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 process of manufacturing a component for a hydrodynamic machine in which the component comprises a base body (16) and a plurality of blades (8) which are to be installed on the base body (16). The process comprises the steps of installing the plurality of blades (8) on the base body (16) by a shaped fitted connection with the base body (16) by applying continuous pressure against the base body (16) and using a prefabricated torus as the base body (16). The prefabricated torus is pressed by a pressure roller (20) against the plurality of blades (8) while holding the plurality of blades (8) in a device (4) against the pressure of the pressure roller (20). A component for a hydrodynamic machine, comprising a base body (16) and a plurality blades (8) installed by the inventive process, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for making cans from three pieces of a sheet metal, namely a bottom part, a body part and a closure, the method and apparatus enabling cost efficient production of cans in small batch sizes. The apparatus has means for forming a tubular can body from a blank of sheet material without internally supporting the tubular form. The apparatus further has means for subsequently forming the tubular can body into a cross sectional shape without the use of a dedicated press tool, means for beading, curling and flanging the can body and means for attaching the bottom part and the closure to the can body.

Abstract: A process for forming a metallic tubular connector of the type having a cylindrical shell which extends circumferentially about a tubular body for joining said tubular connector to a conduit. The process involves using a first forming machine to form a first peripheral bead in a first end portion of a tubular metallic body, having a substantially uniform diameter and wall thickness, reduce the outside diameter of a second end portion, and slope an intermediate surface portion. Then, a second end forming machine tool, carrying a metallic socket, freely receives the tubular body second end portion, contacts the sloped intermediate surface portion, forms a second peripheral bead adjacent the first peripheral bead, while an annular end surface of the socket is compressed and locked between the first and second beads. Further, the tubular body is manufactured from a 5000 series aluminum alloy material.

Abstract: A composite stripper for use in conjunction with an apparatus for joining multiple pieces of sheet metal or other sheet material is disclosed. The composite stripper is an elongated cylindrical member having a compliant distal engagement portion which is compressible to clamp sheet materials tightly together and a relatively hard proximate portion to provide an adequate interface between the punch assembly and the material to be joined.

Abstract: A motor-installed roller (3) has a roller body (6) with ends closed with fixtures (7), and apertures (30,31) are formed in the roller body and fixtures, respectively. A recess (32) also formed in each fixture (7) extends in axial direction of this fixture so as to communicate with the aperture (31). A hollow pin (9) as the fastener has a solid basal portion (36) and a collapsible foot (35). This foot is deformed by an external force applied to the solid portion in its axial direction, so as to extend along the inner surface of the recess (32) such that the hollow pin (9) is locked in place not to slip off even if subjected to vibration. The solid portion (36) of this pin prevents the roller body (6) from moving relative to the fixture (7), or relative to any closures, bearings or the like easily attached to the roller.

Abstract: A wirelaying apparatus and method using a tool (30) having a cutter (31) operatively opening a cut in the interior bore surface (11) of a cylindrical pipe fitting (10), laying wire (12) into the cut and closing the cut using a flange closer (33). The wire (12) is delivered into the cut via an aperture (32) through the cutting means (31). Delivery of the wire (12) into the cut is thereby improved, overcoming the problem of wire running free within the fitting. In a second embodiment (see FIG. 12) the cutter (31) is rotatably mounted allowing a double helical coil to be formed without removing the cutter from the bore surface.

Abstract: Described herein is a bucking tool (10) for retaining a burr washer in place whilst a rivet is reacted. The tool (10) comprises a sleeve (12) with a shaft (14) slidably mounted within it. The sleeve (12) has a recess (22) formed at one end (20) for receiving the washer. The shaft (14) has a handle (16) attached at one end (18), the handle (16) being operable to move the shaft (14) in a longitudinal direction within the sleeve (12).

