Abstract: In order to ensure reliable feeding in particular of a clinch nut (M) from a ready position (16) into a processing position, the processing tool designed as a press-in tool (2) has a guide element (14), through which the clinch nut (M) is pressed into the processing position by means of a punch (8) against an elastic holding force exerted by the guide element (14). The guide element (14) is designed in particular as a slotted bush and is arranged as an insert in a hold-down (12).

Abstract: An assembly system and method for assembling an aircraft wing box or other structure that may define an interior area accessible through at least one access opening are provided. The method includes inserting a robot having an assembly tool mounted thereto into the interior area through the at least one access opening. The assembly tool may be positioned at a fastener location, and may be clamped to the structure. A hole may be made through the structure, and a fastener may be installed in the hole.

Abstract: A unique self-drilling anchor screw is configured so that it can be set and used to secure a first object to a second object using only one tool to save time and effort. A nut of the screw engages a nut stop when turning in reverse, thereby driving rotation of the screw in reverse. The screw has a drill bit tip adapted for drilling a hole while turning in reverse. A hole is drilled using the drill bit tip while turning the nut in reverse with a socket wrench of the one tool. After drilling the hole, the nut is turned in the forward direction with the socket wrench to engage a sleeve member of the screw, which sets the screw in the second object. Then, the nut is further turned forward using the socket wrench to tighten the nut against the first object located between the nut and the second object.

Abstract: A self-attaching fastener and panel assembly wherein the free open end of the tubular barrel portion is coined, collapsed axially, flattened and deformed radially inwardly and outwardly and axially against a panel surrounding the panel opening. The method of installation includes driving the free end of the tubular barrel portion against a substantially planar die surface, deforming an end portion radially, then collapsing an intermediate portion over the radially deformed end portion, flattening the end portion, substantially thickening the tubular barrel portion and forming an annular surface engaging and supporting the panel surrounding the opening. The die member includes an annular moat surrounding a central die post and a planar die surface extending generally perpendicular to the axis of the die button.

Abstract: A two-stage punch accomplishes the two-step process of sheet deformation and nut flaring to attach the nut to the sheet in a single stroke of an assembly press. The punch comprises an outer cylindrical sleeve which captivates a resiliently biased center punch. When the punch is moved downward into contact with the sheet, an embossing ring on the sleeve deforms the sheet material around an aperture in the sheet. When the punch is moved farther downward, a pointed end of the center punch extends beyond the embossing ring and into forcible contact with the nut. The nut is thereby flared capturing the sheet between flared edges of the nut and a nut flange.

Abstract: A method of framing a structure at a job site. The method of framing has a step of providing a framing material kit having framing components, the framing components being pre cut to length and size to form at least a portion of the structure, the framing components having mating pins and mating sockets that mate during assembly of the structure. A step of assembling mating framing components from the framing components to form the portion of the structure by mating the mating pins and the mating sockets and fastening the mating framing components together is provided.

Abstract: In the invention, a joining means having a ram tool, a countertool and a holder with an opening to accommodate the ram tool or the countertool, is described. The two tools are arranged coaxial with each other at different ends of a C-bracket. The invention is distinguished in that the holder comprises at least one plane contact surface arranged on the outer surface of the holder, resting in contact with at least one plane face of the corresponding end of the C-bracket and detachably fastened thereto. Between the contact surface and the face, at least one interlay is arranged, determining the information and/or the distance of the contact surface from the face.

Abstract: A multi-piece die and system for driving a self pierce rivet into a plurality of workpieces. The die includes an anvil and a collar affixed to the anvil. The anvil and collar cooperate to reduce stresses to reduce breaking of the die.

Abstract: A pierce nut insertion tool is provided. In another aspect, a pierce nut feeding mechanism has a mechanically independent driver actuator from that of a punch. A further aspect of the present tool employs a member, moveable with a punch, that retains a pierce nut prior to fastening of the nut to a workpiece. An additional aspect uses a fluid actuated nut feeder including a piston.

