Abstract: A delicate workpiece, such as a semiconductor wafer is cleaned by supporting the workpiece on a shaft which is rotated. A film of liquid solvent is caused to continuously flow across the exposed workpiece surface while the workpiece is in rotation and ultrasonic energy is applied to the liquid film for causing cavitation in the solvent, thereby effecting cleaning of the workpiece surface. Upon shutting off the solvent and the ultrasonic energy, the workpiece is dried by spinning it at high speed.

Abstract: Metallic workpieces, such as the terminals of a direct current motor armature winding, are welded to a slot, such as a commutator slot, using high frequency vibratory energy. A half wavelength resonator including a tip having a cutting surface is disposed opposite a slot containing the workpieces. As an applied force urges the tip into relative motion with respect to the slot, the cutting surface cleaves a sliver from the slot wall, the sliver being urged by the tip into intimate contact with the workpieces to be welded. When the resonator is rendered resonant for undergoing high frequency vibratory motion in a direction normal to the applied force the sliver and workpieces are welded together and to a surface of the slot.

Abstract: A delicate workpiece, such as a semiconductor wafer is cleaned by supporting the workpiece on a shaft which is rotated. A film of liquid solvent is caused to continuously flow across the exposed workpiece surface while the workpiece is in rotation and ultrasonic energy is applied to the liquid film for causing cavitation in the solvent, thereby effecting cleaning of the workpiece surface. Upon shutting off the solvent and the ultrasonic energy, the workpiece is dried by spinning it at high speed.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method of joining two non-fusible workpieces using frictional energy. A first workpiece having a higher melting temperature is provided with a recess extending from the mating surface of the workpiece into the interior thereof. The recess is shaped for trapping material. A static force applied in a direction normal to the mating surfaces of the workpieces to be joined urges the first workpiece into intimate contact with a second workpiece having a lower melting temperature. The workpieces are subjected to relative motion in the plane of the mating surface for causing frictional energy and a softening of the second workpiece. The softened material flows into the recess and solidifies upon cessation of the relative motion. The workpieces are thus joined by virtue of the solidified material trapped in the recess.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining metal workpieces using high frequency vibratory energy includes applying short bursts of high frequency energy to the workpieces to be joined and the constant monitoring of the power supplied during the applied bursts of energy. Responsive to the power exceeding a predetermined level, high frequency vibratory energy is applied to the workpieces for a predetermined time interval for creating welds exhibiting consistent quality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for splicing thermoplastic monofilament material by high frequency vibratory energy use a support having both forming means and an adjoining flash receiving cavity. Monofilaments to be spliced are disposed in the forming means in overlapping relationship. High frequency vibratory energy is applied to the overlap region softening the monofilaments while the excess thermoplastic material created during the splicing is extruded into the adjoining flash receiving cavity. The vibratory energy is removed and the softened material remaining in the forming means solidifies into a continuous monofilament having a predetermined cross sectional area.

Abstract: This invention concerns an apparatus for embossing a plastic workpiece using vibratory energy. A workpiece to be embossed is brought into forced engagement with indicia carried by an embossing ring which is disposed at or in proximity to the antinodal region of longitudinal motion of a resonator. The resonator is caused to vibrate at its natural frequency of oscillation in a direction substantially parallel to the workpiece surface. After embossing the workpiece is removed from contact with the resonator.

Abstract: A high frequency vibration insertion apparatus using high frequency vibrations and pressure for inserting an element into a body operates in conjunction with an automatic feed means which feeds such elements seriatim into a guide. The guide has an axial bore in which the resonator of the high frequency vibration apparatus operates. The guide accurately positions the element upon the body prior to such element being inserted into the body responsive to pressure and high frequency vibrations applied by the resonator.

Abstract: A tubular resonator is coupled coaxially to a half wavelength extensional resonator at a nodal region of the vibratory motion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the extensional resonator. The frequency of the vibratory motion is in the sonic or ultrasonic frequency range, typically in the range from 1 kHz to 100 kHz. The radially directed vibratory motion at the nodal region of the extensional resonator is coupled to the tubular resonator and is converted by the tubular resonator into radial flexural vibratory motion which motion travels along the wall of the tubular resonator in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. A fluid within the flexural resonator thus is subjected to intense vibratory energy.

