Abstract: A machine for preparing and cooking corn dogs which are batter coated weiners upon a stick has a fry tank and coating bin mounted on a frame. Food articles are impaled by sticks driven through clasps in holes in a stick clamp. The food articles are dipped into a coating substance by elevation of the coating bin. The articles are elevated by rotating or flipping them above the lip of the fry tank and immersed in hot grease within the fry tank, cooked, and then elevated by rotating or flipping them out of the fry tank. The sticks are unclasped from the stick clamps and placed on a receiving tray. Thermostatically controlled heating elements suspended above the floor of the tank heat the grease.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for inserting elements into a workpiece. The apparatus includes reciprocating feeding means movable between first and second positions for sequentially advancing a supply strip of integrally connected preformed elements towards the workpiece. Actuating means cooperate with the reciprocating feeding means for rotating the reciprocating feeding means when the reciprocating feeding means has reached its second position. During the rotation, the supply strip of elements rotates with respect to the lead element which has been inserted into the workpiece thereby breaking the lead element from the supply strip. As the feeding means, holding the supply strip, rotates back to its initial position, the interaction of the supply strip and the lead element which has been inserted into the workpiece polishes and wipes away any burr that may have remained during the severance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of forming a step to stile joint in a ladder which does not utilize mechanical fastenings such as rivets and the like. According to this invention, the step is provided with integral hollow sections extending therealong which protrude from each end and which pass through apertures in the stiles and are adapted to be swage connected thereto.

Abstract: A wire stitcher includes a cutter for cutting a length of wire W from a supply thereof and a stitcher head having a former and driver for forming and driving the length of cut wire for binding a set SS of sheets. The length of cut wire which is presented to the head by a wire advancing and cutting mechanism. The mechanism comprises a first wire gripper, which advances the wire through a fixed distance, and a compensating mechanism comprising a second wire gripper and a cutter block. These are moved towards each other to increase the wire length symetrically relative to the driver as a function of set thickness by an actuator connected to a set clamping device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of forming a step to stile joint in a ladder which does not utilize mechanical fastenings such as rivets and the like.According to this invention, the step is provided with integral hollow sections extending therealong which protrude from each end and which pass through apertures in the stiles and are adapted to be swage connected thereto.

Abstract: A method of making a carrier for rivets or similar articles which includes the steps of guiding a strip of pliable resiliently deformable material to pass an apertured die sequentially driving a number of rivets to the strip with a striker to cause part of the strip to be deformed and stretched into the die and to punch a hole through the strip into which the rivet is driven and held frictionally, with drawing the striker and the die from the rivet and advancing the strip to receive the next rivet.

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

Abstract: Apparatus operable to fasten together overlying metal sheets has a cooperating piercing-and-forming punch and die set, which partially sever and displace a localized region of the sheets out of the planes thereof, and a flattening punch which then operates to spread the displaced region sideways and fasten the sheets together with a clenching action. A die mounting for said piercing-and-forming die and a punch mounting for said flattening punch are sequentially and separately operable, respectively, by two hydraulical piston and cylinder arrangements which effect movement thereof relatively to said piercing-and-forming punch. An associated control system comprises pressure sensing devices which sense the operating pressures in hydraulic feeds respectively supplying the piston hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for connecting a plurality of metal sheets or the like without fasteners or welding. A die set is disclosed which is operable to cut ribbons of material from each sheet and to displace the ribbons to one side of the sheets where they are deformed to increase their lateral width within a dovetail-shaped die cavity. The die cavity has an increasing cross section in one longitudinal direction so that the deformed ribbons can be removed from the die cavity by longitudinal movement and it is not necessary to provide the die with movable parts for the release of the deformed ribbons. The die cavity is preferably formed with an open end so that movement of the sheets in a direction perpendicular thereto is not required. The method and apparatus can be combined with processing systems having a feed mechanism for feeding the sheets of material. In such combination, the feed required for the processing is also utilized for the removal of the deformed ribbons from the die cavity.

