Abstract: A battering ram device is provided for allowing quick forcible entry through locked closures. The device includes a ram that slides within and partially out of a housing. The ram is connected to a piston which also slides within a cylindrical housing. The housing is connected to a firing mechanism that uses an explosive cartridge for driving the piston forwardly and subsequently forcing the ram partially out of its housing to deliver a blow to a closure. The piston and cylinder further include an energy absorbing mechanism for retarding the motion of the ram once it penetrates through a closure. The ram can be configured as a thin rectangular piece for allowing the ram to fit between a door knob and jamb of most doors. Other ram configurations include a punch for effectively knocking out a door lock of a steel or metal door, and a shearing head for effectively cutting a steel cable, bar, or wire.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a fluid substance to a drilled hole as part of an automatic fastening machine. The fastener machine drills the hole in the workpiece, such as an aircraft wing panel, and then the substance applicator applies the substance to the hole, prior to subsequent installation of the fastener within the hole. The substance applicator, which is connected to a movable pressure foot, is pneumatically operated so that a head portion of the applicator is extended laterally over the hole, and a tip assembly in the head is extended vertically downward toward the hole. This operational sequence is accomplished by means of variable rate springs which bias the tip assembly and base to retracted positions. The substance is delivered to the tip assembly from a storage reservoir by means of a peristaltic pump. Positive shutoff of the substance to the tip assembly is achieved by a pivotally mounted shutoff arm assembly.

Abstract: A machine coldworking tool (10) for coldworking holes (13) in a metal structure (15) and adapted for mounting on a automated drilling and rivet installation machine (12). The tool (10) comprises a mandrel assembly (20) mounted within a housing (18) that is releasably engage with the machine (12) via a lock fitting (152) is operably engaged with the mandrel assembly (20) to insert a collapsible mandrel (40) through the hole (13). A rod (92) is attached to a rod pusher (98) that is urged by the lock fitting (152) to slide through the mandrel (40) to support the mandrel fingers (62). A lever (100) pivotally mounted to the mandrel holder (42) holds the rod pusher (98) and the rod (92) in place as the mandrel assembly (20) is pulled upward in the housing (18), thereby pulling the mandrel (40) back through the hole (13) and coldworking the metal structure (15) surrounding the hole (13).

Abstract: An automatic fastener selection apparatus for segregating a single fastener from a particular contained pile of fasteners and for depositing the segregated fastener into the intake device of a fastening machine is disclosed. The apparatus is capable of segregating headed or nonheaded fasteners within a wide range of sizes. The apparatus includes a scoop (20) that is connected to the forward end of a shaft (22). The scoop is mounted for movement into and out of a bin (24). The bin contains a pile of randomly oriented fasteners (26). When moved into the bin (24) the blade (28) of the scoop is thrust beneath at least some of the fasteners. The scoop is then tipped upwardly so that a number of fasteners remain on the upper surface of the scoop and slide inwardly to the corner (30) of the scoop. The scoop includes a vacuum port (34) and associated mechanisms for capturing a single fastener as the scoop is rotated into an inverted position within the bin, after the shaft is tilted to remove the scoop from the pile.

Abstract: A fastener (100) slides down a tube (12) onto one end of a channel (16) formed in a V-shaped block (14). Movement of the fastener (100) along the channel (16) is retarded by two fingers (20, 26). A blade (38) moves along a slot (18) in the bottom of the channel (16) to push the fastener (100) along the channel (16) past a feeler (56). The feeler (56) is attached to a shaft (60) of a rotary transducer (58) to pivot therewith. A linear transducer (50) is actuated by longitudinal movement of the blade (38). The output of the transducers (50, 58) is compared by a computer to a predetermined output to check the profile of the fastener (100). A carriage (68) is moved to bring the infeed end (72) of a conduit (70) adjacent to the outfeed end of the block (14). The blade (38) pushes the fastener (100) into the conduit (70).

Abstract: Quick change chuck systems with integral fluid inducer. A quick change drill bushing system reduces misalignment of bushing to motor spindles and enables rapid change of cutting tools and bushing thereby reducing the number of dedicated working systems. The quick change chuck system with integral fluid inducer may utilize a quick change nosepiece system in combination.

Abstract: Disclosed is device (10) for orienting and conveying a headed fastener (14), wherein the device is positioned beneath any suitable dispenser (12) whereby headed fasteners are removed from a supply container and successively dropped with random orientation onto the device. The device (10) is configured to receive the headed fasteners (14) within a selected groove (32, 132) so that the headed fastener will assume a predetermined orientation within the device. The oriented fastener is then conveyed from the point it is received in the groove to a conduit (55, 57) which directs the headed fastener into the feeder tube (16) of the fastening machine. The fasteners are rotated as they are conveyed along the device in order to create a gyroscopic effect in the fastener as a means of maintaining the relative orientation of the fastener as it moves through the groove toward the feeder tube.