Abstract: A frictionally welded, filled thermoplastic article is strengthened by restricting lateral flow of molten material out of the gap between the workpieces, so that a molten pool of substantial depth is maintained from the beginning of melting to the onset of solidification. The restriction to lateral flow of material is provided by dams (projections) of essentially rectangular cross-section at each lateral edge of one of the workpieces, while the other workpiece has a substantially flat mating surface.

Abstract: An air-permeable filter for an ink cartridge includes at least one porous material layer including at least one resin selected from the group including fluororesin and polyolefin resin, and at least one air-permeable substrate layer having a tensile strength of 1 MPa or more. In addition, an ink cartridge includes a space for receiving an ink and at least one air vent in which the air-permeable filter is provided.

Abstract: A synthetic wood material and method are disclosed, including providing a plurality of continuous glass fibers oriented substantially in the longitudinal axis and coated with a resorcinol modified phenolic resin binder substantially free from catalyst. In one aspect, the synthetic wood material is oxidatively treated to restore color. In one aspect, the fibers and binder are precoated with a furfuryl alcohol resin prior to the pultrusion step to form the synthetic wood.

Abstract: When pressurizing and relatively moving the objects to be bonded to each other relative to each other subject their metallic bonding portions to friction bonding for the friction bonding of the metallic bonding portions, the friction bonding operation is temporarily partway reduced or stopped.

Abstract: A knitted terry-cloth elastic base fabric (4) is used to make a laminate (2), the base fabric (4) having a cotton pile (8) and an elastic support (6) made of two different synthetic yarns. Two layers (16, 18) of polyurethane resin are deposited on an anti-stick support web and set to form a skin, and a layer (14) of polyurethane resin having adhesive properties is deposited on the skin layer (18). The base fabric (4) is applied to the adhesive layer (14) whilst the latter is still liquid, after which the adhesive layer (14) is set. Finally, the skin (16, 18) is detached from the support web. The layers of polyurethane resin are substantially impermeable to water and permeable to water vapour. Pieces of the laminate are joined together by ultrasonic welding to melt and re-set the respective skin (16, 18) and adhesive to (14) form a water-tight join and form a made-up article. During the welding, at least one yarn of the base fabric (4) does not melt.

Abstract: A remanufactured and reassembled laser printing device process or toner cartridge and method of manufacture in which a recharged and reassembled process cartridge is ultrasonically resealed, without the use of replacement energy director elements, by ultrasonic welding at the location of the original manufacturing ultrasonic weld using residual material from the original energy director elements. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A vibration weld fixture assembly provides a three-piece component joined together with two separate welding operations. The vibration weld fixture assembly includes fixed upper and lower tools that support first and second component pieces, respectively. A center tool, movable relative to the upper and lower tools, moves a third component piece into engagement with one of the first or second component pieces for a first vibration weld operation. The center tool then moves the third component piece into engagement with the other of the first or second component pieces for a second vibration weld operation. A linear actuator assembly moves the center tool back and forth between the upper and lower tools.

Abstract: A first molded body 61 comprises a joint area 63, a first regulating projection 64 and a first guide surface 65 connecting an internal side surface of the first regulating projection 64 to the joint area 63, and a second molded body 62 comprises a welding projection 66 constructed to be welded to the joint area 63 at a distal end thereof, a second regulating projection 67 constructed to closely confront the first regulating projection when vibration welding of the welding projection 66 to the joint area 63 is completed and a second guide surface connecting an external side surface of the welding projection to an internal side surface of the second regulating projection 67.

Abstract: A method of robotic assembly, for manufacturing plastic components from parts mounted upon a plastic shell, using an integrated system of material handling and robots following a programmed series of operations. The robot cells carry out the following steps: (a) scanning the pallet and identifying that the pallet is locked in the docked position of the cell; (b) scanning an assembly area of the shell and communicating location and planarity data to the robot of the cell; (c) selecting a plastic part from a part supply device with the robot; (d) welding the part to the assembly surface of the plastic shell using the robot to perform a spin or fusion welding process. (e) determining the performance status of the foregoing cell steps and identifying the status as: good; scrap or rework. Good status results in conveyance of the loaded pallet for processing at any succeeding cell, but rework and scrap status result in conveyance of the loaded pallet to the unload station without processing at any succeeding cell.

