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: Fastener installation apparatus for operating cylically so as to instal successively a plurality of fasteners of the type in which a portion is broken off at installation (e.g. breakstem blind rivets) comprises a fastener installation head (11) and a pipe (31) for conveying the broken-off portions away from the head to a receptacle (15). Detection device (48) is mounted adjacent the pipe (31) to detect the presence of a broken-off fastener portion at a pre-determined position (58) there along near the receptacle (15). When a portion is thus sensed, an electrical signal is sent by the detection device (48), via a relay (51), to the installation control system (14a, 14b), so as to allow cyclical operation of the system to continue.

Abstract: An impact nailing and dimpling apparatus is described. In the apparatus there is provided a dimple forming member and a number of valve members for causing the dimple forming member to be repetitively hammered for providing a dimple in a wallboard or other surface and for setting a nail in the dimple. An adjustable nut is provided for shutting off the apparatus when the dimple and nail have been set to a predetermined depth. A nail feed mechanism automatically feeds nails from a cartridge to a position located beneath the dimple forming member. The baseplate is provided with recesses coupled to a source of vacuum for providing a negative pressure between the base and the wallboard or other surface against which the apparatus is held during nailing operations.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed for attaching rivets, snap fasteners or similar fasteners to garments, the machine including an upper tool, a lower tool and a ram for advancing the upper tool. Holding tongs for the fasteners are carried by a guide rod which engages a brake carried by the tool ram. An operating switch releases the guide rod and a second switch is actuated when the tongs are in their lowermost position to actuate the upper tool ram.

Abstract: In a garment-fastener-assembling apparatus, a drive mechanism for moving an upper or punch unit toward and away from a lower or die unit includes an air cylinder having a piston rod, and a toggle joint for transferring reciprocating motion from the piston rod to a punch of the upper unit as the toggle joint is contracted and extended. A contact member is mounted on the toggle joint so as to actuate a limit switch when the toggle joint is fully extended to a predetermined extent. The limit switch, upon actuation, produces an electrical signal for de-energizing the air cylinder to terminate the extension of the piston rod.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for feeding axial lead components directly from a sequencer to an insertion head, while eliminating direct supplying of components to the insert head via a prededicated inventory such as reeled tapes or films having components attached thereto in a predetermined sequence. Preferably, an endless chain conveyor carries the components to the insert head in chain clips which positively retain the leads thereof while allowing centering of the bodies and electrical function testing of the components just prior to insertion of the leads into corresponding holes of a circuit board. Direct supply from a sequencer having a series of individually and programmably controlled dispenser heads provides for quick and flexible variation of an input sequence without manual intervention.

Abstract: A setting device uses a driving piston for propelling fastening members into a receiving material. High pressure gases within an expansion chamber propel the driving piston through a working cylinder against a fastening element. A vent valve connects the expansion chamber with the atmosphere exterior of the setting device and, normally, the valve is maintained in the open position. A control member, located in part on the outside of the setting device, moves the vent valve into the closed position when a fastening member is to be driven.

Abstract: A control system for a copier having at least one stapler for inhibiting the start of production by the copier in the event the number of staples is less than the number of copy sets to be stapled with the stapler. The system includes a sensing device adapted to produce a low staple signal when an approximated predetermined number of staples remain. The presence of this signal will permit continuation of the compilation of the copy set then being produced, or the compilation of copy sets in a sorter array associated with the copier and stapling thereof, and then inhibit the restart of the copier thereafter.

Abstract: A low-wire sensor for sensing when the amount of wire W remaining on a spool 102 falls below a predetermined low level, comprising a lever 11 biased by a spring 15 so as to press against the wire W on the spool exceeds the low level and to disengage from the wire when the wire reaches said low level for movement to a wire-low indicating position in which it suitably actuates a sensor switch.