Abstract: The fastener installation head and bolster assembly of this invention is particularly adapted to assure constant installation pressure for fasteners installed in a reciprocating press die, such as pierce and clinch nuts. The fastener installation head includes a plunger supported on one die platen, a movable housing member which receives the fasteners to be installed, reciprocably supported on the plunger, and a die member supported on the opposed die platen, opposite the movable housing plunger passage. The bolster assembly includes a fluid pressure ram operably supporting the plunger between the plunger and the die platen having a source of constant fluid pressure and a plunger release which permits the plunger to recede when the press tonage exceeds the preferred fastener installation force.

Abstract: A positioning tool for use in attaching the cover panels to support members in a prefabricated building system using self-drilling and self-tapping fasteners and a locking member which includes locating means for positioning the locking member behind the overlapped cover panels and guide means for locating the fastener against the support member opposite the locking member so that the fastener is aligned with the locking member and, as the fastener is installed by self-drilling and self-tapping its way through the juxtaposed support member and cover panels, the locking member will be threadedly engaged by the fastener to hold the cover panels against the support member between the head of the fastener and the locking member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sewing method. Staples or tacks having the function of a sewing thread are first penetrated successively through a work placed on a bed. The staples or tacks are supplied and fed successively from a feeder which is provided over the work. The extremities of the staples or tacks are then transformed so as not to be removed from the work. The penetrating and transforming operations are performed simultaneously at a plurality of points or successively from point to point, whereby seams or patterned seams adjacent to each other are accomplished to sew the work.

Abstract: A nut installation apparatus or head 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 and nut guide, by the movable die, to install the nut in a panel. Where the nuts are in strip form, the apparatus first severs the end nut from the strip and then attaches the nut in the panel, in a separate step. A unique sensor is provided to assure proper installation.

Abstract: Studs, joists, trusses and similar construction members having a pair of generally parallel chords and blocks disposed between the chords are manufactured by placing a plurality of blocks on a moving surface, with the blocks being spaced apart generally in a line along the direction of movement. A pair of chords are placed on each side of the line of blocks and are moved along with the blocks. The chords and blocks are moved past apparatus which drives fastening elements through the chords and into the blocks to secure the chords and blocks together in a rigid construction. Spacer lock plates may also be used to separate and lock the two chords in position, each spacer lock plate including opposed cuts on opposite edges thereof for receiving the chords, a stem portion between the cuts, and toothed flanges at each side of the stem portion.

Abstract: An explosion relief for a nut installation head or apparatus, such as used to install pierce or pierce-clinch nuts having a rectangular piercing pilot and opposed elongated flange portions on opposite sides of the pilot. The flanges are separated from the pilot portion by panel receiving grooves. The improved explosion relief comprises aligned channels extending from opposed sides of the rectangular nut plunger passage which receive the nut flanges at the passage opening. One side wall of the channel is aligned with a wall of the passage and the opposed side channel wall is off-set inwardly from the passage wall to define corners in the plunger passage which catch and rotate the elongated nut flanges in the event that a nut is fractured during installation. The elongated nut flanges are thus guided outwardly through the explosion relief channels without jamming the nut installation head.

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 truss assembly apparatus (10) comprises an elongate table (12) with a presser carriage (14) supported for movement along the table. The carriage (14) supports a roller (116) for embedding fastener plates into precut truss members positioned on the table (12). Two clamping assemblies (40) are mounted on the table (12) to define a pair of truss assembly zones and an intermediate truss transfer zone. Each clamping mechanism (40) is selectively actuated to effect positive clamping engagement of the precut truss members or semi-complete truss positioned therein. A plurality of lift means (80, 100) are mounted in the table (12) for facilitating advancement of the truss during assembly.

Abstract: The bead area of a pneumatic tire is vented of trapped air by inserting an air guide into the bead area from the outer side of the tire adjacent the tire wheel rim area, whereby the trapped air is guided from the bead area along the air guide to the outer side of the tire. The air guide is an elongated flexible member provided with an enlarged head at its inner end. It is inserted into the tire by an elongated hollow shaft provided with an exterior spiral screw thread. The air guide is inserted into the hollow bore of the shaft, with the enlarged head of the guide abutting one end of the shaft. The opposite end of the shaft is secured to the chuck of a conventional low speed reversible electric drill. The enlarged head of the air guide is provided with a plurality of spaced, outwardly projecting stops which serve to prevent retraction of the head and air guide from the tire.

