Abstract: Fastener insertion apparatus comprises a nose having a fastener delivery passage and side entry port. Fasteners such as rivets are supplied to the nose via a fastener supply passage and a fastener feeder assembly. A punch reciprocally disposed for movement in the delivery passage drives a fastener disposed in the delivery passage out of the passage and into a workpiece. The feeder assembly comprises a gate that is movable between retracted and advanced positions. In the retracted position it is clear of the supply passage and the delivery passage so as to permit movement of a fastener from the supply passage to the delivery passage. In the advanced position it at least partially closes the supply passage so as to prevent movement of a fastener and it projects into the delivery passage through the entry port so as to retain a fastener, if present, in the delivery passage. Sensors are provided to detect the position of the gate.

Abstract: An aligner and a method for its use in staking a fastener. More specifically, the aligner guides a tip of a staking tool in some portion of a staking operation properly into alignment with a clinch portion of a staked fastener. As a result, the clinch portion is shaped into a head of a generally higher quality than would otherwise occur.

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

Abstract: A method of hot riveting is described. A first step involves using a clamp to exert a clamping force upon a head of a rivet to maintain the rivet in a selected opening of a workpiece. A second step involves heating an opposed end of the rivet in preparation for shaping. A third step involves deforming the opposed end of the rivet to a desired shape with a hammer.

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

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for securing a first target element to a second target element. The method includes the steps of locating a support member arranged to simultaneously support a drilling head device and a riveting head device at a predetermined location proximate to the first and second target elements, via the drilling head drilling at least one hole through the first and second target elements at a desired location and without relocating the support member via the riveting head device, inserting a rivet in said hole and securing the inserted rivet.

Abstract: A method for the attachment of a functional element, for example in the form of an RSN or RND element of the company Profil Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG, is described in which the hole in the sheet metal part is so formed that the sheet metal part lies in one plane in the region confronting the end face of the riveting die button and at least substantially does not project beyond this plane.

Abstract: A tool, for making clinching connections, which has a multi-part matrix with matrix sheathing pieces that move to the outside and with counteracting springs. These springs are one-piece connected with each other through a connecting section. There are at least three sheathing pieces which are arranged axially symmetric around the centerline of the matrix.

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

Abstract: The invention concerns a functional element, in particular a bolt, consisting of a shank portion (14) and a head portion (16) designed to be assembled riveted with a plate element, in particular a sheet metal part. The invention is characterised in that the head portion (16) is hollow and has practically the same external diameter as the shank portion. When mounted, the hollow head portion (16) of the functional element (10) forms a riveting edge (37) on one side of the sheet metal part and an annular groove (52) on the other side of the sheet metal part, the annular groove (52) acting as a flange. The invention further concerns a method for fixing the functional element in a sheet metal part and the resulting assembling element (16), as well as a matrix and a swaging assembly.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for joining structural members are provided. The apparatus includes a support structure of extendable members, each with an adjustable support surface for engaging the structural members so that structural members of different sizes and shapes can be accommodated. Gantries, which are longitudinally adjustable, support a joining device having co-operable heads that engage the structural members. The heads are adjustable in a transverse direction along the gantries so that the heads can be configured in an opposing configuration and used to join the structural members therebetween.

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

Abstract: A rivet splice that holds an upper and a lower sheet metal end portion together includes at least one row (6) of rivets that is subject to dynamic loads and a further row (7) of rivets that holds the sheet metal end portions together so that a limited sliding motion between the sheet metal end portions is possible. The further row (7) of rivets is positioned between an end edge (4A) of an upper sheet metal end portion and the at least one row (6) of rivets. The limited sliding motion provides a load relief of the at least one row of rivets thereby reducing the starting of cracks at the walls of the rivet holes and impeding the spreading of cracks.

Abstract: A blind rivet system including a number of parts to be joined that have aligned holes. A tubular rivet body is disposed in the aligned holes and includes a rivet head portion and a sleeve portion. The head portion and sleeve portion include a longitudinal bore. A mandrel having a head portion greater in diameter than the bore and a shaft portion is disposed within the longitudinal bore. An adhesive is disposed in an annular space defined by the interior surface of the bore and an exterior surface of the shaft portion. An installation tool having a seal intersects with the rivet head portion such that when the head portion is drawn within the bore during installation, the adhesive is maintained within the tubular rivet body and extruded from the annular space to a region between faying surfaces of the parts to be joined.