Abstract: An apparatus for horizontally actuating hemming and stamping die sets includes a horizontal base support and a roller device horizontally mounted thereon. A linear guidance system is set in and a drive support is vertically attached to the base support. A drive mechanism is supported and an anvil die set is held by the drive support. A vertical platen rests on top of the base support and is loosely guided by the linear guidance system. A punch die set is held by the vertical platen and a plurality of bushings are set therein. At least three guide shafts are secured to the anvil die set and each is engaged to one of the bushings of the punch die set. A plurality of link bars are attached to the vertical platen via link bar attachments and coupled to the drive mechanism. Actuation of the drive mechanism horizontally moves the vertical platen.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for setting grommets around the perimeter of a tarp. The apparatus includes a feed reel from which a rolled tarp may be unwound; a table, across which the tarp may be drawn; a take-up reel, onto which the tarp may be rolled; and a grommet setter positioned relative to the table to permit an operator to set grommets on the tarp as the tarp is drawn across the table.

Abstract: An adapter enables a universal assembly machine to manufacture buttons with either flat backs or formed backs. The machine comprises a rotatably indexable die table to which are mounted pickup and crimp dies. A ram die is advancable and retractable in a pickup stroke and a crimp stroke. Indexing the die table causes a shifter post to rotate a ram outer ring into a pickup mode or a crimp mode to suit the ram pickup and crimp strokes, respectively. The universal assembly machine manufactures buttons with flat backs by using the adapter on the same crimp die pedestal as is used for manufacturing buttons with formed backs. The adapter has a top surface that is in the location relative to the ram die that suits flat back buttons. The adapter enables the same crimp die pedestal to be used for manufacturing both flat back and formed back buttons.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for inserting a fastener (3) into a flexible plate or strip (1) which shall act as a packing structure and which has a channel fitted with two lips (2a, 2b) partly closing the channel, the fastener (3) to be inserted between the lips. The method includes slightly bending the plate or strip (1) transversely to the direction of its channel in a way to spread apart its lips (2a, 2b), furthermore to insert the fastener (3) and to substantially reflatten the plate or strip (1) in order that the lips (2a, 2b) shall resume their initial positions.

Abstract: The invention deals with a technology for minting coins and medals. The technology is based on the utilization of metal blanks with similar diameters, one being very thin (hereafter named as the foil), joined together by mechanical means during the impartion of the surface details by the minting dies. The technology requires the design and manufacture of a special geometry in the edge of the thicker disk in order to make possible assembly of the metal blanks. The proposed technology is based on a multi-stage manufacturing process consisting of three cold metal forming operations (preforming, rimming and coining) and one intermediate annealing treatment. The first metal forming operation ensures the preforming of the thicker disk blank, hereafter named as the disk. The second metal forming stage is the rimming operation in which the preformed disk is bent along its diameter in order to generate a suitable profile for subsequent assembly with the foil.

Abstract: A punch having wings is driven through framing members and then rotated. Rotation of the punch causes the wings to crimp the framing members together. An angular crimping technique where piercing members are driven through framing members in at least two different directions to crimp the framing members together. A fastenerless cinching tool pierces adjacent framing members and crimps the framing members together.

Abstract: A method of producing metal clamping rings which serve to secure elastic sleeves on components which are movable relative to one another, such as, for securing convoluted boots on joints and intermediate shafts of motor vehicle driveshafts. The method includes producing a strip portion from plate metal, which strip portion comprises strip ends which match and complement one another and which are delimited so as to be undercut-free in the longitudinal direction; bending the strip portion so as to render same round and fixing same so as to form a cylindrical ring with abutting strip ends; and welding the strip ends so that they form a clamping ring.

Abstract: A method of securely attaching a plate to a malleable metal rod includes forming an integral, generally annular projection on one end of the rod. An opening through the plate is configured to receive the annual projection on the rod. The annual projection is inserted through the opening in the plate and is permanently deformed radially outwardly to overlie and contact the plate at a plurality of spaced locations. The deformations in the annular projection securely attach the plate to the rod.

Abstract: A method for making a striker for a vehicle door latch produces such a striker having a longitudinal plate-like metal base and a U-shaped metal engaging member including a first leg part, a second leg part and a front connecting part. The first leg part has, at a front side portion thereof, a latch engaging part which is engageable with an engaging recess of a latch of the vehicle door latch device. The first leg part has, at a rear side portion thereof, a reinforced large diameter part with a larger diameter than that of the latch engaging part. A length of the reinforced large diameter part is 20% or more in the length of the first leg part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a shaft/hub connection. For this purpose, a toothed or splined shaft having an external toothing is pushed with clearance into an internal toothing of a hub, tooth to space, and the external toothing of the shaft is pressed together with the internal toothing of the hub. In order to make it possible in a simple reproducible way to make a shaft/hub connection which optimally satisfies the requirements of dynamic loads, it is proposed that, in the push-in position of the shaft, the latter is deformed plastically out of a cavity of the shaft in a radial circumferential widening operation and, so as to provide freedom from clearance between the spaces of the external toothing of the shaft and the internal toothing of the hub, the said internal toothing engaging into the said external toothing, is pressed against the hub in such a way that the hub is deformed elastically and a press fit between the shaft and the hub is produced.

