Abstract: An elongate product information and display tag of plastic sheet is disclosed for use in association with a skyhook structure having a vertical limb extending upwardly from a mounting bracket secured to a perforated board and a horizontal limb extending forwardly from a hump-like bend which joins the limbs. The information and display tag has a mounting portion particularly designed for securing the tag on the hook structure at the hump-like bend, an elongate portion for extending over the horizontal limb of the structure and a product information and display portion at the distal end of the elongate portion for displaying product information forwardly of the horizontal limb. The mounting portion has an inboard section with apertures connected by an axial slit which is pressed down over the hump-like bend, and an outboard section which is bent down behind the hump-like bend and into engagement with the vertical limb of the hook structure by means of a further axial slit and aperture in the outboard section.

Abstract: A merchandise information tag for mounting face-to-face against a surface of a perforated board has projections for fitting in respective holes of the perforated board to retain the tag on the board. The projections are slit longitudinally into fingers which are squeezed together in the respective holes so that the projections are held in the holes by friction.

Abstract: A perpetual calendar, particularly a perpetual calendar that can be electrically operated to show the date, the week-day, and the month. The calendar comprises a round wheel or case driven by a gear to rotate one cycle per 24 hours, and the peripheral edge of the round case has a cam for contacting a micro-switch which can trigger a circuit to drive a motor for rotating an eccentric wheel. A retractable rod can be driven by a pin on the eccentric wheel and move downwards to pull the date pulling rod and the week-day pulling rod downwards, and then a ratchet wheel will be driven to rotate, and a positioning piece in the notch of the ratchet wheel will cause the loose-leaves showing date and week-day to advance.

Abstract: A clamping device is described as being a flat plate with depending flanges or arms which extend, firstly, from opposing marginal edges of the plate in a direction normal to the plane of the plate and, secondly, towards each other in a plane parallel to the plane of the plate and, lastly, terminate at free distal ends which converge towards each other in the direction of an opening in the plate, which opening threadably receives a screw which, when rotated into contact with the distal ends, causes expanded movement of the plate and arms into compressive relation with adjacent walls of a channel in which the device is employed as a fastening mechanism.

Abstract: An electromagnetic indicator capable of binary indication including a rotatably mounted semicircular flag assembly which can rotate between a first position ("set") and a second position ("fault") upon the receipt by the indicator of an electrical signal. A portion of the flag assembly is permanently magnetized and is magnetically latched in either the "set" or "fault" position by a magnetic latch which is preferably comprised of a bracket and core bar. The bracket has two ends which are positioned so that they are adjacent the magnetized portion of the flag assembly. The core bar is magnetically connected to an electromagnet and is also positioned adjacent a magnetized portion of the flag assembly. When the electromagnet is connected to the appropriate terminal of an electrical power source, the electromagnet generates a magnetic field, magnetizes the two ends of the bracket means and the core bar, and causes the flag assembly to flip from the "set" position to the "fault" position, or vice versa.

Abstract: The price display module has a clear plastic light pipe and support member mounted on the back of a bezel to display an indicia on the pre-coiled strip through the bezel aperture and illuminated by light piped through the member from the back light source to the front of the member. The coiled ends of the strip are supported by and separated by the pipe so the illumination of the displayed indicia is uniform.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable, collapsible sign comprised of a flexible, durable panel secured to a frame of four arms pivotally attached to a rigid central web so as to fold down one direction only and form a compact bundle for storage. The arms in the extended position are in the form of a cross and hold the sign panel firmly extended. The portable sign can be quickly assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: A simplified revolver handgun comprises an interacting trigger and hammer mechanism which in their normal movements cause a transfer rod to move linearly inside the extractor assembly of the cylinder, the transfer rod having on its outside surface a network of grooves which mate with an inwardly directed protrusion in the bore of the extractor assembly, the network being a repeating series of cam action sections, each section including a location for firing when said hammer and a cartridge are aligned, and a location when the hammer rests in close proximity to the cylinder but between adjacent cartridges in a nonfiring position.

