Abstract: A monitor for sensing any break in electrical continuity between a body and earth when the body is coupled to earth by way of a grounding tether used to prevent build-up of static charges on such body. The monitor includes an oscillator circuit for generating A.C. output voltages which are adapted to actuate an alarm. Body capacitance and resistance are coupled by way of the tether across an impedance network either in the tuned circuit determining oscillator frequency or in the output load thereof whereby the resistance or inductance of the impedance network provides the path to ground for the body through its tether. With body capacitance and resistance components of the total impedance, variable elements in the impedance network are adjusted to diminish the circuit output voltage below the threshold voltage required to actuate the alarm when continuity exists while developing an output voltage level sufficient to actuate the alarm when a break in continuity occurs.

Abstract: A conductive strap for tethering personnel to electrical ground comprises a stretchable band of an elastomeric non-conductive fabric for resiliently embracing a body member in a closed loop. At least one row of a continuous conductive thread is embroidered to the interior surface of the band by a line of stitching which includes a non-conductive thread component penetrating through the fabric from the outside and interlocking with the interior conductive thread component, preferrably sewn in a zig-zag pattern. The conductive thread is coupled to a clasp for electrical connection to ground through a cable tether.

Abstract: A controlled emission static eliminator system (wherein an A.C. high voltage is applied to the discharge electrodes of a static bar by way of a transformer) employs a biasing circuit in series with the primary of the transformer to control the amplitude and/or duration of the alternating potentials imposed on the corona discharge points. The biasing circuit includes a series-connected diode and variable resistance in one leg of a parallel network and a capacitor in the other leg. Selecting appropriate time constants for the resistance and capacitance will narrow the first half of the sine wave and broaden the second half to produce an excess of positive or negative ions, as desired, depending upon the direction of the diode. The ion emission can be controlled to yield an equal number of positive and negative ions or a predominance of ions of one polarity and can be accomplished regardless of whether the A.C. high voltage is directly connected or capacitively coupled to the points.

Abstract: A solder pot is provided in the form of an elongated pot for containing molten solder, at least one elongate coupling member extending longitudinally of said vessel and fixed on the outside thereof in energy transfer relationship therewith, a multiplicity of vibratory transducers equally spaced along said coupling member and affixed thereto, a power generator and oscillator connected commonly to all said transducers and means for uniformly heating the vessel and metal therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for skimming liquids such as solder are provided for removing the surface layer to produce a clean fresh surface by breaking the surface at two parallel spaced confining boundaries and moving the confined surface unidirectionally.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluxless soldering, particularly of capillary joints, is provided wherein the part to be soldered is immersed in a bath of molten solder, the solder is caused to cavitate and simultaneously the part is subject to vibratory or impact energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluxless soldering, particularly of capillary joints, is provided wherein the part to be soldered is immersed in a bath of molten solder, the solder is caused to cavitate and simultaneously the part itself is set into a sympathetic mode of vibration by means of low frequency amplitude modulated variations or harmonics and sub-harmonic variations imposed on the bath.

Abstract: A method is provided for eliminating "icicles" or ligaments and other manifestations of dripping solder from articles which are dip soldered by vibrating the articles simultaneously with removing them from the solder bath and continuing to vibrate the articles until the solder thereon has at least levelled.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flame soldering tool is provided which combines an ultrasonic contact probe and an acetylene air torch into a compact, convenient soldering unit. The tool can be used for soldering new or previously soldered joints in aluminum or other metals without the necessity of using a flux.