Abstract: A body support for use with a bed having a top end, a bottom end and a mattress, including a back vertical wall removably mountable at the bottom end of the bed in a fixed position in which the wall extends across the bed and above the mattress, a front vertical wall extending parallel to the back wall above the mattress, and a scissor jack disposed between, secured to and connecting the front wall and the back wall so as to be capable of expanding and contracting horizontally to move the front wall away from and toward the back wall above the mattress in maintained parallel relation to the back wall, whereby the front wall serves as a foot support for an individual lying on the bed and is positionally adjustable in accordance with the individual's height. A pad may be removably mounted on the front wall.

Abstract: Heat dissipation device for an electronic board comprising a support body connected to the electronic board, said electronic board being provided with an electric connection interface which can be inserted into/extracted from an electric connector provided in a direction orthogonal with respect to the lying plane of a support plate, having a heat dissipation surface configured to dissipate the heat transmitted to it by thermal conduction, wherein said heat dissipation device comprises at least one holding element and a leveling member, coordinated with respect to each other in order to position a surface of the support body in contact with the heat dissipation surface of the support plate.

Abstract: A method of inserting a rivet into a workpiece comprises moving the rivet and workpiece relative to one another, along a longitudinal axis of the rivet, so as to drive the rivet into the workpiece. The rivet is rotated about its longitudinal axis, relative to the workpiece, for at least part of the time during which it is in contact with the workpiece. The speed of said rotation, or the speed of movement along the longitudinal axis of the rivet, is altered at least once before driving of the rivet into the workpiece is complete. One axial end of the rivet has a tip for piercing the workpiece, and the rivet has a substantially cylindrical shank extending longitudinally from the tip. The shank has one or more surface irregularities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joining element comprising a shaft to be placed into a component; a head provided at a first end of the shaft; and a punching element attached in a losable manner to a second end of the shaft remote from the head.

Abstract: A vehicle component joining method includes, among other things, positioning a contact side of a first component adjacent a contact side of a second component, inserting a mechanical fastener into a cavity of the first component, and rotating the mechanical fastener to drive the mechanical fastener through an interface between the contact sides of the first and second components. The interface is disposed along an interface plane and the mechanical fastener is driven through the interface in a direction that is nonperpendicular to the interface plane.

Abstract: A punch rivet for joining two workpieces, has a head and a shank. The shank is hollow with a shank internal diameter (D3), a shank external diameter (D1) and a shank end face. On the shank end face is a ring cutting edge with diameter (D4) that is smaller than the external diameter (D1) but greater than the internal diameter (D3). The ring cutting edge is radially spaced both from the shank external diameter (D1) and from the shank internal diameter (D3) by at least 20% of the radial shank wall thickness (M5). And the ratio D3/D1 of shank internal diameter D3 to shank external diameter D1 is smaller than 0.6. And the external diameter (D1) merges into an external circumference of the head by a second profile, which defines an underhead radius (R1), and the ratio of R1 to D1 (R1/D1) is smaller than 0.13.

Abstract: In a fluid pressure cylinder a piston unit, which is displaced along an axial direction under the supply of a pressure fluid, is disposed in an interior of a cylinder tube of the fluid pressure cylinder. The piston unit includes a disk shaped plate body connected to one end of a piston rod, and a ring body connected to an outer edge portion of the plate body. The ring body is connected together with the plate body by a plurality of third rivets that are punched in an axial direction with respect to the plate body.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for production of a workpiece. A first workpiece part is cut free from a first plate-shaped material by a separating cut made via the punch-handling tool. The first workpiece part is held in at least one of a clamped manner and tensioned manner via at least one of an upper tool and a lower tool of a punch-handling tool while being cut free. The workpiece part is aligned with the first plate-shaped material, a further plate-shaped material that differs from a material of the first workpiece part, and a second workpiece part and the aligned pieces are clinching with a clinch tool to connect the pieces at a connection point that is free from a filler material.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus may include (1) at least one receptacle that (A) is coupled to a line card that facilitates communication among computing devices and (B) mates with at least one member coupled to a backplane of a telecommunications system to physically support the line card upon installation in the telecommunications system and (2) at least one spring that (A) is coupled to the receptacle and (B) applies, when the member is inserted into the receptacle, a force on the member to lift the line card in an upward direction. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a joining structure for joining dissimilar materials, such as a plastic plate and a metal plate. The joining structure is positioned or formed at where a plastic plate and a metal plate are joined. The joining structure includes: a self-piercing rivet piercing through the plastic plate to be pressed onto the metal plate and subjected to plastic deformation. In particular, the plastic plate includes a self-healing capsule containing a self-healing agent in a base material of a plastic resin and a catalyst being polymerized with the self-healing agent. The self-healing capsule is broken by a crack of the base material at a periphery of a pierced portion of the plastic plate, and the self-healing agent flowing out of the self-healing capsule fills a gap of the crack and causes polymerization with the catalyst to cure the crack portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing panel products in edgewise shear in which the shear stress is applied in a diagonal direction with a first rotational degree of freedom in a first grip means and a second rotational degree of freedom in a second grip means as a first loading configuration. A second loading configuration is provided in which the second rotational degree of freedom of the second grip means is locked in place and motion is prevented. A third preferred method of loading is available in which shear forces in a horizontal direction through a centerline of a specimen, with the centerline in the plane of the specimen and extending across a widest dimension of said specimen. Control and data collection are under computer control and operator safety is enhanced by a locking guard door which is electrically locked while the various parts of the machine are in motion.

