Abstract: A method for riveting two structural component parts arranged with their inner sides facing one another and with their outer sides facing away from one another at a distance from one another by at least one spacer rivet element. Positioning the at least one spacer rivet element at the two structural component parts such that rivet element end areas extend through rivet openings provided in the structural component parts to be associated with the rivet element end areas. Supporting a rivet element end area at the outer side of one of the structural component parts. Supporting the other of the structural component parts at its inner side. Applying a riveting force to the other rivet element end area to deform at least one rivet element end area and to form a rivet head.

Abstract: A method of producing a razor head, and razor head itself, having one or more blades, a first plastic member and a second plastic member, that includes the step of laser welding the first plastic member to the second plastic member.

Abstract: A die (13, 213, 313) is supported in a die holder (381) such as a frame or an adapter (18, 518) supported in a frame such that it is operational use in a material deforming operation. One or both of the die and the die holder have at least one gas passage which is substantially closed by at least part of the die. Gas such as pressurised air is directed into an end of the gas passage opposite the die via a hose (42, 542) connected to a gas source. If the die is broken or loose leak paths are available for the escape of gas past the die to or from atmosphere. A pressure sensor (41) connected to the hose detects the change in pressure of the gas and the magnitude of that pressure is used to determine the die condition. Alternatively a flow rate sensor is used to detect a change in the flow rate of the gas in order to determine the condition of the die.

Abstract: Method for connecting two or more metal sheets or profile parts, especially of an automobile body segment as well as said automobile body segment. A method is described for joining two or more metal sheets and/or profile parts of which typically one is a high strength steel with the following steps. a) mechanically joining in a force-locking or frictional manner the metal sheets or profile parts at one or more connecting sites and subsequently b) thermally joining the connecting sites by means of pressure welding. With the method according to the invention in particular in the motor vehicle sector automobile body segments can be produced which display qualitatively very high quality point weld joints.

Abstract: Embodiments of an electronic device apparatus are disclosed. One apparatus includes a housing structure having an inner surface and an outer surface. A plurality of electrical feed-throughs extend through the housing structure from the outer surface to the inner surface. Each of the feed-throughs includes an outer surface cross-section and an inner surface cross-section and a pass through cross-section. The pass through cross-section of the feed-through is located at a portion of the feed-through that extends through the housing structure. The outer surface cross-section is located where the feed-through is exposed on the outer surface, and the inner surface cross-section located where the feed-through is exposed on the inner surface. The feed-through cross-section is less than the outer surface cross-section and the inner surface cross-section.

Abstract: A method of joining workpieces includes rotating a friction stir rivet via a mandrel and driving the rivet into the workpieces causing frictional heating between the rivet and the workpieces and causing the materials of the workpieces to soften, thereby providing a fiction stirred displaceable path for the rivet to traverse, and driving the rivet along the displaceable path until the rivet mandrel pierces through the workpieces and a cap of the rivet is seated against the workpieces. Subsequent to seating the cap, further rotation of the mandrel is stopped and the workpieces are allowed to cool and harden. An axial load is then applied to the mandrel sufficient to provide mechanical loading between the rivet body and the workpieces. A resultant volume of displaced material from the workpieces is fixedly attached to the workpieces, thereby avoiding the creation of a potentially detachable slug of the displaced material.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for riveting two or more sheets together that includes a punch and a die. The die has an expandable cavity that is formed by a tip and a plurality of movable blades. The blades are retained on the die, in part, by an elastomeric blade collar that biases the blades inwardly toward the tip. A method of riveting a plurality of sheets together with the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A first and second component joint includes using a fastener having a first end, and a flange having a diameter greater than a tubular barrel portion. A second end having a second tubular barrel portion merges into a shoulder of a flange part having a greater diameter than the barrel portion. The first tubular barrel portion is deformed radially outwardly sandwiching the first component between the flange and the first barrel portion. The second end of the fastener is introduced through a hole in the second component by applying the second component to the first component so the shoulder of the flanged part abuts the second component spacing the second component from the first component. The fastener device is fastened to the second component by deforming the second tubular barrel portion radially outwardly sandwiching the second component between the shoulder and the tubular barrel portion.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is provided for monitoring the installation of a blind rivet to attach together top and bottom members. The blind rivet installation tool includes a housing having an anvil seated on the rivet head. A collet is reciprocable within the tool housing and carries jaws for gripping the mandrel of the blind rivet. Retraction of the jaws by the collet displaces the jaws and the mandrel axially and causes the mandrel head to axially collapse and radially expand the hollow shank of the blind rivet into engagement with the bottom member so that the rivet attaches the top member and the bottom member. A cut off tool is actuated by an actuator to cut off the mandrel flush with the rivet head. Transducers and a process controller monitor the installation process and actuate the cut off blade upon determining that the blind rivet is properly installed.

