Abstract: A self-drilling dowel is formed by a tubular member defining an axially extending bore. The tubular member has a leading end and a trailing end with a cutting head at the leading end. A spreader member is insertable into the bore for expanding the tubular member. A member, preferably a plate, is positioned within and extends transversely across the bore adjacent the leading end forming a closure. The bore closure member is spaced axially from the leading end and it is separate from the tubular member and is displaceably fitted within the bore.

Abstract: An expansion dowel consists of an axially extending dowel body with a spreading member at its leading end and an expansion member extending around the dowel body rearwardly of the spreading member. A helically arranged control cam surface is formed on the expansion member and faces toward the trailing end of the dowel body. A stop is formed on and extends outwardly from the dowel body and contacts the control cam surface. When the dowel body is turned around its axis relative to the expansion member, the stop rides on the control cam surface and causes the spreading member to expand the expansion member radially outwardly.

Abstract: In a foundation wall for a furnace, a fastening element is provided for securing a refractory lining on the foundation wall. The fastening assembly consists of a first part and a second part. The first part is wholly disposed within the foundation wall and a second part is secured to the first part and projects outwardly from the foundation wall. The second part is detachably mounted on the first part and includes a base plate and an anchoring element which can be affixed to or releasably secured to the base plate.

Abstract: In an explosive charge setting gun used for driving fastening elements into a hard target material, caseless charges are positioned in a magazine duct and are separated by spacers. A movable element in the gun picks up a caseless charge from the magazine and moves it into position to be fired. The movable member includes an ejector which displaces the spacer following the charge, from the magazine. The movable element can be a slidable barrel or a separate slide member. The ejector can be formed as recesses or cams on the movable element. The spacers are shaped so that they are not picked up by the movable element when a charge is moved into the firing position.

Abstract: In an explosive charge driven setting gun having an axially displaceable barrel and using caseless propellant charges for driving fastening elements into a hard receiving material, the firing chamber in the gun is movable between a charge loading position, a firing position and an ejecting position. The firing chamber can be formed in the barrel so that it is movable with the barrel, or it can be positioned in a separate member rotatable about an axis parallel to the axis of the barrel. An ejecting member is associated with the barrel and is displaceable through the firing chamber when it is in the ejecting position for clearing the chamber of any unfired charges or of the residue of fired charges.