Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a plastic enclosure is provided. The apparatus includes a handle including elements pivotally coupled together at a first end. The apparatus also includes a pair of spaced apart heating elements positioned along an inner surface of an element and connected to a power source where a longitudinal axis of the heating elements is oriented parallel with a longitudinal axis of the element. Plastic material including first and second plastic layers is positioned at an interface between the second elements. Upon pivoting the first elements from an open position to a closed position the heating elements increase a temperature at the interface to melt the plastic material and form a pair of spaced apart seals between the first and second plastic layers.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to generation of accurate measurement information for a structure including a building of interest. A single passive image capture device (e.g., handheld devices such as cellular telephones and tablets) can generate two-dimensional (2D) images that overlap with regard to a building element of interest. Processing the 2D images can generate a three-dimensional (3D) digital representation from which accurate building element measurement information can be extracted. The extracted information can be used in applications such as construction/remodeling estimation, 3D model generation, insurance policy underwriting and adjusting, interior design efforts, landscaping, real estate marketing, inventory management and other areas where it can be desirable to obtain information about features and dimensions of one or more features or objects present in the location.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an elastic composite structure for an absorbent sanitary product includes an anvil with weld pattern comprising at least one anchoring region and at least one deactivating region. The anchoring region includes anchoring welds that form anchoring bonds that fuse facing web layers and anchor elastic thread(s) in position relative to the facing web layers. The deactivating region includes a break bar constructed to sever the thread(s). A method of manufacturing the elastic composite structure includes positioning a tensioned elastic thread between web layers, fusing the web layers to form an anchored zone that includes anchoring bonds that fuse the web layers and anchor the tensioned elastic thread therebetween, and cutting the thread to form a deactivated zone between adjacent portions of the anchored zone that is free of tensioned threads. The method further includes fusing the web layers within the deactivated zone.

Abstract: Provided is a welding joining method for joining end portions of first and second pipes made of polyamide resin by bonding the end portions to each other by pressure in a molten state. The welding joining method includes: a placing step of placing an infrared radiation lamp between the first and second pipes placed to face each other at an interval; a heating and melting step of heating and melting the end portions of the first and second pipes by emitting infrared; and a pressure bonding step of cooling down the molten end portions in a state where the molten end portions are bonded to each other by pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a friction welding method capable of reducing the welding temperature and a friction welding method capable of obtaining a welded portion free of defects regardless the type of material. A frictional welding method in which one member is brought into contact with the other member and slides while a load is applied substantially perpendicularly to the interface to be welded, the frictional welding method comprising: a first step in which frictional welding is carried out by setting a pressure calculated from the area and the load of the interface to be welded to be equal to or higher than the yield stress and the tensile strength of one member and/or the other member at a desired welding temperature; and a second step in which frictional welding is carried out by lowering the load, wherein the first step and the second step are continuously carried out.

Abstract: A method for minimizing the time to form a polyethylene pipe e joint comprises the steps of performing a butt-fusion process until the beginning of the full cooling cycle; holding an interfacial pressure through a minimum cool time calculated using a formula based on the wall thickness of the pipe e, the initial bulk temperature of the pipe e, and a heat soak time; and releasing the interfacial pressure from the fused pipe e joint at the end of the calculated minimum cool time.

Abstract: A modular head assembly or end effector for a fiber placement machine having a machine controller includes a back plate and a plurality of carbon fabric spool assemblies, each assembly including a servo motor combination and a dancer assembly for maintaining tension of the fabric as it is payed out. The spool assemblies include a linear displacement sensor for the dancer assembly and a sensor for determining the diameter of the carbon spool, the outputs of which are used to control the action of the servo motors. A programmable disconnecting assembly mates the modular head assembly with the fiber placement machine.

Abstract: A bag-making and packaging apparatus creates one product per cycle by packaging articles in a bag made from a film. The bag-making and packaging apparatus includes a longitudinal sealing mechanism, a guide, an article sensor, a transverse sealing mechanism, a cutting mechanism, and a prediction unit. The guide guides the articles which fall from above into a film tube. The transverse sealing mechanism forms a transversely sealed part in the film tube with each cycle. The cutting mechanism cuts the film tube in the transversely sealed part with each cycle. The prediction unit predicts whether or not jamming of the articles could occur in the transverse sealing mechanism on the basis of an output of the article sensor with each cycle. When the prediction unit has predicted that the jamming could occur in a certain cycle, the cutting mechanism does not cut the film tube in the certain cycle.

