Abstract: A method of feeding a stud to a joining head including a stud shank clamp and operable to join the stud to a workpiece, and wherein the method of feeding the stud comprises the steps of providing a stud holding device including a securing sleeve and a plurality of collet arms; feeding the stud into the stud holding device to a first position wherein the flange is arranged above the free end of the plurality of arms and below the securing sleeve; and securing the stud in the first position by engaging the securing sleeve behind the flange.

Abstract: A method of feeding a stud to a joining head including a stud shank clamp and operable to join the stud to a workpiece, and wherein the method of feeding the stud comprises the steps of providing a stud holding device including a securing sleeve and a plurality of collet arms; feeding the stud into the stud holding device to a first position wherein the flange is arranged above the free end of the plurality of arms and below the securing sleeve; and securing the stud in the first position by engaging the securing sleeve behind the flange.

Abstract: A holding device for holding a stud, which includes a radially projecting flange in a securing position, comprises a collet component including a hollow tubular insertion section defining an insertion axis, and a clamping section operable to exert a radially inwardly directed clamping force for clamping the stud. A securing device is arranged on the insertion section and includes a securing sleeve formed of plurality of separate securing-sleeve sections that are radially movable relative to one another. A clearance space is defined between a bottom end of the securing-sleeve sections and a top end of the clamping section, and the clearance space is operable for holding a flange of a stud in the securing position.

Abstract: A holding device for holding a stud, which includes a radially projecting flange in a securing position, comprises a collet component including a hollow tubular insertion section defining an insertion axis, and a clamping section operable to exert a radially inwardly directed clamping force for clamping the stud. A securing device is arranged on the insertion section and includes a securing sleeve formed of plurality of separate securing-sleeve sections that are radially movable relative to one another. A clearance space is defined between a bottom end of the securing-sleeve sections and a top end of the clamping section, and the clearance space is operable for holding a flange of a stud in the securing position.

Abstract: A conveyor for orienting and feeding small parts has a platform elevator conveying mechanism on one side of an inclined collecting surface that feeds small parts to a conveying trough at a higher elevation. The conveying trough has a horizontal stationary storage platform and a movable pivoting platform that can pivot about an axis located at a delivery end of the conveying trough, between a position parallel to the storage platform and a position inclined to the horizontal. The storage platform is adjacent to the platform elevator conveying mechanism and has a storage surface inclined downward toward the pivoting platform, and the pivoting platform has a hollow throat adjacent to the edge of the storage platform.

Abstract: A conveyor for orienting and feeding small parts has a platform elevator conveying mechanism on one side of an inclined collecting surface that feeds small parts to a conveying trough at a higher elevation. The conveying trough has a horizontal stationary storage platform and a movable pivoting platform that can pivot about an axis located at a delivery end of the conveying trough, between a position parallel to the storage platform and a position inclined to the horizontal. The storage platform is adjacent to the platform elevator conveying mechanism and has a storage surface inclined downward toward the pivoting platform, and the pivoting platform has a hollow throat adjacent to the edge of the storage platform.