An apparatus for installing pre-molded seal caps onto fasteners that extend from a surface is disclosed. Apparatus comprises a plunger mechanism, configured to individually install the pre-molded seal caps onto selected ones of the fasteners. Apparatus also comprises a feed system, configured to sequentially deliver the pre-molded seal caps, arranged on a carrier strip, to the plunger mechanism. Apparatus additionally comprises a take-up mechanism, configured to collect the carrier strip as the pre-molded seal caps are sequentially removed from the carrier strip. The plunger mechanism is also configured to operate in concert with the feed system to sequentially remove the pre-molded seal caps from the carrier strip.

A metallic/composite joint includes a composite member and an insert located at least partially within the composite member. The composite member comprises a cylinder having an angled end extending along a centerline axis, an inner surface of the angled end oriented at a first angle relative to the centerline axis. The insert is located at least partially within the angled end and having an outer surface oriented at a second angle relative to the centerline axis. The first and second angles are oriented to reduce maximum shear stress in the composite member when the insert and composite member are in an installed position.

A horology device that includes a first component having at least one plastically deformable portion, and a second component provided with a surface, notably a surface of revolution and/or of guidance and/or of attachment of the first component relative to the second component, the first component being fixed permanently to the second component by plastic deformation of the at least one portion against the second component, in a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to an axis of said surface of the second component.

Fastener systems may be used to couple a part to a composite structure such that at least a portion of the fastener system is embedded within the composite structure, and such that the fastener system may be installed via access to just one side of the composite structure. Examples of fastener systems include a receptacle that is inserted through at least one layer of the composite structure and a torque nail that is inserted into the receptacle, thereby expanding the receptacle into a collar plate, which is configured to distribute the forces from insertion of the torque nail. The collar plate is enclosed between respective laminates of the composite structure, such that the fastener system is configured to couple the part to the composite structure, either directly or via a structural connector, without the use of conventional drilling and bolting.

A method of bonding a first object to a second object, including the steps of: providing a profile body having a first profile body portion; providing the first object, wherein the first object has thermoplastic material; providing the second object, wherein the profile body is separate from and attachable to the second object or wherein the second object includes the profile body; embedding the profile body in the first object such that the first profile body portion is within the thermoplastic material of the first object. Embedding the profile body in the first object is caused by mechanical energy impinging on the first object and/or on the second object while the first object and the second object are pressed against each other.

A metallic/composite joint may comprise a composite member extending along a centerline axis and a metallic member. The composite member may comprise a cylinder having a flared end. An outer surface of the flared end may be oriented at a first angle relative to the centerline axis. An inner surface of the metallic member may be oriented at a second angle relative to the centerline axis. The inner surface of the metallic member and the outer surface of the composite member may be separated by a first gap at a first location and may be separated by a second gap at a second location. In various embodiments, the composite member may comprise a cylinder having an angled end, an inner surface of the angled end oriented at the first angle and an insert having an outer surface oriented at the second angle.

A dead blow hammer head with end caps coupled to a central body through an interference fit. The ends of the body can be flared axially and radially outward and interference fit with the recesses to maximize the surface area overlap between the ends of the body and the recesses. By maximizing the surface area overlap, stress concentrations and failure are reduced. The hammer head can also include a shot or other mass that is unobstructed by screws or pins due to the interference fit of the hammer head components. The interference fit can become stronger during use with each impact further solidifying the surface area overlap between the ends and central portion of the hammer head.

A method of protecting a repair joint having at least two workpieces joined by a fastener includes selecting a preformed functional body based on at least one joint characteristic and applying the preformed functional body to cover the fastener and at least a portion of one of the workpieces. Generally, the preformed functional body inhibits contamination or moisture ingress at a joint interface, and especially in a repair operation. The preformed functional body in one form defines a material that undergoes a color change to indicate a state of cure, and in another form is cured by UV light, moisture, or heat after application.

Provided is a crimp structure in which an inner member and an outer member that is arranged outside the inner member are joined to each other. The inner member includes: an insertion portion having a columnar surface-like outer circumferential surface; and a recessed portion provided in the outer circumferential surface. The outer member includes: a cylindrical portion that forms an opening into which the insertion portion is inserted; a reduced-diameter portion that is formed in the cylindrical portion, and has a plastically deformed shape such that a diameter of the cylindrical portion is reduced annularly inward in a radial direction; and a protruding portion that has a plastically deformed shape such that a part, in a circumferential direction, of the reduced-diameter portion has entered the recessed portion. Relative rotation of the inner member and the outer member can be suppressed.

An apparatus (100) for installing pre-molded seal caps (210) onto fasteners (301) that extend from a surface (300) is disclosed. Apparatus (100) comprises a plunger mechanism (220), configured to individually install the pre-molded seal caps (210) onto selected ones of the fasteners (301). Apparatus (100) also comprises a feed system (230), configured to sequentially deliver the pre-molded seal caps (210), arranged on a carrier strip (200), to the plunger mechanism (220). Apparatus (100) additionally comprises a take-up mechanism (240), configured to collect the carrier strip (200) as the pre-molded seal caps (210) are sequentially removed from the carrier strip (200). The plunger mechanism (220) is also configured to operate in concert with the feed system (230) to sequentially remove the pre-molded seal caps (210) from the carrier strip (200).