Abstract: An improved system for continuously producing wood pallets and the like. The system features improved tool mounts for the nailing tools of a pallet machine which are adapted to position the tools for the attachment of pallet pieces using two degrees of freedom; vertical travel and simultaneous rotation about a hinge point to allow accurate delivery of nails and to rotate slightly in the recoil direction as the tool recoils. The system also uses an improved hold down clamp which features a dampening material to contact the unassembled pieces of the pellet within the fixture to absorb vibration and accommodate irregularities in the top boards of the pallet.

Abstract: A replaceable longitudinal seal for a rotary combustor formed from a circular array of pipes separated by perforated webs comprise a flat bar extending radially outwardly from ever other pipe with an angle bracket positioned on and welded to each flat bar so as to compensate for out of roundness of the combustor, a plurality of thin resilient strips of stainless steel removably fastened to each angle bracket and extending outwardly from said flat bar at an angle of approximately 60.degree. and a plurality of arcuate shoes disposed proximate a circle scribed by the distal margins of said thin strips to form a dependable seal which will deflect when encountering debris on the shoes and portions thereof can be easily replaced if damaged by the debris.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for fabricating frame walls from end plates and studs. The apparatus includes a mechanism for the length-wise feeding of the end plates into registration position. An additional mechanism is provided for feeding a stud into registration position between the end plates. A nailer tacks the end plates and stud together in proper registration while maintaining clearance between the end plates for subsequent positioning of another stud in registration. After the positioning and tacking of an additional stud or studs, a staking and anchoring mechanism presses the plates and first stud fully together so as to rigidify the frame walls. As an additional feature of the present invention, the operations of the apparatus are controlled by a microprocessor controller. This controller is programmed to produce wall frames corresponding to each individual wall to be constructed throughout a building.

Abstract: An electropneumatic V-staple driving machine includes: a machine stand with a switching device on the upper side; a first pressure cylinder member matched with a linking-up mechanism disposed on top of the machine stand; a double positioning seat and a first support frame installed over the first pressure cylinder member; a pair of staple setting devices provided on top of the double positioning seat and operatively connected with the linking-up mechanism for arranging the V-staples therein; a pair of percussion members fixed on top of the linking-up mechanism in conjunction with the staple setting devices for punching the arranged V-staples into a wooden surface of a workpiece; a working table vertically mounted on top of the machine stand over the staple setting devices for holding a workpiece thereon; a pressure feed mechanism installed on a side wall of the working table and connected between the switching device and the first pressure cylinder mechanism; and a second cylinder member matched with a second

Abstract: A machine (20) forming of pallets by affixing deck boards (52) to two or more stringers (50). The apparatus includes a base (22) defining a bed which has input and output sections. An inverter (28) is pivotally mounted to the base (22) for pivotal movement between a first position, overlying the input section, and a second position, overlying the output section. With the inverter (28) in its first position, a pallet is partially formed by affixing a plurality of deck boards (52) to first sides of two or more stringers (50) while those pallet components (50, 52) are held within fittings (56, 62, 64, 66, 68) carried by the inverter (28). Affixation is effected by a tower (86), having a plurality of nailer guns (100), moving across the inverter (28).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for assembling mouldings incorporating several rabbets, which comprises a table for positioning the mouldings, slides supporting this table, rendered fast with two columns which are connected in their lower part by a base under which is mounted a jack whose rod is connected to a hammer which penetrates in a clip magazine, and in their upper part by a piece provided with a presser member located opposite the hammer. According to the invention, a clipping assembly is provided which bears the hammer and a sliding guide fast with the hammer, as well as a sensor; two small columns on which the clipping assembly may slide vertically; balancing means mounted on each small column below the clipping assembly; and a plate disposed at the top of the rod, and on which the hammer and the sliding guide rest, and which comprises a matching member opposite the sensor. The invention is more particularly applicable to the manufacture of wooden frames.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve clamps the work during a drilling step, following which a tubular anvil moves within the sleeve to support the work while a rivet is thrust into the work with an interference fit. The tubular anvil is then withdrawn and moved with an anvil pin to form an upset head. If desired, the pin can then be retracted, and the outer portion of the upset head partially sheared by the tubular anvil and flattened against the work.

