Abstract: An assembly cell for accurate placement of stringer clips in a channel of a stringer for a compound contour section of an airplane fuselage, and for holding the clips at a predetermined orientation while drilling holes for fastening the clips in the stringers includes a fixture having locating surfaces for holding the stringer in a configuration that is the same as the configuration it will have when installed at its designated position in the airplane. The fixture has headers adjustable to conform to the shape of the airplane in which the stringers will be installed, The headers have clamps for securing the stringers against accurately machined reference surfaces on the headers. An end effector is held by a machine tool in the assembly cell for gripping a stringer clip and inserting it into the stringer channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bucking bar that upsets a shank of a rivet. The bucking bar includes an L-shaped bucking die having a wide section and a thin angular section capable of sliding between an obstacle and the shank. The L-shaped bucking bar consists of Tungsten Carbide. The bucking bar also includes a bucking bar arm coupled to the wide section of the L-shaped bucking die for positioning the thin angular section of the bucking die between the obstacle and the shank of the rivet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fastening assembly system for applying fasteners along the seams of a cylindrical structure. The fastening apparatus includes a base unit which releasably attaches to a cylindrical structure, and a first fastening device coupled the base unit for applying fasteners along a seam of the cylindrical structure. The base unit may be embodied as either two crescent shaped members in parallel alignment for attaching to the upper half of the cylindrical structure. Alternatively, the base unit may include a base plate that is attachable to the floor beams on the interior of the cylindrical structure. In the preferred embodiment, the first fastening device cooperate with a second fastening device located on the opposite side of the cylindrical structure during the fastening process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable process for automated fastening of aircraft structures. The invention will employ two primary elements for locating and installing through-the-skin fasteners. Inside and outside units are attached onto an airframe and indexed to each other through coordination holes that have been pre-drilled through the structure. The aircraft structure is assembled with the pre-drilled coordination holes by aligning adjacent airframe parts and inserting alignment pins. The alignment pins will provide a degree of clamping to pull the parts together and provide indexing for inside and outside vacuum attachment track systems. The invention is equipped to traverse along the track system, accurately position itself, and drill only or countersink a hole, insert a fastener, and fasten, i.e., upset a rivet, or run down a threaded nut, then reposition itself to the next fastener location and repeat the process.

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: The present invention is embodied in a reconfigurable gantry tool and a reconfigurable tool system. The reconfigurable tool includes a platform, a reconfigurable holding mechanism, a gantry frame, a multi-axis numerically controlled robotic tool, a multi-movement control device coupled to the mobile multi-axis tool, and a rotatable and translatable sine plate. The reconfigurable gantry tool system comprises a plurality of reconfigurable gantry tools strategically coupled to one another to form a non-matrix assembly line. Other tooling systems can be coupled to and/or within the reconfigurable gantry tool system for performing additional operations.

Abstract: The present invention is a mobile tool positioning system including a support assembly, a mobile multi-axis, numerically controlled robotic tool, and a multi-movement control device coupled to the mobile multi-axis tool. The support assembly is located adjacent a workpiece and has a plurality of engagers. The mobile multi-axis, numerically controlled robotic tool has proximity sensors removably attached to the engagers. The mobile tool can therefore be detachably coupled to the support assembly. The proximity sensors precisely locate and align the mobile tool with the support assembly before being coupled. In addition, the mobile tool can have a self leveling system with a configurable memory. As such, precision tooling operations can be performed on the workpiece.

