The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 01, 2007
Filed:
Jun. 03, 2002
Tracy W. Nelson, Provo, UT (US);
Carl D. Sorensen, Provo, UT (US);
Perry W. Carter, Orem, UT (US);
Thomas L. Kirkham, Jr., Provo, UT (US);
David V. Kirkham, Provo, UT (US);
Tracy W. Nelson, Provo, UT (US);
Carl D. Sorensen, Provo, UT (US);
Perry W. Carter, Orem, UT (US);
Thomas L. Kirkham, Jr., Provo, UT (US);
David V. Kirkham, Provo, UT (US);
Brigham Young University, Provo, UT (US);
Abstract
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.