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 device for connecting a framework of lengths of timber includes a number of upper and lower frame sections, as well as a number of diagonals or struts wherein at least one press tool is disposed to fixedly press at least one nail plate over joints between the lengths of timber, and that the press tools are disposed in a portal with a number of upper beams and a number of lower beams on which the press tools are adjustable reciprocally across the framework between a position in which the press tool collects a pair of nail plates, and a position over a joint for fixedly pressing one of the nail plates on the upper side and the other on the under side of the joint.

Abstract: An auto hammer having a housing having a grip portion defining a central axis and a head assembly including a striking device which has a striking rod defining a central axis. The striking device is pivotable relative to the grip portion and the angle between the central axis of the grip and the central axis of the striking rod can range between 60° and 180°. The auto hammer thus provides a pivotable striking device and is thereby suitable for different working circumstances.

Abstract: A dryer rack for use with an apparatus for drying an object inside a drum is disclosed, wherein the dryer rack includes a platform for having an upper surface for supporting the object. The platform may include at least one grip for loading and unloading the dryer rack into an interior space of the drum. The at least one grip is flush with the upper surface of the platform. The at least one grip is formed in a forward portion of the platform, to be near an access point of the drum.

Abstract: A fastener applicator is disclosed which uses a rotating ramped cam to drive a staple or other fastener into a workpiece. The ramped cam rotates in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the fastener is driven into the workpiece. Optionally, the fastener applicator may also include a portion for holding caps and positioning a cap beneath each fastener before it is driven into the workpiece. A unique use of a sliding linkage allows for the coupling of the cap-positioning portion with the unique new fastener applicator or also with any standard existing fastener applicator.

Abstract: A hammer drill (2) includes a clockwise and counterclockwise driven tool spindle (28), a drive pinion (70) operatively connectable with the tool spindle (28) for transmitting a torque thereto, a separate control handle (6) for selecting one of the hammer drill functions including a pure drilling operation, a pure percussion operation, and a rotary-percussion operation), and a switching device (8) which is adjustable in accordance with a position of the control handle (6) and which is shiftable by the control handle (6) in a clockwise rotation position for effecting a pure drilling operation in a clockwise direction and in a counterclockwise rotation position for effecting a pure drilling operation in a counterclockwise direction.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool (1). The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package (4) and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube (6) that interconnects the setting tool (1) to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package (4) into the delivery tube (6). The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube (6) from the feeder device to the tool (1).

Abstract: A portable roof panel structure assembly mechanism that may be transported to a construction site and that is used to automatically assemble roof panel structures at the site. The assembly mechanism includes a purlin feeder, subpurlin clamping mechanisms and feeders, and a diaphragm feeder. The purlin feeder lifts a purlin into position, and advances the purlin into an assembly station. The subpurlin feeders insert a subpurlin into each of a plurality of subpurlin clamping mechanisms, and the clamping mechanisms advance into the assembly station and hold the subpurlins against the section of the purlin that has been advanced. The diaphragm feeder places a diaphragm onto the subpurlins and the purlin at the assembly station. The components are attached by automatic nailers.

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a plurality of associated screws to an associated power screwdriver having a chuck. The apparatus includes a main body that includes a shaft dimensioned and configured to engage the chuck of the associated power screwdriver. The main body also includes a bit and apparatus for holding the bit and transmitting rotational energy from the shaft to the bit. The apparatus also includes a magazine dimensioned and configured to receive a plurality of associated screws disposed with the respective axes thereof in substantially coplanar relationship. The apparatus also includes apparatus for detachably connecting the magazine to the main body and a pickup assembly including a spring apparatus for gripping associated screws on opposed sides of the associated screws and apparatus for pivoting the spring apparatus between a first position proximate to the magazine and a second position proximate to the bit.

