Various embodiments relate to a rivet element supply unit for providing rivet elements, wherein the rivet element supply unit comprises a rivet element provision unit and a handling unit, wherein the rivet element provision unit for conveying the rivet elements comprises a spiral conveyor having a longitudinal axis and a spiral, which extends around the longitudinal axis, wherein the longitudinal axis is inclined to the direction of gravity, wherein the rivet element provision unit has a pick-up region to which the spiral conveyor supplies rivet elements and from which the handling unit picks up the rivet elements for transporting to a rivet element receptacle.

A feeder mechanism for feeding mechanical fasteners, such as rivets, screws, bolts and similar fasteners, as well as to a robot end effector comprising such a mechanism and a robot being equipped with such an end effector. The feeder mechanism includes a transport means for transporting mechanical fasteners and a stopping and aligning unit with a stopping plate to decelerate transported fasteners.

The disclosure relates to a processing installation for aircraft structural components having a processing station comprising a clamping frame for receiving the structural component, wherein the clamping frame extends along a station longitudinal axis which extends in a longitudinal direction and a processing unit which has an upper tool unit having an upper tool and a lower tool unit, wherein the processing installation has a processing region which is formed by a laterally delimited, first spatial portion in which the clamping frame and the processing unit are arranged during processing, wherein the processing installation has a service region for carrying out service operations, wherein the first spatial portion is separated from the second spatial portion in a transverse direction, wherein a service platform is arranged in the service region and can be positioned in a service plane which is orthogonal to the vertical direction.

The present disclosure relates to riveting apparatuses, riveting devices, and methods for their use. An example riveting apparatus includes a pneumatically operated riveting tool having a working end for squeezing a rivet. The riveting apparatus includes a support bracket connected to the riveting tool proximate the working end, the support bracket having arms projecting on each side of the riveting tool. The riveting apparatus also includes a pair of spaced-apart edge rollers coupled to the support arms. The edge rollers are configured to rollably engage an edge of a work-piece so as to support the weight of the riveting tool and enable movable adjustment of the working end relative to the work-piece. The riveting apparatus includes a handle rotatably mounted to the riveting tool to enable axial rotation of the handle, the handle having an actuatable switch configured to selectively operate the riveting tool.

A compound contour vacuum track, and an automated fastening machine using the track, for automation of final assembly inside an aircraft fuselage. The track is mounted at an angle to a surface, such as an inside surface of the fuselage, wherein the surface has one or more holes through which fasteners are inserted. The automated fastening machine is mounted on the track to traverse the track while performing fastening functions and steps. The automated fastening machine includes a carriage, arm, and end effector, wherein the arm is mounted on the carriage and the end effector is mounted on the arm. The carriage is attached to the track for positioning the arm and end effector, the arm is attached to the carriage for positioning the end effector, and the end effector is attached to the arm for installing the fasteners into the holes of the surface.

A method for installing a fastener system. A position on a structure relative to an overhang on the structure is automatically sensed for installing a fastener system in a hole using an offset collar installer. The offset collar installer is moved about a rotation axis to the position such that a collar in the fastener system is held in the position over the hole. The offset collar installer is connected to a platform and rotatable about the rotation axis. The collar is fastened to an engagement feature for a bolt in the hole.

A tool for repeatedly feeding individual fasteners from a fastener supply includes a receiver, a guide, a flexible, linear thruster, an electric drive, an activator, and a feeder with a dispenser. The guide extends along a curved guide track from the receiver into the feeder and terminates at the dispenser. Along the guide track the guide has a substantially constant opening cross section radially defined by a guide element relative to the guide track to guide the fasteners directly adjacent to one another along the guide track. The thruster extends from the receiver into the guide and has an external cross section adapted to the opening cross section and configured to be moved in a guided manner by the drive in the guide along the guide track. The drive is coupled to the activator and moves the thruster in the direction of the dispenser when the activator is actuated.

An apparatus for automated application of rivets to a part is described, in which an operator is not required to manually align a rivet gun with each hole to be riveted or to manually squeeze the rivet into place. The apparatus includes a frame assembly, a tool positioning assembly attached to the frame assembly, and a movable tool assembly engaged with the tool positioning assembly and configured to be moved with respect to the tool positioning assembly. The tool positioning assembly is adjustable to correspond with a position of a number of rivet holes on a part to be riveted. In this way, the movable tool assembly is able to sequentially align with each of a number of rivet holes via alignment with the tool positioning assembly and to apply a rivet to each of the rivet holes.

A system and method for drilling a hole in a vehicle structure and installing a fastener in the hole. A drill plate having openings and associated machine-readable elements is positioned on the structure. A drill gun is positioned in a particular opening and reads hole information from the associated element, and a computer determines whether the drill gun is properly set-up to drill the hole. A fastener insertion gun is positioned in the particular opening and reads fastener information from the element, and the computer determines whether the hole has been drilled and, if so, whether the fastener insertion gun is properly set-up to insert the fastener. A fastener delivery subsystem stores, tracks, and delivers fasteners to the fastener insertion gun. A system computer monitors the drilling of every hole, the insertion of every fastener, and the overall operation of the fastener delivery subsystem.

A fastener, installing tool, system, and method all contemplate integrated magnetic and/or vacuum traps positioned so as to capture particulates and debris created during the installation and use of the fastener. These elements are integrated into the installing system so as to eliminate the need for additional clamps.