Abstract: An infrared welder for thermoplastic materials comprising the combination of a halogen lamp producing illumination in the infrared band located at the focal point of a first parabolic reflector. The parabolic reflector is joined in a substantially continuous fashion with a non-imaging lower reflector such as a Winston cone or a “CPC” having a lower aperture through which essentially all of the radiation from the source is directed. The aperture defines the shape and size of the weld area. The lower reflector may be brought into contact with the thermoplastic materials during the welding operation. Alternatively, a selectively operable press device may be used. Several embodiments are disclosed including embodiments which produce circular spot welds, linear welds, curved welds and corner welds.

Abstract: An infrared welder for thermoplastic materials comprising the combination of a halogen lamp producing illumination in the infrared band located at the focal point of a first parabolic reflector. The parabolic reflector is joined in a substantially continuous fashion with a non-imaging lower reflector such as a Winston cone or a “CPC” having a lower aperture through which essentially all of the radiation from the source is directed. The aperture defines the shape and size of the weld area. The lower reflector may be brought into contact with the thermoplastic materials during the welding operation. Alternatively, a selectively operable press device may be used. Several embodiments are disclosed including embodiments which produce circular spot welds, linear welds, curved welds and corner welds.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat staking utilizes an infrared lamp to direct radiant energy onto a plastic part to heat and so soften it prior to the staking punch impacting the part. The apparatus comprises an energy directing means for concentrating the infrared energy onto the part, and a moveable carriage for moving the punch toward and away from the part. One embodiment of the energy concentrating means is a reflector, wherein the reflector includes a central aperture for admission of the part, and wherein the reflector comprises different curved sections for concentrating the energy over the surface of the part. In an alternate embodiment, the energy directing means comprises fiber optic cables for directing the infrared energy to the surface of the part.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat staking utilizes an infrared lamp to direct radiant energy onto a plastic part to heat and so soften it prior to the staking punch impacting the part. The apparatus comprises an energy directing means for concentrating the infrared energy onto the part, and a moveable carriage for moving the punch toward and away from the part. One embodiment of the energy concentrating means is a reflector, wherein the reflector includes a central aperture for admission of the part, and wherein the reflector comprises different curved sections for concentrating the energy over the surface of the part. In an alternate embodiment, the energy directing means comprises fiber optic cables for directing the infrared energy to the surface of the part.

Abstract: A head for use in a heat staking machine utilizes an infrared heat lamp and reflectors to direct radiant energy onto a plastic stud to heat and so soften it prior to the staking punch impacting the stud. The lamp is disposed within a parabolic primary reflector which directs the lamp's output toward a secondary reflector. The secondary reflector has is concave and has a central aperture at its vertex through which the stud projects such that all of the radiant energy emitted by the lamp is focussed radially inward onto the stud. The punch is slidably mounted to the primary reflector for reciprocal movement along the axes of the reflectors, and is extended to impact the stud.