Patent ID: 6450395
Filing Date: 2002-09-17
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
An apparatus for forming a weld joint between abutting ends of first and second tubular members, comprising:a support ring defining an aperture therethrough, said support ring having first and second sides defining a channel therebetween, said first side of said support ring defining a plurality of supports spaced about the circumference of said support ring, each of said first-side supports defining a gripping surface for contacting at least a portion of the surface of the first tubular member to thereby secure the abutting end of the first tubular member at least partially within said aperture of said support ring, said second side of said support ring defining a plurality of supports spaced about the circumference of said support ring, each of said second-side supports defining a gripping surface for contacting at least a portion of the surface of the second tubular member to thereby secure the abutting end of the second tubular member at least partially within said aperture of said support ring adjacent to and coaxially aligned with the abutting end of the first tubular member and wherein said support ring is structured to maintain the coaxial alignment of the first and second tubular members and only externally support said at least one friction-stir welding tool during welding; at least one friction stir welding tool, said at least one friction stir welding tool movably and rotatably mounted within said channel defined by said support ring and projecting toward the abutting ends of the first and second tubular members; means for rotating said at least one tool, said rotating means being in operable communication with said at least one friction stir welding tool; and means for moving said at least one tool about the abutting ends of the first and second tubular members to thereby form the weld joint, said moving means being in operable communication with said at least one friction stir welding tool.