A device for sealing sample tubes comprises a tool assembly configured to interface with a rack holding a plurality of sample storage tubes, the tool assembly holding a plurality of punches and a die plate including a plurality of cutting holes, with each of the plurality of cutting holes accepting one of the plurality of punches. The tool assembly receives a foil sheet between the punches and the die plate. The device includes an actuator enabling linear movement of the tool assembly. Linear movement of the tool assembly towards the rack engages the die plate against the rack and punches the punches through the cutting holes of the die plate to punch a plurality of sealing sections from the foil sheet and to press and seal each of the sealing sections against a top end of each of the plurality of sample storage tubes in the rack.

A method of altering a portion of a substrate may include providing a first device and a second device with a nip therebetween. The second device may comprise a stationary or rotating source of vibration energy. When conveyed through the nip, the substrate may be exposed to the vibration energy and the portion thereof may be altered. Thermal energy may be applied to the portion of the substrate upstream of the nip to raise a temperature of the portion of the substrate to a temperature below a melting temperature thereof. A substrate spreader may contact the substrate upstream of the nip to mitigate fold over or wrinkles in the substrate. When the first device is a rotating anvil and the second device comprises a rotating source of vibration energy, the surface velocities thereof may be variable and may be the same or different.

An induction heating tool has an induction heating coil configured to generate a magnetic field closely matched to the shape of the anchor plate. The induction heating tool includes a base configured to assist an operator in aligning the coil over each anchor plate. In the disclosed embodiments, the base supports a circular induction coil with a structure that clearly shows the position of the induction coil. In the disclosed embodiments, material surrounding the induction coil is removed or made transparent so the operator can see the roof immediately surrounding the induction coil as an additional aid in positioning the tool over anchor plates.

A method of induction welding a first thermoplastic composite (TPC) to a second thermoplastic composite (TPC) includes inductively heating a weld interface area between the first TPC and the second TPC, and cooling a surface of the first TPC opposite the weld interface area while inductively heating the weld interface area.

The present invention provides a flexible mat with fluid conduit, methods of manufacture thereof and apparatus for the manufacture thereof. In an embodiment, the mat comprises a base layer, one or more fluid conduits and a thermoplastic bonding tape that attaches the fluid conduits to the base layer. The base layer can be a textile fabric, mesh or netting, or a flat flexible sheet. The base layer is preferably also formed of a thermoplastic layer. The fluid conduits can carry heated or cooled fluid, such as water, that can be used for heating or cooling an environment in which the device is deployed. For example, the device can be used for heating or cooling in a greenhouse environment. The fluid conduits can additionally or alternatively carry irrigation fluids, such as water or treated water, for irrigating plants and crops. The fluid conduits can additionally or alternatively carry gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) or carbon dioxide mixed with other gasses, for treating plants and crops.

A device for sealing sample tubes comprises a tool assembly configured to interface with a rack (10) holding a plurality of sample storage tubes (20), the tool assembly holding a plurality of punches (322) and a die plate (324) including a plurality of cutting holes, with each of the plurality of cutting holes accepting one of the plurality of punches (322). The tool assembly receives a foil sheet (131) between the punches (322) and the die plate (324). The device includes an actuator enabling linear movement of the tool assembly. Linear movement of the tool assembly towards the rack (10) engages the die plate (324) against the rack (10) and punches the punches (322) through the cutting holes of the die plate (324) to punch a plurality of sealing sections from the foil sheet (131) and to press and seal each of the sealing sections against a top end of each of the plurality of sample storage tubes (20) in the rack (10).

An ultrasonic sealing apparatus which allows for easy maintenance of a horn and high cooling efficiency of the horn is provided. The ultrasonic sealing apparatus includes a horn that abuts on a cylindrical material and applies vibration thereto, and a horn cover which includes a small frames that cover a lateral surface of the horn and have slits through which a space in which the horn is enclosed communicates with outside, the horn cover being removably attached independently from the horn.

A method for joining at least two joining partners includes performing a plurality of ultrasonic joining operations in direct succession, wherein performing an individual ultrasonic joining operation includes, with a second joining tool, applying pressure to a second joining partner arranged adjacent to a first joining partner, thereby pressing the second joining partner against the first joining partner, and, with the second joining tool, applying high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations to the joining partners. The method further includes, during at least one intermediate time interval between two directly successive ultrasonic joining operations, at least one of actively cooling and heating the second joining tool.

A portable conveyor belt splicing apparatus is provided that includes an upper press assembly and a lower press assembly which include, respectively, upper and lower platen assemblies. The upper and lower press assemblies may each include a forced air cooling system for rapidly cooling platens of the platen assemblies. The upper and lower press assemblies may include insulating assemblies with resilient members that support the upper and lower press assemblies. The resilient members provide structural support and insulate the platens from the frame which reduces the power required to heat the platens. In one form, the apparatus includes a power supply circuit that can alternate between providing power to upper and lower heaters in response to the apparatus being connected to different types of standard power supplies. Further, the power supply circuit permits the use of a single recipe for a particular belt irrespective of the type of power supply.

Composite fasteners, associated blanks and also methods and apparatus for the installation of such fasteners are disclosed. An exemplary composite rivet disclosed comprises an elongated body including braided reinforcement fibers embedded inside the body and supported in a matrix material. Also disclosed are structural assemblies comprising composite fasteners and panels or other parts comprising composite and/or other materials.