LASER-INDUCED SEALING OF CONCENTRIC LAYERED MATERIALS

Description

I. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The following are examples of connections and methods for making such connections known in the prior art: JP 2005 305985 relates to a method of jointing the first tubular material and the second tubular material each being made of a laser-transmissive resin material via a joint comprises attaching a laser absorber to the outer circumferential surface of each of the tubular materials and, inserting the end of each of the tubular materials and in the opening portion of the joint, irradiating a laser beam L from the outer circumferential side of the joint, heating the laser absorber mounted between the joint and the tubular material and, and welding the inner circumferential surface of the joint and the outer circumferential surfaces of the tubular material and by the conduction heat.

[0002] JP 4 113752 B2 relates to a method for bonding a tube material, when a first resin made tube material and a second resin made tube material are bonded via a resin made joint having transmissibility of laser beams and visible light, a laser attraction body being coated on an outer peripheral surface of respective tube materials, and parts of respective tube materials being inserted into an opening part of the joint. Laser beams L are irradiated from an outer peripheral surface side of the joint, to heat the laser absorbing body interposed between inner peripheral surfaces of the tube materials, and openings between the inner peripheral surface of the joint and the outer peripheral surfaces of the tube materials are fusion welded by transmission heat from the laser absorbing body.

[0003] In the method of JP H09 11332 A, pipes of a thermoplastic resin are connected by microwave irradiation with the use of a cylindrical core which is formed in contact with the outer surface of the pipe in a connection part. The cylindrical core has a non-through hole which has an inner circumference of a material similar to the pipe which contains triiron tetraoxide and / or needle shaped titanium oxide and is formed from the outer circumference toward the inner circumference.

[0004] JP 3 369000 B2 discloses a pipe made of thermoplastic resin being joined by irradiating the pipe 1 with microwave by using a cylindrical core provided in contact with an outer surface of the pipe at a joint part. In that case, the cylindrical core has a circumference consisting of the same quality material as that of the pipe containing tri-iron tetraoxide, and a nonpenetrating hole made from an outer periphery to an inner periphery. Further, the cylindrical core has at least one joint.

[0005] JP 2009 056722 A discloses an overlapped area of a first member composed of a laser-transparent resin and a second member composed of a laser-absorbing resin being irradiated with a taser beam L from the side of the first member to weld the members by resin welding.

[0006] JP 2005 199667 A relates to a manufacturing method of a laser-welded member characterized by forming an opening communicating with at least part of a fused region made when laser is irradiated in at least one of a transmissive resin plate or an absorptive resin plate when the transmissive resin plate transmitting a laser and the laser absorptive resin plate absorbing the laser without substantially transmitting the laser are laser-welded.

[0007] US 2003 / 015284 A1 discloses a method of determining if a material has been subjected to an energy source. More particularly, the method allows the inspection of one or more substrates to determine whether the substrate has been subjected to an energy source such as that used for welding or fusing of substrates. The method includes the use of light emitting materials such as luminescent dyes and pigments such as a fluorescing agents, phosphorescing agents, visible dyes, or the like, which can be locally applied to the substrate.

[0008] JP 2004 090628 A describes a pipe-shaped article comprising a resin member having laser beam absorbing resin member being inserted into a joint comprising a laser beam permeable resin member. They are irradiated with laser beams from the joint side to be joined together by laser welding. The pipe-shaped article is composed of an outer layer comprising the laser beam absorbing resin member and an inner layer comprising the laser beam permeable resin member.

[0009] US 2010 / 096388 A1 discloses a method of melt-adhering together a member (A) having a layer (a) of a thermoplastic resin exposed on at least a portion on the surface on the outer side thereof and a member (B) having a layer (b) of a thermoplastic resin exposed on at least the surface on the inner side thereof, wherein a self-press holding mechanism is formed on the portions on where the layer (a) and the layer (b) are to be melt-adhered together to press the member (A) and the member (B) onto each other and to hold the pressed state thereof, and the press-adhered portion is irradiated with a laser beam in a state where the layer (a) and the layer (b) are press-adhered together to effect the melt-adhesion.

[0010] US 2014 / 035279 A1 provides a further system and method for joining pipes where a keyhole is formed in each of the pipe ends and then a filler metal is placed in the keyholes to join the pipes to each other. The filler metal can be deposited using a laser hot wire process.

