Abstract: A retaining device adapted for use with an electric nail gun includes: a swing arm unit adapted to swing relative to a flywheel of the nail gun; an impact unit adapted to swing with the swing arm unit, and being movable between a pre-striking position proximate to the flywheel, and a striking position distal from the flywheel; a retrieving unit configured to bias the impact unit to move to the pre-striking position; and first and second positioning members connected respectively to the swing arm unit and the impact unit, and magnetically attracted to each other to prohibit removal of the impact unit from the pre-striking position when the impact unit is at the pre-striking position.

Abstract: A powered fastener driver includes a cylinder and a drive piston within the cylinder being acted on by a driving force resulting from a pressure differential. The powered fastener further includes a drive blade coupled to the drive piston and operable to drive a fastener, and an adjustable valve for selectively introducing air from ambient atmosphere into the cylinder, thereby changing the pressure differential acting on the drive piston. By adopting a self-contained vacuum generating means as described above, the present invention does not rely on any external vacuum source and powered fastener driver can be used and carried with conveniently.

Abstract: A rail fastener driving machine used for performing a spiking operation is provided, and includes a rail fastener workhead unit configured for driving a fastener into a rail tie. Also included in the machine is a position feedback system configured for controlling the spiking operation of the fastener driving machine based on a position signal and a mode signal, and a position sensor connected to the position feedback system for generating the position signal relative to a cylinder connected to the workhead unit, the position sensor transmitting the position signal to the position feedback system. The mode signal indicates an operation mode selected by an operator, and the workhead unit is actuated by the cylinder based on the mode signal for automatically positioning the workhead unit for driving the fastener into the rail tie.

Abstract: An apparatus for stapling tissue comprises a stapling head assembly, a rotary drive shaft, and a mode selector. The stapling head assembly comprises a closure assembly and a firing assembly. The closure assembly is operable to clamp tissue against an anvil. The firing assembly is operable to drive at least one staple through tissue toward the anvil. The mode selector is operable to select between a tissue clamping mode and a firing mode. The rotary drive shaft is operable to actuate the closure assembly in response to selection of the tissue clamping mode. The rotary drive shaft is operable to actuate the firing assembly in response to selection of the firing mode. The mode selector may translate the rotary drive shaft between a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position to select between the tissue clamping mode and the firing mode. The mode selector may comprise a sliding ring.

Abstract: A fastening tool includes a drive assembly configured to drive a fastener from the fastening tool, a work contact element moveable between an extended position and a depressed position, a trigger moveable between a release position and a fire position, an electric power source, an electronic control unit configured to deliver electric power from the electric power source to the drive assembly, and a single electric switch connected to the electronic control unit and configured to indicate that the work contact element is in the depressed position and the trigger is in the fire position.

Abstract: A surgical stapler including one or more visual indicators is provided. The surgical stapler includes a body and a stapling assembly positioned at a distal portion of the body. The stapling assembly includes a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. An alignment pin is mounted on the stapling assembly and configured to engage the anvil assembly. A visual indicator of engagement of the alignment pin with the anvil assembly, clamping and/or stapling can be provided.

Abstract: A fastener detection system detects a fastener striking an anvil. The fastener detection system comprises a first anvil section having a first conductive work surface that receives a first leg of the fastener during a fastening operation, and a second anvil section having a second conductive work surface that receives a second leg of the fastener during the fastening operation. The second conductive work surface is electrically isolated from the first conductive work surface of the first anvil section. A first conductor electrically couples the first conductive work surface to a detection circuit, and a second conductor electrically couples the second conductive work surface to the detection circuit. The detection circuit identifies that the fastening operation has occurred by electrically sensing continuity between the first conductive work surface of the first anvil section and the second conductive work surface of the second anvil section.