Abstract: A method of feeding the discs to the automatic staple or nail gun includes the steps of providing a plurality of discs stacked atop one another, shuttling a first disc from the stack to a position normal to the staple or nail expulsion path, and retaining that first disc at that position until the staple or nail is expelled from the gun. The apparatus includes a shuttle which is moved from a position immediately below the stack of discs to a second position at which the disc, carried by the shuttle carriage, is grasped by a clip. The clip retains the disc in a position normal to the path of staple or nail expulsion. The discs have dimples protruding from both planar surfaces of the disc. The dimples are predisposed in a predetermined pattern such that the protrusions from one surface form a pattern which is non-equivalent to the pattern formed by the protrusions extending from the other surface of the disc. This dimple pattern is in a peripherally spaced band on the disc.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus to attach a continuous sheet of flexible material, such as fabric, to pairs of elongated rigid members such as wooden slats. The flexible member is attached on each side to one of the pairs of rigid members. A table supports the apparatus and has recessed guides longitudinally located on each side of the table. A magazine holder overlays each of the guides and each magazine holds a plurality of elongated rigid members in an aligned, vertically stacked, relationship. A pair of slides advances a pair of the rigid members, one along each guide to a first drive mechanism. The first drive mechanism advances each of the pair of elongated rigid members at a constant linear speed into an attachment zone. Flexible material is also guided into the attachment zone to lay atop each of the elongated rigid members.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-purpose machine for the application of small metallic or non-metallic workpieces, or items which can be mounted on a proper support, or on a suitable table, or at a processing line and includes a head with a fixed tool holder and a movable tool holder and a universal presser. The tool holders are adapted for carrying the pairs of tools in a removable, immediately interchangeable manner for the functions, or processes of various applications such as branding, drilling, eyelet punching, blanking or die cutting, riveting and the like. The machine may be mechanically operated by simple linkages, pneumatically by means of a pedal operation, or electrically.

Abstract: First and second separately actuatable triggers are mounted to a housing which carries a hollow needle through which a fastener is dispensed. The needle is mounted to the housing for movement between original and extended positions. The article to be tagged is situated adjacent the front of the housing. When the first trigger is depressed, a tag is moved from a stack on the housing into alignment with the needle as the needle is moved forward to pierce the tag and article. Also, a fastener is fed into the needle. When the second trigger is depressed, the fastener is moved through the needle such that the T-bar end is situated behind the article and the needle retracts to its original position. The apparatus is pulled away from the article, leaving the tag affixed by the fastener. The apparatus is lightweight, easily manipulatable, and can be operated by a single hand.

Abstract: A method of assembly of a pair of stiles to a core sub-assembly which comprises a pair of rails and an expandable lattice spacer panel interconnecting the rails, which comprises clamping the end rails of the core sub-assembly and separating them from one another so as to expand the lattice spacer core, retaining the end rails in position while positioning stiles with respect to them, joining the stiles at the corners of the end rails, spot-joining the lattice to the stiles, and ejecting the door frames so formed from the machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated frame assembly, particularly advantageous for use in forming furniture drawers, includes a first bin for storing drawer back portions, situated generally in an elevated position with respect to the rest of the machine, and a pair of opposed bins for storing drawer side portions in serially arranged fashion. A pushing mechanism feeds the drawer back portions one at a time into engagement with one of the serially aligned drawer side portions of each bin. The pushing mechanism, in the same motion, pushes the engaged back and side portions into engagement with a drawer front portion where the side portions are fastened to the drawer front and back portions. Glue is applied to the drawer back portions before they engage the drawer side portions and glue is applied to the drawer side portions before they engage the drawer front portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for pallet fabricating operates to automatically nail together an arrangement of transversely extending slats and longitudinally extending stringers, which is continuously advancing. The automatic nailing utilizes nailing control in which a slat position sensor determines that a slat and underlying stringers are in position beneath a plurality of nail guns for nailing. The arrangement of slats and stringers are continuously moved by a conveyor as the nailing takes place. The slats and stringers are positioned on the conveyor automatically by controlled ejection of the same from slat and stringer magazines.

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: Apparatus for securing pickets to elongated stringers employs a worktable having stringer accomodating channels into which the elongated stringers are placed. A picket hopper accomodates a stacked array of pickets transverse to said channels and stringers. A reciprocating carriage assembly is positioned on the worktable and reciprocates a given distance in a forward and backward movement. As the carriage moves forward the lower most picket in said hopper is pushed to a fastening location. Located at this location and above the pushed picket are fastening means, which are air actuated nailing guns. The guns are mounted on a shaft which is synchronized with the carriage assembly to cause the guns to move about an arcuate path which causes the guns to contact the picket at the fastening location to secure the same to the stringers.

