Patent ID: 7775413
Filing Date: 2010-08-17
Classification: B23K,B29C

Abstract:
1. A system comprising: a support member; a horn mounting frame movably connected to the support member; a horn coupled to a source of ultrasonic energy, the horn being operatively connected to the horn mounting frame; an anvil separated from the horn by a gap; a force applicator arranged and configured to apply a force on the horn mounting frame in the direction towards the anvil to move the horn mounting frame relative to the support member in a direction towards the anvil; an elastic deformable stop including a cantilevered bar portion including a first end that is fixed to the support member and a second end that contacts the horn mounting frame, wherein the elastic deformable stop is arranged and configured so that when the force applicator applies a force on the horn mounting frame in the direction towards the anvil, the second end of the cantilevered bar portion applies a force on the horn mounting frame in a direction away from the anvil and wherein the second end of the bar portion deflects in a direction towards the anvil, wherein the cantilevered bar portion is not supported at any other point other than at the first end which is fixed to the support member; and a controller configured to deliver a control signal to the force applicator to reduce the force that the force applicator exerts as the horn expands during operation decreasing the amount that the second end of the cantilevered bar is deflected and allowing the horn mounting frame to move relative to the support member in a direction away from the anvil to maintain the gap between the horn and the anvil constant.