Abstract: A friction stir tool has an axis of rotation and a welding tip that is made of powdered metal material.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications. In particular, the medical device reduces interference with an optical signal which is indicative of the presence of an analyte in a bodily sample.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved weldable metal composites and methods. A metal composite structure (10) features two metal members (12) (14) sandwiching a viscoelastic layer (26) where the viscoelastic layer entrains electrically conductive particles (28) and a carbon extracting attractant layers (32) (34) to inhibit and/or prevent carbon migration and carbide formation during welding.

Abstract: An integrated air bag support structure that includes a support base for attachment to the rear side of a substrate. The support base is configured to surround a door support panel and both are configured for attachment to the rear side of a substrate in an area that is pre-weakened to define an air bag deployment door in a vehicle instrument panel or a steering wheel air bag module. The upper surfaces of the support base and door support panel are attached to the rear surface of the substrate, and a test tab extends from the base that is attached to the rear surface of the substrate in the same manner as the support base and the door support panel. The test tab has an unattached extension portion for the purpose of gripping and pulling to test the integrity of the attachment without affecting the attachment of the support panel.

Abstract: A spacer frame arrangement for insulating glass units, comprising a spacer profile body extending in a first direction and having a predetermined cross section in a plane perpendicular to the first direction, the predetermined cross section defining a hollow inner space of the spacer profile body with predetermined dimensions in the plane perpendicular to the first direction, and a connector comprising a connector section adapted to be inserted in the first direction into the hollow inner space of the spacer profile body by having a cross sectional shape perpendicular to the first direction which corresponds, with predetermined tolerances, to the cross section of the spacer profile body limiting the hollow inner space, at least the outer surface of the connector section facing the inner surface of the hollow inner space of the spacer profile body after insertion of the same being made of a fusable material, preferably a material fusable by melting the same, wherein the connector section is inserted into the h

Abstract: A method for producing an integrally bladed rotor, as well as a rotor, is disclosed. A rotor support is composed of several disk-type rotor base bodies that are welded onto the blade ring.

Abstract: A method for producing welded round and profile chains of chain links that are connected to each other. The chain links for round and profile chains produced by this method include two chain link partial pieces that are connected to each other by friction welding.

Abstract: A modular keyboard includes an upper casing, a lower casing corresponding to the upper casing, an electric conduction element and a circuit board. The upper casing includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other, and a plurality of press keys disposed on the first side. The lower casing is set for sealing the second side, and an enclosure space is formed between the upper casing and the lower casing. The electric conduction element is installed on the second side in the enclosure space, and the circuit board is installed between the electric conduction element and the lower casing. With a supersonic welding technique, the upper casing and the lower casing are engaged with each other to seal the enclosure space and isolate the electric conduction element in the enclosure space and the circuit board from the exterior.

Abstract: Methods for joining materials having different thicknesses is provided. Friction stir material processing is typically used, and a transition piece may be friction stir welded between the materials being joined.

Abstract: A method for performing operations on a workpiece. The method comprises the steps of: contacting the workpiece with a tool; moving the tool along any of multiple axes; moving a clamp along at least a first axis independent of the movement of the tool; and, clamping the workpiece using the clamp. Contacting the workpiece with the tool may comprise plunging a friction stir welding pin tool into the workpiece while the workpiece is being clamped. The tool may be moved by moving a spindle housing over the workpiece, and the clamp may be moved by rotating the clamp around the first axis as the spindle housing moves over the workpiece. The method may further comprise the step of coordinating the movement of the clamp with the movement of the tool.

Abstract: Methods for joining complex shapes are disclosed. The shapes joined may include multiple planar surfaces and various common surfaces. Friction stir welding may be used to weld various joints and pre-heating may be optionally employed.

Abstract: Processes for forming an enhanced material or structure are disclosed. The structure typically includes a preform that has a first common surface and a recess below the first common surface. A filler is added to the recess and seams are friction stir welded, and materials may be stir mixed.

Abstract: A fuel cell separator is provided with a separator substrate made of metal which has at least one open portion through which a fluid can pass provided in a predetermined position, and a film coating member that coats a predetermined area including the open portion of the separator substrate. A portion of the film coating member that corresponds to at least a peripheral edge portion of the open portion is adhesion treated.

