Fastener supply apparatus
US7487583B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 8, 2005 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/5377
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool. A transfer station attached to the tool or the delivery tube transfers a fastener from the delivery apparatus into the tool, the transfer station being moveable between a first position in which an exit of the transfer station is adjacent to the tool so that a delivered fastener may be inserted by the transfer station into the tool and a second position in which it is clear of the tool so as to permit the tool or a portion thereof to move towards a workpiece to insert a loaded fastener. The delivery tube has wear resistant elements. The apparatus allows smooth, rapid and reliable delivery of fasteners of various sizes and types to the nose of a setting tool in any particular order and provides all the fastener typ…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.