A method for joining dissimilar materials is provided. The method includes a solid-state joining process in which a rivet is plunged into a predrilled hole in a top workpiece. When the rivet contacts the bottom workpiece, ultrasonic vibration by oscillatory motion of a sonotrode, such as horizontal, vertical, or rotational motion, creates frictional heat at the interface between the rivet and the lower workpiece. With the aid of frictional heat and axial compression, metallurgical bonding is achieved at the interface between the rivet and the bottom sheet, while being below the melting temperature of the bottom workpiece. The sonotrode is retracted while the rivet remains.

A method for producing an assembly unit includes providing the assembly unit with an assembly part and at least one welding element serving for the thermal joining of the assembly part to a basic construction. The welding element is fixed in a through opening of the assembly part with at least one form-locking connection acting in the direction of the center longitudinal axis of the through opening and having a first end face, a second end face facing away from the first, and a peripheral surface that interconnects the end faces. The welding element has two side faces running parallel to each other and pointing away from each other, a profile that ensures the at least one form-locking connection and two transverse surfaces which connect the side faces one to the other.

A riveting apparatus for application and riveting a rivet to a component of an article being processed in a work region of the riveting apparatus is provided. The riveting apparatus includes a rivet insertion device for insertion of the rivet into the component and a riveting device for the riveting of the rivet.

A riveting apparatus for application and riveting a rivet to a component of an article being processed in a work region of the riveting apparatus is provided. The riveting apparatus includes a rivet insertion device for insertion of the rivet into the component and a riveting device for the riveting of the rivet.

Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool. A transfer station attached to the tool or the delivery tube transfers a fastener from the delivery apparatus into the tool, transfer station is adjacent to the tool so that a delivered fastener may be inserted by the transfer station into the tool and a second position in which it is clear of the tool so as to permit the tool or a portion thereof to move towards a workpiece to insert a smooth, rapid and reliable delivery of fasteners of various sizes and types to the nose of a setting tool in any particular order and provides all the fastener types for any particular work cycle.

A repair method for repairing an assembly including a main body and an old reinforcement, the assembly including an initial hole passing through the old reinforcement and at least a portion of the main body, the method including removing the old reinforcement; positioning a plug in the initial hole in the main body; fastening a new reinforcement on the main body, the new reinforcement covering the plug; and forming a new hole passing through the new reinforcement and at least a portion of the main body.

A method of inserting a rivet into a workpiece comprises moving the rivet and workpiece relative to one another, along a longitudinal axis of the rivet, so as to drive the rivet into the workpiece. The rivet is rotated about its longitudinal axis, relative to the workpiece, for at least part of the time during which it is in contact with the workpiece. The speed of said rotation, or the speed of movement along the longitudinal axis of the rivet, is altered at least once before driving of the rivet into the workpiece is complete. One axial end of the rivet has a tip for piercing the workpiece, and the rivet has a substantially cylindrical shank extending longitudinally from the tip. The shank has one or more surface irregularities.

An in-line fastener track selection device comprises a stator having first, second and third fastener conduits; a rotor, rotatably mounted with respect the stator about a rotation axis, and comprising a rotor body and a connection space. The rotor is rotatable between a first position in which the connection space adjoins the first and second fastener conduits, such that, in use, a fastener may pass between the first and second fastener conduits via the connection space, and a second position in which the connection space adjoins the first and third fastener conduits, such that, in use, a fastener may pass between the first and third fastener conduits via the connection space.

A drive assembly for a torque converter is provided. The drive assembly includes a turbine shell and a damper assembly fixed to the turbine shell by at least one rectangular rivet. A method of forming a drive assembly for a torque converter is also provided. The method includes fixing a turbine shell and a damper assembly together by a plurality of rectangular rivets.

A drive assembly for a torque converter is provided. The drive assembly includes a turbine shell and a damper assembly fixed to the turbine shell by at least one rectangular rivet. A method of forming a drive assembly for a torque converter is also provided. The method includes fixing a turbine shell and a damper assembly together by a plurality of rectangular rivets.