A sheet space-detecting device detects a space between a rear end of a preceding first fiber reinforced plastic sheet and a front end of a following second fiber reinforced plastic sheet in a conveyance path for fiber reinforced plastic sheets and includes: a light-detecting sensor that projects detection light on an area including the rear end of the first fiber reinforced plastic sheet, the front end of the second fiber reinforced plastic sheet, and a reference surface exposed from the space and receives reflected light thereof; and a spacer that supports the rear end of the first fiber reinforced plastic sheet and the front end of the second fiber reinforced plastic sheet in a state where the rear end and the front end are separated from the reference surface, in an area including at least a light-projected area on which the detection light is projected.

Manufacturing capsules, comprising preparing a first and a second capsule element, at least the first element containing a cavity, each element, being provided with a peripheral ring, bringing the elements together, so that the rings are superimposed, placing the two elements between a sonotrode and an anvil, the anvil containing an anvil recess and a striking surface, surrounding the anvil recess, the sonotrode including a sonotrode recess, with the same cross-section as the anvil recess, and a working surface surrounding the sonotrode recess, wherein the striking and working surfaces are configures to come into contact with each other on a working area, extending around the recesses, clamping the rings between the working surface and the striking surface by the proximity of a sonotrode and the anvil, activating the sonotrode and directing the ultrasound towards the anvil, whilst maintaining the clamping action, wherein the rings are detached from the capsule.

Apparatus configured to enable the staking of an interfacing part to a base is provided. The apparatus includes a retainer configured to convey a stake and the interfacing part to the base. The apparatus is further configured to provide a heat and/or vibration to effect the simultaneous attachment of the stake to the base and the interfacing part to the base.

A method for joining a first component and a second component. The method includes forming a first bond between the first component and the second component by providing a plurality of projections on the first component and embedding the plurality of projections in the second component; creating a fastener hole which passes through the first component and the second component and which encompasses at least one of the projections; and forming a second bond between the first component and the second component by installing a fastener in the fastener hole.

A method of making an array of vapor cells for an array of magnetometers includes providing a plurality of separate vapor cell elements, each vapor cell element including at least one vapor cell; arranging the vapor cell elements in an alignment jig to produce a selected arrangement of the vapor cells; attaching at least one alignment-maintaining film onto the vapor cell elements in the alignment jig; transferring the vapor cells elements and the at least one alignment-maintaining film from the alignment jig to a mold; injecting a bonding material into the mold and between the vapor cell elements to bond the vapor cell elements in the selected arrangement; removing the at least one alignment maintaining film from the vapor cell elements; and removing the bonded vapor cells elements in the selected arrangement from the mold to provide the array of vapor.

A pipe coupler has: an axis; and a body portion surrounding the axis. A circumferentially segmented collar extends from a first axial end of the body portion and has an inner diameter surface and an outer diameter surface. A plurality of fingers project from a second axial end of the body portion, axially opposite the first end and have inward radial projections.

Disclosed is a method for producing components from fiber-reinforced thermoplastic. The method involves manufacturing a multitude of semifinished products, each of which includes a plurality of impregnated fabric layers that are joined to one another only locally, as well as a frame structure having at least one cutout. The semifinished products are consolidated using a consolidation device, an inlay element being placed in each cutout before the semifinished products are consolidated.

Methods for ultrasonic welding of thermoplastic polymer workpieces and assemblies made therefrom are provided. The method may comprise disposing a first region of a first thermoplastic polymer workpiece and a second region of a second thermoplastic polymer workpiece between an ultrasonic horn and an anvil of an ultrasonic welding device. The first workpiece has a preformed deformation and at least one of the first and/or second workpieces has an adhesive precursor applied thereto. The ultrasonic horn or anvil seats within the preformed deformation. Ultrasonic energy is applied from the ultrasonic horn to create a weld nugget between the first and second workpieces. The assembly thus formed has a green strength sufficient to be further processed immediately. The methods provide a robust weld joint with controlled adhesive bondline thickness.

A joint structure comprises a light-absorbable member having at least one opening portion and a light-permeable member superposed on the light-absorbable member so as to cover the opening portion, wherein an annular weld part is formed so as to enclose the opening portion and join the light-absorbable member and the light-permeable member, and the light-permeable member is formed into a thin sheet adhering to the light-absorbable member by deforming at a depressurized state of an interior of the opening portion before the formation of the annular weld part.

A joint structure comprises a light-absorbable member having at least one opening portion and a light-permeable member superposed on the light-absorbable member so as to cover the opening portion, wherein a first annular weld part is formed so as to enclose the opening portion and join the light-absorbable member and the light-permeable member, and a second dot-like weld part(s) joining the light-absorbable member and the light-permeable member is/are formed in a position adjacent to the first weld part.