Abstract: A pierce nut installation head for installing a pierce nut onto a sheet metal panel. The installation head is mounted to a press which compresses the installation head against the sheet metal panel. This process causes a plunger to drive a pierce nut into engagement with the sheet metal panel for installation. The installation head provides improvements in terms of its compactness, number of components, and ease of servicing.

Abstract: A machine for automatically applying snap fasteners on a support, such as a fabric, comprises a sensor for sensing the instantaneous value of the riveting pressure applied to the machine punch elements. With respect to prior machines for automatically applying snap fasteners, the machine according to the invention provides the advantage that the snap fastener can be applied to a fabric with a proper riveting pressure, so as to prevent both excessive pressures, which could damage the fabric, and insufficient pressures, which could not provide a proper connection of the snap fastener on the support, from being generated.

Abstract: A self-piercing element including a shank, a radial flange and a tubular barrel. The flange includes spaced concave surfaces and the annular bearing surface has an area at least four times the concave surfaces. The element is installed in a panel supported on a female die including a central die post, wherein the outer side wall is a frustoconical having an included angle between five and twelve degrees. During installation, the tubular barrel pierces an opening in the panel and the panel is drawn against the outer surface of the tubular barrel and the barrel is deformed into a U-shape. The flange is simultaneously received in the die cavity and the panel is incrementally deformed radially into the concave surfaces between the frustoconical side wall and the flange portion providing improved torque resistance.

Abstract: A method as well as an apparatus manufactures a punch riveted joint, wherein at least two layers are pressed by a holding-down device against the die and a rivet, in particular a semitubular rivet, is provided for joining the layers. The holding-down device is connected by a coupling unit to the punch in such a way that during a punch riveting operation a coupling of the holding-down device to the punch may be varied between a substantially rigid coupling state and an uncoupled state.

Abstract: A feed head has a delivery path along which nuts are fed to a pressing station in the feed head, the pressing station having a pressing die which is reciprocated transversely to the delivery path under the action of a press to fasten a nut to a sheet metal member. A cam is provided to reciprocate the pressing die manually to facilitate clearance of blockages in the feed head, and also to hold the pressing die in its lowered position to allow operation of the press without operating the die. A sensor for detecting nuts at the pressing station is positioned on the end of the delivery path, enabling a narrower feed head design. A electrical coupling and nut delivery tube are integrated to facilitate connection in confined spaces.

Abstract: A die and method of assembling a high torque capacity metal spool. The spool comprises a cylindrical barrel, a pair of flanges and a pair of flange hubs. The die includes a support member and a curling member that is adapted to move relative to the support housing. The die is adapted to be driven towards a matching die to press a spool therebetween. Each curling member includes an annular curling face which is adapted to curl and compress metal edges of the cylindrical barrel, the flanges and the flange hubs into tightened curls. The tightened curls secure the cylindrical barrel with the flanges and flange hubs. Each die further includes a plurality of nibs carried by the support housings which project outward from the curling face of the curling member after the tightened curls have been formed to swage a plurality of detents into the tightened curls of the spool. The resulting detents in the metal spool provide for increased torque transfer between the flanges, the flange hubs and the cylindrical barrel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for high-speed application of anchor clips to furniture rails are provided. The present invention preferably utilizes a conventional type of fastener power tool that is adapted and retrofit for use on the present machine and which has a much faster cycle rate than the toggle press tool of prior machines. The apparatus can also include a clip sensing mechanism that has a generally universal adjustable mounting system to provide significant flexibility in the types of rails that can be clipped therewith. The clip sensor is mounted in spaced relation to and preferably above the support on which the rail is guided as it is pushed through the clipping station so that non-linear rails can also be clipped. Preferably, the clip feeding mechanism of the present clipping machine is simplified versus feed mechanisms of prior machines.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for fabricating or repairing trusses, rafters, joints, and splices by pressing the barbs of a barbed connector plate into the lumber to be joined or spliced.

