Abstract: The present disclosure relates to assembling elastic laminates that may be used to make absorbent article components. Methods herein may include an anvil adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation, wherein first and second spreader mechanisms adjacent the anvil roll are axially and angularly displaced from each other with respect to the axis of rotation. During the assembly process, a substrate may be advanced in a machine direction onto the rotating anvil. The first spreader mechanism stretches a first elastic material in the cross direction, and the second spreader mechanism stretches a second elastic material in the cross direction. The stretched first and second elastic materials advance from the spreader mechanisms and onto the substrate on the anvil roll. The combined and elastic materials may then be ultrasonically bonded together on the anvil to form at least one elastic laminate.

Abstract: A system includes a first structure, wherein the first structure lacks space inversion symmetry, and wherein the first structure includes a first elastic lattice. The system further includes a second structure, wherein the second structure lacks space inversion symmetry, and wherein the second structure includes a second elastic lattice. Additionally, the system includes the first structure coupled to the second structure such that the first structure and the second structure have a mirror symmetry to each other.

Abstract: An energy apparatus can be configured for providing energy to an item being transferred over a rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can include a first energy mechanism configured to be fixedly coupled to the rotatable drum and rotate with the rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can also include a second energy mechanism configured to rotate around a circumference of the rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can additionally include a translation system coupled to the second energy mechanism and configured to move the second energy mechanism to an end position that allows the second energy mechanism and the first energy mechanism to provide energy to the item while there is no relative motion between the first energy mechanism and the second energy mechanism. Methods of providing energy to an item utilizing an energy apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming a fixing layer, coupling a third substrate different from the first substrate and the second substrate to the fixing layer, separating the semiconductor thin film layer from the first substrate by moving the third substrate away from the base material substrate with the third substrate coupled to the coupling region, and bonding the semiconductor thin film layer to the second substrate after separation from the base material substrate, wherein the forming the fixing layer forms the fixing layer having a thickness such lhat a crack is generated between the fixing layer formed on the first substrate and the fixing layer formed on a side surface of the semiconductor thin film layer by a force for moving the third substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for assembling elastic laminates that may be used to make absorbent article components. Particular aspects of the present disclosure involve providing a first substrate and a second substrate, the first substrate and the second substrate, each having a width in a cross direction; providing an activated elastic material; elongating the activated elastic material; and ultrasonically bonding the first substrate together with the second substrate with the elongated activated elastic material positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate.

Abstract: The methods herein relate to assembling an elastic laminate with a first elastic material and a second elastic material bonded between first and second substrates. During assembly, an elastic laminate may be formed by positioning the first and second substrates in contact with stretched central regions of the first and second elastic materials. The elastic laminates may include two or more bonding regions that may be defined by the various layers or components of the elastic laminate that are laminated or stacked relative to each other. In some configurations, a first plurality of ultrasonic bonds are applied to the elastic laminate to define a first bond density in the first bonding region, and a second plurality of ultrasonic bonds are applied to the elastic laminate to define a second bond density in the second bonding region, wherein the second bond density is not equal to the first bond density.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to assembling elastic laminates that may be used to make absorbent article components. Methods herein may include an anvil adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation, wherein first and second spreader mechanisms adjacent the anvil roll are axially and angularly displaced from each other with respect to the axis of rotation. During the assembly process, a substrate may be advanced in a machine direction onto the rotating anvil. The first spreader mechanism stretches a first elastic material in the cross direction, and the second spreader mechanism stretches a second elastic material in the cross direction. The stretched first and second elastic materials advance from the spreader mechanisms and onto the substrate on the anvil roll. The combined and elastic materials may then be ultrasonically bonded together on the anvil to form at least one elastic laminate.

Abstract: A needle-equipped outer cylinder includes: a needle tube; a joining member comprising: a needle tube accommodation hole that accommodates a proximal end side portion of the needle tube and penetrates the joining member from a distal end of the joining member to a proximal end of the joining member, and a joining outer peripheral portion provided on an outer peripheral portion of the needle tube accommodation hole; and an outer cylinder member comprising: a distal end joint that comprises an inner cavity that receives the joining outer peripheral portion of the joining member from a distal end side, and a projection located at a proximal end portion of the inner cavity and projecting into the inner cavity. The joining member comprises, at a proximal end portion of the joining member, an abutment portion that abuts the projection of the outer cylinder member.

