Abstract: A machine (20) forming of pallets by affixing deck boards (52) to two or more stringers (50). The apparatus includes a base (22) defining a bed which has input and output sections. An inverter (28) is pivotally mounted to the base (22) for pivotal movement between a first position, overlying the input section, and a second position, overlying the output section. With the inverter (28) in its first position, a pallet is partially formed by affixing a plurality of deck boards (52) to first sides of two or more stringers (50) while those pallet components (50, 52) are held within fittings (56, 62, 64, 66, 68) carried by the inverter (28). Affixation is effected by a tower (86), having a plurality of nailer guns (100), moving across the inverter (28).

Abstract: A machine 10 to insert "T Nuts" 77 into a piece of timber, the machine 10 including a pneumatically operated insertion assembly 12 having an air nozzle 46 which moves the "T-Nut" 77 to an insertion location and a pneumatically operated ram 20 which has a piston 26 movable from a retracted position to an extended position inserting the "T-Nut" 77.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for attaching cable to a surface and for thus installing the cable. Apparatus includes driving guns improved for driving fasteners through clips, and guns having the capability to selectively prevent the advance of the magazine contents, such that the gun plunger may strike a fastener more than once. Apparatus also includes driving guns having modified magazines for receiving clips and improved clips which may be loaded into the modified magazines of the guns. The clips have retainer means thereon functional for assembling the clips into a strip by engagement of the retainer means on surfaces of adjacent clips. The clips may be used with staples or nails as fasteners. The driving surface of the gun may be modified for accommodation of the combination design of clip and fastener.

Abstract: A jig comprising a support frame rectangularly-configured having first and second longitudinal sides, against the first of which a major beam is to be clamped. A pair of spaced pattern members are fixedly positioned on the frame and in which minor beams are mounted in contemplation of being secured (nailed) to the major beam and assembled, joined secured roofing panels. The pattern members include spaced notches to receive the minor beams in a perpendicular attitude to the clamped major beam. An outwardly upwardly inclining rack mounted along the second longitudinal side mounts the panels for assembly, joining and stapling in sequential fashion. Then the panels are mounted on the major beam and minor beams on the support frame, with an overhanging edge of the panels aligned with the centerline of the clamped major beam by aligning means on the jig.

Abstract: A pallet assembling apparatus includes a fixture into which the pallet stringers and top and bottom slats are loaded manually, and a nailing station, including opposed pairs of top and bottom nailing guns equal in number to the number of stringers loaded in the fixture, for nailing the top and bottom slats to the top and bottom surfaces of each of the stringers. The fixture is movable along rails past the nailing station, and actuating bosses equal in number to the number of top and bottom slats in the fixture project from the fixture and trip proximity switches as the fixture moves through the nailing station to cause the nailing guns to be fired in unison as each slat passes by them, and a pickup carriage, positioned downstream of the nailing station, removes completed pallets from the fixture.

Abstract: An automated apparatus is operative for attaching sequential hinges, such as easel hinges having rosette fastening elements thereon, to sequential pairs of first and second substantially flat, penetrable members, in order to hingeably connect the penetrable members together. The apparatus includes a jaw assembly, a feeder assembly for feeding sequential hinges to the jaw assembly, a jaw advancement assembly for advancing the jaw assembly to a work station, first and second member advancement assemblies for advancing sequential pairs of first and second members, respectively, to the work station, a hammer assembly for urging the sequential pairs of first and second members into engagment with sequential hinges at the work station and a control assembly for controlling the jaw advancement assembly, the first and second member advancements assemblies and the hammer assembly.

