Riveter Patents (Class 29/243.53)
  • Patent number: 8769790
    Abstract: A multi-piece die and system for driving a self pierce rivet into a plurality of workpieces. The die includes an anvil and a collar affixed to the anvil. The anvil and collar cooperate to reduce stresses to reduce breaking of the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Kernosky
  • Patent number: 8769788
    Abstract: A fastener machine is provided. In another aspect, a rivet machine employs a rivet feeding mechanism. A further aspect includes a guide located at an intersection between a feed track and a feed rail with the guide having an angular offset orientation relative to both in order to deter ricocheting of the rivet back into the feed track when the rivet enters the feed rail. Moreover, an aspect of the present machine employs a rocker arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: BTM Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Faitel, Robert W. Weaver, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8763228
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for inserting and crimping a ring on an attachment rod in a hole, comprising a robot, a monitoring and control system and an end tool designed to crimp the ring on the rod. The end tool includes a crimping device and a ring installation device which are solidly connected to a fine-positioning device, by means of which the end tool is attached to an end element of the robot. A ring insertion subassembly of the ring installation device and a crimping nose of the crimping device can move on the end tool so as to be positioned alternatively on an axis of an attachment to be installed, with no controlled movement of the robot when the end tool has been pre-positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: European Aeronautic Defence And Space Company EADS France
    Inventor: Philippe Le Vacon
  • Publication number: 20140133937
    Abstract: A fastener (2) for securing a workpiece comprising a plurality of workpiece members, said fastener comprising a shank (4) and a radially enlarged head (6), wherein the fastener further comprises axial voids (40) and splines (18) provided on the internal wall of the bore of the fastener, such that when the fastener is installed into a workpiece by a mandrel, breakstem or pin, once the shank of the fastener has contacted with the walls of the workpiece apertures, the crests of the splines are deformed by the mandrel, breakstem or pin, and material of the crests is displaced into the voids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: INFASTECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Anthony Joseph Tyson, Roger Andrew Williams
  • Publication number: 20140123470
    Abstract: A system and method of joining at least two workpieces together using a friction rivet and a friction rivet cap that are friction stirred together after a cutting tip or cutting feature on the friction rivet cuts through workpieces and is then bonded to the friction rivet cap, and wherein the friction rivet cap may be excluded if the friction rivet includes a hollow in the cutting tip, the hollow being flared after the friction rivets cuts through the workpieces to thereby create an integral rivet cap in the end of the friction rivet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: MEGASTIR TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Michael P. Miles
  • Patent number: 8713772
    Abstract: A fastening device for manufacturing a fastening system is disclosed. The fastening system includes a first connecting member, a second connecting member, a rivet riveting the first connecting member and the second connecting member together, and an elastic member compressed by the rivet. The fastening device includes a rivet head forming tool, a positioning assembly positioning the first connecting member, a first driving assembly driving the rivet head forming tool to move, a second driving assembly driving the second connecting member to rotate, and a force measuring module. The force measuring module is configured for measuring the positive pressing force between the first connecting member and the second connecting member, and generating a control signal to stop the first driving assembly and the second driving assembly when the positive pressing force between the first connecting member and the second connecting member reach the predetermined force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ying-Jun Peng, Xiu-De Zhang, Zuo-Lin Gao, Zhi-Cai Guo, Xue-Hua Lei
  • Patent number: 8707539
    Abstract: A gun rivet and a device for placing said rivet are disclosed. The gun rivet contains a rivet head (1) with a collar (3) at one end and a rivet tip (6) at the other. The rivet body contains a cavity (7) in the form of a bore in a sleeve section (22). As with other gun rivets, the gun rivet is shot with a percussive-type action and with the aid of its rivet tip into an opening in two sheets (13, 14) that are to be joined together, until the collar comes to rest on the upper face of the upper sheet. A tensile bolt is then introduced into the cavity and is connected to the base (8) of the latter. This can be achieved by resistance welding. The tensile bolt is then drawn until a rivet head is formed on the opposite side of the two sheets. The tensile bolt is then detached from the gun rivet, for example by shearing. The tensile bolt can be re-used to place another rivet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Wurth International AG
    Inventors: Uwe Frank, Marcel Strobel
  • Patent number: 8695187
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel device for attaching components, particularly clips, screws, nuts, or similar joining elements, to workpieces, made up of a swage head for placing the respective joining element onto a workpiece and having a supply station for feeding the joining elements at the swage head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Heiko Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20140096365
