Fastener cartridge for a conveyor belt fastener applicator

Abstract

On one hand, a system for securing fasteners to the end of a conveyor belt is provided. The system includes a fastener base for supporting the fastener, the fastener base including a plurality of aligned fastener holes configured to receive U-shaped studs from a lower plate of the fastener. The system also includes an applicator including a plurality of actuating members operable to engage with the fastener holes of the fastener base to advance the applicator along the fastener base, fix the applicator relative to the fastener base, and drive the legs of the U-shaped studs through the conveyor belt and into holes in the upper plate of the fastener. The applicator is operable to press the upper plate of the fastener against the end of the conveyor belt and bend the ends of the U-shaped stud legs against the upper plate of the fastener to secure the fastener to the end of the conveyor belt.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to tools for attaching the ends of conveyor belts, and more specifically, to tools for attaching fasteners to the ends of conveyor belts. Background Technology

[0002] Conveyor belt fasteners are used to connect the ends of conveyor belts, such as during conveyor belt installation or for repairing damaged conveyor belts. In some methods, each conveyor belt fastener has an upper plate and a lower plate connected by one or more bow-shaped hinge rings. Each fastener has one or more U-shaped studs pre-installed or pre-set in holes in one of the plates of the fastener.

[0003] To attach the end of a conveyor belt, one end of the conveyor belt is positioned between the upper and lower plates of a fastener, and a machine is used to secure the plates of the fastener to the conveyor belt. British Patent No. 2 202 605B discloses a conventional apparatus for securing fasteners to a conveyor belt. This apparatus has an upper die portion and a lower punch portion, which move relative to each other and contact three fasteners on the conveyor belt via an extension of the apparatus's pneumatic hammer. The upper die portion has an alignment head, a U-shaped pin folding die, and a U-shaped pin flattening head, each contacting a different one of the three fasteners. The apparatus operates by moving the upper die portion and the lower punch portion together, such that the alignment head clamps the plate of the first fastener onto the belt and presses the U-shaped pin through the upper and lower plates and the belt between them. Moving the upper die portion and the lower punch portion together causes the U-shaped pin folding die to bend the end of the U-shaped pin of the second fastener, which has already undergone the clamping step. Furthermore, the upper die portion and the lower punch portion move together so that the U-shaped pin flattening head presses down on the bent end of the third associated U-shaped pin in the fastener that has already undergone the clamping and U-shaped pin folding steps.

[0004] Then, the '605 patent device moves along the conveyor belt, and the upper die portion and the lower punch portion come together again. This causes the device to subject the first fastener to a U-shaped folding step, the second fastener to a pressing step, and the third fastener to a clamping step. This sequence is repeated along the belt until all fasteners are secured to the belt. Because the '605 patent device performs one step of the fastener securing process each time the device moves along the conveyor belt, the '605 patent device starts from one side of the conveyor belt and moves across the conveyor belt until it reaches the other side. This sequential operation prevents the user from starting the '605 patent device from a location other than one side of the conveyor belt (e.g., in the middle of the conveyor belt). Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect, an applicator is provided for securing fasteners to a conveyor belt, comprising a body and a propulsion assembly, at least one anvil, a pusher, and at least one slider movably mounted on the body. The propulsion assembly is operable to engage a portion of a fastener base to move the body along the fastener base to a fastener position along the fastener base. The at least one anvil and the pusher are operable to contact an upper plate of a fastener received in the fastener base at the fastener position to move the upper plate of the fastener toward the conveyor belt, and the pusher drives at least one U-shaped leg of the fastener through the conveyor belt. The at least one slider is operable to move along the upper plate of the fastener at the fastener position to bend the end of the drive leg of the fastener. The applicator also includes a common rotational drive shaft mounted on the body so that its rotation operates the propulsion assembly, at least one anvil, pusher, and at least one slider. In this way, rotation of the drive shaft operates the propulsion assembly, at least one anvil, pusher, and at least one slider, making the applicator intuitive and easy to use. Furthermore, the applicator performs upper plate movement, U-shaped screw leg drive, and U-shaped screw leg sliding on the fastener at the fastener location, allowing the applicator to move along the fastener base to any fastener location, and the rotation of the drive shaft causes the applicator to secure the fastener to the conveyor belt at the fastener location. This provides the user with improved flexibility in securing one or more fasteners to the conveyor belt, and contrasts with the device in the '605 patent, which advances sequentially along several fasteners to secure one of the fasteners to the conveyor belt.

[0006] In one embodiment, the applicator includes a cam plate that rotates with rotation of a drive shaft. The cam plate is connected to at least one anvil, a pusher, and at least one slider, such that rotation of the drive shaft causes rotation of the cam plate and movement of at least one anvil, pusher, and slider. The cam plate provides a compact and efficient way to transmit torque applied to the drive shaft by the actuator to at least one anvil, pusher, and slider.

[0007] According to another aspect, a manual applicator is provided for securing fasteners to a conveyor belt, comprising a body, a guide mounted on the body, and the guide being operable such that a portion of the guide engages a fastener base to secure the body at a fastener position along the fastener base. The applicator includes at least one anvil, a pusher, and at least one slider mounted on the body, movable relative to the fastener while the guide holds the body secured to the fastener base at the fastener position along the guide base. The applicator includes a handle movably mounted to the body and configured for manual operation such that at least one anvil, pusher, and at least one slider are driven by movement of the handle to move the upper plate of the fastener toward the conveyor belt, drive the U-shaped legs of the fastener through the conveyor belt, and bend the ends of the U-shaped legs, while the guide secures the body at the fastener position. Because the guide secures the body at the fastener position, the applicator operates at least one anvil, guide, and at least one slider to perform their operations on the fastener at the fastener position before the guide retracts and the applicator advances to the next fastener position. If the applicator fails to secure the fastener to the conveyor belt, for example, due to the U-shaped pin leg not being inserted into the hole in the fastener's upper plate, the user can simply move the handle to retract the guide and move the applicator to the next fastener position. This allows the user to easily skip the faulty fastener and complete securing the remaining fasteners to the end of the conveyor belt. Therefore, this applicator offers an advantage compared to the '605 patent device, which performs different operations on three fasteners at a time. For example, if one of the operations of the '605 patent device causes a fastener to become faulty, the faulty fastener must be replaced and the operation sequence repeated on the replaced fastener. The presence of two other fasteners previously successfully secured to the belt may interfere with the '605 patent device's operation sequence on the replaced fastener.

[0008] A method for securing fasteners to a conveyor belt is also provided, comprising rotating a drive shaft of an applicator to advance the applicator along a fastener base to a first fastener position. The rotation of the drive shaft also causes the applicator to secure a first fastener having at least one U-shaped pin to the conveyor belt while the applicator remains in the first fastener position. In this manner, the applicator is easy to use because rotating the drive shaft advances the applicator along the fastener base to the first fastener position and secures the first fastener to the conveyor belt. Furthermore, by securing the first fastener to the end of the conveyor belt while the applicator remains in the first fastener position, the first fastener is secured before the applicator moves to a different fastener position. This allows the user to avoid securing fasteners to the conveyor belt in a specific order along the belt and allows the user to skip abnormal fasteners and continue securing fasteners to the conveyor belt.

[0009] In one form, operating the actuator to rotate the drive shaft of the applicator involves pivoting the handle of the applicator downwards from an upper starting position to a lower end position. This allows the user to use their hands, their arms, core, and back muscles to pull the handle downwards, thus providing a biomechanical advantage. This is particularly advantageous in confined spaces such as mines.

[0010] On the other hand, a manual applicator is provided for securing conveyor belt fasteners to a conveyor belt, comprising a body configured to be connected to a fastener base, a handle manually movable relative to the body, and at least one anvil and a pusher movable relative to the body. The handle has an operating mode in which at least one anvil and the pusher are driven from their initial positions by movement of the handle to move the upper plate of the fastener toward the conveyor belt and drive the U-shaped stud legs of the fastener through the conveyor belt. The handle also has a return mode in which at least one anvil and the pusher return to their initial positions. The applicator further includes a resilient drive assist device that is resiliently loaded during movement of the handle in its return mode and unloaded during movement of the handle in its operating mode to provide bias assistance. The resilient drive assist device complements the force applied by the user to the handle and assists in moving at least one anvil, the pusher, and / or one or more other components of the applicator. This force from the resilient drive assist device helps the user overcome the motion resistance of at least one anvil, the pusher, and / or one or more other components of the applicator due to friction or inertia. For example, the applicator may include a propulsion member configured to engage a fastener base, and when the handle is in operating mode, a resilient drive aid may be unloaded to assist the movement of the propulsion member.

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a system for securing fasteners to the end of a conveyor belt is provided. The system includes a fastener base for supporting the fastener, the fastener base including a plurality of aligned fastener holes configured to receive U-shaped studs of a lower plate of the fastener. The system also includes an applicator including a plurality of actuating members operable to engage with the fastener holes of the fastener base to advance the applicator along the fastener base, fix the applicator relative to the fastener base, and drive the ends of the U-shaped stud legs through the conveyor belt and into holes in the upper plate of the fastener. The applicator is operable to press the upper plate of the fastener against the end of the conveyor belt and bend the ends of the U-shaped stud legs against the upper plate of the fastener to secure the fastener to the end of the conveyor belt. In this way, the applicator is configured to move along the fastener base, position itself along the base at the fastener location, and secure the fastener to the end of the conveyor belt by engaging with the fastener holes of the fastener base.

[0012] This disclosure also provides a system for securing fasteners to the end of a conveyor belt. The system includes an applicator and a fastener base having a plurality of aligned fastener holes configured to receive U-shaped fasteners. The applicator includes a pushing member at least a portion of which is configured to extend into the fastener holes, operable to move the applicator along the fastener base. The applicator includes a guide configured to extend into the fastener holes and secure the applicator along the fastener base, and an anvil configured to contact the fastener and move the upper plate toward the conveyor belt end received in the fastener. The applicator also includes a pusher operable to advance into the fastener holes to drive the ends of the legs of the fastener U-shaped fastener through the conveyor belt end and into the holes in the upper plate of the fastener. The applicator has a slider operable to bend the ends of the U-shaped fastener legs against the upper plate of the fastener and secure the fastener to the conveyor belt end. The advancing member, guide, and advancer mate with the fastener holes and allow the applicator to move along the fastener base to any fastener location and secure the fastener to the end of the conveyor belt at that location. This method contrasts with some existing applicators, which must advance sequentially along the entire belt end due to the sequence of fastener clamping, U-pin driving, and sliding operations performed by existing applicators.

[0013] In another aspect of this disclosure, a fastener base is provided for facilitating the attachment of fasteners to the end of a conveyor belt. The fastener base includes a lower base member having a plurality of lower holes and an upper base member having a plurality of upper holes. The upper base member is configured to be detachably coupled to the lower base member. The lower holes of the lower base member and the upper holes of the upper base member engage to form a plurality of fastener holes configured to receive U-shaped pins for attachment to the end of the conveyor belt. Each fastener hole includes a wall portion spaced apart from each other across the fastener hole, the wall portion being configured to engage with a guide of an applicator to secure the applicator relative to the fastener hole. The wall portion of the fastener hole is configured to guide the U-shaped pins of the fastener and the applicator's pusher through the fastener hole when a pusher drives the U-shaped pins into the end of the conveyor belt. Due to the movement of the U-shaped pins and the pusher through the upper holes, the upper base member may wear over time. The worn upper base member can be replaced by separating the upper base member and attaching a new upper base member to the lower base member. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of a conveyor belt fastener applicator system, showing the applicator and fastener base used to secure conveyor belt fasteners to the end of the conveyor belt;

[0015] Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the applicator and fastener base, showing the applicator slidably mounted to the fastener base;

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A The left front view of the applicator shows the applicator removed from the fastener base and the housing of the removed applicator;

[0017] Figure 3 It is similar to Figure 2 The view shows the applicator's internal components, including the pivot head and the applicator's body, with the frame plate removed.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the applicator, with parts removed to show the applicator's pusher arm, guide, and U-shaped nail pusher;

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A front view of the cam plate of the applicator, showing the cam path that controls the operation of the applicator;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a side view of the applicator head and the height adjustment mechanism for the head;

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the anvil and slider assembly of the head, showing the anvil and slider assembly slidably housed in the guide rail of the height adjustment mechanism;

[0022] Figure 8 It is similar to Figure 7 The view shows the anvil and slider assembly removed from the guide rail, with the slider of the assembly in the outer position;

[0023] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A front view of the anvil and slider assembly, showing the anvil sandwiched between the right anvil, left anvil and center anvil;

[0024] Figure 10 This is a left-side elevation view of the right anvil, showing the recessed area of ​​the right anvil, which includes a rocker arm recess for forming a rocker pivot joint with the right slider.

[0025] Figure 11 It is a perspective view of the left and right sliders located on opposite sides of the central anvil, showing the pins extending through the arcuate grooves of each slider;

[0026] Figure 12 This is a right-side elevation view of the right slider, showing the contents housed within. Figure 10 The upper rocker arm portion in the rocker arm recess of the right anvil;

[0027] Figure 13This is a left-side elevation view of the central anvil, showing the inner and outer lugs located at the lower end of the central anvil;

[0028] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 The bottom plan view of the central anvil shows the inner lug that is laterally offset from the outer lug;

[0029] Figure 15A This is a perspective view of a fastener that can be used with the applicator system of Figure 1;

[0030] Figure 15B yes Figure 15A A three-dimensional view of the fastener strip;

[0031] Figure 16 It is along Figure 15A The bottom plan view of the upper plate of the fastener, taken in the 16-16 direction, shows... Figure 14 The inner and outer lugs of the center anvil are located on the inner and outer edge portions of the fastener plate, respectively.

[0032] Figure 17 This is a bottom plan view of an alternative embodiment of the central anvil, showing a single inner lug that is laterally offset from the outer lug;

[0033] Figure 18 yes Figure 4 An elevation view of the thruster, guide, and thrust arm, showing the linkage connecting the thrust arm to the guide;

[0034] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A perspective view of the thruster and guide, showing the pivotal connection components for connecting the thruster to and disconnecting from the guide;

[0035] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 The left-side elevation view of the thruster shows the housing Figure 19 The tooth of the connecting component, the recess of the thruster, and the elongated channel below the recess;

[0036] Figure 21 yes Figure 2 An elevation view of the front guide wall of the applicator shows a control groove for receiving a pin of the connecting member and a beveled portion of the control groove for pivoting the connecting member when the guide moves vertically upward to a predetermined vertical position.

[0037] Figure 22 yes Figure 2 An elevation view of the rear guide wall of the applicator shows a matching control groove on the side of the connecting member opposite to the front guide wall, which accommodates the pin of the connecting member.

[0038] Figure 23 A perspective view is shown of a pin of a connecting member in the angled portion of the control slot of the rear guide wall, for pivoting the connecting member away from the thruster and disconnecting the guide from the thruster after the guide reaches its predetermined vertical position.

[0039] Figure 24 It is similar to Figure 3 The left-side elevation view has removed parts of the applicator to show the applicator head, pusher, and slider cam follower in the corresponding cam path of the cam plate at the initial, starting position of the applicator;

[0040] Figure 25 The cam plate is shown from Figure 24 The angular position A is rotated clockwise to angular position C, which causes the thruster and guide to move upward;

[0041] Figure 26 The diagram shows the cam plate rotating clockwise to angular position F, which causes the head of the applicator tool to move the upper plate of the fastener downwards to the lower plate;

[0042] Figure 27 The diagram shows the cam plate rotating clockwise to angular position H, which causes the pusher to move upward and drive the U-shaped pin of the fastener;

[0043] Figure 28 The cam plate is shown to rotate clockwise to angular position I, which causes the slider to bend the protruding end of the U-shaped pin leg and to pivot the head slightly upward during the sliding operation;

[0044] Figure 29 The cam plate is shown to rotate clockwise to angular position J, which causes the head to pivot downwards and finally clamp the U-shaped pin leg onto the upper plate of the fastener;

[0045] Figure 30 The diagram shows the cam plate rotating clockwise to the end angle position K, which positions the head, pusher, and slider cam followers at the ends of their respective cam paths;

[0046] Figure 31 yes Figure 4 An elevation view of the actuator, guide, and push arm of the applicator, showing the actuator, guide, and push arm in their initial positions when the cam plate is in angular position A.

