Apparatus and method for installing blind fasteners

Claim 2

A pre-entry pull-up tool for upsetting internally threaded blind fastener sleeves, which comprises a hand gun having a protruding, threaded mandrel that is insertable into a blind fastener sleeve to be upset, reversible rotary drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for driving the mandrel in first and second directions of rotation, translational drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for axially driving the mandrel inwardly of the gun, a source of motive power operatively connected to said rotary and translational drive means, automatically sequencing control circuit means connected to said power source for (1) driving the mandrel in said first direction of rotation in a screw-in mode of operation of the tool to effect threaded engagement of the mandrel in a blind fastener sleeve, (2) driving the mandrel axially in a pull-up mode of operation to upset the sleeve, and (3 ) driving the mandrel in said second direction of rotation in a screw-out mode of operation to disengage the mandrel from the sleeve, and manually actuable means operatively connected to said control circuit means for initiating the automatic sequencing operation thereof.

Claim 3

A pre-entry pull-up tool as defined in claim 1, wherein said power source is remote from said hand gun, and a flexible power transmitting connection between said power source and said hand gun.

Claim 4

A pre-entry pull-up tool as defined in claim 1, wherein said control circuit means includes electrical switch means on the hand gun and connected to said manually actuable means for initiating the operation thereof.

Claim 5

A pre-entry pull-up tool as defined in claim 1, wherein said rotary drive means and said traNslational drive means are hydraulically actuated, and said power source includes a hydraulic fluid pressure system hydraulically connected to said rotary drive means and to said translational drive means.

Claim 6

A pre-entry pull-up tool as defined in claim 4, wherein said hydraulic system is pneumatically energized.

Claim 7

A pre-entry pull-up tool for upsetting internally threaded blind fastener sleeves, which comprises a hand gun having a protruding threaded mandrel that is insertable into a blind fastener sleeve to be upset, reversible rotary drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for driving the mandrel in first and second directions of rotation, translational drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for axially driving the mandrel inwardly of the gun, a source of motive power operatively connected to said rotary and translational drive means, and automatically sequencing control circuit means connected to said power source for (1) driving the mandrel in said first direction of rotation in a screw-in mode of operation of the tool to effect threaded engagement of the mandrel in a blind fastener sleeve, (2) driving the mandrel axially in a pull-up mode of operation to upset the sleeve, and (3) driving the mandrel in said second direction of rotation in a screw-out mode of mode of operation to disengage the mandrel from the sleeve, said automatically sequencing control circuit means including sensing means responsive to increased torque load on said mandrel for initiating the automatic sequencing step from said screw-in mode of operation to said pull-up mode of operation.

Claim 8

A pre-entry pull-up tool for upsetting internally threaded blind fastener sleeves, which comprises a hand gun having a protruding threaded mandrel that is insertable into a blind fastener sleeve to be upset, reversible rotary drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for driving the mandrel in first and second directions of rotation, translational drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for axially driving the mandrel inwardly of the gun, a source of motive power operatively connected to said rotary and translational drive means, and automatically sequencing control circuit means connected to said power source for (1) driving the mandrel in said first direction of rotation in a screw-in mode of operation of the tool to effect threaded engagement of the mandrel in a blind fastener sleeve, (2) driving the mandrel axially in a pull-up mode of operation to upset the sleeve, and (3) driving the mandrel in said second direction of rotation in a screw-out mode of mode of operation to disengage the mandrel from the sleeve, said automatically sequencing control circuit means including sensing means responsive to increased torque load on said mandrel for initiating the automatic sequencing step from said screw-in mode of operation to said pull-up mode of operation.

Claim 9

A pre-entry pull-up tool as defined in claim 6, wherein said rotary drive means is a motor in the gun, and said sensing means is responsive to substantially a stall condition of said motor.

Claim 10

A pre-entry pull-up tool as defined in claim 7, wherein said motor is hydraulically driven, said power source including a hydraulic fluid pressure system hydraulically connected to said motor, and said sensing means being responsive to a hydraulic fluid pressure increase in said hydraulic fluid pressure system.

