Patent ID: 7225968
Filing Date: 2007-06-05
Classification: B23K,B23P

Abstract:
1. A method for remotely repairing a crack using the principles of friction stir welding, said method comprising the steps of: 1) providing a friction stir welding tool having a superabrasive coating thereon, a tool holder for the friction stir welding tool, a mobile spindle head assembly, and attaching means for attaching the mobile spindle head assembly to a material being friction stir welded, wherein the mobile spindle head assembly attaches to and moves along planar or curved surfaces, and a control system for controlling a depth of penetration of the friction stir welding tool into the material, and movement of the mobile spindle head assembly; 2) attaching the mobile spindle head assembly to the material using the attaching means without clamping to an opposite side of the material to hold said material against said friction stir welding tool; 3) remotely sending command signals to the control system instructing the friction stir welding tool to performing friction stir welding of the material; and 4) moving the mobile spindle head assembly in order to perform crack repair of the material.