Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for mounting a fastening element (12) to a part (13), e.g. a sheet metal part, said fastening element comprising a head piece (14) with a tubular rivet section (16) which is disposed concentric to an axis of symmetry (18) of the fastening element (12) or a fastening section (20) of the fastening element (12) and extends into the head piece via a radially extending contact surface (22). The rivet section (16) is guided through the part (12) so as to form a hole in said part, and the rivet section (12) is flanged such that the part is clamped between the contact surface and the flanged rivet section in the area of the hole.

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: A rotor assembly for an electric machine includes a rotatable shaft, a rotor core coupled to the shaft for common rotation, and an impeller coupled to the shaft for common rotation. A bearing is coupled to the shaft generally between the rotor core and the impeller. The bearing can include an outer race sized smaller than an opening defined by the machine housing. The bearing can include steel rolling elements such as steel balls or generally cylindrical steel rollers. An adaptor sleeve can be disposed generally around the outer race. The adaptor sleeve can be disposed within the opening defined by the housing for securing the adaptor sleeve and the bearing within the opening defined by the housing.

Abstract: A torque resistant self-attaching fastener having a tubular barrel portion and a radial flange portion including a plurality of circumferentially spaced radial projections each having opposed planar generally radial side faces with the outer surface of the radial flange between the radial projections having a greater circumferential width than a circumferential width of the radial projections and a radial length less than the circumferential width. The side faces may be aligned with a radius, the side faces may be parallel or the side faces of adjacent radial projections may be parallel.

Abstract: A method for assembling a bakeware having a metal frame and at least one flexible member is provided. The method includes forming a first hole in a metal sheet, forming a sidewall extending from the first hole, the sidewall having a lower lip, bending the sidewall and lower lip partially towards the metal sheet, placing a flexible member in the first hole, and pressing the sidewall and lower lip towards the metal sheet to secure the flexible member to the metal sheet. A bakeware including a metal frame and at least one flexible member is also provided.

Abstract: In a method for inserting a bolt element (10) having a head portion (12) and a shaft portion (16) into a sheet metal component (52) the bolt element is passed through the sheet metal component by means of a setting head (38), with its end (100) remote from the head portion at the front, and is riveted to the sheet metal component (52) in the region of its head portion (12) by the cooperation of the setting head with a die (54) arranged at the side of the sheet metal component remote from the setting head (38). The sheet metal component (52) is pierced either by a hole punch or by the specially shaped bolt element (10), by the end of the shaft portion (16) remote from the head portion (12) under the action of the setting head (38), to form a ring collar which is subsequently deformed radially into contact with a groove in the shaft portion. In this arrangement the end (100) of the bolt element (10) which performs the punching work is preferably executed in accordance with the Ka shape of DIN 78.

Abstract: A method is provided for self-pierce riveting which reduces a setting force required for setting the rivets. For this purpose, a clamping force produced by a clamping device is substituted by the force produced by a rivet on a punch. The clamping force varies within a known magnitude, whereas the setting force is reduced by 20%.

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 power operated belt splicing system is provided. In one form, staples are driven through a belt and clinched in a final set using a power driven tool and a force applying member having multiple drive punches. A lower force applying end on a punch preferably has a first portion to drive the staple and a second portion to drive a leading edge of the belt fastener against the belt thereby distributing the drive force over both the staple and the belt fastener. Preferably, the second surface is shaped similarily to the outboard edge of the upper plate. A pair of adjacent punches can substantially simultaneously drive two pairs of preset staples with each pair of preset staples being associated with one of a pair of adjacent hinged belt fasteners thereby attaching a pair of belt fasteners to a belt in a single operation. The initial and final staple set may be done with the same power tool.

Abstract: A self-attaching nut for installation in a panel by a plunger driven against the bottom face of the nut, the bottom face of the nut including parallel rails on opposed sides of a channel-shaped recess and a threaded bore through the recess, eliminating the requirement for a countersink in the bore at the bottom face and preventing tapping burrs from being driven back into the bore during installation.

Abstract: A die for a tool set includes at least one punch and a die which defines a cavity for effecting joining. The die comprises an anvil opposite the punch. Die segments adjoin the said anvil and define the cavity in the circumferential direction. When the punch is being fed in the direction of the anvil, the segments execute a yielding movement transversely to the punch feed direction.

