Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An apparatus for simultaneously welding multiple molded plastic parts includes a power delivery module, a measuring arrangement, a parameter storage module, a user interface, and a controller, is designed for use with plastic parts that each have at least one fitting with a heating element and an identifying resistor. The power delivery module is designed to supply power to the multiple heating elements and includes a common power supply, multiple independently controllable power switching devices and multiple outputs, each designed for interconnection with one of the fittings. The measuring arrangement includes multiple interconnections for connecting to the heating element and identifying resistor of each fitting to which an output is connected. The measuring arrangement measures the resistance of the heating element and the identifying resistor of each fitting connected to the apparatus. The parameter storage module stores the power output level and power duration parameters for fittings of different types based on the resistance values of their heating elements and identifying resistors. The controller is connected to the user interface, the parameter storage module, the power delivery module, and the measuring arrangement. The controller operates to perform the following functions: cause the measuring arrangement to measure the resistance of the heating element and identifying resistor of each fitting; access the parameter storage module to identify the power output level and power duration parameters for each fitting; and cause the power delivery module to simultaneously deliver power to each of the outputs connected to the fittings and control the power switching devices so that power is supplied to each of the outputs for the duration and at the level identified for the fitting connected to the output.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim