Abstract: A method for the assembly of frames in an aircraft shell, wherein the aircraft shell comprises a skin and a plurality of stringers co-cured with the skin, wherein the skin has a plurality of reference marks. Identifying the reference marks on the skin using a first robot with artificial vision, establishing a local reference for the positioning of each frame based on a reference mark, grabbing a frame using the first robot, establishing a relative position between the first robot and the frame based on the reference mark, positioning the frame on an inner side of the aircraft shell using the first robot, and with a second robot, drilling holes through the frame and skin, and attaching the frame to the skin with fasteners.

Abstract: A mounting device which mounts an electronic component onto a substrate with a simple configuration, is provided. The mounting device includes a holding part configured to hold an electronic component, and a regulating part configured to regulate a radial position of a lead of the electronic component. The regulating part is capable of regulating the position of the lead at a first part, and is capable of regulating the position of the lead at a second part more distant from the holding part than the first part. By the holding part and the regulating part moving relatively to each other while the holding part holding the electronic component, the regulating part moves between a position at which the position of the lead is regulated at the first part and a position at which the position of the lead is regulated at the second part.

Abstract: A lockbolt swage end effector incorporates a swage tool releasably engaged by a connector assembly to hydraulic operator carried in a frame. A two piece core-bolt operably connects the swage tool and the hydraulic operator through the connector assembly. A connection flange attaches the frame to a mating flange on a robotic manipulator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for performing automated operations, such as installing fasteners at a plurality of locations along a joint, using a high-density robotic cell. A plurality of different tasks for a fastener installation operation is performed concurrently at selected locations of the plurality of locations using a plurality of single function end effectors positioned relative to the selected locations in a high-density setup.

Abstract: A rivet setter which can efficiently and smoothly perform the rivet setting operation even when setting rivets each having a shank of its length smaller than a diameter of its head. The rivet setter can be configured to set a rivet sequentially fed one by one from a rivet supplying means by inserting the rivet into apertures formed at predetermined positions on workpieces. The rivet setter can comprise delivery paths for delivering the rivet one by one by forcing the rivet to be slid down to a settable position. The rivet setter can include notches formed on the bottom surfaces of the delivery paths along the rivet delivery direction and extending to the settable position for supporting the head of the rivet in the course of delivery of the rivet on the delivery paths and for hanging the shank of the rivet downward.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for inserting angle plates in transverse duct flanges. The apparatus is especially useful in inserting angle plates into transverse duct flanges of duct fittings. Packages for holding angle plates are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for automatically inserting angle plates into duct work and for seaming the duct work.

Abstract: A rivet setter that can efficiently and smoothly perform, and reduce the takt time for a rivet setting operation. The rivet setter can be configured to set a rivet sequentially fed from a rivet supplying means by inserting the rivet into apertures formed at predetermined positions on workpieces. The rivet setter can have delivery paths for delivering the rivet one by one by sliding the rivet down to a settable position and can have a hanging support portion formed in the settable position in the tip end of the delivery path for supporting the head of rivet and for hanging the rivet shank downward. The rivet setter can be configured to enable the rivet to be set in the apertures of the workpieces by moving the hanging support portion substantially horizontally while keeping the rivet suspended in the hanging support portion and inserted into the apertures of the workpieces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for inserting angle plates in transverse duct flanges. The apparatus is especially useful in inserting angle plates into transverse duct flanges of duct fittings. Packages for holding angle plates are also described.

Abstract: A riveting device for the riveting of components in an overlap joint, with an upper tool for driving a rivet into a rivet hole passing through the components, and with a lower tool as a dolly, which has a deforming section for purposes of plastically deforming the end of a rivet shaft driven through the rivet hole, wherein the riveting device has a magazine with a feed device for purposes of feeding a rivet into a shot passage of the upper tool, an actuator for purposes of accelerating the rivet introduced into the shot passage of the upper tool in the direction of the components, and an adjustment system for purposes of aligning the shot channel with the rivet hole. Also disclosed is a method for the riveting of components in an overlap joint.