Abstract: A clinch nut for attachment to a plastically deformable metal substrate is provided. The clinch nut comprises a body portion with a central axis and a punch portion extending from the body portion and coaxial with the central axis. The body portion includes an annular-shaped surface encircling the central punch portion. The annular-shaped surface includes a plurality of spaced apart lugs encircling the central punch portion. The plurality of lugs each includes a contact surface with a recessed portion where the contact surface engages the metal substrate. A first portion of the contact surface is biased outwards from the central axis upon insertion in the metal substrate to form at least one lug flare during attachment of the nut to the metal substrate. A portion of the metal substrate is entrapped between the at least one lug flare and the body portion.

Abstract: A self-piercing rivet (10) for forming joints in stacked sheets of high or low strength, light alloy metals such as aluminum and magnesium. The rivet (10) comprises a head (11) and a substantially cylindrical shank (12) that is at least partially hollow so as to define a bore (13) that extends along at least part of its length. The outside diameter (D1) of the shank (12) is at least 6 mm, the effective length of the rivet is at least 1.3 times the diameter of the shank and the bore (13) has a volume that is at least 38% of the effective solid volume of the rivet (10). The rivet geometry is such that it has enhanced column strength to withstand the high insertion forces required and a high bore volume to accommodate displaced sheet material.

Abstract: An assembly including a plurality of parts fastened together with a flow drill screw. An indentation is formed on one side of a first part and a second part is assembled into engagement with the side of the first part with the indentation facing the second part. The flow drill screw is inserted through the indentation and material is displaced from the part into the indentation. Two or more panels or parts may be joined by aligning a flow drill screw with the indentations that are formed by embossing one or more panels.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a frame structure, such as a window sash or a frame for a window or door, comprising a core made from at least one core member made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) with a density of 80-200 kg/m3 and a shell of polyurethane (PUR) encasing the core. The core may include a plurality of core members, some of which may be made from a different material.

Abstract: In a method of supplying connecting elements to a processing unit, in which the connecting elements are placed in readiness by a supply unit and conveyed individually by a passage to a loading device arranged on the processing unit, the conveyance of the connecting elements takes place in two separate steps, a first step in which the connecting elements are individually conveyed by the supply unit into a intermediate reservoir arranged near the loading device, and a second step in which a single connecting element at a time is conveyed from the intermediate reservoir into the loading device of the processing unit. Specifically, at least two different connecting elements are picked up by the intermediate reservoir, and of the several connecting elements accommodated in the intermediate reservoir an arbitrary one determined by the processing operation is selected for the second step and conveyed to the loading device.

Abstract: A die button for installation of a nut to a panel includes a button body with a panel end, and a cavity defined therein. An aperture is defined in the panel end at a mouth of the cavity. A shearing edge is at a perimeter of the aperture to shear a tab from the panel when a shearing force is applied to the panel by the nut driven by a punch of a press. A relief is in a portion of the perimeter of the aperture to bend a root portion of the panel connecting the tab to the panel without severing the root when the nut applies the shearing force. A reaction member is slidably disposed within the cavity. A resilient member is disposed within the cavity to urge the reaction member toward the panel end, thereby bending the tab to contact the nut and seal a bore.

