Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming rivet joints with a desired amount of clearance to allow pivotal motion of the parts interconnected by such joints. Parts to be riveted together are aligned with each other, and a rivet is placed into aligned holes. A parts clamp urges the parts and a preformed head of the rivet against a rivet support anvil to establish an initial condition. A parts support anvil is placed in a required position with respect to the rivet support anvil prior to formation of the second head on the opposite end of the rivet, to provide the desired amount of clearance. The parts support anvil is moved by pushing against a set of arched leaf springs to adjust their effective length, using a hydraulic motor controlled in response to an electrical signal from a transducer that measures movement of parts by the parts support anvil.

Abstract: A self-piercing type rivet setting system 30 comprises: a rivet swaging assembly 35; a robot 6 which moves the rivet swaging assembly 35 to put it in position relative to a predetermined site on a workpiece to be riveted; a single integrated controller 31 made up by an integration of a controller for controlling a riveting operation of the rivet swaging assembly and a controller for controlling the motion of the robot; and a rivet feeder 9 for automatically feeding a self-piercing type rivet to the rivet swaging assembly. From the integrated controller 31, a interface cable 33 extends to the robot 6 and another interface cable 34 extends to the rivet feeder 9, and the rivet swaging assembly 35 is integrally incorporated into the robot 6.

Abstract: A riveting tool for heading rivets includes a riveter die and strike rod which, in use, engages the portion of the rivet shaft which projects beyond the components to head the rivet and produce the formed rivet head. The riveter die includes a head cavity open to a forward end thereof and which has a cavity profile which generally corresponds to a desired geometry of the formed rivet head to be produced. A bore extends longitudinally through the riveter die and opens into a rearward portion of the head cavity. The riveter die bore has a lateral cross-sectional profile corresponding to that of the rivet shaft. The strike rod comprises a longitudinally extending rod which has a lateral cross-sectional shape generally corresponding to that of the rivet shaft. The strike rod is slidably disposed within the riveter die bore so as to be selectively movable relative to the riveter die into engagement with the distal end of the rivet in heading operations.

Abstract: A fastening tool draws a mandrel (5) to allow a caulking portion of the mandrel to deform a stem of a rivet (2) so that workpieces are fastened together. The fastening tool used in this process includes a nosepiece having a protrusion. During caulking, the protrusion of the nosepiece applies a force on a flange of the rivet to form a recess in the rivet flange and thereby peel a coating of the workpieces. As a result, electrical conductivity between the workpieces and the rivet is obtained.

Abstract: A fastener delivery and installation system is provided that comprises an end effector mounted on an automated machine and operable to drill a hole through a workpiece and insert a fastener through the hole, and a fastener feed unit operable with the automated machine to deliver the fasteners through the end effector and into the workpiece. Further, a hand-held tool is operable against a second surface of the workpiece and is aligned with the end effector. Once the hand-held tool is positioned properly, a magnetic field is generated and the workpiece is clamped to enable the end effector to drill a hole through the workpiece and insert a fastener therethrough. Additionally, a detector is located on the hand-held tool for generating guidance information to inform an operator where to move the hand-held tool so as to align the hand-held tool with the end effector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for mechanically joining stacked, plate-shaped objects, especially metal sheets by means of punch riveting with a semitubular rivet while using tools placed above and below the objects, whereby the semitubular rivet linearly penetrates into the objects. The inventive method is characterized in that, during the axial feed motion of the semitubular rivet, the upper tool and/or a portion of the lower tool is/are subjected to a wobbling additional movement in a radial and/or tangential direction. The invention also relates to an apparatus and to the semitubular rivet which are used for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A rivet setting device for setting a self-tapping rivet in a work piece includes a rotatable head for rotating a self-tapping rivet to form a hole in the work piece and a shank retracting assembly for compressing and spreading the hollow body of the self-tapping rivet, allowing the head of the self-tapping rivet to detach from the shank upon application of a predetermined tensile force. The rotatable head comprises a clutch having a body enclosing a plurality of bearings circumferentially located around the shank, for gripping the shank. The clutch is formed with a plurality of tapered channels for urging the bearings into engagement with the shank upon rotation of the clutch.

