Abstract: For use in a robotically operated workstation, apparatus for installing fasteners, for example tubular blind rivets, comprises a pneumatically operated fastener installation tool 16. The tool 16 has a part in the form of a headed mandrel 22 which is loaded with and carries a finite supply of the fasteners, a gripping and pulling actuator 26 and a nose assembly 21 which provides an abutment 18 for supporting successive rivets while the mandrel is pulled to draw its head through and set the rivet. For reloading the tool with further fasteners, after use, the apparatus includes a nest 96b for detaching and receiving the mandrel 22, together with the nose assembly 21, from the actuator 26, and a similar nest 96a provided with another nose assembly and another mandrel fully loaded with fasteners which it presents and attaches to the actuator 26.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically installing blind rivets includes structure for automatically feeding new rivets one at a time to the front of the rivet installation head. Each rivet is supported in the appropriate position by a pair of support fingers (36,36) whilst the installation head (19) advances towards the rivet. The rivet feeding structure is provided with rivet guiding fingers (51,51) which guide the rivet stem (41) into the approaching anvil aperture (48) in the installation head. As the installation head continues to advance, it pushes out of the way first the guiding fingers (51,51) and then the support fingers (36,36) so that the rivet can reach the workpiece and be installed in it.