Abstract: The process for forming an ultrafine-particle film according to this invention is characterized by irradiating the surface of a target of a raw material with laser energy in a predetermined atmosphere under conditions where a plume is generated, exposing a substrate (a base material) directly to the plume generated, and thereby forming a film. The substrate is positioned in the plume at a distance, from the surface of the target of the raw material, of at least the mean free path of atoms and/or molecules of the raw material (or components thereof). By so positioning the substrate, ultrafine particles of the raw material are deposited on the substrate. The plume containing a large amount of ultrafine particles moves at a high speed; and exposure of the substrate, at the specified position relative to the target, to the plume causes strong adhesion of ultrafine particles contained in the plume to the substrate, resulting in formation of a film.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically controlling the welding condition or the welding torch position in arc welding which makes use of a welding power source of constant-voltage or constant-current type. The apparatus has an oscillator for superposing a signal of a predetermined frequency to the arc and a detector for detecting the arc sound pressure level corresponding to the frequency of the superposed signal. This apparatus is capable of accurately detecting the arc length or other factors by a simple method without being substantially affected by the noises produced by the arc. Control of the torch position, as well as welding conditions such as welding current, arc voltage and so on, can be precisely performed by making use of the detection of the arc length.

Abstract: A sintering method and fusion welding method of the present invention are characterized in that energy is radiated to the black component of starting materials so as to convert it from the state of an energy absorber to the state of an energy reflector (the state where metallic luster is exhibited). The methods can be utilized effectively for forming the electrode of a sensor or the bump of an electronic component. When applied to the production of the sensor and the electrode, the methods can produce these products by a simple production process and with extremely high producibility.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing ultrafine particles by arc energy characterized by disposing an electrode inclinedly as to a base material so as to generate a magnetic blow to arc, disposing a suction opening at the direction of the arc blown, and cooling vapors generated, followed by collection thereof can improve the production efficiency of ultrafine particles with a uniform particle size.

Abstract: A method of efficiently manufacturing ultra-fine particles of material, comprising a step of applying laser energy to the material in order to generate a plume phenomenon thereon to cause the ultra-fine particles. The material may be selected from various materials such as non-metal materials as well as metal materials.

Abstract: In a method wherein arcs are struck across a material to vaporize into ultra-fine particles and an electrode, thereby to manufacture the ultra-fine particles; the material to turn into the ultra-fine particles is arranged for at least either of the electrodes, and plasma currents are generated from the material and the electrode, whereby the formation rate of the ultra-fine particles per unit input is increased, and the material is formed in the shape of a rod or a wire, and a feeder capable of continuously supplying the material is disposed, whereby the ultra-fine particles can be continuously manufactured.

Abstract: An arc welder is provided with a phase control circuit by rectifying elements to simplify the construction of the arc welder and improve the performance and operability. The arc welder is further provided with a storage control circuit to enable the retrieval of stored data of the same welding conditions. A union/individual control circuit is provided to eliminate troublesome adjustment of potentiometers.

Abstract: An automatic welding line tracing method and apparatus for causing a welding torch to follow the welding line by using a single non-contact-type sensor for detecting the welding line which is continuously reciprocated to traverse the groove of two pieces to be welded. During the reciprocating motion of the sensor, the sensor generates output voltages E.sub.1 and E.sub.2 respectively obtained by detecting the both ends of the groove to obtain E.sub.1 -.delta. and E.sub.2 -.delta. on the basis of the detected voltages E.sub.1, E.sub.2 and a separately established reference voltage .delta., and an output voltage P.sub.S corresponding to the central position of the groove is obtained from E.sub.1 -.delta. and E.sub.2 -.delta. to thereby compare the voltage P.sub.S with a voltage indicative of the central position of the oscillating motion of the sensor to thereby cause the welding torch to follow the welding line in accordance with the difference between these two voltages.

Abstract: An automatic weld line copying apparatus has a non-contact type sensor including a core wound with an exciting primary winding which in turn is wound with a secondary winding a plurality of secondary coils differentially. The sensor is compact and able to detect, without contact, the distance from the flat surface or edge line of an object to be welded thus making possible accurate and efficient automatic welding of a small welding assembly with a complicated weld line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic weld line tracing using a non-contact sensor for detection of a weld line, which sensor is continuously reciprocated across the groove. Signals produced from the sensor during the reciprocation are compared at the ends of the groove, and the lower voltage value of the two signals is determined. A value lower than the lower voltage of the two signals by .delta. is predetermined and the position associated with the value is detected by a displacement-measuring instrument, the output of which is utilized for control of the positions of a welding torch.