Abstract: A merchandise display hook provided with an improved form of pivoting label holder. A label-mounting arm extends above and terminates forwardly of a merchandise display arm. A transversely disposed cross bar is secured to an outer surface portion of the label-mounting arm, spaced from the end extremity thereof, by electric resistance welding. The cross bar provides a pivot mount for a plastic label holding device, with the end extremity of the label mount serving as an abutment stop to limit rearward pivoting movement of the label holder. The cross bar can be so positioned on the label mounting arm as to provide for a normal, slightly upwardly tilted orientation of the label holder, to facilitate viewing. In one embodiment, the outer end of the label mounting arm is bent downwardly, and the cross bar is welded to the downwardly bent portion. In another embodiment, the label mounting arm is straight, and the cross bar is welded to the upper surface thereof, spaced slightly from the outer end face of the arm.

Abstract: A merchandise display hook is provided with an adaptor for adjusting the at-rest, supported viewing angle of a pivoting label holder. The adaptor mounts to the end of the label support arm and contacts the back panel of the labelholder to alter the at-rest viewing angle. In one embodiment, the adaptor has a slidable gripping portion for slidable mounting on the label support arm and an abutment section for contacting the back panel of the label holder. In another embodiment, the adaptor mounts on the cross bar of the label holder arm and has an alternate cross bar for pivotal support of the label holder. The adaptor is configured to alter the at-rest viewing angle of the label holder.

Abstract: A merchandise display hook is provided with an adaptor to adjust the at-rest viewing angle of a pivoting label holder of a merchandise display hook. The adaptor mounts to the end of the label support arm and contacts the back panel of the label holder to alter the at-rest viewing angle. In one embodiment, the adaptor has a slidable gripping portion for slidable mounting on the label support arm and an abutment section for contacting the back panel of the label holder. In another embodiment, the adaptor mounts on the cross bar of the label holder arm and has an alternate cross bar for pivotal support of the label holder. The adaptor is configured to alter the at-rest viewing angle of the label holder.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus is disclosed for the production of single plane ladder-type rack strip material in which wire cross bar elements are Tee-welded to the inside surface portions of opposed, parallel side elements formed of similar wire material. The welding procedure involves contacting the cross bar element centrally with an electrode of a first polarity and contacting the wire side elements on opposite sides with electrodes of a second polarity. During the welding operation, current flows substantially equally from the first electrode in opposite directions through the opposite weld interfaces to the opposed second electrodes. By observing physical symmetry in the electrical supply at opposite sides, equalization of current flow is optimized so that the emerging rack strip product is flat and straight, suitable for commercial marketing.

Abstract: A retention device for inhibiting removal of carded merchandise from a display hook, adapted for retrofit installation in existing loop hooks commonly used to display such merchandise. A flat plastic body, grooved along its side edges, can be inserted between and lockingly retained by the spaced apart wire elements of the U-shaped loop hook. An integral, resiliently depressable tongue extends upward and rearward from the flat body and prevents removal of the merchandise cards unless the tongue is depressed. The tongue carries a downwardly extending abutment tab to prevent merchandise cards from being pulled underneath the tongue. The grooved side edges preferably are formed by alternating, opposed half-grooves to facilitate production by high speed injection molding processes.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus is disclosed for the production of single plane ladder-type rack strip material in which wire cross bar elements are Tee-welded to the inside surface portions of opposed, parallel side elements formed of similar wire material. The welding procedure involves contacting the cross bar element centrally with an electrode of a first polarity and contacting the wire side elements on opposite sides with electrodes of a second polarity. During the welding operation, current flows substantially equally from the first electrode in opposite directions through the opposite weld interfaces to the opposed second electrodes. By observing physical symmetry in the electrical supply at opposite sides, equalization of current flow is optimized so that the emerging rack strip product is flat and straight, suitable for commercial marketing.

