Abstract: Flash-butt welder in which the piston rod of a pneumatic cylinder is connected to one end of a pivotable lever arm. A pneumatic system sequentially supplies air at two different pressures to the cylinder. Fixed and movable platens, each with a work piece clamping jaw, are fitted onto a unitary shaft which is mounted in laterally spaced and generally parallel relationship with the pneumatic cylinder. The movable platen is moved by the opposite end of the lever arm along the shaft toward the fixed platen. The movable platen includes a laterally extending arm portion for angular orientation of the platen on the shaft. A switch is disposed to be actuated by the lever arm as it advances to a predetermined position which energizes a solenoid valve to supply substantially higher pressure air to the cylinder. An hydraulic cylinder, disposed in spaced parallel relation to the shaft, includes a piston rod engaged with a pivotable linkage carried by the arm portion of the movable platen.

Abstract: A flash butt welder with an operating lever connected to the movable platen and control mechanism therefor including a rotatable cam member having an arcuate cam surface with a flash portion followed by a radially inwardly extending upset portion, a cam member driving wheel mounted on the operating lever in contact with the flash portion of the cam surface for rotating the cam member and a snubbing device for controlling the rotation of the same member.

Abstract: A part structure adapted for attachment to a metal base by welding, particularly an ornament for attachment to an automobile body. The part structure or ornament is a metallic, electrically conductive member and has at least one weld stud affixed thereto. A resilient seal surrounds the weld stud and effects a seal around the weld stud and the weld produced thereby during welding.

Abstract: An electromagnetic power device for moving the operating rod of a stapler or the like having a driving head pivotally mounted on a support member for movement toward an anvil, including plunger means mounted on the support member for linear movement through an advancing stroke from a first inoperative position to a second position for advancing the head and through a driving stroke from the second position toward a third position for driving the staple. Advancing coil means are provided for moving the plunger means from the first position to the second position and driving coil means are provided for moving the plunger means from the second position toward the third position. Circuit means are provided including a foot switch having sequentially operable switch means, the switch means having a normal switch position and sequentially operable advancing and driving switch positions for energizing first the advancing coil and thereafter the driving coil.

Abstract: An article of manufacture having a synthetic, thermoplastic substructure, a metallic plating on the external surface of the substructure, and a metallic stud joined to the article in contact with the plating, is adapted to be electrically welded to a metallic supporting structure, whether or not the surface of the structure to which the article is to be welded is coated with an electrically nonconductive material, and a sealing of the area of the structure adjacent the welded joint is effected during the welding operation, with the material forming the seal having derived from the body of the substructure.