Abstract: A fastener installation assembly having a base, a first support member mounted to the base to slide upon the base and a second support member mounted to the first support member to the slide upon the first support member. The first and second support members have opposed engagement surfaces, one of the engagement surfaces has a stationary member and a moveable member mounted thereon and the other engagement surface has a die member mounted thereon. The fastener installation assembly has first and second power cylinders, the first power cylinder is operatively coupled to the first support member and the second power cylinder is operatively connected to the second power cylinder, the power cylinders move the engagement surfaces together to install a fastener into a panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for setting grommets around the perimeter of a tarp. The apparatus includes a feed reel from which a rolled tarp may be unwound; a table, across which a said tarp may be drawn; a take-up reel, onto which a said tarp may be rolled; and a grommet setter positioned relative to said table to permit an operator to set grommets on a said tarp as said tarp is drawn across said table. The apparatus also relates to a method of setting grommets around the perimeter of a tarp.

Abstract: There is disclosed an automatic nut feeding device comprising a body provided on a side surface thereof with a nut feeding hole, and a spring-plunger type conduction sensor mounted on a side of the body opposite to the nut feeding hole therein and adapted to be pushed by a nut, which is passed through the nut feeding hole to be fed into the body while laterally sliding.

Abstract: A fastener installation assembly having a base, a first support member mounted to the base to slide upon the base and a second support member mounted to the first support member to the slide upon the first support member. The first and second support members have opposed engagement surfaces, one of the engagement surfaces has a stationary member and a moveable member mounted thereon and the other engagement surface has a die member mounted thereon. The fastener installation assembly has first and second power cylinders, the first power cylinder is operatively coupled to the first support member and the second power cylinder is operatively connected to the second support member the power cylinders move the engagement surfaces together to install a fastener into a panel.

Abstract: A device for fastening functional parts in a component produced from a flat material, preferably sheet metal, by insertion and pressing, having several punching heads and opposing tool surfaces assigned to them. The component is located between the punching head and the pertinent opposing tool surface when the functional part is inserted. There are punching heads on a first tool part. The opposing tool surfaces are formed by thrust bearings which are provided on the top of a second plate-shaped tool part. The tool parts can be moved relative to one another for opening and closing the tool or the device and there are centering/guide and locking devices acting directly between the tool parts. When the tool parts are closed, the tool parts are directly centered and locked to one another. Each punching head is provided with an individual drive.

Abstract: A hand jack that is associated with a frame structure for pressing spike metal plates into one or more wood members. The hand jack is secured within a generally C-shaped frame and is suspended from a support member that forms a portion of the C-shaped frame. Between the base of the hand jack and the other support member there is defined a receiving area or a press area for receiving one or more wood members and at least one spike metal plate. By actuating the hand jack, a portion of the jack moves into engagement with the spike metal plate and presses the same into the one or more wood members.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a honeycomb structure, the method comprising the steps of:

Abstract: A rotary device for a rivet setting machine for self-punching rivets that includes a rotatable pick-up device (1) having an angle of rotation lock (2), wherein the angle of rotation lock (2) in the open state allows free rotation of the pick-up device (1) relative to a headpiece (12) and in the closed state stops the pick-up device (1) at predeterminable angle positions. An important feature of the present invention is that the pick-up device (1) in the open position permits free rotation, while in the closed position, stops its rotation relative to a headpiece (12) and this can be accomplished in a simple manner, manually and without the use of a separate or special tool.

Abstract: A device for securing a corner bead to a first and a second wall which define a corner in a room of a structure. The device includes a powered impact tool having an operative end with a crimping unit adapted to be secured to the operative end. The crimping unit includes a housing in which a claw assembly is disposed. The claw assembly includes at least a pair of arms each having a claw edge for piercing the corner bead. The claws are positioned opposite one another in the housing. The arms have a first, inoperative position and a second operative position such that when the impact tool is actuated, the arms move between the first position and the second position, so the claw edges contemporaneously pierce the corner bead and the first and second walls.