Abstract: A fastener driving apparatus includes a power source, a control circuit, a motor, a first cylinder, a first piston, a linear motion converter, a second cylinder, a second piston, an anvil, a retention element retaining a component of the apparatus, and at least one sensor. During a compression stroke, the first piston compresses gas in a first cylinder to a predetermined pressure. Compressed gas is communicated to the second cylinder and the retention force of the retention element is overcome, to release the retained component of the apparatus, thereby causing the second piston to move linearly and enabling the anvil to drive the fastener into the workpiece. During a return stroke of the first piston, a vacuum created in the first cylinder is communicated to the second cylinder, causing, along with an optional other retraction means, the second piston and the anvil to retract to their initial positions.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle portion, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle portion, and a tool adjacent the distal portion of the elongated body portion and having at least one jaw movable to a clamping position to clamp tissue. A tactile feedback system includes an expandable member extending from the handle portion, the expandable member providing a tactile indicator of a tissue parameter of tissue clamped by the least one jaw.

Abstract: A fastener driving device includes a housing, and a nose assembly carried by the housing. The nose assembly has a fastener drive track. The fastener driving device also includes an engine carried by the housing and configured to drive a fastener out of the drive track and into a workpiece during a drive stroke, a contact trip that includes an electrical actuator constructed and arranged to move a portion of contact trip to sense whether the workpiece is in front of the nose assembly, and a trigger configured to activate the electrical actuator to move the portion of the contact trip.

Abstract: A slide frame is mounted on a driver unit that can be vertically reversed on a base frame. A guide pin disposed in the slide frame engages with a concave portion of a cam plate portion formed in the base frame. When a fixation releasing handle of the driver unit is operated, a lever pushes the slide frame to slide the slide frame and the guide pin is deviated from the concave portion to rotate the driver unit. In a state where the driver unit is fixed in a regular posture, since the guide pin is pushing a switch lever, the detection switch is kept turned ON and thus an electric stapler is in an operable state. When the driver unit is rotated, the switch lever is released from the press of the guide pin and the detection switch is turned OFF, thereby cutting off the power.

Abstract: A device that generally includes a multistage solenoid having at least a first stage, a second stage and an armature member that travels therebetween. The device also includes a control module connected to the multistage solenoid. The control module detects a position of the armature member relative to at least one of the first stage, the second stage and a combination thereof. The control module adjusts a magnetic field of the at least one of the first stage, the second stage and the combination thereof based on the position of the plunger armature relative thereto.

Abstract: A fastening device drives one or more fasteners into a workpiece. The fastening device generally includes a tool housing and a multistage solenoid having at least a first stage, a second stage and an armature member that travels therebetween. The multistage solenoid is contained within the tool housing. A driver blade is connected to the armature member. The driver blade is operable between an extended condition and a retracted condition. A control module determines a position of the armature member relative to at least one of the first stage, the second stage and a combination thereof. A trigger assembly is connected to the control module and activates a driver sequence that moves the driver blade member between the retracted condition and the extended condition. The control module directs power between the first stage and the second stage based on the position of the armature member relative thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for actuating a tag attaching tool of the type which dispenses plastic fasteners from a clip of fasteners in response to the depression of a trigger. Each of the fasteners has a T-bar. The fasteners are dispensed by severing the fastener from the clip and ejecting the T-bar of the fastener through the hollow slotted needle of the tool. The tag attaching tool is actuated in two stages. During the first actuation stage, the trigger of the tool is partially depressed as the tool and an abutment are moved relative to each other such that the lead fastener is severed from the clip of fasteners. During the second actuation stage, the trigger of the tool is depressed completely, as the tool and abutment are moved further toward each other, causing the severed fastener to be ejected from the hollow needle of the attaching tool.

Abstract: A staple sheet-detecting mechanism of an electric stapler having its detection accuracy improved and realizing miniaturization thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: A pallet assembly device is disclosed that is configured to automatically position pallet components together and to automatically secure such components to each other. Furthermore, the pallet assembly device of the invention is preferably fed stacks of pallet components, and thereby eliminates the need for an assembly operator to manually position various pallet components in a jig or carriage. Yet further, the device preferably comprises a plurality of wheels that are positioned to simultaneously engage opposite sides of a pallet component and comprises a drive motor. The drive motor is preferably operatively connected to at least one of the plurality of wheels in a manner allowing the drive motor to rotationally drive and rotationally stop at least one of the plurality of wheels so as to move the component along an assembly path. A method of assembling pallet components using a pallet assembly device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A motor-driven stapler is disclosed which comprises a table (100) arranged as opposed to a staple drive portion for driving a staple and provided movably up and down on a stapler body, and a driver for driving a staple from the staple drive portion to sheets of paper when the table (100) has been moved to press the sheets of paper against the staple drive portion. The table (100) is moved up and down by allowing the table (100) to rotate about axles (27) that are provided on the side plate portions (24, 25) of the frame (12) of the stapler body (10).

