Ferrule applicator and method
OwnerGerald D. Martininventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of dispensing ferrules onto a work surface without requiring bend motion of the workman. The method utilizes a dispenser which is loaded from the top using a stack of nested ferrules on a retainer which is easily removable to free the ferrules in the dispenser. The dispenser has means for returning the ferrules in the applicator while releasing only the lowermost ferrule. A new universal ferrule is disclosed which allows only one adapter to be required for the stud welding tool. A portable cart can hold an applicator, a box of ferrule clips and means for disposing of the used clips is provided for wheeling the entire unit to and along the work area.
Claims8
A method of applying annular ceramic ferrules to a work surface comprising the steps of
- a) forming a stack of ferrules,
- b) placing a plurality of stacks into a carton,
- c) placing the carton onto a wheeled cart,
- d) placing a stud applicator on the cart with the stacks in an upright condition,
- e) moving the loaded cart onto a work surface,
- f) loading a stack of ferrules into the applicator from the top end,
- g) freeing the ferrules from the stack,
- h) engaging the lowermost ferrule to retain the ferrules in the applicator,
- i) placing the applicator bottom end against the work surface,
- j) releasing the lowermost ferrule and engaging the next adjacent ferrule,
- k) and moving the cart and applicator to the next preselected position on the work surface and repeating steps i and j to deposit the next ferrule and retain the now next adjacent ferrule,
- i) the applicator, stack and cart allowing loading and application of ferrules and transport of ferrules along the work surface without substantial bending on the part of the operator.
A cart for use in applying ceramic ferrules to a work surface comprising
- a) a frame having a handle and wheels attached thereto,
- b) a pair of U-shaped brackets fixed to the frame and having arms extending forwardly thereof,
- c) a base positioned on the frame and extending in the same direction as the bracket arms,
- d) retainers on the brackets for holding elongated tools for dispensing the ferrules,
- e) means for holding a supply of ferrules on the base, and
- f) retainers for receiving waste parts remaining after the ferrules and loaded into the dispenser.
A method of applying annular ceramic ferrules to a work surface comprising the steps of:
- a) forming a stack of ferrules;
- b) loading said stack of ferrules into a ferrule applicator from the top end;
- c) freeing the ferrules from the stack;
- d) engaging the lowermost ferrule to retain the ferrules in the applicator;
- e) placing the applicator bottom end against the work surface;
- f) releasing the lowermost ferrule and engaging the next adjacent ferrule;
- g) and moving the applicator to the next preselected position on the work surface and repeating steps e and f to deposit the next ferrule and retain the now next adjacent ferrule, the applicator and stack allowing loading and application of ferrules and movement of ferrules along the work surface without substantial bending on the part of the operator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.