Abstract: A self-piercing rivet setting apparatus (9) comprises a punch (14) and a die (18) for driving a self-piercing rivet into a plurality of workpieces including a receiving-side workpiece adjacent to the die. The self-piercing rivet has a large-diameter head and a hollowed leg. The leg is driven to pierce the workpieces while allowing the front end of the leg to be expanded and deformed in its radial outward direction and to be stayed in the receiving-side workpiece without passing therethrough, to connect the plurality of workpieces with each other by the expanded leg and the head. The die includes a first die member (26) having a first cavity (25), and a second die member (30) having a second cavity (27) and a protruding pin (29) provided at the center of the second cavity. The first cavity is adapted to allow the leg of the self-piercing to be driven into the workpieces in a straight direction when the self-piercing rivet is pressed by the punch (14).

Abstract: The apparatus for fixing rivets (4) in structural parts (11) includes a positioning adapter (3) for fixing one end of a rivet in a structural component with the rivet (4) in a riveting position; a riveting adapter (5) for deforming another end of the rivet, which has a movable deforming device (34) for deforming the rivet by impact energy stored in it; and a device for changing or adjusting the impact energy (33) stored in the movable deforming device. A greater flexibility for adjustment of the required impact energy (33) to different boundary conditions is thus possible, which guarantees that a minimal number of working strokes or only a single working stroke is required to fasten a rivet (4) in a structural component (11). This reduces the mechanical stress on the riveting adapter (5) and the working robot (6) guiding it besides reducing the noise level.

Abstract: A rivet setting tool having a motor driven hydraulic pump is disclosed. The rivet setting tool incorporates a fastener setting verification system configured to monitor changes pump drive motor current to determine if a particular fastener set is acceptable.

Abstract: A method of producing a razor head that includes the steps of providing a guard member having a lower surface and including securing pins protruding from the lower surface, securing a blade unit onto the guard member, providing a cap member, and securing the cap member onto the guard member, independently of the blade unit. A razor head having such features is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for securing a first target element to a second target element. The method includes the steps of locating a support member arranged to simultaneously support a drilling head device and a riveting head device at a predetermined location proximate to the first and second target elements, via the drilling head drilling at least one hole through the first and second target elements at a desired location and without relocating the support member via the riveting head device, inserting a rivet in said hole and securing the inserted rivet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device, in particular for medical use as an endoprosthesis, preferably as an intraluminal endoprosthesis, having a base body (1, 1?), comprising at least partially a metallic material, and having a function element (3, 3?) that is attached to the base body and has a different metallic material composition in comparison with the material of the base body (1, 1?) in at least a portion of its volume, preferably having at least partially radiopaque and/or radiologically opaque material.