Abstract: A substrate bonding apparatus includes a lower chuck, an upper chuck, an electric actuator on a central portion of the upper chuck, a pressure sensor, and a controller. The lower chuck may support a lower substrate, the upper chuck may face the lower chuck such that a lower surface of the upper chuck faces the upper surface of the lower chuck, and the upper chuck may support an upper substrate. The electric actuator may lower a bonding pin through the upper chuck to apply a pressure to the upper substrate supported on the upper chuck. The pressure sensor may be below the lower substrate supported on the lower chuck. The pressure sensor may sense a lowering pressure applied by the bonding pin to the pressure sensor in real time. The controller may control the lowering pressure applied by the bonding pin.

Abstract: A labeling device for a syringe that includes a first labeling subsystem adapted to print a first label having machine readable information and a second labeling subsystem adapted to print a second label having human readable information is disclosed. The first labeling subsystem includes a label applicator adapted to automatically apply the first label to a portion of the syringe. The first labeling subsystem includes a syringe clamp assembly that securely holds the syringe while the label applicator automatically applies a first label to the syringe. The second labeling subsystem includes a removal device adapted to automatically remove a backing material from the second label.

Abstract: A packaging assembly (10) that includes a weighing machine (11) that delivers batches of product to a packaging machine (18). A film drive assembly (17) pulls strip bag material pass a former shoulder (41), to form tubular bag material into which batches of product are to be delivered, with the tubular bag material being longitudinally sealed, transversely sealed and transversely cut by the packaging machine (18).

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking semiconductor chips includes a push member configured to apply pressure to a semiconductor chip disposed on a substrate. The push member includes a push plate configured to contact the semiconductor chip, and a push rod connected to the push plate. The push plate includes a central portion having an area smaller than an area of an upper side of the semiconductor chip, and a plurality of protrusions disposed at respective ends of the central portion.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product that may include a final part that may include a first part that may include a first face and may define at least one through hole and a second part that may include a second face, at least one stake, and at least one energy director that may be disposed between the first face and the second face wherein the first face and the second face may be abutted against one another and the at least one stake may be passed through the at least one through-hole and the first part and the second part have been ultrasonically staked and ultrasonically welded such that an ultrasonically welded interface may be formed between the first part and the second part.

Abstract: A method, and an apparatus associated therewith, for detecting plastic tube ends clamped in a butt welding machine, the plastic tube ends being planed by means of a plane, which can be introduced between the plastic tube ends, and subsequently being heated by means of a heating mirror, which can be introduced between the plastic tube ends, and the plastic tube ends are welded together after removal of the heating mirror, the plane and/or the heating mirror being tilted in between the plastic tube ends by means of a controlled movement, wherein detection or sensing of the plastic tube ends during the controlled movement of tilting in the plane and/or the heating mirror is carried out by means of at least one sensor arranged on the plane and/or on the heating mirror.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a bonding device for a chip on film and a display panel and a bonding method for the same. The bonding device includes: a bearing stage having a horizontal bearing surface for supporting at least one row of display panels, wherein one row of the at least one row of display panels has a row of first bonding regions; a grasping unit disposed above the bearing stage and configured to grasp at least a partial area of the entire chip on film so that a row of second bonding regions of the entire chip on film is horizontally located above the one row of display panels; and a bonding unit configured to bond the row of second bonding regions which has been aligned with the row of first bonding regions to the row of first bonding regions.

Abstract: Certain implementations provide a form-fill-seal machine that can efficiently seal a packaging material. The transverse sealing unit may have first members to sandwich the packaging material and sealing the packaging material in a transverse direction, and second members for squeezing the packaging material while sandwiching the packaging material with a prescribed gap left therebetween. The control unit may cause the packaging material to be squeezed by the second members by causing the transverse sealing unit located at a reference position to descend faster than the packaging material being conveyed downward. The control unit may cause the transverse sealing unit to ascend while the packaging material is being sealed by the first members. The control unit may cause the transverse sealing unit to move such that the first members are separated from the packaging material.