Abstract: A fastener mounting apparatus includes a punch which is connected with a base to be mounted on one section of a press and a fastener mounting section which is movable relative to the punch during operation of the press. A conveyor is operable to conduct fasteners to a loading station in the fastener mounting section. An ejector assembly applies force against a slug cut from a member to move the slug away from a die. The ejector assembly includes a pin disposed in a coaxial relationship with the punch and a spring assembly offset to one side of the punch. A force transmitting member or rocker arm transmits force from the spring assembly to the ejector pin. A loading force applied against the fasteners by the conveyor is terminated during a portion of each operating cycle of the press to reduce the force urging the fasteners toward the loading station and prevent jamming of fasteners at the loading station.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to self-piercing fasteners, such as studs, bolts or nuts, the method of attaching such fasteners to a panel and fastener installation apparatus, including the installation head and die button. The fastener includes a self-piercing and riveting annular wall which is driven into a panel supported against a die member by the installation head. The die member includes an annular die cavity surrounding a central projecting die portion which is telescopically receivable in the free open end of the fastener annular wall. The free end of the fastener annular wall includes a piercing surface which mates with a piercing surface at the outer edge of the projecting die portion to pierce a slug from the panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing wooden pallets including a vertically-reciprocating nailing head for nailing deckboards to stringers and a limit switch arrangement for adjusting the stroke length of the nailing head individually for each deckboard, so that in each deckboard, all of the nails will be driven to a uniform vertical position. A gripper carriage effects horizontal movement of pallets at various stages of completion. Hydraulic drive means are provided for both the nailing head and the gripper carriage.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved apparatus for joining a plurality of pieces of sheet metal or other sheet material items by first drawing and then laterally extruding portions of the material to be joined into an enlarged shape which will permanently mechanically interlock the sheet material pieces. The apparatus utilizes a novel die construction in which portions thereof are resiliently biased toward one another and pivot or slide laterally in response to lateral extrusion of the joining material, and which is applicable to conventional "lanced" type joints as well as to a novel leakproof joint. A method of forming a leakproof joint between a plurality of pieces of sheet material and a method of fabricating a novel die construction are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for covering installed ceiling tiles without removal of the tiles from the ceiling. The system includes a novel facing for covering an installed ceiling tile, a method of applying the facing to the face of an installed tile and apparatus for carrying out the method. The novel facing includes a panel of at least semi-rigid material having a decorative surface, an underside surface and a flexible border which extends at an angle from and about the periphery of the decorative surface. The panel's underside surface is prefit to cover the face of an installed ceiling tile and is provided with selectively located pins which project from the underside surface of the facing. The disclosed method includes providing the aforementioned decorative facing and marking the face of the tile to provide selectively located marks on the face of the tile which are capable of aligning with the facing's selectively located pins to center the facing on the tile.

Abstract: A method of making a multiple-pin heatsink which includes forming in the upper surface of a die member a plurality of pin-receiving holes, each with a depth which is less than the length of a respective pin and forming in a base element a plurality of pin-receiving holes which correspond to the pin holes in the die member. The pins are introduced into the holes in the die member and the base element is mounted on the upper surface of the die member so that each pin extends through and above a respective hole in the base element. Sufficient downward force is applied to the upper ends of the pins to cold swage the pins into permanent attachment with the base element and the attached pins and base element are then removed from the die member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to self-piercing fasteners, such as studs, bolts or nuts, the method of attaching such fasteners to a panel and fastener installation apparatus, including the installation head and die button. The fastener includes a self-piercing and riveting annular wall which is driven into a panel supported against a die member by the installation head. The die member includes an annular die cavity surrounding a central projecting die portion which is telescopically receivable in the free open end of the fastener annular wall. The free end of the fastener annular wall includes a piercing surface which mates with a piercing surface at the outer edge of the projecting die portion to pierce a slug from the panel.

Abstract: A die set for attaching a self-attaching fastener having an annular barrel portion to a panel. The die set includes a driving member and a die member having a concave annular die cavity which is generally hemispherical in cross-section and which surrounds a center die post which projects from the bottom surface of the die cavity. The die post includes a conical side surface, adajcent the top face, which is inclined outwardly from the axis of the post. The top face of the die post preferably includes an annular top surface, adjacent the conical side surface, which defines a piercing edge, and a conical top surface, adjacent the axis of the post. The driving surface aligns the barrel portion of the self-attaching element with the center post of the die cavity and drives the free end of the annular barrel portion into engagement with the panel and through the opening in the panel to first engage the conical side surface of the post.

