A pallet machine (10) includes improved fastening systems (30, 106) for nailing the boards (16, 18) to the stringers (14). Each fastening system (30, 106) includes a vibratory nail bowl (38), a movable nail holder (40) and transfer block (42), and nailing assemblies (58). The transfer block (42) includes a pick plate (45) movable between blocking and feeding positions so that nails can be simultaneously fed to the nailing assemblies (58). The nailing assemblies (58) include recessed mounts (68, 70) and bearings (74) for better load transfer and distribution from recoil during high cyclical operation.

A double-cam fastener driving machine, including an energy storage unit; an impact unit for actuating the energy storage unit to store energy which can bear the energy released from the energy storage unit to drive the fastener into the workpiece; a rotating actuating unit; a pushing mechanism; a double-cam mechanism, comprising a first cam and a second cam which can be optionally engaged and disengaged, the first cam is connected to the rotating actuating unit and driven by the rotating actuating unit to rotate, the second cam is connected and linked with the pushing mechanism. The double-cam mechanism to implement engagement and disengagement of rotating actuating unit and pushing mechanism, and the impact unit is not disengaged from the pushing mechanism, so that the double-cam mechanism can be engaged correctly during quick release, normal nailing or nail jamming of impact unit.

A double-cam fastener driving machine, including an energy storage unit; an impact unit for actuating the energy storage unit to store energy which can bear the energy released from the energy storage unit to drive the fastener into the workpiece; a rotating actuating unit; a pushing mechanism; a double-cam mechanism, comprising a first cam and a second cam which can be optionally engaged and disengaged, the first cam is connected to the rotating actuating unit and driven by the rotating actuating unit to rotate, the second cam is connected and linked with the pushing mechanism. The double-cam mechanism to implement engagement and disengagement of rotating actuating unit and pushing mechanism, and the impact unit is not disengaged from the pushing mechanism, so that the double-cam mechanism can be engaged correctly during quick release, normal nailing or nail jamming of impact unit.

There is disclosed a method of providing through-thickness reinforcement in a laminated material. A guide foot is moved to a datum location relative the laminated material, at which the guide foot abuts a reinforcement zone on a surface of the laminated material. An insertion operation is conducted by inserting an insertion element through the guide foot into the laminated material along an insertion direction when the guide foot is in the datum location. The insertion element comprises a needle for forming a hole in the laminated material; a reinforcement rod to be received in the laminated material; or a tamping pin for tamping a reinforcement rod received in the laminated material. A corresponding insertion apparatus is disclosed.

There is disclosed a method of providing through-thickness reinforcement in a laminated material. A guide foot is moved to a datum location relative the laminated material, at which the guide foot abuts a reinforcement zone on a surface of the laminated material. An insertion operation is conducted by inserting an insertion element through the guide foot into the laminated material along an insertion direction when the guide foot is in the datum location. The insertion element comprises a needle for forming a hole in the laminated material; a reinforcement rod to be received in the laminated material; or a tamping pin for tamping a reinforcement rod received in the laminated material. A corresponding insertion apparatus is disclosed.

A fastener delivery system including a feed tube coupled to a delivery location at a second end of the feed tube. The fastener delivery system includes a fastener feed mechanism comprised of a coil wound around a coupler. The coupler is coupled to the feed tube at a first end of the feed tube. The fastener delivery system includes a fastener positioning device configured to receive a fastener. The fastener positioning device is connected to the coupler and operates to inject the fastener into the coupler. A current is applied through the coil to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field interacts with the fastener and thereby projects the fastener through the feed tube towards the delivery location.

A fastener delivery system including a feed tube coupled to a delivery location at a second end of the feed tube. The fastener delivery system includes a fastener feed mechanism comprised of a coil wound around a coupler. The coupler is coupled to the feed tube at a first end of the feed tube. The fastener delivery system includes a fastener positioning device configured to receive a fastener. The fastener positioning device is connected to the coupler and operates to inject the fastener into the coupler. A current is applied through the coil to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field interacts with the fastener and thereby projects the fastener through the feed tube towards the delivery location.

A fastener delivery system including a feed tube coupled to a delivery location at a second end of the feed tube. The fastener delivery system includes a fastener feed mechanism comprised of a coil wound around a coupler. The coupler is coupled to the feed tube at a first end of the feed tube. The fastener delivery system includes a fastener positioning device configured to receive a fastener. The fastener positioning device is connected to the coupler and operates to inject the fastener into the coupler. A current is applied through the coil to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field interacts with the fastener and thereby projects the fastener through the feed tube towards the delivery location.

A system for moving a fastener into a sheet material and support structure may include a main support frame, and a fastener movement apparatus having a guide frame defining a channel, and a contact member having a contact tip for contacting the head of a fastener in a driving position. The apparatus may include a guide tube configured to hold a fastener, a primary movement assembly configured to transmit an impulse to a fastener head of the fastener through the contact member, and a secondary movement assembly configured to move the primary movement assembly. The system may also include a control assembly configured to control the primary movement assembly and secondary movement assembly of the at least one fastener movement apparatus.

A system for moving a fastener into a sheet material and support structure may include a main support frame, and a fastener movement apparatus having a guide frame defining a channel, and a contact member having a contact tip for contacting the head of a fastener in a driving position. The apparatus may include a guide tube configured to hold a fastener, a primary movement assembly configured to transmit an impulse to a fastener head of the fastener through the contact member, and a secondary movement assembly configured to move the primary movement assembly. The system may also include a control assembly configured to control the primary movement assembly and secondary movement assembly of the at least one fastener movement apparatus.