Abstract: A pin to plate joint and method of making the joint comprising a plate comprising an entry side and an exit side with the plate defining cutouts, and the pin movable through the plate from the entry side to the exit side and in doing so pushes tab members at angles to the exit side of the plate at bends. The bends in the plate define an opening in the plate, and flow spaces are defined between the pin sidewall and the bends in the plate, with the tab members being heated to form melted tab material and flowing the melted tab material into the flow spaces and cooling, forming a pin to plate joint.

Abstract: An expansive filler joint includes:

Abstract: Disclosed is a friction stir welding technique which avoids occurrence of a dent, in a joining region, extending to a level beneath the joined surfaces. At end portions of the frame members to be joined, at the joining region, thickened parts which project toward the rotary body joining tool are provided. Two adjoining thickened parts, of adjacent members to be joined, can form a trapezoid shape. The rotary body joining tool has a small-diameter tip portion and a larger diameter portion. The rotary body joining tool is inserted in the thickened parts. In a state where the rotary body joining tool has been inserted small-diameter tip end first, to a level where the larger diameter portion of the rotary body joining tool overlaps the thickened part but does not extend below the upper surface of the non-thickened surfaces of the members joined, the rotary body is rotated and moved along the joining region. Even when a gap exists between two thickened parts, a desirable joining can be carried out.

Abstract: A joining assembly for mounting a fastening element to an external surface of a structural member of deformable material. The structural member is provided at its external surface with one or a plurality of joining projections engaging into respective recesses of a joining flange of said fastening element. The joining projections are provided at their free ends with upset beads obtained by material deformation of the joining projections and positively fixing the associated joining projection to the joining flange.

Abstract: A joint structure is ideally suited for use in the manufacture of assemblies and subassemblies in aluminum structures. More particularly, the alternative joint structures and methods of forming joint structures facilitate the assembly of a vehicle body-in-white. The friction welded joints of this invention provide assemblies in which lineals and sheet, cast, or extruded components are joined together.

Abstract: An aluminum-based metal link including a shaft portion extending along a first axis, a bushing mount portion having a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a weld joint portion in which one of the opposed axial end portions of the shaft portion and the bushing mount portion are welded together by friction stir welding (FSW). The weld joint portion has a hole that has a third axis angularly offset from the second axis about the first axis and is formed upon termination of the FSW.

Abstract: Two components (2, 3) to be joined to each other by vibration welding form on one or both sides of the bounding seam (10) barrier means (20) including a labyrinth seal. Means (20) retaining attrition particles of the jointing faces (16, 17) in chambers (25, 26, 27) by the attrition particles needing to migrate from chamber to chamber through damming gaps (21, 22) and to be deflected for passage through the next gap in each case. Due to this tortuous arrangement the attrition particles remain totally within the chamber system of the labyrinth seal (20) and do not emerge from between the flanges (8, 9). When the seal (20) is provided between the seam (10) and the inner face (6) of a container, the interior thereof is thus protected from soilage due to attrition particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a friction stir welding technique which avoids occurrence of a dent, in adjoining region, extending to a level beneath the joined surfaces. At end portions of the frame members to be joined, at the joining region, thickened parts which project toward the rotary body joining tool are provided. Two adjoining thickened parts, of adjacent members to be joined, can form a trapezoid shape. The rotary body joining tool has a small-diameter tip portion and a larger diameter portion. The rotary body joining tool is inserted in the thickened parts. In a state where the rotary body joining tool has been inserted small-diameter tip and first, to a level where the larger diameter portion of the rotary body joining tool overlaps the thickened part but does not extend below the upper surface of the non-thickened surfaces of the members joined, the rotary body is rotated and moved along the joining region. Even when a gap exists between two thickened parts, a desirable joining can be carried out.

