Abstract: Methods are provided for making slider-operated fasteners for use in reclosable plastic bags using at least a double index and dual unit operations. The methods involve forming two preseals, forming two notches within the preseals, applying two sliders into the previously formed notches, and applying two end stops proximate the previously applied sliders by having the various stations perform their respective functions, either simultaneously or at generally the same time, on different parts of the fastener spaced approximately at a double index. Also provided are methods of producing finished bags by applying the slider-operated fastener to a flat web of plastic film and conveying the web to a vertical or a horizontal form-fill-seal machine.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making slider-operated fasteners for use in reclosable plastic bags using at least a double index and dual unit operations. The methods involve forming two preseals, forming two notches within the preseals, applying two sliders into the previously formed notches, and applying two end stops proximate the previously applied sliders by having the various stations perform their respective functions, either simultaneously or at generally the same time, on different parts of the fastener spaced approximately at a double index. Also provided are methods of producing finished bags by applying the slider-operated fastener to a flat web of plastic film and conveying the web to a vertical or a horizontal form-fill-seal machine.

Abstract: There are provided left and right gripper devices for holding left and right tip side portions of a slide fastener chain, transferring the fastener chain in a longitudinal direction (an X-axis direction) and opening and closing the left and right tip side portions in a Y-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction based on a command sent from operation control means. There is provided an electric motor for controllably driving the left and right gripper devices in the X-Y axis direction based on a command sent from a numeric control section of the operation control means in the X-Y axis direction of the gripper devices. A slider can be automatically inserted by only a specified operation using a single device without preparing a special device for all types of fastener chains and sliders and requiring a time for a considerable reconstruction.

Abstract: Machining portions such as a cutter portion, a slider inserting portion and an upper stopper attaching portion are provided around the vertical axis of a fixed table portion in order of machining. A fastener chain cut to have a predetermined length is held by the fixed table portion and a gripper of a rotator provided around the same vertical axis. The fastener chain is rotated and transferred to each of the machining portions based on the intermittent rotation and control of the rotator in the holding state in the gripper. Every time a predetermined machining is completed in each of the machining portions for the fastener chain rotated and transferred intermittently, it is possible to rotate and transfer the fastener chain simultaneously and intermittently to the next machining portion, thereby carrying out the necessary machining continuously.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a slider onto a flexible zipper tape, comprising: a zipper tape guide that supports a section of zipper tape in a slider insertion zone and guides advancement of the zipper tape along a line; a mechanism for displacing a slider from a pre-insertion position to an inserted position on the section of the zipper tape located in the slider insertion zone; and a slider guide for guiding the slider from a transition point to the pre-insertion position. The slider guide is configured so that the slider travels along a generally U-shaped path in its transit from the transition point to the pre-insertion position. The slider guide may be a channel configured to maintain one end of the slider constantly in the lead as it moves along the channel.

Abstract: A method and a system for forming slider end stops on a zipper tape that comprises first and second interlockable zipper parts. The method comprises the following steps: (a) transmitting sufficient ultrasonic wave energy into first and second areas of the zipper tape to cause the first and second interlocked zipper parts to deform and fuse in the first and second areas, the first and second areas being separated by a gap; and (b) applying sufficient heat and pressure onto a third area of the zipper tape to cause the interlocked zipper parts to deform and fuse in the third area, at least part of the third area being located between the first and second areas in the gap. The first and second areas do not impinge upon the zipper rails. The third area does impinge upon the zipper rails. Thus the zipper rails are deformed in the third area, but not in adjacent areas located below and contiguous with the first and second areas.

Abstract: The space forming apparatus includes at least a pair of fixed grippers disposed in a lower part thereof; a pair of movable grippers disposed with a gap in a front-to-rear direction such that the movable grippers are movable in a vertical direction toward and away from the aforementioned fixed grippers; a knock-out which is provided between the fixed grippers and moves vertically between said fixed grippers and between the movable grippers; and a punch section which is disposed so as to oppose a top end of the knock-out and which moves vertically and independently between the front and rear movable grippers and cuts coupling heads of coupling elements while pressing the coupling heads downward at the time of cutting. These members are accommodated integrally in a single housing having a chain insertion opening provided in a front face thereof.