Abstract: A tubular element for securing to a tube end by friction-welding for the purpose of transporting a fluid, the element includes a body (1) having a housing (5) formed therein to receive the tube end, the housing having an inlet segment (6) for the tube end and a welding segment (9) with an inlet defined by a surface (13.2) for initiating welding. The housing further includes, between the inlet segment and the welding segment, at least one reception groove (8) for receiving a portion of the tube end that is pushed back during welding, the reception groove having a flank with at least a portion forming the weld-initiating surface and on its other side an abutment flank for the pushed-back portion. A method of friction welding is also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods of welding dissimilar materials are contemplated in which an adaptor is used in an intermediate position between the dissimilar materials. Most preferred adaptors are manufactured by friction stir welding from two dissimilar materials that are identical or similar to the dissimilar materials to be welded together. Therefore, coupling of dissimilar materials in the field via the adaptors is greatly simplified as conventional welding methods can now be employed.

Abstract: A biodegradable resin composition utilized in the manufacture of biodegradable bottles and other biodegradable containers, and a method of manufacturing such containers via injection molding and ultrasonic welding. A biodegradable resin composition includes, in percent by weight: 1 to 80% starch; 1 to 8% cellulose; 1 to 5% sodium stearate; and 1 to 2% oleic acid. Another biodegradable resin composition includes, in percent by weight: 1 to 70% starch; 1 to 8% cellulose; 1 to 12% hydroxyl-polypropylene; and 1 to 5% calcium carbonate. Another biodegradable resin composition includes, in percent by weight: 1 to 30% starch; 1 to 40% poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate); 1 to 20% poly(lactic acid); and 1 to 5% hydrated magnesium silicate.

Abstract: An example of a door curtain having pieces comprised of different thermoplastic materials includes a weld medium that facilitates the welding of two thermoplastics that are otherwise not readily welded together. In some examples, the weld medium comprises two outer layers that are joined to each other, wherein one layer is of the same polymer as one of the curtain pieces, and the other opposite layer is made of the same polymeric material as that of the other curtain piece. The weld medium is sandwiched between the two curtain pieces such that matching materials of the curtain and weld medium face each other. The two curtain pieces, with the weld medium between the two, are then thermally or ultrasonically welded together. The weld medium can be made by coating a fabric sheet with the two different plastic layers bonded to opposite sides of the fabric sheet.

Abstract: An integrated air bag support structure that includes a support base for attachment to the rear side of a substrate. The support base is configured to surround a door support panel and both are configured for attachment to the rear side of a substrate in an area that is pre-weakened to define an air bag deployment door in a vehicle instrument panel or a steering wheel air bag module. The upper surfaces of the support base and door support panel are attached to the rear surface of a substrate and a test tab extends from the base that is attached to the rear surface of the substrate in the same manner as the support base and the door support panel. The test tab has an unattached extension portion for the purpose of gripping and pulling to sample test that the attachment of the test tab without affecting the attachment of the support panel.

Abstract: A panel for an aircraft cargo pallet and other structures including a bottom skin member, a spaced apart top skin member, and core located between the bottom skin member and the top skin member. The core includes a plurality of spaced apart and parallel ribs coupled along their top edges to the top skin member and along their bottom edges to the bottom skin member.

Abstract: A portable friction forge welder that applies a direct rotational load to workpieces via a rotational actuator and a direct axial load to workpieces via an axial actuator, where the rotational actuator and the axial actuator have separate and independent power sources. The portable friction forge welder relies on a stored energy linear axial actuator or a center-hole hydraulic axial actuator to achieve high axial forces and a high torque, low rotational velocity to achieve rotational forces, enabling the welder to achieve higher quality welds using larger diameter workpieces than conventional portable friction welders. By applying a high axial force between workpieces prior to high torque rotation of the workpieces results in improved quality welds. A unique clamping device maintains a fixed positional relationship between the workpieces and includes a unique shroud that enables friction welds under a positive pressure inert atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for welding parts formed of polymeric resins having different melt-index grades. The method may include the steps of selecting a tube formed of a first thermoplastic in an extrusion process, selecting a first flange formed of a second thermoplastic in an injection molding process and having a containment region sized to receive an end of the tube, inserting an end of the tube within the containment region of the first flange, and welding the tube to the flange by inducing relative rotation between the flange and the tube. The containment region may have a depth more than two times the wall thickness of the tube. Moreover, the containment region may maintain its shape and support friction pressure on a significant portion of melted material within the weld zone, so the material may continue to generate heat and conduct the same to the less easily melted material.