Abstract: A fastener such as a self piercing rivet is inserted into sheet material without full penetration such that the deformed end of the rivet remains encapsulated by an upset annulus of the sheet material. The sheet material is disposed between a nose and a die of fastening apparatus. The rivet is inserted into the sheet material by means of a plunger that is reciprocal relative to the nose. Prior to rivet insertion no significant clamping force is applied to the sheet material and material immediately around the rivet insertion location is allowed to flow towards the rivet as to rivet is inserted. Thereafter during a second stage (being after said first stage) of rivet insertion a clamping force of sufficient magnitude is applied between the nose and the die in the region around the rivet insertion location so as substantially to prevent flow of displaced sheet material away from the rivet. The invention may also be applied to panel clinching.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a hollow threaded insert into a hole in a substrate having first and second surfaces. The insert has a hollow shaft having a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion. The insert has a front flange at the first end portion for engaging the front surface of the substrate around the hole. The second end portion of the shaft has an internal thread and, the intermediate collapses to engage the second surface when a force is applied that pulls the second end portion toward the first end portion.

Abstract: A rivet tool to be used with a rivet includes a tube adapted to be received in an adjusting knob, a transmission rod movably received in the tube and a bolt having a front threading and a rear threading corresponding to the front inner threading. The bolt securely engages with the transmission rod in such a way that there is no relative movement between the bolt and the transmission rod. A Y-shaped head is provided to engage with the rivet tool so that when the rivet is deformed due to movement of the tube, the transmission rod and the bolt, a peripheral edge of the rivet abuts the recessed area of the Y-shaped head, which conforms to an outer contour of an oval tube, so that after the deformation of the rivet and the rivet tool is removed, the appearance of the oval tube is smooth.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus for aircraft wing panels and the like includes one or more positioners movable along a bed above which the panel is supported, each positioner carrying a tool-supporting frame on which assembly tools are mounted for performing assembly operations on the panel. The tool-supporting frame is releasable from the positioner, and the apparatus includes a frame changer that travels to the positioner, removes the tool-supporting frame, installs a replacement frame into the positioner, and carries the removed frame to a remote service station where servicing operations are performed on the frame.

Abstract: A backup mandrel for attaching a grommet to a washer in an aircraft panel opening having a housing and a nose piece attached to the housing, the nose piece having an opening. A stem is attached to the housing and has a first and a second portion, such that the first portion is disposed within the housing and the second portion protrudes from housing through the nose piece opening. A sleeve is also attached to the housing and has a first and a second segment, such that the first segment is disposed within the housing and the second segment protrudes from the housing through the nose piece opening, wherein the sleeve is displaceably mounted around the stem.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of back riveting construction for sections of aircraft structure utilizing the flush riveting wherein the back bar tooling for all the rivets in the entire section is a single piece of stationary tooling which conforms to the exterior shape of the aircraft section. The rivet gun is a single impact pneumatic gun with a rivet driving hammer which is offset from the axis of the gun's piston and impact pin to upset rivet under C-channel flanges.

Abstract: A rivet gun system includes a rivet gun frame having two ends. A die is coupled to one end, and a force sensor coupled to the rivet gun frame. The force sensor detects force applied to the die and generates a force signal in response to the force. A holding coil defines a channel within the rivet gun frame and generates an electromagnetic force along the channel. The channel includes an end defined by an end stop and an end defined by the die. A main coil further defines the channel between the holding coil and the die. The main coil also generates an electromagnetic force along the channel. A plunger slides through the channel in response to the electromagnetic forces. A force sensor electronics controller receives the force signal from the force sensor and activates the holding coil and the main coil in response to the force signal above an activation threshold.