[0011] A broad object of the invention is to provide a connection, the connection comprising a first layer; a second layer concentrically disposed about said first layer; wherein said first and second layers are formed from corresponding first and second materials; and wherein said first and second materials are selected from the group consisting of: a thermoplastic elastomer, polypropylene, polypropylene derivatives, polyethylene, polyethylene derivatives, polyolefin elastomer, polyvinylidene fluoride, polycarbonate, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene; and a laser-induced seal between portions of said first and second layers; wherein said laser-induced seal provides a fluid-tight engagement between said first and second layers, characterized in that concentric disposition of said second layer about said first layer positions a portion of a first layer external surface of said first layer adjacent to a portion of a second layer internal surface of said second layer; wherein said laser-induced seal is distinguishable from said second layer external surface of said second layer; wherein said laser-induced seal comprises at least one of: a recess which inwardly extends from a second layer external surface of said second layer; a protrusion which outwardly extends from said second layer external surface; or a colored laser-induced seal which has a color that differs from the color of said second layer external surface; and wherein said first layer is incorporated into a first conduit and said second layer is incorporated into a second conduit.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a method of making and using such a connection, the method comprising the steps of providing a first layer; concentrically disposing a second layer about said first layer; wherein said first and second layers are formed from corresponding first and second materials; and wherein said first and second materials are selected from the group consisting of: a thermoplastic elastomer, polypropylene, polypropylene derivatives, polyethylene, polyethylene derivatives, polyolefin elastomer, polyvinylidene fluoride, polycarbonate, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene; and generating a laser-induced seal between portions of said first and second layers; wherein said laser-induced seal provides a fluid-tight engagement between said first and second layers; concentrically disposing said second layer about said first layer to position a portion of a first layer external surface of said first layer adjacent to a portion of a second layer internal surface of said second layer; configuring said laser-induced seal as distinguishable from a second layer external surface of said second layer, further comprising configuring said laser-induced seal as a a recess which inwardly extends from a second layer external surface of said second layer; and / or further comprising configuring said laser-induced seal comprises a protrusion which outwardly extends from said second layer external surface; and / or further comprising configuring said laser-induced seal as colored which has a color that differs from the color of said second layer external surface; and wherein said first layer is incorporated into a first conduit and said second layer is incorporated into a second conduit.

[0013] Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.II. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a connection having a laser-induced seal. Figure 2 is a front view of the connection shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a rear view of the connection shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a top view of the connection shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a bottom view of the connection shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a first end view of the connection shown in Figure 1. Figure 7 is a second end view of the connection shown in Figure 1. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view 8-8 of the connection shown in Figure 7, whereby a laser-induced seal of the connection can comprise or can be apparent (or evident) as a recess which inwardly extends from a second conduit external surface. Figure 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the connection shown in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a front view of a particular embodiment of a connection having a laser-induced seal, whereby a laser-induced seal of the connection can comprise or can be apparent (or evident) as a protrusion which outwardly extends from a second conduit external surface. Figure 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of the connection shown in Figure 10. Figure 12 is a front view of a particular embodiment of a connection having a laser-induced seal, whereby a laser-induced seal of the connection can comprise or can be apparent (or evident) as a colored indicium on a second conduit external surface. Figure 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of the connection shown in Figure 12. Figure 14 is an illustration of a method of making a laser-induced seal between first and second layers by rotating concentrically disposed first and second conduits about a rotation axis while a fixed laser beam is incident upon portions of the first and second conduits which are to be sealed by the laser-induced seal. Figure 15 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-induced seal between first and second layers shown in Figure 14. Figure 16 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-induced seal between first and second layers shown in Figure 14. Figure 17 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-induced seal between first and second layers shown in Figure 14. Figure 18 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-induced seal between first and second layers shown in Figure 14. Figure 19 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-induced seal between first and second layers shown in Figure 14. Figure 20 is an illustration of a method of making a laser-induced seal between first and second layers by rotating a rotatable laser beam about a rotation axis and about concentrically disposed first and second conduits which are fixedly positioned about the rotation axis such that the rotating laser beam is incident upon portions of the first and second conduits which are to be sealed by the laser-induced seal. Figure 21 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-induced seal between first and second layers shown in Figure 20. Figure 22 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-induced seal between first and second layers shown in Figure 20. Figure 23 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-induced seal between first and second layers shown in Figure 20. Figure 24 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-induced seal between first and second layers shown in Figure 20. Figure 25 is an illustration of a method of making a laser-induced seal between first and second layers by rotating a rotatable laser beam about a rotation axis, whereby the laser beam is set at an appropriate angle to reflect off of a mirrored surface which facilitates focusing of the laser beam on concentrically disposed first and second conduits which are fixedly positioned about the rotation axis such that the focused laser beam is incident upon portions of the first and second conduits which are to be sealed by the laser-induced seal. Figure 26 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-induced seal between first and second layers shown in Figure 25. Figure 27 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-induced seal between first and second layers shown in Figure 25. Figure 28 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-induced seal between first and second layers shown in Figure 25. III. MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] Now referring primarily to Figure 1 through Figure 7, which illustrate a particular embodiment of a connection (1) including a first layer (2), a second layer (3) concentrically disposed about the first layer (2), and a laser-induced seal (4) between portions of the first and second layers (2)(3), whereby the laser-induced seal (4) provides a fluid-tight engagement between the first and second layers (2)(3).