    Abstract: A manufacturing method employing a robotic assembly system includes first and second fastener system components that are positioned by a robotic assembly on opposite sides of at least two structural pieces that are to be fastened together. The first system component includes a particular tool of a plurality of different types of tools, where the particular tool installs a particular fastener of a plurality of different types of fasteners. Each tool includes a block or base of magnetic material with a passageway opening for the fastener associated with the tool passing through the base. The robotic assembly positions the tool against one side of the structural pieces to be fastened, and positions an electromagnet assembly on the opposite side of the structural pieces. Activating the electromagnet assembly clamps the structural pieces together. With the fastener positioned in a hole through the structural pieces, the tool is activated to install the fastener between the structural pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Branko Sarh, Harinder S. Oberoi, Rodney S. Wright, Jeffrey L. Miller
  • Patent number: 8670855
    Abstract: A method is used for controlling a paced production line for processing airplane structural components, wherein the production line comprises at least one workstation having at least one processing machine. It is provided that the processing sequence in the workstation is determined for a production step by determining the expected or actual occupation of the working area by structural component(s) or structural component section(s) for the production step, and, on the basis of the occupation, all of the operations to be performed in this workstation in this production step are determined, and the processing sequence of these operations is optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Broetje Automation GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Eickhorst
  • Patent number: 8656593
    Abstract: A method for assembling a part of a metal material and a part of a composite material, the junction of the two parts being achieved through a fastener having a substantially constant section and received in a first hole formed in the part of a metal material and a second hole formed in the part of a composite material. According to the disclosed embodiments and before assembling the aforementioned parts, the method includes: an expansion step for generating a field of compression stresses at the periphery of the first hole and locally in the material constituting the part of a metal material using an expansion tool; a single boring step for making the first hole and the second hole with a diameter Øfinal substantially larger than the diameter of the fastener in order to leave a gap between the inner walls of the holes and the outer surface of the fastener; and an assembling step for placing the fastener inside the holes for maintaining together the metal part and the composite part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Nicolas Dantou, Stephane Bianco, Christian Godenzi
  • Publication number: 20140033492
    Abstract: A hand-held rivet nut (rivet bolt) tool has a body, a sleeve, a positioning ring and a mandrel. The body includes a base and a pair of handles. The handles are respectively pivotally connected to two sides of the base. The sleeve is axially movably mounted through the base and includes an annular mounting groove. The positioning ring is seated in the annular mounting groove of the sleeve and includes an inner portion. The mandrel is rotatably mounted through the sleeve and includes an annular positioning groove allowing the inner portion of the positioning ring to engage therewith. The manufacturing process of the holding structure between the mandrel and sleeve is simplified because it only has steps of forming the annular mounting groove and then seating the positioning ring in the annular mounting groove, which increases production efficiency and reduces manufacturing time and costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: KARAT INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Philey Ko
  • Patent number: 8640315
    Abstract: A rotating adapter for joining an offset, right angle, or other pulling head to a pulling tool. The adapter allows one-handed positioning of a pulling head that is offset, oriented at an angle relative to the tool, or designed to fit into a relatively tight space. The pulling head can be rotated and/or repositioned repeatedly without changing the stroke length of the pulling tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Robert E. Nikkel
  • Publication number: 20130336745
    Abstract: A self -piercing rivet (10) for forming joints in stacked sheets of high or low strength, light alloy metals such as aluminium and magnesium. The rivet (10) comprises a head (11) and a substantially cylindrical shank (12) that is at least partially hollow so as to define a bore (13) that extends along at least part of its length. The outside diameter (D1) of the shank (12) is at least 6 mm, the effective length of the rivet is at least 1.3 times the diameter of the shank and the bore (13) has a volume that is at least 38% of the effective solid volume of the rivet (10). The rivet geometry is such that it has enhanced column strength to withstand the high insertion forces required and a high bore volume to accommodate displaced sheet material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Henrob Limited
    Inventors: Russell John Trinick, Christopher James Clarke
  • Patent number: 8584343
