Push/pull clip feed configuration for selectively delivering or withdrawing a clip to allow output of one clip alone or two clips concurrently and associated devices, methods, systems and computer program products
US7395638B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 26, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 8, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 27, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53783
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for supplying a clip to a clip window associated with a closure attachment mechanism having a closure punch path for attaching a single clip or two clips to a target tubular work piece in a closure zone include: (a) forcing a plurality of clips to travel in a first predetermined clip travel path having a forward direction toward a first punch path in a closure zone at a first point in time; (b) selectively retracting the plurality of clips so that the clips travel in a reverse direction along the first predetermined clip travel path; and then (c) forcing the plurality of clips to again travel in the forward direction along the first predetermined clip travel path at a second point in time.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.