Swageable Collar Patents (Class 411/361)
  • Patent number: 11920621
    Abstract: A fastening method for fastening using a fastener having a fastener pin and a collar. The method includes a mounting step in which, in a state in which a head portion of the fastener pin is positioned on one side of the portion to be fastened through which the fastener pin is passed, and a lock portion of the fastener pin is positioned on the other side of the portion to be fastened, the collar is mounted onto lock grooves. The method includes a fastening step in which, on the basis of an un-swaged portion height derived from the thickness of the portion to be fastened, the collar is swaged onto the lock grooves and the portion to be fastened is fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yuki Tsukioka, Michinobu Takahagi, Akira Ikada
  • Patent number: 11827345
    Abstract: A joint for an actuator of a rotorcraft includes a housing configured to be coupled to an input lever of the actuator; and a rotary bearing coupled to the housing, the rotary bearing comprising an inner race and an outer race and configured to be coupled to a control rod, wherein the inner race and outer race are rotationally fixed relative to each other until a torque applied to the joint exceeds a threshold torque value, upon which there is a relative rotatability between the inner race and the outer race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: MICROTECNICA S.R.L.
    Inventors: Dario Molinelli, Michele Restuccia, Franco Maino
  • Patent number: 11767871
    Abstract: A lockbolt collar having a shank including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a through-bore extending from the first end to the second end, an inner wall extending from the first end to the second end, and a tab extending radially and outwardly from the inner wall, the tab including a top surface having an arcuate shape, the arcuate shape of the tab being sized and shaped to mate with at least one lock groove of a threaded portion of a pin member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: HOWMET AEROSPACE INC.
    Inventor: Stanley E. Wojciechowski
  • Patent number: 11267156
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus including an apparatus frame and a cutting station, for forming interconnected bags, is provided. The cutting station includes a rotary anvil having an axis of rotation and mounted to a first frame structure, a rotary cutting die disposed adjacent to said rotary anvil and having an axis of rotation parallel to said first axis of rotation, said rotary cutting die including a rotatable cylindrical shaft carrying a die blade, said rotary cutting die being mounted to a frame structure, and an adjustment mechanism for varying the distance between said anvil and said cutting die, said mechanism including a rotatable spindle having threaded portions of different pitch. A first threaded portion engages a threaded portion of said first or said second frame structure and said second threaded portion engaging a threaded portion of said apparatus frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Roll-O-Matic A/S
    Inventors: John Buk Jensen, Mads Sandahl Christensen
  • Patent number: 11199209
    Abstract: An assembly includes a first part made of composite material and a second part, which parts are held one against the other by at least one fastener system having a fastener element with a head from which there extends a shank. The fastener system further includes a bushing, the bushing including a collar presenting an inside face and an outside face of conical shape. The head of the fastener element bears against the inside face of the collar, while the outside face of the collar bears against a countersink formed in the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventor: Julien Mateo
  • Patent number: 11148237
    Abstract: An installation tool assembly includes a workpiece and a tool. The workpiece includes a first wall having an aperture and a second wall spaced from the first wall relative to a first axis to present an access point therebetween. The installation tool assembly includes a fastener disposed in the aperture of the first wall at an initial position. The fastener includes a hole and a fastener locking feature disposed inside the hole. The tool includes a tool locking feature that is configured to engage the fastener locking feature to secure together the fastener and the tool in the initial position. The tool is operable to pull the fastener farther through the aperture into an interference fit with the first wall in an installed position. A tooling assembly includes the tool and the fastener. A method of installing the fastener to the workpiece uses the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Monica J. Brockway, Farahnaz Sisco, Mekonnen Tsegga
  • Patent number: 11112194
    Abstract: A firearm loader may be used to transfer at least one cartridge to a firearm. The loader includes a main body comprising a proximal end and a distal end and a follower disposed inside the main body. The loader may include an engaged configuration wherein the loader is at least partially inserted into a firearm. The proximal end may include an opening. In the engaged configuration, the opening approximately faces a magazine of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventors: James Matthew Underwood, Larry Cullen Underwood
  • Patent number: 11033952
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fastening via a swage tool. One embodiment is a method for fastening via a swage tool, the method including selecting a hole located at a part; aligning an axis of a lockbolt collar with a center of the hole; placing the lockbolt collar flush against the part at a first end of the hole; and swaging the lockbolt collar onto a lockbolt that has been driven through the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kwok Tung Chan, Tanni Sisco, Jeff Devlin, Brendan Elmore
  • Patent number: 10954991
