With Sonic Or Ultrasonic Means Patents (Class 156/580.1)
-
Patent number: 6773527Abstract: A method for ultrasonically bonding thermoplastic materials, for example melt-compatible thermoplastic materials, wherein the thermoplastic materials are preheated prior to entering an ultrasonic bonding means, thereby substantially increasing an ultimate bond strength established between the materials during the ultrasonic bonding process.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Michael Campbell, Kile Patrick Mangan, Mark Michael Mleziva, Kent Allan Franklin, Adrian Roy Eggen
-
Patent number: 6766937Abstract: An ultrasonic rotary horn is repaired by removal of deteriorated metal condition from the horn energy transfer surface, and application and consolidation of metal powder to the horn radial surface. An ultrasonic rotary horn having a repaired radial energy transfer surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: Norman R. Stegelmann
-
Patent number: 6758383Abstract: A transducer for, for instance, a flip-chip bonding apparatus. The transducer has a passage that communicates between a piping attachment and a suction holding port that suction-holds an object to be processed (bonded); and in this transducer, an air pressure piping used for the suction is fastened to the piping attachment with a connecting member in between, and this connecting member made of foam styrol suppresses effects of reaction force of the air pressure piping.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ShinkawaInventors: Shinichi Nishiura, Kazuhiro Ootaka
-
Publication number: 20040118502Abstract: An acoustical energy transfer component for transporting acoustical energy, the component having a shaped metal component body having a substantially uniformly isotropic expansion and contraction amplitude upon acoustical excitation. A method of manufacturing an acoustical energy transfer component having a component body with a uniformly isotropic expansion and contraction amplitude upon acoustical excitation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Norman R. Stegelmann
-
Patent number: 6752886Abstract: A method and an apparatus for ultrasonic processing of workpieces (6) with a vibratory structure (1) comprising a sonotrode (3) and a converter (2). Energy is fed to the converter (2) by means of an ultrasonic generator (7), which is switched on and off by electrical switch-on and switch-off signals respectively, only for the duration of processing cycles. According to the invention the switch-off signals are generated on the basis of at least one state parameter (P) of the generator (7).Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Spaichingen GmbHInventor: Armin Distel
-
Publication number: 20040112547Abstract: There is provided an ultrasonic vibration welding equipment (1000) and an ultrasonic vibration horn (2000, 2000′ or 2000″) in which a sufficient path line for welding operation is secured and ultrasonic vibration of vertical component is not induced.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2004Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventor: Osamu Tamamoto
-
Patent number: 6749703Abstract: In order to weld a reinforcing tape piece formed of a synthetic resin to a separable bottom stop attachment portion of a slide fastener chain by ultrasonic heating over a core portion and a main tape portion in a fastener tape, a welding time and/or an amplitude which are/is suitable for welding the reinforcing tape piece to the core portion and the vicinity of the core portion, and a welding time and/or an amplitude which are/is suitable for welding the reinforcing tape piece to the main tape portion are preset respectively. The welding of the reinforcing tape piece to the core portion and the vicinity of the core portion and the welding of the reinforcing tape piece to the main tape portion are carried out in two stages in accordance with the welding time or the amplitude which is set.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: YKK CorporationInventors: Keisuke Iwashita, Hideji Maeda, Satoshi Matsumura
-
Patent number: 6750446Abstract: An ultrasonic-welding apparatus, which can automatically achieve measurement of the face-deflection the work piece after welding and during the welding of work pieces, such as a reel for a magnetic tape. The ultrasonic-welding apparatus includes: a cradle, onto which two types of work pieces to be welded are mounted in piles, and which can rotate around an axis vertical to the welding surface of a workpiece to be welded; a welding horn, which carries out welding using ultrasonic vibration wherein the two work pieces are sandwiched by the cradle; and a transmission-type laser sensor which measures the fixed part of the work pieces, after welding, by the irradiation of laser light which runs parallel to the welding surface, wherein the workpieces are rotating on the cradle and the welding horn is apart from the work pieces.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kouta Kitamura, Tadashi Takahara, Kenji Ishikawa, Novuo Takahashi
