Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating an aspherical orthopaedic prosthetic component includes rotating the orthopaedic prosthetic component and operating an electrical discharge machining cutting tool (EDM) to move a wire electrode of the EDM along a number of arcuate cutting paths. A spark is generated between the wire electrode and the orthopaedic prosthetic component to remove a portion of the orthopaedic prosthetic component.

Abstract: By providing a plurality of semiconductor chips that are connected in parallel and constitute one arm of an inverter; a first conductor to which a face on one side of said plurality of semiconductor chips is connected; a wide conductor to which a face on the other side of said plurality of semiconductor chips is connected; a second conductor said first conductor and second conductor are connected connected to said wide conductor; and a cooler to which through an insulating resin sheet, part of the heat loss generated in the semiconductor chips is thermally conducted to the first conductor and is thence thermally conducted to the cooler, producing cooling, while another part thereof is thermally conducted to the wide conductor and thence to the second conductor, whence it is thermally conducted to the cooler, producing cooling.

Abstract: A thermal cutter for cutting with heat a board mounted upon a table having an internal space includes a plurality of walls and a sound absorbent material. The walls are disposed in the internal space of the table to partition a plurality of exhaust chambers with each of the exhaust chambers having an aperture that opens towards a side on which the board is mounted. The sound absorbent material is provided to at least a portion of at least one of the walls, the sound absorbent material being removably coupled to the table.

Abstract: A device and method for the removal of a metal-sheath layer from a metal-sheathed structure using capacitive discharge in conjunction with step-up and step-down transformers to create a low voltage, high current pulse to remove a selected portion of the metal-sheath layer from the metal-sheathed structure.

Abstract: A system and method for an integrated structural welding system is designed to protect improve work flow efficiency. Specifically, a welding-type power source is provided that is free of user interface devices designed to select power parameters. Instead, a wire feeder is provided that includes a user interface configured to receive operational and power parameters and a controller configured to control operation of the welding-type power source based on the feedback received through the user interface.

Abstract: A system and method for an integrated structural welding system includes a user interface and controller configured to coordinate both welding and gouging operations.

Abstract: A system and method for an integrated structural welding system is designed to improve work flow efficiency. Specifically, a portable support structure is provided that includes a number of integrated components, such as transmission power receptacles and gas supply connections, that provide ready access to resources to perform a number of welding-type processes.

Abstract: A system and method for an integrated structural welding system is designed to improve work flow efficiency. Accordingly, a multi-cable umbilical cord system is provided that combines and couples a number of power, control, and gas deliver cables.

Abstract: A system and method for an integrated structural welding system includes a welding-type power source configured to deliver welding-type power for a variety of welding-type processes. The system also includes a gouging torch connected to the welding-type power source to receive welding-type power during a gouging-type process and a wire feeder connected to the welding-type power source to receive welding-type power during a welding-process. Furthermore, the system includes a controller configured to coordinate operation of the wire feeder, the gouging torch, and the power supply to perform only one of the gouging-type process and the welding-type process at a given time.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cartridge assembly of a hard disk drive, including a step of forming a part of a wiring circuit into flying leads and a step of forming a coating layer on the respective opposite surfaces of the bonding surfaces of the flying leads, which will be connected to bonding terminals of a flexible printed circuit board. The method also includes a step of placing an ultrasonic tool in contact with the opposite surfaces of the flying leads via the coating layers, and applying ultrasonic vibration from the ultrasonic tool in a state where the flying leads are pressed onto the bonding terminals to ultrasonically bond the flying leads and the bonding terminals together. Additionally, the method includes a step of heating and melting the coating layers to smooth surfaces of the coating layers that have been roughened by contact with the ultrasonic tool during ultrasonic bonding.

