Abstract: A cap extractor for a welding gun includes a housing, a pair of springs, and first and second arms that are arranged between the springs. Each of the first and second arms have teeth that are configured to engage a welding cap. The first and second arms are configured to move relative to the housing in first and second directions that are transverse to one another by deflecting the springs.

Abstract: A cap dispenser for a welding gun includes a sleeve that slidably receives a drawer that is configured to house a column of weld caps. The cap dispenser also includes a spring that cooperates with a slide block that is arranged in the drawer. The spring urges the slide block toward an aperture in the drawer that is configured to receive a welding gun electrode.

Abstract: A method of securing a fastener to a workpiece includes a fastener that is loaded into a feeder, and an insertion head assembly that is provided adjacent to the feeder. The insertion head assembly includes an insertion actuator that has a movable insertion piston, and a clamp finger that is mounted to the insertion piston. The fastener is arranged beneath a movable fastener joining element that is carried by the insertion head assembly, the workpiece is positioned relative to a locating pin, the insertion head assembly is moved to engage the workpiece with the clamp finger, the fastener is brought into engagement with a locating pin, the fastener joining element is advanced relative to the clamp finger, and the fastener that is secured to the workpiece.

Abstract: A welding station includes a welding gun that includes first and second caps. The welding gun is movable between a working position and a maintenance position. The working position corresponds to a welding operation on at least one workpiece. A maintenance tool assembly is configured to cooperate with the first and second caps in the maintenance position. The maintenance tool assembly includes a cap extractor, a cap dispenser and a cap dresser. The cap extractor is configured to remove the first and second caps from the welding gun. The cap dispenser is configured to provide a new cap to the welding gun for installation. The cap dresser is configured to shape the cap face. The maintenance tool assembly includes a lift actuator. A translate actuator is respectively configured to move the maintenance tool assembly in the lift and translate directions with respect to the welding gun.

Abstract: A cap dispenser for a welding gun includes a sleeve that slidably receives a drawer that is configured to house a column of weld caps. The cap dispenser also includes a spring that cooperates with a slide block that is arranged in the drawer. The spring urges the slide block toward an aperture in the drawer that is configured to receive a welding gun electrode.

Abstract: A cap extractor for a welding gun includes a housing, a pair of springs, and first and second arms that are arranged between the springs. Each of the first and second arms have teeth that are configured to engage a welding cap. The first and second arms are configured to move relative to the housing in first and second directions that are transverse to one another by deflecting the springs.