Abstract: To attach a nut to a plate-shaped workpiece, especially to a metal sheet, in such a way that it has self-locking properties without additional aids or parts, the force fastening the nut and acting on a free thrust surface of the nut is divided into at least two effective components generating a shearing stress in the nut material, transverse deformation of a part of the nut facing away from the workpiece being produced, and the thread diameter in the thread region deformed for self-locking purposes being reduced, while at the same time the thread pitches are inclined towards the center axis. A nut which can be used either as a locking nut or as a non-locking nut is characterized by a force-deflecting design of the thrust surface.

Abstract: A preceding or forward running former passing through a female fastener element during the attaching operation is proposed for a plunger and/or plunger/punch assembly which ensures that female fastener elements, especially nuts which are preferably of the self-piercing type, can be attached even to relatively thin sheets without any additional waste.

Abstract: An installation apparatus and method of attaching a female element, such as a nut, to a panel, wherein the panel is pierced and the female element is permanently installed in the pierced panel opening in a continuous operation. The female element includes a body portion and an annular barrel portion. In one of the methods disclosed, the panel is pierced by the free end of the barrel portion and the panel slug is disposed in the barrel portion as the nut is installed in the panel. In the presently preferred method, the panel is pierced by a punch received through the body and barrel portions, prior to driving the female element into a mechanical interlock with the panel. In the preferred installation, the free end of the barrel portion is deformed into a hook-shaped end portion, opening toward the body portion, and the panel is simultaneously driven into the hook-shaped barrel end portion, forming a very secure mechanical interlock.

Abstract: A fastener-assembling apparatus has a safety device including a vertically movably safe-confirmation member which is normally disposed in its lowermost position in which the gap between the safe-confirmation member and a die is substantially equal to the thickness of a garment fabric. In its lowermost position, the safe-confirmation member maintains a limit switch closed to continue a power supply to a drive for a punch. When the operator's finger or a tool is inadvertently inserted into the gap between the safe-confirmation member and the die, the safe-confirmation member is raised to open the limit switch to discontinue the power supply to the punch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an installation for fitting nuts to a sheet-metal workpiece, by punching the nuts thereinto. In order to provide a rational and flexible nut punching system which can be readily adapted to serve mutually different workpieces, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the workpiece is securely positioned in a fixture; that a portable nut punching tool is fitted to a tool attachment provided on the wrist of an industrial robot; that the robot positions the nut punching tool sequentially in pre-determined locations on the workpiece to which nuts are to be fitted; and that the nut punching tool is activated in such locations so as to punch nuts securely into the sheet-metal workpiece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming articles of filament reinforced thermosetting plastic, wherein the articles have a core member and the filament reinforcement is applied by a filament placement process. The filament reinforcement is attached to the core member by means of staples especially in concaved portions of the core member. The thermosetting resin may be applied to the article, before, during, or after the filaments are attached to the core member. The filament placement and attachment of the fasteners are carried out by robots that can be adjusted for various shapes by means of programmable controls.

Abstract: A building truss fabrication apparatus in which a plurality of press head assemblies are supported by an overhead gantry support so that the various press assemblies are movable in an x-y coordinate space. A movable jig table is arranged to move between an assembly position and a pressing position within the apparatus. The movement of the jig table is hydraulically powered as are the press head assemblies. The entire apparatus is operable by a single hydraulic power source. A standard air compressor is used to generate air pressure of pneumatic clamps used on the jig table. The pneumatic clamps are part of the jig fixtures which hold lumber components into a truss preformed shape. Connector plates or nail plates are pressed into the component ends by the press head assemblies in order to complete fabrication of the building truss.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining two adjacent sheets of metal the complementary engaging of a male die and a female die, during one stroke, only one of the two sheets is provided with incisions and the material of the other sheet is pressed through the area defined along the incisions and is extruded laterally beyond the edges thereof to form a rivet-type connection.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to self-piercing fasteners, such as studs, bolts or nuts, the method of attaching such fasteners to a panel and fastener installation apparatus, including the installation head and die button. The fastener includes a self-piercing and riveting annular wall which is driven into a panel supported against a die member by the installation head. The die member includes an annular die cavity surrounding a central projecting die portion which is telescopically receivable in the free open end of the fastener annular wall. The free end of the fastener annular wall includes a piercing surface which mates with a piercing surface at the outer edge of the projecting die portion to pierce a slug from the panel.