    Abstract: An electromagnetic effect suppressing termination part for a fastener formed of a metallic material, the fastener having a head, a shank, and a male threaded portion opposite the head, has a metallic core coated by a layer of dielectric material. An internal bore of the termination part includes an inner wall, a counterbore hole, and a cavity disposed therebetween. An outer surface includes an outer wall, and a frustoconical wall positioned proximally relative to the outer wall, the frustoconical wall extending radially outwardly from the outer wall and having an included angle of less than approximately 90 degrees. A seal is disposed in the counterbore hole, and the frustoconical wall is configured so that a compressive force applied to the frustoconical wall deforms the inner wall to conform to the male threaded portion of the fastener and deforms the seal to fill the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Sean D. Morden, Blake A. Simpson, Tanni Sisco, Kwok-Tung Chan, Monica J. Brockway
  • Patent number: 10954937
    Abstract: In order to enable a continuous adjustment of the variable clearance space (1) of a reciprocating compressor (15), a threaded spindle drive with a threaded spindle nut (10) and a threaded spindle (9) is provided as an adjusting device (7), wherein the threaded spindle nut (10) is embodied as a plastic nut (20) with internal thread (24), the plastic nut (20) is arranged with an external thread (23) on an internal thread (22) of a nut carrier (21) of the threaded spindle nut (10), and the thread height (y) of the internal thread (22) of the nut carrier (21) and the thread height (x) of the external thread (25) of the threaded spindle (9) is respectively embodied with 50 to 80% of the radial thickness (d) of the plastic nut (20) and the plastic thickness is at least 15% of the thread pitch (z1) of the internal thread (24) at least in the region of the thread flanks (26) of the internal thread (24) of the plastic nut (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Hoerbiger Wien GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Spiegl, Matthias Kornfeld, Andreas Schloffer
  • Patent number: 10794269
    Abstract: An engine structure forming an adapter for connecting a turbocharger unit to a cylinder block of an internal combustion engine includes a set of attachment arrangements for fastening the turbocharger unit to the cylinder block via the engine structure such that the engine structure is positioned in between the turbocharger unit and the cylinder block. The engine structure includes at least one fluid channel extending in a bent manner from a first surface of the engine structure to a second surface of the engine structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Pontus Eriksson
  • Patent number: 10738816
    Abstract: A reusable single groove riveting system includes a single groove riveting bolt and a collar, and a method of use thereof as well as installation and removal methods thereof. A pull groove has a variable section feature along the axial direction so a collet and the single groove can automatically align during installation; the variable section can reduce the stress concentration effects along the single groove structure and avoid stuck problems. While raising the strength of the collar flange, the design feature of the axial installation force indicator is added. The single groove structure will not receive any extra load from the tool during disassembly or removal process so the rivet bolt can be reused after the disassembly. In the event the bolt pull groove is accidently damaged or the work space is limited, the collar can be effectively removed from the joint with this disassembly or removal method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Shanghai Autocraft Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cunlu Yan
  • Patent number: 10710146
    Abstract: A fastening system includes a fastener having a bolt with a pull portion having at least one pull groove, and an outer sleeve having a head with an inner face, the bolt being inserted within the sleeve. The fastening system includes a fastener installation tool having a puller with at least one tooth and a front face. The inner face of the head of the sleeve is angled at an included angle measured transverse to a longitudinal axis of the fastener, while the front face of the puller of the fastener installation tool is angled at an included angle measured transverse to a longitudinal axis of the puller. The included angles are chosen to match or be substantially the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Arconic Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Corbett, Joseph Z. Leavelle
  • Patent number: 10584612
    Abstract: A bush having a neck portion (33) for inserting into an aperture of one or both of two components to be fastened together, a radially extending shoulder portion (34) having a rear face (34a) adjacent the neck portion (33) an opposite front face (34b) and a radially outer face (34c) extending between the rear face (34a) and the front face (34b), one or more ventilation slots (36) provided in the rear face extending from a junction between the rear face (34a) and the neck portion (33) whereby, in use, to provide an escape route for air caught between the bush and a component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Oliver Jones, Miles Hawkyard, Adrian R. M. Walker
  • Patent number: 10557382
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to valve clearance adjustment systems and related methods that can be used to quickly and easily establish and accurately fix a desired gap between valve stems and associated valve adjustment screws attached to rocker arms, such as may be used with intake valves, exhaust valves, and fuel-injection mechanisms, among others, within, e.g., an internal combustion engine. Various alternative implementations and related methods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Inventor: R. Bradford Fawley
  • Patent number: 10087972
