Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention relate to the control and manipulation of fluidic species, for example, in microfluidic systems. In one aspect, the invention relates to systems and methods for making droplets of fluid surrounded by a liquid, using, for example, electric fields, mechanical alterations, the addition of an intervening fluid, etc. In another aspect, the invention relates to systems and methods for dividing a fluidic droplet into two droplets, for example, through charge and/or dipole interactions with an electric field. The invention also relates to systems and methods for fusing droplets, according to another aspect of the invention, for example, through charge and/or dipole interactions. Another aspect of the invention provides the ability to determine droplets, or a component thereof, for example, using fluorescence and/or other optical techniques (e.g., microscopy), or electric sensing techniques such as dielectric sensing.

Abstract: This system takes in raw cellular material collected using a provided swab, blood collection device, urine collection device, or other sample collection device and transforms that biological material into a digital result, identifying the presence, absence and/or quantity of nucleic acids, proteins, and/or other molecules of interest.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for charging fluids are disclosed. The charging of fluids improves the mixing of fluids in microfluidic systems. The charging is performed by producing an ion field between an ionizing electrode and an opposed ground electrode. A fluid-containing vessel is positioned between the opposed electrodes and the ion field charges the fluid in the vessel.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic device includes at least one inlet and a curvilinear microchannel having a trapezoidal cross section defined by a radially inner side, a radially outer side, a bottom side, and a top side, the cross section having a) the radially inner side and the radially outer side unequal in height, or b) the radially inner side equal in height to the radially outer side, and wherein the top side has at least two continuous straight sections, each unequal in width to the bottom side.

Abstract: An adaptor to help control local humidity of a sample includes a delivery port having a first side and a second side, opposite the first side. The first side includes an opening that is to be connected to a fluid source. The second side includes a sidewall. A platform extends from the sidewall. A vial holder is connected to the sidewall. A portion of the sidewall is absent above the platform to allow manipulation of the sample.

Abstract: A tray for holding a plurality of blood collection tubes is disclosed. The tray includes a deck portion, a sidewall portion disposed about at least a portion of a perimeter of the deck portion, a first well defined within the deck portion and a second well defined within the deck portion, with each well configured to receive a blood collection tube therein. Each well defines an aperture therein and the tray includes at least one structural rib interconnecting the first well and the second well without extending into an aperture of the first well or the second well. The tray may include a plurality of wells, each well defining an aperture therein, and a plurality of structural ribs, each structural rib interconnecting at least a portion of the plurality of wells without extending into an aperture of any of the wells.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling the drive of a vertical mill having a grinding plate rotatable about the vertical axis are disclosed. The grinding plate can be driven by an electric motor and a drivetrain with a gearbox. An actual rotational speed and a drivetrain torque with respect to the drivetrain are detected and are fed to a control device together with a specified target rotational speed. The control device generates an output signal for a target torque based on the actual rotational speed and the target rotational speed and based on the drivetrain torque such that the resulting target torque is reduced or increased in the same direction as a torque resulting from the milling process.

Abstract: In a method and a corresponding device for controlling a rotational speed of a drive driving a shaft, the rotational speed is controlled by a control device which is supplied with a control deviation calculated based on a desired value and an actual value for the rotational speed. The actual value for the rotational speed of the shaft is measured on the shaft with a first sensor and at least one additional sensor and the actual value is calculated from a weighted average of the individual measured values for the rotational speed obtained from the first and the at least one additional sensor.

Abstract: An enhanced gravity separation device rotates a plurality of rectangular section vessels about a central drive shaft. Each vessel has an array of closely spaced plates positioned with the vessel between outer regions and inner regions. A feed of mixed dense and less dense fluid matter is fed to the outer regions via a pipe and conduits, through the plate arrays and into the inner regions. Overflow of less dense matter reports to the inner regions and underflow of denser matter reports to the outer region. The vessels may be fluidized by liquid supplied into the outer regions via annulus and conduits.

Abstract: A method of recycling a filler included in artificial turf by sorting the filler into two or more materials, including: a first sorting operation of sorting the two or more materials based on a grain size; and a second sorting operation of sorting the materials, which are sorted by the first sorting operation and have grain sizes belonging to a predetermined range, based on specific gravity.