Abstract: Riveting apparatus wherein a planetary roller screw delivers the high forces required for actuating the fastener upset tooling. In order that precise control of the entire upset operation may be obtained, a servo-controlled electric motor operates the actuator. In order that different machining operations may be performed on a workpiece without having to provide an actuator for each tool, the tools are engaged in turn by the actuator for performing riveting and other machining in succession.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a self-cutting blind rivet/expansion rivet without draw nails in the core of the rivet, a method for blind riveting/expansion and an apparatus for performing the method, together with a function for expansion by a combination of these within the same process. There is described a blind rivet (101) expansion rivet (300) which comprises a head (101) with an engagement body (102) for co-operation with a complementary screw nose on a mounting tool, a self-drilling tip (103) in the outer end of the rivet and an axial hole (104) which at least over part of its length is provided with a conical section for attachment from the tool for mounting the rivet, and in addition a mountable head (FIG. 3A) for expansion/riveting which is equipped with a clamping sleeve (303). A self-drilling blind rivet system comprises a tool for placing and expanding the rivet in the same process, where the tool's nose head increases the area of application within a number of fastening systems.

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: Apparatus for positioning tooling with respect to a workpiece such as for positioning an anvil and clamping members on the inner surface of a fuselage being riveted. The apparatus comprises a tooling head, a frame for supporting the head, a carriage for moving the frame relative to the workpiece including movement of the frame along an axis. The frame is movable radially of the axis toward and away from the workpiece for macro-movement of the head. The head is also movable relative to the frame for movement of the tooling radially of the axis toward and away from the workpiece for micro-movement of the tooling for clamping to and unclamping from the workpiece as well as to clear flange portions of stringers being riveted to the workpiece.

Abstract: In an automatic fastening machine for installing fasteners in a workpiece and including at least one tool for performing a fastener installation operation on the workpiece, a component such as one of the tools for holding a fastener in spaced relation to the workpiece prior to installation therein and sealant applicator apparatus movable into and out of operative association with the fastener for applying sealant to the fastener prior to installation in the workpiece. Sealant application to the fastener is provided automatically as part of the fastener installation operation. The sealant applicator apparatus comprises a pair of sealant applicators in spaced-apart opposed facing relation and movable toward each other into sealant applying relation with the fastener. Each sealant applicator has an end shaped to confirm to a portion of the outer surface of the fastener. The applicators are readily removable to facilitate maintenance and replacement.

Abstract: A system for maintaining normality of a tool nose to a workpiece supported on a floor assembly jig adjacent to a carriage on which the tool nose is mounted while the carriage is negotiating a bend in the floor assembly jig includes a support system for supporting the carriage on a rail for longitudinal travel along the rail. The support system has two longitudinally spaced bearing blocks and a slide on each bearing block for mounting the carriage on the bearing blocks for lateral movement of the carriage toward and away from the rail. Each bearing block includes a bearing base in which is journaled a plurality of rollers in rolling contact with a horizontal upwardly facing surface on the rail for rolling vertical support of the bearing base on the rail, and also has at least one roller in rolling contact with a laterally facing surface on each side of the rail for lateral support of the bearing base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning tooling with respect to a curvilinear workpiece which is curved in a first direction extending along a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece and which is curved in a second direction extending along a plane substantially parallel to the workpiece longitudinal axis, the degree of curvature in the first direction being greater than the degree of curvature in the second direction. An illustrative example is automatic drilling, inserting and upsetting one or two piece fasteners such as exterior skin rivets on an airplane fuselage. There is provided a head for supporting a plurality of tools at spaced locations around a central axis wherein each of the tools has an operational axis disposed substantially parallel to the central axis and an arrangement for moving the head along paths of travel relative to the workpiece to reach various locations on the workpiece where the tools are to perform operations on the workpiece.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for positioning tooling with respect to a workpiece such as for positioning an anvil and clamping members on the inner surface of a fuselage being riveted. The apparatus comprises a tooling head, a frame for supporting the head, a carriage for moving the frame relative to the workpiece including movement of the frame along an axis. The frame is movable radially of the axis toward and away from the workpiece for macro-movement of the head. The head is also movable relative to the frame for movement of the tooling radially of the axis toward and away from the workpiece for micro-movement of the tooling for clamping to and unclamping from the workpiece as well as to clear flange portions of stringers being riveted to the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of recovering rivets from a rivet hole prior to the deformation of the rivets by the rivet dies includes the steps of positioning a suction cavity over the rivet in the rivet hole, pushing the rivet out of the hole with a rivet tail die and blocking the hole with the rivet tail die to prevent suction from the tail-side pressure nose from holding the rivet in the rivet hole. The swirling air in the suction cavity induced by the suction hose connected to the suction cavity pulls the rivet out of the hole and sucks it out of the suction cavity through the suction hose.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically causing the end face of a self-piercing nut (N) to function as a punch for piercing a metallic panel (P) laid on a caulking die (1) so that the nut is fixed to the panel. The apparatus has a pair of gripping fingers (31, 32) attached to the opposite sides of the lower end of a striking punch (2), and has a workpiece butting leg member (25) extending in parallel with a vertical bore (4) formed through a slide guide (3). The leg member (25) is attached to and depends from the bottom surface of the slide guide (3), so that the punch (2) holding the nut (N) by means of the gripping fingers (31, 32) will penetrate the slide guide (3) and then descend along the leg member (25), until the nut punches and is secured to the metal panel (P). Thus, the self-piecing nut (N) can be fixed to any bent bottom of or any narrow recess in the metal panel (P).