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 method and apparatus for retaining an ornament, for example, an ornamental crystal, on a frame or plate is provided. The method includes providing a pin having a first end and a second end, opposite the first end, the second end comprising a projection, for example, a head; inserting the first end of the pin through an aperture in the ornament and through a hole in the frame wherein the projection obstructs the aperture in the ornament; deforming, for example, twisting, the second end of the pin to provide a deformation of the second end that obstructs passage of the second end through the hole in the frame; and retaining the ornament on the frame by the projection of the first end of the pin and the deformation of the second end of the pin. Aspects of the invention facilitate the mounting of ornaments to ornamental fixtures, for example, chandeliers.

Abstract: A hydraulic seal installation tool having an elongate body portion fixedly attached to a holding portion. The elongate body portion has a hydraulic cylinder actuation means, and a driver mechanism head portion is coupled to the elongate body portion; and an installation method for mounting a seal, involving the steps of presenting a hydraulic seal installation tool to a seal bore, where the tool has a lip seal inserted upon a driver ring of the tool. Inserting the tool into the seal bore, depressing an activation button on a handle of the tool thereby actuating a hydraulic cylinder actuation means.

Abstract: A riveting machine is configured for attaching a number of fasteners to an object member. The riveting machine includes a main body, a vibrating module, a positioning module, a pressing module, and a control module. The vibrating module is positioned adjacent to the main body, and vibrates a number of fasteners to align the fasteners for use. The positioning module is attached to the main body to halt the object member moving once it is in position. The pressing module is attached to the main body, and gets the fasteners from the vibrating module and rivets the fasteners to the object member. The control module is electronically connected to the positioning module and the pressing module for respectively controlling the positioning module and the pressing module.

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 manual tool for inserting a clip (10) with elastic coupling in a seat, having a body (23) from which protrudes a pusher (32) for the clip and a sensor (34) for detecting the thrust force of the pusher. An electronic controller (24) receives a force signal from the sensor (34) and emits a signal (25, 26) reporting correct or incorrect insertion depending on the pattern of the force signal detected during the insertion of a clip. A movable gauging element is advanced during the insertion thrust of the clip to detect the correct expansion of the clip at the end of insertion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for feeding a connecting element into a processing position of a joining apparatus. The apparatus includes a singulation slide for separating and feeding a connecting element. The singulation slide has a through-hole running in an axial direction for accommodating the connecting element, and the through-hole is partially defined by two leg segments. The singulation slide includes a base segment and the transition from the base segment to each of the leg segments is designed so that the leg segments are flexible in a radial direction.

Abstract: A safety shield is provided for a clip applying apparatus which applies plastic clips to connect rebar. The safety shield prevents operation of the apparatus unless a forward end of the apparatus is properly placed against the bars which are to be joined. Other features may include a safety latch which prevents operation if a cover door of the apparatus is open. Another feature which may be included is an anti-jamming mechanism that prevents operation of the apparatus if a string of clips is not properly received within the clip applying apparatus.

Abstract: A blind fastener installation tool comprises a structural housing which features a mechanism for securing a fastener installation assembly in position relative to the structural housing during the blind installation of a fastener; and a mechanism for reciprocating the fastener installation assembly relative to the structural housing at the conclusion of blind installation. The blind fastener installation tool also comprises a fastener installation assembly. This assembly comprises (1) a pull rod assembly comprising a mechanism for pulling a first portion of a fastener; (2) an annular, piston-actuated, piston-decoupled pull rod actuation assembly to translate the pull rod assembly; and (3) a nose assembly comprising a fastener receptacle for securing the position of a fastener; and one or more optional pull rod translation dampening assemblies to smoothly and effectually dampen the sudden translation of said pull rod assembly after pintail break.

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: The blind fastener installation tool also comprises an optional fastener delivery assembly, said optional fastener delivery assembly constituting: (1) a clip-fed fastener delivery system; or (2) a blowline-fed fastener delivery system.

