Patent ID: 6619358
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: B29C,H05B

Abstract:
A system for bonding first and second plastic parts having a liquid heat-activated adhesive located therebetween, the system comprising:a first infrared lamp for emitting infrared radiation; a first base section for supporting the first and second plastic parts with the liquid adhesive located therebetween and for supporting the first infrared lamp adjacent the first plastic part; a temperature sensor having a movable wire sensing element which is inserted into the liquid adhesive during heating, wherein the sensing element provides a feedback signal based on the temperature of the liquid adhesive; and a controller coupled to the first infrared lamp for controlling power supplied to the first infrared lamp in response to the feedback signal so that the first infrared lamp emits infrared radiation which propagates through the first plastic part and is absorbed by the liquid adhesive for a time sufficient to heat the liquid adhesive to a desired temperature at which the liquid adhesive is activated wherein the activated adhesive bonds the plastic parts together.