The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 25, 2003
Filed:
Oct. 10, 2001
Oludele Olusegun Popoola, Novi, MI (US);
Jan Birger Skogsmo, Canton, MI (US);
Arnon Wexler, Southfield, MI (US);
Larry Van Reatherford, Clarkston, MI (US);
Edgar de Vries, Trenton, MI (US);
Daniel Edward Wilkosz, Ypsilanti, MI (US);
Ford Global Technologies, Inc., Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for ultrasonically welding workpieces that reduces sonotrode adhesion during the ultrasonic welding process. The sonotrode tip has a specific surface configuration, including a curvilinear shaped outer surface combined with a plurality of grooves and lands. Due to the curvilinear surface, the depth of the grooves gradually decreases near the outer edge or periphery of a contact surface of the sonotrode tip. Further, such a groove and land combination also provides a sharp edge or corner that reduces sliding of the tip on the workpiece and correspondingly reduces sticking. In addition, various types of coatings or inserts may also be used to reduce sticking of the sonotrode tip to the workpiece.