Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a workpiece sheet, which sheet includes a surface, is provided. The apparatus includes a frame, a blade carriage, and a channeled cutting surface. The frame extends between a first end and a second end, and frame includes a carriage bearing surface that extends between the second end and the first end. The blade carriage has a frame bearing surface, which surface is configured to mate with the carriage bearing surface. The blade carriage is selectively attachable to the frame such that the carriage bearing surface and the frame bearing surface are engaged with one another. The channeled cutting blade is mounted to the blade carriage, and includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The frame and the blade carriage are relatively positionable such that at least a portion of the channeled cutting blade extends outwardly from the frame an amount that permits the cutting blade to engage and cut a channel in the surface of the workpiece sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a workpiece sheet is provided that includes a support frame, a cutter head assembly, and a clamp assembly. The cutter head assembly is mounted on a track attached to the support frame, and can be selectively moved along the track. The clamp assembly includes a bar that is selectively operable between a retracted position and a deployed position.

Abstract: The head of a head assembly for a cutting machine defines a first channel oriented at an oblique angle to an axis of movement of the assembly, a slide, mounted for slidable movement in the channel, between a withdrawn blade position and a plunged blade position, and a blade-holding magazine. The slide has a second channel extending substantially parallel to the first channel for receiving the blade-holding magazine, and the slide and head include cooperating mechanical elements for adjustably limiting the movement of the slide to the plunged blade position. Cooperating mechanical components also adjustably limit the depth of magazine insertion into the second channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing framing material hangers is provided that includes a table, a selectively operable actuator, and a magazine. The table includes a base panel. The selectively operable actuator is mounted relative to the table, such that the actuator is spaced apart from the base panel a distance. The actuator includes a piston. The magazine is operable to hold one or more hangers, the magazine having a first end positioned adjacent the actuator piston. Operating the actuator causes the piston or a member connected to the piston to contact at least one of the hangers and drive it toward the base panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing framing material hangers in a workpiece is provided that includes a selectively operable actuator, a guide assembly, and a magazine. The actuator includes a piston. The guide assembly is operable to guide a framing material hanger into the workpiece. The magazine is operable to feed one or more framing material hangers into the guide assembly. Operating the actuator causes the piston to drive at least one of the hangers through the guide assembly and into the workpiece.

Abstract: A point driver is provided that comprises a body, a selectively operable actuator, a pushplate connected to the actuator, and a head. The head includes a channel disposed between a first section and a second section. At least a segment of the channel follows an arcuate path. The head is aligned with the actuator so that a portion or all of the pushplate can be driven by the selectively operable actuator through at least a portion of the channel.

Abstract: A point driver is provided that comprises a body, a selectively operable actuator, a pushplate connected to the actuator, and a head. The head includes a channel disposed between a first section and a second section. At least a segment of the channel follows an arcuate path. The head is aligned with the actuator so that a portion or all of the pushplate can be driven by the selectively operable actuator through at least a portion of the channel.

Abstract: A rotary cutter for cutting thin sheet materials is provided that includes a support member and a circular cutting blade pivotally mounted to the support member. The circular cutting blade includes a cutting edge, a diameter, and a thickness. The cutting blade has a diameter that is not greater than about fifteen times the thickness of the cutting blade. According to an aspect of the present invention rotary cutter, the cutting blade is clip mounted and the clip is removably attached to the support member.

Abstract: The head of a head assembly for a cutting machine defines a first channel oriented at an oblique angle to an axis of movement of the assembly, a slide, mounted for slidable movement in the channel, between a withdrawn blade position and a plunged blade position, and a blade-holding magazine. The slide has a second channel extending substantially parallel to the first channel for receiving the blade-holding magazine, and the slide and head include cooperating mechanical elements for adjustably limiting the movement of the slide to the plunged blade position. Cooperating mechanical components also adjustably limit the depth of magazine insertion into the second channel.

