Abstract: A functional element having a functional portion, a generally tubular rivet portion and a ring-like sheet metal contact surface is characterised in that features of shape are provided at the rivet portion for co-movement of the sheet metal part during the formation of the rivet bead, in particular at the free end of the rivet portion and/or at the radially outer side of the rivet portion, at least in the region adjacent the free end of the rivet portion. A component assembly comprising a functional element and a sheet metal part as well as a method for the attachment of a functional element to the sheet metal part are also claimed.

Abstract: A method of bonding a connector to a first object includes providing the connector, the connector being separate from the first object and including a thermoplastic material; arranging the first object and the connector relative to one another so that the connector reaches from a proximal side of the object through a first opening in the object; generating and applying vibrations and mechanical pressure to the connector until a flow portion of the thermoplastic material is liquefied and caused to flow sideways radially into an open space; and removing the source of the vibrations and causing the liquefied thermoplastic material to re-solidify, resulting in the connector with a foot portion, a head portion, and a shaft portion between the foot portion and the head portion. The shaft portion extends along an axis through the first opening, and secures the connector to the first object.

Abstract: A dissimilar material joining structure includes: a plate-shaped resin member; a plate-shaped metallic member; and a metallic rivet. The rivet includes a shaft, and a head integral with a first end of the shaft, and disposed outside a hole of the resin member hole. The shaft includes: a pillar; an enlarged diameter portion; and a punching portion that is joined to the metallic member via a weld. The hole of the resin member includes: a small-diameter hole portion adjacent to the pillar, and having an inner diameter equal to a diameter of the enlarged diameter portion; and a large-diameter hole portion adjacent to an outer circumference of the punching portion, and having an inner diameter greater than the diameter of the enlarged diameter portion.

Abstract: A dissimilar material joining structure includes: a plate-shaped resin member; a plate-shaped metallic member; and a metallic rivet. The rivet includes a shaft, and a head integral with a first end of the shaft, and disposed outside a hole of the resin member hole. The shaft includes: a pillar; an enlarged diameter portion; and a punching portion that is joined to the metallic member via a weld. The hole of the resin member includes: a small-diameter hole portion adjacent to the pillar, and having an inner diameter equal to a diameter of the enlarged diameter portion; and a large-diameter hole portion adjacent to an outer circumference of the punching portion, and having an inner diameter greater than the diameter of the enlarged diameter portion.

Abstract: A magnet plate includes a regulating member which is adapted to be press-fitted to a blind hole of a base plate. The regulating member protrudes from the surface of the base plate at one end, and prevents a permanent magnet from moving in a transverse direction. The regulating member has a narrower portion having a width smaller than the blind hole. Upon press-fitting of the regulating member, the base plate undergoes plastic deformation and the deformed portion moves into a space between the narrower portion and the inner wall of the blind hole.

Abstract: A hemming head device and method for hem forming one or more edges of deformable material. The hemming head device includes dual biasing spring members which provide a resistive force whether the hemming wheel is in a push hemming operation on an exterior joint edge or in a pull hemming operation on an interior joint edge. The device further includes a quick connect device for selectively connecting hemming wheels and other forming devices to the head and a gauge to measure the relative position or resistive force applied on the forming member by the biasing members. A method for hem forming a workpiece using dual biasing spring members is also disclosed.

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 way 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 method and apparatus for forming a quick connector with a lock connection. The quick connector includes a quick connector body and a mating component on of which having, in one aspect, an external spacing recess. The component has a step bore extending from a first end. A seal member is mounted on the step surface for sealing connection to a tubular component inserted through the quick connector body into the bore end component. Material is displaced from the component into the body or from the body into the component to mechanically lock and fluidically seal the body in the first component. In another aspect, one or more roll pins are inserted through aligned openings in the first component in the body. The roll pin expands to form an interference connection between the body and the component. In another aspect, a projection formed on one of a component in the body are used to projection weld the body to the component.

