A composite structure is fabricated by staging at least a portion of an uncured, first composite component. The first composite component is assembled with a second composite component, and the staged portion of the first composite component is cocured with the second composite component.

An integrated system for fusing and sealing of a plurality of tubes is disclosed. The integrated system includes one or more fusing units configured to cut one or more tubes of multiple tubes simultaneously, and fusing the one or more tubes together along their respective cut ends; one or more sealing units configured to seal an end of the tube of the multiple tubes; and a control unit for controlling functions of the one or more fusing units and the one or more sealing units.

The invention relates to a vibration welding machine (1), comprising an upper tool (2) and a lower tool (3), wherein the two tools (2, 3) each accommodate a respective welding part (4, 5), which welding parts are intended to be joined by means of vibration, and means for producing vibrations are provided, which cause at least the upper tool (2) to vibrate, wherein the means for producing vibration are designed as a stationary part, in particular an upper carrier (9), and a part arranged thereon in such a way that said part can oscillate, in particular an oscillator (11), which accommodates the upper tool (2), wherein furthermore means are provided that remove the air located in an air gap (15) formed between the stationary part, in particular the upper carrier (9), and the part that can oscillate, in particular the oscillator (11).

A method and apparatus for sealing films. In one embodiment the sealing device comprises a horn and an anvil. The film has a standard portion and an increased portion. Increased energy is applied to the film in the increased portion compared to the energy applied to the standard portion. Such a method allows for sealing of varying number of layers.

A welding device for the sealing welding of thermopolastic hoses (184), includes a clamping device (12) with at least two clamping jaws (122, 124), of which at least one is movable and between which a hose (184) which is to be welded can be clamped, wherein the clamping device (12) has a heating devices (38; 40; 64) which is coupled to a control unit (30) and is configured to heat the hose clamped between the clamping jaws (122, 124). The invention is distinguished in that the at least one movable clamping jaw (122) is actuable with a controllable, bidirectional actuator (32, 34; 42-52; 54, 56, 58) which is coupled to the control unit (30) in such a manner that the clamping pressure acting on the hose (184) can be adjusted independently of the heating device.