Abstract: A method of producing a golf ball applies ultrasonic welding on two half shells to form at least one intermediate layer, at least one cover layer, or at least one intermediate layer and at least one cover layer. The ultrasonic welding may include pressing the two half shells together, delivering a high power electrical signal to a welding stack, and converting the high power electrical signal at the welding stack to ultrasonic energy. The converting may include converting the high power electrical signal into a mechanical vibration, modifying an amplitude of the mechanical vibration to generate a modified mechanical vibration, and applying the modified mechanical vibration to an interface of the two half shells to weld them together ultrasonically. Aspects also relate to golf balls, or one or more layers thereof, made using ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single serve capsule (1) for producing a beverage, comprising a capsule body (2). Said capsule body has a capsule bottom (3), a sidewall (22), a collar edge (5), and a cover (6). A cavity (100) for accommodating a beverage substrate in the form of a powder, granules, cut leaves or liquid is formed between the capsule bottom and the cover. A filter element (7) is arranged in the cavity, and the filter element is produced of non-woven fiber material. The filter element has a cut-out in which no filtering material is provided. The present invention also relates to a method for producing a single serve capsule.

Abstract: A method of anchoring a connector in a first object, wherein the first object is a lightweight building element having a first outer building layer and an interlining layer, and wherein the connector includes thermoplastic material in a solid state. The method includes: bringing a coupling surface portion of the connector into contact with an attachment location of the first outer building layer; displacing a portion of the first outer building layer at the attachment location with respect to the interlining layer by applying a first pressing force to the first outer building layer and thereby piercing the first outer building layer; applying a second pressing force to the connector and transferring energy to the connector until a flow portion of the thermoplastic material has liquefied and flown to interpenetrate structures of the interlining layer; and stopping the energy transfer and allowing the flow portion to re-solidify.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus that includes a conveyance device that moves a stage, where an electronic device shaped by multiple layers is placed, in X-axis and Y-axis directions. A first shaping unit, a second shaping unit, and a component mounting unit are arranged within a range in which the stage can move. The manufacturing apparatus performs additive manufacturing of the electronic device on the stage by performing a sequential movement of the stage to respective working positions of different units. As a result, in this manufacturing apparatus, a workpiece on the stage does not have to be removed and repositioned during each work process such as shaping by a first shaping unit, shaping by a second shaping unit, and electronic component mounting by a component mounting unit.

Abstract: A method of producing a golf ball applies ultrasonic welding on two half shells to form at least one intermediate layer, at least one cover layer, or at least one intermediate layer and at least one cover layer. The ultrasonic welding may include pressing the two half shells together, delivering a high power electrical signal to a welding stack, and converting the high power electrical signal at the welding stack to ultrasonic energy. The converting may include converting the high power electrical signal into a mechanical vibration, modifying an amplitude of the mechanical vibration to generate a modified mechanical vibration, and applying the modified mechanical vibration to an interface of the two half shells to weld them together ultrasonically. Aspects also relate to golf balls, or one or more layers thereof, made using ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: A method of fastening a second object to a fiber composite part including a structure of fibers embedded in a matrix material includes: providing the fiber composite part including an attachment surface, with a portion of the structure of fibers being exposed at the attachment surface; providing the second object; placing the second object relative to the fiber composite part, with a resin in a flowable state between the attachment surface and the connector; pressing the second object and the fiber composite part against each other and causing mechanical vibration to act on the second object or the fiber composite part or both, thereby causing the resin to infiltrate the exposed structure of fibers and activating the resin to cross-link; whereby the resin, after cross-linking, secures the second object to the fiber composite part.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to assembling elastic laminates that may be used to make absorbent article components. Methods herein may include an anvil adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation, wherein first and second spreader mechanisms adjacent the anvil roll are axially and angularly displaced from each other with respect to the axis of rotation. During the assembly process, a substrate may be advanced in a machine direction onto the rotating anvil. The first spreader mechanism stretches a first elastic material in the cross direction, and the second spreader mechanism stretches a second elastic material in the cross direction. The stretched first and second elastic materials advance from the spreader mechanisms and onto the substrate on the anvil roll. The combined and elastic materials may then be ultrasonically bonded together on the anvil to form at least one elastic laminate.

Abstract: A method of bonding a first object to a second object, including the steps of: providing a profile body having a first profile body portion; providing the first object, wherein the first object has thermoplastic material; providing the second object, wherein the profile body is separate from and attachable to the second object or wherein the second object includes the profile body; embedding the profile body in the first object such that the first profile body portion is within the thermoplastic material of the first object. Embedding the profile body in the first object is caused by mechanical energy impinging on the first object and/or on the second object while the first object and the second object are pressed against each other.

