An installation tool adapted to install fasteners onto a U-bolt is provided. The installation tool includes a frame, a tool mount affixed to the frame, and a pair of arms each having a proximal end pivotally affixed to the tool mount and a fastening tool disposed at a distal end. Each fastening tool includes a grooved portion configured to affix to corresponding annular pull grooves of the U-bolt, a limit switch configured to indicate when the grooved portion is in alignment with the corresponding annular pull grooves, and a swaging anvil. The installation tool also includes a hydraulic system configured to pull the grooved portion of the fastening tool and to cause the swaging anvil to swage a sleeve into a lock grooved portion of the U-bolt and a controller configured to operate the hydraulic system based on a state of the limit switches.
The invention relates an installation tool, to the use thereof, and to a method for securing a threaded insert. The installation tool has a spindle, which is at least partly provided with a first outer thread and at least partly with a second thread, and a sleeve, which has a thread that meshes with the second thread. The length of the spindle and the length of the sleeve are adapted to each other such that the first outer thread protrudes at least partly out of the sleeve. The housing sleeve can be moved axially relative to the spindle by means of the thread engagement with the spindle, wherein the end position of said axial movement is defined by an axial stop of the spindle on the axial bearing and/or a rotational stop of the spindle on the housing sleeve.
B25B 27/06 - Hand tools or bench devices, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for connecting objects by press fit or detaching same inserting or withdrawing sleeves or bearing races
B25B 27/14 - Hand tools or bench devices, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for assembling objects other than by press fit or detaching same
A fastener includes a sleeve, a core bolt and an insert. The sleeve includes a tubular portion and an internal thread. The core bolt includes a cylindrical portion, a threaded portion with an external thread, and a thread runout between the cylindrical portion and the threaded portion. The core bolt is disposed within the sleeve and the external thread engages the internal thread. The insert is disposed within the sleeve and encircles a portion of the core bolt. The insert abuts and is retained between the internal thread and the thread runout in a pre-installation position. The insert is compressed between the internal thread and the thread runout by an installation motion of the core bolt simultaneously with a generation of a compressive load on the sleeve. The insert deforms simultaneously with and facilitates a formation of a bulb in the sleeve in response to the compression.
An illustrative example embodiment of of a fastener includes a pin having a head and a tail opposite the head. The tail includes a first crest, a second crest and a groove between the first and second crests. The first crest includes a surface on at least one side of the first crest having a first profile. The second crest includes a surface on at least one side of the second crest having a second profile. The second profile is different than the first profile. A pitch between a peak of the first crest and a peak of the second crest is different than a pitch between a root of the first crest and a root of the second crest.
B25B 27/00 - Hand tools or bench devices, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for
B25B 27/14 - Hand tools or bench devices, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for assembling objects other than by press fit or detaching same
5.
TANGLESS HELICALLY COILED INSERT INSTALLATION SYSTEM
An automated installation system, constructed to install tangless helically coiled inserts, includes an installation tool, a track, and an insert separator device. The tool includes a nozzle body defining a through-bore extending along an insertion axis, and a mandrel adapted to reciprocate and rotate within the bore. The track defines a channel extending along a first centerline for the travel of inserts disposed in the channel and to the installation tool. The device is mounted to the track and includes a shuttle adapted to intersect and move in the channel. The shuttle defines a through-bore having an axis aligned to the first centerline when in a first position for acceptance of an insert from the channel, and is aligned to a second centerline for expulsion of the insert from the track and into the installation tool. The second centerline is offset from the first centerline, and intersects the insertion axis.
B25B 27/14 - Hand tools or bench devices, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for assembling objects other than by press fit or detaching same
B25B 27/30 - Hand tools or bench devices, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for assembling objects other than by press fit or detaching same positioning or withdrawing springs, e.g. coil or leaf springs
Multi-piece fasteners and methods of fastening are provided. The multi-piece fastener comprises a fastening collar and a pin. The fastening collar comprises an inner collar surface defining a collar cavity, an outer collar surface, a coating on the outer collar surface, and a lubrication layer intermediate the coating and the outer collar surface. The coating comprises a resin and a metal pigment. The pin is configured to be at least partially received by the collar cavity. The pin comprises a first pin end, a second pin end, and a shank extending intermediate the first pin end and the second pin end. The fastening collar is configured to be deformed onto the shank by forcibly contacting the outer collar surface of the fastening collar. Forcibly contacting the outer collar surface at least partially removes the coating on the outer collar surface and indicates installation of the multi-piece fastener.
