Abstract: A friction stirring-welding method capable of increasing the welding strength of a lap joint. A welding tool (1) comprises a small diameter projected part (2) at the tip of a shoulder (3). The welding tool is press-fitted to the upper plate (4) of the lap joint while being rotated. By a friction stirring action, an upper plate side welding boundary surface (6) plastically flows, a surface oxidation film on a lapped surface is peeled off, and the boundary surface is activated to provide an excellent welding part. Also, since the welding tool is formed in a shape having the small diameter semispherical projected part (2) at the tip thereof, the thickness (12) of an upper plate welding part is increased, and a lap joint part with high welding strength can be provided.

Abstract: In a vibration welding method and a vibration welding apparatus, a base plate and a vibrating plate which can be vibrated relatively to each other clamp an instrument panel, a storage box, and a duct as layers therebetween, which are joined to each other under pressure with vibration. A protective member of urethane is disposed on a workpiece rest for placing the base plate thereon. The storage box is made of a material having a relatively low melting point, and the duct is made of a material having a relatively high melting point. The thickness of the protective member is different depending on the location where the protective member supports the resin base, and the storage box or the duct.

Abstract: A method of connecting a metallic bolt to a plastic work piece is shown and described. The object to provide a method which makes possible a reliable connection between metal workpieces on the one hand and plastic workpieces on the other hand is achieved in that a first plastic work piece and a metallic bolt are provided, and in that the bolt is pressed into a surface of the first plastic workpiece, the bolt being rotated during the pressing-in, and the rotational speed of the bolt being selected in such a way that the first plastic workpiece is plasticized, so that the bolt is anchored in the first plastic workpiece in a positive-locking manner after the rotation is stopped.

Abstract: A membrane cartridge is manufactured by repeatedly folding and joining two strips of membrane to form a cross-pleated cartridge with a stack of openings or fluid passageways configured in an alternating cross-flow arrangement. The cartridge can be modified for other flow configurations including co-flow and counter-flow arrangements. Methods for manufacturing such cross-pleated membrane cartridges, as well as apparatus used in the manufacturing process are described. Cross-pleated membrane cartridges comprising water-permeable membranes can be used in a variety of applications, including in heat and water vapor exchangers. In particular they can be incorporated into energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for exchanging heat and water vapor between air streams being directed into and out of buildings.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in welding a pour spout fitment (22) to a container (32) comprises an ultrasonic welding horn (18) formed with a recess (20) at one end for receiving part of the fitment (22), an anvil (2) between an annular surface portion of which and that one end of the horn (18) are vibratingly pressed a wall off the container (32) and the flange (28) to each other, a head (14) at the opposite end of the head (14) for maintaining an annular, radially inner portion of the flange (28) spaced axially outwards from the annular surface portion of the anvil (2), the outer periphery of the ring (16) being radially dimensioned to be received in the recess (20).

Abstract: A strapping tool for tensioning a strap around a load, adhering the strap onto itself, and cutting a feed end of the strap, includes a body having a foot on which the strap is disposed during a strapping cycle. The body housing and/or forming a part of a tensioning element and including a welding element. One or more pneumatic motors tension the strap and drive the welding element. A pneumatic module is mounted to the body. The module has a compressed gas inlet to the module and is configured for controlling the flow of compressed gas to the one or more motors. A handle is mounted to the body and operably connected to the pneumatic module. The handle is configured for manipulating the tool and includes an actuator for permitting and isolating the flow of compressed gas to the pneumatic module. The handle is orientable so as to allow a user to select a desired handle orientation for operation of the strapping tool.

Abstract: A unitized electrode assembly (9) for use in the fuel cell comprises a first GDL (23), a PEM (28), and a second GDL (12), with electrode catalyst (27, 30) disposed between said PEM and each of said GDLs, said layers (23, 27, 30, 12) being impregnated with a thermoplastic polymer a sufficient distance from each edge of the UEA so as to form a fluid seal (13). The UEA is formed by a process which comprises making a sandwich of some or all of said layers (23, 27, 28, 30 and 33), with thermoplastic polymer film (22, 25, 32, 35) extending inwardly from the edges of said sandwich a sufficient distance to form the seal, said thermoplastic polymer film being disposed between each electrode and the adjacent GDL and/or between each GDL and release film (21, 36) on the top and bottom of the sandwich.

