Abstract: An automatic assembly machine having multiple assembling heads in which a multiplicity of parts are assembled on a principal part at different positions, characterized by comprising a movable table carrying the principal part, and a plurality of assembling heads, fixedly disposed above the table along the area of movement thereof, for feeding and assembling different parts, said table being driven under the control of a numerical control device for operating on the coordinates of a position corresponding to a selected one of said assembling heads and on the coordinates of positions on the principal part at which the parts are to be assembled.

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: An apparatus for inserting integrated circuit packages into sockets on a burn-in board includes a plurality of loader heads, one for each column of sockets on the board, for pushing the packages into the sockets; a plurality of support means, one for each loader head, for aligning and supporting the package under the loader head; and a plurality of channels, one for each loader head, for delivering IC packages to the support means. Movement of the loader head in the downward direction clamps the IC package between the loader head and the support means for insertion of the package into the socket.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method and apparatus for substantially automatically setting needles of needle boards of machines for the production of textile needle-felt webs, with needles of which the rear shaft end is bent by 90.degree.

Abstract: A process for inserting points (38) in a mandrel (36) and a machine for performing this process. A working head (40) simultaneously ensures the insertion of a point and the making of a perforation (112) in the mandrel by means of a punch (94). The perforation is made in the same longitudinal row as the inserted point and towards the front with respect to the latter, in such a way that it is subsequently possible to guide a point following a rotation of one or more turns of the mandrel. The invention is applicable to the production of members or bodies of revolution made from three-dimensional material.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for forcing snap rings onto pins or rods of the type adapted to receive a snap ring. Apparatus is provided for moving or transferring successive snap rings to a position wherein they are aligned with the ends of the pins. Apparatus is further provided for then forcing the snap rings over a mandrel and onto the ends of the pins.

Abstract: An automatic assembly machine having multiple assembling heads in which a multiplicity of parts are assembled on a principal part at different positions, characterized by comprising a movable table carrying the principal part, and a plurality of assembling heads, fixedly disposed above the table along the area of movement thereof, for feeding and assembling different parts, said table being driven under the control of a numerical control device for operating on the coordinates of a position corresponding to a selected one of said assembling heads and on the coordinates of positions on the principal part at which the parts are to be assembled.

Abstract: A machine and method for assembling cables and precast grids or blocks into articulated erosion control revetment mats which utilizes a transfer roller conveyor oriented at right angles to a mat receiving belt or roller conveyor and communicating with the mat receiving conveyor by means of a right angle transfer table, together with a hydraulical powered push bar. One embodiment utilizes a belt-type mat receiving conveyor and an automatic push bar position sensing mechanism to activate the mat receiving conveyor and stop the mat and push bar at the proper position and return the push bar after it reaches its extreme of travel. A second embodiment of the invention is designed to be easily transported and assembled at a construction site and to have low power consumption requirements. A cable handling rake utilized with the machine and method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool for automatically mounting the halves of a split valve stem key in the bore of a spring-retaining washer and around the stem of a valve in a combustion engine. A tool is primarily intended to be used in combination with a handling robot. It comprises a pressure element for compressing a valve spring, magazines for the valve stem key halves, a transportation channel and a transportation member to bring the halves to the required position for assembly around the valve stem and in the washer.

Abstract: A fixture (31) is constructed of plastic for holding a stack of electrical components (10) that are to be sequentially picked off (77) from the bottom of the stack and fed to a component insertion machine. The fixture includes a receiver (32) having a passageway (47) into which projects shoulder(s) 68 for supporting a tube (14) of components. The components are held in the tube, during loading and unloading by a stylus-like tool (30) which fits within a tube slot (26). The tool is used to support and guide the components during movement of the components through the receiver passageway onto or from a removable support tab (57) without spillage or jamming of the components in the passageway.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for assembling a core for a heat exchanger having front and rear inserts, a predetermined number of tubes and fins which are alternatively arranged between the front and rear inserts, comprising two parallel rows of horizontally moving chain attachments for receiving and carrying these core parts an insert throwing-in station, a tube throwing-in station and a fin throwing-in station, which stations are arranged in this order along the direction of the movement of the chain attachments.

