Patent ID: 7748097

Claim:
A method for delivering at least one fastener to at least one fastener setting tool having a nose portion with a fastener delivery passage therein from which the fastener is delivered into a workpiece and a fastener entry port, the method comprising the steps of transporting one or more fasteners from a bulk feeder to a docking station via a first elongate supply passage, a first part of the docking station being connected to an end of the first supply passage and a second part of the docking station being connected to an inlet of a buffer for the temporary storage of fasteners, the buffer being disposed between said docking station and the setting tool, releasably connecting the first and second parts of the docking station and transferring one or more fasteners from the first part to the second part, temporarily storing the transferred fastener or fasteners in said buffer until the tool is ready for supply, transporting one or more fasteners from said buffer through a second elongate supply passage disposed between the buffer and the tool, and advancing one or more fasteners from the second elongate supply passage to the delivery passage of the nose of the setting tool via the entry port.