Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080230584 | Method for Manufacturing a Workpiece by Friction Welding to Reduce the Occurrence of Abnormal Grain Growth - A method of manufacturing a workpiece is provided. The method generally includes friction stir welding at least one structural member, selectively removing material from the surfaces of the workpiece at the location of a friction stir weld joint, and thereafter subjecting the workpiece to a solution treat, quench, and age treatment. By selectively removing regions from the surfaces of the workpiece that are defined by nonuniform material properties adapted to nucleate nonuniform grain growth during the solution treat, quench, and age treatment, a subsequent grain growth during the thermal treatment can be at least partially prevented. | 09-25-2008 |
20090113689 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR EFFECTING PIN-TO-SHOULDER TOOL SEPARATION FOR A FRICTION STIR WELDING PIN TOOL - An apparatus and method for separating a pin tool from a shoulder tool, after the pin tool and shoulder tool have become welded together during a friction stir welding operation. In one exemplary embodiment a frame is used to support the shoulder tool. A fluid pressure actuating assembly is used for gradually exerting a force on the pin tool while the shoulder tool is held stationary within the frame. The gradually increasing force gradually breaks the weld and separates the pin tool from the shoulder tool without damaging the pin tool. | 05-07-2009 |
20100232894 | Adaptor with Interchangeable Load Sensing Elements - An apparatus comprises a machine module and an instrument module. The machine module is capable of being connected to a power tool. The instrument module is capable of being connected to the machine module and capable of generating a number of signals containing information about a number of operating conditions during operation of the power tool. | 09-16-2010 |
20100252172 | Independent Axis Clamping Apparatus and Method - A method for performing operations on a workpiece. The method comprises the steps of: contacting the workpiece with a tool; moving the tool along any of multiple axes; moving a clamp along at least a first axis independent of the movement of the tool; and, clamping the workpiece using the clamp. Contacting the workpiece with the tool may comprise plunging a friction stir welding pin tool into the workpiece while the workpiece is being clamped. The tool may be moved by moving a spindle housing over the workpiece, and the clamp may be moved by rotating the clamp around the first axis as the spindle housing moves over the workpiece. The method may further comprise the step of coordinating the movement of the clamp with the movement of the tool. | 10-07-2010 |
20100254778 | Automated Hole Generation - A method for performing operations on a structure. A moveable platform may be positioned in an area relative to the structure to define a working envelope. The moveable platform may be connected to a tool that may be moved around a plurality of axes within the working envelope using the moveable platform. The tool may be moved to a plurality of locations within the working envelope using the moveable platform. An operation may be performed with the tool through the working envelope at each of the plurality of locations using the moveable platform. | 10-07-2010 |
20110068150 | Friction Stir Weld Assembly And Associated Method For Mitigating Distortion In A Friction Stir Weld Joint - A method of mitigating distortion in a friction stir weld joint as well as an associated friction stir weld assembly for mitigating distortion in a friction stir weld joint are provided. In this regard, a workpiece having a friction stir weld joint and associated distortion may be provided. Force may then be selectively applied to the workpiece along at least a portion of friction stir weld joint. The application of force induces plastic deformation along at least the portion of the friction stir weld joint in order to reduce the distortion of the workpiece. Force may be applied, for example, by moving a roller, such as a hardened cylindrical roller having chamfered edges, along at least a portion of the friction stir weld joint in order to apply a compressive force. | 03-24-2011 |
20130255884 | INDEPENDENT AXIS ANCILLARY DEVICE - A manufacturing apparatus is presented. The manufacturing apparatus comprises a tool support movable along multiple axes; a tool mounted on the tool support for performing a manufacturing operation on a workpiece; and an ancillary device releasably mounted on the tool support and used in conjunction with the tool, the ancillary device moveable along at least a first axis independent of the movement of the tool. | 10-03-2013 |
20130292891 | RECONFIGURABLE CLAMPING SYSTEM - A reconfigurable clamping system is disclosed. An example clamping system for securing a workpiece comprises a retention assembly and an inflatable bladder. The retention assembly comprises a plurality of links, each pair of adjacent links having a pivotal connection to enable the retention assembly to be configured to the general shape of a workpiece, and each pair of adjacent links having a locking mechanism to selectively lock an angular relationship between the pair. The inflatable bladder is coupled between the retention assembly and the workpiece and is to apply a clamping force to the workpiece. | 11-07-2013 |