Abstract: A sleeve interference fastener including a conformable sleeve, wherein the conformable sleeve is comprised of at least one first material having a hardness of X, and a pin member, wherein the pin member is comprised of at least one second material having a hardness of Y, wherein X is sufficiently less than Y so that, in an installed position of an interference fit, at least a portion of the at least one first material of the conformable sleeve conforms to a contour of an inner surface of a hole of a composite structure so as to create a continuous electrical contact at an interface between the inner surface of the hole of the composite structure and the conformable sleeve.

Abstract: A blind fastener for securing a plurality of workpieces is disclosed. The blind fastener comprises several components, a core bolt, a body sleeve member and a buckle sleeve member. The core bolt includes a tool engaging portion to engage the head of a driver on a installation tool. The buckle sleeve member has a buckle portion designed to create a bulb fastening the workpieces together. In some embodiments, a the buckle portion is locally annealed to promote formation of a blind side bulb. A nose assembly with a matching anti-rotation engagement to the head of the body sleeve member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A retaining ring for use with a fastener is disclosed. The retaining ring comprises a plurality of substantially t-shaped internal tabs that oppose one another and are about twice as thick as the exterior of the ring. The ring is installed onto a fastener having at least two longitudinally-oriented slots by locating a tab into one of the slots and snapping another tab into another slot, thereby momentarily elongating during installation. The tabs substantially reduce the possibility of accidental removal of the retaining ring. In addition, resistance and damage to the internal tabs of the retaining ring is substantially reduced when the retaining ring slides axially in the longitudinal slots of the fastener. Since only the longitudinally-oriented slots are required for installation, the axially-oriented entry slots and cross-over slots of some fastener embodiments can be eliminated, thereby significantly reducing fastener cost and manufacturing time.

Abstract: A spacer is provided that is configured to be secured to a panel. The spacer has a first piece having a generally tubular body portion of a preselected height, H1 with a first end and a second end. The second end has a preselected included angle, ? with respect to an axis. The spacer has a second piece having a first end, an annular ridge which is located adjacent to the first end and a flange which is located adjacent to the annular ridge that extends radially outwardly from the axis. The first end of the second piece has a preselected height, H3, a preselected included angle, ? with respect to the axis and a seat which is adapted to receive the head of a fastener. The second end of the first piece is sandwiched between the first end of the second piece and the annular ridge.

Abstract: A threaded locking beam nut having a plurality of locking beams configured such that the inside edge surface of each locking beam has a radially inwardly angled surface thereby forming substantially a V-shaped channel between adjacent beams.