Automated clip installation system

An apparatus for installing a fastener, the apparatus comprising:

• a structure having an entry and an exit for the fastener, the structure further defining a channel having a passage, a chute for receiving the fasteners, and a chamber between the chute and the passage;
• a first pneumatic cylinder configured to push the fastener through the chamber;
• and
• a second pneumatic cylinder configured to push the fastener through the passage to the exit, wherein the fastener is elastically deformable between a compressed position and an expanded position, and wherein a width of the passage is less than a width of the fastener in the expanded position.

A clip installation machine comprising:

• a structure having an entry and an exit for a plurality of clips, the structure further defining a channel having a passage, a chute accumulating the plurality of clips, and a chamber between the chute and the passage;
• a feeder operably coupled with the chute and configured to load the plurality of clips into the chute;
• a first actuator operably coupled with the structure and configured to selectively extend to move a first clip of the plurality of clips into the passage and retract to allow a second clip of the plurality of clips to move into the chamber;
• and
• a second actuator nonparallel with the first actuator and configured to selectively extend to move the first clip toward the exit, wherein each of the plurality of clips is elastically deformable between a compressed position and an expanded position, and wherein a width of the passage is less than a width of each of the plurality of clips in the expanded position.