    Abstract: A fastening system including a fastener and a fastener installation tool. The fastener includes a pin member having an elongated shank portion with a threaded portion, a stop shoulder located at an end of the threaded portion, and a pull portion extending from the stop shoulder. The stop shoulder includes an outer rim and an inner annular wall. The inner annular wall and the inner face form an annular recess. The fastener installation tool includes a puller having a front face. The recess of the fastener is adapted to receive the front face of the fastener installation tool when the puller engages the pull portion of the pin member and facilitates alignment of teeth of the installation tool and pull grooves of the pin member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Arconic Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Corbett
  • Patent number: 9856898
    Abstract: A fastener includes a pin member, a swage collar, and an insert. The pin member includes an elongated shank portion, a head, a threaded portion having an external thread and a plurality of lock grooves, and a pull portion. The swage collar includes a shank having a flange and a through bore with a first interior portion extending from a first end of the collar to a stepped portion and forming a first inner wall having a first inner diameter, and a second interior portion extending from the stepped portion to a second end of the collar and forming a second inner wall having a second inner diameter. The insert includes a through bore forming an inner wall that has an internal thread adapted to engage the external thread of the pin member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: ARCONIC INC.
    Inventor: Robert Brown
  • Patent number: 9839955
    Abstract: A permanent faster is disclosed that utilizes an amorphous metal alloy for a retaining collar that is thermoplastically formed on install. The fastener includes a headed pin with locking grooves disposed thereon and a collar having a cylindrical inner wall. Head geometry may be any suitable shape; countersunk, counter bore, flat, etc., and may also be non-rotationally symmetric. The pin is disposed into aligned holes through the work pieces to be secured, and the collar is disposed about the pin over the locking grooves. The collar is heated into a thermoplastic region, something only allowed because of the amorphous metal material properties. The cylindrical wall of the collar is then radically compressed into the locking grooves to affix the collar on the pin. The amorphous metal properties allow use of a smaller fastener, and the thermoplastic region is reached at a temperature which does not damage composite work pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Neal, Charles R. Smith
  • Patent number: 9488213
    Abstract: A fastening system including a fastener and a fastener installation tool. The fastener includes a pin member having an elongated shank portion with a threaded portion, a stop shoulder located at an end of the threaded portion, and a pull portion extending from the stop shoulder. The stop shoulder includes an inner annular wall extending longitudinally from the end of the threaded portion, and an inner face extending outwardly and obliquely from the shank portion. The inner annular wall and the inner face form an annular receiving area. The fastener installation tool includes a puller having a front face. The receiving area of the fastener is adapted to receive the front face of the fastener installation tool when the puller engages the pull portion of the pin member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Corbett
  • Patent number: 9360032
    Abstract: A fastener assembly for connecting a non-load bearing wall to a truss comprises a fastener with a sleeve retained on the fastener and axially displaceable along the fastener. The fastener has unthreaded shank portion and the sleeve is disposed about the unthreaded shank portion. The sleeve has a length less than the axial length of the unthreaded shank portion. The fastener assembly is employed to form a truss/non-load bearing wall connection system, wherein the non-load bearing wall is disposed below the truss and has a top plate with at least one bore. A fastener assembly is disposed in each bore and threaded into the truss so that a gap is formed between the truss and its top plate. Upon deflection of the truss, one or more fasteners vertically slide axially relative to its associated sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: OMG, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Dicaire
  • Patent number: 9291186
    Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment member (R) of the “lockbolt” type comprising a pin (100) and a ring (200), said pin (100) comprising a head (110) at one end and having, on its body, a first part (120) grooved with a plurality of locking grooves or channels (121p, 121c, 121d) enabling the ring (200) engaging with the pin (100) to attach itself thereto by deformation, and a second part (130) that is grooved in order to cooperate with a tool (O), characterized in that said grooved part (120) of the pin (100) is preformed so as to provide a series of non-helical grooves (121p, 121c, 121d), the beginning and the end of the series consisting of grooves (121p, 121d) that have different profiles from the identical grooves (121c) located in the central part of said series, the different profile having an identical depth but a greater width compared to the profile of the grooves (121c) located in the central portion of the series. The invention is applicable to the production of attachments and rivets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: ERIS
    Inventor: Pierre Auriol
  • Publication number: 20150078859
    Abstract: A lock bolt collar comprises a shank having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a through-bore extending from the first end to the second end, an inner wall having an internal bead located proximate to the first end of the shank and extending circumferentially and inwardly into the through-bore. The bead includes a first inner diameter and an extended portion extending from the bead and to a point proximate to the second end, the extended portion including a second inner diameter, where the second inner diameter is greater than the first inner diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventor: Donald William Haines, JR.
