Abstract: A driving anvil washer retaining apparatus (12) for a rivet gun (14) includes a magnetized element (21). The magnetized element (21) is coupled to the rivet gun (14) and retains an anvil washer (52) during installation of a rivet (82). A method of installing a rivet (82) includes inserting a stem (46) of a rivet assembly (80) into a rivet gun nose (22) having at least one magnetized portion (21). A rivet (82) of the rivet assembly (80) is inserted into at least one object. The stem (46) is removed from the rivet assembly (80). A driving anvil washer (52) is retained via the magnetized portion (21).

Abstract: The punching and riveting tool includes a pipe shaft, an energy storage spring, a weight control rod, a front cap, a collision head, a punching head, a rear cap, a pressing button, a binding spring and a lock nut. The pipe shaft is in the shape of a hollow pipe, and two ends of the energy storage spring are linked with the weight control rod and the collision head respectively. The collision head is configured with a collision part on the upper end, and a binding slot on the lower end, and the punching head is configured on the bottom end of the collision head. The pressing button is configured with a go-through part and a binding part, and the binding spring with the pressing button are configured in the counterbore of the rear cap. The lock nut is linked onto the tail end of the weight control rod.

Abstract: A rivet gun for setting a self-tapping rivet in one or more work pieces has a tool body having a handle for gripping, a rotation assembly having a motor attached to an axially adjustable shaft and a chuck to thereby impart rotation to the chuck adapted to grip and rotate the shank of the self-tapping rivet. A hydraulic assembly having a pull bushing is connected to a piston rod attached to a piston and a retraction assembly having a mandrel clamp and a mandrel clamp ring is connected to a spring guide biased toward the mandrel clamp by a spring to thereby compress the mandrel clamp to grip and retract the shank, set the self-tapping rivet in the work pieces and detach the shank from the self-tapping rivet.

Abstract: An end effector squeezes parts such as rivets to upset the rivets in place within a workpiece. The end effector includes a C-shape frame slidably mounted on a support, such as a robotic arm. The frame includes opposing jaws respectively carrying tools for engaging opposite ends of the rivet, and forming a button on one end of the rivet. A single actuator moves one of the tools into engagement with a factory head on the rivet, and then displaces the frame relative to the first tool in order to bring the second tool into engagement with and deform the other end of the rivet.

Abstract: A conveyor chain pin remover includes a gear case with an attached handle, an actuating lever, a ratchet mechanism engaged by the actuating lever and first and second aligned passthrough openings. A retaining bar, is attached adjacent a first end to the gear case and has a chain retaining fixture located adjacent a second end. The chain retaining fixture has a barrier portion located orthogonally to the retaining bar and has a central aperture located in the barrier portion. A ram has a pin punch portion located at a first end and a rack portion extending substantially from a second end toward the pin punch portion. The rack portion fits slidably through the first and second aligned passthrough openings with teeth of the rack portion engaging the ratchet mechanism. The pin punch portion fits slidably through the central aperture and is smaller in diameter than pins of a roller chain.

Abstract: A bicycle chain splitter comprises a splitter body, an actuating member and a guiding member. The splitter body includes a guiding hole and a through hole that are aligned with each other. Between the guiding hole and the through hole is formed an assembly space for holding the chain. The actuating member is forced to move in the guiding hole of the splitter body. The guiding member is pre-inserted into the through hole of the splitter body and the assembly holes of the chain. The positioning pin is pushed by the actuating member into the assembly holes of the chain under the guidance of the guiding member.