Abstract: A portable apparatus is provided with an operating head slidably mounted on a guide plate for successively fastening stirrup-links on the end of a conveyor belt via staples. A movable die within the operating head for clinching the staple ends has a first portion located opposite to the staple-inserting punch and provided with grooves for initial clinching of the staple ends. A second portion of the die is provided with grooves for final clinching of the staple ends of the following stirrup-link which have already been subjected to initial clinching. A second punch penetrates into an opening of the staple-guiding plate in order to arrest the operating head in each predetermined position and to serve as an anvil for bearing against the head of each staple at the time of final clinching. The second punch is actuated by a lever which also actuates the stepping-motion ratchet mechanism while another lever controls the operation of the staple-inserting punch and the operation of the die.

Abstract: The guide comprises a pair of elongated matching bars with nail or screw bores through the mating surfaces thereof. The two bars are normally maintained slightly apart to lift over the heads of nails by compression springs and include rotating cam clamps which can close the strips together against the spring pressure. One embodiment includes end clamps for engaging the opposing edges of a board and the edge of a further board to be nailed at right angles thereto so that the nail positions are correctly located. Lengthwise and width adjustments may be provided in the guide. Another embodiment permits the guide to be slipped under nail heads that have been started in order to support the nail as it is further engaged by the hammer or out from under nail heads having been both started and initially driven. The device may have guide drillings both perpendicular and at an inclined angle to the surface upon which it is engaged.

Abstract: A press for assembling a roof trestle has an elongated support for positioning a bottom chord of the roof trestle parallel to and an elongated track member longitudinally perpendicular to the length of the support. A slide member is slidable longitudinally on the track member. An articulation device connected to the slide member interconnects one end of each of two supporting members for being at the ridge point of the roof trestle. Two further articulation devices respectively connect opposite ends of the supporting members respectively to carriages for positioning the same at the eaves ends of the roof trestle. Assembly tables on the support and supporting members are movable therealong for supporting the roof trestle chords in the positions parallel to the latter and a press is displaceable to each assembly table for pressing nail plates into the roof trestle chords.

Abstract: A rotary combustor includes a rotatable cylindrical drum having axial seals extending from the outer periphery of the drum, and sealing structures for forming passages for providing combustion fluids along portions of the rotatable cylindrical drum. Each sealing structure includes a movable shoe positioned along the periphery of a portion of the rotatable cylindrical drum, a support positioned at a predetermined distance from the axial seals along a portion of the periphery of the rotatable cylindrical drum, and first and second spring units coupled between the support and the movable shoe. The spring units urge the movable shoe into contact with at least one of the axial seals. As a result, an air seal is continuously provided between the axial seal and the movable shoe even though the rotary combustor expands and contracts with temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically tagging selected layers of multi-layered articles by the operation of a single switch that initiates the sequential stepped operation of a clamp for holding the selected layers in a tagging position while a tag is fed and tacked, as by a bar tack, to join the tag to the selected layers. When the tagging sequence is completed, the article is removed from the apparatus, thereby separating the joined bar tack and tag from the apparatus for similar subsequent automatic repetitive operations.

Abstract: A device (1) for impressing nailing plates (4) into beams (5, 6) to be joined together comprises a unit (3) with pressure platens (12, 12') for impressing the nailing plates (4), and a unit (7) movably mounted with respect to this unit (3), for compressing the beams (5, 6). The device (1) is fashioned to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the beams (5, 6) by way of rollers (23, 28, 34) or like guide means.

Abstract: A device for assembling by riveting two or more sections of a sheet element structure wherein the sections (A, B) to be assembled are supported in a fixed stationary mode. A guide beam (16, 116) is clamped firmly against one side of the sections and supports a selectively movable working unit (17, 117) comprising drilling machines (45, 46) and rivet supplying and installing means (48,49) and a riveting hammer (50). A multiple or single point thrust and rivet bucking means (32, 132) is arranged on the opposite side of the sections (A, B) and comprises clamping force producing thrust elements (34; 134) as well as a rivet bucking die (41; 141). A computerized control system (43, 53) governs the operation cycles of the working unit (17;117) as well as the thrust and rivet bucking means (32; 132).