Abstract: Electroportable apparatus for positioning nuts to be set and the setting of blind rivets whose shank ruptures includes a body of the eledtroportable type containing an electric motor, a mandrel, drive part to maintain and pull the head of the rivet and/or to pull, screw or unscrew the nut to be set, as well as a part for pre-regulating the path of the mandrel.

Abstract: A riveting apparatus is described, including a body having an abutment means (19,32) mounted at one end thereof, and stop means (52,53) mounted at a position remote therefrom, so that a mandrel (30) inserted through the abutment means (19,32) has it end remote from the head located axially by the stop means (52,53) in predetermined axial relationship to the body, characterized in that the abutment means (19,32) is adjustable with respect to the body in the direction along the mandrel axis, thereby to provide adjustment of the relative positions of the abutment (19,32) and the mandrel head (33). A pneumatic piston means for use in the rivet feeding means (55) in the riveting apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A riveting apparatus having a support die with a support surface. The support surface supports a rivet that extends through a circuit board and an electrical connector. The support surface has a first inclined surface, a second inclined surface, and a depression positioned therebetween. The depression receives a head of the rivet and positionally aligns the rivet with an upper tool unit as the rivet is guided across the first inclined surface toward the second inclined surface. The upper tool unit fastens the rivet to the circuit board.

Abstract: An automatic riveting apparatus includes a base (10), a feeding device (30), and a riveting device (50). The base has a U-shaped support frame (12). Two photoelectric relays (18) extend upwardly from the base. The feeding device includes two parallel sliding rails (32), a lower die plate (36) for supporting a workpiece (80), and a feed cylinder (34) driving the lower die plate to slide along the rails. The riveting device has an upper cylinder (52) and a riveting head (58). In operation, the feed cylinder is started up to drive the lower die plate together with the workpiece to a riveting position. The lower die plate touches a photoelectric point (48) to actuate the upper cylinder. A piston rod (60) of the upper cylinder drives the riveting head downwardly to rivet the workpiece. The piston rod moves back up, and the lower die plate returns to its original position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel anvil for a rivet setting machine configured to drive a rivet into a workpiece within a riveting process. The anvil has a cavity therein configured to accommodate a deformation of the rivet and the workpiece during the riveting process. The cavity is defined by a main portion configured to support the workpiece during the riveting process and a relief portion that is proximate to the main portion. The relief portion is configured to provide an area into which the workpiece and the rivet deform during the riveting process. The relief portion includes at least one relief pocket configured to maintain an area which remains unoccupied by the workpiece and the rivet throughout the entire riveting process. The relief portion does not substantially hinder the workpiece and rivet during the riveting process and allows the workpiece and rivet to freely deform during the riveting process.

Abstract: Riveting apparatus wherein a planetary roller screw delivers the high forces required for actuating the fastener upset tooling. In order that precise control of the entire upset operation may be obtained, a servo-controlled electric motor operates the actuator. In order that different machining operations may be performed on a workpiece without having to provide an actuator for each tool, the tools are engaged in turn by the actuator for performing riveting and other machining in succession.

Abstract: A riveting tool for fastening a hollow rivet to a curved workpiece is disclosed. The tool includes a main body provided with a forwardly-extending barrel terminating in a forked distal end. The main body has a power-operated rotor formed with a central hexagon stem in alignment with the barrel. A sleeve is movable within the barrel to an extended position and is spring-loaded in such a way that it is normally in the extended position but may be retracted into the barrel when being pressed backward. The riveting tool further includes a screw having a socket head engaged with the central hexagon stem of the rotor. The screw extends out of the barrel through the sleeve.

Abstract: A dimpling device is provided with a slide rod, a first workpiece holder, and a second workpiece holder. The slide rod is slidably fitted around a center pin running through rivet holes. The first workpiece holder is slidably and detachably fitted around the slide rod. The second workpiece holder is detachably fixed to the center pin. The first and second workpiece holders have holding surfaces with curvatures that have been preselected to conform to the curvatures of the surfaces of workpieces. The slide rod has a punch and the second workpiece holder has a die. When the workpieces are held together by the holding surfaces, a nut is rotated to move the punch into a cooperative relationship with the die, thereby dimpling the surroundings of the rivet holes.

