Abstract: Event records are matched to stored files in a master database. Each new event record is compared to entries in the stored files to determine whether a perfect match, a consistent match, or a fuzzy match is found. If so, the matches are evaluated to determine whether there's sufficient data to determine a record match. If so, the entries are checked to determine whether any contradictions exist. If no contradiction found, the entries are examined according to preset weights to determine the strength of the match. If the strength of the match surpasses a threshold, the entries are declared as matched.

Abstract: A procedure for stabilization in situ of a failed artificial disc replacement (ADR) using a pre-sacral paracoccygeal approach to an inter-vertebral disc space, such as the L5-S1 disc space for example, where a bore is created in the ADR using two counter rotating small drills, and then a larger hollow drill over this to create a tunnel. Through this bore a hollow tube with a compressive fastener is inserted and used to compress the endplates of the ADR. The fastener may have ends that prevent movement of the fastener once established in the ADR, and maintain the ADR in compression. Then the tube is filled with material to grow bone and fuse one vertebrae to the other through the tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel pin design for a friction stir welding (FSW) tool that can penetrate more deeply into workpieces to form a thicker weld joint without overloading the tool. The pin is provided with threads on its surface. Some portions of the threads are in a positive hand (d2, d3); positive threads screw in to draw the pin into workpieces when the pin is rotated. Other portions of the threads are in a negative hand (d1, d4); negative threads screw out to oppose drawing-in of the pin. When the pin is rotated and driven into workpieces under an applied vertical load, the positive threads encourage penetration of the pin into the workpieces while the negative threads enhance shearing of workpiece material into particles. The positive threads thus reduce the amount of vertical load required to drive the pin, and therefore allow the pin to penetrate more deeply into workpieces to form a thicker weld joint without overloading the tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel joint designs and methods for holding together and drawing together interface edges of workpieces during friction stir welding. The method includes providing an interface edge (30A) on a first workpiece (20A), and an interface edge (30B) on a second workpiece (20B) that is complementary with the interface edge of the first workpiece. The interface edges cooperate with consumable pins (38) to hold the first and second workpieces together. In a preferred embodiment, the interface edges cooperate to draw the first and second workpieces together when a load in a direction normal to the interfaces is applied along the mated interfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in-process method to repair voids in an aluminum alloy, particularly a friction stir weld in an aluminum alloy. For repairing a circular void or an in-process exit hole in a weld, the method includes the steps of fabricating filler material of the same composition or compatible with the parent material into a plug form to be fitted into the void, positioning the plug in the void, and friction stir welding over and through the plug. For repairing a longitudinal void (30), the method includes machining the void area to provide a trough (34) that subsumes the void, fabricating filler metal into a strip form (36) to be fitted into the trough, positioning the strip in the trough, and rewelding the void area by traversing a friction stir welding tool longitudinally through the strip. The method is also applicable for repairing welds made by a fusing welding process or voids in aluminum alloy workpieces themselves.

Abstract: A method for ensuring complete penetration of a friction stir weld using a rotating pin friction stir welding tool comprising chamfering the bottom of the plates to be welded along the faying edges. Placing the plates on a back up plate. Inserting the pin friction stir welding tool into the plates to the depth of the chamfer and translating it along the faying surface to plasticize the material in the plates. The plasticized material will flow into the volume defined by of the chamfer at the bottom of the plates and the back up plate. A visual inspection will show if the weld penetrated fully through the plates if the chamfered volume is filled with material which flowed in while plasticized.

Abstract: A manual keyhole plasma arc welding system including a power source; a manual arc welding torch assembly which includes, a) a hollow shield cup, b) a orifice subassembly concentrically disposed within the shield cup, and c) an electrode concentrically disposed within the orifice subassembly; a shield gas source; and a plasma gas source. A shield gas discharge annulus is formed between a terminal edge of the shield cup and the terminal end of the orifice subassembly. The terminal edge of the shield cup is extended beyond the terminal end of the orifice subassembly to produce a laminar shield gas discharge flow through the discharge annulus, providing cooling of the orifice subassembly. A plasma gas discharge annulus is formed between the terminal end of the orifice subassembly and a terminus of the electrode. A first terminal of the power source is connected to the electrode and a second terminal of the power source is connected to the workpiece. The power source provides a sinewave alternating current.