Abstract: A zipper guide apparatus having different operational states. In the first operational state, the zipper tape is held securely, i.e., gripped, in a zone adjacent the slider insertion zone during slider insertion. In a second operational state, the zipper tape is not held securely in the zone adjacent the slider insertion zone and a slider can pass through the zipper guide during zipper tape advancement. These operational states are under the control of a programmable controller or other control device, which synchronizes zipper guide operation with operation of the slider inserter. The zipper guide comprises a saddle on which a zipper is seated and a pair of opposing grippers that extend to grip the zipper tape and that retract to release the zipper tape and allow passage of the zipper tape with sliders inserted thereon.

Abstract: A device is designed to facilitate operation of a separable slide fastener having a pair of stringers, respectively carrying first and second rows of interlocking elements, the rows respectively terminating at a stop member and a lug, the fastener including at least one slider moveable along the first row and having an aperture therethrough alignable with an aperture in the stop member when the slider is disposed in a terminal position. The device includes a handle and retention structure receivable in an aligning position in the apertures when the slider is in or is moved to its terminal position and engageable with the slider and the stop member to hold the slider in its terminal position so that the user does not have to manually do so during insertion of the lug into the apertures to join the stringers. When the lug is inserted it displaces the retention structure from the apertures. Several embodiments of the device are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for and a method of transporting sliders to the slider insertion area (27) of a slider insertion device (18). A first sensor (30) on a sender track (20) detects a lack of sliders (21) in the sender track. A signal is sent from the first sensor (30) to a controller (24) to actuate a vibratory bowl (14) of sliders (21), and a first solenoid operated plunger (34) thereby releasing the sliders (21) to the sender track (20). Air connections (38) pneumatically push the sliders (21) along the sender track (20) to a second solenoid-operated plunger (44). When a second sensor (46) detects a lack of sliders in the loading rack (26), the second sensor (46) signals the controller (24) to actuate a second solenoid-operated plunger (44) and a solenoid-operated pneumatic valve (48). The second solenoid-operated plunger (44) opens a passage and the pneumatic valve (48) opens to provide an air blast, thereby launching the sliders (21) into the feed tube (22) and onto the slider insertion area (27).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making reclosable plastic bags is provided. In the method and apparatus, a fastener is attached to a moving flat web of plastic film, preferably in the direction of web movement and near the center of the web. A plurality of sliders are mounted to the fastener either before or after the fastener is attached to the flat web, but prior to conveying the web to a FFS machine. The flat web, with the slider-operated fastener already attached thereto, is then conveyed to a vertical or horizontal FFS machine where the flat web is formed into bags, and the bags are successively filled and sealed.

Abstract: A hand tool that has a pliers-like body and a special head. The head has a pair of parallel teeth that fit onto the grooves of a zipper guide. As the tool is squeezed, the teeth force the grooves closed uniformly and symmetrically. In this way, the tool can adjust the grooves on all types of zippers quickly and easily. Such a tool can be used on all types of zippers, such as those found on tents, clothing, tote bags, luggage and many other things.

Abstract: Several embodiments of resilient slider members and methods of assembling such slider members onto interlocking fastening strips are disclosed herein. The slider member (200) comprises a pair of spaced-apart side walls (210, 230) and an intermediate body portion (250) therebetween. In addition, each side wall includes an interior surface (215) with an inwardly projecting shoulder (216) formed thereon, an exterior surface (217), and opposed end surfaces (218).

Abstract: This invention relates to a coupling condition detecting device for element rows of a slide fastener. A chain stopping means for stopping a chain at a detecting position of coupling right and left elements adjacent an upstream end of a space in the chain is disposed downstream along a chain carrying direction. A detecting portion having a mechanical detecting means for detecting presence/absence of a deviation in coupling of the elements is provided at the detecting position. The detecting portion has an element position detection member movable between a normal first contact position where the detection member does not contact any elements and an abnormal second contact position where it contacts an element. When the detection member exists at the first contact position when the chain is stopped, it is determined that the coupling is normal and when the detection member exists at the second contact position, it is determined that the coupling is abnormal.

