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.

An ultrasonic sealing device including a sonotrode for sealing a packaging material, including a piezoelectric transducer to generate ultrasonic acoustic vibrations for the sealing, a housing, a power circuit connected to the piezoelectric transducer. The power circuit is enclosed in the housing, and an absorbent arranged in the housing to absorb moisture in an atmosphere therein to lower humidity. A method of controlling humidity in an ultrasonic sealing device is also described.

An ultrasonic sealing device including a sonotrode for sealing a packaging material, including a piezoelectric transducer to generate ultrasonic acoustic vibrations for the sealing, a housing, a power circuit connected to the piezoelectric transducer. The power circuit is enclosed in the housing, and an absorbent arranged in the housing to absorb moisture in an atmosphere therein to lower humidity. A method of controlling humidity in an ultrasonic sealing device is also described.

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.

A system includes a first horn, a first ultrasonic transducer, a second horn, a second ultrasonic transducer, a memory, and a controller. The first horn includes a first part-interfacing surface. The second horn includes a second part-interfacing surface and is positioned relative to the first horn such that a part to be welded can be positioned between the first and second part-interface surfaces. The controller is configured to cause a first ultrasonic energy to be applied through the first horn via the first transducer to cause the first part-interfacing surface to vibrate, cause the first horn to move in a first direction at a first time, cause a second ultrasonic energy to be applied through the second horn via the second transducer to cause the second part-interfacing surface to vibrate, and cause the second horn to move in a second direction at the first time.

An apparatus is described for securing an edge of the material to a support surface. A guide surface is positioned adjacent the edge to be secured. A weld head engages the edge of the material in a plurality of locations. A drive mechanism advances the weld head on the guide surface. The weld head engages the edge of the material and transfers energy to secure the edge of material in the desired position on the support surface.

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.

An automated fiber placement (AFP) and in-situ fiber impregnation system includes a feeder, a resin dispenser, and a compaction roller. The feeder feeds a tow of fiber from a fiber supply toward a forming tool. The resin dispenser deposits resin onto the forming tool in front of the compaction roller. The compaction roller moves over the tow along the forming tool so as to press the tow onto the resin such that the compaction roller impregnates the resin into the tow a direction away from the forming tool via compaction forces immediately after the resin is deposited by the resin dispenser.

An apparatus is described for securing an edge of the material to a support surface. A guide surface is positioned adjacent the edge to be secured. A weld head engages the edge of the material in a plurality of locations. A drive mechanism advances the weld head on the guide surface. The weld head engages the edge of the material and transfers energy to secure the edge of material in the desired position on the support surface.

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.