Abstract: A rivet setting machine is provided. In another aspect, a linear displacement sensor directly senses and detects a position of a rivet-setting punch relative to a nosepiece of a rivet setting machine. A further aspect provides a control system and software instructions for sensing the relative position of a punch and nosepiece used by a programmable controller to determine and monitor a rivet setting position without use of a force sensor, motor current/voltage sensor, or a rotation sensor.

Abstract: A step for installation into an attic that is easily installed on the existing beams within a typical attic to provide a safer and easier means to maneuver within a home's attic space. The step is produced using a single piece of sheet metal. In addition, the step is installed into the attic by securing teeth on the bendable tabs of the step to the existing beams using a hammer with the optional use of additional fasteners.

Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workplaces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed. Still another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit and one or more sensors to determine a riveting characteristic and/or an actuator characteristic.

Abstract: In a method for producing a non-detachable connection between a first workpiece and a second workpiece, a material of a workpiece region of the first workpiece is locally heated by friction heat by rotating a tool contacting the workpiece region. The material of the workpiece region is shaped to form a bush that projects beyond the first workpiece. The bush is integrally and monolithically connected to a material of the second workpiece by the friction heat contained in the material of the bush. Preferably, the first workpiece is a sheet metal and the second workpiece is a sleeve.

Abstract: A hole punch and a method for piercing a workpiece wherein a hole punch includes a sheet metal part and a piercing body attached thereto which carries out the piercing function and which is provided with a thread cylinder or can be provided with a thread cylinder, for example by pressing a threaded pin into a centrally arranged passage of the hole punch, wherein the hole punch can also be formed in one piece as a piercing body with a sheet metal-like flange. Furthermore a method is claimed for the manufacture of the hole punch.

Abstract: A punch rivet for fastening individual components to one another of which at least one component is formed by a workpiece of composite material, with the punch rivet having a flange of larger diameter, a rivet section of smaller diameter and a ring-like component contact surface at the side of the flange adjacent the rivet section and surrounding the rivet section, with the rivet section having at its free end a ring surface for the piercing of the two workpieces which stands at least substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the punch rivet and an inner concave ring surface which forms the transition from the end of the punch rivet into the hollow internal space of the rivet section. Ribs extending parallel to the longitudinal axis are provided at the generally cylindrical outer surface of the rivet section and preferably extend up to the free end face of the rivet section. In addition, a method is claimed.

Abstract: A method for fixing a piercing nut includes placing on a punching die a metal plate. A pilot portion is provided at a bearing surface of a nut main body of the piercing nut. A height from the bearing surface to an end face of the pilot portion is smaller than a thickness of the metal plate. The pilot portion is pressed to a first surface of the metal plate to be struck into the metal plate so that an inner peripheral surface of a punching opening portion of the metal plate engages with an outer peripheral surface of the pilot portion to fix the piercing nut to the metal plate. The end face is positioned between the first surface and a second surface of the metal plate. A punching slag is downwardly pushed to discharge the punching slag to a punching hole of the punching die.

Abstract: A method for forming a joint using a self-piercing rivet includes the steps of: positioning the sheet material over a die and providing a rivet having a substantially cylindrical shank and a head, the shank having a central blind bore and an annular piercing end spaced from said head. The ratio of the difference between the outside and inside diameters of the shank in the region around the bore to the outside diameter of the shank is in the range 0.47 to 0.52. The method also includes positioning a rivet over the sheet material at a position opposite the die and using a punch to set the rivet and force it into the sheet material such that it pierces the upper surface thereof and such that the shank deforms outwardly to interlock with the material but without penetration to the die side of the material.

Abstract: A pierce nut insertion tool is provided. In another aspect, a pierce nut feeding mechanism has a mechanically independent driver actuator from that of a punch. A further aspect of the present tool employs a member, moveable with a punch, that retains a pierce nut prior to fastening of the nut to a workpiece. An additional aspect uses a fluid actuated nut feeder including a piston.

