Abstract: An air and sonic massaging apparatus for providing an improved massaging effect with opposing lower air nodes beneath the upper air nodes in order to provide the user with greater displacement when patterned inflation and deflation of the device occurs. The apparatus includes an air device and a sonic device which is located underneath the air device. The air and sonic massaging apparatus inhibits turning forces and sideway motions, and keeps the motion more linear and at a higher consistent force. The apparatus has separate air flow circuits that provide alternating or conjoined patterns of inflation and deflation on a single device. The sonic device includes a sonic transducer that creates acoustic waves generated by a rigid transmission plate through movement by the translation of significant solid mass. The sonic device provides high magnitudes of acoustic energy to the directly coupled air device or directly coupled to the user's body air cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assembling absorbent garments are disclosed. The invention uses an applicator having one or more heads that are adapted to hold parts. The applicator is rotated by a motor, which is controlled by a control device. The control device is operated such that the applicator heads pick up parts at one location at a first speed, and deposit the parts at a second location at a second speed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus related to a workstation adjacent to a traveling web including a device for intermittently performing an operation affecting the web. An important application involves ultrasonically welding multiple layers of a traveling web. First and second rollers on opposite sides of the workstation are simultaneously shifted in a direction counter to the machine direction each time a bonding force is applied. The overall running speed in the machine remains at a constant velocity due to the resultant festooning effect and thus the dwell time for bonding is increased. Thus the effective operating speed of processed having finite limits may be increased at least 33%. The first and second rollers are eccentrically rotationally mounted, respectively, on third and fourth hollow rollers which are provided with eccentrically positioned hollow cylindrical openings which, in turn, are mounted, respectively, on shafts positioned perpendicularly to the machine direction.

Abstract: With the ultrasonic adhering method and apparatus, ultrasonic adhesion can be made appropriately, regardless of external environments and a simple structure. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic oscillator for generating ultrasonic vibration, a horn provided in this ultrasonic oscillator for oscillating ultrasonically, and a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the horn. A controlling unit is provided for detecting the temperature of the horn and controlling oscillation time of the ultrasonic oscillator in a state of the horn being contact with an object to be adhered in such a manner that the oscillation time has a negative correlation with respect to the temperature of the horn.

Abstract: A method and device for vacuum assist picking and placing a first component part relative to a second component part in preparation for ultrasonically welding the first component part to the second component part and ultrasonically welding the first component part to the second component part with the combination ultrasonic weld horn/vacuum pickup. A combination ultrasonic weld horn/vacuum pickup includes an ultrasonic weld horn including a vacuum conduit. A vacuum or negative pressure is directed through the vacuum conduit providing necessary suction at the tip of the weld horn to permit the weld horn to pick and hold a first component part during positioning of the part for welding to a second component part. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the conduit is formed as a bore milled along a longitudinal axis of the weld horn.

Abstract: A method and device for accommodating, by self adjustment, for part interface variations. A self adjusting fixture for accommodating for part interface variation includes a part support member having a first self adjusting member engagement element. The self adjusting fixture also includes a pedestal having a second self adjusting member engagement element engaged with the first self adjusting member engagement element to permit axial deflection of the part support member relative to the pedestal.

Abstract: In a single-point bonding apparatus that connects the end portions of leads or the cut end portions of leads to pads respectively by pressing such end portions of leads or cut end portions of leads with a tool, a cleaning stage that is used to clean the tool is additionally provided, and a cleaning chip is disposed on the surface of the cleaning stage.

Abstract: When connecting electrodes of a chip device CP are ultrasonic-bonded to circuit electrodes provided for a resin substrate 10 to mount the chip device CP on the resin substrate 10, a heater 5 for heating the resin substrate 10 is provided with which the temperature of the resin substrate 10 is raised to a level with which the ratio of elastic modulus &egr;h realized when heat is supplied with respect to elastic modulus &egr;r of the resin substrate 10 at room temperature satisfies 1>&egr;h/&egr;r≧0.5. The heater 5 may be provided for the substrate retaining frame 4.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a connection of portions of a moving folded web of disposable undergarments is provided. The apparatus preferably includes a registration conveyor positioned to register and convey a folded web of disposable undergarments moving along a predetermined path of travel and a web connector positioned adjacent the registration conveyor to connect portions of the folded web as the folded web is conveyed along the predetermined path of travel. A method preferably includes registeringly conveying a folded web of disposable undergarments along a predetermined path of travel and connecting portions of the folded web as the folded web is conveyed along the predetermined path of travel.

