Abstract: Systems and method are provided for joining components. A pin may have a head, and a stem extending from the head. The stem may have a tapered section. A collar may have a shank with a through-hole. Another tapered section may be formed by the shank so that a tapered surface of the tapered section faces into the through-hole. The pin and the collar may be configured so that the stem is received in the through-hole. The tapered sections mate together, and the tapered surface contacts the tapered section of the stem.

Abstract: A joining device includes a nose, a punch, and a die anvil. The punch is coaxially slidable within the nose. A fastener is arranged within the nose and is coaxially slidable within the nose and movable by the punch. An ultrasonic vibration is focused through the die anvil to a zone on a material assembly arranged thereon for heating the zone. The punch is configured to drive the fastener outwardly from the nose and into the material assembly at the zone.

Abstract: A method of joining first and second layers of material according to the principles of the present disclosure includes applying a layer of adhesive between the first and second layers and allowing the adhesive layer to at least partially cure. The method further includes piercing the first layer with a headless end of a rivet after the adhesive layer is cured, deforming the second layer with the headless end of the rivet, and bending the headless end of the rivet radially outward.

Abstract: A reconfigurable interface assembly includes, but is not limited to, a first sub-assembly that is adapted for attachment to a work-piece supporter. The first sub-assembly includes a first brake. The reconfigurable interface assembly further includes a second sub-assembly attached to the first sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly is adapted for attachment to a work-piece manipulator. The second sub-assembly includes a second brake. The first sub-assembly is configured to move the second sub-assembly in a first direction with respect to the first sub-assembly and the first brake is configured to inhibit movement of the second sub-assembly in the first direction with respect to the first sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly is configured to move the first sub-assembly in a second direction with respect to the second sub-assembly and the second brake is configured to inhibit movement of the first sub-assembly in the second direction with respect to the first sub-assembly.

Abstract: A reconfigurable interface assembly includes, but is not limited to, a first sub-assembly that is adapted for attachment to a work-piece supporter. The first sub-assembly includes a first brake. The reconfigurable interface assembly further includes a second sub-assembly attached to the first sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly is adapted for attachment to a work-piece manipulator. The second sub-assembly includes a second brake. The first sub-assembly is configured to move the second sub-assembly in a first direction with respect to the first sub-assembly and the first brake is configured to inhibit movement of the second sub-assembly in the first direction with respect to the first sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly is configured to move the first sub-assembly in a second direction with respect to the second sub-assembly and the second brake is configured to inhibit movement of the first sub-assembly in the second direction with respect to the first sub-assembly.