Claim 11

A pre-entry pull-up tool for upsetting internally threaded blind fastener sleeves, which comprises a hand gun having a protruding, threaded mandrel that is insertable into a blind fastener sleeve to be upset, reversible rotary drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for driving the mandrel in first and second directions of rotation, translational drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for axially driving the mandrel inwardly of the gun, a source of motive power operatively connected to said rotary and translational drive means, and automatically sequencing control circuit means connected to said power source for (1) driving the mandrel in said first direction of rotation in a screw-in mode of operation of the tool to effect threaded engagement of the mandrel in a blind fastener sleeve, (2) driving the mandrel axially in a pull-up mode of operation to upset the sleeve, and (3 ) driving the mandrel in said second direction of rotation in a screw-out mode of operation to disengage the mandrel from the sleeve, said automatically sequencing control circuit means including sensing means responsive to increased pulling load on the mandrel for initiating the automatic sequencing step from said pull-up mode of operation to said screw-out mode of operation.

Claim 12

A pre-entry pull-up tool for upsetting internally threaded blind fastener sleeves, which comprises a hand gun having a protruding, threaded mandrel that is insertable into a blind fastener sleeve to be upset, reversible rotary drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for driving the mandrel in first and second directions of rotation, translational drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for axially driving the mandrel inwardly of the gun, a source of motive power operatively connected to said rotary and translational drive means, and automatically sequencing control circuit means connected to said power source for (1) driving the mandrel in said first direction of rotation in a screw-in mode of operation of the tool to effect threaded engagement of the mandrel in a blind fastener sleeve, (2) driving the mandrel axially in a pull-up mode of operation to upset the sleeve, and (3 ) driving the mandrel in said second direction of rotation in a screw-out mode of operation to disengage the mandrel from the sleeve, said automatically sequencing control circuit means including sensing means responsive to increased pulling load on the mandrel for initiating the automatic sequencing step from said pull-up mode of operation to said screw-out mode of operation.

Claim 13

A pre-entry pull-up tool as defined in claim 9, wherein said translational drive means is hydraulically driven, said power source including a hydraulic fluid pressure system hydraulically connected to said translational drive means, and said sensing means being responsive to a hydraulic fluid pressure increase in said hydraulic fluid pressure system.

Claim 14

A pre-entry pull-up tool for upsetting internally threaded blind fastener sleeves, which comprises a hand gun having a protruding, threaded mandrel that is insertable into a blind fastener sleeve to be upset, revErsible rotary drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for driving the mandrel in first and second directions of rotation, translational drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for axially driving the mandrel inwardly of the gun, a source of motive power operatively connected to said rotary and translational drive means, and automatically sequencing control circuit means connected to said power source for (1) driving the mandrel in said first direction of rotation in a screw-in mode of operation of the tool to effect threaded engagement of the mandrel in a blind fastener sleeve, (2) driving the mandrel axially in a pull-up mode or operation to upset the sleeve, and (3) driving the mandrel in said second direction of rotation in a screw-out mode of operation to disengage the mandrel from the sleeve, said rotary drive means and said translational drive means both being hydraulically actuated, said power source including a hydraulic fluid pressure system hydraulically connected through a first hydraulic connection to said rotary drive means and through a second hydraulic connection to said translational drive means, first sensing means associated with said first hydraulic connection and responsive to a hydraulic fluid pressure increase in said first hydraulic connection for initiating the automatic sequencing step from said screw-in mode of operation to said pull-up mode of operation, and second sensing means associated with said second hydraulic connection and responsive to a hydraulic fluid pressure increase in said second hydraulic connection for initiating the automatic sequencing step from said pull-up mode of operation to said screw-out mode of operation.