Abstract: Fine coal is cleaned of its mineral matter impurities and dewatered by mixing the aqueous slurry containing both with a hydrophobic liquid, subjecting the mixture to a phase separation. The resulting hydrophobic liquid phase contains coal particles free of surface moisture and droplets of water stabilized by coal particles, while the aqueous phase contains the mineral matter. By separating the entrained water droplets from the coal particles mechanically, a clean coal product of substantially reduced mineral matter and moisture contents is obtained. The spent hydrophobic liquid is separated from the clean coal product and recycled. The process can also be used to separate one type of hydrophilic particles from another by selectively hydrophobizing one.

Abstract: An ion filtration air cleaning device for cleaning air by use of electrostatic ion attraction. Air having suspended particles is drawn into the device through an inlet by a fan. An ionization source near the inlet generates ions. Electrical charge transfers from the ions to the suspended particles. The fan pushes the air and suspended charged particles toward an outlet. A filter located adjacent to the outlet operates by electrostatic attraction and filters the charged particles from the air, allowing cleansed air to be released from the device, with a reduced level of charged particle emission.

Abstract: Improvements in active field polarized media air cleaner include an aerodynamic front cowling to reduce static air resistance, a rear double hinge to reduce blow by, a resistive center screen permitting the sharing of high voltage power supplies while reducing the tendency to arc and allowing for a higher operational voltage, a dielectric media support frame to produce a more uniform electrostatic field and reduce blow by, while at the same time reducing the tendency to spray corona and/or arc at the edges of the center screen, a substantially flat conductive outer screen to produce a more uniform electrostatic field throughout the filter media and a high-voltage shield to reduce high-voltage arcing and the spraying of corona where the high-voltage probe contacts the center screen.

Abstract: Methods and electrostatic precipitators achieve efficient separation. Scrapers are specifically designed to clean the electrodes in the electrostatic precipitators. Particulates are collected from an entrained air stream by keeping both the discharge and collection electrode surfaces clean during the precipitation process so that the electrical corona discharge remains constant and the electrical field flux lines are maintained. This is accomplished using a plurality of vertical disc electrodes and a plurality of horizontal discharge electrodes preferably combined with the ability to keep the electrodes clean during the exhaust process.

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator array includes a plurality of fluidic-oscillator main flow channels. Each main flow channel has an inlet and an outlet. Each main flow channel has first and second control ports disposed at opposing sides thereof, and has a first and a second feedback ports disposed at opposing sides thereof. The feedback ports are located downstream of the control ports with respect to a direction of a fluid flow through the main flow channel. The system also includes a first fluid accumulator in fluid communication with each first control port and each first feedback port, and a second fluid accumulator in fluid communication with each second control port and each second feedback port.

Abstract: System and methods for applying a liquid coating to a substrate are disclosed herein. One exemplary method includes a flow control routine in which the velocity of an applicator, or other parameter affecting the amount of material applied to the substrate, is iteratively adjusted. The amount of the adjustment performed in each iteration is tracked. When the sum of the adjustments by the flow control routine exceeds a predetermined threshold, a fan width control routine is initiated in which the fan width of the stream of material applied by the applicator is adjusted.

Abstract: An improved structure of gyrating nozzle spray gun includes a grip including an air inlet and a trigger-controlled valve seat, a gas delivery tube connected to the valve seat, and a gyrating nozzle head including a connection nut threaded onto a front tubular mating connection screw rod of the gas delivery tube, an end cap threaded onto outer thread of the connection nut, a bearing positioned in the end cap, and a rotator mounted in the bearing and rotatable with an inner race of the bearing and defining therein a gas accumulation chamber for receiving compressed air from the valve seat via the gas delivery tube and the connection nut and an oblique jet hole eccentrically located in the front wall thereof for ejecting compressed air and causing the rotator to rotate during ejection of compressed air.

Abstract: An atomization device including a pair of counter-rotating rollers, a fluid source configured to coat at least one of the rollers in a feed fluid, and a baffle unit. The counter-rotation of the rollers stretches the feed fluid into a fluid filament between the two diverging surfaces of the rollers. The stretched fluid filaments breaking into a plurality of droplets at a capillary break-up point of the feed fluid. The baffle unit introduces a baffle fluid within the interior of the device, the baffle fluid transporting formed droplets of the feed fluid from the atomization device. Excess or misguides atomized fluid droplets are collected by the baffle unit and are recycled back into the device for use in later atomization processes. The variation of atomization device parameters allows for the selection of droplets having desired physical parameters.

