Method of manufacturing an article by appyling heat and pressure, a method of connecting a pipe to a sealed assembly and a connector for use therein

Abstract

A method of manufacturing an article by diffusion bonding at least two metal components ( 30,36 ) comprises assembling the metal components ( 30,36 ) into a stack relative to each other so that the surfaces ( 34,40 ) are in mating contact. The edges of the metal components ( 30,36 ) are sealed together, except for an aperture ( 49 ) where a pipe ( 50 ) is to be connected. A connector ( 51 ) has a first end ( 52 ) and a second end ( 53 ). The first end ( 52 ) has a smaller diameter than the second end ( 53 ) and a bore ( 54 ) extends through the connector ( 51 ) from the first end ( 52 ) to the second end ( 53 ). The second end ( 53 ) of the connector ( 51 ) is joined ( 57 ) to the stack. The pipe ( 50 ) is joined ( 58 ) to the first end ( 52 ) of the connector ( 51 ). The interior of the sealed assembly is evacuated via the pipe ( 50 ) and the pipe is sealed. Heat and pressure are applied to diffusion bond the metal components ( 30,36 ) together to form an integral structure. The connector ( 51 ) reduces the possibility of failure of the pipe ( 50 ) and/or seal ( 57 ) during diffusion bonding.

1 - 27 . (canceled)  
   
   
       28 . A connector to connect a pipe to a sealed assembly, the connector comprising a first end and a second end, the first end having a smaller cross-sectional area than the second end, a bore extending through the connector from the first end to the second end, the first end having means to receive the pipe and the second end having means to be received on the sealed assembly.  
   
   
       29 . A connector as claimed in  claim 28  wherein the first end of the connector has a larger cross-sectional area bore portion to receive the outer surface of the pipe.  
   
   
       30 . A connector as claimed in  claim 28  wherein the first end of the connector receives the inner surface of the pipe.  
   
   
       31 . A connector as claimed in  claim 28  wherein the connector tapers from the first end to the second end.  
   
   
       32 . A connector as claimed in  claim 30  wherein the connector tapers smoothly from the first end to the second end.  
   
   
       33 . A connector as claimed in  claim 28  wherein the connector is circular in cross-section.  
   
   
       34 . A connector as claimed in  claim 28  wherein the bore is circular in cross-section.  
   
   
       35 . A connector as claimed in  claim 28  wherein the second end of the connector has a smaller cross-sectional area portion and the smaller cross-sectional area portion extends into the aperture in the sealed assembly.  
   
   
       36 . A connector as claimed in  claim 28  wherein the connector comprises a material softer than the sealed assembly.  
   
   
       37 - 45 . (canceled)