Patent ID: 7083076
Filing Date: 2006-08-01
Classification: B23K,B29C

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for joining at least two structural members to form a structural assembly, the apparatus comprising: a clamping device defining a clamping aperture for receiving at least a portion of the structural members such that the structural members define an angled aperture for receiving a joining member therebetween; a connection device configured to be connected to a joining member; a first actuator in communication with said connection device and configured to urge the connection device in a first direction toward the clamping device and thereby urge the joining member into the angled aperture between the structural members such that the structural members are urged apart at least along an axis that is perpendicular to the first direction; and a second actuator in communication with said connection device and configured to move the connection device and thereby friction weld the joining member to the structural members, wherein the clamping device is structured to engage a clamping surface of each structural member to restrain the structural members and thereby prevent the angled aperture from opening.