  • Patent number: 8794890
    Abstract: A collar having a shank with an interior surface and an exterior surface. The exterior surface of the shank includes a first exterior surface extending from the first end to a first exterior inflection point, and a curvilinear exterior surface extending from the first exterior inflection point to a second exterior inflection point. The curvilinear exterior surface and an imaginary line extending from the first exterior inflection point to the second exterior inflection point form a first area that is sized and shaped to receive forward extrusion of the collar as the collar is being installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Rodrigo Pinheiro, Elaine Koontz, Luke Haylock
  • Patent number: 8727685
    Abstract: A swage collar including a shank having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an outside diameter, a flange extending circumferentially from the first end of the shank and having a outer diameter, and a scalloped shoulder formed at a location where the first end of the shank transitions to the flange. When the swage collar is swaged, the shoulder is deformed from an undeformed state to a deformed state such that the shoulder is blended with the outside diameter of the shank and the outer diameter of the flange. When the shoulder is in its deformed state, it includes multiple curved portions each having a radius of curvature that visually indicates all around the outside diameter of the collar a complete swage of the collar. Knurling located on the outside diameter of the shank and proximate to the second end is deformable and provides a visual indication of the application of an installation tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Corbett
  • Publication number: 20140050551
    Abstract: A collar having a shank with an interior surface and an exterior surface. The exterior surface of the shank includes a first exterior surface extending from the first end to a first exterior inflection point, and a curvilinear exterior surface extending from the first exterior inflection point to a second exterior inflection point. The curvilinear exterior surface and an imaginary line extending from the first exterior inflection point to the second exterior inflection point form a first area that is sized and shaped to receive forward extrusion of the collar as the collar is being installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Rodrigo Pineiro, Elaine Koontz, Luke Haylock
  • Patent number: 8636455
    Abstract: A fastener assembly is installable in an opening of a workpiece and includes an outer member and a fastener. The fastener is movable through a passageway of the outer member. The fastener includes a mandrel and a stem. The mandrel is dimensioned to radially expand the outer member. The stem has an expansion portion and a propping portion. The expansion portion radially expands the outer member after the outer member has been expanded by the mandrel. The propping portion keeps the expanded outer member in an installed expanded configuration. The outer member and fastener are installed in a single operation to reduce installation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Fatigue Technoloy, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Wehrmeister, Doug Bakken, Mark Weiss
  • Patent number: 8616815
    Abstract: A fastener (2) comprising an elongate core (4) and made of titanium or titanium alloy, and a sleeve (6) made of a different material and having an external thread (26), the core (4) being disposed within the sleeve (6) and fixed with respect to the sleeve (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Joseph B Cooper, Paul R Hayton
  • Patent number: 8573910
    Abstract: A fastener adapted to pass through aligned holes through workpieces is disclosed. The fastener includes a pin member having a transition portion wherein the diameter of the transition portion decreases radially as it extends from the smooth cylindrical shank portion to the threaded portion. The fastener may also comprise a sleeve member and a clamping means. The clamping means includes a collar, a nut, or any other possible clamping means. In exemplary embodiments, the workpieces can be formed with a plurality of materials, the materials including composite, metallic, or composite/metallic structures, any combination thereof. In particular embodiments, the fastener has interference capability of 0.0005 to 0.0100 inches in composite structures without risk of composite delamination or damage. As a result of the fastener interference, gaps between the fastener and the structure are eliminated thereby providing good electrical conductivity between components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Michael U. March, Oviedo Arciniega
  • Publication number: 20130202383
    Abstract: A swage collar including a shank having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an outside diameter, a flange extending circumferentially from the first end of the shank and having a outer diameter, and a scalloped shoulder formed at a location where the first end of the shank transitions to the flange. When the swage collar is swaged, the shoulder is deformed from an undeformed state to a deformed state such that the shoulder is blended with the outside diameter of the shank and the outer diameter of the flange. When the shoulder is in its deformed state, it includes multiple curved portions each having a radius of curvature that visually indicates all around the outside diameter of the collar a complete swage of the collar. Knurling located on the outside diameter of the shank and proximate to the second end is deformable and provides a visual indication of the application of an installation tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: ALCOA INC.
