With Magazine Supply Patents (Class 29/809)
- One work part comprising living tissue (Class 29/812)
- Comprising driver for snap-off-mandrel fastener; e.g., Pop (TM) riveter (Class 29/812.5)
- One work part comprising nut or screw (Class 29/813)
- One work part comprising paper clip (Class 29/814)
- Means to assemble tire stud into tire tread (Class 29/815)
- Means to fasten by deforming (Class 29/816)
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Publication number: 20030154594Abstract: A pinch grip hanger mechanism dispenses pinch grip hangers, one at a time, and then opens the pinch grips for insertion of a garment. The insertion of a garment triggers the closing of the pinch grips, and reciprocation of a hanger feed push plate to dispense another hanger. The device may also automatically attach size indicia to the hanger as the hanger is dispensed. The closing of the pinch grips is initiated by safety triggers, which are triggered by insertion of a garment. This provides a safety feature for the device, since the operator needs to use both hands to hold the garment taut for insertion. Thus, both hands are away from the device at the time the pinch grips are opened and closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2002Publication date: August 21, 2003Applicant: Spotless Plastics Pty, Ltd.Inventors: Jeffrey R. Sollanek, Stanley F. Gouldson
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Patent number: 6606786Abstract: A device having two elongated members pivotally connected at one end portions thereof and locked together at the other end portions thereof so that at least portions of at least two relatively rigid articles are enclosed therein and apparatus and method for moving the device from an opened position to a closed position forming an enclosure to contain the portions of the at least two relatively rigid articles. In a preferred embodiment, the two relatively rigid articles comprise radiant heating tubing and a wire mesh supported on a bed of particulate material.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2001Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Inventor: Peter G. Mangone, Jr.
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Patent number: 6571463Abstract: A rivet carrier for use in association with a driver for driving rivets into a work piece. The rivet carrier includes mounting structure for mounting the rivet carrier on the driver. A body portion of the rivet carrier is in communication with the mounting structure for receiving and retaining the rivet for engagement by the driver. Angled rollers are disposed in the body, and there are pivotable arms in the body. A resilient member retainably engages the pivotable arms. The rollers are retained in recesses in the body, and at least a portion of the pivotable arms defines at least a portion of the recesses. Preferably, a pair of outlet vents are provided in the body of the rivet carrier for venting air which is used to drive the rivet. One outlet vent may be proximate the other outlet vent to create laminar air flow.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventors: John S. Coonrod, John Filz
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Patent number: 6546619Abstract: An electronic device mounting apparatus prevents an error at the setup time prior to startup of the apparatus and enables mounting of proper electronic devices without a mistake. A cartridge and a lane of a cartridge mounting rack have a cartridge side connector (upper electrode portion, connection plug, lower electrode portion) and a lane side connector (fixed plug) which are electrically connected when the cartridge is installed on the lane. An error detecting circuit is formed by employing these connectors as part thereof. The error detecting circuit determines whether or not the installation position of the cartridge is appropriate depending on the conductive state or non-conductive state from a power supply to a warning buzzer when the connectors are connected.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2000Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Takahisa Shichi, Hirokazu Usui
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Patent number: 6539619Abstract: A clip fastener comprises a housing and a releasable cartridge located in or on the housing for holding a plurality of clips. A track is provided for receiving clips from the magazine. A ram rod moves the clip along a pathway defined by the track, and a spreader in the pathway separates an inner loop of the clip from an outer loop thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventor: John Hakala
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Patent number: 6526650Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2000Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: BAS Components LimitedInventor: Ian Gaskin
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Publication number: 20030033705Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2002Publication date: February 20, 2003Applicant: Stanley Fastening Systems, L.P.Inventor: Thomas Pruyne
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Publication number: 20030024109Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a shaped-spring assembly. The method and apparatus utilizes a spring forming apparatus which facilitates the forming of shaped springs without adversely effecting the characteristics of the spring, and a magazine arrangement which stores and loads shaped springs, while maintaining the shape of the springs. The magazine arrangement further permits the storage of a plurality of the shaped springs without fatiguing a leading edge of the spring. With the apparatus and method of the present invention, it is possible to load empty shaped spring cavities at a select location, such as at a field site, and also have a steady supply of shaped springs available for quick replacement. The forming apparatus is designed so as to easily cooperate and/or be mounted onto the magazine arrangement so as to facilitate the transfer of shape springs which are shaped by the forming apparatus into the magazine arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Scott M. Fitzgerald, Jan A. Chrisler, Daniel M. Pagano