Claim 15

A pre-entry pull-up tool for upsetting internally threaded blind fastener sleeves, which comprises a hand gun having a protruding, threaded mandrel that is insertable into a blind fastener sleeve to be upset, revErsible rotary drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for driving the mandrel in first and second directions of rotation, translational drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for axially driving the mandrel inwardly of the gun, a source of motive power operatively connected to said rotary and translational drive means, and automatically sequencing control circuit means connected to said power source for (1) driving the mandrel in said first direction of rotation in a screw-in mode of operation of the tool to effect threaded engagement of the mandrel in a blind fastener sleeve, (2) driving the mandrel axially in a pull-up mode or operation to upset the sleeve, and (3) driving the mandrel in said second direction of rotation in a screw-out mode of operation to disengage the mandrel from the sleeve, said rotary drive means and said translational drive means both being hydraulically actuated, said power source including a hydraulic fluid pressure system hydraulically connected through a first hydraulic connection to said rotary drive means and through a second hydraulic connection to said translational drive means, first sensing means associated with said first hydraulic connection and responsive to a hydraulic fluid pressure increase in said first hydraulic connection for initiating the automatic sequencing step from said screw-in mode of operation to said pull-up mode of operation, and second sensing means associated with said second hydraulic connection and responsive to a hydraulic fluid pressure increase in said second hydraulic connection for initiating the automatic sequencing step from said pull-up mode of operation to said screw-out mode of operation.

Claim 16

A pre-entry pull-up tool for upsetting internally threaded blind fastener sleeves, which comprises a hand gun having a protruding, threaded mandrel that is insertable into a blind fastener sleeve to be upset, reversible rotary drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for driving the mandrel in first and second directions of rotation, translational drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for axially driving the mandrel inwardly of the gun, a source of motive power operatively connected to said rotary and translational drive means, and automatically sequencing control circuit means connected to said power source for (1) driving the mandrel in said first direction of rotation in a screw-in mode of operation of the tool to effect threaded engagement of the mandrel in a blind fastener sleeve, (2) driving the mandrel axially in a pull-up mode of operation to upset the sleeve, and (3) driving the mandrel in said second direction of rotation in a screw-out mode of operation to disengage the mandrel from the sleeve, said gun including a body having front and rear ends, said mandrel projecting forwardly from said body, and an anvil mounted on the front end of the body, said anvil having an aperture therethrough through which said mandrel extends, the anvil being engageable against the exposed end of a blind fastener sleeve into which the mandrel is inserted, said automatically sequencing control circuit means including sensing means responsive to increased torque load on the said mandrel for initiating the automatic sequencing step from the said screw-in mode of operation to said pull-up mode of operation, such increased torque load resulting from further threaded engagement of the mandrel into a blind fastener sleeve after said anvil is seated against the exposed end to the sleeve.

Claim 17

A pre-entry pull-up tool for upsetting internally threaded blind fastener sleeves, which comprises a hand gun having a protruding, threaded mandrel that is insertable into a blind fastener sleeve to be upset, reversible rotary drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for driving the mandrel in first and second directions of rotation, translational drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for axially driving the mandrel inwardly of the gun, a source of motive power operatively connected to said rotary and translational drive means, and automatically sequencing control circuit means connected to said power source for (1) driving the mandrel in said first direction of rotation in a screw-in mode of operation of the tool to effect threaded engagement of the mandrel in a blind fastener sleeve, (2) driving the mandrel axially in a pull-up mode of operation to upset the sleeve, and (3) driving the mandrel in said second direction of rotation in a screw-out mode of operation to disengage the mandrel from the sleeve, said gun including a body having front and rear ends, said mandrel projecting forwardly from said body, and an anvil mounted on the front end of the body, said anvil having an aperture therethrough through which said mandrel extends, the anvil being engageable against the exposed end of a blind fastener sleeve into which the mandrel is inserted, said automatically sequencing control circuit means including sensing means responsive to increased torque load on the said mandrel for initiating the automatic sequencing step from the said screw-in mode of operation to said pull-up mode of operation, such increased torque load resulting from further threaded engagement of the mandrel into a blind fastener sleeve after said anvil is seated against the exposed end to the sleeve.

Claim 18

A pre-entry pull-up tool as defined in claim 12, wherein said anvil is adjustable on said body relative to the axis of the mandrel for adjusting the relative axial positions of the mandrel threads and the anvil to accommodate blind fastener sleeves of different lengths.