Abstract: A resonator dimensioned to be resonant along its longitudinal axis at a predetermined frequency of vibration includes a liquid retaining recess therein disposed at or near an antinodal region of longitudinal motion. An electroacoustic converter coupled to one end of the resonator renders the resonator resonant at its predetermined high frequency for activating a liquid, such as molten solder, disposed in the liquid retaining means to effect soldering a workpiece immersed in the liquid of the retaining means. Means move said resonator between a storage tank, whereat to charge said recess, and working position whereat to effect said workpiece treatment.

Abstract: A storage battery comprising a thermoplastic cover having a hollow metallic terminal therein and a thermoplastic case having an upstanding metallic core member passing through the terminal is assembled using vibratory energy. The cover and the case undergo relative reciprocating translating motion while under the influence of a static force applied in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the mating surfaces between the cover and case. The terminal and core are dimensioned for providing a peripheral clearance around the core in the direction of the reciprocating motion at least equal to the peak-to-peak displacement of the vibratory motion. The gap existing between the core and the terminal when the battery is assembled is sealed.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method of forming over the edge of a plastic jacket against a workpiece using vibratory energy. Specifically, the workpiece and jacket are disposed on a resiliently mounted anvil. As the jacket forms over and shortens its axial length, the anvil is displaced to provide a decreasing engagement force between the jacket and the horn of the vibratory apparatus. As a result, the jacket is free of scars or distortions in the region of forming.

Abstract: This invention discloses the plating of a metallic workpiece, particularly aluminum with a layer of tin. The plating is accomplished in the presence of sonic or ultrasonic vibrations at a temperature determined by the phase diagram for a binary alloy to provide for the presence of an alloy interface encompassing both metals. This contrasts with the heretofore achieved adhesive bond.

Abstract: Two telescopingly engaging tubular thermoplastic workpieces are welded together by ultrasonic vibratory energy applied radially. The workpieces are disposed on a mandrel for preventing distorting or collapsing of the opening in the inner workpiece. A tapered hole in the ultrasonic tool in combination with an axial force upon the workpiece provides a radially compressive force upon the outer workpiece to cause intimate contact between the softened workpiece surfaces during welding.

Abstract: This invention refers to a novel arrangement for mounting a vibratory assembly concentrically within a cylindrical housing for use in a vibratory seam welding apparatus. A pair of metal diaphragms support the vibratory assembly at antinodal regions of motion along the longitudinal axis. These diaphragms are constructed for supporting the assembly within the housing and for providing acoustic energy isolation between the vibratory assembly and the housing while being yieldable in the direction of the vibratory motion along the axis of the assembly.

Abstract: This invention refers to an overload protection circuit for an oscillatory circuit driving an electro-acoustic converter and more specifically concerns a circuit for automatically inhibiting the oscillatory circuit in the presence of an overload. The overload protection circuit monitors the collector-emitter voltage signal and the base-emitter voltage signal for providing an overlap signal responsive to the interval when both mentioned voltage signals are in their high condition. Such a condition is indicative of the power dissipated in a switching transistor of the oscillatory circuit. The overlap signal is integrated and the integrated signal is compared to a predetermined voltage level. When the integrated signal exceeds the predetermined voltage level, the oscillatory circuit is inhibited.

Abstract: This invention refers to an arrangement for providing vibratory energy to a liquid contained in an enclosure. The liquid is readily agitated and brought to cavitation by introducing sonic energy into a strip of metal in such a manner that the strip, being immersed in the liquid, exhibits flexural vibrations and thereby agitates the liquid.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding and cutting apparatus designed for the manufacture of articles made of two superposed sheet materials includes an anvil means which exhibits a raised pattern of welding and cutting surfaces, and bearing surface means for limiting the motion of an ultrasonically vibrating horn toward the anvil means and for distributing also the impact forces manifest upon the anvil means. The horn is provided with means for reducing the motional excursion of the frontal surface portion which impacts upon the bearing surface means.