A method comprising providing a polymeric substrate having a melting point of from about 130° C. to about 190° C., and locating a material layer onto the substrate, wherein the material layer comprises one or more polymeric materials that liquefy upon exposure to temperatures of at least about 100° C., to blend with a softened portion of the polymeric substrate. Upon exposure of one or more of the substrate and the material layer to a stimulus, the temperature is increased in a predetermined temperature zone of one or more of the substrate and material layer to cause blending of the one or more polymeric materials of the material layer with the softened portion of the polymeric substrate.

A sealing element for sealing a package, the sealing element being configured for cooperation with an abutment for engaging the package for providing a seal to the package and a device for sealing a package, the sealing element includes a sealing element, an abutment and a base, wherein the sealing element is releasably supported by the base, and wherein at least one of the base and the abutment is moveably arranged for engagement with the package from opposing sides for providing a seal to the package.

A sealing element for sealing a package, the sealing element being configured for cooperation with an abutment for engaging the package for providing a seal to the package and a device for sealing a package, the sealing element includes a sealing element, an abutment and a base, wherein the sealing element is releasably supported by the base, and wherein at least one of the base and the abutment is moveably arranged for engagement with the package from opposing sides for providing a seal to the package.

An apparatus for sealing an open end of a package comprises a first longitudinally extending sealing jaw, bearing mounted on a first eccentric shaft rotatable around a first rotational axis, and a second longitudinally extending sealing jaw, bearing mounted on a second eccentric shaft rotatable around a second rotational axis, the second sealing jaw being parallel with the first sealing jaw. At least one motor drives rotation around the first and second rotational axis in opposite directions, wherein the first and the second sealing jaws oppose each other, and are allowed to oscillate between sealing and open positions by moving towards and away from each other. A first and second transversally extending guiding bar cooperate with the first and second eccentric shaft via guiding pins running in guiding grooves, such that transverse play between the first and the second eccentric shaft and the first and second sealing jaw is allowed.

An assembly is provided for induction welding. This assembly utilizes a heat shield (e.g., a mica heat shield) with a recess. An induction welding coil may be disposed within this heat shield recess during induction welding operations. The wall thickness of the heat shield within the recess may be reduced to enhance heat transfer to a workpiece during induction welding operations. Members may engage the heat shield on opposite sides of the recess (and that have an increased wall thickness) to support both the heat shield and the workpiece during induction welding operations, during which a biasing force may be exerted on both the heat shield and workpiece.

An assembly is provided for induction welding. This assembly utilizes a heat shield (e.g., a mica heat shield) with a recess. An induction welding coil may be disposed within this heat shield recess during induction welding operations. The wall thickness of the heat shield within the recess may be reduced to enhance heat transfer to a workpiece during induction welding operations. Members may engage the heat shield on opposite sides of the recess (and that have an increased wall thickness) to support both the heat shield and the workpiece during induction welding operations, during which a biasing force may be exerted on both the heat shield and workpiece.

During a manufacturing method, an induction welder is provided that includes a concentrator and a coil. The concentrator includes a receptacle and a face surface. The receptacle projects vertically into the concentrator from the face surface to an end of the receptacle. The receptacle extends laterally within the concentrator between opposing sides of the receptacle. The receptacle extends longitudinally within the concentrator along a centerline. The coil is seated and extends longitudinally along the centerline within the receptacle. A first thermoplastic body arranged with a second thermoplastic body are provided. The first thermoplastic body is located vertically next to the face surface. The first thermoplastic body is induction welded to the second thermoplastic body. The induction welding includes: generating an electromagnetic field with the coil; and concentrating the electromagnetic field with the concentrator onto a region of the first thermoplastic body.

During a manufacturing method, an induction welder is provided that includes a concentrator and a coil. The concentrator includes a receptacle and a face surface. The receptacle projects vertically into the concentrator from the face surface to an end of the receptacle. The receptacle extends laterally within the concentrator between opposing sides of the receptacle. The receptacle extends longitudinally within the concentrator along a centerline. The coil is seated and extends longitudinally along the centerline within the receptacle. A first thermoplastic body arranged with a second thermoplastic body are provided. The first thermoplastic body is located vertically next to the face surface. The first thermoplastic body is induction welded to the second thermoplastic body. The induction welding includes: generating an electromagnetic field with the coil; and concentrating the electromagnetic field with the concentrator onto a region of the first thermoplastic body.

A system and method for welding thermoplastic components is provided. The system includes a component positioning system and a welding subsystem. The component positioning system includes a trailing force applicator having first and second lateral side trailing force applicators disposed on opposite lateral sides of a weld line. The welding subsystem is configured to weld the thermoplastic components together at a weld zone. The first and second lateral side trailing force applicators are laterally spaced apart from the weld zone, and at least a portion of the first and second lateral side trailing force applicators are disposed aft of the weld zone. During welding the first and second lateral side trailing force applicators and a welding subsystem probe are moved relative to the thermoplastic components, or vice versa.

A system and method for welding thermoplastic components is provided. The system includes a component positioning system and a welding subsystem. The component positioning system includes a trailing force applicator having first and second lateral side trailing force applicators disposed on opposite lateral sides of a weld line. The welding subsystem is configured to weld the thermoplastic components together at a weld zone. The first and second lateral side trailing force applicators are laterally spaced apart from the weld zone, and at least a portion of the first and second lateral side trailing force applicators are disposed aft of the weld zone. During welding the first and second lateral side trailing force applicators and a welding subsystem probe are moved relative to the thermoplastic components, or vice versa.