Abstract: An automatic riveting apparatus is improved by providing at least one sensor on a pressure foot plate or at an interface between the pressure foot plate and a pressure foot bushing of the apparatus for generating a signal indicative of force transmitted between the pressure foot plate and the pressure foot bushing. For example, the at least one sensor may include a strain gauge or other type of sensor for measuring deflection of the pressure foot plate, or it may include load cell(s) for measuring force at the interface between the pressure foot plate and the pressure foot bushing. A control system of the apparatus may be configured to execute one or more control functions based on a value of the sensor signal or signals. The control functions may adjust machine operation commands or trigger a safety mode based at least in part on the sensor signal.

Abstract: A flexible fastening machine tool having first and second facing pedestals is mounted on first and second pairs of rails. The pedestals are movable along the rails in a Y-axis direction. A rail base is provided and the second pair of rails is mounted on the rail base. A third pair of rails that extend in an X-axis direction are mounted to the floor, and the rail base is positioned on the third pair of rails, such that the second pedestal is movable along the third pair of rails in the X-axis direction toward and away from the first pedestal. A first movable carriage is mounted on the first pedestal and a second movable carriage is mounted on the second pedestal. A frame member is supported by the first and second carriages and the frame member holds a workpiece. The first and second carriages are independently movable toward and away from the first and second pairs of rails such that the fixture frame is capable of being raised, lowered and tilted.

Abstract: A flexible fastening machine tool having first and second facing pedestals is mounted on first and second pairs of rails. The pedestals are movable along the rails in a Y-axis direction. A rail base is provided and the second pair of rails is mounted on the rail base. A third pair of rails that extend in an X-axis direction are mounted to the floor, and the rail base is positioned on the third pair of rails, such that the second pedestal is movable along the third pair of rails in the X-axis direction toward and away from the first pedestal. A first movable carriage is mounted on the first pedestal and a second movable carriage is mounted on the second pedestal. A frame member is supported by the first and second carriages and the frame member holds a workpiece. The first and second carriages are independently movable toward and away from the first and second pairs of rails such that the fixture frame is capable of being raised, lowered and tilted.