Abstract: A self-piercing pin and method of installing same. The pin includes a body portion, a pierce ring, a flange, and a lock groove which is disposed between the pierce ring and the flange. An angled surface is provided between the pierce ring and the lock groove. A top side of the flange is generally flat so that the flange can be set flush to the workpiece, and to enhance the side load strength of the pin once the pin is installed. A bottom side of the flange is beveled, angled or flat, thereby minimizing the amount of workpiece material which becomes displaced during installation. Upon installation, the pierce ring shears the workpiece, and the material of workpiece flows to the lock groove portion of the pin, thereby forming a mechanical lock between the pin and the workpiece. A driver and a die are used to install the pin.

Abstract: A stitching method and a wire stitcher having a stitching head for stitching sheet-like materials using annular-eyelet staples, includes a staple support with a supporting body in the stitching head. The staple support supports a region of the annular eyelet during a driving-in operation and is moved out of the annular eyelet only when legs of the staple passing through the sheet-like material, have been largely bent over.

Abstract: A method of securing a nut plate to a workpiece includes the step of providing a nut plate include a nut, a holding bracket having tubular and bracket portions, and a stem. The tubular portion has an aperture therethrough which is inwardly tapered from a first end to a second end thereof. The stem is positioned within the aperture of the tubular portion. The tubular portion is positioned within an aperture defining a wall of a workpiece, such that the bracket portion rests on top of the workpiece. The nut is retained within the bracket portion. A force is applied to the stem such that the head expands the tubular portion radially outwardly from the first end to the second end such that the tubular portion becomes secured to the wall. The holding bracket may be formed of two separate elements, a sleeve having a tubular portion and a bracket.

Abstract: Two opposite ends of a handrail stock member are joined to form a handrail having a closed-loop configuration for an escalator or the like. A slot is cut into each end, parallel to a longitudinal reinforcement layer of the handrail stock member. A joint reinforcement insert including longitudinally-oriented high-strength high-stiffness fibers is inserted into the two slots and the two ends are butted together. A thermoplastic matrix material of the handrail stock member in the joint area is heated to a softening or melting temperature and is press-molded to penetrate into the reinforcement insert and bond the insert to portions of the reinforcement layer overlapped by the insert. The matrix material is fused across the junction plane. A pressing mold maintains the defined outer contour of the handrail.

Abstract: A fastening element capable of being attached to a panel by deforming the panel is disclosed. A barrel portion is tubular with an open free end and has an axis defining a circumference. A radial flange portion is integral with the tubular barrel portion opposite the free end and defines a circumferential surface. The radial flange portion includes a plurality of projections spaced apart and extending outwardly from the circumferential surface. Each of the projections defines at least one wall generally perpendicular to the circumference about the axis of the barrel portion.

Abstract: A symmetrical self-attaching female fastener including a body having a bore, and identical integral tubular barrel portions extending from opposed ends of the body coaxially aligned with the bore. The installation method includes driving either barrel portion through an opening in a panel, which may be formed by piercing the panel with the barrel portion, and simultaneously deforming both barrel portions radially outwardly and inwardly, wherein one barrel portion entraps the panel and the other exposed barrel portion is folded at an acute angle relative to the bore to reduce the overall length of the assembly.

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 method in which a claw portion of a connecting member penetrates a first piercing portion of a flat circuit member in a thickness direction thereof. In the case of connection to the flat circuit member having a thick conductor portion, the claw portion is bent such that a distal end portion of the claw portion pierces the flat circuit member so as to obtain electric contact with the conductor portion of the flat circuit member. In the case of connection to the flat circuit member having a thin conductor portion, the claw portion is bent such that a portion of the flat circuit member is clamped between an outer surface of the claw portion and inner edge portion of a side wall portion of the connecting member, so as to obtain electric contact with the conductor portion of the circuit member.

Abstract: A self-piercing element including a shank, a radial flange and a tubular barrel. The flange includes spaced concave surfaces and the annular bearing surface has an area at least four times the concave surfaces. The element is installed in a panel supported on a female die including a central die post, wherein the outer side wall is a frustoconical having an included angle between five and twelve degrees. During installation, the tubular barrel pierces an opening in the panel and the panel is drawn against the outer surface of the tubular barrel and the barrel is deformed into a U-shape. The flange is simultaneously received in the die cavity and the panel is incrementally deformed radially into the concave surfaces between the frustoconical side wall and the flange portion providing improved torque resistance.