Abstract: Method for producing a heating panel, and heating panel resulting therefrom. In a first platform, a stack of a sound-proof and moisture-proof material and a thermal insulating material, through which shock-absorbing poles having protecting caps are inserted by a predetermined interval, is prepared. A lower thermal energy storage plate is attached to the thermal insulating material in a second platform, a heat conduction steel plate is attached to the lower thermal energy storage plate in a third platform, and an upper thermal energy storage plate is attached to the heat conduction steel plate in a fourth platform. Rivet holes are perforated through the thermal energy storage plates, heat conduction steel plate, and protecting caps in a fifth platform, and rivets are into the holes in a sixth platform. The rivets are riveted in a seventh platform, completing the complex heating panel. The completed panel is transported in an eighth platform.

Abstract: When a TAB assembly is used in the transfer station of an electrostatic marking system, the blade used in the TABs becomes deformed or improperly aligned due to lateral movement of the clamp, held by rivets, which is used to maintain proper blade alignment. Provided herein is a simple, yet effective, way to secure this clamp with embedded burrs so that the useful life of the TAB is more than doubled over prior art TABs.

Abstract: There is provided a blind rivet including an axially extending hollow tubular body having a tail end face at one end and a pre-formed radially enlarged flange at the other end, together with a mandrel having a stem which extends co-axially though the body and having enlarged head adjacent the tail end of the body, the stem having a weakened region immediately adjacent the head. There is also provided a method of fastening at least two workpieces using such a blind rivet, including providing the blind side of the workpieces with a countersunk region to accommodate the conically deformed tail end of the body after setting, substantially flush therewith.

Abstract: The invention concerns an industrial robot (4) comprising a machining tool (2) attached to one hand (3) of the robot, designed to perform a hydraulic-driven movement relative to the hand (3) and connected therefor to a hydraulic unit (10). The hydraulic unit (10) is placed directly on a mobile part of the robot, in particular directly on the robot hand (3). Therefore there is no more need for hydraulic supply lines along the arm of the robot. Further, when the robot hand (3) changes tool, no separation of hydraulic lines is required. The machining tool (2) is in particular a device for placing blind rivets, thereby enabling an entirely automated process for placing blind rivets.

Abstract: A coupling system for conduit and pipe for carrying insulated electrical cable, more particularly, a conduit coupling assembly for connecting multiple lengths of conduit in coaxial relationship.

Abstract: A method is provided for self-pierce riveting which reduces a setting force required for setting the rivets. For this purpose, a clamping force produced by a clamping device is substituted by the force produced by a rivet on a punch. The clamping force varies within a known magnitude, whereas the setting force is reduced by 20%.

Abstract: A method of attaching a clinch spacer to a panel including forming a clinch spacer having a body portion including an axial bore, an annular flange portion surrounding the bore and an annular barrel portion integral and coaxially aligned with the flange portion having a diameter less than the flange portion including an end face having an outer lip extending at an angle radially outwardly and axially from the end face; forming an opening in the panel; and driving the barrel portion through the opening in the panel against a die member having a generally V-shaped annular projecting lip which is driven against a second face of the panel, deforming the panel radially inwardly against the outer surface of the barrel portion and deforming the outer annular lip radially outwardly and axially against the panel, forming a secure installation.

Abstract: A rivet configured to provide a strengthened rivet joint capable of acting as a load-bearing joint, such as in a vehicle, is provided. A method of joining a multiple member work-piece utilizing the rivet is also provided. The rivet includes a head portion and an annular body portion extending from the head portion. The body portion has an open end opposite the head portion. The head portion and the annular body portion define an interior cavity that opens at the open end. The annular body portion has an inner surface at the interior cavity and an outer surface opposite the interior cavity. The body portion has passages extending through the body portion from the inner surface to the outer surface, and grooves running along the outer surface intersecting with the passages.

Abstract: A rivet, including: at least one side wall extending from a first side of a sheet of material, formed from the same material as the sheet of material, and including respective inside surfaces; and a space at least partly enclosed by the respective inside surfaces. The space is open at a second side of the sheet of material. In one embodiment, the at least one side wall is cylindrical in shape. In another embodiment, the rivet includes an end wall formed of the same piece of material as the at least one side wall and defining one end of the space, the space is cylindrical in shape, the space has a first portion aligned with the sheet of material and a second portion partially defined by the end wall, and a diameter for the first portion is less than the diameter for the second portion.

