Importance

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Abstract

Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool (1). The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package (4) and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube (6) that interconnects the setting tool (1) to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package (4) into the delivery tube (6). The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube (6) from the feeder device to the tool (1). A transfer station (7) attached to the tool (1) or the delivery tube (6) transfers a fastener from the delivery apparatus into the tool (1), the transfer station (7) being moveable between a first position in which an exit of the transfer station (7) is adjacent to the tool (1) so that a delivered fastener may be inserted by the transfer station (7) into the tool (1) and a second position in which it is clear of the tool (1) so as to permit the tool (1) or a portion thereof to move towards a workpiece to insert a loaded fastener. The delivery tube (6) 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 (1) in any particular order and provides all the fastener types for any particular work cycle.

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First Claim