Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for assembling aircraft fuselages. One embodiment is a method for assembling a fuselage of an aircraft. The method includes indexing an arcuate section of a fuselage to a frame installation station, feeding a frame at the frame installation station into a concavity defined by the arcuate section, placing the frame against an Inner Mold Line (IML) of the arcuate section while the frame is within the concavity, and affixing the frame to the arcuate section.

Abstract: Tool for crimping an element onto a support member, including a movably mounted rod, a first chamber containing a first fluid, a second chamber containing a second fluid, a piston movably mounted inside the second chamber and separating the second chamber into first and second compartments, an input terminal suitable for being connected to a second fluid source, and a main valve configured to direct the second fluid into the second compartment in order to move the piston to reduce the pressure of the first fluid and drive the rod in a direction opposite to a crimping direction.

Abstract: A fastener installation tool and method for interference fit, said fastener (10) comprising a head and a grasping element, said tool comprising a first body (30) extending along a first main axis and having: —at least one load-reacting surface, of which one also constitutes a surface for the application of a load; —a load transmission surface, and—a housing extending along the first main axis from a first end of said first body, said housing being extended along the first main axis by a drilling extending from said housing as far as a second end of said first body. According to the invention, the load transmission surface is situated at the second end of the first body (30) and extends perpendicular to the first main axis, said load transmission surface being dimensioned to be able to bear simultaneously on the head and on the insert clamp.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing an assembly operation. A tool may be macro-positioned within an interior of a fuselage assembly. The tool may be micro-positioned relative to a particular location on a panel of the fuselage assembly. An assembly operation may be performed at the particular location on the panel using the tool.

Abstract: A method for connecting a first element with a second element, includes coupling a third element with the second element, coupling the third element with the first element by thermal joining, wherein the first element and the second element are made of different materials essentially incapable of being thermally joined with a welding process, and wherein the third element is arranged in an opening of the second element in a form fitting and/or force fitting manner.

Abstract: A tooling assembly for integrating a central part of the fuselage of an aircraft. The tooling assembly comprises a tooling train which comprises a succession of movable carriages arranged behind one another and which are able to carry one or more items of aircraft equipment to be integrated into the central part of the aircraft. Such a tooling train, which extends over at least a length of the central part of the fuselage, makes it possible to integrate, at the same time, items of aircraft equipment produced in the form of elongate modules, thus reducing the time for integrating the items of aircraft equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning an end effector relative to a structure. The apparatus may comprise the end effector and a sensor system. The end effector may be configured to perform an operation on the structure. The sensor system may have a plurality of sensors extending outward from the end effector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning an end effector relative to a fuselage assembly. A configuration of the fuselage assembly may be determined. The end effector may be positioned relative to the fuselage assembly based on the configuration determined. A set of actual reference locations may be identified for a set of reference points on the fuselage assembly. The end effector may be positioned at an operation location based on the set of actual reference locations identified.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a robot self-locating on a movement surface. The method may comprise moving a first robot across the movement surface and relative to a workpiece, in which the movement surface faces the workpiece. The method may also form sensor data using a first number of sensors on the first robot as the first robot moves across the movement surface, in which the sensor data represents identifying characteristics of a portion of the movement surface. The method may also determine a location of the first robot on the movement surface using the sensor data. The method may further determine a location of a functional component of the first robot relative to the workpiece using the location of the first robot on the movement surface.

Abstract: A clinch punch including a core and an sleeve that includes a plurality of teeth for forming an enhanced clinch joint. The core includes a first cam surface that engages cam surfaces on the teeth that drive the teeth into the sides of the clinch joint. In an alternative embodiment, the core acts upon jaws that are driven into engagement with the sides of the clinch joint.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may include a power tool having a driving motor, a spindle with a front tool and a continuously variable transmission mechanism. The driving motor is configured to output any number of output rotations. The continuously variable transmission mechanism is configured to shift the number of rotations from the driving motor in any ratio and output the shifted rotation to the spindle. The driving motor changes the number of output rotations. The continuously variable transmission mechanism changes the ratio. Both the driving motor and the continuously variable transmission mechanism serve to alter the rotational speed of the spindle.