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Patent number: 6497036Abstract: A top cover installation station with a feeder assembly and a robotic assembly for installing a top cover with top cover fasteners on a basedeck of a disc drive. The feeder assembly supports top cover wireframe caddies, each caddy containing top covers. A dial assembly transports each caddy into alignment with an elevator assembly that aligns the top cover with an escapement assembly that removes the top cover from the caddy. The robotic assembly has a positioning assembly supporting a pair of Z-axis end effector assemblies, the positioning assembly transporting the pair of effector assemblies to predetermined positions. A first end effector assembly picks and places the top cover adjacent the basedeck and a second end effector assembly grips and secures the top cover onto the basedeck via the top cover fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2000Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: James R. Jenkins, Roger A. Jessen
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Patent number: 6470572Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a shaped-spring assembly. The method and apparatus utilizes a spring forming apparatus which facilitates the forming of shaped springs without adversely effecting the characteristics of the spring, and a magazine arrangement which stores and loads shaped springs, while maintaining the shape of the springs. The magazine arrangement further permits the storage of a plurality of the shaped springs without fatiguing a leading edge of the spring. With the apparatus and method of the present invention, it is possible to load empty shaped spring cavities at a select location, such as at a field site, and also have a steady supply of shaped springs available for quick replacement. The forming apparatus is designed so as to easily cooperate and/or be mounted onto the magazine arrangement so as to facilitate the transfer of shape springs which are shaped by the forming apparatus into the magazine arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Scott M. Fitzgerald, Jan A. Chrisler, Daniel M. Pagano
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Publication number: 20020095781Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2002Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventor: Heiko Schmidt
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Patent number: 6413019Abstract: A rock bolter has a drill and a bolt driver, both mounted to a turret that rotates relative to a base to align either the drill or the bolt driver with a work axis. A stinger/centralizer has two head elements, each advanced along a curvilinear path. When advanced, the head elements mate to provide a centralizer passage on the work axis. A supplementary stinger affixed to the base extends to engage the rock surface and provide stability as the head elements are retracted. The drill and the bolt driver are mounted on carriages activated by a common mechanism. A drill carriage disabling surface is affixed to the base to block the drill carriage when the drill is off the work axis, and a bolt driver carriage disabling surface is affixed to the base to block the bolt driver carriage when the bolt driver is off the work axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Oldenburg Cannon, Inc.Inventors: Perry L. Coombs, Paul R. Bigoney, Ward D. Morrison
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Patent number: 6401331Abstract: A rubber plug fitting apparatus includes: a rubber plug feeding unit for feeding each of rubber plugs to a rubber plug feeding port; a rubber plug holder for holding one of the rubber plugs to fit the rubber plug on a wire; and a rotary unit having a plurality of rubber plug holding rods which are fitted into each of the rubber plugs to hold the rubber plugs. The rotary unit rotationally moves each of the rubber plug holding rods between the rubber plug feeding unit and the rubber plug holder. In the apparatus, a pair of rubber plug guides are provided so as to be capable of being opened/closed at a side of the rubber plug feeding port of the rubber plug feeding unit; and guide grooves are respectively provided at positions of the pair of rubber plug guides facing the rubber plug feeding port.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Akihiro Mizuno
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Patent number: 6385842Abstract: A tube feeder for feeding a plurality of components to a pick and place machine includes an elongated channel having a first end and a second end; the first end of the channel arranged so as to receive a component from a source of the component; the second end of the channel having a pick-up location; and the pick-up location including an elevated zone on which the component can pivot.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventor: Maurice M. Davis, III
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Patent number: 6381821Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1999Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: L.A.P. Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Larry A. Panyon, Jr.