Abstract: A sheet fastening apparatus and method are provided. In another aspect of the present invention, a die assembly for forming a joint between sheets of material is disclosed wherein the die assembly includes an anvil, at least one die blade disposed adjacent to and overlapping a punch-side of the anvil, a flexible retainer, and a shield that coaxially and radially surrounds a portion of the anvil and/or die blade.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a component assembly comprising a sheet metal part and a functional element attached to it by a riveting process or by a riveting and piercing process or by a press-in process, wherein the sheet metal part is provided with an imprint, is wherein the imprint is produced prior to attachment of the functional element and consists of a sequence of regions which are raised and recessed relative to one another and wherein, during the attachment of the functional element this is pressed against the sheet metal part in such a way that the imprint of the sheet metal part leads to a complementary shaping of the functional element in the region of the functional element which comes into contact with the imprint. A sheet metal part and a functional element are also claimed.

Abstract: A C-frame for use in association with a fastener setting machine, such as a rivet setting machine. The C-frame is configured such that it can be used as a suspended C-frame or as a pedestal mounted C-frame. Specifically, the C-frame is configured such that it can be easily mechanically mounted on and electrically connected to a pedestal. The pedestal has a docking mechanism and the C-frame has corresponding structure which mates with the docking station to mechanically mount the C-frame to the pedestal. In addition, the pedestal includes an electrical connector which connects to, or mates with, a corresponding electrical connector on the C-frame. Preferably, buttons are provided on both the C-frame and the pedestal and docking the C-frame on the pedestal works to effectively transfer control of the rivet setting machine from the buttons on the C-frame to the buttons on the pedestal.

Abstract: A rivet is inserted into a workpiece by an apparatus that includes an internal roller screw linear actuator in which rotational movement of an internally threaded cylinder is converted into linear movement of a fastener insertion actuator assembly. The cylinder is driven in rotation by a servo-controlled motor. The angular velocity of the cylinder required to deliver the required energy to effect fastener insertion is calculated and the motor is first controlled to accelerate the cylinder up to the calculated angular velocity, the actuator assembly simultaneously being moved by the cylinder towards the workpiece. The motor is then controlled to maintain the angular velocity of the cylinder at not less than the calculated magnitude at least until insertion of the fastener. The cylinder stores kinetic energy by virtue of its inertia. Using this inertia to insert fasteners eliminates the need for position or force feedback control. The process allows for a rapid cycle time and the apparatus is compact.

Abstract: A functional element for connection to a sheet metal part, and a method for connecting a functional element to a sheet metal part. The functional element includes a head part, a tubular rivet section extending from the head part and a tubular guide section disposed within the rivet section, with a portion of the guide section extending beyond the open end of the rivet section. When the sheet metal part is pre-holed, the portion of the guide section extending beyond the rivet section serves to dilate the pre-cut hole while centering the rivet section, and the functional element includes security components to provide an enhanced and stable connection as well as to secure against rotation. The guide section can be configured as a self-piercing component for use with a sheet metal part that is not pre-holed.

Abstract: In this machine the displacement assembly allows the working head to be moved in five or six axes, namely three translational movements along the three Cartesian axes X, Y and Z, and two or three pivoting options; the working head includes several tools for performing the various operations involved in fitting a fastener, particularly a drilling tool, a countersinking tool; these tools can each be moved in turn between a rest position and working position situated on the working axis; in this working position, each tool can move translationally along the working axis; the working head also includes a bearing piece mounted on it intended to come to bear against the components that are to be assembled and including a buffer region with which the drilling and countersinking tools come into contact as they move, this contact determining the fully deployed position of these tools.