Abstract: A fishing pole and reel of generally conventional construction particularly adapted for ice fishing. The fishing pole is pivotally connected in an elevated position to a supporting stand and balanced relative to the stand to provide a visual indication of a fish strike. A reel mount associated with the handle of the fishing pole provides for lengthwise adjustment of the reel relative to the handle and relative to the pivot connection of the fishing pole to the supporting stand whereby the mass of the reel functions as an adjustable counterweight to whatever amount of weight the fisherman wishes to attach to the line for rapid descent of the line to a desired fishing level. This adjustment of the reel lengthwise of the handle provides for maintaining the balance without the use of any separate added weights or adjustable weights for this purpose.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispersing a gaseous or vaporized pheromone trail into the atmosphere under determined conditions comprises first container (10) in which a pheromone source (22) is located. Means (12) to create and upward draught is provided surmounting the first container (10). Flying insects lured by the trail enter the means 12 and into the first container (10) then to a second container (9) out of which they cannot escape. Alternatively, the insects land on a sticky insecticide from which they cannot escape.

Abstract: A switch device for swatting insects or for use as a brush and the like has a tubular handle, a switch in the handle formed from nylon strands which are folded double about a fold line, a cord having one end tied around the fold line to secure the switch and another end secured to the inner end of the handle. The switch can be fully retracted into the handle for storage or it can be pulled from the handle by different amounts to suit its different modes of use. The switch is retained in the handle by friction.

Abstract: A device for planting seed tape including a support structure which moves along the surface of the soil. The seed tape is advanced relative to the movement of the support structure and is cut repetitively at selected intervals. The severed seed tape is forced into the soil a predetermined distance. The seed tape employed with the device includes a relatively flat portion of material having first and second surfaces. The seed is held to the first surface of the portion of material. The seed tape further includes an opening through the same spaced from the seed held to the first surface of the portion of material.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting door movement data in an automatic door system is improved in that an opening-direction sensor and a closing-direction sensor are provided on a horizontal member of a slide door frame, while a slide door is provided with a dog having a plurality of actuating portions adapted to switch ON or OFF the opening-direction sensor and the closing-direction sensor as arrayed at an interval in the direction of sliding, so that the opening direction sensor and the closing direction sensor may be switched ON and OFF repeatedly as the door is moved in the opening or closing direction.

Abstract: An improved security bar system for louvered windows is disclosed. The window unit has louvered blades which pivot on horizontal stub shafts.The security bars are mounted on the stub shafts where the louver blades hide them from view and provide an esthetically pleasing window unit. Each security bar has a hardened steel rod with holes bored in each end for receiving the stub shafts and a hardened steel sleeve which freely rotates on the steel rod and covers the rod and stub shafts. The steel rod freely rotates on the stub shafts which are themselves freely rotatable. Therefore, any attempts to cut the security bar will cause the steel sleeve to rotate. Should the steel sleeve be held stationary and cut, the covered steel rod will rotate due to the action of the saw blade.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved auxiliary frame assembly for use between the fixed frame bordering an access opening and the cover therefor which hinges the latter to be opened from either side, such assembly being characterized by an inner movable frame hingedly attached on one side to the fixed frame and on the other side to the access opening cover, an outer movable frame bordering the inner one movable independently of the latter, this outer movable frame being hingedly attached to the fixed frame on the same side of the access opening at which the inner frame is attached to the cover, and the outer movable frame being hingedly attached to the cover on the same side of the access opening at which the inner movable frame is hinged to the fixed one, the outer movable frame and access opening cover cooperating to define a unitary subassembly hinged on the side where the inner frame is hinged to the fixed frame, and the inner movable frame and access opening cover cooperating to define a second subassem

Abstract: A cable window lift for automobiles and similar vehicles. The cable window lift is characterized by the provision of support arms to support the window pane against tilting in the direction of the plane of the window pane, bening symmetrically arranged in V-type manner to the cable section extending in the direction of displacement when seen perpendicularly to the window pane. The two support arms are operationally joined at one end to carry out a common but oppositely directed motion and rest in fixed but rotatable manner on a stationary component. The other ends of the support arms engage guide slots, grooves or the like which are solidly fastened to the window pane. Furthermore, embodiments are provided wherein the spatial configuration is reversed. While gears are preferably cited as the operational connecting means of the support arms, one illustrative embodiment also discloses a scissor-like connection of the support arms.

