Abstract: A friction stir channelling tool comprises a probe (2) for inserting into a workpiece or workpieces. The probe (2) extends from, and is rotatably mounted in, a bore (14) of a shoulder (3), the probe surface being formed so as to cause plasticised workpiece material to be moved towards the shoulder and into the bore of the shoulder upon rotation of the probe while the shoulder is in contact with the workpiece. The shoulder (3) has at least one vent (4) extending from outside the shoulder to the bore (14) whereby the plasticised material can exit the bore through the vent.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for transmitting data and/or power across a structural component, comprising: a structural component, a first transducer and a second transducer. The structural component is formed of first and second layers which conform to one another, the first layer comprising a dielectric composite material having first and second surfaces, and the second layer comprising a conductive material contacting the first surface of the first layer, whereby the electrical reactance of the first layer is configured for the propagation of electromagnetic surface waves thereacross. The first transducer is on or adjacent the second surface of the first layer of the structural component at a first location, the first transducer being adapted to generate electromagnetic surface waves for carrying data and/or power across the first layer.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for transmitting data and/or power across a structural component, comprising: a structural component, a first transducer and a second transducer. The structural component is formed of first and second layers which conform to one another, the first layer comprising a dielectric composite material having first and second surfaces, and the second layer comprising a conductive material contacting the first surface of the first layer, whereby the electrical reactance of the first layer is configured for the propagation of electromagnetic surface waves thereacross. The first transducer is on or adjacent the second surface of the first layer of the structural component at a first location, the first transducer being adapted to generate electromagnetic surface waves for carrying data and/or power across the first layer.

Abstract: A friction stir method comprises causing a rotating probe (1) of a friction stir tool to enter a workpiece or a joint between a pair of workpieces (89), the or each workpiece being a low conductivity, high melting point metal or metal alloy. The probe (1) extends from a shoulder (4), or between shoulders, in contact with the workpiece(s) and rotates relative to the or each shoulder.

Abstract: A process for forming a composition comprising organosilsesquioxanes, comprises the following steps: 1. partially hydrolysing hydrolysable inorganic monomer precursors comprising at least 50 mole % of first hydrolysable inorganic monomer precursors having the formula RSiY3, in which R is an organic group, the R—Si bond is a non-hydrolysable bond, each Y group is the same as or different to one another and is selected from chemically-reactive groups such that each Si—Y bond is hydrolysable to form a Si—OH bond, to form inorganic monomers and allowing partial condensation of the inorganic monomers to form a liquid composition comprising inorganic oligomers; 2.

Abstract: A method of modifying the structure of workpiece (1) is provided. The method comprises a first step of causing relative movement between a power beam and the workpiece (1) so that a region (3) of the workpiece (1) is melted and the melted material displaced to form a projection (2) at a first location in the region (3) and a hole (4) at a different location in the region. The melted material is then allowed to at least partially solidify after which the first step is repeated one or more times, with the region corresponding to each repeat intersecting the region (3) of the first step.

Abstract: A method of forming a weld between workpieces (1, 2) over a joint region (3). The method comprises: exposing the joint region (3) to incident radiation (4) having a wavelength outside the visible range so as to cause melting of the surface of one or both workpieces at the joint region, and allowing the melted material to cool thereby welding the workpieces together. A radiation absorbing material is provided at the joint region (3) in one of the workpieces (1,2) or between the workpieces which has an absorption band matched to the wavelength of the incident radiation so as to absorb the incident radiation and generate heat for the melting process. The absorption band lies outside the visible range so that the material does not affect the appearance of the joint region (3) or the workpieces (1, 2) in visible light.

Abstract: A method of operating on a workpiece comprises causing relative movement between the workpiece and a power beam in a traverse direction so as to expose a series of locations on the workpiece to the power beam. At each location the power beam is caused to move relative to the workpiece in a predetermined manner having a component transverse to the traverse direction, and workpiece material is melted and displaced by the power beam so as to form a cavity or hole.

Abstract: A method of operating on a workpiece comprises causing relative movement between the workpiece and a power beam in a traverse direction so as to expose a series of locations on the workpiece to the power beam. At each location the power beam is caused to move relative to the workpiece in a predetermined manner having a component transverse to the traverse direction, and workpiece material is melted and displaced by the power beam so as to form a cavity or hole.

