Fairchild Industries, Inc.

Albert Sarrantonio

Theodore A Renshaw

Joseph A Curatolo, Jr

Method and apparatus are provided for use in an ultrasonic vibratory welder for pre-heating the workpieces prior to welding and, thereafter, for continuously monitoring the temperature of the anvil and of the welding tip during subsequent welding operations to insure their temperature remains within a pre-determined range during the entire welding cycle. It has been found that weld characteristics, particularly weld size, shape, configuration and strength are dependent upon the temperature of the anvil and welding tip. Thermostatically controlled resistance heating means are provided in the anvil and/or in the welding tip for pre-heating of the workpieces. Automatic control means, are also provided for alternately heating and cooling the anvil and welding tip during the welding cycle.

Thermally assisted ultrasonic welding apparatus and process

A method of progressively ultrasonically welding together workpieces is provided wherein the spot welds effected are initiated as small points and then progressively grow to full size. The method employs an ultrasonic welding apparatus of the type having a welding tip and a complimentary anvil between which the workpieces to be welded may be inserted. The workpieces are first clamped together and the workpieces 'presqueezed' to disperse any adhesives which may be used between the workpieces. Initial pressure and energy levels are then introduced to 'scrub' the workpieces. Pressure and energy are then synchronously ramped in phase to maximum levels to effect a weld between the workpieces. The welding operation is controlled by control means which permit automatic synchronization of the operation.

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Woodbury, NY, United States of America

Albert Sarrantonio