Abstract: The self-penetrating fastening device proposed consists of a rivet (3), acted on by a punch (13), and a die (15), the rivet consisting of a head (4) and a shank (6) with a central cavity (8) whose open end partly penetrates a metal sheet (1) in which it is held. At the end of the rivet shank (6) remote from the rivet head (4), the cavity (8) is essentially conical in shape, the angle of the aperture being &agr;. In addition, the transition zone between the rivet shaft (6) and the underneath (11) of the rivet head (4) is essentially rounded (R1). A rivet joint produced using this device is sufficiently strong to meet severe requirements, and the surface of the metal sheet in the region of the rivet is not affected by the perforation process.

Abstract: Emitter barb installation tool 20 has driving mechanism 24, emitter barb feeder magazine 26 and pipe support 22. Pipe support 22 holds and supports a pipe 5. Feeder magazine 26 holds and feeds emitter barbs 10. Feeder magazine 26 places one of the emitter barbs 10 into a driving position. Driving mechanism 24 drives the emitter barb 10 from the driving position towards and into the pipe 5 held and supported by the pipe support 22. After the one barb 10 has been driven into the pipe 5, the pipe 5 with installed barb 10 is released from the tool 20. Another emitter barb 10 in the feeder magazine 26 is then automatically located into the driving position for the next installation into a pipe 5. This installation process automatically and continuously repeats for insertion of additional emitter barbs 10. Individual emitter barbs 10 are detachably coupled to one another to form an emitter barb cluster 74.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) has a punching station for automatic fixation of self-piercing fasteners (2) each having a stud (3), a flange-shaped head (4) and a cylindrical lug (5) at one end of the stud. With the fastener being struck to a metallic panel (1), the lug (5) pierces it and an open rim (6) of the lug is deformed by a caulking die (11) to firmly attach the fastener to the panel. The apparatus has a feeding section (28,29) for arranging the fasteners in a continuous horizontal row perpendicular to a pressing punch (12), with the lug (5) preceding the stud.

Abstract: A self-piercing type rivet setting system 30 comprises: a rivet swaging assembly 35; a robot 6 which moves the rivet swaging assembly 35 to put it in position relative to a predetermined site on a workpiece to be riveted; a single integrated controller 31 made up by an integration of a controller for controlling a riveting operation of the rivet swaging assembly and a controller for controlling the motion of the robot; and a rivet feeder 9 for automatically feeding a self-piercing type rivet to the rivet swaging assembly. From the integrated controller 31, a interface cable 33 extends to the robot 6 and another interface cable 34 extends to the rivet feeder 9, and the rivet swaging assembly 35 is integrally incorporated into the robot 6.

Abstract: An assembly for attaching U-shaped belt fasteners to the end of an elongated flat belt in which each belt fastener has first and second opposed leg portions with an integral bight portion therebetween and with at least one fastening wire extending from the first leg portion and a wire receiving opening in the second leg portion, the assembly including an elongated alignment member having a forward face with openings therein to receive the fastening wires of a plurality of belt fasteners and to hold the belt fasteners in an open position allowing the end of a belt to be inserted between the legs of the plurality of belt fasteners and an elongated anvil member having a forward face configured so that when the anvil member is displaced towards the alignment member the legs of the belt fasteners are bent towards each other to capture the belt therebetween, openings being provided in the alignment member to receive a punch by which the fastening wires can be driven through the belt.

Abstract: An automatic fastening machine and method which reduces fastener installation cycle time by virtue of unique tool movements, pressure foot operation and other features. The pressure foot plate is coupled to actuators for moving the same in a manner allowing tilting of the plate relative to the plane of the workpiece during movement from one fastener installation location to another. The actuators are independently operated by a servo control arrangement in conjunction with the machine control. As a result, it is not necessary for the system to seek a new down position thereby saving machine cycle time. Sensors operatively associated with the actuators in conjunction with the machine control cause movement of the pressure foot plate in reaction to force applied to the workpiece during fastener installation to maintain the workline established by the position of the workpiece prior to application of force.