[0016] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "seal" means something that secures.

[0017] The first and second layers (2)(3) are formed from corresponding first and second materials (5)(6), whereby the first and second materials (5)(6) can be any of a numerous and wide variety of materials which upon exposure to a laser (7), can generate the laser-induced seal (4) between portions of the first and second layers (2)(3). The first or second material (5)(6) are a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polypropylene (PP), polypropylene (PP) derivatives, polyethylene (PE), polyethylene (PE) derivatives, polyolefin elastomer (POE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

[0018] As to particular embodiments, the first and second materials (5)(6) can be similar materials or the same material. As illustrative examples, the first and second materials (5)(6) can both be polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

[0019] As to other particular embodiments, the first and second materials (5)(6) can be dissimilar materials or different materials. As illustrative examples, the first and second materials (5)(6) can be: polyolefin elastomer (POE) and polypropylene (PP), respectively; polyolefin elastomer (POE) and polyethylene (PE), respectively; thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and polypropylene (PP), respectively; or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and polyethylene (PE), respectively.

[0020] Now referring primarily to Figure 1 through Figure 13, the second layer (3) is concentrically disposed about the first layer (2) such that a portion of a first layer external surface (8) is adjacent to, directly adjacent to, or in contact with a portion of a second layer internal surface (9). Accordingly, upon exposure to a laser (7), the laser-induced seal (4) can be generated between at least the first layer external surface (8) and the second layer internal surface (9).

[0021] As to particular embodiments, the first and second layers (2)(3) are each incorporated into corresponding first and second conduits (10)(11). Each of the conduits (10)(11) includes opposing conduit external and internal surfaces (12)(13)(14)(15), whereby each conduit internal surface (14)(15) defines a conduit passageway (16)(17) through which fluid can flow.

[0022] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "conduit" means a tubular member through which something can pass.

[0023] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "fluid" means flowable matter, which can include: a gas, a liquid, or the like, or combinations thereof.

[0024] The conduit external and internal surfaces (12)(13)(14)(15) can have any of a numerous and wide variety of configurations, including any of a numerous and wide variety of cross sections, depending upon the application. As non-limiting examples, the cross section of the conduit external or internal surface (12)(13)(14)(15) can be generally circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, polygonal, a freeform shape, or the like, or combinations thereof.

[0025] A conduit wall (18) disposes between the conduit external and internal surfaces (12)(13)(14)(15), whereby the conduit wall (18) can have any of a numerous and wide variety of conduit wall thicknesses (19). As a non-limiting example, the conduit wall thickness (19) can be in a range of between about 0.05 millimeters (about 0.002 inches) to about 13 millimeters (about 0.5 inches), although the conduit wall thickness (19) can be lesser or greater depending upon the application.

[0026] The conduit internal surface (14)(15) can define a conduit passageway (16)(17) having any of a numerous and wide variety of conduit passageway diameters (20). As a non-limiting example, the conduit passageway diameter (20) can be in a range of between about 0.2 millimeters (about 0.0073 inches) to about 100 millimeters (about 4 inches), although the conduit passageway diameter (20) can be lesser or greater depending upon the application.

[0027] Again referring primarily to Figure 1 through Figure 13, the connection (1) further includes a laser-induced seal (4) between portions of the first and second layers (2)(3), whereby the laser-induced seal (4) provides a fluid-tight engagement between the first and second layers (2)(3). Consequently, when the portions of the first and second layers (2)(3) are connected via the laser-induced seal (4) and thus, are in fluid-tight engagement with one another, fluid is precluded from traveling across the portions of the first and second layers (2)(3) proximate the laser-induced seal (4).

