An energy system for applying energy to a workpiece includes a first energy application device, mounted such that the first energy application device has a fixed position relative to the workpiece during energy application; a second energy application device, mounted such that the second energy application device has a moveable position relative to the workpiece to apply energy to the workpiece at a point moving progressively across the workpiece, wherein one of the first and second energy application devices is an anvil and the other of the first and second energy application devices is an ultrasonic bonder; and a controller for regulating the application of energy to the workpiece, wherein the controller is configured to adjust progressively across the workpiece one or more of bonder vibration amplitude versus position on the workpiece, bonder pressure versus position on the workpiece, and horn travel velocity versus position on the workpiece.

A method of making an article of footwear may include applying an environmental pressure differential across a sheet of upper material to conform the sheet of upper material to a portion of a footwear last, thereby forming at least a portion of an upper of the article of footwear. In addition, the method may include assembling the article of footwear including fixedly attaching the upper of the article of footwear to a sole structure.

A test piece configured for the implementation of a method for evaluating an assembly by welding of parts made of thermoplastic materials, wherein the test piece includes at least two parts based on thermoplastic materials having surfaces to be welded that are at least partially placed opposite one another and respective free surfaces, wherein at least one of the parts is a perforated reference part including at least one perforation.

A test piece configured for the implementation of a method for evaluating an assembly by welding of parts made of thermoplastic materials, wherein the test piece includes at least two parts based on thermoplastic materials having surfaces to be welded that are at least partially placed opposite one another and respective free surfaces, wherein at least one of the parts is a perforated reference part including at least one perforation.

Pressurized air is conveyed through a manifold into contact with the first member via apertures having hole diameters of from 0.8 to 2.5 mm that are spaced apart at a distance of from 10 to 30 mm along the manifold to achieve a turbulent air flow pattern with a Reynolds number of greater than 2200 at a temperature of between 150 and 315 C. and at an air pressure between 0.5 and 10 pounds per square inch (psi) over ambient pressure onto the outer surfaces of the first member and the second member for heat curing a curable adhesive between the members to achieve adhesive cure in 60 to 90 seconds and free of any bond-line read-out visible to an unaided normal human eye.

A method and apparatus for mechanically deforming a substrate assembly. The substrate assembly may advance toward a bonder apparatus. The bonder apparatus may rotate about an axis of rotation. The bonder apparatus may include a plurality of manifolds positioned about the axis of rotation. The substrate assembly may be advanced onto the bonder apparatus such that the substrate assembly is disposed on the plurality of manifolds. Fluid may be passed to the manifolds onto which the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion of the substrate assembly are disposed. The manifolds may heat the fluid and the heated fluid may be released onto the trailing edge portion and the leading edge portion of the substrate assembly. The heated portion of the substrate assembly may then be bonded forming a seam.

A method and apparatus for mechanically deforming a substrate assembly. The substrate assembly may advance toward a bonder apparatus. The bonder apparatus may rotate about an axis of rotation. The bonder apparatus may include a plurality of manifolds positioned about the axis of rotation. The substrate assembly may be advanced onto the bonder apparatus such that the substrate assembly is disposed on the plurality of manifolds. Fluid may be passed to the manifolds onto which the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion of the substrate assembly are disposed. The manifolds may heat the fluid and the heated fluid may be released onto the trailing edge portion and the leading edge portion of the substrate assembly. The heated portion of the substrate assembly may then be bonded forming a seam.

A method for forming a structural member and a structural member produced thereby includes positioning a first composite section and a second composite section within a tool. The tool has an inner surface and a wall intersection and is supported by a tool platform. The tool platform and a pressure platform are relatively movable between an open position and a closed position. The tool has a non-planar outer surface against which the member may be pressed. A composite splice member is positioned at least partially overlapping both the first composite section and the second composite section to form a joint in the composite structural member. The composite structural member is pressed against the non-planar outer surface of the tool by applying pressure to the joint from a pressure bladder. Heat is applied to the composite structural member at the joint to cure the composite splice member to the first composite section and the second composite section.

A method for forming a structural member and a structural member produced thereby includes positioning a first composite section and a second composite section within a tool. The tool has an inner surface and a wall intersection and is supported by a tool platform. The tool platform and a pressure platform are relatively movable between an open position and a closed position. The tool has a non-planar outer surface against which the member may be pressed. A composite splice member is positioned at least partially overlapping both the first composite section and the second composite section to form a joint in the composite structural member. The composite structural member is pressed against the non-planar outer surface of the tool by applying pressure to the joint from a pressure bladder. Heat is applied to the composite structural member at the joint to cure the composite splice member to the first composite section and the second composite section.

A method for manufacturing a joined body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a joined body in which composite materials in which fibers are impregnated with resins are heated and joined to each other. The method includes: a step of aligning the composite material with each of a plurality of molding dies, heating the molding dies, and semi-curing the resins of the composite materials; and a step of joining the composite materials to each other by combining and heating the molding dies with which the composite materials are aligned after semi-curing the resins of the composite materials. The molding dies used when semi-curing the resins of the composite materials and the molding dies used when joining the composite materials to each other are the same.