Abstract: A tool for setting blind fasteners is disclosed. A stem of a fastener is engaged by a pulling head and its sleeve is also engaged by the pulling head. In an initial stage, a pump piston compresses fluid in a hydraulic pump, affecting movement of a drawbar and piston in relation to a stationary adaptor connected to the tool, pulling the stem in relation to the sleeve at a fast rate per pump. As the pulling force increases, pressure in the pump triggers a logic system to shift the tool into a high pressure mode, decreasing the effort to complete fastener installation. The logic system resets after each squeeze of the lever, minimizing the number of pumps necessary to complete the installation while keeping effort at a comfortable level. An adjustable pressure relief valve allows the fluid to return to the reservoir chamber, returning the tool to its initial condition.

Abstract: A tool for setting blind fasteners is disclosed. A stem of a fastener is engaged by a pulling head and its sleeve is also engaged by the pulling head. In an initial stage, a pump piston compresses fluid in a hydraulic pump, affecting movement of a drawbar and piston in relation to a stationary adaptor connected to the tool, pulling the stem in relation to the sleeve at a fast rate per pump. As the pulling force increases, pressure in the pump triggers a logic system to shift the tool into a high pressure mode, decreasing the effort to complete fastener installation. The logic system resets after each squeeze of the lever, minimizing the number of pumps necessary to complete the installation while keeping effort at a comfortable level. An adjustable pressure relief valve allows the fluid to return to the reservoir chamber, returning the tool to its initial condition.

Abstract: A repair/replacement nut plate assembly, which is fully preassembled, is provided which can be inserted into an oversized or reworked/reconditioned aperture of a workpiece after an original nut plate has been removed from the original aperture of the workpiece. The repair/replacement nut plate assembly includes a nut, a holding bracket, a stem, a nut retainer, and a sleeve member. The sleeve member is configured to be secured to a nut plate assembly, of the same type originally used to provide the original nut plate in the original aperture of the workpiece to compensate for material lost from the workpiece during the removal of the original nut plate. The sleeve member allows for the original nut plate assembly to be utilized, with only the securement of the sleeve member to the holding bracket prior to setting.

Abstract: A rivetless nut plate assembly, which is fully preassembled, which can be installed into an aperture of a hard metal material workpiece having a hardness of at least 25 Rc, such as Titanium and Steel Alloys. The rivetless nut plate assembly includes a nut, a holding bracket, a retainer, and a sleeve member. Additionally, a stem is used to install the rivetless nut plate assembly. The sleeve member is configured such that the nut plate assembly can be installed in a hard metal material workpiece. The sleeve member may be formed of a high strength, but ductile material, such as Titanium Columbium, Monel, soft Nickel alloys or soft Titanium alloys.

Abstract: A rivetless nut plate has a nut, a holding bracket, a member and a nut retainer. The nut is provided with an aperture therethrough and is secured within a bracket portion of the holding bracket by the retainer but also is permitted limited movement within the bracket portion. The holding bracket further includes a tubular portion having inner and outer walls. The inner wall is tapered such that the member is positioned against the inner wall. Upon an axial force being applied to the member through the aperture of the nut, the member is pushed through the tubular portion from the first end to the second end in order to expand the inner wall and force the outer wall into engagement with the wall of the workpiece. A tool is provided to push the member through the tubular member and can be incorporated into either a manual or automatic process.

Abstract: A load control mechanism for use with a pull type tool (also called a riveter), wherein the mechanism includes a telescopic housing and a compressible element, such as a polyurethane compression spring, which works to limit the ultimate load which is applied by the pull type tool during operation, such as during removal of a rivetless nut plate from a hole in parent material. Also provided is a method of removing a rivetless nut plate by using a pulling head which includes a shock absorber and load limiting device, a resetion cup and a mandrel. The load control mechanism provides that a riveter can be used to safely remove a rivetless nut plate without causing damage or undue wear on components of the tool. This load control mechanism also absorbs operating shocks, protecting expensive work parts (ex: aircraft structure) and the operator during operation, resulting in a safe and ergonomic operation.