[0028] As to particular embodiments whereby the first and second layers (2)(3) are incorporated into corresponding first and second conduits (10)(11), when the first and second conduits (10)(11) are connected via the laser-induced seal (4) and thus, are in fluid-tight engagement with one another, the first and second conduit passageways (16)(17) together form a fluid flow path (21) through which fluid can flow without egressing from the passageways (16)(17), and particularly without egressing from the portions of the passageways (16)(17) proximate the laser-induced seal (4).

[0029] The laser-induced seal (4) can be generated by any of a numerous and wide variety of lasers (7), whereby a laser (7) is a device that produces a laser beam (22) which can generate a laser weld, such as a laser-induced seal (4).

[0030] To generate the laser-induced seal (4), the laser beam (22) can be focused in any of a numerous and wide variety of locations, typically but not necessarily between a second layer external surface (23) and a first layer internal surface (24). Accordingly, the laser-induced seal (4) can be generated in any of a numerous and wide variety of locations between the second layer external surface (23) and the first layer internal surface (24).

[0031] As to particular embodiments, the laser-induced seal (4) can span generally the entirety of the distance between the second layer external surface (23) and the first layer internal surface (24).

[0032] As to other particular embodiments, the laser-induced seal (4) can span a portion of the distance between the second layer external surface (23) and the first layer internal surface (24), for example a portion proximate the first layer external surface (8) and the second layer internal surface (9).

[0033] The laser beam (22) can have any power capable of generating a laser-induced seal (4). As but one illustrative example, the laser beam (22) can have power in a range of between about 10 Watts to about 120 Watts, although the power can be lesser or greater depending upon the application.

[0034] Additionally, the laser beam (22) can have any rate of travel capable of generating a laser-induced seal (4). As but one illustrative example, the laser beam (22) can have a rate of travel in a range of between about 0.13 millimeters (about 0.005 inches) per second to about 51 millimeters (about 2 inches) per second, although the rate of travel can be lesser or greater depending upon the application.

[0035] The laser-induced seal (4) generated by the laser beam (22) can have any of a numerous and wide variety of laser-induced seal widths (25), whereby the laser-induced seal width (25) is sufficient to allow the laser-induced seal (4) to provide a fluid-tight engagement between the first and second layers (2)(3). As but one illustrative example, the laser-induced seal width (25) can be in a range of between about 0.025 millimeters (about 0.001 inches) to about 6.5 millimeters (about 0.25 inches), although the laser-induced seal width (25) can be lesser or greater depending upon the application.

[0036] Further, the laser-induced seal (4) generated by the laser beam (22) can have any of a numerous and wide variety of laser-induced seal lengths (24), whereby the laser-induced seal length (24) is sufficient to allow the laser-induced seal (4) to provide a fluid-tight engagement between the first and second layers (2)(3).

[0037] As to particular embodiments whereby the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11) have a generally circular cross section, the laser-induced seal length (24) can span generally the entirety of the circumference (about 360 degrees) of the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11). Said another way, the laser-induced seal length (24) can completely surround the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11).

[0038] As to other particular embodiments whereby the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11) have a generally circular cross section, the laser-induced seal length (24) can span less than the entirety of the circumference of the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11). Said another way, the laser-induced seal length (24) can only partially surround the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11).

[0039] Typically, but not necessarily, relatively smaller conduits (10)(11) having lesser conduit wall thicknesses (19) and / or lesser conduit passageway diameters (20) require exposure to a laser beam (22) having lesser power and a lesser rate of travel to generate a laser-induced seal (4) which provides a fluid-tight engagement of the conduits (10)(11) in relation to relatively larger conduits (10)(11) having greater conduit wall thicknesses (19) and / or greater conduit passageway diameters (20), which require exposure to a laser beam (22) having greater power and a greater rate of travel.

[0040] Further, typically but not necessarily, relatively smaller conduits (10)(11) having lesser conduit wall thicknesses (19) and / or lesser conduit passageway diameters (20) require lesser laser-induced seal widths (25) to provide a fluid-tight engagement between the first and second layers (2)(3) in relation to relatively larger conduits (10)(11) having greater conduit wall thicknesses (19) and / or greater conduit passageway diameters (20), which require greater laser-induced seal widths (25).