[0047] Figure 32 It is shown that when the cam plate moves to angular position B, the thruster moves upward, and the guide moves upward with the thruster because the pivoting connecting member of the guide extends into the recess of the thruster;

[0048] Figure 33This shows that when the cam plate moves to angular position C, the pusher and guide continue to move upward together;

[0049] Figure 34 This shows that when the cam plate moves to angular position D, the connecting member pivots away from the thruster;

[0050] Figure 35 This shows that when the cam plate moves to angular position E, the guide separates from the propeller and the propeller continues to move vertically upward;

[0051] Figure 36 This shows that when the cam plate moves to angular position G, the pusher moves upward to drive the U-shaped pin of the fastener, while the guide remains stationary;

[0052] Figure 37 This shows that when the cam plate moves to angular position H, the pusher moves completely vertically upward to drive the U-shaped nail through the conveyor belt, while the guide remains stationary;

[0053] Figure 38 It is a perspective view of a seal that can be used in a sealing applicator and faces the front opening of the fastener and the fastener base;

[0054] Figure 39 This is an elevation view of the seal, showing the through opening in the seal that accommodates the applicator portion;

[0055] Figure 40 yes Figure 38 The left-side elevation view of the seal shows the recess on the bushing of the applicator where the seal is mounted;

[0056] Figure 41 It is similar to Figure 6 The view shows a seal that connects to the bushing of the applicator and covers the front opening of the applicator;

[0057] Figure 42 It is similar to Figure 41 The view shows the head of the applicator pivoting downwards, the seal continuing to cover the opening of the applicator, and the deflection of the seal (dashed line) due to contact with a portion of the head;

[0058] Figure 43 yes Figure 1B The left-side elevation view of one end of the fastener base shows a generally inverted T-shaped construction, including the enlarged lower portion of the fastener base.

[0059] Figure 44 yes Figure 43 A top view of the fastener base shows the generally H-shaped fastener U-shaped nail receiving hole of the fastener base.

[0060] Figure 45This is a bottom view of the fastener base, showing the lower part of the enlarged hole;

[0061] Figure 46 This is a three-dimensional view of the bottom of the fastener base, showing the elongated oval sidewall below the fastener hole;

[0062] Figure 47 yes Figure 3 A side view of one of the actuator arms of the applicator;

[0063] Figure 48 yes Figure 3 A side view of one of the slider arms of the applicator;

[0064] Figure 49 yes Figure 3 A side view of one of the head arms of the applicator; and

[0065] Figure 50 This is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the thruster, showing the two-piece structure of the thruster.

[0066] Figure 51 This is a left-side elevation view of another applicator, showing the applicator handle in the upper starting position, and the dashed line indicating the lower end position of the handle;

[0067] Figure 52 It is similar to Figure 51 The view shows the side plate of the applicator removed to reveal the internal components of the applicator, including the cam plate of the applicator in the starting position;

[0068] Figure 53 It is similar to Figure 52 The view shows the cam plate of the applicator rotating to the end position of the head, slider, and pusher of the driven applicator;

[0069] Figure 54 yes Figure 51 An elevation view of the cam plate of the applicator, showing the cam path that controls the operation of the applicator;

[0070] Figure 55 yes Figure 51 Side view of the cam plate, pusher, pusher arm and elastic drive auxiliary device of the applicator;

[0071] Figure 56 It is similar to Figure 55 The view shows that the springs of the elastic drive auxiliary device that helps pivot the thruster arm have been unloaded as the cam plate rotates to the end position.

[0072] Figure 57 When the handle is in the starting position Figure 51An elevation view of the applicator's thruster, guide, and propulsion assembly;

[0073] Figure 58 It is similar to Figure 57 The view shows the thruster, guide, and propulsion assembly when the handle has been pivoted to the end position;

[0074] Figure 59 yes Figure 51 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the applicator head shows an upper rocker arm in one of the sliders, which is received in a rocker arm recess in the central anvil of the applicator head;

[0075] Figure 60 yes Figure 51 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the applicator, which has another elastically driven auxiliary component;

[0076] Figure 61 yes Figure 51 A partial schematic diagram of the applicator, which has additional elastically driven auxiliary components;

[0077] Figure 62 The perspective view is a part of an alternative fastener base, including a lower base member fixed together and multiple upper base segments, such that the fastener base has multiple fastener holes.

[0078] Figure 63 yes Figure 62 A partial exploded view of a portion of the fastener base;

[0079] Figure 64 yes Figure 62 An enlarged perspective view of a portion of the fastener base, showing the upper part of the H-shaped hole for each fastener hole;

[0080] Figure 65 yes Figure 62 A top view of a portion of the fastener base, showing the upper part of the H-shaped hole of each fastener hole and the lower part of the enlarged portion of each fastener hole extending beyond the end of the upper base section;

[0081] Figure 66 yes Figure 62 A bottom view of a portion of the fastener base, showing the equal-width arrangement of the enlarged lower portion and the H-shaped upper portion, such that their corresponding sides are aligned;

[0082] Figure 67 It is similar to Figure 64 The perspective view shows a fastener with a U-shaped pin disposed in a fastener hole in the fastener base;

[0083] Figure 68 It is similar to Figure 67The perspective view shows the removal of a fastener body to reveal the U-shaped legs of the fastener's U-shaped pin in the corner cavity portion above the H-shaped hole and along the side surface of the fastener hole.

[0084] Figure 69 From Figure 67 A perspective view taken from below the fastener base shows a U-shaped pin leg extending through the upper part of the H-shaped hole and the lower part of the enlarged hole to slide tightly into its opposite surface portion;

[0085] Figure 70 The perspective view is a portion of an alternative fastener base, including a lower base member fixed together, a first upper guide segment, and a second upper guide segment, such that the fastener base has multiple fastener holes.

[0086] Figure 71 yes Figure 70 A partial exploded view of a portion of the fastener base;

[0087] Figure 72 yes Figure 70 A top view of a portion of the fastener base, showing the upper part of the H-shaped hole of each fastener hole formed by the first upper guide segment and the second upper guide segment; and

[0088] Figure 73 yes Figure 70 A bottom view of a portion of the fastener base, showing the equal-width enlarged lower portion of each fastener hole and the H-shaped upper portion, such that their corresponding sides are aligned. Detailed Implementation

[0089] refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B A system 10 is provided for applying fasteners 12 to the end 13 of a conveyor belt. System 10 includes a fixing device 11 for securing the end 13 of the conveyor belt and a strip 12A for receiving the fasteners 12 (see [link to system 10]). Figure 15A and Figure 15BThe system 10 includes an elongated fastener base 14. The fastener base 14 has holes 16 at each fastener location 17 along the fastener base 14. Each hole 16 receives one or more U-shaped pins 412 for the fastener 12 at the fastener location. The system 10 also includes an applicator 18 slidably mounted to the fastener base 14 and linearly movable in directions 20, 22 to position the applicator 18 at any of the holes 16 and secure the associated fastener 12 to the conveyor belt end 13. The applicator 18 has an actuator 24 operated to perform applicator advance, fastener clamping, U-shaped pin drive, U-shaped pin leg sliding, and final setting operations, as discussed in more detail below. In use, the applicator 18 can be positioned on the fastener base 14 toward a first side 19 of the conveyor belt end 13, and the actuator 24 is operated to move the applicator 18 along the fastener base 14 in direction 20 and sequentially apply fasteners 12 to the conveyor belt end 13 until reaching its second side 21, such that all fasteners 12 in the strip 12A are secured to the conveyor belt end 13. In one embodiment, the applicator 18 performs all the operations required to secure the fasteners 12 to the conveyor belt end 13 before advancing to the next fastener 12.

[0090] The applicator 18 has a driver 31 configured to transmit input from the actuator 24 to the applicator advance, fastener clamping, U-pin drive and U-pin leg sliding, and final fixing operations involved in securing the fastener 12 to the conveyor belt end 13. In one form, the driver 31 includes a drive shaft 32 and the actuator 24 includes a handle 30 connected to the drive shaft 32 via a mounting 36. The mounting 36 may be adjustable to allow a user to change the position of the handle 30 relative to the drive shaft 32. The handle 30 has an operating mode and a return mode, in which movement of the handle 30 performs the operations involved in securing the fastener 12 to the conveyor belt end 13, and in the return mode, movement of the handle 30 causes the components performing the fastener fixing operation to return to their initial position and prepare for the next operating mode.

[0091] To operate the applicator 18, the handle 30 pivots downwards along direction 40 from an upper initial position 33 to a lower end position 42. In one approach, the actuator 31 is configured to cause all applicator advance, fastener clamping, U-pin drive, U-pin leg sliding, and final setting operations in response to the handle 30's movement from its upper initial position 33 to its lower end position 42. Thus, when the handle 30 has reached the lower end position 42, the applicator 18 has performed all the operations involved in securing the fastener 12 to the conveyor belt end 13, and the user simply returns the handle along direction 44 to its upper initial position 33, thus preparing the applicator 18 to advance to the next adjacent fastener 12. Because all operations are performed by pivoting a single handle 30 downwards along direction 40, the applicator 18 is intuitive and simple to use. The one-way movement of the handle 30 in the pivoting downward direction 40 also allows the user to use their arm, core, and back muscles to pull the handle 30 downwards, providing a biomechanical advantage. This biomechanical advantage is evident in confined spaces such as mines, where users might kneel while using system 10 to secure fastener 12 to the conveyor belt end 13. In another form, actuator 24 includes a motor, such as an electric or hydraulic motor, connected to drive shaft 32 and operable to rotate drive shaft 32 in directions 40, 44 to secure fastener 12 to conveyor belt end 13 and drive applicator 18 along fastener base 14. In yet another form, actuator 24 may include a handheld power tool, such as a drill bit.

[0092] With each movement of the handle from the upper initial position 33 to the lower position 42, the applicator 18 can secure only one fastener 12 to the conveyor belt end 13. If the applicator 18 cannot secure the fastener 12 to the conveyor belt end 13, for example due to the legs 460, 462 of the U-shaped pins 412 of the fastener 12 (see... Figure 15A With the upper plate 414 not inserted into the hole 464 of the fastener 12, the user can simply return the handle 30 to its initial upper position 33 along the pivot upward direction 44. The user then pivots the handle 30 along direction 40, which causes the applicator 18 to move along direction 20 and move the applicator 18 to the next fastener 12. In this way, the applicator 18 can be moved from an unsecured fastener 12 to the next fastener 12.

[0093] Another advantage of the applicator 18 is that the advance operation is controlled by the first portion of the downward stroke of the handle 30 in direction 40, for example, ten to fifteen degrees. This allows the user to pivot the handle 30 fifteen degrees in direction 40 and return upwards in direction 44, moving the applicator 18 along the fastener base 14 in direction 20 to the next hole 16. Because the handle 30 only pivots through a short arc, the applicator 18 can be advanced along the conveyor belt end 13 to a specific fastener 12 without pivoting the handle 30 to the lower end position 42 and having the applicator 18 perform the fastener clamping, U-pin drive, U-pin sliding, and final setting operations. This is particularly advantageous if there are fasteners 12 fixed to the conveyor belt end 13, as the fastener clamping, U-pin drive, and U-pin sliding operations could interfere with those fasteners 12.

[0094] refer to Figure 1B and Figure 2 The applicator 18 has a head 50 that pivots relative to the body 52. ​​The body 52 includes a fastener base interface, such as a pair of side guide bearings, or wedges 54, 56, which have a generally U-shaped configuration to define recesses 58 opening toward each other. The recesses 58 of the wedges 54, 56 receive a lower, enlarged base 60 of the fastener base 14. The body 52 includes a frame plate 62, and the applicator 18 includes a pair of head arms 64 that support the head 50 and are pivotally connected to the frame plate 62 at a pivotal connection, for example, formed by bushings 94 (see...). Figure 3 The applicator 18 includes a housing 51 to protect its internal components. The housing 51 may include a handle 53. The handle 53 is attached to the frame plate 62 to allow a user to carry the applicator 18 via the handle 53.

[0095] During operation, pivoting handle 30 to the lower position 42 along direction 40 causes head 50 to pivot along direction 102, pushing the upper plate 414 of fastener 12 downward to clamp fastener 12 onto the conveyor belt end 13, and when the protruding ends 415 of U-shaped nail legs 460, 462 (see...) Figure 27 As the upper plate 414 is slid along, downward pressure is maintained on the upper plate 414 to hold the fastener 12 in place and clamp it onto the conveyor belt end 13. The head 50 can be used to press the upper plate 414 against the lower plate 416, pressing the conveyor belt end 13 between them, thereby clamping the fastener 12 to the belt end 13. Alternatively, the head 50 can be used to press the upper plate 414 against the lower plate 416 until the upper plate is nominally above the conveyor belt end 13, preventing the conveyor belt end 13 from being pressed between the upper plate 414 and the lower plate 416, thereby clamping the fastener 12 to the conveyor belt end 13.

[0096] Slide the end 415 of the U-shaped nail leg into and clamp it into the recess or channel 454, 456 of the upper plate 414 (see...) Figure 15AThe upper and lower fastener plates 414, 416 are held securely to the end of the conveyor belt 13, as will be described below.

[0097] Pivoting the handle 30 back to the upper initial position 33 along direction 44 causes the head 50 to pivot along direction 104 and release the clamping pressure on the fastener 12, allowing the applicator 18 to be advanced along direction 20 to the next fastener 12.

[0098] The actuator 31 controls the movement of different components of the actuator 18 to perform an operation on the fastener 12. In one form, the actuator 31 includes at least one cam member, such as a cam plate 72, in which a cam path 74 is formed. The cam plate 72 is fixed relative to the drive shaft 32 to rotate therewith, such that pivoting of the handle 30 in direction 40 produces a corresponding rotation of the cam plate 72 in direction 40. Pivoting of the handle 30 in direction 40 from a starting position 33 to an end position 42 causes the cam plate 72 to rotate through an angular position AK, as described below, where angular position A is the starting angular position of the cam plate 72 and angular position K is the end angular position of the cam plate 72. Although the cam member is in Figure 5 The image is shown as a single cam plate 72, but in other forms, the cam member may include multiple cam members, each having one or more cam paths, fixed to and rotating with the drive shaft 32.

[0099] refer to Figure 4 The operating components of the applicator 18, controlled by the driver 31, may include a propulsion mechanism 80, a guide mechanism 82, and a propeller mechanism 84, parts of which may be disposed below the fastener base 14. The cam plate 72 may also control the operation of the slider mechanism 86, which is configured to bend the ends 415 of the U-shaped nail legs 460, 462 after the U-shaped nail 412 has been driven through the conveyor belt end 13.

[0100] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The head arm 64 is connected to a head cam follower 90 that travels in the head cam path 92 of the cam plate 72. Radial movement of the head cam follower 90 relative to the drive shaft 32 causes the head arm 64 to pivot about a bushing 94 that pivotally connects the head arm 64 to the frame plate 62. To clamp the fastener 12 onto the conveyor belt end 13, the head 50 includes one or more upper plates 414 that contact the fastener 12 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 15A Anvil 100. One or more anvils 100 may be fixed relative to the head arm 64 during operation, such that pivoting of the head arm 64 in directions 102, 104 produces a corresponding pivoting of one or more anvils 100.

[0101] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4The actuator mechanism 84 includes an actuator 124 and an actuator arm 110, the actuator arm 110 being used to move the actuator 124 along directions 122, 126 in response to rotation of the cam plate 72. The actuator 124 has a drive portion 125 with a pair of recesses that receive the crown 463 of the fastener 12 (see...). Figure 15A The pusher arm 110 may have a V-shaped or double-arm crank configuration and is typically pivotally connected to the frame plate 62 via a pivot connection (e.g., formed by bushing 112) at the junction between the transverse arm portions 110A and 110B. The transverse arm portion 110B is connected to a pusher cam follower 116, which is situated in the pusher cam path 118 of the cam plate 72. Radial outward movement of the pusher cam follower 116 away from the shaft 32 produces a pivoting of the pusher arm 110 in direction 124 and a corresponding upward movement of the pusher 124. Conversely, radial inward movement of the pusher cam follower 116 toward the shaft 32 produces a pivoting of the pusher arm 110 in direction 120 and a downward movement of the pusher 124 in direction 126. To convert the pivoting of arm 110 into the vertical movement of thruster 124, the end of arm portion 110A of thruster arm 110 is connected to thruster ball 612, which is received in socket 610 of thruster 124 (see [link]). Figure 20 and Figure 24 ).

[0102] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 The slider mechanism 86 includes a pair of sliders 130, 132 connected to slider arm 134 by link 374 (see [link]). Figure 6 Pin 376 extends through opening 380 of sliders 130, 132 (see...) Figure 11 and Figure 12 The sliders 130 and 132 are connected to the link 374. Similarly, pin 378 connects the link 374 to the slider arm 134. The slider arm 134 is pivotally connected to the frame plate 62 (see [reference]) via a pivot connection (e.g., formed by bushing 140). Figure 3 It is also connected to slider cam follower 142. Slider cam follower 142 is located in slider cam path 144 of cam plate 72. Radial outward movement of slider cam follower 142 away from axis 32 causes slider arm 134 to pivot in direction 150 and sliders 130, 132 to pivot in direction 152 via link 374. Conversely, radial inward movement of slider cam follower 142 toward axis 32 causes slider arm 134 to pivot in direction 154 and sliders 130, 132 to pivot in direction 156.

[0103] When the handle 30 pivots from the initial or upper starting position 33 along the direction 40, the slider cam path 144 is configured such that sliders 130, 132 move from the outer position (see...) Figure 3 Pivot along direction 152 to the inside position (see...) Figure 28 The protruding ends 415 of the U-shaped pin legs 460, 462 are bent. When the handle 30 pivots back towards the upper starting position 33 along direction 44, the cam plate 72 rotates along direction 44 and causes the sliders 130, 132 to pivot back to the outer position along direction 156, thereby returning the sliders 130, 132 to their initial positions. Preferably, when the handle 30 pivots back to the upper starting position 33 along direction 44, the head 50 pivots upward, so that the sliders 130, 132 avoid contact with the U-shaped pin legs 460, 462 when they return to their outer positions.

