Patent ID: 7000300

Claim:
A system for accomplishing the localized joining of multiple metallic sheets, comprising: a die having a cavity for creating an interlocking joint in said metallic sheets, said die adapted to reside near said metallic sheets such that said cavity lies subjacent thereto; a projectile firing device in substantial alignment with said cavity, said projectile firing device for propelling a deformable projectile at a high velocity into said metallic sheets; and a deformable projectile adapted to be propelled from said projectile firing device into said metallic sheets at a point that is in substantial alignment with said subjacent cavity, said deformable projectile for forcing at least a portion of said metallic sheets into said cavity to form said interlocking joint therein, wherein said deformable projectile is not in physical contact with said projectile firing device as said deformable projectile forces at least a portion of said metallic sheets into said cavity.