Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.

Abstract: A spot-joining apparatus comprises a motor, a punch for driving a fastener or performing a clinching or friction stir spot welding operation, a first transmission, a second transmission and a transmission control apparatus. The first transmission is configured to transfer rotary motion of the motor to the punch when engaged. The second transmission is configured to convert rotary motion of the motor to linear motion of the punch, and thereby drive the punch towards a workpiece, when engaged. The transmission control apparatus is arranged to selectively adjust the degree of engagement of at least one of the first and second transmissions. Further apparatus for spot joining, and methods of spot-joining, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A blind riveting apparatus (1) comprises a motor (3), and a clamp (31) for gripping the mandrel of a blind rivet, the clamp being movable substantially along the axis of the rivet. The apparatus further comprises a first transmission (51) configured to transfer rotary motion of the motor (3) to the clamp (31) when engaged; and a second transmission (52) configured to convert rotary motion of the motor (3) to linear motion of the clamp (31), and thereby retract the clamp (31) to pull on the mandrel, when engaged. A transmission control apparatus is arranged to selectively adjust the degree of engagement of at least one of the first (51) and second (52) transmissions, the transmission control apparatus comprising a variable-influence brake or clutch (58). Methods of blind riveting, and further pieces of blind riveting apparatus, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.

Abstract: A method of riveting comprising using a punch (1) to push a rivet (9) through a workpiece (5) such that a shank (10) of the rivet (9) is received in a die (3) defined by a die body (3) which is in contact with the workpiece, a slug of material (16) being removed from the workpiece (5) by the rivet (9) and being received in the die, the method further comprising closing or substantially closing the die using a rod (4) and using the rod to upset the shank of the rivet.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool. A transfer station attached to the tool or the delivery tube transfers a fastener from the delivery apparatus into the tool, the transfer station being moveable between a first position in which an exit of the transfer station is adjacent to the tool so that a delivered fastener may be inserted by the transfer station into the tool and a second position in which it is clear of the tool so as to permit the tool or a portion thereof to move towards a workpiece to insert a loaded fastener. The delivery tube has wear resistant elements.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool. A transfer station attached to the tool or the delivery tube transfers a fastener from the delivery apparatus into the tool, the transfer station being moveable between a first position in which an exit of the transfer station is adjacent to the tool so that a delivered fastener may be inserted by the transfer station into the tool and a second position in which it is clear of the tool so as to permit the tool or a portion thereof to move towards a workpiece to insert a loaded fastener. The delivery tube has wear resistant elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining together two or more superimposed generally planar sheets by setting a fastener in engagement with the sheets at a predetermined location. The sheets are superimposed and placed in a fastener setting and sheet deforming assembly. The assembly is then operated to set a fastener into the sheet and to deform the sheets out of their planes around the predetermined locations. The sheets may be deformed before the fastener is set, after the fastener is set, or simultaneously with setting of the fastener. Sheet deformation may be achieved using appropriate clamping arrangements or by providing recesses into which the sheets are deformed during the course of rivet insertion. The invention also relates to a rivet for use in the method.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool (1). The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package (4) and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube (6) that interconnects the setting tool (1) to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package (4) into the delivery tube (6). The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube (6) from the feeder device to the tool (1).

Abstract: A fastener such as a self piercing rivet is inserted into sheet material without full penetration such that the deformed end of the rivet remains encapsulated by an upset annulus of the sheet material. The sheet material is disposed between a nose and a die of fastening apparatus. The rivet is inserted into the sheet material by means of a plunger that is reciprocal relative to the nose. Prior to rivet insertion no significant clamping force is applied to the sheet material and material immediately around the rivet insertion location is allowed to flow towards the rivet as to rivet is inserted. Thereafter during a second stage (being after said first stage) of rivet insertion a clamping force of sufficient magnitude is applied between the nose and the die in the region around the rivet insertion location so as substantially to prevent flow of displaced sheet material away from the rivet. The invention may also be applied to panel clinching.

