The method includes the step of positioning the sheets in an at least partially overlapping relationship. The method continues with the step of inserting a rivet that has a height through an overlapping area of the sheets. The method proceeds with the step of, with the rivet at a temperature in the range of 15-30 Celsius, collapsing the rivet between a pair of ramming surfaces to shorten the rivet and partially expand the rivet outwardly to lock the rivet with the sheets. The entire method results in a very strong connection between the sheets and with a great durability at a low cost.

A method and apparatus for accessing an interior of a fuselage assembly. A tower having a number of platform levels may be driven into a selected tower position within an assembly area. The interior of the fuselage assembly may be accessed using the number of platform levels.

A method and apparatus for accessing an interior of a fuselage assembly. A tower having a number of platform levels may be driven into a selected tower position within an assembly area. The interior of the fuselage assembly may be accessed using the number of platform levels.

Provided are self-aligning riveting tools and methods of utilizing such tools for installing rivets. A tool includes an aligning sleeve, which is slidably coupled to a first die. Furthermore, the tool includes a die holder, which is slidably coupled to a second die. During operation, the aligning sleeve is positioned over the rivet head thereby axially aligning the first die relative to the rivet, even before the first die contacts the rivet head. The second die contacts the rivet shank end thereby axially aligning the rivet relative to the second die and the die holder. Advancing the die holder toward the first die first clamps the rivet in the tool and then proceed with forming the rivet tail. The rivet remains coaxial with both dies during all of these operations.

Provided are self-aligning riveting tools and methods of utilizing such tools for installing rivets. A tool includes an aligning sleeve, which is slidably coupled to a first die. Furthermore, the tool includes a die holder, which is slidably coupled to a second die. During operation, the aligning sleeve is positioned over the rivet head thereby axially aligning the first die relative to the rivet, even before the first die contacts the rivet head. The second die contacts the rivet shank end thereby axially aligning the rivet relative to the second die and the die holder. Advancing the die holder toward the first die first clamps the rivet in the tool and then proceed with forming the rivet tail. The rivet remains coaxial with both dies during all of these operations.

One illustrative embodiment of an end effector generally comprises a tip, a housing, and a main insert. The housing may include a housing neck, one or more housing sections, and an end section. A main insert may be positioned within the housing. One or more intermediate inserts may also be positioned in the housing, as may an end insert. During use, it is contemplated that the end effector will provide a user a more ergonomic and comfortable experience, requiring less effort from the user resulting in a less fatigue during use. Additionally, the illustrative embodiments of the end effector may be adjusted for optimal use in an infinite number of applications. Additionally, the locator ensures that the user properly locates the distal end of a rivet to create a uniform nugget as the distal end of the rivet is spread.

One illustrative embodiment of an end effector generally comprises a tip, a housing, and a main insert. The housing may include a housing neck, one or more housing sections, and an end section. A main insert may be positioned within the housing. One or more intermediate inserts may also be positioned in the housing, as may an end insert. During use, it is contemplated that the end effector will provide a user a more ergonomic and comfortable experience, requiring less effort from the user resulting in a less fatigue during use. Additionally, the illustrative embodiments of the end effector may be adjusted for optimal use in an infinite number of applications. Additionally, the locator ensures that the user properly locates the distal end of a rivet to create a uniform nugget as the distal end of the rivet is spread.

A method and apparatus for building a fuselage assembly for an aircraft. A number of fixtures may be drive across a floor to an assembly area to form an assembly fixture. The fuselage assembly may be built on the assembly fixture.

A method and apparatus for building a fuselage assembly for an aircraft. A number of fixtures may be drive across a floor to an assembly area to form an assembly fixture. The fuselage assembly may be built on the assembly fixture.

An attachment for an end effector. The attachment may include a clamp and a foot adhesively bonded to an edge of the clamp and having a set of interlocking features that form a mechanical interlock with the clamp.