Claim 19

A pre-entry pull-up tool for upsetting internally threaded blind fastener sleeves, which comprises a hand gun having a protruding, threaded mandrel that is insertable into a blind fastener sleeve to Be upset, reversible rotary drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for driving the mandrel in first and second directions of rotation, translational drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for axially driving the mandrel inwardly of the gun, a source of motive power operatively connected to said rotary and translational drive means, and automatically sequencing control circuit means connected to said power source for (1) driving the mandrel in said first direction of rotation in a screw-in mode of operation of the tool to effect threaded engagement of the mandrel in a blind fastener sleeve, (2) driving the mandrel axially in a pull-up mode of operation to upset the sleeve, and (3) driving the mandrel in said second direction of rotation in a screw-out mode of operation to disengage the mandrel from the sleeve, said rotary drive means being a reversible hydraulically driven motor, and said power source including a hydraulic fluid system hydraulically connected to said motor, said hydraulic system including a fluid reservoir, a hydraulic pump having an input connected to the reservoir and having an output, a hydraulic loop circuit having first and second ends and having said motor therein arranged so that fluid flow from said first end toward said second ends operates the motor to drive the mandrel in said first direction of rotation, and fluid flow in the opposite direction in said loop operates the motor to drive the mandrel in said second direction of rotation, and valve means connected to said reservoir, to said pump, and to both ends of said loop circuit, said valve means being shiftable between a first position wherein it connects said first end of the loop circuit to said pump output and said second end of the loop circuit to said reservoir to cause the mandrel to be driven in said first direction of rotation, and a second position wherein it connects said second end of the loop circuit to said pump output and said first end of the loop circuit to said reservoir to cause the mandrel to be driven in said second direction of rotation.

Claim 20

A pre-entry pull-up tool for upsetting internally threaded blind fastener sleeves, which comprises a hand gun having a protruding, threaded mandrel that is insertable into a blind fastener sleeve to Be upset, reversible rotary drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for driving the mandrel in first and second directions of rotation, translational drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for axially driving the mandrel inwardly of the gun, a source of motive power operatively connected to said rotary and translational drive means, and automatically sequencing control circuit means connected to said power source for (1) driving the mandrel in said first direction of rotation in a screw-in mode of operation of the tool to effect threaded engagement of the mandrel in a blind fastener sleeve, (2) driving the mandrel axially in a pull-up mode of operation to upset the sleeve, and (3) driving the mandrel in said second direction of rotation in a screw-out mode of operation to disengage the mandrel from the sleeve, said rotary drive means being a reversible hydraulically driven motor, and said power source including a hydraulic fluid system hydraulically connected to said motor, said hydraulic system including a fluid reservoir, a hydraulic pump having an input connected to the reservoir and having an output, a hydraulic loop circuit having first and second ends and having said motor therein arranged so that fluid flow from said first end toward said second ends operates the motor to drive the mandrel in said first direction of rotation, and fluid flow in the opposite direction in said loop operates the motor to drive the mandrel in said second direction of rotation, and valve means connected to said reservoir, to said pump, and to both ends of said loop circuit, said valve means being shiftable between a first position wherein it connects said first end of the loop circuit to said pump output and said second end of the loop circuit to said reservoir to cause the mandrel to be driven in said first direction of rotation, and a second position wherein it connects said second end of the loop circuit to said pump output and said first end of the loop circuit to said reservoir to cause the mandrel to be driven in said second direction of rotation.

Claim 21

A pre-entry pull-up tool as defined in claim 14, wherein said valve means is also shiftable to a third, shut-off position wherein it blocks said pump output from both ends of said loop circuit, and pressure-responsive means connected to said loop circuit between said first end thereof and said motor, said pressure responsive means being operatively connected to said valve means to shift said valve means from its said first position to its said third position in response to a substantial pressure increase in said loop circuit caused by substantially a stall condition of said motor.

Claim 22

A pre-entry pull-up tool as defined in claim 15, which includes solenoid means connected to said valve means for shifting said valve means between its said positions, said pressure responsive means comprising a pressure which electrically connected to said solenoid means.

