Patent ID: 8434768

Claim:
A stud handling system for studs having a shank and a radially projecting flange, comprising: a shank clamping device comprising a radially elastic shank clamping section having an internal bore with a diameter in a static state that is slightly larger than the shank of a stud for securely clamping the shank of a stud when a radially inward directed force is exerted on said shank clamping section; and a holding device for receiving a stud and holding it in a secure position for engagement by said shank clamping device, said holding device comprising: a collet defining a cylindrical axis and having an insertion section adapted to be connected at an inlet thereof to a feed passage for receiving studs, said collet having an internal passageway with a diameter greater than the radially projecting flange of a stud, and a clamping section comprising a plurality of equal length clamping arms for generating inwardly acting radial clamping forces; a first group of said plurality of clamping arms each having an inwardly projecting securing lug located at a first axial distance from said inlet, said inwardly projecting securing lugs defining a first internal diameter (d) that is less than the radially projecting flange of a stud; a second group of said plurality of clamping arms each having an inwardly projecting clamping lug located at a second axial distance from said inlet greater than said first axial distance, said inwardly projecting clamping lugs defining a second internal diameter (dd) that is less than the radially projecting flange of a stud; each of said plurality of clamping arms having an internal securing groove formed at an axial location between said first and second axial distances, said securing groove defining a diameter (D) greater than the radially projecting flange of a stud; wherein a stud entering the insertion section of said collet with its radially projecting flange first and its shank projecting rearwardly therefrom passes into said secure position when the radially projecting flange of the stud is positioned in said securing groove; wherein said insertion section is further adapted to receive said shank clamping section of said shank clamping device, said shank claming section having an outer diameter in said static state greater than said first internal diameter (d); wherein said shank clamping device is adapted in a charging operation to move axially within said holding device to thereby move said stud from said secure position to a ready position wherein the radially projecting flange of the stud is located below said clamping lugs; and further wherein said securing lugs exert a radially inward acting force on the shank clamping section of said shank clamping device causing said shank clamping device to securely clam the shank of the stud during said charging operation.