Abstract: A riveting press wherein a vertically movable downwardly yieldable platform supports a selected portion of a textile workpiece between a passive lower tool and a vertically rciprocable upper tool. The upper tool is surrounded by a set of two or more radially outwardly movable and vertically reciprocable grippers having serrated undersides which are moved downwardly and into engagement with the upper side of the workpiece on the platform before the upper tool descends to affix a first component of an article of hardware to the workpiece simultaneously with the application of a second component of such article to the first component and to the workpiece. One such component is supported by the lower tool and the other component is releasably held in sockets of the grippers below the upper tool.

Abstract: An end plating machine comprising a frame having an in-feed portion at one side thereof and an out-feed portion at the other side thereof. A stationary platen is provided at opposite ends of the frame below the in-feed and out-feed portions adapted to support the ends of a cross-tie delivered thereto. A conveyor delivers the cross-ties to the in-feed portion whereupon a tie transporter assembly moves the tie from the in-feed portion and delivers the tie to a tie elevator assembly which lowers the tie onto the stationary platens. A robotic claw assembly is provided above the stationary platen for squeezing the ends of the tie to close cracks therein. Each of the robotic claws are operated by a single hydraulic cylinder. When the ends of the tie are squeezed together by the robotic claws, a hydraulic ram at opposite ends of the tie drives nail plates into the ends of the tie.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning and clamping a workpiece is provided which includes an easel having a platform mounted thereon. The platform includes a plurality of blocks arranged in spaced relationship in a grid pattern with slots having tapered cross-sectional configurations therebetween. A pair of pneumatic rams are adapted for releasable mounting on the platform and for clamping a workpiece, such as a cabinet frame, while mechanical fasteners are driven into glue joints thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a truss assembly is discussed which is particularly configured for versatility and efficiency of operation. The apparatus includes a frame which supports a pair of laterally spaced first and second support rails which receive the chords and the webs of the truss assembly being formed. A pair of pressure clamps are provided which are selectively positionable longitudinally of the apparatus frame for applying clamping pressure to nail plate connector portions of the truss assembly for joining the truss webs and chords. Notably, the apparatus includes an arrangement whereby the support rails of the apparatus can be laterally relatively moved for forming truss assemblies of varying finished heights, with the arrangement including a plurality of slide cylinder assemblies which function in the nature of double-acting fluid rams for applying a clamping pressure to this truss assembly laterally of the apparatus frame as the pressure clamps are operated for joining the elements of the truss.

Abstract: A fixture apparatus for forming a board on board fence or similar article comprises two angle frame sections which are pivotally secured to a base section. Each frame section can accommodate boards which are arranged in the vertical plane and also include means for accommodating stringers which are arranged horizontally and overlie the vertical boards. The frames can be moved in a first closed position where the stringers are emplaced between the boards and, in this position, are nailed to the boards. In a second open position the frames are moved in a V-shaped configuration. The nailed board and stringer assembly is held in the vertical position by means of a holding bar attached to a vertical beam emanating from the base. The fixture also includes an exit bar associated with a series of rollers to allow the completed assembly to be rolled from the fixture.

Abstract: In an apparatus for joining two or more longitudinally oriented beams (1) or the like into girders by prefabricated nail slabs (2), feeding devices (6) and guide means (7) are arranged in front of and behind a table (5) designed for supporting the beams (1), for the feeding and supporting, respectively, and for the alignment of the beams (1) or the like to be joined; a compressing device (8) is arranged above the table (5) for pressing the beams (1) or the like together and/or for pressing the beams against the table (5); and pressing boards (9) are arranged on both sides of the table and/or of the beams (1) or the like to be joined, these pressing boards carrying retainers (10) for the nail slabs (2). The pressing boards (9) extending over the entire vertical extension of the beams (1) or the like to be joined are connected together for the execution of opposite movements.

