Abstract: A device for mating strips joined at an angle for forming rectangular frames having a L-shaped element, acting as movable abutment for the strips, has a symmetrical hinged connection to a pair of linkages, pivotally connected to a free end to the supporting element fixed to the platform, and an arm protruding outside the L-shaped element along the extension of its bisecting line and undergoing elastic centering. The element and linkages are accommodated in the supporting element in two mutually aligned seats which lie transversely to the slot of the platform, and are each constituted by a bush from which a slider protrudes; the slider is pushed, until it rests against an abutment of the bush, by a cylindrical spring which acts between the slider and the screw-type cap used also to adjust the preloading of the spring.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool having a reciprocating driver blade and a nosepiece, and being configured for sequentially feeding fasteners to the nosepiece for engagement by the driver blade for subsequent driving into a workpiece, each fastener defining a plane, further includes a deformation formation in the nosepiece configured for engaging a portion of each of the fasteners so that upon impact of the fastener by the driver blade, the engaged fastener portion is deformed in a direction transverse to the plane to define a deformed portion, the deformed portion configured for providing a clamping force upon at least one of the workpiece and a workpiece material being secured to the workpiece. A fastener is provided for use in such a tool and includes a crown configured so that, upon impact with at least one of the workpiece and the workpiece material, the crown has a nonlinear configuration.

Abstract: An accessory device for fastener-driving tools such as nail and staple guns is provided. The device serves as a positioning guide for the tool and is designed to provide sufficient spacing and orientation between the fastener-driving tool and the target construction material. The device can be integrated into the body of the fastener-driving tool, manufactured as an attachment or manufactured as a separate tool. It prevents impact marring at the visible surface of the construction material by redirecting the force of the blow to a non-visible surface on the assembled construction material. Furthermore it increases speed and ease of movement for the user by serving as a guide for stability and ease of alignment. The device changes the impact point between the driving tool and the construction material, broadens the area of impact and protects the top edge of a tongue and groove construction material from impact damage.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for feeding and positioning strips in machines for making rectangular frames which are equipped with four stapling units for joining, by steel staples, the strips that form the frames, wherein the strips are picked from corresponding conveyor belts and are transferred and positioned correctly in the stapling units by four motorized carriages which are provided with rotating arms fitted with clamps for gripping the individual strips and move on their respective guides, which are parallel to the conveyor belts that feed the strips for a first couple of the carriages and are perpendicular to the conveyor belts for a second couple of the carriages.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for fabricating or repairing trusses, rafters, joints, and splices by pressing the barbs of a barbed connector plate into the lumber to be joined or spliced.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting wood members with a connector plate segmented from a continuous strip of connector plates. The connector plates have integral nails extending from one face of the plate. The apparatus includes a feeder for feeding the strip forward to a position where the connector plate is segmented from the strip. A driver drives the segmented plate into the wood members. The apparatus is characterized by a table for the emplacement of the wood members in a pattern for being fastened together. The table is mounted for movement between a position out from under the driver for emplacement of the wood members and a position under the driver for the driving of a segmented connected plate down for penetration of its nails into the wood members. The table has an upwardly facing surface with indicia thereon indicative of the locations of edges of the connector plate. The table also has slots and locating stops to facilitate holding the wood member in the pre-selected pattern on the table.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive mechanism to actuate a tool for joining at least two work-pieces of ductile material such as by self-piercing riveting or clinching. The drive mechanism comprises a punch drive for actuating a punch and a clamp drive for actuating a clamp which clamps the workpieces against an up-setting die during the joining operation. Both drives comprise piston cylinder assemblies. The piston cylinder assembly of the clamp drive is carried by the piston rod of the punch drive. The pressure chamber of the clamp drive communicates with one of the work chambers of the punch drive such that pressure within the work chamber of the punch drive is transmitted to the pressure chamber of the clamp drive in order to generate the clamping force. As a result thereof only a pair of fluid connections are required for operating both drives.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting wood members with a connector plate segmented from a continuous strip of connector plates. The connector plates have integral nails extending from one face of the plate. The apparatus includes a feeder for feeding the strip forward to a position where the connector plate is segmented from the strip. A driver drives the segmented plate into the wood members. The apparatus has a table for the emplacement of the wood members in a pattern for being fastened together. The table is mounted for movement between a position out from under the driver for emplacement of the wood members and a position under the driver for the driving of a segmented connected plate down for penetration of its nails into the wood members. The table also has slots and locating stops to facilitate holding the wood member is the pre-selected pattern on the table.

