the fifth step, magazine and molded part are demolded simultaneously as one magazine/molded part composite.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool. A transfer station attached to the tool or the delivery tube transfers a fastener from the delivery apparatus into the tool, the transfer station being moveable between a first position in which an exit of the transfer station is adjacent to the tool so that a delivered fastener may be inserted by the transfer station into the tool and a second position in which it is clear of the tool so as to permit the tool or a portion thereof to move towards a workpiece to insert a loaded fastener. The delivery tube has wear resistant elements.

Abstract: An automatic rivet loading module which includes a pusher mechanism, a gripper mechanism, a mandrel receptacle, mechanisms for moving mandrels in the mandrel receptacle, and a tool activation device. The gripper mechanism receives a rivet, and a mandrel is moved through the rivet such that the rivet threads onto the mandrel. The gripper mechanism moves out of the way while the pusher mechanism pushes the mandrel down. The pusher mechanism then retracts, and the gripper mechanism closes and is ready to receive another rivet. This process is repeated until the mandrel is full of rivets. The mandrel receptacle is rotatable such that the loaded mandrel swings to a position under the tool activation device to be loaded into a rivet tool. As the loaded mandrel is swung under the tool activation block, a new mandrel is swung under the gripper mechanism, in position for loading with rivets.

Abstract: The buffer arrangement according to the invention comprises a slide path (6) for a workpiece carrier (3). Preferably, the slide path (6) is coil-like wound and supported on a central column (15). The slide path (6) comprises preferably at least one slide track (7, 8) and possibly one or several guide tracks (9, 10). The workpiece carriers (3) slide on the slide tracks (7, 8) preferably with the front sides of the centering and clamping bolts disposed on the slide tracks (7, 8).

Abstract: A set head for setting clip nuts on workpieces by means of pushing, having at least one channel embodied in the set head, which (channel) ends at one front end of the set head in an output or mounting opening, with which the set head can be positioned for setting the clip nuts on workpieces.

Abstract: A new and improved fastening system for attaching relatively thin-gauge sheet metal members, such as, for example 14-25 gauge sheet metal members, wherein the power output parameters of the power tool are controlled such that when the driver blade member of the power tool acts upon each one of the brad-type nail fasteners, the brad-type nail fasteners will attain a predetermined velocity value, such as, for example, within the velocity range of 1000-2500 in/sec. Any one of various different types of power tools may be employed, and in addition, various geometrical characteristics of each brad-type fastener are important, such as, for example, the tip geometry, the aspect ratio A/R of the shank member of the fastener, and the use of an adhesive or painted coating upon the external surface areas of the shank member of the fastener. The fasteners preferably comprise dual-width fasteners which exhibit enhanced pull-out resistance values.

Abstract: An apparatus for confining in a fastening member articles resting on a surface including a housing with a cavity for holding an open fastening device and a control arm linked to first and second members, the control arm being movable between a start position and an end position to successively actuate the first and second members. The first member is adapted to contain and lift the article into position to await delivery of the open fastening device and the second member is adapted to deliver the open fastening device to the article and to close the fastening device to confine the article. In one important embodiment, the first member is also adapted to raise the apparatus away from the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning inserts in a rotating receptacle. The apparatus includes a magazine for holding a plurality of inserts. An insertion arm is provided for positioning inserts within the receptacle. The insertion arm has a first end and a second end, wherein the second end comprises an insert receiving structure. A first linear actuation device moves the insertion arm between a first linear position and a second linear position. In the first linear position, the insert receiving structure picks an insert from the magazine. A second linear actuation device is connected to the insert receiving structure. When the insertion arm is in the second position, the second linear actuation device causes the insert receiving structure to rotate from about 0° to about 90° to position the insert within the receptacle.

Abstract: This describes a procedure for replicative fabrication and packaging of at least one microstructured molded part as one magazine/molded part composite as well as a magazine with at least one microstructured molded part as one magazine/molded part composite. The first step covers fabrication of at least one microstructured molded part using an initially closed tool which consists of at least one first and one second tool half. In the second step, both tool halves are opened, whereby the molded part remains in the first tool half. In the third step, at least the second tool half is replaced with at least one additional tool half. In the fourth step, the replicative fabrication of the magazine is carried out using the first tool half containing the molded part and the additional tool half. Finally in the fifth step, magazine and molded part are demolded simultaneously as one magazine/molded part composite.