Abstract: The present invention relates, amongst other things, to a punch-in element having a hollow head part of larger transverse dimension and a hollow shaft part of smaller transverse dimension which projects away from one side of the head part, wherein a ring-like sheet metal contact surface is formed at the said side of the head part and surrounds the shaft part, with a plurality of ribs at the outer periphery of the shaft part which extend in the axial direction along the shaft part from the sheet metal contact surface to close to the free end of the shaft part. A pre-installation component, a component assembly and a method is also claimed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a punch rivet for connecting two workpieces. The rivet includes a head and a hollow shank having a shank internal diameter (D3), a shank external diameter (D1) and a shank end face. Located at the shank end face is an annular cutting edge with a diameter (D4) that is smaller than the shank external diameter (D1). The shank internal diameter (D3) merges with the annular cutting edge via a cutting edge radius (R2); and the ratio of the cutting edge radius to the shank external diameter R2/D1 is greater than 0.3.

Abstract: A holeless plate member riveting method for riveting a retaining member to a holeless plate member using a press by: placing the holeless plate member on a first die of the press and attaching a mounting structure of the retaining member to the holeless plate member opposite to the first die, and then attaching a cavity of a second die of the press to the retaining member, and then operating the press to stamp the second die against the retaining member and the first die, forcing a cutting edge of the mounting structure of the retaining member to cut into the holeless plate member to the extent where a toothed portion and annular locating groove of an engagement structure of the retaining member are kept in permanent engagement with a deformed part of the holeless plate member.

Abstract: A cable tray is provided. The cable tray may include first and second side rails with a rung located therebetween. The rung may be attached to the first side rail by way of a first clinching connection. The rung may be attached to the second side rail by way of a second clinching connection. In accordance with other embodiments, first and second lancing connections may be used instead of or in addition to the clinching connections. A method of constructing a cable tray is also provided.

Abstract: A steering rack housing (20, 100, 100?, 100?) for a power steering system that surrounds a steering rack in a tubular manner and includes a hydraulic region (32), a mechanical region (34), and as an inner supporting bearing (38), wherein the supporting bearing is held in the steering rack housing (20, 100, 100?, 100?) by at least two cross-sectional contractions (46) of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for clinching nails into workpieces are provided. The apparatus can include a housing assembly including a driving assembly capable of driving a fastener. A nose piece can be arranged with the housing assembly and can define a fastener drive track. A clinching assembly can be arranged with the housing assembly and can include a movable anvil including an anvil tip portion. The movable anvil is capable of being moved into a position whereby the workpieces are held between the anvil tip portion and the nosepiece, while the anvil tip portion is operable to bend a fastener tip into one of the workpieces after being driven through the workpieces.

Abstract: A gasket for a compressed gas cylinder arranged to operate with a gas cylinder having a neck with a top surface around a gas outlet and a side surface extending downwardly from the top surface. The gasket may include an upper portion arranged for positioning on the top surface of the cylinder and for making a seal with the top surface, and a lower portion extending downwardly from the upper portion and around the side surface of the neck of the cylinder, such that the lower portion is arranged to make a seal with the side surface of the gas cylinder. Face and gland seals may be established by the gasket with an opening that receives the gasket and an associated cylinder neck.

Abstract: A double-action clinching tool includes a support having an aperture formed therein and a surface configured to receive a first layer overlapping a second layer. A clinching punch is slidably positioned in the support aperture and configured to engage the second layer. A punch is positioned opposite to the clinching punch and is configured to form an aperture in the first layer prior to the clinching punch engaging the second layer. A retractable clinching die configured to contact the first layer and to shift such that an interior wall thereof is angularly offset from an initial position when contacted by a portion of the second layer extending through the aperture of the first layer.

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 die member is provided for a self-piercing riveting process, the die member comprising a die cavity having an axis and a plurality of sides positioned about the axis, wherein each side extends along a plane which includes a chord connecting two points along a circle centered on the axis.