Abstract: A button indexing device used in a button attaching machine for attaching a button to be indexed in a specific orientation on a fabric of garments or the like, including lower mold provided at a button attaching position of the attaching machine, a driving section for turning the lower mold around a vertical axis, a laser beam source for irradiating a laser beam onto a point of a specified circular track of the button to be held in the lower mold around the vertical axis, an optical sensor for detecting light reflected from or scattered by the button, and a stop section for stopping said lower mold in a rotation position capable of obtaining the right orientation when said optical sensor detects the minimum or maximum amplitude.

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 flexible retainer for retaining die blades in a tool assembly. The retainer comprises inner and outer walls with the inner wall being generally concentric with and radially spaced inward from the outer wall. The inner wall defines a central opening in the retainer which is configured and adapted to extend radially around the die blades so that the retainer retains the die blades in the die assembly while allowing radial movement of the die blades. The retainer may have at least one channel that extends axially between the inner and outer walls.

Abstract: A method for placing a functional element, especially a fastening element, in an especially liquid-tight and/or gastight manner, on a metal part. The inventive method is characterized in that a functional element provided with a hollow head segment is pressed against the metal part (212) which is supported by a die (214) and the metal material is deformed into an undercut (324) by deforming the head segment when simultaneous deformation of the hollow head segment occurs and the metal pant is shaped in a forming area defined by parts (216) of the die (214). Said parts (216) are kept in a stationary position during the forming process but are partially removed from the die to enable the functional element which is placed on the metal part (212) to be extracted therefrom. The invention also relates to a die, a functional element, an assembly element and a die arrangement.

Abstract: An automatic stapling apparatus and method is disclosed which may have a stapling mechanism moved by a stapler engaging mechanism into a stapling position in relation to a stack of sheets to be stapled, inserted through a stack insertion opening, and adapted to staple a stack of sheets up to a maximum thickness, and may comprise: a sheet stack thickness gauging apparatus adapted to move into a sheet stack thickness gauging position prior to the stapling mechanism being moved by the stapler engaging mechanism into the stapling position; the sheet stack thickness gauging apparatus being further adapted to engage any object within the insertion opening in position to be engaged by the stapler which is of a thickness greater than or equal to a pre-selected thickness; and, a safety disconnect apparatus adapted to prevent the operation of the stapler in the event that the sheet stack thickness gauging apparatus engages an object in the insertion opening in position to be engaged by the stapler which is of a thickne

Abstract: A punch having wings is driven through framing members and then rotated. Rotation of the punch causes the wings to crimp the framing members together. An angular crimping technique where piercing members are driven through framing members in at least two different directions to crimp the framing members together. A fastenerless cinching tool pierces adjacent framing member and crimps the framing members together.

Abstract: A self-attaching fastener installation head and feed mechanism including a spring-biased L-shaped feed pawl which feeds a first nut in the feed passage adjacent the plunger passage on the upstroke of the die press. The feed pawl is pivotally supported on a slide bracket which includes a roller in the longitudinal axis of the feed passage which is biased against a central cam surface on the base and the base is interconnected to the nose member by removable pins. A spring biased nut restrictor is pivotally supported on the nose member, simplifying removal of a nut strip from the head and the installation head is more rugged in design and has fewer parts, reducing costs.

Abstract: Method for production of an eyelet, during connection of workpieces where material of an outermost workpiece is pulled through openings in the other workpieces, using a single feed movement of rim hole or eyelet punch to both shape the eyelet from the one workpiece and generate the openings, in the other workpieces by breaking out one or more pieces of materials, providing a reduction in the number of operating steps and simplifying such steps.

Abstract: A method of securing a metal component to a body having a metal wall includes placing the component against the body such that a wall of the component is in external surface contact with the wall of the body. An opening is then thermal drilled through the abutting walls causing thermal flow of material on opposite sides of the abutting walls that, when hardened, joins the component to the body.

Abstract: A method of connecting a flat cable and a terminal, comprising a sticking step in which cramp pieces (13b-13d) are stuck through a flat cable (10) to be received in corresponding cavities (15b, 15c) that are provided to allow the cramp pieces to maintain their shapes, and a cramping step in which the cramp pieces that have been stuck through the flat cable are bent and thereby cramped to the flat cable.

