Device and method for aligning and inserting a threaded fastener
First Claim
1. A device for aligning and inserting a threaded fastener comprising:
- a base;
a guide rail extending up from the base;
a gearbox attached to the rail 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 coupled to the gearbox and having a drive socket that is adapted to accept the threaded fastener and an output shaft adapted to translate rotational motion to the drive socket;
a spring mechanism attached to the gearbox, the spring mechanism including a spring and a contact element that extends from a bottom of the gear box and exerts a compressive force on the spring when the gearbox is moved into the fastener realigning position.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A device and method for aligning and inserting a threaded fastener into a threaded hole. The device contains a base and a rail extending up from the base. A gearbox may be attached to the rail such that the gearbox can travel along the rail between a fastener loading position, a fastener install position, and a fastener realigning position. A socket assembly is connected to or otherwise associated with the gearbox and includes a drive socket that is adapted to accept the threaded fastener and an input shaft which is adapted to translate rotational motion to the output socket. A spring mechanism is attached to the gearbox and contains a spring that will compress when the gearbox travels into the fastener realigning position. A compressible washer may be interposed between the output shaft and the drive socket of the socket assembly so that the central axes of these components may be misaligned without causing damage or disrupting the alignment process.
6 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A device for aligning and inserting a threaded fastener comprising:
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a base; a guide rail extending up from the base; a gearbox attached to the rail 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 coupled to the gearbox and having a drive socket that is adapted to accept the threaded fastener and an output shaft adapted to translate rotational motion to the drive socket; a spring mechanism attached to the gearbox, the spring mechanism including a spring and a contact element that extends from a bottom of the gear box and exerts a compressive force on the spring when the gearbox is moved into the fastener realigning position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A device for aligning and inserting a threaded fastener comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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Specification