Abstract: A die and method of assembling a high torque capacity metal spool. The spool comprises a cylindrical barrel, a pair of flanges and a pair of flange hubs. The die includes a support member and a curling member that is adapted to move relative to the support housing. The die is adapted to be driven towards a matching die to press a spool therebetween. Each curling member includes an annular curling face which is adapted to curl and compress metal edges of the cylindrical barrel, the flanges and the flange hubs into tightened curls. The tightened curls secure the cylindrical barrel with the flanges and flange hubs. Each die further includes a plurality of nibs carried by the support housings which project outward from the curling face of the curling member after the tightened curls have been formed to swage a plurality of detents into the tightened curls of the spool. The resulting detents in the metal spool provide for increased torque transfer between the flanges, the flange hubs and the cylindrical barrel.

Abstract: An element, for example an element with a hollow body or a bolt element, in particular a nut element, for attachment to a plate-like component, has a ring-shaped recess or annular groove present at an end face of the element facing the component within a raised ring-shaped contact surface. At least one undercut is preferably provided in a side wall of the recess, and also features radial recesses and noses which extend into the ring recess providing security against rotation. A cylindrical punch section or pilot concentric to the central longitudinal axis of the element projects at the said end face within the ring-shaped recess and the outer boundary wall of the cylindrical punch section preferably has ring-shaped undercut.

Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workpieces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed. Still another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit and one or more sensors to determine a riveting characteristic and/or an actuator characteristic.

Abstract: A device for fixing and removing stud seats for boots. The seats are designed to be fitted from above the boot sole and receive the studs screwed from underneath the sole. The device includes a first portion forming a handle having a means for fixing the seats on a first surface and a second portion forming a handle having means for removing the seats from a first surface, the first surface of the first portion capable of being fitted into a second surface of the second portion, and the first surface of the second portion capable of being fitted into a second surface of the first portion.

Abstract: Multiple fasteners are fed to a workpiece from a flexible carrier tape (2) in which the fasteners are mounted. The carrier tape passes through a guide and indexing means to bring a fastener into axial alignment with a plunger and, optionally, a die. The fasteners are pre-loaded in the carrier tape in a pattern which simultaneously brings a fastener into axial alignment with a plunger and a die at each of a plurality of fastening positions relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: A hand-held power screwdriver with a clamping device is disclosed. The screwdriver includes a body, a screwing arm, a clamping arm, and a clamping device. The body is similar to an ordinary hand drill. A torque shaft, a part of the screwing arm, is connected to the body at one end, and it has a socket for a self-drilling screw at the other end. The clamping arm is movably connected to the body, and it has a clamping head at one end. The clamping device will clamp two or more members between the screw and the clamping head during the screw driving process.

Abstract: A self-pierce rivet includes a shank and a head at one end of the shank. The other end of the shank of the rivet is provided with an axially extending slot. The head is non-circular and is formed with substantially mutually perpendicular major and minor dimensions, the minor dimension of the head extending substantially parallel to the slot. The shank of the rivet may be provided with a central hole extending from the free end of the shank towards the head. The head of the rivet may be substantially rectangular.

Abstract: An installation head, fastener, and method for installing the fastener are disclosed. The installation head has control fingers which control the position of the fastener with respect to the plunger and workpiece to which the fastener is to be attached during the entire travel of the fastener from the entry into the installation head to installation in the workpiece. The fingers are pivotally mounted to the plunger and travel with the plunger throughout the installation path. The fingers are adapted to engage the fastener in a displaced area on the fastener so that the fingers can control the fastener through installation of the fastener into the workpiece. The displaced area is positioned between the top and bottom of the fastener so that the fingers can maintain control throughout installation.