Abstract: A fastener such as a self piercing rivet (1) is inserted into sheet material (19) without full penetration such that the deformed end of the rivet remains encapsulated by an upset annulus of the sheet material (19). The sheet material (19) is clamped between a nose (17) and a die (16) of a riveting machine. Once the sheet material (19) is clamped, the distance between the nose (17) and the die (16) is controlled during the riveting operation by a restraint device (20, 23). This technique ensures that reaction forces generated in the joint between the nose (17) and the die (16) during riveting are absorbed in the joint as compressive stresses during the riveting operation so that the resulting joint has improved fatigue life. Furthermore, the rivet insertion load imparted into the C frame as a reaction force is applied back into the joint as a post rivet-insertion clamping load. Alternatively, a separate clamping force is applied after the rivet (1) has been inserted.

Abstract: A fastener such as a self piercing rivet is inserted into sheet material without full penetration such that the deformed end of the rivet remains encapsulated by an upset annulus of the sheet material. The sheet material is disposed between a nose and a die of fastening apparatus. The rivet is inserted into the sheet material by means of a plunger that is reciprocal relative to the nose. Prior to rivet insertion no significant clamping force is applied to the sheet material and material immediately around the rivet insertion location is allowed to flow towards the rivet as to rivet is inserted. Thereafter during a second stage (being after said first stage) of rivet insertion a clamping force of sufficient magnitude is applied between the nose and the die in the region around the rivet insertion location so as substantially to prevent flow of displaced sheet material away from the rivet. The invention may also be applied to panel clinching.

Abstract: A fastener feeding head (10) has fasteners (21, 121, 221) supplied to a fastener passage (15, 115, 215) aligned with a fastener engagement means (14, 114, 214) driven down the fastener passage by a drive means (13) to engage the fastener with workpieces (31, 131, 231). A charge of compressed gas is used to hold the fastener (21, 121, 221) against its engagement means (14, 114, 214).

Abstract: A carrier tape for fasteners includes a substantially planar web, a plurality of substantially equally spaced holes formed in the web to receive the stems of the fasteners, and a plurality of spaced, discrete formations integrally joined to the web. Each of the formations is designed to releasably engage the head of a fastener with the stem of the fastener received in a respective hole. The formations are upstanding from a top surface of the web and have an inwardly directed engagement portion spaced from the web which, in use, engages the heads of the fasteners so that the heads are received between the engagement portion and the web. The formations are deformable to allow a fastener driving means to pass downwardly to permit the fasteners to be driven through the web and thereby released from the tape.

Abstract: A fastening machine (e.g. for rivets) has a fastening head where the fasteners are brought into alignment with the punch and die in a carrier tape. The carrier tape has a web with slits or teeth engageable by a sprocket wheel which sequentially advances the fasteners until the stems engage a retractable stop. When the punch is advanced, the fasteners are pushed through the carrier tape to be deformed by an upsetting die aligned with the punch. In modified embodiments, the fasteners are urged transversely from the web of the carrier tape, the carrier tape being advanced by a gear which engages teeth on a side flange on the carrier tape. The sprocket wheel may be remotely driven e.g. by a flexible cable drive to accommodate the movement as the fastening head is advanced towards, or retracted from, the upsetting die.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting up fastener elements having a shaft and a head, e.g. rivets or the like, wherein the shaft length is equal to or less than the head diameter, the setting-up being ahead of a press-bar or hammer of a fastener-driving machine, which press-bar or hammer is adjusted to the head of the fastener elements. The apparatus includes a transfer mechanism which transports fastener elements in succession, by means of a flow of a medium, into an intermediate position in the vicinity of the press-bar or hammer. A radially elastic holding device is disposed in the fastener-driving machine, which holding device is movable with the press-bar or hammer and is capable of holding the head in an axial orientation with respect to the press-bar or hammer at a location ahead of the press-bar or hammer, i.e. downstream in the flow of driving force exerted by the press-bar or hammer. The transfer mechanism transfers a transported fastener element to and into the holding device.