[0104] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 18 The propulsion mechanism 80 includes a guide 172 having a protruding finger-like portion 174 for advancing along direction 122 into the enlarged lower portion 570 of the aperture 16 (see [link]). Figure 46 As will be described more fully below. The thruster 124 and guide 172 are positioned such that they extend into adjacent holes 16. Alternatively, the holes 16 through which the thruster 124 and guide 172 extend may be spaced apart by one or more holes 16. The finger 174 has straight sidewall portions 930A, 930B of the sidewall 930 of the enlarged lower portion 570 (see...). Figure 45 The sides 174A and 174B are in contact. The abutment contact of sides 174A and 174B reliably holds the applicator 18 in place along the fastener base 14. In order to drive the guide 124 into the hole 16 in the direction 122, the applicator 18 includes a connector 85 that selectively engages the guide 172 to the pusher 124, such that the pusher 124 is driven from its lower position (see...). Figure 24 The upward movement of the guide 172 also causes the guide 172 to move upward.

[0105] In one method, the pusher 124 has a longer stroke in direction 122 than required to fully engage the finger 174 with the lower portion 570 of the hole 16 to fully drive the U-shaped pin 412. To provide different strokes for the pusher 124 and the guide 172, the coupling 85 separates the guide 172 from the pusher 124 once the guide 172 has moved vertically along direction 122 and reached a predetermined vertical position. This predetermined vertical position may be near the start of rotation of the cam plate 72, for example, at the angular position E of the cam plate 72. However, as the user continues to pivot the handle 30 towards the lower position 42 along direction 40, the pusher 124 continues to move vertically upward along direction 122 due to the continuous rotation of the cam plate 72 along direction 40 and the continuous pivoting of the pusher arm 110 along direction 124. When the guide 172 has been separated from the pusher 124, the guide 172 remains in the predetermined vertical position.

[0106] Once the user reverses the handle 30 from the lower position 42 along direction 44, the cam plate 72 rotates along direction 44 and causes the pusher 124 to move downward along direction 126. When the pusher 124 reaches the predetermined position along its downward stroke in direction 126, the coupling 85 reconnects the guide 172 to the pusher 124, such that the continued downward movement of the pusher 124 along direction 126 causes the guide 172 to move downward along direction 126. As the handle 30 returns to the upper starting position 33, the pusher 124 and the guide 172 continue to move downward together along direction 126 until they return to their initial positions (see [link to original text]). Figure 24 and Figure 31 The operation of connector 85, thruster 124 and guide 172 is described below. Figures 31 to 37 Let's discuss this in more detail.

[0107] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 18 The propulsion mechanism 80 includes a propulsion arm 216 connected to the guide 172 via a link 500. The propulsion arm 216 is pivotally connected at one end to a propulsion finger 504 via a pivot coupling 506 and to a mounting member 524 of one of the frame plates 62. The propulsion finger 504 has a corner 510 for engaging one of the engagement holes 16 (see [link]). Figure 46The portion of the hole 16, such as a cut or edge 507. As the guide 172 moves upward in direction 122, the linkage 500 causes the push arm 216 to pivot in direction 502 and causes the push finger 504 to abut against the corner 510 of the hole 16. Once the push finger 504 contacts the corner 510, the continued pivoting of the push arm 216 in direction 502 moves the applicator in direction 20 along the fastener base 14 to a position at the next fastener 12. The push finger 504 provides a rough or approximate positioning of the applicator 18 along the fastener base 14. When the guide 172 is advanced into the region 922 of the associated hole 16 (see...), the applicator 18 is positioned... Figure 45 During application, guide 172 provides fine or final positioning of applicator 18 along fastener base 14. (See reference...) Figure 18 Once the connector 85 has separated the guide 172 from the pusher 124, further upward movement of the pusher 124 in direction 122 may not result in further pivoting of the pusher arm 216. In this way, once the guide 172 has separated from the pusher 124, the applicator 18 remains in place along the fastener base 14. Furthermore, the guide fingers 174 of the guide 172 extend fully into the enlarged lower portion 570 of the hole 16 that receives the pusher 124, such that when the applicator 18 secures the fastener 12 to the conveyor belt end 13, the applicator 18 is reliably locked in place along the fastener base 14.

[0108] When the handle 30 pivots from the lower position 42 back to the upper starting position 33 along direction 44, the cam plate 72 rotates along direction 44, causing the pusher arm 110 to pivot along direction 120 and the pusher 124 to move downward along direction 126. As the pusher 124 moves downward along direction 126, the coupling 85 reconnects the guide 172 to the pusher 124, causing the guide 172 to move downward along direction 126 together with the pusher 124. Furthermore, the downward movement of the guide 172 along direction 126 causes the pusher arm 216 to pivot in direction 514, disengaging the cut 504 from the corner 510 of the hole 16 and moving the cut 507 toward the corner 510 of the next hole 16. When the handle 30 pivots again from the upper starting position 33 to the lower position 42 along direction 40, the cam plate 72 again moves the pusher 124 and guide 172 upward along direction 122 and causes the push arm 216 to pivot along direction 502 and move the applicator 18 to the next fastener 12 along direction 20.

[0109] In one embodiment, the pivot connector 506 includes a torsion spring that biases the push finger 504 into contact with the fastener base 14. To slide the applicator 18 to a desired position along the fastener base 14, the user pivots the push finger 504 against the bias of the torsion spring in direction 522 to disengage the push finger 504 from the fastener base 14. When the push finger 504 is disengaged from the fastener base 14 and the handle 30 is in the upper starting position 33, the user can slide the applicator 18 along the fastener base 14 in either direction 20, 22.

[0110] The head cam path 92, the pusher cam path 118, and the slider cam path 144 of the cam plate 72 are thus configured such that pivoting of the handle 30 and rotation of the cam plate 72 in direction 40 causes pivoting of the head 50 in direction 102, movement of the pusher 124 and guide 172 in direction 122, pivoting of the pusher arm 216 in direction 502, and pivoting of the sliders 130 and 132 in direction 152. As discussed in more detail below, the cam paths 92, 118, and 144 are configured to move these components in a predetermined sequence. For example, the sequence can be selected such that two or more movements occur simultaneously and one or more movements occur before or after the two or more movements. Furthermore, the pivoting of the handle 30 along direction 44 and the rotation of the cam plate 72 along direction 44 cause the head 50 to pivot along direction 104, the pusher 124 and guide 172 to move along direction 124, the pusher arm 216 to pivot along direction 514, and the sliders 130, 132 to pivot along direction 156. The return rotation of the cam plate 72 along direction 44 returns these components to their initial configuration, making the applicator 18 ready to secure the next fastener 12 to the conveyor belt end 13 in response to the user pivoting the handle 30 along direction 40 from the upper starting position 33 to the lower position 42.

[0111] refer to Figure 5The cam plate 72 has an opening 190 sized to accommodate the drive shaft 132. In one method, the cam plate 72 is fixed relative to the drive shaft 132 by a key that mates with the keyhole 192 of the cam plate 72. The head cam path 92 has ends 199 and 201. When the handle 30 is in the upper starting position 33, the cam plate 72 is oriented such that the head cam follower 90 is positioned at the end 199 of the cam plate 72. When the handle 30 pivots from the upper starting position 33 in direction 40, the cam plate rotates in direction 40 and the head cam follower 90 passes through the fastener clamping portion 194, which pivots the head 50 in direction 102 and causes the head 50 to clamp the upper plate 414 of the fastener 12 onto the conveyor belt end 13. As the cam plate 72 continues to rotate in direction 40, the head cam follower 90 passes through the idle portion 196, which keeps the head 50 relatively stable and the cam follower 90 eventually reaches the slider portion 198. As the sliders 130, 132 pivot in direction 152 to bend the U-shaped pin leg end 415, the slider portion 198 is configured to pivot the head 50 slightly upward in direction 104. The continued rotation of the cam plate 72 in direction 40 causes the head cam follower 90 to reach the final setting portion 200, which pivots the head 50 in direction 102 to provide final clamping of the fastener 12.

[0112] The actuator 31 includes a stop that provides tactile feedback to the user when the handle 30 has reached the lower position 42. In one form, the stop includes a compression release portion 202 of the head cam path 92. The compression release portion 202 positions the center of the head cam follower 90 at a radius 204, and the final setting portion 200 positions the center of the head cam follower 90 at a radius 206, which is greater than the radius 204. In this way, as the head cam follower 90 travels from the final setting portion 200 to the compression release portion 202, the head cam follower 90 can move radially inward a small distance. The conveyor belt end 13 is compressed because the head 50 clamps the fastener 12 onto the conveyor belt end 13. The release portion 202 allows the conveyor belt end 13 to decompress slightly while the fastener 12 remains fixed to the conveyor belt end 13. The compression release in the conveyor belt end 13 can be transmitted to the user through the head 50, head arm 64, head cam follower 90, cam plate 72, shaft 32 and handle 30.

[0113] Furthermore, the compression release section 202 provides a safety feature that prevents the cam plate 32 from rapidly reversing to direction 44 and causing the handle 30 to impact the user after it has reached the lower position 42. This safety feature is provided by the fact that sufficient force must be applied to rotate the cam plate 72 along direction 44 to recompress the conveyor belt end 13, which is caused by moving the head cam follower 90 from a smaller radius 204 to a larger radius 202. The compression release section 202 thus provides an eccentric lock to prevent accidental rebound of the cam plate 72 and the handle 30 after the handle 30 has reached the lower position 42.

[0114] refer to Figure 5 The thruster cam path 118 includes ends 210 and 212, and when the handle 30 is in the upper starting position 33, the thruster cam follower 116 is located at end 210. Rotating the cam plate 72 in direction 40 causes the thruster cam follower 116 to pass through the thruster and guide section 214. The thruster and guide section 214 causes the thruster 124 and guide 172 to move upward in direction 122 and pivot the thruster arm 216 in direction 502.

[0115] The continued rotation of the cam plate 72 in direction 40 causes the pusher cam follower 116 to pass through the U-shaped drive portion 220 of the pusher cam path 118. In one method, as the pusher cam follower 116 passes through the U-shaped drive portion 220, the coupling 85 has already disengaged the guide 172 from the pusher 124. The U-shaped drive portion 220 causes the pusher 124 to continue moving upward in direction 122 to its maximum upper position (see...). Figure 27 The guide 172 remains in the vertical position. Next, the continued rotation of the cam plate 72 causes the pusher cam follower 116 to pass through the idle portion 222. The idle portion 222 holds the pusher 24 in its maximum upper position until the pusher cam follower 116 reaches the end 212 of the pusher cam path 118. In another embodiment, the cam path can be configured to slightly lower the pusher 24 during the U-shaped pin bending phase, and then raise the pusher 24 for final fastener clamping.

[0116] The head cam path 92, the pusher cam path 118, and the slider cam path 144 can be configured to operate components of the applicator 18 when the cam plate 72 rotates along direction 40 from angular position A to angular position K. Paths 92, 118, and 144 can be configured to operate components according to a predetermined script. For example, paths 92, 118, and 144 can operate components of the applicator 18 according to the following script:

[0117]

[0118] Continue to refer to Figure 5 The slider cam path 144 includes ends 230, 232, and the slider cam follower 142 begins at end 230 when the applicator 18 is in its initial configuration. As the cam plate 72 rotates in the drive direction 40, the slider cam follower 142 passes through the idle portion 234. The idle portion 234 has a curvature that holds the sliders 130, 132 in their initial upward position, while the head 50 pivots downward due to the head cam follower 90 passing through the folding plate portion 194. Continued rotation of the cam plate 72 and the drive direction 40 cause the slider cam follower 142 to pass through the slider portion 240 of the slider cam path 144. The slider portion 240 pivots the slider arm 134 in direction 150 and causes the sliders 130, 132 to pivot upward in the inward direction along direction 152.

[0119] refer to Figure 6 The head 50 includes an anvil and slider assembly 300, and the applicator 18 includes a head height adjustment mechanism 302 for moving the anvil and slider assembly 300 along directions 304, 306. The anvil and slider assembly 300 includes one or more anvils 100 and sliders 130, 132. The anvil and slider assembly 300 has a dovetail groove 320, and the height adjustment mechanism 302 includes a shaft 322 having an enlarged head 324 received within the dovetail groove 320. The dovetail groove 320 allows the enlarged head 324 of the shaft 322 to rotate within the groove 320 while remaining retained within the groove 320. The height adjustment mechanism 302 includes a handle 326 connected to the shaft 322, and the shaft 322 includes threads that engage with a threaded opening of a guide 310. Due to the threaded engagement between shaft 322 and guide 310, rotation of handle 326 causes shaft 322, as well as the anvil and slider assembly 300, to move along directions 304, 306. In this way, the height of head 50 can be adjusted to correspond to the thickness of conveyor belt end 13.

[0120] In one embodiment, the head height adjustment mechanism 302 includes a lock, such as a collar 328, for securing the shaft 322, as well as the anvil and slider assembly 300, in a desired position. The collar 328 includes a handle 330 that can pivot from an unlocked position to a locked position. In the unlocked position, the collar 328 allows movement of the shaft 322 relative to the collar 328 in directions 304, 306. In the locked position, the collar 328 firmly grips the shaft 322 and resists rotation of the shaft 322 and movement of the shaft 322 in directions 304, 306.

[0121] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8The anvil and slider assembly 300 includes one or more anvils 100 and sliders 130, 132. The one or more anvils 100 may include a central anvil 314, a left anvil 316, and a right anvil 318. (Steering) Figure 9 Sliders 130 and 132 are clamped between the right anvil 318, the center anvil 314, and the left anvil 316. The right anvil 318 has a lower portion 340 with clamping legs 342 that contact the upper plate 414 of the fastener 12 during fastener clamping operation. The center anvil 314 also includes a lower portion 344 that contacts the upper plate 414 of the fastener 12 during fastener clamping operation.

[0122] like Figure 6 and Figure 12 As shown, sliders 130 and 132 have a curved leading surface 341 that first contacts and causes the U-shaped pin leg 460 (see...) Figure 15A The U-shaped pin leg 462 bends toward the upper plate 414, and then contacts and bends toward the upper plate 414 when the sliders 130 and 132 pivot in direction 152. (Reference) Figure 9 The sliders 130 and 132 have a first clamping surface 350, a second clamping surface 352, and a transition portion 354. During the final setting operation (see...), Figure 29 The first slider surface 350 presses the U-shaped nail leg 462 against the fastener upper plate 414, and the second slider surface 352 presses the U-shaped nail leg 460 against the fastener upper plate 414. The first slider surface 350 and the second slider surface 352 can each extend at an angle 353 to ensure that the ends 415 of the U-shaped nail legs 460, 462 are firmly pressed against the upper plate 414 and to compensate for the rebound of the ends 415 after the sliding operation. The transition portion 354 connects the first and second clamping surfaces 350, 352 and provides a smooth transition therebetween.

[0123] refer to Figure 7 Sliders 130 and 132 pivot in an inward direction 152 relative to the central anvil 314, left anvil 316, and right anvil 318 to slide U-shaped pin legs 460 and 462. The anvil and slider assembly 300 includes one or more pivot connections (e.g., rocker joint 361) that allow the sliders 130 and 132 to pivot, and guides (e.g., pins 384) that guide the sliders 130 and 132 along a predetermined arcuate path.

[0124] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 12The right anvil 318 includes a recessed region 362 that accommodates the slider 130, and the rocker arm joint 361 includes a rocker arm recess 364 in the right anvil 318. The slider 130 has a rocker arm protrusion 366 extending into the rocker arm recess 364 and pivoting therein as the slider 130 pivots in directions 152, 156. The rocker arm recess 364 includes a curved wall 370, and the rocker arm protrusion 366 includes a rounded end 368 abutting the curved wall 370. The curved wall 370 provides a large support surface for the rocker arm protrusion 366 as the slider 130 pivots, which in turn provides a large arcuate motion for the slider 130. Furthermore, the large support surface of the curved wall 370 provides a large contact area, which reduces contact stress and associated wear rate by operating under lower pressure between the rounded end 368 of the rocker arm and the curved wall 370 of the anvil. The frictional force, defined by F = μN, is constant relative to the area. Figure 11 As shown, slider 132 also includes a rocker arm protrusion 366 with a rounded end 368 that mates with a rocker arm recess 364 in the left anvil 316. In another form, the anvil and slider assembly 300 may provide a pivotal connection for sliders 130, 132 using a pin extending through a round hole in sliders 130, 132.

[0125] refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 Pin 384 extends through the arcuate opening 382 of sliders 130 and 132 to constrain sliders 130 and 132 to a predetermined arcuate path when sliders 130 and 132 pivot in directions 152 and 156. Pin 384 extends through openings 386 in the central anvil, left anvil, and right anvils 314, 316, and 318, such that anvils 314, 316, and 318 support pin 384. Return to... Figure 6 When sliders 130 and 132 are pulled along direction 379 by connecting rod 374, the arc-shaped openings 382 of sliders 130 and 132 guide sliders 130 and 132 along the arc-shaped path by the sliding motion of pin 384.