Abstract: A carrier for supplying to an automatic assembling machine at least one chassis and several parts to be assembled on each chassis includes a first portion for receiving each chassis and a second portion associated with the first portion for storing the parts to be assembled on the chassis. According to the method, the chassis are loaded on the first portions of the carrier and sets of corresponding parts are loaded on the second portions in a predetermined relationship, whereupon, corresponding parts of the sets are simultaneously transferred to the respective chassis.

Abstract: First components such as lids (9) are assembled to second components such as electronic chip carriers (10). Each lid (9) has an external surface opposite a first mating face and each carrier (10) has a second mating face complementary with the first mating face of the lid (9). An assembly station contains a first frame (30) having first walls (31-35) for confining and first ledges (37-38) for supporting a lid (9). Frame (30) has an advantageous peripheral opening (39) suitable for passing therethrough portions of devices for transferring lids (9). Preferably such stations (25) are established in an array suitable for access by an array of lids (9) transferred by a first device (35). A first magazine (70) holds files of lids (9) with external surfaces of leading ones in an array for contact, pickup and transfer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for holding a conduit coupling in place during the process of transporting and attaching the coupling to a length of conduit which substantially eliminates problems with cross threading, coupling and conduit damage, lengths of conduit without couplings and the like.

Abstract: A storage and manipulating tool for replacement plunger heads includes a set of storage cavities in which replacement plunger heads (syringe tips) are stored. Each plunger head has an annular flange, and a socket for receiving the end of a cooperating plunger shaft and is stored in its cavity with its socket facing the open end of the storage cavity. The tool also includes elongated passage defining structure for receiving a related plunger shaft. The cross-sectional dimension of the elongated passage is uniform along its length and is less than the annular flange portion of a replacement plunger head stored in a cavity such that axial movement of a plunger shaft in the elongated passage is effective to remove the attached plunger head. The exposed attachment end of the plunger shaft is then inserted into a storage cavity to attach a replacement plunger head for removal from the storage cavity without handling the sealing surfaces of the plunger head.

Abstract: A device for mounting leadless chip-type electronic components on a substrate. A mounting head includes a slide which is displaceable in a guide in a single direction between a loading position and an unloading position, and a suction device which is displaceable in a vertical direction only at the area of the unloading position. A component to be mounted, dispensed from a magazine or from a carrier strip, is transported by the slide from the loading position to the unloading position where the component is picked up and then moved down onto the substrate by the suction device. As a result of the controlled displacement of the components in only two directions, accurate and reproduceable positioning of the component is achieved.

Abstract: Process and relative feeding device to provide small objects on a single plane, according to which in a series of magazines holding the stacked objects of different thicknesses and tolerances a differentiated operation pusher by adjustable stroke is caused to act upon one end of each of the magazines, whereas at the same time the opposite ends or free top openings of the magazines are closed by a stop device, the objects thus moving against the device; then moving the latter away from the openings and contacting the aligned external surface of the objects with the planar surface onto which the objects will be applied.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed for securing clamping garment hangers to individual garments and includes a hanger holding magazine with fixed and movable stops to release the hangers one-by-one to an attaching station where the hanger is automatically positioned to receive a garment. The station also includes reciprocable cantilevered arms for closing and locking the hanger on the garment. Also disclosed is a special package for bulk shipment of the hangers, collated into groups suitable for charging the magazine.

Abstract: A method of forming and attaching individual key tops to the key stems of a multi-key keyboard wherein each key top is formed of contrasting colors such that the key top indicia is clearly visually recognizable while also providing each key top with a bar code indicia for enabling a bar code reader to select a desired key top from among a random group of key tops and for enabling a transfer mechanism to selectably orient the selected key top with respect to a key stem for automatic attachment thereto.

Abstract: A method and machine for making a quick change drill assembly that can be snapped into and out of a spring-loaded ball-locking chuck. The assemblies are comprised of standard sized adapters having various sized bores to receive drills having shanks of corresponding interference-fit diameters. Adapters and drills are fed from opposite ends of the machine to positions from which they are interference fit and automatically discharged. The adapters are fed into a storage tube from a feeder bowl and in the storage tube they are selected or rejected according to the direction of the bore. Selected adapters are air driven to a magazine in a retracted position and from which it is movable to a supplying position. In the supplying position the individual adapter is forced into a radially biasing collet in a hydraulic press.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying slide fastener sliders comprises a track for carrying thereon the sliders stacked sideways with their respective pull tabs arranged in the recumbent position for gravity delivery of the sliders to a groove in a base. A slider retainer is engageable with the recumbent pull tab of the leading slider for retaining the same with the slider body position so as to release the same from engagement with the slider retainer, and substantially at the same time to allow the leading slider to fall in the groove. A feeding device feeds the slider in and along the groove to a predetermined position. The apparatus further comprises an arrangement for correcting the posture of the slider to have the pull tab raised substantially perpendicularly to the slider body wings.