Abstract: A slide driver assembly for use in a multi-station or a single-station progressive tooling die includes die sections that are operative to move between an open position and a closed position to perform a first operation on a work piece located between the die sections. A slide driver performs a second operation, such as a trimming operation, on the work piece as the die sections move between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A machine-tool module for inserting and staking very small and lightweight contacts in a support member such as an electrical switch finger is disclosed and claimed. The device comprises a rotatable escapement element having a transporter adapted to receive a contact at an escapement receiving position from a first guide. The escapement element bearing the contact then rotates between the receiving position and an escapement delivery position to deliver the contact to a second guide. An impeller system urges the contact along the second guide to the contact installation point. A fluid pressure differential across the contact when the contact is in the guide impels the contact to move along the guide.

Abstract: A new and improved fastening system for attaching relatively thin-gauge sheet metal members, such as, for example 14-25 gauge sheet metal members, wherein the power output parameters of the power tool are controlled such that when the driver blade member of the power tool acts upon each one of the brad-type nail fasteners, the brad-type nail fasteners will attain a predetermined velocity value, such as, for example, within the velocity range of 1000-2500 in/sec. Any one of various different types of power tools may be employed, and in addition, various geometrical characteristics of each brad-type fastener are important, such as, for example, the tip geometry, the aspect ratio A/R of the shank member of the fastener, and the use of an adhesive or painted coating upon the external surface areas of the shank member of the fastener. The fasteners preferably comprise dual-width fasteners which exhibit enhanced pull-out resistance values.

Abstract: A hydraulic processing tong for processing workpieces, with a tool, has a first tool part with an axially movable press ram or plunger, which with a first end or a tool located there and an opposing workpiece assembly forms a work area or work gap and with the first end can move toward and away from the workpiece assembly, and with a hydraulic actuating device for applying a force to the press ram, causing it to move in the direction of the workpiece assembly.

Abstract: A tool for piercing nuts that includes a die part, a punch part and a piercing nut feeder incorporated into the punch part. The piercing nut feeder is adapted to feed piercing nuts into a piercing nut holder in the punch part so that these nuts, when the punch part is pressed against the die part by a press, are to punch holes in and be attached to a metal sheet inserted between the punch part and the die part. A gas spring is arranged between the press and the punch part, which gas spring has at least one cylinder and a piston which is movably arranged in said cylinder and which is aligned with the press. The pressure in the cylinder to adjust the pressure exerted upon the piercing nut by the punch part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for loading a rivet module (10), which can be vertically displaced between a lower placement position and an upper loading position, with blind rivet nuts (100) using a rivet feed (22). The invention is characterized in that next to the rivet placement head (12), a cup (24) for accommodating blind rivet nuts is laterally arranged such that it can be displaced between a position underneath the rivet feed (22) and a position underneath the rivet module (10) that is located in the loading position, whereby the cup (24) is provided with a clamping cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus for closing a fastener includes a first member adapted to engage and bend a fastener toward a closed position, a second member defining a recessed fastener guide adapted to engage and bend the fastener toward the closed position, the recessed fastener guide being generally aligned with the first member to receive at least a portion of the fastener from the first member, structure for moving the first member, and structure for moving the second member relative to the first member to move the fastener toward the closed position.

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: An apparatus for closing fasteners in media includes a plurality of fastener clinches, the plurality of fastener clinches being adapted for operable engagement with a plurality of fastener dispensers, and the plurality of fastener clinches including structure adapted to generally simultaneously close a plurality of fasteners discharged by the fastener dispensers. The apparatus also includes an actuation mechanism for moving the fastener clinches to contact and close the fasteners in the media, and a drive for powering the actuation mechanism.

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 machine includes a movable carriage (5) carrying an application gun (8) filled with pins for application, which is movable above a work station composed of a table (1) carrying an endless belt (2). The machine is provided with a rack (10) for storing a plurality of guns (8) pre-filled with pins, which rack can be accessed by a gripping holder (7) carried by the carriage (5). A detector mounted on the gun can ascertain the absence of a pin in the frame at the application location and instruct the movement of the holder towards the rack.

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 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: A pierce nut installation apparatus having a feed passage, a plunger passage and a plunger which reciprocates through the plunger passage to engage and install a pierce nut in a panel opposite the plunger passage, wherein the end of the plunger passage includes a nut guide element projecting from the end of the plunger including a frustoconical outer surface having a major diameter adjacent the end face of the plunger substantially equal to the crest diameter of the pierce nut bore which accurately locates the pierce nut on a panel and prevents cocking of the pierce nut in the plunger passage.