-
Publication number: 20040108040Abstract: Vibratory welded connections are formed between first and second members (32, 33) of thermoplastic material by interposing a junction piece (47) of similar material and vibrating the junction piece (47) at high speed while pressing the first and second members (32,33) in a controlled manner against opposite sides of the junction piece (47). Friction created by the vibration generates heat which melts a small amount of material at the engaging surfaces which upon cooling provides a strong welded joint having minimal flash. Entire frame systems such as window-frames can be fabricated by an apparatus system (120) which forms a friction welded joint between adjacent ends of the frame members (134, 135, 136, 137). Furthermore the frame can be fabricated around a panel such as a glazing panel. The welded connections formed by the system do not mar the finish of the frame members and produce no unsightly flash bead requiring subsequent machining steps for its removal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventors: Stephen Field, Michael Glover
-
Patent number: 6743330Abstract: A method and a system for forming slider end stops on a zipper tape that comprises first and second interlockable zipper parts. The method comprises the following steps: (a) transmitting sufficient ultrasonic wave energy into first and second areas of the zipper tape to cause the first and second interlocked zipper parts to deform and fuse in the first and second areas, the first and second areas being separated by a gap; and (b) applying sufficient heat and pressure onto a third area of the zipper tape to cause the interlocked zipper parts to deform and fuse in the third area, at least part of the third area being located between the first and second areas in the gap. The first and second areas do not impinge upon the zipper rails. The third area does impinge upon the zipper rails. Thus the zipper rails are deformed in the third area, but not in adjacent areas located below and contiguous with the first and second areas.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Donald L. Crevier
-
Patent number: 6743331Abstract: A bonding tool for bonding electronic components by ultrasonic vibration. The bonding tool includes a horn supported by two ribs from both sides, and a transducer is attached to an end of this horn. A protrusion protruding downward from the center between the ribs is provided on the horn, and a tip of the protrusion is a bonding portion which contacts the electronic component. The transducer is driven to apply vertical vibration to the horn. A phase of vertical expansion and compression vibration on the horn generated by this vertical vibration is set to have the same phase as that of bending vibration on the protrusion. Accordingly, displacement by expansion and vertical vibration at side ends of the bonding portion is canceled out by displacement caused by bending vibration.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2003Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seiji Takahashi, Masafumi Hizukuri
-
Patent number: 6740197Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasonic processing of workpieces is described. The apparatus comprises a converter plate, at least one feed unit mounted on said converter plate, at least one vibratory structure being coupled to said feed unit and having a converter, a sonotrode and a longitudinal axis, and adjusting means for adjusting the vibratory structure in at least two directions transversely to its longitudinal axis. The adjusting means include a plurality of fixing means arranged in the manner of a raster on said converter plate in such a manner that the feed unit can be fixed on the adapter plate with the aid of at least one fixing means selected from the plurality of fixing means.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Spaichingen GmbHInventor: Manfred Sans
-
Patent number: 6740181Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing cleaning pads is provided including a base, a pair of supply plates mounted over the base, a supporting plate protruded from an end of the supply plate, a lifting plate located on both sides of the supporting plate, an ultrasonic horn with a groove formed in a bottom being vertically movable located over the supporting plate and driven by an ultrasonic oscillator, an actuator mounted on both sides of the ultrasonic horn to help the ultrasonic horn separate from the cleaning pad, a moving body located under the supporting plate and being movable along a guide rail, a rotary blade mounted on an upper end of the moving body, an air cylinder for moving the moving body, and an inhaler to draw off broken pieces of the cleaning pad, wherein the actuator includes a case mounted on a side of the ultrasonic horn, a press member being vertically slidable in the case, a bottom of which is movable lower than that of the ultrasonic horn, and a spring located in the case to downwardly compressType: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Inventor: Young-Chul Lim