Abstract: In the invention, a joining means having a ram tool, a countertool and a holder with an opening to accommodate the ram tool or the countertool, is described. The two tools are arranged coaxial with each other at different ends of a C-bracket. The invention is distinguished in that the holder comprises at least one plane contact surface arranged on the outer surface of the holder, resting in contact with at least one plane face of the corresponding end of the C-bracket and detachably fastened thereto. Between the contact surface and the face, at least one interlay is arranged, determining the information and/or the distance of the contact surface from the face.

Abstract: A system of splicing ends of conveyor belts is provided that enables a splice installer to install splices in an easy and fast manner. In one aspect, the system includes a base having a recess extending therealong configured to fit fastener members of conveyor belt fasteners therein so that the fastener members do not shift as the belt fasteners are attached to the belt ends. In another aspect, removable rivet guide blocks are provided which significantly reduces the weight of an alignment bar having upper plate members of the belt fasteners secured thereto. In addition, the removable guide blocks allow the installer to secure the upper plate members to the alignment bar without having to deal with the heavy weight of multiple guide blocks fixed thereto. A method of splicing belt ends is also provided which includes indexing the removable guide block along the alignment bar during for riveting operations.

Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workplaces 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: A self-diagnosing pierce nut installation apparatus including an installation head attached to an upper die member of a die press having a reciprocating plunger driving a pierce nut against a panel, piercing a slug from the panel upon closing of the press and a rod telescopically received in the plunger resiliently biased through the nut bore if a slug is pierced from the panel or against the panel if not pierced, and a sensor sensing axial movement of the rod, stopping the press if the rod engages the panel. A die located in the lower die member includes a slug sensor confirming receipt of the panel slug through the die member.

Abstract: A system for splicing a conveyor belt with belt fasteners is disclosed. A base assembly aligns the belt, belt fasteners and rivet holes thereof with swage structures for securing the rivets. A guide assembly has a rigid guide block with cylindrical pilot holes, and a guide membrane of resilient material. Guide pins are receivable by guide bores for aligning the base and guide assemblies with the pilot holes, rivet holes, and swage structures in registry. The guide membrane including openings aligned with the pilot holes. The openings have a pair of slits defining flaps deflectable to permit the rivet to pass therethrough, and a central hole or cut-out. The flaps and the cut-out assist in centering the rivet with the belt fastener rivet holes. The system uses a single-rivet driver, a multi-rivet driver, a pneumatic driver, or an electric hammer.

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 assembly system and method for assembling an aircraft wing box or other structure that may define an interior area accessible through at least one access opening are provided. The method includes inserting a robot having an assembly tool mounted thereto into the interior area through the at least one access opening. The assembly tool may be positioned at a fastener location, and may be clamped to the structure. A hole may be made through the structure, and a fastener may be installed in the hole.

Abstract: A press for attaching nuts to pipes has an upper base, a lower base, a movable support having a base end supported at a rear end of the lower base and a front end extending to the front end side of the lower base, a nut receiving recess provided in a piston of a hydraulic cylinder at the front end of the movable support and disposed at the upper end of a lower pattern, a lifter for the movable support, a stopper for the middle position of the movable support, a crimping die as an upper pattern mounted on the upper pattern support and movably disposed vertically on a same axial line as the lower pattern, and a hydraulic cylinder for pressing an upper pattern disposed on the upper base, and pressing the crimping die downward.

Abstract: A tool that can be held and operated with one hand to attach a corner bead to an outside corner of drywall includes a substantially V-shaped member having a pair of interior surfaces disposed at an angle of less than 100° and a frame or handle attached thereto. The handle maybe sized and shaped to fit comfortably in the palm of a human hand. A lever is pivotally attached to the handle. A pair of opposed pincers having pointed tips are pivotally mounted relative to the V-shaped member so as to allow the tips to move in a converging direction. A mechanical linkage system translates force applied to the lever into a the converging motion of the pincers.