Abstract: A self-piercing rivet setting machine comprises a C-shaped arm and a receiver section disposed at one end of the C-shaped arm to receive a self-piercing rivet fed from a feeder. The receiver section has a rivet-reach detection sensor to detect the presence or absence of a self-piercing rivet in a driving chamber therein. If the rivet-reach detection sensor detects the absence of any self-piercing rivet in the driving chamber, the sensor outputs a signal to prevent a punch from being driven.

Abstract: A method is described for establishing a nail connection between two components as well as a nail therefor. The nail is driven through the non-prepunched components in the joining area at a high speed such that the nail tip fully penetrates both components and forms a toric-shaped material bulge in the nail-head-side component, which protrudes into a circular groove of the nail head, and a crater-shaped material bulge is formed in the component facing away from the nail head, which protrudes in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A method of making a compressible elastomeric spring including at least one compressible elastomeric pad enclosed by a pair of metal plates includes the steps of forming plates with a center aperture and a plurality of prongs positioned about a peripheral edge thereof, forming each end of the pad with an axial projection and abutting groove, aligning the plurality of prongs with each respective projection and respective groove and applying axial force to one end of the spring to frictionally interlock the plurality of prongs with such projection and groove. The method also provides for making a multi-tiered stack of pads separated by plates in the above described manner and pre-shortening the spring prior to installation into the conventional yoke. The above described method additionally improves axial straightness and lateral stability of the multi-tiered spring assembly.

Abstract: An upper die with a button-mounting member includes a solid axial part with a flat tip, a bar-like pin member with a pointed tip, and a cylindrical punch surrounding the pin member. The button is set above the cloth and the button-mounting member is disposed below the cloth. The upper die is lowered until the button comes into contact with the upper side of the cloth and the tip of the axial part contacts the lower side of the cloth. The pin member is lowered until the tip hits against the tip of the axial part, resulting in a pilot bore through the cloth. The axial part passes through the cloth along the pilot bore and through the mounting opening. After that, the axial part is swaged by the pin member and the punch.

Abstract: One or more ductile metal inserts may be selectively incorporated into articles of limited ductility, including castings and molded polymers. The inserts are positioned at joint locations for joining of the article to other articles using self-piercing riveting (SPR). The inserts are of suitable ductility, thickness and strength to receive and retain self-piercing rivets and enable a strong riveted joint between the article and a second article. In an embodiment the articles are magnesium alloy castings formed by any of sand casting, die casting and semi-solid metal casting. The chemical composition of the insert may be informed by the anticipated corrosive environment of the joint and the casting temperature of the magnesium alloy. For magnesium alloy castings which may be exposed to corrosive environments, aluminum alloy inserts are preferred.

Abstract: A unique self-drilling anchor screw is configured so that it can be set and used to secure a first object to a second object using only one tool to save time and effort. A nut of the screw engages a nut stop when turning in reverse, thereby driving rotation of the screw in reverse. The screw has a drill bit tip adapted for drilling a hole while turning in reverse. A hole is drilled using the drill bit tip while turning the nut in reverse with a socket wrench of the one tool. After drilling the hole, the nut is turned in the forward direction with the socket wrench to engage a sleeve member of the screw, which sets the screw in the second object. Then, the nut is further turned forward using the socket wrench to tighten the nut against the first object located between the nut and the second object.

Abstract: A functional element (10), for fixing to a piece of sheet metal (40), such as for example, a nut element or a bolt element with a body section or head section, comprising an annular flange (14) which transforms into a cylindrical rivet section, is characterized in that the transformation from annular flange into the rivet section is formed by an at least essentially conical surface, forming a contact surface for a corresponding conical region of a piece of sheet metal, which, on fixing the functional element to a piece of sheet metal, is clamped between the side of the annular flange facing the rivet section and an annular bead (50) formed from the rivet section. An assembled component and a method for the fixing of a functional element are also disclosed.

