A multi-task device includes at least: a rivet support module able to contain a rivet and/or a temporary fastener support module able to contain a temporary fastener; a device for introducing a rivet or temporary fastener into the modules at at least one loading station; and a device for moving the at least one module to a work station for setting a rivet or temporary fastener in a hole provided in a structure to be worked on. The multi-task device includes a device for checking compliance of the rivet or temporary fastener depending on at least one predetermined compliance criterion, and a device for discharging, to a disposal zone, a rivet or temporary fastener identified as non-compliant by the device for checking.

A method and system for optically inspecting parts are provided wherein the system includes a part transfer subsystem including a transfer mechanism adapted to receive and support a part at a loading station and to transfer the supported part by a split belt conveyor so that the part travels along a first path which extends from the loading station to an inspection station at which the part has a predetermined position and orientation for inspection. An illumination assembly simultaneously illuminates a plurality of exterior side surfaces of the part with a plurality of separate beams of radiation. A telecentric lens and detector assembly forms an optical image of at least a portion of each of the illuminated side surfaces of the part and detects the optical images. A processor processes the detected optical images to obtain a plurality of views of the part which are angularly spaced about the part.

In an alternative embodiment the method and system for optically inspecting headed manufactured parts employ an inclined split track to cause the part to traverse an inspection station by gravity feed. The part is inspected for conformity to dimensional and visual standards and sorted under control of a processor based on images of the part obtained from occluded light and reflected light while the part is within the inspection station.

Method and system for inspecting a manufactured part supported on an optically-transparent window of a rotary actuator at an inspection station are provided. The window rotatably supports the part in a generally vertical orientation at which a bottom end surface of the part has a position and orientation for optical inspection. An illuminator is configured to illuminate the bottom end surface of the part through the window with radiant energy to obtain reflected radiation signals which are reflected off the bottom end surface of the part. The reflected radiation signals travel through the window. A lens and detector assembly is configured to form a bottom image from the reflected radiation signals at a bottom imaging location below the window and is configured to detect the bottom image. The window is made of a material which is substantially transparent to the radiant energy and the reflected radiation signals.

A method is provided for filling a rivet cartridge with rivet elements by means of a rivet loading station having a rivet delivery unit for delivering the rivet elements and having a rivet cartridge receiving means for receiving a rivet cartridge. The rivet elements are supplied from the rivet delivery unit to a rivet cartridge which is received in the rivet cartridge receiving means and are received therein in an aligned manner. The rivet loading station detects pre-determined characteristics of the rivet elements that are relevant to the drilling process and/or the riveting process prior to supplying them to the rivet cartridge.

A component transfer device includes an integration path through which both of a regular component and a defective component are to be transported, and a sorting gauge that is provided at the downstream end of the integration path and sorts the regular component and the defective component. A discharge path through which the defective component passes extends to incline in the width direction of the integration path. The sorting gauge includes a gauge body, a sorting path extending through the gauge body and into which the regular component is allowed to advance while the defective component is not allowed to advance, and a guide surface that is disposed at the gauge body so as to spread toward the discharge path and that guides the defective component to the discharge path when the defective component comes into contact with the guide surface.

A workpiece handling system for inspection of workpieces having an elongated cylindrical segment with an enlarged feature such as a threaded fastener. A pair of rollers is inclined with respect to horizontal, and having cylindrical surfaces separated by a gap and rotated about parallel axes, with upwardly presented end surfaces. A drive arrangement rotates the rollers. A slide mechanism enables the rollers to be set at a first and second separation gaps. A workpiece transfer mechanism loads the workpiece onto the rollers, rotation of the rollers set at the first separation gap causes the workpieces to rotate. A sensor probe is positioned in close proximity to the workpiece head as the workpiece is rotated. A workpiece receiving system is provided for handling the workpieces when the rollers are set to the separation second gap, allowing the workpiece to fall under gravity between the rollers.

A tapping machine (10), for tapping perforated products such as nuts (14), bushings or the like, comprises a spindle (11) on the longitudinal axis (12) of which a tapping tool (13) is rotatably mounted which tapping tool (13) is provided with a stem (21) having a longitudinal axis and a head having a threading to be inserted inside an appropriate hole provided in a nut (14) to be threaded, as well as pusher devices (16) for pushing a nut (14) against the threading surface of the tapping tool (13). Said machine further comprises an anti-vibration centring group (19) which acts on the stem of the tapping tool (13), substantially constraining the tapping tool (13) in a radial direction, preventing a de-alignment of the longitudinal axis (12) of the stem of the tapping tool and maintaining freedom of rotation thereof. Said anti-vibration centring group (19) is selectively movable along the stem of the tapping tool (13) in a parallel direction to the longitudinal axis of said stem (21).

A method is provided for filling a rivet cartridge with rivet elements by means of a rivet loading station having a rivet delivery unit for delivering the rivet elements and having a rivet cartridge receiving means for receiving a rivet cartridge. The rivet elements are supplied from the rivet delivery unit to a rivet cartridge which is received in the rivet cartridge receiving means and are received therein in an aligned manner. The rivet loading station detects pre-determined characteristics of the rivet elements that are relevant to the drilling process and/or the riveting process prior to supplying them to the rivet cartridge.

A component transfer device includes an integration path through which both of a regular component and a defective component are to be transported, and a sorting gauge that is provided at the downstream end of the integration path and sorts the regular component and the defective component. A discharge path through which the defective component passes extends to incline in the width direction of the integration path. The sorting gauge includes a gauge body, a sorting path extending through the gauge body and into which the regular component is allowed to advance while the defective component is not allowed to advance, and a guide surface that is disposed at the gauge body so as to spread toward the discharge path and that guides the defective component to the discharge path when the defective component comes into contact with the guide surface.

Method and system for inspecting a manufactured part supported on an optically-transparent window of a rotary actuator at an inspection station are provided. The window rotatably supports the part in a generally vertical orientation at which a bottom end surface of the part has a position and orientation for optical inspection. An illuminator is configured to illuminate the bottom end surface of the part through the window with radiant energy to obtain reflected radiation signals which are reflected off the bottom end surface of the part. The reflected radiation signals travel through the window. A lens and detector assembly is configured to form a bottom image from the reflected radiation signals at a bottom imaging location below the window and is configured to detect the bottom image. The window is made of a material which is substantially transparent to the radiant energy and the reflected radiation signals.