Abstract: A pallet is automatically assembled and nailed together on a horizontally reciprocating carrier. The carrier moves in a forward direction beneath a slat dispenser. A first series of one-way trip dogs mounted on the carrier successively removes the bottom slat from a stack of slats held by a dispenser to deposit a series of slats onto the carrier to form the bottom deck of a pallet. The carrier has stringer engagement levers which engage the ends of a series of stringers held in dispensers. The carrier reverses direction after deposit of the bottom series of slats and each stringer engagement lever pulls a stringer from the dispenser with each stringer positioned transversely to the previously dispensed slats. As the carriage moves in the reverse direction, another series of one-way trip dogs mounted on the carrier successively dispenses a second series of slats to form the top deck of the pallet.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for forming building trusses. The apparatus includes a clamp for each section of lumber of the truss along with a plate press mechanism for each joint of the truss. The press mechanism serves to press nails through joint plates on opposite sides of each truss joint.

Abstract: A novel device is disclosed for driving nail-like fasteners with associated washers into a workpiece. The device comprises a pneumatic driver apparatus, preferably one substantially the same as the tool disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,040,554, in association with a washer dispenser apparatus capable of semiautomatically deploying washers from a washer magazine so that the washers are fixed to the workpiece by the heads of the fasteners. The pneumatic driver and washer dispenser are attached together as a discrete assembly which is mounted on a hanger assembly so as to appear substantially weightless to a tool operator, and the driver and dispenser are adapted to be activated by a remotely positioned trigger device.

Abstract: The tag-dispensing device is designed for use with a hand-held plastic fastener attacher of the type having a needle for penetrating an article to be tagged and through which a fastener is dispensed. The device includes a support to which the attacher is movably mounted and upon which is situated a stack of tags. A slide is utilized to move a tag along the plane between the stack and a position in alignment with the needle of the attacher. The attacher is mounted to the support by a plate which is movable relative to the support between a position wherein the needle is remote from the plane of slide movement and a position wherein the needle intersects the plane. Slide movement may be accomplished manually or automatically in conjunction with the movement of the attacher by using a mechanical linkage, an electrically driven motor, a solenoid, or a pneumatic cylinder.

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 machine for the attachment of buttons, rivets or the like on clothing pieces, the lower parts of which are fed via rails from a magazine laterally oriented up to the vicinity of the attachment position and from there are transferred into the attachment position. The rail which feeds the bottom parts in the edgewise position exits at an angle which is offset by about 90 degrees relative to the attachment position. Between the exit position and the attachment position there extends a circular arc-shaped slide surface starting tangentially from the exit area and running approximately tangentially into the attachment position. A rotatable ring section runs on the slide surface. The ring section, which is equipped on its front end with a reception pocket, transfers respectively one lower part into the attachment position and during its movement its ring-narrow-edge closes the exit of the feed rail.

Abstract: Apparatus for affixing spaced cushioning pads to wooden floor sleepers has a positioning channel to hold a sleeper to be padded with lifting means provided to raise the sleeper into working position, cushioning pads are placed at spaced positions along the length of the sleeper by ejector means moving individual pads from each of a series of feeder channels carrying stacks of such pads and placing these pads to overlie the sleeper, and stapling guns are in operative relation with the pads and sleeper to affix each pad to the sleeper at its spaced position along the sleeper length whereupon the sleeper is released from the working position for removal from the positioning channel.

Abstract: A machine for the attachment of rivets, buttons, or the like, particularly to clothing pieces, with an upper tool and a lower tool and with magazine chambers for upper and lower parts, from which chambers the upper and lower parts, respectively, are brought via feed rails into the region of the working position. The magazine chambers are arranged floor-like one above the other. A single slide is coordinated to both chambers, the slide being moved up and down in front of the rear wall of the chambers. On its front wide face the slide is equipped with stroke and sorting ledges which are inclined downwardly in the direction of one of the side walls. In the upper position the ledges lie flush in alignment with the discharge openings of the magazine chambers - side walls.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically constructing prefabricated building stud walls or other frame structures from standard raw materials. Elongate studs are placed transversely at spaced intervals between a pair of elongate wall plates by a reciprocating stud selector and drive mechanism. As each stud is placed between the plates it is automatically nailed thereto, forming a portion of the frame, after which the completed portion of the frame is advanced an incremental distance along an assembly structure by the drive 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. Glue may be applied to the completed portion of the frame and, as soon as a large enough portion is completed, sheathing material may be placed thereon and fastened thereto by the glue and/or mechanical nailers. In the interim, holes for receiving electrical and plumbing conduit are drilled in the studs.