Abstract: A truss fabrication machine has processing circuitry for partially automating the fabrication of trusses. One or more workers place in jig stops on the tabletop a set of loose pre-cut truss members and the connector plates that get seated at the joints therebetween. The machine has a pressing head for seating the connector plates, which rides on a gantry above the tabletop in generally a Y-axis, wherein the gantry rides on a track generally along an X-axis. There are drivers to drive the gantry along the track and the pressing head along the gantry, as well an actuator for the pressing head. The processing circuitry is reliant on X- and Y-axis sensors for reckoning position on the tabletop. The processing circuitry is given control over the gantry, the pressing-head driver and actuator for coordinating movement of the gantry and pressing head between one given X and Y position to succeeding X and Y positions, and then actuating or not the actuating means.

Abstract: An automatic fastening machine and method which reduces fastener installation cycle time by virtue of unique tool movements, pressure foot operation and other features. The pressure foot plate is coupled to actuators for moving the same in a manner allowing tilting of the plate relative to the plane of the workpiece during movement from one fastener installation location to another. The actuators are independently operated by a servo control arrangement in conjunction with the machine control. As a result, it is not necessary for the system to seek a new down position thereby saving machine cycle time. Sensors operatively associated with the actuators in conjunction with the machine control cause movement of the pressure foot plate in reaction to force applied to the workpiece during fastener installation to maintain the workline established by the position of the workpiece prior to application of force.

Abstract: A motor driven stapler in which there are no fears of cutting off and need for loosed part of the lead wires of photo sensor for detection of sheets to be bundled, is provided.

Abstract: A device for mating strips joined at an angle for forming rectangular frames having a L-shaped element, acting as movable abutment for the strips, has a symmetrical hinged connection to a pair of linkages, pivotally connected to a free end to the supporting element fixed to the platform, and an arm protruding outside the L-shaped element along the extension of its bisecting line and undergoing elastic centering. The element and linkages are accommodated in the supporting element in two mutually aligned seats which lie transversely to the slot of the platform, and are each constituted by a bush from which a slider protrudes; the slider is pushed, until it rests against an abutment of the bush, by a cylindrical spring which acts between the slider and the screw-type cap used also to adjust the preloading of the spring.

Abstract: The invention is a stapler and staple guide assembly for same. The stapler provides automated stapling for stacks of sheet material regardless of stack thickness. In a first embodiment two staple guides load individual sheets or small stacks of sheets onto a staple with the staple supported in a base. The staple is then cut to an appropriate height and cinched. In another embodiment, numerous split guides may be cascaded to increase staple loading speed. Other improvements to a stapling process include dimpling sheets of material and/or pre-drilling sheets of material to simplify loading sheets onto a staple.

