How a Tool Automatically Installs Blind Rivet Nuts
This patent describes a method for a tool to automatically install a blind rivet nut by first pushing it against a surface, then rotating it, and finally pulling it back to deform and secure it.
Original patent title: “Blind rivet nut-setting tool”
This patent describes a method for a tool to automatically install a blind rivet nut by first pushing it against a surface, then rotating it, and finally pulling it back to deform and secure it. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent describes a method for operating a blind rivet nut-setting tool. The process begins by pressing a blind rivet nut, which is held on the tool's output shaft, against a workpiece. This action applies an external force that pushes the output shaft backward along its longitudinal axis, moving it from a first position to a second position. Upon reaching this second position, the output shaft activates a limit switch. This activation triggers a first motor, which rotates the output shaft, causing the blind rivet nut to undergo plastic deformation. Following this, a second motor is activated to pull the output shaft further backward along the longitudinal axis, causing additional plastic deformation and permanently setting the blind rivet nut on the workpiece.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover manual blind rivet nut installation tools that rely solely on operator force.
- Does not cover tools that only rotate or only translate the output shaft, but not both in the described sequence.
- Does not cover tools where the initial movement of the output shaft is not caused by pressing the nut against a workpiece.
- Does not cover tools that do not use a limit switch to trigger the first motor's rotation.
- Does not cover tools that perform the rotation and translation steps simultaneously rather than sequentially.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The clever bit is the automated, sequential operation: using the workpiece itself to trigger the initial shaft movement, which then activates a limit switch to engage a first motor for rotation, followed by a second motor for translation, ensuring precise and automated setting of the blind rivet nut.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Automotive assembly lines
Aerospace manufacturing
Sheet metal fabrication
Appliance manufacturing
Industrial machinery assembly
Construction equipment manufacturing
Why it matters
The bigger picture
Automated rivet nut setting can significantly speed up assembly processes in manufacturing environments. This method could improve consistency and reduce operator fatigue compared to manual tools, leading to more reliable fastening. It is particularly relevant for industries requiring high-volume fastening solutions where efficiency and precision are critical.
Filed
December 16, 2024
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Companies like Stanley Engineered Fastening (known for POP Rivet tools), Atlas Engineering, and Emhart Teknologies are major players in the blind fastening tool market. These companies continuously develop automated and semi-automated tools for industrial assembly, focusing on improving speed, precision, and reliability in fastening operations.
Market impact
Automated blind rivet nut setting tools improve manufacturing efficiency and quality across various industries. This type of innovation helps reduce labor costs and increase production speed, making fastening processes more reliable. It enables faster assembly lines and contributes to the consistent quality of finished products, from vehicles to consumer appliances.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent describes a method for operating a blind rivet nut-setting tool. The process begins by pressing a blind rivet nut, which is held on the tool's output shaft, against a workpiece. This action applies an external force that pushes the output shaft backward along its longitudinal axis, moving it from a first position to a second position. Upon reaching this second position, the output shaft activates a limit switch. This activation triggers a first motor, which rotates the output shaft, causing the blind rivet nut to undergo plastic deformation. Following this, a second motor is activated to pull the output shaft further backward along the longitudinal axis, causing additional plastic deformation and permanently setting the blind rivet nut on the workpiece.
The clever bit
The clever bit is the automated, sequential operation: using the workpiece itself to trigger the initial shaft movement, which then activates a limit switch to engage a first motor for rotation, followed by a second motor for translation, ensuring precise and automated setting of the blind rivet nut.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover manual blind rivet nut installation tools that rely solely on operator force.
- Does not cover tools that only rotate or only translate the output shaft, but not both in the described sequence.
- Does not cover tools where the initial movement of the output shaft is not caused by pressing the nut against a workpiece.
- Does not cover tools that do not use a limit switch to trigger the first motor's rotation.
- Does not cover tools that perform the rotation and translation steps simultaneously rather than sequentially.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$11K – $35K
Midpoint $22K · 18.2 yr remaining · industry ×0.9
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
Concepts involved
Cite this patent
(2026). How a Tool Automatically Installs Blind Rivet Nuts (U.S. Patent No. 12,734,657). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734657/blind-rivet-nut-setting-tool
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How a Tool Automatically Installs Blind Rivet Nuts cover?
This patent describes a method for a tool to automatically install a blind rivet nut by first pushing it against a surface, then rotating it, and finally pulling it back to deform and secure it.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
Automated rivet nut setting can significantly speed up assembly processes in manufacturing environments. This method could improve consistency and reduce operator fatigue compared to manual tools, leading to more reliable fastening. It is particularly relevant for industries requiring high-volume fastening solutions where efficiency and precision are critical.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover manual blind rivet nut installation tools that rely solely on operator force.
Patent monitoring