Abstract: An abutted portion of face plates (12b and 22b) of hollow frame members (10 and 20) is carried out according to a friction stir joining. Next, a connection member (30) is mounted, one end of the connection member (30) is abutted to an end portion of the face plate (11) of the hollow frame member (10). Under this condition, the abutted portion between the face plate (11) and the connection member (30) is carried out according to the friction stir joining. An overlapping portion between another end of the connection member (30) and the hollow frame member (20) is carried out according to the friction stir joining. According to demands, the connection member (30) and the face plate (21) of the hollow member (20) are welded. Without of regard of a dimension accuracy of the hollow frame member and the like, a good joining from one side face of the hollow frame member can be carried out.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus includes a retention module (30), four rivets (10), and a back plate (50). The retention module is attached on a motherboard (60), the motherboard defining four orifices (62) therein. The retention module defines four through holes (31) therein. The back plate is attached on an underside of the motherboard, for reinforcing the motherboard. The back plate defines four apertures (52) therein. Four posts (34) depend from the retention module through the orifices and the apertures. A bore (36) is defined through each post, and in axial alignment with a corresponding through hole. The rivets are inserted through the through holes and the bores such that the posts are firmly engaged with the motherboard and the back plate.

Abstract: In a joint structure for coupling a first component (21) to a second component (22) in a joint portion of a fluid flow passage, the second component (22) has a portion thereof inserted into the first component (21) to engage with the first component (21). The second component (22) is provided with a flange portion (26), which is disposed adjacent to a bottom surface of the first component (21) and welded or bonded to the bottom surface, so that these components (22, 21) are coupled with each other in an easy and a fluid-tight manner in a condition in which they are prevented from rotating relative to each other without using any locking pin. There is no fear that the components (22, 21) dissolve in a fluid or gaseous material passing through the fluid flow passage. The joint structure is easy in maintenance.

Abstract: A self-centering and self-aligning joint is presented for bonding a first and second wood segment, wherein the joint includes a single tenon extending from the end face of the first segment, and a void disposed within the end face of the second segment. And adhesive is applied to the outer surface of the tenon, or to the inner surface of the void to join the two segments.

Abstract: A method for making a spacer assembly comprises: forming a plurality of projections along an edge of a portion of sheet metal; roll forming the portion of sheet metal into a tubular configuration; positioning the roll formed portion of sheet metal and a metal base member to which the roll formed portion of sheet metal is to be welded in a discharge welding apparatus having a pair of electrodes so that the projections of the roll formed portion of sheet metal contact a surface of the metal base member; providing a force so that the projections are disposed in forcible engagement with the surface of the metal base member; and supplying an electrical current between the pair of electrodes and through the roll formed portion of sheet metal and the metal base member so that the projections reach a molten metal stage and are subsequently solidified to enable the roll formed portion of sheet metal to be welded to the metal base member.

Abstract: In a case where a welding of a member is performed through a friction stir welding, to restrain the generation of a clearance in a portion to be joined by the welding and to provide a joint having a good joining portion, abutting faces of members are formed with slanting surfaces. A friction stir welding is carried out from an upper portion. The welding is carried out with the slanting surfaces resisting the forces produced in forming the welding bead. Since the slanting surfaces are provided, a flow-out of the material in the welding bead can be restrained, and further a bending of the joining portion can be restrained. Further, a tab is arranged at a beginning end and a finish end of the welding and then the welding is carried out starting at one tab and ending at the other tab.

Abstract: In a case where a welding of a member is performed through a friction stir welding, to restrain the generation of a clearance in a portion to be joined by the welding and to provide a joint having a good joining portion, abutting faces of members are formed with slanting surfaces. A friction stir welding is carried out from an upper portion. The welding is carried out with the slanting surfaces resisting the forces produced in forming the welding bead. Since the slanting surfaces are provided, a flow-out of the material in the welding bead can be restrained, and further a bending of the joining portion can be restrained. Further, a tab is arranged at a beginning end and a finish end of the welding and then the welding is carried out starting at one tab and ending at the other tab.

Abstract: A clamping system decouples the clamping forces in an electrical circuit assembly coupled to a heatsink. A heatsink clamping assembly applies controllable and predictable force on the electrical circuit assembly including an integrated circuit device (“chip”). The applied force is controlled to effectively ensure intimate contact between the chip and the heatsink to facilitate efficient chip cooling. The force applied to the chip is decoupled from the much higher force required to clamp the electrical interposer interconnect structure between the electrical circuit assembly and the printed circuit board.

Abstract: In a structure for attaching a link for an opening-closing member of the present invention, an end portion of a tail gate open stay 4 disposed between an opening 2 and a tail gate 3 of a vehicle body is supported by a pivotally supporting bolt 5 which is threadedly engaged with a nut 7 provided on a bracket 6 welded to the opening 2 side. The nut is formed into a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape by extrusion forming, the bracket is formed by bending a plate material in such a manner as to wrap three surfaces of the nut on its short base side, and the nut is welded to the bracket.