Abstract: A method of bonding materials may comprise defining a bond interface between two materials in a cure zone on a surface of an object and heating the bond interface with sound waves. Heating the bond interface may include applying ultrasonic sound waves to the bond interface.

Abstract: An adhesive tape case sealer machine comprises a machine seat (1), an upper machine core provided on the upper portion of the machine seat for sealing the upper part of the case, a lower machine core (3) provided on the lower portion of the machine seat for sealing the lower part of the case, and a conveyor device (4) for conveying the case, the lower machine core being slidingly connected to the machine seat. By sliding the lower machine core with respect to the machine seat, it is easy to pull the lower machine core out from the machine seat, and to quickly replace the adhesive tape for it, so that replacing the adhesive tape is convenient, efficiency of operations is high, and it is more suitable for high-speed, large-scaled assembly link operation.

Abstract: A composite structure is fabricated by laying up at least one ply of fiber reinforcement and at least one layer of resin on a tool. The resin film layer is formed by laying strips of resin film. The fiber reinforcement is infused with resin from the resin layer.

Abstract: A transport device includes: a first rotational member; a second rotational member that forms a nip with the first rotational member; a guide member that guides the medium in a predetermined direction; a changing part that supports the second rotational member so as to be rotatable and that moves the second rotational member to change a nip state between the second rotational member and the first rotational member; and an interposed member supported by the changing part and nipped between the first rotational member and the guide member, the interposed member including, in an intersecting direction intersecting a direction in which the interposed member is nipped, multiple portions having different thicknesses, the interposed member being nipped at any one of the multiple portions, while being moved in the intersecting direction in accordance with the movement of the second rotational member.

Abstract: A labeling device for a syringe that includes a first labeling subsystem adapted to print a first label having machine readable information and a second labeling subsystem adapted to print a second label having human readable information is disclosed. The first labeling subsystem includes a label applicator adapted to automatically apply the first label to a portion of the syringe. The first labeling subsystem includes a syringe clamp assembly that securely holds the syringe while the label applicator automatically applies a first label to the syringe. The second labeling subsystem includes a removal device adapted to automatically remove a backing material from the second label.

Abstract: An automatic lay-up machine includes a head device and a support mechanism. The head device includes a sheet supplying unit that supplies a prepreg sheet including sheet-shaped prepreg and release paper bonded to a surface of the prepreg, a lay-up unit that lays up the prepreg on a receiving surface by pressing the prepreg sheet against the receiving surface, and a sheet take-up unit that takes up the release paper separated from the prepreg. The support mechanism supports the head device and includes a mechanism for moving the head device in a lay-up direction of the prepreg and a width direction of the prepreg sheet. The head device is moved in the width direction while a position of an edge of the prepreg sheet coincides with a lay-up position and an end portion of the prepreg sheet is pressed against the receiving surface.

Abstract: Exemplary presses, e.g., for applying indicia to garments by application of heat, are disclosed. For example, a press may include an upper platen, and a lower platen disposed below and generally aligned with the upper platen. The press may further include a support head adapted to move the upper platen between an open position, wherein the upper and lower platens are spaced away from one another, and a closed position, wherein the upper platen is pressed against the lower platen. Exemplary presses may further include a stand supporting the press.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transport system for a jig for fixing material to be laminated, which system can transport a jig for fixing material to be laminated using a simple exhaust device that is of a space-saving-type while it continuously exhausts air, a transport method for transporting a jig for fixing material to be laminated, and an apparatus for manufacturing bonded laminated material comprising the transport system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasound welding device (1) for ultrasonic machining of a material by means of a sonotrode (2) mounted in a vibration-decoupled manner, which sonotrode comprises a sealing surface having a cylinder barrel shape, and a counter tool (8), wherein a converter is connected to the sonotrode (2) optionally via a first amplitude transformation unit and the sonotrode (2) and the first converter are designed in such a manner that the sonotrode (2) can be set into vibration by means of a natural vibration of the ultrasonic frequency fS.

