Abstract: A product display merchandiser comprising a track, a pusher configured to move along the track, a biasing mechanism configured to apply a force on the pusher in one direction along the track, and a distance sensor configured to detect the distance between the pusher and a fixed point. The distance sensor determines the number of products contained in the product display merchandiser based on the distance measured.

Abstract: A fastener drive and release system is used with a rotational driver to drive a fastener having a washer into a workpiece. The system includes a body, a drive assembly, a tool head and a release tip. The drive assembly includes a rotating drive portion with a first engaging member and a driven portion having a second engaging member. The driven portion reciprocates between an engaged position in which the first and second engaging members engage one another and a disengaged position. The driven portion includes a drive head to engage the fastener. The tool head is disposed at an end of the body, through which the drive head extends. The release tip is disposed on the tool head and has resilient fastener head receiving and force absorbing portions. The fastener is driven into the workpiece by rotational movement imparted to the driven portion.

Abstract: A compressible foam closure for roof panels includes a core having an elongate body defining a longitudinal axis. The elongate body has at least two opposing sides and defines a thickness. A plurality of slits are formed in the core, into the thickness, extending from the at least two opposing sides toward the longitudinal axis. A thin, flexible, water impermeable skin covers the core. The slits can be formed fully through the core to form slices of the core that are stacked together.

Abstract: Fasteners are provided that include a head and having a head, a tip end having a tip, a first body portion having right-hand threads, and a second body portion having left-hand threads. The first body portion is adjacent to the tip end of the fastener and extends a first distance along a length of the fastener towards the head end. The second body portion is adjacent to the first body portion, and extends the head end of the fastener and extending a second distance along the length of the fastener towards the head end. The right-hand threads, and the left-hand threads, can have a thread angle ? of less than about 60°.

Abstract: Fasteners are provided that include a head and having a head, a tip end having a tip, a first body portion having right-hand threads, and a second body portion having left-hand threads. The first body portion is adjacent to the tip end of the fastener and extends a first distance along a length of the fastener towards the head end. The second body portion is adjacent to the first body portion, and extends the head end of the fastener and extending a second distance along the length of the fastener towards the head end. The right-hand threads, and the left-hand threads, can have a thread angle a of less than about 60°.

Abstract: Non-dimpling fasteners and methods of installing non-dimpling fasteners are provided herein. Non-dimpling fasteners can include a body including a first end and a second end, a tip at the first end of the body, a head at the second end of the body, a first body portion adjacent to the tip, a second body portion adjacent to the head, and a shoulder adjacent to the first body portion and the second body portion. The first body portion can have a first diameter and can include a first thread. The second body portion can have a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter of the first body portion. The shoulder can have an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the fastener.

Abstract: A self-drilling and tapping screw, the self-drilling portion of which is formed in two major operations. A cutting tip is formed on the tip of a screw blank by a pair of rotating circular saw blades in a first operation. A pair of flutes extending from the cutting tip to the threaded portion of the stem are formed by a second pair of rotating circular saw blades in a second operation.

Abstract: An improved fastener is utilized to provide a sealed connection between two or more members. The fastener includes a threaded metal shank having a head with a relatively large radially extending collar. An end portion of the shank head extends outwardly from the collar. A outer head or covering of polymeric material is molded around the metal shank head. The outer head of polymeric material engages a recess in the metal shank head to hold the polymeric material against rotation when fastener is tightened by applying torque to the polymeric material. The outer head of polymeric material includes a stiff annular skirt which circumscribes the shank of the fastener. The skirt slopes inwardly toward the shank so that when the fastener is tightened, the skirt is pivoted or folded inwardly between the collar and the member to which the fastener is connected. This enables the skirt to provide a weather tight seal between the fastener and the member.