Abstract: A tubular fastener element is inserted into an opening in a wall until a flange at the trailing end of the fastener element is in contact with the wall. Then, an externally threaded end of a rod is inserted into a center opening in the fastener element from the flange side of the wall and is mated with internal threads in the fastener element beyond the second side of the wall. A tubular mandrel that surrounds the rod is moved into contact with the entrance portion of the center opening in the tubular fastener. The outside diameter of the mandrel is larger than the inside diameter of the center opening in the fastener element. The rod is retracted to cause a reduced thickness wall portion of the fastener element to collapse and form a second radial flange on the second side of the wall. The mandrel is forced axially into the center opening in the fastener element.

Abstract: A rivet is provided which includes axially opposite end portions at least one of which is more likely to be deformed radially outwards than a remaining portion thereof, and the remaining portion is more resistant to a load applied in an axial direction of the rivet than the axially opposite end portions. As one example, the rivet includes a head portion and a cylindrical portion that extends from the head portion, and a recess is formed in the head portion so as to be open to a top surface of the head portion.

Abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: A system for automatically adjusting a fastener screw of a pivot joint between first and second parts of a pair of scissors, each part having a blade and a respective handle. A part clamp engages and holds the handle of the first part. A torque arm engages and moves the handle of the second part relative to the first part about the pivot joint. A driver adjusts the fastener screw to provide a desired resistance to relative movement between the first and second parts. A position encoder is connected to the part clamp and torque arm to generate a position signal indicative of the position of the second part relative to the first part. A torque transducer is connected to the parts clamp and torque arm to generate a torque signal indicative of the resistance to relative movement between the first and second parts. A controller has inputs operatively connected to the position encoder and to the torque transducer and an output operatively connected to the driver.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of back riveting construction for sections of aircraft structure utilizing the flush riveting wherein the back bar tooling for all the rivets in the entire section is a single piece of stationary tooling which conforms to the exterior shape of the aircraft section. The rivet gun is a single impact pneumatic gun with a rivet driving hammer which is offset from the axis of the gun's piston and impact pin to upset rivet under C-channel flanges.

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

Abstract: A method of fastening at least two large-surface components together by hole-punching rivets, in which the rivets are driven through the components by rivet drivers and against dollies, and fastening the components together. The components rest on supports, and the dollies are a part of these supports; each of the rivet drivers as well as the dollies are guided unfocused to a correct position where a hole-punching rivet is to be placed.

Abstract: A riveting apparatus has a support die with a support surface. The support surface supports a rivet that extends through a circuit board and an electrical connector. The support surface has a first inclined surface, a second inclined surface, and a depression positioned therebetween. The depression receives a head of the rivet and positionally aligns the rivet with an upper tool unit as the rivet is guided across the first inclined surface toward the second inclined surface. The upper tool unit fastens the rivet to the circuit board.

Abstract: A method of joining a plurality of sheets by means of a blind rivet, comprises: (i) forming holes in the sheets and placing the sheets together so that the holes are in register and form a single hole therethrough; (ii) inserting a blind rivet into the hole formed in the sheets from a working side thereof, the blind rivet comprising a sleeve (1) positioned about a mandrel that has a head (4); and (iii) setting the rivet. The hole (24) is radially enlarged at the outwardly facing surface of at least the sheet on the blind side, and the sleeve of the rivet is deformed during setting to form a rivet joint in which no part of the rivet is proud of the outwardly facing surface (28) of the sheet at least on the blind side of the sheets. The method enables rivet joints to be formed in sheets, for example used in enclosures that house modules, where there is no space available for the set rivets to protrude.

Abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.

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: An insert for installation in a relatively thin or weak workpiece to provide an anchor for a self-tapping screw, which insert is in the form of an integral metal structure which comprises: a body portion; a head portion located at or near one end of the body portion and extending radially therefrom; a receptacle portion located at the other end of the body portion remote from the head portion; and a through bore extending throughout the head, body and receptacle portions; the interior bore of the receptacle portion being substantially unthreaded for the reception of a self-tapping screw; in which the exterior cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the receptacle portion, and the interior cross sectional shape and dimensions of the body portion are respectively such that the body portion is deformable, when the receptacle portion is drawn towards the head portion, to secure the insert in a suitable hole in a workpiece through which the receptacle and body portions have been inserted so that the head portion i