A fastener includes a sleeve having a tubular portion including a first end and a second end; a head located at the first end; a deformable portion located at the second end; and a core pin having a first end and a second end. The core pin has an elongated shank portion between the first end of the core pin and the second end of the core pin including a threaded portion proximate the second end of the core pin and a head at the first end of the core pin. The sleeve is configured to receive the core pin. The fastener is configured to secure a plurality of workpieces to one another. The deformable portion is configured deflect in response to compression of the deformable portion by the head of the core pin, to form a flared connection that engages a surface of one of the plurality of workpieces.
A system includes a fastener and a fastener installation tool. The fastener includes a sleeve having a tubular portion with an internal threaded portion having an internal thread, and a head. The head of the sleeve is configured to be installed in an accessible hole in a workpiece having a surface. The fastener includes a pin member having a threaded portion with an external thread. The pin member is disposed within the sleeve and the external thread of the pin member is configured to threadedly engage the internal thread of the sleeve. The fastener installation tool includes a nosepiece having a face configured to engage the head of the sleeve without the face contacting the surface of the workpiece.
F16B 13/06 - Dowels or other devices fastened in walls or the like by inserting them in holes made therein for that purpose with parts gripping in the hole or behind the reverse side of the wall after inserting from the front combined with expanding sleeve
9.
FASTENING COLLARS, MULTI-PIECE FASTENERS, AND METHODS FOR FASTENING
The present disclosure relates to fastening collars, multi-piece fasteners, and methods for fastening. A fastening collar comprises a first collar end, a second collar end, and an elongate portion intermediate the first collar end and the second collar end and defining a longitudinal axis of the fastening collar. The elongate portion comprises an external collar surface, an inner collar surface defining a collar cavity, and a groove on at least one of the external collar surface and inner collar surface. The groove extends a first distance along the longitudinal axis.
The present disclosure relates to a vehicle wheel hub cover, a vehicle wheel, a powered vehicle, and a related method of manufacture. The vehicle wheel hub cover comprises a first curved region and at least two protrusions radially disposed about a periphery of the first curved region. Each of the at least two protrusions comprises a first end, a second end, an elongate portion extending from the first end to the second end, and an inner surface defining a cavity configured to receive a lug of a vehicle wheel. The first ends of each of the at least two protrusions are disposed within a plane. The first curved region extends radially inwardly from a first location on each of the elongate portions of the at least two protrusions and towards the plane.
B60B 7/08 - Fastening arrangements therefor having gripping elements consisting of formations integral with the cover
B60B 7/00 - Wheel cover discs, rings, or the like, for ornamenting, protecting, or obscuring, wholly or in part, the wheel body, rim, hub, or tyre sidewall
B60B 7/02 - Wheel cover discs, rings, or the like, for ornamenting, protecting, or obscuring, wholly or in part, the wheel body, rim, hub, or tyre sidewall made essentially in one part
Vehicle wheels and methods of use are provided. The vehicle wheel comprises a first region, a second region, and a third region. The first region is generally annular and comprises a first flange, a second flange opposite the first flange, and a continuous wall comprising an inner surface and an outer surface. A first tire bead seat and a second tire bead seat are defined on the outer surface. The second region is configured to mount to a vehicle axle and is offset from the first flange by an offset distance. The third region connects the second region and the first region and extends inwardly towards the longitudinal axis from an attachment location on the first region to the second region. The third region comprises a first thickness and the second region comprises a second thickness. The first thickness is no greater than 75% of the second thickness.
Multi-piece fasteners, multi-piece fastener installation apparatus, and methods of fastening are provided. The multi-piece fastener comprises a fastening collar and a pin. The fastening collar comprises a first collar end and a second collar end. A collar cavity extends from the first collar end to the second collar end. The pin is configured to be at least partially received by the collar cavity. The pin comprises a first pin end, a second pin end, and a shank extending intermediate the first pin end and the second pin end. The shank comprises a plurality of structural features. A first feature of the plurality of structural features has a first configuration and the second feature of the plurality of structural features has a second configuration. The first configuration and the second configuration differ.
A dynamic vehicle wheel balance apparatus, a vehicle wheel, a powered vehicle, and a related method for manufacture are provided. The dynamic vehicle wheel balance apparatus comprises a vehicle wheel cover and a dynamic vehicle wheel balance ring. The vehicle wheel cover comprises a first surface, a second surface, and a perimeter surface connecting the first surface to the second surface. The vehicle wheel cover is configured to removably attach to a flange of a vehicle wheel with the second surface opposing the vehicle wheel. The dynamic vehicle wheel balance ring is attached to the second surface of the vehicle wheel cover. The dynamic vehicle wheel balance apparatus dynamically balances the vehicle wheel during rotation of the vehicle wheel and reduces aerodynamic drag.