-
Patent number: 6733622Abstract: An ultrasonic welding assembly comprising a horn, an anvil and an anvil cover. The horn comprises a generally T-shaped flattening surface and a rail projecting forward of the flattening surface. The rail is shaped to serve as a dam for flowing thermoplastic zipper material during stomping of slider end stops. The horn further comprises a plurality of vertical energy directors designed to direct ultrasonic energy into the mass of zipper material and deflect flowing zipper material toward the dam. The horn further comprises first and second recesses located on opposite sides of a stem of the T-shaped flattening surface. The anvil cover overlies opposing portions of the anvil and comprises a T-shaped cutout. The T-shaped flattening surface of the horn fits in the T-shaped cutout of the anvil cover. The resulting zipper has slider end stops located at opposing ends.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Michael J. McMahon, Lawrence Share, Michael A. Pollack, Donald L. Crevier, Nigel D. Knight, Stanley Piotrowski
-
Patent number: 6719183Abstract: A transducer vibrated by a vibrator and used in a bonding apparatus, the transducer including holding portions provided so as to protrude at at least two locations that correspond to the nodes of vibration of a transducer main body, and connecting portions each connecting the tip ends of two protruding holding portions to each other. The transducer main body, holding portions and connecting portions are integrally formed from a single material member.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ShinkawaInventors: Ryuichi Kyomasu, Yoshihiko Seino
-
Publication number: 20040065415Abstract: After the fixing of an angle indexing body to a holder by fixtures is canceled by loosening the fixtures, a resonator is turned by operating the angle indexing body with an axis in a vibration transmission direction as the center of rotation, a bonding work face is replaced by another bonding work face, and the angle indexing body is fixed to the holder by the fixtures so that the new bonding work face becomes parallel to the top face of a mounting table. Therefore, the replacement of the bonding work face can be simplified. Since overlapped workpieces are sandwiched between the bonding work face of the resonator and the mounting table, the mounting table makes a follow-up movement by a bearing composed of a spherical projection portion and a spherical depression portion to ensure that the bonding work face becomes parallel to the top face of the mounting table, thereby making it possible to optimize the position of the sandwiched workpieces.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Shigeru Sato, Seiya Nakai
-
Patent number: 6706130Abstract: When pressurizing and relatively moving the objects to be bonded to each other relative to each other subject their metallic bonding portions to friction bonding for the friction bonding of the metallic bonding portions, the friction bonding operation is temporarily partway reduced or stopped.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shozo Minamitani, Shinji Kanayama, Satoshi Shida, Yasuharu Ueno
-
Publication number: 20040048063Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for forming filament bundles of long, continuous strands of filaments. The methods include bonding the long, continuous stands of filaments together so that they cannot move axially with respect to any other filament in the bundle. Methods of bonding include ultrasonic welding, freezing or applying adhesive.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: William R. Brown, Joseph A. Depuydt, Daniel C. Portman, Helge Zimmet
-
Publication number: 20040040639Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sealing packaging material using ultrasonic technology. The method includes the steps of supplying the packaging material to a sealing station that includes an anvil and horn, and sealing the packaging material. The apparatus is a cam-shaped, rotatable anvil where the rate of rotation of the anvil can be changed based upon the speed of an AC Servo driving the anvil and the desired spacing between the seals.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2002Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventors: Bruce W. Keen, Alex Hanna
-
Publication number: 20040031554Abstract: A device (10) for welding thin-walled work pieces (52) such as e.g. food containers of foil, fibrous web or foil-fibrous web composites using ultrasound has at least two components, i.e. a sonotrode (12) and a counter tool (14) for the sonotrode (12). One component (12) has a working region (16) which faces a working region (18) of the other component (14). The working region (18) of one component (14) comprises at least one projection (41) and the working region (16) of the other component (12) comprises at least one recess (46) into which the projection (41) can engage during the welding process. In this manner the work piece is securely held without slippage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2003Publication date: February 19, 2004Applicant: Herrmann Ultraschalltechnik GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Hartmut Moglich
