Abstract: A method for forming a work object including the steps of moving the work object, initially disposed in a first configuration, along a path of travel to a forming position; defining an outer boundary for the work object, disposed in a second configuration, substantially about said forming position; and expanding the work object, during moving of the work object along the path of travel, to dispose the work object in the second configuration in the forming position. An apparatus for forming a work object including a mechanism for delivering the work object, disposed in a first configuration, to a deliver position; a forming assembly adjacent to the delivery position defining a forming chamber dimensioned to receive the work object therewithin disposed in a second configuration; and a manipulating assembly operable to engage the work object in the delivery position and to transport the work object into the forming chamber to manipulate the work object from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: A machine for nailing elongated slats transversely on elongated stringers having a nailing station; a receiving station; a reversible conveyor extended between said stations; chucks on the conveyor adapted to grasp a plurality of stringers in substantially parallel relation disposed longitudinally of the upper run of the conveyor; a reversible drive for advancing the conveyor toward the nailing station in increments of stepped progression whereby corresponding spaced positions on the stringers are successively disposed in the nailing station; a mechanism for automatically placing slats transversely on the stringers at said spaced positions; a nailing mechanism for nailing the slats to the stringers at said spaced positions on the stringers at the nailing station whereby the stringers are interconnected in spaced substantially parallel relation; and a control for reversing the drive to retract the stringers and slats nailed thereon from the nailing station.

Abstract: A container assembling machine operable successively to form and insert first container components into second container components at an assembly station to form containers, the machine having as an integral part or as an attachment a second component ready station adjoining the assembly station; a second component grasping arm reciprocally mounted on the machine for movement between the ready station and the assembly station; first component inserting members pivotally mounted on the machine in introducing relation to a second component in the assembly station; a container discharge arm pivotally mounted on the machine for movement through the assembly station; and a synchronous drive mechanism operably interconnecting the machine and the grasping and discharge arms for fully automatic sequential assembly and discharge of containers from the machine. The invention is suitable for embodiment in auxiliary attachments for existing container assembling machines.