Abstract: There is provided a blind rivet including an axially extending hollow tubular body having a tail end face at one end and a pre-formed radially enlarged flange at the other end, together with a mandrel having a stem which extends co-axially though the body and having enlarged head adjacent the tail end of the body, the stem having a weakened region immediately adjacent the head. There is also provided a method of fastening at least two workpieces using such a blind rivet, including providing the blind side of the workpieces with a countersunk region to accommodate the conically deformed tail end of the body after setting, substantially flush therewith.

Abstract: A nose assembly for fitting onto a fastener installation tool for installing fasteners of the type in which a part of the fastener is broken off during the installation process, the nose being provided with a housing and a sleeve, the sleeve having a spring, and a collar which is movable within the housing against resistance of the spring, wherein plunger means are provided on the collar, and wherein the sleeve is threadably engaged with the collar, such that movement of the sleeve causes corresponding movement of the collar and plunger means, the plunger means being arranged to actuate a trigger thereby to open an air valve and allow a flow of compressed air through the tool, thereby to allow installation of the fastener into a workpiece.

Abstract: The device comprises a robot (1) provided with a head (3) which comprises a plurality of single-function modules, each of them with the function of carrying out different and consecutive operations on the working zone of the pieces to rivet or fasten. The robot can be a precise articulated robot, a Cartesian machine, a parallel kinematics robot or other, while said modules can be located transversally, longitudinally or in a matrix in the head. The method provides operations for drilling, reaming and countersinking of different diameters, quality control of drill-holes, thickness checking of pieces, application of sealant, selection and supply of rivet, fastener or pin to rivet or fasten, fitting of the rivet, fastener or pin, riveting and/or fastening, fitting checking of the rivet, fastener or pin, cleaning, adjustment and checking of the aerodynamic tolerance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gun rivet and a device for placing said rivet. 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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a differential housing (1) comprising a housing bell (5) and a housing cover (4). The housing bell and the housing cover are connected to each other by means of a riveted joint (7) that is established by means of several rivets (8). The rivets of the riveted joint are monolithically molded onto the housing cover or the housing bell.

Abstract: A pulling head for use during installation of blind rivets, blind bolts, and lock bolts. The pulling head includes a faceted jaw holder disposed about a jaw assembly. The tool also includes an anvil sleeve that is rotatable about the jaw holder and jaw assembly and has at least one side opening sized to expose at least one of the facets of the jaw holder. The opening provides a smaller radial distance between the center of the pulling head and its outside edge to allow installation of blind rivets, blind bolts, and lock bolts where there is insufficient space for a full-diameter pulling head.

Abstract: A driving anvil washer retaining apparatus (12) for a rivet gun (14) includes a magnetized element (21). The magnetized element (21) is coupled to the rivet gun (14) and retains an anvil washer (52) during installation of a rivet (82). A method of installing a rivet (82) includes inserting a stem (46) of a rivet assembly (80) into a rivet gun nose (22) having at least one magnetized portion (21). A rivet (82) of the rivet assembly (80) is inserted into at least one object. The stem (46) is removed from the rivet assembly (80). A driving anvil washer (52) is retained via the magnetized portion (21).

Abstract: A blind rivet assembly is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, a blind rivet has ends that are received within countersinks in one or more workpieces and a mandrel head is completely pulled through the rivet without being severed from a mandrel stem. A further aspect of the present invention includes a mandrel with one or more ribs located on an outwardly tapering shoulder.

Abstract: An enhanced automatic riveting system of the type used in robotised precision facilities to perform multiple functions, such as boring, reaming, rivet insertion, riveting, cleaning, etc. at a single work point, using the same equipment, characterised 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.

Abstract: A riveting structure comprises a connector and a metal plate. The proposed riveting structure differs from the prior art in that the connector has an even number of parallel positioning sides and the shape of an opening on the metal plate corresponds to that of a connection member on the connector so that the connector can be positioned in the opening. Moreover, the width of parallel sides of the opening can be properly adjusted to meet the requirement of various different torques.

