Fastener clearing systems

Abstract

Fastener clearing systems and methods for a fastener delivery system are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes an extractor tool having one or more vacuum generators in fluid communication with a catcher for retaining fasteners during transport. The vacuum generators are selectively activated to draw fasteners into the catcher. A backflow port is formed in the extractor tool and introduces pressurized air into the catcher to dislodge fasteners that adhere to the catcher after the vacuum generators have been deactivated. The backflow port may be formed in a fitting positioned between vacuum generators and securing the vacuum generators to one another. The vacuum generators and fitting may define a common fluid channel opening into a fastener seat adapted to receive a portion of a fastener.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 29 , further comprising a vacuum source for providing the vacuum. 
     
     
         3 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 23 , further comprising an end effector coupled to a distal end of the delivery conduit. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 23 , further comprising a source of pressurized air operatively coupled to the control system. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 23 , further comprising a proximity sensor proximate the delivery conduit, the proximity sensor adapted to sense proximity of the component. 
     
     
         11 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A component delivery system comprising:
 a delivery conduit,   an unloading mechanism including an extractor catcher and a back flow port in fluid communication with an upper surface of the extractor catcher; and   a control system for causing the extractor catcher to drop a component into the conduit, and for commanding a supply of pressurized air to the back flow port to create an overpressure in the extractor catcher to ensure that the component is released from the unloading mechanism and falls into the delivery conduit.   
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the control system evaluates whether the component has passed into the delivery conduit and commands the overpressure if the component has not passed into the delivery conduit. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 24 , wherein evaluating whether the component has passed into the delivery conduit includes detecting proximity of the component to the delivery conduit. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 24 , wherein evaluating whether the component has passed into the delivery conduit includes detecting proximity of the component to the catcher. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 24 , wherein evaluating whether the component has passed into the delivery conduit includes waiting for a delay period, and then evaluating passage of the component. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the overpressure is created automatically and systematically. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 23 , further comprising a component storage device; and
 wherein the control system commands a vacuum to be created within the extractor catcher to draw the component from the component storage device and into the extractor catcher.   
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 29 , wherein the overpressure is created after both removing the vacuum and evaluating passage of the component. 
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 29 , wherein the vacuum is also used to lift a component stack in the storage device, wherein a component is drawn off the stack by the extractor catcher, and wherein remaining components in the stack drop back after the drawn component enters and seals the catcher. 
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the extractor catcher includes a component seat adapted to engage the component, and wherein creating the overpressure includes releasing pressurized air between the component and the component seat. 
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the component is a fastener.