[0126] refer to Figure 15A Fastener 12 includes a fastener body 410 having one or more U-shaped pins 412 pre-assembled to the fastener body 410. Fastener body 410 includes an upper plate 414, a lower plate 416, and one or more rings 418 connecting the upper plate 414 and the lower plate 416. Upper plate 414 includes an outer alignment notch 420 and a pair of inner recesses 422, 424. Upper plate 414 also includes a pair of longitudinally extending walls 450, 452 and channels 454, 456. When pusher 124 drives the U-shaped pins 412, legs 460, 462 travel through the conveyor belt end 13, through the hole 464, and extend upward from upper plate 414.

[0127] refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 The center anvil 314 includes an upper end 390 having a channel portion 392 forming part of a dovetail groove 320. The center anvil 314 includes a lower clamping portion 340 having one or more guide members, such as an outer lug 394 and an inner lug 392. The lower clamping portion 340 includes a clamping surface 400 extending between the lugs 392 and 394 for contacting the upper surface of the upper plate 414 of the fastener 12 and clamping the upper plate 414 to the end of the conveyor belt. The outer lug 394 and the inner lug 392 are laterally offset from each other to engage complementary features of the fastener 12. In one embodiment, the outer lug 394 is configured to engage in an outer alignment cutout 420, one inner lug 392 is configured to engage in an inner recess 422, and the other inner lug 392 is configured to engage in an inner recess 424.

[0128] During the clamping operation, the clamping surface 400 contacts the wall 452 of the upper plate 414, and the clamping leg 342 of the right anvil 318 contacts the wall 450 of the upper plate 414. The clamping surface 400 and the clamping leg 342 drive the upper plate 414 toward the end 13 of the conveyor belt. The inner and outer lugs 392, 394 engage the inner and outer edge portions 430, 432 of the upper plate 414 and prevent the upper plate 414 from moving in the outer and inner directions, so that the upper plate 414 follows the arcuate path of the center and the right anvil 314, 318. The inner and outer lugs 392, 394 also prevent the upper plate 414 from rolling in direction 425 during clamping (see...). Figure 15A By reducing the rolling of the upper plate 414, lugs 392 and 394 help keep the upper plate 414 and lower plate 416 aligned during clamping operations, allowing the U-shaped spike legs 460 and 462 to be driven through the hole 464.

[0129] Once the central anvil 314 and right anvil 318 have clamped the upper plate 414 onto the conveyor belt 13, the sliders 130 and 132 are aligned with the channels 454 and 456 of the upper plate 414. Sliders 130 and 132 are on the inner side 152 (see...). Figure 6 Pivot along channels 454 and 456 so that the ends 415 of the U-shaped nail legs 460 and 462 extending outward from the hole 464 are folded downward against the upper plate 414 and located within channels 454 and 456.

[0130] refer to Figure 16Each inner lug 392 engages one of the inner edge portions 430 of the upper plate 414. The underside of the fastener upper plate 414 includes ribs 480 aligned with rings 418. Extending between the ribs 480 is a reduced-thickness plate portion 482. In this manner, the outer lugs 394 are longitudinally aligned with one of the ribs 480 and the associated ring 418. Each inner lug 392 is laterally offset from the outer lugs 394 and longitudinally aligned with the reduced-thickness plate portion 482. The inner and outer lugs 392, 394 guide the upper plate 414 during clamping operations and resist inward / outward movement of the upper plate 414. The inner and outer lugs 392, 394 also resist rolling of the upper plate 414 (see [link to product description]). Figure 15A (Direction 425 in the middle). In addition, the inner lug 392 can securely engage the inner edge portion 430 and the ring 418 to resist the inner movement and rolling of the upper plate 414.

[0131] exist Figure 17 An alternative embodiment of the central anvil 314A is provided, wherein the central anvil 314A has only one inner lug 392A. The inner lug 392A is configured to fit within the recess 422 and contact one of the inner edge portions 430. The inner lug 392A is laterally offset from the outer lug 394A.

[0132] Turn Figure 19 The pusher 124 has a body 530 adjacent to the guide 172, a head 532 shaped to drive the U-shaped pin 412, and a neck 534 connecting the head 532 to the body 530. As described above, the applicator 18 includes a connector 85 for engaging and disengaging the guide 172 relative to the pusher 124, such that the guide 172 has a shorter stroke than the pusher 124. In one form, the connector 85 includes a pivoting coupling member 540 received in an opening 542 of the guide 172. The pivoting coupling member 540 includes a pin 544 extending outwardly from an elongated opening 546 on the opposite side of the guide 172.

[0133] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 21 The body 52 of the applicator 18 includes a front guide wall 550 having a control groove 552 facing the guide 172 that houses the pin 544. (Reference) Figure 22 The main body 52 also includes a rear guide wall 554 on the side of the guide 172 opposite to the front guide wall 550. The rear guide wall 554 includes a control groove 556 that accommodates a pin 544 of a pivoting coupling member 540. (See reference) Figure 23 The connecting member 540 and the rear guide wall 554 are shown as pin 544 being received in the control groove 556. The connecting member 540 also includes a hole 562 received on the opposite side of the guide 172 (see [reference]). Figure 19Pivot pin 560 in the guide 172. Pin 560 engages in the hole 562 to restrict the pivoting movement of pivoting member 540 about pin 544 relative to guide 172. In this way, due to the movement of guide 172 in directions 122, 126, vertical movement of pin 544 along control slots 552, 556 causes pivoting of connecting member 540 relative to guide 172.

[0134] More specifically and refer to Figure 21 and Figure 22 The control slots 552 and 556 include straight sections 564 and 566 and angled sections 568 and 570. Figure 23 In the diagram, the connecting member 540 is shown in a vertical position where the guide 172 has been disconnected from the pusher 124. To reach this position, the pin 544 originates at the lower end 574 of the control slot 556 and moves along direction 122 through the straight portion 566 as the guide 172 moves upward along direction 122. Towards the end of the vertical movement of the guide 172 along direction 122, the pin 544 contacts the redirection surface 576 of the bend portion 570, which causes the pin 544 and the connecting member 540 to pivot about the pivot pin 560 along direction 578.

[0135] The connecting member has teeth 580, and the pivoting of the connecting member 540 in the direction 578 causes the teeth 580 to disengage from the recess 582 of the thruster 124 and disconnects the guide 172 from the thruster 124, as shown. Figure 34 and Figure 35 As shown. Once the tooth 580 has disengaged from the recess 582, the thruster 124 continues to move upward in direction 122, which causes the tooth 580 to be positioned relative to the surface 583 of the thruster 124 (see...). Figure 20 The connecting member 540 slides into contact below the recess 582. This locks the connecting member 540 in place because the connecting member pin 544 is located in the bends 568, 570 of the control slots 552, 556 on one side of the connecting member 540, and the connecting member teeth 580 slide against the surface 583 of the pusher 124 on the other side of the connecting member 540. Since the connecting member 540 is locked in place by the pusher surface 583 and the bends 568, 570, the connecting member 540 is engaged by the connecting member pin 560 in the hole 562 of the guide 172 (see...). Figure 19 The guide 172 is held in a predetermined vertical position. Once the pusher 124 has moved down far enough in direction 126 so that the recess 582 is realigned with the tooth 580, the connecting member 540 can pivot back in direction 592 and release the guide 124 from the predetermined vertical position.

[0136] After the fastener is secured to the conveyor belt end 13, the handle 30 pivots in direction 44 back to the initial, starting position 33. This causes the pusher 124 to move in direction 126 and reconnects the guide 172 to the pusher 124. The reconnection of the guide 172 and the pusher 124 as the pusher 124 moves downward in direction 126 will be described in the following reference. Figure 36 and Figure 37 Let's discuss this in more detail.

[0137] As the handle 30 continues to pivot upward along direction 44, the connected pusher 124 and guide 172 move downward together along direction 126. The downward movement of the guide 172 along direction 126 causes the connecting member 540 to move along direction 126, and causes the pin 544 to contact the redirection surface 590 of the bend portion 570, and as the pin 544 travels into the straight portion 560 of the control groove 556, it causes the connecting member 540 to pivot along direction 592. The pivoting of the connecting member 540 along direction 592 causes the tooth 580 to advance back into the recess 582. When the tooth 580 of the connecting member 540 extends into the recess 582, the connecting member 540 can convert the upward movement of the pusher 124 along direction 122 into an upward movement of the guide 172. On the opposite side of the connecting member 540, when the guide 172 moves along directions 122, 126, the pin 544 and the control groove 552 operate in a similar manner to the pin 544 and the control groove 556.

[0138] refer to Figure 20 and Figure 31 The connector 85 includes an elongated channel 600 for the pusher 124 and a pin 608 for the guide 172. When the handle 30 pivots back to the initial starting position 33, the channel and pin cooperate to return the guide 172 to its initial lower position. More specifically, the pusher body 530 includes an elongated channel 600 having an upper end 602 and a lower end 604 below the recess 582. The elongated channel 600 accommodates the pin 608 of the guide 172, as... Figure 31 As shown. Pin 608 is able to slide freely between its upper end 602 and lower end 604 along the channel 600. When the pusher 124 is disconnected from the guide 172, the movement of the pusher 124 in directions 122, 126 causes the elongated channel 600 to move relative to pin 608 until one of the upper end 602 and the lower end 604 contacts pin 608.

[0139] refer to Figures 24 to 30 The operation of the applicator 18 will be described as the cam plate 72 pivoting the handle 30 in the direction 40 from the initial starting position 33 to the lower position 42 in response to the user (see [link]). Figure 2 And rotate along direction 40 from angular position A to angular position K. (Reference) Figure 24The cam plate 72 is shown in angular position A. The head cam follower 90, the pusher cam follower 116, and the slider cam follower 142 are all located at the ends 199, 210, and 230 of their respective head cam path 92, pusher cam path 118, and slider cam path 144. When the cam plate 72 is in angular position A, the head 50 is in its initial position, wherein there is an angle 700 from the lower clamping portion 340 of the central anvil 314 to the plane parallel to the fastener base 14. The angle 700 can be in the range of approximately 10 degrees to approximately 25 degrees, for example, approximately 18 degrees. When the head 50 is in its initial position, the central anvil 314 and the right anvil 318 are spaced apart from the upper plate 414 of the fastener 12. Furthermore, the pusher 124 and the guide 172 are in their initial lower positions. When the applicator 18 is in this initial configuration, the applicator 18 can move along the anvil 14 in directions 20, 22 to position the head 50 and the pusher 124 at the fastener 12 that the user wishes to attach to the end of the conveyor belt 13.

[0140] refer to Figure 25 Cam plate 72 has been rotated to angular position C along direction 40. Head cam follower 90 has moved through idle portion 702, such that head 50 remains in its initial upper position, spaced apart from upper plate 414 of fastener 12. Pusher cam follower 116 has traveled through pusher and guide portion 214, such that pusher arm 110 pivots about bushing 112 along direction 124. Pivoting of pusher arm 110 along direction 124 causes pusher 124 and guide 172 to move upward along direction 122, since guide 172 is coupled to pusher 124. Slider cam follower 142 has traveled through idle portion 234 of slider cam path 144, such that slider arm 134 can remain stationary about bushing 140.

[0141] refer to Figure 26The cam plate 72 has been rotated to angular position F along direction 40. The head cam follower 90 has traveled through the fastener clamping portion 194 of the head cam path 92, causing the head arm 64 to pivot about the bushing 94 along direction 102 and the head 50 to pivot along direction 102. The pivoting of the head 50 along direction 102 causes the head 50 to pivot to a lowered position and clamp the upper plate 414 against the conveyor belt end 13, which holds and compresses the conveyor belt end 13 tightly between the upper plate 414 and the lower plate 416. More specifically, the pivoting of the head 50 along direction 102 causes the clamping leg 342 of the right anvil 318 to contact the wall 450, and the lower clamping portion 340 of the center anvil 314 to contact the wall 452, so that the center anvil and the right anvils 314, 318 clamp the upper plate 414. Furthermore, the pivoting of the head 50 along direction 102 advances the inner and outer lugs 392, 394 into the recesses 422, 424 and the alignment cutout 420, such that when the upper plate 414 moves downward onto the conveyor belt end 13, the inner and outer lugs 392, 394 guide the upper plate 414. However, as Figure 26 As shown, when the head 50 pivots downward along direction 102, the sliders 130 and 132 are in the outer position away from the upper plate 414.

[0142] Continue to refer to Figure 26 The pusher cam follower 116 has traveled through only the pusher portion 706 of the pusher cam path 118, while the pusher arm 110 continues to pivot in direction 124. In one form, when the cam plate 72 has rotated to angular position E in direction 40, the connecting member 540 has pivoted in direction 578 (see [link]). Figure 34 And disconnect the guide 172 from the pusher 124. Therefore, when the cam plate 72 is in Figure 26 At the angular position F shown, the rotation of the cam plate 72 along direction 40 causes the pusher 124 to move along direction 122, while the guide 172 remains in the vertical position it was in when the guide 172 is disconnected from the pusher 124.

[0143] When the cam plate 72 rotates to Figure 26 At the angular position F, the slider cam follower 142 travels through the idle portion 234, which holds the sliders 130, 132 outside the upper plate 414. In order to keep the sliders 130, 132 outside the upper plate 414, the idle portion 234 may have curvature to compensate for downward pivoting along direction 102 and clamping of the upper plate 414.

[0144] refer to Figure 27The cam plate 72 is shown rotated to angular position H along direction 40. The head cam follower 90 has traveled through the idle portion 166 of the head cam path 92, so that the head 50 is held in a lowered position at zero degrees. The head 50 can keep the upper plate 414 substantially parallel to the lower plate 416, with the conveyor belt end 13 compressed between them.

[0145] When the cam plate 72 has rotated to Figure 27 At the indicated angular position H, the thruster cam follower 116 has traveled through the U-shaped pin drive portion 220 of the thruster cam path 118. The U-shaped pin drive portion 220 causes the thruster arm 110 to pivot further along direction 124 and continue to move the thruster 124 upward along direction 122. Since the guide 172 is disconnected from the thruster 124, as the thruster 124 continues to move along direction 122, the guide 172 remains in the vertical position it was in when disconnected from the thruster 124. Figures 26 to 27 The image shows a pusher 124 moving along direction 122 driving the legs 460, 462 of the U-shaped nail 412 through the end 13 of the conveyor belt and into the hole 464 of the upper plate 414.

[0146] refer to Figure 27 Rotating the cam plate 72 to the angular position H also causes the slider cam follower 142 to travel through the additional idle portion 234A, allowing the slider arm 134 to remain stationary around the bushing 94. This keeps the sliders 130, 132 outside the upper plate 414 and does not obstruct the U-shaped legs 460, 462 when the U-shaped legs are driven through the hole 464 in the upper plate 414.

[0147] refer to Figure 28 Cam plate 72 is shown rotated along direction 40 to angular position I. This rotation causes head cam follower 90 to travel through slider portion 198, which causes head 50 to pivot upward along direction 104 to angle 704, which is in the range of approximately zero to approximately five degrees, for example, approximately three degrees. Due to slider portion 198, head 50 pivots along direction 104, which causes the curved leading surfaces 341 of sliders 130, 132 to be positioned at a distance from the base plates 454A, 456A of channels 454, 456 (see...). Figure 15A It travels along channels 454 and 456 at a substantially constant height. This provides a linear path for the curved leading face 341 and produces a similar curve for the legs 460 and 462.

[0148] refer to Figure 12The head 50 can pivot upwards in direction 104 during the sliding operation because the sliders 130, 132 have a fixed distance 708 between the round end 368 and the curved guide surface 341. When the round end 368 swings against the curved wall 370 of the rocker recess 364, if the head 50 is kept stationary, the curved guide surface 341 will move along an arcuate path relative to the upper plate 414, with the distance to the channel bottom plates 454A, 456A decreasing. To compensate for the arcuate path of the curved guide surface 341, the slider portion 198 of the head cam path 92 pivots the head 50 upwards, which lifts the sliders 130, 132 upwards and counteracts the downward movement of the curved guide surface 341 caused by the pivoting of the sliders 130, 132.

[0149] The slider portion 198 of the head cam path 92 and the slider portion 240 of the slider cam path 144 can be configured to delay the pivoting of the head 50 in the direction 104 until the sliders 130, 132 have bent the outer U-shaped spike leg 460 to an angle, for example, approximately 45 degrees. By bending the outer U-shaped spike leg 406 approximately 45 degrees, when the head 50 pivots in the direction 104, the bent U-shaped spike leg 460 contacts the upper plate 414 and prevents the upper plate 414 from moving upward away from the conveyor belt end 13. This keeps the conveyor belt 13 pressed between the upper plate 414 and the lower plate 416 of the fastener 12.

[0150] refer to Figure 28 Rotating the cam plate 72 to angular position I also causes the pusher cam follower 116 to travel through the idle portion 222 of the pusher cam path 118. Idle portion 222 allows the pusher arm 110 to remain stationary and holds the pusher 124 in the extended upper position, which supports the U-shaped pin 412 during sliding operation. In an alternative embodiment, rotating the cam plate 72 to angular position I causes the pusher 24 to slightly lower rather than remain in the extended upper position.