Abstract: An ultrasonic vibration method and an ultrasonic vibration apparatus which do not have a directional property in the direction of vibrations are disclosed. A pair of ultrasonic horns (11), (12) each having an ultrasonic vibrator (13), (14) provided at an end portion thereof are disposed in an intersecting relationship to each other, and composite vibrations of transverse vibrations produced by the pair of ultrasonic horns (11), (12) when the other ultrasonic horns (12), (11) are excited to generate longitudinal vibrations are extracted at the intersecting point of the pair of horns (11), (12) and applied to a contact object member through a presser (22).

Abstract: A bi-directional device for ultrasonically consolidating a fiber reinforced composite structure including a horn which can be angled relative to the composite structure. The horn includes a tip at the distal end of the horn which terminates in a rounded face. The rounded face of the horn contacts the composite structure enabling the horn to be driven bi-directionally over the composite structure at an angle.

Abstract: A device for processing a continuously running strip of material includes an ultrasonic generator unit with a sonotrode that is fixed opposite a counter roller. The material strip is processed in the gap. To adjust the gap height, the force in the gap is measured using a force measuring member, and used for regulation.

Abstract: A hand held device for joining monofilament lines together. Then device has a set of clamping jaws that can be manipulated so as to firmly position the monofilament lines in an abutting relationship in physical contact to each other. The device includes a source of electrical power and a heater, such as resistance, RF energy or ultrasonic energy, to heat the monofilament lines to a temperature exceeding the melting temperature of the monofilament lines so as to weld the monofilament lines together. A sleeve may be slipped over the monofilament lines and welded to the lines to form a more stable junction.

Abstract: A cooling device has a radiator plate and a corrugated fin for cooling an electrical component. In a manufacturing process of the cooling device, a symmetrically constructed tool section presses the radiator plate and the fin against an anvil. The radiator plate has an attaching portion where an electrical component is attached. Knurled surface for preventing a slide is formed on the tool section only at a surrounding area to prevent a deformation of the attaching portion. The tool section and the radiator plate vibrate ultrasonically in a longitudinal direction of corrugations of the fin to prevent a crack on the fin.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sealing apparatus is provided with an excellent sealability. The apparatus is capable of supplying sufficient output energy delivered by an ultrasonic wave-generating device to a thermoplastic resin of a packing material. A tubular packing material is evenly pressed on an appropriate timing in transverse sealing so that the thermoplastic resin is sufficiently softened/melted for an excellent sealing.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming bristle sub-assemblies includes a vertically oriented slot, which is formed by two endless belts. A wheel disposed above the slot pushes a bristle string into the slot. The bristle string has a plurality of bristles connected to a base string in two rows. The bristle rows can be horizontally oriented, so that all of the bristles are co-planar in a horizontal plane, or they can be angularly oriented with the base string at the vertex of the angle. When the bristles are pushed into the slot, they bend to adopt a new, substantially parallel orientation. An ultrasonic heater heats the bent bristles to re-set the thermoplastic material from which the bristles are made so that after cooling, the parallel orientation is maintained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for producing a material laminate (1) by fixing pieces of material (2) at a given distance from one another on a first continuously advanced material web (4). The invention is characterized in that the pieces of material (2) are cut from a second continuous web (7) in a first station (3) and are conveyed via a transport device (10) to the first web (4), to which the piece of material (2) is attached by means of ultrasonic welding over a limited attachment area (5) on the pieces of material (2), and the pieces of material (2) are subsequently fixed to the material web (4) by ultrasonic welding in a second station (6). The second station comprises an ultrasonic horn (18) at a fixed distance from a stay (19) designed as a rotating drum with a patterned outer surface.

Abstract: Sealant 11 is supplied in advance to one or both of the electrical bonding areas 5,6 of the component 3 and the mounting surface 4, and as the component 3 is brought in contact with the mounting surface 4, the sealant 11 is compressed and filled therebetween in a required area. At the same time ultrasonic vibration is applied to the component 3 for generating friction between the electrical bonding areas 5, 6 of the component 3 and the mounting surface 4 in tight contact with each other, so that both electrical bonding areas 5, 6 are melted and ultrasonically bonded together, and thereby the component 3 is mounted on the mounting surface 4.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for producing individual folded labels from a ribbon of labels designed to satisfy the aforementioned needs. The label is formed by first providing a ribbon of labels with at least one folded over portion and then subjecting the folded ribbon to heat and pressure to set the fold. The folded pressed ribbon is then subdividing into individual labels. In an alternative embodiment, the folded and pressed ribbon can be rerolled and shipped to an end user for use in an auto-sewing device. The present invention further includes an apparatus for carrying out this method and a finished label.