The present disclosure relates to fastening collars, multi-piece fasteners, and methods for fastening. A fastening collar comprises a first collar end, a second collar end, and an elongate portion intermediate the first collar end and the second collar end and defining a longitudinal axis of the fastening collar. The elongate portion comprises a first region adjacent the first collar end, extending a first distance along the longitudinal axis; a second region adjacent to the second collar end, extending a second distance along the longitudinal axis, and comprising a flange; and an inner collar surface defining collar cavity extending through the elongate portion from the first collar end to the second collar end. The second collar end extends away from the longitudinal axis of the elongate portion at a first angle offset from an angle perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate portion.
F16B 35/04 - Screw-bolts; Stay bolts; Screw-threaded studs; Screws; Set screws with specially-shaped head or shaft in order to fix the bolt on or in an object
F16B 39/284 - Locking by means of elastic deformation
F16B 5/02 - Joining sheets or plates to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of fastening members using screw-thread
Self-forming thread blind fasteners and methods for fastening are provided. The self-forming thread blind fastener comprises a sleeve and a pin. The sleeve comprises a first sleeve end, a second sleeve end, an elongate portion, and an inner wall defining a bore. The pin is configured to be at least partially received by the bore. The pin comprises a first pin end, a second pin end, a pin head portion, an at least partially threaded portion, a shank intermediate, and a driving portion. The at least partially threaded portion is configured to form threads on at least a portion of the inner wall of the sleeve. The driving portion is configured to receive a torque to rotate the pin within the sleeve and thereby axially compress and deform the sleeve and form the threads on the at least a portion of the inner wall of the sleeve.
Fluid tight blind fasteners and methods tor fastening are provided. The sleeve comprises a first sleeve end comprising a first inner surface, a second sleeve end comprising a second inner surface, and an elongate portion extending from the first sleeve end to the second sleeve end. The first inner surface and the second inner surface define a sleeve cavity extending into the sleeve from the first sleeve end toward or to the second sleeve end. The pin is configured to be at least partially received by the sleeve cavity. The pin comprises a first pin end portion configured to receive a torque, a second pin end, and a shank extending from the first pin end portion to the second pin end. Tire shank comprises threads and the threads are configured to form threads on the second inner surface of the sleeve.
F16B 13/06 - Dowels or other devices fastened in walls or the like by inserting them in holes made therein for that purpose with parts gripping in the hole or behind the reverse side of the wall after inserting from the front combined with expanding sleeve
A fastener comprising a pin and a collar. The pin comprising a shank comprising a tapered lock groove thread profile; and a head portion configured to receive a torque. The collar configured to be deformed onto and secured to the shank, wherein the collar comprises an external surface configured to receive a torque such that the collar can be removed from the shank after deformation.
F16B 35/04 - Screw-bolts; Stay bolts; Screw-threaded studs; Screws; Set screws with specially-shaped head or shaft in order to fix the bolt on or in an object
F16B 5/02 - Joining sheets or plates to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of fastening members using screw-thread
F16B 33/02 - Shape of thread; Special thread-forms
18.
MULTI-PIECE FASTENER INCLUDING A LOCKBOLT COLLAR ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF FASTENING
Non-limiting embodiments of a multi-piece fastener and a fastening method are disclosed. The multi-piece fastener comprises a fastening collar and a pin. The fastening collar comprises a first collar end, a second collar end, and an inner collar surface extending from the first collar end to the second collar end. The inner collar surface comprises a first lock region and defines a collar cavity. The pin is configured to be at least partially received by the collar cavity. The pin comprises a first pin end, a second pin end, and a shank extending intermediate the first pin end and the second pin end. The shank comprises a second lock region configured to engage the first lock region to form an interference fit between the fastening collar and the pin when the pin is received in the collar cavity. The fastening collar is configured to be deformed onto the shank.