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the application of a function or joint element to an elastically deformable planar material or workpiece, the function element having a rivet section on a contact surface, extending beyond said surface, wherein the application of the function element to the planar material is achieved in a jointing and riveting process by introduction of the section into a joint opening and by plastic deformation of the river section in a rivet connection engaging behind the joint opening, wherein, in a boundary region enclosing the joint opening, the planar material is held under tension between the deformed rivet connection and the contact surface of the function element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Heiko Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20130263433
    Abstract: A fastener setting device includes a monitoring circuit having circuitry to receive a feed status signal from a first sensor within the feed system. The circuitry receives a robotic arm status signal from a second sensor within the robotic arm and receives a rivet set status signal from a third sensor within the setting tool. The circuit determines if a fault condition occurs; and initiates a rivet clearing procedure if a fault condition is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Zachary S. Stoian
  • Patent number: 8549723
    Abstract: An end effector squeezes parts such as rivets to upset the rivets in place within a workpiece. The end effector includes a C-shape frame slidably mounted on a support, such as a robotic arm. The frame includes opposing jaws respectively carrying tools for engaging opposite ends of the rivet, and forming a button on one end of the rivet. A single actuator moves one of the tools into engagement with a factory head on the rivet, and then displaces the frame relative to the first tool in order to bring the second tool into engagement with and deform the other end of the rivet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Christopher D. Condliff
  • Patent number: 8544253
    Abstract: A device (10) for the on-site fitting and extraction of pivot pins of large chain links, which include an alternating sequence of external links and internal links, each internal link including two parallel side pieces pierced at their ends, joined together at the ends by a tubular spacer, and articulated at the ends of the side pieces of the internal links on the pierced ends of the parallel side pieces of two consecutive external links via pivot pins, of the type which includes at least one cylinder (44) which is intended to selectively stress a pivot pin or a side piece of an external link in order to insert the pin or extract the pin, characterized in that it includes a pair of portable cylinder supports (46), supporting two pivoting cylinders (44), synchronized in displacement, and a control device (48) common to both cylinders (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Jean Sevrette
  • Publication number: 20130247345
    Abstract: A rivet gun has a barrel, a handle assembly, a cylinder and a seal ring assembly. The handle assembly is mounted under the barrel and has a hydraulic shaft and a handle mounted around the hydraulic shaft and having an annular shoulder. The cylinder has a top cover, an annular body and a bottom seat. The top cover is mounted under the handle and contacts the annular shoulder. A diameter of the top cover is larger than a diameter of the annular shoulder such that an outer periphery of the top cover protrudes radially out from an outer periphery of the annular shoulder instead of being covered by the annular shoulder. The annular body is mounted detachably on the top cover. The bottom seat is mounted detachably on the annular body. The rivet gun is allowed to change cylinders of different sizes or types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Yu-Ching LIN
  • Publication number: 20130239398
    Abstract: A method for the connection of moulded parts, wherein a locking collar pin with locking grooves or with an external thread, is driven through the moulded parts and subsequently a locking collar is locked together with at least some of the locking grooves, or with threaded sections of the locking collar pin, by the application of radial pressure, or by means of a screwing operation. A connecting system with a locking ring pin, which has a punching section for purposes of punching through the moulded parts, and also locking grooves for purposes of active engagement with a locking ring; the latter extends over at least two adjacent locking grooves in the axial direction, or over at least two adjacent threads in the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Rolf Bense, Eugen Gorr, Joerg Jendrny, Tim Strohbach
  • Patent number: 8505187
    Abstract: A guide and setting device for elements, in particular fastener elements comprising a hollow guide piece, a plunger axially displaceably arranged within the guide piece and holding members which are displaceably guided perpendicular to the plunger and biased in the direction towards the longitudinal axis of the plunger and/or of the guide piece. In a retracted loading position of the plunger one element can be inserted between the holding members and the free end of the plunger. The holding members can be opened as a result of the axial advanced movement of the plunger and the respective element moved in the axial direction past the holding members. Further holding members following the first named holding members are provided which hold the element during a setting stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: PROFIL Verbindungdtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Vieth
  • Patent number: 8490275
