Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a welding tip of a welder and an apparatus for replacing the same include a fixed bracket secured to a support. The apparatus includes an actuator coupled to the fixed bracket and a first moving member moved by the actuator. A second moving member is coupled to the first moving member and hingedly coupled to the fixed bracket. A third moving member is hingedly coupled to the second moving member. A first welding tip removal member is coupled to the third moving member to separate a welding tip coupled to a shank. A fourth moving member is disposed opposite to the first moving member. A fifth moving member is coupled to the fourth moving member and hingedly coupled to the fixed bracket. A sixth moving member is coupled to the fifth moving member. A second welding tip removal member is coupled to the sixth moving member.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a welding tip of a welder and an apparatus for replacing the same include a fixed bracket secured to a support. The apparatus includes an actuator coupled to the fixed bracket and a first moving member moved by the actuator. A second moving member is coupled to the first moving member and hingedly coupled to the fixed bracket. A third moving member is hingedly coupled to the second moving member. A first welding tip removal member is coupled to the third moving member to separate a welding tip coupled to a shank. A fourth moving member is disposed opposite to the first moving member. A fifth moving member is coupled to the fourth moving member and hingedly coupled to the fixed bracket. A sixth moving member is coupled to the fifth moving member. A second welding tip removal member is coupled to the sixth moving member.

Abstract: A device for fixing and positioning in tubes and its use in tubular reactors.

Abstract: The invention is a continuous finishing apparatus for a slide fastener having a slider introduction portion for successively introducing a slider by intermittently running a slide fastener chain, wherein, a slider introduction member thrusts into the space portion when the slider held by a slider holding member is brought into a space portion and set therein, moves downstream of the slide fastener chain within the space portion, holds an engaging element disposed at a downstream end portion of the space portion, and then, continues to move to the downstream for carrying the slide fastener chain, and wherein the slider is introduced and set along the same chain upon this carriage. Because the slider introduction member carries the slide fastener by holding the engaging elements on an edge of the fastener tape, which is least elongated, no disagreement occurs in position of corresponding right and left engaging elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for the insertion and withdrawal of a plug-in module with front panel into and out of a module carrier, includes a lever arm (2) pivotable about an axis (3) with a handle portion (2a) for the rotation of the lever arm as well as a bolt (5) to lock the lever arm and an operating element (5a) connected to the bolt with which the lever arm can be unlocked. The operating element (5a) is arranged spaced from the lever arm (2), and the handle portion (2a) is designed such that it contacts the front panel (10) of the plug-in module the inwardly pivoted position.

Abstract: An installed structure of a slide unit of a clamping head on a zipper bag has a vibration device, a track and an installation device. The installation device is installed with a removing unit, an input unit and a press unit so that a clamping portion is delivered to a removing unit. A removing sheet of the removing unit serves to open the closed clamping portion. The slide unit of the clamping head is pushed to be installed in the clamping portion of the zipper bag. The open clamping portion is closed again by use of two corresponding rolling wheels of the press unit pressing. The slide unit of the clamping head is installed automatically at the clamping portion of the zipper bag. The assembly procedure is continuous, convenient and fast. The installed structure is available to be mass production, reduce manufacture costs and fit in with economic efficiency.

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: A method for the manufacture of packaging bags, which includes a step of forming at least one bag in a scrolling film, welding opening and closing zippers that include a series of operating sliders onto the scrolling film, and effecting at least one cut in the zippers, where the length of the cut is greater than the length of each slider.

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: The closure device (121) includes interlocking fastening strips (130, 131) and a slider (132) slidably disposed on the fastening strips for facilitating the occlusion and deocclusion of the fastening strips (130, 131) when moved towards first and second ends thereof. A slider (132) is provided for facilitating the attachment of the slider (132) onto the fastening strips (130, 131) in the horizontal X axis (102). The slider (132) provides resistance against the removal of the slider (132) from the fastening strips (130, 131) in the horizontal X axis (102) and the vertical Z axis (106).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process used for packaging a product in a web of material that has a zipper attached thereto. The process includes providing a web of material having first and second edges and a zipper including first and second interlocking members. The first and second interlocking members of the zipper are interlocked together. The first interlocking member of the zipper is attached to the web at an intermediate portion of the web between the first and second edges of the web. The second interlocking member has an attachment region that is facing away from the web. One edge of the web is folded away from the zipper and toward the other edge of the web. Unit operations are performed on the zipper to create zipper segments from the zipper while the zipper is exposed. Each of the zipper segments is associated with an individual food package made from the web.