Abstract: The apparatus of this invention, which performs the method described, includes a die member having a generally rectangular opening having a width between the opposed end walls, which receive the end walls of the nut pilot, less than the width of the nut, and arcuate corners, which shear and deform the pilot end walls and corners, forming the bearing panel support abutments described. The die member includes upstanding elongated clinching lips on opposed sides of the die opening. The clinching lips perferably are truncated, including a flat top portion, tapered side walls and tapered inner walls, which deform the pierced panel edges into the groove openings in sealing engagement, as described. The preferred die member also includes upstanding spanking lips adjacent the end walls of the die opening. The height of the spanking lips can be the same as or less than the height of the clinching lips and the length of the spanking lips is less than the die opening.

Abstract: An installation apparatus and method of attaching a female element, such as a nut, to a panel, wherein the panel is pierced and the female element is permanently installed in the pierced panel opening in a continuous operation. The female element includes a body portion and an annular barrel portion. In one of the methods disclosed, the panel is pierced by the free end of the barrel portion and the panel slug is disposed in the barrel portion as the nut is installed in the panel. In the presently preferred method, the panel is pierced by a punch received through the body and barrel portions, prior to driving the female element into a mechanical interlock with the panel. In the preferred installation, the free end of the barrel portion is deformed into a hook-shaped end portion, opening toward the body portion, and the panel is simultaneously driven into the hook-shaped barrel end portion, forming a very secure mechanical interlock.

Abstract: A method for mechanically securing turbine blades to mounting bands to form compressor stages. The turbine blades have end tangs which protrude through preformed slots in the bands. According to the method, a washer is pierced from stripstock and driven onto the end tang such that the tang stabs or pierces through the washer as the washer is driven flush against the band. In the preferred embodiment the washer stripstock is a composite; i.e., it includes its own brazing material which melts and braizes the blade to the band in a subsequent operation. An apparatus for carrying out the method comprises a blade seat, a stripstock retainer and a mechanically driven punch which substantially simultaneously punches the washer out of the stripstock and drives the washer onto the end tang of the blade.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed having a simple, standard fastener secured to sheet material such as sheet metal. A support strap is integrally formed in an offset relationship with the sheet material, and opposite sides of the fastener are deformed to interlockingly engage the remainder of the sheet material. A method and apparatus are also disclosed for securing the fastener to the sheet material in substantially one operation, including alternate manual and automatic means for feeding fasteners to such apparatus.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed having a simple, standard fastener secured to sheet material such as sheet metal. A support strap is integrally formed in an offset relationship with the sheet material, and opposite sides of the fastener are deformed to interlockingly engage the remainder of the sheet material. A method and apparatus are also disclosed for securing the fastener to the sheet material in substantially one operation, including alternate manual and automatic means for feeding fasteners to such apparatus.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for driving threaded fasteners into workpieces. The apparatus includes means for successively feeding workpieces to the first of two spaced apart work stations. A power drilling means drills holes into opposite ends of each workpiece at the first work station. The workpieces are then successively advanced to the second work station where a driving operation is performed. The driving operation is accomplished by successively feeding the threaded fasteners to a transfer station, transferring the fasteners from the transfer station to a loading station axially aligned with the second work station, loading the fasteners into the chuck of a power stud driver, and then driving the threaded fasteners into one of the pre-drilled holes. Transfer of the threaded fasteners between the transfer and loading stations is accomplished by pivotal movement of a placing arm and a finger attached to the placing arm. All operations are performed automatically and in timed relation to one another.