Abstract: A machine for the assembly of frames, e.g. of timber, comprises a first static assembly (6), and a second assembly (8) mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the first assembly (6). The static assembly (6) comprises two adjustable side assemblies (16), and supporting assemblies, comprising support members (20, 22) providing parallel spaced supporting surfaces (23) on which elongate frame members (26) may be positioned. The moving assembly (8) carries clamping devices (60) each of which provides a datum surface, and an air cylinder to move the datum surface between operative and retracted positions, and a power operated clamp member to urge a transverse component (120) of the frame into engagement with the two datum surfaces.

Abstract: Stitching is achieved by means of a supply of synthetic resin staples or tacks contained in a staple feeder provided over work and arranged to be sequentially fed from the staple feeder legs of the staples or tacks penetrate through the work placed on a bed ends of the staples or tacks are deformed so as not to be removed from the work. Holes are formed, in advance, in the work at points through which the legs of the staples or tacks are to penetrate.

Abstract: A right angle clamp assembly holds two frame elements in a common plane and in angled abutment to form a mitered joint. Pneumatic cylinders are arranged to move the movable clamps of the right angle clamp assembly. A fastener tool has its discharge opening positioned on one side of the location where the mitered joint is to be formed, and a brace is positioned on the other side, with the brace being movable toward and away from the location of the mitered joint. The fastener tool is tiltable with respect to the right angle clamp assembly, and control means are provided for firing the fastener tool in response to the frame elements being gripped by the right angle clamp assembly. The fastener is inserted into the mitered joint at an angle formed by the frame elements to draw the mitered joint together.

Abstract: A vee nail frame assembly machine which is manually operated. The machine has a guide arrangement for supporting the frame members to be joined and a movable assembly which carries the operative parts for embedding the nail. The assembly carries a post having magnets embedded therein to support the vee nail. When the movable assembly is retracted a vee nail is placed on the post. The assembly is then moved into place where the post is aligned with the frame members. A hand lever is provided which actuates the nail post to move up and contact the frame members and then embed the nail.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in assembling wooden trusses and girders by holding wooden members in proper location and orientation while fastener plates are pressed into place. A frame supports an adjustable grid for supporting a clamp table at the location of each joint between wooden members, and a tower, moveable along the length of the frame, carries an articulated boom supporting an upper clamp assembly which is matable with each clamp table to press fastener plates into opposite sides of the wooden members to join them together. The apparatus is extendable and includes a wheeled undercarriage which is removeable.

Abstract: A fabricated reciprocating piston pump having a power end frame characterized by spaced apart elongated precut steel plate members forming the frame sidewalls and forming bearing support members for supporting the jackshaft and eccentric shaft bearings. The shaft bearings are mounted in cylindrical sleeves which are supported by respective pairs of the frame plate members. The pump includes crossheads which are of rectangular cross-sectional shape having flat parallel bearing surfaces and which are supported in the frame by elongated crosshead slide plates which may be adjusted laterally and vertically to align the crossheads with the axis of reciprocation of the pump piston rods. The pump fluid end is made up of premachined cylindrical tube and bar stock sections which are welded together into a unitary assembly including the pump cylinders, the suction and discharge valve housings, and the suction and discharge fluid manifolds.

Abstract: A reloading apparatus for automatically supplying staples to a stapler. A supply of staples is retained on a plurality of rails which are fixed to a cylindrical support member which is rotatably mounted on a common frame with the stapler. The staples are sequentially fed from the rails of the reloading apparatus to the stapler by a pneumatically powered follower which moves toward the stapler on a feeding stroke and returns to the opposite side of the rails after the staples on a rail have been fed into the stapler. An indexer then rotates the cylindrical support to align another rail with the follower to feed the staples on the other rail into the stapler. A pneumatic control coordinates the stapler and the reloading apparatus.