Abstract: A staple loading arrangement for feeding sticks of staples in a stapler magazine under a constant, uniform force imposed upon a staple follower in the magazine to present individual staples to a stapling position whereat sheets are stapled and including a drive mechanism which will provide this force and a retraction device which when retracting the follower to permit staple loading also conditions the force producing device for another cycle of providing force after staples have been loaded into the magazine.

Abstract: A stapler mechanism for fastening variable thickness documents includes a stack receiving receptacle disposed between the head/hammer assembly and the clinching or anvil assembly of said stapler. A sensing device is coupled to the stapler mechanism and generates control pulses indicative of relative motion between the head/hammer assembly. A controller processes the signals and generates control signals which vary the stroke and the force driving the hammer and returns the head/hammer assembly to its home position following a stapling cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a plurality of studs on a flexible sheet material such as work fabric, leather or the like according to a desired pattern comprizes a holder for holding the sheet material, a supply device for supplying studs severally, a plastic working device including a punch and die set for attaching the studs on the sheet material, and a drive device for varying the relative position between the holder and the plastic working device. The studs may be supplied severally and attached sequentially to the sheet material while the relative position between the holder and the plastic working device is varied by the drive device.

Abstract: A monitoring device is described for use with a movable stapler apparatus to detect the presence or absence of staples at a predetermined point during staple movement in the magazine therefor. The monitoring is accomplished during any positions which the apparatus may assume by means of a light emitter and a light detector arranged on opposite sides of the magazine to sense the transmission of light through aligned openings in the magazine as an indication of a low staple supply condition in the magazine.

Abstract: The fastener installation head and bolster assembly of this invention is particularly adapted to assure constant installation pressure for fasteners installed in a reciprocating press die, such as pierce and clinch nuts. The fastener installation head includes a plunger supported on one die platen, a movable housing member which receives the fasteners to be installed, reciprocably supported on the plunger, and a die member supported on the opposed die platen, opposite the movable housing plunger passage. The bolster assembly includes a fluid pressure ram operably supporting the plunger between the plunger and the die platen having a source of constant fluid pressure and a plunger release which permits the plunger to recede when the press tonage exceeds the preferred fastener installation force.

Abstract: A machine for applying a clip to a tie at a side of a rail and detecting when the clip has been fully seated comprising, a head positionable at a predetermined location relative to the tie and rail, a pair of arms pivotally mounted on the head for rotation in a plane which extends parallel to the rail, and power structure for simultaneously pivoting both of the arms between a raised retracted position and a lowered position. Movement between the retracted and lowered positions causes a clip-engaging member on one arm of the pair to engage and advance the clip to a fully-seated position. The second arm of the pair detects when the clip has reached the fully seated position and stops further movement of the clip-engaging member.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for automatically constructing prefabricated stud walls or other frame structures from standard materials. Elongate studs are placed transversely at spaced intervals between a pair of elongate wall plate members by a reciprocatingly rotating stud-selecting mechanism and a linearly reciprocating spacer mechanism. As each stud is placed between the plate members, it is automatically nailed thereto, forming a portion of the wall frame, after which the completed portion of the frame is advanced an incremental distance along an assembly structure by the spacer mechanism, which pushes on the newly nailed stud to advance the frame to a position for nailing the next succeeding stud, and so forth in automatic cyclic fashion. A semi-automatic sheathing fastener mechanism includes a plurality of fastener guns and an automatically controlled actuation mechanism for placing fasteners at predetermined locations.

Abstract: A roll of tack-strip is supported on a cradle of rollers carried by a wheeled frame. The tack-strip having its tack-point side down, extends over a bristle guide roller and through a nip formed by and between a pair of bristle rollers to a nailing station located at a lower rear corner portion of the machine. As the frame is pushed by an operator around the perimeter of a room the tack-strip is unwound from the roll, guided into a position on the floor next to a wall or the like, and nailed into place. A cutter located between the roll and a nailer is operable by the push of a button to cut the tack-strip at the end of a run. The machine is operable to feed out a measured length of tack-strip while the machine is not moving, so that the operator can cut off short lengths of tack-strip. The nailer is removably mounted within the machine so that the operator can lift it out of the machine and use it for installing the short lengths at locations where the machine cannot be used for installing the tack-strip.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a stack of sheets is brought into contact with the clamping surface of a fixed stapler head. After the stack is secured against the clamping surface, a staple is driven therethrough.

