Patent ID: 6651861
Filing Date: 2003-11-25
Classification: B27F

Abstract:
An apparatus for feeding stapling elements, grouped in sets, to a stapling machine provided with a striking punch adapted to insert the stapling elements astride a joint of strips arranged on a worktable of an assembling machine at an angle so as to form frames, the apparatus comprising:a magazine composed of a plurality of inclined channels for accommodating in each a plurality of sets of stapling elements arranged in an aligned configuration, said inclined channels having downward outlets for said sets of stapling elements; releasing means for individually releasing said sets of stapling elements from said inclined channels through said outlets; a holder including a plurality of seats, which is arranged below said outlets of said inclined channels so as to receive in said seats respective, individual sets of stapling elements upon releasing thereof from said inclined channels, said holder being constituted by a sliding block in which said plurality of seats are provided adjacent and parallel one another, each one of said plurality of seats being shaped so as to receive a set of stapling elements of a size which is different from a size of the stapling elements of an adjacent seat, said sliding block being movable along transverse and axial directions so as to position said seats aligned with the outlets of said inclined channels, in order to receive said sets of stapling elements therefrom, and so as to arrange a seat of said plurality of seats that contains the stapling elements to be inserted with respect to the stapling machine in a position such as to provide the alignment of said punch with the stapling elements contained in said seat; and actuation means for actuating said holder between a position for receiving said sets of stapling elements from said channels in said seats and a position for positioning said sets of stapling elements with respect to said stapling machine so as to align the punch with the stapling elements to be inserted.