The Boeing Company

Mitchel A Arndt

David Michael Dembeck

Daniel Martin Sherick

William F Vanderberg

Samuel Edward Gheesling

Darren R Kukuk

Karen Chivono Takatani

Michael Flores

Fastener alignment systems, fastener alignment kits, and associated methods are disclosed herein. The fastener alignment systems include a fastener orienting structure, a fastener alignment tool, and a transfer structure. The fastener orienting structure is configured to orient a plurality of fasteners in a predetermined fastening location pattern. The fastener alignment tool is configured to operatively engage with the fastener orienting structure at a predetermined relative orientation, to receive a corresponding fastener in each of a plurality of fastener alignment receptacles, and to retain the corresponding fastener. The transfer structure is configured to selectively transfer the plurality of fasteners from the fastener orienting structure to the fastener alignment tool. The fastener alignment kits include the fastener alignment tool and the plurality of fasteners. The methods include methods of utilizing the fastener alignment system.

Fastener alignment systems, fastener alignment kits, and associated methods

An apparatus for positioning of fasteners normal to a surface through which the fasteners are to be inserted is described. The apparatus includes a sheet of material comprising a plurality of holes therethrough, where the holes are positioned to correspond with bores through the surface through which the fasteners are to be inserted, and a plurality of grommets. The grommets are operable for mounting in the holes in said sheet. Each grommet includes a hole centered therein and sized such that the grommet will support a fastener placed therein, and a plurality of radial keyways extending from the centered hole, the keyways having a specific radial depth to provide finger tabs at the centered hole to maintain support of the corresponding fastener normal to the sheet.

Methods and apparatus for installation of fasteners

Growing community of inventors

Auburn, WA, United States of America

Mitchel A Arndt