| 摘要 |
A heat sealing apparatus for bonding plastic tubular members includes a seamless, tubular, elastic heating element encircling the plastic members. In one form, an annular inflatable bladder filled with hydraulic fluid encircles the heating element, and includes a rigid outer wall and an elastic inner wall that is bonded to the outer surface of the heating element. When the bladder is pressurized the heating element is compressed inwardly to a bonding position against the plastic members. The plastic members are then heated to a bonding temperature by the heating element resulting in a fusion bond along their interface. When the bladder is evacuated the heating element opens outwardly to be spaced from the plastic members to allow removal of the sealed members. The heating element includes a uniform dispersion of susceptor particles that will generate heat when exposed to the high frequency magnetic field of an induction heating coil. A method of heat sealing tubular plastic members is also disclosed. |