Abstract: A fixing band-tightening apparatus comprises a holding section for gripping a shaft section at both ends in an axial direction, the holding section being provided rotatably in a circumferential direction in accordance with a driving action of a rotary driving source, a stopper section arranged in a lateral direction substantially horizontal with respect to the holding section, for positioning a projection of a fixing band in the lateral direction except for a vertical direction, and a band-tightening section for forcibly nipping the projection of the fixing band positioned by the stopper section to tighten the fixing band.

Abstract: A portable tool for fitting a channel-shaped sealing, trimming or guiding strip onto a mounting flange comprises a gear box having an input shaft rotated by suitable motor and which drives two rollers in contra-rotating directions about respective axes. When the motor is energized to contra-rotate the rollers, the tool is driven along the strip and the rollers force the sides of the channel of the strip into tight frictional contact with the flange. The axis of one of the rollers is fixed in relation to the tool body. The other roller is mounted on a sub-frame so that its axis can pivot about a pivot axis which intersects with the rotation axis of that roller. The tool also includes a third roller for engaging the outside of the inverted base of the channel.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a drive plate or one-piece torsional vibration damper retainer plate (20) for a torque converter (26) is disclosed. The retainer plate includes an annular periphery (36) curled into a generally C-shaped channel (46) for retaining at least one spring (56). The method includes the following steps. First, the retainer plate (20) is stamped primarily to form a central plate segment (34), an annular periphery (36), and a hub opening (44). Next, the annular periphery of the retainer plate is pre-curled. The plate is then heat treated to enhanced the physical properties of the retainer plate. The spring is disposed within the pre-curled annular periphery. Finally, the annular periphery of the retainer plate is completely curled into the generally C-shaped channel to substantially surround the spring thereby preventing the spring from being removed from the C-shaped channel of the retainer plate during operation of the retainer plate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing cooling devices for mounting on semiconductor devices. These cooling devices are made from several extruded shaped section part elements. These shaped section part elements are made from an aluminum alloy and have grooves and bead strips wherein these grooves and bead strips are fitted into each other by applying pressure in a transverse direction. The outward protruding groove walls of the shaped section elements or the bead strips are pushed into the corresponding grooves of neighboring shaped section elements. These groove walls or bead strips plastically deform by bending in so that each bead strip entering its associated groove is physically locked in place. In addition wires of high purity aluminum can be inserted into these grooves before the groove walls or the bead strips are compacted into their associated grooves. Through this method the connection points become liquid proof and the connection is securely formed in the perpendicular direction.

Abstract: A piston-rod scraping ring (7) of elastic material accommodated in an inward opening groove (9) in a dashpot cap (2) and especially intended to scrape water and dirt off a piston rod (1). The object is to allow the ring to be easily inserted into the groove and secured there until the overall dashpot is assembled. The groove is accordingly higher at its outer circumference and its inner circumference (12) is deformed, compressing the rim (8) in place.

Abstract: A method for connecting a headrest guide tube in a vehicle seat frame comprises the steps of forming a hole in the seat frame, inserting a headrest guide tube into the hole, axially compressing the tube to form a pair of rings on opposite sides of the frame wall, and then axially crushing the rings to form a pair of beads tightly clamping the headrest guide tube to the seat frame. During the crushing process, a portion of the headrest guide tube is bulged into a notch in the hole in the seat frame to prevent the guide tube from rotating with respect to the seat frame.