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: The invention relates to a machine for automatically stacking plate groups for storage batteries. It comprises a plate separating means of separating plates one by one from a hopper and delivering them to the next step, a separator supplying means of supplying separators so as to rectangularly cross the delivered plates, a separator sealing means of sealing the side portions of the separators folded into two and coating the plates, a plate group unit assembling means for overlapping the plates coated with the separator with the opposite plate so as to be a unit, a plate group block assembling means for stacking a predetermined number of plate group units so as to be a block and a conveying means of conveying the plate group blocks to the next step and the respective means are so formed as to be operatively connected with one another.

Abstract: A machine for inserting quilting or tufting buttons of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,701,174, has male and female button drive mechanisms similar to those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,059,889, driven by a foot powered lever arrangement for rapidly tufting a pad or the like.

Abstract: Wood strands are oriented into parallelism with the aid of a number of adjacent, generally parallel spaces defined by relatively thin, elongated guide members having flat sides with the longitudinal axes of the guide members extending substantially parallel to a support surface below the spaces for receiving the parallel, oriented wood strands. Each pair of adjacent guide members are moved in opposite directions to turn strands which span the guide members until the strand falls into the space therebetween. In one form of the invention, certain of the guide members have yielding projections on their upper margins and the other guide members have positive projections on their upper margins, each yielding projection having a pair of inclined end edges and each positive projection having end edges generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding guide member.

Abstract: A method whereby chip type circuit elements are mounted at predetermined locations on a printed circuit board by a suction means and apparatus for performing the method are disclosed. The suction means picks up each circuit element from a respective stack supported in a vertical magazine and transfers and positions them above the predetermined locations on the printed circuit board which can have a predetermined pattern of laminar conductors on the upper surface thereof. The circuit elements are then released by termination of the applied suction and adhered to the board by a thermoplastic adhesive setting operation.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a parts handling and storage system that can be directed toward the handling and storage of electronic components. The storage portion comprises a movable cabinet on wheels having a plurality of elongated tubular members or channels that receive components or parts along the length thereof. The tubular members or channels are driven on a linked basis parallel to each other by a gear movement and chain drive. In this manner, the channels themselves in their linked relationship form a chain of axially elongated links. Each respective channel or tubular member can be indexed at a given point for exposing the parts therein, so that they can be moved therealong into an adjacent track or channel or other handling means. The storage cabinet and tubular channel members when combined with an extended track can be associated at the end of the track with a second storage cabinet for receiving the parts after they have been processed from the first storage cabinet.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously inverting the orientation of sheaths comprises a rotationally indexing wheel having a concavity at a side surface thereof and a plurality of holes provided around the wheel spaced from each other, the holes extending from the outer periphery of the wheel to the concavity thereof for receiving the sheaths at a first station and transmitting the same to a second station at which the orientation of the sheaths is different from the orientation of the sheaths at the first station. The apparatus further comprises means for consecutively feeding the sheaths to the holes at the first station including means for continuously supplying the sheaths in an upright position in alignment with the hole to which the sheath is fed and means for transporting the sheaths supported by the supply means to the holes of the wheel, and means for releasing the sheaths from the holes at the second station to thereby place the sheaths onto the articles consecutively indexed.

Abstract: A spring wire clip for clipping together sheets has a head and a pair of legs extending forwardly and outwardly from the head. Each leg has a forward transverse portion and a return portion at the end of the transverse portion which lies substantially outside the width of the head. Apparatus for clipping a plurality of sheets with a spreadable spring clip having a head and a pair of legs has an upstanding magazine for the spring clips, a support for the sheets which are to be clipped together and a pusher for engaging the head of the lowermost clip in the magazine and advancing the clip to the sheet support. Cams interposed between the sheet support and the magazine are engaged by the clip as it is advanced for spreading the legs of the clip and then releasing them when they are overlying the sheet support.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing groups of integrated circuit (IC) packages in a pattern and quantity corresponding to the pattern of unpopulated IC sockets on a printed circuit board. The apparatus includes a plurality of storage racks stacked one on top of another, with each rack corresponding to one row of socket positions on the unpopulated printed circuit board. Each storage rack includes a number of loaded IC dispenser magazines corresponding to the number of positions in that rack's corresponding row of socket positions which are to be populated with IC packages. The storage racks are normally supported at an acute angle which is less than that at which IC packages will slide down the dispenser magazines. The bottom storage rack includes a handle and it is pivotable at its lower end. When the assembler-operator pulls up on the handle, the storage racks are pivoted to an angle at which one component is dispensed from each dispenser magazine.

