Method and system for determining a gap between a vibrational body and fixed point
Assignee3M Innovative Properties Company
InventorsDonald Oblak, Satinder Nayar, Paul Fettig, Donald Pochardt
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system and method for monitoring a gap between a vibrational body and a reference is achieved by monitoring the resonant frequency of the vibrational body. A portion of the vibrational body is fixed a given distance from the reference by a rigid mounting system. A resonant frequency of the vibrational body is received. Then, a quantity standing in known relation to an approximate change in the length of the gap is determined, based upon the resonant frequency.
Claims23
A method for monitoring a gap between a vibrational body and a reference, wherein a portion of the vibrational body is fixed a given distance from the reference by a rigid mounting system, the method comprising:
- receiving a resonant frequency of the vibrational body;
- and
- determining a quantity standing in known relation to an approximate change in length of the gap, based upon the resonant frequency.
A system for applying ultrasonic energy to a workpiece, the system comprising:
- a horn stack;
- a mounting system upon which the horn stack is mounted;
- a source of energy coupled to the horn stack;
- an anvil having a surface for supporting the workpiece;
- and
- a controller configured to receive a resonant frequency of the horn stack, and to determine a quantity standing in known relation to a change in gap between the horn stack and the anvil.
A system for applying ultrasonic energy to a workpiece, the system comprising:
- a horn stack;
- a mounting system upon which the horn stack is mounted;
- a source of energy coupled to the horn stack;
- an anvil having a surface for supporting the workpiece;
- and
- a means for determining a quantity standing in known relation to a change in gap between the horn stack and the anvil.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.