Abstract: A method for producing a diffusion-optimized tipping paper for tobacco products, especially filter cigarettes, by plasma perforation of the web of tipping paper for the purpose of maximum carbon monoxide reduction, wherein the diffusivity and the permeability P of the perforated tipping paper are measured in-line and diffusivity is maximized by controlling the perforation parameters, the definable target permeability Psoll being maintained at all times.

Abstract: A laser cutting machine includes a first bearing structure and a second bearing structure, a first support structure and a second support structure, a bridge, and a laser head. Each of the first and second bearing structures includes a support structure interface. The first support structure is configured to engage the support structure interface of the first bearing structure and the second support structure is configured to engage the support structure interface of the second bearing structure. The bridge is attached to the first support structure at a first intermediate support region and to the second support structure at a second intermediate support region and is configured to move in a first direction. The laser head is configured to move along the bridge in a second direction.

Abstract: There is provided a system for handling and creasing cardboard, as well as sub-systems of said system. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A coil provides several windings. A first winding is a winding at one edge of the coil, which provides a given first winding diameter and a given first winding spacing relative to the next winding. At the other end of the coil, a last winding provides a given second winding diameter and a given second winding spacing relative to the adjacent winding. In this context, the first winding diameter is larger than the second winding diameter. The first winding spacing in this context is smaller than the second winding spacing.

Abstract: A non-woven textile may be formed from a plurality of thermoplastic polymer filaments. The non-woven textile may have a first region and a second region, with the filaments of the first region being fused to a greater degree than the filaments of the second region. A variety of products, including apparel (e.g., shirts, pants, footwear), may incorporate the non-woven textile. In some of these products, the non-woven textile may be joined with another textile element to form a seam. More particularly, an edge area of the non-woven textile may be heatbonded with an edge area of the other textile element at the seam. In other products, the non-woven textile may be joined with another component, whether a textile or a non-textile.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing holes in dielectric workpieces in the form of thin sheets and substrates, in particular of glass or glass-like materials and semiconductors is provided. The apparatus includes individual high-voltage electrodes that are symmetrically arranged on an electrode holder around the hole to be produced in the workpiece. The apparatus also includes individual counter electrodes that are arranged on a counter electrode holder. The electrodes and counter electrodes can be connected in a permutating manner to a high-voltage source for the discharge of high-voltage flashovers.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and devices for the production of micro-structured substrates and their application in natural sciences and technology, in particular in analysis and detection systems based on artificial and biological lipid membranes. The structure is preferably a hole or a cavity or channel and is obtained by spark perforation. Energy, preferably heat, is applied to the region to be structured so as to reduce the amplitude of voltage required and/or soften the material. The electrical parameters of the spark perforation are feedback-controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode arrangement for an electrodynamic fragmentation plant having a passage opening (1) for fragmentation material (3) and having several electrode pairs (4a, 5a; 4a, 5b; 4b, 5c; 4b, 5d; 4c, 5e; 4c, 5f; 4d, 5g; 4d, 5h) by means of which, by charging the electrodes (4a-4d, 5a-5h) thereof with high-voltage pulses, in each case high-voltage discharges can be generated within the passage opening (1), for fragmentation of the fragmentation material (3). The passage opening (1) is formed in such a way and the electrodes (4a-4d, 5a-5h) of the electrode pairs are arranged therein in such a way that for each electrode pair (4a, 5a; 4a, 5b; 4b, 5c; 4b, 5d; 4c, 5e; 4c, 5f; 4d, 5g; 4d, 5h) in the area of a shortest connecting line (L) between the electrodes of the respective electrode pair, a ball (K) can pass through the passage opening (1), the diameter of which is bigger than the length of this respective shortest connecting line (L).

Abstract: A method for aligning an opto-electronic component in an IC die with an optical port is disclosed. This is achieved, in various embodiments, by forming alignment features in the IC die that can mate with complementary alignment features of the optical port. The formation of alignment features can be performed at the wafer level during fabrication of the IC die. An optical signal carrier may be optically coupled to the optical port such that the signal carrier may communicate optically with the opto-electronic component.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming a time-average line image are disclosed. The method includes forming a line image with a first amount of intensity non-uniformity. The method also includes forming and scanning a secondary image over at least a portion of the line image to form a time-averaged modified line image having a second amount of intensity non-uniformity that is less than the first amount. Wafer emissivity is measured in real time to control the intensity of the secondary image. Temperature is also measured in real time based on the wafer emissivity and reflectivity of the secondary image, and can be used to control the intensity of the secondary image.