Abstract: A concrete screw is disclosed. The concrete screw has a shaft section, a thread section, which is arranged on the front end of the concrete screw and is provided with at least one expansion slot, and an expansion element, which is allocated to the expansion slot such that the expansion element expands the expansion slot during screw-in. A method and a tangential impact screwdriver for driving in such a concrete screw are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-attaching fastener and panel assembly wherein the free open end of the tubular barrel portion is coined, collapsed axially, flattened and deformed radially inwardly and outwardly and axially against a panel surrounding the panel opening. The method of installation includes driving the free end of the tubular barrel portion against a substantially planar die surface, deforming an end portion radially, then collapsing an intermediate portion over the radially deformed end portion, flattening the end portion, substantially thickening the tubular barrel portion and forming an annular surface engaging and supporting the panel surrounding the opening. The die member includes an annular moat surrounding a central die post and a planar die surface extending generally perpendicular to the axis of the die button.

Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workplaces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed. Still another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit and one or more sensors to determine a riveting characteristic and/or an actuator characteristic.

Abstract: A method for producing a rear crossmember for a vehicle seat that includes the steps of providing metal plate stock having a first edge and a second edge as well as performing a simultaneous punching and clinching operation to locate and secure a plurality of threaded fasteners into the plate stock at predetermined points. This operation causes an opening to be punched through the plate stock and the fasteners to be permanently retained in the plate stock at the openings. The plurality of fasteners provide threaded connection points that are employed in the further construction of the vehicle seat. A rolling operation is employed to cause the first edge of the plate stock to come into close proximity with the second edge of the plate stock in such a manner as to form the desired cross-sectional shape for the rear crossmember and a welding operation used to secure the first edge to the second edge thereby forming the rolled plate stock into the desired rear crossmember.

Abstract: A belt lacer uses a power drive carriage for clinching hook or C-shaped belt lacing elements to a belt end. Optionally, the carriage may be driven in a manual mode or a power mode. A detachable power drive such as from an electric drill may be used for the power mode. The power drive of the carriage may be stopped short of an end wall and a return mechanism may return the carriage to the power drive. A moveable belt support in a hand space position allows for working on the lacing elements and may be shifted to a belt supporting position. The belt clamp exerts a forwardly directed force on the belt as it is being clamped. Face plates or combs may be stored on the belt lacer. A latch secures the face plates against lateral sliding during clinching by clinching rollers on the carriage.

Abstract: Double-action clinching includes establishing a first layer on a second layer, and securing the layers between a tool's punch and clinching punch. First layer has less ductility than second layer, and clinching punch diameter is smaller than punch diameter. Layers are secured so: a tool support receives a portion of a second layer surface; clinching punch, slidably positioned in the support, is adjacent another portion of the second layer surface; and punch, positioned opposed to clinching punch, is adjacent a portion of a first layer surface. Pressing the punch into the first layer surface portion forms an aperture through the first layer. Pressing the clinching punch, in a direction opposite to the punch pressing, into the other portion of the second layer surface forces portion(s) of the second layer into the aperture, and forms a micro-interlocking flush-back joint between an aperture side wall and the second layer portion(s).

Abstract: An installation tool for use with a liner sleeve attachment, such as a nutplate assembly for mounting onto a substrate blind side as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,747. The installation tool includes retractable grip jaws for gripping and pulling a fixture pin protruding from the attachment, for initially advancing a tapered tool nose piece into deforming engagement with an attachment liner sleeve leading end to flare and/or expand the liner sleeve to lock the liner sleeve onto the substrate. Continued pulling action exerts a sufficient force to collapse a fixture pin head and thereby permit pull-removal of the fixture pin from the attachment. The nose piece is carried by a retractable inner housing normally retained in an advanced position for deforming the liner sleeve, and thereafter movable to a retracted position spaced from the liner sleeve to accommodate substantially unobstructed fixture pin separation from the attachment.