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: Methods and apparatus for automated insertion of sliders on continuous zipper material. The method involves the following steps: (a) advancing a section of zipper material past a leading edge of a splitter plate that pries the zipper strips of the zipper material apart; (b) clamping a first portion of one zipper strip against one side of the splitter plate, while clamping a first portion of the other zipper strip against an opposite side of the splitter plate, the first portions of the zipper strips being disposed on an upstream side of a slider insertion zone; (c) closing a portion of the zipper comprising respective second portions of the zipper strips disposed on a downstream side of the slider insertion zone; and (d) inserting a slider onto the zipper in the slider insertion zone. A plow of the slider is disposed between respective third portions of the zipper strips.

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: A keeper (12), a clamp (14), a heater strip (16) and a heated air diffuser (18) are provided for a slider insertion apparatus (10) which inserts sliders (28) on the interlocked profiles (20, 22) of a zipper (23). The heater strip (16) and/or the diffuser (18) heat the zipper (23) to a predetermined temperature prior to slider insertion. The keeper (12) aligns the slider (32) within the insertion area (34) with the activator with pusher (26) of the slider insertion apparatus (10). By changing the mounting of the zipper guide (28) and by actuating the clamp (14) during slider insertion, the zipper (32) indexes to the slider insertion apparatus (10) in alternate directions.

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: 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: A zipper guide for use in a slider insertion machine in which the zipper guide can be easily loaded with zipper tape without disassembly of the zipper guide. The slider insertion apparatus comprises: an assembly for inserting sliders onto a zipper tape; first and second shafts that are fixed relative to the assembly; a zipper guide for guiding the zipper tape during longitudinal movement of the zipper tape and supporting the zipper tape during slider insertion; and a retainer coupled to the first shaft and movable between first and second retainer positions. The zipper guide comprises a stationary part that is fixed relative to the assembly and comprises a first groove, and a rotatable part that is rotatable about the second shaft between first and second angular positions and comprises a second groove.

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: 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: 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 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 zipper guide for use in a slider insertion machine in which the zipper guide can be easily loaded with zipper tape without disassembly of the zipper guide. The slider insertion apparatus comprises: an assembly for inserting sliders onto a zipper tape; first and second shafts that are fixed relative to the assembly; a zipper guide for guiding the zipper tape during longitudinal movement of the zipper tape and supporting the zipper tape during slider insertion; and a retainer coupled to the first shaft and movable between first and second retainer positions. The zipper guide comprises a stationary part that is fixed relative to the assembly and comprises a first groove, and a rotatable part that is rotatable about the second shaft between first and second angular positions and comprises a second groove.

Abstract: A keeper (12), a clamp (14), a heater strip (16) and a heated air diffuser (18) are provided for a slider insertion apparatus (10) which inserts sliders (28) on the interlocked profiles (20, 22) of a zipper (23). The heater strip (16) and/or the diffuser (18) heat the zipper (23) to a predetermined temperature prior to slider insertion. The keeper (12) aligns the slider (32) within the insertion area (34) with the activator with pusher (26) of the slider insertion apparatus (10). By changing the mounting of the zipper guide (28) and by actuating the clamp (14) during slider insertion, the zipper (32) indexes to the slider insertion apparatus (10) in alternate directions.

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: A method of applying a slider to a fastener-carrying web of plastic film. The fastener includes interlockable profiles and fins depending from the respective profiles. One of the fins is attached to the web of plastic film such that the profiles are immediately adjacent to the web. The fastener is folded away from the web about the attached fin such that the profiles and proximate portions of the fins are oriented at an angle, preferably about 90 degrees, relative the web. Because the profiles and proximate fin portions are oriented at an angle relative to the web, they can be easily accessed and controlled for applying the slider to the profiles and performing other fastener-related operations.

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 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: 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 removal tool is operable for separating components of an assembled electrical connector used for connecting electrical conductors together. The electrical connector includes a tapered connector sleeve having a general "C" cross section with a slot defining a stop ledge and a wedge having a latching ledge which engages the stop ledge when inserted into the slot preventing removal of the wedge. The removal tool with a first block member includes outwardly projecting ears for selective insertion into the slot for engagement with the stop ledge. A second block member includes outwardly projecting slide pins. The first block member is slidably received on the slide pins for movement toward and away from the second block member, a removal blade on the second block member having a tapered nose member projecting toward the first block member and an integral shoulder on the second block member facing the first block member and spaced from the removal blade in a direction away from the first block member.

