The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 19, 2008
Filed:
Oct. 17, 2005
Shane Peter Matthews, Chester, GB;
Stuart Blacket, Queensland, AU;
Wojciech Gostylla, Queensland, AU;
Shane Peter Matthews, Chester, GB;
Stuart Blacket, Queensland, AU;
Wojciech Gostylla, Queensland, AU;
Henrob Limited, , GB;
Abstract
Fastener insertion apparatus comprises a nose having a fastener delivery passage and side entry port. Fasteners such as rivets are supplied to the nose via a fastener supply passage and a fastener feeder assembly. A punch reciprocally disposed for movement in the delivery passage drives a fastener disposed in the delivery passage out of the passage and into a workpiece. The feeder assembly comprises a gate that is movable between retracted and advanced positions. In the retracted position it is clear of the supply passage and the delivery passage so as to permit movement of a fastener from the supply passage to the delivery passage. In the advanced position it at least partially closes the supply passage so as to prevent movement of a fastener and it projects into the delivery passage through the entry port so as to retain a fastener, if present, in the delivery passage. Sensors are provided to detect the position of the gate. The invention permits different size rivets to be supplied to the same tool and reduces the rivet cycle time. The apparatus can also be used in a clinching operation with or without a fastener.