Patent ID: 7849579
Filing Date: 2010-12-14
Classification: B21J,B23P,B65G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for delivering fasteners to a tool via an intermediate buffer for the temporary storage of fasteners, comprising selectively transporting fasteners from a reservoir of fasteners, individually or in groups, through at least one delivery tube towards the intermediate buffer, moving the at least one delivery tube relative to the intermediate buffer from an undocked position where the tube and intermediate buffer are separated to a docked position in which they are releasably connected and a fastener path between the at least one delivery tube and the intermediate buffer is established, transferring the fasteners from the delivery tube into the intermediate buffer, temporarily storing at least some of the fasteners in the intermediate buffer, selectively releasing a fastener from an outlet of the buffer and delivering the released fastener to the tool.