Abstract: This automatic riveting machine can access confined component parts, has a imple sensor system to locate component part edges which allows it to be used in special equipment or in robots. The riveting machine has a mounting bracket to which a rivet supply unit, a riveting unit, and a drill feed advance unit are movably attached. A pneumatic cylinder drives each unit from its resting position into the operating position while shock absorbers brake these movements. Another pneumatic cylinder locks all units into the resting position when the compressed air supply in interrupted. The rivet supply unit pneumatically shoots single rivets into pre-drilled holes in the component parts. The riveting unit is constructed as a so-called alligator riveting press which clamps the component parts together and presses or rivets the heads of the rivets. The drill feed advance unit drills holes into multiple component parts while locating their edges, pressing them together, and compensating for any positional tolerances.

Abstract: The invention discloses a tool for securing wire to grapevines by staples. The tool comprises a long handle pivotally mounted to a plate, the plate is bent at a 90 degree angle, one of the plate's side faces the handle. The handle has two circular depressions for holding the staples.

Abstract: This apparatus for fixing a row of assembling U-shaped fasteners to the end edge of a conveyor belt or the like by means of a pair of likewise U-shaped staples for each fastener, the staples having pointed ends adapted to pass through the fastener arms and the belt end edge disposed between these arms, comprises a fixed anvil underlying a vertically movable cover having a row of apertures corresponding in number to the fastener and matching the configuration of the staple pair, means for lowering the cover and cause the staple points to emerge partially from the fastener and penetrate slightly into the belt material, and a punch for driving the staple ends to a first partially bent condition obtained by the engagement of these points into skew-bottomed grooves formed in the anvil, whereafter the cover is raised and a hinged plate is tilted to its operative position in which it covers the anvil grooves, and finally the cover is lowered again towards the anvil in order to cause the staple points to be bent unti

Abstract: An automatic drilling and riveting machine including a frame having a main body portion and having a front end portion disposed in a first plane, a drilling and riveting axis defined in the frame closely adjacent and substantially parallel to the first plane, and a ram and clamp assembly carried by the frame for holding a workpiece relative to the frame in a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane during drilling and riveting and for applying force for heading a rivet inserted in the workpiece. A transfer assembly carried by the frame main body portion selectively moves a drill and a rivet inserting and forming tool each into and out of positional alignment with the drilling and riveting axis and when in such alignment toward and away from the workpiece for drilling a rivet-receiving hole in the workpiece and for inserting a rivet in the hole and forming a head on the inserted rivet in co-operation with the ram and clamp assembly.

Abstract: Wooden structures are assembled from a plurality of wooden elements with interposed metallic connectors, by assembling the wooden elements on a work table provided with a rectangular grid. The image of the structure to be assembled, with a superposed grid corresponding to the grid on the table, is projected on the table until the respective grids register with each other. Then the wooden elements are assembled on the picture; and as the corners of the grid on the table are tapped holes, retainers can be used to hold the assembled elements in place. The table with thus-assembled wooden elements is then run through an endless belt press having superposed convergent runs, whereby the metallic connectors are sunk into the wooden elements to complete assembly of the structure, after which the completed structures are removed from the tables onto rollers with interspersed lifting arms that swing vertically about an axis parallel to the direction of movement of the tables.

Abstract: An end plating machine comprising a frame having an in-feed portion at one side thereof and an out-feed portion at the other side thereof. A stationary platen is provided at opposite ends of the frame below the in-feed and out-feed portions adapted to support the ends of a cross-tie delivered thereto. A conveyor delivers the cross-ties to the in-feed portion whereupon a tie transporter assembly moves the tie from the in-feed portion and delivers the tie to a tie elevator assembly which lowers the tie onto the stationary platens. A robotic claw assembly is provided above the stationary platen for squeezing the ends of the tie to close cracks therein. Each pair of robotic claws is operated by a single hydraulic cylinder. When the ends of the tie are squeezed together by the robotic claws, a hydraulic ram at opposite ends of the tie drives nail plates into the ends of the tie.

Abstract: A nailer for nailing at least one nail plate to a member. More particularly, the nailer includes a first and a second hammer assembly, the first hammer assembly being adapted to nail a nail plate to one end of a railroad tie and the second hammer assembly being adapted to nail a nail plate to the opposite end of the railroad tie for use in repairing railroad ties.

