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.