Abstract: A hole sensing device for a spike driving machine is disclosed. The sensing device has two projecting fingers both of which ride along the surface of a tie plate as the sensing device is swept along parallel to the rails. The fingers actuate two switches one open and the other closed when the fingers are not contacting the tie plate. When the fingers are both engaging the tie plate the switch associated with the leading finger is open and the other closed. As soon as the leading finger registers with a hole it closes its associated switch completing the circuit and allowing a hole sensing signal to be sent.

Abstract: An improved escapement is provided for use with a channel for feeding successive components to insure their continuous and individual release therefrom. The escapement includes elements for holding a next-to-endmost component in cooperation with a land extending lengthwise in the channel, in unobstructive position while the endmost component is released. The invention has particular advantages when one or more components in a stacked series may be of a form tending to overlap or have a small irregularity, such as a protruding flashing for instance, causing shingling and hence resisting automatic feeding one-by-one in the channel.

Abstract: A fastener installation head having a fastener receiving passage, a transverse plunger passage having a reciprocating plunger therein, a feed means feeding fasteners from the fastener passage beneath the plunger and a restrictor means preventing a fastener located ready for installation from withdrawing into the fastener passage. The restrictor means includes an arm pivotally connected to the fastener installation head having a finger resiliently biased into the fastener receiving passage, normally blocking withdrawal of a fastener from the ready location. The stop finger includes a camming face facing fasteners entering the plunger passage, whereby a fastener may enter the plunger passage upon actuation of the feed means but is prevented from withdrawing into the fastener passage.

Abstract: An interlock for an eye setting machine insures the simultaneous presence of eye fasteners in each station of the eye setting press. Microswitch feeler elements at each station are connected in series with a relay coil. A normally closed contact of the relay is connected in a series circuit including a normally-open micro-switch, following a cam on the press, a solenoid for disengaging a clutch to stop the press from operating, and a normally closed manual pushbutton switch for overriding the interlock.

Abstract: A fastener installation head having a reciprocating plunger receiving fasteners through a transverse fastener passage from a feed means and a fastener sensor means located within the fastener passage sensing the presence or absence of fasteners in the fastener passage ready for installation. The fastener sensor means includes an electrical switch which may be interconnected to the plunger activation circuit, opening the circuit and stopping the plunger when a fastener is not ready for installation.

Abstract: An applicator is provided for inserting a terminal in a hole in a circuit board comprising terminal insertion tooling, having an elongated insertion blade and a pair of preloaded spring fingers, and an anvil including a retractable locating and gauging pin surrounded by an actuator collar. A hole in a circuit board is positioned on the locator pin and the circuit board depressed against the actuator collar. The locating pin is retracted. A ram extends the terminal insertion tooling. The preloaded spring fingers hold the terminal in alignment with a hole in the circuit board and the tool inserts the terminal into the hole. The insertion tool is then retracted and the retractable locating pin is extended to permit positioning of another circuit board hole on the locating pin and subsequent insertion of another terminal.

Abstract: in a finisher for finishing sets of copy sheets by stapling the sets into stapled booklets, staple sensing apparatus for sensing whether or not a staple has been properly driven, through the set of sheets. If a staple has been properly driven the legs of the staple effect an electrical continuity between staple clinchers. The electrical continuity is sensed and a first signal is produced indicative of a proper staple to permit continued operation of the finisher and electrographic apparatus to which it is attached. If an electrical discontinuity is sensed, a second signal is produced indicative of an improper staple and a display is actuated to indicate this condition to the operator.