Abstract: A machine for cutting a sheet material incorporates a system for clamping the sheet material against an underlying support surface, which system employs linear arrays of clamp units, each unit including a separate clamping member having a head portion with a flat top surface and a peripheral element constructed to engage an edge portion of the sheet material. The clamping members are disposed in spaced relationship along marginal portions of the support surface, an actuator is proveded for effecting movement of the clamping members between release and clamp positions. Because of the construction of the clamping members, the top surfaces thereof will be substantially flush with the surface of the clamped material being cut, thus enabling a cutting head having an associated glide plate to pass thereover, in contact therewith, without substantial interference or impediment.

Abstract: A system for clamping sheet material against an underlying support surface employs linear arrays of clamp units, each unit including a separate clamping member having a head portion with a flat top surface and a peripheral element constructed to engage an edge portion of the sheet material. The clamping members are disposed in spaced relationship along marginal portions of the support surface, and an actuating device is providing for effecting movement of the clamping members between release and clamp positions. The cutting head utilizes a blade magazine-mounting slide, the travel of which is positively limited and which has a unique pin arrangement for facilitating the interchange of separate magazines adapted for specific cutting modes.

Abstract: A machine for routing end portions of frame pieces produces a channel that extends with increasing spacing from the bevelled face of the frame piece. Structure on the machine supports the frame piece in a plane that converges toward the plane in which the router bit lies, and cutting is carried out by effecting either curvilinear or rectilinear relative movement of the router and the frame piece or pieces.

Abstract: A frame for pictures and the like is assembled from pieces that are routed to have divergent channels in mutual communication. The divergent paths produce increasing levels of force upon the parallel engagement portions of the fastening peg as it is inserted more deeply into the common recess, and thereby generate increasing levels of compressive force across the joint between the frame pieces.

Abstract: A machine for manually cutting web material employs a cutting head that is supported on a rail for sliding and pivoting movement along and across a straight edge, which is disposed forwardly of the axis of pivoting. The cutting wheel is biased axially toward the straight edge, its axis being so disposed as to cause the biasing means to impart an upward force moment that tends to elevate the wheel blade. A guide plate is pivoted, by upward movement of the cutting head, so as to increase spacing from the surface of the base and thereby facilitate feeding of the workpiece.

Abstract: A frame for pictures and the like is assembled from pieces that are routed to have divergent channels in mutual communication. The divergent paths produce increasing levels of force upon the parallel engagement portions of the fastening peg as it is inserted more deeply into the common recess, and thereby generate increasing levels of compressive force across the joint between the frame pieces.

Abstract: A V-nail fastener has a leading edge that is partially formed with asymmetric sharpening, limited substantially to the central sections. Flange elements extend generally perpendicularly to the panel elements of which the central (V-shaped) portion is constructed and cooperate therewith to give the fastener a W-shaped overall profile. The lateral sections of the leading edge, which extend along the flange elements, are substantially devoid of sharpening, or are otherwise so formed as to permit the directional influence of the asymmetric sharpening to occur substantially undiminished.

Abstract: A machine for routing end portions of frame pieces produces a channel that extends with increasing spacing from the bevelled face of the frame piece. Structure on the machine supports the frame piece in a plane that converges toward the plane in which the router bit lies, and cutting is carried out by effecting either curvilinear or rectilinear relative movement of the router and the frame piece or pieces.

Abstract: A device for circumscribing selectively both circles and also ellipses of variable proportions includes a housing in which is rotatably mounted an armature. The armature is constrained to move on two axes disposed at right angles to one another, so as to enable elliptical shapes to be generated. One such axis is provided by a rectilinear channel in the base of the device, in which is engaged a follower operatively attached to the armature; the other axis is provided by a rectilinear slot formed through the cover of the device. A hub is engaged in the cover slot and is assembled with the armature; it can be moved to any selected position along a rectilinear axis of the armature without disassembly, and can be secured in position by tightening of a clamping mechanism. In one position the axes of rotation of the hub and the armature are aligned, to thereby cause the device to circumscribe a circle; in other positions the axes are offset, thereby conditioning the device for circumscribing ellipses.