Abstract: When connecting electrodes of a chip device CP are ultrasonic-bonded to circuit electrodes provided for a resin substrate 10 to mount the chip device CP on the resin substrate 10, a heater 5 for heating the resin substrate 10 is provided with which the temperature of the resin substrate 10 is raised to a level with which the ratio of elastic modulus &egr;h realized when heat is supplied with respect to elastic modulus &egr;r of the resin substrate 10 at room temperature satisfies 1>&egr;h/&egr;r≧0.5. The heater 5 may be provided for the substrate retaining frame 4.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a connection of portions of a moving folded web of disposable undergarments is provided. The apparatus preferably includes a registration conveyor positioned to register and convey a folded web of disposable undergarments moving along a predetermined path of travel and a web connector positioned adjacent the registration conveyor to connect portions of the folded web as the folded web is conveyed along the predetermined path of travel. A method preferably includes registeringly conveying a folded web of disposable undergarments along a predetermined path of travel and connecting portions of the folded web as the folded web is conveyed along the predetermined path of travel.

Abstract: A hammer (14) coupled to an ultrasonic vibrator (15) is actuated to apply vibrations to a wrapping material (10) with irregularities in composition and thickness so that the wrapping material (10) can be fusion-bonded with uniform strength. The surface temperature of the wrapping material (10) measured by an infrared sensor (30) is sent to a control unit (22), and a controller (23) sends a control signal (24) to a variable-voltage source (25). The variable-voltage source (25) controls the amplitude of vibrations of the hammer (14) by temperature feedback to make uniform the generation of heat in the wrapping material (10).

Abstract: An ultrasonic rotary horn has tapered input sections for the conversion of axial acoustic energy into radial acoustic energy. The preferred rotary horn includes a first half having a first radial weld section and a first axial input section for receiving a first axial acoustic energy. The rotary horn further includes a second half coupled to the first half. The second half has a second radial weld section and a second axial input section for receiving a second axial acoustic energy. Each half has a coned section defined by an inner tapered surface and an outer tapered surface such that the halves convert a portion of the first and second axial acoustic energy into radial acoustic energy. Each inner tapered surface forms an inner angle with respect to an axis of the horn and each outer tapered surface forms an outer angle with respect to the axis.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a filter comprises the steps of assembling multiple layers of filtration material on top of one another to form an assembly; holding the assembly between an ultrasonic weld horn and a weld nest so that the assembly has a marginal area outside of an edge formed on either the nest or the weld horn; and operating the weld horn so as to cause the marginal area to be cut off from the assembly at the edge and to simultaneously seal together the layers of filtration material of the remaining assembly at the edge. A filter made by the process and an apparatus used to practice the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a thermosetting matrix, fiber reinforced composite structure wherein a stack of fiber reinforced thermosetting material plies are assembled; an ultrasonic horn is engaged with a top surface of the upper most ply, oriented at an acute angle with respect to the top surface, and energized to induce a shear wave in the plies to heat the plies. The horn is moved along the upper most ply to consolidate the plies and the energy level applied to the horn is sufficient to reduce the viscosity of the thermoset resin to the point where the plies can be debulked but not high enough to fully cross-link the resin so that another ply can still be fully cross-linked to the uppermost ply. Pressure is applied to the plies as the horn moves to debulk the plies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for producing individual folded labels from a ribbon of labels designed to satisfy the aforementioned needs. The label is formed by first providing a ribbon of labels with at least one folded over portion and then subjecting the folded ribbon to heat and pressure to set the fold. The folded pressed ribbon is then subdividing into individual labels. In an alternative embodiment, the folded and pressed ribbon can be rerolled and shipped to an end user for use in an auto-sewing device. The present invention further includes an apparatus for carrying out this method and a finished label.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for ultrasonic processing of workpieces (6) with a vibratory structure (1) comprising a sonotrode (3) and a converter (2). Energy is fed to the converter (2) by means of an ultrasonic generator (7), which is switched on and off by electrical switch-on and switch-off signals respectively, only for the duration of processing cycles. According to the invention the switch-off signals are generated on the basis of at least one state parameter (P) of the generator (7). (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An ultrasonic welder 10 for providing improved surface finish on weldable material, including an anvil 22 and a fabric element 30 positioned between the anvil 22 and the weldable material 24 thereby protecting the surface finish on the weldable material 24.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for joining together two or more fabric components without thread, the components including at least one ultrasonically bondable component. The apparatus comprises an ultrasonic horn operable to emit ultrasonic energy through a fabric-engaging end face thereof, and a rotatable anvil support having an outer peripheral surface on which one or a plurality of anvil supports are formed. The anvil support and the horn are arranged so as to define a nip between the respective fabric-engaging surfaces thereof for receiving the components to be joined. The anvil support rotates about an axis thereof as the components pass through the nip such that the outer peripheral surface of the anvil support defining the anvil structures is stationary relative to the components passing through the nip.