Abstract: A bearing air passage through which bearing air is supplied toward an air bearing of an air motor and a turbine air passage through which driving air is supplied toward a turbine are provided in a housing. An annular space surrounding the air motor is provided between the housing and a cover. A bearing air branch passage connecting the annular space and the bearing air passage to each other and a turbine air branch passage for connecting the annular space and the turbine air passage to each other are provided. The air branch passages lead a part of the compressed air to the annular space and keep the cover in a heated state.

Abstract: A thermal spray assembly (10) for transforming precursor material (60) into a layer of deposited material joined to a substrate body. A plasma torch produces a plasma jet from a plasma nozzle (28) and a feeder mechanism (30) guides the precursor material into the plasma jet in use and is capable of providing a feeder orifice when in an open condition. The feeder mechanism (30) is provided with a distribution chamber configured for guiding moving precursor material azimuthally around the plasma torch, a plurality of deflector structures (38) configured for deflecting the precursor material (60) from the distribution chamber and guiding it into a guide chamber configured for guiding the precursor material (60) to the plasma jet in use.

Abstract: Apparatuses suited for use with, for example, fluid cosmetic products. In some embodiments, the present apparatuses include an outer sleeve, a dispenser mechanism, and an inner container. In these embodiments, the dispenser mechanism is coupled to the outer sleeve and the inner container is removably coupled to the outer sleeve.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a trigger-type pump dispenser A which is configured such that a trigger section 13 is depressed by a thumb with a handle gripped, which is good in grippability, which allows efficient transmission of finger pressure to the trigger section 13 during spraying, and which is excellent in operation. [Solution] The present invention is directed to a trigger-type pump dispenser including: a cylinder section; a handle section 12; a trigger section 13 located above the handle section 12; and a nozzle section 4 from which liquid is sprayed out of the cylinder section by depressing the trigger section 13 with the handle section 12 gripped, wherein the handle section 12 has a finger contact portion S located posterior to a point of force of the trigger section 13.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments disclosed herein refer to a fragrance dispenser. The fragrance dispenser includes an enclosure having a base and a top portion, including a spray actuator. The fragrance dispenser also includes two or more bottles enclosed in the enclosure, each bottle having a top pump portion and a bottom portion. Two or more fragrances are enclosed in the two or more bottles, one fragrance per bottle. Two or more pumps, one pump per bottle are positioned within the pump portion of each of the two or more bottles. A manifold includes connector passages that connect all of the pumps to the spray actuator. At least two cams, both of which are enclosed by the enclosure are positioned adjacent the base of the enclosure, wherein the two cams together contact all of the two or more bottles, wherein movement of the cams produces movement of one or more of the pumps up or down. The fragrance dispenser also includes one or more dials for adjusting the position of each of the cams.

Abstract: A coating apparatus for coating a perimeter surface of a pipeline. A frame selectively mounts a sprayer on the pipeline. The sprayer can spray fluid along a flow path in a spraying mode and preparation mode. In the preparation mode, a fluid diverter moves into the flow path to divert the fluid delivered from the sprayer away from the pipeline. In the spraying mode, the fluid diverter moves out of the flow path to permit the sprayer to coat the perimeter surface of the pipeline with a curable liquid. A vacuum system can draw a vacuum through the diverter to remove the fluid the sprayer sprays in the preparation mode. The flow path can be located in a spray shroud. The diverter can fluidly couple the vacuum system to the shroud interior in the spraying mode to remove overspray.

Abstract: A holder assembly includes a pole has an upper section and a lower section. An engaging member is coupled to the upper section. The engaging member may retain a paint gun on the pole. A connector is coupled to the pole such that the connector is positioned proximate a distal end of the pole with respect to the engaging member. A trigger is movably coupled to the connector. A cord extends between the paint gun and the trigger. The trigger may actuate the paint gun when the trigger is actuated.

Abstract: A paint rack having an attachment support bar, three leg portions, and three grate attachment portions, the three grate attachment portions matably attachable to a floor grate, the three leg portions mounted on top of the three grate attachment portions and extending upwardly from the grate attachment portions, the attachment support bar connected to the three leg portions, and extending upwardly from the three leg portions.