Abstract: In a nut installation head having a nut passage receiving a plurality of nuts in side by side relation, a transverse plunger passage communicating with said nut passage, a plunger reciprocating in said plunger passage to install a nut received in said plunger passage, a reciprocal feed for feeding a nut successively into said plunger passage, said head having an apertured nose with said plunger passage extending through said nose and said nut passage extending into said nose and said plunger moving through said nose. The improvement comprises a nut guide for said head, including a cylindrical slot formed in said nose, parallel to and displaced laterally of said plunger passage. A resilient retainer is nested within said slot having an upright recess. A hardened steel dowel of cylindrical shape is positioned within said slot and laterally and guidably nested partly within the retainer recess with a portion of the dowel extending into the plunger passage to guidably support a nut therein.

Abstract: A cradle is mounted on a frame for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis between a start position and a discharge position. In the start position the pallet stringers are placed in the cradle and supported by upright guides including transverse, spaced guide bars. The stringers are clamped longitudinally. A first set of deck boards is placed across the stringers and fastened to them. The cradle is unlocked and rotated to the discharge position to thereby turn the partial pallet over. The other set of deck boards is then placed between longitudinal guide bars that had supported the stringers, and these deck boards are fastened to the stringers. The clamp is released, and the completed pallet falls under gravity free of the cradle which is then turned back to the start position for a new pallet.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for attaching a transducer to an object having characteristics to be measured. At least two attachment elements each including a number of pointed members are interconnected by a sensing element. Each attachment element includes a movable wedge member and at least one fixed wedge member whereby initial movement of the movable wedge member with respect to the fixed wedge member subjects said pointed members to a pressure force of a specified magnitude to press the pointed members into the surface of the object. Further movement of the movable wedge member with respect to the fixed wedge member generates a holding force on the pointed members less than the initial pressure force to hold each attachment element in engagement with the object regardless of transverse forces acting on the attachment elements.

Abstract: A cyclicly operable apparatus wherein an elongated supporting table receives a stack of wooden furniture rails thereon at one end thereof and a conveyor repeatedly impels the bottommost rail in the stack in one direction past a fixed clip-applying tool which receives clips from a magazine and applies them at predetermined locations along the rail. As the leading edge of the rail approaches the tool, it is sensed and, upon sensing thereof, electrical impulses are emitted and registered in a micro-processor which affords control means for stopping the conveyor and rail when predetermined numbers of impulses have been counted, actuating the clip-applying tool, feeding a clip from the magazine to the tool for the next clip application, and restarting the conveyor. A method of thus applying clips.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for the formation of thermal insulation blocks from rolls of fibrous blankets. The apparatus comprises folding means to make alternating transverse folds in the blanket, insertion means to insert block supporting members (pronged beams) into and through folds of the block, and sequencing means to control the location of beam insertion according to a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A device to protect the end of a roll of material wrapped about a tubular core includes a protective annular body to be located in position proximate the roll end, and at least one prong located on the body to be inserted relatively endwise into the core interior when the annular body is located in its protective position. The prong has a tip angled to penetrate the core when deflected toward the core bore, thereby attaching the body to the core.

Abstract: A fastener, for instance a wide staple having holes in its legs, is heated to a temperature above the softening temperature of the material of a heel to be attached to a shoe. The fastener is then inserted through pre-formed slots in an insole of the shoe and pressed into the heel so that heat from the fastener softens the plastic and the fastener becomes embedded in the heel to hold it attached.

Abstract: A power screwdriver for use with a flexible string of disconnected screws retained in head to tip orientation by attachment to a continuous length of plastic, paper or similar flexible material. The string of screws feeds into a rearward section of a reciprocating shaft of the power screwdriver where the screws are individually advanced into alignment with an engaging bit, the combination bit and shaft being continuously rotated during the course of use. As the forward screw is prepared for engagement by the rotating bit, the retaining plastic or similar material is severed, leaving the forward screw free for emplacement. The screw is engaged and advanced to a forward opening of the shaft by thrust pressure applied by the user to reciprocate the shaft rearward with respect to a power train which is keyed to continuously rotate the shaft and bit. When the thrust pressure is withdrawn, a spring compressed by the rearward motion of the shaft returns the shaft forward to a stable position.