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vibrating rivet tool for pressing and fixing rivets in component holes in component of aircraft. The vibrating rivet tool comprises a rivet receptacle and a drive unit for producing a high static pressing force. According to the invention, the static pressing force is superimposed by a mechanical vibration, of which the amplitude acts substantially in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the rivet. As a result, the force necessary to press and fix the rivet in a component hole is reduced in such a way that the overall size and mass of the vibrating rivet tool according to the invention are smaller/lower in comparison with conventional rivet tools. Due to the small overall size and low weight, the vibrating rivet tool can more easily be integrated in automated riveting processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Horst Kott
  • Publication number: 20130180098
    Abstract: A method for setting blind rivet elements in which the setting of the respective blind rivet element introduced into a pre-hole of the work piece and/or the formation of a rivet collar takes place in a setting stroke (SH) through the permanent deformation of a section of the blind rivet element by subjecting an end of the blind rivet element to a traction force by a traction element of a setting tool while simultaneously supporting another end of the blind rivet element on a support part of the setting tool counter to the traction force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Heiko Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20130160262
    Abstract: A die for use in a self-piercing rivet fastening device comprising a die and a punch for driving a self-piercing rivet into fastened members arranged on top of the die, wherein the upper surface of the die defines a cavity formed for receiving portions of the fastened members thrust out by the self-piercing rivet driven by the punch, and the cavity is formed as a concave spherical surface having a single radius R centered on the central axis of the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: NEWFREY LLC
    Inventor: Newfrey LLC
  • Patent number: 8468671
    Abstract: The system includes a moving feed assembly through which a collar is moved by compressed air to a position in substantial alignment with the centerline of a swaging die assembly. Two spring-loaded fingers are mounted on opposing sides of the feed assembly for receiving the collar by compressed air action where it is maintained in substantial alignment with the swaging die assembly. The spring action of the fingers is strong enough that the collar can be pressed firmly against a curved receiving portion of the fingers by the compressed air. A die pin portion of the swaging die is then inserted into the collar, thereafter maintaining the position of the collar as the feed assembly with the opposing fingers are stripped away from the collar, leaving the die pin-engaged collar free to be moved by action of a ram assembly to a stackup of parts to be fastened, where the collar can be transferred onto a bolt which extends through the stackup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Electroimpact, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott C. Tomchick
  • Patent number: 8468670
    Abstract: An enhanced automatic riveting system of the type used in robotized precision facilities to perform multiple functions, such as boring, reaming, rivet insertion, riveting, cleaning, etc. at a single work point, using the same equipment, characterized by the fact that it uses a multi-tool head, which does not move itself but is fixed on a parallel kinematic machine, which carries out all the combined positioning movements of the multi-tool head, performing the relevant position corrections between the different physical locations of the separate tools placed in the tool-holder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Loxin 2002, S.L.
    Inventor: Julián Baigorri Hermoso
  • Patent number: 8468868
    Abstract: Bucking bar devices, and methods of assembling bucking bars devices, for use in riveting parts together are described. In one example embodiment, the bucking bar device includes a bucking bar and a sleeve positioned so that the bucking bar extends within the sleeve. One end of the sleeve is configured to be positioned adjacent to at least one of the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: David L. Garrett, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130152354
    Abstract: The invention provides a system configured to adjust a jaw gripping force of a pulling head. A locking nut is threadedly attached to the pulling head and defines an aperture which extends therethrough. A frame adaptor is at least partially positioned within the aperture of the locking nut. The frame adaptor further receives a portion of the pulling head and a piston of a power tool within an aperture thereof, with the portion and the piston engaging one another within the aperture of the frame adaptor. The portion of the pulling head is operatively associated with a jaw of the pulling head. An adjustment nut is threadedly attached to the frame adaptor. Rotation of the adjustment nut, with the locking nut in an unlocked position, causes the jaw gripping force of the pulling head to either be strengthened or weakened, depending on the direction of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: SPS TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Cristinel Cobzaru, John Wilker
  • Publication number: 20130081242
    Abstract: A system and method for rivet setting comprising a micro-adjustable bucking bar coupled to a control system that measures the rivet head during the rivet setting process and stops the rivet gun when the rivet head achieves a desired head height above the work surface. In preferred embodiments, the control system also communicates the stage of the rivet driving cycle to the operators to expedite the rivet driving process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: David L. LeMieux
