Patent ID: 8127977

Claim:
An apparatus for forming a weld joint between laterally opposed facing edge surfaces of first and second longitudinal elements, said apparatus comprising: a support assembly which supports the first and second longitudinal elements as the first and second longitudinal elements are moved longitudinally relative to said support assembly and which holds the laterally opposed facing edge surfaces of the first and second longitudinal elements in abutting relation; a heating device which heats at least the laterally opposed facing edge surfaces to a plasticizing temperature as the first and second longitudinal elements are longitudinally moved past said heating device and relative to said support assembly; an elongate mixing tool which is mounted downstream of said heating device, which extends into the plasticized facing edge surfaces of the first and second longitudinal elements, and which mixes the plasticized facing edge surfaces thereat as the first and second longitudinal elements are moved past said mixing tool and relative to said support assembly, whereby a longitudinal weld joint is formed between said facing edge surfaces downstream from said mixing tool; and wherein said support assembly includes first and second containment forging plates respectively positioned on first and second sides of the first and second longitudinal elements so that the first and second longitudinal elements are longitudinally moved between and relative to said forging plates, said containment forging plates a) containing the moving first and second longitudinal elements during mixing by said mixing tool, and b) effecting forging of the moving first and second longitudinal elements downstream of said mixing tool wherein each of said forging plates includes a surface thereof in engagement with a force actuator on respective sides of said first and second longitudinal elements so that the force actuators apply forces to said forging plates to effect forging.