Abstract: The present invention is directed to an internally threaded prevailing-torque type self-locking fastener which employs a patch of fused thermoplastic material as the locking element and which satisfies the functional torque requirements of both IFI 100/107 (1987) and IFI 101 (1987). In accordance with the present invention the fastener comprises a metal body having a bore extending to its opposing ends, the bore having a threaded surface; a patch of polymeric material applied and fused to a portion of the threaded surface; and the fastener meeting the prevailing-torque characteristics specified in both IFI 100/107 (1987) and IFI 101 (1987).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the application of fluoropolymer to a preselected area of a threaded fastener, and particularly to substantially all of the threads of the fastener. The fluoropolymer is supplied to a spray nozzle in powder form and is subjected to a triboelectrostatic charging process so that individual particles discharged from the spray nozzle are electrically charged to between about 1×10−7 to about 3×10−3 coulombs per kilogram. In the preferred form of the invention, the fluoropolymer powder is triboelectrically charged, entrained in an air stream discharged from the nozzle and directed onto the preselected area of the fastener. In this manner a generally uniform powder coating is deposited onto the preselected area of the fastener while the fastener is maintained at room temperature.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an internally threaded prevailing-torque type self-locking fastener which employs a patch of fused thermoplastic material as the locking element and which satisfies the functional torque requirements of both IFI 100/107 (1987) and IFI 101 (1987). In accordance with the present invention the fastener comprises a metal body having a bore extending to its opposing ends, the bore having a threaded surface; a patch of polymeric material applied and fused to a portion of the threaded surface; and the fastener meeting the prevailing-torque characteristics specified in both IFI 100/107 (1987) and IFI 101 (1987).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an internally threaded prevailing-torque type self-locking fastener which employs a patch of fused thermoplastic material as the locking element and which satisfies the functional torque requirements of both IFI 100/107 (1987) and IFI 101 (1987). In accordance with the present invention the fastener comprises a metal body having a bore extending to its opposing ends, the bore having a threaded surface; a patch of polymeric material applied and fused to a portion of the threaded surface; and the fastener meeting the prevailing-torque characteristics specified in both IFI 100/107 (1987) and IFI 101 (1987).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use with powdered resin feeders that provide a continuous stream of powder to a plurality of spray nozzles for the application of powder to a plurality of work-pieces. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus converts a single powder stream into a plurality of uniform powder streams through the use of a multi-tiered system having dividers and receptacles that accurately divide a single powder stream into a plurality of powder streams. In another preferred embodiment, a double-ended stud having ends with differing break-away torques may be created by the device's ability to distribute different amounts of powder to the spray nozzles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the application of fluoropolymer to a preselected area of a threaded fastener, and particularly to substantially all of the threads of the fastener. The fluoropolymer is supplied to a spray nozzle in powder form and is subjected to a triboelectrostatic charging process so that individual particles discharged from the spray nozzle are electrically charged. In the preferred form of the invention, the fluoropolymer powder is triboelectrically charged, entrained in an air stream discharged from the nozzle and directed onto the preselected area of the fastener. In this manner a generally uniform powder coating is deposited onto the preselected area of the fastener while the fastener is maintained at room temperature. Thereafter, the fastener is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the fluoropolymer to thereby coalesce the deposited powder into a continuous film coating which adheres, upon cooling, to the pre-selected area of the fastener.

Abstract: An improved article having a retention element applied to a predetermined portion thereof. The retention element is a soft pliable resin based material that has pockets formed in it through the use of a blowing agent that has been added to the material prior to coating and heating.

Abstract: A mechanism and process for coating tapped holes in specialty articles having varying external configurations, such as metal stampings. The specialty article is positioned in a preselected orientation at a loading station, and is then engaged by a carriage assembly and moved from the loading station to a heating station, and then to a spray and discharge station. During movement between stations, the article is maintained in the preselected orientation to allow proper heating and spraying of the tapped holes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use with powdered resin feeders that provide a continuous stream of powder to a plurality of spray nozzles for the application of powder to a plurality of work-pieces. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus converts a single powder stream into a plurality of uniform powder streams through the use of a multi-tiered system having dividers and receptacles that accurately divide a single powder stream into a plurality of powder streams. In another preferred embodiment, a double-ended stud having ends with differing break-away torques may be created by the device's ability to distribute different amounts of powder to the spray nozzles.

Abstract: A mechanism and process for coating tapped holes in specialty articles having varying external configurations, such as metal stampings. The specialty article is positioned in a preselected orientation at a loading station, and is then engaged by a carriage assembly and moved from the loading station to a heating station, and then to a spray and discharge station. During movement between stations, the article is maintained in the preselected orientation to allow proper heating and spraying of the tapped holes.