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Patent number: 6363602Abstract: A clamp orientation machine and a method of operation therefor wherein the machine includes a magazine for containing at least one clamp, a movable clamp support member for supporting a clamp received from the magazine, a pair of movable gripper fingers for gripping and positioning a clamp received from the clamp support member and a cavity for supporting and positioning a hose for receiving a clamp from said gripper fingers.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: T. R. Clark Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Thomas R. Clark
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Publication number: 20010037563Abstract: A device having two elongated members pivotally connected at one end portions thereof and locked together at the other end portions thereof so that at least portions of at least two relatively rigid articles are enclosed therein and apparatus and method for moving the device from an opened position to a closed position forming an enclosure to contain the portions of the at least two relatively rigid articles. In a preferred embodiment, the two relatively rigid articles comprise radiant heating tubing and a wire mesh supported on a bed of particulate material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2001Publication date: November 8, 2001Inventor: Peter G. Mangone
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Publication number: 20010029656Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for fabricating a needle assembly which includes a blunt in a cannula of a needle. In one example of a method, at least one blunt is collected in a cutout of a blade from a set of blunts and a fluid is passed across said cutout. Any further blunts around the cutout are dislodged by the fluid, leaving only one blunt on the blade. In another example of a method, a blade is moved to a first position to collect at least one blunt from a set of blunts, and the blade is moved to a second position to singulate the one blunt from the set of blunts; the blade has a tip end which is designed to capture securely only one blunt, wherein any further blunts are not securely maintained in the tip end. An exemplary apparatus includes a container for holding a set of blunts, a motor, and a blade coupled to the motor and disposed at least partially within a slot of said container. The blade includes a tip end which is designed to capture securely only one blunt.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2001Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventor: Brian Barber
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Patent number: 6301948Abstract: The present invention relates to a rivet setting device comprising a rivet setting means and a drive which actuates the rivet setting means, as well as a magazine-strip pulling means which comprises a roll in operative communication with the drive. According to the invention, in order to be able to operate rivet setting devices of such a type also in a pneumatic and/or hydraulic manner, the drive comprises a pneumatic and/or hydraulic linear drive including a piston-cylinder means and a gearing is provided for translating a linear movement of the piston-cylinder means into a rotational movement of the roll at least temporarily.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignees: M. H. Honsel Beteiligungs GmbH, Sartam Industries, Inc.Inventor: Marcus Weiland
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Patent number: 6298549Abstract: A device having two elongated members pivotally connected at one end portions thereof and locked together at the other end portions thereof so that at least portions of at least two relatively rigid articles are enclosed therein and apparatus and method for moving the device from an opened position to a closed position forming an enclosure to contain the portions of the at least two relatively rigid articles. In a preferred embodiment, the two relatively rigid articles comprise radiant heating tubing and a wire mesh supported on a bed of particulate material.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Inventor: Peter G. Mangone, Jr.