Abstract: Fastening apparatus comprises a frame having a pair of spaced arms supporting respective cooperable fastening members, loading of the frame during a fastening operation tends to spread the arms and cause variation of a desired predetermined relationship between the fastening members. One of the members is mounted on one arm of the frame by a holder constructed to deform elastically and thereby to provide at least partial compensation for the variation.

Abstract: A method for clamping a plate on a sheet or fabric material support, comprises the step of providing a plate and a counter-plate, the plate comprising a plurality of oin supporting elements bearing, on a non exposed to the view rear side thereof a plurality of pins for engagement each in a corresponding hole of the counter-plate, characterized in that method further comprises the step of providing a pre-plate including a plurality of temporary attachment points on non exposed to the view parts of said elements.

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 specific illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed here. The disclosed die tool that will assemble dissimilar materials to form a carrier plate of steel material and an insert of bearing grade material. One die used in the tool is carrier plate itself. The carrier plate provides a die opening to blank and pierce the bearing material into the steel material cavity.

Abstract: A rivetless nut plate has a nut, a holding bracket, a member and a nut retainer. The nut is provided with an aperture therethrough and is secured within a bracket portion of the holding bracket by the retainer but also is permitted limited movement within the bracket portion. The holding bracket further includes a tubular portion having inner and outer walls. The inner wall is tapered such that the member is positioned against the inner wall. Upon an axial force being applied to the member through the aperture of the nut, the member is pushed through the tubular portion from the first end to the second end in order to expand the inner wall and force the outer wall into engagement with the wall of the workpiece. A tool is provided to push the member through the tubular member and can be incorporated into either a manual or automatic process.

Abstract: A functional element for connection to a sheet metal part, and a method for connecting a functional element to a sheet metal part. The functional element includes a head part, a tubular rivet section extending from the head part and a tubular guide section disposed within the rivet section, with a portion of the guide section extending beyond the open end of the rivet section. When the sheet metal part is pre-holed, the portion of the guide section extending beyond the rivet section serves to dilate the pre-cut hole while centering the rivet section, and the functional element includes security components to provide an enhanced and stable connection as well as to secure against rotation. The guide section can be configured as a self-piercing component for use with a sheet metal part that is not pre-holed.

Abstract: A hose coupling according to the present invention for securing a hose has a cylindrical nipple and a cylindrical socket disposed radially outwardly thereof. A plurality of circumferentially extending annular hose gripping projections are provided on a radially inner surface of the socket in a predetermined interval along a longitudinal direction of the nipple. The hose comprises an elastic tube layer and a reinforcing layer disposed radially outwardly thereof, and is to be secured between the nipple and the socket by crimping the socket after the hose is inserted between the nipple and the socket. At least one hose gripping projection of the plurality of hose gripping projections protrudes radially inwardly of the socket greater than other hose gripping projections.

Abstract: A piercing plate assembly (10) having a pair of longitudinal channels (14, 16) separated by an annular protuberance (24) which pierces a panel (106) and retains the panel slug (108) within the annular protuberance (24) while concomitantly deforming a portion of the annular protuberance (24) around and within a portion of the panel (109) thereby coupling the assembly (10) to the panel (106) and creating a sealed and supported aperture within said panel (106).

Abstract: An improved method for constructing a steel stud frame wall (10) or other sheet metal joining applications using self-punching rivet fasteners (26). The steel stud frame wall includes discrete members to be joined, such as studs (12) connected to a bottom (or top) track (14). A rivet (26) is driven from the outside and staked on the inner, blind side of the overlapping regions of sheet metal. A leading tip (32) of the rivet (26) punches a chad (54) and is then deformed in a die cavity (40) of a setting tool to lock the formed steel pieces in position. The head (28) of the rivet (26) is pressed into the sheet metal during the setting operation so that a pocket (42) is formed out of the surrounding sheet metal, the pocket (42) having at least two distinct contours (56, 58) formed around the rivet head (28). The pocket (42) allows the rivet head (28) to seat into the outer surface of the sheet metal, thus facilitating a subsequent covering operation with wallboard (98) or the like.