Abstract: Component 3 is pressed onto a circuit board 4 so that their respective metal interconnects 5, 6 are in close contact with each other, and ultrasonic vibration is applied to the suction nozzle 14 holding the component 3. Friction is thereby generated between metal interconnects 5, 6 whereby the component 3 is bonded on circuit substrate. Suction nozzle 14 for handling components is made of stainless steel and has a working face 14a provided with a hardened layer 14b, or alternatively, suction nozzle 14 may have a suction head 14c having a working face 14a made of cemented carbide. Working face 14a of suction nozzle 14 is refined by polishing as required during the mounting operation.

Abstract: Provided is a welded processed product which is reduced in the hear deformation thereof and can exhibit improved the welding strength between component processed articles. A welded processed products, wherein a first convex column (13) and second convex columns (14A and 14B) to be subjected to the vibration-welding with a joining surface (11a) of a first processed article (11) with each other are provided on a joining surface (12a) of a second processed article (12). When or after the above first and second convex columns (13) and the second convex columns (14A and 14B) and the joining surface 11a of the first processed article 11 are vibration-welded together by use of a vibration welding machine, a cooling fluid from a cooling fluid source 26 is supplied to a region surrounded by the first convex column 13 via a supply port 15 and discharged therefrom via a discharge port 16 so as to effect cooling in the region.

Abstract: A method for covering a vehicle interior part with leather, particularly a vehicle steering wheel, includes the following steps: A leather piece being cut to size and having a front side, a rear side, and edges is provided with a thermoplastic layer on the rear side. The leather piece is fastened on the vehicle interior part by a high frequency welding process in a region of the thermoplastic layer.

Abstract: An assembly method and related subassembly for a water filter element in the housing of a replaceable filter cartridge provides for filter element insertion into the open bottom end of the housing and subsequent attachment of a retaining ring to the upper end of the element such that the element is secured against vertical drop-out until the bottom end of the cartridge can be enclosed with an end cap. The method and subassembly are particularly well adapted to cartridges in which the lower end cap is attached by spin welding. The enclosing end cap may also be provided with end rings to enhance the user's grip in cartridge installation and removal. The end rings may also be color coded for each of cartridge identification and matching to the filter head.

Abstract: A particulate filter cartridge has a woven metal fiber filter medium surrounding a perforated support tube. The filter medium is crimped down to the support tube at opposite ends thereof and then welded to the support tube at the crimped regions. A plurality of such cartridges can then be nested within each other and separated by appropriate exhaust gas flow directing baffles to form a particulate filter assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a waterfowl decoy that includes a suction bottom main body in combination with a removable keel. The main body includes extensions on the bottom that are within the cavity, and the keel includes corresponding slots to slideably engage the extensions. The keel also includes a hollow ballast section with an opening for insertion of desired ballast material. The keel is brought into contact with the bottom of the main body and the extensions are slid into the slots. This invention allows for quick, selectable attachment or removal of the keel in the field. The keel also includes a structure for the attachment and wrapping of an anchor cord.

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 boss 10 is welded onto a thin casing 12. The casing 12 is held in a fixture (not shown) with a backing plate 20 adjacent surface 18. The backing plate 20 is located on the opposite side from the surface 14 onto which the boss 10 is to be welded. By using a backing plate 20 the depth of the weld zone, h, can exceed the casing thickness, t. The backing plate 20 is sacrificial and is released by removing the central part of the boss 10 where it has been bonded to the plate 20. Provided that the diameter D1 of the central part of the boss 10 exceeds the diameter of the bonded region D2 the plate 20 is released from the casing 12.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a sterilization indicator and a process to concentrate signal generated by constraining it to a minimal surface, in a minimal volume and minimal pH and growth buffering or mediating influences. The sterilization indicator may comprise a carrier 12, the carrier having a first surface 14 and a second surface 16; a support 20, the support having a first section 22 and a second section 24, the carrier 12 overlying the first section 12 of the support 20, the second surface 16 of the carrier being adhered to the first section 22 of the support 20; and a biological indicator 30 supported by the carrier 12. The second section 24 of the support 20 may be of sufficient dimension to permit handling the sterilization indicator 10 without contacting the biological indicator 30. A process for making the sterilization indicator is disclosed. Processes for using the sterilization indicator are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are several embodiments of a colorized tread marker for a tire, a method of manufacturing the tread markers, as well as a tire incorporating the colorized markers within the tire tread and a method for manufacturing the tire. The tread markers serve as both aesthetic complements to the tires' visual appearance, such as indicia of the source of manufacture, distribution, or point of consumer purchase of the tire, as well as tread wear indicators that notify consumers when a tire is in need of replacement to help ensure the safety of a vehicle's occupants as well as the public at large.