Abstract: A portable cross tie end plating machine adapted to drive a nail plate into one end of a tie. The machine is designed to end plate one end of the tie at a time after the end of the tie has been squeezed together to close the cracks therein. The tie is fed onto an infeed table on the machine and is then moved onto a pair of tie transporter arms which lower the tie downwardly into the machine onto stationary platens. A pair of movable platens squeeze one end of the tie together and a nail plate is then driven into the end of the tie by a hydraulic ram. After the nail plate has been driven into the end of the tie, the transporter arms lift the tie upwardly out of the machine and deposit the tie on the outfeed table. The machine is designed to accommodate ties up to eighteen feet in length and to accommmodate ties having various dimensions.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assembling pallets which includes an assembly table which is pivotable on an axis, supports for supporting a plurality of first deck boards, and a displaceable support for holding up the underside of the pallet when the table has been inverted, the displaceable support being displaceable to an out of the way position to permit the pallet to drop from the table when assembly has been completed.

Abstract: A heel attaching machine is provided with an abutment mounted on a pneumatic piston and cylinder unit. After a shoe upper and heel have been positioned on the nailing stand of the machine, the abutment is moved upwards into engagement with the shank region of the insole of the shoe. The abutment then serves to prevent the upper from tipping about the edge of the nailing stand during insertion of the heel attaching nails.

Abstract: A pallet manufacturing machine and method for joining wooden slats (W) to elongate splines (S) includes spline clamping means (70) mounted on a frame (10). The spline clamping means (70) grip and release the elongate splines (S) so that the lateral edge portions of the splines (S) extend from the clamping means (70). The wooden slats (W) are carried along the length of the frame (10) by first and second advancing means (12-18, 50-56) with the advancing means (12-18, 50-56) adapted to force the slats (W) over and onto the extending edges of the splines (S). In this way, the edges of the splines (S) are embedded within the wooden slats (W) to form a contiguous structure. Drive means (76) are provided for displacing the first and second advancing (12-18, 50-56) means along the frame. In operation, the wooden slats (W) are arranged in a generally parallel, spaced relationship and the splines (S) are clamped in the clamping assembly (70).

Abstract: A heel attaching machine is provided with a shoe support in the form of an elongated boot jack which is capable of handling boots as well as conventional low shoes. The machine includes a heel holddown mechanism to clamp the shoe on the support and an arrangement to withdraw the heel holddown mechanism in its entirety to a temporary, remote position which will not interfere with placement or withdrawal of a high boot on the shoe support. The machine is adapted to operate with equal facility on conventional shoes as well as high, stiff boots.

Abstract: A stick hopper box has a floor and dividers mounted on the floor defining vertical guide channels for stacks of single rows of wieners. A plunger assembly includes individual plungers for expelling the lowermost wiener from the several guide channels into aligned clamps of a wiener clamping mechanism. A stick hopper for round sticks includes a box and transversely spaced dividers defining vertical guide channels for stacks of single sticks, the stick hopper guide channels being aligned with the wiener hopper guide channels and wiener clamps. A push rod mechanism, including individual push rods for each stick hopper guide channel, expels the sticks from the channel and inserts the sticks into wieners clamped in the wiener clamping mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a pallet having a plurality of runners arranged in spaced parallel relation and subtending a plurality of deck boards arranged in spaced parallel relation. The apparatus includes a surface on which the runners are supported, and power actuated fastener-driving means mounted in overlying relation with respect to a predetermined area of the surface and vertically adjustable relative thereto between operative and inoperative modes. Adjustably mounted on the surface area is a stop means which is adapted, when in one position of adjustment, to be engaged by a runner when the latter is in vertical alignment with the fastener-driving means. An adjustable runner-retention means is provided which, when in one position of adjustment, coacts with the stop means and retains a runner against the stop means while the fastener-driving means is in the operative mode and is fastening corresponding segments of the overlying deck boards to the runner.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a pair of fastener elements onto a garment comprising a plunger reciprocably mounted in a bored head for movement along a path toward and away from a stationary die mounted on a table in opposite relation to the bored head, the plunger having a punch for coacting with the die to attach the pair of fastener elements onto the garment from opposite sides thereof, and first and second means mounted respectively on the bored head and on the die for releasably holding the fastener elements in the path in front of the punch and the die. The first means is actuatable by the punch for releasing the one element. The second means is responsive to coaction with the first means for releasing the other element.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the automatic manufacture of wall frames. The apparatus includes a pair of guides for receiving top and bottom plates of the frame. A conveyor belt moving between the guides delivers studs between the plates where they are automatically nailed. The studs are carried past a saw which cuts them to the proper length. As the studs are secured to the plates and the frame built up, the conveyor moves the frame along.