Abstract: This invention pertains to fabricating composite personal care article products on a fabrication line, and sensing assembly quality characteristics of such personal care article products so fabricated, using infrared image sensing apparatus, and signal processing apparatus for processing the infrared energy so sensed, to fabricate visual displays of the composite images sensed by the infrared sensing apparatus. By using infrared imagery, and sensing the various temperatures of elements being placed and worked on the fabrication line, elements of the personal care articles which are hidden from visual observation can be sensed by sensing the infrared radiation emitted from such articles. Elements which are available for visual observation can likewise be sensed where temperature of such elements is suitable for detection, by infrared-sensitive receptors.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for effecting ultrasonic bonds in sequentially advancing workpiece segments, in a nip defined by a rotary ultrasonic horn and rotary anvil roll. The ultrasonic bonding apparatus comprises support structure comprising anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus. A closed loop control apparatus is connected to one or both of the anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus. The closed loop control apparatus comprises a programmable logic controller, a load cell, and an adjustor. Information output from the load cell triggers the closed loop control apparatus through the programmable logic computer and the adjustor to move one or both of the anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus toward or away from the other in dynamic response to the information output from the load cell, thereby regulating pressure in the nip with ongoing real-time adjustments to distance between the anvil support apparatus and the horn support apparatus.

Abstract: A machine and process are disclosed for bonding an elastic member to a moving substrate web while the elastic member is in an un-stretched condition. The machine provides for upwardly folding a moving substrate web along a longitudinal centerline while maintaining the side edge regions of the web in a flat un-folded or un-gather condition. An elastic member is applied to the moving web while the elastic member is un-stretched, applying the first and second end regions of the elastic member to the respective first and second side edge regions of the moving web. The end regions of the elastic member are next bonded to the side edges of the web, leaving the remainder of the elastic member un-bonded to the web. The web is then un-folded or un-gathered to its first normal width, stretching the bonded elastic member. At least a portion of the remainder of the elastic member previously un-bonded to the web is then bonded to the web, and the stretched elastic member is allowed to relax.

Abstract: The invention solves in a new manner the known problems of making packages in the form of a continuous tube completely and reliably tight though a method, which is mainly distinguish by the tube being pressed together at the constricting positions into a string and that the string along plural lines are subjected to high and preferably pulsating pressure of such a magnitude that the material becomes adhering. The lines may be traversal with respect to the tube ot crossing each other so as to form a checked pattern. The pulsation in pressure is suitably obtained through ultrasound. The invention concerns a device as well as a sealing method.

Abstract: An apparatus (21, 221, 231) for forming a butt seam (33, 233, 354) between opposed edges (32, 33, 231, 232) of resiliently compressible, fully cured, elastomeric, fabric sheets (28, 29, 228, 229, 351, 352), such as foamed neoprene for wet suits and dry suits. In some embodiments (21, 221) the apparatus includes fabric manipulating assembly (23, 223) which continuously compresses the sheets proximate and inwardly of the edges, preferably by a roller assembly (26, 27, 226, 227), to firmly press the opposed edges of the flexible and compressible sheets (28, 29, 228, 229) tightly together during movement and bonding along the seam (33, 233). The apparatus (21, 221, 331) preferably includes adhesive activation device in the form of an ultrasonic transducer (24, 222, 322) which contacts the neoprene pieces to activate a dry neoprene cement carried on the edges of the fabric pieces.

