The method of bonding a first object (1) to a second object (2) uses a connector, the connector having a first sheet portion and a second sheet portion (32). The first sheet portion has at least one outwardly protruding first attachment portion (33), and the second sheet portion has at least one outwardly protruding second attachment portion (34). The connector (3) further has a spacer between the first and second sheet portions. For bonding, the first and second objects (1, 2) and the connector (3) are positioned relative to each other so that the connector is placed between the first and second objects. Then the first and second objects (1, 2) are pressed against each other while mechanical vibration energy impinges on the first and/or second object until a first flow portion of thermoplastic material of the first object in contact with the first attachment portion(s) and a second flow portion of thermoplastic material in contact with the second attachment portion(s) become flowable allowing the respective attachment portions (33, 34) to be pressed into material of the first and second object, respectively. After re-solidification of the flow portions, a positive-fit connection between the first and second objects via the connector results. The spacer defines a width (w) of a gap between the first and second objects (1, 2) after bonding.

An article is formed by joining two or more layers in a stable structure, containing at least one composite layer that can be melted, with tensile and shear strength. The article is assembled by one or more mechanical fasteners and melt adhesion regions.

A recyclable polyethylene man-door comprises an interior panel and an exterior door panel, each panel having a horizontal pattern of cut-outs and optionally comprising a blend of mineral additives that do not adversely affect the recyclability of the finished product.

A bioreactor sensing system is presented. The bioreactor sensing system comprises a bioreaction vessel. The bioreaction vessel comprises an aperture configured to provide an interface for monitoring contents within the bioreaction vessel. The bioreaction vessel also comprises a port coupled to the bioreaction vessel proximate the aperture. The bioreactor sensing system also comprises a sensing device disposed at least partially within the port such that a sensing element is exposed to the contents. The bioreactor sensing system also comprises an external seal configured to be applied over a portion of the sensing device and a portion of the port.

The present invention is provided with: an insulation holder formed of a thermoplastic resin material and having a first opening; a wire connection ring formed of a thermoplastic resin material and having a second opening; and a joining component inserted astride in the first opening and the second opening, the joining component being formed of a metal material having a higher melting point than those of the thermoplastic resin materials, the joining component having a higher stiffness than those of the insulation holder and the wire connection ring, wherein a welded part is formed by welding in at least a part of an area where each of the insulation holder and the wire connection ring has contact with the joining component.

An adhesive member includes: a first pin portion to be inserted into a first hole formed in a first adherend member; a second pin portion which is to be inserted into a second hole formed in a second adherend member to be adhered to the first adherend member, and is formed coaxially with the first pin portion; and a flange portion which is formed using an adhesive, and is mounted to a side surface of the first pin portion or a side surface of the second pin portion in a flange shape.

The present inventive concept includes a duct system and method for using same to map and locate ducts. A preferred embodiment of the duct system includes a duct, a plurality of electronic information modules and an oversheath at least partially covering the plurality of information modules and fixing the information modules to the duct. The plurality of information modules are configured to emit a positional signal to enable location of the information modules and associated duct(s) and/or mapping of the duct system.

The present inventive concept includes a duct system and method for using same to map and locate ducts. A preferred embodiment of the duct system includes a duct, a plurality of electronic information modules and an oversheath at least partially covering the plurality of information modules and fixing the information modules to the duct. The plurality of information modules are configured to emit a positional signal to enable location of the information modules and associated duct(s) and/or mapping of the duct system.

The present invention relates to a self-punching functional element that is adapted for punching into a workpiece, in particular into a sheet metal part. It comprises a head part forming a flange and having a contact surface for contact with the workpiece; and a punching section that extends away from the head part, in particular from the contact surface, and that is in particular arranged coaxially to a central longitudinal axis of the functional element. The punching section has a peripheral punching edge at its free end for punching through the workpiece and surrounds a cavity in a peripheral direction, said cavity having an opening defined by the punching edge. An inner wall of the punching section facing the cavity has at least one elevated slug securing portion projecting radially inwardly into the cavity, in particular wherein the elevated portion has the form of a rib extending in an axial direction.

A composite panel assembly including a first panel with a first skin, a second skin, a core, and an assembly flange. A second panel includes a first skin, a second skin, a core, and an assembly flange. A fastening device is adapted to fasten the assembly flange of the first panel to the assembly flange of the second panel, wherein the core of one of the first panel or the second panel includes reinforcing pins and a high-density portion placed along the assembly flange.