Abstract: A closed-loop machining system that includes a rotating spindle assembly having a body, a tool holder connected to the body, an ultrasonic machining module connected to the tool holder, and a power supply for powering the module; a processor for controlling the operation of the closed-loop machining system; a safety and compatibility bridge linking the ultrasonic machining module to the processor, wherein the safety and compatibility bridge further includes an electrical connection between the ultrasonic machining module and the processor; and at least one microprocessor located in or associated with the ultrasonic machining module for enabling and processing communication between the ultrasonic machining module and the processor.

Abstract: A method for routing object data that defines a 3-dimensional (3D) object to a 3D printer includes receiving the object data at a server and determining, by the server, object attributes associated with the object defined by the object data. The server searches a database that stores 3D printer attributes for one or more 3D printers capable of printing objects that possess the determined object attributes. If one or more capable printers are identified, the server communicates a list that identifies the one or more capable printers to a user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing films. In one embodiment the sealing device comprises a horn and an anvil. The film has a standard portion and an increased portion. Increased energy is applied to the film in the increased portion compared to the energy applied to the standard portion. Such a method allows for sealing of varying number of layers.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (400) for an object (1121) within an area (102). The methods involve: receiving, by a Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) tag (1141) coupled to the object, a Radio Frequency (“RF”) interrogator signal transmitted from an RFID reader (108); processing, by the RFID tag, the RF interrogator signal to determine if the RF interrogator signal applies thereto; and performing operations by the RFID tag to direct a person's attention directly to the object by activating at least one alerting mechanism (220) electrically and mechanically coupled to the RFID tag when the RF interrogator signal is determined to apply to the RFID tag. In some scenarios, the alerting is additionally or alternatively performed by a beacon (110).

Abstract: A method for processing an order for components includes receiving, at a server, an order that specifies one or more components for procurement and constraints for procuring the one or more components. A processor determines one or more sources capable of providing one or more of the components within the received constraints. At least one of the sources corresponds to a 3D printing facility that prints components via a 3D printing process. The processor communicates one or more orders for procuring the one or more components to the determined one or more sources.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (400) for an object (1121) within an area (102). The methods involve: receiving, by a Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) tag (1141) coupled to the object, a Radio Frequency (“RF”) interrogator signal transmitted from an RFID reader (108); processing, by the RFID tag, the RF interrogator signal to determine if the RF interrogator signal applies thereto; and performing operations by the RFID tag to direct a person's attention directly to the object by activating at least one alerting mechanism (220) electrically and mechanically coupled to the RFID tag when the RF interrogator signal is determined to apply to the RFID tag. In some scenarios, the alerting is additionally or alternatively performed by a beacon (110).

Abstract: An ultrasonic machining module that includes an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is adapted to receive a machining tool and a vibration-isolating housing adapted to be both compatible with a machining system and to receive the ultrasonic transducer therein, wherein the housing further includes at least one modification for isolating all vibrations generated by the ultrasonic transducer when the device is in operation except axial vibrations transmitted to the machining tool, thereby preventing unwanted vibrations from traveling backward or upward into the machining system. The ultrasonic machining module may also include an acoustically tuned collet and/or an acoustically tuned system for delivering coolant fluid through the module to a machining tool or target substrate.

Abstract: An ultrasonic machining module that includes an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is adapted to receive a machining tool; a vibration-isolating housing adapted to be both compatible with a machining system and to receive the ultrasonic transducer therein, wherein the housing further includes at least one modification for isolating all vibrations generated by the ultrasonic transducer when the device is in operation except axial vibrations transmitted to the machining tool, thereby preventing unwanted vibrations from traveling backward or upward into the machining system; and a connector in electrical communication with the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the connector is operative to supply electrical energy to the ultrasonic transducer, and wherein the connector is adapted to rotate at a predetermined rate of speed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic machining module that includes an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is adapted to receive a machining tool and a vibration-isolating housing adapted to be both compatible with a machining system and to receive the ultrasonic transducer therein, wherein the housing further includes at least one modification for isolating all vibrations generated by the ultrasonic transducer when the device is in operation except axial vibrations transmitted to the machining tool, thereby preventing unwanted vibrations from traveling backward or upward into the machining system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing films. In one embodiment the sealing device comprises a horn and an anvil. The film has a standard portion and an increased portion. Increased energy is applied to the film in the increased portion compared to the energy applied to the standard portion. Such a method allows for sealing of varying number of layers.

