Patent ID: 7789280

Claim:
An apparatus for affixing an anti-theft device to an article of merchandise, the anti-theft device comprising a first element and a second element, the first and second elements adapted for assembly together by snap connection through the article of merchandise, the apparatus comprising: an assembly station which includes a working surface; first means for storing a plurality of said first elements and for transferring stored first elements seriatim to said assembly station; and second means for storing a plurality of said second elements and for transferring stored second elements seriatim to said assembly station; said assembly station further including: positioning means for positioning one of said first elements transferred to said assembly station by said first means at a first assembly position on said working surface; manipulating means for positioning one of said second elements transferred to said assembly station by said second means at a second assembly position above said first assembly position; sighting means for guiding an operator to position the article of merchandise at a desired location relative to said first assembly position; and connection means for snap connecting at said desired location said first element at said first assembly position and said second element of said second assembly position.