Abstract: In an apparatus for sorting and distributing mail pieces, the mail pieces e introduced into an inlet module, then from the inlet module into a transporter and finally to an outlet module. Mail pieces are moved from a receiving station on to a continuous conveyor forming a part of the inlet module. The continuous conveyor has a number of transporting sections disposed in spaced generally horizontal planes. From the transporting sections mail pieces are transferred at a transfer station from transport pallets on to individual receptacles in the transporter. At a removal station spaced from the transfer station, mail pieces are removed by an extraction device from the individual receptacles on the transporter to containers on an output conveyor of the output module. The containers are formed to receive a plurality of mail pieces.

Abstract: A spark gap apparatus triggerable by application of a microwave pulse. The apparatus includes a first electrode including a microwave waveguide, and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode. A microwave generator is connected to supply microwave pulses to the waveguide. A main current circuit to be switched is connected to the electrodes. The first and second electrodes include components for causing the simultaneous existence of a number of spark channels therebetween in response to coupling of a microwave pulse to the waveguide so that coupling of the pulse to the waveguide results in switching of the main current circuit. A method of using the spark gap apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making optical fibers by plasma chemical vapor deposition (PCVD) is disclosed wherein the pressure in the glass tube is maintained constant by controlling the rate of evacuation. The pressure-dependent controlled variable is preferably the impedance of the plasma-producing device, and the rate of evacuation is controlled in such a way that this impedance remains constant.

Abstract: A method for welding bodies made of very hard or highly refined armor steel, particularly objects to be armored against the penetration of projectiles, flying bodies, splinters or the like, wherein armor steel bodies arranged in juxtaposition with a gap therebetween are provided, in the region of the root of the joint, with preferably one bar each, and/or a filler body of, in particular, an unalloyed steel is arranged in the joint so as to cover the joint gap. The armor steel bodies are welded together without preheating with a suitable ferritic welding material, of like base, under a protective gas atmosphere and after cooling of the weld seam from the welding heat to not less than 100.degree. C., the weld seam is heated locally and progressively without any holding period to at least 450.degree. C. and subsequently, without maintaining a certain ambient temperature and/or period of time, the weld seam is cooled to ambient temperature in air.

Abstract: A method for coating the interior of electrically non-conductive pipes by means of a reactive separation from a gas flowing through the pipe, whereby the gas is dissociated by an electrical gas discharge, and wherein the separation occurs simultaneously throughout the total pipe length. Pulse discharges are used having pulse lengths which are so adjusted to the transit time of the gas through the pipe that the time period between two successive pulses corresponds to the time which is required for filling the pipe with unused gas.