Abstract: A surgical fastener of plastic or plastic-like material includes initially separate fastener and retainer members. The fastener member has at least two parallel prongs, each of which fits into a respective one of at least two apertures in the retainer member. The prongs twist as they enter the apertures. Then the prongs return to their initial orientation in which they interlock with the retainer member to form a finished fastener. The fastener is applied by forcing the fastener member prongs through the tissue to be fastened with the aid of metal pins contiguous with each prong. The pins are automatically withdrawn from the tissue after the prongs interlock with the retainer member and before the fastened tissue is removed from the fastener applying apparatus.

Abstract: A building machine, useful for building drawers and other products, having first and second carriages, sub-carriages moveably mounted on the carriages, a work-piece space between the carriages during building, fastening guns, first and second sets of spaced shiftable gun holders carrying the guns and disposed on first and second sides of the work-piece space, gun holder mounting assemblies movably mounting the gun holders on the sub-carriages, all movements being in a manner whereby the guns are positionable by adjustment with respect to the work-piece space in three dimensions, the guns being for driving staples, brads, pins, or nails.

Abstract: A truss-fabricating machine comprising a table for supporting a pair of parallel spaced-apart wood chord members, a series of web members spanning the chord members, and connectors having teeth adapted to be pressed into the wood chord members. The machine further comprises apparatus on the top of the table for clamping the chord members in fixed position with respect to the table, including a pair of outside jaws engageable with the outside faces of the chord members, and expansible tubing extending longitudinally of the table for effecting movement of the outside jaws relative to one another transversely of the table to clamp the chord members in fixed position with respect to the table. A press is movable longitudinally with respect to the table for pressing the teeth of the connectors into the chord members when the chord members are clamped in fixed position.

Abstract: Apparatus for pressing nailing plates or the like into opposite ends of elongate members, such as railroad ties, thereby to end-plate the ties. The apparatus comprises a press and apparatus for conveying the ties forwardly one after another in generally horizontal position with the ties extending transversely with respect to the direction of conveyance to a first station, and for feeding the ties one at a time from the first station to a second station where each tie is end-plated. The conveying apparatus, which comprises a series of walking beam units, is also operable to discharge a tie from the second station after it has been end-plated.

Abstract: A method and machine for applying multiple nail fasteners to bridge a butt joint between members, the machine comprising a frame and side by side lever arms having fastener mounting platens with magnets on one pair of adjacent ends and having the other pair of adjacent ends connected to a fluid pressure motor mounted on the frame, so that the motor may be actuated to simultaneously rock both arms between one position wherein the one pair of adjacent ends is separated for mounting the fasteners thereon and another position wherein the arms are rocked to drive said fasteners into the members disposed between them at the joint.

Abstract: A wire stitcher for binding sets of sheets has a driver for driving a staple through a set and an active clincher. In one form the clincher has a drive for the clincher ears which is actuated by the driver. The drive is by a spring which is loaded during a return motion of the clincher housing at the completion of a stitching operation. In another form the clincher ear drive is effected by a cam. Both forms are capable of accommodating variations in set thickness essentially without affecting the timing of the operation of the clincher ears.

Abstract: A wire stitcher includes a cutter for cutting a length of wire from a supply thereof and a stitcher head having a former and driver for forming and driving the length of cut wire for binding a set of sheets. The length of cut wire which is presented to the head by a wire advancing and cutting mechanism is automatically determined in dependence upon the thickness of the set.