Abstract: A die system for use in formation of a welded flashing, comprising a body portion comprised of a conducting material, the body portion having a first end and a second end; an indent portion at the first end of said body portion adapted to accept a portion of the flashing during welding; and where the portion of the flashing accepted in the indent portion of the body portion is folded away from an operational connection between the first end of the body portion and a welder during welding.

Abstract: A method for making a ceramic body is provided wherein the ceramic components are joined in their green state. The method includes applying heat to the surfaces to be joined to cause a localized melting of the binder. The surfaces are then brought together and joined by alternately applying compression and stretching. The method is particularly advantageous for forming unitary ceramic arc tube bodies for high intensity discharge (HID) lighting applications.

Abstract: A die system for use in formation of a welded flashing, comprising a body portion comprised of a conducting material, the body portion having a first end and a second end; an indent portion at the first end of said body portion adapted to accept a portion of the flashing during welding; and where the portion of the flashing accepted in the indent portion of the body portion is folded away from an operational connection between the first end of the body portion and a welder during welding.

Abstract: An energy management system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention has a substrate and a crash pad that are vibration welded together. A method for vibration welding first and second parts made of materials that are incompatible with being vibration welded includes prior to vibration welding the first and second parts, adhering to a surface of at least the first part a layer of material that is compatible with being vibration welded to the second part.

Abstract: A headliner/duct assembly for a vehicle is made by vibration welding the headliner and duct together or ultrasonically welding the headliner and duct of the assembly together. Parts made of materials that are incompatible for ultrasonic welding can be ultrasonically welded together by first adhering to one part compatible material that is compatible with the other part.

Abstract: A procedure for the covering of editorial items foresees at least the following steps: the positioning of an editorial object (10) to be covered, on a thermoplastic film (11), fitted with folds (12, 13, 31, 32) on its sides, so that the editorial object (10), open on the folded film indicated, has the sides (14, 15) of its cover tucked within the folds (12, 13, 31, 32); to bring the editorial object (10) in contact with the head weld (30) of the film so that it is in a suitable position for the cutting of the excess film and for the welds required to trim the sides of the editorial object (10), where the cutting and trimming operations are carried out through the use of a lever (17, 22, 24), fitted with hot resistances (18, 23, 25). The invention comprise also a device (110) for the covering of editorial objects.

Abstract: A frictionally welded, filled thermoplastic article is strengthened by restricting lateral flow of molten material out of the gap between the workpieces, so that a molten pool of substantial depth is maintained from the beginning of melting to the onset of solidification. The restriction to lateral flow of material is provided by dams (projections) of essentially rectangular cross-section at each lateral edge of one of the workpieces, while the other workpiece has a substantially flat mating surface.

Abstract: A method of welding two work pieces that define a connecting zone between them is described. A friction pin is fed at a starting point into the connecting zone and into opposite regions of the work pieces on both sides of the connecting zone. The friction pin is moved in a welding direction along the connecting zone resulting in the work pieces being welded. The friction pin is led out of the connecting zone after welding the work pieces. The friction pin is fed into a sacrificial element while lifting the friction pin.

Abstract: Two components (2, 3) to be joined to each other by vibration welding form on one or both sides of the bounding seam (10) barrier means (20) including a labyrinth seal. Means (20) retaining attrition particles of the jointing faces (16, 17) in chambers (25, 26, 27) by the attrition particles needing to migrate from chamber to chamber through damming gaps (21, 22) and to be deflected for passage through the next gap in each case. Due to this tortuous arrangement the attrition particles remain totally within the chamber system of the labyrinth seal (20) and do not emerge from between the flanges (8, 9). When the seal (20) is provided between the seam (10) and the inner face (6) of a container, the interior thereof is thus protected from soilage due to attrition particles.