Abstract: A fastener driver, fastener driver assembly and method for operating a fastener driver. The fastener driver includes a shoulder linking a neck to a head, where the shoulder includes a cross-sectional shoulder shape having small and large cross-sectional sections that can be inserted into an opening in a nose piece. The user can then rotate the fastener driver and the larger cross-sectional portions of the shoulder can block the fastener driver assembly from advancing out of the opening. The fastener driver assembly increases the speed of operation by including a plurality of pins on a head of the fastener driver to allow the simultaneous fastening of a plurality of fasteners, and by being adapted to conveniently insert into a conventional power tool such as an air hammer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for setting fastening elements, wherein a master shaft rod can be moved via a master motion link into a forward set position in order to be able to set the fastening element also at inaccessible or vertical locations.

Abstract: A punch rivet and a die for the production of a punch rivet connection are described. The punch rivet is characterized by special rivet foot and underhead geometries. In the region of the rivet foot, the shank outer face and shank inner face are connected by means of a small radially outer radius and a larger radially inner radius, which radii merge into one another tangentially. The angle that the common tangent encloses with a radial plane is in the range of 10°±20°. The die is preferably matched to the described punch rivet, but can also be used in combination with conventional punch rivets.

Abstract: A fastener driver, fastener driver assembly and method for operating a fastener driver. The fastener driver includes a shoulder linking a neck to a head, where the shoulder includes a cross-sectional shoulder shape having small and large cross-sectional sections that can be inserted into an opening in a nose piece. The user can then rotate the fastener driver and the larger cross-sectional portions of the shoulder can block the fastener driver assembly from advancing out of the opening. The fastener driver assembly increases the speed of operation by including a plurality of pins on a head of the fastener driver to allow the simultaneous fastening of a plurality of fasteners, and by being adapted to conveniently insert into a conventional power tool such as an air hammer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a fuselage of an aircraft, wherein several fuselage sections that are arranged one behind another are joined together, comprises the following steps: a) production of an outer skin segment, the outer skin segment having on the underside a continuous longitudinal opening, b) widening the outer skin segment in order to introduce at least one floor frame, c) joining the outer skin segments to a rigid fuselage section which is already present, with the formation of a partial transverse seam, d) positioning a prefabricated lower shell in the longitudinal opening, in order to close the outer skin segment on the peripheral side, e) completing the partial transverse seam to form a transverse seam and joining the lower shell together with the outer skin segment with the formation of at least two longitudinal seams, and f) joining the floor frame together with the outer skin segment.

Abstract: A flexible fastening machine tool having first and second facing pedestals is mounted on first and second pairs of rails. The pedestals are movable along the rails in a Y-axis direction. A rail base is provided and the second pair of rails is mounted on the rail base. A third pair of rails that extend in an X-axis direction are mounted to the floor, and the rail base is positioned on the third pair of rails, such that the second pedestal is movable along the third pair of rails in the X-axis direction toward and away from the first pedestal. A first movable carriage is mounted on the first pedestal and a second movable carriage is mounted on the second pedestal. A frame member is supported by the first and second carriages and the frame member holds a workpiece. The first and second carriages are independently movable toward and away from the first and second pairs of rails such that the fixture frame is capable of being raised, lowered and tilted.

Abstract: The apparatus for fixing rivets (4) in structural parts (11) includes a positioning adapter (3) for fixing one end of a rivet in a structural component with the rivet (4) in a riveting position; a riveting adapter (5) for deforming another end of the rivet, which has a movable deforming device (34) for deforming the rivet by impact energy stored in it; and a device for changing or adjusting the impact energy (33) stored in the movable deforming device. A greater flexibility for adjustment of the required impact energy (33) to different boundary conditions is thus possible, which guarantees that a minimal number of working strokes or only a single working stroke is required to fasten a rivet (4) in a structural component (11). This reduces the mechanical stress on the riveting adapter (5) and the working robot (6) guiding it besides reducing the noise level.