Abstract: An energy apparatus can be configured for providing energy to an item being transferred over a rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can include a first energy mechanism configured to be fixedly coupled to the rotatable drum and rotate with the rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can also include a second energy mechanism configured to rotate around a circumference of the rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can additionally include a translation system coupled to the second energy mechanism and configured to move the second energy mechanism to an end position that allows the second energy mechanism and the first energy mechanism to provide energy to the item while there is no relative motion between the first energy mechanism and the second energy mechanism. Methods of providing energy to an item utilizing an energy apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: The methods herein relate to assembling an elastic laminate with a first elastic material and a second elastic material bonded between first and second substrates. During assembly, an elastic laminate may be formed by positioning the first and second substrates in contact with stretched central regions of the first and second elastic materials. The elastic laminates may include two or more bonding regions that may be defined by the various layers or components of the elastic laminate that are laminated or stacked relative to each other. In some configurations, a first plurality of ultrasonic bonds are applied to the elastic laminate to define a first bond density in the first bonding region, and a second plurality of ultrasonic bonds are applied to the elastic laminate to define a second bond density in the second bonding region, wherein the second bond density is not equal to the first bond density.

Abstract: The relates to a method of mechanically securing a first object to a second object and includes the steps of: providing the first object including thermoplastic material in a solid state, providing the second object with a generally flat sheet portion having an edge, positioning the first object relative to the second object and bringing the first object and the second object to a relative movement to each other. The relative movement includes a rotational movement, such that a melting zone including flowable thermoplastic material is formed and such that thermoplastic material of the melting zone flows around the edge to at least partially embed the edge in the thermoplastic material. The invention further concerns a connector that is suitable for being used in a method according to the invention.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include a system for joining components. The system can include a rotating base platform, a plurality of receptacles mounted to the base platform, and a rotating sonotrode platform. A plurality of sonotrodes are mounted to the sonotrode platform. Each sonotrode can correspond to a receptacle. Each sonotrode can move in a reciprocating motion between a release position distant from a corresponding receptacle and a compressing position proximal to the corresponding receptacle. The compressing position occurs at a first angular position of the sonotrode platform. Each sonotrode is energized at the compressing position.

Abstract: A process for joining two sheeting articles reinforced with unidirectionally aligned endless-fibres by ultrasonic welding, wherein the fibres are embedded in a matrix of polycarbonate and the sheeting articles have abutting ends that are substantially rectangular and substantially even. The process comprises (1) arranging the sheeting articles next to one another end-to-end in the region of the abutting ends in a welding apparatus between a sonotrode and an anvil, (2) welding the sheeting articles by means of ultrasound, wherein the sonotrode and the anvil exert pressure on the to-be-welded sheeting articles in the melting region between the sheeting articles and perpendicularly to the abutting ends of the sheeting articles, and (3) removing the sheeting articles that are welded to one another from the welding apparatus. Also provided is a second process for joining two sheeting articles, a sheeting article, an apparatus, and a multilayer composite.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for assembling cartridges for aerosol delivery devices. A system may include assembly cells each including an assembly track and assembly carriages that ride thereon and which engage components of partially-assembled cartridges. A transfer apparatus may transfer partially-assembled cartridges between the assembly cells. In another example system, cartridges may be assembled on platforms on a rotary track. The platforms may include assembly grippers with sequentially-opening clamps configured to receive the components of the partially-assembled cartridges. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward assembly of pleat packs using a welder and an anvil that can push adjacent pleat panels together along a crease. Other aspects are directed to welding pocket pleats and welded pocket pleats formed thereby that are suitable for filter fluid and ultrasonically cutting and sealing seams into filter media using a welding assembly such as an ultrasonic sonotrode and an anvil.

Abstract: Aspects relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for a manufacturing tool. The manufacturing tool is comprised of a vacuum tool and an ultrasonic welder as a unified manufacturing tool. The manufacturing tool may be used to pick and position a manufacturing part that is then welded with the associated ultrasonic welder.

Abstract: The methods herein relate to assembling an elastic laminate with a first elastic material and a second elastic material bonded between first and second substrates. During assembly, an elastic laminate may be formed by positioning the first and second substrates in contact with stretched central regions of the first and second elastic materials. The elastic laminates may include two or more bonding regions that may be defined by the various layers or components of the elastic laminate that are laminated or stacked relative to each other. In some configurations, a first plurality of ultrasonic bonds are applied to the elastic laminate to define a first bond density in the first bonding region, and a second plurality of ultrasonic bonds are applied to the elastic laminate to define a second bond density in the second bonding region, wherein the second bond density is not equal to the first bond density.