Abstract: In a friction agitation joining method for joining two plate-shaped joining members butted against each other with a level difference formed at upper surface sides thereof by a joining tool having a probe rotatable about a rotation axis thereof, the butted joining members are arranged so as to be inclined to a horizontal plane with one of the joining members having a higher upper surface level positioned at a lower side and the other at a higher side. Then, the rotating probe is inserted into a butted portion of the joining members or the vicinity thereof in a state that the rotation axis is parallel to a vertical plane extending along the butted portion. Then, the probe is moved relative to the joining members along the butted portion with the probe inserted into the butted portion or the vicinity thereof.

Abstract: A method for fabrication or production of composite structures, which has particular advantages when fabricating large structures, includes the steps of procuring a composite panel, such as carbon-fiber-reinforced resin. The edge of the composite panel its adhesively fixed in the slot of a bifurcated metallic piece. After the composite panel is adhesively fixed to the metallic piece, the metallic piece is stir-friction welded to another metal piece. The stir-friction welding occurs at a lower temperature than fusion welding, and so the adhesive bond between the metallic element and the composite panel is less affected. When two composite panels are each adhesively fastened to a metallic element, the two metallic elements can, in turn, be stir-friction welded. Thus, large panels can be fabricated.

Abstract: A reassembled toner cartridge and method of manufacture in which a reassembled toner cartridge is resealed by simultaneous ultrasonic welding at multiple locations resulting in improved product performance, increased production efficiency and decreased production cost.

Abstract: A filter device made of less expensive material than comparable filter devices heretofore has basic filter components plus some unique design aspects and an additional ring component. The ring provides an interface inside the filter which enables the potting compound to adhere to the filter and create a seal between a first and second fluid compartment within the filter. An embedded region of the ring possesses a detailed geometry which helps ensure that a delamination would be localized and unable to propagate from the first to the second compartment, maintaining the structural integrity of the filter device. To ensure that the sealing interface remains intact and free from delamination, the ring is subjected to a surface treatment, which modifies the surface energy of the ring. This modified surface energy of the ring allows the hydrophilic potting compound to more effectively bond to the modified hydrophobic ring.

Abstract: A method of robotic assembly, for manufacturing plastic components from parts mounted upon a plastic shell, using an integrated system of material handling and robots following a programmed series of operations. The robot cells carry out the following steps: (a) scanning the pallet and identifying that the pallet is locked in the docked position of the cell; (b) scanning an assembly area of the shell and communicating location and planarity data to the robot of the cell; (c) selecting a plastic part from a part supply device with the robot; (d) welding the part to the assembly surface of the plastic shell using the robot to perform a spin or fusion welding process. The spin welding process includes: engaging a mounting surface of the part with the assembly surface of the shell; rotating the part until the mounting and assembly surfaces are heated; and applying pressure to the part sufficient to fuse the mounting and assembly surfaces together.

Abstract: A first molded body 61 comprises a joint area 63, a first regulating projection 64 and a first guide surface 65 connecting an internal side surface of the first regulating projection 64 to the joint area 63, and a second molded body 62 comprises a welding projection 66 constructed to be welded to the joint area 63 at a distal end thereof, a second regulating projection 67 constructed to closely confront the first regulating projection when vibration welding of the welding projection 66 to the joint area 63 is completed and a second guide surface connecting an external side surface of the welding projection to an internal side surface of the second regulating projection 67.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for connecting at least two thermoplastic elements. The elements are pressed together and welded elements whereby at least two welds are produced. This method may be used for friction welding of two overlapping sections of a thermoplastic strip. Also disclosed is a system for wrapping the strip around a package. The strip is passed around the package to form a loop whereby the sections are arranged at each end of the loop. The strip is tightened and secured by at least one clamping plate of the system. The strip is pressed against an abutment plate of the system pressing the overlapping sections together by a vibrating plate of the system. The overlapping sections are pressed against the abutment plate by the vibrating plate welding the overlapping sections by the vibrating plate whereby at least two welds are A produced one behind each other in longitudinal direction of the strip and separated from one another by an unwelded area of the strip.

Abstract: A cooling plate provided with a cooling medium passage therein is formed by integrally joining a plurality of metal plates each having a cooling medium passage forming groove on a joining surface thereof. An anodic oxide film is formed on at least the cooling medium passage forming groove on the joining surface, and the plurality of metal plates are integrally joined each other by a friction agitation joining method. This enhances corrosion resistance of the cooling medium passage, resulting in an improved durability and extended life, which enables uniform cooling performance.

