Abstract: A motor-driven surgical instrument that may comprise (i) a moveable drive member that is driven in a first direction when the electric motor operates in a first direction and that is driven in a second direction when the electric motor operates in a second direction. Movement of the drive member causes movement of the moveable component of the end effector, and (ii) a motor control circuit connected to the motor for controlling the motor. The motor control circuit may comprise a switching circuit that, upon actuation, reverses the direction of the motor from the first direction to the second direction. The switching circuit may be actuatable separately through each of: (i) actuation of a moveable actuator of the switching circuit through movement of the drive member at least in the first direction; and (ii) manual actuation by a user of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A slider for slide fasteners may include a slider body and a closure part. The closure part may include a closure portion for closing the gap between a free end portion of a pull tab attachment post and an upper blade; an upper engaging portion provided above the closure portion and engageable with the free end portion of the pull tab attachment post and a leg portion provided below the closure portion. The leg portion may include a rod portion extending from the closure portion along the coupling post and a lower engaging portion coupled to the rod portion and engageable with a lower blade.

Abstract: There is provided a slider cover for a slide fastener. An upper member and a lower member are spaced apart from each other in an upward and downward direction and arranged in parallel to each other. A connecting post connects the upper member with the lower member. The upper member includes a receiving portion configured to receive at least a part of an upper blade of a slider.

Abstract: A translatable media height sensor assembly for measuring a media stack in an imaging forming device. The assembly includes a support and drive and insertion assemblies mounted thereon. Insertion assembly includes a translatable plunger having mounted thereon a sensor and a translatable probe. At a home position, the sensor is actuated by a flag on the support placing sensor output in a first state. During measurement, drive assembly translates insertion assembly toward a media stack and the sensor output changes to a second state and a counter is started. The probe initially encounters the media stack and stops while plunger continues to translate. As the plunger reaches the media stack, the probe engages the sensor causing the sensor output to again change state and stops the counter. The insertion assembly retracts back to the home position where the flag actuates the sensor causing the sensor output to change state.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a sheet bundle binding processing apparatus capable of performing a binding process in high productivity as selecting a binding processing unit from a staple binding device arranged in a sheet introducing area of a processing tray and a press binding device arranged outside the introducing area.

Abstract: A post-processing apparatus configured to collect printed sheets ejected from an image forming apparatus and to handle the printed sheets. The post-processing apparatus has: a stacker configured to collect and stack a plurality of printed sheets with one end of each of the printed sheets placed down; a movable stopper configured to stop each of the printed sheets sliding down in the stacker at a specified position; a motor configured to move the stopper along the stacker and stops the stopper; and a control unit configured to control the motor. The control unit increases a current supplied to the motor in preparation for a collision between each of the printed sheets and the stopper.

Abstract: A railroad cross-tie pre-plating apparatus for fastening at least two tie-plates to a cross-tie may include a cross-tie conveyor comprising a first end and a second end, with a cross-tie positioning mechanism positioned proximate the second end. The cross-tie positioning mechanism may include a stop member configured to prevent the movement of the cross-tie and a positioning rail positioned on a lateral side of the cross-tie conveyor. The cross-tie positioning mechanism may also include a positioning member configured to position the cross-tie against the positioning rail. The apparatus may also include at least two tie-plate positioning mechanisms, each configured to position at least one tie-plate on a cross-tie. The apparatus may also include a gauge positioned superior to the cross-tie positioning mechanism to hold the at least two tie-plates in position relative to one another as the at least two tie-plates are spiked.

Abstract: A machine and method for punching an aperture through a hangtag and securing a two-piece eyelet to the same is disclosed. The machine has a frame, a table, a platform, a plurality of hangtag holders, a loading station, a punching station, an eyeleting station, and an unloading station.

Abstract: A railroad cross-tie pre-plating apparatus for fastening at least two tie-plates to a cross-tie may include a cross-tie conveyor comprising a first end and a second end, with a cross-tie positioning mechanism positioned proximate the second end. The cross-tie positioning mechanism may include a stop member configured to prevent the movement of the cross-tie and a positioning rail positioned on a lateral side of the cross-tie conveyor. The cross-tie positioning mechanism may also include a positioning member configured to position the cross-tie against the positioning rail. The apparatus may also include at least two tie-plate positioning mechanisms, each configured to position at least one tie-plate on a cross-tie. The apparatus may also include a gauge positioned superior to the cross-tie positioning mechanism to hold the at least two tie-plates in position relative to one another as the at least two tie-plates are spiked.