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 pinch grip hanger mechanism dispenses pinch grip hangers, one at a time, and then opens the pinch grips for insertion of a garment. The insertion of a garment triggers the closing of the pinch grips, and reciprocation of a hanger feed push plate to dispense another hanger. The device may also automatically attach size indicia to the hanger as the hanger is dispensed. The closing of the pinch grips is initiated by safety triggers, which are triggered by insertion of a garment. This provides a safety feature for the device, since the operator needs to use both hands to hold the garment taut for insertion. Thus, both hands are away from the device at the time the pinch grips are opened and closed.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge is provided, in which the mating of the lower half and the upper half can be easily performed and which is applicable to automated assembly, when the magnetic tape cartridge having a sliding door is assembled. The rib projects from the upper section of the first guide wall in the direction of the opposite second guide wall. On the other hand, the groove, which faces the rib, is carved on the inner side surface of the sliding door. The rib engages with the groove, thereby restricting the vertical displacement of the sliding door. Also, the engagement of the rib and the groove guides the sliding door in the guide channel freely.

Abstract: There are provided with a ball given quantity supply apparatus for supplying a given quantity of balls to an apparatus using a given quantity of balls such as a bearing, a ball screw and a linear guide, and a method and apparatus for assembling a ball screw apparatus for use in a feed mechanism employed in various machines.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly device for microcomponents that are disposed in a magazine. The inventive assembly device does not require any optical systems and allows for an exact positioning of the microcomponents. The assembly will also be unaffected by any position changes of the microcomponents caused by wastage. The assembly device is provided with mechanical alignment devices that engage with or act upon adjustment structures of the magazine. The assembly device further comprises clamping devices for fixing the magazine and at least one plunger for ejecting at least one microcomponent from the magazine. An assembly platform is provided in the upper tool or in the lower tool of the assembly device and receives the microcomponents in a defined position. The invention further relates to a method for assembling microcomponents and to a corresponding magazine.

Abstract: A riveting system for hammering a set of nails along a path having a rotatable upper table with a plurality of riveting mechanisms positioned along a plurality of radii on the upper table and a lower table having a plurality of upset members positioned along a plurality of radii on the lower table.

Abstract: A device for loading a rivet and the like in a rivet holder belt which can continuously and securely load a large number of rivets and the like to the rivet holder belt includes: a hopper 11 for storing the rivets and the like at random; a chute 14 which is continuous from the hopper 11 to guide the rivets and the like that are contained in the hopper 11 to a delivery position of a rivet wheel 15; the rivet wheel 15 which rotates to receive the rivets and the like from the lower end of the chute 14 and store them one by one in each of plural grooves 29 that are formed in the rims of flange bodies; a pushing member 42 which is provided to face the circumference of the rivet wheel 15 to push the rivets and the like resting in the grooves 29 of the rivet wheel 15 into holding notches 37 of a rivet holder belt 36 that is guided along the rivet wheel 15; and a sprocket 35 which is provided in a trunk 27 of the rivet wheel 15 and feeds the rivet holder belt 36 while engaging with engagement holes 38 that are opened

Abstract: An automatic rivet loading module which includes a pusher mechanism, a gripper mechanism, a mandrel receptacle, mechanisms for moving mandrels in the mandrel receptacle, and a tool activation device. The gripper mechanism receives a rivet, and a mandrel is moved through the rivet such that the rivet threads onto the mandrel. The gripper mechanism moves out of the way while the pusher mechanism pushes the mandrel down. The pusher mechanism then retracts, and the gripper mechanism closes and is ready to receive another rivet. This process is repeated until the mandrel is full of rivets. The mandrel receptacle is rotatable such that the loaded mandrel swings to a position under the tool activation device to be loaded into a rivet tool. As the loaded mandrel is swung under the tool activation block, a new mandrel is swung under the gripper mechanism, in position for loading with rivets.