Abstract: A method for joining functional components with at least a thermoplastic components to thermosetting composites with at least some thermoplastic surface. The thermosetting composite has a functional thermoplastic surface layer attached by a process of selection of a compatible thermoplastic, heating the combined materials to allow migration of uncured thermosetting polymer into the thermoplastic polymer, then cooling the combined materials to provide a strongly attached thermoplastic surface. The thermosetting composite component may have a polymeric material coating. The present invention subsequently relates to the joining of the functional component and thermosetting polymer composite components, using high-speed oscillating relative displacement or high-speed continuous relative displacement.

Abstract: A seat back support for seat cushioning to be attached thereto and provide a seat component is disclosed. In addition, a process for making the seat back support is also disclosed. The seat back support can have first panel and a second panel. The first panel can have a base portion and a raised portion extending outwardly from the base portion, and the second panel can have a corrugated structure with a channel portion extending from a joining surface. The second panel is fixedly attached to the first panel by having at least part of the raised portion melt and re-solidified while in contact with the joining surface of the second panel.

Abstract: The invention provides large surface area geogrids with a high tensile strength, a method and apparatus for producing them, and their use as drain and reinforcement grids and as fences. The method for the continuous production of geogrids which have a large surface area and comprise thermoplastic bars which cross one another and are joined together by welding at the areas where they cross one another is characterized in that single-layer, homogeneous, molecular-oriented plastic bars with a high tensile strength are used and a multiplicity of crossing areas arranged behind one another and next to one another are intermittently welded simultaneously using the vibration-welding technique. In this method, a newly developed vibration-welding apparatus is used, which is characterized in that it has at least one vibration device which can be used to weld at least 100 crossing areas, preferably up to 500 crossing areas, simultaneously.

Abstract: A welded assembly includes a weld joint formed via a spin-welding process. A disc receives a cylinder prior to spin-welding, with the disc having a circumferential groove undercutting or defining an annular shelf. An interlocking feature retaining the cylinder and disc is formed between a flow pattern of the cylinder and the annular shelf upon cooling of molten flash in the groove underneath the annular shelf. Teeth can be formed integrally with the disc to provide a torsional interlocking feature between the disc and cylinder. A method for forming a weld joint between a plastic cylinder and disc includes providing the disc with a circumferential groove forming an annular shelf, and rotating the cylinder with respect to the disc under an axial force to thereby form an outflow of molten flash. The flash forms an interlocking feature when cooled after flowing into the groove underneath the shelf.

Abstract: A vibration welding apparatus and a method for executing vibration welding of three or more work pieces made of a thermoplastic material to make them integral in a sandwich shape, comprises an upper tool means supporting a first work piece so as to apply a lateral motion to it by a vibration means, a lower tool means capable of supporting a plurality of second work pieces to be welded to at least both surfaces of the first work piece, and a means capable of actuating the lower tool means in such a manner as to move the second work pieces vertically by an elevating means so as to align with the first work piece, and move the second work pieces toward the first work piece laterally by a slide actuating means so as to bring them into contact with the first work piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a friction-welded connection between a plurality of superimposed flat components held together by a connecting member, wherein a collar of said connecting member rests on an upper component and the front end of said connecting member forms a friction-welding zone with a lower component, said friction-welding zone being produced by rotation and pressure of the connecting member. After formation of the friction-welding zone, the rotation of the connecting member ceases at the end of a first step and, in a second step, upon cessation of the rotation of the connecting member prior to contact of the collar with the upper component, a pressure is exerted on the connecting member by a pressure-applying tool, said pressure pressing the collar against the upper component because of a deformation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable strapping device to strap packaged goods using a strapping band, the device comprising a tightening mechanism for applying tension to a loop of a strapping band, a frictional welding element (5) to generate a friction weld connection of two overlapping strapping-loop segments, and a rechargeable energy-storing device (10) for storing energy, in particular mechanical, elastic or potential energy that may be released as drive energy applied to a frictional welding system (5) to produce a frictional weld connection. One objective of the invention is to attain applicability, in the absence of an electric storage battery, at the highest possible efficiency, to such an above described portable strapping device. This objective is attained in that the energy storage (10) may be loaded using a manually triggered drive component and in that, when energy stored in the storage is released, the energy storage carries out a displacement devoid of any reversal of motion.

