Abstract: A bonded multi-piece plastic automotive air intake assembly having first and second housing members that include a 3-dimensional mating surface. The first member has a continuous first perimeter edge and the second member has a continuous second perimeter edge. The first perimeter edge has a central tongue portion that extends outwardly from the first edge. The tongue portion has first and second wall surfaces. The second peripheral edge has a groove extending inwardly from the second peripheral edge and mates with the tongue portion. The tongue portion and groove form a U-shaped channel that receives an adhesive therebetween. The adhesive forms a continuous bead that seals the channel between the first and second housing members. A plurality of alignment spacers are positioned between the tongue portion and the groove to align the tongue portion centrally within the groove.

Abstract: A bonded multi-piece plastic automotive air intake assembly having first and second housing members that include a 3-dimensional mating surface. The first member has a continuous first perimeter edge and the second member has a continuous second perimeter edge. The first perimeter edge has a central tongue portion that extends outwardly from the first edge. The tongue portion has first and second wall surfaces. The second peripheral edge has a groove extending inwardly from the second peripheral edge and mates with the tongue portion. The tongue portion and groove form a U-shaped channel that receives an adhesive therebetween. The adhesive forms a continuous bead that seals the channel between the first and second housing members. A plurality of alignment spacers are positioned between the tongue portion and the groove to align the tongue portion centrally within the groove.

Abstract: A method of heating an adhesive including the steps of placing a dielectrically heatable adhesive between first and second members. A high frequency electric field is applied between the first and second members sufficient to dielectrically heat the adhesive. The surface temperature of the first member is measured in the vicinity near the adhesive. The electric field is removed after the measured temperature reaches a predefined amount. The invention anticipates measuring the infrared radiation emitted from the surface of the first member and is measured with an infrared detector. A controller receives the measured infrared radiation and compares it to stored values. After the measured temperature reaches a predefined value or values, the controller sends a signal to an RF generator to remove the electric fields.

Abstract: A method of heating an adhesive including the steps of placing a dielectrically heatable adhesive between first and second members. A high frequency electric field is applied between the first and second members sufficient to dielectrically heat the adhesive. The surface temperature of the first member is measured in the vicinity near the adhesive. The electric field is removed after the measured temperature reaches a predefined amount. The invention anticipates measuring the infrared radiation emitted from the surface of the first member and is measured with an infrared detector. A controller receives the measured infrared radiation and compares it to stored values. After the measured temperature reaches a predefined value or values, the controller sends a signal to an RF generator to remove the electric fields.

Abstract: Method of curing inaccessible thermoset adhesive joints, comprising: forming structures to be bonded at mating surfaces when assembled, the shortest distance from the mating surfaces to the exterior of the assembly inhibiting the application of radio frequency heating by exterior electrodes; while forming the structures, molding into a least one of the structures, spaced from the surfaces to be adhered, a fiber or film-like electrode of sufficient thickness and spacing to project radio frequency waves through such one structure to the adhesive when energized; assembling the surfaces together with a thermoset adhesive therebetween in intimate contact of each of the surfaces; and connecting the fibrous or thin filmed electrode in a circuit for passing radio frequency waves across the adhesive to effect dielectric heating of the adhesive for a controlled period of time and at a predetermined temperature rise for curing.