Abstract: A rotary bonding apparatus includes a rotatable drum and one or more bonding elements, for example, ultrasonic horn and anvil assemblies, which rotate with the drum. The drum includes a web-supporting surface, and web material which is to be bonded rotates with the drum. The web material is positioned between the bonding elements and the web and bonding elements rotate at the same velocity so that the bonding elements are stationary relative to the web being bonded.

Abstract: An orbital vibration generator means comprising, in addition to a clamp 4, 5 for holding a pair of thermo plastic pipes coaxially and a pressurizing means 2, 3, 14 for bringing into contact under a pressure junction end faces of a pair of thermo plastic pipes 10, 11 held by these clamps, a crank shaft 8 having a shaft portion 8a and a crank portion 8b in which the axes of these shaft portion 8a and crank portion 8b are eccentric, a motor 6 for giving rotation to the crank shaft 8, a bearing 9 attached to the crank portion 8b of said crank shaft 8, and a orbital vibration clamp 13 holding pipe an end portion of a thermo plastic pipe, formed integrally with the outer ring of the bearing 9 to move integrally with said bearing.

Abstract: An insulation product includes an elongated batt of fibrous insulation material, and a facing adhered to a major surface of the batt. The facing is a coextruded polymer film of barrier and bonding (and preferably carrier) layers, with the bonding layer having a softening point lower than the softening point of the barrier layer. The bonding layer can include one or more of ethylene N-butyl acrylate, ethylene methyl acrylate, low density polyethylene and ethylene ethyl acrylate. When the facing has been heated to a temperature above the softening point of the bonding layer, but below the softening point of the barrier layer, the facing is adhered to the batt by the attachment of the bonding layer to the fibers in the batt due to the softening of the bonding layer. The heating can be either conduction heating or ultrasonic heating. For ultrasonic heating, the bonding layer is resonant at a different ultrasonic frequency than the barrier layer.

Abstract: A flat cable includes first and second insulator sheets, and a plurality of conductor elements arranged in parallel relation to one another over the length of the sheets. The first insulator sheet is provided with an adhesive layer. The conductor elements are interposed between the adhesive layer and the second insulator sheet. The first and second insulator sheets are first press-adhered under heat through the adhesive layer, and then bonded by an ultrasonic welding unit. The ultrasonic welding unit includes a horn for imparting ultrasonic oscillations, and an anvil placed in opposition to the horn. The first and second insulator sheets are bonded in the zones which extend along the length of the sheets and are located outside the loci where the conductor elements are arranged. The bonding is performed either continuously or in an intermittent manner. In a flat cable thus produced, the conductor elements embedded therein are efficiently prevented from mutual short-circuiting.

Abstract: A method of securing an elastic band between two material layers which are at least partially defined by meltable material includes forming perforations in the elastic band, placing the elastic band between two material layers, and bonding the material layers to one another through the perforations by heat fusion, wherein the perforations in the elastic band are formed at the same time as the material layers are fused together (i.e., the formation of the perforations in the elastic band is directly followed by bonding together, through the perforations, portions of the material layers). An elastic band secured between two material layers for inclusion in articles of one-time use includes the use of material layers that are at least partially defined by meltable material and an elastic band having perforations formed therein. The material layers are positioned on opposite sides of the elastic band and are joined together by heat fusion in a punctiform and/or linear bonding pattern.

Abstract: An ultrasonic seam welding apparatus for seam welding at least two sheetlike work pieces piled one above the other by imparting ultrasonic osculation is expressed through the ultrasonic binding and cutting quill assembly. The ultrasound seaming and cutting apparatus comprises a receptive resonant horn or wheel for receiving a rotating anvil wheel and a cutting surface thereon. An apparatus and receiving component having overlapping surfaces and welding the components together with the use of ultrasound. An ultrasound emitter and wheel receives the high frequency current and converts it into mechanical ultrasonic vibrations having the same frequency.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for use with containers 11 each in the form of a rectangular or square tube and having an open upper end and an outlet 25 in a top forming portion 12 of the container, for bonding a pour spout 31 to the container edge portion defining the outlet. The apparatus comprises a conveyor 41 for transporting the containers 11 so as to halt the containers successively at a bonding station, and a support 44 movable into contact with the outlet-defining edge portion of the container 11 as halted at the bonding station from inside the container for receiving the pressure of bonding. The support 44 is so disposed as to be movable into and out of the container 11 along an arc path and has a contact face 83 facing outwardly of the arc path.