Abstract: Automatic driving apparatus which sequentially inserts screws provided with washers into work pieces includes a chute formed with an opening transverse to its axis. Screws are fed sequentially through the opening into the chute. A driver in the chute is shaped for driving engagement with an introduced screw. A drive mechanism axially moves the driver in the chute and rotates the same in a plane transverse to the axis for thereby engaging the driver with the screw and axially moving the screw with the rotating driver. A magazine adapted to hold apertured washers is provided with a slide which sequentially moves the washers transversely to the chute axis from the magazine to a position of alignment of an aperture in the moved washer with an axially moving screw in the chute. A source of motive power is connected with the feeding mechanism for the screws, the drive mechanism, and the slide for transmitting motive power to the feeding mechanism, the drive mechanism, and the slide in timed sequence.

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: An inplace gasket belling machine wherein a plastic pipe is received in a tilt clamp fixture and tilted thereon for receiving a heating bell on one end portion of the pipe. Heated fluid is directed over the inserted pipe end portion. The heating bell may be withdrawn from the pipe in intermittent steps to afford a temperature gradient along the pipe end portion. The pipe is then tilted to a horizontal disposition for the insertion of a gasket belling mandrel into the heated end portion of the pipe. A gasket magazine is supported adjacent the mandrel for automatically placing an annular gasket on the mandrel for insertion into the pipe end portion. The mandrel includes an outer housing and a mandrel body portion telescopically received within the outer housing. The outer housing has a stop shoulder and a gasket positioning sleeve extended forwardly therefrom. The mandrel body portion has a flared pipe expanding portion and a gasket carrying portion rearwardly thereof.

Abstract: A rock bolting apparatus comprises a rock drill, a bolt setting apparatus, and a magazine for rock bolts. Plates for the bolts are stapled in a magazine separated from the bolts. The plate magazine is located at the front end of the bolt magazine. The plates are used to centralize the bolts relative to the borehole.

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: Method and apparatus for serially dispensing dual-in-line-type integrated circuit devices for use in manually loading circuit boards. Integrated circuit devices are placed in queues in a plurality of dispensers. The dispensers are adapted to serially release individual circuit devices to an access position within the dispensers. The dispensers are mounted on laterally moveable frames in a rack and can be withdrawn from the rack over a circuit board at an array position substantially directly over and adjacent the position on the circuit board into which the circuit devices are to be loaded. The dispensers comprise an indexing head which is adapted to release only single ones of circuit devices for rapid and convenient manual transfer from the access position of the dispensers to the load position of the board. A plurality of stations can be disposed in an assembly line with a board advancement mechanism to implement speed controlled loading of circuit boards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for loading film cassettes, in particular Super 8 Cassettes, with a film and a spool at the end thereof, wherein the loading device comprises means for conforming the said loop of film in shape to the shape of the narrow passages, and means for pushing the film so conformed sideways into the cassette.

Abstract: There is herein disclosed a cartridge feed mechanism that is used with an axial lead component inserter, the mechanism including an indexed cartridge having an outlet port communicating with a gravity slide leading to the inserter's insertion head, the cartridge having a plurality of radially extending compartments adapted to temporarily house axial lead components until the cartridge is indexed registering a compartment with the outlet port.