Abstract: A kebab machine (10) is disclosed for inserting sticks (12) into various food components (14a-f), such as meat, vegetables and the like, automatically. The food components are held within carriers (16) while the individual sticks are conveyed by a stick conveyor (22). A jet of air from air jets (24) drive a pair of sticks into an insertion device (400) where smooth belts (402) drive by rotating rollers (452) drive the sticks through the carriers (16) and food components therein to form the kebab.

Abstract: A manually swingable hammer-type stapling tool having an elongate housing having a striker movably mounted thereon; a staple driving blade mounted on the housing and movable relative to the striker along a staple discharge path when the striker impacts against a surface; a staple magazine carried on said housing and containing a clip of staples so that a leading staple of the clip is disposed in a staple discharge path below the driving blade; and a cap supply and feeding arrangement mounted on the housing for positioning a cap in a discharge position wherein it is disposed below the leading staple, the arrangement including a cap magazine containing a significant number of individual caps disposed in adjacent and joined edge-to-edge relationship to define a connected strip of caps, and an impact activated feeding mechanism for advancing a leading cap of the strip into the discharge position.

Abstract: An automated multiple point fastener driving system is disclosed for driving fasteners into a plurality of structural elements for connecting the elements together while the elements are substantially continuously moving along a path The automated multiple point fastener driving system includes a frame with the path extending through the frame for movement of structural elements, a moving assembly for moving a plurality of structural elements along the path in a substantially continuous manner, an entry clamping assembly for clamping together the structural elements as the elements move substantially continuously along the path, an alignment assembly for aligning at least one edge of the plurality of structural elements as the elements move substantially continuously along the path, and fastener driving assembly for driving fasteners into the plurality of structural elements as the elements move substantially continuously along the path.

Abstract: A device for executing a number of actions, such as driving in nails, on a planar section, for example a wall element, for fixing a covering panel or the like on the planar section. A carriage is displaceable longitudinally over the planar section. A number of the action device are mounted on one side of a carriage and are displaceable individually transversely of the planar section. A number of the action devices are mounted on the other side of the carriage and are displaceable together with one another transversely of the planar section.

Abstract: The invention comprises a staple gun with highly compact accessory apparatus for attaching a planar tab or label to a fixing surface. The accessory has a housing and a positioning and indexing assembly associated with the housing which is operable to feed and hold a tab or label between the staple gun head and fixing surface, thereby allowing single-handed fixing of a label or tab to a fixing surface. The apparatus can include a roller assembly, staple gun and accessory apparatus or have all components integrated into the construction of a staple gun apparatus. Preferably, the apparatus is mated with a tab or label holding magazine. Some exemplary embodiments of the invention are suitable for securing protective covering to lumber product and may be configured for rectangular polyolefin tabs measuring approximately 0.035 inch thick and 1.0 inches by 2.0 inches.

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. 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 end frame and third and fourth end plates hoppers are positioned on the second end frame. A movable shuttle plate is provided on each of the end frames as is a plate transporter.

Abstract: An output bin that uses gravity to urge the sheets into alignment along two edges and thereby help form a fully aligned stack. In one embodiment, the bin includes a first panel facing each sheet as the sheet is output from the printing device, the first panel having a top, a bottom and a side; a second panel disposed along the bottom of the first panel, the second panel tipped relative to a leading edge that leads each sheet out of the printing device; and a third panel disposed along the side of the first panel. Each sheet dispensed into the output bin slides over the first panel until a leading edge of the sheet contacts an upper portion of the second tipped panel. The sheet then tips in the direction of the third panel and rests with the leading edge supported by the second panel and a side edge supported by the third panel.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus has a function of stapling sheets together, wherein the sheets are fed from an image forming apparatus one by one after images are formed on the sheets. The sheet processing apparatus includes a stapler to staple the sheets together, a sheet guide which guides the sheets along a sheet transporting path from the image forming apparatus to a position at which the sheets are stapled by the stapler, and a reference surface against which edges of the sheets are butted to stop movement of the sheets. The sheets are guided along the sheet transporting path by the sheet guide and the edges of the sheets are butted against the reference surface at a same position relative to a sheet conveying direction, irrespective of whether the sheet processing apparatus is in a stapling mode in which the stapler staples the sheets or a non-stapling mode in which the stapler does not staple the sheets, and irrespective of sizes of the sheets.