[0151] When the cam plate 72 rotates to Figure 28 At angular position I, the slider cam follower 142 travels through the slider portion 240 of the slider cam path 144. The slider portion 240 causes the slider arm 134 to pivot about the bushing 140 in direction 150, which in turn pulls the connecting rod 374 in direction 379 and causes the sliders 130 and 132 to pivot in direction 152. The pivoting of the sliders 130 and 132 causes the legs 460 and 462 to bend downward into channels 454 and 456 and abut against the base plates 454A and 456A of channels 454 and 456.

[0152] refer to Figure 29The cam plate 72 is shown rotated along direction 40 to angular position J. This rotation causes the head cam follower 90 to travel through the final setting portion 200 of the head cam path 92. The final setting portion 200 causes the head arm 64 to pivot along direction 102 about the bushing 94 and causes the head 50 to pivot along direction 102 back to the zero-degree, lowered position. This pivoting of the head 50 along direction 102 causes the first clamping surfaces 350 of the sliders 130, 132 (see...) Figure 9 The second clamping surface 352 presses the now-bent ends 415 of the U-shaped nail legs 460, 462 against the channel base plates 454A, 456A of the upper plate 414. In one method, when the sliders 130, 132 press the ends 415 against the channel base plates 454A, 456A and perform the final setting operation, the center anvil 314 and the right anvil 318 do not contact the upper plate 414.

[0153] Cam plate 72 rotates to Figure 29 The angular position J also causes the pusher cam follower 116 to travel through the idle portion 222 of the pusher cam path 118. This allows the pusher 124 to remain in its extended upper position. In the alternative embodiment mentioned above regarding rotating the cam plate 72 to angular position I, rotating the cam plate 72 to angular position J causes the pusher 24 to move upward for final fastener clamping rather than remaining stationary.

[0154] Cam plate 72 rotates to Figure 29 The angular position J also causes the slider cam follower 142 to travel through the idle portion 720, whereby the slider arm 134 and the link 374 can remain stationary. The idle portion 720 allows the slider arm 134 and the link 374 to hold the sliders 130, 132 above the U-shaped legs 460, 462 so that the U-shaped legs can be flattened when the head 50 pivots in direction 102 to perform a final setting operation on the fastener 12.

[0155] refer to Figure 30 The cam plate 72 is shown rotated along direction 40 to angular position K. In one embodiment, angular position K is the maximum angular position of the cam plate 72 and occurs when the handle 30 has pivoted to the lower position 42. The cam plate 72 rotates to... Figure 30The angular position K causes the head cam follower 90 to travel through the compression release section 202 and reach the end 201 of the head cam path 92. The compression release section 202 allows the head cam follower 90 to move radially inward a small distance, which causes the head arm 64 and the head 50 to pivot a small distance, such as a fraction of a degree, along direction 104. This movement of the head 50 along direction 104 releases a portion of the clamping force applied by the head 50 to the fastener upper plate 414. This releases some of the compression in the conveyor belt end 13. The compression release of the conveyor belt end 13 is transmitted to the user through the head 50, head arm 64, cam plate 72, drive shaft 32, and handle 30, and provides tactile feedback that the head cam follower 90 has reached the end 201 of the head cam path 92. In the alternative embodiments mentioned above regarding the rotation of the cam plate 72 to angular positions I and J, the cam plate 72 does not include a compression release portion, such that rotation of the cam plate 72 to angular position K does not cause the head 50 to move along direction 104 and release some of the compression in the conveyor belt end 13.

[0156] The compression release section 202 also provides a safety mechanism to prevent the handle 30 from rebounding in direction 44 after the cam plate 72 has reached the angular position K and the handle 30 is in the lower position 42. Specifically, once the head cam follower 90 is within the compression release section 202, the head cam follower 90 must travel into the final setting section 200 to rotate the cam plate 72 in direction 44. Moving the head cam follower 90 from the compression release section 202 to the final setting section 200 involves radially outward movement of the head cam follower 90, which causes the head arm 64 and the head 50 to pivot in direction 102. The pivoting of the head 50 in direction 102 again applies a final setting clamp to the upper plate 414 and recompresses the conveyor belt end 13. The conveyor belt end 13 resists recompression, thereby resisting the pivoting of the head 50 in direction 102, which in turn resists the rotation of the cam plate 72 and the handle 30 in direction 44. In this way, the transition between the compression release portion 202 and the final setting portion 200 acts as a stop to prevent accidental pivoting of the handle 30 from the lower position 42 along direction 44 and to prevent the handle 30 from impacting the user. However, if the user is ready to return the handle 30 from the lower position 42 to the upper starting position 33, the user simply applies sufficient force to the handle 30 to overcome the stop and move the head cam follower 90 from the compression release portion 202 into the final setting portion 200. As described above, in some embodiments, the cam plate 72 does not include the compression release portion 202.

[0157] refer to Figure 30The cam plate 72 rotates to angular position K, bringing the pusher cam follower 116 to the end 212 of the pusher cam path 118. This rotation also brings the slider cam follower 142 to the end 232 of the slider cam path 144. In this way, the cam plate 72 moves along direction 40 from angular position A ( Figure 24 ) to angular position K( Figure 30 The rotary drive propulsion, guidance, fastener clamping, U-pin drive, U-pin sliding, and final setting operations are performed. The user can then pivot the handle 30 from the lower position 42 (where the cam plate 72 is at the angular position K) back to the initial upper position 42 along direction 44.

[0158] Therefore, the user pivots the handle along direction 40 from the initial upper position 33 to the lower position 42, causing the applicator 18 to perform all the pushing, guiding, fastener clamping, U-pin driving, U-pin sliding, and final setting operations. Once the handle 30 reaches the lower position 42, all these operations have been performed, allowing the user to pivot the handle along direction 44 from the lower position 42 to the upper starting position 33 with less effort than pivoting the handle 30 along direction 40 from the upper starting position 33 to the lower position 42. Once the user overcomes the stop created by the transition between the compression release section 202 and the final setting section 200 (as described above), less force is required to move the handle 30 because the pivoting of the handle 30 along direction 44 drives all components of the applicator 18 back to their initial positions, instead of pushing the applicator 18, clamping the fastener 12, driving the U-pin 412, and sliding the U-pin 412.

[0159] refer to Figures 31 to 37 The discussion focused on the situation when the cam plate 72 moved from angular position A (see [reference]). Figure 24 Rotate to angular position H (see Figure 27 The operation of the thruster 124, guide 172 and connecting member 540 during the operation.

[0160] refer to Figure 31 The cam plate 72 is in angular position A, for example, when the handle 30 is in the upper starting position 33. As described above, the guide 172 is initially coupled to the thruster 124 such that the guide 172 and the thruster 124 can move upward together in direction 122. Specifically, the teeth 580 of the connecting member 540 extend into the recess 582 of the thruster 124 such that the teeth 580 abut against the thruster 124 when the thruster 124 moves in direction 122.

[0161] refer to Figure 32 The cam plate 72 has rotated to angular position B. This rotation causes the thruster arm 110 to move the thruster 124 upward in direction 122. This is because the teeth 580 of the connecting member 540 abut against the wall 722 of the recess 582 of the thruster 124 (see also...). Figure 20The connecting member 540 converts the movement of the pusher 124 along direction 122 into the movement of the guide 172 along direction 122. Due to the pivotal connection between the link 500, the pusher arm 216, and the guide 172, the upward movement of the guide 172 along direction 122 also causes the pusher arm 216 to pivot along direction 502. The edge 507 of the pusher finger 504 engages with a corner 510 of one of the holes 516, such that the pivoting of the pusher arm 216 along direction 502 causes the applicator 18 to move laterally along the fastener base 14 in direction 20.

[0162] refer to Figure 33 The cam plate 72 has been rotated to angular position C in direction 40. The thruster arm 110 has moved the thruster 124 further upward in direction 122. The teeth 580 of the connecting member 540 continue to abut against the wall 722 of the recess 582 of the thruster 124. In this way, the connecting member 540 moves the guide 172 upward together with the thruster 124 in direction 122. Thus, the guide finger 174 can begin to advance into the enlarged lower portion 570 of the hole 16 next to the hole 16 aligned with the thruster 124.

[0163] refer to Figure 34 Cam plate 72 has rotated to angular position D along direction 40. Pusher arm 110 continues to move pusher 124 upward along direction 122, and connecting member 540 keeps guide 172 moving upward along direction 122 with pusher 124. However, pin 544 of connecting member 540 has entered the bends 568 and 570 of the control slots 552 and 556 of the front and rear guide walls 550 and 554. The sliding engagement between connecting member pin 544 and bends 568 and 570 causes connecting member 540 to begin pivoting in direction 578 (see also...). Figure 23 The pivoting of the connecting member 540 in the direction 578 causes the teeth 580 of the connecting member 540 to retract from the recess 582 of the pusher 124.

[0164] refer to Figure 35 The cam plate 72 has rotated to angular position E along direction 40. The thruster arm 110 continues to move the thruster 124 upward along direction 122. However, the pin 544 of the connecting member 540 has reached the ends of the bends 568 and 570, causing the connecting member 540 to fully pivot along direction 578. Figure 35 As shown, the teeth 580 of the connecting member 540 have disengaged from the recess 582 of the thruster 124 and no longer abut against the wall 722 of the recess 582. Because the connecting member 540 now has a gap with the thruster 124, the thruster 124 can move upward in direction 122 without causing the guide finger 174 to move upward. In this way, the thruster 124 has been disconnected from the guide 172.

[0165] At the upper end of its stroke, guide 172 is disconnected from pusher 124, at which point guide 172 is in its maximum upper position. Once guide 172 is disconnected from pusher 124, guide 172 remains in its maximum upper position because connecting member 540 is locked in place. This is achieved by contacting connecting member teeth 580 on one side of pusher surface 583 and by receiving pin 544 on the other side of connecting member 540 at beveled portions 568, 570. The locked connecting member 540 holds guide 172 in its maximum upper position because connecting member 540 is connected to guide 172 via pin 560. As guide 172 is in its maximum upper position, guide finger 174 remains fully engaged with the enlarged lower portion 570 of hole 16 and locks applicator 18 in place along fastener base 14 during plate clamping, U-pin drive, leg sliding, and final setting operations.

[0166] refer to Figure 36 The cam plate 72 has been rotated to angular position G along direction 40. Because the guide 172 is no longer connected to the thruster 124, the thruster 124 can move upward along direction 122 without causing a corresponding upward movement of the guide 172. Furthermore, once the guide 172 has been disconnected from the thruster 124, the thruster 124 can move upward along direction 122 without causing the thrust arm 216 to pivot along direction 502 and the associated thrust fingers 504 to move.

[0167] refer to Figure 36 Because the guide 172 is disconnected from the thruster 124, when the thruster 124 moves upward along direction 122, the elongated channel 600 of the thruster 124 moves relative to the pin 608 of the guide 172. This causes the lower end 604 of the channel 600 to move toward the pin 608 and the upper end 602 of the channel 600 to move away from the pin 608.

[0168] refer to Figure 37 The cam plate 72 has rotated along direction 40 to angular position H. The pusher arm 110 has moved the pusher 124 upward along direction 122 to its maximum upper position, fully driving the U-shaped spike legs 460, 462 through the conveyor belt 13 and through the hole 464 in the upper plate 414. As described above, the continued rotation of the cam plate 72 along direction 40 to the final angular position K may not cause any additional pivoting of the pusher arm 110 because the pusher cam follower 116 travels through the idle portion 222 of the cam path 118. This idle portion 222 thus holds the pusher 124 in the maximum upper position until the cam plate 72 reaches the final angular position K (see...). Figure 30In another embodiment, the cam plate 72 may be configured to move the thruster 24 slightly downward when the cam plate 72 rotates to the angular position H, and then move the thruster 24 upward back when the cam plate 72 rotates to the angular position K.

[0169] After the user has pivoted handle 30 to the lower position 42 and rotated cam plate 72 to angular position K, the user pivots handle 30 upward along direction 44 and reverses the paths of head cam follower 90, pusher cam follower 116, and slider cam follower 142 via the corresponding head cam path 92, pusher cam path 118, and slider cam path 144. This reverses the operations discussed above. The reversal of these operations includes along direction 120 (see...). Figure 30 Pivot the thruster arm 110 and move the thruster 124 downward in direction 126.

[0170] When the thruster 124 moves downward in direction 126 due to the user pivoting the handle 30 in direction 44, the upper end 602 of the channel 600 returns and contacts the pin 608 of the guide 172. The abutment contact of the end 602 against the pin 608 reconnects the guide 172 to the thruster 124. The reconnected guide 172 thus moves downward in direction 126 together with the thruster 124.

[0171] As the user continues to pivot the handle 30 along direction 44, the downward movement of the guide 172 along direction 126 moves the recess 582 back to align with the connecting member teeth 580, and along direction 126 along control grooves 552, 556 (see...). Figure 23 The moving connecting member pin 544 causes pin 544 to move into the straight portions 564, 566, which in turn causes connecting member 540 to pivot in direction 592 (see...). Figure 23 The pivoting of the connecting member in direction 592 causes the tooth 580 to advance back into the recess 582 of the thruster 124. In this way, the guide 172 is disconnected from the thruster 124 at a point during the upward stroke of the thruster 124, and then reconnected to the thruster 124 as the thruster 124 moves upward during the downward stroke of the thruster 124.

[0172] Once thruster 124 returns to its initial lower position (see...) Figure 31 The teeth 580 of the connecting member 540 will again overlap and interfere with the wall 722 of the recess 582 of the pusher 124. When the user again pivots the handle 30 from the initial upper position 33 to the lower position 42 along direction 40 to secure the next fastener 12 to the end of the conveyor belt, the pusher 124 will again move upward along direction 122 and the teeth 580 will abut against the wall 722, causing the guide 172 to move along direction 122 together with the pusher 124.

[0173] refer to Figure 38 The applicator 18 may include a seal 800 (see Figure 4 This restricts debris from entering the opening 804 of the applicator 18. The opening 804 may be defined at least partially by the head arm 64 and the slider arm 134.

[0174] The seal 800 includes a body 810 having an opening such as a cutout 812 and an opening 814 for receiving portions of the head arm 64 and the slider arm 134. The seal 800 also includes a resilient upper portion 816 extending into the gap between the head arms 64. The upper portion 816 includes an upper shielding portion 818 extending into the gap between the head arms 64 (see...). Figure 41 The main body 810 also includes a concave wedge receiving portion 820 having a lip 822, a rear wall 824, and a seat 826, which are configured to engage with the concave wedge 56 and prevent debris from entering therebetween. The upper shielding portion 818 and the lip 822 prevent material from entering the applicator 18 by filling the space between the head arms 64 and the pinch between the concave wedge 56 and the frame plate 62.

[0175] The recessed wedge receiving portion 820 may further include a mating feature 830 for engaging a reverse feature on the recessed wedge 56 and preventing lateral movement of the seal 800 relative to the recessed wedge 56. (Reference) Figure 39 The body 18 may also include a lower portion 834 having an opening such as a cutout 836. The cutout 836 may be a continuation of the gap provided by the cutout 814 for the slider arm 134.

[0176] In one embodiment, the seal 800 may be integrally formed as a single piece of material. For example, the seal 800 may be formed from a single piece of polyurethane or rubber material. The upper portion 816 may be resilient to allow the upper shield 818 to deflect to position 872 when the head 50 pivots in direction 102 to perform a fastener clamping operation (see [reference]). Figure 42 In another form, when the position of the head 50 is adjusted using the height adjustment mechanism 302, the upper shielding portion 818 can be deflected by the head 50.

[0177] refer to Figure 40 The seal 800 includes a recess 840 sized for mounting on a bushing 94 and a recess 842 sized for mounting on a bushing 140. Recesses 840 and 842 include curved surfaces 844 and 846 with curvatures similar to those of bushings 94 and 140. The material of the seal 800 can be selected such that the material of recesses 840 and 842 conforms to that of bushings 94 and 140.

[0178] refer to Figure 41When the head 50 is in its upper position, the seal 800 is shown positioned between the concave wedge 56 and the bushings 94, 140. The lip 822 forms a chip-resistant interface 850 with the tapered portion 852 of the concave wedge 56. The seal 800 may also include a central support portion 856 extending into the space between the bushings 94, 140. The central support portion 856 provides additional support to the seal 800 by resting against the upper portion of the bushing 140.

[0179] refer to Figure 42 The head 50 is shown pivoted in direction 102 to a lower position, for example, during a fastener clamping operation. As shown, the head arm 64 pivots in direction 102 on either side of the upper shield 818. However, regardless of whether the head 50 is in its upper or lower position, the upper shield 818 continues to extend between the head arms 64 and prevents debris from entering the opening 804 generally in direction 570. In some methods, pivoting the head 50 in direction 102 to its lower position or adjusting the height of the head 50 may cause the upper shield 818 to contact the components of the applicator 18 and deflect to position 872. However, the upper shield 818 may be made of an elastic material such that when the head 50 pivots in direction 104 or the height of the head 50 is readjusted, the upper shield 818 returns to the undeflected position 874.

