A flexible sealing tube is described that is adapted to be installed in and extend along a bore in the ground for use in a system for exchanging of energy with the ground. The flexible sealing tube has a first tube end to be installed at an inner part of said bore, and the flexible sealing tube is closed in the first tube end. The flexible sealing tube also has a first channel and a second channel extending in a longitudinal direction (L) of the flexible sealing tube, the first and second channels being in fluid connection with each other. The first and second channels are formed by the flexible sealing tube.

A method of anchoring a connector element (10) in a receiving object (66) comprises inserting a distal end of the connector element (10) into a mounting hole in an insertion direction along an insertion axis; inserting a sleeve (36) comprising a thermoplastic material into the mounting hole, the sleeve (36) enclosing the connector element (10); and transferring energy to liquefy at least a portion of the thermoplastic material of the sleeve (36). A machine (500) configured for carrying out the method and a connector element anchoring kit comprising a connector element (10) and a sleeve (36) comprising thermoplastic material.

A method of anchoring a connector element (10) in a receiving object (66) comprises inserting a distal end of the connector element (10) into a mounting hole in an insertion direction along an insertion axis; inserting a sleeve (36) comprising a thermoplastic material into the mounting hole, the sleeve (36) enclosing the connector element (10); and transferring energy to liquefy at least a portion of the thermoplastic material of the sleeve (36). A machine (500) configured for carrying out the method and a connector element anchoring kit comprising a connector element (10) and a sleeve (36) comprising thermoplastic material.

A method for producing a frame component for a door frame structure of an aircraft. A connecting zone is generated on a first and a second assembly surface of a connecting component in each case by generating a surface texture on the assembly surfaces, wherein the connecting component is formed from a metal material. The assembly surfaces of the connecting component are placed against a door frame member and against an attachment member, wherein the door frame member and the attachment member are each formed from a fiber-reinforced thermoplastics material. Furthermore, the connecting component and the door frame member are welded, and the connecting component and the attachment member are welded. A frame component and a door frame structure are also described.

A system and method for welding thermoplastic components is provided. The system includes a component positioning system and a welding subsystem. The component positioning system includes a trailing force applicator having first and second lateral side trailing force applicators disposed on opposite lateral sides of a weld line. The welding subsystem is configured to weld the thermoplastic components together at a weld zone. The first and second lateral side trailing force applicators are laterally spaced apart from the weld zone, and at least a portion of the first and second lateral side trailing force applicators are disposed aft of the weld zone. During welding the first and second lateral side trailing force applicators and a welding subsystem probe are moved relative to the thermoplastic components, or vice versa.

Apparatus and methods are provided to allow for creation of an elastic laminate. Non-stretched elastic can be laid at peaks over a nonwoven layer contained in valleys and atop peaks. Stretched elastic can be laid over tented nonwoven to create nonwoven tunnels when a second nonwoven is laid atop the first nonwoven and elastic, and the tunnels resist un-stretching of stretched elastic strands by frictional or obstruction forces. An elastic assembly or structure comprising a first and second layer of material bonded at spaced apart bond sites is disclosed, with a plurality of elastic strands disposed in a non-linear manner between said first and second layer of material, so that said strands meander in a cross-machine direction and traverse a machine direction line, restraining movement of the strands by frictional forces between the strands and the non-woven layers.

An elastic nonwoven material includes a first non-woven fabric including a plurality of rows. Each row has a plurality of adjacent bonds formed therein. The elastic nonwoven material also includes a first elastic strand entrapped between a first pair of adjacent bonds within a first row of the plurality of rows, and a second elastic strand entrapped between a second pair of adjacent bonds within the first row. A third pair of adjacent bonds within the first row is free of elastic material therebetween and is located between the first pair of adjacent bonds and the second pair of adjacent bonds.

An elastic nonwoven material includes a first non-woven fabric including a plurality of rows. Each row has a plurality of adjacent bonds formed therein. The elastic nonwoven material also includes a first elastic strand entrapped between a first pair of adjacent bonds within a first row of the plurality of rows, and a second elastic strand entrapped between a second pair of adjacent bonds within the first row. A third pair of adjacent bonds within the first row is free of elastic material therebetween and is located between the first pair of adjacent bonds and the second pair of adjacent bonds.

A plastic component having a core that has a thermoset matrix and an add-on part anchored to the core. At least the securing region of the add-on part can be formed from a thermoplastic and is secured by the securing region to the core of the plastic component, the securing region being attached to the core or inserted or pressed into the core, bonding, in a fusible state produced by the application of energy, in particular by ultrasonic vibrations, with the core and being anchored thereto or therein after solidification, in particular, as a connection anchor.

A plastic component having a core that has a thermoset matrix and an add-on part anchored to the core. At least the securing region of the add-on part can be formed from a thermoplastic and is secured by the securing region to the core of the plastic component, the securing region being attached to the core or inserted or pressed into the core, bonding, in a fusible state produced by the application of energy, in particular by ultrasonic vibrations, with the core and being anchored thereto or therein after solidification, in particular, as a connection anchor.