Abstract: An apparatus for producing a gatherable material, wherein the material consists of at least two material web sections and one thread positioned between the material web sections, wherein the apparatus has a tool with a sealing surface and a counter-tool with a counter-sealing surface, wherein the tool and the counter-tool are arranged relative to one another such that the material web sections and the thread are guided through a gap formed by the tool and counter-tool, wherein the tool and/or the counter-tool has a groove for receiving the thread, wherein the groove is orientated in a feed direction divides the sealing or counter-sealing surface into partial sealing surfaces, and has a groove base and two side walls, wherein the side walls connect the groove base to the partial sealing surfaces, and at least one of the partial sealing surfaces has a flank which slopes down towards the groove base.

Abstract: A system for generating acoustic ultrasonic vibration, with a generator for generating an alternating voltage (U) with a frequency f and converter for converting the alternating voltage into acoustic ultrasonic vibration, with a control device, which captures the vibration amplitude (Aist) of the ultrasonic vibration and compares said vibration amplitude with a desired vibration amplitude (Asoll) and changes a manipulated variable with the goal of bringing the captured vibration amplitude (Aist) closer to the desired vibration amplitude (Asoll). The generator has a frequency control module with a frequency control input. The frequency control module defines, in accordance with a signal present at the frequency control input, the frequency (f) of the alternating voltage (U) to be generated. A control apparatus converts an input signal into a manipulated signal, the desired vibration amplitude (Asoll) provided as the input signal, and the manipulated signal connected to the frequency control input.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing element for processing a material, such as, e.g. a sonotrode or an anvil, having a substantially cylindrical or cylinder-segment-shaped carrier surface which is intended to come into contact with the material during processing, the processing element being provided to be rotated about its longitudinal axis during processing, so that the carrier surface moves in a circumferential direction and rolls on the material to be processed, wherein at least one structural element is arranged on the carrier surface, which structural element protrudes in a radial direction beyond the carrier surface, wherein the structural element has a top surface which is intended to come into contact with the material to be processed.

Abstract: A sonotrode or ultrasonic welding apparatus for ultrasonically processing a material, including a sealing surface adapted to contact the material to be processed, a rear surface opposite to the sealing surface, and a circumferential lateral surface connecting the sealing surface to the rear surface, the lateral surface having two side surfaces arranged substantially parallel to each other and two end surfaces arranged substantially parallel to each other. In order to provide a sonotrode or ultrasonic welding apparatus for processing a material, which at least reduces damage to the material and at the same time does not impair the production speed, it is proposed that the sealing surface has a convexly curved inlet section which adjoins the lateral surface, and wherein the sealing surface has a coating at least in a section.

Abstract: A counter-element for processing a material by means of ultrasound, the counter-element having a sealing surface, the sealing surface having a welding portion which is at least partially concavely curved. The sealing surface has a feed-in portion which is arranged adjoining the weld portion and is either not curved or is concavely curved with a radius of curvature that is larger than the radius of curvature of the welding portion.

Abstract: A system for generating acoustic ultrasonic vibration, with a generator for generating an alternating voltage (U) with a frequency f and converter for converting the alternating voltage into acoustic ultrasonic vibration, with a control device, which captures the vibration amplitude (Aist) of the ultrasonic vibration and compares said vibration amplitude with a desired vibration amplitude (Asoil) and changes a manipulated variable with the goal of bringing the captured vibration amplitude (Aist) closer to the desired vibration amplitude (Asoil). The generator has a frequency control module with a frequency control input. The frequency control module defines, in accordance with a signal present at the frequency control input, the frequency (f) of the alternating voltage (U) to be generated. A system which at least mitigates the mentioned disadvantages, allows higher processing speeds and associated abrupt load changes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing element for processing a material, such as, e.g. a sonotrode or an anvil, having a substantially cylindrical or cylinder-segment-shaped carrier surface which is intended to come into contact with the material during processing, the processing element being provided to be rotated about its longitudinal axis during processing, so that the carrier surface moves in a circumferential direction and rolls on the material to be processed, wherein at least one structural element is arranged on the carrier surface, which structural element protrudes in a radial direction beyond the carrier surface, wherein the structural element has a top surface which is intended to come into contact with the material to be processed.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a gatherable material, wherein the material consists of at least two material web sections and one thread positioned between the material web sections, wherein the apparatus has a tool with a sealing surface and a counter-tool with a counter-sealing surface, wherein the tool and the counter-tool are arranged relative to one another such that the material web sections and the thread are guided through a gap formed by the tool and counter-tool, wherein the tool and/or the counter-tool has a groove for receiving the thread, wherein the groove is orientated in a feed direction divides the sealing or counter-sealing surface into partial sealing surfaces, and has a groove base and two side walls, wherein the side walls connect the groove base to the partial sealing surfaces, and at least one of the partial sealing surfaces has a flank which slopes down towards the groove base.

Abstract: A method for producing a gatherable material comprising the steps of: a) providing two material web sections and a thread in between, b) providing processing device having a tool with a sealing surface and a counter-tool with a counter-sealing surface, the tool and the counter-tool being arranged relative to one another such that a gap is formed in between, the tool and/or the counter-tool having a groove for guiding the thread, c) passing the web sections and the thread through the gap, so that the two material web sections are welded together at two connecting surfaces, the thread being arranged between the two connecting surfaces such that there is a positive connection between the thread and the material web sections, a cross-section of the thread relative to a cross-section of the groove being selected such that an outer section of the thread is also welded to the material web sections.

Abstract: A sonotrode or ultrasonic welding apparatus for ultrasonically processing a material, including a sealing surface adapted to contact the material to be processed, a rear surface opposite to the sealing surface, and a circumferential lateral surface connecting the sealing surface to the rear surface, the lateral surface having two side surfaces arranged substantially parallel to each other and two end surfaces arranged substantially parallel to each other. In order to provide a sonotrode or ultrasonic welding apparatus for processing a material, which at least reduces damage to the material and at the same time does not impair the production speed, it is proposed that the sealing surface has a convexly curved inlet section which adjoins the lateral surface, and wherein the sealing surface has a coating at least in a section.

Abstract: A counter-element for processing a material by means of ultrasound, the counter-element having a sealing surface, the sealing surface having a welding portion which is at least partially concavely curved. The sealing surface has a feed-in portion which is arranged adjoining the weld portion and is either not curved or is concavely curved with a radius of curvature that is larger than the radius of curvature of the welding portion.

Abstract: The cutting of fibrous material which does not melt easily is effected to avoid the unravelling of cut edges, using ultrasonic or laser beam techniques. The method includes (a) applying a thermoplastic powder material to the cutting region, and (b) applying thermal shock to the localised area, sufficient to destroy the fibres of the material, and melt the powder on either side of the cut, and (c) pressing the cut edges while the fused thermoplastic powder is still soft. Woven or non-woven fabrics have tendency to unravel, after cutting, and normally require a sewn hem. The method of the invention disposes of the sewn hem, and provides a thermo-cutting technique applicable to non-fusible or non-thermoplastic fibres.