[0180] refer to Figure 43 The base 14 has a generally inverted T-shaped profile. The base 14 includes a narrow portion 899 having an upper surface 900 and an enlarged base 904 having a lower surface 902.

[0181] refer to Figure 44 Hole 16 extends through base 14 and has a through hole or upper portion 906, which may be generally H-shaped and allows U-shaped pins 412 to extend through it. Upper portion 906 includes enlarged sides 908, 910 and a narrow center 912. Each enlarged side 908, 910 receives one of the U-shaped pins 412 of fastener 12.

[0182] Turn Figure 45 Hole 16 also includes an enlarged lower portion 570 that extends upward from the lower surface 902 and completely overlaps and extends longitudinally (refer to fastener lower plate 416) beyond the upper portion 906 of the H-shaped hole. The enlarged lower portion 570 may be countersunk, such that it is recessed from the lower surface 902 and extends longitudinally away from either end of the upper portion 906 of the H-shaped hole.

[0183] The pusher 124 travels through region 920 of bore 16A, while the guide finger 172 is accommodated in region 922 of another bore (bores 16B). Furthermore, as the pusher 124 extends through region 920 of bore 16A and drives the U-shaped pin 412 into the conveyor belt end 13, the edge 507 of the push finger 504 will contact the corner 510A of bore 16C. Figure 45 As shown, the fastener base 14 may include blind holes, such as hole 16A, to provide corner 510 for advancing fingers 504 to engage when the applicator 18 secures the fastener 12 to the conveyor belt end 13 near its side 19.

[0184] refer to Figure 46 Each hole 16 includes a sidewall 930 extending around an enlarged lower portion 570. A corner 510 connects the lower surface 902 and the sidewall 930. In some forms, the advance finger 504 may contact the sidewall 930 instead of the corner 510 to advance the applicator 18 along the anvil 12. The hole 16 may also have a transition wall extending upward from the sidewall 930 to an H-shaped upper portion 906 of the hole 16.

[0185] In one embodiment, the various components of the applicator 18 can be made of various metallic materials, for example, the cam plate 72 can be made of steel. The head arm 64, the pusher arm 110, and the slider arm 134 can be made of steel and connected to the cam plate 72 via a steel cam follower with a yoke-type needle roller bearing.

[0186] refer to Figure 47 , Figure 48 and Figure 49 The pusher arm 110, slider arm 134, and head arm 64 may have a double-arm crank configuration, which converts the radial motion of the followers 90, 116, 142 into non-radial motion of the head 50, sliders 130, 132, and pusher 124. For example, each pusher arm 110 may have its arm portions 110A, 110B, which extend laterally to each other and are joined together at a pivot portion 954, which has an opening 956 sized to accommodate bushing 112. Arm portions 950, 952 have ends 958, 960 for connection to the pusher cam follower 116 and pusher ball 612, and lengths 962, 964. Lengths 962, 964 may be selected to apply mechanical advantages if desired.

[0187] like Figure 48As shown, each slider arm 134 has a pair of arm portions 970, 972 that extend laterally toward each other and are joined together at a pivot portion 974, which has an opening 976 sized to receive a bushing 140. Arm portions 970, 972 have ends 978, 980 for connection to a slider cam follower 142 and a link 374. Arm portions 970, 972 may also be defined with lengths 981, 982. Lengths 981, 982 can be selected to provide mechanical advantages if desired.

[0188] like Figure 49 As shown, each head arm 64 has a pair of arm portions 983, 984 that extend laterally to each other and are joined together at a pivot portion 986, which has an opening 988 sized to accommodate a bushing 94. Arm portions 983, 984 have ends 990, 992 for connection to the head cam follower 90 and the head 50. Arm portions 983, 984 may define lengths 994, 996. In one form, length 994 is longer than length 996. This difference in lengths 994, 996 provides a mechanical advantage, allowing the head 50 to be pressed against the fastener upper plate 414 with a greater force than the force applied to the head cam follower 90 by the cam plate 72.

[0189] refer to Figure 50 Alternative embodiments of the thruster 1000 are provided. The thruster 1000 includes a body 1002 and a drive portion 1004 releasably secured to the body 1002, for example, by a fastener 1008. The body 1002 and the drive portion 1004 can be made of different materials, which allows for optimization of their material properties. For example, the drive portion 1004 can be made of tungsten carbide, the body 1002 can be made of steel, and the fastener 1008 can be a bolt. Another advantage of the thruster 1000 is that the fastener 1008 can be released and the drive portion 1004 can be replaced without removing the frame plate 62.

[0190] refer to Figures 51 to 53 An applicator 1100 is provided that is similar in many respects to the applicator 18 discussed above, so that the differences between the two will be highlighted. Applicator 1100 is as follows: Figure 51As shown, its housing has been removed to reveal the components of the applicator 1100. The applicator 1100 includes a handle 1102 pivotable from an upper starting position 1104 to a lower end position 1106. Pivoting the handle 1102 from the starting position 1104 to the end position 1106 advances the applicator 1100 along a fastener base and secures the fastener to the conveyor belt. The applicator 1100 includes a body 1110, which includes a side plate 1112, a bottom 1114, and a wedge 1116. The wedge 1116 has a recess 1118 for receiving a fastener base (e.g., the fastener base 14 described above). The wedge 1116 engages with the fastener base 14 such that the weight of the applicator 1110 is entirely supported by the fastener base 14, while allowing the applicator 1100 to slide along the fastener base 14.

[0191] The applicator 1100 includes a cam plate 1120 connected to a handle 1102, such that pivoting of the handle 1102 in direction 1122 causes rotation of the cam plate 1120 in a drive direction 1124. The applicator 1100 includes a head 1130, a pusher 1132, a guide 1134, and a pusher assembly 1136, which are operated by pivoting the handle 1102 in direction 1122. (Reference) Figure 55 and Figure 56 The applicator 1100 includes a resilient drive assist 1150, which includes a biasing member, such as a spring 1152, when the user pivots the handle in the direction 1304 from the end position 1106 to the starting position 1104 (see [link]). Figure 51 When the handle is pivoted from the starting position 1104 to the end position 1106 along direction 1122, the spring 1152 is unloaded or decompressed and provides force to assist the movement of the thruster 1132. In this way, the spring 1152 absorbs energy during the return mode of the handle 1102's operation and releases the stored energy during the operating mode of the handle 1102's operation. The unloading timing of the spring 1152 occurs at the start of the operating mode of the handle 1152 to provide force to the thruster 1132 to overcome friction or other resistance to its movement.

[0192] refer to Figure 51 and Figure 54 The applicator 1100 includes a lock 1160 having a handle 1162 and a tenon extending through an opening in one of the side plates 1112 and through a slider cam path 1184 of the cam plate 1120. The locking tenon contacts a wall 1170 of the cam plate 1120 and prevents the cam plate 1120 from rotating in the direction 1124. In another form, the tenon of the lock 1160 may engage an opening in the cam plate 1120 that is separate from the cam path 1184.

[0193] In order to use the applicator 1100, the user pulls the handle 1162 out of the page (when in...). Figure 51 (When viewed in the middle) to retract the tenon from the opening 1166 of the cam plate 1120 and move the tenon to its retracted position. The user turns the handle 1162, and the latch of the lock 1160 holds the tenon in the retracted position. With the tenon in the retracted position, the user can then turn the handle 1102 and cause the cam plate 1120 to rotate. To engage the lock 1160, the user turns the handle 1162 to disengage the latch, and the spring of the lock 1160 moves the tenon to the locked position, where the tenon extends through the cam path 1184 of the cam plate 1120.

[0194] refer to Figure 52 and Figure 53 The cam plate 1120 includes a head cam path 1180, a pusher cam path 1182, and a slider cam path 1184. Cam paths 1180, 1182, and 1184 have their respective starting ends 1190, 1192, and 1194. When the handle 1102 is in the starting position 1104 and the cam plate 1120 is in its initial position, the cam follower 1200 is positioned at the starting ends 1190, 1192, and 1194. Pivoting the handle 1102 in direction 1112 causes the cam plate 1120 to rotate in direction 1124, and the cam follower 1200 travels along cam paths 1180, 1182, and 1184 until they reach the ending ends 1202, 1204, and 1206 of the cam paths 1180, 1182, and 1184. In one form, the cam paths 1180, 1182, 1184 of the cam plate 1120 have through openings that extend around the cam plate 1120 and are closed at their ends. In another form, the cam paths 1180, 1182, 1184 are recesses in the plate rather than through openings. In yet another form, the cam paths may be part of a continuous surface.

[0195] refer to Figure 52 The head 1130 includes a head arm 1210, a slider 1212, and an anvil 1214. The head arm 1210 is pivotally connected to the side plate 1112 via a bushing 1220 and to the cam plate 1120 via an associated cam follower 1200.

[0196] Thruster 1132 is connected to cam plate 1120 via thruster arm 1224. Thruster arm 1224 is pivotally connected to side plate 1112 via bushing 1226. Figure 52 and Figure 53As shown, rotation of the cam plate 1120 in direction 1124 causes pivoting of the thruster arm 1224 in direction 1230 and drives the thruster 1132 upward. The thruster arm 1224 is connected to the cam plate 1120 via a cam follower 1200 engaging with the thruster cam path 1182. The slider 1212 is connected to the cam plate 1120 via a connecting member 1240 and the slider arm 1242. The slider arm 1242 is pivotally connected to the side plate 1112 via a bushing 1246. Figure 52 and Figure 53 As shown, rotation of cam plate 1120 in direction 1124 causes slider arm to pivot in direction 1250, which causes slider 1212 to pivot in direction 1252 to slide the end of the U-shaped pin leg of fastener.

[0197] refer to Figure 55 and Figure 56 The elastic drive assist device 1150 includes a spring cage 1280, which is pivotally connected 1282 to a pusher plate 1284 of a pusher arm 1224. The elastic drive assist device 1150 includes a seat 1286 having a support 1288 fixed to a side plate 1112. The spring cage 1280 includes a seat 1290, which presses the spring 1152 against the seat 1286 when the cam plate 1120 is in its initial position and the handle 1102 is in the starting position 1104. Figure 58 As shown. When the user pivots the handle 1102 from the starting position 1104 to the ending position 1106, the cam plate 1120 rotates in the drive direction 1124, the thruster arm 1224 pivots in the direction 1230, and the spring 1152 is unloaded and deployed. This applies a force in the direction 1300 on the thruster plate 1284 and pushes the thruster arm 1224 to pivot in the direction 1230. The spring 1152 is unloaded at the beginning of the downward path of the handle 1102 and at the initial rotation of the cam plate 1122 to rapidly push the thruster 1132 upward in the direction 1302. The spring 1152 is stored in the compression spring (see...). Figure 55 The release of energy from the spring 1152 helps the user propel the thruster 1152. As discussed in more detail below, the thruster 1132 drives the propulsion assembly 1136. In addition to the force from the user pulling the handle 1102, energy released from the compression spring 1152 is applied to the thruster arm 1224. This additional force helps to move the thruster 1132 quickly with greater force to propel the applicator 1100 along the fastener base.

[0198] After the user has secured the fasteners to the conveyor belt, the user proceeds along direction 1304 (see...). Figure 51The handle 1102 is pivoted from the end position 1106 to the starting position 1104. This causes the cam plate 1120 to rotate in the return direction 1310. The rotation of the cam plate 1120 in the return direction 1310 causes the pusher arm to pivot in the direction 1312, which pulls the seat 1290 of the spring cage 1280 toward the seat 1286, thereby compressing the spring 1152. During the return of the handle 1102 in the direction 1304, the resistance of the components of the applicator 1100 to the pivoting of the handle 1102 is reduced because these components are not directly securing the fasteners to the conveyor belt. Therefore, due to the reduced resistance encountered by the components of the applicator 1100, the pivoting of the handle 1102 from the end position 1106 to the starting position 1104 is generally easier than the reverse. The spring 1152 is compressed by the movement of the pusher arm 1224 during this easier return stroke of the handle 1102 in the direction 1304. By using the handle 1102 to more easily return the travel in direction 1304 to load the spring 1152, the user will hardly notice the work involved in loading the spring 1152.

[0199] Once the handle 1102 reaches the starting position 1104, the energy stored in the compression spring 1152 can be used. The user can pull the handle 1102 in direction 1122 to advance the applicator 1100 along the fastener base and secure the next fastener to the conveyor belt. The power assist component 1150 releases the energy stored in the spring 1152 at the start of the downward stroke of the handle 1102 in direction 1122. Releasing the energy stored in the spring 1152 at the start of the downward stroke may help overcome the inertia and frictional resistance of the applicator 1100.

[0200] refer to Figure 56 The thruster arm 1224 includes a thruster ball 1320, which is received in a socket 1322 of the thruster 1132. When the thruster arm 1224 pivots in directions 1230, 1312 in response to the rotation of the cam plate 1120, the connection between the ball 1320 and the socket 1322 causes the thruster 1132 to move in directions 1302, 1303.

[0201] Turn Figure 57The propulsion assembly 1136 includes a propulsion arm 1350 and a propulsion finger 1352. The propulsion arm 1350 is connected to a mounting member 1352 of the body 1110 at a pivot connection 1353, and the propulsion finger 1352 is connected to the propulsion arm 1350 at a pivot connection 1354. The propulsion finger 1352 has a portion 1356 that engages a fastener base and moves the applicator 1100 along the fastener base in response to pivoting of the propulsion arm 1350 in a direction 1358. One of the side plates 1112 includes a portion 1360 and the propulsion assembly 1136. The resilient drive assist 1150 includes a resilient drive assist assembly 1362 with a spring 1364. The spring 1364 is held between a seat surface 1366 of the side plate portion 1360 and a seat surface 1368 of the propulsion arm 1350. The end of the spring 1364 is fixed to the side plate portion 1360 and the propulsion arm 1350.

[0202] The propulsion assembly 1136 also includes one or more linkage members, such as a pair of linkage members 1370, 1372, for pivoting the propulsion arm 1350 as the guide 1134 moves. Linkage member 1372 is pivotally connected 1374 to the body 1110, linkage member 1372 is pivotally connected 1376 to the propulsion arm 1350, and linkage members 1370, 1372 are pivotally connected to each other at pin 1380. Pin 1380 extends through an elongated opening 1382 of the guide 1134 and is positioned within the elongated opening 1382 during the raising and lowering of the guide 1134. When the handle 1102 is in the initial position 1104 and the propulsion 1132 is in… Figure 60 When in the retracted position, the connecting rod members 1370 and 1372 are oriented to extend relative to each other at an angle of 1390.

[0203] refer to Figure 57 and Figure 58 When handle 1102 pivots in direction 1122, pusher arm 1224 pivots in direction 1230, which drives pusher 1132 upward in direction 1302 and drives guide 1134 upward together with pusher 1132 until connecting member 1390 pivots and disconnects guide 1134 from pusher 1132 in a predetermined vertical position. Pusher 1132 then continues upward to its fully extended position. The upward movement of guide 1134 in direction 1302 causes the wall 1392 of guide 1134 extending around elongated opening 1382 to contact pin 1380 and lift pin 1380 together with guide 1134. The upward movement of pin 1380 causes links 1370, 1372 to pivot and increase the angle 1390 between links 1370, 1372. This causes the push arm 1350 to pivot outward in direction 1358 and causes the push finger 1352 to engage the fastener base and move the applicator 1100 along it. Figure 60 and Figure 61As shown, as the push arm 1350 pivots along direction 1358, the spring 1364 unfolds and unloads. In addition to the force applied by the link 1372, the unloading of the spring 1364 also applies a force to the push arm 1350 and helps to push the applicator 1100 along the fastener base.

[0204] Once handle 1104 has reached the lower position 1106, the user then pivots handle 1102 back towards the upper starting position 1104 in direction 1304. This causes cam plate 1120 to rotate in the return direction 1310, which in turn causes pusher 1132 to move downward in direction 1303. Pusher 1132 eventually reconnects with guide 1134 and pulls guide downward in direction 1303 as pusher 1132 travels towards its retracted position. This causes pin 1380 to move approximately downward in direction 1303 and returns links 1370, 1372 to their original positions. Figure 60 The initial orientation in the middle. Links 1370 and 1372 return to their initial orientation, causing the push arm 1350 to pivot along direction 1359 (see...). Figure 58 This compresses the spring 1364 between the propeller arm 1350 and the side plate portion 1360. Similar to the spring 1152 discussed above, spring 1364 is compressed when the user pivots the handle 1102 from the lower end position 1106 back to the starting position 1104. This configuration also utilizes the lower resistance return stroke of the handle 1102 to compress the spring 1364 and capture energy. This captured energy is then utilized when the user pivots the handle 1102 from the starting position 1104 to the end position 1106, causing the guide 1134 to move upward along direction 1302 and pivot the propeller arm 1350 along direction 1358. When the handle 1102 is in the starting position 1104, spring 1364 is fully compressed and applies full force to the propeller arm 1350 at the start of the downward stroke of the handle 1102.