Abstract: A tank joint part welded to the resinous outer surface of a fuel tank is formed of a resinous material such that the difference in volume swelling between materials of the tank joint part and the outer surface of the tank is 10% or less when they swell with fuel, and that the bonding strength therebetween is at least 2 MPa. The tank joint part may be comprised of a main member and a joining member if every two adjoining materials satisfy the above requirements. The main and joining members are preferably formed by two-color injection molding. The tank joint part maintains good fuel impermeability and bonding strength even after exposure to fuel.

Abstract: A pile includes a tapered bottom section of polygon-shaped steel tubing and a top cylindrical section of steel tubing spliced together with a transition ring to form a composite pile, which, after being driven, is filled with concrete.

Abstract: An abutted portion of face plates 12b and 22b of hollow frame members 10 and 20 is carried out according to a friction stir joining. Next, a connection member 30 is mounted, one end of the connection member 30 is abutted to an end portion of the face plate 11 of the hollow frame member 10. Under this condition, the abutted portion between the face plate 11 and the connection member 30 is carried out according to the friction stir joining. An overlapping portion between another end of the connection member 30 and the hollow frame member 20 is carried out according to the friction stir joining. According to demands, the connection member 30 and the face plate 21 of the hollow member 20 is welded. Without of regard of a dimension accuracy of the hollow frame member and the like, a good joining from one side face of the hollow frame member can be carried out.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automobile component consisting of at least two frame parts (1, 2) that have several complementary profiles (3, 4) which can be inserted into each other for producing a keyed connection of said frame parts (1, 2). The frame parts (1, 2) are preferably lightweight press-drawn sections. The invention is explained with the help of a transverse link for an automobile.

Abstract: A structural steel seismic-resistant beam-to-column connection is provided with a pair of rib plates installed symmetrically above and below the connection. The rib plates are perpendicularly to an upper and a lower beam flange and disposed at positions corresponding to the center of the beam web. The rib has a variable cross section at its front end and a relatively lower lengthened section at its rear end. Through the use of the rib plate, the stress concentration at those fan type weld access holes of the beam web as well as the junction of the full penetration weld between the beam flange and column flange can be alleviated, and the plastic hinge can be limited to the beam at a specified portion and can develop excellent plastic rotation capacity in the case of a severe earthquake.

Abstract: A hollow frame member is constituted by two face plates 11, 12 (21, 22) joined in a truss shape by ribs. End portions of one of the face plates are positioned in the vicinity of an apex of the truss structure of the hollow frame member. End portions of the other of the face plates have a projection extending toward the end portions of the face plates. The face plates are joined by friction stir welding. Due to the presence of the ribs, the load during the friction stir welding time is easily supported.

Abstract: In a case where a welding of a member is performed through a friction stir welding, to restrain the generation of a clearance in a portion to be joined by the welding and to provide a joint having a good joining portion, abutting faces of members are formed with slanting surfaces. A friction stir welding is carried out from an upper portion. The welding is carried out with the slanting surfaces resisting the forces produced in forming the welding bead. Since the slanting surfaces are provided, a flow-out of the material in the welding bead can be restrained, and further a bending of the joining portion can be restrained. Further, a tab is arranged at a beginning end and a finish end of the welding and then the welding is carried out starting at one tab and ending at the other tab.

Abstract: In a case where a welding of a member is performed through a friction stir welding, to restrain the generation of a clearance in a portion to be joined by the welding and to provide a joint having a good joining portion, abutting faces of members are formed with slanting surfaces. A friction stir welding is carried out from an upper portion. The welding is carried out with the slanting surfaces resisting the forces produced in forming the welding bead. Since the slanting surfaces are provided, a flow-out of the material in the welding bead can be restrained, and further a bending of the joining portion can be restrained. Further, a tab is arranged at a beginning end and a finish end of the welding and then the welding is carried out starting at one tab and ending at the other tab.

