Patent ID: 6263561
Filing Date: 2001-07-24
Classification: B21J,B23P,B25B,B25C,Y10T

Abstract:
A fastener installation head comprising:a feed opening, said feed opening supplying individual fasteners to a plunger;said plunger reciprocating in said fastener installation head to displace said fastener from a starting position adjacent to said feed opening to an end position where said fastener is installed into a workpiece opposite a free end of said plunger;a resilient element supported upon said plunger, said resilient element being biased to a closed position wherein said element is resiliently biased against said fastener to hold said fastener as said fastener is displaced from said starting position adjacent to said feed opening to said end position where the fastener is installed into said workpiece by said plunger, said resilient element being biased to an open position wherein said fastener is released from said resilient element;said resilient element receiving said fastener from said feed opening at said starting position with said fastener being positioned adjacent said plunger free end and engaged by said resilient element at said starting position, said fastener not changing relative position with respect to said plunger from said starting position to adjacent said end position;said resilient element holding said fastener adjacent said plunger as said plunger is displaced longitudinally, such that said resilient element continually engages and supports said fastener until said plunger reaches said open position; andwhereby said fastener is accurately guided and connected to said workpiece.