Abstract: One side of a metal sheet is joined to a polymer layer by applying heat to a joining area on the opposite side of the metal. The heat flows through the thin metal to activate a thermoplastic material or heat setting polymer into a bond with the metal. The method can be used to bond the metal sheet to a plastic body or another metal member. It is preferred to use a friction or friction stir tool to heat the metal surface.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for the production of a mitered corner joint between parts of a frame, by vibration welding. During the welding procedure, in each case two parts of a frame are displaced by oscillatory heads into mutually perpendicular straight-line translatorial oscillations, the phases of which have been matched to one another in such a way that mitered areas of the two parts of the frame oscillate perpendicularly with respect to a stationary mitered plane and through the same, while the mitered area is retained under a prescribed welding pressure in the system. The method and the apparatus can be used for the simultaneous production of the four corner joints of a frame, in particular of a frame of the moveable or fixed part of windows or of doors. For this, at least four, and preferably eight, oscillatory heads, which displace the parts of the frame into the translatorial oscillations, are synchronized in such a way that their frequencies and amplitudes are the same.

Abstract: A hose and fitting assembly comprising a hose of a first thermoplastic polymer material having an end portion (9) with an inner surface (8) and an outer surface (15) and a fitting (3) of a second polymer material for connection with an external point of use. The fitting (3) has a central tubular projection (4) with an axial fluid passageway (6). The central tubular projection (4) has an inner wall (5) which defines the fluid passageway (6) and an outer wall (7), at least partly integrally coupled to the inner surface (8) of the end portion (9) of the hose (2). The hose and fitting assembly comprises reinforcement means (11) of a third polymer material at the periphery of the end portion (9) of the hose (2) for restraining radial deformations of the hose and providing the assembly with a good mechanical and/or hydraulic sealing capability. A method of making such assembly.

Abstract: A cellular confinement system is formed from an ultrasonic welding method which requires no external pressure during the welding step. A plurality of multi-layer strips can be welded such that the weld area is not thinner than the rest of the strip and has good UV protection. The method comprises: stacking a plurality of strips; providing external pressure; removing the external pressure, positioning the ultrasonic welding apparatus so that it places no external pressure on the stack; welding at least two strips; and removing the welding apparatus.

Abstract: An insulating plate of a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cell is interposed between a cell element and a cover member in a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cell including the cell element formed by stacking cathodes and anodes through separators, a cell can including a can body which houses the cell element and the cover member which closes an opening of the can body to seal the cell element, and an electrolyte injected into the cell can. The insulating plate includes a plate-shaped insulating plate body having insulating property, an injection hole which passes through the insulating plate body in the thickness direction and through which the electrolyte can be injected, and a filter member permeable to only the electrolyte and provided on one of the surfaces of the insulating plate body so as to cover the injection hole.

Abstract: Method of connecting an end portion of a multilayer tube to a channel of an element, at least the end portion of the tube including a surface layer that is weldable to at least one substantially annular wall of the element, and the assembly connected by the method. The method including the step of causing an area of the surface layer of the end portion of the tube to rub against the wall of the element so as to friction-weld the end portion of the tube to the element, the method including the prior step of turning back the end portion onto itself in such a manner that the area of the surface layer of the end portion extends facing the wall of the element.