  • Patent number: 8407873
    Abstract: The system includes a collar feed assembly which includes a channel within a step assembly at the end thereof, which defines a receiving cavity for the collar. The receiving cavity is configured so that the collar can move slightly therein, permitting a die portion of a die tool to engage a center opening of the collar, so that the collar can come into accurate alignment with the center axis of the die tool. The die tool is mounted to be movable slightly transversely to permit a reliable transfer of the collar onto the bolt. The collar is more compliant than the die tool during loading of the collar onto the die pin and the die tool is more compliant than the collar during transfer of the collar from the die pin onto the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Electroimpact, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott C. Tomchick
  • Patent number: 8402807
    Abstract: A blind-rivet gun includes a gun header, a cylinder, a piston, and a tube. The cylinder is separated from the gun header. The piston includes a piston header. The piston header and an inner surface of the cylinder form a seal to divide the cylinder into a first air chamber and a second air chamber. The cylinder includes a first gas hole and a second gas hole. The first gas hole is connected to the first air chamber, and the second gas hole is connected to the second air chamber. The piston is adapted to slide in the cylinder to generate inner high pressure gas by alternatively supplying outer high pressure gas to the first gas hole or the second gas hole. The tube is connected to the gun header and the cylinder. The tube transmits inner high pressure from the cylinder to the gun header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gui-Chu Zhou, Zhao-Yan Yang
  • Patent number: 8402633
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for repairing a workpiece having two metal components riveted together. The workpiece has a discrepant joint caused by an improperly-installed-self-piercing rivet. The method includes, but is not limited to providing a repair rivet, positioning the repair rivet proximate the discrepant joint such that the repair rivet is substantially aligned with the improperly-installed-self-piercing rivet, and installing the repair rivet at substantially a same location on the workpiece as the improperly-installed-self-piercing rivet without removing the improperly-installed-self-piercing rivet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Pei-Chung Wang
  • Patent number: 8403139
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for retaining and installing rivets into a belt fastener includes a collated rivet strip comprising connected upper and lower strips and retaining a predetermined configuration of rivet heads therebetween. The rivet strip is used in conjunction with a guide block assembly having top and bottom portions interlocked together. The top portion contains studs aligning with the rivet heads to assist the release of the rivet head from the rivet strip, seating the rivets in pilot holes of the lower portion of the guide block assembly for further driving through the belt fastener and into the belt material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Conveyor Accessories, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Willoughby Richardson, Robert Richard Jennings
  • Patent number: 8397362
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for setting a fastener element (55) having an inner pin (56) slidable relative to an outer body (57) and comprising a locking arrangement (32, 33; 38, 39) comprising a bolt (19) provided for acting on the inner pin (56) and secured in a retracted position against axial displacement into an advanced position after relatively spacing a handle body (52) and an actuating organ (8, 46). When the actuating organ (8, 46) is actuated by a displacement opposite the retraction direction, an unlatching organ (40, 41) acts on the locking arrangement (32, 33; 38, 39) and releases the bolt (19) for displacing into the advanced position. Very simple handling of the manually actuated device is thus ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Patrice Burg, Martin Büsch
  • Patent number: 8393185
    Abstract: Fastening plastic drivers in a washing machine drum having at least two domes on the inside, which comprise a cavity extending along its center line, and are oriented perpendicular to the sheet casing of the drum and which serve to fasten the driver. A hole pattern corresponding to the arrangement of the domes of a driver is punched into the sheet casing of the drum. The driver is placed with its dome ends, which project beyond the contact surface of the driver with the sheet casing, onto the sheet casing so that the dome ends pass through the holes of the hole pattern. Counter holders are inserted from the opposite side into the cavities of the domes. From the fastening side, hold-down elements are driven against the sheet casing. Heated form punches are driven against the dome ends until the dome ends have mushroom-shape ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Uwe Ratfisch
  • Patent number: 8381565
    Abstract: A hand and mechanically activated rivet setting device uniquely and integrally designed to set multiple different types of rivets comprising tubular, semi-tubular and solid rivets made entirely or in part from aluminum, brass, steel and stainless steel having multiple different kinds of heads comprising truss, dome and flat rivet heads; in a work product consisting of pieces and components to be riveted together. The device has the means to set rivets from different positional locations within the device and provides the device operator the ability to completely control the rivet setting process, assuring precision rivet setting without damaging the pieces or components being riveted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Carl Alfred Zander
