Device and method for closing movable socket assemblies by expanding solid cover plates

摘要

An assembly technique is provided for enclosing an open end of a movable socket comprised of fully hardened materials with an expanding solid cover-plate having a circumferential groove on either an upper or lower surface. Internal components of the movable socket are installed within a housing through a posterior opening and a expanding solid cover-plate having a circumferential groove on either an upper surface or a lower surface is positioned over the components within the posterior opening. A ram of the present invention having a configured contact surface is brought into engagement with the solid cover-plate, and pressure is exerted on the solid cover-plate. Pressure exerted by the ram is transferred to the cover-plate through the contact surface, deforming and expanding the cover-plate in a predetermined manner to close the socket housing.