Fastener feed method and apparatus

Abstract

Fasteners, such as rivets (), are fed to a fastener insertion tool () via a buffer magazine () adjacent to the tool. The buffer is movable with the tool and C-frame () between an operative position where fasteners can be inserted into a workpiece and a re-filling position where it is docked at a docking station () to reload. Fasteners are delivered to the docking station from a source () and held there ready for when the tool docks. Once docked a transfer gate () is opened at an interface between the buffer magazine and the docking station and fasteners from the docking station are transferred into the buffer magazine. The quantity of fasteners in the buffer magazine is detected and the last fastener is retained so as to support preceding fasteners loaded into the buffer magazine. Any subsequently loaded fasteners back to the docking station either under gravity, under the influence of a pressurized gas or both. The gate is then closed and the insertion apparatus separates from the docking station.