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 pierce nut installation head for installing a pierce nut onto a sheet metal panel. The installation head is mounted to a press which compresses the installation head against the sheet metal panel. This process causes a plunger to drive a pierce nut into engagement with the sheet metal panel for installation. The installation head provides improvements in terms of its compactness, number of components, and ease of servicing.

Abstract: A rivet carrier for use in association with a driver for driving rivets into a work piece. The rivet carrier includes mounting structure for mounting the rivet carrier on the driver. A body portion of the rivet carrier is in communication with the mounting structure for receiving and retaining the rivet for engagement by the driver. Angled rollers are disposed in the body, and there are pivotable arms in the body. A resilient member retainably engages the pivotable arms. The rollers are retained in recesses in the body, and at least a portion of the pivotable arms defines at least a portion of the recesses. Preferably, a pair of outlet vents are provided in the body of the rivet carrier for venting air which is used to drive the rivet. One outlet vent may be proximate the other outlet vent to create laminar air flow.

Abstract: A crimping tool according to the invention includes a cylindrical C-5 carbide rod having a plurality of laser cut pyramid points on one end. An adapter sleeve is also provided for attaching the tool to an existing pneumatic press. The pyramid pattern on the end of the tool provides several unexpected benefits. First, the points engage the eyelet and prevent the tool from slipping off the eyelet during the crimping operation. Second, the crimps produced by the tool have a greater surface area than the conventional crimps, exerting more pressure on the wick core without shearing fibers. The pressure exerted on the wick is 25-35% greater than a conventional crimp. Further, the carbide material wears much slower than the conventional crimping tools. This assures a consistency in crimping over a long period of time. An exemplary embodiment of the crimping tool according to the invention is approximately 1.625 inches long and approximately 0.090 inches in diameter.

Abstract: The system includes means for moving a rivet or a collar from a storage bin to an initial position for the respective gripping assemblies. The presence of the rivet and/or collar is recognized as it moves through a feeding mechanism. After the rivet or collar is gripped, they are moved either into an opening in the workpiece, in the case of a rivet, or onto the tail of a lockbolt, in the case of a collar. The gripping assembly is then released from the rivet or the collar, with the gripping means moving back to an initial position. Further operations can then be carried out on the rivet or collar.

Abstract: A device for fastening functional parts in a component produced from a flat material, preferably sheet metal, by insertion and pressing, having several punching heads and opposing tool surfaces assigned to them. The component is located between the punching head and the pertinent opposing tool surface when the functional part is inserted. There are punching heads on a first tool part. The opposing tool surfaces are formed by thrust bearings which are provided on the top of a second plate-shaped tool part. The tool parts can be moved relative to one another for opening and closing the tool or the device and there are centering/guide and locking devices acting directly between the tool parts. When the tool parts are closed, the tool parts are directly centered and locked to one another. Each punching head is provided with an individual drive.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) has a punching station for automatic fixation of self-piercing fasteners (2) each having a stud (3), a flange-shaped head (4) and a cylindrical lug (5) at one end of the stud. With the fastener being struck to a metallic panel (1), the lug (5) pierces it and an open rim (6) of the lug is deformed by a caulking die (11) to firmly attach the fastener to the panel. The apparatus has a feeding section (28,29) for arranging the fasteners in a continuous horizontal row perpendicular to a pressing punch (12), with the lug (5) preceding the stud.

Abstract: Multiple fasteners are fed to a workpiece from a flexible carrier tape (2) in which the fasteners are mounted. The carrier tape passes through a guide and indexing means to bring a fastener into axial alignment with a plunger and, optionally, a die. The fasteners are pre-loaded in the carrier tape in a pattern which simultaneously brings a fastener into axial alignment with a plunger and a die at each of a plurality of fastening positions relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: An installation head, fastener, and method for installing the fastener are disclosed. The installation head has control fingers which control the position of the fastener with respect to the plunger and workpiece to which the fastener is to be attached during the entire travel of the fastener from the entry into the installation head to installation in the workpiece. The fingers are pivotally mounted to the plunger and travel with the plunger throughout the installation path. The fingers are adapted to engage the fastener in a displaced area on the fastener so that the fingers can control the fastener through installation of the fastener into the workpiece. The displaced area is positioned between the top and bottom of the fastener so that the fingers can maintain control throughout installation.