Abstract: Automated device for maintaining and assembling wooden elements on a pressing table. The device comprises a mobile gantry adapted to be movably mounted to a pressing table. The mobile gantry has at least one motor driven pressing jack and a rail. A motor driven motoring unit is slidably mounted to the rail. A plurality of spindles are arranged on the rail. A plurality of saw logs are mounted to the spindles, each saw log having a ring-shaped groove, an elastic element, and a bore for receiving a spindle. The plurality of spindles constitute a magazine for storing the plurality of saw logs. The motoring unit includes a vertically mobile rod comprising one of a single rod and a double rod. The vertically mobile rod comprises a lower end having a clamp adapted to remove a saw log from a spindle. The clamp comprises a U-shaped plate having an opening which is adapted to engage the ring-shaped groove of a saw log, the clamp comprising an elastic element adapted to engage the saw log.

Abstract: A pallet assembly apparatus provides a conveyor having a plurality of carriers attached thereto. The conveyor moves the carriers along an assembly path in a downstream direction. As each carrier moves along the assembly path in the downstream direction, it passes first slat hopper, a set of stringer hoppers, a second slat hopper and then a nailer. Detents of the carriers pull the necessary bottom slats, stringers, and top slats as needed to assemble the pallet. The nailer fastens the slats to the stringers. Once the carrier moves past the nailer, the detents move to a resting position in which they are removed from the assembled pallet and the pallet is removed from the pallet assembly apparatus.

Abstract: A pierce nut mounting die for supporting and backing a metal sheet when a pierce nut is forcibly punched through the sheet for interlocking with the sheet, comprises a tubular body having a support end for engaging the sheet and for deforming a portion of the sheet into an interlock with the nut. The support end of the die body is provided with a transverse notch, which is generally trapezoidal in shape. A plug, shaped correspondingly to the notch is removably positioned within the notch. The exposed end of the plug, that is, the end which is exposed through the notch opening, defines the smaller base of the trapezoidal shape and is provided with a raised bead. The bead surrounds an opening provided in the plug, which opening is coaxially aligned with an opening in the base for the passage of a punched out slug of sheet material resulting from the pierce nut punching through the sheet material.

Abstract: A machine for pressing a fastener through sheet metal with a magazine for holding a strip of fasteners that self load semi-automatic, a clamp for loading the fastener, and holding material to be fastened, a fastener barrel guide to establish proper position of the fastener to be installed, a first stage low power source to provide pressure for loading the fastener and clamping the material, a second stage high power source for installing and securing the fastener, a lock seat set opposed to the clamp, to hold the opposite side of the material and the second part of the fastener component. A preferred embodiment includes a lock seat for holding the second part of the fastener. A preferred embodiment includes a removable lock seat, so that the tool will have the ability to use different type lock-seats, therefore allowing the same tool the capability of installing different type fasteners.

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: The invention is a system for use in a single-anvil hydraulic press or compression system for automatically selecting and changing both the upper and lower tooling. The system is installed between the upper and lower compression anvils of a hydraulic press. The upper portion includes a set of holders for upper tools and adjacent orientation structures or jaws. The upper tool holders and jaws are mounted on a horizontal member that may be moved such that one of the upper tools is "selected" by being placed immediately below the upper anvil of the press. As part of this selection process, the anvil removes the tool from the selected holder, and holds it using pneumatic suction. Then the horizontal member shifts over so that the upper anvil is situated directly above the adjacent orientation structure for that tool. To switch to a different upper tool, the horizontal member again moves the (empty) holder below the upper anvil, whereupon the pneumatic suction is removed causing the tool to drop into the holder.

Abstract: A machine for fastening rail plates to cross-ties, utilizing spikes or the like, and method therefore, is disclosed in the present invention. The preferred apparatus of the present invention teaches a system wherein there is provided a conveyor for conveying a plurality of laterally arranged, aligned ties, a loader for loading a single tie upon a template conveyer, and a positioner for positioning a tie at each station during the pre-plating process. The present invention further includes a template system for securing the cross-tie or tie in place, feeding and positioning the rail-plate in place, feeding, dispensing, and positioning the spikes in place, driving the spikes, and discharging the processed tie, the template system utilizing as a principle motive force the displacement of the template reciprocating drive piston for positioning the template, as well as dispensing the plates.