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: In a method for joining at least two plate-shaped workpieces by a fastening tool and a device for operating the fastening tool, the fastening tool comprises a punch for exerting a punch force to perform a joining operation and a clamp for exerting a clamping force upon the workpieces at the joining area. During the joining operation the punch exerts a high punch force to perform the joining operation and the clamp exerts substantially no clamping force to allow for free material deformation in the joining area. After the joining operation both the punch and the clamp exert high forces at the same time to reduce any material deformations of the workpieces and to provide for compression of the workpieces in the joining area. Preferably the invention is used in a riveting tool for setting self-piercing rivets; as an alternative it may be used in a clinching tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for riveting two or more sheets together that includes a punch and a die. The die has an expandable cavity that is formed by a tip and a plurality of movable blades. The blades are retained on the die, in part, by an elastomeric blade collar that biases the blades inwardly toward the tip. A method of riveting a plurality of sheets together with the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A riveting yoke assembly (11) comprises a yoke (30), a force applying mechanism (22) and a rivet forming device (34, 36). The yoke has a first end (38), a second end (40), and a middle section (42) coupled between the first and second ends (38, 40). An opening (44) is formed through the yoke between the first and second ends. The force applying mechanism (22) is coupled to the first end (38) of the yoke (30). The lower rivet forming device (36) is removably coupled to the second end (40) of the yoke. The lower rivet forming device (36) has a base end (46) attached to the second end (40) of the yoke (30) and a forming end (48) with a recess (50) to form rivets (17). The recess (50) has a concave, interior surface (52) having an annular step (54) positioned between a top edge (56) of the interior surface (52) and a bottom-most point (58) of the interior surface (52) in order to properly align the rivet (17).

Abstract: A hydraulic processing tong for processing workpieces, with a tool, has a first tool part with an axially movable press ram or plunger, which with a first end or a tool located there and an opposing workpiece assembly forms a work area or work gap and with the first end can move toward and away from the workpiece assembly, and with a hydraulic actuating device for applying a force to the press ram, causing it to move in the direction of the workpiece assembly.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is provided for monitoring the installation of a blind rivet to attach together top and bottom members. The blind rivet installation tool includes a housing having an anvil seated on the rivet head. A collet is reciprocable within the tool housing and carries jaws for gripping the mandrel of the blind rivet. Retraction of the jaws by the collet displaces the jaws and the mandrel axially and causes the mandrel head to axially collapse and radially expand the hollow shank of the blind rivet into engagement with the bottom member so that the rivet attaches the top member and the bottom member. A cut off tool is actuated by an actuator to cut off the mandrel flush with the rivet head. Transducers and a process controller monitor the installation process and actuate the cut off blade upon determining that the blind rivet is properly installed.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated rivet squeezer is described, having features that allow for the miniaturization of a squeezer to a size smaller than portable rivet squeezers presently available. A first feature of the invention is that a return spring is accommodated within the squeezer housing by embedding the spring diametrically partially within a cavity in an internal wall of the housing and diametrically partially within a cavity in a jaw of the squeezer. A second feature of the invention contributing to miniaturization is that the squeezer utilizes a wedge having a very high mechanical advantage during the final stage of squeezing action, and a novel two curve surface for applying force to arms of the squeezer.

Abstract: A die (18) for use in a self-piercing rivet setting apparatus comprises a cavity (25) for receiving therein a protruded workpiece zone consisting of respective portions of the workpieces (2, 3) to be protrudingly deformed toward the die through the pressure of the self-piercing rivet (1). The cavity has a bottom surface provided with a central raised portion (29) protruding from the center of the bottom surface toward a punch. The central raised portion of the cavity has a vertical angle in the range of 90 to 160 degrees. Preferably, the central raised portion has a top formed in a spherical shape. The cavity has an approximately cylindrical outer wall (27) in the periphery thereof. The cavity has a curved inner surface extending from the top of the central raised portion to the lower end (33) of the outer wall through the bottom (35) of the cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming rivet joints with a desired amount of clearance to allow pivotal motion of the parts interconnected by such joints. Parts to be riveted together are aligned with each other, and a rivet is placed into aligned holes. A parts clamp urges the parts and a preformed head of the rivet against a rivet support anvil to establish an initial condition. A parts support anvil is placed in a required position with respect to the rivet support anvil prior to formation of the second head on the opposite end of the rivet, to provide the desired amount of clearance. The parts support anvil is moved by pushing against a set of arched leaf springs to adjust their effective length, using a hydraulic motor controlled in response to an electrical signal from a transducer that measures movement of parts by the parts support anvil.

