Timothy S Trapp

US Patent:

7819302, Oct 26, 2010

Filed:

Sep 30, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/955134

Inventors:

David R. Bolser - Florissant MO, US
Karl F. Graff - Hilliard OH, US
Timothy J. Trapp - Upper Arlington OH, US

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B23K 20/10

US Classification:

2281101, 228 11, 2281246, 156 731, 1565801

Abstract:

An aluminum tubular unit for long-term, leak-free storage of fluids is formed in which an aluminum cap is ultrasonically welded to an end of the aluminum tube. The ultrasonic weld is formed from a device capable of producing a torsional vibration pattern. The ultrasonic welding of the cap to the tube eliminates the use of seals and pins to seal the cap to the tube and further eliminates the need for having a hole in the cap to mechanically couple the respective end cap to the cylindrical tube. Furthermore, since ultrasonic welding does not generate significant heat, highly volatile and flammable fluids can be present within the tube when the caps are ultrasonically welded to the cylindrical body. In addition, one or more fins used may also be welded to the outside diameter of the cylindrical body using a related ultrasonic welding process.