[0205] refer to Figure 59The head 1130 includes a guide 1400 and an anvil 1212 includes a central anvil 1402 with clamping legs 1404 for contacting an upper plate of a fastener and pressing the upper plate against the conveyor belt. The head 1130 includes a height adjustment mechanism 1410 for moving the anvil 1214 and the slider 1212 up and down along directions 1412, 1414 to compensate for different conveyor belt thicknesses. The height adjustment mechanism 1410 includes an adjuster 1416 having a handle 1418 and a shaft 1420. The shaft 1420 has a thread 1422. The shaft 1420 extends through an opening 1423 of a collar 1424 and an opening 1426 of the guide 1400. The collar 1424 and the guide 1400 include threads 1430, 1433 that engage with the thread 1422 of the shaft 1420. The user turns the handle 1418, which causes the shaft 1410 to rotate and the slider 1212 and the anvil 1214 to move up and down through the connection between the head 1440 of the shaft 1420 and the collar 1442 of the anvil 1214.

[0206] To lock the slider 1212 and anvil 1214 in a specific vertical position, the user screws the collar 1424 downwards. The collar 1424 acts as a lock nut to resist movement of the shaft 1420 along directions 1412, 1414. The height adjustment mechanism 1410 may include a stop 1450 to prevent rotation of the collar 1450 and to keep the collar 1450 tightly engaged with the guide 1400. The stop 1450 may include a ball 1452 that is pushed upwards along direction 1412 by a spring in the cavity 1454 of the guide 1400.

[0207] refer to Figure 60The resilient drive assist device 1150 of the applicator 1100 may have one or more resilient drive assist components that assist the movement of components of the applicator 1100. For example, the applicator 1100 may include a resilient drive assist component 1500 having springs 1502, 1504 positioned between the guide 1134 and a portion 1506 of the body 1110. The springs 1502, 1504 are prevented from lateral deflection by tenons 1508 and engage with the seat surfaces 1510, 1512 of the guide 1134 and the body portion 1506. When the guide 1134 moves downward in the direction 1303 in response to the user pivoting the handle 1102 from the end position 1106 in the direction 1304 to the starting position 1122, the seat surfaces 1510, 1512 converge together to compress the springs 1502, 1504. When the user pivots the handle 1102 from the starting position 1104 along direction 1112, the actuator 1132 drives the guide 1134 upward along direction 1302 and the springs 1502 and 1504 decompress. The decompression or unloading of springs 1502 and 1504 applies a force in direction 1302, which pushes the guide 1134 upward. In this way, springs 1502 and 1504 are loaded during the return mode of the handle 1102 along direction 1304 and unloaded during the operating mode of the handle along direction 1122.

[0208] refer to Figure 61 The elastic drive auxiliary device 1150 of the applicator 1100 may have one or more elastic drive auxiliary components that capture energy from different parts of the applicator 1100. For example, the applicator 1100 may have a compression spring 1600 connecting the thruster arm 1224 and the bottom 1114 of the body 1110. The spring 1600 will be loaded or compressed by pivoting the thruster arm 1224 in the direction 1312, and will be unloaded or decompressed as the thruster arm 1224 pivots in the direction 1230.

[0209] The applicator 1100 may have a torsion spring 1602 between the thruster arm 1224 and the side plate 1112. The torsion spring 1602 is loaded by pivoting the thruster arm 1224 in the direction 1312 and unloaded as the thruster arm 1224 pivots in the direction 1230.

[0210] The applicator 1100 may have a compression shaft 1606 connected to the thruster arm 1224 and a drive shaft 1608 on which a cam plate 1120 is mounted. The compression shaft 1606 is loaded as the thruster arm 1224 pivots in the direction 1312 and unloaded as the thruster arm 1224 pivots in the direction 1230.

[0211] The applicator 1100 may include a portion, such as at least one tooth 1612, that engages the resilient drive auxiliary assembly 1614 at a specific orientation of the cam plate 1120. The resilient drive auxiliary assembly 1614 may include a torsion spring connected to a shaft on which a pinion is mounted. When the cam plate 1120 reaches an angular position that engages the at least one tooth 1612 with the pinion of the resilient drive auxiliary assembly 1614, the pinion engages with the at least one tooth 1612. Continued rotation of the cam plate 1120 in direction 1310 causes rotation of the pinion engaged with the at least one tooth 1612 and loading of the torsion spring connected to the pinion shaft. The at least one tooth 1612 is positioned only around a portion of the periphery of the cam plate 1120 such that loading and unloading of the torsion spring of the resilient drive auxiliary assembly 1614 occurs only within a portion of the range of motion of the cam plate 1120.

[0212] In another form, the resilient drive auxiliary component 1614 includes a one-way drive mechanism, such as a ratchet, which is configured to engage teeth 1612. The ratchet can engage at least one tooth 1612 and drive the tooth 1612 and the cam plate 1120 in direction 1124.

[0213] The applicator 1100 may also include an elastic drive auxiliary component 1618 having an elastic member that engages with the outer periphery (e.g., recess 1620) of the cam plate 1120. When the cam plate 1120 rotates in direction 1124, the elastic member 1618 captures energy from the rotation of the cam plate 1120 when it engages with the recess 1620, and releases the captured energy back to the cam plate 1120 when it rotates in direction 1310.

[0214] The elastic drive auxiliary device 1150 of the applicator 1100 can have various types of energy retention mechanisms. For example, springs including compression, tension, torsion, and constant force springs can be used. Springs that can be used include helical springs and gas springs (e.g., nitrogen springs). Magnets can also be used as energy retention mechanisms.

[0215] Now for reference Figures 62 to 69An alternative fastener base 1700, similar in many respects to the fastener base 14 discussed above, is shown, thus highlighting the differences between the two bases. Fastener base 1700 is configured for use with system 10 and the various applicators described above (e.g., applicator 18, applicator 1100). In this respect, fastener base 1700 has the same function as fastener base 14 in its operation with the applicators 18, 1100, for example, regarding its interaction with fastener 12, pusher 124, guide finger 174, and push finger 504. However, fastener base 1700 has multiple components, as described below, such that if one component is damaged, that component can be removed for repair or replacement without having to repair or replace the entire base.

[0216] As shown in the figure, the elongated fastener base 1700 includes an upper base segment 1702 and a lower base member 1704. Once the members 1702 and 1704 are rigidly fastened or connected together, they form part of the assembled fastener base 1700. The fastener base 1700 includes a plurality of fastener holes 1706 extending through the base 1700. The holes 1706 include an upper H-shaped hole 1708 formed in the upper base segment 1702 and a lower elongated, enlarged hole 1710 formed in the lower base member 1704 (e.g., ...). Figure 63 and Figure 66 (As shown).

[0217] refer to Figure 63 Each upper base segment 1702 includes a plurality of holes 1730 configured to align with corresponding holes 1732 in the lower base member 1704, allowing fasteners to be received therethrough. As shown, the holes 1732 may be threaded, allowing fasteners to be threaded bolts 1712, which can be received and secured in the holes 1730 to rigidly connect the upper base segment 1702 to the lower base member 1704. Furthermore, the lower base member 1704 may include one or more locating posts 1734 configured to be received within secondary holes 1736 in the upper base segment 1702 for aligning holes 1730 and 1732 to secure the upper base segment 1702 and the lower base member 1704 together using bolts 1712.

[0218] Once the upper base segment 1702 is rigidly fastened or connected to the lower base member 1704 using bolts 1712, the upper portion 1708 of each H-shaped hole formed in the upper base segment 1702 will align with the corresponding lower portion 1710 of the enlarged hole formed in the lower base member 1704, such that their corresponding side surface portions are aligned. In this way, one of the upper holes 1708 and the corresponding one of the lower holes 1710 cooperate to form one of the holes 1706. The hole 1706 of the assembled fastener base 1700 has a substantially similar construction to the hole 16 of the fastener base 14, so as to function substantially similarly in terms of applicator positioning, U-pin driving, and applicator advance operation.

[0219] refer to Figure 62 and Figure 63 In the preferred and illustrated form, each upper base segment 1702 has an equal length, and the length of the lower base member 1704 is longer than the length of any individual upper base segment 1702. In other forms, the individual upper base segments 1702 may have different lengths. The length of the lower base member 1704 is such that a predetermined number of base segments 1702 are fixed to the lower base member 1704 to extend beyond the lower portion 1710 of each enlarged hole in the lower base member 1704 and form a fastener base 1700 including its plurality of holes 1706. This configuration allows the individual upper base segment 1702 including the unusable hole to be removed from the lower base member 1704 for repair or replacement if a single hole 1706 becomes unusable for any reason, while the remaining upper base segments 1702 remain in their fixed positions fixed to the lower base member 1704.

[0220] like Figure 64 As shown, the upper H-shaped hole 1708 includes a pair of spaced-apart, enlarged or elongated side portions 1716, which are flat and extend linearly along either side of the upper hole 1708, and also includes U-shaped nail leg receiving recesses 1717 at the corners of the upper hole 1708. More specifically, the recesses 1717 of each hole 1706 are formed at the end of each opposing side surface portion 1716 and are formed on either side of a central sheet-like protrusion 1719 that extends toward each other and is spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the upper hole 1708. In this way, in the illustrated form, the upper hole 1708 is configured to receive the legs of a pair of U-shaped nails in the recesses 1717 at the four corners of the upper hole 1708. The recesses 1717 may have a generally arcuate or semi-circular construction to correspond to the circular cross-sectional construction of the U-shaped nail legs of each U-shaped nail.

[0221] The upper part 1708 of the H-shaped hole has a width of 1709 (e.g., Figure 65 and Figure 66As shown), the width 1709 extends through the upper hole 1708 between the opposing straight elongated side portions 1716. Similarly, the enlarged lower hole 1710 formed in the lower base member 1704 similarly includes enlarged or elongated side portions 1718, which face each other, extend linearly and have a flat construction, and are spaced apart from each other by a width 1711 through the lower hole 1710. The dimensions of the width 1709 of the H-shaped upper hole 1708 and the width 1711 of the enlarged lower hole 1710 preferably correspond to each other and are as follows: Figure 65 The same applies as shown. Therefore, once the upper base segment 1702 has been rigidly fastened to the lower base member 1704 to form the fastener base 1700, the corresponding side surface portions 1716 and 1718 of the upper H-shaped hole 1708 and the lower enlarged hole 1710 are aligned to be approximately flush with each other.

[0222] refer to Figures 67 to 69 The image shows fastener 12 (see Figure 12). Figure 15A and 15B Various views show the U-shaped pin 412 placed on the fastener base 1700, extending into and through the hole 1706. Similar to the fastener base 14, the dimensions of the U-shaped pin legs 460, 462 and the hole 1706 of the U-shaped pin 412 allow the U-shaped pin legs 460, 462 to be positioned within one of the holes 1706, extending downward through the H-shaped upper portion 1708 and the enlarged lower portion 1710 adjacent to the opposing surface portions of the hole 1706 for a tight sliding fit. Figure 69 As shown, when the U-shaped nail 412 is accommodated in the hole 1706, the crown 463 of the U-shaped nail 412 can be oriented below the lower surface 1705 of the lower base member 1704 of the fastener base 1700.

[0223] like Figure 67 As shown, a pair of U-shaped pins 412, housed in each hole 1706, are spaced apart from each other on the lower plate 416 of the fastener 12, such that the corresponding legs 460, 462 of the pair of U-shaped pins 412 are aligned with the side surface portions 1716, 1718 (see Figure 1). Figure 69 The U-shaped pins 460 and 462 have a tight sliding fit. As an example, and not a limitation, the widths 1709 and 1711 of the aligned side surface portions 1716 and 1718 through the hole 1706 may be only slightly larger than the distance measured from the surface portion of the U-shaped pin 460 or 462 facing the side surface portions 1716 and 1718, such that when positioned in the hole 1706, the U-shaped pin 460 or 462 is spaced approximately 0.005 inches from the side surface portions 1716 and 1718. Similarly, the dimensions of the U-shaped pins 460 and 462 and the upper portion 1708 of the hole are designed such that the U-shaped pins 460 and 462 will have a tight sliding fit with the curved surface of the recess portion 1717 at the corner of the upper portion 1708 of the H-shaped hole (see [reference]). Figure 68 With this dimensional arrangement, the aligned side surface portions 1716, 1718 and the arcuate surfaces of the recessed portion 1717 are configured to serve as guide surfaces during conveyor belt fastener application operations as the U-shaped legs 460, 462 of the U-shaped nail 412 are driven through and out of the hole 1706. The aligned side surface portions 1716, 1718 and the central sheet-like protrusion 1719 can have tight tolerances with the U-shaped legs and the pusher 124, allowing the aligned side surface portions 1716, 1718 and the central sheet-like protrusion 1719 to wear down over time with repeated use of the applicator 18. The operator can remove the worn upper base section 1702 and replace it with a new upper base section 1702.

[0224] In a similar manner, the applicator's thruster (e.g.) Figure 4 The pusher 124 of the applicator 18 shown is sized to have a width that allows for a tight sliding engagement with aligned side surface portions 1716, 1718. In operation, when the pusher 124 of the applicator 18 is driven upward, the side surfaces of the pusher 124 are respectively adjacent to the side surface portions 1716, 1718 of the upper H-hole 1708 and the lower enlarged hole 1710, so that the groove of the pusher 124 engages with the crown 463 of the U-shaped nail 412 and guides the U-shaped nail 412, including its legs 460, 462, upward through and out of the hole 1706 and across the conveyor belt. This configuration ensures that the upper H-hole 1708 and the lower enlarged hole 1710 of each hole 1706 (including their aligned side surface portions 1716, 1718) cooperate to facilitate effective alignment of the pusher and the U-shaped nail during U-shaped nail driving operation.

[0225] Although the alternative fastener base 1700 is configured to be substantially similar to the fastener base 14 described herein in terms of applicator positioning, U-bolt driving, and applicator advance operation, the fastener base 1700 can be formed using less material than the fastener base 14 due to the separation of the upper base segment 1702 from the lower base member 1704. With this configuration, the upper base segment 1702 can be manufactured using less raw material than the portion of the fastener base 14 including the upper part of the H-hole, because the upper base segment 1702 does not extend to completely overlap the lower part 1710 of the enlarged hole in the lower base member 1704, for example... Figure 64As shown. In some forms, the upper base segment 1702 may be formed of a different material than the lower base member 1704. In a non-limiting example, the upper base segment 1702 may be formed of one type of metal, such as A2 steel, while the lower base member 1704 may be formed of another different type of metal. Alternatively, the upper base segment 1702 and the lower base member 1704 may be formed of the same material. With this configuration, different material configurations of the components forming the fastener base 1700 are conceivable.

[0226] Now for reference Figures 70 to 73 Another alternative fastener base 1800 is shown, which is similar in many respects to the fastener base 14 discussed above, and therefore the differences between the two will be highlighted. Fastener base 1800 is configured for use with system 10 and the various applicators described above (e.g., applicator 18, applicator 1100). In this respect, fastener base 1800, like the alternative fastener base 1700, has the same function as fastener base 14 in its operation with applicators 18, 1100, for example, regarding its interaction with the U-shaped nail, pusher 124, guide finger 174, and pusher finger 504. However, like fastener base 1700, fastener base 1800 has multiple components as described below, so that if one component is damaged, that component can be removed for repair or replacement without having to repair or replace the entire base.

[0227] As shown in the figure, the elongated fastener base 1800 includes a first upper guide segment 1802, a second upper guide segment 1803, and a lower base member 1804, which form part of the fastener base 1800 once rigidly fastened or connected together. The fastener base 1800 includes a plurality of holes 1806 extending through the base 1800, each hole 1806 including an H-shaped upper portion 1808 defined by the upper guide segments 1802 and 1803 and an enlarged lower portion 1810 formed in the lower base member 1804 (e.g., ...). Figure 71 As shown in the diagram, and further described in detail below. The hole 1806 of the assembled fastener base 1800 has a substantially similar construction to the hole 16 of the fastener base 14 and the hole 1706 of another alternative fastener base 1700, so as to function in a substantially similar manner in terms of applicator positioning, U-pin driving and applicator advance operation.

[0228] refer to Figure 71Each first upper guide segment 1802 includes a plurality of holes 1830 configured to align with corresponding holes 1832 in the lower base member 1804, allowing fastening members to be received therethrough. As shown, the holes 1832 may be threaded, allowing the fastening member to be a threaded bolt 1812, which can be received and secured in the holes 1832 to rigidly connect the first upper guide segment 1802 to the lower base member 1804. Similarly, each second upper guide segment 1803 includes a plurality of holes 1831 configured to align with corresponding holes 1833 in the lower base member 1804, allowing fastening members to be received therethrough. As shown in the figure, hole 1833 may be threaded, such that the fastening member may be a threaded bolt 1813, which may pass through hole 1831 and be secured in hole 1833 to rigidly connect the second upper guide segment 1803 to the lower base member 1804. Furthermore, the lower base member 1804 may include one or more positioning posts 1834 configured to be received within secondary holes 1835 of the first guide segment 1802 for aligning holes 1830 and 1832 to secure the base member 1804 and the guide segment 1802 together using bolts 1812.