Abstract: A stick holder is an accessory having an elongated body rectangular in cross-section, and having support brackets at each end including extending arms and transverse legs. The holder body includes transverse passages for receiving and clamping sticks, which are ejected from an adjacent stick box or hopper and urged into food articles or other articles retained in an article holder on the opposite side of the stick holder. To locate the stick holder in desired relation to the stick box, the stick holder and the apparatus have coacting structure to prevent relative movement. Guide blocks are mounted on the sides of the apparatus, adjacent to the ends of the stick box, and coact with the stick holder support brackets to provide a broader support base eliminating rocking movement of the stick holder about a longitudinal axis, to prevent movement of the stick holder away from the stick box, and to locate the stick holder laterally with some precision relative to the stick box.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of preplating ties including traversely aligning ties on a path, conveying along the path ties relative to a pair of plate guides, positioning a pair of plates on each tie adjacent the guides, attaching the plates to the tie by partially driving fasteners, continue aligning the plates relative to each other by conveying the tie relative to the guides and securing the plates to the tie during alignment by completing the driving of the fasteners. A tie guide is provided having a fixed guide parallel to the path and a biased pivotal guide extending at an angle to the fixed tie guide.

Abstract: Locking joints in hard-to-reach locations are made by a machine which uses a toggle linkage and a camming means to produce not only the joint-forming movements of a piercing punch, piercing die and flattening punch, but also the additional movements of these tool elements necessary to reach the joint location. No displacement of the over-all machine is necessary.

Abstract: An automatic piercing or clinch nut assembling arrangement which includes a punch member slidably supported in a punch holder connected to a press ram for pressing a piercing or clinch nut into a metal panel with a swaging die arranged opposite the punch member and cooperating therewith for swaging metal from the metal panel inwardly of the piercing nut to anchor the same in the metal panel. A nut holding arrangement is interposed between the punch member and the swaging die for holding a piercing nut in a punching path of the punch member. A monitoring arrangement is provided for electrically ascertaining the presence or absence of a piercing or clinch nut in the punch feed path.

Abstract: An automatic piercing nut assembling arrangement mounted at a ram of a press together with ordinary stamping dies and/or other assembling arrangements of the same type. A device is provided for temporarily suspending an automatic supply of piercing nuts to the assembling arrangement when it is necessary to suspend the operation of the press ram and/or press due to working conditions in the other devices on the press ram and/or the press. The device is effective so as to cause a punch of the automatic piercing nut assembling arrangement to physically block the piercing nuts so as to prevent the piercing nuts from entering a feed path of the punch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the feeding of buttons or similar objects to a processing station e.g., a fastening station. The apparatus comprises a rail arranged to receive a row of the buttons and debouch them at a processing station in which holding means are provided to hold the objects and alternatively release them. At the delivery end of the rail two holding elements are provided to allow the feeding of one of the buttons from the rail, catch the fed button and hold it in the processing station and release the button after the processing. According to the invention the holding elements each has the form of a section, rotatable into three positions around an axis. In the first position both the sections are placed opposite to the open delivery end of the rail allowing the feeding of one button from the rail. In the second position they are placed opposite to each other holding the button between the sections.

Abstract: Handle sticks for frozen confections are removed from a hopper by a rotatable slotted wheel and driven by air under pressure through tubes, which can be curved, to an insertion station. Molds containing partially frozen material are conveyed to and aligned with the station. The sticks received at the station are aligned with the axes of the molds and driven into the molds by plungers.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the continuous mechanical fabrication of starting sheets for the electrolytic refining of metals, especially copper, from electrolytically deposited sheets which have already been cut to certain dimensions and straightened, the sheets being continuously moved forward along a predetermined path of movement at a substantially constant rate of advance and a movement component directed parallel to the path of movement of the sheets, of which the speed substantially corresponds to the rate of advance of the sheets, being imparted both to the components to be connected to the sheets and to the tools, at least when they are acting directly or indirectly on the sheets.