Abstract: Truss table assembly for assembling a truss without manual flipping of the truss. In one embodiment, the truss table assembly includes two truss tables and two flipper arms. Each truss table has a worksurface that is configured to support the truss members as nailing plates are engaged to the truss members. The flipper arms are configured to flip the truss from a truss member first surface in contact with the worksurfaces to a second surface in contact with the worksurfaces so that nailing plates may be positioned over the truss member second surface and engaged to the truss members.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting, in the molding of picture-frames, metal staples adapted to retain laminar backing elements for pictures, photographs and the like, comprising a beam which is arranged horizontally above the surface that supports the molding, two fixing tools which are guided on the beam transversely to two opposite sides of the molding, an actuation for adjusting the distance between the fixing tools along the beam as a function of the distance between the sides, and a further actuation for vertically actuating the fixing tools into the position for applying metallic staples in the sides.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing rectangular frames composed of strips which are assembled by way of mutual joining elements which are driven into them by stapling machines so as to straddle the joints formed by mating the strips at right angles, which comprises: a horizontal beam which is supported so that it is rotatable centrally about a vertical axis so as to form two arms which lie diametrically with respect to the vertical axis, each arm being provided with sliding guides for respective carriages; two levers, which are articulated to each one of the carriages about axes which are parallel to the vertical axis; a grip element for a respective one of the strips that constitute the frame being mounted on each one of the levers; elements for actuating the grip elements, the levers, the carriages and the beam so that in a first position of the beam, the grip elements are located in a position for picking up the strips to be assembled; in a second position, the levers are rotated so that the strips picked up by

Abstract: A device for applying nailing plates to the ends of wooden ties includes a plate feeder for applying nailing plates to the generally vertically-oriented ends of a wooden tie horizontally disposed therein. The plate feeder includes a frame on each side for holding a nailing plate in a generally vertical orientation adjacent one of the ends of the wooden tie, a dispenser associated with each frame for dispensing nailing plates to the frame; and a piston on each side actuable to partially press a nailing plate held in the frame into the ends of the wooden tie. A tie feeder for conveys ties to the plate feeder. There is also a press for pressing nailing plates partially embedded in the ends of a wooden tie, into the ends of the wooden tie. A conveyor conveys wooden ties from the plate feeder to the press.

Abstract: A connector plate application apparatus presses connector plates into wood members to connect them together for forming wood frames, truss components and the like. Connector plates are supplied to the apparatus in the form of a strip which is pre-punched with nailing teeth. The connector plates are sheared from the strip and driven into the wood members by drivers. The strip is fed forward automatically by a strip feed which engages the strip in openings left by punching the nailing teeth. Loading of a new strip of connector plates is facilitated by an alignment mechanism which allows non-visual alignment of the strip with the strip feed so that the strip feed engages the strip in the openings.

Abstract: Tool assembly for riveting parts, comprising: a first and a second frame (2, 5) capable of being mounted on a shaped structure "C" or on separate robot arms (60, 61); a pair of sheet-holding devices (3, 6) each mounted on one of the frames and at least one of each is provided with a device (11) for displacing it relative to the corresponding chassis with a force corresponding to the clamping provided for holding the parts to be riveted during drilling; at least one drill (20, 21) mounted on a frame, a device (41) for placing a rivet (40) in a hole drilled by the drill, this device being carried by a frame; a percussion riveting hammer (51) carried by a frame and an associated counter-piece (54) carried by the other frame, integral with a reaction dolly (52). The elements carried by each frame are all capable of being displaced between an active position and a rest position.

Abstract: A fully automated frame maker which makes rectangular frames includes a controller device for controlling a cycle of operation and preferably multiple cycles of operation to form a plurality of frames. The apparatus also broadly includes a framing device for cyclically feeding precut mitered frame members and for forming a rectangular frame therefrom.

Abstract: Trackless gantry press apparatus includes, in one embodiment, a plurality of truss setup tables configured to form a row of spaced truss setup tables. Each table includes wheel guides coupled at opposing ends and extending the width of the table. The guides are configured to be in substantial alignment with the guides coupled to adjacent tables. The apparatus also includes a press assembly for pressing nailing plates into truss members. The press assembly includes a substantially cylindrically shaped roller movably coupled to a substantially inverted U-shaped frame. The press assembly also includes at least four support wheels and at least four reaction pressure wheels coupled to each opposite end of the frame and configured so that at least three support wheels on each end of the press assembly are in contact with the wheel guides at all times as the press assembly traverses the spaces between the spaced setup tables.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for mounting a fastener applicator on a positioning mechanism. The mounting mechanism incorporates fluid actuators for applying compensating forces and turning moments that counteract the effects of the applicator weight by bringing the forces and turning moments into substantial equilibrium or predetermined directional bias so that the applicator is movable by a minimal force. The fluid actuators thereby enabling final correction of the applicator position and orientation prior to fastener application by movement of the fastener applicator relative to the position mechanism as a result of contact between the applicator and the workpiece.