Abstract: Panels and elements for vehicle interiors are obtained by co-extrusion or co-lamination of a layer (10a) of themoplastic support material containing a reinforcement filler with a layer (9a) of thermoplastic covering material containing an amorphous thermoplastic and by thermoforming the resulting sheets in a press.

Abstract: Disposable garments of the training pants variety include a cuff which is rolled inwardly from the plane of each leg opening. The rolled cuff feature is obtained during production by stretching a unitary elastic sheet across the machine web in a direction lateral to the direction of manufacture, and then cutting leg openings through the elastic sheet and an adjacent outer web. The machinery for manufacturing the garments includes various features which facilitate the manufacture of this garment, including a reciprocating cutting knife and an associated accumulating conveyor for providing a reciprocal motion into the reciprocal knife. The manufacturing apparatus also includes features for maintaining core pads in the desired alignment, and various other features.

Abstract: A bonding tool has a driver of piezoelectric elements in a stack. A sensor is positioned and held in the stack and includes a piezoelectric element sandwiched between electrodes and insulating wafers. Voltage developed between the electrodes is monitored and used to determine a bonding parameter, including the amplitude and duration of each ultrasonic burst.

Abstract: A vibration welding apparatus for welding synthetic resin parts together by vibrating one of the resin parts while the resin parts are in contact with each other. An upper jig for supporting one of the synthetic resin parts, a lower jig for supporting the other of the snythetic resin parts and a vibrating member to which the upper jig is attached are provided in the apparatus. The jigs are held together by bolts which can withstand the vibrating motions. Head portions of the bolts are inserted into insertion holes of the upper jig, notches of spacers are engaged with the shaft portions of the bolts between an attached portion of the upper jig and the head portions of the bolts, and the bolts are fastened to the vibrating member in the state where the notches are engaged with the shaft portions, so that the attached portion is fastened through the spacers by the head portions of the bolts and the vibrating member to thereby attach the upper jig to the vibrating member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously manufacturing filter units; each unit including a flow-through filter medium support frame with at least one sheet of filter medium extending across the flow-through opening of each unit with the edges thereof welded to the peripheral side edges of the unit frame.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus and method for assembling a food container having a body portion with an annular rim configured to be secured to an annular rim of a base portion of the container. The manufacturing apparatus and method includes a container supporting assembly, a tool member, a drive assembly, an oscillator assembly and a suspension assembly. The container supporting assembly supports the body and base portions of the container with the annular rim of the base portion engaging the annular rim of the body portion. The drive assembly moves the tool member along a first axis between a first position, wherein the tool member is engaged with the annular rim of the base portion, and a second position, wherein the tool member is disengaged therefrom. The oscillator assembly oscillates the tool member relative to the container supporting assembly to cause oscillation of the base and body portions relative to one another.

Abstract: A processed fiber is used to distribute energy from an electromagnetic (EM) energy source to a material in which the fiber is embedded. The electromagnetic energy source supplies electromagnetic energy to the fiber and the fibers emit portions of the EM energy along the length of the fiber. The sealant material absorbs a quantity of the electromagnetic energy sufficient to cure the sealant material and propagates excess electromagnetic energy through the sealant material without significant additional absorption. This prevents the sealant material from over-curing. Additionally, a fully cured material can be used to generate thermal energy and thereby serve as a heat blanket that can be used to de-ice aircraft.

Abstract: A bristle sub-assembly includes first and second base strings and a plurality of polymeric monofilaments connected to and extending between the first and second base strings. The polymeric monofilaments form a first arched row when the first and second base strings are brought together. Several types and configurations of brushes are made using either arched bristles or combinations of arched and straight bristles.

Abstract: A step joint between two plastic pieces suitable for an ultrasonic weld joint. A first plastic piece includes a series of ribs, each rib having generally horizontal top surface. A generally vertical section extends upward behind the ribs. A second plastic piece includes a generally horizontal section for mating with the ribs, the horizontal section of the second plastic piece covering the generally horizontal section of two or more ribs. The second plastic piece also includes a generally vertical section suitable for mating with the generally vertical section of the second plastic piece.