Abstract: An apparatus having a base for automatically opening interdigitated tab fingers formed on a hang strip. The base includes an item advancement station and an item attachment station is disposed at an edge of the base. A supply of hang strip material is provided at a base edge opposite the item attachment station. The hang strip supply is mounted to the base and is fed through the advancement station and across and through a tab retainer that maintains at least one of the interdigitated tab fingers open until the tab station is guided to the item attachment edge of the base. At the item attachment edge, perpendicular transversal of a corner or edge of the base causes one set of the interdigitated fingers to open, while at least one interdigitated tab finger opened at the item advancement station clears the back edge of the retainer.

Abstract: An apparatus for placement of angle plates in transverse ventilation duct flanges comprising a blocking device attached to a platen to block the ventilation duct on the platen, a feeding device to transport angle plates including a slider, said slider being stably joined to a piston-rod of a cylinder to move freely along a guide bar, a supply hopper to house the angle plates located above the feeding device, a fastening device to fasten angle plates in flanges of the ventilation ducts and a clamping device to clamp the flange edges on the angle plates. The feeding device comprises a movable double arm carrier located on a base plate. The guide bar is positioned in the lower part of the base plate and on the slider working plane. The base plate has a port shaped like an angle plate and an oblong hole. The slider has an oblong slot and a socket.

Abstract: A control system for an assembly tool includes sensors which monitor the status of the tool at each step of operation and a controller receives signals from the sensors to ensure proper status in any given step. The tool includes a collar transfer device which receives a fastener collar from a remote collar sending unit and transfers the collar to a collar-swaging assembly which moves the collar to a cooperating fastener pin and swages the collar onto the pin. The sensors of the system monitor the position of the collar transfer device, the presence or absence of a collar in the collar transfer device, the position of the swaging assembly, the presence or absence of a collar in the swaging assembly, and the presence or absence of a fastener pin of proper length in a position to be engaged by the collar.

Abstract: A clipping apparatus is provided which comprises a cartridge (100) for containing a plurality of substantially flat clipping members arranged in a pile, a delivery mechanism (30) for taking out one of the clipping members contained in the cartridge (100) and delivering the clipping member to a clipping position (13) where an end of a sheet member is clipped, and a clamping mechanism (50) for bending the clipping member (105) delivered to the clipping position (13) and fastening the end of the sheet member (S) inserted in the clipping position (13) with the clipping member (105) while holding both ends of the clipping member (105).

Abstract: A new tooling for use in a progressive die machine for the installation of self-clinching fasteners onto a sheet of material is provided. It is a complete tool easily mounted into the die during its construction and easily removed for service. Its compact size provides a minimal space between working stations on the die, and its height and stroke are minimized so as not to interfere with other operations on the die. It may be easily configured to allow for insertion of fasteners from either the top or the bottom, and is capable of correctly providing a fastener for insertion upon every cycle of the press. This is accomplished by use of a special bisected bushing which securely holds and positions each fastener in place prior to and during insertion. A replaceable force-limiting material is incorporated in the tooling above the anvil in order not to disrupt the progressive die press should fasteners or materials of excessive thickness be encountered.

Abstract: The installation head of the present invention has a pivoting driver which pivots from the fastener loading position to the installation position. By pivoting the driver to the load position, fasteners can be loaded into the driver in proper orientation for installation, the installation head can be used to install fasteners at any orientation, and the installation head is more compact. The head includes a fastener feed that receives fasteners and delivers them to the driver when the driver has been rotated to the load position. The fastener feed and the driver cooperate to provide simultaneous alignment and control of the fastener. The feed includes jaws that open slightly to orient the fastener for initial loading and then open wider to avoid obstructing the fastener as it is finally pushed into the driver. Once the fastener is fully pushed into the driver, the driver pivots to the installation position for installing the fastener into a workpiece.