Abstract: A stuffing apparatus for a machine having a stuffing station and adapted successively to deliver objects, having cavities to be stuffed, to the stuffing station, the apparatus having a magazine housing individual segments of stuffing material; a plunger assembly borne by the machine for movement along a path of travel through the magazine to drive one of the segments from the magazine and into the cavity of an object in the stuffing station; and a mechanism for synchronously indexing the magazine transversely of the path of travel of the plunger assembly to position one of the segments in the path prior to each movement of the plunger assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for serially feeding and crimping a plurality of electrical contacts of the type having an open-ended, ferrule head portion adapted to receive an uninsulated end of an electrical wire and to be crimped into electrically conductive contact therewith. The contacts are serially discharged from an annular hopper and caused to attain an upright position. First and second tracks, mutually aligned and vertically spaced one from the other, are provided for transporting the electrical contacts, while in the upright position, from the hopper to a mechanism for feeding the contacts into a crimping chamber. The tracks have a downward inclination from the hopper which is insufficient to permit sliding movement of the contacts absent vibratory movement of the tracks, which movement is derived from a vibratory device connected to the hopper.

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: An automatic machine for assembling and banding together the components making up an expansion shell so that the assembly can be conveniently packaged and shipped. In one embodiment, the machine contains a series of work stations arranged to assemble the bolt components within a die. The expansion shell halves are staked to a common strap and the components then passed through a combination forming gage and banding mechanism which aligns the parts in assembly and bands them together using a plastic sleeve. In a second embodiment of the invention, the expansion shells are staked to the strap prior to being loaded into the die.

Abstract: A method and device for assembling pre-shaped pairs of coaxially mating parts in interfitting assembled relationship one within the other and briefly embodying the concepts of rotating the mating parts in unassembled positionally oriented relationship through a first arcuate path with the corresponding interfitting portions thereof disposed transversely of their respective rotational planes and in adjacent confronting relationship with one another, and concurrently rotating an axially elongated assembly member in rotational synchronization with the mating parts and through a second arcuate path deployed in adjacent oblique planar relationship with the arcuate path of rotation of the mating parts to thereby direct the assembly member to travel along an arcuate path disposed to cause the assembly member to uniformly advance and retreat relative to the arcuate path of rotation of the mating parts and during such advance to forcefully urge the mating parts into assembled interfitting relationship one within the o

Abstract: The present apparatus is directed to the assembling in concentric relation of a ferrule and a sleeve member wherein one of said elements is resilient. Where the sleeve is resilient and the ferrule is a rigid metallic member the sleeve may be compressed while being forced into said ferrule. A pair of endless members arranged in spaced parallel relation to one another engage said sleeve with the ferrule positioned between said members, and said endless members move over a camming surface for forcing the sleeve onto the ferrule.

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: A machine for attaching solar cells to a flexible substrate having printed circuitry deposited thereon. The strip is fed through a first station in which solar cells are elevated into engagement with solder pads for the printed circuitry and thereafter heated by an infrared lamp, a second station at which flux and solder residue is removed, a third station at which electrical performance of the soldered cells is determined, a fourth station at which an encapsulating resin is deposited on the cells, a fifth station at which the encapsulated solar cells are examined for electrical performance and a final station at which the resulting array is wound on a take-up drum.

Abstract: An improved escapement is provided for use with a channel for feeding successive components to insure their continuous and individual release therefrom. The escapement includes elements for holding a next-to-endmost component in cooperation with a land extending lengthwise in the channel, in unobstructive position while the endmost component is released. The invention has particular advantages when one or more components in a stacked series may be of a form tending to overlap or have a small irregularity, such as a protruding flashing for instance, causing shingling and hence resisting automatic feeding one-by-one in the channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking up one or several flexible annular parts such as an endless rubber belts from a random stack thereof, and for separating, during a conveyance of the picked up parts, into independent pieces. As the parts are successively conveyed to a feeding position a plurality of claws are inserted into the earliest part so as to stretch the part radially outwardly and hold the part in the stretched condition. The claws then convey the part to a fitting position with the claws then releasing the part from the stretched condition and transferring it to the article, thereby fitting the flexible annular part around the article.

Abstract: A slide fastener slider is assembled from a stock of slider bodies, pull tabs and springs with apparatus which loads a body on an anvil at a loading station, moves the anvil to an assembly station and at the assembly station positions a pull tab to receive the lugs on the body therein, inserts a spring over the pull tab trunnion and between the lugs, the tip ends of the lugs thereafter being clenched to fixedly secure the spring to the body. The assembled slider is then ejected from the anvil to a collection point. In a further embodiment, the slider body instead of having lugs between which the spring is received and the tip ends of which are clenched to hold the spring, has lugs with recesses at the outer side surfaces thereof. The wing-like sides of the spring are inserted over the tip ends of such lugs with a spreading action until the spring sides snap into the recesses to secure the spring to the body.