Abstract: The method of controlling a linear vibration welding apparatus, in accordance with the invention, may comprise the steps of: fastening a first workpiece portion in a fixed position; fastening a second workpiece portion to a reciprocating member; energizing a first single winding magnet with direct current power to create a magnetic field; sensing a location of the reciprocating member with respect to a zero point; and energizing a second magnet when the reciprocating member has crossed the zero point when moving towards the first magnet. The linear vibration welding apparatus in accordance with the invention may comprise: a frame; a flexure array; a first magnet assembly; a second magnet assembly; a digital controller; and direct current amplifiers for powering the magnet assemblies.

Abstract: Method for cleaning or decoring a casting, wherein that, separately or in combination: the said casting may be excited by an ultrasonic source of vibration, to allow residual material in contact with the walls of the said casting to become detached, this casting resting on a number of anvils placed on vibrating means supporting the casting and in contact with a number of sonotrodes, the said casting may be beaten at a very low frequency so as to cause large-sized internal residue such as a sand-based core insert to crack up, vibrating means may be used to impart a low-frequency linear vibration to this casting so as to break up and fluidize the cracked bits, the material issuing forth from the said casting may be extracted using a stream of fluid.

Abstract: A chamber having selectable and controllable access through which a process part is placed within and removed from a processing system. The chamber is designed to selectively isolate the external and internal environments of the process system during delivery and removal of the process part.

Abstract: In a vapor drying system, solvents such as isopropyl alcohol (IPA) are boiled and condensed to provide a means of removing water and other contamination from process parts loaded into the equipment. The parts enter the apparatus via an automated lift assembly. Upon entering the vapor zone, solvent condenses on the parts and fixtures due to a temperature differential, displacing the contaminants. This condensate/contaminant waste stream gravity drains to a buffer tank below via a sloped, temperature-controlled drip tray. After vapor condensation on the parts ceases, drying is accomplished using superheated vapors formed in a stabilized zone generated by one or more offset boil sumps and separate vapor heat exchangers. Any liquid solvent remaining on the parts is flash-dried in the vapor zone, so that parts emerge clean and dry. The invention incorporates a computer-implemented PLC to control process parameters, cover mechanism, transport mechanism, safety features during operating, idle and standby conditions.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a metal part such as a casting, wherein the part to be treated is placed on a support plate inside a container full of fluid, and at least one vibration generator is positioned in contact with the part. Generators are used to excite one natural mode of vibration of the part, causing the fluid inside the part to cavitate. The vibration generators in contact with the part operate with a running cycle for the vibration sources which is optimized by managing the state of the sources.

Abstract: A system for fusion bonding several attachments to a relatively large and bulky thermoplastic article employs means for fixedly securing the article, and a movable fixture selectively positionable relative to the thermoplastic article. The fixture includes a base plate held stationary during bonding operations, a gripping device supporting the thermoplastic article and longitudinally reciprocable relative to the base plate, and a pair of arms supporting a platen or other heating tool, also longitudinally reciprocable relative to the base plate. The tool supporting arms further can be pivoted to move the heating tool between an aligned position between the thermoplastic attachment and fixed thermoplastic article, and a remote, withdrawn position, to allow longitudinal movement of the attachment into engagement with the thermoplastic article, following use of the heating tool to simultaneously fuse selected surface portions of the thermoplastic article and attachment.

Abstract: A method for fusion bonding a pair of articles consisting of a high melting point thermoplastic material which includes the steps of bringing each surface to be bonded into engagement with the contact surface portion of a heated platen, maintaining the engagement until the surface becomes fused, and thereafter bringing the fused surfaces together in face-to-face relationship until the fused surfaces become solidified. The method further includes the step, in each operative cycle, of abrading the contact surfaces of the platen to renew and expose the metallic surface thereof for engagement with the surface of the next thermoplastic article to be treated.

Abstract: A contact heating platen assembly includes an upright central standard, a plurality of inclined linking members pivotally mounted to the standard, and to a pair of opposed platen carriers on opposite sides of the standard, each traversing an arcuate path relative to the standard. Each of the carriers supports a heating platen and an electrical heating element for heating the platen. The carriers are spring biased into a collapsed position against the standard, but movable to an extended position relatively remote from the standard. To complete a fusion bond, a pair of workpieces are positioned on opposite sides of the platen assembly, each with a fusible surface portion positioned to be engaged by one of the platens when the assembly is extended. The assembly is extended whereby the heated platens engage the fusible surface portions. The platens are maintained against the surface portions until they are fused, then allowed to retract or collapse under the spring force.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a bond between a plastic fill spout and a plastic container immediately after forming a bore through the container, includes a tool with a bore forming platen at its leading edge, a trailing end platen at its opposite end, and an intermediate spacer of an insulative material for thermally isolating the bore forming and trailing end platens. A longitudinally reciprocable fixture supports the spout in a longitudinal orientation to move the spout toward and away from the container, and a second fixture supports the tool in axial alignment with the spout and for longitudinal movement toward and away from the container, with the bore forming platen nearest the container. The tool is moved against the container and the bore forming platen heated, then moved through the container wall to provide the bore.