Abstract: Impulse ink jets utilizing elongated transducers which expand and contract along the axis of elongation are formed by plates lying in planes parallel with the axis of elongation. The plates containing the chamber also include a drive portion for coupling the transducer to the chamber where the drive portion is supported by struts which extend to a support means also formed by the plates.

Abstract: Hot melt ink is delivered in particle form to a melting area. The particles are fluidized and then advanced under the influence of gravity. A float valve responsive to the level of melted ink in the melting area restricts the flow of ink particles to the melting area.

Abstract: A flexible web of hot melt ink is incrementally advanced to a heater location. The web may be self-supporting or mounted on a flexible carrier web. In either case, the web is sufficiently flexible so as to be spooled.

Abstract: An elongated acoustic waveguide 20 couples a transducer 18 to an ink jet chamber 14 including an inlet port 26,65 and an outlet orifice 16 through which droplets of ink are ejected. In one embodiment, the waveguide 20 is directly coupled to ink within the chamber 14. In another embodiment, the waveguide 20 is coupled to ink within the chamber through a diaphragm 60. Arrays are formed utilizing such ink jet chambers 14 and waveguides 20.

Abstract: Droplets of ink are ejected from channels formed between a pair of flexible reed-like members. The transducers are coupled to the reed-like members to deform the members and eject a droplet of ink from the orifice at the end of the channel.

Abstract: An ink jet chamber including an orifice and an ink supply inlet is coupled to a transducer. The transducer is capable of displacement in two different directions which are coupled to the chamber in an additive manner so as to change the volume of the chamber as a result of the additive displacement of the transducer.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with an ultrasonic plastic welder in which an ultrasonic horn on a movable welding head produces sonic vibrations along a first axis generally normal to the contacting surfaces of the workpieces to be welded together, the apparatus rendering the welder suitable for welding metals. The apparatus includes a coupling member removably connected to the distal end of the horn and extending transversely thereof and having coupled thereto a workpiece-engaging member capable of adjustment along a second axis parallel to the first axis. A force-applying member is connected to the welding head and extends therefrom toward the workpieces, with the workpiece-engaging member being adjusted to contact the lower end of the force-applying member at a fulcrum point so that axial vibration of the coupling means by the horn serves to pivot the workpiece-engaging member about the fulcrum point to effect a vibration transverse to the first axis at the contacted workpiece.

Abstract: An atomizer assembly includes an ultrasonic resonator which is clamped along a clamping line near one end and driven along a driving line spaced from the clamping line. The atomizer is positioned centrally in a throat for receiving a gas flow at an inlet end and for emitting the gas flow at an outlet end. A gas diffuser is provided for directing the gas flow from the inlet end to contact the surface of the ultrasonic resonator at a high angle of incidence. A liquid flow path is provided through the clamp for directing a liquid to impinge on the vibratory surface of the ultrasonic resonator. The internal surface tension in the liquid is overcome by the vibratory motion and the liquid is cast from the surface of the resonator in atomized form at a low velocity. The atomized liquid is mixed thoroughly with the gas due to the opposing directions of the atomized liquid and the gas flow. The mixed or entrained atomized liquid is passed through the outlet end of the throat.

Abstract: A tubular section is constructed for radial and axial resonance. The tubular resonator is clamped along a line of clamping engagement near one end of the tubular section and is driven by means of radially directed oscillatory force applied at a line of driving engagement spaced from the line of clamping engagement. The oscillatory force is obtained from a driver which is formed of an annulus of piezoelectric crystal polarized in a radial direction, having an inner base ring and outer annular driver wedge, triangular in cross section. Since the frequency of radial resonance is a function of the radius of the tubular section, and the frequency of axial resonance is a function of the length of the tubular section, the two frequencies of resonance are made to coincide by proper selection of tube radius and length and the resonant frequencies therefore made to reinforce one another.