Abstract: A joint between the overlapped ends of two metal strips comprising strip portions defined by parallel straight longitudinal slits cut through the thickness of both strips, adjacent strip portions being deflected in opposite directions to define a transverse passage and a lock pin located in said passage is produced by apparatus comprising a pair of parallel cutter bars arranged on opposite sides of the path of the metal strip carried by supports, provided with means for moving said cutter bars towards and away from each other, each cutter bar carrying a plurality of laterally spaced cutter elements, the space between adjacent cutter elements on each cutter bar being substantially equal to the thickness of width of the cutter elements on the other cutter bar, the cutter elements on each cutter bar being arranged to mesh with the cutter elements on the other cutter bar, each cutter element having at least a part-circular periphery, each cutter bar being rotatable in relation to its support between a series of p

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a connector to fabric is disclosed. The connectors are used connect the opposite ends of a fabric belt so as form an endless belt. The connectors are initially in the shape of a V, with legs of unequal lengths. Each leg has an inwardly projecting tip oriented at an accute angle to its respective leg. The connector is secured to the fabric by placing the fabric between the legs and bending them inwardly so that the tips penatrate into the flat woven fabric, thereby securing the connector to it. When the connector is secured to an end of the fabric belt, the apex of the V-shaped connector forms a rounded loop which may then be used to connect it to the opposite end of the fabric belt. The present invention has a pair of primary jaws which press against and actuate a pair of secondary jaws. The connector is secured between the secondary jaws which press against the connector and bend it into the fabric.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching mounting plates (12 and 14) to a workpiece such as a strut (16) is disclosed. First and second conveyors (34 and 36) carry the mounting plates with the workpiece positioned above them past first and second rollers (40 and 42) respectively. The rollers have ribs which form circumferential grooves aligned to allow passage of rows of prongs (18) while the ribs extend sufficiently close to the conveyors to make contact with the workpiece and to force rows of holes 24 in the workpiece down over the prongs.

Abstract: Wooden structures are assembled from a plurality of wooden elements with interposed metallic connectors, by assembling the wooden elements on a work table provided with a rectangular grid. The image of the structure to be assembled, with a superposed grid corresponding to the grid on the table, is projected on the table until the respective grids register with each other. Then the wooden elements are assembled on the picture; and as the corners of the grid on the table are tapped holes, retainers can be used to hold the assembled elements in place. The table with thus-assembled wooden elements is then run through an endless belt press having superposed convergent runs, whereby the metallic connectors are sunk into the wooden elements to complete assembly of the structure, after which the completed structures are removed from the tables onto rollers with interspersed lifting arms that swing vertically about an axis parallel to the direction of movement of the tables.

Abstract: A self-piercing nut holding device for use in association with an automatic assembling machine, the holding device including a passageway adapted to allow a punch to pass through, the passageway including a nut delivery outlet through which nuts are individually placed at the "hold" position, the passageway being provided with an elastic member in a recess produced in its defining side wall, the elastic member having a body portion and a pair of leg portions which are supple against a force acting when the elastic member holds a nut situated at the "hold" position. The suppleness of the elastic member protects same against breaking; otherwise frequent breakages would lead to frequent interruption of the automatic assembling operation.

Abstract: A wire setting tool for driving wire segments into hard or frozen surfaces. A vise assembly is slidably located in the bore of a hollow, elongated holder having a stabilizing handle rigidly but removably attached to one end at right angles to the bore. The jaws of the vise are operable by means of a screw threaded operating handle. A slot extending for a substantial distance along the longest dimension of the frame holder permits the vise operating handle to protrude from the holder. A second slot which extends the entire length of the longest dimension of the holder located approximately ninety degrees along the surface of the holder away from the operating handle slot and which is substantially parallel to this slot permits insertion of the wire segment into the vise jaws which are exposed by this longer slot.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assembling pallets which includes an assembly table which is pivotable on an axis, supports for supporting a plurality of first deck boards, and a displaceable support for holding up the underside of the pallet when the table has been inverted, the displaceable support being displaceable to an out of the way position to permit the pallet to drop from the table when assembly has been completed.