Abstract: A ceramic electrode for a gliding electric arc system. The ceramic electrode includes a ceramic fin defining a spine, a heel, and a tip. A discharge edge of the ceramic fin defines a diverging profile approximately from the heel of the ceramic fin to the tip of the ceramic fin. A mounting surface coupled to the ceramic fin facilitates mounting the ceramic fin within the gliding electric arc system. One or more ceramic electrodes may be used in the gliding electric arc system or other systems which at least partially oxidize a combustible material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cutting a substrate by the introduction of thermo-mechanical tensions. The present invention also relates to the precise manufacturing of a substrate shape by the cutting method specified. The present invention also relates to a device for performing the method according to the present invention.

Abstract: Method for heating a fluid, in particular a fluid which is not electrical conductive, where a rotor body (10) which is arranged in a chamber for absorption of the fluid, is rotated with a generally vertical shaft (11). A voltage is applied to a rod shaped electrode (16) which is arranged centrally in a rotor chamber (12) and to an electrode at the bottom (13) of the rotor chamber, for creation of a flame arc, so that a flow of the fluid passing the flame arc is created. The length (L) of the flame arc is held generally stable, preferably constant by controlling the position of the rod shaped electrode (16). The fluid is made enter the rotor chamber (12) so that it is kept outside the flame arc, and that the fluid is provided to flow through the rotor chamber (12).

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method and to an apparatus for obtaining a random code useable in a device for unique identification of a product wherein the apparatus comprises a sliding path of a continuous strip arranged along which is at least one drilling station for obtaining a plurality of holes on the strip, the plurality of holes forming the random code and it is wherein the drilling station is of the random type generating a plurality of holes according to a random and deterministically irreproducible process.

Abstract: A hair styling device includes a hand unit having an air inlet, an outlet, and a blower between the inlet and outlet. The device further includes a storage case having a water reservoir and being configured to receive the hand unit. Tubing connects the water reservoir to the hand unit. A pump is included that selectively connects the water reservoir to the hand unit liquid inlet. A heater is situated between the water reservoir and the hand unit outlet to vaporize the contents of the water reservoir. The hair styling device includes controls in communication with the pump and blower, for actuating the pump and blower, respectively. The device may be used to selectively deliver hot hair, steam, or mist.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and devices for the production of micro-structured substrates and their application in natural sciences and technology, in particular in analysis and detection systems based on artificial and biological lipid membranes. The structure is preferably a hole or a cavity or channel and is obtained by spark perforation. Energy, preferably heat, is applied to the region to be structured so as to reduce the amplitude of voltage required and/or soften the material. The electrical parameters of the spark perforation are feedback-controlled.

Abstract: A device that operates to reduce the hazard involved in the disposal of conventional hypodermic needles used throughout the medical world. When the needle is presented to the inventive device, while still attached to the syringe, it is vaporized an electric arc with its final connection point to the syringe sterilized. In a second embodiment of the device, the entire syringe, including the needle, is vaporized by an electric arc transferred between electrodes. The byproducts of the needle destruction process are sterile metal vapor such as iron oxide, water vapor and carbon dioxide. The heat is so intense that all organic compounds present within the needle are reduced to their basic elements of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon with trace amount of nitrogen and infinitesimal amounts of other trace elements. When the entire syringe is destroyed, all organic compounds of the plastic are reduced to the basic elements.

Abstract: In a method for making a permeable film, a physical force is applied to a film of a first material containing particles of a second material which is different from the first material. The second material has a higher susceptibility to the physical force than does the first material. Applying the physical force to the film affects the particles which in turn affect the first material of the film, thereby increasing permeability of the film.

Abstract: A method of producing plastics film (8) wherein high-voltage pulses are impressed between a pair of electrodes (4,6), thereby creating pores in a plastics film which is fed into the spark gap (5) between electrodes, characterised in that the number of discharge sparks which are generated subsequent to the pore-opening discharge spark is controlled by monitoring the pore-opening discharge spark and subsequent discharge sparks within one of the high-voltage pulses. The method produces fine pores having a uniform pore diameter under controlled circumstances.

Abstract: An apparatus for perforating a film has one or more electrodes in electrode holders to lightly contact the film, a return electrode to support the film, and a voltage coupler to produce a discharge between the electrodes to perforate the film. A water jet sprayer is mounted on an electrode holder to provide a jet of water where the electrodes come into contact with the film.

