Abstract: A rivet setting tool having a motor driven hydraulic pump is disclosed. The rivet setting tool incorporates a fastener setting verification system configured to monitor changes pump drive motor current to determine if a particular fastener set is acceptable.

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 rivet monitoring system is provided which has a micro-strain or micro fluid pressure sensor that measures strains or pressures within a tool component. These measured signals are compared to a number of tolerance bands formed about median strain or pressure versus time curve. Various techniques are provided to analyze the measured data with respect to the tolerance bands to determine if a particular rivet set is acceptable.

Abstract: A rivet monitoring system is provided which has a micro-strain or micro fluid pressure sensor that measures strains or pressures within a tool component. These measured signals are compared to a number of tolerance bands formed about median strain or pressure versus time curve. Various techniques are provided to analyze the measured data with respect to the tolerance bands to determine if a particular rivet set is acceptable.

Abstract: A rivet set quality monitoring system is disclosed. A supply pressure sensor monitors the supply pressure to the tool. The tool has a second sensor which monitors strains or loads associated with a rivet set event. A processor evaluates outputs from the pressure sensor to apply a scaling factor to the output of the second sensor which is a function of the output of the pressure sensor. This modified data is analyzed to determine if the rivet set is acceptable.

Abstract: A rivet monitoring system is provided which has a micro-strain or micro fluid pressure sensor that measures strains or pressures within a tool component. These measured signals are compared to a number of tolerance bands formed about median strain or pressure versus time curve. Various techniques are provided to analyze the measured data with respect to the tolerance bands to determine if a particular rivet set is acceptable.

Abstract: A rivet setting tool is provided including a pulling head and a jaw case connected to the pulling head such that the jaw case is driven by the pulling head to engage a rivet mandrel. Air is supplied to the pulling head to return the pulling head to its original position after a rivet has been set. A remote intensifier is provided including an air piston disposed in a piston chamber and a rod connected to the air piston and extending into a ram housing which is connected to a hydraulic passage which is connected to the pulling head. A first supply of pressurized gas communicates with a first end of the piston chamber and a second supply of pressurized gas communicates with a second end of the piston chamber for rapidly returning the air piston to the retracted position in combination with the air pressure applied to the pulling head. The second end of the piston chamber is vented to prevent to much pressure build up pushing the piston to the retracted position.

Abstract: A blind rivet set verification system for setting a blind rivet assessing the acceptability of the rivet set. The system includes a remote intensified rivet setting tool and computer hardware and software. The tool comprises a displacement transducer that produces a displacement signal and a pressure transducer that produces a pressure signal. The transducers are connected to the computer which receives the distinct signals. These signals are interpreted to plot a displacement-versus pressure waveform and to determine the velocity of the movement of an air piston that responds to the rivet set by hydraulic pressure. Using the combined date of the velocity waveform and the displacement-versus pressure waveform, the breakload is identified and compared against predetermined ideal data to assess the acceptability of the set. The displacement reading at break is corrected for jaw slippage and offset of the air piston.

Abstract: A plurality of blind rivets are to be set fastening together two components which are to define a laminate. The orientation of the bottom component is set to a desired orientation and the desired orientation of the top of the two components is verified prior to verification of the hole pairs which are to receive rivets prior to setting.

Abstract: A rivet tool is mounted on a bracket which can be moved vertically up and down suitable guides. To counterbalance the system an air cylinder supports the bracket and a precision pressure regulator responds very rapidly to continuously maintain a selected pressure in the cylinder. The tool will accordingly be maintained in a perfectly counterbalanced condition continuously.