Abstract: A ratchet arrangement of a chain splitter comprises a rotating rod integrally formed at a side of the ratchet wrench, and the rotating rod is to be screwed in a threaded hole of a splitter body. The ratchet wrench can reduce the required revolving space and the whole packing of the chain splitter, thus saving the required space when transporting the packed chain splitter.

Abstract: A hand rivet squeezer with adjustable handles includes a riveting head body, and C-shaped anvil yoke and stationary and lever swing-arm handles attached to the body. A mechanical linkage inside the body converts pivoting forces applied to the lever swing-arm into axial forces applied to a plunger pushing it from inside the body into the C-shaped yoke. The preferred mechanical linkage is a rack-and-pinion type design or alternatively a cam between the lever swing arm and the plunger. The handles are adjustable such that their angle relative the rivet head body can be varied depending on the access available around a solid rivet to be installed. The handles are engaged or locked to the body but may be unlocked or slidably disengaged and pivoted up to 90 degrees relative the body.

Abstract: A portable pneumatic compression riveter consists of a valve, air cylinder and rivet head assembly consisting of an alligator style set of jaws or a c-yoke style jaw set that is used to upset solid rivets used primarily, but not limited to, the aerospace industry. Disclosed is a series of improvements that make the tool lighter, more reliable and safer to operate.

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: For determining a depth of drilling in objects a path over which a resistance is measured which is produced by an object to be processed counteracts a processing tool during its advance movement, and the measured path is used for determination of a depth of drilling in the object.

Abstract: A driving anvil washer retaining apparatus (12) for a rivet gun (14) includes a magnetized element (21). The magnetized element (21) is coupled to the rivet gun (14) and retains an anvil washer (52) during installation of a rivet (82). A method of installing a rivet (82) includes inserting a stem (46) of a rivet assembly (80) into a rivet gun nose (22) having at least one magnetized portion (21). A rivet (82) of the rivet assembly (80) is inserted into at least one object. The stem (46) is removed from the rivet assembly (80). A driving anvil washer (52) is retained via the magnetized portion (21).

Abstract: Apparatus for installing a rivet nut or the like having an intentionally threaded shaft wherein the apparatus includes a hydraulically geared power tool having an inner hydraulic fluid containing a chamber and a screw adapted to engage the threaded shaft of the nut wherein the power tool rotates the screw when actuated. A fluid outlet is coupled to the chamber and is coupled to a gauge controlled power supply, the power supply being fluidly coupled to the power tool whereby the power supply includes torque predetermining device for determining when a predetermined torque is placed on the screw, this stopping rotation thereof and resuming rotation in an opposite direction to withdraw the screw from the nut.

Abstract: A hydro-pneumatically operated repetition riveting tool, which tool includes a gripping means for releasably gripping an elongated mandrel at a position remote from the mandrel head, which gripping means comprises a housing with an internal taper, and a plurality of mandrel-gripping jaws which are urged into contact with the mandrel by means of the internal taper; hydraulic retraction means for retracting the mandrel, thereby to pull the head of the mandrel through a rivet on the mandrel and adjacent the head, thereby to place the rivet; return means for returning the mandrel forwardly again after placing a rivet; and rivet feeding means for feeding rivets forwardly towards the mandrel head; in which the return means is pneumatically powered; and in which the housing of the gripping means comprises a first part and a second part, spring means for urging the first and second parts relatively apart from each other, and limiting means for limiting the movement apart of the first and second parts under the urging