Abstract: A feeding unit for feeding an element to a treatment unit of a machine tool, in particular for feeding a rivet to a riveting unit, has a gripping element provided for the fastening element for the automatic take-up of the fastening element from a supply unit and automatic feed to the treatment unit. The gripping element is disposed on a rotary element rotatable about an axial direction, and at least one electromagnet is provided which is configured in such a way that a torque acting on the rotary element is generated by a magnetic force.

Abstract: A self-piercing blind fastener comprising a mandrel having an elongate cylindrical shell mounted on a stem of such mandrel and which extends co-axially about a central elongate axis of the blind fastener, the shell having a radially extending flange at one end and a tail-end portion at the opposite end for insertion through a workpiece, the mandrel further having a mandrel head in operative engagement with the tail-end of the fastener for transmitting a setting force thereto during setting of such fastener, the blind fastener further comprising a longitudinally extending indenting member extending co-axial with and away from the tail-end of the blind fastener, which indenting member having a cross sectional area less than the cross sectional area of the shell.

Abstract: A riveting system for hammering a set of nails along a path having a rotatable upper table with a plurality of riveting mechanisms positioned along a plurality of radii on the upper table and a lower table having a plurality of upset members positioned along a plurality of radii on the lower table.

Abstract: A self-piercing rivet setting machine 1 comprises a C-shaped frame 3, a punch 9 disposed at one end of the C-shaped frame 3, and a die 10 disposed at the other end of the C-shaped frame 3. The punch is attached to the edge of a receiver unit 14 and it is pressed against the die by a punch-driving unit 11. A plurality of workpieces are placed between the punch and the die to be connected with each other by driving a self-piercing rivet in the workpieces to cause the self-piercing rivet to pierce the workpieces. The receiver unit 14 includes a hollow shaft 17 having one end connected with a feeding tube 13 extending from a feeding device. The hollow shaft 17 is supported by a support tube 15 of the C-shaped frame 3. The receiver unit 14 further includes a receiver head 18 having an edge to which the punch is attached. The receiver head 18 is formed to receive the self-piercing rivet fed from the other end of the hollow shaft 17 and to allow the received self-piercing rivet to be held by the punch one by one.

Abstract: The invention relates to a riveting device (1) comprising a pressure pad (3) and a riveting die (4). Said pressure pad (3) and riveting die (4) can be hydraulically driven by means of a pressure pad piston (12) and a die piston (13). The aim of the invention is to further develop such a riveting device (1) in an advantageous manner. To this end, the pressure pad piston (12) and the die piston (13) are driven by the same hydraulic pressure, the effective piston area (36) of the pressure pad piston (12) being embodied in a smaller manner than the effective piston area (14) of the die piston (13).

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a die assembly including a plurality of dies held on a movable table, and a driving device for moving the die assembly. The driving device is operable to move the die assembly in a direction transverse to the axis of a punch for allowing one of the dies to be placed in a position located axially below the punch. The driving device is also operable to move the die assembly in the axial direction of the punch between raised and lowered positions. In the raised position, the die assembly can be moved by the driving device to place a selected die below the punch. In the lowered position, the selected die can be fixed in a die mounting hole located below the punch. In this position, the punch is operable to join workpieces by riveting, for example.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for loading a rivet module (10), which can be vertically displaced between a lower placement position and an upper loading position, with blind rivet nuts (100) using a rivet feed (22). The invention is characterized in that next to the rivet placement head (12), a cup (24) for accommodating blind rivet nuts is laterally arranged such that it can be displaced between a position underneath the rivet feed (22) and a position underneath the rivet module (10) that is located in the loading position, whereby the cup (24) is provided with a clamping cylinder.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of back riveting construction for sections of aircraft structure utilizing the flush riveting wherein the back bar tooling for all the rivets in the entire section is a single piece of stationary tooling which conforms to the exterior shape of the aircraft section. The rivet gun is a single impact pneumatic gun with a rivet driving hammer which is offset from the axis of the gun's piston and impact pin to upset rivet under C-channel flanges.