Abstract: A pallet manufacturing machine and method for joining wooden slats (W) to elongate splines (S) includes spline clamping means (70) mounted on a frame (10). The spline clamping means (70) grip and release the elongate splines (S) so that the lateral edge portions of the splines (S) extend from the clamping means (70). The wooden slats (W) are carried along the length of the frame (10) by first and second advancing means (12-18, 50-56) with the advancing means (12-18, 50-56) adapted to force the slats (W) over and onto the extending edges of the splines (S). In this way, the edges of the splines (S) are embedded within the wooden slats (W) to form a contiguous structure. Drive means (76) are provided for displacing the first and second advancing (12-18, 50-56) means along the frame. In operation, the wooden slats (W) are arranged in a generally parallel, spaced relationship and the splines (S) are clamped in the clamping assembly (70).

Abstract: The disclosed method and apparatus is adapted to form a low pressure fluid sealed nut and panel assembly for a flush mounted self-piercing bearing nut having a rectangular piercing pilot, panel bearing flanges on opposed sides of the nut and grooves in the flanges, adjacent the pilot, retaining the pierced panel edges. The improved method includes simultaneously shearing and deforming the nonflanged top edges and corners of the nut pilot beneath the panel to form a panel bearing surface on all four sides of the pilot and deforming the pierced panel edges into the grooves and against the grooved bottom walls and inner pilot walls, spaced from the bottom walls of the grooves, to form a sealed nut and panel assembly. The apparatus includes a clinch die having an opening configured to deform the pilot, as described, and clinching lips forming the panel in the nut grooves in sealed relation.

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

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a thonged medallion, method of assembling the same and apparatus for performing that method. The medallion includes a domed piece of metal having a flap bent into the interior of the dome, and the flap having a hook-like formation defined on the free edge thereof for cooperating with a hook-like formation on the opening in the element for clamping upon a thong inserted into the opening defined by the open flap. A continuous web of thong material is fed through a passageway into the opening in the dome-shaped element, a predetermined length of the web material is cut off, a stamping piston crimps the flap to clamp the thong in the opening.

Abstract: This invention pertains to bail applying mechanism particularly for plastic containers with molded-on ears with access openings to the interior of the ear. These plastic containers are usually provided with wire bails when the container is empty. These plastic containers may have their body formed with a taper. "Shingling" of tapered containers is prevented by a guide rail disposed immediately above the transported containers. This guide rail extends through the bail applying station. A backup is also provided when and where the plastic container is provided with molded-on ears having an access opening. This bail applying mechanism may also be used with metal containers with attached sheet metal ears which may be absent apertures for the wire bail or the apertures may be mispositioned if present.

Abstract: An upper jaw and tool assembly for a machine for attaching snap fastener components to fabric is operable to safely receive and advance upper fastener component halves for the assembly thereof with lower component halves. A stationary housing of the assembly is mountable on an attaching machine so that the lower end of the housing is spaced only slightly above the guide plate of the machine to minimize operator risks from internal moving components of the assembly. Fingers mounted on the housing receive and position successively fed upper component halves therein and an upper tool continuously advances the halves downwardly to assemble them with lower component halves. The assembly operates without conventional vertically reciprocating jaw components and hence can be operated with a minimum of operator risks.

Abstract: A trailer bed or chassis including side rail extensions and center rail support posts serves to mount a wooden truss fabricating jig including laterally adjustable center rail sections and associated transverse arms for the support of truss lumber. An arrangement of permanent stops and swivel stops on the jig together with a truss peak locator and splice locator enable the setting up on the job site of a calibrated jig prior to placing the truss lumber thereon, resulting in a great savings of time in truss fabrication. Trusses are produced with precision and uniformity having improved quality and a wider range of truss sizes can be accommodated with the apparatus because of its versatility.