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: An installation device connects shell-shaped longitudinal segments of a jacket body. At least one tool pair comprises an inner tool that is movably guided within a hollow space in longitudinal direction of the jacket body and an outer tool that is movably guided outside the hollow space defined in longitudinal direction. The tools act together as a tool pair. The installation device comprises a carrier pair which is formed by an inner guide carrier that extends in a longitudinal direction and movably guides the inner tool within the hollow space and an outer guide carrier that extends in longitudinal direction outside the jacket body and movably guides the outer tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides a joining method of metal plates, which can connect two metal plates without a projection in a surface of the metal plates and a gap, and a joined unit having metal plates which are connected without a projection in a surface of the metal plates and a gap between the metal plates. The joined unit has a pair of metal plates. One of the metal plates has a hole, and another metal plate has a projection having a height less than a thickness of the one of the metal plates. The projection passes through the hole, the one of the metal plates is placed on the other of the metal plates each other, and a central part of an end surface of the projection is crushed in the hole. Thereby, the metal plates are joined to each other, and the joined unit can be provided.

Abstract: A head for a riveting machine for applying shear rivets, the head comprising a plate and a body that have both a hole and are slidable relative to each other, and a sliding chuck equipped with jaws and arranged within a sliding chamber, defined inside said body, so as to engage a stem of the rivet, said chuck being capable of taking a first, engagement position and a second, disengagement position, wherein a control member controlling the sliding movement of the chuck is provided, said control member being in turn controlled by the plate sliding. The invention further concerns the method of controlling the head.

Abstract: An automatic rivet loading module which includes a pusher mechanism, a gripper mechanism, a mandrel receptacle, mechanisms for moving mandrels in the mandrel receptacle, and a tool activation device. The gripper mechanism receives a rivet, and a mandrel is moved through the rivet such that the rivet threads onto the mandrel. The gripper mechanism moves out of the way while the pusher mechanism pushes the mandrel down. The pusher mechanism then retracts, and the gripper mechanism closes and is ready to receive another rivet. This process is repeated until the mandrel is full of rivets. The mandrel receptacle is rotatable such that the loaded mandrel swings to a position under the tool activation device to be loaded into a rivet tool. As the loaded mandrel is swung under the tool activation block, a new mandrel is swung under the gripper mechanism, in position for loading with rivets.

Abstract: A method is provided for self-pierce riveting which reduces a setting force required for setting the rivets. For this purpose, a clamping force produced by a clamping device is substituted by the force produced by a rivet on a punch. The clamping force varies within a known magnitude, whereas the setting force is reduced by 20%.

Abstract: A hand-operated rivet setting tool for setting blind rivets in tight access spaces. The tool has a long and slender slim-line profile which allows a user installing a vehicle bumper to set blind rivets in the space between the tire and the vehicle's wheel well without removing the tire. The tool is also characterized by a simple single pivot lever actuating mechanism for the handles that avoids the need for more complicated linkages.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a system of joined structures that includes a first structure having a first aperture in a composite material. The first aperture has a first interior surface and a first minimum radial extent. The system further includes a second structure having a second aperture in a metallic material. The second aperture has a second interior surface and a second minimum radial extent at least approximately the same as the first minimum radial extent. The system still further includes a coupling device having a first shank section extending through the first aperture and a second shank section extending through the second aperture. The portion of the second shank section applies a first radial force to the second interior surface and the first shank section applies at least approximately no radial force to the first interior surface. The composite material proximate to the first aperture is undamaged.

Abstract: An apparatus for riveting two or more sheets together that includes a punch and a die. The die has an expandable cavity that is formed by a tip and a plurality of movable blades. The blades are retained on the die, in part, by an elastomeric blade collar that biases the blades inwardly toward the tip. A method of riveting a plurality of sheets together with the apparatus is also disclosed.