Abstract: An end plating machine for a wood tie having opposite ends comprising a frame including horizontally spaced-apart first and second end frames with the frame including tie in-feed and out-feed portions. A conveyor is provided for positioning a tie between the end frames. First and second tie clampers are positioned adjacent the first and second end frames for clamping the ends of a tie positioned therebetween. First and second power rams are mounted on the first and second end frames, respectively, for driving an end plate into the ends of the tie while the tie is being clamped by the first and second tie clampers. First and second end plate hoppers are positioned on the first and second end frames, respectively, for supporting a plurality of end plates therein.

Abstract: A device for assembling sash elements (12) in a frame (11) disposes over instruments (8) for clamping the frame (11). An angle template (7) is provided for inserting the sash element (12) which is freely movable on a predefined plane in relation to the clamped frame (11). The sash element can be held fast and be pushed into the desired assembly position at a set angle on the angle template.

Abstract: In an end plating machine for a wood tie having opposite ends comprising a frame including horizontally spaced-apart first and second end frames with the frame including tie in-feed and out-feed portions; a conveyor is provided for positioning a tie between the end frames. First and second tie dampers are positioned adjacent the first and second end frames for clamping the ends of a tie positioned therebetween. First and second power rams are mounted on the first and second end frames, respectively, for driving an end plate into the ends of the tie while the tie is being clamped by the first and second tie clampers. First and second end plate hoppers are positioned on the first and second end frames, respectively, for supporting a plurality of end plates therein.

Abstract: A stapling device has a holddown element, a staple forming member, and a staple driving means, which are guided linearly and are movable perpendicular to the upper side of a sheet stack to be stapled.A first pressure spring with a lower spring force is associated with the holddown element. A second pressure spring whose spring force is greater than that of the first pressure spring, is associated with the staple forming member. A third pressure spring is associated with the staple driving means, its spring force being greater than that of the second pressure spring. The pressure springs are arranged with identical working directions perpendicular to the upper side of the sheet stack.The first pressure spring is arranged in preloaded fashion between the holddown element and the staple forming member. The second pressure spring is arranged in preloaded fashion between the staple forming member and the staple driving means.

Abstract: An end plating machine for a wood tie having opposite ends comprising a frame including horizontally spaced-apart first and second end frames with the frame including tie in-feed and out-feed portions. A conveyor is provided for positioning a tie between the end frames. First and second tie clampers are positioned adjacent the first and second end frames for clamping the ends of a tie positioned therebetween. First and second power rams are mounted on the first and second end frames, respectively, for driving an end plate into the ends of the tie while the tie is being clamped by the first and second tie clampers. First and second end plate hoppers are positioned on the first and second end frames, respectively, for supporting a plurality of end plates therein.

Abstract: An end plating machine for a wood tie having opposite ends comprising a frame including horizontally spaced-apart first and second end frames with the frame including tie in-feed and out-feed portions. A conveyor is provided for positioning a tie between the end frames. First and second tie clampers are positioned adjacent the first and second end frames for clamping the ends of a tie positioned therebetween. First and second power rams are mounted on the first and second end frames, respectively, for driving an end plate into the ends of the tie while the tie is being clamped by the first and second tie clampers. First and second end plate hoppers are positioned on the first and second end frames, respectively, for supporting a plurality of end plates therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for final assembly of framed artwork includes a conveyor for translating a plurality of art frames past a robot arm assembly. A fastener driver module is supported by the robot arm assembly, the module including a support plate and a magazine secured to the support plate by a pivot assembly at the upper end of the magazine, with the freely pivoting lower end of the magazine depending from the support plate. A pneumatic actuator extends laterally from the support plate to rotate the lower end of the magazine to impinge on the art frame, and another pneumatic actuator supported on the magazine is coupled through a lever arrangement to a driver blade extending through the lower end of the magazine. The driver blade engages the lowermost fastener in the magazine and ejects it forcefully, driving it into the interior opening of the frame on the table.