Abstract: A construction of a door frame in a motor vehicle, wherein: an end edge of a door glass is brought into sliding contact with a seal member of a guide portion on the side of a door frame produced by rolling a plate member so as to guide the door glass in the vertical direction; a door weatherstrip for sealing a space formed between a door and a vehicle body, when the door is closed, is mounted to the door frame; the door weatherstrip is disposed adjacent the guide portion on the side of a compartment; wall members disposed adjacent to each other, of a channel holding the guide portion and of the door weatherstrip are formed by bending two plate members into a two-ply shape; and a closed section is formed therebetween.

Abstract: A wood-clad metal window frame is formed from four extruded aluminum sections to each of which is secured at its interior side edge a wood facing member. Each of the extrusions has formed thereon various lips and flanges which collectively define in the assembled frame an integral J-channel, an integral nailing and flashing flange, and a pair of integral jamb channels each adapted to receive and retain a conventional sash-supporting balance member. Carried within the frame, and concealing an interior portion of the head section of the frame is a sight baffle which has integrally formed therewith a weather stripping element positioned to sealingly engage a window sash installed in the frame. The wood facing members collectively define in the assembled frame an interior wood border which provides the frame with an all-wood interior appearance and further functions as a thermal damper to inhibit outward and inward heat flow through the frame.

Abstract: In a grinding machine for relief grinding the blades of a lawn mower blade cylinder having a rotatable drive shaft (14) on which a grinding wheel (20) is mounted for rotation therewith and for axial movement therealong, a grinding wheel guide assembly (30,34,42) to traverse the grinding wheel axially of the drive shaft and means (46) for causing the traverse of the guide assembly alternately in opposite directions so that the grinding wheel reciprocates along the drive shaft during rotation thereof, a blade guide assembly (53) comprising a guide finger (54) axially slidable along a fixed guide shaft (57) mounted parallel to the drive shaft, a guide element (58) engageable with that face of a blade to be ground which is remote from the grinding wheel and connecting means (60,62) coupling the guide finger to the traverse means and locking means (66) to releasably engage the grinding wheel guide assembly and the blade guide assembly with the traverse means.

Abstract: A multi-purpose polisher comprising a base, a column, an abrasive belt, a pulley support, an upper pully, a work stand, a support plate, a radial frame, a plurality of support arms and a plurality of supporting wheels. The radial frame with support arms and supporting wheels is connected to the swivelling shaft fixed to the support plate on the column in such way that the radial frame can be turned and swung to allow the desired support wheel to place behind the abrasive belt so as to meet the requirement of polishing workpieces of different shape.

Abstract: A disposable depressed center grinding wheel for mounting on a rotatable shaft of a power tool. The grinding wheel contains a retaining nut on one side and a backing flange on the other. The retaining nut and the backing flange to the grinding wheel without the use of adhesives in such a manner that the grinding wheel is placed in compression when it is operably secured upon the shaft of the power tool. The securing apparatus includes a hollow cup-shaped member which fits over and is non-removably attached to the retaining nut with the backing flange between the cup and the nut so that when the assembly is affixed to the power tool the cup ad nut are drawn towards each other to accomplish the desired compression of the grinding wheel.

Abstract: A removable belt-backing mechanism (50) is provided for a hand-held endless loop belt sander (2). The belt-backing mechanism (50) includes an attachment bracket (52), which slidably cooperates with a pair of slots (66, 68) to provide a removable connection to the sander. A plate (70) is movably connected to the attachment bracket (52) by a set of pins (72, 74, 76, 78), and is biased toward the inside surface of the sanding belt (26) by a set of springs (96, 98) to provide a flat sanding area for sanding planar surfaces.

Abstract: For the precision working of particularly hardened bevel gears, a method and an apparatus are disclosed in which the workpiece is moved during rolling contact with a bevel-gear-shaped tool having abrasive flanks. Workpiece and tool rotate in meshing relation with their axis spaced and crossed and each connected with a guide gear which also meshing engage and roll with one another. Both the workpiece-tool pair and also the guide-gear pair run each with backlash, however, on opposite flanks, so that the entire combination runs without backlash.

Abstract: A band-type abrasive strip and hand tool holder which utilizes the resilience of the holder to enable the band to be applied to the holder or removed and also the same resilience to maintain tension on the band. Modified holders allow difference size bands and a longitudinally split band allows transverse deformation to reach crevices and contours on a workpiece.

