Method and apparatus for machine tooling, such as friction stir welder
US6708866B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T408/175
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A friction stir welding tool includes a friction stir welding head having a probe and spindle rotatably mounted at a first end. A support supports the stir welding head between the first end and a second end for movement about a pitch axis. A pitch actuator includes an elongated arm coupled to the stir welding head at a point longitudinally spaced from pitch axis to overcome the relatively large forces exerted at the probe. A turntable supports the stir welding head for movement about a yaw axis. A yaw actuator includes an elongated arm coupled to the turntable laterally spaced from the yaw axis, to overcome the relatively large forces exerted at the probe. A controller maintains an angle of attack of the probe with respect to direction of travel of the probe along the work piece.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.