Abstract: The machine includes a movable carriage (5) carrying an application gun (8) filled with pins for application, which is movable above a work station composed of a table (1) carrying an endless belt (2). The machine is provided with a rack (10) for storing a plurality of guns (8) pre-filled with pins, which rack can be accessed by a gripping holder (7) carried by the carriage (5). A detector mounted on the gun can ascertain the absence of a pin in the frame at the application location and instruct the movement of the holder towards the rack.

Abstract: In an apparatus for inserting a handle part into a mold for blow molding a bottle, a pick-up unit includes a vertical backing plate, a clamping unit projecting substantially horizontally from the backing plate for clamping therebetween a portion of the handle part, and an ejector hole formed in the backing plate. A release unit is disposed at one side of the backing plate opposite to the clamping unit, and includes a plunger movable through the ejector hole for pushing the handle part away from the clamping unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fastening a first relatively soft structural component such as a wood panel to a second relatively hard structural component such as a steel angle iron using fasteners each having a forward self-drilling portion, a rearward, self-tapping portion, and an outwardly projecting head. The fasteners are driven by a pneumatic rotary impact driver and the method comprises rotatively driving each fastener so as to cause its self-drilling portion to drill a first hole through the wood panel and thereafter rotatively driving and impacting that fastener so as to cause its self-drilling portion to drill a second hole in the angle iron and its self-tapping portion to form a screw connection with the angle iron around the second hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screw gun including a driving unit fitted with a slidable cartridge holder adapted for receiving and indexing a separate cartridge containing a plurality of screws. The invention further relates to the replaceable cartridge containing the plurality of screws for use in a screw gun. The invention allows for the loading and insertion of a plurality of screws from a cartridge without requiring a worker to handle and insert the individual screws into the driver.

Abstract: An applicator for applying, to a plurality of sheets, spring-wire clips made of bent spring-wire having first and second end sections joined together by an elastically-deformable wire juncture section. The applicator includes a holder for holding a plurality of the spring-wire clips to feed them sequentially to a sheet-clipping station, with the wire juncture section facing one side of the station; a driving member at one side of the sheet-clipping station for engaging the clip and for driving the clip towards another side of the sheet-clipping station; and at least one deflector located to engage at least one of the end sections of the clip driven by the driving member. The deflector deflects the engaged end section away from the other end section to receive the sheets at the other side of the sheet-clipping station to be clipped by the driven clip.

Abstract: A system for installing fasteners into a workpiece. The system includes a fastener orientation system and an installation unit. The fastener orientation system receives the fastener from a fastener delivery tube and retains the fastener in a holding jaw. Specifically, the fastener is retained by a plurality of deformable fingers in the holding jaw. The installation unit is coupled to the fastener orientation system and operable to move laterally with respect to the fastener orientation system to provide a force for securing the fastener in the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for and a method of transporting sliders to the slider insertion area (27) of a slider insertion device (18). A first sensor (30) on a sender track (20) detects a lack of sliders (21) in the sender track. A signal is sent from the first sensor (30) to a controller (24) to actuate a vibratory bowl (14) of sliders (21), and a first solenoid operated plunger (34) thereby releasing the sliders (21) to the sender track (20). Air connections (38) pneumatically push the sliders (21) along the sender track (20) to a second solenoid-operated plunger (44). When a second sensor (46) detects a lack of sliders in the loading rack (26), the second sensor (46) signals the controller (24) to actuate a second solenoid-operated plunger (44) and a solenoid-operated pneumatic valve (48). The second solenoid-operated plunger (44) opens a passage and the pneumatic valve (48) opens to provide an air blast, thereby launching the sliders (21) into the feed tube (22) and onto the slider insertion area (27).

Abstract: A fastener installation tool that is configured to feed fasteners from a magazine assembly into a housing where one of the fasteners is aligned to a reciprocating tool bit. The fastener installation tool is configured to set the fastener into a workpiece such that the head of the fastener is spaced apart from the surface of the workpiece by a predetermined amount. A method for coupling a first workpiece to a second workpiece is also provided.

