Abstract: A method of joining a pair of metal components with a rivet having a hardness that is substantially similar to at least one of the metal components. The metal components are stack upon each other and the rivet is rotated and simultaneously plunged in the metal components under pressure to friction weld and metallurgically bond the rivet to the metal components.

Abstract: A method of joining a pair of metal components with a rivet having a hardness that is substantially similar to at least one of the metal components. The metal components are stack upon each other and the rivet is rotated and simultaneously plunged in the metal components under pressure to friction weld and metallurgically bond the rivet to the metal components.

Abstract: A method of joining a pair of metal components with a rivet having a hardness that is substantially similar to at least one of the metal components. The metal components are stack upon each other and the rivet is rotated and simultaneously plunged in the metal components under pressure to friction weld and metallurgically bond the rivet to the metal components.

Abstract: A mobile friction welding machine is provided for creating friction weld joints in workpieces such as metal sheets, especially lead sheets is described. The machine has a track assembly to guide it across work pieces, including a caterpillar track system on the machine. The friction welding is achieved by rotating a probe and applying a downward load on the probe to urge it into the work process. The probe is preferably a pair of spaced apart probes having a crescent-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: An electronic license plate architecture is described wherein a license plate portion has a conventional license plate having visual information thereon and an identification device integrated therewith. The identification device stores restricted information. A license plate holder supports the license plate portion and houses communications and signal processing electronics. An antenna may be integrated with the license plate portion or may be housed in the license plate holder.

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 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 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.