[0041] As a first illustrative example, to generate a laser-induced seal (4) which provides a fluid-tight engagement of conduits (10)(11) each having a conduit wall thicknesses (19) of about 0.002 inches and a conduit passageway diameter (20) of about 0.0073 inches, a laser beam (22) having a power of about 10 Watts and a rate of travel of about 0.005 inches per second to about 1 inch per second can be used, whereby the laser-induced seal (4) generated can have a laser-induced seal width (25) of about 0.001 inches to about 0.003 inches.

[0042] As a second illustrative example, to generate a laser-induced seal (4) which provides a fluid-tight engagement of conduits (10)(11) each having a conduit wall thicknesses (19) of about 0.0625 inches and a conduit passageway diameter (20) of about 0.50 inches, a laser beam (22) having a power of about 60 Watts and a rate of travel of about 0.05 inches per second to about 2 inch per second can be used, whereby the laser-induced seal (4) generated can have a laser-induced seal width (25) of about 0.005 inches to about 0.1875 inches.

[0043] As a third illustrative example, to generate a laser-induced seal (4) which provides a fluid-tight engagement of conduits (10)(11) each having a conduit wall thicknesses (19) of about 0.25 inches and a conduit passageway diameter (20) of about 4 inches, a laser beam (22) having a power of about 120 Watts and a rate of travel of about 0.05 inches per second to about 2 inch per second can be used, whereby the laser-induced seal (4) generated can have a laser-induced seal width (25) of about 0.005 inches to about 0.25 inches.

[0044] As to particular embodiments, the laser beam (22) can function to combine, whether partially or completely, the first and second materials (5)(6) to generate the laser-induced seal (4).

[0045] As to particular embodiments, the laser beam (22) can function to fuse, whether partially or completely, the first and second materials (5)(6) to generate the laser-induced seal (4).

[0046] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "fuse" means to blend or join by or as if by melting together.

[0047] Now referring primarily to Figure 8 through Figure 11, the laser-induced seal (4) can be apparent (or evident), meaning that the laser-induced seal (4) is distinguished from its surroundings, and namely from the second layer external surface (23) or the second conduit external surface (13), via one or more distinguishing properties. In this way, the laser-induced seal (4) can be identified, for example via visual identification, tactile identification, or via other means of identification, thereby confirming that the laser-induced seal (4) has been generated to provide a fluid-tight engagement between first and second layers (2)(3), such as first and second conduits (10)(11).

[0048] Now referring primarily to Figure 8 and Figure 9, as to one particular embodiment, the laser-induced seal (4) can comprise or can be apparent (or evident) as a recess (26) which inwardly extends from the second layer external surface (23) or the second conduit external surface (13), whereby the recess (26) is provided upon generation of the laser-induced seal (4). Accordingly, the recess (26) can be seen or felt by an individual viewing or touching the second conduit external surface (13) proximate the laser-induced seal (4).

[0049] Now referring primarily to Figure 10 and Figure 11, as to another particular embodiment, the laser-induced seal (4) can comprise or can be apparent (or evident) as a protrusion (27) which outwardly extends from the second layer external surface (23) or the second conduit external surface (13), whereby the protrusion (27) is provided upon generation of the laser-induced seal (4). Accordingly, the protrusion (27) can be seen or felt by an individual viewing or touching the second conduit external surface (13) proximate the laser-induced seal (4).

[0050] Now referring primarily to Figure 12 and Figure 13, as to yet another particular embodiment, the laser-induced seal (4) can comprise or can be apparent (or evident) as a colored indicium (28) having a color which differs from the color of the second conduit (11), whereby the colored indicium (28) is provided upon generation of the laser-induced seal (4). Accordingly, the colored indicium (28) can be seen by an individual viewing the second conduit external surface (13) proximate the laser-induced seal (4).

[0051] A method of making a connection (1), as above described, includes providing a first layer (2); concentrically disposing a second layer (3) about the first layer (2); and generating a laser-induced seal (4) between portions of the first and second layers (2)(3), whereby the laser-induced seal (4) provides a fluid-tight engagement between the first and second layers (2)(3).

[0052] Now referring primarily to Figure 14 through Figure 19, as to particular embodiments, the laser-induced seal (4) between the first and second layers (2)(3), such as first and second conduits (10)(11), can be generated by rotating concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11) about a rotation axis (29) while a fixed laser beam (22) (meaning a laser beam (22) in a fixed position) is incident upon the portions of the first and second conduits (10)(11) which are to be sealed by the laser-induced seal (4).