Abstract: A drive system for a fastening tool, in particular a riveting tool, includes a punch for a fastening operation and a clamp axially moveable relative to the punch for clamping the workpieces during the fastening operation. The punch is actuated by a drive so as to be displaced axially. During such operation the drive force exerted upon the punch is transmitted to the clamp by force transmitting means comprising an air pressure chamber of variable volume.

Abstract: A blind riveting device for placing blind rivets includes a device head, wherein an opening for receiving a rivet bolt and a suction device for producing a negative pressure for holding the rivet bolt in the opening are arranged in the head. A control unit for switching the suction device on and off by an actuating element is provided at a handle which is connected to the head. For facilitating the manipulation of the blind riveting device, the actuating element can be locke din a switched-on position.

Abstract: Disclosed and taught herein is a novel vacuum return mechanism whereby the operating mechanism of a cyclic tool may be reset to its start position after having completed its operative cycle. A piston connected to the tool's operating mechanism is caused, by action of the tool's operating mechanism, to create a vacuum within a cylinder during the tool's operative cycle. Upon completion of the tool's operative cycle, the vacuum returns the piston, and thereby the tool's operating mechanism, back to their start positions.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive mechanism to actuate a tool for joining at least two work-pieces of ductile material such as by self-piercing riveting or clinching. The drive mechanism comprises a punch drive for actuating a punch and a clamp drive for actuating a clamp which clamps the workpieces against an up-setting die during the joining operation. Both drives comprise piston cylinder assemblies. The piston cylinder assembly of the clamp drive is carried by the piston rod of the punch drive. The pressure chamber of the clamp drive communicates with one of the work chambers of the punch drive such that pressure within the work chamber of the punch drive is transmitted to the pressure chamber of the clamp drive in order to generate the clamping force. As a result thereof only a pair of fluid connections are required for operating both drives.

Abstract: A method of blind riveting to secure together a plurality of members (26, 27, 28) with aligned apertures, using a blind rivet comprising a tubular shell (11) with a head (13) and a stem (12) extending through the tubular shell. The method comprises the steps of: inserting the shell through the aligned apertures, from the near face of the near member, so that the remote end of the shell protrude beyond the remote face of the remote member and the nearest end of the shell is substantially level with the near face of the near member; supporting the near end of the shell while pulling the stem head to form a remote blind head; applying a force to the near member with respect to the stem, until any gap (28) between the members is taken up and deforming the now protruding portion of the shell to form a near-side head of the rivet. The invention also encompasses a blind riveting apparatus and blind rivets for carrying out the method described above.

Abstract: A stapling device for automatically binding a set of sheets is formed of a needle driving unit for driving a needle in the set of the sheets; a bending unit for bending the driven needle; two pairs of front and rear guide shafts for supporting the needle driving unit and the bending unit and guiding movements of these units in a sheet width direction; and moving shafts for moving these units along the guide shafts in the sheet width direction. By disposing each moving shaft between the front and rear guide shafts, each unit can be moved in the sheet width direction stably and smoothly, and the entire device can be structured small. Also, in at least one of the units, a small space is formed for a moving mechanism for at least one of needle driving device and bending device in a sheet thickness direction, to thereby achieve a further miniaturization of the entire device.

Abstract: The system includes means for moving a rivet or a collar from a storage bin to an initial position for the respective gripping assemblies. The presence of the rivet and/or collar is recognized as it moves through a feeding mechanism. After the rivet or collar is gripped, they are moved either into an opening in the workpiece, in the case of a rivet, or onto the tail of a lockbolt, in the case of a collar. The gripping assembly is then released from the rivet or the collar, with the gripping means moving back to an initial position. Further operations can then be carried out on the rivet or collar.

