Method for delivering fasteners via an intermediate buffer
US8850685B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 8, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 7, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2031 |
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, 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 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 types for any particular work cycle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.