The present invention relates to a self-punching functional element that is adapted for punching into a workpiece, in particular into a sheet metal part. It comprises a head part forming a flange and having a contact surface for contact with the workpiece; and a punching section that extends away from the head part, in particular from the contact surface, and that is in particular arranged coaxially to a central longitudinal axis of the functional element. The punching section has a peripheral punching edge at its free end for punching through the workpiece and surrounds a cavity in a peripheral direction, said cavity having an opening defined by the punching edge. An inner wall of the punching section facing the cavity has at least one elevated slug securing portion projecting radially inwardly into the cavity, in particular wherein the elevated portion has the form of a rib extending in an axial direction.

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for assembling a subassembly for use in manufacturing an implantable device header. A method includes placing a first split web into a top platen, placing a second split web into a bottom platen, placing a conductor assembly and an antenna assembly in the bottom platen on top of the second split web, compressing the top and bottom platens together, heating the top and bottom platens until a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure are reached, such that first split web is fused to the second split web to form the subassembly, separating the top and bottom platens, and removing the formed subassembly.

A lid suitable for closing a metal can includes a metal ring onto which a peelable membrane is sealed. An inner annular part of the metal ring is equipped with a roll defining an annular space therebetween. The first connection portion of the roll and the second connection portion of the inner annular part opposite are sealed to one another by element of a heat-sealing material to form a seal sealing the annular space so at to protect the free edge of the roll. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a lid.

Apparatus and methods are described including adhering a first lens to a second lens such as to form a combined lens having a given optical design, by placing the first lens and the second lens in respective first and second pressure chambers with an adhesive layer disposed between the first lens and the second lens, bringing a convex surface of the first lens into contact with the adhesive layer, and bringing a concave surface of the second lens into contact with the adhesive layer. Other applications are also described.

A vibration welding device has a first tool being with a vibration welding head arranged at a first support, wherein the vibration welding head vibrates in use in a first plane, and the first tool receives a first component, a second tool arranged at a second support, wherein the second tool receives a second component or a stack of welded components. The first and the second support are movable with respect to each other at least along a second axis perpendicular to the first plane from an initial position to a vibration welding position. A clamping arrangement having at least two oppositely arranged clamping devices, each having a clamping surface which is moveable along the first axis between a clamping position and open position, wherein in the clamping position, movement of the second component or the stack of welded components at least along the first axis is hindered during vibration welding.

Exclusion devices for anatomical structures, and related instruments and related methods, are disclosed. An exclusion device for an anatomical structure may include a first beam, a second beam, and/or a first spring operatively coupled to the first beam and the second beam to exert a closing force on the first beam and the second beam. The first spring may be generally U-shaped and/or may include a first end portion and a second end portion generally opposite a connecting portion.

The invention concerns a method for joining a metal component and a polymer component, and a structure comprising said components. In the method, an extrusion die plate with a through hole is placed between the metal component and the polymer component. A probe is rotated and plunged across the thickness of the metal component and eventually through said through hole of the extrusion die plate, thereby extruding a part of the metal component through said through hole of the extrusion die plate into the polymer component. The probe has a rotation axis having an offset to the centre of the through hole during the rotating and plunging action.

Riveted assemblies are provided that can include a substrate extending between two ends to define opposing substrate surfaces having a first opening extending between the opposing substrate surfaces; a metal-comprising substrate extending between two ends to define opposing metal-comprising substrate surfaces having a second opening extending between the opposing metal-comprising substrate surfaces. The riveted assemblies can further provide that the first and second openings complement one another when the substrate and metal-comprising substrate are engaged; and a rivet shaft extends through the openings and engages the substrate with the rivet head and the metal-comprising substrate with the rivet stop head, at least a portion of the stop head being mixed with, and forming a metallurgical bond with the metal-comprising substrate. Assemblies are provided that can include a rivet stop head mixed with, and metallurgically bonded with a metal-comprising substrate.

Methods for affixing substrates to one another are also provided. The methods can include providing a substrate defining an opening configured to receive a rivet shaft; providing a metal-comprising substrate defining a complimentary opening; operatively engaging the substrates with the rivet shaft; and forming a stop head from the rivet shaft to affix the substrates. The method further includes that the stop head mixes with, and forms a metallurgical bond with the metal-comprising substrate. Methods for mixing materials to form a metallurgical bond are also provided. The methods can include forming a metallurgical bond between a stop head of a rivet and a metal-comprising substrate.

A method for joining two objects by anchoring an insert portion provided on a first object in an opening provided on a second object. The anchorage is achieved by liquefaction of a thermoplastic material and interpenetration of the liquefied material and a penetrable material, the two materials being arranged on opposite surfaces of the insert portion and the wall of the opening. During the step of inserting the insert portion in the opening and/or during anchorage a clamping force is applied to opposing surfaces of the second object to prevent the second object from cracking or bulging.

A method of anchoring a connector in a first object, wherein the first object is a lightweight building element having a first outer building layer and an interlining layer, and wherein the connector includes thermoplastic material in a solid state. The method includes: bringing a coupling surface portion of the connector into contact with an attachment location of the first outer building layer; displacing a portion of the first outer building layer at the attachment location with respect to the interlining layer by applying a first pressing force to the first outer building layer and thereby piercing the first outer building layer; applying a second pressing force to the connector and transferring energy to the connector until a flow portion of the thermoplastic material has liquefied and flown to interpenetrate structures of the interlining layer; and stopping the energy transfer and allowing the flow portion to re-solidify.