Abstract: An ultrasonic aerosol generation apparatus preferably includes an aerosol generation case, a case cover, at least one outlet pipe, an air feed manifold, at least one, transducer, transducer power supply, and microprocessor based controller. The aerosol generation case preferably includes a fluid reservoir and a transducer chamber. The case cover is attached to a top of the aerosol generation case. Each outlet pipe preferably includes an outer base tube, an inner tube and an exhaust tube. The at least one outlet pipe is attached to the case cover over the at least one transducer. The air feed manifold includes an inlet tube, a supply tube and at least one exhaust pipe tube. The supply tube communicates with the transducer chamber and the at least one exhaust pipe communicates with the at least one outlet pipe. The microprocessor based controller is used to monitor, power, and/or control, the above mentioned components.

Abstract: A decorating machine particularly for the decoration of ceramic products, and a method for realizing a belt for decorating said ceramic products, wherein the machine comprises: a closed loop belt (3) for the transfer of a decoration (9) on a receiving surface (11) of a ceramic product; a plurality of conveyor rollers (2) about which said belt (3) is wound and moved in rotation; at least one of said conveyor rollers (2) comprises a central portion (12) and two end portions (14) opposite one another, at least one of said end portions (14) being free in rotation with respect to the other said portions (12, 14).

Abstract: An adhesive dispensing device includes a dispensing tube, a dispensing needle fixed to a bottom end portion of the dispensing tube and configured to dispense adhesive received in the dispensing tube, a heating sleeve surrounding the dispensing needle and configured to slide along a length of the dispensing needle and heat the dispensing needle, and a driving assembly. The driving assembly drives the heating sleeve to slide along a length of the dispensing needle to reveal an end portion of the dispensing needle or cover the end portion of the dispensing needle.

Abstract: Jetting devices and methods for dispensing a fluid material from a fluid supply. A jetting device includes a fluid module configured to be coupled with the fluid supply and to dispense the fluid material. The fluid module includes a valve seat and a valve element configured to move relative to the valve seat over a stroke length, and a valve stop configured to position the valve element relative to the valve seat for determining the stroke length. The jetting device further includes a drive module configured to actuate the fluid module and includes a drive pin configured to move the valve element toward the valve seat. The drive pin is configured to be rotated to cause rotation of the valve stop for adjustment of the stroke length. The drive pin may be rotated by a rotation device comprising a motor.

Abstract: A liquid material is discharged in a flying mode at a high tact by moving a needle (12) at a high speed with a small-sized drive device. A liquid droplet discharge device includes a liquid chamber (51) that is communicated with a discharge opening (60), and that is supplied with the liquid material, a needle (12) having a tip that is advanced and retracted within the liquid chamber, a drive device (2) that operates the needle (12) to advance and retract, and a displacement magnifying mechanism (3), wherein liquid droplets are discharged in a flying mode from the discharge opening (60). Even number of drive devices are disposed in a left-right symmetric relation, and the displacement magnifying mechanism (3) includes an elastically deformable U-shaped member (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) having a bottom portion to which the needle (12) is coupled.

Abstract: A modular, rotisserie type tooling fixture assembly for use in a coating operation and method of its use are disclosed. The tooling fixture assembly includes an arbor or shaft and a retaining base with a plurality of anchor members disposed in a prescribed radial orientation from the center of the retaining base, the anchor members are uniquely configured or adapted to retain a plurality of workpieces to be coated. The tooling fixture assembly further comprises a unique workpiece masking arrangement that employs a unitary masking cap having a plurality of solid walls or surfaces adapted to cover portions of the plurality of workpieces in a masking relationship.

Abstract: A method of drying and/or curing an organic coating on a continuously running metal strip, includes heating the strip by electromagnetic induction in a tunnel furnace having an enclosure with hot internal walls and heating the enclosure. The heating of the strip by electromagnetic induction is coupled with heating by infrared radiation and heating by convection with a combustion gas. The heating of the enclosure of the furnace is performed by convection using the same combustion gas used for heating the strip by convection. A device for implementing the method is also provided.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a probe device includes a portion having a curved surface and a plurality of tiles variously coupled to the curved surface. The tiles each include a plurality of piezoelectric transducer elements and a base adjoining and supporting the plurality of piezoelectric transducer elements. The probe device further comprises curved lens portions each coupled to a respective one of the plurality of tiles, wherein for each of the tiles, the plurality of piezoelectric transducer elements of the tile are to propagate a wave toward the respective curved lens portion. In another embodiment, the probe device further comprises a sheath material surrounding the curved lens portions.