Abstract: Automatic feeding blind rivet guns and method facilitating rapid installation of blind rivets with good freedom of movement of the operator. The blind rivet guns receive a carrier holding a substantial plurality of blind rivets in close side by side proximity and automatically sequentially loads and sets the blind rivets in response to operator control. The blind rivets are preferably supplied on an inexpensive disposable plastic carrier ready for use with the rivet installation gun. The installation gun itself is pneumatically powered, though other sources of power, such as electrical power, could be used.

Abstract: An apparatus for riveting shell components to form a barrel-shaped structure such as an aircraft fuselage includes an outer part and an inner part that operate coordinated with each other under computer control. The outer apparatus part includes a riveting machine system movably carried on an annular machine guide that is supported on a stand that is movable in a length-wise X-direction. The inner apparatus part includes a multi-axis riveting robot mounted on a mounting frame that is movable along the X-direction. Instead of moving the inner and outer apparatus parts in the X-direction, it is alternatively possible to move the fuselage while keeping the apparatus parts stationary. A computer control unit provides control signals to achieve a coordinated and concurrent positioning of the inner and outer apparatus parts, and to carry out a coordinated sequence of riveting steps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming rivet joints with a desired amount of clearance to allow pivotal motion of the parts interconnected by such joints. Parts to be riveted together are aligned with each other, and a rivet is placed into aligned holes. A parts clamp urges the parts and a preformed head of the rivet against a rivet support anvil to establish an initial condition. A parts support anvil is placed in a required position with respect to the rivet support anvil prior to formation of the second head on the opposite end of the rivet, to provide the desired amount of clearance. The parts support anvil is moved by pushing against a set of arched leaf springs to adjust their effective length, using a hydraulic motor controlled in response to an electrical signal from a transducer that measures movement of parts by the parts support anvil.

Abstract: A riveting die apparatus includes an upper die (30) and a lower die (40). The upper die includes two punches (34) and a guide post (36). The lower die includes a lower mold plate (42). The lower mold plate defines two through apertures (60) corresponding to the punches, and two piston holes (58) in communication with the through apertures. Two blocks (44) are secured below the lower mold plate. Each block defines a blind hole (48) in communication with the corresponding piston hole. A spring (50) is accommodated in each combined piston hole and blind hole. A rod (52) is movably received in each through aperture and piston hole. A base (53) of each rod is accommodated in the piston hole, and abuts the corresponding spring. A guide bushing (54) is mounted on the lower mold plate. Workpieces placed on the lower mold plate are precisely positioned by the rods.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus for aircraft wing panels and the like includes one or more positioners movable along a bed above which the panel is supported, each positioner carrying a tool-supporting frame on which assembly tools are mounted for performing assembly operations on the panel. The tool-supporting frame is releasable from the positioner, and the apparatus includes a frame changer that travels to the positioner, removes the tool-supporting frame, installs a replacement frame into the positioner, and carries the removed frame to a remote service station where servicing operations are performed on the frame.

Abstract: Rare earth metal switched magnetic devices that comprise one or more magnets, a rare earth metal element positioned in the magnetic field produced by the magnet(s) and a system for controlling the temperature of the rare earth metal element are disclosed. The rare earth metal element is formed of a rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy having magnetic properties that change from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic when heated above the Curie temperature of the chosen rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy. Preferably the Curie temperature of the chosen rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy is at or below the ambient temperature in which the rare earth metal switched magnetic device is to be used—approximately room temperature (70° F.) in the case of devices intended for use in a factory. Tailored Curie temperatures can be obtained by alloying rare earth metals together and/or with conventional switchable “soft” magnetic metals—iron, nickel, and cobalt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a riveting device (1) comprising a pressure pad (3) and a riveting die (4). Said pressure pad (3) and riveting die (4) can be hydraulically driven by means of a pressure pad piston (12) and a die piston (13). The aim of the invention is to further develop such a riveting device (1) in an advantageous manner. To this end, the pressure pad piston (12) and the die piston (13) are driven by the same hydraulic pressure, the effective piston area (36) of the pressure pad piston (12) being embodied in a smaller manner than the effective piston area (14) of the die piston (13).