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 method of the present invention is intended to be used in association with a headed fastener such as a tee nut, but not limited to a tee nut. The present method contemplates embodiments of a riveting pin having protuberances that cause the flared end of the shaft to be flared in one or more discontinuous portions of the circumference of the shaft, whereby “push out” and “spin-out” are deterred. Where the length of the fastener shaft is no longer than the thickness of the material through which it is inserted, a first design of flaring pin is provided. Where the length of the shaft of the fastener employed is greater than the thickness of the material through which it extends, a second embodiment of flaring pin is employed. In the former case, at least one discrete portion of the circumference of the shaft is flared into the wall of the passageway through which the shaft extends.

Abstract: A method for producing a windshield wiper bracket (10) with a U-shaped cross section, with two through holes (12) disposed in the legs (11) of the bracket (10), through which a rivet (13) extends, wherein the method includes the following steps: production of through holes (12) in a flat bracket blank (14); insertion of a rivet slug (15) into one of the through holes (12); folding of the legs (11) to produce the U-shaped profile and to thereby position the rivet slug (15) in a position aligned with the other through hole (12); sliding of the rivet slug (15) into the position extending through both of the through holes (12), and riveting of the rivet slug (15).

Abstract: Jigs (52 to 57) are respectively set on upper and lower holders (21, 31) of a button attaching apparatus instead of upper and lower dies; relative position of the upper and the lower holders (21, 31) is adjusted while upper and lower springs (211, 317) are disabled; while the upper spring (211) is kept disabled, the lower spring (317) having stronger biasing force is enabled to adjust the lower spring; and the upper spring (211) is enabled to adjust the upper spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a joiner for lance joining ductile materials, such as metal sheets, and in particular to a joiner including a die assembly and a punch assembly. The die assembly includes a die anvil and an anvil surface. There are at least two die blades around the anvil, the blades extending in a longitudinal direction, generally above and below opposite sides of the anvil surface to form a die aperture for the punch. Each blade is arranged to move away from the anvil to open up the aperture when ductile material is forced in the longitudinal direction into the aperture and against the anvil by the punch. Each blade has a cutting edge above the anvil facing towards the die aperture for cutting through the ductile material to make a lance joint when the material is forced into the aperture. The assembly also has at least one biasing means by which the blades are biased towards the anvil to constrict the aperture.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for installation of a lockbolt to fasten together an assembly of at least two parts having a viscous fluid such as adhesive or sealant in the interface between the two parts, inserts a lockbolt into aligned holes through the two parts and exerts a pulling force of a predetermined intermediate magnitude on the lockbolt while reacting the pulling force against opposite sides of the assembly to exert a compressive force on the assembly to squeeze the fluid out of the interface. The intermediate pulling force is maintained for a precisely timed dwell period based on an optimal period for that fluid and that temperature. After the dwell period, the pulling force is increased in magnitude while simultaneously swaging a collar into threads on the lockbolt to secure the collar on the lockbolt and secure the lockbolt in a state of tension in the hole in the assembly. The pulling force magnitude continues to increase said until the pintail breaks off the lockbolt.

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 portable belt lacer fastens to an associated belt end a plurality of side-by-side connectors of the type having opposing shanks interconnected by central eye loops with staples that extend through the opposing shanks and the associated belt end. The belt lacer includes a bending die configured to bend free ends of the staples upon penetration into and through the associated belt end, and a press head operably connected with said bending die with a die that is shifted vertically in the direction of said bending die to insert the staples. Positioners upstanding from the bending die are configured to abuttingly engage the connectors to precisely locate the same on the bending die, and a centering rod is inserted through the eye loops of the connectors, and is laterally shiftable toward and away from the bending die, such that the connectors are accurately and positively positioned along the associated belt end by capturing the connectors between the positioners and the centering rod.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is intended to be used in association with a headed fastener such as a tee nut, but not limited to a tee nut. The present method contemplates embodiments of a riveting pin having protuberances that cause the flared end of the shaft to be flared in one or more discontinuous portions of the circumference of the shaft, whereby “push out” and “spin-out” are deterred. Where the length of the fastener shaft is no longer than the thickness of the material through which it is inserted, a first design of flaring pin is provided. Where the length of the shaft of the fastener employed is greater than the thickness of the material through which it extends, a second embodiment of flaring pin is employed In the former case, at least one discrete portion of the circumference of the shaft is flared into the wall of the passageway through which the shaft extends.