Abstract: A belt fastener assembly attachment apparatus attaches belt fastener assemblies to the end of a belt with rivets and with a non-manually powered rivet assembly driving tool. A guide template having a plurality of guide apertures is alignable with the anvil die apertures of an anvil die plate. Each guide aperture receives and aligns the rivet assembly dispensing barrel of the non-manually powered rivet assembly drive tool to the anvil die apertures of an anvil die plate and rivet receiving apertures of the belt fastener. Guide pins carried by the guide template and received within guide apertures of the anvil die plate maintain the guide template apertures in registration with the anvil die apertures of the anvil die plate and the rivet receiving apertures of the belt fastener.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for positioning tooling with respect to a curvilinear workpiece which is curved in a first direction extending along a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece and which is curved in a second direction extending along a plane to the workpiece longitudinal axis, the degree of curvature in the first direction being greater than the degree of curvature in the second direction. An illustrative example is automatic drilling, inserting and upsetting one or two piece fasteners such as exterior skin rivets on an airplane fuselage. Inner and outer positioning systems carry or support inner and outer tooling, respectively, which engage the workpiece from opposite sides thereof during tooling operations thereon.

Abstract: A linear actuated sealant applicator pump for pumping a sealant into an aperture prior to installation of a fastener in that aperture. An air driven linear actuator translates a cam plate carrying a sealant applicator head from a first position in a first direction spaced from and slightly out of vertical alignment with the aperture to which sealant is to be applied. An adjustable stop limits the translation of the cam plate and injector pump. The actuator then continues in the first direction causing the cam plate to follow a cam slot translating the sealant applicator head in a second direction normal to the first direction toward and in vertical alignment with the aperture with the head engaging the edges of the aperture. The engagement of the head with the edges of the aperture prevents further translation of the sealant applicator head into the aperture.

Abstract: Process for riveting together sheet metal, using a riveting tool (1) with a central partially spherical raised portion (8) in its pressing surface, which when pressed against the rivet shaft end (10) causes the rivet shaft to swell radially before a second rivet head is formed of the material in the river shaft.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus for drilling dowel holes in a workpiece and then inserting dowels in the dowel holes is disclosed. The apparatus has a moveable carriage that moves along the side edge of the workpiece. A drilling tool and a dowel inserting tool are attached to the moveable carriage. A programable controller controls the movement of the carriage and the operation of the drilling tool and the dowel injecting tool. The controller is programmed to move the carriage to a plurality of positions for drilling dowel holes in the workpiece. The number of dowel holes, the spacing of the dowel holes and the depth of the dowel holes are entered into a control panel to program the controller. The controller is then activated to move the carriage and operate the dowel drilling tool and dowel inserting tool.