Abstract: A drive system for a fastening tool, in particular a riveting tool, includes a punch for a fastening operation and a clamp axially moveable relative to the punch for clamping the workpieces during the fastening operation. The punch is actuated by a drive so as to be displaced axially. During such operation the drive force exerted upon the punch is transmitted to the clamp by force transmitting means comprising an air pressure chamber of variable volume.

Abstract: A portable hydraulic press with two opposing plates connected by bolts can be clamped on a conveyor chain that has interference-fit connecting pins between pairs of rectangular plates forming the chain links to assemble or disassemble the chain. Once the press is clamped in place, a hydraulic cylinder of the press is then actuated to force the connecting pin in or out of the chain. If the pin is being pushed out, it passes through a hole in a back plate of the press in order to disassemble or break the chain.

Abstract: A device for removing eyelets, in particular stainless steel eyelets, from textile or plastics sheets is provided. Eyelets in textiles or plastics sheets, for example in lorry tarpaulins, wear through in the course of their use and thus have as a rule a significantly shorter service life than the textile or plastics sheet. Thus, it is usual and economically worthwhile to replace the worn-through eyelets with new ones, in order thus to be able to exploit the total service life of the textile or plastics sheet. The removal of eyelets previously has been effected as a rule by hand, which is time consuming and uneconomical. Thus, there is provided a device for removing eyelets, in particular stainless steel eyelets, from textile or plastics sheets, having a claw head for pressing a beading of the eyelet in the direction of the eyelet center point or in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling panel-shaped workpieces such as aircraft wing panels includes a traveling gantry that supports a tool-holding frame on which are supported a plurality of tools such as drills, riveters, rivet shavers, inspection tools, and the like. The frame is movable along a plurality of axes and is rotatable about at least one axis for positioning the tools in relation to the workpiece. The apparatus also includes a fixture for holding a workpiece, the fixture comprising a plurality of slidable holders that can be extended or retracted along a horizontal direction generally perpendicular to the surfaces of a wing panel or the like. The holders have clamps and/or vacuum cups for engaging the workpiece to hold the workpiece in a desired position. The holders are retractable to create a clearance between the workpiece and the holders to allow the frame to be passed through the clearance.

Abstract: An automatic nutplate die (70) that is used to align a plurality of rivet punches (116, 118) with rivets (24) being used to secure a nutplate (22) to a part (26) by a rivet squeezer (62). The nutplate die (70) includes a nutplate platen (74) and a punch platen (76) secured to each other by a pair of stripper bolts (78, 80). The stripper bolts (78, 80) included threaded portions (104,108) that are threaded into the punch platen (76), and heads (96, 100) that are positioned within counter-sunk bores (98, 102) in the nutplate platen (74). A spring (84, 90) is positioned on the shaft (86, 92) of each of the bolts (78, 80). The rivet punches (116, 118) are rigidly secured to the punch platen (76) and are slidably engaged within opposing bores (120, 122) in the nutplate platen (74). The nutplate platen (74) includes a cavity (124) that accepts the nutplate (22) so that holes in the nutplate (22) are aligned with the punches (116, 118).