Abstract: A device for driving inserts into pieces of sheet metal includes a punch having a longitudinal axis of symmetry, a thrust surface and a through hole extending along its longitudinal axis which constitutes a supply duct for the inserts. The through hole extends through the thrust surface. A thrust rod applies a driving force to the inserts to move them into position in front of the thrust surface of the punch. The thrust surface drives the head of the insert into a piece of sheet metal through a hole while plastically deforming the periphery of the hole which interfaces with the head.

Abstract: A table is provided to assist in the manufacture of building structures such as walls and the like, where the walls comprise a plurality of studs extending between top and bottom members. The table comprises a support surface for supporting the top and bottom members of the wall. The table includes grasping means to grasp the building structure and move it along the support surface. A computer-operated controller controls motors to locate the top and bottom framing members as desired along the table and to locate the top and bottom framing members at desired locations adjacent assembly stations. The assembly stations are used to attach a stud to each of the top and bottom members. The assembly stations are mounted on tracks and the location of the assembly stations along the track is controlled by a servo motor under control from the controller. The assembly stations may move transverse to the top and bottom framing members.

Abstract: An apparatus for final assembly of framed artwork includes a table supported on a structural frame, and a pneumatic actuator for raising and lowering the table. Two pairs of tubular rectangular beams extend in rectangular array superjacent to the table, and are secured at opposed ends to the upper ends of respective vertical supports. Clamping sleeves secured to the ends of the lateral beams engage the longitudinal beams, so that the lateral beams may be slidably positioned along the longitudinal beams. A plurality of modules are provided for installing tabs in a picture frame supported on the table, each module including a support plate having a dogleg cutout which is adapted to receive one of the longitudinal or lateral beams, and an adjacent clamp to secure the support plate at any point along the beam. A magazine is secured to the support plate by a pivot assembly at the upper end of the magazine, with the freely pivoting lower end of the magazine depending from the support plate.

Abstract: A method for production of a trussed rafter, wherein the nail plates are affixed to timber members in conjunction with cutting of the timber members and before they are transported to an assembly station. The assembly station can be any type of a rafter jig but can also be a levelled surface, e.g., a factory floor, thereby eliminating the need for an assembly jig. The labor and force required in timber member jointing are substantially reduced, because the nail plates are already affixed to the timber members and assembly can be largely limited to affixing of upper nail plates (8). The assembly surface has a grid pattern (1) thereon, enabling the positioning of side quides (2) required for assembling. Markings indicating prefixed platings and/or nail plates positions are used to provide quality control.

Abstract: A framing jig for building various configurations of wall sections, roof trusses and similar structural components in building construction. In one embodiment, two or more ganged cradle assemblies are provided with spaced cradles for supporting building studs in a spaced transverse configuration. Each set of ganged cradle assemblies may be set for a characteristic spacing distance. In an alternative embodiment, one set of ganged cradle assemblies is provided with means for extending alternate cradles so that staggered stud double walls may be constructed. By providing jig stops along transverse structural members, roof trusses may be constructed using the same framing jig on which building walls may be constructed. In a further embodiment, the framing jig may be deployed in a portable configuration combined with a sawing station and other supporting equipment for a fulling integrated on-sight fabrication facility.