Abstract: Double-action clinching includes establishing a first layer on a second layer, and securing the layers between a tool's punch and clinching punch. First layer has less ductility than second layer, and clinching punch diameter is smaller than punch diameter. Layers are secured so: a tool support receives a portion of a second layer surface; clinching punch, slidably positioned in the support, is adjacent another portion of the second layer surface; and punch, positioned opposed to clinching punch, is adjacent a portion of a first layer surface. Pressing the punch into the first layer surface portion forms an aperture through the first layer. Pressing the clinching punch, in a direction opposite to the punch pressing, into the other portion of the second layer surface forces portion(s) of the second layer into the aperture, and forms a micro-interlocking flush-back joint between an aperture side wall and the second layer portion(s).

Abstract: A self-piercing rivet setting machine comprises a C-shaped arm and a receiver section disposed at one end of the C-shaped arm to receive a self-piercing rivet fed from a feeder. The receiver section has a rivet-reach detection sensor to detect the presence or absence of a self-piercing rivet in a driving chamber therein. If the rivet-reach detection sensor detects the absence of any self-piercing rivet in the driving chamber, the sensor outputs a signal to prevent a punch from being driven.

Abstract: Fastening apparatus comprises a frame having a pair of spaced arms supporting respective cooperable fastening members, loading of the frame during a fastening operation tends to spread the arms and cause variation of a desired predetermined relationship between the fastening members. One of the members is mounted on one arm of the frame by a holder constructed to deform elastically and thereby to provide at least partial compensation for the variation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clip machine comprising two closing tools that are movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position in order to close clips, and further comprising adjusting means designed to set the neutral position of a closing tool and hence the gap between the closing tools, in particular in their closed position (closure gap). The clip machine includes a measuring device configured to measure a closing force applied when closing a clip, or a parameter proportional to said closing force, and to output a measured value representing the closing force or the parameter proportional thereto. The invention also relates to a method for adjusting such a clip machine.

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 method for clamping a plate on a sheet or fabric material support, comprises the step of providing a plate and a counter-plate, the plate comprising a plurality of oin supporting elements bearing, on a non exposed to the view rear side thereof a plurality of pins for engagement each in a corresponding hole of the counter-plate, characterized in that method further comprises the step of providing a pre-plate including a plurality of temporary attachment points on non exposed to the view parts of said elements.

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: The present invention is premised upon an improved pierce nut installation device for use between a top and a bottom plate of a press or die tool. The device is used for installing pierce nuts onto a panel for receiving the pierce nuts (with or without a pre-punched hole). The device at least includes an installation punch with a top punch portion and a bottom punch portion, wherein the top punch portion is connected to the top plate of the press or die tool and a base assembly with a top base portion and a bottom base portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a decorative item, such as a flower, to clothing. The apparatus may include a first section having a first slot, a second section having a second slot, and a connecting section which connects the first section and the second section. The apparatus may also include a first attachment device, such as a first pin, connected to the first section, wherein the first attachment device is closer to the first section than the second section, and a second attachment device, such as a second pin, connected to the second section, wherein the second attachment device is closer to the second section than the first section.

Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workplaces 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: A system for applying belt fasteners to belt ends is disclosed. The system includes a power tool apparatus and a guiding apparatus. The guide apparatus includes a guide block having guide bores in which attachment members, e.g., rivets, are held in position relative to the belt fasteners so that a drive rod of the power tool impacts the rivets in the guide block bores. The guide block preferably is of a hard material, e.g. a machined steel or powder steel, for proper guiding of the drive rod and rivet during riveting operations.

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 present invention discloses a method for the online determination of a bulge/upset dimension xST and rivet head end position K of a rivet 3 with a length L in a punch rivet process with the help of a moveable punch 10 and a rigid die 20. The path covered by the punch 10 and the force applied by it are determined and evaluated online during the joining process. The quality characteristics of the joint connection are determined with the help of defined threshold values or a graphical evaluation of force/path data of the joining process.

Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workplaces 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: In a method and system for fabrication of roof trusses or similar structures wherein the structure is assembled from members to be set against each other and the members are fastened to each other by means of nail plates or similar fastening means, data defining the structure is produced for controlling the fabrication, one or more planes (T1) are defined for assembly of the structure and several grippers (100, 101, 103, 104, 106, 107, 115, 116) are arranged to move and rotate according to the control in said plane whereby the grippers form the basic part of an assembly line or unit (M) for the structure, the grippers are controlled to move and rotate to certain places and positions and said certain members (4) are set in the grippers to form on them a basic part of the structure, and the structure is controlled to move on the grippers for carrying out the other steps of the assembly process.

Abstract: A slide driver assembly for use in a multi-station or a single-station progressive tooling die includes die sections that are operative to move between an open position and a closed position to perform a first operation on a work piece located between the die sections. A slide driver performs a second operation, such as a trimming operation, on the work piece as the die sections move between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A magnetic rivet retention system for a rivet gun, wherein a magnet is provided in a frame that is engageable with a powered handle. The magnet attracts a rivet and aligns the rivet relative to a punch and die of the rivet gun. The magnet is disposed in an internal chamber in a front bushing. The front bushing is threadably engaged with a back bushing, and both are disposed in a chamber which is provided in a C-frame. A compression spring is also disposed in the C-frame, thereby providing that the rivet gun is spring return.

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: With a stapler having a fixed stapling position of its stapling head, in which a set of sheets to be stapled is inserted and at least partially manually repositioned under the stapling head to control the actual staple insertion position, an externally visible illuminated line is provided on the set of sheets being repositioned under the staple head, which illuminated line is located directly at the fixed stapling position of the stapling head, irrespective of the manual repositioning of the sheets being stapled, to thereby provide a clearly visible and accurate indication of a selected staple insertion position before actual stapling.

Abstract: Fastening system for anchoring wood floors to a base includes a fastener having a pointed distal end and a proximal head end, a sleeve for retaining structural members, the sleeve having a central bore therethrough, a countersink extending from a proximal end of the sleeve coaxially with the central bore, and an annular flange extending outwardly from the sleeve proximal end. The system further includes a driver for driving the fastener through the sleeve bore and into the base, the driver including a nozzle having a bore for receiving the fastener, the nozzle being adapted to enter the sleeve countersink. The driver further includes a hammer disposed in the nozzle and movable to engage the head of the fastener and to drive the fastener into locking engagement with the base, to fix the sleeve to the base, and thereby fix the structural members to the base.

Abstract: A system useful for riveting sheets of metal together. The system having a fastening element having a head on one side and a self-piercing surface on an opposite end, a die having an elastically moveable annular stop and a ring boost, and a ram assembly operably punching the piercing surface into a sheet. The fastening element may be a self-piercing rivet.

Abstract: The tool, for bonding two plates together, has a punch (1) and a die (2) each as two-part structures with a positive fit between the two parts. One part (8, 13), as a tool which acts directly on the plate workpieces (3), is of a harder material than the other part (7, 12) which acts as a tool holder. The punch and die are divided into their two parts across the working direction.

Abstract: A system for automatically stretching and stapling a foundation cover to a spring unit for a foundation, including a support table for supporting the foundation and cover, and a series of stretching/stapling assemblies or units positioned along the support table. The stretching/stapling assemblies include a series of tension applicators that engage and pull the cover taut against the sides of the spring unit of the foundation, while staplers are lowered into engagement with the cover and foundation frame, automatically stapling the cover to the sides of the foundation frame.