-
Publication number: 20040026008Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing zippered bags at faster speeds. This is accomplished by speeding up the ultrasonic welding operation. More specifically, ultrasonic welding is performed continuously while the web of bag making film and the zipper tape are moving, instead of being performed while the film and zipper tape are stopped. To facilitate this improvement, the ultrasonic welding station is moved from the bag machine, where the bag making film and zipper tape move intermittently, to the sealer frame, where the film and zipper tape move continuously. The ultrasonic welding apparatus comprises a pair of rotary elements, one of which is acoustically coupled to an ultrasonic transducer. One of the rotary elements is provided with a protuberance on its periphery that acoustically couples the zipper tape to the energized rotary element.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2002Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventor: Victor Delisle
-
Publication number: 20040011452Abstract: A method and system for ultrasonic sealing of food product packaging is provided. The ultrasonic sealing system preferably includes a food product packaging-positioning system that delivers food product packaging and food product into direct on-item-packaging forming box. The direct on-item-packaging forming box then receives the food product packaging and forms it directly around the supplied food product forming a partially packaged food product. The partially packaged food product is then ultrasonically edge sealed around the food product by an ultrasonic food product packaging fin-sealing unit forming a partially sealed food product packaging. The partially sealed food product packaging then enters a food product packaging end-sealing unit which ultrasonically seals and crimps the ends of the food product packaging resulting in a fully packaged and ultrasonically sealed food product.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2002Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventor: Roberto A. Capodieci
-
Publication number: 20040005431Abstract: A sonotrode (S) more particularly of revolution, made of a first material for propagation of ultrasonic waves, more particularly metal, comprising a axial bar (2) and an active part (4) connected to the axial-part (2), the bar extending uninterruptedly over the entire axial extent of the sonotrode, and a chamber (8), made of a second material which does not allow the transmission of ultrasonic waves from the first material to the second, the second material being more particularly air or avoid, is interposed between the bar (2) and the active part (4).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2002Publication date: January 8, 2004Inventors: Serge Moulin, Robert Combe
-
Patent number: 6673178Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the constant maintenance of the mean gap width between a sonotrode of an ultrasonic system and a tool of an ultrasonic cutting device, designed as a counter surface, for cutting and/or welding of various types of materials such as, for example, synthetic foils, textile fabrics containing synthetic substances, by means of a cutting tool, using an adjusting device.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Dr. Hielscher GmbHInventors: Frank Ellner, Harald Hielscher
-
Patent number: 6662842Abstract: Filter cartridges may have a core element formed of a non-filtering, self-supporting non-woven mass of indefinite length continuous synthetic polymeric core fibers, and at least one annular filtration zone layer formed of a mass of non-woven indefinite length continuous synthetic polymeric filtration fibers. The non-woven core element is most preferably formed in situ during filter cartridge manufacturing by melt-blowing synthetic polymeric core fiber streams toward a forming mandrel. The non-woven core element is completely solidified prior to the filtration zone fibers being melt-blown thereon so that the core and filtration fibers are predominantly mechanically interlocked with one another, instead of being melt-bonded thereto. Filter cartridges of predetermined length may be cut from an upstream filter cartridge preform of indefinite length by subjecting the preform to forced cooling air to thereby minimize (if not eliminate entirely) significant filter cartridge shrinkage over time.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Pall CorporationInventors: Brian Mozelack, Robert J. Schmitt, Steven D. Barboza, Praveen Jana, Son Ngoc Nguyen, Ronald R. Gschwandtner, Robert D. Connor, Timothy W. Yingling