Abstract: A vibration welding apparatus and a method for executing vibration welding of three or more work pieces made of a thermoplastic material to make them integral in a sandwich shape, comprises an upper tool means supporting a first work piece so as to apply a lateral motion to it by a vibration means, a lower tool means capable of supporting a plurality of second work pieces to be welded to at least both surfaces of the first work piece, and a means capable of actuating the lower tool means in such a manner as to move the second work pieces vertically by an elevating means so as to align with the first work piece, and move the second work pieces toward the first work piece laterally by a slide actuating means so as to bring them into contact with the first work piece.

Abstract: A dough mixer includes a bowl configured to be supported within a cabinet of the dough mixer. The bowl includes a bowl body defining an opening through which dough is inserted into the bowl for a mixing operation. The bowl body includes a front, a back, a first side extending from the front to the back and a second side opposite the first side extending from the front to the back. Each first and second side includes an opening therethrough. An agitator is mounted for rotation within the bowl. A cold bar assembly includes a tubular rod mounted to the first side of the bowl body at a first end and mounted to the second side of the bowl body at a second end opposite the first end. The tubular rod defines a coolant passageway extending therethrough. A sleeve has a bore extending therethrough.

Abstract: Provided are: a noise reduction device with an improved adhesion of objects formed of a porous material and with a reduced processing time; a method of manufacturing the noise reduction device; and a pneumatic tire including the noise reduction device. The noise reduction device of the present invention includes: objects formed of a porous material; a band member for attaching the objects to the inner surface of a tire at two positions spaced at substantially equal intervals in the tire circumferential direction; and locking members formed of a thermoplastic resin. The band member is formed of a thermoplastic resin. Each object is disposed at a predetermined position in the tire circumferential direction, between the band member and the corresponding locking members. The locking members are bonded to the band member through the objects by thermal fusion.

Abstract: A reinforced lacrosse head having improved strength can include the following frame elements: a pair of opposing sidewalls each having a top end and a bottom end, a scoop extending between the sidewalls, a base extending between the bottom ends of the sidewalls, and a throat extending from the base for attachment to a lacrosse handle. The head can include at least one reinforcement member that is located at least partially in a frame element. The frame element can be constructed from two or more parts that are sonic welded or hot plate welded together around at least a portion of the reinforcement member. Methods of sonic welding or hot plate welding components of a reinforced frame element also are provided.

Abstract: A filter element includes a filter media pack, a frame, an annular seal, and a sealing means independent of the annular seal, attaching the filter media pack and the frame. The means of sealing an interface between the filter media pack and the frame include molding a filter media pack seal, plastic welding outer wraps of filter media pack to the frame, and securing the filter media pack and the frame using a bead of adhesive.

Abstract: A vibration welding apparatus and a method for executing vibration welding of three or more work pieces made of a thermoplastic material to make them integral in a sandwich shape, comprises an upper tool means supporting a first work piece so as to apply a lateral motion to it by a vibration means, a lower tool means capable of supporting a plurality of second work pieces to be welded to at least both surfaces of the first work piece, and a means capable of actuating the lower tool means in such a manner as to move the second work pieces vertically by an elevating means so as to align with the first work piece, and move the second work pieces toward the first work piece laterally by a slide actuating means so as to bring them into contact with the first work piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifunctional printed circuit board comprising at least one additional functional element in the form of a round or rectangular conductor which is at least partially fastened on an electrically conducting strip conductor structure by ultrasound or friction welding in a mechanical and electrical and thermally conducting and planar manner and in such a fashion that an intermetal compound is formed. The invention also relates to a method for producing said printed circuit board, to its use as a wiring element for complex structures that is suitable for high current conduction and to uses for a specific thermal management.