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: 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: 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 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: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a continuous slide fastener chain having strips of fabric secured on outer edges of tapes at predetermined intervals comprise a pair of guide members defining therebetween a feed path for feeding a continuous chain with attached strips along, and a drive endless belt unit mounted on either one of the guide members for pressing contact with the continuous chain with attached strips over a suitable length thereof and connected with a drive source to positively feed the continuous chain with attached strips along the feed path; so that, if heavy fabric strips are attached thereto, the continuous chain with attached strips can be fed smoothly and stably.

Abstract: An apparatus is intended for holding a slider during threading through the slider a continuous slide fastener chain having a succession of fabric pieces along each of the opposite longitudinal marginal edges. The apparatus includes a slider holder adapted to releasably hold a slider receive a slider and an uppermost position where the fabric-pieced slide fastener chain is threaded through the slider. The apparatus additionally includes a slider holder retainer disposed on the path of vertical movement of the slider holder and adapted for retaining the slider holder stably, as the slider holder assumes the uppermost position for the threading operation, so as to prevent the slider holder from being wobbled and pulled downstream by the fabric-pieced slide fastener chain during the threading thereof through the slider.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing slide fasteners of a predetermined length from a continuous slide fastener chain comprising a gripper unit for gripping a leading end of the continuous slide fastener chain and feeding the slide fastener chain longitudinally along a feed path, a cutter unit for cutting the slide fastener chain into a succession of slide fasteners of a predetermined length, and a plurality of slider holding units disposed downstream of the cutter unit along the feed path. The slider holding units are movable between a first position to hold a corresponding number of sliders in the feed path of the slide fastener chain to thread the sliders onto the slide fastener chain from the leading end thereof as the slide fastener chain is fed downstream by the gripper unit, and a second position remote from the first position.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for manufacturing slide fasteners of selected product lengths from an elongate continuous stringer chain, the method comprising selecting predetermined fastener component parts from among a plurality of such respective component parts which differ in type, form, material and color, feeding and applying the selected parts one at a time to the stringer chain. The apparatus reducing the method to practice comprises operating units arranged to selectively feed and apply the component parts under computer program control.

Abstract: A method of feeding an array of sliders one at a time for application onto a stringer chain is disclosed, which method comprises holding the array of slider linearly in a tilted position relative to a horizontal path of travel of the stringer chain so that the sliders can slide down smoothly by gravity, orienting a leading slider to lie flush with the horizontal path of the chain and transferring the leading slider over to a slider applying station. An apparatus is also disclosed for carrying this method into practice.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for manufacturing slide fasteners of selected product lengths from an elongate continuous stringer chain, the method comprising selecting predetermined fastener component parts from among a plurality of such respective component parts which differ in type, form, material and color, feeding and applying the selected parts one at a time to the stringer chain. The apparatus reducing the method to practice comprises operating units arranged to selectively feed and apply the component parts under computer program control.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for manufacturing slide fasteners of selected product lengths from an elongate continuous stringer chain, the method comprising selecting predetermined fastener component parts from among a plurality of such respective component parts which differ in type, form, material and color, feeding and applying the selected parts one at a time to the stringer chain. The apparatus reducing the method to practice comprises operating units arranged to selectively feed and apply the component parts under computer program control.

Abstract: A method of mounting a slider on a workpiece consisting of a pair of parallel and longitudinally extending tapes having confronting edges provided with interleavable coupling elements and formed by removal of sections of the elements to form longitudinally spaced gaps comprises the steps of first feeding the workpiece in a normally forward travel direction along a Z-shaped path having an upstream portion, a middle portion, and a downstream portion. Then the presence of one of the gaps is detected at the middle portion and, when such presence is detected, the workpiece is arrested at the middle portion. The one gap of the arrested workpiece is then spread and thereafter a slider is pushed transversely into the spread gap. The workpiece is then gripped in the upstream portion and pulled backward so as to pull the coupling elements through the slider pushed into the gap. Finally the slider is released to continue forward advance of the workpiece.

Abstract: A slider holding apparatus includes a slider holder for holding thereon a slider, and orientating means for angularly moving the slider holder on its vertical axis to adjust the orientation of the slider held on the slider holder.