Abstract: A tool for performing work on a workpiece, such as a pipe, includes a mandrel assembly configured to secure to an interior portion of the pipe. The mandrel assembly includes an arm assembly configured to retain a cutting apparatus so as to be positioned at an outside portion of the pipe and to allow the cutting apparatus to revolve around the circumference of the pipe to perform work on the pipe. The mandrel assembly includes a hub and a plurality of jaws that allow it to secure to the interior of the pipe while the arm assembly props the cutting apparatus in a position to facilitate performing work on the pipe around the entire circumference of a section of the pipe. The engagement between the mandrel assembly and the pipe supports the weight of the tool, providing ease of use and improved control for pipe cutting operations.

Abstract: Embodiments can include a self-reacting friction stir weld (“FSW”) tool. The device can be configured to be portable and produce full penetration welds in situ. The FSW tool can include a system that cuts out a portion of the structure surrounding a defective portion of the structure. A work-piece can be inserted within the removed portion and friction stir welded to the structure via the FSW tool. A superior repair as compared to merely welding the defect can be achieved by replacing a portion of the structure surrounding the defect as opposed to merely welding the defect (e.g., the crack). A controlled geometric shaped weld beam can be generated for the interface between the work-piece and the structure, which may led to a stronger, more reliable weld.

Abstract: A tool for performing work on a workpiece, such as a pipe, includes a mandrel assembly configured to secure to an interior portion of the pipe. The mandrel assembly includes an arm assembly configured to retain a cutting apparatus so as to be positioned at an outside portion of the pipe and to allow the cutting apparatus to revolve around the circumference of the pipe to perform work on the pipe. The mandrel assembly includes a hub and a plurality of jaws that allow it to secure to the interior of the pipe while the arm assembly props the cutting apparatus in a position to facilitate performing work on the pipe around the entire circumference of a section of the pipe. The engagement between the mandrel assembly and the pipe supports the weight of the tool, providing ease of use and improved control for pipe cutting operations.

Abstract: Embodiments can include a self-reacting friction stir weld (“FSW”) tool. The device can be configured to be portable and produce full penetration welds in situ. The FSW tool can include a system that cuts out a portion of the structure surrounding a defective portion of the structure. A work-piece can be inserted within the removed portion and friction stir welded to the structure via the FSW tool. A superior repair as compared to merely welding the defect can be achieved by replacing a portion of the structure surrounding the defect as opposed to merely welding the defect (e.g., the crack). A controlled geometric shaped weld beam can be generated for the interface between the work-piece and the structure, which may led to a stronger, more reliable weld.

Abstract: A system for bundling a plurality of high temperature superconductor tapes into a flexible cable, includes a first alignment device for receiving and guiding there through the plurality of high temperature superconductor tapes, each of the tapes arranged with a wide surface oriented at a first angle. There is a second alignment device for receiving and guiding there through the plurality of high temperature superconductor tapes, each of said tapes arranged with the wide surface oriented at a second angle. The first angle is transverse to the second angle and plastically deforms the tapes to impart a twist pitch in the tapes. There is a forming member spaced from the second alignment device for receiving the plurality of high temperature superconductor tapes with the imparted twist pitch and forming them into a bundle of high temperature superconductor tapes of the high temperature superconductor tapes with the imparted twist pitch.

Abstract: A system for bundling a plurality of high temperature superconductor tapes into a flexible cable, includes a first alignment device for receiving and guiding there through the plurality of high temperature superconductor tapes, each of the tapes arranged with a wide surface oriented at a first angle. There is a second alignment device for receiving and guiding there through the plurality of high temperature superconductor tapes, each of said tapes arranged with the wide surface oriented at a second angle. The first angle is transverse to the second angle and plastically deforms the tapes to impart a twist pitch in the tapes. There is a forming member spaced from the second alignment device for receiving the plurality of high temperature superconductor tapes with the imparted twist pitch and forming them into a bundle of high temperature superconductor tapes of the high temperature superconductor tapes with the imparted twist pitch.