Abstract: An apparatus for tagging pieces of lumber including a motor-driven chain for positioning adjacent a lumber conveyor. A stapler is positioned adjacent one end of the chain for affixing a tag to a piece of lumber on the conveyor. A tag feeding attachment urges one tag of a contiguous sequence of tags into alignment with the stapler and severs the tag from the contiguous sequence of tags. A photosensor is positioned adjacent the stapler for detecting the presence of lumber upon the conveyor and for generating an electrical signal in response thereto. Upon receiving an electrical signal from the photosensor, a central processing unit energizes the stapler and the tag feeding attachment in a predetermined sequence.

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: An apparatus to assemble prefabricated walls and joist panels for homes, apartments, commercial buildings, etc. Apparatus is self-loading and can place and fasten 2.times.3, 2.times.4, 3.times.4, 4.times.4, and 4.times.6 cross members between parallel plates on the fly, having telescoping carriage and track, cross members may vary in length from 7-1/2 feet to 12 feet. Self-contained and portable apparatus may be used in remote locations and transported without special highway permits. All the frames for a building can be fabricated in on production run therefore saving handling and storage.

Abstract: A dowel transfer station in a dowel driving device which includes a dowel separating and conveying unit and a manually operated driving gun to which dowels are supplied through a hose line. The dowel transfer station is arranged between the dowel separating and conveying unit and the hose line conducted to the driving gun. The dowel transfer station includes a reciprocating dowel holder which receives a dowel emerging from the dowel separating and conveying unit and supplies the dowel to the opening of the hose line conducted to the driving gun. For eliminating dowels which do not have the appropriate size, the dowel holder has a bore for receiving a dowel, wherein the depth of the bore is adjustable and the inner end of the bore is connected to a compressed air line which can be switched on and off by a valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a tab from a strip of material and fixing the tab to a fixing surface. The apparatus has a housing and a driving head associated with the housing which is operable to drive a penetrating fastener into a fixing surface. A strip of material is fed by a feed mechanism to a cutter such that a portion of the strip can be cut by the cutter to form a tab. The portion of the strip to form the tab is presented to a position where it can be brought into contact with the fixing surface and fixed thereto by impact delivery of the penetrating fastener. Fixing of the portion of the strip can take place prior to or in conjunction with the portion being cut from the strip by the cutter. The apparatus can include a printer to apply indicia to the strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for stapling tags onto timber, comprising a tag feeder supplying tags in strip form to a tag applicator station which cuts the tag strip in individual tags and fastens the tags onto timber with wire staples. The tag applicator station includes a cutter transversely severing the tag strip against an anvil plate, and a leaf spring mounted on the cutter for engaging the tag which is being cut and retaining same against an abutment plate and a stapler gun applying a staple wire to a timber piece in registration with the tag applicator station through the tag held between the leaf spring and the abutment plate.

Abstract: A receiving arm for a fabrication system for mass assembly of wooden trusses by joining the truss members with unitized plate fasteners in preliminary and final assembly areas. A gantry pinch roller is used in the preliminary assembly area for preliminary pressing of the fasteners to the truss members, whereas a stationary truss pinch roller is used in the final assembly area for final pressing of the fasteners to the truss members. A plurality of receiving arms are employed to transfer trusses between the first and second assembly areas. The receiving arms employ cammed movement paths which minimize the risk that trusses will be twisted during transfer by any nonsynchronous movement among the arms.

Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus to staple a fabric covering to the framework of a box spring. A table having low friction rollers on the top surface supports a box spring in an inverted position. The box spring resides inside a fabric covering which extends about the box spring and has an upstanding flap of fabric. A plurality of drive wheels are mounted above the table to engage the box spring and propel the box spring through the apparatus. A pair of subframes are located above the box spring to position the box spring and to guide the box spring through the apparatus. Guides attached to each subframe center the box spring in the apparatus and simultaneously fold the upstanding flap of fabric down upon the box spring. A staple gun is attached to each subframe to drive staples through the fabric covering into the box spring, thus attaching the fabric to the box spring.

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: A pneumatic label stapling gun including a label feed attachment and a cutting device which rapidly feeds a label into alignment with the staple gun head and severs the label from the remainder of the label roll after stapling. A pair of pneumatic cylinders are included and are connected to a common spool valve. One pneumatic cylinder is connected to a label advance head which reciprocates within the attachment housing to rapidly advance label into position. The other cylinder is connected to a cutter device which severs the stapled label from the remainder of the roll. The labels have spaced notches which are engaged by a protrusion carried by a spring which engages the label on its upward movement to prevent the labels from shifting the advance head as the head is retracted to engage the next label.

Abstract: A finisher for stacking and stapling, or binding, sheets of paper from printers and the like. The finisher accommodates two sizes of paper, one frequently being twice the size of the other. Staples are positioned in the smaller size papper along an edge and in the larger size in the middle of the sheets. Two fixed position gates are controlled to stop the paper sheets at one of two positions for alignment and stapling. Once stapled, the sheet sets are gripped, turned over, and deposited on elevator-type stacking trays. For the shorter sheet sets, the trays move independntly. For the larger sheet sets, the trays move togehter.

Abstract: A pallet assembling apparatus includes a fixture into which the pallet stringers and top and bottom slats are loaded manually, and a nailing station, including opposed pairs of top and bottom nailing guns equal in number to the number of stringers loaded in the fixture, for nailing the top and bottom slats to the top and bottom surfaces of each of the stringers. The fixture is movable along rails past the nailing station, and actuating bosses equal in number to the number of top and bottom slats in the fixture project from the fixture and trip proximity switches as the fixture moves through the nailing station to cause the nailing guns to be fired in unison as each slat passes by them, and a pickup carriage, positioned downstream of the nailing station, removes completed pallets from the fixture.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held tag attacher having a manually engageable handle and a hopper for holding a stack of tags, a feeder for feeding tags one-at-a-time from the stack in the hopper to an attaching position, the hopper being constructed to position the stack at an acute angle relative to the axis of the attacher, the attacher having a hollow needle and a push rod for pushing a bar section of a fastener through a tag at the attaching portion behind the needle and into and through the needle, a mechanism for feeding fasteners one-at-a-time into alignment with the needle, and an actuator disposed at the handle and operable twice to complete a cycle of operating the tag feeder, the push rod and the feeding mechanism.

Abstract: Three adjacent continuously running chain link assemblies having two contiguous common paths, respectively in those paths (1) form staples from lengths of wire and (2) insert and clench the staples while creasing a signature passing through the linear path defined by the contiguous chain links. This produces simplified equipment operable at high speeds synchronously on line with signatures from a rotary printing press, or the like.The wire lengths are handled and formed into staples by very simple non-critical mechanical means constituting a magnetic male die member and female shaping die member carried by respective contiguously traveling chain link assemblies to mate as they move about sprockets into an arcuate path leading into their contiguous mated linear travel path.

Abstract: A flying stitcher and method of forming a panel unit wherein the panel unit is formed and stitched in a continuous process. The stitches are placed in panels by a stitching head which moves with the panel so that the panel need not be stopped/started during a stitching operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for stacking sheets in corner registration comprises a stacking surface inclined downwardly towards a registration corner and a pair of coacting sheet feed rolls of tapered cross-section adjacent the upper end of the stacking surface for directing sheets into the registration corner. With such an arrangement the sheets are so oriented that they present a leading corner to the registration corner along a line following the direction of advance and aimed into the registration corner. The rolls may be continuous or discontinuous.

Abstract: A system for fabricating frame structures having wood chords and web components connected by toothed plates on opposite sides of each joint, wherein an elongated rectangular bed is provided on which to assemble and connect the components, longitudinal rows of conveyor rolls bring the chords forwardly and transfer means move them laterally to areas at the ends of the bed, and the web components are delivered to the sides of the bed.