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Patent number: 6292991Abstract: Apparatus for inserting a corner member into channel-shaped flanges of a duct. The corner member has first and second legs. The duct includes longitudinally extending duct panels. The channel-shaped flanges of the duct extend laterally from at least one end of the duct panels. The apparatus a corner member support mechanism adapted for supporting the corner member, a duct moving mechanism, and a pressing mechanism. The duct moving mechanism has a duct pusher moveable between a first position and a second position. The duct pusher imparts a moving force against the duct upon movement of the duct pusher from its first position to its second position.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2000Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Engel Industries, Inc.Inventors: Herbert J. Fischer, Michael E. Satterfield
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Patent number: 6263562Abstract: A U-nut type fastener installation tool, for installing individual U-nut fasteners from a vertically stacked, nested, or collated strip or array of such fasteners disposed within a magazine portion of the tool, comprises a base portion and the magazine portion which is pivotally mounted upon the base portion. The magazine portion also serves as an operator handle. A biasing spring within the magazine biases the collated strip of fasteners toward a dispensing position. When a fastener is to be dispensed and mounted upon an edge portion of a support plate or panel, the magazine-handle is tilted from its normal position by means of which movement a lowermost one of the fasteners is separated from the collated strip of fasteners remaining within the tool magazine.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2000Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Anatoly Gosis, Kenneth H. Dorman
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Patent number: 6263557Abstract: Apparatus for inserting a corner member into channel-shaped flanges of a duct. The corner member has first and second legs. The duct includes longitudinally extending duct panels. The channel-shaped flanges of the duct extend laterally from at least one end of the duct panels. The apparatus a corner member support mechanism adapted for supporting the corner member, a duct moving mechanism, and a pressing mechanism. The duct moving mechanism has a duct pusher moveable between a first position and a second position. The duct pusher imparts a moving force against the duct upon movement of the duct pusher from its first position to its second position.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2000Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Engel Industries, Inc.Inventors: Aleksandr Karpman, Michael E. Satterfield, Herbert J. Fischer
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Patent number: 6230395Abstract: The present invention is directed to a crimping machine having a hopper assembly for receiving loose bulk quantities of elongated components and supplying them aligned end-to-end and in random orientation to a feeder device. The feeder device receives the components in an inlet chute and feeds each of the components one-at-time having a desired orientation to an outlet chute. The feeder device includes a rotatable disk having a central chamber therein adapted to receive each of the components, and includes a releasable gate. The disk and gate function independently, as required, between the inlet chute and the outlet chute, to sequentially release (or invert and release) each of the components one-at-a-time and having a desired orientation for utilization, to a crimping assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1999Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Inventor: Abraham Bejerano
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Patent number: 6219904Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: Christian Debanne
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Patent number: 6212746Abstract: An apparatus for installing clips onto workpieces which includes a spring biased alignment mechanism which positions a workpiece for the installation of a retaining clip thereon and thereafter, causes the workpiece to be ejected from the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.Inventor: Robert Cooks, Jr.
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Patent number: 6195960Abstract: A device for placing pipes (5′) into a case (1) and taking pipes (5) out therefrom, wherein the pipes (5) are placed in stacks (2, 3, 4) each with one pipe across, and wherein the stacks are supported laterally by supports (6, 7, 8, 9) projecting upwardly from the bottom of the case (1). The bottom of the case 91) is provided with apertures (10, 11), and the case (1) is carried by a tilting device (13) capable of raising and lowering the case 91), respectively, and of turning it about an axis (14) parallel to the pipes (5) within the case (1), to take an unloading position and a loading position, respectively, wherein the supports (6, 7, 8, 9) are nearly horizontal, flushing with a substantially horizontal support for pipes (5), and wherein a pushing device (16) is adapted to be guided through the apertures (10, 11) in the nearly vertical bottom of the case (1), in order to push pipes (5) laterally out of the case (1), upon said support, which may be a conveyor belt or another conveyor (12).Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Hitec ASAInventor: Jon Gjedebo
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Patent number: 6195876Abstract: In an electronic component placing apparatus, four magazines are mounted on a head, and yet electronic components are housed in each magazine. In this apparatus, by an operation of selectively inserting a suction nozzle into four insertion openings in the magazines, it is possible to load a desired electronic component on a substrate, and this component loading can be repeatedly performed until the housed components are exhausted.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazushige Koyama, Kikuji Fukai, Kiyoshi Murase, Masaru Aoki, Taro Yasuda, Koji Saito
