With the traction mechanism tensioner, a traction mechanism having at least two ends is tensionable. The traction mechanism tensioner comprises a first fastener, a second fastener and a coupler. The first fastener has a first fastening portion at which the first end of the traction mechanism as fastenable. The second fastener has a second fastening portion at which the second end of the traction mechanism is fastenable. The coupling means couples the first and the second fasteners to each other so that the first and the second fasteners are movable with respect to each other and their movability is at least restricted on one side. Further, the first and the second fasteners are pre-tensionable with respect to each other via at least one spring element.

A method for use in efficiently joining together multiple workpieces to inhibit establishment of weld material in unwanted areas. The method uses a hybrid shaping-and-energizing system having a shaping tool and an ultrasonic horn. The method positions the hybrid shaping-and-energizing system proximate a workpiece, uses the shaping tool to form at least one recess in the proximate workpiece, and applies weld energy to the proximate workpiece using the ultrasonic horn. The recess is formed and the weld energy applied such that molten workpiece material becomes disposed within the recess, thereby inhibiting formation of weld material in the unwanted areas.

Methods and apparatuses for bonding polymeric parts are disclosed. Specifically, in one embodiment, the polymeric parts are bonded by plastically deforming them against each other while they are below the glass transition temperatures. A method includes: placing a first polymeric part in contact with a second polymeric part; and plastically deforming the first polymeric part and the second polymeric part against each other to bond the first polymeric part to the second polymeric part. Additionally, during the plastic deformation, a temperature of the first polymeric part is less than a glass transition temperature of the first polymeric part and a temperature of the second polymeric part is less than a glass transition temperature of the second polymeric part.

The invention relates to a sealing device (100) and a method for heat sealing packaging material for producing sealed packages. The invention also relates to a filling machine. The sealing device (100) comprises a first jaw (110) comprising an electromagnet (112), and a second jaw (120) comprising a magnetic element (122). The second jaw (120) is arranged opposite to the first jaw (110) to form a gap adapted to receive the packaging material, such that the first jaw (110) and the second jaw (120) are attracted to each other upon actuation of the electromagnet (112) to close the gap and clamp the packaging material between the first jaw (110) and the second jaw (120).

A custom weld-repair tool, for use in repairing a discrepant weld between workpieces, including an extended portion and a cavity adjacent the extended portions. The discrepant weld includes an insufficient primary portion and the tool is configured to, when the extended portion is in contact with a proximate one of the workpieces, channel welding energy, received at or generated at the tool, to the proximate workpiece via the extended portion, to form or enlarge a weld at a periphery of the primary portion or directly adjacent the primary portion.

A method and apparatus for sealing a plastic enclosure is provided. The apparatus includes a handle including elements pivotally coupled together at a first end. The apparatus also includes a heating element positioned along an inner surface of an element and connected to a power source where a longitudinal axis of the heating element is oriented parallel with a longitudinal axis of the element. Plastic material including first and second plastic layers is positioned at an interface between the second elements. Upon pivoting the first elements from an open position to a closed position the heating element increases a temperature at the interface to melt the plastic material and form a seal between the first and second plastic layers.

Systems and methods for controlling and/or calibrating a pump system for use in negative pressure wound therapy are described herein. In some embodiments, a method for controlling a pump system includes calculating an amplitude and an offset for a drive signal based at least in part on previously calculated parameters and a negative pressure setting, generating the drive signal, and applying the drive signal to a pump system. The pump system can be fludicially connected to a wound dressing positioned over a wound.

Apparatuses for use in negative pressure wound therapy are described herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a pump assembly having a pump housing, a magnet, an electrically conductive coil, and a diaphragm, wherein the electrically conductive coil is configured to move a portion of the diaphragm to pump a fluid through the pump apparatus, and a dampener positioned within the pump assembly configured to reduce sound generated by the pump assembly during operation of the pump assembly. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a housing having a first section and a second section, and an illumination source disposed within the housing adjacent the first section, wherein the illumination source is configured to illuminate the first section, wherein the first section is one of transparent and translucent, and wherein the first section is thinner than the second section as measured perpendicularly from inside to outside the housing. In some embodiments, the pump apparatus includes components configured to be laser welded together.

A seal device includes a medium passage that sends a heating medium to a sealing units, the medium passage includes a heating medium passage portion for sending a heating medium to said communication part so as to heat the pressing part, a cooling medium passage portion for sending a cooling medium to the communication part so as to cool the pressing part, and a passage switch unit that switches between a state in which the heating medium passage portion and the communication part are connected, and a state in which the cooling medium passage portion and the communication part are connected.

A method for use in efficiently joining together multiple workpieces to inhibit establishment of weld material in unwanted areas. The method uses a hybrid shaping-and-energizing system having a shaping tool and an ultrasonic horn. The method positions the hybrid shaping-and-energizing system proximate a workpiece, uses the shaping tool to form at least one recess in the proximate workpiece, and applies weld energy to the proximate workpiece using the ultrasonic horn. The recess is formed and the weld energy applied such that molten workpiece material becomes disposed within the recess, thereby inhibiting formation of weld material in the unwanted areas.