Abstract: A modular slider feeder tube system comprising first and second feeder tubes having respective ends that are coupled by a tube coupling device. Each of the first and second feeder tubes is made of resilient material and comprises a respective channel having a profile that is asymmetric and substantially constant along the lengths of the channels. The tube coupling device also comprises a channel, via which channel the channel of the first feeder tube communicates with the channel of the second feeder tube. Each of the channels maintains the orientation of each slider passing therethrough so that the same end of the slider is always in the lead.

Abstract: A method and a system for forming slider end stops on a zipper tape that comprises first and second interlockable zipper parts. The method comprises the following steps: (a) transmitting sufficient ultrasonic wave energy into first and second areas of the zipper tape to cause the first and second interlocked zipper parts to deform and fuse in the first and second areas, the first and second areas being separated by a gap; and (b) applying sufficient heat and pressure onto a third area of the zipper tape to cause the interlocked zipper parts to deform and fuse in the third area, at least part of the third area being located between the first and second areas in the gap. The first and second areas do not impinge upon the zipper rails. The third area does impinge upon the zipper rails. Thus the zipper rails are deformed in the third area, but not in adjacent areas located below and contiguous with the first and second areas.

Abstract: A method for forming ends of a slide fastener chain wherein, coil-shaped fastener elements such as linear fastener elements are attached and sewed to side edge portions of a pair of fastener tapes with sewing yarns as fixing yarns while a core thread is inserted through the fastener elements. The coil-shaped fastener elements are cut off at leg portions, each of which is in contact with the fastener tape, at ends of the fastener elements, so that cut end portions are formed. These cut end portions are pushed inward of the side edge portions, and then, the leg portions and inverted portions thereof are fused to the fastener tapes by heating. As a result, each end of the fastener elements is stabilized, so that the resultant slide fastener is safe.

Abstract: A pair of coupled right and left element rows of a fastener chain is inserted from a rear opening of a slider, which is placed and fixed on a slider passing portion disposed on a transfer path of the fastener chain, and after the element rows are separated side by side through the slider passing portion the respective separated element rows are coupled again by inserting the element rows into an element coupling portion disposed at a chain downstream side. The fastener chain in the above state is transferred to a stop portion forming unit of a single stop implement disposed at a chain downstream side of the element coupling portion, so that the stop implement is attached thereto. Thus, steps for coupling the element rows of the fastener chain and attaching the single stop implement are performed continuously and efficiently.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for and a method of transporting sliders to the slider insertion area (27) of a slider insertion device (18). A first sensor (30) on a sender track (20) detects a lack of sliders (21) in the sender track. A signal is sent from the first sensor (30) to a controller (24) to actuate a vibratory bowl (14) of sliders (21), and a first solenoid operated plunger (34) thereby releasing the sliders (21) to the sender track (20). Air connections (38) pneumatically push the sliders (21) along the sender track (20) to a second solenoid-operated plunger (44). When a second sensor (46) detects a lack of sliders in the loading rack (26), the second sensor (46) signals the controller (24) to actuate a second solenoid-operated plunger (44) and a solenoid-operated pneumatic valve (48). The second solenoid-operated plunger (44) opens a passage and the pneumatic valve (48) opens to provide an air blast, thereby launching the sliders (21) into the feed tube (22) and onto the slider insertion area (27).

Abstract: According to the fastener chain, method and apparatus for forming ends thereof, coil-shaped fastener elements as linear fastener elements are attached and sewed to side edge portions of a pair of fastener tapes with sewing yarns as fixing yarns while a core thread is inserted through the fastener elements. The coil-shaped fastener elements are cut off at leg portions, each of which is in contact with the fastener tape, at ends of the fastener elements, so that cut end portions are formed. These cut end portions are pushed inward of the side edge portions, and then, the leg portions and inverted portions thereof are fused to the fastener tapes by heating. As a result, a form of each end of the fastener elements is stabilized, so that the resultant slide fastener is good in safety.