    Inventor: ALCOA INC.
  • Publication number: 20130202382
    Abstract: A swage collar including a shank having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an outside diameter, a flange extending circumferentially from the first end of the shank and having a outer diameter, and a transition step formed at a location where the first end of the shank transitions to the flange. When the swage collar is swaged, the transition step is deformed from an undeformed state to a deformed state such that the transition step is blended with the outside diameter of the shank and the outer diameter of the flange. The transition step is substantially linear in its undeformed state and is oriented at an angle from a longitudinal axis of the swage collar. When the transition step is in its deformed state, the transition step includes a curved portion having a radius of curvature visually indicating a complete swage of the collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: ALCOA INC.
    Inventor: ALCOA INC.
  • Patent number: 8474759
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching parts. A composite male fastening component is placed through at least a first part and a second part. The composite male fastener component preferably has a threaded portion. A composite female fastener component is positioned adjacent to and surrounding the threaded portion of the male fastener component. A portion of the composite female fastener component is caused to flow around and form into the threaded portion of the composite male fastener component. The portion of the composite female fastener component that flowed around and formed into the threaded portion of the composite male fastener component is re-solidified and re-consolidated such that the composite female fastener component is securely attached to the composite male fastener component thereby joining the mating parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Steven G. Keener
  • Patent number: 8475102
    Abstract: A sleeve interference fastener adapted to be installed in a hole of a structure includes a sleeve; a pin member, wherein the pin member has a transition zone between a shank portion and a locking portion and wherein a portion of the pin member comprises a low friction dielectric coating; a locking member; wherein, in the installed position, a first interface between the shank portion of the pin member and the sleeve is substantially free from the low friction dielectric coating, and wherein, in the installed position, the transition zone of the pin member and a second interface between the locking portion of the pin member and the locking member are substantially covered with the low friction dielectric coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Haylock, Rodrigo Pinheiro, Hasim Mulazimoglu, Michael March
  • Patent number: 8434984
    Abstract: A novel one piece integrated fastener is provided which includes a deformable sleeve for receiving a pin where the pin has an elongated pin shank, terminating at a first pin end in a pin head and terminating at a second pin end in an externally threaded portion, and a transitional section integrally connected between the first pin end and the second pin end. The deformable sleeve may include a hollow tubular shank terminating at a first sleeve end in a sleeve head having an opening for receiving the pin and terminating at a second sleeve end having an internal sleeve head surface for engagement with the external pin head side surface when in an assembled position. The sleeve includes a first sleeve section, a second sleeve section and a third sleeve section having an internal surface for engaging the externally threaded portion of the pin upon installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Polaris Fastening Consulting, LLC
    Inventor: Rahmatollah F. Toosky
  • Publication number: 20120305709
    Abstract: A connection arrangement for at least two abutting components to be firmly connected to one another, includes a self-piercing rivet having a rivet head for punching of a hole and subsequent riveting of the components, wherein a washer is allocated to the self-piercing rivet at the distal end region opposite to the rivet head, with the washer including a frontal area for the insertion of a circular indentation to create a firm compression connection between a hole in the washer and the distal end region of the self-piercing rivet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: Rolf Bense
  • Patent number: 8322958
    Abstract: A sleeve interference fastener including a conformable sleeve, wherein the conformable sleeve is comprised of at least one first material having a hardness of X, and a pin member, wherein the pin member is comprised of at least one second material having a hardness of Y, wherein X is sufficiently less than Y so that, in an installed position of an interference fit, at least a portion of the at least one first material of the conformable sleeve conforms to a contour of an inner surface of a hole of a composite structure so as to create a continuous electrical contact at an interface between the inner surface of the hole of the composite structure and the conformable sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Haylock, Hasim Mulazimoglu, Liang Zeng
  • Patent number: 8312606
    Abstract: At least one embodiment generally relates to an installation assembly for an opening in a workpiece that includes a swaged collar, an inner member, and an outer member. The swaged collar has a first end, a second end, and a main body extending between the first end and the second end. The main body includes an inner surface defining a passageway through the collar. The inner member has a mandrel section for expanding the outer member. The inner member is used to expand the outer member and to keep the outer member in an expanded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Fatigue Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Frederick Reid, Timothy Howard Johnson, James Ryunoshin Ross
