Patent · US Expired

Portable automatic fastener delivery system

US6688489B2 · kind B2 · utility

16Cited by
5References
75Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 16, 2001
Grant dateFeb 10, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 30, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB23P19/003
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A portable fastener delivery system is provided that comprises an automated unloading mechanism that removes fasteners from a fastener storage device and delivers the fasteners through a delivery conduit to a work station. Generally, the portable fastener delivery system is mobile throughout a production facility so that fasteners may be delivered to a plurality of work stations. In operation, a signal is transmitted to a control system requesting a specific fastener configuration, and the control system causes positioning of the unloading mechanism adjacent the fastener storage device. A pneumatic source is then activated to cause the unloading mechanism to remove a fastener from the fastener storage device using a vacuum generator, and once the fastener is removed, the fastener is transported through a delivery conduit to the work station using pressurized air from the pneumatic source through a flexible fastener delivery tube.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.