Patent ID: 6366820
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: A61N,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of joining an electrically-conductive elongate member to an electrically-conductive termination component comprising the steps of:(a) providing an elongated crimp/weld sleeve having a longitudinally extending passage for axially receiving the electrically-conductive elongate member; (b) inserting a free end of the electrically-conductive elongate member into the passage of the crimp/weld sleeve; (c) crimping the crimp/weld sleeve onto the elongate member to achieve firm engagement between the crimp/weld sleeve and the elongate member; (d) forming a radially outward extending prominent member on the crimp/weld sleeve; (e) forming in the termination component an aperture defined by a rim having a transverse dimension greater than the transverse dimension of the prominent member; (f) inserting the prominent member into the aperture of the termination component; (g) directing a laser beam transversely of the termination component through the aperture therein and onto the prominent member to simultaneously melt the prominent member and the termination component in the region of the aperture and create a mixture of the molten material of both the prominent member and the termination component within the aperture; and (h) discontinuing operation of the laser beam to allow solidification of the mixture of the molten material of step (f) within the aperture to thereby achieve a welded connection between the crimp/weld sleeve and the termination component.