Abstract: A machine for fastening rail plates to cross-ties, utilizing spikes or the like, and method therefore, is disclosed in the present invention. The preferred apparatus of the present invention teaches a system wherein there is provided a conveyor for conveying a plurality of laterally arranged, juxtaposed ties in bulk, a loader or retriever for loading a single tie upon a template conveyer, and a positioner for positioning the single tie during the pre-plating process. The present invention further includes a template system for securing the cross-tie or tie in place, feeding and positioning the rail-plate in place, feeding, dispensing, and positioning the spikes in place, driving the spikes, and discharging the processed tie, the template system utilizing as a principle motive force the displacement of the template reciprocating drive piston for positioning the template, as well as dispensing the plates.

Abstract: The invention is a system for use in a single-anvil hydraulic press or compression system for automatically selecting and changing both the upper and lower tooling. The system is installed between the upper and lower compression anvils of a hydraulic press. The upper portion includes a set of holders for upper tools and adjacent orientation structures or jaws. The upper tool holders and jaws are mounted on a horizontal member that may be moved such that one of the upper tools is "selected" by being placed immediately below the upper anvil of the press. As part of this selection process, the anvil removes the tool from the selected holder, and holds it using pneumatic suction. Then the horizontal member shifts over so that the upper anvil is situated directly above the adjacent orientation structure for that tool. To switch to a different upper tool, the horizontal member again moves the (empty) holder below the upper anvil, whereupon the pneumatic suction is removed causing the tool to drop into the holder.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an installation for fastening a connecting elem (1), specifically a U-shaped one, to the end (9) of a conveyor belt (10) with a peg-shaped fastening element (7). The fastening element is pushed through entry openings in the connecting element and through the conveyor belt, and is deformed at least in the area of its preceding end by a ram (36) that has a deforming contour, and is located in a tool (16). According to the invention, there follows also a secondary deformation of this area by a pressure bar (38), which is brought into contact with the tool containing the ram and the deformed end of the fastening element, after the contour of the fastening element had been already deformed.

Abstract: An element, for example an element with a hollow body or a bolt element, in particular a nut element, for attachment to a plate-like component, has a ring-shaped recess or annular groove present at an end face of the element facing the component within a raised ring-shaped contact surface. At least one undercut is preferably provided in a side wall of the recess, and also features radial recesses and noses which extend into the ring recess providing security against rotation. A cylindrical punch section or pilot concentric to the central longitudinal axis of the element projects at the said end face within the ring-shaped recess and the outer boundary wall of the cylindrical punch section preferably has ring-shaped undercut.

Abstract: Trackless gantry press apparatus includes, in one embodiment, a plurality of truss setup tables configured to form a row of spaced truss setup tables. Each table includes wheel guides coupled at opposing ends and extending the width of the table. The guides are configured to be in substantial alignment with the guides coupled to adjacent tables. The apparatus also includes a press assembly for pressing nailing plates into truss members. The press assembly includes a substantially cylindrically shaped roller movably coupled to a substantially inverted U-shaped frame. The press assembly also includes at least four support wheels and at least four reaction pressure wheels coupled to each opposite end of the frame and configured so that at least three support wheels on each end of the press assembly are in contact with the wheel guides at all times as the press assembly traverses the spaces between the spaced setup tables.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for automatically pressure fitting parts. In the apparatus, a work with part fitting holes is set on a work bench, and parts are fed to a predetermined position while being heated. The work bench is moved in an X- and a Y-direction to bring a part fitting hole of the work to a position underneath the predetermined position. A holder is then lowered, then is caused to take hold of the part at the predetermined position and pressure fit the part in the part fitting hole of the work held below, and then is pulled upward out of the part having been pressure fitted and secured in the position in the part fitting hole. Parts may be fed while being vibrated with an ultrasonic wave instead of being heated, and then may each be pressure fitted while being vibrated in a part fitting hole of the work, followed by pulling the holder upward out of the part having been pressure fitted and secured in the position in the part fitting hole.

