Abstract: An elongate continuous slide fastener chain is fed in alternately opposite longitudinal directions in various steps (a) through (e). First, reinforcing film members are attached to the chain across an element-free space, and then a hole is defined in the chain across the element-free space. Thereafter, an insertable pin, a box pin, and a box are attached to the chain through the hole, and then a slider is mounted on a pair of rows of coupling elements through the element-free space. Finally, top end stops are fixed to beaded edges of the chain, which is then cut off transversely thereacross into a separable slide fastener.

Abstract: A parts applicator for applying fastener parts such as pins of a separable end stop to a fastener chain includes an anvil slidably mounted in an oscillatable holder and having a pocket in which each fastener part is releasably received. The holder is angularly moved between a reclining position and an upstanding position in which the pocket is located on the path of movement of the slide fastener chain. The parts applicator further includes a cam mechanism acting on the anvil when the holder performs a part of its angular reciprocation adjacent to the upstanding position, for causing the anvil to reciprocate linearly relative to the holder while moving angularly together with the holder.

Abstract: A coupling-element pairing apparatus includes a substantially Y-shaped guide channel defined in a base and including a joint passage for interengaging disengaged rows of continuous filamentary zigzag coupling elements. The joint passage has a width narrow enough to substantially prevent interengaged rows of coupling elements from moving laterally with respect to one another. A pair of toothed guide wheels disposed one on each side of the joint passage for guidingly advancing the interengaged rows of coupling elements through the guide channel. Each guide wheel has a plurality of peripheral teeth, two adjacent ones of which project into the joint passage for holding therebetween one of the connecting portions of each row of coupling elements at opposite ends thereof without impairing the coupling elements.