Abstract: A power operated belt splicing system is provided. In one form, staples are driven through a belt and clinched in a final set using a power driven tool and a force applying member having multiple drive punches. A lower force applying end on a punch preferably has a first portion to drive the staple and a second portion to drive a leading edge of the belt fastener against the belt thereby distributing the drive force over both the staple and the belt fastener. Preferably, the second surface is shaped similarly to the outboard edge of the upper plate. A pair of adjacent punches can substantially simultaneously drive two pairs of preset staples with each pair of preset staples being associated with one of a pair of adjacent hinged belt fasteners thereby attaching a pair of belt fasteners to a belt in a single operation. The initial and final staple set may be done with the same power tool.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in repairing, and methods of repairing, a door hinge of a vehicle includes use of a substitute hinge bracket and at least one pin configured to be received through at least one opening of a vehicle frame bracket. A locking portion of the at least one pin and a locking surface that defines an opening in the hinge bracket are configured such that the at least one pin is locked in a fixed position relative to the hinge bracket when assembled. Further, another repair apparatus includes a substitute pin having an interference portion for forming an interference fit with one or more surfaces defining an opening of a factory hinge bracket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling box springs for use in bedding applications. The apparatus comprises a base for supporting a frame and a spring unit, a framework with a plurality of tools coupled thereto. Each tool has an associated module adjuster coupled thereto. A vertical drive mechanism provides relative movement between the tools and the base where the tools may be disposed between a first vertical position and a second vertical position. A horizontal drive mechanism provides relative horizontal movement between the tools and the base. Each tool is configured to secure a respective module of a row of the spring unit to a corresponding target location on the frame when disposed in the second vertical position and each module adjuster is configured to align a respective module with a corresponding fastening location when the tool is disposed in the second vertical position.

Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workplaces 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: A press for attaching nuts to pipes has a lower holder (6) fitting in and holding a pipe (60). A basal portion of this holder supported on the rear part of a lower base (2) moves up and down, and its forward portion extends to the front part of a lower base. Lifters (30) bear against and support the forward portion so as to keep it lifted a slight distance. Stoppers (31) bear against and support an intermediate region of the holder to be lifted a slight distance, and also bear against an end of the pipe (60) and retaining it at a prescribed position. A nut feed passage (10) extends in an outer surface of the lower holder from its basal to forward portion, and a nut pusher (14) is disposed in the forward portion. A cam rod (21) inserted in the lower holder (6) has a frontal oblique cam surface (22) for driving the pusher (14) to a nut releasing position (12), and a cam actuating means (25) is for the rod.

Abstract: A system and method for self-piercing riveting including an alignment mechanism comprising laser diodes and sensors for facilitating alignment of a rivet gun and a back-up located on opposite sides of sheet metal parts to be joined, and an oscillation piercing technique for reducing force loads on structures, particularly robotic structures, carrying the rivet gun and the back-up.

Abstract: A threaded screw fastener has a point, a shank and a head. The point is a ballistic point. The shank comprises a linear travel area, preferably unthreaded, adjacent to the point and a threaded area between the linear travel area and the head. The head is a bugle head formed with a Phillips-style recess configured to receive a driver or driving bit. The fastener is configured fasten a surface material to a substrate material and to be linearly driven into the materials before rotation of the fastener is required, thus reducing the number of rotations required to drive the fastener. The fastener is particularly suited to be used with powered driving tools that utilize both linear and rotating driving means.

Abstract: A fastening element (1), in particular for blind riveting, has a setting head (4), a deformation segment (2) and a shank end (3). The deformation segment (2) is arranged between the setting head (4) and the shank end (3). The fastening element (1) is hollow, optionally having a mandrel (7) inside the fastening element (1). The mandrel includes a head (23) and a foot (24) at least tension-resistantly connected to the shank end (3). The shank end (3) includes a punching edge (6) extending substantially along the outermost periphery of the shank end (3). Also identified are a process for setting the fastening element (1), a riveted connection to the fastening element (1), a device for setting the fastening element (1), an employment of the riveted connection obtained, and a die suitable for setting the fastening element (1).