Abstract: A fence includes upright metal posts and a brace or rail clamped between the posts, where clamping the rail squares the posts with respect to the rail. The posts are anchored in the ground vertically, and the rail is installed horizontally, providing a rigid, H-shaped fence brace. Fence corners are provided by having at least three posts and two rails clamped together, although an additional post and rail can be used for added stability. Each rail preferably has a fixed, U-shaped clamp on each end, and a free, U-shaped clamp is bolted to the fixed clamp, the clamps encircling a fence post and squaring the fence post with respect to the rail. Gate hangers can be clamped to one of the posts to provide a gate post, where the gate hangers can be slid up or down or rotated about the post, providing flexibility for receiving and supporting a gate.

Abstract: A decorative shutter assembly includes a plurality of slats arranged in a row presenting a decorative surface with side flanges projecting rearwardly. At least one cross member overlays each of the slats and presents a decorative cross surface with side cross flanges projecting rearwardly. Each cross slat includes at least one mating member affixed behind the cross slat decorative surface having a mating wall affixed to each of the decorative surfaces for affixing the plurality batten slats to the cross slat. Alternatively, a plurality of primary slats are arranged to present a decorative surface having side flanges projecting rearwardly and at least one end piece is attached to the primary slats the ends of the primary slats are received in the end piece for adjoining and aligning said primary slats, said end piece including a cross member traversing said the primary and having slats and slat ends integrated into the end piece, each of said slats and slat ends aligning with one of the primary slats.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a structural assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing first and second structural members having preselected shapes and dimensions. The first structural member defines a first raised portion and the second structural member defines a second raised portion. According to one embodiment, the providing step includes forming the first and second structural members into preselected shapes and dimensions. The first and second structural members can comprise plates, T-stiffeners or tubular members. The first raised portion of the first structural member is positioned adjacent to the second raised portion of the second structural member following the providing step to thereby define an interface therebetween and wherein the first and second raised portions define a substantially consumable weld land.

Abstract: A self-centering and self-aligning joint is presented for bonding a first and second wood segment, wherein the joint includes a single tenon extending from the end face of the first segment, and a void disposed within the end face of the second segment. And adhesive is applied to the outer surface of the tenon, or to the inner surface of the void to join the two segments.

Abstract: A fastening device for an insulating glass panel such as on a facade of a building. A punctiform holder (1) is used that is fastened by means of an adhesive (51) to the outside of the insulating glass plate (50). In the vicinity of the punctiform holder (1), a spacer piece (53) is inserted between the separated glass plates (2, 50), The invention further relates to a mounting element (5) with adjustable bias, whereby between a cap bell (10) and the mounting element (5) there is a permanently elastic spring element (7) that permits a relative movement of the cap bell (10) with respect to the mounting element (5). The invention further relates to the realization of a plurality of three-dimensional articulations (12, 13) between the insulating glass plate (2, 50) and the holder on the building side.

Abstract: A method and article of fabrication is described featuring a solder layer having a serpentine, interrupted, or interdigitated boundary. The non-planar design of the boundary layer increases the fatigue life of the solder joint by limiting the damage caused by micro-cracking. This irregularity of the solder boundary constrains the propagation of cracks by creating obstacles along the crack path, redirecting the crack away from the intermetallic layer, or by increasing the path along which the crack propagates.

Abstract: A connector and a fixing method of this connector, which in particular are used for a submarine apparatus, in which in case that the connector is fixed to the submarine instrument tail cable, a polyethylene sheath covering the submarine instrument tail cable is prevented from melting at brazing process, are provided. A connector main body, a setscrew having slit whose direction is its stretching direction, a coupling end component, and a pipe into which the tail cable is inserted are provided. And the pipe is connected to the submarine instrument tail cable. First, the connector main body and the pipe are brazed together by heat without setting the setscrew having slit. And after the brazing process, the setscrew having slit is set to the pipe through the slit, and then the setscrew having slit is fitted to the connector main body. As a result, the heating process can be performed efficiently and the heating time can be reduced and the polyethylene sheath is prevented from melting.

Abstract: An arm member is used as, for example, a suspension arm of an automobile. The arm member comprises a main body made of a pipe member and a coupling member having a connecting portion. The pipe member is made of aluminum or its alloy. The coupling member is made of aluminum and includes a bushing mounting portion for mounting a vibroisolating bushing. The thickness of the peripheral wall of the end portion of the main body is increased in thickness to have a thickness thicker than that of the other portion of the main body. The connecting portion is abutted to the peripheral wall of the end portion to form an abutted portion, and connected thereto at the abutted portion. Thus, the coupling member is coupled to the main body.