Abstract: A gasket singulation apparatus for separating one gasket from a web-connected stack of gaskets includes a mandrel for receiving the web-connected stack and an arrangement of cylinders which are used to support the web-connected stack of gaskets and to pull one gasket away from the remainder of the web-connected stack so as to singulate that one gasket. A first plurality of cylinders are used to support the web-connected stack. A second plurality of cylinders are used to pierce any connecting material between the gasket to be singulated and the remainder of the stack. Once the web material is pierced, cylinder movement is effected so as to pull the selected gasket away from the stack, allowing any connecting material to sever and thereby singulate one gasket from the stack. Once the gasket is singulated, various insertion mechanisms are disclosed for inserting the singulated gasket into a pail lid groove.

Abstract: There is provided a feeder device for a pick-and-place machine used to surface mount connectors on printed circuit boards. The feeder is designed for use with matrixes of connectors, such as pin headers. The feeders, with the proper conversion kits, can be configured to feed any type and/or size of the connector. Individual connectors are separated from the matrix by the feeder using a rotating clamping device. Preferably, the feeders are microprocessor controlled, use an edge conveyor to transport the strips to the pick point, and pneumatic cylinders to break each pin header from the strip.

Abstract: An electronic parts mount apparatus for taking out semiconductor chips from a semiconductor wafer held on a wafer hold section by a transfer head comprising a plurality of suction nozzles and transporting and mounting the semiconductor chips to and on a board has a parts recognition camera disposed in a manner that it can advance to and retreat from the wafer hold section for picking up an image of the semiconductor wafer. A parts mounting step for mounting a plurality of semiconductor chips on the board by the transfer head and an image picking up step for picking up a plurality of semiconductor chips to be next taken out by the parts recognition camera are performed concurrently. Thereby, the number of electronic parts per mount turn can be increased, the tact time can be shortened, and the electronic parts can be efficiently taken out and mounted on the board.

Abstract: A pinch grip hanger mechanism dispenses pinch grip hangers, one at a time, and then opens the pinch grips for insertion of a garment. The insertion of a garment triggers the closing of the pinch grips, and reciprocation of a hanger feed push plate to dispense another hanger. The device may also automatically attach size indicia to the hanger as the hanger is dispensed. The closing of the pinch grips is initiated by safety triggers, which are triggered by insertion of a garment. This provides a safety feature for the device, since the operator needs to use both hands to hold the garment taut for insertion. Thus, both hands are away from the device at the time the pinch grips are opened and closed.

Abstract: Methods for moving a device from an opened position to a closed position so as to enclose at least two relatively rigid articles. The device may include at least two members pivotally connected together at one end portion thereof for pivotal movement about a longitudinal axis and having locking apparatus at the other end portion thereof. Moving the device from the opened position to the closed position may include applying a force to at least one portion of the device.

Abstract: A fastener delivery and installation system is provided that comprises an end effector mounted on an automated machine and operable to drill a hole through a workpiece and insert a fastener through the hole, and a fastener feed unit operable with the automated machine to deliver the fasteners through the end effector and into the workpiece. Further, a hand-held tool is operable against a second surface of the workpiece and is aligned with the end effector. Once the hand-held tool is positioned properly, a magnetic field is generated and the workpiece is clamped to enable the end effector to drill a hole through the workpiece and insert a fastener therethrough. Additionally, a detector is located on the hand-held tool for generating guidance information to inform an operator where to move the hand-held tool so as to align the hand-held tool with the end effector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for characterising component carriers (100, 200, 310) provided with a plurality of electrical components (110, 210) to be fitted, and to a method for using one such device. Said device comprises at least one data carrier (150, 250, 350) which is coupled to the components (110, 210) to be fitted, and in which at least technical data of the components (110, 210) is stored. Said data carrier (150, 250, 350) can be detected and read by means of a processing unit, and is designed in such a way that it can store other technical component data, logistical component data and/or operating data of the fitting installation. It is thus possible to take into account all operating states of a fitting installation, defective components, defective fitting processes etc. during a fitting process in a fitting program, and/or to evaluate the corresponding data, and use it for optimising and improving the fitting process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for delivering electronic components, in particular SMD components, to an insertion unit. The electronic components are kept ready in the form of a bar unit. A control unit interacts with an actuating unit in each case arranged on delivery rails of a delivery unit, so that the assignment of the bar unit to a predefined delivery rail is made possible, by the actuating unit being brought into a locked position in which the delivery rail is blocked or into an unlocked position in which the delivery rail is released.

