| 摘要 |
The invention provides a method of, and a device for, coupling together substrates, for example tubular articles, which device includes an inner member, having disposed thereon a fusible material for binding the substrates together, and an outer member. The substrates to be joined are inserted between the fusible material and outer member and the resulting assembly is heated. The application of heat is maintained until it permeates the assembly and raises the temperature of the fusible material enough that it melts and flows through and/or about the substrates to be joined. The inner and outer members act to confine the melted fusible material by defining boundaries between which it can flow. Longitudinal flow of the material can be controlled by limiting the area heated, by the configuration of the coupling members or substrates, or by providing the coupling with additional members that limit longitudinal flow. When the heating is discontinued, the fusible material hardens to bind the substrates together. Either the inner member, outer member, or both may be a heat recoverable or spring member to provide compressive forces in the area of the joint being formed to facilitate the flow of the fusible material. |