Abstract: An instrument support member with an integrated air conducting unit to be mounted between the A-columns of a motor vehicle is composed of at least two metal shells which are connected to each other by plasma jet welding with an effective focus remote from the nozzle, and a plastic tube surrounded by the shells. The plastic tube is mounted at a radial distance from the shells.

Abstract: A force-transmitting device comprising an aluminum alloy shaft portion, a steel end portion, and a transition portion having a first portion of aluminum alloy and a second portion of steel which is bonded to the first portion at a bonded joint. The shaft portion is welded to the first portion and the end portion is welded to the second portion, forming an integral force-transmitting device. The device is configured to transmit a force between the shaft portion and the end portion by way of the bonded joint. A device constructed in accordance with the present from two different metals achieves weight savings over prior art single-metal devices, and is simpler to fabricate than prior art two-metal devices.

Abstract: In the mounting of working parts, especially the vehicle's axles, it is difficult to weld on the female threaded parts. To overcome this problem, the female threaded part is configured as an internally threaded stud. This stud is passed through a bore disposed in the lower flange of the beam. A flange fixedly attached to the stud is spot-welding to a cage whose walls are spot-welded to the upper and lower flanges of the beam. The welding procedure is thereby greatly simplified.

Abstract: In a plate-like component holding bracket (1) having a certain thickness, a welding portion (5) to be welded to a base member includes an end surface along one of the sides. The end surface is adapted to come into contact with the surface of the base member. Along the end surface of the side of the elding portion (5), non-welding portions (6) are provided adjacent to the welding portion (5), and discharge arc anti-transferring grooves (7) are formed between the welding portion (5) and the non-welding portions (6) to prevent discharge arc from transferring to the non-welding portions (6). The end surface of each non-welding portion (6) is formed at such a height (H) that is measured from the end surface of the welding portion (5) apart from the surface of the base member. The height (H) is effective to predetermine the height of the welded bracket.

Abstract: To fasten an object (8) to a surface (4) such as in a booklet, the object (8) is fastened to the surface (4) which is subsequently, optionally, bound like a page into a booklet. The time-consuming action of inserting the objects (8) into bags and fastening the bags to the predetermined pages of the booklet is thus avoided. It is consequently simple and economical to carry out the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A step joint between two plastic pieces suitable for an ultrasonic weld joint. A first plastic piece includes a series of ribs, each rib having generally horizontal top surface. A generally vertical section extends upward behind the ribs. A second plastic piece includes a generally horizontal section for mating with the ribs, the horizontal section of the second plastic piece covering the generally horizontal section of two or more ribs. The second plastic piece also includes a generally vertical section suitable for mating with the generally vertical section of the second plastic piece.

Abstract: An unthreaded attachment of a joint eye to the piston rod of a vibration damper or spring strut, particularly by resistance welding. The piston rod and joint eye are held by one clamp electrode each, and the axial force created during welding is absorbed by a stop. A positive-locking connection is arranged between the piston rod and the clamp electrode to achieve axial fixing, so that joint eye can be attached in any installation state of the damper, even when the vibration damper is already installed.

Abstract: A splice joint for connecting a pair of open channel side rail sections in a vehicular body and frame assembly focuses stresses imposed thereon away from the longitudinal edges of the structural members. In a first aspect of this invention, one or both end portions of the side rail sections are formed having an offset. The end portions of the side rail sections overlap one another and are secured together in any conventional manner, such as by welding. Preferably, the welds are made in such a manner that they terminate prior to reaching any of the longitudinally extending edges of the side rail sections. In a second aspect of this invention, the portions of the side rail sections are butt welded together. A support bracket is secured to the side rail sections in any conventional manner, such as by welding. Again, the welds are preferably made in such a manner as to terminate prior to reaching any of the longitudinally extending edges of the side rail sections.

Abstract: A fitting for effecting a bolted connection between a beam and a column in a steel frame structure includes a beam connecting portion and a column connecting portion. In addition, reinforcing elements are provided to strengthen the bracket and resist vertical eccentricity and loading caused by the particular bolted connection. The various embodiments of the bracket are particularly useful in the context of repairing cracked or damaged weld connections at the beam/column interface in existing steel structures, but have application in the context of upgrading or reinforcing existing weld connections that may not otherwise be damaged. Also, the bracket can be used in new steel frame constructions.

