Robert T Forrest

US Patent:

6367681, Apr 9, 2002

Filed:

Apr 4, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/542735

Inventors:

Douglas J. Waldron - Fountain Valley CA
Robert Scott Forrest - Santa Ana CA

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Seattle WA

International Classification:

B23K 2012

US Classification:

2281121, 228 21

Abstract:

A friction stir welding apparatus includes a C-shaped frame having two opposing jaws which are spaced apart to define a space for receiving workpieces which are to be welded together. One of the jaws supports a rotatably driven friction stir welding spindle, and the other jaw supports a back-up tool. The spindle is supported in a polycrystalline thrust bearing disposed in the one jaw for absorbing thrust forces exerted on the spindle during a welding operation. The C-shaped frame may be an integral one-piece structure, in which case the apparatus and workpieces are relatively advanced to cause the spindle to penetrate the workpieces at an edge thereof and to carry the welding tools along a weld path to a second edge of the workpieces, where the spindle exits and disengages the workpieces. Alternatively, the C-shaped frame may comprise a pair of separate jaws which are pivotally connected in scissor fashion, in which case the jaws may be pivotally urged toward one another to carry the welding tools into engagement with the workpieces for performing a welding operation. The C-shaped frame balances and absorbs the large thrust loads imposed on friction stir welding tools.

US Patent:

6460752, Oct 8, 2002

Filed:

Apr 4, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/542207

Inventors:

Douglas J. Waldron - Fountain Valley CA
Robert Scott Forrest - Santa Ana CA

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Seattle WA

International Classification:

B23K 2012

US Classification:

2281121, 228 21

Abstract:

A backing member for a friction stir butt welding apparatus includes a groove in the working surface of the backing member which supports the workpieces being butt welded. The backing member is positioned with the groove aligned directly beneath the butt joint between the workpieces. A rotating friction stir welding pin is introduced at the joint so as to plasticize the material of the workpieces on either side of the joint, and pressure is applied between the stir pin and the workpieces to create a forging pressure which forces plasticized material downward through the root zone of the weld and into the groove in the backing member. A visible bead is thus produced on the lower surfaces of the workpieces indicating total penetration of the weld. Lack of a bead indicates probable failure of the weld to totally penetrate through the root zone.

US Patent:

7448528, Nov 11, 2008

Filed:

Aug 12, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/639033

Inventors:

Robert S. Forrest - Santa Ana CA, US
Douglas J. Waldron - Fountain Valley CA, US

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B23K 20/12

US Classification:

2281121, 228 21

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for forming a workpiece to a desired, non-planar configuration are provided. At least one friction stir forming tool, having a shoulder and a pin, is used to urge the workpiece to the desired configuration and friction stir form the workpiece. The forming tool can urge the workpiece against a contour surface of a die or a shoulder that is opposite the structural member from the tool. Thus, the forming tool plasticizes a portion of the workpiece and urges the workpiece to the desired configuration. In addition, the material properties of the workpiece can be improved by the friction stir processing.

US Patent:

7971463, Jul 5, 2011

Filed:

Aug 18, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/193253

Inventors:

Robert S. Forrest - Santa Ana CA, US
Douglas J. Waldron - Fountain Valley CA, US

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B21B 11/00
B23K 20/12

US Classification:

72 67, 72 75, 72112, 72125, 228 23

Abstract:

An apparatus for forming a workpiece to a desired, non-planar configuration are provided. At least one friction stir forming tool, having a shoulder and a pin, is used to urge the workpiece to the desired configuration and friction stir form the workpiece. The forming tool can urge the workpiece against a contour surface of a die or a shoulder that is opposite the structural member from the tool. Thus, the forming tool plasticizes a portion of the workpiece and urges the workpiece to the desired configuration. In addition, the material properties of the workpiece can be improved by the friction stir processing.

US Patent:

43788530, Apr 5, 1983

Filed:

Aug 31, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/297793

Inventors:

Robert S. Forrest - Tustin CA

Assignee:

Smith International, Inc. - Newport Beach CA

International Classification:

E21B 1018

US Classification:

175340

Abstract:

A flow cavitation insert device is adapted to be positioned adjacent a conventional nozzle, the nozzle then is converted to a cavitation nozzle for a rock bit. The cavitation device is designed to operate with hydraulic drilling mud and comprises a circular adapter plate with a concentric orifice formed thereby. A cavitation-inducing, flow restrictor crossbar radially intersects the center of the orifice formed by the plate. The crossbar is secured to the circular disc where the opposite ends of the flow restrictor come in contact with an axially aligned wall forming the inside diameter of the orifice.

US Patent:

62274333, May 8, 2001

Filed:

Apr 4, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/542583

Inventors:

Douglas J. Waldron - Fountain Valley CA
Robert Scott Forrest - Santa Ana CA
Ray F. Toosky - Laguna Niguel CA

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Seattle WA

International Classification:

B23K 2012
B23K 3102

US Classification:

2281121

Abstract:

A process for joining two or more overlapping metal workpieces includes providing a fastener which is made of metal having a melting point temperature at least as great as that of the workpieces. The fastener is rotated about its central axis and is axially advanced at a predetermined advance rate into engagement with the workpieces so as to cause plasticization of the workpieces at the interface with the fastener, and to cause the fastener to axially penetrate through substantially the entire thickness of the workpieces. The rotation of the fastener is then stopped, and the plastic zone which surrounds the fastener cools to form a metallurgical bond with the fastener. The resulting fastened joint is mechanically superior to conventional mechanically fastened joints made by rivets and the like.