Abstract: A device for aligning and supporting a nutplate against the workpiece to ch it is to be fastened during the entire fastening cycle of an automatic riveting machine. The device has a base that may be mounted on the lower ram of an automatic riveting machine. A nutplate elevator moves vertically within a sleeve extending upwardly from the base. The end of the sleeve supports the workpiece lower surface. A driver anvil has pins that may be forced against the rivet tails in response to motion of the lower ram driving pin.In operation, the lower ram rises, clamping the workpiece between the end of the sleeve and the upper pressure foot. The nutplate elevator is lowered by applying air pressure to the top of a piston, which is contained within the anvil. A nutplate is placed on the elevator. The nutplate is raised by applying air pressure to the bottom of the piston, forcing the nutplate against the workpiece.

Abstract: A movable frame is supported by a counter balancing winch or a robot and carries a horizontally movable shuttle on which is mounted a motor driven drill spindle and a parallel spaced anvil both movable in a vertical direction by corresponding fluid cylinders. A clamping bushing is supported by the frame for receiving a drill bit carried by the drill spindle and then receiving a rivet carried by spring fingers on the anvil. A J-shaped or C-shaped slide member is supported by the frame for vertical movement and carries a ram which opposes the anvil when in the clamping bushing. A hydraulic cylinder is mounted on the frame and has a downwardly projecting piston rod connected to the slide member, and a clamping tool is supported adjacent the ram by a fluid cylinder within the slide member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning tooling (16, 16) with respect to an arc-shaped workpiece assembly (12) spaced radially away from a centerline (14). The apparatus includes axially spaced apart support arm assemblies (40, 42) which are swingable about the centerline. Each support arm is provided with a fixed portion (72) and a radially inwardly and outwardly movable portion (70), the movable portions of both arm assemblies being simultaneously movable under the control of a CNC controller (58). The ends of inner and outer beams (36, 38) are supported by the radially movable portion (70). Supported upon each of the inner and outer beams is a carriage assembly (32, 34) movable along the beam (36, 38). A head (28, 30) is supported upon each of the carriages, each head having a relatively stationary half (124) and a shiftable half (122), the shiftable half being mounted upon a track carried by the stationary half to provide for movement about a center point.

Abstract: A machine for the simultaneous maching of a stack of plate-like workpieces has a frame with an overhead arm portion, a worktable below the arm portion, and a workpiece guidance assembly for moving the workpiece stack on the worktable. A rotary tool drive assembly and a riveting assembly are provided in the arm portion, and a tool storage assembly is spaced from the arm. A tool changer assembly has a pair of carrier rails extending from the tool storage assembly to adjacent the rotary tool drive assembly, and they are spaced to opposite sides thereof. A pair of tool carriers are reciprocatable on the rails for transporting tools between the tool storage assembly and the rotary tool drive assembly to effect insertion into and removal from said tool assembly of such tools.

Abstract: A drilling unit mounted on an arm of an assembly robot. In order to enable a drill bush of a nose piece, for guiding a drill, to be adjustably moved into exactly registering relation with a bore of a template laid on a workpiece, the nose piece is mounted on a first cylindrical member which is mounted on a second cylindrical member through a first compliance mechanism comprising elastic support members which constitute oblique links of a trapezoidal link mechanism having an imaginary intersection of the oblique links at a front end of the drill bush. The drill bush can therefore make a swinging motion about the intersection. The second cylindrical member is mounted on a guide plate through a second compliance mechanism which enables the second cylindrical member and hence the drill bush to adjustably move in a radial direction of a rotational shaft of the drilling unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for riveting two workpieces (20, 22) together by simultaneously upsetting both ends of a slug rivet (12). The present apparatus includes a frame portion (44) which may deflect during the rivet upsetting operation and a frame compensation booster assembly (164) which is provided to ensure that movement of the upper riveting ram relative to the frame portion (44) is increased an amount equal to the frame deflection so that the workpieces will be maintained in a substantially fixed work plane during the upsetting operation. Before the slug rivet is upset and after the slug rivet has been snugly engaged by the riveting rams (50, 60) the pressure behind the riveting rams is equalized by introducing fluid into the cylinder (48) until the pressure within the cylinder (48) equals the pressure within the cylinder (56). This is to prevent movement of the workpiece at the commencement of the upsetting operation.

