Device and method for aligning and inserting a threaded fastener

A device for aligning and inserting a threaded fastener comprising:

• a base having an opening;
• a guide rail extending substantially vertically upward from the base;
• a linear bearing attached to the rail;
• a gearbox attached to the linear bearing such that the gearbox can travel along the rail between a fastener loading position, a fastener installation position, and a fastener realigning position;
• a socket assembly connected to the gearbox, the socket assembly including an output shaft with an output end coupled to a drive socket above the gearbox and an input end extending below the gearbox and adapted to engage a drive end of a nut runner and to transfer rotational motion of the nut runner to the drive socket;
• and
• a spring mechanism attached to the gearbox, the spring mechanism including
• a housing having an opening and a back wall,
• a rigid contact element with a first end extending out of the opening of the housing and below the gearbox, and
• a compression spring located between a second end of the contact element and the back wall of the housing;
• wherein, when the gearbox is moved to the fastener realigning position, the input end of the output shaft enters the opening in the base and contact between the rigid contact element and the base produces a compressive force on the spring.