Abstract: An improved balance weight construction and a method of securing such a balance weight to a drive shaft or other tubular body are disclosed. A generally cylindrical balance weight is formed with a curved end surface which conforms to the outer surface of the drive shaft. The balance weight and drive shaft are typically formed of dissimilar materials, such as steel and aluminum, respectively. The balance weight has a coaxial aperture formed therethrough and a plurality of radially-extending grooves formed in the curved surface thereof which connect the aperture with the edge of the surface. While the balance weight is maintained against the drive shaft at a predetermined location satisfactory for balancing the drive shaft, an adhesive material, such as molten aluminum wire, is supplied within the aperture so as to form a spot or rivet-type weld.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical balance weight is formed with a curved end surface which conforms to the outer surface of the drive shaft. The balance weight and drive shaft are typically formed of dissimilar materials, such as steel and aluminum, respectively. The balance weight has a coaxial aperture formed therethrough and a plurality of radially-extending grooves formed in the curved surface thereof which connect the aperture with the edge of the surface. While the balance weight is maintained against the drive shaft at a predetermined location satisfactory for balancing the drive shaft, an adhesive material, such as molten aluminum wire, is supplied within the aperture so as to form a spot or rivet-type weld. The radially-extending grooves provide passages which allow gases within the aperture to escape, thereby promoting the smooth flow of molten aluminum into the aperture and increasing the reliability of the weld.