Abstract: A die assembly (20) for riveting includes an upper die (200), a base die (230), a pair of clamps (270), and a pair of springs (280). The upper die includes a fixing block (202), and a pair of pressing protrusion (204) at opposite sides of the fixing block and having first slanted surfaces (206). The base die includes a sizing block (232) to position a workpiece. Two supporting blocks (234) are formed at opposite sides of the sizing block, each defining a through hole for accommodating the clamp. Two positioning blocks (240) are at opposite sides of the supporting blocks. Each clamp includes an end block (276) having a second slanted surface (278) corresponding to the first slanted surface of the pressing protrusion, and a connecting portion (272) slidable in the through hole of the supporting block. The springs connect the clamps to the positioning blocks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for applying punched rivets, either full rivets or semi-tubular rivets. The tool having a blank holder for pretensioning assembly pieces, especially metal sheets; a rivet punch movable in an axial direction within a cylinder of the blank holder; and a die that is arranged opposite the blank holder and punch and provided with an annular prominence on an end face thereof and facing the rivet punch. A radial outside section of said end face concentrically surrounds said annular prominence, the outside section of said end face being displaceable relative to the annular prominence as a function of one of the penetration depth of the rivet into the assembly pieces and the force that the rivet punch exerts on the rivet.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive mechanism to actuate a tool for joining at least two work-pieces of ductile material such as by self-piercing riveting or clinching. The drive mechanism comprises a punch drive for actuating a punch and a clamp drive for actuating a clamp which clamps the workpieces against an up-setting die during the joining operation. Both drives comprise piston cylinder assemblies. The piston cylinder assembly of the clamp drive is carried by the piston rod of the punch drive. The pressure chamber of the clamp drive communicates with one of the work chambers of the punch drive such that pressure within the work chamber of the punch drive is transmitted to the pressure chamber of the clamp drive in order to generate the clamping force. As a result thereof only a pair of fluid connections are required for operating both drives.

Abstract: A riveting die apparatus includes an upper die (30) and a lower die (40). The upper die includes two punches (34) and a guide post (36). The lower die includes a lower mold plate (42). The lower mold plate defines two through apertures (60) corresponding to the punches, and two piston holes (58) in communication with the through apertures. Two blocks (44) are secured below the lower mold plate. Each block defines a blind hole (48) in communication with the corresponding piston hole. A spring (50) is accommodated in each combined piston hole and blind hole. A rod (52) is movably received in each through aperture and piston hole. A base (53) of each rod is accommodated in the piston hole, and abuts the corresponding spring. A guide bushing (54) is mounted on the lower mold plate. Workpieces placed on the lower mold plate are precisely positioned by the rods.

Abstract: A precision bucking bar comprising a unitary rigid structure having a bucking surface thereon and a sidewall extending from the bucking surface such that, during a spreading operation, the bucking surface cannot contact the workpiece, thus producing a square butt of uniform thickness and a method for using the same. In another embodiment, the bucking surface is incorporated into a squeeze point for squeezers.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) has a punching station for automatic fixation of self-piercing fasteners (2) each having a stud (3), a flange-shaped head (4) and a cylindrical lug (5) at one end of the stud. With the fastener being struck to a metallic panel (1), the lug (5) pierces it and an open rim (6) of the lug is deformed by a caulking die (11) to firmly attach the fastener to the panel. The apparatus has a feeding section (28,29) for arranging the fasteners in a continuous horizontal row perpendicular to a pressing punch (12), with the lug (5) preceding the stud.

Abstract: A portable rivet setting system is provided with a modular design. The portable rivet setting system includes an electronic control module, a pneumatic control module, a rivet feeder device, an escapement mechanism and an umbilical assembly including a rivet setting tool each modularly designed. The modular design improves the ability to react to diagnosed problems and allows the replacement or substitution of a single module while the faulty module can be repaired. The easy replacement or substitution of a module greatly reduces the down time associated with repairing the rivet setting system and allows a user to remove and replace a module with limited technical capabilities.

