Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure foot that applies a clamping pressure to an area undergoing drilling or fastening operations on a joint formed by a first panel and a second panel. The pressure foot includes a front clamp for pressing against a front side of the area undergoing the drilling or fastening operations, and a carriage for moving the front clamp along a length and width of the joint formed by the first panel and the second panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool position detection assembly that aligns a tool relative to a feature within a lap joint of a first panel and a second panel. The detection assembly includes an indexing device engageable to the feature. The indexing device includes a reflecting member having a width. The assembly also includes an end-effector movable along at least one axis parallel to the lap joint for positioning the tool. The end-effector has a dual laser device for detecting when the device is aligned with the reflecting member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vacuum fastened guide that supports and facilitates movements of a machining device along at least one component to be operated upon. The guide includes a primary rail that is vacuum coupled to the component. The primary rail includes a primary tube portion for slideable engagement with the machining device, and a primary contact platform coupled to the primary tube portion for forming a vacuum between the primary rail and the component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bucking bar that upsets a shank of a rivet. The bucking bar includes an L-shaped bucking die having a wide section and a thin angular section capable of sliding between an obstacle and the shank. The L-shaped bucking bar consists of Tungsten Carbide. The bucking bar also includes a bucking bar arm coupled to the wide section of the L-shaped bucking die for positioning the thin angular section of the bucking die between the obstacle and the shank of the rivet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bucking bar assembly that positions a bucking bar for clamping a first panel and a second panel along a lap joint and upsets a rivet to fasten the first panel to the second panel at the lap joint. The assembly includes a lateral carriage system for moving the bucking bar along a length of the lap joint, and a rotational carriage system for rotating the bucking bar relative to the lateral carriage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable process for automated fastening of aircraft structures. The invention will employ two primary elements for locating and installing through-the-skin fasteners. Inside and outside units are attached onto an airframe and indexed to each other through coordination holes that have been pre-drilled through the structure. The aircraft structure is assembled with the pre-drilled coordination holes by aligning adjacent airframe parts and inserting alignment pins. The alignment pins will provide a degree of clamping to pull the parts together and provide indexing for inside and outside vacuum attachment track systems. The invention is equipped to traverse along the track system, accurately position itself, and drill only or countersink a hole, insert a fastener, and fasten, i.e., upset a rivet, or run down a threaded nut, then reposition itself to the next fastener location and repeat the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protrusion sensor that determines the acceptability of a rivet within a component. The sensor includes a baseline detector which remains stationary, a movable detector which moves with a bucking bar module and produces a first signal proportionate to a distance between the baseline detector and the movable detector, and a CPU electronically connected to the movable detector and receiving the first signal.

Abstract: A metallic closure for a cylindrical, rectangular or square container comprising a central panel which has a portion thereof adapted for attaching the closure to the end of a container to close the end. The panel has an opening therein and the portion of the metal adjacent the opening is rolled so that the end thereof engages under the inner surface of the panel in a smooth roll such that the free edge is not directly exposed to the contents in the container on which the closure is placed. A composite panel including a layer of plastic is bonded to the central panel and the outer surface of the central panel by heat fusion of plastic. The composite panel includes a tab that is formed integrally thereof and initially is folded back upon itself bringing the surfaces of the tab which bear the plastic into contact so that the two portions of the tab are bonded to one another to provide a double strength tab.

Abstract: A metallic closure for a cylindrical, rectangular or square container comprising a central panel which has a portion thereof adapted for attaching the closure to the end of a container to close the end. The panel has an opening therein and the portion of the metal adjacent the opening is rolled so that the end thereof engages under the inner surface of the panel in a smooth roll such that the free edge is not directly exposed to the contents in the container on which the closure is placed. A composite panel including a layer of plastic is bonded to the central panel and the outer surface of the central panel by heat fusion of plastic. The composite panel includes a tab that is formed integrally thereof and initially is folded back upon itself bringing the surfaces of the tab which bear the plastic into contact so that the two portions of the tab are bonded to one another to provide a double strength tab.

Abstract: A metallic closure for a cylindrical, rectangular or square container comprising a central panel. A part of the panel is adapted for attaching the closure to the end of a container to close the end. The panel has an opening therein and the portion of the metal adjacent the opening is rolled so that the end thereof engages under the inner surface of the panel in a smooth roll such that the free edge is not directly exposed to the contents in the container on which the closure is placed. A composite panel is bonded to the central panel on the outer surface of the central panel. The closure is 100% safe. When the composite panel is removed a residue remains on the outer surface of the metal panel providing evidence of tampering.