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Device for applying nailing plates to the ends of railroad ties and nailing plate dispenser therefor
Patent number: 6134775Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1997Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: MiTek Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Adolfo Castillo -
Patent number: 6134769Abstract: The rubber plug fitting apparatus includes a temporary receiver (4) disposed after the feeder (3); a rubber plug holder (5) pivotable 90 degrees by a first drive means (29); a transfer pin (7) for transferring the rubber plug (2) to the holder (5); a wire guide (11) disposed opposite the holder (5) when the latter is pivotated 90 degrees with the rubber plug held therein, which supports a wire (9); a second drive means (37) for moving the holder in a rubber plug fitting direction; and a third drive means (36) for moving the guide (11) in the same direction. A waterproofing rubber plug is reliably fitted over a wire with high positional accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Yukinori Takano, Mitsuru Yoshikawa, Akira Sugiyama
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Patent number: 6132167Abstract: A method of and apparatus for feeding electronic components are provided in which a group of electronic components joined to each other and stored in a stick are separated from each other before being supplied, regardless of the configuration at the joining ends of the electronic components as well as the presence of burrs developed during a molding process of the electronic components. In particular, a separating unit (6) comprises a step (20) which is dropped in level at the front end of a tilted chute (4) for receiving the forefront electronic component (2) and an arm (22) for holding down the succeeding electronic component (2) from above and causing the same to move backward along the tilted chute (4).Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Matsushita Electronic Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keishi Ikeya, Makoto Sueki, Hideki Uchida, Kazuhiko Narikiyo
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Patent number: 6126376Abstract: The invention is a stacked tube component feeder with changeable parts to accommodate different size components. A feed station, including a channel, is mounted on a base. The feed station includes a slot for holding component tubes. A changeable component track is mounted in the channel, and a singulator is mounted on the component track to prevent the feeding of more than one component at a time to a changeable component nest. A removable nest is mounted on the base for receiving components from the removable component track, and transports the component between first and second positions on the base.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1998Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Component Express CorporationInventor: James R. Peterson
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Patent number: 6080072Abstract: A belt handling system has a belt storage subassembly, a testing pulley subassembly, and a belt transfer subassembly. The testing pulley subassembly has first and second spaced, rotatable pulleys around which a belt to be treated can be trained. The belt transfer subassembly is operable to transfer a belt at the belt storage subassembly into an operative position trained around the first and second pulleys. The testing pulley subassembly has a belt removal unit which is repositionable between first and second positions. A belt trained around the first and second pulleys is movable from an engaged state with the first pulley wherein a belt trained around the first and second pulleys follows rotational movement of the first pulley and a disengaged state wherein the first pulley can be rotated without causing a belt trained around the first and second pulleys to follow rotational movement of the first pulley.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd.Inventors: Hiromi Michikura, Shinji Kotani
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Patent number: 6067706Abstract: A clip driver is used for driving elastic clips each having a back portion, and abutment portions for clipping edge portions of sheet-members between the opposite ends of the abutment portions.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1998Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Inventor: Hisao Sato
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Patent number: 6067707Abstract: The present invention relates to a ring applying and clinching device for applying successive C-shaped rings to a workpiece. The device comprises a housing structure and a magazine assembly constructed and arranged to support a supply of releasably interconnected C-shaped rings. Each of the rings have opposing leg portions defining an opening therebetween for providing access to an interior of each ring. The magazine assembly comprises structure configured to move the ring supply in a feeding direction such that a lead ring is disposed in a feeding position ready. A pair of opposing jaw members have ring engaging inner surfaces facing generally towards one another. The inner surfaces engage the lead ring in the feeding position.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1998Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Stanley Fastening Systems, L.P.Inventor: Raymond F. Cluggish
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Patent number: 6055716Abstract: 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 reduceType: GrantFiled: June 8, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Vertex FastenersInventors: Donald B. Ayres, Glenn Gustafson
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Patent number: 6052882Abstract: A device and automated method for inserting spacers into grooves (22). The insertion of spacers into the grooves (22) of wooden doors (20) is particularly useful for aligning parts of the door (20) , such as, panel components and the like of the door (20). Use of the insertion device and method can eliminate the necessity of inserting spacers, by hand, into grooves (22).Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1997Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: Saturn Tool Company, LLCInventors: Printess Campbell, J. Richard Clay
