Abstract: The invention relates to optical fluoride crystals, and particularly to optical fluoride crystals such as calcium fluoride, which have high transmission levels to below 200 nm light, such as produced by excimer lasers. In particular the invention relates to making optical fluoride crystals with improved transmission surfaces. The invention relates to the elimination of mid-spatial frequency roughness 1-1000 &mgr;m spatial wavelengths and high-spatial frequency<1 &mgr;m spatial wavelengths from optical fluoride crystal surfaces. The removal of the mid-spatial frequency 1-1000 &mgr;m spatial wavelengths and high-spatial frequency<1 &mgr;m spatial wavelengths from the optical fluoride crystal surfaces provides improved transmission at below 200 nm optical lithography wavelengths such as 193 nm and 157 nm.

Abstract: A cordless adhesive dispensing system includes an electrically-heated dispensing gun and cooperating base that supports the gun and effects both a mechanical and electrical connection to the gun. The gun accepts solid adhesive and melts the adhesive in response to an electrical current provided to the gun through a mechanical and electrical interface. The electrical interface includes cooperating electrical contacts on both the gun and the base that effect electrical contact as the gun is mounted to the base by the operator and electrical disconnection as the gun is dismounted. A switch is in-circuit with the contacts and closes the circuit to the gun after the gun is fully mounted to the base and effects electrical interruption as the gun is dismounted. The mechanical interface maintains the mounted gun at a convenient, easy-to-grip attitude and includes pivoted interface surfaces that allow the gun to be pivoted into and out of its mechanical and electrical interfacing with the base in a reliable manner.

Abstract: A permanent magnet motor for use in such electrically-powered devices as appliances, power tools, and the like includes a longitudinally-split cylindrical ferromagnetic wrapper having an inner diameter normally less in its free state than the outer cross-sectional dimension of a permanent magnet array. During assembly of the motor, the split wrapper is expanded to fit around the magnet array, and then is allowed to contract to urge the magnet array radially inwardly against cooperating surfaces formed on each of two end caps. This maintains a predetermined orientation or alignment of the magnet array relative to the armature, including, for example, a predetermined air gap between the magnet array and the armature. Accordingly, the conventional requirement for such additional retention mechanisms as spring clips, adhesives, fasteners, and the like, is eliminated.

Abstract: A workbench of a foldable, portable nature includes a working surface formed by a pair of vise bars. The vise bars are operated by a pair of clamping screws which are so interconnected with a movable one of the bars by connections which allow limited lateral movement of a nut, carried by one of the screws, and the movable vise bar to permit one clamping screw to be rotated at a different speed than the other clamping screw. The vise bars are carried by a supporting structure formed by two frame members, means being provided for retaining the frame members at an acute angle to each other in an erected position of the workbench and for enabling the frame member to lie adjacent each other in substantially parallel planes, when the frames are in a collapsed position of the workbench.