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:
Nov. 01, 2011
Filed:
Oct. 18, 2005
Daniel D. Bloch, St. Peters, MO (US);
Robert E. Bender, St. Louis, MO (US);
Daniel D. Bloch, St. Peters, MO (US);
Robert E. Bender, St. Louis, MO (US);
The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
Fastener clearing systems and methods for a fastener delivery system are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes an extractor tool having one or more vacuum generators in fluid communication with a catcher for retaining fasteners during transport. The vacuum generators are selectively activated to draw fasteners into the catcher. A backflow port is formed in the extractor tool and introduces pressurized air into the catcher to dislodge fasteners that adhere to the catcher after the vacuum generators have been deactivated. The backflow port may be formed in a fitting positioned between vacuum generators and securing the vacuum generators to one another. The vacuum generators and fitting may define a common fluid channel opening into a fastener seat adapted to receive a portion of a fastener.