Abstract: A method for preparing ultra-fine grain titanium or titanium-alloy articles used for adjoining or assembling of detail components. Coarse-grained titanium or titanium-alloy materials typically are heated and forced under constant pressure through a friction stir processing tooling device containing a stirring chamber and a stirring rod. As the material is passed through the stirring chamber, the stirring rod solutionizes the titanium or titanium-alloy material and stirs the material to obtain a homogeneous or uniform material condition. As the processed material exits the stirring chamber of the friction stir process tooling device, it reconsolidates as an extremely homogeneous structure possessing ultra-fine grain structure. Titanium or titanium-alloy materials having been processed to achieve such ultra-fine grain material structure may then be manufactured into aerospace structural articles or components such as fasteners or articles that do not require a subsequent thermal or heat-treatment steps.

Abstract: Several embodiments of resilient slider members and methods of assembling such slider members onto interlocking fastening strips are disclosed herein. The slider member (200) comprises a pair of spaced-apart side walls (210, 230) and an intermediate body portion (250) therebetween. In addition, each side wall includes an interior surface (215) with an inwardly projecting shoulder (216) formed thereon, an exterior surface (217), and opposed end surfaces (218).

Abstract: Several embodiments of resilient slider members and methods of assembling such slider members onto interlocking fastening strips are disclosed herein. The slider member (200) comprises a pair of spaced-apart side walls (210, 230) and an intermediate body portion (250) therebetween. In addition, each side wall includes an interior surface (215) with an inwardly projecting shoulder (216) formed thereon, an exterior surface (217), and opposed end surfaces (218).

Abstract: The space forming apparatus includes at least a pair of fixed grippers disposed in a lower part thereof; a pair of movable grippers disposed with a gap in a front-to-rear direction such that the movable grippers are movable in a vertical direction toward and away from the aforementioned fixed grippers; a knock-out which is provided between the fixed grippers and moves vertically between said fixed grippers and between the movable grippers; and a punch section which is disposed so as to oppose a top end of the knock-out and which moves vertically and independently between the front and rear movable grippers and cuts coupling heads of coupling elements while pressing the coupling heads downward at the time of cutting. These members are accommodated integrally in a single housing having a chain insertion opening provided in a front face thereof.

Abstract: A slider-operated fastener comprises first and second opposing tracks including respective first and second interlocking profiles and respective first and second fins extending downward from the respective first and second profiles. The first and second fins are sealed to each other by a plurality of spaced preseals. After generating each preseal, a notch is formed in the profiles and upper portions of the fins at the generated preseal. To install a slider onto the fastener, the slider is initially positioned within the respective notch and then threaded onto the fastener in response to relative movement of the slider and the fastener. Either before or after the steps of forming each preseal and respective notch and installing the respective slider, the fastener is attached to a moving web of plastic film. The fastener-carrying web is later folded and sealed to form individual plastic bags.

Abstract: A slider-operated fastener comprises first and second opposing tracks including respective first and second interlocking profiles and respective first and second fins extending downward from the respective first and second profiles. The first and second fins are sealed to each other by a plurality of spaced preseals. After generating each preseal, a notch is formed in the profiles and upper portions of the fins at the generated preseal. To install a slider onto the fastener, the slider is initially positioned within the respective notch and then threaded onto the fastener in response to relative movement of the slider and the fastener. Either before or after the steps of forming each preseal and respective notch and installing the respective slider, the fastener is attached to a moving web of plastic film. The fastener-carrying web is later folded and sealed to form individual plastic bags.

Abstract: By inserting a pair of coupled right and left element rows of a fastener chain from a rear opening of a slider, which is placed and fixed on a slider passing portion disposed on a transfer path of the fastener chain, and inserting the element rows separated side by side into an element coupling portion disposed at a chain downstream side of the slider passing portion, respective element rows are coupled again. Then, a fastener chain with the coupled element rows fed out from the element coupling portion is transferred to a stop portion forming unit of a single stop implement disposed at the chain downstream side of the element coupling portion.

Abstract: An assembly and method for installing sliders and end terminations onto a reclosable zipper for plastic bags is disclosed. The assembly includes a base with a cam path. A rotor is mounted on the base and includes at least one slider installing member and at least one end termination installing member. The rotor includes a cam follower extending into the cam path and secured to one of the slider installing member and end termination installing member which is reciprocally mounted on the rotor and is reciprocated by the interaction of the cam path and cam follower. At a first point in the rotation of the rotor the slider installing member and the termination installing member are supplied with sliders and terminations. At a second point in the rotation of the rotor the slider and terminations are simultaneously installed onto a zipper.

