Devices and methods for fusing materials using a heating element, where the overall mass to be sealed varies along the length of the seal. According to the invention, the heating element has a different profile in different areas. According to some aspects, the thickness and/or cross section of the heating element is different in different areas so that when a current is passed through the heating element, each area heats to a different degree. In some aspects, the heating element is shaped to conform to the shape of the parts to be fused together. The transition between areas of different thickness or cross-sectional area, or between areas of different shape may be sharply defined. This abrupt transition may be created by machining the heating element to a finished shape rather than bending flat stock to shape.
An article of manufacture that has at least three layers of heat sealable material. There is at least one first heat seal between at least two of the layers in a first area effected at a first temperature. There is also at least one second heat seal between at least two more layers, where at least one of these two layers is distinct from the at least two layers joined by the first heat seal, in a second area effected at a second temperature, where the second temperature is different than the first temperature, thereby allowing for heat sealing of discrete areas of the article in discrete steps.
B29C 65/00 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor
B29C 65/02 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
B29C 65/50 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor using adhesives using adhesive tape
B29C 65/48 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor using adhesives
B31B 19/00 - Machinery characterised by making rectangular envelopes or bags of flat form, i.e. without structural provision at the base for thickness of contents
B29C 65/74 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor by welding and severing
An expandable structure is manufactured using sheets of thermoplastic material sealed together. The expandable structure has a concertina pattern on its sides that allows the structure to expand and collapse like an accordion. The concertina pattern is cut into the sheets of material rather than being folded into the material to speed up the manufacturing process.
An expandable structure is manufactured using sheets of thermoplastic material sealed together. The expandable structure has a concertina pattern on its sides that allows the structure to expand and collapse like an accordion. The concertina pattern is cut into the sheets of material rather than being folded into the material to speed up the manufacturing process.
Devices and methods for fusing materials using a heating element, where the overall mass to be sealed varies along the length of the seal. According to the invention, the heating element has a different profile in different areas. According to some aspects, the thickness and/or cross section of the heating element is different in different areas so that when a current is passed through the heating element, each area heats to a different degree. In some aspects, the heating element is shaped to conform to the shape of the parts to be fused together. The transition between areas of different thickness or cross-sectional area, or between areas of different shape may be sharply defined. This abrupt transition may be created by machining the heating element to a finished shape rather than bending flat stock to shape.
B32B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
B32B 37/06 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the heating method
H01C 17/02 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing resistors adapted for manufacturing resistors with envelope or housing
B23H 1/00 - Electrical discharge machining, i.e. removing metal with a series of rapidly recurring electrical discharges between an electrode and a workpiece in the presence of a fluid dielectric
H01C 17/06 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing resistors adapted for coating resistive material on a base
A cell matrix expandable structure includes of a plurality of interconnected cells normally in flat form but readily expandable into the form of a container upon the introduction of fluid. The structures may be made out of recyclable films. Methods of manufacturing the cell matrix in a continuous manufacturing process are also disclosed.
A cell matrix expandable structure includes of a plurality of interconnected cells normally in flat form but readily expandable into the form of a container upon the introduction of fluid. The structures may be made out of recyclable films. Methods of manufacturing the cell matrix in a continuous manufacturing process are also disclosed.
B32B 3/12 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. apertured or formed of separate pieces of material characterised by a layer of regularly-arranged cells whether integral or formed individually or by conjunction of separate strips, e.g. honeycomb structure
B32B 3/28 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids characterised by a layer comprising a deformed thin sheet, e.g. corrugated, crumpled
B65D 13/00 - Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of the same material, other than metal, plastics, wood or substitutes therefor
B31D 5/00 - Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles
B29C 65/00 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor
Devices and methods for fusing materials using a heating element, where the overall mass to be sealed varies along the length of the seal. According to the invention, the heating element has a different profile in different areas. According to some aspects, the thickness and/or cross section of the heating element is different in different areas so that when a current is passed through the heating element, each area heats to a different degree. In some aspects, the heating element is shaped to conform to the shape of the parts to be fused together. The transition between areas of different thickness or cross-sectional area, or between areas of different shape may be sharply defined. This abrupt transition may be created by machining the heating element to a finished shape rather than bending flat stock to shape.
B29C 65/20 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tool with direct contact, e.g. using "mirror"
9.
MULTI-LAYER PRODUCT WITH SEALING AREAS OF VARYING SEALING AFFINITIES
An article of manufacture that has at least three layers of sealable material. There is at least one first seal between at least two of the layers in a first area having a first sealing affinity effected at a first sealing parameter. There is also at least one second seal between at least two more layers, where at least one of these two layers is distinct from the at least two layers joined by the first seal, in a second area having a second sealing affinity effected at a second sealing parameter, where the second sealing parameter is different than the first sealing parameter, thereby allowing for sealing of discrete areas of the article in discrete steps.
patents