Fastening systems, fastening system installation apparatus, and methods for fastening are provided. The fastening system installation apparatus comprises a sleeve and an anvil. The sleeve comprises a first sleeve end and a second sleeve end. A sleeve cavity extends into the sleeve from the first sleeve end. The anvil is slidably received by the sleeve cavity. The anvil comprises a first anvil end, a second anvil end, and at least two portions formed by at least two channels extending from the first anvil end. The at least two portions define an anvil cavity configured to receive a fastening collar and inner surfaces of the at least two portions are configured to deform the fastening collar. The sleeve is configured to radially displace the at least two portions inward relative to the longitudinal axis responsive to forcible contact between the first anvil end and the first sleeve end.
Methods of fastening are provided. A method comprises contacting a fastener with a first layer of an assembly at a first location. The assembly comprises the first layer, a third layer, and a second layer positioned intermediate the first layer and the third layer. The first layer, the third layer, and the fastener are electrically conductive. The second layer defines a gap and the first location is in communication with the gap. Electrical communication is formed between the assembly and the fastener. The first layer is fastened to the third layer through the gap in the second layer with the fastener. The fastening comprises resistance welding the fastener to the third layer.
Anti-shingle rivets are provided. The anti-shingle rivets comprise a head portion comprising an outer edge configured to inhibit shingling in a rivet delivery system and a shank extending from the head portion.
Vehicle wheels and methods of making vehicle wheels are provided. A vehicle wheel comprises a generally annular first region, a second region, and a flange extension. The first region comprises an inner surface and an outer surface comprising a tire bead seat. The second region extends radially inwardly from the first region. The second region is configured to mount to a vehicle axle. The flange extension extends from the first region in a direction away from the second region. The flange extension comprises a first extension end integral with the first region, a second extension end, and an elongate portion intermediate the first extension end and the second extension end. The elongate portion comprising a first portion with a thickness less than a thickness of the second extension end.
Vehicle wheels and methods of making vehicle wheels are provided. The vehicle wheel comprises a generally annular first region, a second region, and a flange region. The first region comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end, and a second end. The second region extends radially inwardly from the first region, and the second region is configured to mount to a vehicle axle. The flange region extends from the first region. The flange region comprises a first flange end adjacent to the first end of the first region, a second flange end, and a curved elongate portion extending intermediate the first flange end and the second flange end. The curved elongate portion comprises a first thickness no greater than 0.3 inches and a second thickness greater than 0.3 inches.
Fastening collar installation apparatus and methods of installing a fastener system are provided. The fastening collar installation apparatus comprises an anvil, a sleeve, and a lever. The sleeve comprises a first section comprising a first sleeve end and a second sleeve end, a sleeve cavity, and a slot. The first sleeve end is intermediate the anvil and the second sleeve end. The slot extends a first distance from the first sleeve end. The lever is slidably received by the slot of the sleeve and configured to move between a first lever position in the slot and a second lever position in the slot. The lever comprises a second distance from a first lever end to a second lever end. The second distance is less than the first distance.
New aluminum alloys having magnesium and zinc are disclosed. The new magnesium-zinc aluminum alloys may include from 2.5 to 4.0 wt. % Mg, from 2.25 to 4.0 wt. % Zn, wherein (wt. % Mg / wt. % Zn) ≥ 1.0, and wherein (wt. % Mg / wt. % Zn) ≤ 1.6, from 0.20 to 0.9 wt. % Mn, from 0.10 to 0.40 wt. % Cu, up to 1.0 wt. % Li, up to 0.50 wt. % Fe, up to 0.50 wt. % Si, and optional secondary element(s), the balance being aluminum, optional incidental elements and impurities.
Rivet dispenser systems and methods of use thereof are provided. In a non-limiting embodiment, the rivet dispenser system comprises a rivet receiving member defining a channel therein, and a seat member. The channel includes a curved region. The rivet receiving member comprises a first port and a second port. The first port communicates with the channel and is configured to receive rivets. The second port communicates with the channel and is configured to dispense rivets. The channel extends between the first port and the second port and is configured to transport rivets from the first port to the second port in a series arrangement and in a preselected orientation. The seat member communicates with the second port and is configured to selectively engage with a rivet holder of a resistance spot rivet welding apparatus and introduce a single rivet to the rivet holder at one time.
The present disclosure relates to new titanium alloys and methods for making the same. The new titanium alloys generally include 4.75 - 6.75 wt. % Al, 6.5 - 8.5 wt. % (Nb + Ta), 1.5 - 3.5 wt. % Sn, up to 5.0 wt. % Zr, and up to 2.5 wt. % Mo, the balance being titanium, optional incidental elements, and impurities. Due to their composition and methods of manufacture, the new titanium alloys may find use in several applications, such as aerospace and/or automotive applications.
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