Other

Brigham Young University

David V Kirkham

Carl D Sorensen

Tracy Wendell Nelson

Jeffrey B Kirkham

Thomas L Kirkham, Jr

Perry W Carter

Methods for manufacturing cast titanium helmets include casting a helmet in an oversized mold. The resulting oversized cast helmet is then exposed to a hot isostatic press (HIP) process that applies heat and pressure for a predetermined period of time. The resulting oversized cast helmet is then exposed to an acid bath that chemically mills the helmet to a desired thickness and removes contaminants formed during casting of titanium.

Method for making lightweight, cast titanium helmets and body armor

A method and device enabling friction stir welding along non-linear joint lines or seams on either planar or non-planar surfaces are provided. The device features four roller clamps located on upper and lower pieces. It also contains a non-consumable tool with a profiled probed end that engages work pieces and follows along a non-linear or linear joint lines in order to achieve high-integrity friction stir welds. No special anvil is required and the device can be manually or automatically operated and controlled. Operating similarly to a conventional sewing machine, this device and process enable an operator or user to manually guide work pieces to be welded through a friction stir welding tool and allows for flexibility in the path of the weld and the types of material being welded.

Apparatus and method for performing non-linear friction stir welds on either planar or non-planar surfaces

Growing community of inventors

Provo, UT, United States of America

David V Kirkham