Abstract: A tape applicator apparatus is disclosed and includes a tape cutter mechanism and a (tape) puller mechanism. The tape cutter mechanism includes a first frame, a product tension mechanism coupled to the first frame, and a hot wire assembly coupled to the first frame. The hot wire assembly includes a first mount, a second mount, and a wire between the first mount and the second mount. The puller mechanism includes a puller frame, a grabber coupled to the puller frame, and a grab actuator coupled to the grabber. The grab actuator may activate a grab operation of the grabber. The puller mechanism includes a reach actuator coupled to the puller frame and the grabber. The tape applicator apparatus may be configured to receive a package between the tape cutter mechanism and the puller mechanism.

Abstract: A can guide system for a can carrier applicator apparatus with the applicator having a can passageway formed therein which is defined by vertically disposed first and second support walls. A first can guide is mounted on the inner side of the first support wall and a second can guide is mounted on the inner side of the second support wall. Each of the can guides are movably mounted in a recess in the inner side of the respective support wall. Each of the can guides have a can stop formed on the forward ends thereof. Each of the can guides are pivotally movable between first and second positions. When in the first position, the can stops prevent cans from passing thereby. When in the second position, the can stops are not in the paths of the cans passing through the can passageway.

Abstract: A pivotal pawl assembly for a can carrier applicator apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes spaced-apart and vertically disposed first and second support walls. The first and second support walls define a can passageway having a forward end and a rearward end. A vertically disposed spacer is vertically movably positioned at the forward end of the support walls with the lower end of the spacer being positioned above the lower ends of the support walls. The pawl assembly is positioned at the lower rearward end of the spacer. A plurality of stacked can carriers are positioned above the can passageway. A dispensing mechanism sequentially dispenses a can carrier which drops downwardly onto the cans. The pawl assembly not only limits the forward movement of the can carrier but also exerts downward force on the can carrier to seat the can carrier onto the cans moving through the can passageway.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating sidings and methods for securing those sidings to structures are disclosed. Additionally, this disclosure teaches embodiments of sidings that can be secured to structures. For some embodiments, the siding comprises an insulation and a panel. The insulation and the panel are coupled to each other prior to installation of the siding. This coupling is achieved by non-adhesive coupling mechanisms.

Abstract: A pneumatic fastener inserter and hopper for the same is disclosed for use in inserting fasteners into material being secured. The hopper comprises a rotatable drum which tumbles the fasteners therein into position so that the shanks thereof protrude outwardly between spaced-apart bars. The fasteners are discharged from a discharge opening formed in the hopper and are delivered to a magazine which is in communication with an entrapment apparatus which feeds the fasteners to a feed tube under pressure. The air pressure in the feed tube delivers the individual fasteners to the inserter with the fastener being positioned between pivotally movable head fingers which open to receive the fastener to position the same for subsequent insertion and which pivot to enable the fastener to be driven outwardly therefrom by a piston rod so that the fastener is driven into and through the material being secured.

Abstract: A wire bending device includes an upright frame and a wire feed hopper for dispensing wire rods. A wire bending section is mounted on the frame, and at least one transport arm is pivotally mounted on the frame, the transport arm operative to transport wire rods from the hopper to the wire bending section. The wire bending section includes a wire securement device mounted on the frame, the rotatable wire securement device operative to secure one end of a wire rod and rotate the wire rod about its longitudinal central axis and a wire bending unit movably mounted on the frame. The wire bending unit includes a wire bend head aligned with the center longitudinal axis of the rotatable wire securement device, the wire bending unit adapted to move on the frame such that the wire bend head remains aligned with the center longitudinal axis of the rotatable wire securement device.

Abstract: A pneumatic fastener inserter and hopper for the same is disclosed for use in inserting fasteners into material being secured. The hopper comprises a rotatable drum which tumbles the fasteners therein into position so that the shanks thereof protrude outwardly between spaced-apart bars. The fasteners are discharged from a discharge opening formed in the hopper and are delivered to a magazine which is in communication with an entrapment apparatus which feeds the fasteners to a feed tube under pressure. The air pressure in the feed tube delivers the individual fasteners to the inserter with the fastener being positioned between pivotally movable head fingers which open to receive the fastener to position the same for subsequent insertion and which pivot to enable the fastener to be driven outwardly therefrom by a piston rod so that the fastener is driven into and through the material being secured.

Abstract: A wire bending device includes an upright frame and a wire feed hopper for dispensing wire rods. A wire bending section is mounted on the frame, and at least one transport arm is pivotally mounted on the frame, the transport arm operative to transport wire rods from the hopper to the wire bending section. The wire bending section includes a wire securernent device mounted on the frame, the rotatable wire securement device operative to secure one end of a wire rod and rotate the wire rod about its longitudinal central axis and a wire bending unit movably mounted on this frame. The wire bending unit includes a wire bend head aligned with the center longitudinal axis of the rotatable wire securement device, the wire bending unit adapted to move on the frame such that the wire bend head remains aligned with the center longitudinal axis of the rotatable wire securement device.

Abstract: A pneumatic fastener inserter and hopper for the same is disclosed for use in inserting fasteners into material being secured. The hopper comprises a rotatable drum which tumbles the fasteners therein into position so that the shanks thereof protrude outwardly between spaced-apart bars. The fasteners are discharged from a discharge opening formed in the hopper and are delivered to a magazine which is in communication with an entrapment apparatus which feeds the fasteners to a feed tube under pressure. The air pressure in the feed tube delivers the individual fasteners to the inserter with the fastener being positioned between pivotally movable head fingers which open to receive the fastener to position the same for subsequent insertion and which pivot to enable the fastener to be driven outwardly therefrom by a piston rod so that the fastener is driven into and through the material being secured.