Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners
such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and
dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting
tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected
fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable
individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool. A transfer
station attached to the tool or the delivery tube transfers a fastener from the
delivery apparatus into the tool, the transfer station being moveable between a
first position in which an exit of the transfer station is adjacent to the tool
so that a delivered fastener may be inserted by the transfer station into the tool
and a second position in which it is clear of the tool so as to permit the tool
or a portion thereof to move towards a workpiece to insert a loaded fastener. The
delivery tube has wear resistant elements. The apparatus allows smooth, rapid and
reliable delivery of fasteners of various sizes and types to the nose of a setting
tool in any particular order and provides all the fastener types for any particular
work cycle.