Abstract: An underpinning machine includes a worktable (11) having a central recess (17) housing one or a pair of underpinning heads (20,21; 120). The or each head has a magazine (18,19) of V-nails or wedges associated with it. In a single head version, the underpinning head (120) is power driven between two stop positions and is capable of operation by a drive plate (27) power operated (28,29) from spaced pneumatic rams disposed below the worktable. In another embodiment, two underpinning heads (20,21) are both selectively positionable within the area of the drive plate (27). The operation of the drive plate therefore automatically operates the underpinning heads whatever their position relative to fixed guides (31,32) of the apparatus which locate framing members (42) to be underpinned.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning the top surface of a workpiece in proper relationship with respect to tooling including a fully extended upper clamp bushing, or for positioning the fully extended upper clamp bushing in proper relationship with respect to the top surface of a workpiece, which establishes a desired workplane wherein the top surface of the workpiece is always disposed in a normal position with respect to the lowermost surface of the upper clamp bushing and just in contact with the lowermost surface even though the top surface was disposed either below or above the desired workplane at the commencement of the clamping operation. The method and apparatus is capable of moving the top surface of the workpiece or the tooling into a desired workplane and also of determining whether or not the top surface of the workpiece adjacent the area which is to be fastened lies within the desired workplane.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved apparatus and method of manufacturing wood trusses which utilizes an apparatus and method incorporating the use of a vibrator and the application of vibration forces during the process of seating connector plates in the wood cord members of the truss.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method and a device that serves to connect convr belt ends and to repair tears or splits in conveyor belts by means of plate-shaped or, respectively, oblong connection elements which are provided with openings for the fastening elements. The essence of the invention is that an upper tool serves for positioning at least one upper connection element, and that a lower tool serves for positioning at least one lower connection element, and that the upper tool and the lower tool are provided to drive in staples by means of hammer blows.

Abstract: This invention relates to a machine and its constituent components for drilling a hole in a workpiece, inserting a rivet in the hole, and upsetting the rivet, all without moving the lateral position of the machine or the workpiece, and to an assembly for supporting and positioning a plurality of said machines for working simultaneously on the workpiece.

Abstract: A machine and method for semi-automatically attaching casing to a structural frame assembly is provided. The machine includes a support frame assembly, a fixed bank of stapling units supported by the support frame assembly, a movable bank of stapling units slidably supported by the support frame assembly and oriented substantially parallel to the fixed bank, and a head bank of stapling units located at one end of the fixed and movable banks and also supported by the support frame assembly. Each bank of stapling units includes a pivot bar, stapling units attached to the pivot bar for stapling the casing to the structural frame assembly, and clamping assemblies attached to the pivot bar for positioning and clamping the casing adjacent the structural frame assembly. The fixed and movable banks include jamb locators which are positioned to engage and retain the longitudinal edges of the structural frame assembly.

Abstract: A shaft seal including a stiffening ring 1 and a lip ring 2 made of a polymeric material connected thereto. The lip ring 2 has a cylindrical surface 3 surrounding the shaft to be sealed about, i.e. shaft 5, in a very short distance and at least one retaining rib 4 projecting from said cylindrical surface towards the inside. The cylindrical surface 3, the retaining rib 4, and the shaft 5 surround capillary-active free spaces. The cylindrical surface rises above the retaining rib 4 on both sides in axial direction and the retaining rib 4 surrounds the shaft 5 on a sine-like course and continuously.

Abstract: A stapling apparatus for stapling a set of copy sheets in a copier or printer includes a noise reducing clamp mechanism for clamping the set of copy sheets. The noise reducing clamp mechanism includes means for proportionally varying the speed and force of a movable clamping member, such that the thinner the set of copy sheets, the lesser the speed and impact force of the movable member when it contacts the set of sheets.

