Patent ID: 7686202
Filing Date: 2010-03-30
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A tool for use in friction stir welding, comprising: a support body adapted to be coupled to a friction stir welding apparatus for rotation thereby; a pin fixedly coupled to and extending from said support body for rotation therewith; first and second annular shoulders coupled to said pin and spaced apart from one another, said first and second annular shoulders adapted to be disposed on opposing sides of a workpiece; at least one of said first and second annular shoulders defining a socket; said pin including a bulbous portion thereof for engagement in said socket; and a plurality of indexing pins fixed to and extending radially outward from said bulbous portion for loose engagement with slotted notches formed in said at least one of said first and second annular shoulders, wherein said at least one of said first and second annular shoulders is coupled to said pin for simultaneous rotation therewith and gimbaled motion with respect thereto such that changes in thickness of the workpiece changes forces applied to said at least one of said first and second annular shoulders to directly control relative orientations between said first and second annular shoulders as said pin rotates.