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tool between an aligned position between the thermoplastic attachment and fixed thermoplastic article, and a remote, withdrawn position, to allow longitudinal movement of the attachment into engagement with the thermoplastic article, following use of the heating tool to simultaneously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: An apparatus for heat sealing thermoplastic articles includes a heater movable reciprocably in a longitudinal direction, and two opposed transversely reciprocable and pivotable carriers, each supporting a thermoplastic workpiece to be bonded. Two opposed heating surfaces of the platen heater are inclined and diverge in the longitudinal direction, to give the heater a "V" configuration. The carriers may be pivoted to a corresponding "V" configuration to position each workpiece against an associated heating surface of the platen. Following heating of the workpieces, pneumatic or other force applying cylinders urge the carriers toward one another as the heater is withdrawn from between them. Cam surfaces on the heater cooperate with cam following rollers on the carriers to control the position of the carriers during withdrawal of the heater, and permit rapid and accurate engagement of the thermoplastic articles after withdrawal.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus for solvent bonding surfaces of thermal plastic members, one to another, which includes a working solvent spray enclosure with work retaining rack means mounted within the enclosure to removably receive workpieces thereon. Mask retaining means are disposed within the enclosure for masking preselected portions of the workpieces, with the masks being arranged to provide face-to-face contact and bonding between the workpieces held within the work retaining racks. A solvent spray apparatus is disposed within the enclosure and includes a spray head with nozzles directed toward the workpieces for generating the spray mist of solvent onto the surfaces of the mask and exposed portions of the workpiece. Carriage means are provided for transporting the solvent spray apparatus along a linear path generally between opposed surfaces of workpieces held within the enclosure, with the carriage means being arranged to direct a substantially uniform spray of solvent onto the workpieces.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for controlling the temperature of a thermoplastic bonding or cutting blade in which changes in the length of the blade caused by temperature variations are monitored and a signal is developed and fed back for controlling the amount of current flowing through the blade to thereby maintain its temperature at a desired preset level.

Abstract: A method for bonding together surfaces of two three-dimensional articles of foamed thermoplastic material along mutual abutting bonding surfaces. The method includes securing a pair of discrete articles together in a fixture means in a first mounting position with the bonding surfaces being disposed in substantially mutually abutting relationship to form a juncture zone. Thereafter, a heated element such as a heated wire or knife is passed through the juncture zone at a predetermined rate and into contact with both of the bonding surfaces, and with a parting line separation plate preferably leading the heated wire or knife through the juncture zone, thereby fusing portions of the edges of both discrete articles. A programmed motion is thereafter applied to at least one of the discrete articles to move the opposed abutting surfaces together and into contact along the bonding surfaces, with the motion moving the articles into a second bonding and setting position.

Abstract: A machine for facilitating the simultaneous heating, bonding or sealing of a group of thermoplastic articles retained within a rotary sealing system. First and second rotatable workpiece carriers are arranged to transport the workpieces to be bonded, step-by-step, from loading stations to a heating station, and subsequently, to a bonding station, thereby accomplishing a plurality of operations on a simultaneous basis. The same drive mechanism used to incrementally rotate the workpiece carriers also imparts a reciprocating motion to the heating element and an arcuate reciprocating motion to the workpiece carriers for first applying heat energy to the workpieces for a predetermined time interval and for subsequently applying compressive forces to the heated workpieces undergoing bonding and thereafter releasing the now-joined workpieces from the carriers.