Abstract: The present invention is directed to a retention element for retaining first and second components in assembled relationship. The first component comprises a body having first and second external surfaces and an inner wall defining an aperture extending through the body, and the second component comprises a longitudinal member having a size and configuration to permit insertion within said aperture to thereby assemble the components. The retention element comprises: an elastromeric protuberance extending into the aperture from a base adhering to the inner wall to a distal edge which spans a portion of the aperture. The protuberance also has an inside wall and an outside wall which meet at the distal edge and together define a flexible free end.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of a fluoropolymer coating to the threads of an internally threaded fastener. The fastener has a body and a threaded bore extending to opposing ends of the body to define opposing first and second openings in the fastener. A conveyor moves the fastener along a path of travel with its threaded bore in a predetermined orientation. An obstruction member closes, the first opening, while a nozzle directs an air stream carrying entrained fluoropolymer powder through the second opening and into the threaded bore. The nozzle is stationary and is located at an axially displaced position relative to the second opening of the fastener and immediately adjacent the conveyor. A heating station heats the fluoropolymer powder to its melting temperature causing it to melt and fuse into a generally continuous film covering the fastener's threads.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for the application of a fluoropolymer coating to the threads of an internally threaded fastener. The fastener has a body and a threaded bore extending to opposing ends of the body to define opposing first and second openings in the fastener. The fastener is moved on a conveyor along a path of travel with its threaded bore in a predetermined orientation. As the fastener moves along its path of travel, the first opening is closed by means of an obstructing member, while an air stream carrying entrained fluoropolymer powder is directed from a nozzle through the second opening and into the threaded bore. The nozzle is stationary and is located at an axially displaced position relative to the second opening of the fastener and immediately adjacent the conveyor. Preferably, the nozzle includes a diffuser which directs the air stream and entrained fluoropolymer powder into the fastener bore in a diverging pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a thermoplastic powder to threads located in a bore of an internally threaded fastener having a powder supply conduit in communication with a powder source and a powder application conduit defining a first passageway having a powder discharge port and a second passageway having a powder inlet port located adjacent the discharge port which is in communication with a powder collection system. The powder application conduit is movable for insertion into and through the bore of the fastener and into engagement with the powder supply conduit. The engagement forms a nozzle which directs powder through the powder discharge port onto the threads of the fastener and retrieves excess powder through the powder inlet port for conveyance to the powder collection system.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the application of a polymer resin to a threaded fastener, where the fastener includes a cylindrical body and the threads of the fastener are formed in a bore extending diametrically across the body. The apparatus generally comprises a conveyor, a resin application station and a fastener orientation station. The conveyor carries the fasteners along a predetermined path of travel, and includes one or more fastener support members that permit the individual fasteners to rotate about the axes of their cylindrical bodies. The application station comprises a nozzle which directs a stream of the resin toward the travel path of the fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved method and apparatus for the application of powdered resins to threaded fasteners. In accordance with the present invention, the powdered resin handling system used to apply, collect, recycle and make-up the resin is generally enclosed; that is, with the exception of the application of the resin to the fasteners, the resin is generally maintained within conduit, housings or hoppers that are not open to the surroundings. This tends to minimize discharge of resin into the areas surrounding the fastener processing equipment and also isolates the resin from external environmental conditions that tend to degrade the resin over time. In addition, the present invention introduces fresh, new or make-up resin in a manner that assures intimate and thorough intermixing of the new and recycled resin while minimizing the cost and complexity of the equipment employed for that purpose.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved method and apparatus for the application of powdered resins to threaded fasteners. In accordance with the present invention, the powdered resin handling system used to apply, collect, recycle and make-up the resin is generally enclosed; that is, with the exception of the application of the resin to the fasteners, the resin is generally maintained within conduit, housings or hoppers that are not open to the surroundings. This tends to minimize discharge of resin into the areas surrounding the fastener processing equipment and also isolates the resin from external environmental conditions that tend to degrade the resin over time. In addition, the present invention introduces fresh, new or make-up resin in a manner that assures intimate and thorough intermixing of the new and recycled resin while minimizing the cost and complexity of the equipment employed for that purpose.

Abstract: A process controller and method employing a machine vision system for automatically and continuously monitoring and controlling the processing of coated fasteners, and for separating the fasteners into three groups of “good”, “rejected” and “purge”/recyclable parts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a thermoplastic powder to threads located in a bore of an internally threaded fastener having a powder supply conduit in communication with a powder source and a powder application conduit defining a first passageway having a powder discharge port and a second passageway having a powder inlet port located adjacent the discharge port which is in communication with a powder collection system. The powder application conduit is movable for insertion into and through the bore of the fastener and into engagement with the powder supply conduit. The engagement forms a nozzle which directs powder through the powder discharge port onto the threads of the fastener and retrieves excess powder through the powder inlet port for conveyance to the powder collection system.