Abstract: A stud for installation in a host panel and for fastening a component to the host panel includes at least one shaft having a longitudinal axis. An annular flange extends radially from the shaft at a substantially right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. A shoulder for engagement with the host panel has a top adjacent to the shaft and a base adjacent to the flange. The shoulder extends radially from the shaft wherein the shoulder and the flange define an undercut therebetween at the base of the shoulder such that a diameter of the shoulder is smaller at the base than at the top. At least one anti-rotation tab is located intermediate between the shoulder top and the flange, and is aligned for engagement with the host panel.

Abstract: A method of assembling a frame assembly for a partition system is disclosed. The frame assembly includes a partition panel, a fabric covering the panel, and a frame component. The frame component automatically and evenly tensions the fabric about the panel. The frame component provided according to this method includes a support element, a lockable element, and an integral hinge defined between the support and lockable elements. The support element defines a cavity for receiving and supporting the panel. The lockable element extends from and is moveable relative to the support element. The panel is inserted into the cavity, and the fabric is mounted to the lockable element. Next, the lockable element is moved about the integral hinge such that the fabric mounted to the lockable element is automatically and evenly tensioned about the panel. A backing strip may be mounted to the frame component to protect the fabric from the integral hinge.

Abstract: Formerly, several machines or workstations have been required for bordering and closing creases, especially on pipes used in ventilation technology. The invention provides a machine that can carry out all of the operations without the workpiece having to be rechecked. By positioning the closing wheel (6), known per se, underneath the work surface, all of the operations, including the insertion of a sealing strip, can be carried out precisely and economically at the same workstation. According to a preferred method, a bead is first pressed in the workpiece (100) using a moulding roll (2) and a beading and feeding roll (1). During machining with these hydromechanically driven rolls (2, 1), the workpiece (100) is held in the correct working position. The closing process is carried out from the bottom and enables optimum adjustment of the angle of intervention on the closing wheel (6) and reduces wear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning and heat staking a plurality of stackable junction box components having pilot holes normally used only for registration and alignment purposes. A heat stakable element is inserted through the pilot holes and used to secure the stacked components through the pilot holes. This eliminates the need for heat stake and stake hole structure built into the various junction box layers, thereby freeing up valuable junction box layout space for additional bus bar runs and electrical component receptacles. In a preferred form the heat stakable element is formed in the shape of a pilot pin to engage the pilot holes and simultaneously register and heat stake them together.

Abstract: An inner ring 3 is fit to a stepped part 8 formed on the inner end of a hub 2b. A desired pre-load is applied to rolling elements 5 in a state that an outer end face 28 of the inner ring 3 is butted against a step surface 12 formed on the hub 2b. The inner ring 3 is fit to the hub 2b by interference fitting causing a static friction force, which is larger than a thrust load acting on the inner ring 3 based on the pre-loading. Therefore, the inner end face of the inner ring 3 is clamped with a caulking portion, which is formed by expanding outward in the diameter directions a cylindrical portion 18 formed in the inner end of the hub 2b.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of forming mud motors. In one method, rollers are urgingly stroked against a tubular member having a mandrel therein that has an outer profile which is the inverse of the desired profile of the stator. In another method, rollers are urged and rotated radially on the tubular member with the mandrel disposed in the tubular member. In yet another method, dies are pressed against the tubular member having a mandrel with a desired outer profile. In another method, a molten metal is deposited over a mandrel with an outer lobed surface that is substantially the inverse of the desired inner profile of the stator housing. The mandrel is then removed, leaving a metallic longitudinal member having an inner profile defined by the outer profile of the mandrel. In each of these methods, the inner surface of the resulting member has the profile defined by the outer profile of the mandrel.

Abstract: A support structure includes first and second support members which are interlocked with a body. The second support member is placed in a die such that a hole of the second support member is located at a predetermined position and the body is placed on the second support member. The first support member is placed on the body such that apertures of the support members and an opening of the body are aligned. A shaping pin is then advanced toward the first support member in alignment with the predetermined position so that a shoulder of the shaping pin extends into the first support member. The shaping pin continues to advance through the first support member until a portion of the body extends past a surface of the second support member, thereby joining the first and second support members and the body together.