Abstract: A thermoplastic trim strip is mounted to an edge face of a wood-core furniture panel by applying a face of the trim strip directly to the edge face and bonding the trim-strip face directly to the panel-edge face. The panel has outer faces terminating at the edge face and the trim strip is provided with edge lips that project past the broad faces when the strip is bonded to the edge face. The edge lips are melted over onto the panel faces and trimmed off where they project past the panel faces. A thin layer of glue can be applied between a face of the trim strip and the edge face and the trim-strip face is bonded to the panel-edge face by means of the glue layer.

Abstract: A first molded body 61 comprises a joint area 63, a first regulating projection 64 and a first guide surface 65 connecting an internal side surface of the first regulating projection 64 to the joint area 63, and a second molded body 62 comprises a welding projection 66 constructed to be welded to the joint area 63 at a distal end thereof, a second regulating projection 67 constructed to closely confront the first regulating projection when vibration welding of the welding projection 66 to the joint area 63 is completed and a second guide surface connecting an external side surface of the welding projection to an internal side surface of the second regulating projection 67.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an object out of a plurality of materials having differing structural characteristics and capable of being placed in a molten state, the melted materials are deposited in an open mold having a pair of complementary mold portions. Various non-melted but possibly pre-heated structural, reinforcing, or energy absorbing materials can be placed in the mold with the melted materials. A closing force is applied to the mold and the item is removed after it has cured. According to one embodiment, a molding apparatus is provided to form a cross car beam with integral HVAC ductwork and knee energy absorbers.

Abstract: A method for fabrication or production of composite structures, which has particular advantages when fabricating large structures, includes the steps of procuring a composite panel, such as carbon-fiber-reinforced resin. The edge of the composite panel is adhesively fixed in the slot of a bifurcated metallic piece. After the composite panel is adhesively fixed to the metallic piece, the metallic piece is stir-friction welded to another metal piece. The stir-friction welding occurs at a lower temperature than fusion welding, and so the adhesive bond between the metallic element and the composite panel is less affected. When two composite panels are each adhesively fastened to a metallic element, the two metallic elements can, in turn, be stir-friction welded. Thus, large panels can be fabricated.

Abstract: A vibration weld fixture assembly provides a three-piece component joined together with two separate welding operations. The vibration weld fixture assembly includes fixed upper and lower tools that support first and second component pieces, respectively. A center tool, movable relative to the upper and lower tools, moves a third component piece into engagement with one of the first or second component pieces for a first vibration weld operation. The center tool then moves the third component piece into engagement with the other of the first or second component pieces for a second vibration weld operation. A linear actuator assembly moves the center tool back and forth between the upper and lower tools.

Abstract: This invention provides a one-piece multilayer article for use in solid phase extraction that includes at least two porous support layers and a solid phase extraction medium, wherein the porous support layers are thermo-mechanically attached at at least one thermo-mechanical attachment site. At least one of the porous support layers can be a prefilter layer.

Abstract: A method for welding baling straps and the like includes receiving two strap portions intermediate to weld plates such that the two strap portions overlap at least partially, moving the weld plates back and forth with respect to one another so as to move the two strap portions back and forth with respect to one another, and locking the weld plates while the weld plates are moved back and forth. Locking the weld plates while moving the weld plates back and forth effects the formation of a weld which attaches the two strap portions together. An improved weld plate configuration is also provided. The improved weld plate has an alternating pattern of teeth formed thereon such that portions of the weld plate vary in the ability thereof to grip a strap.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for welding straps of thermoplastic plastics, wherein the supply of heat which is necessary for welding is controlled depending on the thickness at the weld of the straps which are to be welded to each other and is not switched off until said thickness falls below a predetermined set value.