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for pneumatically operating a tool which can be driven by means of pressure, such especially, pneumatic pliers. The device has a cylinder comprising one or more pneumatically operated, nonpositively fitted pistons arranged in a row, for generating a translatory force. The respective piston rods of the pistons are sealed against the preceding piston and guided in cylinder covers by means of a seal, such as a lip seal. Components such as a wedge piston are functionally connected to the pistons, said wedge piston being coupled to a cuneiform wedge, for transferring the translatory force and for operating the tool. The pistons are supported by at least one piston guidance strip, in the direction against the inner wall of the cylinder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming rivet joints with a desired amount of clearance to allow pivotal motion of the parts interconnected by such joints. Parts to be riveted together are aligned with each other, and a rivet is placed into aligned holes. A parts clamp urges the parts and a preformed head of the rivet against a rivet support anvil to establish an initial condition. A parts support anvil is placed in a required position with respect to the rivet support anvil prior to formation of the second head on the opposite end of the rivet, to provide the desired amount of clearance. The parts support anvil is moved by pushing against a set of arched leaf springs to adjust their effective length, using a hydraulic motor controlled in response to an electrical signal from a transducer that measures movement of parts by the parts support anvil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming attachment pads on a panel for attachment of a clinch nut thereto. The panel is formed between a forming die and a fixed anvil, which occupies a predefined net reference position. A face plate simultaneously “finds” the panel and is mechanically locked into position using a novel force applying device. The face plate maintains the location of the surface metal around the forming die, thereby forming a raised pad at the predefined net reference position. The novel force applying device includes self-contained piston modules positioned in tandem. Each module includes a housing having a void and a piston mounted within the void. The piston includes a driven and drive surfaces, wherein fluid pressure acts against the driven surface to drive the piston in an advanced direction such that the drive surface of the piston abuts another piston for cumulative effect.

Abstract: A portable tool used for installing fixing elements for assembling parts, which is particularly suitable for assembling machined parts or sheet metal by riveting. The portable tool includes a device for distributing fixing elements, one by one, according to a distribution axis; mechanism for holding a fixing element according to a placement axis; loading device for transferring a fixing element from the distribution device to the mechanism for holding; and a device for mounting a fixing element in a hole provided in the parts. The tool is characterized in that the loading device alternates between a loading movement for transferring a fixing element from the distribution device to the mechanism for holding and movement back to the initial position. During movements, the loading device describes the same path, alternating between one direction and the opposite direction.

Abstract: A riveting tool for heading rivets includes a riveter die and strike rod which, in use, engages the portion of the rivet shaft which projects beyond the components to head the rivet and produce the formed rivet head. The riveter die includes a head cavity open to a forward end thereof and which has a cavity profile which generally corresponds to a desired geometry of the formed rivet head to be produced. A bore extends longitudinally through the riveter die and opens into a rearward portion of the head cavity. The riveter die bore has a lateral cross-sectional profile corresponding to that of the rivet shaft. The strike rod comprises a longitudinally extending rod which has a lateral cross-sectional shape generally corresponding to that of the rivet shaft. The strike rod is slidably disposed within the riveter die bore so as to be selectively movable relative to the riveter die into engagement with the distal end of the rivet in heading operations.

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: An autofeed speed rivet tool and method which does not require a mandrel to be constantly withdrawn and re-stocked, is very efficient and can be used in a flow line application without requiring the line to be stopped to re-load the tool with rivets. A flexible tube carries rivets to a tool, along a guide wire. A flexible, inner tube may carry the rivets, and nylon balls may be provided on an outer tube where the nylon balls work as joints, and allow the outer tube to compress without shortening the center line. The tool may incorporate a plurality of inventive concepts, such as spoons with pivotable blades which grip the mandrel very much forward of the end of the mandrel, a transfer mechanism, rivet centering mechanisms and a mechanism for longitudinally managing the mandrel.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of a fastening system includes a self-piercing fastener having a thread-like pattern. In another aspect of the present invention, a fastener insertion machine employs an electromagnetic actuator without fluid actuation. A further aspect of the present invention uses a rotary-to-linear transmission within the machine to advance the fastener. In still another aspect of the present invention a self-piercing fastener is a clinch nut or a clinch stud.