Abstract: A method for mounting a slider device on a recloseable package includes mounting the slider device by providing a package having a recloseable closure mechanism and providing a slider device for opening and closing the recloseable closure mechanism, the slider device having first and second leg constructions having a first distance therebetween. The slider device is expanded to increase the first distance between the first and second leg constructions to a second distance. The slider is expanded by hooking an end of the first and second leg constructions with an expanding device and moving the first leg construction away from the second leg construction. Next, the slider device is mounted onto the recloseable closure mechanism and then the second distance between the first and second leg constructions is decreased to a third distance. Finally, the slider device is removed from the expanding device. Apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a zipper includes the step of dividing a label into two halves. The two halves are disposed on a cloth strip. Two banks of continuous chain teeth are pressed against one another and then are sewn to the cloth strip. The width between the sewing portion of two banks is equal to the distance between the two halves of the label. A wedge block expands the two banks of chain teeth outwards, so that a space is formed. The cloth strip is melted and cut, so that the cloth strip is cut adjacent to the two chain teeth. A strip separation wheel feeds out the left and right portions of the cloth strip, sewn with the chain teeth, at the same time. Fittings, such as a chain clip, are attached to the chain teeth to finish the zipper.

Abstract: A method for mounting a slider device on a recloseable package includes mounting the slider device by providing a package having a recloseable closure mechanism and providing a slider device for opening and closing the recloseable closure mechanism, the slider device having first and second leg constructions having a first distance therebetween. The method also includes, expanding the slider device to increase the first distance between the first and second leg constructions to a second distance, wherein the expanding includes inserting an expanding device into a slide channel between first and second leg constructions and moving the first leg construction away from the second leg construction. Then removing the slider device from the expanding device and mounting the slider device onto recloseable closure mechanism. Finally, decreasing the second distance between the first and second leg constructions to third distance. Apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a pull-assembling unit for automatically assembling a pull onto a slider body of a slide fastener, a slider transporting means includes a slider-body-transportation plate member having rectangular notch portions spaced at intervals of plural assembling sections along a top end edge thereof, each for accommodating the slider body. The slider-body-transportation plate member is adapted to be actuated in the slider-transportation path so as to draw a rectangular trajectory in a vertical plane. An actuation upper limit position of a top end of the rectangular notch portion is set to be above a slider-body-placing surface of the slider-transportation path and an actuation lower limit position of the top end of the notch portion is set to be at a retreat position below the slider-body-placing surface. Therefore, the slider-pull-assembling unit has a simple structure and is capable of assembling a pull onto a slider body accurately and securely at a high speed.

Abstract: Methods for mounting a slider device on a recloseable package include mounting the slider device by expanding the leg construction of the slider device with an expanding track to allow mounting of the slider on a recloseable zipper construction. A particular method includes providing a slider device to a slider positioner, such as a carousel, moving the slider along an expanding track, and mounting the expanded slider device onto the recloseable mechanism at the end of the track.

Abstract: A method for mounting a slider device on a recloseable package includes mounting the slider device by intersecting the slider device with a zipper arrangement so that at least one of the slider device and the zipper arrangement is distorted to allow mounting. A particular method includes mounting the slider device includes intersecting the slider device with the zipper arrangement at an angle between about 20 to 60.degree., preferably about 45.degree.. In another method, the zipper arrangement is distorted to facilitate mounting of the slider device thereon, and in yet another method, the slider device is distorted to facilitate mounting.

Abstract: A reinforcing tape for a slide fastener and a slide fastener having a pair of fastener tapes whose end portions are reinforced with the reinforcing tapes are disclosed. On the end portion of a fastener tape to which a pin-and-box separator of a slide fastener is fitted, a transparent film layer formed of a thermoplastic elastomer or a thermoplastic resin and a fiber reinforcement layer formed of either a reticular sheet of monofilaments or a thin-layer non-woven fabric of fibers manufactured from a thermoplastic resin of the same type as the transparent film layer are superposed through the medium of an adhesive layer, with the transparent film layer constituting itself a surface layer.