Abstract: In a method for making a permeable film, a physical force is applied to a film of a first material containing particles of a second material which is different from the first material. The second material has a higher susceptibility to the physical force than does the first material. Applying the physical force to the film affects the particles which in turn affect the first material of the film, thereby increasing permeability of the film.

Abstract: A microwave device and corresponding method for cutting, and especially drilling into, a solid body of non-conductive material employ a microwave source which provides microwave radiation, typically through a waveguide, to a concentrator. The concentrator is configured to concentrate the microwave radiation onto a small region of solid body, thereby generating sufficient heat in that region to liquefy a volume of the material to form a hole. The device and method may be used to perform various drilling, cutting, nailing, joining and welding operations on a wide range of dielectric materials including ceramics, concrete and stone.

Abstract: A method for the production of an electrically conductive wall of a fabric and a film material which is provided with an insulating coating, and particularly for the production of sheets of fabric which are provided with an insulating coating and have electrically conductive tapes. In particular, in order to have provided a method with which an electrically conductive wall material with an electrically insulating coating can be prepared, for which the danger of the occurrence of brush discharges is effectively reduced, the coating is perforated after the wall material is coated.

Abstract: A method for forming a sheet material permeable to gas and not permeable to water includes forming the sheet material by hot pressing two materials together, and discharging static electricity to the sheet material in order to form a number of apertures in the sheet material. The apertures have a size smaller than that of water particles and larger than that of gas particles such that the sheet material is permeable to gas and not permeable to water.

Abstract: A method for boring small holes in a substrate by disposing electrodes on both sides of a substrate to be machined and applying a voltage between the electrodes so as to perform plasma discharge treatment at a pressure of 10 to 2.times.10.sup.3 Torrs. In another method, the gap of the two electrodes is set to 0.01 to 50 mm and a peak voltage to 10 V to 50,000 V in accordance with the electrode gap within the range of .tau..sub.ON the voltage waveform of 5 .mu.s to 20 seconds. The methods make it possible to quickly and reliably accomplish removal of chips causing clogging, smoothing of the inner walls of the holes and removal of fins in the holes.

Abstract: An arrangement for effectively fusing together two optical fibers. Many fibers currently have a carbon-based coating applied to the bare fiber, with the coating being surrounded by a plastic jacket. It has been difficult to fuse the two fibers together due to the coating. The present invention provides an effective method for removing the coating using a rapid and high temperature electric discharge. The removal of the coating allows a better connection of the two fibers with the connection having a low transmission loss.

Abstract: A process for fusion-splicing hermetically coated optical fibers each of which comprises an inorganic coating, an optical fiber glass and optionally an organic coating, which process comprises removing the inorganic coating, fusion-splicing the fibers and then coating a portion where the inorganic coating is removed with an inorganic material.

Abstract: Apparatus for perforating a running web of wrapping material, such as a web of tipping paper in a filter tipping machine for the making of filter cigarettes, is advanced through two successive electric perforating units one of which is active while the other is idle, and vice versa. This renders it possible to clean the perforating electrodes of the idle unit while the electrodes of the active unit produce sparks which remove fragments of material from the web to form one or more rows of perforations and to thus influence the permeability of the web. The apparatus can be installed in a filter tipping machine between a reel for a supply of convoluted web of tipping paper and a severing device which subdivides the leader of the perforated web into uniting bands serving to connect pairs of plain cigarettes with filter mouthpieces of double unit length.

Abstract: A device for the electrostatic perforation of webs made of paper or other materials, particularly of the webs used in the manufacture of ventilated cigarettes to constitute the cigarette envelope or the junction band of a cigarette with the respective filter, includes two opposite electrode-carrying heads between which the web passes at least one of the heads is provided with a plurality of individual needle-shaped electrodes arranged substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the web. The individual needle-shaped electrodes are mounted so as to be axially slidable in the respective electrode-carrying head and can be pushed toward the opposite by a pushing force and against the action of an opposing force, until their front ends engage a gauged shim placed between the two to establish the right spacing.

Abstract: Spark perforation of synthetic plastic film is carried out by applying electrodes to opposite ends of a portion of the film submerged in a water bath that is at a temperature above the onset temperature of glass transition of the film,and applying short fast rise time electrical pulses of an amplitude sufficient to ensure dielectric breakdown of the film. The size of the perforations formed can be controlled by altering the temperature of the water bath. By using short fast pulses, energy consumption, film decomposition and electrode erosion are minimized, and the high dielectric strength of water can be exploited to control perforation while its conductivity can be exploited to remove residual electric charges from the film. Capacitors formed by lengths of coaxial cable are used by a pulse generator for generating pulses having rise times less than one microsecond.