Abstract: Method and apparatus of back riveting construction for sections of aircraft structure utilizing the flush riveting wherein the back bar tooling for all the rivets in the entire section is a single piece of stationary tooling which conforms to the exterior shape of the aircraft section. The rivet gun is a single impact pneumatic gun with a rivet driving hammer which is offset from the axis of the gun's piston and impact pin to upset rivet under C-channel flanges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing lamella packets (60, 70) of the type normally used in adjustable steering columns in automobiles and which comprise a soft lamella (71) made of soft sheet metal material and at least one layered hard lamella (71) placed on top of said material. The lamella (71, 74) are connected by at least one rivet made of soft lamella (71). The method is characterized by the use of presses (110, 120) positioned one after the other. A soft lamella (71) is formed and stamped out of a strip (111) of said softer material in the first press (110) at a rate dictated by the press (110). Soft lamella (71) produced in this matter are transported to the second press (120). At least one hard lamella (72, 74) is completely formed in a second press (120) from a band (121) of harder sheet material and then stamped. Said hard lamella is placed over a soft lamella (71) and a rivet connection is produced.

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

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

Abstract: A fastening tool draws a mandrel (5) to allow a caulking portion of the mandrel to deform a stem of a rivet (2) so that workpieces are fastened together. The fastening tool used in this process includes a nosepiece having a protrusion. During caulking, the protrusion of the nosepiece applies a force on a flange of the rivet to form a recess in the rivet flange and thereby peel a coating of the workpieces. As a result, electrical conductivity between the workpieces and the rivet is obtained.

Abstract: Optimized method for assembling two substantially flat parts. To assemble two parts (10, 12) that are substantially flat using fixations (14) such as rivets or bolts, first the ratio R is calculated between tensile and bending stresses relating to the forces to be transmitted. The end line of the fixations (14) is then oriented along an angle &agr; whose absolute value is such that 10.8 ln(R)+16<|&agr;|<13.9 ln(R)+28 when the ratio R is 1 or more, and such that 16°<|&agr;|<28° when the ratio R is less than 1. The absolute value of angle &agr; does not exceed 90°.

Abstract: A fastener delivery and installation system is provided that comprises an end effector mounted on an automated machine and operable to drill a hole through a workpiece and insert a fastener through the hole, and a fastener feed unit operable with the automated machine to deliver the fasteners through the end effector and into the workpiece. Further, a hand-held tool is operable against a second surface of the workpiece and is aligned with the end effector. Once the hand-held tool is positioned properly, a magnetic field is generated and the workpiece is clamped to enable the end effector to drill a hole through the workpiece and insert a fastener therethrough. Additionally, a detector is located on the hand-held tool for generating guidance information to inform an operator where to move the hand-held tool so as to align the hand-held tool with the end effector.

Abstract: A rotor for a synchronous reluctance motor of flux barrier type and manufacturing method thereof constructs a rotor for a synchronous reluctance motor by forming a magnetic core steel plate of disc shape on which a shaft hole is formed at center part, and a plurality of flux barrier groups are formed centering around the shaft hole and automatic stacking points are formed; manufacturing a plate stacked body by stacking the core steel plates continuously using the automatic stacking points; disposing end plates on both sides of the plate stacked body; and coupling the end plates and the plate stacked body integrally with each other as inserting a coupling member into the flux barrier groups, whereby the manufacturing process can be made easy and automatic stacking of the core steel plates can be made regardless of the types such as a skew type or a non skew type, and therefore manufacturing cost is reduced and the rotor can be mass produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for mechanically joining stacked, plate-shaped objects, especially metal sheets by means of punch riveting with a semitubular rivet while using tools placed above and below the objects, whereby the semitubular rivet linearly penetrates into the objects. The inventive method is characterized in that, during the axial feed motion of the semitubular rivet, the upper tool and/or a portion of the lower tool is/are subjected to a wobbling additional movement in a radial and/or tangential direction. The invention also relates to an apparatus and to the semitubular rivet which are used for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method of joining a plurality of sheets by means of a blind rivet, comprises: (i) forming holes in the sheets and placing the sheets together so that the holes are in register and form a single hole therethrough; (ii) inserting a blind rivet into the hole formed in the sheets from a working side thereof, the blind rivet comprising a sleeve (1) positioned about a mandrel that has a head (4); and (iii) setting the rivet. The hole (24) is radially enlarged at the outwardly facing surface of at least the sheet on the blind side, and the sleeve of the rivet is deformed during setting to form a rivet joint in which no part of the rivet is proud of the outwardly facing surface (28) of the sheet at least on the blind side of the sheets. The method enables rivet joints to be formed in sheets, for example used in enclosures that house modules, where there is no space available for the set rivets to protrude.