-
Publication number: 20030221790Abstract: A form-fill-seal machine has an ultrasonic vibration emitter head 11 positioned outside the tube being formed by the overlapping of the margins 3 and 5 of a film web, and an anvil 13 positioned inside the tube defined by those margins, the anvil being mounted on an anvil carrier 25 which is supported by a frame element entirely independent of the forming box 1 used to fold the film, so as to isolate the anvil from vibrations sustained from the forming box. The anvil carrier can be mounted directly to a carrier body for the ultrasonic vibration emitter, and preferably has the shape of an inverted letter J where the anvil is positioned near the toe 25a of the J, the mounting to the sealing machine frame is at the top of the stem 25c of the J, with a slot 25b between the toe 25a and the stem 25c.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Lino Cosaro, Stefano Capitani
-
Patent number: 6652689Abstract: A process for ultrasound treatment of a strip of material and a device for implementing such a process. A strip of material passes through a treatment gap, which is formed by a roller device that includes a rotating roller body and a sonotrode that is directed approximately radially against the working surface of the roller body. In order to at least extensively prevent any concentricity defect of the roller body that might result from bending of the roller body, the roller body is cooled directly below the working surface of the roller body. For this purpose, the roller body has a number of lengthwise bores distributed uniformly over the circumference, preferably on an arc, through which a cooling medium flows in essentially uniform manner.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Eduard Kusters Maschinenfabrik GmbHInventor: Klaus Kubik
-
Publication number: 20030209307Abstract: An apparatus (10) for welding materials has a flat anvil (12) having a width of at least two inches and a length of at least eighteen inches. A welding apparatus (14) having at least one welding head (22) is mounted on a rail (16) which is parallel to said anvil (12). The apparatus (10) may be mobile. In an illustrated embodiment, welding apparatus (14) is an ultrasonic welding unit, and apparatus (10) is used to weld thermoset materials. As illustrated, the method is used to weld thermoset plastic monofilament fabric (34) to provide a continuous method of treating the monofilament fabric (34).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2003Publication date: November 13, 2003Applicant: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Robert John Gartland, Kenneth Michael Kot
-
Patent number: 6644534Abstract: A process for joining metals is provided, by which a core wire of a coated electric wire can be securely joined to a metal having a plated layer on the surface thereof. The process is to assemble a wiring module 1. The wiring module 1 has a metal piece 2, a coated electric wire 3 and so on. A plated layer 6 made of tin is formed on a surface of a matrix 5 of the metal piece 2. The coated electric wire 3 has a core wire 7. An ultrasonic welding is carried out after placing a part 7a of the core wire 7 on the plated layer 6 of the metal piece 2. The plated layer 6 is melted so as to join the part 7a of the core wire 7 to the matrix 5 and the core wire 7 is broken off separating the part 7a therefrom. Another ultrasonic welding is carried out after further placing another core wire 7 on the part 7a joined to the matrix 5, so that the core wire 7 of the coated electric wire 3 is joined to the metal piece 2 through the part 7a of the core wire 7.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Kenichi Hanazaki
-
Publication number: 20030201053Abstract: The apparatus is adapted to weld ultrasonically two or more layers of fabric 14. The fabrics 14 may be a woven or non-woven fabric of nylon, polyethylene or other polymeric material. It comprises two opposed ultrasonically vibratable horns (1, 1a) so spaced one from another that the layers of fabric (3) may be passed between them. At least one, optionally both, of the two horns (1, 1a) is vibratable in axial mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2003Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventor: Michael John Radley Young
-
Patent number: 6634539Abstract: The invention is an apparatus comprising an ultrasonic horn. The horn is mounted to a support structure and includes a first mounting surface. An anvil is mounted to the support structure and spaced from the ultrasonic horn. The anvil has a first bearer surface. A bearer assembly supportably links the first mounting surface to the first bearer surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John R. Mlinar, Donald S. Oblak
-
