Patent ID: 6998560

Claim:
A method for metallurgically joining a first tube to a member comprising the steps of: a) obtaining a first tube having a flange; b) obtaining a member; c) obtaining a welding/brazing first electrode wheel having a first axis of rotation and having a first rim; d) disposing the first tube and the member with the flange contacting the member directly and/or indirectly through an intervening welding/brazing joining material; e) disposing the first rim of the first electrode wheel in direct contact with the flange; f) after steps a) through e), creating a resistance welding/brazing current path through the flange and the member using at least the first electrode wheel creating a seam weld/braze zone which includes at least some of the flange and at least some of the member; and g) during step f), rotating the first electrode wheel about the first axis of rotation.