Abstract: Vibration welded joint structures, methods, and apparatus for thermoplastic members are disclosed. A welded joint structure includes first and second thermoplastic members and an interposed junction piece vibratory welded to the first and second members at respective welding surfaces. At least one of the welding surfaces partially defines an angle, in a plane normal to the interposed junction piece, between an unwelded portion of the first member and an unwelded portion of the second member. The junction piece may include surfaces for forming vibratory welded bonds with the first and second thermoplastic members and a component holder, physically coupled to those surfaces, for enabling the junction piece to hold a further component.

Abstract: A drive unit for use with a vibration welder having first and second electromagnets, each having first and second terminals, and being operable to reciprocate a vibration platen, includes phase U, V, and W drive circuitry and control circuitry. The phase U drive circuitry is coupled to the first terminal of the first electromagnet. The phase V drive circuitry is coupled to the first terminal of the second electromagnet. The phase W drive circuitry is coupled to the second terminals of the first and second electromagnets. The control circuitry is operable to control the phase U, V, and W drive circuitry to generate a first drive signal for energizing the first electromagnet and a second drive signal for energizing the second electromagnet.

Abstract: A filter bag for a vacuum cleaner includes a tubular bag made of a casing which has at least one nonwoven layer. The casing has a first end region which is sealed at least partially and a second sealed end region situated opposite the first end region. The first end region is folded and forms a base.

Abstract: A sealing device for producing sealed packages from a tube of packaging material fed along a path and filled with a pourable food product, comprising: a frame; a pair of jaws movable cyclically with respect to the frame and along part of the path to grip the tube; ultrasonic sealing means carried by a first jaw to seal the tube; and power means including a primary winding fixed to the frame and connectable to an electric energy source, and a secondary winding carried by the first jaw, supplying the sealing means, and receiving electric energy by electromagnetic induction from the primary winding as the first jaw travels past the primary winding; and the device having transformer means supplied by the electric energy source with a first voltage value, and supplying the primary winding with a second voltage value lower than the first voltage value.

Abstract: An impact resistant composite member is for at least one of armor plate and an impact resistant structure. The member comprises a body in plate form and a reinforcement structure located within the body. The body includes a metal alloy having a fine grain size of about 5 microns or less.

Abstract: A method of making a fiber-reinforced component includes: providing a first composite member having a metal matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein; providing a second composite member having a metal matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein; and joining the first member to the second member by friction stir welding along a predetermined joint path, such that an average volume fraction of the reinforcing fibers within the joint path is substantially the same as an average volume fraction thereof in the composite members before joining. A fiber-reinforced component includes: first and second members each having a metal matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein. The first member is bonded to the second member by a solid state bond along a predetermined joint path, such that an average volume fraction of the reinforcing fibers within the joint path is substantially the same as an average volume fraction thereof in remainder of the members.

Abstract: A method of making a fiber-reinforced component includes: providing a first composite member having a thermoplastic matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein; providing a second composite member having a thermoplastic matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein; and joining the first member to the second member by friction stir welding along a predetermined joint path, such that an average volume fraction of the reinforcing fibers within the joint path is substantially the same as an average volume fraction thereof in the composite members before joining. A fiber-reinforced component includes: first and second members each having a thermoplastic matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein. The first member is bonded to the second member by a solid state bond along a predetermined joint path, such that an average volume fraction of the reinforcing fibers within the joint path is substantially the same as an average volume fraction thereof in remainder of the members.

Abstract: An adhesive tape for thermal welding on a polymeric substrate is disclosed. The adhesive tape comprises a spunbonded backing that is coated, at least partially, on one side with a pressure sensitive adhesive, preferably natural rubber or acrylate, wherein the adhesive includes fibers that do not melt in a thermal welding process. The spunbonded backing advantageously also contains polyester, preferably polyester and/or co-polyester fibers that have been surface-consolidated and/or embossed by a calender process. The composition of the tape disclosed herein provides for an especially sound physical connection when thermally welded to a wide variety of polymeric substrates.