Abstract: A process for separating synthetic turf product comprising includes the consecutive steps of: (a) downsizing the synthetic turf product into a downsized turf material; (b) separating the downsized turf material by sieving into at least a first fraction substantially comprising a mixture of backing material and additional components and a second fraction substantially comprising grass fiber components; (c) separating the first fraction by specific gravity to provide a low density fraction and a high density fraction; (d) separating the second fraction by specific gravity and size by providing an airflow directed upwards in a separator configured to cause a swirling motion whereby a lighter fraction is entrained upwards in the air flow and a heavy fraction is allowed to fall downwards; and (e) collecting the low density fraction and the light fraction.

Abstract: A selective sorting method in order to identify and sort material objects of different natures, sizes and shapes having the form of a pile is described. The method is characterized in that the choice of a gripping zone, associated with an object contained in the pile to be sorted, is carried out automatically, and in that the defining of the nature of the object associated with this gripping zone is carried out using at least one sensor that measures at least one electromagnetic radiation emitted by this object. A device able to implement such a method is also described.

Abstract: A fruits sorting apparatus includes: a conveyance device configured to convey a plurality of charged fruits from a detection area located on an upstream side to a sorting area disposed on a downstream side; an imaging device configured to photograph the fruits in the detection area of the conveyance device; a processor configured to detect a rotten fruit and a nonstandard fruit having an irregular shape or size based on images of the fruits and vegetables imaged by the imaging device; and a robot configured to pick up the rotten fruit and the nonstandard fruit detected by the processor in the sorting area.

Abstract: Mat cleaning device comprising at least one washing basket having a cage-like shape and intended to accommodate the mat in an adjacent arrangement, and in a non-folded position. The basket comprises at least a metallic mesh, having a V configuration defined by two convergent sections converging in a lower edge and having a free end opposite to the lower edge in each convergent section, through which a mat is introduced in the basket, and two side ends delimiting the cage sides. The device comprises a support to which the basket is rotationally linked through rotating elements, in such a way that it can rotate over a transversal axis or a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method of cleaning plugged or dirty porous metallic filter elements to regain filter activity, comprising the steps of: steaming a filter element for a first period of time; submerging the filter element in a first solution; and exposing the first solution to ultrasound waves for a second period of time.

Abstract: A rolling stand is provided for producing a rolled strip having working rolls which are supported on supporting rolls or intermediate rolls and supporting rolls, wherein the working rolls and/or intermediate rolls and/or supporting rolls are arranged in the rolling stand so as to be displaceable axially relative to one another, and each roll of at least one roll pair formed from a supporting roll and a working roll or from a supporting roll and an intermediate roll has a curved contour which runs over the entire effective barrel length, wherein the contour of the supporting roll is predefined by a contour function which is formed from a superposition of a first contour function, which runs in a manner complementary to the adjacent working roll in a non-displaced state, with a superposition function which is concave or convex in relation to the supporting roll axis.

Abstract: In order to improve the quality of pipe-like work pieces, a rolling mill has at least two successive consecutive rolling stages that have mandrel rods. A threading line for the mandrel rod of the second rolling stage can lie on an extraction line for the mandrel rod of the first rolling stage. The same advantage can be achieved in a rolling method for the production of pipe-like work pieces, comprising at least two successive consecutive rolling stages, wherein the two rolling stages perform the rolling with the use of mandrel rods. The work piece is brought from the mandrel rod of the first rolling stage onto the mandrel rod of the second rolling stage, without entirely emptying an interior of the work piece and/or without changing the direction of movement of the work piece or braking the work piece in the meantime and accelerating it once again.

Abstract: In a multi-roll table ring-rolling mill and method, a mandrel roll can be switched from a rolling state into a free-running state, when a predetermined ring diameter is reached, even if the roll gap minimum has not yet been reached, in order to improve the size accuracy of the rolled rings. A mandrel roll table rotating about a mandrel table axle is used, along with at least one main roll rotating about a main roll axle and first and second mandrel rolls that are mounted in the mandrel roll table, and a relief device to relieve at least the first mandrel roll of rolling forces. The main roll axle and the mandrel roll table axle are mounted in unchangeable manner and eccentric to one another, at least during the rolling process. The relief device acts independent of the main roll axle and the mandrel roll table axle are eccentric to one another.

