Abstract: A reciprocating die roll forming machine for forming a pattern such as a thread form on the outer surface of a cylindrical blank includes at least one set of reciprocating dies operating upon the blank which rotates in place. The machine includes a slide and bearing combination to support the dies belt driven by a servo-motor controlled by a central processing unit. Mechanism is provided to deliver and position a blank for engagement by the dies. In one form, the machine includes multiple die sets to produce multiple parts during one die reciprocation cycle. In another form, the machine employs separate drive mechanisms to independently drive each die of a set.

Abstract: A multi-station, reciprocating die pattern forming machine (500), including a pair of parallel reciprocal slide members (502, 503) with spaced pairs of pattern forming dies (504) thereon reciprocal between an insert position and an eject position. Drive mechanism (505, 506, 510) reciprocates the die pairs alternately between the insert position and eject position. Mechanism delivers and positions a pattern receiving blank (600) to a pair of dies when in the insert position. Axial translation of the dies causes the dies to rotate the blank at a center of process and impart a pattern upon the blank. Servo-motors on blank positioning mechanism provide feedback recognition of the position of the blanks during processing. The invention also relates to a method of patterning blanks.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for roll forming the face pattern onto a pattern forming die having a pattern receiving face, using an initial, and subsequent, pattern forming tool, each with a generally cylindrical pattern defining surface, by relatively and sequentially reciprocating and rotating the pattern defining surfaces and the pattern receiving face while engaging them and urging them to impress the pattern of the pattern defining surfaces into the pattern receiving face of the forming die blank.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for roll forming the face pattern onto a pattern forming die having a pattern receiving face, using an initial, and subsequent, pattern forming tool, each with a generally cylindrical pattern defining surface, by relatively and sequentially reciprocating and rotating the pattern defining surfaces and the pattern receiving face while engaging them and urging them to impress the pattern of the pattern defining surfaces into the pattern receiving face of the forming die blank.

Abstract: A multi-station, reciprocating die pattern forming machine (500), including a pair of parallel reciprocal slide members (502, 503) with spaced pairs of pattern forming dies (504) thereon reciprocal between an insert position and an eject position. Drive mechanism (505, 506, 510) reciprocates the die pairs alternately between the insert position and eject position. Mechanism delivers and positions a pattern receiving blank (600) to a pair of dies when in the insert position. Axial translation of the dies causes the dies to rotate the blank at a center of process and impart a pattern upon the blank. Servo-motors on blank positioning mechanism provide feedback recognition of the position of the blanks during processing. The invention also relates to a method of patterning blanks.

Abstract: A reciprocating die roll forming machine for forming a pattern such as a thread form on the outer surface of a cylindrical blank includes at least one set of reciprocating dies operating upon the blank which rotates in place. The machine includes a slide and bearing combination to support the dies belt driven by a servo-motor controlled by a central processing unit. Mechanism is provided to deliver and position a blank for engagement by the dies. In one form, the machine includes multiple die sets to produce multiple parts during one die reciprocation cycle. In another form, the machine employs separate drive mechanisms to independently drive each die of a set.

Abstract: A reciprocating die roll forming machine for forming a pattern such as a thread form on the outer surface of a cylindrical blank includes at least one set of reciprocating dies operating upon the blank which rotates in place. The machine includes a slide and bearing combination to support the dies belt driven by a servo-motor controlled by a central processing unit. Mechanism is provided to deliver and position a blank for engagement by the dies. In one form, the machine includes multiple die sets to produce multiple parts during one die reciprocation cycle. In another form, the machine employs separate drive mechanisms to independently drive each die of a set.

Abstract: A die for roll forming threads on a cylindrical blank includes a planar die body having a longitudinally elongate working face of sufficient length for the blank to make multiple revolutions across the face. A plurality of thread forming elements on the face. The thread forming elements are spaced apart longitudinally of the die working face an ever increasing distance, based on the actual rolling diameter of the blank with the spacing between the thread forming elements at the start end equal to the diameter of the blank and the spacing between the thread forming elements at the finish end equal to eighty-five percent of the final diameter of the thread formed on the blank. The thread forming elements on the working face of the die are equally spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the working face.

