Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.

Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.

Abstract: A method of molding a microneedle using a mold apparatus that comprises a mold insert having the negative image of at least one microneedle, a compression core, and a mold housing configured to allow a reciprocal motion between the mold insert and the compression core. The mold apparatus has an open position and a closed position. The mold apparatus is placed in the closed position and polymeric material is injected into the closed mold apparatus. The injected polymeric material is compressed between the mold insert and the compression core by a reciprocal motion between the compression core and the mold insert. Also, molding methods wherein the mold apparatus has sidewalls having an injection gate. Also, molding methods comprising a heated mold insert. Also, molding methods comprising the application of ultrasonic energy to the mold apparatus.

Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a new packaging method in which several optical films are bundled together before insertion into the display frame. This bundling makes handling of the films easier, reduces the number of steps required for assembly of the display device, reduces the chance of damaging the films and increases yields. At least two of the films in the stack are bonded together using a zero-gap bond. The zero-gap bond lies outside the viewing area of the film.

Abstract: The invention is a mounting system for a vibrational element. The vibrational element has a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and an axial displacement node. The mounting system includes an isolation member which has an isolation surface, an isolating body, and an engaging portion. The engaging portion is immovably secured to the isolation member and extends radially inward from the isolation body at a point radially opposite the isolation surface. The engaging portion is disposed so as to engage the outer surface of the vibrational element. Radial displacements of the vibration element are substantially decoupled from the isolation surface through the engaging portion.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding apparatus, such as a rotary welding apparatus, and methods of using the same for making a laminate material are disclosed. The multi-layered laminate material has a nonwoven material ultrasonically welded to a base layer, which can include elastic.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting the gap between a horn and an anvil in an ultrasonic welding system includes the act of positioning a horn proximal to an anvil, so that a gap is established between the horn and the anvil. A force is applied to the horn, so as to urge the horn toward the anvil. A deformable stop is positioned at a location, such that application of the urging force causes a member operatively connected to the horn to abut the deformable stop, and to deform the stop. The urging force is iteratively adjusted during operation of the horn, so as to adjust the extent of the deformation of the deformable stop, and to maintain the gap between the horn and the anvil substantially constant.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a gap between a vibrational body and a reference is achieved by monitoring the resonant frequency of the vibrational body. A portion of the vibrational body is fixed a given distance from the reference by a rigid mounting system. A resonant frequency of the vibrational body is received. Then, a quantity standing in known relation to an approximate change in the length of the gap is determined, based upon the resonant frequency.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining a substantially constant gap between a horn and an anvil includes the act of positioning a horn proximal an anvil, so that a gap is established between the horn and the anvil. An alternating current (AC) signal is applied to a converter coupled to the horn. The AC signal exhibits an amplitude. The amplitude of the AC signal is adjusted during operation of the horn, so as to maintain the gap between the horn and the anvil substantially constant.