Abstract: A device and method which facilitates the removal of a zipper component such as a slider e.g. for maintenance, repair, security and the like, is provided. In one embodiment a plate configured so that it can define a receiving area is positioned adjacent to a pair of zipper tapes such that a slider may be moved off the zipper tapes and into the receiving area. Preferably the receiving area is configured so that once the slider is in the receiving area it may be removed therefrom and/or a new slider may be inserted therein for positioning onto the zipper tapes. In one embodiment one or more removable doors or tabs are provided to limit movement of the slider and/or prevent movement into the receiving area unless the doors or stop members are moved or removed. In one embodiment, one or more guide lugs are provided for engaging the slider to glide the slider from the receiving area onto the tape so as to readily engage the zipper teeth.

Abstract: In manufacturing slide fasteners, especially fastener elements, an elongated wire of a generally Y-shape cross section with attaching legs shaped into a generally C form by rolling, is supplied intermittently at a predetermined pitch and is then cut into slices of element blanks having a predetermined thickness, and a protuberance is formed on the coupling head of each of the successive element blanks. Then, the generally C-shape attaching legs are calked from opposite sides to mount the fastener elements on a fastener tape and, at the same time, the generally right-angled cut edges of the attaching legs are shaped into a smooth arcuate profile as pressed by a calking surface of a calking punch.

Abstract: In forming an element-free space portion in a continuous fastener chain, legs of a number of metallic fastener elements, which legs exist on one side of the fastener chain are cut by a pair of cutting blades, and then coupling heads of the fastener elements and the legs extending from the coupling heads and existing on the other side of the fastener chain are removed from cores of fastener tapes while being clamped by a punch and a die. Therefore, it is possible to remove the fastener element portions from the fastener tapes without damaging the cores and not to require so high precision in positioning the fastener elements at a cutting station, thus the structure of a slide fastener chain manufacturing machine can be simple and hence the rate of production is improved.

Abstract: A slide fastener repair system including a method in which an opening is formed in a slide fastener to create a gap in a row of fastener elements, removing the slide fastener slider through the opening, positioning a replacement slider on the teeth of the slide fastener at the opening and attaching a slider stop at the opening.

Abstract: A device and method which facilitates the removal of a zipper component such as a slider e.g. for maintenance, repair, security and the like, is provided. In one embodiment a plate configured so that it can define a receiving area is positioned adjacent to a pair of zipper tapes such that a slider may be moved off the zipper tapes and into the receiving area. Preferably the receiving area is configured so that once the slider is in the receiving area it may be removed therefrom and/or a new slider may be inserted therein for positioning onto the zipper tapes. In one embodiment one or more removable doors or tabs are provided to limit movement of the slider and/or prevent movement into the receiving area unless the doors or stop members are moved or removed. In one embodiment, one or more guide lugs are provided for engaging the slider to glide the slider from the receiving area onto the tape so as to readily engage the zipper teeth.

Abstract: An apparatus for gapping a zipper having a pair of slide fasteners stringers such that each fastener stringer has a continuous row of fastener elements secured to an edge thereof. The apparatus includes a support which has a substantially flat surface for supporting the stringers in a generally parallel alignment. An indexing wheel having a plurality of serrations located along a periphery thereof cooperates with the support to engage the fastener elements of each of the pair of fastener stringers for incrementally advancing the pair of fastener stringers a predetermined distance along the support. The hinged block is connected to the support. The hinged block is a pair of grooves formed along the surface thereof so as to be positioned in a path of the advancing fastener stringers for respectively receiving the fastener stringers in the area to be gapped.

Abstract: A method of forming end stops to a continuous slide fastener chain including element-free space portions at longitudinally spaced intervals, wherein as the chain is fed in the backward direction, a pair of rows of interengaged coupling elements extending on the downstream side of an element-free space portion is spread open by a chain splitting apparatus for subsequent molding of a separable end stop whereas a pair of rows of coupling elements on the upstream side of the element-free space portion is kept in engaged condition. After the separable end stop is molded, the chain is fed in the forward direction during which time a sprue portion and gate portions formed integrally with the separable end stop are caught by a chain splitting member of the chain splitting apparatus. The chain splitting member is then lowered to automatically remove the sprue portion and gate portions from the separable end stop.