Abstract: A self-piercing fastener which locks itself to the metal panel upon which it is mounted for self-swaging its piercing portion to form automatic back taper thereof and by coining the margins of the pierced opening, the panel being disposed against a flat-top anvil having an opening therein providing clearance for discharge of the slug punched from the mounting material, and a method for securing self-piercing fasteners to a flat sheet metal panel.

Abstract: A snap fastener attaching system employs a moveable carriage assembly which is controlled in linear motion by a belt system coupled to an actuator mechanism. The carriage assembly includes clamping means which are sequentially operated to clamp a garment on the assembly after emplacement by an operator. The depression of a start button enables the actuator to traverse a shaft. Associated with the actuator is a pivotable arm which is located in proximity to a selected shaft of a cam-containing turret assembly. As the actuator moves, the carriage moves proportionately due to the belt coupling system. Each time the actuator arm contacts a cam along the turret shaft, a fastener is emplaced on the garment by the snap fastener attaching machine associated with the carriage assembly. When the last fastener is emplaced, the apparatus is automatically returned to the starting position to enable accommodation of the next garment.

Abstract: Apparatus for fabricating flat wood trusses having parallel chords with web members connected thereto by toothed metal plates. A rigid jig bed is provided on which to assemble the components between a fixed bar on one side of the bed and a laterally movable bar on the other side. Fluid cylinder means mounted on the bed engage the movable bar to clamp the assembled components against the opposite rigid bar. A single stand of pinch rolls at one end of the bed rolls the metal toothed plates into the wood joints and is also adapted to apply toothed metal reinforcing strips to the chords prior to assembly.

Abstract: A hand-held tool includes a pair of oppositely-directed punch heads coupled to a pneumatic cylinder and piston rod unit by an expansion linkage. A finger-actuated lever on the tool operates a valve to supply compressed air to the cylinder and piston rod unit which actuates the linkage and drives the punch heads apart. Each punch head is provided with a tri-facial point for forming a detent in metal adjacent plastic. Part of the metal is torn at the detent and embedded in the plastic to couple the two elements together. When the lever is released, air is routed to reverse the action of the cylinder and piston rod unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing spherical bodies to a supporting member by staking. The spheres are fed one by one into a bore of a setting apparatus where they are picked up by the front end of a staking punch which reciprocates in the bore. The punch advances the sphere to the supporting member and imbeds the sphere in the surface of the supporting member while at the same time forming integral tangs from the supporting member which partially encircle the sphere and hold it in place. The punch then withdraws to pick up a fresh sphere and a new supporting member is moved into place to receive the fresh sphere.

Abstract: A die assembly for clinching a fastener such as a pierce nut to a panel. In the clinching operation, a pilot portion of the fastener is driven through the panel and into an aperture in a die body. Step portions of the die body deform the fastener pilot and interlock or clinch the fastener and panel together. After the clinching operation, the fastener and panel are stripped from the die assembly. In order to facilitate release of the fastener pilot from the die aperture, the die body is segmented so that its segments can separate in a radial direction to enlarge the aperture. The die body segments have sloping outer surfaces received in a complementary die holder so that the segments are cammed together during the clinching operation and are separable during the stripping operation.

Abstract: A tool for driving staples or nails and simultaneously providing reinforcement therefore. The tool is particularly useful in installing roofing material, although it has equal utility in attaching labels, tags and the like to shipping cases, and siding to buildings, and other purposes.In a preferred embodiment, the tool is provided with a handle which is long enough that a workman may operate the tool without bending over any material amount. The staple or nail driving mechanism may be of the hand-driven type or may be air, electric or spring operated. Connected to the housing of the driving mechanism is a magazine containing a considerable number of fastener reinforcing elements, such as thin metal discs, through which the staple or nail is driven in the same stroke used to drive such fastener into the object to be fastened.

Abstract: An elastomeric tip member for mounting on the piercing end of a nail-like fastener. The tip member has a forward end having means on its exterior for providing an interference fit with the wall of a hole through a bracket or the like into which the tip member is inserted. The tip member is preferably formed from a plastic material which will break up when the fastener is driven into a supporting material. The tip member thus provides an expendable temporary connection between the fastener and the bracket prior to driving the fastener into a supporting material to secure the bracket thereto.