Abstract: A perforated sheath is anchored in a tissue opening with the aid of a tool, wherein the anchorage is achieved with the aid of mechanical vibration and a material which is liquefiable by the vibration. The tool includes a vibrating element and a counter element. Distal portions of both elements are introduced into the sheath to be in contact with each other at an interface. The vibrating element is connected to a vibration source and the vibrating element and the counter element are held against each other for effecting liquefaction of the liquefiable material at the interface. Under the effect of the force applied to the vibrating and counter element for holding them against each other, the liquefied material flows from the interface through the sheath perforation and penetrates the tissue.

Abstract: Methods for forming absorbent articles and side seam bonds of absorbent articles are described. In one embodiment, a method of forming absorbent articles may comprise advancing webs, coupling absorbent cores to the webs intermittently to form open absorbent article chassis, folding the absorbent article chassis, forming a first side seam bond first bond pair between a first region of the webs and a second region of the webs with a first ultrasonic horn, forming a second side seam bond of the bond pair between the first region and the second region with a second ultrasonic horn, the first bond being associated with a first absorbent article chassis and the second side seam bond being associated with a second absorbent article chassis, and cutting the folded absorbent article chassis between the first bond and the second bond to separate the first absorbent article chassis from the second absorbent article chassis.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an ultrasonic cutting holder for a honeycomb core, including a holder, a swing mechanism, a transducer, a first-stage amplitude transformer, a second-stage amplitude transformer, an ultrasonic cutting tool, and an ultrasonic power transmission mechanism. The present disclosure provides an ultrasonic cutting holder for a honeycomb core with large amplitude output capacity and considering the interchangeability requirements among different vibration systems, which solves the problem of the applicability of ultrasonic cutting holder on the universal machine tool and improves the automation level of ultrasonic cutting.

Abstract: An ultrasonic vibration welding apparatus includes an air cylinder that is coupled to an ultrasonic welding head unit and executes a pressurizing operation of pressurizing on the ultrasonic welding head unit, and a lifting-lowering servomotor that executes a lifting-lowering operation including a lowering operation of lowering the ultrasonic welding head unit and the air cylinder at once, as components separate from each other.

Abstract: A sealing device for sealing edges of composite fiber components includes a strip feeder to apply a thermoplastic semifinished product to a cut edge of a composite fiber component, and an ultrasonic welding apparatus to thermoplastically or integrally join the thermoplastic semifinished product to the cut edge of the composite fiber component by ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: A device for joining material by anchoring an insert comprising a first material in a structure comprising a second material is provided. The first material is solid and comprises thermoplastic properties and the second material is solid and is penetrable by the first material when in a liquefied state. The device comprises a vibration device being configured to transmit vibrations to said insert to cause at least partial liquefaction thereof and being arranged to move, relative to said structure, along an insertion direction (ID) to insert said insert at least partly into said structure, a contact sensor being connected to the vibration device and being adapted to move together with the vibration device along the insertion direction (ID), the contact sensor having a sensor body being adapted to detect contact with said structure.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the speed of both a continuous web and a bonding apparatus is provided in order to effectuate stronger bonds in the web. The bonding system includes a velocity changing device for increasing and decreasing a velocity of the web in a machine direction, an anvil and a corresponding ultrasonic horn that interact to form ultrasonic bonds on the web, and an anvil actuator configured to control a movement of the anvil. A control system is also included in the bonding system for controlling operation of the anvil actuator the velocity changing device, with the control system programmed to decrease a moving velocity of the web from a feed velocity to a bonding velocity as the web passes between the anvil and the ultrasonic horn and control movement of the anvil to synchronize the movement of the anvil with the moving velocity of the web.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an elastic composite structure includes a first roller configured to transport a web layer in a machine direction and a laydown guide configured to guide a laydown pattern of a plurality of elastic threads. A rotary anvil comprises a first weld line having a first notch formed in a contact surface of the first weld line, the first notch having a first interior configured to receive a portion of a first elastic thread of the plurality of elastic threads and a portion of the web layer therein. The first notch comprises a facing surface defining at least a portion of the first interior. A smallest orientation angle of a first face axis normal to the facing surface with respect to a contact surface axis normal to the contact surface is a first angle that is less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to three dimensional printers, and reinforced filaments, and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, a void free reinforced filament is fed into an conduit nozzle. The reinforced filament includes a core, which may be continuous or semi-continuous, and a matrix material surrounding the core. The reinforced filament is heated to a temperature greater than a melting temperature of the matrix material and less than a melting temperature of the core prior to drag the filament from the conduit nozzle.