Abstract: Tool assembly for riveting parts, comprising: a first and a second frame (2, 5) capable of being mounted on a shaped structure "C" or on separate robot arms (60, 61); a pair of sheet-holding devices (3, 6) each mounted on one of the frames and at least one of each is provided with a device (11) for displacing it relative to the corresponding chassis with a force corresponding to the clamping provided for holding the parts to be riveted during drilling; at least one drill (20, 21) mounted on a frame, a device (41) for placing a rivet (40) in a hole drilled by the drill, this device being carried by a frame; a percussion riveting hammer (51) carried by a frame and an associated counter-piece (54) carried by the other frame, integral with a reaction dolly (52). The elements carried by each frame are all capable of being displaced between an active position and a rest position.

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: An assembly tower method and apparatus for use with an assembly jig having a tower guidance apparatus. The assembly tower includes a base, a platform coupled to the base for movement relative thereto, a drive system for moving the base relative to the ground and for moving the platform to the base in response to selected control signals. A Control System is included in the assembly tower for selectively generating and communicating the respective control signals to the drive system. A tower guidance apparatus is engagable with a guidance element of the tower to limit movement of the base relative to the ground in accordance with a pre-defined path. The tower carries a tool for assisting in constructing large aircraft components such as fuselage panels which are supported on the assembly jig.

Abstract: Machining apparatus comprising a major C-frame for carrying an upper tooling head and a rotatable minor C-frame for carrying a lower tooling head cantileverly supported away from a body portion of the minor C-frame to provide a throat for receiving a workpiece edge portion while another workpiece portion is positioned between the heads for machining, the minor C-frame being rotated to provide clearance for the workpiece. As a result, a substantially semi-cylindrical workpiece may be machined over its surface without refixturing thereof.

Abstract: The yoke assembly is C-shaped, comprising two downwardly depending leg portions and an intermediate portion. Each leg of the yoke is supported for movement of the yoke in an X coordinate direction and a Y coordinate direction. The yoke is further supported about two spaced two-axis pivot point assemblies such that the yoke can move rotationally about the Y axis and about the X axis. The pivot points and the tool point for the tools on the yoke used to accomplish the assembly operations remain in registry during movement of the yoke member.

Abstract: A real-time fastener measurement system includes an anvil (10) having a striking surface (16) that engages a fastener as it is upset. Three proximity sensors (20) are disposed at 120.degree. intervals around a striking surface of the anvil. A computer system (110) reads the electronic signals produced by the proximity sensors just after the fastener has been upset and converts the signals to digital values. The computer stores a piecewise linear function that has been predetermined for each sensor and uses the function to convert the digital values of the proximity sensor to fastener head height.

Abstract: Closer comprises a cylindrical housing defined by a front end and a rear end, the housing being formed with an axial bore having an enlargement in the front end. An air-driven cylinder is fixedly mounted in the bore and has an axial drive shaft reciprocable therein extending toward the front end and terminating in an impact head normally in an inward position. Reciprocably disposed in the enlargement is an annular trigger loosely surrounding the impact head and normally in an outward position extending down beyond the front end of the housing and movable to an inward position when the housing is lightly depressed over the fastener. An actuator in the housing is moved by the trigger as it approaches its inward position to activate the cylinder and slam the impact head downward to close the fastener. In a modification the cylinder is replaced by a solenoid.

Abstract: A ram assembly for riveting apparatus. The piston rod is stabilized for close tolerance or minimum lateral deviation at the work point by linear bearings which ride on an elongate stabilizer bar and are mounted on an elongate member which is in turn rigidly attached to the piston rod for movement therewith, the lateral deviation of the piston rod being controlled by the orientation of the stabilizer bar. This allows a stabilizing piston rod portion to be eliminated so that the space length-wise taken up by the ram assembly may be reduced.