Abstract: A device for installing drapery hangers comprising essentially a support for receiving one leg of a hanger having two legs one of which is to be positioned in a pocket at the top of the drape and the other of which is outside the pocket, said legs having respectively an aperture in one and a prong in the other, spaced guides for aligning the leg outside the pocket with the leg inside the pocket and a ram operable to move the leg outside the pocket in a direction to cause the prong to penetrate the pocket and become interlocked within the aperture in the leg within the pocket.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for joining two metal members together with a lancing and staking operation that comprises the lancing and forming of a part of one of the members through an unblanked part of the other of the members and thereafter the staking of the formed part of the one member to an adjacent surface of the other member to secure the members together in abutting relation, the apparatus having a punch and a reciprocating head that cooperate together to form the lancing and staking operation on the members and having an indexible carrier for indexing the members to the head for the lancing and staking operation thereon and then away from the head after the lancing and staking operation, the carrier supporting and carrying the punch therewith. A method of making such apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A nut installation apparatus or head and controls for installing self-attaching nuts, such as pierce nuts, in a panel, without the requirement of a large forming die press assembly. The apparatus includes a nut anchor, which holds the first or end nut stationary, a relatively movable die member, opposite the nut anchor, which supports the panel and a resiliently supported nut guide having a passage receiving nuts in bulk or strip form. The panel is biased into contact with the end nut in the nut guide, by the movable die, to install the nut in a panel. The moveable die is impelled toward the nut anchor by means of a two stage piston assembly having a first stage which supplies pressure limited to the elastic limit of the panel, and a second stage which supplies sufficient pressure to pierce the panel with the end nut. A sensor and switching mechanism is integrated with the apparatus controls to assure proper installation of the nut and prevent damage to the apparatus.

Abstract: An abrasive disc includes a rotatable sheet. Abrasive particles are disposed on a first side of the sheet to provide an abrasive action. Coupled to the sheet means are (1) a first portion defining at least one internal thread in spaced relationship to the opposite surface of the sheet for threaded coupling with an externally threaded mandrel, (2) a second portion extending from the first portion along the opposite surface of the sheet and providing a transmittal of force from the first portion and (3) a third portion extending from the second portion into coupled relationship with the sheet and receiving the transmitted force and providing a force for driving the sheet means. The first portion of the coupling defines a boss disposed on the opposite surface of the sheet in spaced relationship to the sheet and having an opening operative as a single-turn internal thread.

Abstract: An elongated platform supports the web and chord components forming a truss joist when assembled thereon to be joined by truss plates. The truss plates, when positioned at the respective juncture of the chords and webs, are pressed into place by a gantry-type power driven drum apparatus extending transversely of and supported by the platform when progressively moved longitudinally of the platform. Discharge rollers normally disposed below the upper limit of the platform lift the finished truss for movement off the platform.

Abstract: Spot clinch .Iadd.apparatus and .Iaddend.method for forming a spot clinch joint by lancing and swaging two or more materials together using one complete stroke of a .Iadd.ram driven by a .Iaddend.power source in a single station, .[.the power source having a power stroke and a retract stroke, said.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.method utilizing an anvil, die and punch .Iadd.arranged in a tool body.Iaddend., .[.said.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.method comprising .[.moving either the punch or anvil.]. .Iadd.connecting the ram to the power source so that the ram is driven in a power stroke and a retract stroke, joining one of the punch and anvil to the ram and the other to the tool body, whereby one is made moveable .Iaddend.while .[.maintaining.]. the other .Iadd.is maintained .Iaddend.stationary .Iadd.in respect to the tool body .Iaddend.during the complete stroke of the .[.power source.]. .Iadd.ram.Iaddend., .[.moving.]. .Iadd.

Abstract: To fasten together two or more overlying sheets of metal or other material having plasticity or deformable properties by partially piercing and deforming sections of the sheets, a fixed pierce-and-forming punch is used in cooperation with a double-acting press having two separately actuatable rams. For displacing sections of the overlying sheets, one of the rams carries a hollow cylindrical pierce-and-forming die the die cavity of which is vertically aligned with, and cooperates with, a fixed pierce-and-forming punch supported in the base. The other of the rams carries a flattening punch which is slidably movable within the central bore of the hollow cylindrical die. The pierce-and-forming die is supported by means which includes fine adjustment means so that the position of the die may be adjusted for different thicknesses of sheets to be fastened, and also for wear on the die and/or punch.