Abstract: A shearing device for an extrusion press is adapted for cutting off from each other an extruded product and a discard which is the residue of a billet, the shearing device being configured so that the configuration thereof is simplified to reduce costs required for maintenance and production and so that the gap between the shear blade and an end surface of a die is automatically adjusted to improve the shearing accuracy, thereby providing a satisfactory cut surface. A shear cylinder (21) is mounted in a downward facing position to a frame (16) provided on the side of an end platen (11) which faces a container (10). A shear guide (18) is mounted to the frame (16) in a tiltable manner, the shear guide (18) having a shear blade (24) which is provided at the lower end thereof and guiding a shear slide (23).

Abstract: A machine tool for bending a workpiece by clamping the workpiece with a die and a punch is configured to: distinguish a material characteristic of the workpiece as an actual value and a nominal value; determine an actual material characteristic during an machining operation and re-calculate an operation target value suitable for the workpiece; and bend the workpiece by operating the punch in accordance with the suitable operation target value thus re-calculated.

Abstract: Provided are a highly-versatile plate-like-workpiece twisting and retaining apparatus, plate-like-workpiece twisting and retaining method, and plate-like-workpiece twisting and shaping method that can give a freely-chosen twisted shape or curved shape to a plate-like workpiece with a simple, highly-versatile configuration without having to prepare a die member and that can also be applied to an integral skin. A twisting and retaining apparatus includes at least two support points that are contactable with a first surface in a twisting range of a plate-like workpiece; a plurality of pressing points that are similarly contactable with a second surface in the twisting range and that flank a line connecting the at least two support points in plan view of the plate-like workpiece; and an advance-retract driving apparatus (support unit, pressing unit) that causes at least the support points or the pressing points to advance and retract in a thickness direction of the plate-like workpiece.

Abstract: A tube bending tool (1) comprising support surfaces (2, 2?, 2?), between said surfaces a tube (3), to be bent, is placed. A pressure exerting unit (6) with an extension (8) displaceable towards the tube (3), where a convex, bent bearing surface (10) is provided in order to press against the tube (3) when said extension (8) delivers a force from the pressure exerting unit (6). The front portion (9) comprises elongated elements (12, 12?). The outer ends of the elongated elements (12, 12?) comprise displaceable and movable support elements which press on the outer surface of the tube. The inner ends (13, 13?) of the elongated elements are cross-laid and movable, so that they during bending, press in a direction towards the center of the bending radius of the tube (3), at the same time as different radii of the bend (5) can be provided on different places. There is also an optional limiting means for bends over 90 degrees.

Abstract: An automated forming machine is adapted to form at least one metal sheet and contains: a material supplying zone, a heating zone, a forming zone, and a cooling zone which are all configured to accommodate components of the automated forming machine. The automated forming machine includes: a frame and a forming device for clamping, heating, and blow molding the at least one metal sheet. The automated forming machine also includes plural tracks, plural loading carriers, a first pushing devices, a second pushing device, a third pushing device, a fourth pushing device, a pulling device, a first heating device and two cooling devices, and each cooling device includes a support rack and a plurality of spray nozzles.

Abstract: Provided is a die trim section with a recess adapted to retain slugs in a stamping process. The recess may be added to existing die inserts via wire EDM, conventional surface grinding or other suitable methods. The recess extends a distance greater than the die trim punch stroke and the cross-sectional area of the recess decreases along the height of the recess.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing tailored sheet-metal strips, in which at least one sheet-metal strip having a substantially planar surface is integrally connected along its longitudinal edge to at least one further web-shaped semifinished product made of metal, wherein the at least one further web-shaped semifinished product differs from the at least one sheet-metal strip in terms of at least one of its properties, and wherein the at least one sheet-metal strip and the at least one further web-shaped semifinished product are fed continuously to at least one joining station, characterized in that a web-shaped semifinished product having a three-dimensional structure, a hollow profile and/or a multiplicity of recesses and/or holes in succession along its longitudinal edge is used as the at least one further web-shaped semifinished product which is fed to the joining station. An apparatus for carrying out the method is furthermore claimed.

Abstract: A fastener applying apparatus includes: an insertion mechanism for inserting a fastener into a fastener hole in an object to be fastened; a support mechanism for supporting the insertion mechanism; and a fastener conveying device for conveying the fastener to the insertion mechanism. The insertion mechanism includes a holding portion for holding a shank portion of the fastener. The fastener conveying device includes a gripping portion for gripping the fastener in a axial direction of the fastener.