Patent ID: 6993831

Claim:
A fastener installation apparatus, comprising: a fixed member; a plunger assembly adapted to be fixed relative to said fixed member including a projecting leg having a free end; a moveable member spring biased away from said fixed member having a feed passage receiving fasteners for installation by said fastener installation apparatus communicating with a generally transverse plunger passage opposite said projecting leg of said plunger assembly receiving said free end of said plunger through said plunger passage upon movement of said moveable member toward said fixed member to install a fastener in a panel located opposite said plunger passage; a stop surface opposite said feed passage defining a surface of said plunger passage limiting movement of a fastener from said feed passage into said plunger passage; and an elongated proximity probe having a longitudinal axis extending generally perpendicular to said plunger passage and said feed passage having an end portion adjacent to, but spaced from said plunger passage, sensing a presence of a fastener in said plunger passage without said fastener contacting said proximity probe.