Abstract: A programmable or flexible fixture for holding a plurality of details comprising an assembly during assembly processes thereon comprising an elongated base supported in a predetermined position, a plurality of positioning units located at spaced locations along the base, each of the positioning units having a clamp adapted to engage the details, the positioning units being located to allow access to the details from two directions of movement of tools of assembly apparatus moving with respect to the workpiece during assembly processes thereon, a robot operatively associated with the positioning units for moving the positioning units relative to the base for accepting the various members of a family of details which all have the same configuration and differ by increments in size and for holding the details together as an assembly and holding the assembly in the proper detail location and assembly position for assembling, and an actuator for moving the clamp into and out of engagement with the details.

Abstract: Riveting apparatus for operation on a workpiece having opposite sides and supported vertically on a horizontal surface comprising a frame having a pair of spaced apart sides movable along the supporting surface and straddling the workpiece, first and second carriages movably mounted on respective sides of the frame and riveting tools on first and second heads on the first and second carriages, respectively, the tools being movable toward and away from the workpiece. The frame travels in a first direction along the supporting surface and along the workpiece, the first and second carriages are movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and toward and away from the supporting surface, and the frame is movable in a third direction transverse to the first direction and toward and away from the workpiece.

Abstract: A programmable or flexible fixture for holding a plurality of details comprising an assembly during assembly processes thereon comprising an elongated base supported in a predetermined position, a plurality of positioning units located at spaced locations along the base, each of the positioning units having a clamp adapted to engage the details, the positioning units being located to allow access to the details from two directions of movement of tools of assembly apparatus moving with respect to the workpiece during assembly processes thereon, a robot operatively associated with the positioning units for moving the positioning units relative to the base for accepting the various members of a family of details which all have the same configuration and differ by increments in size and for holding the details together as an assembly and holding the assembly in the proper detail location and assembly position for assembling, and an actuator for moving the clamp into and out of engagement with the details.

Abstract: A method for dimpling and riveting a workpiece wherein the workpiece is clamped, the dimpling, drilling and riveting are performed sequentially while the workpiece is clamped, and the workpiece is heated prior to dimpling. During clamping a pressure foot force is applied to one side of the workpiece, and during dimpling a force is applied to the opposite side causing movement of the workpiece a small distance and against the pressure foot force. The dimpled recess in the workpiece is in the general shape of a truncated cone, and the drilling provides a rivet-receiving hole through the workpiece in the recess. When it is desired to provide a fluid-tight seal, the minor diameter of the truncated cone is made slightly greater than the diameter of the rivet-receiving hole thereby providing an annular step or ledge extending between the hole and the outwardly diverging wall of the dimpled recess.

Abstract: Riveting apparatus for operation on a workpiece having opposite sides and supported vertically on a horizontal surface comprising a frame having a pair of spaced apart sides movable along the supporting surface and straddling the workpiece, first and second carriages movably mounted on respective sides of the frame and riveting tools on first and second heads on the first and second carriages, respectively, the tools being movable toward and away from the workpiece. The frame travels in a first direction along the supporting surface and along the workpiece, the first and second carriages are movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and toward and away from the supporting surface, and the frame is movable in a third direction transverse to the first direction and toward and away from the workpiece.

Abstract: Riveting apparatus for operation on a workpiece having opposite sides and supported vertically on a horizontal surface comprising a frame having a pair of spaced apart sides movable along the supporting surface and straddling the workpiece, first and second carriages movably mounted on respective sides of the frame and riveting tools on first and second heads on the first and second carriages, respectively, the tools being movable toward and away from the workpiece. The frame travels in a first direction along the supporting surface and along the workpiece, the first and second carriages are movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and toward and away from the supporting surface, and the frame is movable in a third direction transverse to the first direction and toward and away from the workpiece.

Abstract: Dimpling and riveting a workpiece wherein the workpiece is clamped, the dimpling, drilling and riveting occur sequentially while the workpiece is clamped, and the workpiece is heated prior to dimpling. During clamping a pressure foot force is applied to one side of the workpiece, and during dimpling a force is applied to the opposite side causing slight movement of the workpiece against the pressure foot force. The dimpled recess in the workpiece is about the shape of a truncated cone and a rivet-receiving hole is drilled through the workpiece in the recess. To provide a fluid-tight seal, the minor diameter of the truncated cone is made slightly greater than the diameter of the rivet-receiving hole thereby providing an annular step between the hole and the outwardly diverging wall of the dimpled recess. During upsetting of the rivet the workpiece material is compressed radially around the annular step to provide a fluid-tight seal between rivet and workpiece.

Abstract: A programmable or flexible fixture for holding a plurality of details comprising an assembly during assembly processes thereon comprising an elongated base supported in a predetermined position, a plurality of positioning units located at spaced locations along the base, each of the positioning units having a clamp adapted to engage the details, the positioning units being located to allow access to the details from two directions of movement of tools of assembly apparatus moving with respect to the workpiece during assembly processes thereon, a robot operatively associated with the positioning units for moving the positioning units relative to the base for accepting the various members of a family of details which all have the same configuration and differ by increments in size and for holding the details together as an assembly and holding the assembly in the proper detail location and assembly position for assembling, and an actuator for moving the clamp into and out of engagement with the details.