  • Publication number: 20120324690
    Abstract: A rivet guide head that guides a rivet during a rivet machine drive stroke is provided. The rivet guide head includes a rivet guide body having a rivet guide surface defined along a rivet guide bore having a guide bore axis. A first elongated guide pin is disposed in the rivet guide head that extends along a first guide pin axis and has an outer engagement surface. The guide bore axis is substantially parallel to the first guide pin axis. The rivet guide head is configured to guide the rivet along the outer engagement surface of the first elongated guide pin during the drive stroke. According to further aspects, the first elongated pin deflects laterally outwardly during the drive stroke. A first biasing member is disposed in the rivet guide head and is configured to bias the elongated guide pin in a direction toward the guide bore axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: BTM CORPORATION
    Inventor: William M. Faitel
  • Publication number: 20120317766
    Abstract: A fastener machine is provided. In another aspect, a rivet machine employs a rivet feeding mechanism. A further aspect includes a guide located at an intersection between a feed track and a feed rail with the guide having an angular offset orientation relative to both in order to deter ricocheting of the rivet back into the feed track when the rivet enters the feed rail. Moreover, an aspect of the present machine employs a rocker arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: BTM CORPORATION
    Inventors: William M. Faitel, Robert W. Weaver, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120317767
    Abstract: A rivet machine is provided. The rivet machine employs a die including a die body that has an inner wall with a pair of retaining ribs or projections extending inwardly therefrom. In use, the rivet pushes a slug from a workpiece within which it is mounted and into an opening of the die. The projections engage and retain the slug within the inner wall. According to further aspects, the pair of retaining ribs are diametrically opposed around the inner wall. Each of the retaining ribs has two converging surfaces that form an angle of between 90 and 150 degrees. In yet another aspect, the projections can be discontinuous such that a first retaining rib is longitudinally offset on the inner wall from a second retaining rib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: BTM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert G. Bathurst
  • Patent number: 8312756
    Abstract: A hydropnuematic riveter system is described, having features that allow for a reduction in size and weight over traditional rivet squeezers and rivet pullers. The riveter system also provides for greater versatility by permitting the operator to connect different rivet forming heads to the pressure intensifier portion, via a single flexible conduit with fluid-tight quick disconnect fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Douglas Swinford
  • Patent number: 8302273
    Abstract: A joining unit contains a spindle drive in the form of a hollow shaft motor that encloses a spindle. The hollow shaft motor serves to achieve a linear movement of a joining tool for the execution of a joining process. The joining unit contains instruments for the presetting and/or determination of the forces exerted and/or the movement of the joining tool during the joining process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Kistler Holding AG
    Inventor: Alexander Müller
  • Patent number: 8302272
    Abstract: A manually held hydraulically and pneumatically powered swaging tool for swaging a collar (35) onto a grooved or threaded bolt (36) includes jaws (39) having internal grooves (40) which match the groove (20) on the bolt. The jaws (39) are openable to receive the projecting portion of the bolt (36) and are closable to engage the bolt. An anvil (26) outside the jaws is axially movable by hydraulic means forwards over the jaws to lock them into engagement with the bolt, and then to force the anvil over the collar (35) to swage it to the bolt. The tool includes a detection rod (40) for detecting when the bolt (36) has been fully inserted into the open jaw (39). Thereby to initiate closure of the jaws by pneumatic means. Also, initial forwards movement of the anvil (26) is arranged to move the jaws axially forwards by an appropriate small distance, if this is necessary to axially align the grooves (40) on the jaws correctly in relation to the groove (20) on the bolt to enable closure of the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Avdel UK Limited
    Inventors: Aiden Robert Dear, Angraj Kumar Seewraj
  • Publication number: 20120260491
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a setting device for connecting at least two components and comprises the following features: A first lever arm having a first working end, and a second lever arm having a second working end, that are pivotably connected to each other like pliers, a first linear drive connected to the first and the second lever arm so that, by changing of the length of the linear drive, the first and second working ends can move relative to each other, and a punch arranged at a first working end that is connected to a supply module for joining elements, and/or a hold-down module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Bollhoff Verbindungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Draht, Berthold Huhn, Bernd Haesler, Marion Keiser
  • Patent number: 8286324
