Patent ID: 8726486
Filing Date: 2014-05-20
Classification: B21D,B21J,B23P,B65G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A gripperless method for conveying collars having a center opening to a position where an axis of the center opening of the collar is alignable with a centerline axis of a swaging die tool for bolts, wherein the swaging die tool is part of a tool assembly for manufacturing operations, the method comprising the steps of: conveying a collar through a feed channel by compressed air, the feed channel being generally perpendicular to the swaging tool and centerline axis as the feed channel approaches the swaging die tool; operatively positioning, solely by action of the compressed air, the collar relative to the swaging die tool centerline axis, wherein there is sufficient clearance between the collar and the channel to permit movement of the collar as a forward end of a die pin portion engages the center opening of the collar, resulting in accurate loading of the collar onto the die pin, wherein the feed assembly or the swaging die tool are movable sufficiently thereafter to permit a die pin-engaged collar to be moved forward for engagement with a tail end of a bolt; and extending a bolt through a workpiece prior to a collar engaging the bolt.