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.

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.

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.

A method and rivet apparatus to rivet a workpiece comprises an upper riveting portion and a lower riveting portion. The lower riveting portion comprising a fixed base, support member, and a pin assembly. The pin assembly comprises a center pin, a forming pin, a first biasing member, an outer shroud, and a second biasing member. The center pin pushes against a tail of a rivet to deform the tail of the rivet. The forming pin, fixedly coupled to the support member, pushes against the tail of the rivet to deform the tail of the rivet. The first biasing member, disposed below the center pin, biases the center pin through the forming pin and away from the support member. The outer shroud encircles the forming pin and the center pin. The second biasing member, disposed below the outer shroud, biases the outer shroud away from the support member.

A method and rivet apparatus to rivet a workpiece comprises an upper riveting portion and a lower riveting portion. The lower riveting portion comprising a fixed base, support member, and a pin assembly. The pin assembly comprises a center pin, a forming pin, a first biasing member, an outer shroud, and a second biasing member. The center pin pushes against a tail of a rivet to deform the tail of the rivet. The forming pin, fixedly coupled to the support member, pushes against the tail of the rivet to deform the tail of the rivet. The first biasing member, disposed below the center pin, biases the center pin through the forming pin and away from the support member. The outer shroud encircles the forming pin and the center pin. The second biasing member, disposed below the outer shroud, biases the outer shroud away from the support member.

A tool for installing fasteners comprising a hydraulically powered tool with a tool body and handle, trigger for actuating the tool, piston, and a nose assembly comprising anvil assembly, puller, a spring inside a shock tube and collet assembly, and a free-floating ejector, wherein severed fastener pintails move backward through the spring to the rear of the tool. The anvil is in threaded connection to the anvil assembly and may be removed for cleaning and to access the free-floating ejector.

Rivet dispenser reloading systems and methods of use thereof are provided. A non-limiting embodiment of a rivet dispenser reloading system comprises a receiving member defining a channel therein, and a first gate. The rivet receiving member comprises a first port and a second port that communicate with the channel. The first port is configured to receive rivets. The second port is configured to selectively engage with a rivet dispenser and introduce rivets to the rivet dispenser. The channel extends between the first port and the second port and is configured to transport rivets from the first port to the second port in a series arrangement and in a preselected orientation. The first gate is in communication with the second port and is selectively positionable between a first configuration inhibiting movement of rivets through the second port, and a second configuration enabling movement of rivets through the second port.

Rivet dispenser reloading systems and methods of use thereof are provided. A non-limiting embodiment of a rivet dispenser reloading system comprises a receiving member defining a channel therein, and a first gate. The rivet receiving member comprises a first port and a second port that communicate with the channel. The first port is configured to receive rivets. The second port is configured to selectively engage with a rivet dispenser and introduce rivets to the rivet dispenser. The channel extends between the first port and the second port and is configured to transport rivets from the first port to the second port in a series arrangement and in a preselected orientation. The first gate is in communication with the second port and is selectively positionable between a first configuration inhibiting movement of rivets through the second port, and a second configuration enabling movement of rivets through the second port.

Device (10) for manufacturing a component compound by resistance welding, comprises a welding electrode (12) for transmitting an electric current to a joining element (17) and for exerting a joining force onto the joining element (17) along a joining direction (22) in order to establish a connection of the joining element (17) with a structural element by resistance welding; as well as a positioning device (20) for positioning at least one joining element (17) on the axis of the joining direction (22) in order to contact and particularly apply a force to the joining element (17) by means of the welding electrode (12). The positioning device (20) comprises a retention device (30) for exerting a retention force onto the joining element (17), wherein the retention device (30) is movably arranged.