Patent ID: 6032551
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: F16C,F16F,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of manufacturing an aluminum drive shaft which is balanced for rotation about an axis comprising the steps of:(a) providing an aluminum drive shaft which is unbalanced for rotation about the axis, the aluminum drive shaft including a surface;(b) providing a balance weight including a body formed from a material having a higher density than that of aluminum and having an aperture formed therethrough extending from a first end to a second end;(c) disposing the first end of the balance weight on the surface of the aluminum drive shaft at a location for balancing the aluminum drive shaft for rotation about the axis; and(d) retaining the balance weight on the surface of the aluminum drive shaft by providing aluminum welding material welded only to the surface of the aluminum drive shaft and extending from the first end of the body through the aperture to the second end, the welding material extending over, but not welded to, a portion of the second end of the body to form a cap thereover so as to retain the body on the surface of the aluminum drive shaft.