[0053] As but one illustrative example, the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11) can be engaged with a robotic arm. While a fixed laser beam (22) is incident upon the portions of the first and second conduits (10)(11) which are to be sealed by the laser-induced seal (4), the robotic arm can rotate the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11) about the rotation axis (29), thereby generating the laser-induced seal (4) between portions of the first and second conduits (10)(11).

[0054] As but a second illustrative example, the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11) can be engaged with a rotatable collet (30). While a fixed laser beam (22) is incident upon the portions of the first and second conduits (10)(11) which are to be sealed by the laser-induced seal (4), the rotatable collet (30) can be rotated to correspondingly rotate the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11) about the rotation axis (29), thereby generating the laser-induced seal (4) between portions of the first and second conduits (10)(11).

[0055] As to particular embodiments whereby the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11) have a generally circular cross section, the robotic arm or the rotatable collet (30) can rotate the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11) about 360 degrees; following, the laser-induced seal (4) can span generally the entirety or nearly the entirely of the circumference (about 360 degrees) of the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11); however, the laser-induced seal (4) need not span generally the entirety or nearly the entirely of the circumference of the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11), depending upon the application.

[0056] Now referring primarily to Figure 20 through Figure 24, as to other particular embodiments, the laser-induced seal (4) between the first and second layers (2)(3), such as first and second conduits (10)(11), can be generated by rotating a rotatable laser beam (22) about a rotation axis (29) and about concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11) which are fixedly positioned about the rotation axis (29) such that upon rotation, the rotatable laser beam (22) is incident upon the portions of the first and second conduits (10)(11) which are to be sealed by the laser-induced seal (4).

[0057] As but one illustrative example, the rotatable laser beam (22) can be produced by a rotatable laser (7). Accordingly, upon rotation of the rotatable laser (7) about the rotation axis (29), the laser beam (22) can correspondingly be rotated about concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11) which are fixedly positioned about the rotation axis (29) such that the rotating laser beam (22) is incident upon the portions of the first and second conduits (10)(11) which are to be sealed by the laser-induced seal (4).

[0058] As to particular embodiments whereby the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11) have a generally circular cross section, the rotatable laser beam (22) can be rotated about 360 degrees; following, the laser-induced seal (4) can span generally the entirety or nearly the entirely of the circumference (about 360 degrees) of the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11); however, the laser-induced seal (4) need not span generally the entirety or nearly the entirely of the circumference of the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11), depending upon the application.

[0059] Now referring primarily to Figure 25 through Figure 28, as to yet other particular embodiments, the laser-induced seal (4) between the first and second layers (2)(3), such as first and second conduits (10)(11), can be generated by rotating a rotatable laser beam (22) about a rotation axis (29), whereby the laser beam (22) is set at an appropriate or desired angle (31) to reflect off of a mirrored surface (32) which facilitates focusing of the laser beam (22) on concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11) which are fixedly positioned about the rotation axis (29) such that the focused laser beam (22) is incident upon the portions of the first and second conduits (10)(11) which are to be sealed by the laser-induced seal (4).

[0060] As but one illustrative example, the mirrored surface (32) can be a concave toroidal mirrored surface (32) which, when the rotatable laser beam (22) is set at an appropriate or desired angle (31) to reflect off of the concave toroidal mirrored surface (32), facilitates focusing of the laser beam (22) on concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11) which are fixedly positioned about the rotation axis (29) such that the focused laser beam (22) is incident upon the portions of the first and second conduits (10)(11) which are to be sealed by the laser-induced seal (4).

[0061] As to particular embodiments whereby the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11) have a generally circular cross section, the rotatable laser beam (22) can be rotated about 360 degrees; following, the laser-induced seal (4) can span generally the entirety or nearly the entirely of the circumference (about 360 degrees) of the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11); however, the laser-induced seal (4) need not span generally the entirety or nearly the entirely of the circumference of the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11), depending upon the application.

[0062] As to still yet other particular embodiments, the laser-induced seal (4) between the first and second layers (2)(3), such as first and second conduits (10)(11), can be generated by a circular laser beam (22) which is set at an appropriate or desired angle (31) to reflect off of a mirrored surface (32) which facilitates focusing of the circular laser beam (22) on concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11) which are fixedly positioned such that the focused laser beam (22) is incident upon the portions of the first and second conduits (10)(11) which are to be sealed by the laser-induced seal (4) (not shown).