Abstract: The pit cover assembly for a prefabricated pit for servicing aircraft is provided with an inverted concave cup, or hood, hingedly connected to the underside of the pit cover. The concave cup has a mouth which opens downwardly when the pit cover is closed. The cup is adapted to receive water sensitive articles or equipment. Because the mouth of the cup is directed downwardly, the inverted cup forms an air pocket or bubble chamber which will not fill with water even when the pit is flooded. The water sensitive equipment is thereby maintained in isolation from surrounding water within the air pocket, even during conditions of flooding.

Abstract: A rotatable circular building has at and adjacent the lower edge of its annular wall an inwardly extending annular horizontal flange providing a track which rests on an annular series of ground supported horizontal rollers on which the building rotates, an annular series of vertical rollers also being provided to prevent binding of the relatively movable parts when the building is moved laterally.

Abstract: A system for constructing buildings utilizing a conical connector to fasten rods connecting structural members of a building. The conical connector is a rigid, solid device, circular in section, with an axial bore. The connector has a flat top surface and bottom surface perpendicular to the bore, a ring-shaped flange midway between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a sloping surface between the top surface and the flange and between the bottom surface and the flange wherein the circumference of the connector as defined by the sloping surface increases as the flange is approached, forming a cone. The sloped surface of the connector engages a recess in a structural member of the building. A tensioning mechanism passing through the bore in the connector applies a coupling force to hold the connector against the structural member. A multiple cone connector for joining adjacent modules of a building may be formed by joining the flanges of at least two connectors to form a single continuous flange.

Abstract: Concrete; structural elements having a high permissible working load typically in the range of at least 50-100 MPa. The element includes a block of compressed concrete surrounded by a tubular hoop made of intercrossed wires. Such elements are useful for making beams, posts, cables and the like.

Abstract: A closed ring-shaped reinforcing member for use in a concrete structure and which is stressed by annular tensile forces, such as a bell-shaped anchoring body for a prestressing member used in a prestressing concrete structure, is provided around the radially outer surface with a coating of a material which is elastically or plastically deformable under compression. The reinforcing member can deform under the action of annular tensile forces which cause it to stretch, but the presence of the deformable coating on its outside surface prevents the transfer of such deforming forces to the concrete structure, since otherwise such forces could result in the formation of cracks in the structure.

Abstract: A modular, pre-insulated and pre-finished structural building block comprised of structural and insulating elements, fastening rods for the attachment of building blocks to one another and to other wall components, and facing elements of selected materials and finishes affixed to the building block. The building block incorporates into its construction common and varying sizes, shapes, and configurations that fasten to one another and to other wall components in the assembly of a wall, and may be unfastened from each other in the disassembly of a wall without damage to the building blocks or wall components. The building block further incorporates into its construction fastening components that attach to fastening couplings in anchor plates, top plates, door and window frames, window sills, and headers. Additionally, the building block incorporates into its construction electrical boxes and wiring conduits attached to and within selected building blocks.

Abstract: The present invention is a foundation piling system in which pilings are used which support a foundation system in soil having a varied composition and moisture content which eliminates the need for drilling a hole in the ground to receive pilings formed of steel pipes. The pilings extend into concrete grade beams forming a portion of a monolithic system including a concrete slab.

Abstract: An insulating board of plastic foam provided on at least one edge with beaver-tail-shaped tabs that completely complement similar tabs of another board when the boards are placed alongside one another. Such boards are assembled side-by-side to make up a facade which is then plastered. The interlock prevents gaps at the joints and eliminates the need for fabric reinforcement.

Abstract: A resiliently-cushioned adhesively-applied floor system is comprised of a plurality of floor panels secured to a support base by an adhesive which is spread on at least one of the support base or the floor panels with a generally uniform thickness. A plurality of elongated support members fabricated from pre-cured elastomeric material are positioned between the floor panels and the support base. The floor panels are forced toward the support base so that the adhesive forms a bond between the floor panels and the support base or between the support members and the support base.

Abstract: A metal building panel, such as a roof panel, has its longitudinal edges roll-formed to define integral male and female edge formations. Each edge formation includes an upstanding flange, a return flange angularly disposed with respect to the upstanding flange such that the distal portion of the return flange is spaced from the upstanding flange a distance greater than the distances other portions of the return flange are spaced from the upstanding flange. Each of the return flanges joins with a reentrant rib. The reentrant rib of the female edge formation joins with a return lip. Adjoining male and female edge formations of a pair of such panels may be readily inter-engaged to form a snap-lock connection. If desired, a further mechanically seamed lock may be obtained by the application of squeezing forces to the inter-engaged male and female edge formations of a pair of such panels.

