The present invention concerns a method of detecting the making or breaking of contact of a sonotrode (4) which is caused to vibrate with a frequency f and a vibration amplitude A.sub.0 with a counterpart element (5). To provide a method with which contact-making or breaking of a sonotrode with a counterpart element can be particularly quickly and inexpensively detected it is proposed according to the invention that the method has the following steps: a) recording a time configuration of the vibration amplitude A.sub.0 (1) during a first measurement time interval ΔT, and b) determining from the time configuration of the vibration amplitude A.sub.0 (1) whether making or breaking of contact occurred within the measurement time interval ΔT.

A method for optimizing a welding process to produce a weld joint having a predetermined strength includes measuring a plurality of melt layer thicknesses of weld joints for a plurality of sample assemblies formed by the welding process, measuring a plurality failure loads of weld joints for the plurality of sample assemblies, each of the measured plurality of failures loads being associated with one of the measured plurality of melt layer thicknesses, selecting a first failure load from the plurality of measured failure loads responsive to determining that the first failure load corresponds to a predetermined weld strength, and selecting a first melt layer thickness from the plurality of measured melt layer thicknesses that is associated with the selected first measured failure load.

The method includes the step of passing an electric current through at least one wire that is situated between a carcass of a tire casing and a tread. The method also includes the step of calculating a value of a temperature of the wire as a function of a relative value of the current. The method proceeds with the step of controlling the current as a function of the temperature value calculated.

A process for welding a first molding to a second molding. The process uses an implement including first and second external surfaces. Each external surface further includes a duct. An end of the first molding is heated by a hot gas while the end is at a distance from the duct-entry plane in the range from 3 mm outside the duct to 10 mm inside the duct. A junction area of the second molding is heated by a hot gas while the junction area is at a distance from the duct-entry plane in a range from 3 mm outside the duct to 10 mm inside the duct. The heated end and the heated junction area are then brought into contact with one another and cooled, forming a weld between the first molding and the second molding. Also disclosed is a welded molding obtainable by the process of the invention.

An ultrasonic systems and methods for sealing complex interfaces or for metal forming. Complex interfaces, such as a Gable top, have multiple and a variety of layers across the interface, or an oval or round spout having a complex geometry. An example system includes two ultrasonic horns arranged opposite a gap between which the interface is provided. The frequency and phase of the ultrasonic energy are synchronized as the energy is applied simultaneously while the interface is pressed between a jaw and the energy is applied to both sides of the interface. Another example system includes two ultrasonic transducers synchronized in frequency and phase and used to vibrate a horn mechanically to facilitate a sealing or welding interface or to assist in a metal-forming process.

The invention relates to an anchor for arrangement in lightweight building boards, wherein a lightweight building board has a first covering layer and a second covering layer made from compact material that is stiff in compression, and a core layer, which is arranged between the covering layers and is made from material with a low density in comparison with the covering layers, in particular paper honeycomb, foam or solid wood of low density, having a first anchor part and a second anchor part, wherein the first and the second anchor part are designed to be movable relative to one another, in which a travel between a first end position and a second end position is limited, wherein the first end position is defined by means of first stop means on the first and the second anchor part, and the second end position is defined by means of second stop means on the first and the second anchor part.

A method for joining two objects by anchoring an insert portion provided on one of the objects in an opening provided on the other one of the objects. 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. Before such liquefaction and interpenetration, an interference fit is established in which such opposite surfaces are pressed against each other, and, for the anchoring, mechanical vibration energy and possibly a shearing force are applied, wherein the shearing force puts a shear stress on the interference fit.

The present invention relates to a method for connecting two joining elements, these elements being connected by means of a thermally activatable adhesive with a flat heating element arranged therein, by suitable heating of the adhesive. The invention also relates to an assembly produced in this way from two joining elements and to an arrangement designed for carrying out a corresponding method.

Apparatus are provided for ultrasonic welding of a workpiece of one or more components. The apparatus includes a horn configured to contact the workpiece and to transmit energy to the workpiece. The horn includes a shank and a tip disposed at an end of the shank facing the workpiece. The tip has a face that has a tip radius forming a curved surface at the face. A knurl is formed on the face across the curved surface.

A method for joining two objects by anchoring an insert portion provided on one of the objects in an opening provided on the other one of the objects. 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. Before such liquefaction and interpenetration, an interference fit is established in which such opposite surfaces are pressed against each other, and, for the anchoring, mechanical vibration energy and possibly a shearing force are applied, wherein the shearing force puts a shear stress on the interference fit.