Abstract: A motor-operated stapler is disclosed which, when a bundle of sheets to be stapled is thin, prevents staple leg portions once inserted through the bundle of sheets from again piercing through the sheets bundle and which, in the case of a thick bundle of sheets, bends staple leg portions sufficiently to staple the bundle of sheets to a satisfactory extent. In the motor-operated stapler, a clincher base which carries a bundle of sheets thereon is supported by a housing of a magazine which pushes out a U-shaped staple downward, the bundle of sheets is pinched by both the clincher base and the magazine, the U-shaped staple is pushed out from the magazine into and through the bundle of sheets, and a pair of leg portions of the staple thus projected from the bundle of sheets are bent by a pair of clinchers installed on the clincher base.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically attaching tags to articles employs a simplified tag feed mechanism in the form of a pivotally mounted spring-loaded tag feed plate. The plate receives the printed tag from the tag dispenser. The plate, with its tag, and the article to be tagged, are moved together, either manually or by action of a pneumatic cylinder, toward an attaching device such that the needle penetrates the article and the tag at the same time. The attacher is actuated to dispense a fastener through the needle. The spring-loading of the plate then urges the plate away from the needle, allowing the article with its anchored tag to be removed, once the plate clears the needle. The tag dispenser is then actuated to dispense the next printed tag.

Abstract: A sheet post-processing apparatus includes a head portion for driving a staple into a sheet bundle and having a base portion and an attachment portion detachable from the base portion; an anvil portion arranged to face the head portion for receiving and bending the staple driven from the head portion; a head portion support member for engaging and supporting the base portion of the head portion; and an anvil portion support member for supporting the anvil portion. A moving device relatively moves the head portion, the anvil portion and the sheet bundle along surfaces of the sheet bundle placed at a stitching position between the head portion and the anvil portion.

Abstract: A sheet post-processing apparatus includes a head unit and an anvil unit movably disposed in a direction traversing the sheet discharge direction to provide staples into a sheet bundle. A feed path is disposed between the head unit and the anvil unit for allowing the sheet bundle to pass therethrough. The sheet bundle is moved from a stacking device to the feed path, wherein the head unit and anvil unit stitch the sheet bundle fed for a specified distance into the feed path.

Abstract: A stapler made with an upside down structure and used in downside up position in which loading of the cartridge is easily attained, is provided. The stapler comprises a base plate 21 which is fixed on a top board 13, a bracket 30 which is rotatably attached to an arm board portion 25 of the base plate 21, a stapler body 40 which is attached to the bracket 30 and a stopper 70 which fixes the stapler body 40 in its downside up posture.

Abstract: A sheet post-processing apparatus includes a head unit and an anvil unit movably disposed in a direction traversing the sheet discharge direction to provide a staple into a sheet bundle. A gap detecting device for detecting a gap between the head part and the anvil part is formed. If the gap is insufficient, the head part and the anvil part are not moved relative to the sheet bundle.

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 process for seating a tight-fitting headed fastener in a hole in a workpiece so that the head of the fastener contacts the surface of the workpiece. The process includes inserting a distal end of the fastener, opposite its headed end, into the hole so that the distal end is tightly wedged into the hole and the headed end of the fastener is spaced from the workpiece surface. A driver of an electromagnetic impulse actuator is extended into contact with the fastener head, and the position of the driver when it is in contact with the fastener head is sensed and recorded to determine how far the fastener must be driven into the hole to seat the fastener head against the workpiece surface. A desired off-set distance of the driver from the fastener head is calculated which will result in seating of the fastener when the electromagnet impulse actuator is actuated, but will not cause excessive impact of the fastener head with the workpiece surface.

