Abstract: A method of forming a bag assembly by RF welding includes generating from a single source of RF energy a high frequency electric field having a first strength between tube-welding electrodes of opposing die members and a second strength less than said first strength between perimeter-welding electrodes of the opposing die members. Subjecting a tube assembly and corresponding portions of sheets surrounding the tube assembly to the high frequency electric field of said first strength for a predetermined amount of time to weld the sheets to a tube along a tube-weld. Corresponding portions of the sheets between the perimeter-welding electrodes are subjected to the high frequency electric field of said second strength for said predetermined amount of time to weld the sheets together along a bladder perimeter-weld. The subjecting steps are performed simultaneously so that the bag assembly is formed in one welding operation.

Abstract: A welding apparatus includes first and second die members opposing one another. The first and second die members include opposing respective first and second perimeter-welding electrodes and opposing respective first and second tube-welding electrodes. The first perimeter-welding electrode and first tube-welding electrode define a first welding surface. The second perimeter-welding electrode and second tube-welding electrode define a second welding surface. A single source of high frequency energy is electrically connected to the perimeter-welding electrodes and to the tube-welding electrodes. Dielectric material is selectively disposed on the first welding surface such that the material is disposed on some but not all the first welding surface for reducing a strength of a high frequency electric field between the first and second perimeter-welding electrodes as compared to a strength of the high frequency electric field between at least a portion of the first and second tube-welding electrodes.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for forming a bag assembly by RF welding. A single source of RF energy is used to generate a high frequency electric field having a first strength between tube-welding electrodes of opposing die members and a second strength less than the first strength between perimeter-welding electrodes of the opposing die members. Respective portions of the bag assembly are subjected to this variable-strength field simultaneously so that the bag assembly is formed in one welding operation. Stand-offs are used in some embodiments to limit penetration of the electrodes into the weld areas.

Abstract: A tube apparatus is provided to detect successful or failed tube operations. The tube apparatus includes jaws mounted for movement with respect to one another between (1) a first position spaced from one another and (2) a second position selected to perform a successful tube operation. A sensor is positioned to detect when the jaws have moved into the second position, and a timer is electrically coupled to the sensor for determining the time delay before the jaws have moved into the second position, wherein a time delay up to a predetermined time limit indicates a successful tube operation and a time delay exceeding the predetermined limit indicates a failed tube operation.

Abstract: FIG. 1 depicts a full view of the picnic table backrest. It shows the backrest, the bars that wrap around the bench to keep the back rest stable and the latch on the back of the rest that keeps the rest from slipping out. FIG. 2 shows a close up view of the latch on the rear of the backrest. The bar that holds the latch swivels upward to latch on to the top part of the backrest. This keeps the backrest from slipping out and also holds it in place so it doesn't shift while your sitting.

Abstract: A dielectric tube sealer is provided with first and second jaws oriented along a jaw axis and positioned to receive a tube portion in a space therebetween. The first jaw is fixed and is coupled to a radio frequency generator. The second jaw is movable with respect to the first jaw along the jaw and is coupled to ground potential. The second jaw is mounted on a single shaft. At least a portion of the shaft extends along a shaft axis that is substantially parallel to, but spaced from, the jaw axis.

Abstract: A method of preparing a vehicle panel assembly for attaching the panel to a vehicle is disclosed which provides a “ready-to-install” panel assembly. The panel assembly includes first and second spaced sides, with the bead of heat activated adhesive provided on the second side of the panel. The panel and bead are heated preferably by applying shortwave and longwave infrared radiation, with the shortwave infrared radiation being applied to an adhesive free side of the panel to heat the panel and, thereby, indirectly heat the bead of the heat activated adhesive. The longwave infrared radiation is applied to the adhesive side of the panel to directly heat the bead and thereby activate the adhesive. The ready-to-install adhesive may be applied on or adjacent to a gasket, such as a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) molding, a urethane molding, or the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming laminate composite structures. At least two laminae, each containing electrically conductive reinforcing fibers, are placed upon each other in contacting relationship to form a generally layered structure. The layered structure may be subjected to heat to conductively transfer heat through the layered structure and thereby improve the surface contact between the two laminae. The layered structure is volumetrically heated by inductively transferring energy to the electrically conductive reinforcing fibers. The heated, layered structure is consolidated, such as by applying pressure and reducing the temperature of the layered structure. The consolidated structure is then quenched by rapidly cooling the consolidated structure in a directionally controlled manner about a midplane thereof.