Abstract: A universal offset pulling head assembly for exerting an axial pulling force on a fastener allows the same pulling head assembly to be utilized for a variety of different fastener sizes and types by exchanging a front plate assembly, where the front plate assembly may comprise variable nose pieces according to the type of fastener to be installed. Because the front plate assembly is subject to the most severe wear, other components of the pulling head assembly may continue to be utilized and the front plate assembly discarded. The disclosed pulling head assembly utilizes a stationary guiding member which prevents damage which might otherwise occur because of severe bending moments.

Abstract: A rivetless nut plate assembly, which is fully preassembled, which can be installed into an aperture of a composite material workpiece, such as a carbon fiber structure, without risking delamination of the workpiece. The rivetless nut plate assembly includes a nut, a holding bracket, a retainer, and a sleeve member. Additionally, a stem is used to install the rivetless nut plate assembly. The sleeve member is configured such that the nut plate assembly can be installed in a composite material workpiece without risking delamination. The sleeve member may be formed of 45Cb-55Ti Titanium Columbium, as Titanium Columbium is a high strength and ductile material that resists corrosion in the presence of, for example, a carbon fiber composite structure. Monel, Titanium alloys, and other soft Nickel alloys are also good material selections for the sleeve, for similar reasons.

Abstract: The fluid coupling assembly for retaining a sealed joint includes the first member adapted to be connected to a first fluid conduit with a per sealing surface and a series of axially aligned serrations along with helical threads. A second member of a complementary configuration is adapted to be connected to a second fluid conduit with complementary threads and an axially extending cylindrical collar with spaced axial notches forming cantilevered beams. Each of the cantilevered beams can have teeth capable of engaging a series of serrations to provide an appropriate resistant force for both sealing engagement and disengagement. The teeth and serrations can remain in contact to provide a visual determination of a pretorqued force between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A pulling head having jaws that have a conical angle of at least forty-five degrees, and preferably sixty degrees, relative to a longitudinal axis about which the jaws are arranged. Another pulling head includes an elastic collet that has a plurality of fingers. Each of the fingers includes an internal jaw area, and a back end of the elastic collet preferably contacts a bushing. Preferably, the bushing provides high and reliable push force and also acts as a shock absorber during operation. The fingers of the elastic collet are configured to open and close during tool operation, and are configured to grip a break stem of a fastener such that there is no side loading. The elastic collet is also configured such that the fingers stay accurately centered and positioned, eliminating any possibility of jaw damage caused by the jaws tumbling, being off-center, or being otherwise positioned incorrectly.

Abstract: A pulling head that can be used with a wide range of fasteners and power tools having different stroke lengths and/or power ratings. The pulling head has a set of internal jaws which has serrations that are configured to grip a wide range of fastener types and sizes. The effective stroke of the pulling head is determined by the power tool to which it is engaged, rather than by the structure and design of the pulling head. The pulling head preferably has two jaws and a jaw follower with a leading surface which provides two beveled surfaces. As a result, the trailing surface of the jaws need not be conical, thereby providing that the jaws need not be machined after they are cast, thereby providing a very low cost manufacturing solution.

Abstract: A blind rivet which includes a stem, a sleeve and a locking collar. The stem includes a head or plug portion, and the plug portion includes one or more grooves or depressions which provide that lower installation forces can be used to install the blind rivet, and if a sealant or paint is used, provide a type of escape mechanism for the sealant or paint to travel to during installation of the blind rivet. The grooves or depressions may vary in number and take on any number of shapes and sizes. For example, they may be longitudinal and may get wider and/or deeper toward the end of the stem.

Abstract: A pulling head having jaws that have a conical angle of at least forty-five degrees, and preferably sixty degrees, relative to a longitudinal axis about which the jaws are arranged. Another pulling head includes an elastic collet that has a plurality of fingers. Each of the fingers includes an internal jaw area, and a back end of the elastic collet preferably contacts a bushing. Preferably, the bushing provides high and reliable push force and also acts as a shock absorber during operation. The fingers of the elastic collet are configured to open and close during tool operation, and are configured to grip a break stem of a fastener such that there is no side loading. The elastic collet is also configured such that the fingers stay accurately centered and positioned, eliminating any possibility of jaw damage caused by the jaws tumbling, being off-center, or being otherwise positioned incorrectly.