Publication number: 20030188819Abstract: A method for ultrasonically bonding thermoplastic materials, for example melt-compatible thermoplastic materials, wherein the thermoplastic materials are preheated prior to entering an ultrasonic bonding means, thereby substantially increasing an ultimate bond strength established between the materials during the ultrasonic bonding process.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2002Publication date: October 9, 2003Inventors: Stephen Michael Campbell, Kile Patrick Mangan, Mark Michael Mleziva, Kent Allan Franklin, Adrian Roy Eggen
-
Patent number: 6620291Abstract: An apparatus (10) for welding materials has a flat anvil (12) having a width of at least two inches and a length of at least eighteen inches. A welding apparatus (14) having at least one welding head (22) is mounted on a rail (16) which is parallel to said anvil (12). The apparatus (10) may be mobile. In an illustrated embodiment, welding apparatus (14) is an ultrasonic welding unit, and apparatus (10) is used to weld thermoset materials. As illustrated, the method is used to weld thermoset plastic monofilament fabric (34) to provide a continuous method of treating the monofilament fabric (34).Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Robert John Gartland, Kenneth Michael Kot
-
Publication number: 20030168149Abstract: The invention concerns an ultrasonic device (100) for sealing at least two superimposed sheets (1, 2), said device comprising a sealing assembly consisting of two elements which are respectively an anvil (102) and a sonotrode (101), arranged opposite each other so that their facing surfaces (101′, 102′) form an interstice (103) for passing through the sheets to be sealed, said interstice having an inlet section (104) and an outlet section (105), the sonotrode vibrating at high frequencies to emit ultrasonic waves, characterised in that means are provided for generating between the superimposed sheets and said sealing assembly a relative movement along a specific feeding direction (F) relative to the sealing assembly, and the section of said passage interstice decreases between its inlet section and its outlet section, and at least one element of said sealing assembly comprises a projecting ridge emerging into said passage interstice and extending along a direction globally parallel to said feedingType: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2003Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventors: Daniel Blanchard, Patrick Faul
-
Publication number: 20030145933Abstract: The invention concerns a method for sealing a surface (13) of a body (11), wherein a thin material (21) is applied to the surface (13) and is connected to it by means of melting due to mechanical stimulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2002Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventors: Laurent Torriani, Marcel Aeschlimann
-
Publication number: 20030136523Abstract: A bonding tool for bonding electronic components by ultrasonic vibration. The bonding tool includes a horn supported by two ribs from both sides, and a transducer is attached to an end of this horn. A protrusion protruding downward from the center between the ribs is provided on the horn, and a tip of the protrusion is a bonding portion which contacts the electronic component. The transducer is driven to apply vertical vibration to the horn. A phase of vertical expansion and compression vibration on the horn generated by this vertical vibration is set to have the same phase as that of bending vibration on the protrusion. Accordingly, displacement by expansion and vertical vibration at side ends of the bonding portion is canceled out by displacement caused by bending vibration.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2003Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventors: Seiji Takahashi, Masafumi Hizukuri
-
Patent number: 6596108Abstract: A process and apparatus related to a workstation adjacent to a traveling web including a device for intermittently performing an operation affecting the web. An important application involves ultrasonically welding multiple layers of a traveling web. First and second rollers on opposite sides of the workstation are simultaneously shifted in a direction counter to the machine direction each time a bonding force is applied. The overall running speed in the machine remains at a constant velocity due to the resultant festooning effect and thus the dwell time for bonding is increased. Thus the effective operating speed of processed having finite limits may be increased at least 33%. The first and second rollers are eccentrically rotationally mounted, respectively, on third and fourth hollow rollers which are provided with eccentrically positioned hollow cylindrical openings which, in turn, are mounted, respectively, on shafts positioned perpendicularly to the machine direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Curt G. Joa, Inc.Inventor: John A McCabe
-
