Discharge apparatus for broken-off fastener parts
US4948302A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 1989 |
| Grant date | Aug 14, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB21J15/326
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Discharge apparatus for discharging broken-off fastener parts (such as the stems of blind rivets) from fastener installation apparatus, comprises a passageway (13) along which the parts (37) are conveyed away from the installation apparatus (11) by a flow of air generated by a vacuum pump (14). The end of the passageway (13) remote from the installation apparatus (11) is normally sealed against the entry of air by a discharge valve (16). A broken-off part (37) approaching the discharge valve (16) is detected by an approach sensor (34) which is connected by a latching relay unit (33) and a control valve (25) to actuate a pneumatic ram (22) to open the discharge valve (16). At the same time the vacuum pump (14) is turned off to prevent a reverse flow of air through the open valve (16). The part (37) is discharged through the valve (16) and into a receptacle (19) which is outside the vacuum system. An exit sensor (35 ) beyond the valve (16) detects the discharged part and actuates the control valve (25) to close the discharge valve (16) and turn on again the vacuum pump (14).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.