Abstract: A C-shaped yoke (42) extends over the top of a fixture (10) containing a part to be assembled. A first support frame (70) is supported on the fixture (10) and moves longitudinally therealong. A second support frame (94) is secured to the yoke (42) and is mounted on the first support frame (70) for vertical movement relative thereto. One linear actuator (128) connects one portion (122) of the second support frame (94) to the remainder thereof so as to provide a capability of yaw movement for the yoke (42), while another linear actuator (200) connects the second support frame (94) with the yoke (42) in such a manner as to provide a capability of roll movement for the yoke (42). A pair of actuator systems (54,56) are mounted on the lower ends of the yoke (42) for movement toward and away from each other. The actuator systems (54,56) contain the automated tools such as drill, riveting assemblies, etc., for performing the desired mechanical operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting fasteners which are press fit through aligned apertures in side-by-side workpieces. The apparatus includes a frame which is moveable relative to the side-by-side workpieces, the frame including a main frame and a subframe mounted on the main frame and moveable between the first and second positions. The subframe carries tooling in the form of a drill and an upper ram. Also, mounted on the main frame are upper and lower spaced apart clamps which may be selectively moved into contact with upper and lower surfaces of upper and lower workpieces. The upper ram can be moved into contact with a headed fastener to force the shank of the fastener through aligned apertures drilled in the workpieces. A vibrating apparatus is associated with the upper ram and will be operated to hammer the upper ram while it is still being maintained in contact with the fastener after the fastener has been inserted into the workpieces to fully insert the fastener and relieve any stresses which may be present.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying sealant to a countersunk fastener hole. The apparatus includes a sleeve, an adapter tube within the sleeve, a nozzle housing attached to the adapter tube, and a tip within the nozzle housing. A guide pin is attached to the adapter tube and follows an oblique slot in the sleeve. To operate, the sealant applicator is inserted into a countersunk fastener hole, engaging the tip with the countersink of the hole. The tip depresses into the nozzle housing, ejecting sealant onto the countersink. The adapter tube is pushed into the sleeve, moving the guide pin along the oblique slot in the sleeve. This guide pin movement rotates the adapter tube, nozzle housing and tip, causing the tip to uniformly spread the sealant around the countersink.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for riveting together workpieces which, in their assembled relationship, have non-parallel exterior surface. Apparatus is provided for clamping the workpieces together between an upper clamp pad and a lower clamp pad, the lower clamp pad being mounted on a spherical bearing so that the lower clamp pad can conform to the workpiece surface. The lower clamp pad is provided with a conical aperture which can act as a pilot for tooling. The tooling is also mounted on spherical bearings so that when the lower clamp pad is in contact with the lower surface of the workpiece, and the tooling is moved towards the workpiece. The tooling will be piloted by the conical aperture to be normal to the surface. After the workpieces are clamped together, the workpieces are drilled from the upper surface and the upper surface is also countersunk.

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 multiple-task end effector attachment for the articulated head of a computer controlled robotic machining center capable of imparting multi-axis linear and rotational movements to the end effector which comprises opposingly aligned master and slave related tool heads that carry multiple tool drivers receptive of selectively changeable tooling. The tool heads are interjoined and rigidly supported in opposing alignment on opposite sides of fixture held stationary work pieces by means of an intervening generally U-shaped yoke or frame of selected configuration dedicated to the particular shape of the parts assembly. The master tool head of the end effector is connected directly to and carried by the mobile head of the robot which powers and controls the positioning and operation of both tool heads of the end effector.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a fluid substance to a drilled hole as part of an automatic fastening machine. The fastener machine drills the hole in the workpiece, such as an aircraft wing panel, and then the substance applicator applies the substance to the hole, prior to subsequent installation of the fastener within the hole. The substance applicator, which is connected to a movable pressure foot, is pneumatically operated so that a head portion of the applicator is extended laterally over the hole, and a tip assembly in the head is extended vertically downward toward the hole. This operational sequence is accomplished by means of variable rate springs which bias the tip assembly and base to retracted positions. The substance is delivered to the tip assembly from a storage reservoir by means of a peristaltic pump. Positive shutoff of the substance to the tip assembly is achieved by a pivotally mounted shutoff arm assembly.