Abstract: A device for perforating a film web while wrapping a load which the film web includes a web dispenser for dispensing the film web and an arrangement for providing relative rotation between the load and the web dispenser to wrap the film web on the load. It also includes electrodes positioned proximate to the film web and an arrangement for generating an arc at the electrodes to perforate the film web with the arc.

Abstract: A laser perforator device is controlled with respect to laser power and duty ratio in a manner so as to produce uniform perforations at a selected pitch in a workpiece, such as, a travelling plastic or metallic web. The speed of the workpiece is detected and is combined with the values for the desired pitch and duty ratio to produce pulses of the correct duration. These pulses control a switch that passes a laser level control signal to the laser that perforates the workpiece. The laser level control signal responds to the speed to provide uniform energy density to the workpiece.

Abstract: A continuous web which is drawn off a roll is perforated on its way toward the wrapping station of a machine for the making of plain or filter tipped smokers' products or filter rod sections. The perforating device is adjustable by a control system which receives signals from a photoelectronic testing unit serving to monitor the permeability of successive increments of the web between the perforating device and the wrapping station. The combined cross-sectional area of holes per unit area of the web is increased or reduced, depending upon whether the monitored permeability is less than or exceeds a preselected optimum permeability.

Abstract: A process for making fine perforations in plastic sheeting and/or plastic or rubber coated sheet materials in which the sheeting or the coating is too thick and/or the dielectric constants are too high for electrically making the fine perforations, including the steps of coarsely perforating the material by non-electrical methods, coating the perforated material with a layer of a coating material which is capable of being electrically perforated, and making fine perforations in the layer of the coating material by the use of high-voltage pulses.

Abstract: A process for perforating material comprising the steps of advancing material along a path of travel, passing the advancing material over a movable laser mask having an aperture such that the material drives the mask in unison with the movement of the material, and directing at least one laser beam through the corresponding aperture so as to vaporize the material juxtaposed the mask aperture to correspondingly form an opening in the material. The apparatus contemplated for perforating the material as it is advanced along a path of movement comprises first means for advancing the material along the path of movement, second means having at least one aperture and being operatively associated with the first means for enabling the perforation of the material as it is advanced along the path, and for being driven by and in unison with the advancing material, and third means operatively associated with the second means for vaporizing material juxtaposed said aperture.

Abstract: Apparatus for spark perforation of sheet material comprising spaced apart first and second electrodes which define between them a sparking zone through which sheet material to be perforated can be moved in a predetermined direction, and in which the portion of the first electrode which is nearest to the nearest portion of the second electrode is located between an overlap position upstream of the second electrode in the direction of movement of the sheet by a distance of 1 mm and an offset position also equal to 1 mm in the direction of movement of the sheet, and means for guiding the sheet through the sparking zone along a path closer to said second electrode than said first electrode.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for controlling apparatus for perforating strips of paper by disruptive spark discharges. The perforate strip passes between two chambers, each of which has an opening facing the strip. Waves transmitted by a transmitter disposed in one of the chambers pass through these openings. The other chamber contains two receivers. The waves which have passed through the perforations are incident on one of the receivers. The waves which have passed through the imperforate area of the paper are incident on the other receiver. The perforating apparatus is controlled in dependence on the difference between the actual and desired values of the difference between the output signals of the two receivers.

Abstract: In electrical spark treatment apparatus, more consistent and controllable sparking from multiple spark gaps is achieved by providing individual energy storage components for each spark gap, including a capacitance and an inductance in series with each gap, and a path for charging current in parallel with each gap, and a common means for charging the capacitors and then discharging them to break down the spark gaps. A common damping means is associated with the switching device to absorb surplus energy released during discharge of the capacitors.

Abstract: An apparatus for breaking up metal parts is characterized in that it comprises at least two conductive supports connected to an electric power supply and able at least partly to support the part to be broken up. Application to the breaking up of metal parts by a thermoelectric effect.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the porosity of a web or film issuing from an electric spark perforating apparatus in accordance with an operator-set reference porosity regardless of variations in web speed, inherent web porosity, spark discharge energy and spark repetition frequency by controlling the frequencies of the electrical sparks applied to the web in accordance with the product of two signals, one a difference signal obtained by comparing the porosity of the web leaving the perforator and the reference porosity and the other signal derived from the speed of the web.

