Fastener sorting apparatus

摘要

A fastener sorting apparatus is configured to mount on a fastener forming machine and to shunt bent workpieces through a wastegate of the fastener forming machine when the bent workpieces contact a detection ring. The detection ring is electrically-conductive and is coaxially aligned with a part gripper of the forming machine. The ring has an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of a series of workpieces to be sorted. Either the ring or the gripper are moved so that a workpiece held in the gripper passes through the ring. If the workpiece is bent beyond acceptable limits it will contact the ring, closing an electrical circuit. Closing of the circuit causes a workpiece diverter to shunt the workpieces through the wastegate.