Abstract:
A microwave heating device includes a variable frequency microwave power supply, a waveguide launcher, and a fixture to contain a material to be heated, with the fixture located directly adjacent to the end of the launcher. All heating occurs in the near-field region, i.e., no cavity modes or standing waves are established within the fixture. This condition may be insured by keeping the thickness of the fixture or workpiece under one wavelength (at all microwave frequencies being used). The launcher is preferably a horn configured to spread the microwave power laterally over a selected area while maintaining a single propagating mode. The invention may be used to enhance catalytic reactions for research and other purposes. Alternatively, the invention may be configured to perform spot curing or repair operations involving adhesives and composites.
Abstract:
A device for connecting components (1, 2, 3) made of fusible plastic, especially pipes (12, 60) of a fuel pipeline or a fuel line to a fuel tank (8) of a vehicle. The device includes a heating element (4) having ends (44, 46) which are used to supply electrical energy. The device is easy to use, simple to mount, and produces a functionally reliable welded joint between the components (1, 2, 3). To achieve this, one component (3) includes a retaining body (16) for a retaining tool (50), and the two ends (44, 46) of the heating element (4) extend onto the retaining body (16) where they can engage contact elements (56, 57) on the retaining tool (50).
Abstract:
A microwave heating device includes a variable frequency microwave power supply, a waveguide launcher, and a fixture to contain a material to be heated, with the fixture located directly adjacent to the end of the launcher. All heating occurs in the near-field region, i.e., no cavity modes or standing waves are established within the fixture. This condition may be insured by keeping the thickness of the fixture or workpiece under one wavelength (at all microwave frequencies being used). The launcher is preferably a horn configured to spread the microwave power laterally over a selected area while maintaining a single propagating mode. The invention may be used to enhance catalytic reactions for research and other purposes. Alternatively, the invention may be configured to perform spot curing or repair operations involving adhesives and composites.
Abstract:
A rotary cylindrical mould member and a method for its production, is adapted to be used in a system for moulding three-dimensional products from a mass of one or more food starting materials which are suitable for consumption. The method includes preparing at least one mould body forming part of the cylindrical outer surface of the mould member, wherein one or more recessed mould cavities are formed. Subsequently preparing a support member defining one or more fluid channels, recessed in the support surface Heat emitting parts or particles are provided close to the inner surface of the mould body and/or the supporting surface of the support member. Energy is provided to the heat emitting parts or particles, thereby causing the parts or particles to emit heat and thereby locally melt the adjacent porous first plastic and the second plastic to obtain a weld and thereby secure the support member and the mould body to each other.
Abstract:
A joining device includes a nose, a punch, and a die anvil. The punch is coaxially slidable within the nose. A fastener is arranged within the nose and is coaxially slidable within the nose and movable by the punch. An ultrasonic vibration is focused through the die anvil to a zone on a material assembly arranged thereon for heating the zone. The punch is configured to drive the fastener outwardly from the nose and into the material assembly at the zone.
Abstract:
A microwave processing system includes: a broadband variable frequency microwave (VFM) source; a plurality of waveguide applicators, each of which includes a waveguide transition and is capable of supporting a selected subset of frequencies within the bandwidth of the broadband VFM source; a microwave switching means allowing the microwave source to be connected to any one of the waveguide transitions so that microwave power is delivered to the corresponding waveguide applicator; and wherein each of the waveguide applicators includes at least one channel through which a microwave transparent tube may be run so that process fluid flowing through the tube may be exposed to microwave power in the applicator. A related method is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A device for connecting components (1, 2, 3) made of fusible plastic, especially pipes (12, 60) of a fuel pipeline or a fuel line to a fuel tank (8) of a vehicle. The device includes a heating element (4) having ends (44, 46) which are used to supply electrical energy. The device is easy to use, simple to mount, and produces a functionally reliable welded joint between the components (1, 2, 3). To achieve this, one component (3) includes a retaining body (16) for a retaining tool (50), and the two ends (44, 46) of the heating element (4) extend onto the retaining body (16) where they can engage contact elements (56, 57) on the retaining tool (50).
Abstract:
A joining device includes a nose, a punch, and a die anvil. The punch is coaxially slidable within the nose. A fastener is arranged within the nose and is coaxially slidable within the nose and movable by the punch. An ultrasonic vibration is focused through the die anvil to a zone on a material assembly arranged thereon for heating the zone. The punch is configured to drive the fastener outwardly from the nose and into the material assembly at the zone.
Abstract:
The present technology discloses methods for joining a first workpiece and a second workpiece through a heat stake, and products formed thereby. The first workpiece has an aperture configured to receive a stud positioned on a second workpiece. The system is formed by applying energy to the first workpiece using electrodes, which indirectly heats the stud, at least partially softening material of the stud. Pressure is then applied to the softened material of the stud, and causing the material to form according to a predetermined geometry. After pressure is released, the stud forms a stake forming an interlocked joint connecting the workpieces.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for bonding a thermoplastic polymer to a thermosetting polymer component, the thermoplastic polymer having a melting temperature that exceeds the curing temperature of the thermosetting polymer. The method comprises the steps of providing a cured thermosetting polymer component comprising an implant of a thermoplastic polymer at least at the part of the thermosetting polymer component to be bonded, locating a thermoplastic polymer in contact with at least the part to be bonded, heating the assembly to the melting temperature of the thermoplastic polymer, whereby the thermoplastic polymer of the implant melts and fuses with the thermoplastic polymer, and cooling the assembly. The thermoplastic polymer has a melting temperature that exceeds the curing temperature of the thermosetting polymer, and the implant is designed such that heating above the maximum operating temperature of the thermosetting polymer at the interface of the implant with the thermosetting polymer component is avoided during the bonding step.