Abstract: A modular block for engagement to a plurality of similar blocks arranged in a line to form a structural element, the modular blocks being engaged to each other by tension members extending through the blocks. The configuration of the structural element can be easily modified by substituting special blocks. The block has a generally hollow, T-shaped cross-section with an axial hole extending therethrough. The block further has three axial passages for receiving tension members, the passages arranged in a triangular pattern to withstand the high shear and torsional stresses encountered during erection and in service.

Abstract: A tower and a method of constructing a tower. The tower has three support members and an upper member. Each support member has an outside leg and two inside legs, laced together in a triangular cross section. The upper end of each inside leg is attached to the upper end of one of the other inside legs. The inside legs may also be connected at an intermediate point to form a window. An upper member, having three legs, laced together to form a triangular cross section, is erected on top of the support members, so that the legs of the upper member extend upward from the outside legs of the support members.

Abstract: A mechanism for automatically feeding individual pre-cut sheets and stuff a personalized letter or some other pre-cut inset into a personalized envelope. The mechanism has means to permit additional inserts to be automatically added to the envelope and to automatically seal the contents within the envelope. The mechanism will also combine pre-cut inserts and envelopes fed from different sources and form them into a completed mailing envelope.

Abstract: A mechanism for automatically feeding individual pre-cut sheets and stuffing a personalized letter or some other pre-cut insert into a personalized envelope. The mechanism has means to permit additional inserts to be automatically added to the envelope and to automatically seal the contents within the envelope. The mechanism will also combine pre-cut inserts and envelopes fed from different sources and form them into a completed mailing envelope.

Abstract: A film wrapping machine for wrapping a film around a container comprising a rotary turntable assembly for transporting containers from one station to another. The machine includes a film supply unit for supplying each film onto a respective container carried by the turntable assembly, and a plurality of film retaining members one for each container carried by the turntable assembly. During the rotation of the turntable assembly, the film retaining meers are successively lifted to a raised position and are then rotated around the respective containers for turning the films therearound. Each film retaining member has suction openings defined therein in at least two rows, one row of the suction openings being adapted to suck one end of the respective film and the other row of the suction openings adapted to such a portion of the respective film adjacent the other end thereof. Rotation of the film retaining member results in the turning of the respective film around the associated container to form the film tube.

Abstract: A vacuum sealing device includes a plug which is thrust into the port of an insulated steam injection tubing for closing an annular space of the tubing which confines a vacuum. The plug is mounted for movement within a first mounting element and for movement within a bellows having an end connected to the first mounting element. A second mounting element is connected to the opposite end of the bellows and carries a rod which is fixed to the plug. By moving the two mounting elements together, the bellows is compressed and the plug is thrust by movement of the rod. The first mounting element is connected to an upper clamping section which cooperates with a lower clamping section to engage around a tubular to be plugged. The upper section can be correctly centered with its plug over the port of the tubular by momentarily compressing the bellows to extend the plug. The plug is provided with a shank portion and a breakable tab for breaking the plug away from the shank portion.

Abstract: The machine comprises a bed which is a support and advancement table for cardboard boxes. Along opposite sides of the support table, there are arranged two belt pulling-units capable of engaging with the sides of the boxes to bring about their advancement during work. The inlet ends of the pulling units are fitted with sliding supports and distance adjusting devices while the outlet ends are fitted with sliding supports and motorization devices for the belts. The sliding supports of the outlet ends include forked plates with sliding shoes which embrace a transverse guide bar fixed to the bed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping one or more elongated articles, such as rolls of fabric, into a multi-sided package which is comprised of an infeed conveyor which conveys articles to be wrapped to a wrapping station and an outfeed conveyor which conveys the resultant multi-sided package away from the wrapping station. The infeed and outfeed conveyors each have a pair of intersecting sets of driven rollers which form a "V" shaped cross-section. The angle subtended by each of the intersecting sets of rollers and the orientation of the plane which bisects the angle may be varied.