[0063] As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a laser-induced seal of concentrically-layered materials and methods for making and using such a laser-induced seal of concentrically-layered materials, including the best mode.

[0064] As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments generically encompassed by the invention. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives are implicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

[0065] It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each step of a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed as an action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed as the physical element or the action which that physical element facilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a "seal" should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of "sealing" -- whether explicitly discussed or not -- and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of "sealing", such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a "seal" and even a "means for sealing". Such alternative terms for each element or step are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.

[0066] In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to included in the description for each term as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition.

[0067] All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term "about", whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of the present invention, ranges may be expressed as from "about" one particular value to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value to the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. A numerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" generally refers to a range of numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited numeric value or having the same function or result. Similarly, the antecedent "substantially" means largely, but not wholly, the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have a range of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art would consider as having the same function or result. When a particular element is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent "substantially," it will be understood that the particular element forms another embodiment.

[0068] Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwise limited. As such, the terms "a" or "an", "one or more" and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein.

Claims

1. A connection (1) comprising: a first layer (2); a second layer (3) concentrically disposed about said first layer (2); wherein said first and second layers (2)(3) are formed from corresponding first and second materials (5)(6); and wherein said first and second materials (5)(6) are selected from the group consisting of: a thermoplastic elastomer, polypropylene, polypropylene derivatives, polyethylene, polyethylene derivatives, polyolefin elastomer, polyvinylidene fluoride, polycarbonate, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene; and a laser-induced seal (4) between portions of said first and second layers (2)(3); wherein said laser-induced seal (4) provides a fluid-tight engagement between said first and second layers (2)(3), characterized in that concentric disposition of said second layer (3) about said first layer (2) positions a portion of a first layer external surface (8) of said first layer (2) adjacent to a portion of a second layer internal surface (9) of said second layer (3); wherein said laser-induced seal (4) is distinguishable from a second layer external surface (23) of said second layer (3); wherein said laser-induced seal (4) comprises at least one of: a recess (26) which inwardly extends from said second layer external surface (23); a protrusion (27) which outwardly extends from said second layer external surface (23); or a colored laser-induced seal (4) which has a color that differs from the color of said second layer external surface (23); and wherein said first layer (2) is incorporated into a first conduit (10) and said second layer (3) is incorporated into a second conduit (11).

2. The connection (1) of claim 1, wherein said first layer external surface (8) contacts said second layer internal surface (9).

3. The connection (1) of claim 2, wherein said laser-induced seal (4) is generated between at least said first layer external surface (8) and said second layer internal surface (9).

4. The connection (1) of claim 1, wherein said laser-induced seal (4) has a laser-induced seal length which spans the entire circumference of the concentrically disposed said first and second conduits (10)(11) or said laser-induced seal (4) has a laser-induced seal length which spans less than the entire circumference of the concentrically disposed said first and second conduits (10)(11).

5. The connection (1) of claim 1, wherein said first and second materials are combined to generate said laser-induced seal (4).

6. The connection (1) of claim 5, wherein said first and second materials (5)(6) are fused to generate said laser-induced seal (4).

7. A method of making a connection (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: providing a first layer (2); concentrically disposing a second layer (3) about said first layer (2); wherein said first and second layers (2)(3) are formed from corresponding first and second materials (5)(6); and wherein said first and second materials (5)(6) are selected from the group consisting of: a thermoplastic elastomer, polypropylene, polypropylene derivatives, polyethylene, polyethylene derivatives, polyolefin elastomer, polyvinylidene fluoride, polycarbonate, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene; and generating a laser-induced seal (4) between portions of said first and second layers (2)(3); wherein said laser-induced seal (4) provides a fluid-tight engagement between said first and second layers (2)(3); concentrically disposing said second layer (3) about said first layer (2) to position a portion of a first layer external surface (8) of said first layer (2) adjacent to a portion of a second layer internal surface (9) of said second layer (3); configuring said laser-induced seal (4) as distinguishable from a second layer external surface (23) of said second layer (3), further comprising configuring said laser-induced seal (4) as a recess (26) which inwardly extends from said second layer external surface (23); and / or further comprising configuring said laser-induced seal (4) comprises a protrusion (27) which outwardly extends from said second layer external surface (23); and / or further comprising configuring said laser-induced seal (4) as colored which has a color that differs from the color of said second layer external surface (23); and wherein said first layer (2) is incorporated into a first conduit (10) and said second layer (3) is incorporated into a second conduit (11).