Abstract: A rotatably captive clinch nut includes a body having an axial threaded bore and a flange forming a base of the nut body. The flange includes a surface on a bottom side thereof preferably unitary therewith for providing a bearing surface of reduced friction. A displacer unitary with the nut body is located directly below the flange and has an outside diameter less than an outside diameter of the flange. A tubular flared shank unitary with the nut body extends coaxially from the displacer and includes a neck immediately adjacent the displacer, forming an undercut area between the outside of the shank and an underside of the displacer. The neck may include an axially extending cylindrical portion so that the thickness of the displaced material in the region of the undercut is substantially less than the axial length of the nut.

Abstract: Precise motion of the ram of a fastener press is controlled by high torque and low torque motors for high speed/low force and high force pressing of the ram by the ram, respectively. The high torque motor means drive passes through a bidirectional overrunning clutch. The clutch is controlled by the relative motion of the two separate motor drive speeds of which are regulated by a controller. The clutching motion is therefore controlled only by the relative speed of its drive versus driven components. This provides an extremely smooth and responsive transition between high speed/low force and low speed/high force operation of the ram so that the pressing cycle can be as fast and efficient as possible.