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: The present invention provides: a distributor plate for a composite pressure vessel. The distributor plate includes a thermoplastic polymeric disk having a top side, a bottom side, a perimeter edge and a central opening. Radial slits are formed in the disk to define fluid flow passages through the disk between the central opening and the perimeter edge. The fluid flow passages through the disk are adapted to swirl fluid flowing through the disk from the bottom side to the top side around the central opening. The present invention also provides a water treatment vessel that includes one or more distributor plates, a method for manufacturing a composite pressure vessel that includes one or more of the distributor plates and a method for preparing a composite pressure vessel that includes one or more of the distributor plate for use as a water treatment apparatus.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method and a device for forming a weld joint at the connecting surfaces between two parts. At the connecting surfaces a heatable element is provided, during warm-up the two parts approach each other, and the heatable element is also moved or positioned depending on the movement or position of the parts.

Abstract: An off-line stretching device includes a film supply chamber, a tenter section, a relaxation chamber, a cooling chamber, and a winding chamber. The film supply chamber includes a splicing section, where a rear end of a preceding film and a front end of a trailing film are overlapped to be spliced to each other by thermal welding. The thermal welding is performed from above and below the film while a temperature of welding heads of a heat sealer, contacting with the film, is kept at a level equal to or less than a decomposition temperature of the preceding and trailing films. The spliced film is stretched in the tenter section and subjected to heat treatment for stress relaxation in the relaxation chamber, to shrink in a film width direction. Since the shrinkage amount of a spliced area and that of a peripheral area become equal to each other, the occurrence of wrinkles in the spliced area and tears of the film in the peripheral area can be prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of connecting the ends of at least two glass yarns, in which the ends are impregnated with a material comprising a thermoplastic or thermosetting material or with a mixture of a thermoplastic material and a thermosetting material in an overlapping area which is calibrated using calibration means such as a mould/counter-mould assembly. According to the invention, the material is introduced into the calibration means either in the molten form or in the solid form. The overlapping zone of said material and the ends of the yarns is subsequently subjected to means for the at least partial and preferably-complete fusion of the material. The invention also relates to the continuous filament yam that can be obtained using said method and to the use of one such yam in a method in which it is used under strong tensile strain and/or in which it is passed through a calibrated nozzle.

Abstract: A medical probe, including a rigid proximal portion formed from a blend having a 1% secant flexural modulus of at least 1 GPa including at least 5% by weight of Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) having a melting point not lower than 280° C.; a flexible distal portion having a shore A hardness lower than 90 A; and a weld joining the distal portion to the proximal portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foamed resin molding with a functional component obtained by supplying a molten resin locally to the backside of a foamed resin molding made of a preliminarily-shaped foamed laminate sheet having a foamed base layer made of a foamed resin sheet, the foamed base layer having on at least one side thereof a skin layer laminated, and shaping the molten resin into a functional component and simultaneously integrating the functional component to the foamed resin molding by welding, wherein the following inequality is satisfied: 1<X<3{(t1/E)+t2} where t1 is a thickness of the foamed base layer in the portion where the functional component is integrated, E is an expansion ratio of the foamed base layer, t2 is a thickness of the skin layer, and X is a width of the welded portion of the functional component to the foamed base layer.

Abstract: A heat resistant multi-layer structure configured to form a food or beverage container. The multi-layer structure includes a core layer connected to an external multi-layer side and an internal multi-layer side. The external multi-layer side includes an external multi-layer polymer film and a first bonding layer. The internal multi-layer side includes an internal multi-layer polymer film, a second bonding layer and a barrier layer.

Abstract: A shape memory polymer workpiece is attached to a second workpiece. A face of the SMP workpiece is placed against an attachment surface of the second workpiece. The second workpiece has an attachment hole(s). The SMP workpiece is activated (e.g., heated) to a softening temperature and a portion extruded into the attachment hole of the facing surface of the second workpiece. The SMP piece is held while still heated against the second workpiece, the material flowing as result of the shape memory effect to form an attachment. As the SMP material cools while still under load its modulus increases fixing the attachment geometry. Reheating the attached parts without pushing them together reverses the process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a web (2) comprising at least one protective layer (11, 11a), at least one functional layer (13), and at least one reinforcement layer (14). The reinforcement layer (14) is provided with greater tear strength than the protective layer (11, 11a) while the reinforcement layer (14) is glued to the functional layer (13) or the protective layer (11, 11a). According to the inventive method, the functional layer (13) is welded together with at least one protective layer (11, 11a) on at least one side by means of heat lamination in order to produce a prelaminate (20), and the obtained prelaminate (20) is then glued to the reinforcement layer (14).

