Abstract: Rivet dispenser systems and methods of use thereof are provided. In a non-limiting embodiment, the rivet dispenser system comprises a rivet receiving member defining a channel therein, and a seat member. The channel includes a curved region. The rivet receiving member comprises a first port and a second port. The first port communicates with the channel and is configured to receive rivets. The second port communicates with the channel and is configured to dispense rivets. The channel extends between the first port and the second port and is configured to transport rivets from the first port to the second port in a series arrangement and in a preselected orientation. The seat member communicates with the second port and is configured to selectively engage with a rivet holder of a resistance spot rivet welding apparatus and introduce a single rivet to the rivet holder at one time.

Abstract: Resistance spot rivet welding systems, subsystems, and methods of use thereof are provided.

Abstract: Fastening collar removal apparatus, methods of making fastening collar removal apparatus, and methods of removing a fastening collar secured to a fastener are provided. A fastening collar removal apparatus includes a collet including a first section including a substantially cylindrical shape and a second section operatively coupled to the first section. The second section includes a collet cavity extending therein. The collet cavity is configured to receive at least a portion of a collar. The second section includes at least two fingers formed by at least two axial channels in the second section. At least one of the at least two fingers includes a blade extending inwardly relative to a longitudinal axis of the collet. In an open configuration of the collet, each of the at least two fingers includes an outward taper relative to a longitudinal axis of the collet.

Abstract: Multi-piece fasteners, fastening collar installation apparatus, and methods of fastening are provided. The multi-piece fastener comprises a fastening collar and a pin. The fastening collar comprises a first collar end, a second collar end, and a collar cavity. The collar cavity extends from the first collar end to the second collar end. The pin is configured to be at least partially received by the collar cavity. The pin comprises a first pin end comprising a head portion, a second pin end comprising a pull region, and a shank. The pull region is generally cylindrical and smooth and is configured to form at least one of an annular shoulder, a groove, a thread, and other feature responsive to forcible contact from a fastening collar installation apparatus. The shank extends intermediate the first pin end and the second pin end. The fastening collar is configured to be deformed onto the shank.

Abstract: Rivet dispenser systems and methods of use thereof are provided. In a non-limiting embodiment, the rivet dispenser system comprises a rivet receiving member defining a channel therein, and a seat member. The channel includes a curved region. The rivet receiving member comprises a first port and a second port. The first port communicates with the channel and is configured to receive rivets. The second port communicates with the channel and is configured to dispense rivets. The channel extends between the first port and the second port and is configured to transport rivets from the first port to the second port in a series arrangement and in a preselected orientation. The seat member communicates with the second port and is configured to selectively engage with a rivet holder of a resistance spot rivet welding apparatus and introduce a single rivet to the rivet holder at one time.

Abstract: Fastening collar removal apparatus, methods of making fastening collar removal apparatus, and methods of removing a fastening collar secured to a fastener, are provided. The fastening collar removal apparatus comprises a collet comprising a first section comprising a substantially cylindrical shape and a second section operatively coupled to the first section. The second section comprises a collet cavity extending therein. The collet cavity is configured to receive at least a portion of a collar. The second section comprises at least two fingers formed by at least two axial channels in the second section. At least one of the at least two fingers comprises a blade extending inwardly relative to a longitudinal axis of the collet. In an open configuration of the collet, each of the at least two fingers comprises an outward taper relative to a longitudinal axis of the collet.

Abstract: Rivet dispenser systems and methods of use thereof are provided. In a non-limiting embodiment, the rivet dispenser system comprises a rivet receiving member defining a channel therein, and a seat member. The channel includes a curved region. The rivet receiving member comprises a first port and a second port. The first port communicates with the channel and is configured to receive rivets. The second port communicates with the channel and is configured to dispense rivets. The channel extends between the first port and the second port and is configured to transport rivets from the first port to the second port in a series arrangement and in a preselected orientation. The seat member communicates with the second port and is configured to selectively engage with a rivet holder of a resistance spot rivet welding apparatus and introduce a single rivet to the rivet holder at one time.

Abstract: Resistance spot rivet welding systems, subsystems, and methods of use thereof are provided.

Abstract: A control system for an assembly tool includes sensors which monitor the status of the tool at each step of operation and a controller receives signals from the sensors to ensure proper status in any given step. The tool includes a collar transfer device which receives a fastener collar from a remote collar sending unit and transfers the collar to a collar-swaging assembly which moves the collar to a cooperating fastener pin and swages the collar onto the pin. The sensors of the system monitor the position of the collar transfer device, the presence or absence of a collar in the collar transfer device, the position of the swaging assembly, the presence or absence of a collar in the swaging assembly, and the presence or absence of a fastener pin of proper length in a position to be engaged by the collar.