Patents by Inventor Jeffrey L. Frantz

Jeffrey L. Frantz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5846377
    Abstract: A method of welding two thermoplastic workpieces (W) together along a predetermined weld line during a weld cycle utilizing a high frequency vibration sonic or ultrasonic welding apparatus. This welding apparatus includes an electroacoustic transducer (18) which transmits such vibrations to a horn (19) which is dimensioned to be resonant with the horn being brought into forced engagement with at least one of the workpieces to be welded. The method comprising the steps of bringing the workpieces into bearing relation against one another along the weld line. Then the electroacoustic transducer is energized so as to resonate the horn with a desired motional amplitude. Forceful contact is established between the horn and one of the workpieces. Then, the forceful contact between the horn and the one workpiece is maintained throughout the weld cycle. The motional amplitude of the horn is varied in accordance with a desired motional amplitude profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Branson Ultrasonics Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Frantz, David A. Grewell
  • Patent number: 5658408
    Abstract: A method of welding two thermoplastic workpieces (W) together along a predetermined weld line during a weld cycle utilizing a high frequency vibration sonic or ultrasonic welding apparatus. This welding apparatus includes an electroacoustic transducer (18) which transmits such vibrations to a horn (19) which is dimensioned to be resonant with the horn being brought into forced engagement with at least one of the workpieces to be welded. The method comprising the steps of bringing the workpieces into bearing relation against one another along the weld line. Then the electroacoustic transducer is energized so as to resonate the horn with a desired motional amplitude. Forceful contact is established between the horn and one of the workpieces. Then, the forceful contact between the horn and the one workpiece is maintained throughout the weld cycle. The motional amplitude of the horn is varied in accordance with a desired motional amplitude profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Branson Ultrasonics Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Frantz, David A. Grewell
  • Patent number: 5435863
    Abstract: An ultrasonic processing method is disclosed wherein during the processing time interval the motional amplitude of the resonating horn and thereby the power to the workpiece is reduced. The reduction in motional amplitude may be in response to a process condition such as a change in dimension of the workpiece or a sharp rise in the power curve, or it may be in response to the lapse of a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Branson Ultrasonics Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Frantz