Claim 23

A pre-entry pull-up tool as defined in claim 14, wherein said translational means is hydraulically driven, said hydraulic fluid system including a second hydraulic circuit having second valve means therein, said second circuit including fluid connections between said second valve means and said reservoir and pump respectively, and a fluid conduit between said second valve means and said translational drive means, said second valve means being shiftable between a first position wherein it connects said conduit to said reservoir to allow fluid drainage from said translational drive means so that the latter is inoperative, and a second position wherein it connects said conduit to said pump output to drive the mandrel axially in said pull-up mode of operation.

Claim 24

A pre-entry pull-up tool as defined in claim 17, which includes pressure-responsive means connected to said conduit and operatively connected to said second valve means to shift said second valve means from its said second position to its said first position in response to a substantIal pressure increase in said conduit caused by a substantial increase in the pulling load on the mandrel.

Claim 25

A pre-entry pull-up tool as defined is claim 17, wherein said first-mentioned valve means is also shiftable to a third, shut-off position wherein it blocks said pump output from both ends of said loop circuit, pressure-responsive means connected to said loop circuit between said first end thereof and said motor, said pressure-responsive means being operatively connected to said first-mentioned valve means and to said second valve means to shift said first-mentioned valve means from its said first position to its said third position and to shift said second valve means from its said first position to its said second position in a response to a substantial pressure increase in said loop circuit caused by substantially a stall condition of said motor, whereby the response of said pressure-responsive means to substantially a stall condition of said motor causes automatic shifting of said tool from said screw-in mode of operation to said pull-up mode of operation.

Claim 26

A pre-entry pull-up tool as defined in claim 19, which includes second pressure-responsive means connected to said conduit and operatively connected to said second valve means and to said first-mentioned valve means to shift said second valve means from its said second position to its said first position and to shift said first-mentioned valve means from its said third position to its said second position in response to a substantial pressure increase in said conduit caused by a substantial increase and the pulling load on the mandrel, whereby the response of said second pressure-responsive means to a substantial increase in the pulling load on the mandrel causes automatic shifting of said tool from said pull-up mode of operation to said screw-out mode of operation.

Claim 27

A pre-entry pull-up tool for upsetting internally threaded blind fastener sleeves, which comprises a hand gun having a protruding, threaded mandrel that is insertable into a blind fastener sleeve to be upset, reversible rotary drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for driving the mandrel in first and second directions of rotation, translational drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for axially driving the mandrel inwardly of the gun, a source of motive power operatively connected to said rotary and translational drive means, automatically sequencing control circuit means connected to said power source for (1) driving a mandrel in said first direction of rotation in a screw-in mode of operation of the tool to effect threaded engagement of the mandrel in a blind fastener sleeve, (2) driving the mandrel axially in a pull-up mode of operation to upset the sleeve, and (3) driving the mandrel in said second direction of rotation in a screw-out mode of operation to disengage the mandrel from the sleeve, and manually operable selector means operatively connected to said control circuit means and movable between a first position wherein said control circuit means causes automatic sequencing of said tool through said screw-in, pull-up, and screw-out modes of operation, and a second position wherein said control circuit means causes said tool to operate only in said screw-out mode of operation.

Claim 28

A pre-entry pull-up tool for upsetting internally threaded blind fastener sleeves, which comprises a hand gun having a protruding, threaded mandrel that is insertable into a blind fastener sleeve to be upset, reversible rotary drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for driving the mandrel in first and second directions of rotation, translational drive means in the gun connected to the mandrel for axially driving the mandrel inwardly of the gun, a source of motive power operatively connected to said rotary and translational drive means, automatically sequencing control circuit means connected to said power source for (1) driving a mandrel in said first direction of rotation in a screw-in mode of operation of the tool to effect threaded engagement of the mandrel in a blind fastener sleeve, (2) driving the mandrel axially in a pull-up mode of operation to upset the sleeve, and (3) driving the mandrel in said second direction of rotation in a screw-out mode of operation to disengage the mandrel from the sleeve, and manually operable selector means operatively connected to said control circuit means and movable between a first position wherein said control circuit means causes automatic sequencing of said tool through said screw-in, pull-up, and screw-out modes of operation, and a second position wherein said control circuit means causes said tool to operate only in said screw-out mode of operation.