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: The present invention provides novel structures for spin weld assemblies and a method for forming same. The spin weld assemblies are formed by attaching a fastener to a plastic insert which is then attached to a plastic workpiece. The fastener can take the form of many different structures, preferably a stud or a nut. The fastener is formed with a drive for driving the fastener into a bore of the plastic insert having first and second ends. Self-tapping threads on the fastener engage the fastener with the plastic insert when the fastener is driven into the bore of the insert. The insert, having the fastener threadedly engaged thereto, is then rotated and generally axially displaced into an opening of the plastic workpiece, thereby spin welding the insert to the workpiece. The first end of the insert provides proper alignment for the insert to be spin welded into the opening as the diameter of the first end is smaller than that of the opening.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel wafer support jig and a process for producing the same, said wafer support jig capable of considerably suppressing the generation of particles in the wafer heat treatment process, e.g., a CVD process, during the production of semiconductors. In order to solve the problems a quartz glass wafer support jig is suggested comprising a plurality of support pillars having provided thereto a plurality of ring-shaped support plates for mounting thereon the wafers, said support plates being superposed one after another with a predetermined distance taken between the neighboring plates in the vertical direction, a quartz glass wafer support jig characterized in that it comprises said ring-shaped support plates each having its upper and lower surfaces precisely polished and each having provided with chamfered portions formed by chamfering the upper and lower edge portions of the outer and inner peripheries thereof.

Abstract: A stack assemblage of metallic, paper, or paper-like sheets or strips of material secured to one another to define a honeycomb core structure when the assemblage is expanded and flange tabs provided on the opposite edges of said stack. When the stack is expanded, the flange tabs can be deformed into flange orientation on the opposite edges of said stack. The method of fabricating the flange tabs and flanges on the assemblage and the expanded core structure.

Abstract: A force control system for an electromagnetic actuator includes an observer that outputs signals representing the instantaneous position and velocity of a movable member, and a position controller that receives the output of the observer and signals representing a desired position and a desired velocity. The position controller compares the output of the observer with the desired position and velocity signals to generate position and velocity error signals. The position controller further generates force command signals required to position the movable member at the desired position with the desired velocity based on the position and velocity error signals. The position component may be eliminated from the force command signals, resulting in controlling only the velocity of the movable member.

Abstract: A blow molded product which is generally tubular having a first and second open ends, a bellows section intermediate said first and second ends so that the product is flexible, and a skirt adjacent the second end, the skirt having an outer cylindrical outer surface and a lobed inner surface. The bellows section is formed in a blow molding operation and the skirt is formed by injection molding. The final product is formed by thermally fusing the two portions together. This process enables molding of a product with an external surface which may substantially cylindrical with an internal surface which has lobes, or other internal projections or non-cylindrical surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of forming a distal tip on a catheter. The method includes defining an area on the distal end of a polymeric tube, creating at least one void by removing at least some of the material within the area, and sealing the cut edge closed. The area is defined by a boundary, which includes a first location on the distal tip, a second location on the distal tip radially spaced apart from the first location, and a third location proximal to the distal tip. The preferred area is a cut having a V-shape. This method creates a superior catheter tip profile, specifically for soft tips.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoplastic panel or piece having a resilient welded portion. The panel or piece of the present invention may be used in a variety of applications such as to provide sealing ends on thermoplastic panels or to create resiliently closable passages in thermoplastic panels through which wires and other objects may be passed while maintaining an even surface appearance of the baseboard panel. Other uses include attaching one or more thermoplastic pieces together. The invention also includes a method for making the subject thermoplastic panel or piece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the resonance frequency for a vibration welder are described. The vibration frequencies at a predetermined vibration level and on both sides of the resonance frequency are derived and are then used to determine and operate the vibration welder at the resonance frequency. In one embodiment the vibration frequency of the vibration welder is swept up from one side of the resonance point and the vibration amplitude is monitored and a first frequency at a particular vibration amplitude is determined. The same sweeping is done from the other side of the resonance point and a second frequency determined for the same vibration amplitude reference level but on the other side of the resonance frequency. The two measured frequencies are then combined to yield the resonance frequency which can then be used to operate the vibration welder.

