Abstract: A network design method proceeds by generating cycles, evaluating the economics of building rings on those cycle, and building any economic rings. Generating a cycle involves picking two endpoints between which two disjoint link and node paths are desired—the two nodes selected are thus nodes on the candidate rings. Once a cycle is generated, various combinations of OADM/ADM nodes on the cycle are tried, from rings using three nodes to rings using all of the nodes on the cycle. The network design method considers a sequence of SONET/SDH and DWDM rings on each cycle generated, and compares the cost of carrying demand by SONET/SDH rings, DWDM rings, and an alternative dual-hub benchmark architecture. The ring constraints such as maximum circumference are applied before ring costs are calculated, and rings violating those constraints are eliminated from consideration.

Abstract: A fastener feeding apparatus which is adapted for concurrently feeding a plurality of fasteners to respective driving machines, and wherein the fasteners are fed from a vibratory hopper along a single delivery chute to a slide assembly. Upon movement of the slide assembly in a loading direction, the fasteners are loaded into individual slots on the slide assembly, and upon return movement of the slide assembly to a dump position, the loaded fasteners are concurrently released into respective discharge tubes which lead to the fastener driving devices.

Abstract: A fastener introduced into the barrel of the apparatus is received by a movable fastener retainer. The fastener is moved by a fastener positioning member to a ready to drive position prior to being driven from the outlet of the apparatus by a driver member. The shank of fastener in its ready to drive position extends generally parallel to the central axis of the barrel and its pointed free end preferably is adjacent the barrel outlet. A complete cycle of operation of the apparatus ensues in response to operator movement of a trigger of the apparatus.

Abstract: A fastener driving apparatus is disclosed and which includes a fastener driving device into which fasteners are sequentially introduced from a feed assembly. The driving device incorporates a control member which regulates the timing of the introduction of fasteners into the device, and which also limits longitudinal and rotative relative movement between fixed and movable concentric, slotted barrel members of the device. The control member is mounted by a pair of guide tracks, each having abutment surfaces at adjacent ends thereof, for longitudinal movement into and out of engagement with the abutment surfaces and the actuating lever of a control switch.

Abstract: A fastener driving apparatus is disclosed which comprises a vibrating feed hopper, a fastener feed assembly for receiving the fasteners from the hopper and serially delivering the fasteners to a discharge tube which leads to an automatic screwdriver. The fastener feed assembly comprises a body member which mounts a slide for transverse sliding movement between a first position wherein the fastener is received in a notch in the slide, and a second position where the fastener is delivered to a discharge opening which leads to the discharge tube and to the screwdriver. A first air line system is provided for moving the slide toward the first or fastener receiving position, and for concurrently injecting air into the discharge opening to move a fastener previously positioned in the tube to the screwdriver. A second air line is provided for directing a stream of air into contact with the fastener at the second position so as to positively move the fastener into the discharge opening.

Abstract: An automatic fastener feeding and driving apparatus is disclosed which includes a vibrating feed hopper, and a fastener feed assembly for receiving the fasteners from the hopper and serially delivering the fasteners to a delivery line which leads to an automatic hand held driver. The fastener feed assembly comprises a body member having a slide for transverse sliding movement between a first position wherein a fastener is received in a notch in the slide, and a second position where the fastener is delivered to a discharge opening which leads to the discharge line and to the driver. The body member and the slide include an internal air line system by which air is delivered into the lower portion of the notch of the slide and into the discharge opening, only after the slide has essentially reached its discharge position.