Abstract: Apparatus for joining together two wires by deforming a crimping clip around the wires. The apparatus has a pair of crimping jaws and a support member for the clip, the jaws and support member moving into a crimping position to deform the clip around the wires. The jaws and support member are moved by a toggle linkage which develops an output force which varies with the condition of the toggle and increases as the jaws and support member move toward the crimping position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method particularly adapted for use in continuously setting blind rivets having elongated mandrels in suitably apertured material.

Abstract: Force maintaining toggle systems wherein maximum or near maximum force is maintained by a series of step wise toggle engagements. The forces may be applied between spaced objects arranged oppositely or circularly.

Abstract: A method of preparing a rain gutter for connection of a downspout thereto comprising forming a downspout opening by partial separation of material in the gutter bottom wall, displacing material remaining integral with the bottom wall from the area of the opening into a continuous downward lip flange around the edge of the opening and a connection extension means for engagement within the upper end of a downspout aligned with the opening. The connection extension means are formed into a plurality of downwardly projecting tabs which are connected to a downspout assembled therewith by means of screws. The method can be practiced on gutters which are first hung on a building in position to remain thereon whereby the exact position required for the downspout opening can be provided with the opening and continuous lip flange and extension means.

Abstract: A horizontal support frame having an upstanding lever pivoted to the frame adjacent one end thereof with the toggle comprising a pair of arms having adjacent ends pivoted together, the opposite end of one of the arms being pivotly connected adjacent the end of the frame opposite the upstanding lever. The opposite end of the other arm is pivotly connected to the upstanding lever intermediate the ends thereof. A hydraulic actuator for the upstanding lever comprises a cylinder having one end closed and the opposite end open, the closed end being pivotly connected to the pivotly connected ends of the toggle arms. A piston is reciprocally mounted in the cylinder and has a piston rod extending outwardly of the open end of the cylinder, the free end of the piston rod being pivotly connected to the frame on the same pivot pin pivotly connecting the lower end of the lever to the frame.