Abstract: The invention is embodied in a plating apparatus having a pivotally mounted unitary c-shaped plating member including opposing arms joined at a bight portion. Pressing means extend between the opposing arms to force a splice-plate and a portion of a pallet towards each other. The pressing means includes a hydraulic cylinder powered by a two-stage pump that provides low-pressure, high flow during an initial run-out of the cylinder and high-pressure during actual impaling of the splice-plate into the pallet stringer. The pivot for the c-shaped member preferably extends from the center of gravity of the member to minimize unbalanced weight stressing the pivot pin. A holddown means is provided for holding a pallet against a pallet support member. The holddown means is likewise pivotally mounted.

Abstract: An end plating machine capable of forcing end plates into the ends of a pair of ties having various lengths. The machine includes spaced apart tie staging chambers and an end plating ram which may be selectively positioned between tie ends of the ties in the staging chambers to force tie end plates into the ties.

Abstract: The machine of the present invention operates to automatically nail a combination of pre-cut wood boards together to form a pallet. The machine may be adjusted so that the size of the pallet can be varied as to dimensions and number of pre-cut boards. Once the pallet size and board combination has been selected, the machine is set up by moving jigs, stops, clamps and nailing heads into their proper operative positions. A number of nailing heads are adjustably mounted on a carriage that moves past a support on which the pre-cut boards are mounted. Both the top and bottom boards of the pallet are nailed simultaneously to the central or longitudinal board of the pallet. By way of a clamping system, the boards are squared and precisely positioned and secured together by clamping action. The carriage then begins to move and the nailing operations commence and continue until all of the nails have been driven into the boards of the pallet.

Abstract: The machine of the present invention operates to automatically nail a combination of pre-cut wood boards together to form a pallet. The machine may be adjusted so that the size of the pallet can be varied as to dimensions and number of pre-cut boards. Once the pallet size and board combination has been selected, the machine is set up by moving jigs, stops, clamps and nailing heads into their proper operative positions. A number of nailing heads are adjustably mounted on a carriage that moves past a support on which the pre-cut boards are mounted. Both the top and bottom boards of the pallet are nailed simultaneously to the central or longitudinal board of the pallet. By way of a clamping system, the boards are squared and precisely positioned and secured together by clamping action. The carriage then begins to move and the nailing operations commence and continue until all of the nails have been driven into the boards of the pallet.

Abstract: A truss fabricating machine includes a gantry movable along an X-axis and a pressing cylinder suspended from the gantry which is movable along the Y-axis allowing the pressing cylinder to be located above a joint in a wooden truss. The pressing cylinder presses down to seat connector plates into selected joints of the truss. A joystick generates electrical signals proportional to the direction and extent of movement of the joystick by the operator, which are converted to pulse width modulated electrical signals in a driver, whose output controls proportional solenoids that drive infinite positioning four-way hydraulic valves to actuate hydraulic motors that drive the gantry and pressing mechanism along either the X-axis, or through a separate hydraulic circuit, the Y-axis. The pressing cylinder can be moved along both axes simultaneously.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for applying surgical fasteners to body tissue wherein the improvement comprises a resilient, deflectable arm which frictionally engages body tissue held between the anvil portion of the apparatus and the cartridge assembly of the apparatus. The deflectable arm exerts a biasing force on the tissue thereby holding the tissue in position to prevent misalignment.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching fastener elements one at a time to a garment includes a die plate disposed below a punch and having a plurality of dies spaced apart in a first direction. The die plate is slidably movable in the one direction to place the dies successively into alignment with the punch. The die plate is displaceable in a second direction away from the punch in a plane of sliding movement of the die plate. The die plate is pivotally movable in a vertical plane when it is disposed in a position remote from the punch. According to a preferred embodiment, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the die plate is tiltable upwardly as it is displaced in the second direction away from the punch.

Abstract: Setting machine for fasteners has a double-acting air cylinder with a toggle linkage for driving down the upper die and an air cylinder for driving a wedge to drive up the lower die. The cylinders are activated to drive the dies together to set the fastener parts as pushers, which have moved the fastener parts into setting position, are retracted.