Abstract: Various embodiments include a microelectromechanical switching element. The element may include: a substrate with a carrier layer, an electrically insulating layer, and a semiconductor layer; a deflectable bending element formed by a freed subregion of the semiconductor layer; and a cover substrate connected to the carrier substrate. The carrier layer defines a first cutout in the region of the bending element. The cover substrate comprises a second cutout and/or an encircling spacer layer in the region of the bending element. The first cutout and the second cutout define a superordinate hollow space in which the bending element is arranged so as to be deflectable. The superordinate hollow space is delimited by the carrier layer and by the cover substrate to provide a hermetically encapsulation from the external environment.

Abstract: In a method for the manufacture of a plush-type cleaning cloth from pile fabric in which a layer of thermoplastic pile fibers is anchored by fusing to a base structure of thermoplastic fibers at temperatures from 423 to 433 K (150.degree.-160.degree. C.), pile fibers of different melting and shrinking temperature properties are used in a distribution over the entire surface, so that a first portion of the pile fibers shrinks at the fusing temperature and a second portion of the pile fibers does not shrink or shrinks less than the first portion. The first portion of the pile fibers comprises approximately 60% of the total amount of the pile fibers and provides increased scrubing properties due to their crimped, harder structure.

Abstract: A window cleaning device includes a moistening member, a wiper blade and a handle, all of which are secured to a body member. The moistening member consists of a number of layers of a permeable skin which is wound without a core for holding a cleaning liquid, the skin having hair thereon for breaking a dirt film on a surface to be cleaned. The moistening member fits within a concave surface portion on the body member, the body member having a projecting edge extending longitudinally beneath the moistening member to prevent liquid from being discharged downwardly and wasted while the device is operated. The amount of liquid which can be held by the moistening member is thereby substantially increased.

Abstract: An electrode, particularly for use in tungsten inert gas welding, and a method for the production thereof wherein the electrode consists of a thoriated tungsten electrode rod having a bore in the working end thereof with an internal surface roughness formed by electro-errosion, the bore being filled with a mass of an electron emission increasing metal-nonmetal compound which is fuse-sintered in place to form a centrally disposed plug in the working end of the electrode.