Method of fastener delivery and installation
US7003860B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 10, 2003 |
| Grant date | Feb 28, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/5377
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fastener delivery and installation method is provided that comprises an end effector mounted on an automated machine and operable to drill a hole through a workpiece and insert a fastener through the hole, and a fastener feed unit and method operable with the automated machine to deliver the fasteners through the end effector and into the workpiece. Further, a hand-held tool is positioned against a second surface of the workpiece and is aligned with the end effector. Once the hand-held tool is positioned properly, a magnetic field is generated and the workpiece is clamped to enable the end effector to drill a hole through the workpiece and insert a fastener therethrough. Additionally, a detector is located on the hand-held tool for generating guidance information to inform an operator where to move the hand-held tool so as to align the hand-held tool with the end effector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.