Abstract: A slider inserting apparatus is constructed such that before a concealed fastener chain is threaded through a slider, the front and back and the rear end of a flange portion and the left and right front surfaces and the left and right side surfaces and the fore-end of a guide post are held between a pair of upper and lower slider holders with a locking pawl held in a releasing position. With the insertion of the fastener chain, the back and rear end of the flange portion is freed from engagement with the lower holder to enable passage of the fastener chain through the slider. The slider is still held from different directions by the holders so that in despite of a unique or odd shape of the slider, the fastener chain can smoothly be threaded through the slider.

Abstract: An electrical connector of the zipper type comprises first and second connector members with respective rows of contact elements and insulating elements which are brought into intermeshing relation when the connector members are closed together. The contact elements are located in a mold as stamped and formed contact strips and in-molded with a carrier of resilient insulating material, which also covers one side of each contact element in insulating relation, to provide an elongate connector member which can be handled as only a single piece.

Abstract: A slide fastener comprises a pair of stringer tapes, a pair of rows of interdigitating fastener elements mounted on the inner longitudinal marginal edges of the respective stringer tapes, and a slider for reciprocally movable along the fastener element rows to bring the fastener element rows into or out of interdigitating engagement with each other and a bottom stop mounted on the lower end of the element rows to stop the descent of the slider. The slide fastener also includes a terminal latch member mounted on the fastener element rows at their upper end for letting the slider move therebeyond and coupling the respective one ends of the fastener element rows to each other to thus maintaining the fastener element rows into interdigitating engagement with each other.

Abstract: An automatic finishing method for an airtight and waterproof slide fastener, comprising the steps of: supplying each of a pair of slide fastener chains, which has coupling elements attached to a waterproof fastener tape by clamp elements, by a pair of toothed supply rollers meshing with the clamp elements of the respective slide fastener chain; and threading the slide fastener chains through a slider situated on a travelling path of the slide fastener chains for interengaging the slide fastener chains and then discharging the interengaged slide fastener chains from the slider.

Abstract: Sliders are mounted in a continuous string or by swinging them into gaps in the otherwise continuous coupling chain. An opening or spreading device operates coupling members of the chain adjacent the gap and downstream thereof a fixing ram holds the members in position while the manipulator inserts the slide. A top guide and a lower guide are provided to receive the slider between them and to thread the free edges of the stringer threads into the slots on opposite sides of the cylinder core.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying a slider to a slide fastener stringer in motion along a path of travel for the purpose of attaching the slider to the slide fastener stringer are disclosed. The apparatus comprises in combination a slider chute for delivering one slider after another in an upright posture, means for rotatably and releasably supporting the delivered slider at the lower end of the slider chute, means for rotating the slider so as to shift its upright posture to a horizontal posture, and a gripper for nipping the slider on opposite lateral surfaces thereof. The gripper is adapted to reciprocate in a vertical direction between the lower end of the slider chute and an assembly position in a path of travel of the slide fastener stringer positioned as separated downwardly from the slider chute.

Abstract: A method of forming successive space portion in a slide fastener chain, comprising: positioning the chain in such a manner that an element contiguous to the backward end of a prospective space portion is brought into engagement with a positioning pin upstream of a cutting unit; positioning the chain in such a manner that an element contiguous to the forward end of the prospective space portion is out of engagement with another positioning pin downstream of the cutting unit, and then positioning the chain, as the feed roller is rotated forwardly to extend the chain so that the positioning pin is inserted between the elements, whereupon the downstream positioning pin is brought into engagement with the element adjacent to the prospective space portion as the feed roller is rotated backwardly to restore the slide fastener chain; and cutting off elements of the prospective space portion and removing the cut elements from the prospective space portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a continuous chain of fastener stringers with bottom end stops and sliders comprises a slider holder means capable of rotating about an axis extending parallel to the direction of feed of the stringer chain and having symmetrical upper and lower portions each with an identical set of operative parts. The slider holder means is rotatable intermittently each for an angular distance of 180.degree. between a first position in which a slider is received into one of a pair of pockets formed at opposite ends of the slider holder and a second position in which another slider already in the other pocket is assembled with its pull tab disposed on the same side of the stringer chain on which a bottom end stop is assembled.