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: 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: A composite part including a resin matrix and fibers reinforcing the resin matrix in a first portion of the matrix. A second portion of the resin matrix is substantially devoid of fibers. The fibers may be in the form of a woven mat that defines an opening. Alternatively, the fibers may be loose fibers that are deposited in a mold that includes predetermined areas that are shielded from the deposit of the loose fibers. A method of making the composite part is disclosed in which a woven mat having an opening is filled with resin. Another method is also disclosed in which loose fibers are shielded from being deposited in a portion of the mold that is subsequently filled with resin.

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 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: A gun rivet and a device for placing said rivet are disclosed. The gun rivet contains a rivet head (1) with a collar (3) at one end and a rivet tip (6) at the other. The rivet body contains a cavity (7) in the form of a bore in a sleeve section (22). As with other gun rivets, the gun rivet is shot with a percussive-type action and with the aid of its rivet tip into an opening in two sheets (13, 14) that are to be joined together, until the collar comes to rest on the upper face of the upper sheet. A tensile bolt is then introduced into the cavity and is connected to the base (8) of the latter. This can be achieved by resistance welding. The tensile bolt is then drawn until a rivet head is formed on the opposite side of the two sheets. The tensile bolt is then detached from the gun rivet, for example by shearing. The tensile bolt can be re-used to place another rivet.

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: 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: The present invention provides a light guide plate and a manufacturing method thereof and a side-edge backlight module using the light guide plate. The light guide plate includes a plurality of reflective separation walls arranged therein. The reflective separation walls divide the light guide plate into a plurality of sections. The reflective separation walls have surfaces forming mirror surfaces. The light guide plate includes reflective separation walls respectively arranged between independent sections to have light traveling from an independent section toward the reflective separation wall reflected back into the independent section and thus confined within the independent section. Thus, brightness sectioning and independent control of sectionalized brightness of the light guide plate can be realized and improved light isolation result can be achieved.

Abstract: A punch for use in molding a workpiece with lubricating oil interposed between the punch and the workpiece includes a straight portion and a diameter-increasing portion. The straight portion includes an end face and a side face. The straight portion extends in an axial direction. The end surface extends in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The side surface is connected to the end surface. The diameter-increasing portion is connected to the straight portion. The diameter-increasing portion includes a width in the radial direction, which is identical to that of the straight portion, at a junction between the straight portion and the diameter-increasing portion. The width of the diameter-increasing portion in the radial direction increases with distance from the straight portion. At least one of the end surface and the side surface of the straight portion is formed with a pit.

Abstract: A method of fastening a plurality of parts together with a flow drill screw. An indentation is formed on one side of a first part and a second part is assembled into engagement with the side of the first part with the indentation facing the second part. The flow drill screw is inserted through the indentation and material is displaced from the part into a void defined by the indentation. Two or more panels or parts may be joined by aligning a flow drill screw with voids formed by indentations that are formed by embossing one or more panels.

Abstract: A micro-abrasive blasting device comprises a mixing chamber, a delivery conduit extending from external the mixing chamber to the mixing chamber and a discharge conduit extending from the mixing chamber. Abrasive material may selectively be sealed in the chamber by positioning the discharge conduit to abut the inlet port. The chamber may be spherical to deliver consistent powder perturbation at all mixing chamber orientations. Methods of using the device are disclosed. Methods of making the device by blow molding are disclosed.

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 mounting apparatus includes a bottom panel, a first mounting member, and a second mounting member. The bottom panel includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The first mounting member includes a positioning portion and an installation portion. A concave portion is defined in the bottom surface, for receiving and preventing the positioning portion from rotating relative to the bottom panel. The bottom panel defines a through hole, for an installation portion. The second mounting member includes a locking portion. The locking portion defines an installation hole, for locking the installation portion. The bottom panel top surface t is between locking portion and positioning portion. The positioning portion bottom surface place in the same plane with the bottom panel bottom surface or is between the bottom panel top surface and the bottom panel bottom surface.

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: 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: Provided is a connecting structure in which it is difficult for a crack to occur, even if a connection location is set in a portion on which concentrated tensile stress may occur. Laminated metal plates are concurrently punched out downward in shape of tongue piece. A depth of punch-out is not smaller than a total thickness of the laminated metal plates. A tongue piece portion is punched out in shape of cantilever beam while a central connection portion is left behind. The tongue piece portion is bent downward in the out-of-plane direction at a connection portion linking to the central connection portion in order that a location of the tongue piece portion in the extension direction on its way is parallel to a bend line. The tongue piece portion is configured to widen in width gradually toward a front end thereof.

