Abstract: Disclosed is a fastener that includes a nut with a threaded bore that includes a head on one end having three recesses, a cylindrical outer surface and a tapered ramp on the other end, a bolt that includes a head, a threaded portion engaged with the threaded bore, a recess next to the bolt head and an enlarged shank between the threads and the recess, where the outer diameter of the recess is smaller than a major diameter of the threaded bore of the nut and where an outer diameter of the shank is larger than a major diameter of the bolt threads, and a sleeve with a unthreaded bore positioned between the tapered ramp and the bolt head with one end crimped into the recess such that the internal diameter of the crimped sleeve bore is smaller than the major diameter of the threads on the bolt.

Abstract: An installation tool includes a motor portion and a nose portion. The nose portion includes an opening for receiving a fastener. The nose portion includes a roller cages. The roller cages include a plurality of rollers. The plurality of rollers includes at least two rollers that are offset from other rollers of the plurality of rollers. The nose portion may include a first portion that is selectively attachable to a second portion.

Abstract: The fastener includes a bolt, a nut, a sleeve, and a drive nut. The drive nut interfaces with the nut. The bolt is disposed through the nut, sleeve, and drive nut. The bolt comprises one or more threaded portions and a non-threaded portion. The fastener breaks-off at the non-threaded portion during installation. The installed fastener comprises a recess-free, flush surface with a workpiece.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fastener that includes a nut with a threaded bore that includes a head on one end having three recesses, a cylindrical outer surface and a tapered ramp on the other end, a bolt that includes a head, a threaded portion engaged with the threaded bore, a recess next to the bolt head and an enlarged shank between the threads and the recess, where the outer diameter of the recess is smaller than a major diameter of the threaded bore of the nut and where an outer diameter of the shank is larger than a major diameter of the bolt threads, and a sleeve with a unthreaded bore positioned between the tapered ramp and the bolt head with one end crimped into the recess such that the internal diameter of the crimped sleeve bore is smaller than the major diameter of the threads on the bolt.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fastener that includes a nut with a threaded bore that includes a head on one end, a cylindrical outer surface and a tapered ramp on the other end, a bolt that includes a head, a threaded portion engaged with the threaded bore, a recess next to the bolt head and an enlarged shank between the threads and the recess, where the outer diameter of the recess is smaller than a major diameter of the threaded bore of the nut and where an outer diameter of the shank is larger than a major diameter of the bolt threads, and a sleeve with a unthreaded bore positioned between the tapered ramp and the bolt head with one end crimped into the recess such that the internal diameter of the crimped sleeve bore is smaller than the major diameter of the threads on the bolt.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing titanium-alloy articles that includes, before machining, heat treating a slug of titanium-alloy at a temperature sufficient to form a layer of alpha case on the surface of the slug of titanium-alloy, then, after heat treating, machining the slug of titanium-alloy to form a finished part while removing material from all surfaces of the slug of titanium-alloy. Also disclosed is an article of manufacture made with the described method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blind bolt fastener that includes a threaded nut and bolt combination that passes through a deformable sleeve that has a shoulder, a deformable portion and a non-deformable portion. Upon tightening of the threaded bolt and nut combination, the deformable portion is compressed so that it bulbs to form a bulbed head. The shoulder on the sleeve blocks further compression of the deformable portion once the bulbed head is substantially completely formed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clamp that includes a mechanical fastener, an expander including a bulbing portion and a shank wherein the bulbing portion of the expander forms a flange by movement of the mechanical fastener without applying an initial clamping force. After formation, the flange is then drawn into a clamping position by continued movement of the mechanical fastener. Also disclosed is a method of using the disclosed clamp.

Abstract: Disclosed are several clamps and a method for installing the clamps through at least two work pieces from one side. The clamps include a shank, a spacer, a core bolt and an expander. The shank and expander are keyed to together with the expander engaged on the core bolt such that rotation of the core bolt can bulb the expander to form a clamp surface on the blind side of the work pieces. The shank and spacer are temporarily held apart until the expander is bulbed wherein the shank is allowed to enter the spacer to clamp the work pieces. Subsequent over torque of the core bolts fractures a weakened portion of the core bolt permitting removal of the clamps when desired.

