Abstract: An a.c. operated arc welding current supply unit comprises a frequency converter of the series capacitor type and operating with a half period which is substantially less than the average duration of the current and voltage transients caused by short circuits through droplets of weld material during welding. The frequency converter is connected to welding electrodes through a transformer in series with a rectifier to provide direct current for the welding electrodes, and the frequency converter is associated with a control device for maintaining the operating frequency of the converter constant, thereby maintaining the arc power substantially unchanged irrespective of changes in load caused by the welding operation.

Abstract: An a.c. operated arc welding current supply unit comprises a frequency converter of the series capacitor type and operating with a half period which is substantially less than the average duration of the current and voltage transients caused by short circuits through droplets of weld material during welding. The frequency converter is connected to welding electrodes through a transformer in series with a rectifier to provide direct current for the welding electrodes, and the frequency converter is associated with a control device for controlling the operating frequency of the converter in a manner such that it is substantially inversely proportional to the square of the input voltage of the current supply unit, thereby maintaining the power output of said unit substantially unchanged irrespective of changes in load caused by the welding operation and irrespective of variations in said input voltage.

Abstract: A frequency converter of the series-capacitor type is made substantially insensitive to changes in output load by providing the same with means for limiting the voltage across the transformer and load capacitor or capacitors thereof to a pre-determined value.

Abstract: An electric detonator cap has a casing, which accommodates an explosive detonator charge, an electrically ignitable means for firing the detonator charge, a chargeable and dischargeable electric energy source for igniting the firing means, and an electric circuit arrangement, including a controllable switch means connected between the energy source and the firing means, an electric delay circuit, and a decoder. The energy source is connectable via connecting wires extending out from the casing, to an electric current source for charging the energy source, and the decoder is electrically connectable to said connecting wires and is adapted upon receipt of a specific electric firing command signal supplied through said connecting wires to actuate the delay circuit in a manner to close the switch means after a predetermined delay time.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining reliable ignition of the match heads of series-connected electric detonators, the apparatus including a dischargeable source of energy capable of supplying to the match heads sufficient energy to ignite the same and circuitry for regulating the current through the match heads during the discharge of the energy source. The apparatus is also arranged to cooperate with circuitry for initiating the discharge of the energy source.

Abstract: An a.c. operated arc welding current supply unit comprises a frequency converter of the series capacitor type and operating with a half period which is substantially less than the average duration of the current and voltage transients caused by short circuits through droplets of weld material during welding. The frequency converter is connected to welding electrodes through a transformer in series with a rectifier to provide direct current for the welding electrodes, and the frequency converter is associated with a control device for controlling the operating frequency of the converter in a manner such that it is substantially inversely proportional to the square of the input voltage of the current supply unit, thereby maintaining the power output of said unit substantially unchanged irrespective of changes in load caused by the welding operation and irrespective of variations in said input voltage.