Abstract: A composite automation method and apparatus for the generation of short path course application of a composite lamina is realized by reconfiguring the functional mechanisms of the fiber placement head. Separating the fiber advance and retract functions, nesting the activation cylinders, and making use of push only activation results in a simplified, compact AFP delivery head. Uniform cutting is provided by a circular configuration fiber cutting blade, were at activation the blade both provides a progressive cutting force and rotates to providing a new cutting edge, and requires limited cutting edge guidance as all orientations cut equally well. The mechanism nested in functions and placed in close proximity to the compaction roller reduces the overall fiber course to the application point.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a hydrophobic material in a hydrophilic substrate includes a first plate, a second plate, a heater operatively connected to the first plate and configured to heat the first plate to a first temperature that is greater than a second temperature of the second plate, and an actuator configured to move the first plate and second plate together with a hydrophilic substrate between the plates. The first plate and second plate form a temperature gradient to enable a hydrophobic material on one side of a hydrophilic substrate that faces the second plate to penetrate into the hydrophilic substrate towards the first plate.

Abstract: A detachment apparatus having an arched drum pad and a method for fabricating a lightweight, thin liquid crystal display (LCD) device using the same are provided. The detachment apparatus includes: a table to which an object to be processed is loaded; an arched drum pad installed over the table and including O-rings formed on a lower surface thereof and a plurality of vacuum compartments demarcated by the O-rings; and a plurality of driving units configured to control a position of the drum pad. In case of using an auxiliary substrate to perform a process of a thin glass substrate, the auxiliary substrate can be easily separated from a liquid crystal panel in a cell state attached after processes are completed by using the arched drum pad having O-rings and a plurality of vacuum compartments.

Abstract: Data is moved through a pipeline as processing of the data unrelated to detection of pattern is performed. The detector detects the pattern within the data at a predetermined location or based on a predetermined reference as the data is moved through the pipeline, in parallel with the processing of the data as the data is moved through the pipeline. The detector detects the pattern within the data as the data is moved through the pipeline without delaying movement of the data into, through, and out of the pipeline.

Abstract: A laminating device for laminating at least one flexible substrate includes a frame, a pressing module, a driving module, a pressure sensor and a control module. The pressing module is disposed on the frame. The pressing module at least includes a first roller and a second roller which are used for moving relative to each other. The driving module is connected to the first roller for driving the first roller. The pressure sensor is disposed on one side of the second roller and opposite to the first roller for detecting a pressure of the pressing module. The control module is electronically connected to the pressure sensor and the driving module for ordering the driving module to adjust the position of the first roller based on the difference between the pressure detected by the pressure sensor and a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments related to chip pressing devices. One such chip pressing device includes a bottom portion and a top portion, which is configured to be attached to or separated from the bottom portion, and has a compartment portion, an upper chamber, and a lower chamber, wherein the upper chamber is spaced apart from the lower chamber by the compartment portion. The upper chamber has one or more gas passages, the lower chamber has one or more gas inlets and one or more gas outlets, and the compartment portion has one or more through-holes. One or more pressing heads movably fit into the through-holes; one or more gas pressure sources connected to at least one of the gas passages of the upper chamber, wherein the upper chamber is pressurized, and one or more heated gas sources are connected to the one or more gas inlets of the lower chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for laminating a first and a second sheet with a plane carrier (10) and a drum shaped carrier (20) for carrying a respective sheet. The apparatus has a first main operational mode wherein the drum shaped carrier (20) is at distance from a first carrier surface (12) of the plane carrier (10) in said third direction (Z), and a second main operational mode wherein the drum shaped carrier (20) is close to first carrier surface to bring the first and the second sheet (1, 2) in contact with each other. In the first main operational mode the drum shaped carrier (20) is virtually rolled over the first carrier surface (12) and the sheets are mutually aligned. In the second operational mode the sheets are laminated.

Abstract: A machine converts a web of preformed pouches, which are defined by transverse seals extending from a remote edge, into inflated dunnage units. A sealing arrangement is positioned to provide a longitudinal seal intersecting the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form a dunnage unit. The sealing arrangement has at least two sealing belts. Each belt is positioned so that respective first sides engage a surface of the web and pull the web through sealing elements positioned on either side of the web. A heating element is on a second side of the first belt not engaging the web. A compliant material is on a second side of the second belt not engaging the web. As the web passes between the heating element and compliant material, imperfections in the web are smoothed by the compliant material and the layers of the web are sealed by the heating element.