Abstract: There is provided self piercing rivet comprising a substantially planar metal body portion (160) having deformable tabs (161) symmetrically disposed about a slit (162) as per the first embodiment. The upper portion of the body portion (160) is provided with a V-shaped recess (163) diverging from a point (164) adjacent the centreline of the body portion (160) and terminating at the upper edge (165) of the body portion (160). The V-shaped recess (163) divides the upper portion of the body portion (160) into head tabs (166) disposed to each side of the body portion (160). The upper remaining edges of the head tabs (166) enable the rivet to be partially driven and then set by deformation of the deformable tabs (161) and the head tabs (166) against respective sides of the riveted workpiece. Methods of producing the rivets and tools for their use are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (20) for mechanically securing material (10), such as, for example, gasket or damping-type material for inhibiting or minimizing transfer of vibration or noise to sheetmetal (12) by punching, cutting, or otherwise creating one or more bendable metal flanges (14,16) in the sheetmetal (12) which project through and are bent or folded over and against the material (10) to thereby secure it in place. The apparatus (20) broadly comprises a punch (24) operable to create the flanges (14,16) by punching through the sheetmetal (12) , and an anvil (28) operable to bend or fold the flanges (14,16). The flanges (14,16) are preferably {fraction (1/10)}-½ inch in length and {fraction (1/10)}-¼ inch in width, and are provided with a curvature to facilitate bending.

Abstract: A tool used in manufacturing circuit board holders from sheets of material has a working face for forming embossments on the sheets by repetitively striking the sheets therewith. The working face includes an H-shaped formation for forming two separate halves of an embossment on the sheet of material with one strike, of which, of the two separate halves, one is delimited by the upper parallel lines of the H and the other is delimited by the lower parallel lines of the H.

Abstract: A support structure includes first and second support members which are interlocked with a body. The second support member is placed in a die such that a hole of the second support member is located at a predetermined position and the body is placed on the second support member. The first support member is placed on the body such that apertures of the support members and an opening of the body are aligned. A shaping pin is then advanced toward the first support member in alignment with the predetermined position so that a shoulder of the shaping pin extends into the first support member. The shaping pin continues to advance through the first support member until a portion of the body extends past a surface of the second support member, thereby joining the first and second support members and the body together.

Abstract: A fastener for splicing ends of conveyor belts together is provided having a rivet that is pre-inserted thereto to provide speed and ease in installation. The rivet is held in an aperture of the upper plate by an interference fit at the lower end thereof. Preferably, the interference fit is achieved by knurling of the lower end portion of the rivet shaft to create raised interference portions or ridges integral therewith that are sized to be in an interference fit in the upper plate aperture. The remainder of the shaft can be sized to provide clearance between it and the aperture. An applicator machine tool is also provided for automatically securing a strip of the pre-inserted rivet fasteners to a belt end in a fast and efficient manner. The tool uses operating members to first drive pilot nails through the belt lower surface into registry with the rivets, and thereafter the rivets are driven coordinated with the pilot nails that are withdrawn back through the belt.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a non-piercing, non-shearing fastener, die button, fastener and panel assembly and method for installing the fastener. The fastener has a head with a barrel, the barrel defines a cavity or pocket. The barrel cavity receives a portion of the panel and panel is forced around the outer barrel wall to wrap panel material around the barrel to lock the fastener into the panel. The barrel also includes anti-rotation formations.

Abstract: A support bar of a headrest assembly or a hand brake is provided with one or more notches or indented portions. The notches or indented portions are formed in a way that inhibits the formation of additional material portions extending outwardly from the smoothly curved outer surface of the support bar. The indented portions or notches possess a shape having continuous curvature as seen in a cross-section perpendicular to the axis of the pipe member.

Abstract: The method of attaching a fastening element to a metal panel within a panel opening using a die member having an annular concave die cavity. The fastening element includes a tubular riveting portion and a radial flange portion and a fastening portion. The internal and external surfaces of the tubular riveting portion are relatively uniformly inclined toward the radial flange portion such that the thickness of the tubular riveting portion at the free end is less than the thickness adjacent the radial flange portion. In the preferred embodiment, the internal surface of the tubular riveting portion is cylindrical and the external surface is slightly conical tapering inwardly toward the free end to reduce the force required to radially deform the free end of the tubular portion radially outwardly.