Patent ID: 6021555
Filing Date: 2000-02-08
Classification: B23P,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of inserting a threaded fastener including a threaded portion having a helical spiral groove cut therein to form a thread into a fastening element including recess having a helical spiral groove cut therein to form a thread, comprising the steps of:a) positioning the threaded portion of the threaded fastener at an entry point of the recess whereby the thread encircling the threaded portion contacts the thread within the recess;b) activating a first motor having a shaft to rotate the threaded fastener in a counterclockwise direction causing the thread encircling the threaded portion to ride up on the thread within the recess;c) sensing a position of a termination point of the thread encircling the threaded portion to determine if it has passed a termination point of the thread within the recess;d) deactivating said first motor, thereby ceasing counterclockwise rotation of the threaded fastener upon determining that the termination point of the threaded portion has passed the termination point of the thread within the recess causing the threaded fastener to drop into the recess and the thread encircling the threaded portion to align with the thread within the recess;e) activating a clutch to engage the shaft of said first motor with a shaft of a second motor and energizing said second motor to rotate the threaded fastener in a clockwise direction causing the thread encircling the threaded portion to ride within the groove cut into the recess until a desired fastening is achieved fastening the threaded fastener to the fastening element.