  • Publication number: 20120263556
    Abstract: A fastener includes a body having a cylindrical passage formed through a central portion of the body and a tapered ramp disposed at an end of the body and a corebolt disposed within the passage formed by the body. The fastener further includes a sleeve movably disposed over the corebolt and adjacent the tapered ramp of the body. The sleeve includes a bore extending between first and second ends of the sleeve and a taper extending inwardly from the second end of the sleeve toward the first end of the sleeve, the second end of the sleeve being adjacent the tapered ramp of the body. The sleeve further includes a weakened interior region disposed between the taper and the first end of the sleeve, the weakened interior region being adapted to bulb outwardly when the sleeve is compressed against a workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: John D. Pratt
  • Publication number: 20120240376
    Abstract: A swage collar and an internal sealing insert form a swage collar assembly used in combination with a structural fastener to prevent leakage through a connection of workpieces fastened together by the structural fastener. The swage collar has a hollow, generally cylindrical main body portion with a main central bore, and a base portion with an internal shoulder formed in the main central bore so as to form a seal receiving guide. The shaft of the fastener typically includes a threaded section and an unthreaded section, and the internal sealing insert interfaces with the threaded section and the unthreaded section of the shaft of the pin. In an alternate embodiment, the internal sealing insert interfaces with the unthreaded section of shaft of the pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Edward E Beeles, David Hocking, Julie R. Jones, Stuart R. Seley, John E. Inman
  • Patent number: 8262331
    Abstract: A novel fastener is provided which includes an expanding sleeve for receiving a pin where the pin has shank terminating at a first end in a pin head and terminating at a second end in an externally threaded portion of the pin. The expanding sleeve may include a hollow tubular shank terminating at a first end in a sleeve head and having an opening at a second sleeve end for receiving the pin. The sleeve head include an internal sleeve head surface for engagement with an external pin head side surface when in an assembled position. When the pin and expanding sleeve in the assembled position are inserted into an aperture in a structure, a gap is formed between the aperture and an outer surface of the expanding sleeve. The outer surface of the expanding sleeve radially expands outward into the aperture filling the gap upon engagement of the internal face of the sleeve head and the external pin head surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Polaris Fastening Consulting, LLC
    Inventor: Rahmatollah F. Toosky
  • Publication number: 20120213610
    Abstract: The invention refers to a family of fastening devices including at least two fastening elements (101, 121), each one of said elements including a shaped end portion (105), a frontal face (106) of the shaped end portion (105) having a cavity (107) extending as far as a bottom (108), the fastening elements having different maximum grips (Gmax), the family being configured so that the distance (109?) between the bottom (108) of the cavity (107) and the limit (170) between the body and the shaped end portion is identical for all the fastening elements (101, 121). The invention refers moreover to a unit (100) including such a family of fastening devices and a check gauge (150), as well as a method for checking of the choice of the length of a fastening element (101, 121), by means of the check gauge (150).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Nicolas GUERIN, Sebastien LANGLAIS
  • Publication number: 20120148368
    Abstract: A fastener for installation into a workpiece which may be installed by either a swaging operation or a torquing operation. The fastener includes an enlarged protruding head which is proximal to a substantially cylindrical smooth shank portion. A threaded shank portion positioned distal to the smooth shank portion includes a male thread which is sufficiently strong to have a swage collar swaged onto it. Distal to the threaded shank portion is a pin tail portion having a surface which is configured to engage a tool. Positioned between the threaded shank portion and the pin tail portion is a breakneck groove having a lower tensile strength than any other portion of the fastener. The tensile strength of the breakneck groove is controlled such that the fastener severs within the breakneck groove when a preset range of tension is applied to the pin tail portion by the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Dennis Schultz
  • Patent number: 8118527
    Abstract: A fastener for installation into a workpiece which may be installed by either a swaging operation or a torquing operation. The fastener includes an enlarged protruding head which is proximal to a substantially cylindrical smooth shank portion. A threaded shank portion positioned distal to the smooth shank portion includes a male thread which is sufficiently strong to have a swage collar swaged onto it. Distal to the threaded shank portion is a pin tail portion having a surface which is configured to engage a tool. Positioned between the threaded shank portion and the pin tail portion is a breakneck groove having a lower tensile strength than any other portion of the fastener. The tensile strength of the breakneck groove is controlled such that the fastener severs within the breakneck groove when a preset range of tension is applied to the pin tail portion by the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hi-Shear Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis Schultz
  • Publication number: 20120034046