Abstract: The present invention comprises aluminum solid rivets and methods of manufacturing aluminum solid rivets for aircraft and other demanding applications to provide rivets with high strength and excellent driveabiltity while improving the rivets' resistance to fatigue and stress corrosion cracking. In accordance with the method, an aluminum rivet blank approximately the same diameter as the head of the finished rivet is used. This rivet blank is forced into a die to extrude the tapered region and the shank of the finished rivet. The fabrication process provides more uniform cold working at the junction of the shank and the tapered region of the rivet, and better orients the flow lines in this region. The process also can provide a superior surface finish, and may be suitable for use in wet wing fabrication without further processing for improved surface finish. Alternate embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A rivet feed slider configured to sequentially receive rivets from a rivet delivery path and feed the rivets to a rivet transport tube using an air supply. The rivet feed slider includes a rivet receiving chamber which is configured to sequentially receive the rivets, and an aperture is in communication with the rivet receiving chamber. The aperture allows air to flow from the air supply through the rivet receiving chamber to the rivet transport tube such that a rivet which is disposed in the rivet receiving chamber is moved into the rivet transport tube. The rivet feed slider also includes additional apertures which allow air to flow from the air supply to the rivet transport tube when the rivet receiving chamber is not aligned with the air supply. Hence, the air flow from the air supply to the rivet transport tube is not substantially disrupted.

Abstract: The system includes means for moving a rivet or a collar from a storage bin to an initial position for the respective gripping assemblies. The presence of the rivet and/or collar is recognized as it moves through a feeding mechanism. After the rivet or collar is gripped, they are moved either into an opening in the workpiece, in the case of a rivet, or onto the tail of a lockbolt, in the case of a collar. The gripping assembly is then released from the rivet or the collar, with the gripping means moving back to an initial position. Further operations can then be carried out on the rivet or collar.

Abstract: Riveting apparatus wherein a planetary roller screw delivers the high forces required for actuating the fastener upset tooling. In order that precise control of the entire upset operation me by obtained, a servo-controlled electric motor operates the actuator. In order that different machining operations may be performed on a workpiece without having to provide an actuator for each tool, the tools are engaged in turn by the actuator for performing riveting and other machining in succession.

Abstract: A riveting tool having a generally cylindrical tool head with a front face for engaging the rivet head is modified by the addition of a sheath engaged over the tool head which is integrally molded from a plastics material. The sheath has a generally cylindrical sleeve portion engaged over a part of the cylindrical portion of the tool head and a front portion shaped to substantially fully cover and match the front face of the tool head. The sheath is shaped to provide a readily removable and replaceable friction fit on the tool head and has a thickness at the front portion which is sufficiently thin to allow forces to be communicated from the tool head to the rivet head to effect driving of the rivet for attachment of the rivet to a material to be riveted and which is sufficiently thick to inhibit marring of the rivet and the material adjacent the rivet.

Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workpieces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed. Still another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit and one or more sensors to determine a riveting characteristic and/or an actuator characteristic.

Abstract: Multiple fasteners are fed to a workpiece from a flexible carrier tape (2) in which the fasteners are mounted. The carrier tape passes through a guide and indexing means to bring a fastener into axial alignment with a plunger and, optionally, a die. The fasteners are pre-loaded in the carrier tape in a pattern which simultaneously brings a fastener into axial alignment with a plunger and a die at each of a plurality of fastening positions relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: A rivet setting tool is provided including a pulling head and a jaw case connected to the pulling head such that the jaw case is driven by the pulling head to engage a rivet mandrel. Air is supplied to the pulling head to return the pulling head to its original position after a rivet has been set. A remote intensifier is provided including an air piston disposed in a piston chamber and a rod connected to the air piston and extending into a ram housing which is connected to a hydraulic passage which is connected to the pulling head. A first supply of pressurized gas communicates with a first end of the piston chamber and a second supply of pressurized gas communicates with a second end of the piston chamber for rapidly returning the air piston to the retracted position in combination with the air pressure applied to the pulling head. The second end of the piston chamber is vented to prevent to much pressure build up pushing the piston to the retracted position.

Abstract: The system includes means for moving a rivet or a collar from a storage bin to an initial position for the respective gripping assemblies. The presence of the rivet and/or collar is recognized as it moves through a feeding mechanism. After the rivet or collar is gripped, they are moved either into an opening in the workpiece, in the case of a rivet, or onto the tail of a lockbolt, in the case of a collar. The gripping assembly is then released from the rivet or the collar, with the gripping means moving back to an initial position. Further operations can then be carried out on the rivet or collar.