Abstract: A charged particle emitting assembly comprises an emitter member (5) for emitting charged particles of one polarity. A tubular shield electrode (6) circumferentially surrounds the emitter member and is held in use at the same polarity as the charged particles. A tubular accelerating electrode (7) is positioned substantially coaxially with the shield electrode (6) and is held in use at the opposite polarity to the shield electrode. The arrangement is such that charged particles from the emitter member (5) initially spread laterally outwardly and then are focused into a beam which passes through the tubular accelerating electrode (7).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of friction welding for joining of members and more particularly to so-called friction stir welding based on a relative rubbing movement between a probe of harder material and members to be joined. The present invention also is directed to an improved tool to be applied in the friction welding process.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a stream of charged particles, for example for use in an electron beam welding device. The apparatus includes a charged particle source (5) such as a filament and a target (6). The charged particle source (5) is connected in series with a resonant electrical circuit and the target is connected in parallel with the circuit. The source and target (5,6) are relatively juxtaposed such that under working conditions, when the circuit is in resonance, electric current passing through the source (5) causes emission of first charged particles and the potential difference between the source (5) and the target (6) accelerates the first charged particles towards the target.

Abstract: A method of forming a plug-like member comprises placing a consumable member (4) in a bore (1) of a workpiece (2). The consumable member (4) is rotated relative to the workpiece (2) while they are urged together so as to generate frictional heat and the formation of plasticised material (5). The plasticised material (5) is allowed to solidify so as to form a plug-like member having an outer surface conforming to the inner surface of at least part of the bore (1). The plug-like member is either left in situ or, following formation of the complete plug-like member, removed from the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of operating on a workpiece comprises offering a probe of material harder than the workpiece material to a continuous surface of the workpiece causing relative cyclic movement between the probe and the workpiece while urging the probe and workpiece together whereby frictional heat is generated as the probe enters the workpiece so as to create a plasticized region in the workpiece material around the probe, stopping the relative cyclic movement, and allowing the plasticized material to solidify around the probe. This technique, which we refer to as "friction plunge welding" provides a very simple method of joining a probe to a workpiece. The method can be used for repairing cracks and the like within a workpiece or for joining members, such as studs or bushes, to a workpiece.

Abstract: A gas plasma generating system includes a resonant cavity for connection to a source of very high frequency power. A plasma cavity is defined by a wall of an electrically nonconductive material positioned within the resonant cavity for containing an ionizable gas such that in use a plasma is formed in the plasma cavity, the cavity having an exit opening to enable plasma to exit from the system. The plasma cavity comprises a tubular member extending through opposed walls of the resonant cavity, the tubular member receiving at one end a plasma gas, in use, and plasma exiting from the other end, and a movable tuning member whose position can be adjusted to achieve the desired tuning condition, the tubular member defining the plasma cavity extending through the tuning member.

Abstract: A method of forming or reforming a composite material comprises relatively rotating a pair of members (2,3) while urging them together under pressure so as to mix or remix together the materials (1) making up the composite. The urging direction is substantially parallel with the axis of relative rotation. The composite is then extruded (7).

Abstract: A method of joining a covering layer (9) onto a substrate (10) comprises placing part of the covering layer (9) on the substrate (10) with the remaining part of the covering layer spaced from the substrate so as to expose a region of contact (5) between the covering layer and substrate. A focussed power beam such as a laser or electron beam impinges on the contact region (5) so as to bond or fuse the substrate (10) and covering layer (9) together. The spaced part of the covering layer (9) is then moved towards the substrate (10) so as to change the position of the contact region (5) and the focussed power beam is caused to impinge on the new contact region. These steps are repeated until the covering layer is bonded or fused to the substrate.

Abstract: An electron beam welding system having improved deep penetration weld characteristics in which the electron beam is repeatedly deflected from an undeflected nominal position, as the beam traverses along a weld zone, to build up a heat distribution pattern in the vicinity of the weld zone. The heat distribution pattern is made up of a number of substantially distinct zones of different heat density with a preferred pattern comprising three zones with a space between the first and second zones. The third zone leads the second zone and the space trails the second zone in the direction of traversal of the beam with the maximum heat density occurring in the second zone.

Abstract: A method of bonding an electrical conductor to a contact of an integrated circuit (IC) device comprises bonding the conductor to a support member and to a contact of the IC device. The conductor is then severed to release the IC device and conductor from the support. This allows the IC device to be tested while connected to the support member and provides it with a conductor lead for connection to a carrier for use.

Abstract: A method of providing a material, typically a metal, surface on a substrate (1), comprises applying a consumable member (4) to the substrate (1) under pressure. The member (4) and substrate (1) are moved relative to one another along an arcuate path. Heat is generated at the interface between the member and the substrate so that material is laid down on the substrate along the path. The movement of the metal member (4) typically includes one or more cyclic components.