Abstract: A battery structure is disclosed. The battery structure includes a first current collector layer, a first active material layer, a spacer layer, a first plastic frame, a second active material layer and a second current collector layer. The first active material layer is disposed on the first current collector layer. The spacer layer is disposed on the first active material and completely covers the top surface of the first active material layer. The first plastic frame is disposed on the side wall of the spacer layer and the top of the first plastic frame has a protruding part which extends to the top surface of the spacer. The second active material layer is disposed on the spacer layer and the protruding part. The second active material is isolated from the first active material via the space layer and the protruding part. The second current collector layer is disposed on the second active material layer.

Abstract: A fitting or connector for use in constructing a tubing assembly is made by bonding an olefin gasket to an end face of a polypropylene fitting member. The gasket is bonded to the fitting member via a heat fusion technique that causes localized melting together of the gasket and the fitting and generates a composite fitting or connector.

Abstract: A method of bonding a first web of material to a second web of material to form a composite material is disclosed herein. First, a first web of material and a second web of material moving in a machine direction is provided. The webs of material pass over a first energy application device extending transverse in the cross-machine direction. The first energy application device includes a primary bonding pattern and a secondary bonding pattern. The primary bonding pattern in combination with the secondary bonding pattern extends continuously across the first energy application device in the cross-machine direction. In addition, a second energy application device is provided. The second energy application device is moved in the cross-machine direction, and thereby extending the second energy application device over the first energy application device and operating the first and second energy application devices in combination to bond a composite web.

Abstract: An airbag arrangement comprising a flap, which closes a passage opening for an airbag, a hinge section along a side of the flap, an chute wall, which is connected to the flap via the hinge section; and a material web, which is partially arranged in the flap and partially in the chute wall, and transverses the hinge section, wherein the material web is molded into the chute wall and is anchored in the material of the chute wall.

Abstract: An infusion tube system and a method for manufacture are provided, An infusion tube system including an infusion tube and a connector attached to the infusion tube at an end of the infusion tube is disclosed. The connector has a proximal end and includes a connector body extending from a distal end to a proximal end along a center axis and defining a cavity. The connector body includes an end wall with an inner surface, and at least one vent opening, and a sidewall extending from the end wall along the center axis with an inner and outer surface. The connector includes a membrane covering the at least one vent opening, the membrane being welded to the inner surface of the end wall along at least one welding seam including a first welding seam such that the membrane covers and seals the at least one vent opening.

Abstract: A laser bonding method includes forming a bonding part including an adhesive layer and a conductive particle disposed within the adhesive layer on a substrate; aligning a bonding target by disposing the bonding target on a surface of the bonding part opposite the substrate; disposing a pressing part on a surface of the bonding target that is opposite to the bonding part and pressing the bonding target onto the bonding part through the pressing part; heating the bonding target by irradiating at least the pressing part with a laser and conducting heat from the pressing part to the bonding target and from the bonding target to the bonding part; and bonding together the bonding part and the bonding target by the heat conducted from the bonding target to the bonding part so that the conductive particle electrically connects the substrate and the bonding target. The pressing part may be removed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic systems and methods for sealing complex interfaces or for metal forming. Complex interfaces, such as a Gable top, have multiple and a variety of layers across the interface, or an oval or round spout having a complex geometry. An example system includes two ultrasonic horns arranged opposite a gap between which the interface is provided. The frequency and phase of the ultrasonic energy are synchronized as the energy is applied simultaneously while the interface is pressed between a jaw and the energy is applied to both sides of the interface. Another example system includes two ultrasonic transducers synchronized in frequency and phase and used to vibrate a horn mechanically to facilitate a sealing or welding interface or to assist in a metal-forming process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for making an absorbent structure for an absorbent article, comprising a supporting sheet and thereon an absorbent layer, the absorbent layer comprising an absorbent material. According to the present invention a first moving endless surface is provided which has one or more substantially longitudinally extending first mating strips, and at least one further auxiliary moving endless surface is provided which acts against the first mating strips. Pressure is applied between the first moving endless surface and the auxiliary moving endless surface to the first and second supporting sheets at least within a part of the area of the channels, so as to adhere together the first and second supporting sheets.

