Abstract: Coupling device (12) for connecting elongated hollow bodies (26, 28) in an assembly system (10), comprising: a first receiving opening (32) for receiving a first elongated hollow body (26) and a second receiving opening (34) for receiving a second elongated hollow body (28), wherein the receiving openings (32, 34) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the first and second elongated hollow bodies (26, 28) can be coupled to one another after introduction into the respective receiving openings (32, 34).

Abstract: A fastening device for feeding fasteners to a workpiece and for joining it, the fastening device comprising a fastening tool, a fastening device system. The fastening device including a magazine arrangement mounted on the fastening tool. The magazine arrangement having a magazine for holding a fastener, a magazine plate, and a base plate. The magazine plate includes a plate body and a closure arrangement with a closure slider adapted to move between an open position and a closed position, and a toggle mechanism adapted to move the closure slider from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a self-piercing rivet (10), particularly a semi-hollow self-piercing rivet, with a head (12) and a shank (14) as well as a pre-perforated flat element (30) that is arranged on the shank (14) and at least part of which extends radially relative to the head (12) beyond a head radius. A production method and a joining method for said self-piercing rivet with pre-perforated flat element are also described.

Abstract: A dimpler includes a frame supporting a fluid cylinder which drives a ram toward a platen to press a dimple into a pipe fitting or other object. A method of dimpling or redimpling pipes or fittings is also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention pertain to a drop hammer comprising a load, an actuator connected to the load, and a fluid circuit that is connected to the actuator and is connectable to a fluid source, such as a source of hydraulic power. The fluid circuit is operable with differential pressure to displace the load. The fluid circuit includes a slow-release device for releasing differential pressure, thereby slowly displacing the load as a function of flow from the fluid source. Embodiments of the present invention also pertain to a drop hammer comprising a frame, a selectively actuated rotatable sprocket mounted on the frame, a hammer implement, and at least one chain engaged by the sprocket. The chain includes two-pitch link that includes a catch between two pitched wings, the catch being configured for engaging the hammer implement, enabling the first chain to displace the hammer implement.

Abstract: A rivet coupling device 1 has a connector holder unit 250 which carries connectors 200 and a board 50. A supporting die 150 is disposed beneath the connectors 200, and an upper tool unit 92 is disposed above the connectors 200. The upper tool unit 92 can be lowered in order to couple rivets 220. In conjunction with this movement, a link mechanism 30 is actuated to move a cam plate 80, whereby the supporting die 150 is raised slightly by cam projections 148, so that the rivets 220 extending through the connector 200 are deformed between crimpers 134 on the upper tool unit 92 and the supporting die 150. Prior to rivet coupling, a slight gap is formed by the spring terminals between the board 50 and the connector 200. After rivet coupling is performed, this gap is eliminated without deforming the board 50.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bucking bar assembly that positions a bucking bar for clamping a first panel and a second panel along a lap joint and upsets a rivet to fasten the first panel to the second panel at the lap joint. The assembly includes a lateral carriage system for moving the bucking bar along a length of the lap joint, and a rotational carriage system for rotating the bucking bar relative to the lateral carriage.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for mounting a fastener applicator on a positioning mechanism. The mounting mechanism incorporates fluid actuators for applying compensating forces and turning moments that counteract the effects of the applicator weight by bringing the forces and turning moments into substantial equilibrium or predetermined directional bias so that the applicator is movable by a minimal force. The fluid actuators thereby enabling final correction of the applicator position and orientation prior to fastener application by movement of the fastener applicator relative to the position mechanism as a result of contact between the applicator and the workpiece.

Abstract: A surgical staple is used in joining the skin or fascia of a patient, and is especially desired to be used with mesh placed over a cut organ, such as the kidney. The staple is adapted to be formed about a central anvil and former. The configuration of the staple is such that at initial contact the points of the staple are formed at acute angles to the central portion of the staple. In this fashion, upon forming, a modified "B" shape is derived. This configuration has proven useful to reduce rotation of the staple when emplaced over mesh.

Abstract: A nosepiece assembly for a blind pull-through riveting tool has long nosepiece jaws (11a, 11a) for access into deep, narrow cavities. The inside of the nosepiece assembly is provided with a device for locking the jaws together at least when a rivet is being installed. The locking device includes a frusto-conical locking face (35) on the front end of a tube (34) fixed to the tool barrel (18), co-operating with two half frusto-conical faces on the inside of the jaws. The locking faces are normally urged out of engagement by the spring (20) and are urged into locking engagement by the rearwards axial force exerted on the jaw anvil (25) by the head (33) of the rivet being installed. In a modification, the spring (20) normally urges the locking faces (35, 36) into engagement, and they are urged out of engagement by the next rivet being fed forwardly through the anvil parts (13, 13).

Abstract: A tubular sleeve clamps the work during a drilling step, following which a tubular anvil moves within the sleeve to support the work while a rivet is thrust into the work with an interference fit. The tubular anvil is then withdrawn and moved with an anvil pin to form an upset head. If desired, the pin can then be retracted, and the outer portion of the upset head partially sheared by the tubular anvil and flattened against the work.

Abstract: A fastener assembling apparatus includes an arrangement for adjustably setting a clinching force to be applied to a pair of fastener elements as they are clinched together by and between a punch and a die, thereby assembling the fastener elements in properly clinched condition without damaging the same. The clinching-force setting arrangement includes a spring-loaded slider block disposed in a lower horizontal portion of a generally C-shaped frame and slidably movable in a horizontal direction. The slider block has a downwardly sloping upper surface and is urged by a spring to hold the sloping upper surface in abutting engagement with an upwardly sloping lower surface of a die holder which is vertically movably disposed in the lower frame portion. The clinching-force setting arrangement also includes an adjustment rod disposed horizontally in the lower frame portion for adjusting the force of the spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to slug riveting apparatus wherein a pair of opposed rivet head forming anvils move relatively toward each other to form heads at the opposite ends of a cylindrical rivet blank, more or less simultaneously, after the blank has been inserted in the workpieces. An annular elastomeric polyurethane member is associated coaxially with one of the rivet head forming anvils and has a bore for receiving and resiliently gripping a cylindrical rivet blank. The elastomeric annular member holds the blank during insertion of the blank in the workpieces as the anvils move relatively toward each other, and the rivet blank is moved out of engagement with the elastomeric annular member by the associated head forming anvil during the head forming operation by resilient radial expansion of the elastomeric annular member. The rivet forming anvils have flat bottomed head forming recesses with sloping side walls.