[0229] The first upper guide segment 1802 and the second upper guide segment 1803 each include alternating small central sheet-like protrusions 1805, similar to the central sheet-like protrusion 1719 of the previously described upper hole portion 1708, and larger dividing protrusions 1807 configured to define a generally H-shaped upper hole portion 1808 for each hole 1806. When assembled and rigidly coupled to the lower base member 1804, the upper guide segments 1802 and 1803 do not directly engage with each other, but are spaced apart from each other along the length of the enlarged lower hole portion 1810, thereby forming a continuous gap 1820 extending between the upper guide segments 1802 and 1803. The larger dividing protrusions 1807 on each segment 1802 and 1803 form a generally dividing portion of the gap 1820, such that each portion includes a surface portion of one of the upper hole portions 1808, as described in more detail below.

[0230] The small central plate-like protrusion 1805 of segments 1802 and 1804 cooperates with the larger dividing protrusion 1807 to give the dividing portion of gap 1820 a generally "H" shaped profile, with each portion aligned on the corresponding enlarged lower portion 1810. In this configuration, each H-shaped hole upper portion 1808 does not have a completely closed periphery. It is also conceivable that the larger dividing protrusion 1807 of each guide segment 1802 and 1803 can extend such that, when fixed to the lower base member 1804, the flat ends of the correspondingly extending protrusions 1807 will abut or abut against each other to form a closed periphery of the hole upper portion 1808.

[0231] refer to Figure 70 and Figure 71 In the preferred and illustrated form, the first and second guide segments 1802, 1803 are each of equal length, and the lower base member 1804 is longer than the individual base segments 1802, 1803. The length of the lower base member 1804 is designed such that a predetermined number of guide segments 1802, 1803 are fixed to the lower base member 1804 to extend above its plurality of lower holes 1810 and form a fastener base 1800 including its plurality of holes 1806. With this configuration, if a single guide segment 1802, 1803 becomes unavailable for any reason, the unavailable guide segment can be removed from the lower base member 1804 for repair or replacement, while the remaining guide segments 1802, 1803 remain in place fixed to the lower base member 1804.

[0232] As previously described, once the fastener base 1800 is assembled by attaching the upper guide strips 1802, 1803 to the lower base member 1804, the fastener base 1800 functions substantially similarly to fastener bases 14 and 1700. While the H-shaped upper portion 1808 of each hole 1806 does not have a closed perimeter, each small central sheet-like protrusion 1805 cooperates with a larger dividing protrusion 1807 on either side to form a mirrored “J”-shaped opening 1817. Each J-shaped opening 1817 has a side surface portion 1816 of the hole upper portion 1808 that is flat and extends linearly along the side of the dividing protrusion 1807, and each J-shaped opening 1817 forms one of the U-shaped nail leg receiving openings formed between the central sheet-like protrusion 1805 and the dividing protrusion 1807. This opening is configured as an arcuate surface portion with a generally semi-circular construction to correspond to the circular cross-sectional construction of the U-shaped nail legs 460, 462 of each U-shaped nail 412 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 15A ).

[0233] refer to Figure 72 and Figure 73 Each H-shaped hole upper portion 1808 has a width 1809 extending between opposing side surface portions 1816 of a large protrusion 1807 on either side of the central sheet-like protrusion 1805 of the upper guide strip segments 1802, 1803. Similarly, the enlarged hole lower portion 1810 formed in the lower base member 1804 similarly includes enlarged or elongated side surface portions 1818 of the enlarged hole lower portion 1810, which face each other, extend linearly, have a flat construction, and are spaced apart from each other along the hole lower portion 1810 by a width 1811. Figure 73As shown, the widths of the upper hole 1808 and the lower hole 1810 are preferably corresponding and identical. Therefore, once the upper guide segments 1802 and 1803 are rigidly fixed to the lower base member 1804 to form the fastener base 1800, the corresponding side surface portions 1816 and 1818 of the corresponding holes in the upper hole 1808 and the lower enlarged hole 1810 are aligned to be substantially flush with each other.

[0234] Similar to fastener bases 14 and 1700, and similar to... Figures 67 to 69 The description refers to the U-shaped pins 460, 462 (as shown) that will be accommodated in hole 1806. Figure 15A The dimensions (shown) are designed such that they extend downward through the upper H-shaped portion 1808 and the enlarged lower portion 1810 and are adjacent to the aligned side surface portions 1816, 1818 for a tight sliding engagement, even though each upper H-shaped hole 1808 does not have a closed perimeter. A pair of U-shaped pins 412 housed in each hole 1806 are spaced apart from each other on the lower plate 416 of the fastener 12, such that the corresponding legs 460 or 462 of the pair of U-shaped pins 412 have a tight sliding engagement with the aligned side surface portions 1816, 1818. By way of example and not limitation, the widths 1809, 1811 of the aligned side surface portions 1816, 1818 through the holes 1806 may be only slightly larger than the distance measured from the surface portion of the U-shaped pin legs 460 or 462 facing the side surface portions 1816, 1818, such that the U-shaped pin legs 460 or 462 are spaced approximately 0.005 inches from the side surface portions 1816, 1818. In a similar manner, the dimensions of the U-shaped pins 460, 462 and the upper hole 1808 are designed such that the U-shaped pins 460, 462 will slide tightly into the arcuate surface of the J-shaped recess portion 1817 at the corner of the upper hole 1808 in their semi-circular openings.

[0235] With this dimensional arrangement, the aligned side surface portions 1816, 1818 are configured and arranged to serve as guide surfaces for the two U-shaped nail legs 460, 462 of the U-shaped nail during conveyor belt fastener application operation, when the U-shaped nail is driven through and out of the hole 1806. Similarly, the applicator's pusher (e.g., Figure 4The pusher 124 of the applicator 18 shown is sized to have a width that allows for a tight sliding engagement with the aligned side surface portions 1816, 1818. In operation, when the pusher 124 of the applicator 18 is driven upward, the side surfaces of the pusher 124 are respectively adjacent to the side surface portions 1816, 1818 of the upper H-hole 1808 and the lower enlarged hole 1810, so as to guide the pusher 124 as it engages the crown of the U-shaped nail and drives the U-shaped nail, including its legs, upward through and out of the hole 1806. This configuration ensures that the upper H-hole 1808 and the lower enlarged hole 1810 of each hole 1806 (including their aligned side surface portions 1816, 1818) cooperate to facilitate effective alignment of the pusher and the U-shaped nail during U-shaped nail driving operation.

[0236] Although the alternative fastener base 1800 is configured to be substantially similar to the fastener base 14 described herein in terms of applicator positioning, U-bolt driving, and applicator advance operation, the fastener base 1800 can be formed using less material than the fastener base 14 due to the separation of the upper guide segments 1802, 1803 from the lower base member 1804. With this configuration, the upper guide segments 1802, 1803 require less raw material to manufacture than the portion of the fastener base 14 including the upper part of the H-hole, because a gap 1820 is formed between them (in... Figure 70 (As shown in the diagram). In some forms, the upper guide segments 1802, 1803 may be formed of a different material than the lower base member 1804. In a non-limiting example, the upper guide segments 1802, 1803 may be formed of one type of metal, such as A2 steel, while the lower base member 1804 may be formed of another different type of metal. Alternatively, the upper guide segments 1802, 1803 and the lower base member 1804 may be formed of the same material. With this configuration, different material configurations of the components forming the fastener base 1800 are conceivable.

[0237] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, and such modifications, alterations, and combinations should be considered within the scope of the inventive concept. Furthermore, directional terms such as up, down, upward, and downward are used to describe the relative orientation and movement of the components observed in the drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. For example, although fastener plate 414 is described as an upper plate, when mounted on a running conveyor belt, fastener plate 414 will be below fastener plate 416.

Claims

1. A fastener base for facilitating the attachment of fasteners to the end of a conveyor belt, the fastener base comprising: The lower base component has multiple lower holes; An upper base member is configured to be detachably connected to a lower base member, the upper base member having a plurality of upper holes; When the upper base component is connected to the lower base component, the lower hole of the lower base component and the upper hole of the upper base component cooperate to form a plurality of fastener holes, which are configured to accommodate U-shaped pins for fasteners to be fixed to the end of the conveyor belt. Each fastener hole has spaced-apart wall portions that span the fastener hole, the wall portions being configured to engage with the applicator's guide to secure the applicator relative to the fastener hole; and The wall portion of the fastener hole is configured to guide the U-shaped fastener and the pusher of the applicator through the fastener hole when the pusher drives the U-shaped fastener into the end of the conveyor belt.

2. The fastener base according to claim 1, wherein, Each upper base component has two pairs of aligned recesses to accommodate U-shaped pin legs, and a pair of central plate-like protrusions located between the paired aligned recesses. The upper base component can be removed from the lower base component for easy replacement of the upper base component.

3. The fastener base according to claim 1, wherein, For each fastener hole, the wall portion includes an upper hole sidewall portion of the upper base member that spans the fastener holes and is spaced apart from each other, and a lower hole sidewall portion of the lower base member that spans the fastener holes and is spaced apart from each other. and The upper hole sidewall portion and the lower hole sidewall portion are aligned and configured to guide the pusher through the lower hole portion and the upper hole portion of the fastener hole.

4. The fastener base according to claim 1, wherein, The upper base component includes a plurality of upper base segments, each of which is configured to be detachably connected to the lower base component.

5. The fastener base according to claim 1, wherein, The upper base member and the lower base member include multiple mating portions configured to position the upper base member and the lower base member relative to each other such that the upper hole and the lower hole are aligned when the upper base member and the lower base member are detachably connected.

6. The fastener base according to claim 1, wherein, When the upper base component and the lower base component are detachably connected, the fastener holes are aligned in the longitudinal direction; and The upper hole has a first lateral distance passing through it; and The lower hole has a second lateral distance passing through it, and the second lateral distance is greater than the first lateral distance.

7. The fastener base according to claim 1, wherein, The upper hole is H-shaped; and The lower part is oblong.

8. The fastener base according to claim 1, wherein, The upper base component includes a first guide bar component and a second guide bar component, the first guide bar component and the second guide bar component being configured to connect to the lower base component and form a gap between the first guide bar component and the second guide bar component; The protrusions of the first guide bar member extending in the gap and the protrusions of the second guide bar member extending in the gap cooperate to define at least a portion of the upper hole of each fastener hole.

9. The fastener base according to claim 1, wherein, Each fastener hole has a closed perimeter at the top.

10. The fastener base according to claim 1, wherein, The upper base component is made of a different material than the lower base component.

11. A system for securing fasteners to the end of a conveyor belt, the system comprising: A fastener base for supporting fasteners includes a lower base member having a plurality of lower holes and an upper base member having a plurality of upper holes. The upper base member is configured to be detachably connected to the lower base member such that the lower holes and the upper holes mate to form a plurality of aligned fastener holes, which are configured to receive U-shaped pins of a lower plate of the fastener. and The applicator includes multiple operating components operable to engage with fastener holes in a fastener base to advance the applicator along the fastener base, fix the applicator relative to the fastener base, and drive the ends of the U-shaped nail legs through a conveyor belt and into holes in the upper plate of the fastener. and The applicator is operable to press the upper plate of the fastener against the end of the conveyor belt and bend the end of the U-shaped nail leg against the upper plate of the fastener to secure the fastener to the end of the conveyor belt.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The applicator can be moved along the fastener base to any fastener hole, and the applicator can be operated to secure a fastener to the conveyor belt at a fastener hole without having to move the applicator along the fastener base.

13. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The applicator is operable to push the upper plate of one of the fasteners against the end of the conveyor belt, drive the U-shaped stud end of a fastener through the end of the conveyor belt and into the through hole of the upper plate, and bend the U-shaped stud end against the upper plate of the fastener while the applicator remains fixed relative to the fastener base.

14. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The operating component includes a U-shaped nail pusher configured to advance into the lower and upper portions of the fastener hole to drive the ends of the U-shaped nail legs through the conveyor belt; and The operating component includes a guide configured to be pushed into the lower hole rather than the upper hole to fix the applicator relative to the fastener base.

15. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The actuating element includes at least two different actuating elements configured to be pushed into the fastener hole; and Each fastener hole includes a pair of sidewall portions that are spaced apart from each other across the fastener hole and configured to guide at least two operating members when at least two operating members are advanced into the fastener hole.

16. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The fastener holes are aligned in the longitudinal direction, the upper hole has a first lateral width and the lower hole has a second lateral width, the second lateral width being greater than the first lateral width.

17. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The operating member includes a guide configured to extend into and engage the fastener hole.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein, The operating component includes a pusher operable to be pushed into the fastener hole and drive the end of the U-shaped nail leg through the end of the conveyor belt.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein, The operating component includes a propulsion component operable to engage a fastener base at a fastener hole and advance the applicator along the fastener base.

20. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The applicator includes an anvil operable to press the upper plate of the fastener against the end of the conveyor belt and a slider operable to bend the end of the U-shaped nail leg against the upper plate of the fastener.

21. The system according to claim 20, wherein, The operating component includes a pusher operable to drive the U-shaped pin of the fastener out of the fastener hole; and The anvil and slider are aligned with the pusher, such that the anvil is operable to push the upper plate of one of the fasteners against the end of the conveyor belt, and the pusher and slider are operable to drive the U-shaped stud end of the fastener through the end of the conveyor belt and bend the U-shaped stud end against the upper plate of the fastener, while the applicator remains fixed to the fastener base.

22. A system for securing fasteners to the end of a conveyor belt, the system comprising: A fastener base includes a lower base member and a plurality of upper base members. The fastener base has a plurality of aligned fastener holes, the fastener holes including upper holes in the upper base members and lower holes in the lower base members, the fastener holes being configured to receive U-shaped fasteners. and Applicator, including: A propulsion member, at least a portion of which is configured to extend into a fastener hole, is operable to move an applicator along a fastener base; The guide is configured to extend into the fastener hole and fix the applicator along the fastener base; An anvil is configured to contact the upper plate of the fastener and move the upper plate toward the end of the conveyor belt housed in the fastener; A pusher, operable to advance into a fastener hole to drive the end of the fastener's U-shaped stud leg through the end of the conveyor belt and into a hole in the upper plate of the fastener; and The slider is operable to bend the end of the U-shaped stud leg against the upper plate of the fastener and secure the fastener to the end of the conveyor belt.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein, The pusher has an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the pusher extends into the upper and lower portions of the fastener hole; in the retracted position, the pusher is outside the fastener hole. and The guide has an extended position in which it extends in the lower portion of the fastener hole and not in the upper portion of the fastener hole, and a retracted position in which it is outside the fastener hole.

24. The system according to claim 23, wherein, The lower portion of each fastener hole includes a pair of sidewall portions that are spaced apart from each other across the fastener hole; and The guide has a side surface configured to engage the side wall portion of the lower hole of the fastener hole to fix the applicator and prevent it from moving along the fastener base.

25. The system according to claim 23, wherein, The upper portion of each fastener hole includes a pair of sidewall portions that are spaced apart from each other across the fastener hole for supporting the ends of the U-shaped nail legs in the fastener hole. and The pusher includes a side surface configured to slide along the sidewall portion of the upper hole of the fastener hole when the pusher drives the end of the U-shaped spike leg through the end of the conveyor belt.

26. The system according to claim 25, wherein, Each fastener hole's lower portion includes a pair of sidewall portions that span the fastener hole and are spaced apart from each other, wherein the sidewall portions of the upper and lower portions are flush with each other.

27. The system according to claim 22, wherein, The fastener holes are aligned along the fastener base in the longitudinal direction; and The upper hole has a first lateral distance passing through it; and The lower hole has a second lateral distance passing through it, and the second lateral distance is greater than the first lateral distance.

28. The system according to claim 22, wherein, The guide and the pusher are configured to extend into adjacent fastener holes, such that the guide and the pusher are side by side.

29. The system according to claim 22, wherein, The fastener base includes an edge extending around each fastener hole; and The propulsion member is configured to engage the edge of the fastener hole to move the applicator along the fastener base.

30. The system according to claim 22, wherein, The applicator includes a propulsion assembly comprising a propulsion member and a pivot propulsion arm connecting the propulsion member to the propulsion unit, such that propulsion of the propulsion unit causes pivoting of the propulsion arm, movement of the propulsion member, and movement of the applicator along the fastener base.

31. The system according to claim 22, wherein, The pusher has a retracted position, wherein the pusher is located below the fastener base and outside the fastener hole; and an extended position, wherein the pusher extends within the fastener hole. The anvil and slider are located above the fastener base and aligned with the pusher. The anvil, slider, and pusher are operable to perform plate movement, U-shaped nail leg drive, and U-shaped nail leg bending operations on one of the fasteners, while the guide fixes the applicator along the fastener base.

32. The system according to claim 22, wherein, The applicator includes a connector configured to selectively link a guide and a pusher together such that when the pusher is advanced into a fastener hole, the guide and the pusher together advance at least a portion of the pusher's range of motion.

33. The system according to claim 32, wherein, The connector is configured to disconnect the guide and the propeller at a predetermined position on the propeller, so that the propeller can advance further into the fastener hole than the guide can advance into the fastener hole.

34. The system according to claim 22, wherein, The applicator includes a body configured to be slidably coupled to the fastener base.

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