A method of joining overlapping thermoplastic membrane components in which a first thermoplastic membrane component and a second thermoplastic membrane component are positioned in overlapping relationship between a pair of complementary molding surfaces, with at least one of the complementary molding surfaces being defined by an electrically conductive metal susceptor. Heat is generated in the metal susceptor and transferred by thermal conduction from the metal susceptor to overlapping portions of the first and second thermoplastic membrane components to locally melt and coalesce at least a portion of the thermoplastic material of the first thermoplastic membrane component and at least a portion of the thermoplastic material of the second thermoplastic membrane component. The molten thermoplastic material of the first and second thermoplastic membrane components forms a zone of coalesced thermoplastic material that, upon cooling, forms a solid weld joint that fusion welds the first and second thermoplastic membrane components together.

Systems and methods to improve weld quality are described. For example, certain systems and methods described use weld quality monitoring as feedback to an ultrasonic welding process to improve weld quality. Still other systems and methods provide improvement to double sided and single sided ultrasonic welding through the use of selected multiple pulses.

Systems and methods to improve weld quality are described. For example, certain systems and methods described use weld quality monitoring as feedback to an ultrasonic welding process to improve weld quality. Still other systems and methods provide improvement to double sided and single sided ultrasonic welding through the use of selected multiple pulses.

Systems and methods to improve weld quality are described. For example, certain systems and methods described use weld quality monitoring as feedback to an ultrasonic welding process to improve weld quality. Still other systems and methods provide improvement to double sided and single sided ultrasonic welding through the use of selected multiple pulses.

Embodiments of the invention relate to the construction of a sealed connection between an elastomeric or synthetic polymer flexible pipe or hose and a metallic coupling member. The coupling member surrounds an armor layer at a free end of the flexible pipe or hose. A sealing area is defined by a recessed portion of the pipe coupling into which a sealing material is introduced. An inner layer of the flexible pipe or hose may extend into the sealing area where it is bonded to the sealing material. The sealing material and the inner liner layer may each be comprised of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic material. Furthermore, a reinforcement material is provided in the inner layer.

The present invention provides a valve cup (10) for use with a container (30) for dispensing a fluid medium stored under pressure. The valve cup (10) supports a valve (50) and seals an opening (32) of the container (30) and is formed from a semi-crystalline polyester. The present invention also provides a container (30), wherein at least a part of the container (30) surrounding an opening (32) is formed from a semi-crystal-line polyester. A further valve cup (10) is formed from a metal or rigid material and further includes a polyester lining (70). Dispensing systems (1) including the above containers (30) and valve cups (10) are provided, wherein welding is facilitated between the container (30) and valve cups (10).

A sonotrode and anvil are adapted for ultrasonic welding of work pieces, to produce a narrower weld region that exhibits greater durability, permitting use of less material per package. The horn-to-anvil contact is through a plurality of energy directors arranged into a three-dimensional grid pattern to be capable of distributed vibration-transmissive contact. The energy directors include a series of plateau surfaces regularly spaced apart in a first direction, and in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction, to form the grid pattern. The energy directors of the horn are configured to interlock with the energy directors of the anvil. The rectangular-shaped plateaus are spaced apart by angled side-surfaces that form valleys. A stepped transition to a corresponding region of reduced height for the energy directors of the sonotrode and anvil may form a cosmetic seal region with a lesser integrity, in addition to the main barrier seal.

A laser processing apparatus capable of imparting heat sealing properties to a biaxially stretched polyester film through a method having high efficiency and high safety. The laser processing apparatus includes a laser oscillator, where a film formed of a single layer of a biaxially stretched polyester or a laminate containing a layer of a biaxially stretched polyester on the surface is irradiated with laser light emitted from the laser oscillator, to impart heat sealing properties to a region of the film irradiated with the laser light. The laser processing apparatus may include an optical element which shapes a spot profile of the laser light into a predetermined profile, and may also include a film mounting part which mounts the film.

The present invention relates to a process for the production of at least two-layer thermoplastic foam sheets via thermal welding of at least two thinner thermoplastic foam sheets. In the process of the invention, at least two heating elements are conducted on mutually offset planes between the surfaces to be welded of the thinner thermoplastic foam sheets, and the foam sheets here do not touch the heating elements. The number of layers of the thermoplastic foam sheet is per se a result of the number of thinner thermoplastic foam sheets that are thermally welded to one another. If by way of example three thinner thermoplastic foam sheets are thermally welded to one another, a three-layer thermoplastic foam sheet is per se obtained, and if there are four thinner thermoplastic foam sheets the result is accordingly per se a four-layer thermoplastic foam sheet.

Advanced ultrasonic welding components of Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 8,376,016 are readily incorporated into new form-fill-seal machines, but owners of existing machines utilizing heat-seal stations were unsuccessful at swapping the sealing packages. Retrofit kits to a replace heat sealing stations with an advanced ultrasonic sonotrode and anvil comprise: a housing; a linear rail fixed thereto; first and second bearing carriages being slidable upon the rail; and first and second fluidic muscles. Each of the fluidic muscles is mounted with a first end fixed to a respective housing wall, and a second end fixed to a respective bearing carriage, permitting actuation of each carriage through pressurization/depressurization of the muscles. The advanced anvil and sonotrode may be secured to respective carriages. In-line arrangements of anvil/sonotrode, bearing carriages, the first fluidic and second fluidic muscles provides a narrow profile, permitting side-by-side kit installations for retrofits accomplishing duplex sealing on a horizontal machine.