Abstract: A rivetless nut plate assembly, which is fully preassembled, which can be installed into an aperture of a composite material workpiece, such as a carbon fiber structure, without risking delamination of the workpiece. The rivetless nut plate assembly includes a nut, a holding bracket, a retainer, and a sleeve member. Additionally, a stem is used to install the rivetless nut plate assembly. The sleeve member is configured such that the nut plate assembly can be installed in a composite material workpiece without risking delamination. The sleeve member may be formed of 45Cb-55Ti Titanium Columbium, as Titanium Columbium is a high strength and ductile material that resists corrosion in the presence of, for example, a carbon fiber composite structure. Monel, Titanium alloys, and other soft Nickel alloys are also good material selections for the sleeve, for similar reasons.

Abstract: A nosepiece for use with a pulling head and a riveter for installing blind bolts, primarily the “Unimatic” or “U” type. The nosepiece is preferably made out of two different components (a hard and tough one acting as the interface to the fastener, and a soft, ductile one acting as a shock absorber) and has an active area which is annular and effectively matched to the dimensions of the locking collar of the blind bolt. No tapered surface interferes with the sleeve during installation of the blind bolt. Instead, the active area includes a protrusion which intersects a support surface generally at a ninety degree angle. Providing a minimum or no transition fillet radius from the active area to the support area allows for a minimum length of the active area, providing maximum reinforcement to the active area. It also concentrates the operating stresses in a known area, dispersing them from the critical, working surface of the active area, providing an expected failure mode.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising and methods relating to a quick disconnect pin having a locking member, a first body segment and a second body segment wherein the first and second body segments are rotatably coupled to each other, and relative rotation between the body segments about an axis causes translation of the locking member relative to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A nosepiece for use with a riveter for installing a blind bolt. The nosepiece has an active area which is annular and effectively matched to the dimensions of the locking collar of the blind bolt. No tapered surface interferes with the sleeve during installation of the blind bolt. Instead, the active area includes a protrusion which intersects a support surface generally at a ninety degree angle. Providing a minimum or no transition fillet radius from the active area to the support area allows for a minimum length of the active area, providing maximum reinforcement to the active area. It also concentrates the operating stresses in a known area, dispersing them from the critical, working surface of the active area, providing an expected failure mode.

Abstract: A load control mechanism for use with a pull type tool, wherein the mechanism includes a telescopic housing and a compressible element, such as a polyurethane compression spring, which works to limit the ultimate load which is applied by the pull type tool during operation, such as during removal of a rivetless nut plate from a hole in parent material. Also provided is a method of removing a rivetless nut plate by using a pulling head which includes a telescopic housing and a compressible element. The load control mechanism provides that a riveter can be used to remove a rivetless nut plate without breaking a mandrel, causing undue wear on components of the tool, or damaging the parent material.

Abstract: A repair/replacement nut plate assembly, which is fully preassembled, is provided which can be inserted into an oversized or reworked/reconditioned aperture of a workpiece after an original nut plate has been removed from the original aperture of the workpiece. The repair/replacement nut plate assembly includes a nut, a holding bracket, a stem, a nut retainer, and a sleeve member. The sleeve member is configured to be secured to a nut plate assembly, of the same type originally used to provide the original nut plate in the original aperture of the workpiece to compensate for material lost from the workpiece during the removal of the original nut plate. The sleeve member allows for the original nut plate assembly to be utilized, with only the securement of the sleeve member to the holding bracket prior to setting.

Abstract: A pulling head includes a sleeve which threadably engages a sleeve adapter. A collet is threadably engaged with a drawbar adapter, and the collet and drawbar adapter are disposed and slidable in the sleeve. A set of jaws is disposed in the collet, and a jaw follower is disposed in the collet and contacts the jaws. A spring retainer is disposed in the collet, and engages two springs. Specifically, a first spring is disposed between the drawbar adapter and the spring retainer, and a second spring is disposed between the spring retainer and the jaw follower. The first spring has a higher rating than does the second spring. While the first spring is configured to accommodate inertia loading, the second spring is configured to urge the jaws closed yet be relatively easily overcome by the insertion of mandrels of different diameters.