Abstract: In an apparatus for inserting a handle part into a mold for blow molding a bottle, a pick-up unit includes a vertical backing plate, a clamping unit projecting substantially horizontally from the backing plate for clamping therebetween a portion of the handle part, and an ejector hole formed in the backing plate. A release unit is disposed at one side of the backing plate opposite to the clamping unit, and includes a plunger movable through the ejector hole for pushing the handle part away from the clamping unit.

Abstract: A rubber ring coupling apparatus for coupling rubber rings with an object includes a ring cartridge and expansion elements. A rubber ring is held in an expansion opening located in the ring cartridge. The expansion elements are disposed into the rubber ring and expanded along expansion slots formed in the ring cartridge. Then the object is inserted into the rubber ring and the expansion elements are withdrawn from the rubber ring to let the rubber ring couple with the object. Thereby assembly labor cost and time may be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus capable of assembling a needle bearing. This needle bearing assembling apparatus is provided with a thrust unit adapted to sequentially feed rows of needles, an arrangement unit adapted to arrange the needles into a configuration corresponding to a hollow formed on an inner side of a roller outer race, and a device for firmly fitting the needles, while in the configuration, into the hollow on the inner side of the roller outer race.

Abstract: A tool for applying clip fasteners which are bent around thin objects to tie them together. The tool has a housing that presents a load opening through which the clip fasteners are loaded. A retractable clip follower is urged by spring action against the fasteners to feed them toward a receiver having a slot for holding the fasteners one at a time. A jaw mechanism operated by a handle is moved toward a fastener held by the receiver and initially bends the fastener about two elbow joints. After a jaw plate carrying the jaws reaches the limit of its motion, continued movement of the jaw mechanism causes the jaws to pivot closed and make a final bend at a center hinge joint of the clip fastener.

Abstract: A method and an implementation equipment for fixing an elastic clamp band (1) to the lugs (5) particularly adapted for re-current mounting of a flexible connection pipe (12) on a pipe system (13). An automatic dispenser (2) of clamp bands (1) is arranged to position each clamp band (1) such that its two lugs are externally accessible to be seized by the grips (9, 52, 103) of a hand tool for extracting and fixing (8, 50, 100) which are brought together to compress the lugs (5) of the clamp band (1) by external (11) separately controlled actuators. The tool (8, 50, 100) comprises elements for bringing together the grips (9, 52, 103)) freely and reversibly when the external actuators (11) are activated and elements for releasing them instantly or gradually at the desired moment with an external control (14, 123).

Abstract: A U-nut type fastener installation tool, for installing individual U-nut fasteners from a vertically stacked, nested, or collated strip or array of such fasteners disposed within a magazine portion of the tool. The vertically nested, stacked, or collated strip is biased toward the dispensing station or position by means of a spring member, and a wedge-shaped member is adapted to be driven between an endmost one of the nested, stacked, or collated fasteners and the remaining fasteners disposed within the nested, stacked, or collated array of fasteners so as to separate the endmost one of the fasteners from the remaining fasteners of the nested, stacked or collated array of fasteners and drive such endmost fastener onto the edge portion of the support plate or panel.

Abstract: A pinch grip hanger mechanism dispenses pinch grip hangers, one at a time, and then opens the pinch grips for insertion of a garment. The insertion of a garment triggers the closing of the pinch grips, and reciprocation of a hanger feed push plate to dispense another hanger. The device may also automatically attach size indicia to the hanger as the hanger is dispensed. The closing of the pinch grips is initiated by safety triggers, which are triggered by insertion of a garment. This provides a safety feature for the device, since the operator needs to use both hands to hold the garment taut for insertion. Thus, both hands are away from the device at the time the pinch grips are opened and closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting tuft assemblies through a mattress, with retention disks, comprising a mattress locking structure composed of: two walls, flat and parallel with a space for accommodating the mattress for compression; a first carriage, supported by one of the walls with a first disk feeder and a tuft insertion device; a second carriage, supported by the second wall supporting a second disk feeder; an actuator for the carriages; each one of the feeders for disks comprises a disk magazine that is supported on a respective carriage and contains disks arranged in stack acted upon by a pusher in order to keep a front disk of the stack in a pick-up position; and pick-up elements each with a transfer element, supported by a carriage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for closing for example the ends of a sausage that have been gathered to a tress, especially by means of a metal closing clip. The inventive closing device comprises a matrix (3) and a tap device (4) that can be displaced from a rest position in which they are located outside the space occupied by the sausage (30), towards each other into an operative position at the tress (32). A magazine (23) is provided in the path of displacement of the tappet (13) and can be filled with closing clips that are continuously fed. Said stationary magazine (23) interferes with the advance path of the tappet (13) close to the delivery opening of the tappet device (4) only when said tappet device (4) is in the rest position, thereby requiring only a short travel of the pneumatic cylinder. The clip magazine does not have to travel to the operative position of the tappet device.

