Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for determining the adequacy of a shielding and an electrical connection of a male BNC to a coaxial cable. A dial indicator gauge includes a calibration member for calibrating the limits of a properly connected male BNC. A simulated female BNC is included with the gauge. The calibrated gauge is attached to the male BNC connection which then indicates whether the connection is within the allowable limits.

Abstract: An automatic fastener feeder is disclosed utilizing a rotating drum in combination with a pivoting track arrangement. Racheting apparatus is utilized to rotate the drum at intervals of time, which is initiated by an operator-generated demand for a single fastener. Gravity is utilized to drop individual fasteners onto and into the track arrangement. Up-and-down movement of the track arrangement provides for the axial movement of individual fasteners along the length of the track and into an escapement mechanism attached to the end thereof.

Abstract: Tool support apparatus for air- or electrically-driven power tools is disclosed. A unique ergonomically designed torque reaction arm is attached to a vertical support member at a lower portion thereof and substantially in line with the horizontal location of the tool which is used therewith. The torque reaction arm includes two or more telescopically-arranged individual support arm segments. A counterbalancing apparatus may be attached directly to the vertical support member to the upper end thereof.

Abstract: A gravity fed, track arrangement for assemblying orienting, and aligning a plurality of fasteners for use with an automatic screw feeding machine is disclosed. Inclined tracks having a space therebetween are provided with a pivotable stabilizing bar which bears upon the heads of the fasteners within the tracks. Vibrations are induced into the stabilizing bar and the tracks so as to assist gravity in urging the fasteners down the tracks and so as to continually act to maintain the alignment position of the fasteners within the tracks. Track purging apparatus is provided whereby any misaligned fastener is purged from the tracks.

Abstract: An escapement mechanism for an automatic screw feeding machine is disclosed. A rotor within a housing receives a fastener from a track feed arrangement and delivers the fastener to a delivery opening in communication with a conduit leading to the driver head of the automatic screw feeding machine. A cutout within the rotor is specially sized and positioned and the motion of the rotor is arranged so that no edges are presented which may cause the fastener to hang up or cause jamming of the escapement apparatus. A reed valve is used to open and close the delivery opening so that pneumatic apparatus may be used to drive the fastener to the driver head.

Abstract: Driver jaws for a driver head of an automatic screw feeding machine are disclosed. A pair of cantilever springs are oppositely disposed on a mandrel or housing. The springs are arranged such that the tips thereof form an opening therethrough which comprises the jaws for holding a fastener during the insertion process. The cantilever springs allow the jaws to open to permit the head of the fastener to pass therethrough after the fastener is fully inserted and to be released from the driver jaws. The cantilever springs permit an exceptionally small clearance spaced around the head of the installed fastener. The tips of the jaws spaced the movable portions of the apparatus away from the work surface so that marring or scratching of the work surface is avoided.