Fastener installation apparatus and associated method
US6854173B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 8, 2002 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 13, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53935
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The fastener installation apparatus and method of the present invention include a housing and a moveable body at least partially within the housing. The moveable body defines a plurality of openings and is fixably attached to at least one piston, which is in moveable contact with the housing. First and second cavities are defined on opposite sides of the piston and respective openings in the moveable body are in communication with opposite sides of the piston. In addition, a valve directs a fluid through the appropriate openings in the moveable body and into the first cavity or the second cavity, as desired, which, in turn, alternately extends and retracts the moveable body relative to the housing. A jaw extends from the housing in alignment with the moveable body, such that the jaw and the moveable body cooperate to install a fastener upon extension of the moveable body.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.