US 12,296,416 B2
Automated clip installation system
Colin B. Staat, Holland, MI (US); and Craig Ponstein, West Olive, MI (US)
Assigned to West Michigan Innovations, LLC, Holland, MI (US)
Filed by West Michigan Innovations, LLC, Holland, MI (US)
Filed on Jan. 3, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/092,550.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/362,692, filed on Apr. 8, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0321773 A1, Oct. 12, 2023
Int. Cl. B23P 19/00 (2006.01)
CPC B23P 19/002 (2013.01) [B23P 2700/50 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus for installing a fastener, the apparatus comprising:
a structure having an entry and an exit for the fastener, the structure further defining a channel having a passage, a chute for receiving the fastener, and a chamber between the chute and the passage;
a feeder operably coupled with the chute and configured to provide the fastener at the entry;
a first actuator operably coupled with the structure and configured to move the fastener through the chamber; and
a second actuator operably coupled with the structure and configured to move the fastener through the passage to the exit; wherein the fastener is elastically deformable between a compressed position and an expanded position, wherein a width of the passage is less than a width of the fastener in the expanded position.