Patent ID: 6592015
Filing Date: 2003-07-15
Classification: B21J,B23P,B25B

Abstract:
A fastener feeding head for a fastening machine or tool by which to apply fasteners to a workpiece, said fastening head including:a guide means with a fastener passage therethrough; a drive means mounted for advance and retraction in the fastener passage; a fastener engagement means disposed in the fastener passage at or on a leading end of the drive means; a fastener feed means feeding fasteners to the fastener passage, operative to align fasteners in the fastener passage with the drive means, wherein the fastener feed means includes a delivery passage for fasteners, fitted with a compressed gas source, operative to propel fasteners there through to the fastener passage, there being a gate means associated with the guide means to selectively isolate the fastener passage from the delivery passage; and a gas control means operative to effect or establish a gas pressure in the fastener passage to maintain a fastener therein in contact with, or in proper alignment or orientation to the drive means, the gas pressure establishing a flow of gas in the fastener passage that maintains the fastener on the drive means while the drive means is advanced in the fastener passage.