Patent ID: 7275677
Filing Date: 2007-10-02
Classification: B21D,B23K,F16D

Abstract:
1. An arrangement for welding first and second shaft termination elements at respective first and second ends of a cylindrical shaft, and in alignment with a predetermined axis, the arrangement comprising: a shaft receiver for receiving the cylindrical shaft; a first chuck assembly having a plurality of first gripping elements for gripping the cylindrical shaft at the first end thereof and maintaining the cylindrical shaft in alignment with the predetermined axis; a rotatory drive coupled to said first chuck assembly; a second chuck assembly having a plurality of gripping elements for gripping the cylindrical shaft at the second end thereof in alignment with the predetermined axis; a chuck assembly drive for translating said second chuck assembly between first and second axial positions; a first shaft termination element receiver for receiving the first shaft termination element and axially translating same to a first installation position in alignment with the predetermined axis; a first installation drive arrangement for urging the first shaft termination element axially toward the cylindrical shaft as the cylindrical shaft is rotated in response to said rotatory drive; a second shaft termination element receiver for receiving the second shaft termination element and axially translating same to a second installation position in alignment with the predetermined axis; and a second installation drive arrangement for urging the second shaft termination element axially toward the cylindrical shaft as the cylindrical shaft is rotated in response to said rotatory drive; wherein said first and second installation drive arrangements urge said first and second shaft termination elements, respectively, axially toward the cylindrical shaft as the cylindrical shaft is rotated by applying respective first and second axial forces independent of one another and in respective axially opposing directions, the respective first and second axial forces each being exerted at respective magnitudes of axial force for respective determined periods of time.