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Patent number: 6047466Abstract: Apparatus for removing a first angle plate from a stack of angle plates and inserting the first angle plate in channel shaped flanges of a duct. The first angle plate is the bottom-most angle plate of the stack before it is removed from the stack. The stack includes a second angle plate which is the next to bottom-most angle plate of the stack before the first angle plate is removed from the stack. The apparatus comprises a duct holding mechanism configured for holding the duct in a fixed position, a separating mechanism, and a plate advancing mechanism. The separating mechanism has at least one support member engageable with the second angle plate in a manner for supporting the second angle plate. The separating mechanism is configured and operable for vertically separating the first and second angle plates from one another.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1997Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: Engel Industries, Inc.Inventors: Aleksandr Karpman, Michael E. Satterfield, Herbert J. Fischer
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Patent number: 5983494Abstract: A changeover plug-in device (50; 60) for a wire connecting strip device (34; 68) for the uninterrupted changeover of wires (26) of a telecommunications cable (24), the wire connecting strip device (34) preferably having a wire connecting strip (36), a base unit (40) and a cover unit (38) and the wire connecting strip (36) having contact units (42) for the respective connection of the incoming/outgoing wire (27; 28) of an incoming/outgoing telecommunications cable (32; 22) in order to produce an electrical contact between the respective incoming and outgoing wires (27, 28), and there being for each contact unit a test opening which is open to the outside, is distinguished by the fact that the changeover plug-in device (50; 60) has a first contact device (52) having contact elements (56) and a second contact device (54), in contact with the first contact device (52) and having contact elements (56), and the changeover plug-in device (50; 60) is designed in such a way that, in the plugged-on state, the contact eType: GrantFiled: May 1, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignees: Ria Zimmerman, Gabriele RosendahlInventor: Wolfgang Zimmermann
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Patent number: 5974660Abstract: A setting head for the installation of fastener elements having a head and shaft into a pre-apertured workpiece. The setting head has at least three holding fingers, with each holding finger initially centering, aligning, and positioning the element in the setting direction, both at the head and also at a distance from the head along the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Profil Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Rudolf R.M. Muller
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Patent number: 5933944Abstract: A fastener apparatus, which attaches a first article to a second article at a setting station, includes a plate-like support, a feed in finger for receiving and engaging a first article at a first predetermined position, and a lever pivotally mounted on the support and pivotally connected to the feed in finger. A spring continuously urges the lever to pivot to move the feed in finger along a substantially horizontal predetermined path from the first predetermined position to a second predetermined position at the setting station. A cam surface of a cam element, which is vertically movable in response to vertical movement of a ram housing, acts on a roller on the lever for rendering the spring ineffective and for moving the feed in finger from the second predetermined position to the first predetermined position.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Eastlex Machine CorporationInventors: Volker Schmidt, Jeffery P. Harris
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Patent number: 5931630Abstract: A material feeding apparatus for supplying surface mounting elements for suction by a suction nozzle for surface mounting on PC boards, the apparatus including a first casing, a second casing connected in series to the first casing in an oblique position, first holder means which holds a delivery pipe on the first casing, second holder means which holds a stack of material pipes on the second casing, a material take-up unit mounted on the first casing and controlled to take out surface mounting elements from the delivery pipe for suction by the suction nozzle above, vibration motors controlled to vibrate the delivery pipe and the material pipes, enabling surface mounting elements to be shaken out of the material pipes into the delivery pipe in proper order and then shaken out of the delivery pipe to the material take-up unit, and an empty pipe return drive unit controlled to carry emptied material pipes away from the second casing.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1998Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Harmony Technology Corp.Inventor: Sammy Tsai
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Patent number: 5930140Abstract: A circuit component supplying system including a plurality of feeders each of which stores a plurality of circuit components of at least one sort and supplies the circuit components of the one sort, one by one, a feeder holder including a plurality of feeder holding portions which hold the plurality of feeders, respectively, and a managing device which manages the supplying of the circuit components by the each of the feeders, the each feeder including a code holder which holds at least a feeder identification code distinguishing the each feeder from the other feeders, and the managing device managing the supplying of the circuit components by the each feeder, based on the feeder identification code held by the code holder of the each feeder.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Fuji Machine Mfg. Co. Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Asai, Kunio Oe, Masayuki Shimmura, Seigo Kodama, Tetsunori Kawasumi