Abstract: Described herein is a bucking tool (10) for retaining a burr washer in place whilst a rivet is reacted. The tool (10) comprises a sleeve (12) with a shaft (14) slidably mounted within it. The sleeve (12) has a recess (22) formed at one end (20) for receiving the washer. The shaft (14) has a handle (16) attached at one end (18), the handle (16) being operable to move the shaft (14) in a longitudinal direction within the sleeve (12).

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 soluble rivet tape is provided. The tape includes a soluble film and an adhesive coating that is applied to one or more sections of the soluble film. A plurality of rivets are inserted into place on a product, such as an airplane. The soluble rivet tape is applied to the product over the placed rivets. The plurality of rivets are set and the soluble rivet tape is removed. Any remaining rivet tape on the product is dissolved during a washing process.

Abstract: A rivet and method for riveting metal members, and particularly, metal sheets is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rivet assembly for driving a piercing rivet into stacked metal sheets and a die for assisting in supporting the sheets during driving of the rivet and for assisting in securing the rivets to the sheets. The rivet of the invention includes an adhesive that is forced through passages in the rivet for assisting in fastening the rivet to the sheets and for assisting in fastening the sheets to each other with greater strength.

Abstract: In the present method for producing a planar element (2) for car bodies in sandwich construction, which includes an external skin (4) and a hump plate (6) having edge profiles (8, 10) arranged between them, in a first step the edge profiles (8, 10) are joined to the hump plate (6), at least partially using a mechanical joining method, in a second step the hump plate (6) is glued to the external skin (4), and in a third step the edge profiles (8, 10) are joined to the external skin (4), at least partially using a mechanical joining method. Through these measures, high shear and buckling resistance of the planar element is achieved.

Abstract: A self-piercing rivet comprises a flange with a large diameter and a shank with a hollow cavity extending from the flange inward. The rivet is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The shank is a straight cylinder with outer diameter D1, and the hollow cavity in the shank has conical section tapered from the shank end and converging towards the flange at angle &agr; and a straight cylinder section with inner diameter D2 extending from the conical section to the end on the flange side. The shank has a substantially flat ring-shaped end with outer diameter D1 and radial length T1. The angle &agr; of the conical section ranges between 70° and 110°.

Abstract: A joining assembly for mounting a fastening element to an external surface of a structural member of deformable material. The structural member is provided at its external surface with one or a plurality of joining projections engaging into respective recesses of a joining flange of said fastening element. The joining projections are provided at their free ends with upset beads obtained by material deformation of the joining projections and positively fixing the associated joining projection to the joining flange.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel anvil for a rivet setting machine configured to drive a rivet into a workpiece within a riveting process. The anvil has a cavity therein configured to accommodate a deformation of the rivet and the workpiece during the riveting process. The cavity is defined by a main portion configured to support the workpiece during the riveting process and a relief portion that is proximate to the main portion. The relief portion is configured to provide an area into which the workpiece and the rivet deform during the riveting process. The relief portion includes at least one relief pocket configured to maintain an area which remains unoccupied by the workpiece and the rivet throughout the entire riveting process. The relief portion does not substantially hinder the workpiece and rivet during the riveting process and allows the workpiece and rivet to freely deform during the riveting process.

Abstract: A temporary fastener that fastens two adjacent workpieces. The fastener includes a shank that extends through a hole of the workpieces. Extending from one end of the shank is a conical shaped head. The fastener also contains a pull stem which has a head located adjacent to the blind end of the shank. The stem head is pulled through the shank to expand and tightly fasten the shank to the workpieces. The fastener is removed by drilling through the head and the shank. The diameter of the conical shank head is smaller than the diameter of the drill so that part of the head does not become attached to the drill bit and scratch the workpiece. The conical shape of the head also reduces the volume of fastener material to further reduce the size and amount of chips produced during the drilling process. The tightly engaged shank prevents the fastener from rotating during the drilling operation.