Abstract: In a method of grouping, orienting, and packing articles such as ice-cream cones, the cones are advanced in rows on conveyors while being grouped and oriented, and are subsequently gripped in groups by a gripping device. Through suction heads gripping their respective groups, the gripping device is adapted to situate the groups in an open packing box. To permit the process to be carried out at a relatively high speed and low noise level, the articles are initially advanced in a first advancing direction while lying directly on a first endless and continuously running conveyor. They are then received in groups by a second endless and continuously running conveyor, which lifts the cones into contact with the suction heads of the gripping device while the mutual distance of the cones is being adjusted. The transfer of the cones from the first conveyor and through the second conveyor to the gripping device is carried out without stopping the advancing movement of the cones.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for loading articles into bags formed from a known roll of web material delineated by perforations at desired intervals. The web includes a first and second sheet of material. A sensor detects a perforation line and activates a sheet separator which opens or tears only the first sheet along a perforation line. The second sheet remains intact and preserves the web. A stream of air is directed at the open edge to inflate a bag. The bag is stabilized on a platform while articles are inserted. After articles are loaded, the second sheet is separated so that the bag is removed from the web and can be closed as desired.

Abstract: A lawn mower, having an engine for driving the mower itself, is provided with a memory unit of a paper-tape type for storing a route of travel for the mower and an optical reading unit for reading the stored route of travel. The paper tape is operable with a lead wheel which guides the movement of the mower, so that the paper tape is advanced when the lead wheel rotates and the route of travel of the mower is recorded on the paper tape with a writing member when the mower moves. The optical reading unit is installed in place of the writing member for operating the mower automatically. The optical reading unit reads the recorded route of travel and delivers a signal to control the direction of the lead wheel.

Abstract: A mowing machine for cutting crop comprises a chassis, cutting members supported by the chassis, and an intermediate structure on the chassis which at least partially supports the cutting members. The cutting members extend on both side of the intermediate structure. The mowing machine also comprises members, such as rotary drums or separating surfaces, which prevent attachment of the crop to the intermediate structure. In a preferred embodiment, the mowing machine further includes conditioning members so that the cutting members and conditioning members comprise a cutting-conditioning group.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for movement through a field is adapted to perform a number of functions including severing plant stems from the roots, placing the severed plants in windrows, and preparing soil for planting. The apparatus includes a wheel-mounted frame for attachment to a tractor, a pair of flat discs with notched peripheries mounted for rotation about parallel axes and hydraulic motors for imparting rotation, through drive shafts, to the discs in opposite directions. The discs and their supporting structure are mounted for selectively adjustable movement to vary the spacing of the axes of rotation, thereby placing the disc peripheries in either overlapped or spaced relation. The variable positioning of the disc peripheries governs the function performed by the apparatus and may be augmented by using discs of different diameters as well as by adjusting the spacing of the rotational axes.

Abstract: The method of producing reinforced thread includes feeding loose fibres o the disc of a rotary twisting member, guiding the core thread through the disc eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the twisting member and conducting the winding of the fibres about the core thread, to form the reinforced thread by rotating the twisting member. The apparatus for performing the method of producing reinforced thread comprises fibre-separating means communicating with a twisting member having a flat disc with an axial bore and an opening for the passage of the core thread, arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the twisting member, a holder for a bobbin with the core thread, a unit for winding the reinforced thread, and a guide for the core thread having its geometric center overlying the plane of the disc and aligned with the axis of rotation of the twisting member.

Abstract: For compensation of changes in rotational speeds, for example, occurring because of varying loads on the motors, the drive mechanisms for at least two kinds of working units have a common synchronizing mechanism and are connected operably by a torque transfer device. The torque transfer device comprises, for example, a drive belt and two drive pulleys, each of which is attached to a different drive mechanism. The common synchronizing mechanism can comprise either a common rotational speed control or an adjustable current supply for the motors of the drive mechanisms.

Abstract: A straight wire length is bent against a mandrel into an obtuse V-shape and then into a C-shape at a first station, and against another mandrel into an oval shape at a second station. When making the V-shape bend the leading edge of the wire length is thereby contained against perpendicular movement. The wire length is then bent into a C-shape and when it is moved from the first station to the second station the stop is pivoted against the force of the spring by a bar transforming the V-shape to the C-shape. When the emerging C-shaped link clears the support surface of the stop element, the spring returns the stop element to its initial position in the first bending station, against a stop. The surface of the stop element contacting the stop may serve as an electrical contact for process control.