Abstract: An apparatus for press fitting inserts into corresponding receptacles in workpieces includes a press comprising a ram and a backup tool spaced from the ram. An insertion tool is alignable between the ram and the backup tool. An insert magazine feeds inserts to the insertion tool. A workpiece positioner sequentially moves each workpiece through receiving positions that align the receptacles with the insertion tool between the ram and the backup tool. The ram repeatedly engages the insertion tool to press fit an insert into each of the corresponding receptacles. The backup tool supports the workpiece against the force of press-fit insertion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for fabricating a needle assembly which includes a blunt in a cannula of a needle. In one example of a method, at least one blunt is collected in a cutout of a blade from a set of blunts and a fluid is passed across said cutout. Any further blunts around the cutout are dislodged by the fluid, leaving only one blunt on the blade. In another example of a method, a blade is moved to a first position to collect at least one blunt from a set of blunts, and the blade is moved to a second position to singulate the one blunt from the set of blunts; the blade has a tip end which is designed to capture securely only one blunt, wherein any further blunts are not securely maintained in the tip end. An exemplary apparatus includes a container for holding a set of blunts, a motor, and a blade coupled to the motor and disposed at least partially within a slot of said container. The blade includes a tip end which is designed to capture securely only one blunt.

Abstract: Improved drilling and pinning machines and methods for processing elongate flexible e.g. rubber strips of seal material for forming seals about openings. The machines and methods form precisely positioned holes in the rubber strip, and insert pins in the holes. Opposing ends of the pins are ultimately received in cooperating holes in the opening, mounting the seal strip to the opening. Machines and methods of the invention temporarily fix a strip or portion of the seal material to a rigid component of the machine. While the seal material is fixedly held, first and second holes are formed in general alignment with the length of the strip, or a subsequent hole is formed wherein location of the subsequent hole is based on location of a previously-formed hole. The formed holes and/or inserted pins are automatically inspected. The inspection information is forwarded to, and used by, the machine controller.

Abstract: A portable roof panel structure assembly mechanism that may be transported to a construction site and that is used to automatically assemble roof panel structures at the site. The assembly mechanism includes a purlin feeder, subpurlin clamping mechanisms and feeders, and a diaphragm feeder. The purlin feeder lifts a purlin into position, and advances the purlin into an assembly station. The subpurlin feeders insert a subpurlin into each of a plurality of subpurlin clamping mechanisms, and the clamping mechanisms advance into the assembly station and hold the subpurlins against the section of the purlin that has been advanced. The diaphragm feeder places a diaphragm onto the subpurlins and the purlin at the assembly station. The components are attached by automatic nailers.

Abstract: A part supply device comprises a robot device, a part supply unit installed onto a head member of the robot device, a reciprocating supply rod arranged in the part supply unit, a holding means for holding a part arranged at a front end of the supply rod, and a part supply passage extending from a part feeder and exits near by the front end of the supply rod.

Abstract: A feed head has a delivery path along which nuts are fed to a pressing station in the feed head, the pressing station having a pressing die which is reciprocated transversely to the delivery path under the action of a press to fasten a nut to a sheet metal member. A cam is provided to reciprocate the pressing die manually to facilitate clearance of blockages in the feed head, and also to hold the pressing die in its lowered position to allow operation of the press without operating the die. A sensor for detecting nuts at the pressing station is positioned on the end of the delivery path, enabling a narrower feed head design. An electrical coupling and nut delivery tube are integrated to facilitate connection in confined spaces.