Abstract: A method of producing a golf ball applies ultrasonic welding on two half shells to form at least one intermediate layer, at least one cover layer, or at least one intermediate layer and at least one cover layer. The ultrasonic welding may include pressing the two half shells together, delivering a high power electrical signal to a welding stack, and converting the high power electrical signal at the welding stack to ultrasonic energy. The converting may include converting the high power electrical signal into a mechanical vibration, modifying an amplitude of the mechanical vibration to generate a modified mechanical vibration, and applying the modified mechanical vibration to an interface of the two half shells to weld them together ultrasonically. Aspects also relate to golf balls, or one or more layers thereof, made using ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: A method for producing an axially movable connection between two tubular components with a plastic as a sliding material therebetween may involve providing the components to be joined where either at least one of the two components has a plastic coating or a plastic sleeve is provided between the components, joining the components to form a unit via a pressing force in an axial direction, clamping the unit in a device in which the components can be clamped and subjected to a displacement force in the axial direction, pressing a sonotrode against an outer of the two components, injecting an ultrasound signal into the sonotrode at a frequency close to the resonance frequency of one of the components, and moving the tubular components back and forth in the axial direction until the displacement force or the displacement velocity reaches a target, and ending the ultrasound signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to assembling elastic laminates that may be used to make absorbent article components. Methods herein may include an anvil adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation, wherein first and second spreader mechanisms adjacent the anvil roll are axially and angularly displaced from each other with respect to the axis of rotation. During the assembly process, a substrate may be advanced in a machine direction onto the rotating anvil. The first spreader mechanism stretches a first elastic material in the cross direction, and the second spreader mechanism stretches a second elastic material in the cross direction. The stretched first and second elastic materials advance from the spreader mechanisms and onto the substrate on the anvil roll. The combined and elastic materials may then be ultrasonically bonded together on the anvil to form at least one elastic laminate.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glazing unit (VIGU) comprises two or more glass lites (panes) spaced apart from one another and hermetically bonded to an edge seal assembly therebetween. The resulting cavity between the lites is evacuated to create at least one insulating vacuum cavity within which are disposed a plurality of stand-off members to maintain separation between the lites. The edge seal assembly is preferably compliant in the longitudinal (i.e., edgewise) direction to allow longitudinal relative motion between the two lites (e.g., from thermal expansion). The longitudinal compliance may be obtained by imprinting a three-dimensional pattern into the edge seal material. The edge seal assembly is preferably bonded to the lites with a first bond portion that is hermetic and a second bond portion that is load-resistant. Methods for producing VIGUs and/or compliant edge seal assemblies and VIGU and edge seal apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of anchoring a connector in a heterogeneous first object that includes a first building layer and, distally of the first building layer, an interlining layer. The method includes providing the first object and the connector, which includes thermoplastic material in a solid state; contacting the connector with the first building layer; applying a first mechanical pressing force to the connector until the first building layer is pierced by the connector and a distal portion of the connector reaches into the interlining layer; applying a second mechanical pressing force and mechanical vibration to the connector until a flow portion of the thermoplastic material is flowable and penetrates structures of the first object, and a distally facing abutment face of the head portion abuts against the metal profile in a region next to the opening; and letting the thermoplastic material resolidify to yield a positive-fit connection.

Abstract: A fusion bonding process for polymeric components and welding heads for use in the process are described. Methods and devices can be utilized to weld polymer-based structural components to one another by use of an enhanced friction stir welding technology that combines heating, pressure, and polymer agitation to form a highly secure joint between polymeric structural components and a short fiber reinforced thermoplastic connection element.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for ultrasonic welding of a workpiece of one or more components. The apparatus includes a horn configured to contact the workpiece and to transmit energy to the workpiece. The horn includes a shank and a tip disposed at an end of the shank facing the workpiece. The tip has a face that has a tip radius forming a curved surface at the face. A knurl is formed on the face across the curved surface.

Abstract: The methods herein relate to assembling an elastic laminate with a first elastic material and a second elastic material bonded between first and second substrates. During assembly, an elastic laminate may be formed by positioning the first and second substrates in contact with stretched central regions of the first and second elastic materials. The elastic laminates may include two or more bonding regions that may be defined by the various layers or components of the elastic laminate that are laminated or stacked relative to each other. In some configurations, a first plurality of ultrasonic bonds are applied to the elastic laminate to define a first bond density in the first bonding region, and a second plurality of ultrasonic bonds are applied to the elastic laminate to define a second bond density in the second bonding region, wherein the second bond density is not equal to the first bond density.