    Abstract: A fastener (2) comprising an elongate core (4) and made of titanium or titanium alloy, and a sleeve (6) made of a different material and having an external thread (26), the core (4) being disposed within the sleeve (6) and fixed with respect to the sleeve (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Joseph B. Cooper, Paul R. Hayton
  • Publication number: 20110268531
    Abstract: A connecting arrangement is provided. The connecting arrangement includes a bolt with at least one end having , wherein the fastening portion has a tapered shape; a segmented thread block having a thread on the outer side and being adapted for fitting the fastening portion of the bolt in a locked position; and fastener having a thread on the inner side, wherein the fastener is adapted for being screwed on the segmented thread block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Denis Heide
  • Patent number: 7966711
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching parts. A composite male fastening component is placed through at least a first part and a second part. The composite male fastener component preferably has a threaded portion. A composite female fastener component is positioned adjacent to and surrounding the threaded portion of the male fastener component. A portion of the composite female fastener component is caused to flow around and form into the threaded portion of the composite male fastener component. The portion of the composite female fastener component that flowed around and formed into the threaded portion of the composite male fastener component is re-solidified and re-consolidated such that the composite female fastener component is securely attached to the composite male fastener component thereby joining the mating parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Steven G. Keener
  • Patent number: 7955035
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rivet for connecting parts, in particular aircraft components, through which holes are formed, the rivet including a sleeve part, which has a rivet head with an axially extending cavity and an adjoining or is composed of such rivet head and a rivet mandrel having an essentially cylindrical base body and a widened rivet mandrel head in relation to the diameter thereof and which passes through the sleeve part and along the cavity with its base body. So that a cost-effective connection with improved loadability can be produced between workpieces, even when they have holes of different sizes for the rivet, the rivet mandrel according to the invention has ribs running axially on the cylindrical base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventors: Sumanjit Singh, Ziad Khalil, Peter Simon
  • Patent number: 7921538
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Clark A. Denslow
  • Publication number: 20110058916
    Abstract: A novel one piece integrated fastener is provided which includes a deformable sleeve for receiving a pin where the pin has an elongated pin shank, terminating at a first pin end in a pin head and terminating at a second pin end in an externally threaded portion, and a transitional section integrally connected between the first pin end and the second pin end. The deformable sleeve may include a hollow tubular shank terminating at a first sleeve end in a sleeve head having an opening for receiving the pin and terminating at a second sleeve end having an internal sleeve head surface for engagement with the external pin head side surface when in an assembled position. The sleeve includes a first sleeve section, a second sleeve section and a third sleeve section having an internal surface for engaging the externally threaded portion of the pin upon installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: RAHMATOLLAH F. TOOSKY
  • Patent number: 7896598
    Abstract: A swage-type fastener to secure a plurality of workpieces together, which includes a pin member, having an elongated pin shank to be located in aligned openings in the workpieces. An enlarged head at one end of the pin engages one side of the workpieces. A grooved pin portion extends past an opposite side of the workpieces. A collar includes a shank portion adapted to be swaged into the pin lock grooves in response to a relative axial swage load applied by an installation tool. The collar is as-headed and does not require thermal processing yet provides an optimum balance of reduced collar shank wall thickness and increased hardness, whereby the swage load is minimized. A low swage load thread form for the lock grooves of the pin member is also provided, a reduced diameter, and a relatively short pull portion pin extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Huck International, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Mercer, Robert J. Corbett
  • Patent number: 7891924
    Abstract: A low swage load fastening system is provided for installing swage-type fasteners to secure a plurality of workpieces together. The fastener includes a pin member, having an elongated pin shank to be located in aligned openings in the workpieces. An enlarged head at one end of the pin engages one side of the workpieces. A grooved pin portion extends past an opposite side of the workpieces. A collar includes a shank portion adapted to be swaged into the pin lock grooves in response to a relative axial swage load applied by an installation tool. As one aspect of the system, the collar is as-headed and does not require thermal processing yet provides an optimum balance of reduced collar shank wall thickness and increased hardness, whereby the swage load is minimized. A low swage load thread form for the lock grooves of the pin is also provided, a reduced diameter, relatively short pull portion pin extension, installation tool improvements, and an associated method of use are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Huck International, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Mercer, Robert J. Corbett