A bolt feeder includes: a rotating plate (12) arranged adjacent to a hopper (27) storing bolts (10); one or more magnets (15) to attract the bolts (10), from a back surface of the rotating plate (12), onto a front surface of the rotating plate (12); a selection block (13) having a gap space (13a) through which one bolt in a predetermined orientation out of the bolts (10) attracted by the one or more magnets (15) is allowed to pass; a motor (26) to cause the one or more magnets (15) to rotate and move from the hopper (27) toward the selection block (13); and a guide plate (29) extending upstream in a moving direction of the one or more magnets (15) from an entrance of the gap space (13a), and guiding the bolts (10) attracted by the one or more magnets (15) to the gap space (13a).

A self-centering device for a liner press-fit wheel may improve center alignment when liners are pressed in bolt holes of the wheel, may reduce rejects generated when bolt hole materials are pressed out by alignment failures, and may improve a press-fit yield.

A system and method for feeding and fixing snap connectors of a ripple fold curtain system, in which a drum mixes loose snap connectors, successively introduced individually in an opening in the drum for letting one of the snap connectors out. The orientation of the one of the snap connectors is forced by having the opening have a height smaller than the width of the snap connectors. After travelling while maintaining their orientation aligned with motion, each snap connector is received in the same orientation at a receptacle comprising shoulders for retaining a larger portion of the one of the snap connectors, the receptacle retaining it at a definite location and maintaining the orientation. A rivet is positioned on that larger portion of the snap connector and snapped using a hammer of which the surface is parallel with the snap connector and underlying receptacle bottom surface.

Objects in a stream in a duct are singulated and oriented by rotating at least some so that the orientations of all aligned. In one arrangement a slot is provided in the singulation duct into which the shank falls while the head remains in the singulation duct. In another arrangement there is provided a buffering device and a transfer member for transferring the singulated oriented objects from the buffering device to an operating location. In another arrangement a first path changes the orientation of relative to the second path. The objects can be fed from a singulation duct to a supply duct having an exit mouth lying on a rotation axis of the singulation duct.

An in-line fastener track selection device comprises a stator having first, second and third fastener conduits; a rotor, rotatably mounted with respect the stator about a rotation axis, and comprising a rotor body and a connection space. The rotor is rotatable between a first position in which the connection space adjoins the first and second fastener conduits, such that, in use, a fastener may pass between the first and second fastener conduits via the connection space, and a second position in which the connection space adjoins the first and third fastener conduits, such that, in use, a fastener may pass between the first and third fastener conduits via the connection space.

An automated clip application system for fitting clips in an automotive assembly line includes a cassette receiving station for receiving at least one cassette preloaded with a plurality of clips. The clips in the cassette are arranged in the same orientation. A dispensing opening dispenses clips from the cassette one at a time, and a robotic member is programmed to pick up the clips, one at a time, after they have been dispensed from the dispensing opening and fasten each clip in position in an automotive assembly.

An apparatus and method for holding a lug nut. The apparatus includes a base (150), a barrel (140), a lug nut engagement assembly (130), a plunger and a cam guide (170). The barrel (140) is coupled with the base (152) in a manner allowing the barrel (140) to move upwardly or downwardly within the base (150). The barrel (140) has an internal cam track portion (145). The lug nut engagement assembly (130) includes retractable fingers (132). The lug nut engagement assembly (130) is removeably affixed to the barrel (140). The plunger (160) is disposed within a portion of the lug nut engagement assembly (130), the barrel (140) and the cam guide (170). The plunger (160) has a tip for engagement with the retractable fingers (132). The cam guide (170) is disposed and moveable within a bottom portion of the barrel (140). The cam guide (170) has longitudinal rails (172) for engagement with the internal cam track (145) of the barrel (140).

An automated screw driving machine may include a hopper adapted to hold associated fasteners, a chuck assembly adapted to hold an individual fastener in position with respect to an associated component part, a feeder assembly adapted to convey the fasteners from the hopper to the chuck assembly; and, a driver assembly that takes fasteners from the chuck assembly and attaches them to the associated component part.

The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for assembling cartridges for aerosol delivery devices. The cartridges may be assembled by coupling a base of the cartridge to a carriage that is transported via a track. The track transports the carriages between various substations at which one or more parts are added to the base. The carriage may be lifted from the track by a lifter mechanism at each substation in order to perform assembly operations on the base. An inspection system may inspect the cartridges at various stages of completion at or between the various substations.

An automated screw driving machine may include a hopper adapted to hold associated fasteners, a chuck assembly adapted to hold an individual fastener in position with respect to an associated component part, a feeder assembly adapted to convey the fasteners from the hopper to the chuck assembly; and, a driver assembly that takes fasteners from the chuck assembly and attaches them to the associated component part.