Abstract: An orbital vibration generator means comprising, in addition to a clamp 4, 5 for holding a pair of thermo plastic pipes coaxially and a pressurizing means 2, 3, 14 for bringing into contact under a pressure junction end faces of a pair of thermo plastic pipes 10, 11 held by these clamps, a crank shaft 8 having a shaft portion 8a and a crank portion 8b in which the axes of these shaft portion 8a and crank portion 8b are eccentric, a motor 6 for giving rotation to the crank shaft 8, a bearing 9 attached to the crank portion 8b of said crank shaft 8, and a orbital vibration clamp 13 holding pipe an end portion of a thermo plastic pipe, formed integrally with the outer ring of the bearing 9 to move integrally with said bearing.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a flexible heat-exchange device for taking heat from or delivering heat to the ambient surroundings, wherein the device includes a body comprised of mutually joined flexible mats and including an internal passageway for the heat-carrying fluid. The apparatus includes two mould dies which can be brought together and have on their mutually opposing surfaces generally mirror-image patterns in the form of recesses in the respective abutment surfaces of the tools, the recesses corresponding to the extension of a flow passageway, and two mat joining tools which can be brought together and have on their mutually opposing surfaces a generally mirror-image pattern in the form of abutment surfaces that form the electrodes of the mat joining tools, wherein the electrodes are disposed in a pattern corresponding to the delimitations of the flow passageway, and the electrodes can be connected to a high frequency welding unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of connecting workpieces which is suitable notably for connecting an anode rod (5) to an end plate (6) of a rotor sleeve (7) in a rotary anode X-ray tube where on the one hand adequate strength is required and on the other hand an as small as possible cross-section of the anode rod so as to realize a heat barrier. The method is characterized mainly in that the objects are connected to one another by friction welding and that the cross-section is reduced, that is, outside a connecting zone in which the friction weld is situated, in such a manner that the strength of the connecting zone is at least slightly greater than that of the segment of reduced cross-section.

Abstract: A first molded body 61 comprises a joint area 63, a first regulating projection 64 and a first guide surface 65 connecting an internal side surface of the first regulating projection 64 to the joint area 63, and a second molded body 62 comprises a welding projection 66 constructed to be welded to the joint area 63 at a distal end thereof, a second regulating projection 67 constructed to closely confront the first regulating projection when vibration welding of the welding projection 66 to the joint area 63 is completed and a second guide surface connecting an external side surface of the welding projection to an internal side surface of the second regulating projection 67.

Abstract: Efficient high speed methods for making garments with fastening components include positioning first fastening components on one surface of a product assemblage on opposite sides of a machine center line at selected first cross machine direction locations. In particular embodiments, second fastening components are positioned on another surface of the product assemblage on opposite sides of the machine center line at selected second cross machine direction locations. The product assemblage can be processed through bonding devices disposed at selected cross machine direction locations to bond the fastening components to opposite surfaces of the product assemblage. In other embodiments, the product assemblage can be processed through bonding devices subsequent to positioning the first fastening components.

Abstract: In a strapping apparatus for strapping goods with a band, which apparatus has a tensioning device which is operatively connected to a tensioning drive and is intended for tensioning the band, a closure device for sealing two ends of a band, and a plurality of rewinding locks for fixing the band on the strapping apparatus, highest possible efficiency is to be achieved. The invention proposes providing the tensioning device with a rocker (37) arranged opposite a tensioning wheel (30), mounting the rocker (37) pivotably about a rocker axis (38) and designing the tensioning wheel (30) and the rocker (37) in such a way that they can be moved towards each other, as a result of which the band can be clamped between the rocker and the tensioning wheel, and the band rests on the tensioning wheel with a large angle of wrap (&agr;).

Abstract: A friction stir welding apparatus 1a comprises members 20 and 30 to be subjected to a friction stir welding which members are fixed on a table 5, and a joining welding head 200 which moves in an arrow mark A direction along the table 5. A rotary tool 10 performs the friction stir welding so that a welding bead 50 is formed. A sensor 210 irradiates a light beam 212 on the area to be welded and detects edge portions 24 and 34 of the members, and the welding head 200 is moved and controlled to follow the center of the welded joint. A burr removing cutting means 12 of the rotary tool 10 operates to cut off the burr from the weld, causing chips 60 to be formed. An air jet J injected from an air nozzle is discharged to the outside from a cover 230, whereby entry of the chips 60 into the area of the sensor 210 can be prevented. In a friction stir welding apparatus, the entry of chips into the area of the sensor 210 for detecting a center position where the welding joint is located can be prevented.