Abstract: A spark perforation apparatus includes a rotary electrode assembly for effecting spark perforation of sheet material passing between the electrodes of the assembly and a suitably juxtapositioned earthed surface. The electrode assembly comprises a first set of annular electrodes for connection to a suitable power source, a second set of annular electrodes alternating with and of greater external diameter than the electrodes of the first set, and dielectrical material spacing the electrodes so as to form a series of parallel capacitors.

Abstract: The metal coating on a dielectric sheet or strip, for instance for use in capacitors, is locally removed by a Corona discharge between the sheet and a point electrode.A current return electrode contacts the sheet and is located in the return path to a HV generator connected to the point electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus for spark perforation of sheet material comprising spaced apart first and second electrodes which define between them a sparking zone through which sheet material to be perforated can be moved in a predetermined direction, and in which the portion of the first electrode which is nearest to the nearest portion of the second electrode is located between an overlap position upstream of the second electrode in the direction of movement of the sheet by a distance of 1 mm and an offset position also equal to 1 mm in the direction of movement of the sheet, and means for guiding the sheet through the sparking zone along a path closer to said second electrode than said first electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for corona effect surface treatment of sheet materials, comprising a metal electrode and an insulating material coated electrode, between which the materials to be treated are inserted, wherein in the inside of said coated electrode a cooling fluid is caused to flow.

Abstract: Apparatus for making holes in a running web of wrapping material in a filter tipping machine has a housing which defines an elongated passage for the running web and contains rows of first and second electrodes which are disposed at the opposite sides of the passage and define spark gaps forming part of the passage. When the web is drawn through the passage and the electrodes receive high voltage impulses from the secondary winding of a transformer, sparks which are caused to jump across the gaps burn holes in the running web with attendant heating of the electrodes as well as development of dust and ozone. The intake end of a conduit is connected to the housing to draw through the passage a stream of cool atmospheric air when a blower which is connected to the discharge end of the conduit is in operation. The air stream cools the electrodes to thereby prolong their useful life and to reduce the likelihood of charring of the web.

Abstract: A running web of wrapping material which is about to be converted into adhesive-coated uniting bands for joining plain cigarettes with filter plugs in filter tipping machines is transported through the passage of a housing wherein the web travels through a series of spark gaps between pairs of spaced-apart electrodes. The sparks which are caused to jump across the gaps perforate the web with attendant development of ozone and particles of dust. The passage of the housing forms part of an endless path for the circulation of Argon which reduces the rate of development of ozone, which is cooled to cool the electrodes, and which is caused to pass through a filter serving to intercept the particles of dust which are removed from the spark gaps. The making of holes in a noble-gas atmosphere prolongs the useful life of the electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the perforation of webs being moved in a longitudinal direction, by an array of electrodes spatially distributed in a transverse direction, wherein selected control electrodes are added to or removed from the electrode array to provide a transverse, or spatial, degree of control over web porosity. Synchronized sensing of multiple point transverse web porosity, combined with logic circuitry provides the controls for selection and actuation of the appropriate control electrodes. A combined temporal and spatial porosity control embodiment is disclosed. The combined and alternate embodiments described are particularly useful for perforating paper, film, and like materials, where a high degree of area-balanced porosity control is desired.

Abstract: A system for precision perforation of moving webs employing a pulsed, fixed focus laser beam wherein the laser pulses are automatically controlled in pulse repetition frequency and in pulse width to provide a desired preset web porosity. Closed loop circuitry responsive to web speed, sensed web porosity, and a porosity preset signal provides the precise system control needed to produce and maintain the preset porosity over a wide range of system variables. The illustrative embodiment described is particularly useful for perforating paper, film, and like materials where a high degree of product uniformity and porosity control is desired.

Abstract: A composite structure for use on a smoking product including a non-porous tipping paper coated with a heat-activatable adhesive in a selected pattern, having areas void of adhesive and microscopic openings through the tipping paper within the void areas. The method of manufacturing the composite structure includes applying a non-conductive, heat-activatable adhesive coating on the paper web in a specific pattern having void and adhesive coated areas and forming perforations in the void areas of the paper web.

Abstract: A poultry beak remover for debeaking fowl includes a housing having a pair of spaced apart electrodes supported therein and a beak receiving aperture therein for insertion of the beak of the fowl into the housing into proximity with the electrodes, and electrical circuitry connected with the electrodes for discharging a spark to burn the beak of the fowl and thus effect removal of a desired portion thereof.