Abstract: A heating element for a film-sealing apparatus comprises a heating wire segment formed of a first metal having a first reflectance to laser radiation of a predetermined wavelength. The heating element further comprises a first conductor lead comprising a wire having one end joined to a first end of the heating wire segment, and a second conductor lead comprising a wire having one end joined to a second end of the heating wire segment. The first and second conductor leads have a lower electrical resistance than the heating wire segment, and are formed of a second metal having a second reflectance to laser radiation of the predetermined wavelength, the second reflectance being higher than the first reflectance. Each of the first and second conductor leads is lap-welded to the respective end of the heating wire segment using laser radiation of the predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: A heating element for a film-sealing apparatus comprises a heating wire segment formed of a first metal having a first reflectance to laser radiation of a predetermined wavelength. The heating element further comprises a first conductor lead comprising a wire having one end joined to a first end of the heating wire segment, and a second conductor lead comprising a wire having one end joined to a second end of the heating wire segment. The first and second conductor leads have a lower electrical resistance than the heating wire segment, and are formed of a second metal having a second reflectance to laser radiation of the predetermined wavelength, the second reflectance being higher than the first reflectance. Each of the first and second conductor leads is lap-welded to the respective end of the heating wire segment using laser radiation of the predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible neck and head hammock including compartments (30) with varying supports to support the neck and head. Embodiments include adjustable and varying supports as seen in (FIGS. 7,8,9) which can include uneven fabric panels as seen in (FIG. 7), bottom arms are shorter than the top arms as seen in (FIG. 8), and by removing and replacing the panel dowels in the desired multiple panel adapters as seen in (FIG. 9). The present invention, in one embodiment is a neck and head hammock with at least one pocket as seen in (FIGS. 1, 2 and 3). Multiple species of the neck and head hammock (30) are created which all include at least one pocket/compartment (47,50,51). These compartments may be used by placing the item through the opening of the compartments (52,53,54) or waterproofed by attaching a zipper (55) as seen in (FIGS. 1 and 2) to protect the stored items. Other Embodiments of the invention include multiple compartments (47,50,51) allowing storage of miscellaneous items as seen in (FIGS.

Abstract: There is provided a machinable .alpha.+.beta. brass containing bismuth and phosphorous. By maintaining the phosphorous content within a critical range, the alloy exhibits good elevated temperature tensile elongation in the temperature range of 100.degree. C.-350.degree. C. without a decrease in machinability due to phosphide formation. In preferred embodiments, the alloy further contains a tin addition for enhanced corrosion resistance. The combination of tin and phosphorous provides enhanced corrosion resistance to the alloy than could be predicted from either addition alone.