Patent number: 6592711Abstract: A device for processing a continuously running material web includes a machine frame with an ultrasonic generator unit with a sonotrode. A counter tool lies opposite the sonotrode, affixed on the machine frame. The material web is passed through the gap between the sonotrode and the counter tool; as a drive activated by a fluid pressure medium, to press the sonotrode that is movably mounted on the machine frame against the counter tool. A damper for damping vibrations of the sonotrode in the contact pressure direction is provided. This damper is connected at one end with the sonotrode, and at its other end to the machine frame so that vibrations excited by the web or by the counter tool are damped to such an extent that they are no longer noticeable in the processing effect.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2000Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Eduard Kusters Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Klaus Kubik
-
Publication number: 20030121588Abstract: An absorbent article including one or more images disposed thereon and a method for making the same are provided according to the present invention, wherein an ultrasonic assembly is used to impart sufficient energy to a deformed web to either partially or fully melt the web either in the deformed areas, or non-deformed areas to thereby form an image. The method can be used to print graphics directly on an absorbent article after its formation, or it can be used to print graphics on an appliqué layer that is subsequently placed on a predetermined portion of the absorbent article.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventors: Sunita Pargass, Joseph Vergona
-
Patent number: 6585836Abstract: A flat cable includes first and second insulator sheets, and a plurality of conductor elements arranged in parallel relation to one another over the length of the sheets. The first insulator sheet is provided with an adhesive layer. The conductor elements are interposed between the adhesive layer and the second insulator sheet. The first and second insulator sheets are first press-adhered under heat through the adhesive layer, and then bonded by an ultrasonic welding unit. The ultrasonic welding unit includes a horn for imparting ultrasonic oscillations, and an anvil placed in opposition to the horn. The first and second insulator sheets are bonded in the zones which extend along the length of the sheets and are located outside the loci where the conductor elements are arranged. The bonding is performed either continuously or in an intermittent manner. In a flat cable thus produced, the conductor elements embedded therein are efficiently prevented from mutual short-circuiting.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Tomonori Inagaki, Yoshiaki Yamano, Koji Fukumoto
-
Patent number: 6585840Abstract: A process and apparatus for making a three-dimensional garment. The process is carried out by loading an insert onto an expandable/retractable process loop fixture. A waist elastic member can be bonded to a waist area of the insert. A garment shell can be applied over the insert and the waist elastic member. A waist area of the garment shell can be attached to the waist elastic member and to the waist area of the insert.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Gerald L. Rabe, Joseph R. Alberts, Joseph Daniel Coenen, Edward A. Drezdzon, II, Thomas David Ehlert, Donald Merlin Fries, Richard M. Konetzke, James Frederick Roth, Robert Eugene Vogt
-
Patent number: 6585853Abstract: A bonding apparatus has a relay stage for a chip, a bonding head, and a substrate stage. The bonding head and the substrate stage are moved relatively so that the chip is bonded to the substrate. A delivery mechanism having a retention portion for retaining the chip and the substrate is provided movably relatively to the relay stage and the substrate stage. The chip retained by the retention portion is mounted onto the relay stage, while the substrate retained by the retention portion is mounted onto the substrate stage, or while the retention portion retains the substrate mounted on the substrate stage.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tetsuo Kitaguchi
-
Patent number: 6585839Abstract: A method of fabricating a fiber matrix composite structure including assembling a plurality of plies of fiber-reinforced polymer-matrix material on a mandrel; engaging an ultrasonic horn with the top surface of uppermost ply; and orienting the horn at an acute angle with respect to the top surface and energizing the horn to inducing a shear force in the plies to heat and consolidate the plies.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.Inventors: Jack A. Woods, Joseph S. Boyce, Dave A. Evans
-