Abstract: A rivet setting tool having a remote intensifier and autofill/recharge system is provided. The rivet setting tool has a hydraulic pulling head which is coupled to an intensifier. The intensifier has a mechanism for providing hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic rivet head to set a rivet tool. The intensifier further has a mechanism for refilling/recharging the hydraulic system of the rivet setting head.

Abstract: The machine includes a movable carriage (5) carrying an application gun (8) filled with pins for application, which is movable above a work station composed of a table (1) carrying an endless belt (2). The machine is provided with a rack (10) for storing a plurality of guns (8) pre-filled with pins, which rack can be accessed by a gripping holder (7) carried by the carriage (5). A detector mounted on the gun can ascertain the absence of a pin in the frame at the application location and instruct the movement of the holder towards the rack.

Abstract: A system for assembling a wrap-around type binder includes a riveting apparatus including a riveting station, for assembling a ring/shield/frame/hinge plate assembly to binder covers. The ring assemblies are moved to the riveting station along one path, and the binder or notebook covers are fed to the riveting station along another path. The riveting station includes locating and forming pins and at least one magnet for holding the hinge plates, and a carriage for holding rivets and for driving them through the covers and expanding the rivets on the forming pins to securely mount the hinge plates and associated rings, shields and frames to the binder covers.

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: 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 system is disclosed for installing an insert within an aperture in a workpiece, the workpiece having a first side and a second side. The insert is the type in which a portion of the insert plastically deforms on the second side of the workpiece upon application of a linear force provided by a tool, thereby preventing withdrawal of the insert from the aperture. The insert comprises a sleeve member and an integral flange, where the flange has a larger diameter than the aperture. The disclosed installation system performs two actions. It causes the expansion of the sleeve and it also causes the flange of the insert to be fused or welded to the first side of the workpiece. The welded connection between the insert and the workpiece prevents any rotation or spinning of the insert within the workpiece, and increases the integrity of the insert-fastener connection.

Abstract: A rivet is inserted into a workpiece by apparatus that includes an internal roller screw linear actuator in which rotational movement of an internally threaded cylinder is converted into linear movement of a fastener insertion actuator assembly. The cylinder is driven in rotation by a servo-controlled motor. The angular velocity of the cylinder required to deliver the required energy to effect fastener insertion is calculated and the motor is first controlled to accelerate the cylinder up to the calculated angular velocity, the actuator assembly simultaneously being moved by the cylinder towards the workpiece. The motor is then controlled to maintain the angular velocity of the cylinder at not less than the calculated magnitude at least until insertion of the fastener. The cylinder stores kinetic energy by virtue of its inertia. Using this inertia to insert fasteners eliminates the need for position or force feedback control. The process allows for a rapid cycle time and the apparatus is compact.

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 system for installing fasteners into a workpiece. The system includes a fastener orientation system and an installation unit. The fastener orientation system receives the fastener from a fastener delivery tube and retains the fastener in a holding jaw. Specifically, the fastener is retained by a plurality of deformable fingers in the holding jaw. The installation unit is coupled to the fastener orientation system and operable to move laterally with respect to the fastener orientation system to provide a force for securing the fastener in the workpiece.

Abstract: A self-piercing rivet setting apparatus (9) comprises a punch (14) and a die (18) for driving a self-piercing rivet into a plurality of workpieces including a receiving-side workpiece adjacent to the die. The self-piercing rivet has a large-diameter head and a hollowed leg. The leg is driven to pierce the workpieces while allowing the front end of the leg to be expanded and deformed in its radial outward direction and to be stayed in the receiving-side workpiece without passing therethrough, to connect the plurality of workpieces with each other by the expanded leg and the head. The die includes a first die member (26) having a first cavity (25), and a second die member (30) having a second cavity (27) and a protruding pin (29) provided at the center of the second cavity. The first cavity is adapted to allow the leg of the self-piercing to be driven into the workpieces in a straight direction when the self-piercing rivet is pressed by the punch (14).

