Aluminum end caps ultrasonically welded to end of aluminum tube
US7819302B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 2004 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 6, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K2103/10
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An aluminum tubular unit for long-term, leak-free storage of fluids is formed in which an aluminum cap is ultrasonically welded to an end of the aluminum tube. The ultrasonic weld is formed from a device capable of producing a torsional vibration pattern. The ultrasonic welding of the cap to the tube eliminates the use of seals and pins to seal the cap to the tube and further eliminates the need for having a hole in the cap to mechanically couple the respective end cap to the cylindrical tube. Furthermore, since ultrasonic welding does not generate significant heat, highly volatile and flammable fluids can be present within the tube when the caps are ultrasonically welded to the cylindrical body. In addition, one or more fins used may also be welded to the outside diameter of the cylindrical body using a related ultrasonic welding process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.