Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a tubular member onto a post extending from the body of a jewelry piece supported at a work station wherein the member is positioned with its axis parallel to a preselected axis at the work station and, in response to the positioning of the member, the post is releasably engaged to align it with the first axis and wherein force is applied between the positioned member and the aligned post, thereby bringing the member into surrounding relationship with the post and causing the post to be released.

Abstract: A practice of severing a length of chain wherein the chain is supported and an interior link of the chain is severed at the link portion which passes through the central opening of an immediately adjacent link.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically heat treating a plurality of elongated articles, wherein only a portion of the articles are subjected to the heat treating operation, the remaining portion thereof being enveloped and prevented from reaching a temperature during the heat treating operation that produces a hardening action thereon. The articles are transferred from a magazine assembly to a pick-up station, wherein the portions thereof that are protected from the heat treating operation are clamped between a jaw assembly, the jaw assembly being elevated to locate the exposed portion of the articles in vertical position within an elevated heating chamber. Thereafter the articles are lowered from the heating chamber to a cooling station and after a predetermined cooling period are deposited on a belt by the jaw assembly for removal to a collection station.