Abstract: An electric stapler is provided which comprises a stapler body (10) having a driving-out portion (720) and a driver (321) for driving a staple from the driving-out portion (720) into, for example, sheets of paper while reciprocating. The stapler body (10) includes a table (100) which reciprocates in conjunction with a driving mechanism by which the driver (321) is reciprocated. The sheets of paper are held between the table (100) and the driving-out portion (720) when the table (100) reciprocates. Clinchers (401, 402) are disposed on the table (100). The clinchers (401, 402) clinch the ends of the staple which is driven by the driver (321) and has passed through the sheets. After the sheets of paper are held between the table (100) and the driving-out portion (720), the driver (321) drives the staple into the sheets, and the clinchers (401, 402) are then actuated.

Abstract: A detecting mechanism of an electric stapler is provided for detecting an abnormal state in which sheets (2) of paper are not normally fastened together with staples (3). The detecting mechanism comprises a stapling base (1) on which sheets (2) of paper are laid and which has a space for receiving the ends (3b) of legs (3a) of a staple (3) which have been driven through the sheets, a pair of clinchers (6A, 6B) rotatably mounted under the receiving space, and a driver (8) for rotating each of the clinchers (6A, 6B) in a predetermined direction so as to press and clinch the ends (3b) of the legs (3a). The clinchers (6A, 6B) are each rotated in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction when the legs (3a) of the staple (3) have been driven through the sheets (2). The detecting mechanism is provided with a photosensor (12) for detecting the rotation of the clinchers (6A, 6B) when the clinchers (6A, 6B) are each rotated in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A real-time fastener measurement system includes an anvil (10) having a striking surface (16) that engages a fastener as it is upset. Three proximity sensors (20) are disposed at 120.degree. intervals around a striking surface of the anvil. A computer system (110) reads the electronic signals produced by the proximity sensors just after the fastener has been upset and converts the signals to digital values. The computer stores a piecewise linear function that has been predetermined for each sensor and uses the function to convert the digital values of the proximity sensor to fastener head height.

Abstract: A safety switch system for a machine having a ram which can be cycled toward and away from a workstation includes a pair of trip switch triggers disposed on handgrips remote from the workstation and an anvil switch trigger coupled to the machine at the workstation. The trip switch triggers are operable to effect a first signal, and the anvil switch trigger is operable to effect a second signal. The handgrips are coupled to a workpiece holder which is movable to align a selected area of a workpiece in the tooling ram path and to move the workpiece into actuating engagement with the anvil switch trigger. A control system is provided for cycling the ram upon sensing the first and second signals.

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: A truss assembly machine includes an elongated table for supporting truss members, including a plurality of wood members and a plurality of connector plates, and a pressing roller mounted for rotation about its own axis on a movable gantry above the support table. The gantry transports the roller longitudinally along the table for engaging the connector plates to embed the plates into the wood members and form the completed truss. A hydraulic cylinder with a hydraulically actuated piston carried therein is coupled to each end of the roller for selectively lifting and lowering the roller.

Abstract: A rivet tool is supported for repeated displacement to a rivet setting location. When the tool is at this location, it is forcefully pushed against the workpiece during rivet setting to assure that the rivet will be properly set.

Abstract: A riveting press wherein the reciprocable ram of the upper tool can be rotated by a stepping motor to transmit torque to an article holding device which is reciprocable independently of the ram to pick up randomly oriented articles from a transferring device. The latter accepts successive randomly oriented articles from a chute and carries a sensor which interrupts rotation of the article and of the holding device when its follower detects a marker on the article. An adjustable selector switch or a computer is provided to induce the motor to turn the holding device and the article therein to a final angular position prior to application of the article to a garment.

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 machine for assembling a jamb member, two sides members, and a stop member into a finished door jamb. The individual members are placed into the machine, which positions and aligns members and transports them in the proper relationship to a fastening station which automatically fastens the members into a door jamb assembly. The machine automatically spaces the fasteners along the length of the assembly.