Abstract: A rivet setting device for setting a self-tapping rivet in a work piece includes a rotatable head for rotating a self-tapping rivet to form a hole in the work piece and a shank retracting assembly for compressing and spreading the hollow body of the self-tapping rivet, allowing the head of the self-tapping rivet to detach from the shank upon application of a predetermined tensile force. The rotatable head comprises a clutch having a body enclosing a plurality of bearings circumferentially located around the shank, for gripping the shank. The clutch is formed with a plurality of tapered channels for urging the bearings into engagement with the shank upon rotation of the clutch.

Abstract: A hand held spin-pull tool for securing a hollow threaded insert into a substrate.

Abstract: A hand-held riveting tool is driven by a battery-powered electric motor, and comprises a hydraulically-actuated riveting head, and a reciprocating hydraulic pump driven by the electric motor. The tool includes a reservoir for hydraulic fluid, the hydraulic supply line from the pump to the riveting head being connected to the reservoir by a reservoir inlet valve which is normally open to allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the supply line into the reservoir. Operation of the tool-actuating trigger firstly closes the reservoir inlet valve, and then switches on the electric motor to operate the pump. Release of the tool-actuating trigger firstly switches off the electric motor to stop operation of the pump, and then opens the reservoir inlet valve. When the reservoir inlet valve is closed by operation of the trigger, it acts as a pressure-relief valve to relieve over-pressure of hydraulic fluid.

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: A fastener installation tool that is configured to feed fasteners from a magazine assembly into a housing where one of the fasteners is aligned to a reciprocating tool bit. The fastener installation tool is configured to set the fastener into a workpiece such that the head of the fastener is spaced apart from the surface of the workpiece by a predetermined amount. A method for coupling a first workpiece to a second workpiece is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of joining a sheet metal part to a metal tube to form an assembly. In an overlapping configuration, the parts are held together under a clamping force while a self-piercing rivet is driven through the assembly by a welding electrode. The rivet pierces and passes through the sheet metal part and then through at least substantial portion of the metal tube to thereby form a mechanical interlock. An electrical current is then applied to this mechanical retention to melt a portion of the rivet as well as a portion of the metal surrounding the joining region. The flow of electrical current is then stopped after several welding cycles where the now melted material is allowed to solidify upon cooling, thereby forming a weld.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for installing fasteners into a workpiece. The system includes a fastener orientation system and an installation unit. The fastener orientation system receives the fastener from a fastener delivery tube and retains the fastener in a holding jaw. Specifically, the fastener is retained by plurality of fingers in the holding jaw. The installation unit is coupled to the fastener orientation system and operable to move laterally with respect to the fastener orientation system to provide a force for securing the fastener in the workpiece.

Abstract: A rivet gun system includes a rivet gun frame having two ends. A die is coupled to one end, and a force sensor coupled to the rivet gun frame. The force sensor detects force applied to the die and generates a force signal in response to the force. A holding coil defines a channel within the rivet gun frame and generates an electromagnetic force along the channel. The channel includes an end defined by an end stop and an end defined by the die. A main coil further defines the channel between the holding coil and the die. The main coil also generates an electromagnetic force along the channel. A plunger slides through the channel in response to the electromagnetic forces. A force sensor electronics controller receives the force signal from the force sensor and activates the holding coil and the main coil in response to the force signal above an activation threshold.

Abstract: A portable tool used for installing fixing elements for assembling parts, which is particularly suitable for assembling machined parts or sheet metal by riveting. The portable tool includes a device for distributing fixing elements, one by one, according to a distribution axis; mechanism for holding a fixing element according to a placement axis; loading device for transferring a fixing element from the distribution device to the mechanism for holding; and a device for mounting a fixing element in a hole provided in the parts. The tool is characterized in that the loading device alternates between a loading movement for transferring a fixing element from the distribution device to the mechanism for holding and movement back to the initial position. During movements, the loading device describes the same path, alternating between one direction and the opposite direction.