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Patent number: 5926947Abstract: The rubber plug fitting apparatus includes a temporary receiver (4) disposed after the feeder (3); a rubber plug holder (5) pivotable 90 degrees by a first drive means (29); a transfer pin (7) for transferring the rubber plug (2) to the holder (5); a wire guide (11) disposed opposite the holder (5) when the latter is pivotated 90 degrees with the rubber plug held therein, which supports a wire (9); a second drive means (37) for moving the holder in a rubber plug fitting direction; and a third drive means (36) for moving the guide (11) in the same direction. A waterproofing rubber plug is reliably fitted over a wire with high positional accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Yukinori Takano, Mitsuru Yoshikawa, Akira Sugiyama
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Patent number: 5906041Abstract: A machine for driving inserts into pieces of sheet metal includes an automatic loading device having a plurality of cartridges containing inserts of different types. Each cartridge can be connected selectively to an insert-supply duct integral with the punch.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1996Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Assignee: Amada America, Inc.Inventors: Katsuhide Ito, Mario Scavino
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Patent number: 5901435Abstract: This invention pertains to a device for the automatic installation of aerial beacons on a cable. The device has magazines for the distribution of half-beacons (12a, 12b) and means (16) for putting into place and assembly on the cable of half-beacons (14) respectively distributed by the magazines in order to form the beacons. Accordingly to the invention, the device incorporates attachment means (20, 22) for suspending on the cable (18) and for moving along a cable in a movement direction (X), the means (16) for putting into place and assembly being placed on the device so as to install the beacons behind the attachment means with respect to the movement direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1996Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: Electricite De France Service NationalInventor: Patrick Vallee
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Patent number: 5850686Abstract: An apparatus for the high-volume manufacture of assembled wall frame structures for use in the residential and commercial building industry is arranged to receive and support a pair of laterally spaced apart top and bottom plate members and move them longitudinally in indexed, stepwise increments through a stud-inserting and fastening station in which wall stud members are automatically positioned to engage and extend perpendicularly between the plate members at predetermined intervals therealong, whereupon the opposite ends of a stud member are secured to the opposite plate members by a fastening device, whereby complete wall frame assemblies may be quickly and efficiently made on a continuous basis according to desired specification as ordered and thence delivered to a construction site for erection.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1996Date of Patent: December 22, 1998Assignee: Gary J. HabermanInventor: Michael M. Mertes
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Patent number: 5839187Abstract: An apparatus and a method for mounting a chip make it possible to accomplish quick chip mounting and also to mount multiple different chips on substrates. Three heads are provided around a center rod of a head assembly; they horizontally rotate around the center rod. When the heads rotate horizontally, they are turned 180 degrees vertically by a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear. A nozzle of one of the heads picks up a flip chip from a wafer sheet and rotates 180 degrees horizontally to transfer the flip chip to a transferring head, during which it vertically inverts 180 degrees so as to vertically invert the flip chip. The transferring head receives the flip chip from the head and mounts it on a substrate. According to the type of chips to be mounted, the heads and the transferring head are equipped with nozzles best suited for the type of chips.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1996Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seiichi Sato, Kenichi Otake
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Patent number: 5829134Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a spool valve into a valve bore of a body by providing compressed gas to the valve bore at a pressure below the pressure of compressed gas supplied to a passage within a carrier body containing a spool valve substantially concentrically aligned with the valve bore to advance the spool valve from the passage into the valve bore. The compressed gas in the passage provides a force acting generally uniformly on the spool valve substantially concentrically aligning the spool valve within the passage. The compressed gas supplied to the valve bore also acts substantially uniformly on the spool valve tending to substantially concentrically align the spool valve within the valve bore when the spool valve is advanced therein. While the gas in the passage and the valve bore align the spool valve, the higher pressure of the gas in the passage advances the spool valve into the valve bore.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Unova IP Corp.Inventors: Lane M. Johnson, Robert W. Wednieski
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Patent number: 5813114Abstract: A fastening machine (1) includes a guide block (11) with a rivet delivery passage (12). Rivets (17) are supplied from a source via a tube (22) and are delivered through a rivet supply passage (20) to the rivet delivery passage. The rivet delivery passage includes a plurality of spring-loaded balls (60) on the inside thereof to maintain the heads of the rivets in alignment with a punch (16).Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1995Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Henrob Ltd.Inventors: Stuart Edmund Blacket, Ralph Fuhrmeister