Abstract: An energy director structure with an auxiliary weld depth limitation feature is provided. The energy director is located on a first contact shelf. A second contact shelf that is shorter, broader, forming a mesa is positioned laterally adjacent to, and below, the first contact shelf. The second contact shelf forms a mesa that limits the depth of the ultrasonic welding. Limiting the time, pressure, or temperature of the welding process additionally ensures the weld depth is limited to the height of the second contact shelf or mesa. Two plastic pieces, one of which includes an energy director and mesa structure, may be welded together to form a capillary having precise volumetric accuracy.

Abstract: An angle joint for chassis parts in a motor vehicle, especially a strut joint, in which a tubular housing, which is cylindrical on the outside, and a shaft, which has a profile adapted to the outer contour of the housing on the front side and partially surrounds the tubular housing, are welded together.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for turning steerable vehicle wheels (12 and 14) includes a plurality of longitudinally extending force transmitting members (24, 40, 42, 46 and 48) which are connected with coupling assemblies (30, 34 and 36). At least some of the coupling assemblies (30, 34 and 36) include an improved coupling component (52) having a base (56) with a first circular, radially outwardly facing mounting surface (64) for engaging an inner side surface (84) on a tubular force transmitting member (40). In addition, the base (56) of the coupling component (52) includes a second circular mounting surface (66) having a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the first circular mounting surface (64) and which is engageable with an inner side surface (94) of a tubular force transmitting member (48) having a smaller diameter than the first tubular force transmitting member (40).

Abstract: A spot weld joint of a balancing plate on the exterior side of a rotationally symmetrical, rotating hollow body such as a motor vehicle drive shaft. In order to also be able to balance thin-walled hollow bodies in a secure manner with respect to the process, as well as rapidly and durably in the case of different pairings of material of the hollow body and the balancing plate, the weld joint is constructed as an ultrasonic weld. The zone of thermal influence of the weld joint extends from the contact surface between the balancing plate and the hollow body maximally by approximately 0.3 mm, preferably approximately 0.1 to 0.15 mm, into the wall of the hollow body. Expediently, the zone of thermal influence extends deeper into the balancing plate than into the wall of the hollow body. Irrespective of the hollow shaft material--steel, aluminum or plastic--, the balancing plate may consist of a metal of high density, particularly of steel, brass or copper.

Abstract: Shaft, for the transmission of torque, comprising first and second engagement elements. The shaft is divided in its longitudinal direction into a first and second section, wherein the first and second sections are concentrically joined to each other by a friction-welded joint. The first section is case-hardened and comprises the first engagement element, and the second section is tough-hardened and comprises the second engagement element which is induction-hardened and placed on or in a peripheral surface on the second section which lies at an end facing away from the first section.

Abstract: A process and an energy director are provided for thermoplastically welding a rigid thermoplastic, such as acrylic, and a flexible thermoplastic, such a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) doped with plasticizers. The rigid piece includes an energy director where the joint is to be located. The energy director includes first and second ridges running the length of the joint and a groove running between the first and second ridges. The energy director is placed against one side of the flexible piece, and an energy horn against the other side opposite the energy director. The two pieces are then welded together using standard thermoplastic welding technology. The shape of the energy director promotes the melting and flow of both pieces as they are being welded together.

Abstract: In the ball pivot arrangement for a ball joint described in the specification, an essentially spherical upper region and an essentially bar-shaped lower region are joined by friction welding, the spherical region being capable of being mounted in a joint cup or joint socket to form a ball joint and the bar-shaped region constituting a joint rod. The costs involved in producing the ball pivot arrangement are reduced and the ball pivot arrangement is more effectively adaptable to different stresses because each of the components can be machined or hardened separately to provide required dimensions or hardness before assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is generally characterized in an angled rotary tissue cutting instrument including an outer blade assembly, having a rigid tubular member with proximal and distal portions connected by a bead, and an inner blade assembly rotatably disposed within the outer blade assembly and including a tubular drive shaft at a proximal end, a cutting tip at a distal end, and a flexible coupling disposed between the drive shaft and the cutting tip. The drive shaft and cutting tip include neck portions which are disposed telescopically within proximal and distal ends of the coupling.