    Abstract: The invention relates to a blind rivet and a device for placing the blind rivet. The blind rivet contains a rivet head with a collar at one end and a rivet tip at the other. The rivet body contains a cavity in the form of a bore in a sleeve section. As with other blind rivets, the blind rivet is inserted into an opening in two sheets that are to be joined together, until the collar comes to rest on the upper face of the upper sheet. In a second step, the part of the rivet body or the rivet head that lies on the rear face of the two sheets is deformed with the aid of a hammer or expanding body, which is advanced with a percussive-type action in the same direction. A device for placing a rivet of this type contains a part that can be pushed forwards with a percussive-type action, this part consisting of a hammer for exerting pressure on the expansion body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Adolf Wuerth GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Uwe Frank, Marcel Strobel
  • Publication number: 20120233829
    Abstract: A multi-piece die and system for driving a self pierce rivet into a plurality of workpieces. The die includes an anvil and a collar affixed to the anvil. The anvil and collar cooperate to reduce stresses to reduce breaking of the die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Kernosky
  • Patent number: 8266941
    Abstract: A fastener installation tool including an upper jaw having a head adapted to engage a fastener for securing a plurality of workpieces to one another, a lower jaw, and first and second pairs of links fastened to the upper and lower jaws. The tool includes a hydraulic cylinder having one end attached to the lower jaw and a piston rod attached to the first pair of links. The cylinder actuates the tool between a disengaged position, in which the links are in a retracted position and the upper jaw and the lower jaw are juxtaposed with one another, and an engaged position, in which the links are in an extended position and the upper jaw and the lower jaw are spaced apart from one another. The tool is adapted to install the fastener to the workpieces when the tool is in its engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhart Hufnagl, Randy Torrence, Rodrigo Pinheiro
  • Patent number: 8256104
    Abstract: A blind fastener installation tool comprises a structural housing which features a mechanism for securing a fastener installation assembly in position relative to the structural housing during the blind installation of a fastener; and a mechanism for reciprocating the fastener installation assembly relative to the structural housing at the conclusion of blind installation. The blind fastener installation tool also comprises a fastener installation assembly. This assembly comprises (1) a pull rod assembly comprising a mechanism for pulling a first portion of a fastener; (2) an annular, piston-actuated, piston-decoupled pull rod actuation assembly to translate the pull rod assembly; and (3) a nose assembly comprising a fastener receptacle for securing the position of a fastener; and one or more optional pull rod translation dampening assemblies to smoothly and effectually dampen the sudden translation of said pull rod assembly after pintail break.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: David J. Fulbright
  • Patent number: 8230571
    Abstract: A self-attaching fastener and panel assembly wherein the free open end of the tubular barrel portion is coined, collapsed axially, flattened and deformed radially inwardly and outwardly and axially against a panel surrounding the panel opening. The method of installation includes driving the free end of the tubular barrel portion against a substantially planar die surface, deforming an end portion radially, then collapsing an intermediate portion over the radially deformed end portion, flattening the end portion, substantially thickening the tubular barrel portion and forming an annular surface engaging and supporting the panel surrounding the opening. The die member includes an annular moat surrounding a central die post and a planar die surface extending generally perpendicular to the axis of the die button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Whitesell International Corporation
    Inventor: Zdravko Kovac
  • Publication number: 20120180279
    Abstract: A blind attachment that includes a body (36) with—at a first end—a visible surface (38), through which a bore (40) passes that accommodates a rod (42) of which a first end (44) projects relative to the visible surface (38) and of which the other end includes a head (46) that can deform a deformation zone (48) when the rod (42) moves translationally, with the visible surface including holding elements for coupling the body (36) to a tool that is used for driving the rod (42) in rotation, whereby the holding elements include at least one lug (52) that is connected at the visible surface (38) and that projects relative to the latter, characterized in that the at least one lug (52) is connected to the body (36) by a junction zone (54) that can break when the lug undergoes a force that exceeds a given threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)
    Inventors: Jean-Baptiste TUERY, Clément CHIROL
  • Publication number: 20120159770
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for the connection of two components indirectly or directly in an overlap joint, wherein component sections located in the overlap are pressed together for each drilling procedure by means of a clamping unit formed from a pressure application device on the drilling machine side and a guide on the component side, such that any penetration of chips between the component sections is prevented and temporary connecting elements can be dispensed with.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Rolf Bense, Eugen Gorr, Tim Strohbach