Abstract: Improved process and apparatus for assembling component parts by means of rivets or similar fasteners in which computer controlled robotic machining centers present selected tools in predetermined special position on opposing sides of the components which are held stationary in a fixture. The robots prepare the rivet holes at multiple selected locations, followed by repositioning of roboticly controlled tools at each hole location for the installation of the fasteners. Throughout hole preparation and fastener installation novel end effectors maintain a symmetrical balance of forces on the components in a manner which avoids stressing and deformation of the components, holding fixture and end assembly.

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 method and apparatus for positioning tooling and riveting the apparatus including a frame provided with opposed riveting rams (96, 86) and clamps (34, 36). The first clamp (34) is extended above the work plane established by the outer surface of one workpiece (10) with the lower ram retracted. Next, the frame (26) is moved downwardly until the first clamp touches the workpiece. An encoder (140) measured the amount of first clamp collapse during overtravel of the frame after the first touch is sensed. The frame is now backed off this distance to establish a work line coextensive with the work plane. The lower clamp (36) is then raised to clamp the workpieces (10, 12) and drill carried by a sub-frame (66) will now drill aligned apertures through the workpieces. The subframe is indexed to another position to place rams (96, 86) is alignment with the apertures. The upper riveting ram (96) is then advanced to its full down position to set an upper cavity and is locked under high pressure.

Abstract: Dimpling and riveting a workpiece wherein the workpiece is clamped, the dimpling, drilling and riveting occur sequentially while the workpiece is clamped, and the workpiece is heated prior to dimpling. During clamping a pressure foot force is applied to one side of the workpiece, and during dimpling a force is applied to the opposite side causing slight movement of the workpiece against the pressure foot force. The dimpled recess in the workpiece is about the shape of a truncated cone and a rivet-receiving hole is drilled through the workpiece in the recess. To provide a fluid-tight seal, the minor diameter of the truncated cone is made slightly greater than the diameter of the rivet-receiving hole thereby providing an annular step between the hole and the outwardly diverging wall of the dimpled recess. During upsetting of the rivet the workpiece material is compressed radially around the annular step to provide a fluid-tight seal between rivet and workpiece.

Abstract: A table supports a cardboard file unit body as it is manually slid edgewise forwardly, engaged against a fixed but adjustable side edge guide, into engagement with a fore-and-aft movable front edge guide and an air microswitch thereon that actuates a punch mechanism. After punch operation, the front edge guide moves forward, bringing the punched portion of the body between the wings of a metal tab waiting at a peening station. Arrival of the front edge guide at its forward position trips another air microswitch to actuate a tab peening mechanism. The tabbed body is then manually withdrawn rearwardly and a new tab is automatically fed rearward to the peening station from a stack of tabs in front of that station. The punching and peening mechanisms, front edge guide and tab feed slider are actuated pneumatically.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for drilling, countersinking, inserting and forming the head of a rivet in a workpiece comprising a base which holds a lower anvil assembly in correct linear relationship with an upper ram assembly; a lower anvil body mounted on the base and a removable anvil insert having a common long axis with the anvil body, the upper ram assembly, and the rivet on which a head is being formed.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching a device or element or the like to a work piece such as a panel or the like. Support structure supports a carriage which carries drill mechanism, liquid applicator mechanism, and rivet injector mechanism. The support structure also supports swage mechanism. A work piece is clamped in a given desired position, and the carriage sequentially moves the mechanism to drill, apply liquid, and to inject rivets through a predetermined portion of the work piece. An element or device is applied to the work piece so that the rivets extend through the device as well as through the work piece. Then swage mechanism swages the rivets to attach the device to the work piece.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a technique and machine for completing the assembly of a turbine-rotor stage by precision-peening blade tenons to secure shroud segments to successive blades. In the machine, a turbine-rotor assembly of multiple stages of blades on a rotor shaft is mounted on a horizontal axis, with provision for indexing successive blade tenons of a given-stage into precise horizontal confrontation with tool elements successively presented to the tenon, the tool elements being independently mounted to a compound-axis slide system. A presser foot carried by the slide system locally holds the shroud segment to a seated position against the blade to be secured, while first an induction-heating element and then a riveting tool perform in programmed sequence upon the exposed end of the involved tenon.

