Apparatus and method for detecting mis-oriented fasteners
US6072583A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 6, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23Q17/2485
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In an automatic fastening machine for installing fasteners in a workpiece provided with a hole for receiving a fastener having a longitudinal axis, wherein a work axis extends through the hole and wherein the fastener is held in a holding position prior to installation in the hole so that the fastener is oriented with the longitudinal axis thereof parallel to the work axis, a method and apparatus for detecting tipped or mis-oriented fasteners while in the holding position and prior to being upset in the workpiece, the method and apparatus utilizing at least one beam of energy which is influenced by the fastener orientation. Energy is radiated along at least one path intersecting the fastener when in the holding position and the radiated energy is received and a response is given to the amount of energy interrupted by the fastener in a manner providing an indiction if the fastener longitudinal axis is not parallel to the work axis. Preferably, the energy is radiated along two paths disposed at angles to each other and intersecting in a manner such that when the fastener longitudinal axis is parallel to the work axis, equal amounts of energy are interrupted, and when the fastener is …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.