Abstract: A friction welding process providing a workpiece having a weld surface, and a second workpiece having a weld surface. The workpieces being welded together at respective weld surfaces. Oscillatory motion is affected to the workpieces such that one weld surface moves across the other, thereby raising the temperature at the weld surfaces to create a weld interface. The oscillatory motion is ceased and the weld surfaces cool to weld the workpieces together at the interface. The workpiece has an extending portion, and the weld surface is provided on the extending portion. The extending portion includes an apex region, which engages the second workpiece's weld surface. A side face extends from the apex region to provide a gap between the side face and the second workpiece's weld surface. The gap allows weld flash material to pass from the weld interface through said gap.

Abstract: This invention firstly relates to a method for joining a first component made of a plastic material, in particular a thermoplastic and/or thermosetting plastic material, to a second component by applying a joining element on the first component, wherein the joining element has a supporting plate formed of a thermoplastic and/or thermosetting plastic material and comprising a connecting means and a supporting plate bore. The method comprising the steps of incorporating a bore into the first component; welding the supporting plate to the first component; and joining the first component and the second component by incorporating a joining means arranged on the second component into the connecting means. Due to welding of the supporting plate to the first component, a rivet joint, otherwise generally required for joining the supporting plate to the first component, can be omitted, whereby the production of a junction by means of the inventive joining means is considerably simplified.

Abstract: A method for thermally welding an adhesive tape to a polymeric substrate wherein the backing of the adhesive tape enters into a cured physical connection with the polymeric substrate is disclosed. The adhesive tape is comprises a spunbonded backing that is coated, at least partially, on one side with a pressure sensitive adhesive, preferably natural rubber or acrylate. The spunbonded backing can comprise polyester or polypropylene fibers that do not melt during the welding process, and may optionally include additives such as pigments, UV stabilizers and flame retardants.

Abstract: A process for the welding of two polyamide parts, both made of a polyamide composition comprising a polyamide and optionally additives, the polyamide of one part (part L) having a lower softening temperature than the polyamide of the other part (part H), and wherein the polyamide composition of part L comprises one or more viscosity increasing additives increasing the melt shear viscosity of the polyamide composition at least by 30% compared to melt shear viscosity of the polyamide (measured according to ISO 11443 (A1) standard at a shear rate of 100 s?1 in a capillary rheometer with I/d =30 mm/1 mm). A good weld strength is obtained and parts with different properties can be combined. Polyamide welded objects such as corrugated tubes, bellows, containers, fuel inlet systems, air inlet manifolds and airducts, may be obtained.

Abstract: A method of making a fiber-reinforced component includes: providing a first composite member having a thermoplastic matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein; providing a second composite member having a thermoplastic matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein; and joining the first member to the second member by friction stir welding along a predetermined joint path, such that an average volume fraction of the reinforcing fibers within the joint path is substantially the same as an average volume fraction thereof in the composite members before joining. A fiber-reinforced component includes: first and second members each having a thermoplastic matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein. The first member is bonded to the second member by a solid state bond along a predetermined joint path, such that an average volume fraction of the reinforcing fibers within the joint path is substantially the same as an average volume fraction thereof in remainder of the members.

Abstract: Perfluoropolymer parts containing (reinforcing) fibers oriented parallel to the surface of the parts may be joined by frictional welding processes such as vibration welding and ultrasonic welding without disturbing the orientation of the fibers. The parts may be used directly or cut into other shapes. Such parts are useful where high temperature resistance and/or chemical resistance is desired along with good physical properties such as strength and/or toughness. These types of parts include gaskets and seal rings.