Abstract: A vessel for use in a refrigeration system. The vessel includes a vessel body and at least one end wall for closing the vessel body, the end wall having a threaded receptacle. The threaded receptacle is configured to accept a threaded fitting and the threaded receptacle includes: an annular sealing surface for engaging a corresponding surface of the fitting, the sealing surface formed on a first side of the end wall; and a threaded surface defined by an inside wall of an annular protrusion, the annular protrusion having a longitudinal axis disposed generally perpendicular to the sealing surface, and wherein the protrusion extends longitudinally from a second side of the end wall toward an interior of the vessel body.

Abstract: A die and method of assembling a high torque capacity metal spool. The spool comprises a cylindrical barrel, a pair of flanges and a pair of flange hubs. The die includes a support member and a curling member that is adapted to move relative to the support housing. The die is adapted to be driven towards a matching die to press a spool therebetween. Each curling member includes an annular curling face which is adapted to curl and compress metal edges of the cylindrical barrel, the flanges and the flange hubs into tightened curls. The tightened curls secure the cylindrical barrel with the flanges and flange hubs. Each die further includes a plurality of nibs carried by the support housings which project outward from the curling face of the curling member after the tightened curls have been formed to swage a plurality of detents into the tightened curls of the spool. The resulting detents in the metal spool provide for increased torque transfer between the flanges, the flange hubs and the cylindrical barrel.

Abstract: A method for forming a vehicle closure panel assembly from outer and inner metal preformed panels disposed between lower and upper tools, includes the steps of applying a resilient material between the inner and outer panels around the area of the hem line, nesting the inner panel and outer panels into the lower tool, applying a clamp down force onto the inner panel to cause the resilient material to flow and distribute around the hem line, prehemming the outer panel, and final hemming the inner and outer panels together by over clinching the peripheral edge of the outer panel. With this method, the resilient material absorbs and distributes the final hemming forces and the outer panel peripheral edge springs back to form a flat hem.

Abstract: In a method for producing helically wound lock-seam tubing, a metal strip is fed to a forming head in which the tubing is formed. In order to prevent lock-seam slip, a clinching roller device form interlocking spaced deformations on the lock-seam. An apparatus for such production comprises a clinching roller provided with a recess for forming the deformations against a counter roller.

Abstract: The brush seal includes a plurality of bristles located in grooves along opposite sides of a single carrier. The grooves extend at a predetermined cant angle relative to radii of a sealing surface about which the brush seal extends. The grooves are formed between ribs which terminate in tips deformed to overlie the bristles in the groove and thereby retain the bristles on the carrier. An epoxy overlies the carrier surfaces and grooves to facilitate their retention. The brush seal may be fabricated by rolling knurled rollers with oblique cutting ribs along opposite surfaces of the carrier to form the grooves. The bristles are then wrapped about the carrier and in the grooves. Subsequently, the tips of the ribs defining the grooves are deformed to overlie and retain the bristles in the grooves.

Abstract: A method of assembling together, without welding, first and second pieces of plastically deformable material, said method comprising: in a first step, making a rim hole in the first piece, the hole having a rim with an inside diameter D2i and an outside diameter D2e; a step of making a counterbored hole having two successive diameters in the second piece, said counterbored hole having a first section of small diameter d8 and a second section of large diameter D8, the small diameter d8 being greater than the outside diameter D2e of the rim; a step of inserting said rim into said counterbored hole, an annular gap being defined between the outer annular face of the rim and the inner annular face of the second section of the counterbored hole; and a step of deforming the end portion of the rim so as to occupy at least part of the annular gap; said method comprising prior to the step of deforming the end portion of the rim, a step of inserting centering means in the rim hole, the centering means having a diameter

Abstract: A method for making a striker for a vehicle door latch produces such a striker having a longitudinal plate-like metal base and a U-shaped metal engaging member including a first leg part, a second leg part and a front connecting part. The first leg part has, at a front side portion thereof, a latch engaging part which is engageable with an engaging recess of a latch of the vehicle door latch device. The first leg part has, at a rear side portion thereof, a reinforced large diameter part with a larger diameter than that of the latch engaging part. A length of the reinforced large diameter part is 20% or more in the length of the first leg part.

Abstract: A press machine for attachment of eyelets including a simple die configuration capable of allowing the user to easily carry out an eyelet attachment process on a table. The press machine includes a die that enables the dual operation of punching the sheet or fabric for the eyelet as well as attaching the eyelet.