Abstract: A tool for setting blind rivets. The load of the motor which drives the pulling head between fully forward and retracted positions is monitored. When the pulling head is displaced to set a rivet motor direction will be changed if a moderate load is not sensed in a short period of time or if following such sensing of a moderate load the sensed low drops to a minimum value. When the pulling head is displaced in the opposite direction a stop will be engaged at the fully forward position and the sensing of a moderate load will stop the motor.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a riveting assembly (10) which includes a rivet die (18) having a concave configuration which is brought into contact with one end of a rivet to be upset. The die (18) is driven into a rivet end by a rivet ram (16) a first time, resulting in an interference fit between the rivet shank and the part being riveted. When the die (18) is withdrawn, the newly formed rivet head will in some instances expand outwardly away from the surface of the part, leaving a gap between the formed end of the rivet and the part. A second strike assembly includes an L-shaped second strike element (28) which is moved between the die (18) and the rivet head. The ram (16) is then driven a second time, forcing the second strike element (28) against the formed end of the rivet, forcing the formed end of the rivet to flow outwardly and toward the part, resulting in the filling of the gap between the rivet head and the surface of the part.

Abstract: Riveting apparatus for operation on a workpiece having opposite sides and supported vertically on a horizontal surface comprising a frame having a pair of spaced apart sides movable along the supporting surface and straddling the workpiece, first and second carriages movably mounted on respective sides of the frame and riveting tools on first and second heads on the first and second carriages, respectively, the tools being movable toward and away from the workpiece. The frame travels in a first direction along the supporting surface and along the workpiece, the first and second carriages are movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and toward and away from the supporting surface, and the frame is movable in a third direction transverse to the first direction and toward and away from the workpiece.

Abstract: A rivet pulling head is supported for vertical displacement from an up position to a down riveting position. A rivet delivery device is carried by a movable support and has a delivery arm which can be lowered relative to the pulling head and pivoted underneath it to deliver the next rivet to the pulling head. The delivery device is operated when the head is at the up position and while the head is maintained at that location.

Abstract: A rivet tool is supported for repeated displacement to a rivet setting location. When the tool is at this location, it is forcefully pushed against the workpiece during rivet setting to assure that the rivet will be properly set.

Abstract: A rivet tool is supported for repeated displacement to a rivet setting location. When the tool is at this location, it is forcefully pushed against the workpiece during rivet setting to assure that the rivet will be properly set.

Abstract: A device for combined drilling and riveting of a type including a "C"-shaped support frame. According to the invention, the means for drilling (14) and the rivet set (69) are arranged in a manner such that they may travel in directions which are at an angle in relation to the axis of the combined drilling/riveting head, the necessary pressure being supplied by two arms (2,3) driven by hydraulic jacks and the parts to be assembled (A,B) clamped one against the other by the jaws (6,7) of a plate grip throughout the operating cycle.

Abstract: A machine comprising a horizontally elongated base having pairs of pylons slidably mounted on opposite sides of the base for horizontal movement along the length thereof, forming in effect, a moveable C-frame. The workpiece is fixedly supported on the base in a substantially vertical position, and the pylons of each pair work together on opposite sides of the workpiece to process rivets/fasteners or perform other functions. Each of the pylons comprises a vertical first component and a horizontal second component. The second component is movable vertically on the first component, and is also movable horizontally toward and away from the workpiece. Carried on the end of each of the horizontal second components adjacent the workpiece is a tool assembly holder that is rotatable about horizontal and vertical axes.

Abstract: Riveting apparatus for operation on a workpiece having opposite sides and supported vertically on a horizontal surface comprising a frame having a pair of spaced apart sides movable along the supporting surface and straddling the workpiece, first and second carriages movably mounted on respective sides of the frame and riveting tools on first and second heads on the first and second carriages, respectively, the tools being movable toward and away from the workpiece. The frame travels in a first direction along the supporting surface and along the workpiece, the first and second carriages are movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and toward and away from the supporting surface, and the frame is movable in a third direction transverse to the first direction and toward and away from the workpiece.