Abstract: A method for inflating a chamber in an article composed at least partially of polymer layers, such as thermoplastic layers. The method can allow for forming an aperture in a polymer layer, inflating a chamber or volume in fluid communication with the aperture, and then welding or sealing the chamber so that the inflation fluid is substantially retained in the chamber and/or does not escape via the aperture. In various aspects, the formation of the aperture, inflation of the chamber, and sealing of the chamber or aperture can be performed by a single tool and/or based on a single registration of the thermoplastic article with a tool. In some aspects, formation of the aperture is enabled in part by using a punch with a cupped surface that allows the top layer of a thermoplastic article to be breached without forming a hole in at least one lower layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a cartridge with medical gas, comprising a sealing mechanism designed to removably seal against the open end of an uncapped and empty cartridge, evacuate the cartridge, producing at least a partial vacuum therein, fill the cartridge with medical gas at a predetermined pressure and temperature, and maintain the predetermined pressure and temperature while the cartridge is capped is presented.

Abstract: A tool for inflating a chamber (50) in an article composed at least partially of polymer layers, such as thermoplastic layers. The tool can allow for forming an aperture in a polymer layer (350), inflating a chamber (50) or volume (130) in fluid communication with the aperture, and then welding or sealing the chamber (50) so that the inflation fluid is substantially retained in the chamber (50) and/or does not escape via the aperture. In various aspects, the formation of the aperture, inflation of the chamber (50), and sealing of the chamber (50) or aperture can be performed by a single tool and/or based on a single registration of the thermoplastic article with a tool. In some aspects, formation of the aperture is enabled in part by using a punch (100, 201, 205) with a cupped surface (341) that allows the top layer of a thermoplastic article to be breached without forming a hole in at least one lower layer (350).

Abstract: Affords a compound semiconductor substrate packaging method for preventing oxidation of the surface of compound semiconductor substrates.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a closed metallic canister with a gas under pressure comprising means for forming a gas filling opening in the canister, and dispensing means for sequentially injecting a high pressure gas through the gas filling opening to charge the canister, and depositing and fusing a fusible body in the gas filling opening, while continuing to inject gas into the canister and utilize the force of the gas to urge the dispensing means into sealing engagement with the canister being charged.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a metallic canister having a filler opening therein with a gas under pressure and then sealing the opening to provide a closed, pressurized canister including means having a guide passageway therethrough, engageable with the canister in sealing engagement with the guide passageway communicating with the filler opening of the canister, means for conveying a gas under pressure to the guide passageway of the sealing means when the sealing means is disposed in sealing engagement with the canister, rotary means for dispensing a welding ball for delivery through the sealing means to be deposited on the canister across the filler opening therein and means for fusing the welding ball when positioned on the canister to close the filler opening in the canister.

Abstract: A balancing device for a drum type washing machine is attached to a spin basket of the washing machine. The balancing device includes annular-shaped races that house balls and oil. The balls are seated in each race, and oil is supplied to the inside of each race through a hole formed thereon. Then, the hole is sealed by a welding process.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a metallic canister having a filler opening therein with a gas under pressure and then sealing the opening to provide a closed, pressurized canister including means having a guide passageway therethrough, engageable with the canister in sealing engagement with the guide passageway communicating with the filler opening of the canister, means for conveying a gas under pressure to the guide passageway of the sealing means when the sealing means is disposed in sealing engagement with the canister, rotary means for dispensing a welding ball for delivery through the sealing means to be deposited on the canister across the filler opening therein and means for fusing the welding ball when positioned on the canister to close the filler opening in the canister.

Abstract: A system for charging a metallic canister having a filler opening therein with a gas under pressure and then sealing the opening to provide a closed, pressurized canister generally consisting of means for retaining the canister in a predetermined orientation, a sealing member having a guide passageway therein displaceable between an extended position in sealing engagement with a canister disposed in the predetermined orientation, with the guide passageway therein communicating with the filler opening of the canister, and a retracted position out of sealing engagement with the canister, a first means for applying a gas under pressure to a first side of the sealing member to urge the sealing member into into its retracted position, second means for supplying a gas under pressure to an opposite side of the sealing member to urge the sealing member into its extended position in sealing engagement with the canister, third means for supplying a gas under a third pressure to the guide passageway of the sealing membe

Abstract: A method and apparatus especially useful for supplying inert gas to a highly pressurized pressure vessel, such as a hybrid inflator for an automotive airbag module, and weld sealing the gas passage or opening therein to avoid or substantially eliminate weld cracks. The apparatus for accomplishing same comprises no moving parts and the welding is accomplished by utilizing either a groove or a conical rise feature formed into the end plug or wall surface of the pressure vessel wall surrounding the gas passage or opening so that no additional filler material is required to obtain the weld seal. The method and apparatus may also be used to weld seal low or non-pressurized vessels as well as vacuum vessels.

Abstract: Invention discloses a heated die to form long lived aperatures in upper region of plastic wrapped packages; said die featuring improved construction providing focused unidirectional heat flow to avoid package failure leading to product deterioration and package failure and disengagement with display hangers; said heat control effected by micro control of flow of energizing electricity.

Abstract: A plunger placed through an opening in a heat pipe enclosure is heated to a temperature above the saturation temperature of the working fluid in the heat pipe to prevent the fluid from condensing across the gap between the plunger and the opening and to allow non-condensible gases to escape. Thereafter, the plunger is melted to seal the heat pipe. The plunger and at least that part of the heat pipe with the opening therethrough are made from the same materials.