Abstract: In an assembly of facing metal sheets separated by a polymer layer, welded metallurgical bonds are formed between the metal sheets by use of a friction stir weld tool. A rotating tool penetrates the first sheet, locally displaces the encountered portion of polymer film and penetrates into the second sheet. The affected metal of the two sheets is momentarily plasticized and stirred, and the plasticized metal of the two sheets combines to form a weld between the metal sheets. The interposed polymer film may be intended to serve as an adhesive or a vibration damping medium or the like. The facing metal sheets can be layers of facing laminated metal sheet structures that each comprise two metal sheets bonded by an adhesive interlayer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for joining at least two aircraft fuselage segments (2, 3) by friction stir welding with a tool (8) generating friction heat for the partial plasticisation of an edge region (6, 7) of at least one of the two aircraft fuselage segments and a counter bearing (10) for absorbing the force exerted by the tool (8) on at least one of the two aircraft fuselage segments, wherein at least one of the two aircraft fuselage segments comprises at least one rib (17) and/or one stringer (16). In order to minimise the necessary expense incurred in association with the production aids for the FSW process, it is proposed that the at least one rib (17) and/or the at least one stringer (16) of the at least one aircraft fuselage segment (2, 3) should be used as a counter bearing (10).

Abstract: A linear friction welding head apparatus for dual axis forging, the apparatus including three sets of orthogonal actuators for providing X-, Y-, and Z-planes of apparatus movement for providing Y-axis oscillation, a first forge load along a first forge axis, and a second forge load along a second forge axis. A method for dual axis forging for welding including providing a welding head for applying first and second forge loads along X- and Z-forge axes to weld at more than one interface. The forge loads may be applied at right angles to each other and have magnitudes corresponding to weld interface length.

Abstract: An apparatus including a pocket that is at least partially defined by an elastomeric film, and a related method. The elastomeric film comprising a material that includes a styrene block copolymer, a polyolefin, a polyurethane, a polystyrene, an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a processing oil, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for welding parts formed of polymeric resins having different melt-index grades. The method may include the steps of selecting a tube formed of a first thermoplastic in an extrusion process, selecting a first flange formed of a second thermoplastic in an injection molding process and having a containment region sized to receive an end of the tube, inserting an end of the tube within the containment region of the first flange, and welding the tube to the flange by inducing relative rotation between the flange and the tube. The containment region may have a depth more than two times the wall thickness of the tube. Moreover, the containment region may maintain its shape and support friction pressure on a significant portion of melted material within the weld zone, so the material may continue to generate heat and conduct the same to the less easily melted material.

Abstract: A solid state method for the preparation of composite materials incorporating metal and nano materials is provided, wherein nano materials are deposited on a substrate and incorporated into the substrate structure by friction stir welding. Also provided are composite materials that include nano materials, which are prepared by friction stir welding.

Abstract: A connection electrode that is formed of solder on an electronic component side and a tip portion of an elastic contact contact each other at a contact portion. Regarding the elastic contact, a resistive layer is formed in the tip portion, and the tip portion is placed in a clearance of an induction coil. When a predetermined high-frequency current is passed through the induction coil, electromagnetic induction causes the resistive layer to generate heat. Solder that forms the connection electrode is melt, and flows onto the tip portion of the elastic contact. Thus, the tip portion of the elastic contact and the connection electrode can be strongly bonded together at the contact portion that is a single point therebetween.

Abstract: A method for joining materials in which a second material is overlapped over a first material preliminarily formed with a joining hole so as to cover the joining hole. A joining tool arranged in alignment with the joining hole is pressed, while rotated, onto the second material so as to locally soften and enter the second material in solid phase state into the joining hole of the first material through frictional heat generated between the joining tool and the second material. The joining tool is pulled out after a geometric engaging part is provided by the second material in relation with the first material and the engaging part is allowed to harden to join the first and second materials.

Abstract: A counter-rotating spindle includes a shoulder tool, a pin tool inserted in the shoulder tool, a first motor that is connected with the pin tool and rotates the pin tool, and a second motor that is connected with the shoulder tool and rotates the shoulder tool. The direction and the speed of the rotation for the pin tool may be selected independently from the speed and direction of rotation of the shoulder tool enabling optimization of the friction stir welding process. Counter-rotating the pin tool and the shoulder tool may improve the mixing abilities and efficiency of the pin tool and may prevent the galling effect between the pin tool and the shoulder tool. The counter-rotating spindle may be used, for example, for continuous path friction stir welding and spot welding of aluminum and its alloys, including cast alloys, as well as joining similar and dissimilar alloys.