A tamper proof locking mechanism incorporating a first fixture for attachment to an index protective cover, a second fixture for attachment to an instrument, and a third fixture for connecting the first fixture to the second fixture. The first fixture may have a receptacle, the second fixture may have a plate with an opening, and the third fixture may have a protrusive structure that fits into the receptacle of the first fixture and into the opening in the plate to connect the first fixture to the second fixture. The protrusive structure may have a rivet that is partially embedded with a plastic-like material that reveals tampering when an attempt is made to break a connection between the first fixture and the second fixture.

The present invention relates to a self-punching functional element that is adapted for punching into a workpiece, in particular into a sheet metal part. It comprises a head part forming a flange and having a contact surface for contact with the workpiece; and a punching section that extends away from the head part, in particular from the contact surface, and that is in particular arranged coaxially to a central longitudinal axis of the functional element. The punching section has a peripheral punching edge at its free end for punching through the workpiece and surrounds a cavity in a peripheral direction, said cavity having an opening defined by the punching edge. An inner wall of the punching section facing the cavity has at least one elevated slug securing portion projecting radially inwardly into the cavity, in particular wherein the elevated portion has the form of a rib extending in an axial direction.

A feed assembly for a foot-pedal operated riveter and a method of using the same is disclosed. The feed assembly includes a rivet stop that has a tip that separates a lowermost fastener from a second from lowermost fastener when the riveter is in a non-operational position. This rivet stop prevents fasteners from sliding down a raceway on the feed assembly. When the riveter is moved into an operational position, the rivet stop moves out of the way and permits the second from lowermost fastener to slide into position for subsequent installation. The rivet stop thus enables automatic reloading of the riveter during operation.

A power tool for joining a deformable element having a threaded shaft to a workpiece. The joining tool comprising a threaded dowel adapted to receive the threaded shaft and rotatably within the housing. A nose is arranged around the threaded dowel, and the dowel is slidably movable relative to the nose. A motor drives a drive train to rotate the threaded dowel. A hydraulic system drives another drive train to move the threaded shaft and compress the deformable element. The joining tool includes a sliding unit. The nose is attachable to the sliding unit, and in an attached position the nose is slidably connected to the housing so that the hydraulic system may move the nose axially to compress the deformable element.

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 power tool for joining a deformable element having a threaded shaft to a workpiece. The joining tool comprising a threaded dowel adapted to receive the threaded shaft and rotatably within the housing. A nose is arranged around the threaded dowel, and the dowel is slidably movable relative to the nose. A motor drives a drive train to rotate the threaded dowel. A hydraulic system drives another drive train to move the threaded shaft and compress the deformable element. The joining tool includes a sliding unit. The nose is attachable to the sliding unit, and in an attached position the nose is slidably connected to the housing so that the hydraulic system may move the nose axially to compress the deformable element.

There is provided an automated rivet apparatus for installing a semi-tubular fastener rivet. The apparatus includes a numerical control (NC) drilling and riveting machine and a controller. The NC drilling and riveting machine includes a lower head having a lower pressure bushing, a lower drill spindle, and a lower anvil to apply an upset force to a tail portion of the semi-tubular fastener rivet. The NC drilling and riveting machine further includes an upper head having an upper pressure bushing, an upper drill spindle, and an upper anvil that holds the semi-tubular fastener rivet to insert the semi-tubular fastener rivet in a rivet-receiving hole. The lower drill spindle countersinks the rivet-receiving hole from a lower side of a workpiece. The controller directs movement of a nose of the lower anvil to apply the upset force and form a predetermined flare contour in the tail portion within a lower countersink.

The present invention relates to a fastening unit for fastening to a workpiece, said fastening unit comprising a rivet element and a reshaping element coupled to the rivet element and movable relative thereto, wherein the rivet element has a rivet section and the reshaping element has a reshaping section and a support section, which is arranged at a region of the reshaping element remote from the reshaping section, for axially supporting the fastening unit at an abutment. The rivet section and the reshaping section are designed such that, on an axial relative movement between the rivet element and the reshaping element that is produced by an introduction movement, the rivet section cooperates with the reshaping section and can be reshaped by it in a radial direction.

The present invention relates to a self-punching functional element that is adapted for punching into a workpiece, in particular into a sheet metal part. It comprises a head part forming a flange and having a contact surface for contact with the workpiece; and a punching section that extends away from the head part, in particular from the contact surface, and that is in particular arranged coaxially to a central longitudinal axis of the functional element. The punching section has a peripheral punching edge at its free end for punching through the workpiece and surrounds a cavity in a peripheral direction, said cavity having an opening defined by the punching edge. An inner wall of the punching section facing the cavity has at least one elevated slug securing portion projecting radially inwardly into the cavity, in particular wherein the elevated portion has the form of a rib extending in an axial direction.