Abstract: A merchandise display hook provided with an improved form of pivoting label holder. A merchandise supporting arm extends below and terminates forwardly of a label supporting arm. A cross bar provides a pivot mount for a plastic label holding device, with the end extremity of the merchandise support arm serving as an abutment stop to limit rearward pivoting movement of the label holder. The cross bar can be so positioned as to provide for a normal, slightly upwardly tilted orientation of the label holder, to facilitate viewing. In one embodiment, the cross bar is welded to the shaft of the label support arm. In other embodiments, the label support arm is bent to form a cross bar at right angles to the shaft.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus is disclosed for the production of single plane ladder-type rack strip material in which wire cross bar elements are Tee-welded to the inside surface portions of opposed, parallel side elements formed of similar wire material. The welding procedure involves contacting the cross bar element centrally with an electrode of a first polarity and contacting the wire side elements on opposite sides with electrodes of a second polarity. During the welding operation, current flows substantially equally from the first electrode in opposite directions through the opposite weld interfaces to the opposed second electrodes. By observing physical symmetry in the electrical supply at opposite sides, equalization of current flow is optimized so that the emerging rack strip product is flat and straight, suitable for commercial marketing.

Abstract: A retention device for inhibiting removal of carded merchandise from a display hook, adapted for retrofit installation in existing loop hooks commonly used to display such merchandise. A flat plastic body, grooved along its side edges, can be inserted between and lockingly retained by the spaced apart wire elements of the U-shaped loop hook. An integral, resiliently deflectable tongue extends upward and rearward from the flat body and prevents removal of the merchandise cards unless the tongue is depressed. A flexibly hinged outer positioning member carries a locking tab, engageable with outer extremities of the loop hook, to secure the device in position after installation.

Abstract: A high speed, high accuracy parts counting system is disclosed. The new system utilizes known types of centrifugal feeder devices with novel modifications relating to the sensing and control of individual workpieces, enabling workpieces to be counted and processed at much greater speeds than before, while equaling or improving accuracy. The new system makes no attempt to separate individual workpieces for counting purposes, enabling operations to be carried out at greater speeds. Counting of workpieces in an unseparated group of such workpieces is accomplished by electronic measurement of movement of the centrifugal feeder between the leading and trailing edges of a group of unseparated workpieces. The counting of a predetermined number of workpieces is thus a function of the counting of pulses and is independent of the separation or non-separation of workpieces during counting. Provision is also made for high speed collection and discharge of counted groups of workpieces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for the manufacture of J-shaped display hooks with balled ends in a single manufacturing operation, without requiring separate handling of the display hook for the bending and ball-forming operations. A continuous length of wire is advanced incrementally and gripped tightly adjacent its forward end. The wire is severed by a cutting and forming bar, which also bends the base portion of the wire at right angles to the main axis of the wire. While the wire remains tightly gripped at its forward end, and continue to be supported adjacent its base by the cutting and forming bar, a ball-forming die is advanced against a projecting forward end of the wire, upsetting the wire end and forming an enlarged end of generally spherical configuration. Immediately thereafter, the wire is released at its forward end, and a rotary plate is actuated, causing a bend-forming element to travel through a generally circular path concentric to a cylindrical forming drum.

Abstract: An improved two-part merchandise display hook is disclosed, including new design features of the hook enabling two-part hooks to be manufactured and assembled at extremely low cost. The construction of the hook and its base is such that wire from a continuous length can be gripped and bent to form the outer portion of the hook. The wire can then be severed and bent in a single operation to form a hook-mounting portion. While the severed wire remains gripped by its shaped outer end, a preoriented and guided base member, constructed and configured according to the invention, is applied over the just-formed mounting portion of the wire. A retractable bend-forming member is withdrawn before the base member is applied to the wire, to enable the bent portion of the wire hook to be fully received within the plastic base. Major manufacturing economies are realized.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus of forming and assembling two-part merchandise display hooks, including new design features of the hook itself, enable two-part hooks to be manufactured and assembled at extremely low cost. Wire from a continuous length is gripped and bent to form the outer portion of the hook. The wire is then severed and bent in a single operation to form a hook-mounting portion. While the severed wire remains gripped by its shaped outer end, a preoriented and guided base member is applied over the just-formed mounting portion of the wire. A retractable bend-forming member is withdrawn when the base member is applied to the wire, to enable the bent portion to be fully received within the plastic base. Major manufacturing economies are realized.

Abstract: An improved method of forming and assembling two-part merchandise display hooks, including new design features of the hook itself, enable two-part hooks to be manufactured and assembled at extremely low cost. Wire from a continuous length is gripped and bent to form the outer portion of the hook. The wire is then severed and bent in a single operation to form a hook-mounting portion. While the severed wire remains gripped by its shaped outer end, a preoriented and guided base member is applied over the just-formed mounting portion of the wire. A retractable bend-forming member is withdrawn when the base member is applied to the wire, to enable the bent portion to be fully received within the plastic base. Major manufacturing economies are realized.