Abstract: A method for making a metal drawer head wherein the drawer head can be formed as a unitary part in a multiple stage process without the need for human manipulation of the part during any stage of the forming process. A rotary forming process can preferably be used to form the flanges on the drawer head.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for setting grommets around the perimeter of a tarp. The apparatus includes a feed reel from which a rolled tarp may be unwound; a table, across which a said tarp may be drawn; a take-up reel, onto which a said tarp may be rolled; and a grommet setter positioned relative to said table to permit an operator to set grommets on a said tarp as said tarp is drawn across said table. The apparatus also relates to a method of setting grommets around the perimeter of a tarp.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a container for receiving a food or beverage and including a heat exchange unit as an integral part thereof. The container is formed with an opening in a closed end thereof which opening is mated with a heat exchange unit containing an adsorbent material and is permanently secured thereto along with a valve and valve cap. The heat exchange unit is charged with a medium which, when activated, will heat or cool the food or beverage in the container depending upon whether the heat exchange unit is exothermic or endothermic.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf club head in which a mass-adjusting weight is inserted into the inside of a cylindrical hosel portion, wherein a flange that can be deformed in a radial direction of the hosel portion is formed in a peripheral portion of the foregoing weight and the diameter of the flange is increased so as to fix the foregoing weight to the foregoing hosel portion.

Abstract: An improved, spin-on, bead-lock filter which is particularly adapted for use as a high-pressure oil filter in a diesel engine is provided which comprises a housing containing a filter medium and having an inwardly deformed periphery, and a cover assembly including a cover plate and a retainer plate having mutually spaced apart outer edges for forming a recess that receives the inwardly deformed portion of the housing. A gasket is seated in the recess so that both a mechanical connection and a seal is formed between the cover assembly and the housing when the periphery of the housing is inwardly deformed pursuant to a bead rolling step in conformance with the assembly method of the invention.

Abstract: A press machine for attachment of eyelets including a simple die configuration capable of allowing the user to easily carry out an eyelet attachment process on a table. The press machine includes a die that enables the dual operation of punching the sheet or fabric for the eyelet as well as attaching the eyelet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beading machine for shaping, edge-forming and beading sheet metal parts, with at least two corresponding beading rollers 12, 14, wherein each beading roller pair includes an upper beading roller 12 and a lower beading roller 14 as well as at least one limit stop for the sheet metal parts to be processed. In this case, the limit stop 16 for the sheet metal elements is provided in either or both of said beading rollers. The invention simultaneously relates to a process for shaping, edge forming and beading sheet metal parts by means of a beading machine of the present invention.

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 composite stripper for use in conjunction with an apparatus for joining multiple pieces of sheet metal or other sheet material is disclosed. The composite stripper is an elongated cylindrical member having a compliant midsection which is compressible to clamp sheet materials tightly together and a pair of relatively hard end portions and to provide an adequate interface between the punch assembly and the material to be joined.

Abstract: With reference to FIG. 3 the present invention relates to a method of manufacture of a product from a first component (4) of deformable material and a second component (5), the method comprising the steps of: inserting a portion of the first component (4) through an aperture predefined in the second component (5); and subsequently deforming the material of the first component (4) to form a pair of spaced apart shoulders (50) integral with the first component (4), the spaced apart shoulders (50) holding therebetween the second component (5) and thereby preventing the second component (5) sliding along the first component (4); wherein: each shoulder (50) is formed by applying tool means (20, 21) to a surface of the first component (4) to create a recess in the surface and to form the shoulder (50) adjacent to the recess with the shoulder (50) being formed by displacement of the deformable material of the first component (4) during the creation of the recess.

Abstract: The method of attaching a fastening element to a metal panel within a panel opening using a die member having an annular concave die cavity. The fastening element includes a tubular riveting portion and a radial flange portion and a fastening portion. The internal and external surfaces of the tubular riveting portion are relatively uniformly inclined toward the radial flange portion such that the thickness of the tubular riveting portion at the free end is less than the thickness adjacent the radial flange portion. In the preferred embodiment, the internal surface of the tubular riveting portion is cylindrical and the external surface is slightly conical tapering inwardly toward the free end to reduce the force required to radially deform the free end of the tubular portion radially outwardly.