Abstract: A puncher-riveter has a fixed lower part having an upper surface and a vertically displaceable upper part above the lower part and having a lower surface. A hydraulic motor vertically displaces the upper part toward and away from the lower part. A punch having a lower punch end is vertically displaceable on the upper part between an upper rest position with the lower end above the lower surface of the upper part and a lower working position with the lower end below this lower surface. A die is provided on the lower part in vertical alignment with the punch so that the lower punch end can engage in the die when the punch is in the lower working position and the upper part is displaced down toward the lower part.

Abstract: A method in blind riveting comprises the step of using a mandrel which is withdrawn completely through the tubular rivet for setting the rivet, as a drill for cutting the hole through which the shank of the rivet is to be inserted. The hole is cut by means of an eccentric drill bit on the mandrel, which can pass through the passage of the set rivet.

Abstract: A sealant applicator apparatus is disclosed of a form adapted for incorporation in automatic riveting machines and the like as one of the positionally indexed, sequentially operated tools in the machine along with the usual drill, countersink tool and riveter. Mounted and actuated under controlled pressure in position to pick up a bead of sealant from a supply source during one of the indexed functions of the riveter machine, the sealant applicator later in the sequence is automatically positioned over the countersunk hole and actuated under controlled pressure to deposit the bead of sealant on the countersink surface as a step preceding insertion and bucking of the rivet.

Abstract: A pierce rivet machine for simultaneously pierce riveting sheets of material to the opposing flanges of a channel shaped member having a first and a second pierce rivet driver, a first and a second pierce rivet holder for respectively holding rivets for said first and second pierce rivet drivers, and a first and a second anvil each respectively positioned to function in conjunction with the operation of said first and second pierce rivet drivers. The first and second pierce rivet drivers are positioned diametrically opposed to each other. A drive rod supports each pierce rivet driver and attached to the end of the drive rod is a link member and bellcrank for driving the drive rod along an axial reciprocating path. A tie bar has its ends pivotally attached to the bellcranks causing the drive rods to be simultaneously actuated. One of the bellcranks has its end pivotally attached to an air cylinder motor that operates the machine.

Abstract: A fastener such as a rivet, bolt or screw is provided with a protective coating for protection against corrosion and deterioration, formed by application of a mixture of a powdered metallic substance such as powdered aluminum or molybdenum disulfide with a phenol-formaldehyde resin in a volatile carrier from the group consisting of lower alkyl alcohols, methyl ethyl ketone and petroleum distillate, such as toluene or ethyl alcohol, or both, together with strontium chromate and zinc chromate. Either teflon or fatty amido diamine is added to the foregoing mixture. The thickness of the coating after drying can be made very thin and controlled to a high degree and possesses sufficient toughness and lubricity so that it is not damaged even when used on interference type fasteners.

Abstract: An accessory for riveting machines, replacing the conventional lower anvil, which permits both the top and bottom exposed surfaces of a laminated assembly to be countersunk and flush riveted. It includes a selectively and sequentially engageable sheet clamping means, countersinking means, rivet anvil, and rivet squeezing means.