Abstract: An automated system, method and tool for portable friction welding is disclosed for joining a rotatable workpiece to a substrate. A control system is disclosed receiving a start input to cause a motor to rapidly spin the workpiece and initiate a first thrust building cycle acting through an actuator to progressively force the spinning workpiece against the substrate. The materials at this intersection heat and plasticize and the actuator translates toward the substrate until the end of the desired actuator stroke operates to cut the motor off and to initiate and then hold a second axial thrust cycle on the actuator and there through to the interface of the workpiece and substrate. A reset input at the end of a cool off phase releases the thrust in the actuator.

Abstract: A friction welder drill and fuse fitting apparatus. This invention relates generally to a friction welder fitting apparatus and method for combining the operation of drilling a hole into a substrate workpiece and fusing a friction welding fitting onto that substrate in one set-up operation. The friction welding fitting (stud, shaft or other type fitting) to be friction welded to a workpiece, of either similar or dissimilar materials, or two circular shafts, can be friction welded together by use of a friction welder fitting apparatus that can first drill a hole and then weld a fitting in place, in line with that hole. The friction welder drill and fuse fitting apparatus includes the following integrally coupled components: a friction welding fitting, a drilling mechanism, an engagement mechanism, and an attachment means.

Abstract: Automated drilling apparatus. This invention relates generally to an automated drilling apparatus, with its control system and other operating components uniquely integrated within an external housing, while operating via low pressure air sources or other fluid power sources commonly found in industrial settings, and methods for its use. The automated drilling apparatus could be adaptable to a wide range of hand-held or machine mounted automated drilling and machining operations because its unique integrated technology provides for a programmable lightweight small machine tool which will be effective in industrial settings. A prototype automated drilling apparatus has been effectively evaluated with test results proving the invention effective for industrial use.

Abstract: The automated integrated input-output control system apparatus. A versatile industrial control apparatus that can be utilized as a modular unit or integrated into industrial machinery or tools to provide an apparatus and method for programmable control of industrial tools, industrial controls and manufacturing operation processes. The automated integrated input-output control system apparatus includes the following components: a control-power mechanism housing, a sensor, input attachment devices, output attachment device, and a control system.

Abstract: A friction welding fusion enhancer apparatus. This invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for increasing the fusion area of a rotatable workpiece (stud, shaft or other) to be friction welded to a substrate of either similar or dissimilar materials or two circular shafts that are to be friction welded together by use of an apparatus that can be removable from the stud, shaft or other weldable devices after the stud is friction welded to the substrate, while limiting the build-up of plastisized matter around the peripheral edge of the rotatable workpiece. It is envisioned the invention disclosed herein could be adaptable to a wide range of friction welding apparatuses since the apparatus disclosed herein could be adapted to most friction welder rotatable workpieces. The friction welding fusion enhancer apparatus includes the following integrally coupled components: reaction surface area, peripheral edge, engagement means and rotatable workpiece.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable automated fusion bonding apparatus consistently permits the accomplishment of fine grain, forged friction weld fusion bonding with the use of pressurized air sources commonly available at industrial facilities, automotive repair shops, and other manufacturing plants. The automated fusion bonding apparatus includes the following integrally coupled components: a drive-pressure mechanism, a passive fusion bonding mechanism, a stationary workpiece clamping mechanism, a rotatable workpiece and a stationary workpiece.