A system is provided including a first elongated object proximate a first surface on a first side of a structure and a second elongated object proximate a second surface on a second side of the structure, the second surface and the second side opposite the structure relative to the first surface and the first side, the first object aligned with the second object at a first point on the first surface. The system also includes a first plurality of corner cubes affixed to the first object at first known distances from each other and from the first point, wherein the first object abuts the first surface at the first point. The system also includes a second plurality of corner cubes affixed to the second object at second known distances from each other and from the first point, wherein the second object abuts second surface at second point opposite first point.

A system is provided including a first elongated object proximate a first surface on a first side of a structure and a second elongated object proximate a second surface on a second side of the structure, the second surface and the second side opposite the structure relative to the first surface and the first side, the first object aligned with the second object at a first point on the first surface. The system also includes a first plurality of corner cubes affixed to the first object at first known distances from each other and from the first point, wherein the first object abuts the first surface at the first point. The system also includes a second plurality of corner cubes affixed to the second object at second known distances from each other and from the first point, wherein the second object abuts second surface at second point opposite first point.

The magnetic base assembly includes an electromagnet assembly with a top surface open magnetic pole. A shunt plate is magnetically held to the top of the electromagnet. A canting or tilting of the shunt plate results when accidental side or pulling away contact is made between a riveting processing tool and an extending portion of the aircraft part being riveted as the tool is moved from one riveting location to another. The canting or pull off of the tool prevents damage. The operator can observe the tool canting and stop the tool movement or a micro switch or proximity switch senses the canting or tilting automatically so that the tool can be stopped before damage occurs. The magnetic field can be dynamically controlled to provide adequate pulldown force for the riveting function but a breakaway force less than the amount which would cause damage.

The invention relates to a holding device for a test sheet (1), with a receiving arrangement (2) for engagement with the test sheet (1), a handle arrangement (3) connected rigidly to the receiving arrangement (2) for a user (4) for positioning the test sheet (1), and a pushbutton arrangement (5) for producing a switching signal on the basis of an actuation by the user (4).

The invention relates to a holding device for a test sheet (1), with a receiving arrangement (2) for engagement with the test sheet (1), a handle arrangement (3) connected rigidly to the receiving arrangement (2) for a user (4) for positioning the test sheet (1), and a pushbutton arrangement (5) for producing a switching signal on the basis of an actuation by the user (4).

A process monitoring method for a joining operation of a joining element at a speed of at least 5 m/s, in particular placing a bolt at least 10 m/s into at least one component with the aid of a placing device which has the following features: A plunger for placing the joining element, a buffer which limits a maximum deflection of the plunger in the joining direction, and a distance measurement with which the deflection of the plunger can be detected, wherein the process monitoring comprises the following steps: Detecting the travel of the plunger during the joining operation as a function of time in the form of a distance-time curve, detecting a placement of the plunger on the buffer, evaluating the distance-time curve such that, in the presence of at least one maximum followed by at least one minimum in the distance-time curve and without the plunger contacting the buffer, a joint connection is judged to be OK.

A process monitoring method for a joining operation of a joining element at a speed of at least 5 m/s, in particular placing a bolt at least 10 m/s into at least one component with the aid of a placing device which has the following features: A plunger for placing the joining element, a buffer which limits a maximum deflection of the plunger in the joining direction, and a distance measurement with which the deflection of the plunger can be detected, wherein the process monitoring comprises the following steps: Detecting the travel of the plunger during the joining operation as a function of time in the form of a distance-time curve, detecting a placement of the plunger on the buffer, evaluating the distance-time curve such that, in the presence of at least one maximum followed by at least one minimum in the distance-time curve and without the plunger contacting the buffer, a joint connection is judged to be OK.

A method for automated installation of a semi-tubular fastener rivet is provided. The method includes controlling a numerical control drilling and riveting machine having an upper head and a lower head, to control movement of a lower pressure bushing, to apply a clamping force to hold a workpiece against an upper pressure bushing. The method includes controlling an upper drill spindle on the upper head, to drill a rivet-receiving hole from an upper side of the workpiece and to countersink the rivet-receiving hole. The method includes controlling a lower drill spindle on the lower head, to countersink the rivet-receiving hole from a lower side of the workpiece. The method includes controlling movement of an upper anvil from a retracted position to an installation position, and controlling movement of a lower anvil, to apply an upset force to a tail portion of the semi-tubular fastener rivet installed in the rivet-receiving hole.

A method for automated installation of a semi-tubular fastener rivet is provided. The method includes controlling a numerical control drilling and riveting machine having an upper head and a lower head, to control movement of a lower pressure bushing, to apply a clamping force to hold a workpiece against an upper pressure bushing. The method includes controlling an upper drill spindle on the upper head, to drill a rivet-receiving hole from an upper side of the workpiece and to countersink the rivet-receiving hole. The method includes controlling a lower drill spindle on the lower head, to countersink the rivet-receiving hole from a lower side of the workpiece. The method includes controlling movement of an upper anvil from a retracted position to an installation position, and controlling movement of a lower anvil, to apply an upset force to a tail portion of the semi-tubular fastener rivet installed in the rivet-receiving hole.

A dual-interface coupler includes a utilities unit, a number of utility cables configured to provide a number of utilities to the utilities unit, a first coupling unit associated with the utilities unit, and a second coupling unit associated with the utilities unit. The first coupling unit is configured to mechanically couple the utilities unit to a first corresponding coupling unit and comprises a utility interface. The number of utilities are configured to flow from the utilities unit through the utilities interface. The second coupling unit is configured to mechanically couple the second coupling unit to a second corresponding coupling unit.