Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a fastener such as a snap closure composed of a first fastener member and a second fastener member to be combined together through a web-like material such as a fabric therebetween, includes a lower pocket mechanism for supporting the second fastener member thereon, a punch mechanism movable toward the lower pocket mechanism for fixing the first fastener member to the second fastener member with the web-like material interposed therebetween, and an upper pocket mechanism for supporting the first fastener member, the upper pocket mechanism being movable toward the lower pocket mechanism and having means for centering the first fastener member in alignment with the second fastener member. A safety mechanism is operatively coupled with the upper pocket mechanism for actuating the punch mechanism only when the upper pocket mechanism reaches a predetermined position with respect to the lower pocket mechanism.

Abstract: In the operation of punching a performed stop blank onto a pair of coupled fastener stringers placed over a stationary die, a sensor is provided which moves up and down over the die to sense mechanically the presence of any foreign matter such as the operator's fingers between the punch and die. The punch is permitted to descend fully onto the stringers on the die only after the sensor has completed its downward stroke. In the apparatus of the invention the up-and-down motion of the punch is effected as by an air cylinder via a lever, and the sensor is coupled to another lever which is spring loaded to follow the motion of the punch lever, in such a manner that the sensor travels faster than the punch. Limit switches are employed to prevent the full descent of the punch where necessary.

Abstract: There is disclosed a slider fitting and end stop applying machine wherein a combination unit includes an end stop anvil mounted on an arm and a slider jig supported by a support member. The arm and the support member are mounted for pivotal movement about respective axes which are spaced apart laterally from one another. The arm and the support member are operatively interlocked in crossing relation, so that the anvil and the jig move automatically toward and away from each other during the travel between the slider fitting station and the end stop applying station. The jig is provided with means for automatically releasing the slider from the jig when the combination unit reaches the end stop applying station.