Abstract: A fastener system for composite structure providing electromagnetic energy (EME) protection incorporates a fastener having a head with an engagement surface and a shank having a threaded end. A nut is received on the threaded end of the fastener, with the nut also having an engagement surface. At least one of the head engagement surface and the nut engagement surface incorporates a reduced area portion for engagement of a first mating surface or second mating surface, respectively.

Abstract: A threaded bolt or plug includes a compressible gasket ring adhered to the underside of the bolt head or plug head. The underside of the bolt head includes at least two concentric grooves covered by the compressible gasket.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a conductive fastener assembly, system, and method, wherein the fastener assembly comprises a nut having a counterbore formed therein. The counterbore is formed to maintain a sufficient gap between the nut and the protruding end of a fastener sleeve. The nut with the counterbore improves the conductive fastener system such that the need for a solid copper grid and a cap seal is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a conductive fastener assembly, system, and method, wherein the fastener assembly comprises a fastener, a fastener sleeve, a nut, and a lubricant coating. The lubricant coating is deposited on a distal portion of a fastener shank and is omitted from the rest of the fastener. To overcome the stresses placed on the fastener sleeve by the insertion of the fastener shank largely devoid of a lubricant coating, the fastener sleeve is reinforced by one or more of an increased thickness, a high-strength alloy, and a soft metal coating.

Abstract: A device for preparing screw and washer assemblies, each comprising a screw and washer to be disposed around the threaded shank of the screw, and a method using such a device, are provided. The device comprises a first rack for screws and a second rack for washers. The first rack has first recesses to orient the screws in one direction and orientation and predetermined arrangement. These are a first series of grooves for receiving the threaded shank of the screws and a second series of grooves for receiving the screw heads. The second rack has second recesses to position the washers in the same predetermined arrangement. These may be a third series of grooves, on the bottom of which the washers can come to bear. The first rack is formed on a first face of a plate and the second rack is formed on a second face of the plate.

Abstract: A fastening device for coupling a first work-piece to a second work-piece. The fastening device includes a fastener body having a peripheral surface configured to be received in the first work-piece. The fastening device also includes a spring assembly coupled to the fastener body. The spring assembly includes a flange member, and a plurality of tunable springs extending radially outward from the flange member, the tunable springs are each configured to deform when a predetermined pressure is applied to the flange member, the predetermined pressure is sufficient to couple the first work-piece to the second work-piece.

Abstract: In order to provide a combination of a screw member comprising a screw head, a threaded portion and a shank portion which is arranged between the screw head and the threaded portion and has an external diameter that is smaller than the external diameter of the threaded portion, and also a sleeve which incorporates a narrowed section the internal diameter of which is smaller than the external diameter of the threaded portion, whereby said combination is producible in a simple manner but nevertheless ensures that the sleeve is held securely on the screw member, it is proposed that the sleeve be in multipart form at least in the narrowed section thereof, that the shank portion of the screw member be passed through the narrowed section of the sleeve and that the several parts of the sleeve be connected to one another in such a manner that the sleeve is held captive on the screw member.

Abstract: A method of forming an apparatus having a captured washer includes the step of forming a shaft with a first end, a second end, a shaft diameter, and an axis. A stop element is provided on the shaft. An integral washer is formed on the shaft spaced from the stop element. The washer has a thickness and a diameter greater than the shaft diameter. The washer extends generally perpendicular to and radially outward from the shaft. The washer has a first surface facing the stop element and opposite surface facing opposite the first surface. A button is formed on and extends axially from the washer opposite. The button has a diameter greater than the shaft diameter and less than the washer diameter. A groove is formed into the first surface of the washer and defines a washer opening having an inside diameter less than the button diameter. The groove is formed so that the washer remains attached to the button by a material bridge extending between the button and.

Abstract: A high speed apparatus for assembling washers on headed parts such as bolt blanks, wherein individual washers are mechanically positively placed and seated onto individual blanks. The apparatus includes a linear transfer mechanism for progressively shifting the blanks through successive stations at which a washer is first placed on the end of a blank, is then "stuffed" axially along the shank of the blank, and is then positively abutted with the head. Various movements of the washers and blanks are effected by individual servomotors that greatly simplify the complexity of the apparatus, provide timing/stroke flexibility, and independent control.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a fastener blank to a washer including a mechanism for supplying washers in a sequential manner from unoriented bulk to a desired oriented position and a mechanism for supplying fastener blanks having a shank and a head to a desired oriented position. The apparatus further includes an adjustable fastener driving mechanism for gripping individual fasteners by the shank from the fastener supply mechanism and inserting the fastener shank within an aperture of a respective washer with a very high degree of accuracy and low rate of rejection to accommodate fastener blanks having mis-shaped heads or heads which are off-center or off square with respect to the shank.

Abstract: An improved railroad frog bolt-nut assembly is disclosed. The bolt has a square head and a shank. The shank has an unthreaded portion adjacent the head and a threaded portion at its terminal end. The threaded portion is rolled to a diameter equal to the shank's unthreaded portion to produce high fastener strength. A unitary lock nut is formed with an annular boss extending from its outside end in which indentations intersecting with some of the nut threads are pressed to provide an interference, locking fit with the bolt threads.