Abstract: A reciprocating die roll forming machine for forming a pattern such as a thread form on the outer surface of a cylindrical blank includes at least one set of reciprocating dies operating upon the blank which rotates in place. The machine includes a slide and bearing combination to support the dies belt driven by a servo-motor controlled by a central processing unit. Mechanism is provided to deliver and position a blank for engagement by the dies. In one form, the machine includes multiple die sets to produce multiple parts during one die reciprocation cycle. In another form, the machine employs separate drive mechanisms to independently drive each die of a set.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for roll forming the face pattern onto a pattern forming die having a pattern receiving face, using an initial, and subsequent, pattern forming tool, each with a generally cylindrical pattern defining surface, by relatively and sequentially reciprocating and rotating the pattern defining surfaces and the pattern receiving face while engaging them and urging them to impress the pattern of the pattern defining surfaces into the pattern receiving face of the forming die blank.

Abstract: An external surface for a fastener insert to be embedded in a component includes a plurality of spaced rings surrounding a embeddable shank of the insert. The rings define a plurality of waves. The ring height can be increased progressively from a distal end of the insert to the rings nearest the head of the insert, thereby providing a generally tapered outer configuration for the insert.

Abstract: An external surface for a fastener insert to be embedded in a component includes ridges extending along an outer surface of the portion to be embedded. The ridges include end-to-end projections that vary in width and height from one end of a projection to an opposite end of a projection. Wedges are formed in the surface between adjacent ridges.

Abstract: A bracket assembly is configured to secure a fuel injector to a mounting frame within a vehicle. The bracket assembly includes a single unitary main body formed from a single piece of stamped material. The main body includes a nozzle-engaging member configured to securely retain a nozzle of the fuel injector, and a fastener-engaging member configured to retain a fastener that secures the single unitary main body to the mounting frame.

Abstract: A die for roll forming threads on a cylindrical blank includes a planar die body having a longitudinally elongate working face of sufficient length for the blank to make multiple revolutions across the face. A plurality of thread forming elements on the face. The thread forming elements are spaced apart longitudinally of the die working face an ever increasing distance, based on the actual rolling diameter of the blank with the spacing between the thread forming elements at the start end equal to the diameter of the blank and the spacing between the thread forming elements at the finish end equal to eighty-five percent of the final diameter of the thread formed on the blank. The thread forming elements on the working face of the die are equally spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the working face.

Abstract: An external surface for a fastener insert to be embedded in a component includes ridges extending along an outer surface of the portion to be embedded. The ridges include end-to-end projections that vary in width and height from one end of a projection to an opposite end of a projection. Wedges are formed in the surface between adjacent ridges.

Abstract: An external surface for a fastener insert to be embedded in a component includes a plurality of spaced rings surrounding a embeddable shank of the insert. The rings define a plurality of waves. The ring height can be increased progressively from a distal end of the insert to the rings nearest the head of the insert, thereby providing a generally tapered outer configuration for the insert.

Abstract: A threaded fastener includes a shank having a tip and a head configured for engagement by an associated driving tool. The fastener is configured for use with an associated threaded opening. The head is disposed on the shank opposite the tip. The shank has a helical thread formed thereon. The thread extends from about the tip to about the head and defines a plurality of zones. Each zone has a plurality of individual threads extending 360 degrees about the shank. A leading thread in each zone is formed with a wave-form profile having an amplitude that is greater than the amplitude of each prior leading thread. In one embodiment, threads other than the leading thread in each zone do not have an amplitude as great as their respective leading threads. A fastening assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A molded hinge assembly is provided. The molded hinge assembly includes a male portion, a female portion formed unitarily with the male portion, a swivel shaft formed unitarily with the male portion, the swivel shaft including a plurality of channels defined along a rotational axis thereof. The molded hinge assembly also includes a plurality of molding gates formed at an intersection between each respective channel and the female portion, the female portion being subsequently rotatable with respect to the male portion after the molding gates are broken. During operation, the swivel shaft is friction fit within the female portion after the subsequent rotation of the female portion to break the molding gates.

Abstract: A nail has a head, a penetrating tip and a shank extending from the head to the penetrating tip. The shank has a circumference and a longitudinal axis. A plurality of rows of deformations formed as teeth are formed in the shank extending outwardly of the shank. The rows are formed in a spiral pattern along the length of the shank from about the head to about the penetrating tip. The rows of teeth are formed parallel to one another and formed at an angle of at least 50 degrees relative to a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the nail.

Abstract: A push/push latch designed to operate in high and low g-force situations, which may be mounted horizontally or vertically. The latch includes a latch body, a track, a housing surrounding the track and latch body, a follower with a pin that moves in the track to actuate the push/push latch. The invention also includes a hammer that repositions when a g-force is applied to the latch to stop the movement of the track body thus preventing the latch from opening during a g-force situation such as a vehicle crash. The hammer may be connected to the housing or to the latch body.