Patents by Inventor Nick L. Altrock

Nick L. Altrock has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6164489
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastener supply system and, more particularly, to a fastener supply system which uses a plurality of feed stands mounted upon a turntable which are automatically positioned to ensure continuous fastener feed. The system detects the flow of fasteners at one or more power feeders and when the fasteners are getting low, rotates a new supply of fasteners to the power feeder and begins to supply fasteners before the installation head supply is interrupted. The operator merely ensures that the feed stands have reels of fasteners in place and the system automatically continues to feed those fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Fabristeel Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Nick L. Altrock
  • Patent number: 6018863
    Abstract: The installation head of the present invention has a pivoting driver which pivots from the fastener loading position to the installation position. By pivoting the driver to the load position, fasteners can be loaded into the driver in proper orientation for installation, the installation head can be used to install fasteners at any orientation, and the installation head is more compact. The head includes a fastener feed that receives fasteners and delivers them to the driver when the driver has been rotated to the load position. The fastener feed and the driver cooperate to provide simultaneous alignment and control of the fastener. The feed includes jaws that open slightly to orient the fastener for initial loading and then open wider to avoid obstructing the fastener as it is finally pushed into the driver. Once the fastener is fully pushed into the driver, the driver pivots to the installation position for installing the fastener into a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Fabristeel Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Nick L. Altrock