Abstract: A clamp and a method for installing the clamp into at least two work pieces is provided. The clamp has a shank keyed to an expander. The expander engages the core bolt such that rotation of the core bolt bulbs the expander to clamp the work pieces. A spacer engages the shank to prevent rotation of the shank during installation. The shank has a flange fracturing at a predetermined compression load. The core bolt optionally has a first and a second break groove fracturing at predetermined compression loads. A nut is optionally provided to engage the spacer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clamp that includes a bolt, a spacer, a shank, an expander and a blocking means. The bolt includes a non-threaded undercut that permits the bolt to rotate in an internally threaded portion of the spacer without threaded engagement between the bolt and the spacer. When used as a clamp, the spacer, shank, expander and blocking means cooperate to deform the expander into a blind side flange and to clamp a work piece between the flange and the spacer. To remove the clamp, the bolt is moved away from the spacer while rotating the bolt in the expander to bring the external threads of the expander into threaded engagement with the internal threads of the spacer. This permits the extraction of the bolt from the blind side expander by maintaining rotational restraint of the expander with the spacer. In several embodiments, a compression spring is positioned between the head of the bolt and the spacer to automatically move the bolt when it is rotated in a loosening direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blind fastener that includes a body, a bolt and a sleeve that has an internal recess that contains an insert. The body includes a tapered ramp that the sleeve is enlarged over. Compression of the sleeve against the work piece causes the sleeve to fold at the internal recess to form an enlarged blind side head that bears against the work piece.

Abstract: A threaded blind fastener intended for installation in aerodynamically smooth or aesthetically critical panels, further adapted to minimize discontinuities on paintable surfaces of the head resulting from clearances between male and female threads that may adversely affect the quality of paint coverage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blind bolt fastener having a core bolt. The core bolt has a threaded portion and a non-threaded portion engaging a deformable sleeve and a body. A protrusion extends from the sleeve or the body to engage a groove in the core bolt to prevent axial movement of the core bolt with respect to the body and the sleeve. An optional drive nut is positioned between a head of the body and wrenching flats of the core bolt. The drive nut has protrusions engaging mating members in the head of the body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fastener and method for temporarily fastening a plurality of workpieces. The fastener uses pressurized fluid to facilitate the actuating clamping motion of a temporary fastener as opposed to conventional mechanically actuation devices. The fastener of the present invention generally comprises a housing, a spreader member connected to the housing, a piston located within said housing and capable of movement therein in response to the introduction of pressurized fluid within the housing, and a pair of expandable flexible fingers connected at one end to the piston and extending outside the housing where fluid-actuated movement of the piston causes the fingers to partially retract within the housing and wedge within the aligned apertures of the workpieces to temporarily clamp the workpieces together. A check valve within the piston assembly prevents the escape of pressurized fluid from within the fluid pressure chamber when the source of pressurized fluid is removed.

Abstract: A blind fastener for clamping sheet components and including a mechanical lock to prevent loosening of the fastener. The fastener is self-expanding following insertion and engagement of the threaded stem. The fastener includes an internally threaded nut body, an externally threaded stem threadably received within the nut body, and a lock sleeve matingly receiving the nut body. Carried on the stem is an expandable sleeve which expands to engage the underside of the material. Rotation of the stem following insertion of the assembly into the aperture will draw the stem head and expandable sleeve against the backside for the material causing the sleeve to expand outwardly. In addition, the locking sleeve is pushed beneath the expansion sleeve wedging between the threaded stem and expansion sleeve. This mechanical lock is resistant to vibration locking the fastener against loosening.

Abstract: An insert assembly for installation in a workpiece having a threaded hole. When the inner insert is axially received within the outer insert, the mating surfaces of these members are configured such that the inner insert applies a radial outward force to the outer insert to securely install the insert assembly in the workpiece. A stud assembly also is provided for installation in the workpiece hole. The stud assembly comprises a stud body and a stud. When the stud is axially received within the stud body, the mating surfaces of these members, like the insert assembly, are configured such that the stud applies a radial outward force to the stud body to securely install the stud assembly in the workpiece. Both the insert assembly and stud assembly are particularly adapted for use with workpieces made of relatively soft or lightweight materials.

Abstract: A blind fastener for fastening panels, especially panels made of composite materials, comprises a fastener body received within aligned openings in the panels and a cylindrical stem passing through the fastener body. The stem has an enlarged stem head spaced from an inner end of the fastener body which projects inwardly beyond the inner surface of the inner panel. A deformable sleeve mounted on the stem between the stem head and the inner end of the fastener body is a two-piece sleeve comprising a forming sleeve and a containment sleeve. The forming sleeve is made of a relatively soft, deformable material, whereas the containment sleeve is made of a relatively hard, nondeformable material. When the stem moves outwardly through the fastener body during setting of the fastener, the forming sleeve deforms to a fully set condition in overlying contact with the inner surface of the inner panel, forming a large bearing area that does not damage the composite material of the panels.