Abstract: A clinching station for securing a first workpiece to a second workpiece includes control logic receiving a punch position sensor output and processing the punch position sensor output and an established position signature to generate a clinching operation status signal. The clinching station includes a punch and die assembly including a punch and a die mounted opposite each other for movement relative to each other along a working axis. A position sensor is configured to monitor the position of the punch relative to the die, and has an output indicative of the position of the punch relative to the die. The established position signature corresponds to an acceptable clinching operation, and allows the control logic to generate the clinching operation status signal.

Abstract: To facilitate maintenance, a pneumatic punching machine of this invention includes a poppet portion 44 at the top of a piston 28 of an air cylinder 23 and a piston catch 43 is disposed inside a head cap 24. The piston 28 is fixed as the poppet portion 44 fits into the piston catch 43 under a standby state. A retaining ring 40 is fitted into the head cap 24 to prevent fall-off of a head valve 39. A circumferential groove 41 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the front part of the head cap 24 and a ring-like seal 42 is fitted into the groove 41. When a driver bit 29 is exchanged, fitting bolts are removed and a housing 22 and the head cap 24 are separated. Then, the head cap 24, the head valve 39, the seal 42, the piston 28 and the driver bit 29 can be removed integrally from the housing 22.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembly of fence panels from a plurality of longitudinal backing rails and a plurality of transverse pickets includes a conveyor for supporting and moving the rails in a direction along their length with the rails at spaced transversely positions across the conveyor and a plurality of rail dispensing hoppers, each for receiving a stack of the backing rails and arranged to dispense the rails one at a time onto the conveyor in parallel spaced relation along the conveyor. A picket dispensing hopper dispenses pickets one at a time onto the aligned rails so that the pickets are positioned at right angles to the rails and side by side. Ends of the pickets are aligned on the rails. The pickets are compressed in a direction at right angles to the rails onto the rails and parallel to the rails and at right angles to the pickets so as to squeeze the pickets edge to edge. A nailing assembly applies nails to connect the pickets to the rails.

Abstract: The method for fixing clips to a furniture rail comprises the steps of: providing two or more spaced apart clip-clamping machines which are arranged adjacent each other and which have clip magazines aligned, respectively, with an outlet end of each machine; positioning each machine adjacent to and perpendicular one side of the furniture rail and with the magazine of each machine being parallel to each other and with each magazine being perpendicular to the rail; feeding an elongate strip of sheet metal anchor clips including a series of separate, identical anchor clips, assembled end-to-end in a line and held together in a line by a strip of flexible material fixed to each clip, to each magazine of each clip-clamping machine in a direction perpendicular to the furniture rail; and fixing the clip at the front of each magazine to the furniture rail at the same time, thereby fixing a plurality of the clips required by the furniture rail to the one side of the rail at approximately the same time to greatly reduce

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in an tool and method for structurally applying fiber stiffeners to a material. The tool inserts a plurality of fibers embedded in a transfer material through a hat stiffener and into a substrate and includes a first head, a second head, and a handle. The first head is defined by a roller having first edges and a center cutout. The cutout corresponds to the thickness of the transfer material. The second head is located at a distal end from the first head and is defined by a roller having second edges and a center groove. The groove corresponds to a thickness associated with guiding the tool along the corner of the hat stiffener. The first and second edges conform to the surface of the substrate. The center handle is coupled between the first head and second head for gripping. The first head is adapted to initially drive the fibers embedded in the transfer material through the hat stiffener and into the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assembling a truss are described. In one embodiment, the truss table apparatus includes a truss table and a roller assembly. The truss table includes two guides and a worksurface which supports the truss members as nailing plates are pressed into the truss members. The guides are coupled to opposing sides of the truss table and are substantially C-shaped. The roller assembly is movably coupled to the truss table guides and includes a roller for pressing the nailing plates into the truss members. The roller assembly also includes a plurality of drive wheels that rest on the truss table guides to move the roller assembly relative to the truss table. The roller assembly further includes a plurality of pressure wheels rotatably coupled to the truss table to maintain the proper spacing between the roller and the truss table worksurface during pressing of the nailing plates.