Patent · US Expired

Apparatus for inert atmosphere sealing

US5074951A · kind A · utility

13Cited by
11References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 23, 1988
Grant dateDec 24, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 23, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T156/1313
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Apparatus for severing a plurality of plies of a thermoplastic material and sealing the severed margins thereof is provided. The apparatus comprises a hot-wire element proximate the thermoplastic material for severing and sealing the thermoplastic material. The apparatus further comprises a chamber or manifold for enveloping the hot-wire element in an inert atmosphere which impinges on a proximal portion of the thermoplastic material to be severed and sealed. The apparatus further comprises an actuating mechanism, associated with the hot-wire element, for translating the hot-wire element toward the proximal portion of the thermoplastic material. As a result, the hot-wire element severs the plurality of plies and seals the severed margins thereof so that the severed margins are enveloped by the inert atmosphere impinging on the thermoplastic material.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.