Abstract: An active anvil assembly for use in forming a looped suture is provided. The active anvil assembly includes an anvil member, a first sensor operably connected to the anvil member, and a control assembly. The first sensor is configured for measuring at least one of force, torque, and distance feedback. Also provided are systems and methods for forming a looped suture including an active anvil assembly.

Abstract: A label dispensing system includes a feed assembly, a separation assembly, an application assembly, and a control assembly. The feed assembly provides a label initially attached to a substrate. The separation assembly is located in a downstream location relative to the feed assembly, and includes an angled surface over which the substrate passes configured to at least partially separate the label from the substrate. The application assembly is articulable between a plurality of positions, including a first position at which the application assembly engages the label after the label is at least partially separated from the substrate and a second position at which the label is affixed to a target. The control assembly causes vibration of at least a portion of the application assembly proximate to the first position proximate to a time when the application assembly contacts the label.

Abstract: A method for joining, by adhesive bonding, at least two large joining partners in vehicle construction, in particular in aircraft construction, comprises the following steps: detecting the geometric data of the joining partners in an automated manner, detecting the joint gap dimensions of the joining partners from the geometric data, applying adhesive to one or both joint faces of the two joining partners to be joined as a function of the joint gap dimensions, joining the joining partners in the joining position, and sequentially applying joining pressure to the joint faces along the joint gap to bring the joining partners into the final joining position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an arrangement with a component on a carrier substrate, wherein the method encompasses the following steps: Manufacturing spacer elements on the rear side of a cover substrate, arranging a component on a cover surface of a carrier substrate, and arranging the spacer elements formed on the carrier substrate so as to situate the component in the at least one hollow space and close the latter. In addition, the invention relates to an arrangement, a method for manufacturing a semi-finished product for a component arrangement, as well as a semi-finished product for a component arrangement.

Abstract: To provide a laminating method which achieve high accuracy and high quality in a laminating step of an optical sheet and a display panel. Contact areas between the optical sheet and the sheet holding head are read. At this time, an optical element face of the optical sheet is brought into contact with the sheet holding head, light is irradiated to the contact areas therebetween from a no-optical-element face, and positional information of the optical sheet is read based on the distribution of the reflected light thereof.

Abstract: A labelling device includes a linearly displaceable piston operably connectable to a moving mechanism for moving the piston from a resting position to a labelling position. A label carrying mechanism is arranged at the distal end of the piston for carrying an adhesive label and affixing the adhesive label to an object via physical contact at the labelling position of the piston. A force-switching-state system is provided to maintain the piston in relation to the moving mechanism in an attracting force state and the piston moves with the moving mechanism. The physical contact creates an opposite repelling force from the object onto the label carrying mechanism causing separation of the displaceable piston from the moving mechanism. This separation causes a change of the force state of the displaceable piston from an attracting to a repelling force state, causing the linearly displaceable piston to move back to the resting position.

Abstract: An electrical heating bonding device 1 bonds a member M1 to be bonded, which is made of a metal, and a member M2 to be bonded, which is made of a resin. The electrical heating bonding device 1 includes: an upper electrode 11 and a lower electrode 12 which sandwich the member M1 to be bonded, and are electrically conductive with the member M1 to be bonded; a pressurizing unit 20 which applies pressure to a bonding surface between the member M1 to be bonded and the member M2 to be bonded; a temperature sensor 30 which detects a temperature of the member M1 to be bonded; and a control unit 40 which controls the pressurizing unit 20 to apply the pressure to the bonding surface, after the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 30 reaches a predetermined set temperature Ts.

Abstract: A film-applying machine includes a bracket, a mechanical arm, an application apparatus, and a storage apparatus. The storage apparatus includes a storage mechanism, a driving mechanism, and a first rolling mechanism. The storage mechanism includes a supporting frame mounted to the bracket, and a storage assembly adjustably coupled to the supporting frame. The driving mechanism includes a supporting member and a driving assembly. The supporting member couples with the supporting frame. The driving assembly includes a driving member coupled to the supporting member and a first transmission belt coupled to the driving member. The first rolling mechanism includes a pressing plate and a plurality of rollers. An end of the pressing plate couples with the first transmission belt, and another end is coupled to the supporting frame. The rollers are rotatably mounted on the pressing plate.