Abstract: An improved machine and method for properly orienting two or more sets of parts having different lengths. An escapement mechanism and a length adjusting rod are employed in conjunction with a reciprocating shuttle block. The shuttle block houses a single orientor shaft and parts receiving nest. A sensing mechanism, preferably employing photoelectric fibre optic sensors, is used to control the flow of parts into and away from the orientor.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a threaded fastener having a discontinuous coating of a contaminant-inhibiting coating material. In a preferred embodiment, the threaded fastener is formed so as to provide a coated fastener with substantially coating-free crests. The article resulting from the fabrication method also forms a part of the present invention. The resulting threaded fasteners include electrically conductive portions, allowing use of the fasteners in fabricating structural assemblies using welding techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating internally threaded fasteners, particularly closed end fasteners, such as flanged weld nuts, which includes a powder spray arrangement, has a spray nozzle within a spray cylinder. The spray nozzle arrangement is actuated by an air cylinder to be in abutting relationship with a fastener seated in the spray position. The spray nozzle is tapped for the supply of air and for the supply of powder to the fastener threads. The spray block on which the nut is sprayed has a vacuum line that exhausts excess powder that does not adhere to the threads.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a resin coating to a plurality of discrete portions of a fastener, such as both internal and external threads. A conveyor supports a fastener. The fastener is first transported past a heater and then past a first powdered resin spray assembly. Powdered resin, supplied to the first spray assembly by a resin reservoir, is used to generate a first air-borne powdered resin stream which coats one set of threads with resin when the fastener traverses the resin stream. The conveyor also transports a second resin spray assembly through the first air-borne powdered resin stream. The second spray assembly uses a resin receiver to aspirate the air-borne resin. The resin is then used to generate a second powdered resin stream which coats the other set of fastener threads.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a resin coating to a plurality of discrete portions of a fastener, such as both internal and external threads. A conveyor supports a fastener. The fastener is first transported past a heater and then past a first powdered resin spray assembly. Powdered resin, supplied to the first spray assembly by a resin reservoir, is used to generate a first air-borne powdered resin stream which coats one set of threads with resin when the fastener traverses the resin stream. The conveyor also transports a second resin spray assembly through the first air-borne powdered resin stream. The second spray assembly uses a resin receiver to aspirate the air-borne resin. The resin is then used to generate a second powdered resin stream which coats the other set of fastener threads.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a powder stream to be applied to a work piece includes a powder reservoir, a mixing chamber, a powder metering valve, a transfer conduit, and a nozzle. The metering valve allows control of the powder flow from the reservoir into the mixing chamber where it is dispersed with and entrained in an air flow entering the chamber through an aspirating inlet. The air entrained powder is then conveyed from the mixing chamber via the transfer conduit to the nozzle. The nozzle includes a controllable gas flow input and a powder stream generating passageway configured and associated with the transfer conduit to generate a reduced pressure in the conduit and mixing chamber which draws the air borne powder from the chamber into the nozzle. One or more of the individual components are adjustable to control the size, configuration, thickness or other parameters of the coating on the work piece as a result of the applied powder stream.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a resin coating to a plurality of discrete portions of a fastener, such as both internal and external threads. A conveyor supports a fastener. The fastener is first transported past a heater and then past a first powdered resin spray assembly. Powdered resin, supplied to the first spray assembly by a resin reservoir, is used to generate a first air-borne powdered resin stream which coats one set of threads with resin when the fastener traverses the resin stream.The conveyor also transports a second resin spray assembly through the first air-borne powdered resin stream. The second spray assembly uses a resin receiver to aspirate the air-borne resin. The resin is then used to generate a second powdered resin stream which coats the other set of fastener threads.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a fastener with head and shank portions is disclosed. The invention includes the steps of and apparatus for transferring the fasteners from a feed mechanism such that the fasteners are positioned for coating. The fasteners are then conveyed through a plurality of operating stations, beginning with a heating station where the shank portions of the fasteners are heated. Subsequently, at a material applying station, a coating material is applied to the heated shank portions. A preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention includes using a magnetic holder to carry the fasteners horizontally by their head portions, where fasteners are centered by a rotating wheel, heating the shank portion to a temperature above the melting point of the applied material and applying the material to the heated shank portion to form a coating thereon. The magnetic holders are part of an endless traveling belt that rotates continually.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a fastener with head and shank portions is disclosed. The invention includes the steps of and apparatus for transferring the fasteners from a feed mechanism such that the fasteners are positioned for coating. The fasteners are then conveyed through a plurality of operating stations, beginning with a heating station where the shank portions of the fasteners are heated. Subsequently, at a material applying station, a coating material is applied to the heated shank portions. A preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention includes using a magnetic holder to carry the fasteners horizontally by their head portions, where fasteners are centered by a rotating wheel, heating the shank portion to a temperature above the melting point of the applied material and applying the material to the heated shank portion to form a coating thereon. The magnetic holders are part of an endless traveling belt that rotates continually.

Abstract: This invention relates to threaded fasteners, an apparatus for making such threaded fasteners and methods of fastening parts. The tip of the shank of a threaded fastener has at least one thread coated with a lubricating or masking material to reduce the drive torque necessary for fastening as well as provide a protective coating for the fastener during subsequent processing operations. The drill tip of the disclosed self-drilling fasteners is coated with a lubricating material to reduce drive torque and to eliminate binding when drilling through fibrous material. The present invention also prevents the build-up of corrosion inhibiting materials on threaded fasteners attached to parts to be fastened together. A masking and/or insulating material is first applied to the threaded fasteners attached to the parts to substantially prevent applied corrosion inhibitor from adhering to the threads of the fastener.