Abstract: Automatic tag attaching apparatus having a fixedly mounted attacher with a hollow fastener dispensing needle is improved. A hollow, size adjustable anvil is adapted to be received between a woven label and the garment to which it is affixed, to keep the label taut and separate it from the garment. In one preferred embodiment, the anvil is moved downwardly over the needle upon which tags have been previously placed, such that the needle penetrates the label and a fastener can be dispensed. The anvil is then moved upwardly, to a position remote from the needle, to permit the tagged garment to be removed and new tags placed over the needle. In the most preferred embodiment, after the anvil returns to its position remote from the needle, it is moved horizontally to remove it from the garment. Thereafter, the anvil is moved back into alignment with the needle to receive the next garment.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for supplying and installing plastic expansion rivets with breakaway mandrels in holes in a workpiece. It comprises a hand-held, trigger actuated, pneumatically-operated installation tool; a rivet-supply mechanism for supply rivets one-by-one to the tool on a timely basis; and a vacuum-operated, mandrel-removal mechanism for removing broken away mandrels from the tool. The installation tool has a hollow barrel with a nose piece at its working end for receiving and releasably holding each rivet delivered thereto. Two piston assemblies are slidably mounted in the hollow barrel: one maintains the rivet body stationary against the workpiece and the other has jaws thereon for gripping and pulling on the rivet mandrel to expand the rivet body and break away the mandrel. The hollow barrel also contains a vacuum tube through which broken-away mandrels are expelled.

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: A point of operation safety device for hydraulic or pneumatic presses. The safety device is computer controlled and limits the movement of the punch by employing two sensing devices. These sensing devices include both position and contact sensors which are used as dual input variables to satisfy computer monitored operational condition limits which, if not met, shut down the operation of the machine to prevent accident or injury to the operator. Both sensing devices are located within the housing of the press and the ram assembly so that no additional structures are required which might obstruct the working area and thereby hinder the efficient use of the press. Because the components of this safety device are located within the body of the machinery and include complicated electronic control circuitry, it is impossible to defeat the safety mechanism by disconnecting any of the components.

Abstract: A positioning device comprises a reciprocably movable support table having a surface extending in a plane above a clinching die of a button setting machine for supporting a garment fabric to which a button is to be attached, and a pair of guide members disposed on the surface in perpendicular relation. The table includes a recess which is registry with the clinching die when the table is in an advanced position. One of the guide member is positionally adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the table and the other guide member is positionally adjustable in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the table. Thus the garment fabric can be positioned accurately and easily with respect to the clinching die by simply putting two adjacent edges of the garment fabric into guided engagement with the respective guide members.

Abstract: An automatic sheet processing device is adapted to be mounted to the sheet outputting portion of an image forming apparatus which outputs sheets one after another and used to receive the sheets successively output from the sheet outputting apparatus, automatically align the received sheets to one another, and then automatically bind the bundle of aligned sheets.

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 riveting gun is mounted on a carriage for movement on a way to a plurality of positions over belt fasteners placed along the edge of a clamped belt. The gun is guided into the desired positions by an indexing member which permits actuation of the gun for driving the rivets through the fasteners and belt when in position. A rivet deforming member on the other side of the belt upsets the rivets. Resilient mounting of the carriage is provided to maintain alignment and absorb impact reaction stresses.

Abstract: A clamp assembly 11 holds two frame elements 2, 3 in a common plane and in angled abutment to form a mitered joint 1. A fastener tool 13 is held with its discharge opening 125 positioned on one side of the location where the mitered joint is to be formed, and a brace 88 is positioned on the other side, with the brace being movable toward and away from the location of the mitered joint. A toggle lock 87 locks the brace against the mitered joint. Control means fire the fastener tool in response to the frame elements being clamped and braced. The fastener 168 is inserted into the mitered joint at an angle to draw the mitered joint together.

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: Machine and method of stapling mitered joint frame members of rectangular cabinet doors and the like characterized by corner abutments or v-blocks for moving the joints together, and while clamped thereat, simultaneously applying a staple across each joint at both sides of the frame members. V-blocks may be adjusted for all size frames within its capacity. After placing four frame members on the v-blocks, a control effects automatic operation.

Abstract: A device for limiting the travel of an arbor press when pressing inserts into a panel. Two insert halves are pressed into a panel from opposite sides by means of an upper and lower anvil. The press movement is stopped by the device when a specified gap between the insert head and the exterior surface of the panel is obtained, compensating for any variations in the panel thickness.

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.