Abstract: A composite structure is fabricated by laying up at least one ply of fiber reinforcement and at least one layer of resin on a tool. The resin film layer is formed by laying strips of resin film. The fiber reinforcement is infused with resin from the resin layer.

Abstract: A portable impulse welding assembly operable by an operator with a main air regulator receiving pressurized air for decreasing or maintaining air pressure to a first preset limit. A splitter simultaneously divides a first regulated air into first and second portions and a rod air regulator provides a first valve air to a first air flow conduit and a second air flow conduit. A pair of pneumatic cylinders mounted in the housing, each pneumatic cylinder having a rod, the pneumatic cylinders selectively receive air from the first air flow conduit to extend each rod from each pneumatic cylinder or receive air from the second air flow conduit causing each rod to retract into each pneumatic cylinder and a controller to control seal times and cool times and a laser pointer to ensure sealing accuracy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for joining plastic-metal hybrid components, in which a metal component (3) is heated up in a heating stage and a plastic component (9) is brought into contact with the heated metal component (3) in a joining stage and joined to the metal component (3) by means of melting in the contact area, wherein in the heating stage the metal component (3) is heated up to a temperature higher than a defined joining temperature, said metal component is cooled down in a subsequent cooling stage in which the temperature of the metal component (3) is recorded by means of at least one temperature measuring device and the joining stage is performed when the defined joining temperature has been reached.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus resulting from the method, for fabricating a circuit board suitable for mounting electronic components. The method includes drilling a plurality of through-holes in a plurality of dielectric sheets, forming a conductive film on at least one side of each of the plurality of dielectric sheets, and substantially filling each of the plurality of through holes with a conductive material. The conductive material is both electrically and thermally uninterrupted from a first face to a second face of each of the plurality of dielectric sheets. The plurality of dielectric sheets are then sequentially mounted, one atop another, to form the circuit board. The sequential mounting step is performed after the steps of drilling the plurality of through-holes, forming the conductive layer, and substantially filling the plurality of through-holes.

Abstract: The bonding apparatus 1 includes a leading end support part 10 that restricts a leading end 201 of the second plate-like member 200 from moving in an up and down direction, a trailing end support part 20 that restricts a trailing end 202 of the second plate-like member 200 from moving in an up and down direction, and an intermediate support part 40 that moves in the same direction as a bonding roller 30 while supporting the second plate-like member 200 at an intermediate point between the trailing end 202 and a bonding position P that is pressed by the bonding roller 30. When the bonding roller 30 is moving, the trailing end support part 20 keeps supporting the trailing end 202 at a lower position than the leading end 201, and the intermediate support part 40 keeps supporting the intermediate point of the second plate-like member 200 at a position lower than the leading end 201 but higher than the trailing end 202.

Abstract: A manual and an automatic fastening device for fastening a bonding element to a surface by means of a light-curing adhesive is disclosed. The fastening devices apply the bonding element to the surface with a specific contact pressure, before the light is irradiated onto the bonding element for curing the adhesive. As the bonding element consists of transparent material, the adhesive is cured between the fastening element and the surface.

Abstract: A bonding tool to facilitate bonding of a liner to a surface of a workpiece is provided. The bonding tool includes a bladder, which is inflatable from an initial size to an expanded size, a frame formed to define a recess in which the bladder is disposed, the recess being oriented such that, when inflated from the initial size to the expanded size, the bladder applies a predefined pressure to the liner such that the liner is pressed against the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A press apparatus for curing adhesive on inner adhesion surfaces of substantially continuous wood products (1) under synchronous compression heating. The apparatus includes at least two presses (2) having a mutual distance from each other fulfilling the precondition: L/(n?1), where L is the working length of each press and n is the number of presses in series.

Abstract: A tool defines a piston/cylinder with first and second chambers on either side of the piston. A sealable port couples the first chamber to ambient environment. One end of the tool (i) defines a volume that is open to ambient environment, and (ii) has a cartridge coupled thereto such that the volume remains open to ambient environment. The cartridge defines (i) a chamber filled with a meltable material, and (ii) a channel coupling the material-filled chamber to ambient environment. A melting device in thermal communication with the meltable material simultaneously heats an air/water mixture in the second chamber and melts the meltable material. An element releasably coupled to the tool spans a region within the cartridge that lies within the channel. The element incorporates a check valve separating the volume defined by the tool and ambient environment.