Abstract: An elongate masking article (3), suitable especially for removable-attachment to a vehicle for masking a gap (15) between two relatively-movable parts (16, 18) of the vehicle, has an elongate transverse cross-section and is so constructed that an enclosed space (10) can be opened up within the article by applying pressure on opposite sides (6, 7) of the article to reduce the length of its transverse cross section, whereby the article is able to deform to fill the gap. The enclosed space (10) may be located between two layers of material that are arranged face-to-face and joined together along the said opposite sides (6, 7) of the article.

Abstract: A gas bag cover for a vehicle occupant restraint system has a plastic cap (12) with a front face (14) and a rear face (16) facing a gas bag (17), and a decorative element (18) provided on the front face (14). The decorative element (18) is welded to the plastic cap (12). Furthermore, a method of manufacturing such a gas bag cover (10) is described.

Abstract: A recess portion with a substantially circular cross-section is provided in the upper end surface of a supporting jig. When a probe of a device for friction stir welding is buried in the upper end surface of a layered portion, material in the vicinity of the buried portion flows plastically. This causes the plastically flowed material to flow into the recess portion, and as a result, the material is stirred in a relatively large region. When the material that flowed into the recess portion is cooled and solidified, a friction stir-welded portion-possessing member having a projection portion is obtained.

Abstract: A method of making tailored blanks in accordance with one embodiment comprises the steps of friction welding a first joining surface of a first structural member having a substantially non-rectangular parallelogram profile to a first portion of a joining surface of a substrate; and thereafter concurrently linear friction welding first and second joining surfaces of a second structural member having a substantially non-rectangular parallelogram profile to a second portion of the surface of the substrate and to a second joining surface of the first structural member respectively. The first and second portions of the surface of the substrate are adjacent. Two or more structural members having a substantially non-rectangular parallelogram profile can be linear friction welded in succession to the substrate and to each other, thereby building a structural assembly having a long flange or other long feature of a desired length.

Abstract: A chromatography cartridge and method of manufacturing same. A chromatography cartridge of the present invention can include a tubular housing having an open end and an inner surface, and a plug. The plug can be positioned within the open end of the tubular housing and can have an outer circumferential surface, a substantial portion of the outer circumferential surface being fused to the inner surface of the tubular housing. A method for manufacturing a chromatography cartridge can include coupling at least a portion of the outer surface of the plug to at least a portion of the inner surface of the tubular housing in response to rotating at least one of the plug and the tubular housing about the longitudinal axis with respect to the other of the plug and the tubular housing.

Abstract: Vibratory welded connections are formed between first and second members of thermoplastic material by interposing a junction piece of similar material and vibrating the junction piece at high speed while pressing the first and second members in a controlled manner against opposite sides of the junction piece. Friction created by the vibration generates heat which melts a small amount of material at the engaging surfaces which upon cooling provides a strong welded joint having minimal flash. Entire frame systems such as window frames can be fabricated by an apparatus system which forms a friction welded joint between adjacent ends of the frame members. Furthermore the frame can be fabricated around a panel such as a glazing panel. The welded connections formed by the system do not mar the finish of the frame members and produce no unsightly flash bead requiring subsequent machining steps for its removal.

Abstract: A handling layer and adhesive parts having the handling layer are formed according to the present invention along with used therefore.

Abstract: There is provided a friction stir spot joining device to eliminate the generation of tipping torque caused by a pressing force by allowing the axis of a ball screw for generating the pressing force and the center of a shaft of a stirring motor to be coincident with each other, thereby allowing the device to be downsized and the device to effect joining operation with ease. The friction stir spot joining device comprises a ball nut fixed to the rear end side the stirring motor, a hole is defined in an output shaft of the stirring motor in which the ball screw is housed from a rear portion of the hole so as to be positioned in the hole, wherein a rotating force of the pressing motor is transmitted to the ball screw and the stirring motor is moved forward and backward by the ball nut threaded with the ball screw.

Abstract: A method of friction welding first and second parts together at an angular orientation relative to each other includes the steps of mounting the first part in a spindle for axial rotation and the second part in a non-rotatable holder. The spindle is then rotated and the angular orientation of the first part relative to the second part is determined at any specific time. The holder is moved toward the spindle to bring the second part into frictional contact with the first part at a selected one of the specific times that the angular orientation is determined. Accordingly, due to frictional contact, the respective contacting surface of the parts are melted. The speed of the rotation of the spindle is then decreased and the holder is moved toward the spindle to forcibly urge the first and second parts together at the contacting surface.