Stackable collar cartridges for swage tools
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsKwok Tung Chan, Tanni Sisco, Eric M. Reid, Jeff Devlin, Brendan Elmore
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for assembling a magazine for a swage tool. The method includes selecting a cartridge that comprises a first serpentine channel dimensioned for conveying collars, and further comprises an entrance and an exit of the first serpentine channel. The method also includes disposing the cartridge at a swage tool.
Claims20
A method for assembling a magazine for a swage tool, the method comprising:
- selecting a cartridge that comprises a first serpentine channel dimensioned for conveying collars, and further comprises an entrance and an exit of the first serpentine channel;
- and
- disposing the cartridge at a swage tool.
A non-transitory computer readable medium embodying programmed instructions which, when executed by a processor, that perform a method for assembling a collar delivery device for a swage tool, the method comprising:
- selecting a cartridge that comprises a first serpentine channel dimensioned for conveying collars, and further comprises an entrance and an exit of the first serpentine channel;
- and
- disposing the cartridge at a swage tool.
An apparatus for delivering collars to a swage tool, the apparatus comprising:
- a first cartridge that comprises a first serpentine channel dimensioned for conveying collars, and that further comprises an entrance and an exit of the first serpentine channel;
- and
- a collar injector that delivers collars from the first serpentine channel one at a time to the swage tool.
A method for managing collar delivery to a tool, the method comprising:
- progressing a collar through a continuous passageway defined by a cartridge within a magazine having a first capacity, wherein a circumferential flange of the collar overlaps a circumferential flange of another collar within the continuous passageway, and an orientation of the circumferential flange with respect to the cartridge remains unchanged while the collar progresses through the continuous passageway;
- transitioning the collar from the cartridge to another cartridge within the magazine via a rigid connector;
- delivering the collar from the magazine to the tool via a collar injector;
- and
- adjusting a capacity of the magazine by adjusting a number of cartridges within the magazine.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.