Patent ID: 6132541
Filing Date: 2000-10-17
Classification: B29C,B29K,B29L,F16G,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of making a joint between a first end and a second end of a band, the method comprising:preparing the first end by removing a first amount of material from the band to form a first stepped region;removing a second amount of material from the second end of the band to form a second stepped region;locating said first and second stepped regions respectively in first and second guides associated respectively with first and second arms of a tool, said first and second arms being pivotally attached to another in a scissor-type configuration so as to hold the first and second ends in opposed relation to one another;inserting a nozzle of an air gun between said first and second stepped regions;heating said first and second stepped regions by applying hot air thereto via a plurality of air outlet apertures defined by said nozzle;extracting said nozzle from between said first and second stepped regions after said first and second stepped regions have been heated to a temperature sufficient to weld said first and second stepped regions together; andmoving said first and second arms of said tool relative to one another to bring the heated first and second stepped regions into contact and fuse together to form an overlapped welded joint.