Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the application of a polymer resin to a threaded fastener, where the fastener includes a cylindrical body and the threads of the fastener are formed in a bore extending diametrically across the body. The apparatus generally comprises a conveyor, a resin application station and a fastener orientation station. The conveyor carries the fasteners along a predetermined path of travel, and includes one or more fastener support members that permit the individual fasteners to rotate about the axes of their cylindrical bodies. The application station comprises a nozzle which directs a stream of the resin toward the travel path of the fasteners.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use with powdered resin feeders provides a continuous stream of powder to a plurality of threaded or non-threaded fasteners. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus generates a gravity induced powder stream at the free end of a discharge conduit which is intersected by a series of fasteners carried on a conveyor. A vacuum nozzle is positioned adjacent to the powder stream and the conveyor. Both the vacuum nozzle and the free end of the discharge conduit are adjustably positionable relative to the path of the fasteners carried on the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the application of a polymer resin to a threaded fastener, where the fastener includes a cylindrical body and the threads of the fastener are formed in a bore extending diametrically across the body. The apparatus generally comprises a conveyor, a resin application station and a fastener orientation station. The conveyor carries the fasteners along a predetermined path of travel, and includes one or more fastener support members that permit the individual fasteners to rotate about the axes of their cylindrical bodies. The application station comprises a nozzle which directs a stream of the resin toward the travel path of the fasteners.

Abstract: A method for making a self locking internally threaded fastener and an apparatus for making such fasteners, in which the self locking characteristic is derived from a patch of thermoplastic material having a circumferential extent of less than 360° adhered selectively to at least a portion of the thread defining surface of the fastener.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vibratory powder feeding and metering apparatus that achieves the above-mentioned requirements. Generally, the apparatus of the present invention includes a housing defining a powder reservoir, a powder storage hopper having an outlet disposed to deliver powdered resin to the reservoir, a powder distribution block having one or more generally vertical fill tubes, a plurality of discharge ports extending from the reservoir to the fill tubes in the distribution block, and a vibration device to which the housing is mounted. Typically, the fill tubes are in communication with individual spray nozzles for transmission of the powdered resin. The housing also carries an adjustable barrier which serves as a dam to control or meter the flow of powdered resin into the discharge ports.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vibratory powder feeding and metering apparatus that achieves the above-mentioned requirements. Generally, the apparatus of the present invention includes a housing defining a powder reservoir, a powder storage hopper having an outlet disposed to deliver powdered resin to the reservoir, a powder distribution block having one or more generally vertical fill tubes, a plurality of discharge ports extending from the reservoir to the fill tubes in the distribution block, and a vibration device to which the housing is mounted. Typically, the fill tubes are in communication with individual spray nozzles for transmission of the powdered resin. The housing also carries an adjustable barrier which serves as a dam to control or meter the flow of powdered resin into the discharge ports.

Abstract: A self locking internally threaded fastener and an apparatus and process for making such fasteners, in which the self locking characteristic is derived from a patch of thermoplastic material having a circumferential extent of less than 360.degree. adhered selectively to at least a portion of the thread defining surface of the fastener.

Abstract: A self-locking fastener having a highly localized, substantially splatter-free patch, and an apparatus and method for making such a fastener. The invention finds particular application with very small, internally threaded fasteners, but can be used with a wide variety of other fasteners, as well.

Abstract: A self locking internally threaded fastener and an apparatus and process for making such fasteners, in which the self locking characteristic is derived from a patch of thermoplastic material having a circumferential extent of less than 360.degree. adhered selectively to at least a portion of the thread defining surface of the fastener.