Abstract: For use with the technique of transversely aligning the transducer in an ultrasonic welding assembly, the presently disclosed principles provide a unique ultrasonic sonotrode for use in ultrasonic welding assemblies having such a transversely aligned transducer. In one embodiment, an exemplary ultrasonic sonotrode comprises a body having nodal and anti-nodal regions, and configured to propagate ultrasonic waves received at a nodal region along a first direction. Such an exemplary sonotrode may further comprise a plurality of redirecting features formed in the body and configured to cause received ultrasonic waves propagating along the first direction to propagate along a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, upon encountering one or more of the redirecting features. In such embodiments, the body is further configured to stretch and compress along the second direction based on corresponding peaks and valleys of the waves propagating along the second direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing films. In one embodiment the sealing device comprises a horn and an anvil. The film has a standard portion and an increased portion. Increased energy is applied to the film in the increased portion compared to the energy applied to the standard portion. Such a method allows for sealing of varying number of layers.

Abstract: For use with the technique of transversely aligning the transducer in an ultrasonic welding assembly, the presently disclosed principles provide a unique ultrasonic sonotrode for use in ultrasonic welding assemblies having such a transversely aligned transducer. In one embodiment, an exemplary ultrasonic sonotrode comprises a body having nodal and anti-nodal regions, and configured to propagate ultrasonic waves received at a nodal region along a first direction. Such an exemplary sonotrode may further comprise a plurality of redirecting features formed in the body and configured to cause received ultrasonic waves propagating along the first direction to propagate along a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, upon encountering one or more of the redirecting features. In such embodiments, the body is further configured to stretch and compress along the second direction based on corresponding peaks and valleys of the waves propagating along the second direction.

Abstract: The disclosed principles prevent damage to ultrasonic welding assemblies when a sonotrode assembly is subjected to rigorous work conditions. The disclosed principles “decouple” the transducer from the direction of working displacement, using a transverse mounting arrangement, and drive the welding assembly at the nodal region to take advantage of the Poisson Effect. In one embodiment, an exemplary system comprises an ultrasonic transducer configured to convert electricity to generate ultrasonic waves, wherein the waves propagate along a first direction from the transducer. In addition, such a system may comprise a sonotrode having at least one ultrasonic welding surface and configured to receive the generated waves. The sonotrode is configured to stretch and compress in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, based on corresponding peaks and valleys of the waves when propagating along the second direction thereby oscillating the welding surface for an ultrasonic welding process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing films. In one embodiment the sealing device comprises a horn and an anvil. The film has a standard portion and an increased portion. Increased energy is applied to the film in the increased portion compared to the energy applied to the standard portion. Such a method allows for sealing of varying number of layers.

Abstract: A method for routing object data that defines a 3-dimensional (3D) object to a 3D printer includes receiving the object data at a server and determining, by the server, object attributes associated with the object defined by the object data. The server searches a database that stores 3D printer attributes for one or more 3D printers capable of printing objects that possess the determined object attributes. If one or more capable printers are identified, the server communicates a list that identifies the one or more capable printers to a user.

Abstract: A machining system that includes an ultrasonic machining assembly, wherein the ultrasonic machining assembly further includes a machining tool; a collet adapted to receive the machining tool; and an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is operative to transmit acoustical vibrations to the machining tool; and a machining apparatus, wherein the machining apparatus is adapted to receive and secure the ultrasonic machining assembly, and wherein the machining apparatus is operative to transmit torque to the machining tool by applying rotary motion to the ultrasonic machining assembly.

Abstract: A device for use in a machining system, including an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is adapted to receive a tool bit; a housing adapted to be both compatible with the machining system and to receive the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the housing is operative to isolate all radial and other vibrations generated by the ultrasonic transducer except the axial vibrations transmitted to the tool bit; and a tool holder, wherein the tool holder and the top portion of the housing are mechanically coupled to one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing films. In one embodiment the sealing device comprises a horn and an anvil. The film has a standard portion and an increased portion. Increased energy is applied to the film in the increased portion compared to the energy applied to the standard portion. Such a method allows for sealing of varying number of layers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing films. In one embodiment the sealing device comprises a horn and an anvil. The film has a standard portion and an increased portion. Increased energy is applied to the film in the increased portion compared to the energy applied to the standard portion. Such a method allows for sealing of varying number of layers.