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 self-diagnosing pierce nut installation apparatus including an installation head attached to an upper die member of a die press having a reciprocating plunger driving a pierce nut against a panel, piercing a slug from the panel upon closing of the press and a rod telescopically received in the plunger resiliently biased through the nut bore if a slug is pierced from the panel or against the panel if not pierced, and a sensor sensing axial movement of the rod, stopping the press if the rod engages the panel. A die located in the lower die member includes a slug sensor confirming receipt of the panel slug through the die member.

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 press for attaching nuts to pipes has an upper base, a lower base, a movable support having a base end supported at a rear end of the lower base and a front end extending to the front end side of the lower base, a nut receiving recess provided in a piston of a hydraulic cylinder at the front end of the movable support and disposed at the upper end of a lower pattern, a lifter for the movable support, a stopper for the middle position of the movable support, a crimping die as an upper pattern mounted on the upper pattern support and movably disposed vertically on a same axial line as the lower pattern, and a hydraulic cylinder for pressing an upper pattern disposed on the upper base, and pressing the crimping die downward.

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: A microstructural body includes a substrate such as an electrode substrate, a support portion, one post that fixes the support portion to the substrate, a frame-shaped movable portion provided around outer periphery of the support portion, and an elastic support portion that elastically connects the movable portion and the support portion. The elastic support portion supports the frame-shaped movable portion such that the movable portion is movable relative to the support portion. The elastic support portion includes torsion springs and an elastically deformable connecting portion.

Abstract: In a method of supplying connecting elements to a processing unit, in which the connecting elements are placed in readiness by a supply unit and conveyed individually by a passage to a loading device arranged on the processing unit, the conveyance of the connecting elements takes place in two separate steps, a first step in which the connecting elements are individually conveyed by the supply unit into a intermediate reservoir arranged near the loading device, and a second step in which a single connecting element at a time is conveyed from the intermediate reservoir into the loading device of the processing unit. Specifically, at least two different connecting elements are picked up by the intermediate reservoir, and of the several connecting elements accommodated in the intermediate reservoir an arbitrary one determined by the processing operation is selected for the second step and conveyed to the loading device.

Abstract: A stack arrangement has a first plate-shaped workpiece (12), at least one another plate-shaped workpiece, and an eyelet (14; 34) that connects the first workpiece (12) and the at least one another workpiece (13), with material of the first workpiece (12) being drawn through a through-opening (15) in the at least one another workpiece (13), and with a rim (17) of the through-opening (15) of the at least one another workpiece (13) conically narrowing in a direction of the first workpiece (12).

Abstract: A method for securing two pieces of sheet material is provided using a stitch preferably made by sequentially passing the grid member through two die sets. The first die set lances a strap out of the two sheets of metal such that, at the approximate center or midsection of the strap, the first layer of material is displaced completely out of the plane defined by the web, while the second layer is only partially displaced out of the plane of the web so that a portion of the second layer remains in the space vacated by the first layer of the strap. The lanced strap is then passed through a second die set, in which the first and second layers of the strap are deformed or “swaged” such that the first layer is flattened and expanded in width beyond the edges of the hole in the web created when the strap was lanced. This provides interference such that the first layer of the strap cannot pass back through the hole.

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: fastener assemblies, elements for fastener assemblies and methods of making and assembling elements for fastener assemblies, for example for insulation blanket fasteners such as those used on aircraft, may include a formed monolithic metal configuration having first and second side portions with a plurality of panel retaining elements arranged linearly along the side portions. A planar retaining element, for example a disc, may be assembled with the metal portion to form a fastener assembly, such as may be used to retain and insulation blanket. The planar retaining element may include a rolled edge, and if a coated part, may include surface projections to keep adjacent parts from sticking together during the coating process.

Abstract: A C-frame for use in association with a fastener setting machine, such as a rivet setting machine. The C-frame is configured such that it can be used as a suspended C-frame or as a pedestal mounted C-frame. Specifically, the C-frame is configured such that it can be easily mechanically mounted on and electrically connected to a pedestal. The pedestal has a docking mechanism and the C-frame has corresponding structure which mates with the docking station to mechanically mount the C-frame to the pedestal. In addition, the pedestal includes an electrical connector which connects to, or mates with, a corresponding electrical connector on the C-frame. Preferably, buttons are provided on both the C-frame and the pedestal and docking the C-frame on the pedestal works to effectively transfer control of the rivet setting machine from the buttons on the C-frame to the buttons on the pedestal.

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.