Publication number: 20030111156Abstract: A method and apparatus (20) for ultrasonic bonding or other processing can include a rotatable ultrasonic horn member (28) having a first axial side (30) and a second axial side (32). The first axial side (30) of the horn member (28) can be operatively joined to a first rotatable axle member (34), and the first axle member (34) can be operatively joined to a first isolation member (42). The second axial side (32) of the horn member (28) can be operatively joined to a second rotatable axle member (36), and the second axle member (36) can be operatively joined to a second isolation member (44). The isolation members (42, 44) are capable of bending under a horn-life range of sonic frequencies to provide an operative component of motion along a radial direction (102) of each isolation member (42, 44), and an operative component of motion along an axial direction (100) of each isolation member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2001Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Patrick Sean McNichols, Timothy James Blenke, Thomas David Ehlert, Tauhid Husain, Daniel Edward Wallander, Norman Rudolf Stegelmann
-
Publication number: 20030111157Abstract: An ultrasonic processing method and apparatus (20) can include a rotatable, ultrasonic horn member (28) that is operatively joined to an isolation member (42) which has high rigidity. Additionally, a rotatable anvil member (86) can be cooperatively positioned to provide a selected horn-anvil gap (106) between the anvil member (86) and the horn member (28). A transfer device (110) can be configured to selectively adjust the horn-anvil gap (106), and an automated drive (130) can be operatively connected to the transfer device (110) to selectively modify the horn-anvil gap (106). A force sensor (126) can be configured to detect a gap force at the horn-anvil gap (106), and an electronic processor (128) can be configured to employ an output from the force sensor (126) to monitor the gap force, and provide a drive signal to the automated drive (130) to thereby adjust the horn-anvil gap (106).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2001Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Thomas David Ehlert, Patrick Sean McNichols, Barton Andrew Laughlin, Harold Norbert Heller, Timothy James Blenke, Tauhid Husain, Paul Gordon Klemp, John Ford Condron
-
Patent number: 6578753Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer used in a bonding apparatus, comprising a first hollow section, which communicates with a rear end opening formed in a base end of a horn body of the transducer, and an inner unit, which is installed inside the first hollow section. The inner unit comprises a vibrator assembly and a pressing block, and the pressing block pushes and fastens in place the vibrator assembly in the first hollow section. A through-hole is formed in the central portion of the inner unit, and a second hollow section and third hollow section are further formed in the horn body. Signal wires are connected to the vibrator assembly through the rear end opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ShinkawaInventor: Mitsuaki Sakakura
-
Patent number: 6562166Abstract: A method of achieving a workpiece material property change using a horn with a set of activation teeth as a source of ultrasonic energy and an anvil with a second set of activation teeth. The workpiece is engaged in tension between the two sets of activation teeth.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: John C. Molander, D. Randell Greer
-
Patent number: 6558491Abstract: An ultrasonic welder 10 for providing improved surface finish on weldable material, including an anvil 22 and a fabric element 30 positioned between the anvil 22 and the weldable material 24 thereby protecting the surface finish on the weldable material 24.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ray Jahn, Oludele Olusegun Popoola, Larry Van Reatherford, Ronald Paul Cooper
-
Patent number: 6554930Abstract: An apparatus for welding monofilaments at a loom makes possible a method for a continuous process for weaving monofilaments into fabric. The apparatus comprises a stand (15) on which is mounted welding apparatus (16) and a filament alignment block (20). In the method, a monofilament (30a) in the loom is welded to the leading end of a monofilament (30) on a new spool of monofilament. By welding new monofilament to monofilament in the loom, restringing of the loom is avoided.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Robert John Gartland, Kenneth Michael Kot, Jimmy Lee Richards
-
Patent number: 6554957Abstract: A method and device for accommodating, by self adjustment, for part interface variations. A self adjusting fixture for accommodating for part interface variation includes a part support member having a first self adjusting member engagement element. The self adjusting fixture also includes a pedestal having a second self adjusting member engagement element engaged with the first self adjusting member engagement element to permit axial deflection of the part support member relative to the pedestal.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development CompanyInventor: Kevin J. Urlaub