Method and apparatus for applying fasteners to picture frames

Abstract

An apparatus for final assembly of framed artwork includes a table supported on a structural frame, and a pneumatic actuator for raising and lowering the table. Two pairs of tubular rectangular beams extend in rectangular array superjacent to the table, and are secured at opposed ends to the upper ends of respective vertical supports. Clamping sleeves secured to the ends of the lateral beams engage the longitudinal beams, so that the lateral beams may be slidably positioned along the longitudinal beams. A plurality of modules are provided for installing tabs in a picture frame supported on the table, each module including a support plate having a dogleg cutout which is adapted to receive one of the longitudinal or lateral beams, and an adjacent clamp to secure the support plate at any point along the beam. A magazine is secured to the support plate by a pivot assembly at the upper end of the magazine, with the freely pivoting lower end of the magazine depending from the support plate. An anvil is supported in spaced apart opposition to the lower end of the magazine, and a third pneumatic actuator extends laterally from the support plate to rotate the lower end of the magazine and clamp the frame against the anvil. A fourth pneumatic actuator supported on the magazine is coupled through a lever arrangement to a driver blade extending through the lower end of the magazine. The driver blade engages the lowermost fastener in the magazine and ejects it forcefully, driving it into the interior opening of the frame on the table.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.