Abstract: Wire bonders and methods of wire-bonding are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes attaching a wire to a terminal of a microelectronic component and generating an arc between a first electrode and a second electrode to sever the wire at a point at least proximate to the first and second electrodes. In another embodiment, a wire bonder includes a bond head having a capillary, a first electrode and a second electrode each disposed relative to the bond head, and a controller operably coupled to the first and second electrodes. The controller has a computer-readable medium containing instructions to perform the above-mentioned method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for extending diamond tool life in diamond machining of materials that chemically react with the diamond tool in which the surface electric potential of the workpiece is adjusted or tuned to be adequate to inhibit the chemical reaction between the diamond tool and the workpiece during the diamond machining operation. As the chemical reaction is inhibited, the chemical wear rate of the diamond tool is reduced and diamond tool life is extended. The surface electric potential of the workpiece can be adjusted by electrically charging the workpiece. In one embodiment, conduction charging is used to adjust the surface electric potential of the workpiece to inhibit the chemical reaction between the diamond tool and the workpiece. In another embodiment, induction charging is used to adjust the surface electric potential of the workpiece to inhibit the chemical reaction between the diamond tool and the workpiece.

Abstract: Provided is a sputtering target, backing plate or apparatus inside a sputtering device in which an electrical discharge machining mark is formed on the face to which unwanted films during sputtering are deposited, and the electrical discharge machining mark is formed from numerous inclined protrusions having a depression angle of less than 90°. When necessary, chemical etching is further performed to the portions subject to such electrical discharge machining. Thereby, the separation and flying of deposits arising from the face to which unwanted films of the target, backing plate and apparatus inside the sputtering device are deposited can be prevented.

Abstract: A thermal cutting machine and a cutting method using the same are described, which employ a simple, long-life torch hood for effectively shutting off spatter, the torch hood enabling easy supervision of the cut condition of a workpiece and easy replacement of the consumable parts of the torch. In the thermal cutting machine for cutting a metal by a plasma arc or laser beam generated from the torch, a hood liftable by an actuator is disposed so as to surround the torch and a control unit is provided for giving an instruction to the actuator to lower the hood to a torch-shielding position.

Abstract: A device used to disable hypodermic needles uses a power supply (10) and two electrodes (12,14) in a housing. One electrode is placed over the other electrode and slants down towards the other. A collar is used to ensure that when the hypodermic needle is inserted in the device, it will hit the electrodes at the proper point. When the hypodermic needle contacts both electrodes, electricity will flow from the power supply through the lower electrode and up the needle to the top electrode. The electrical resistance of the needle is very high so that it quickly heats up to cause disintegration of the needle.

Abstract: A method for making a double sided, metal Rabies I.D. tag with an electronic engraving machine capable of inscribing data on both sides such as one side of the I.D. tag has inscribed personal contact information along with the name of the pet, and the other side has inscribed the rabies vaccination information.

Abstract: An improved semiconductor wafer processing apparatus 10 includes a series of processing stations combined in one form, coupled together by computer-controlled cluster tooling. Wafers are supplied in a pod to an input station 28 which initiates a data record for recording processing results at each station. A sacrificial film 140 is applied to the surface 135 of each wafer. Individual wafers are transferred to a computer-controlled defect-mapping station 14 where particulate defects 130 are identified and their position coordinates recorded. Defect-mapped wafers are transferred to a computer-controlled laser area cleaning station 11 which lifts the defects and sweeps the wafer surface clean, except for stubborn defects. Clean wafers are transferred to a final mapping station 20 or 22, followed by transfer of the wafers to an output station 30.

Abstract: A compact and highly reliable nonreciprocal circuit device can be manufactured at low cost. Marking is clearly performed on a surface of the nonreciprocal circuit device. In a method of manufacturing the nonreciprocal circuit device, after components constituting the device are joined together, solder is applied at portions where the components are bonded with each other. The magnetic force of a permanent magnet is adjusted and then laser marking is performed on a surface of a metal case. Next, the nonreciprocal circuit device is heated to perform together solder bonding, thermal aging of the permanent magnet, and the removal of stains left due to marking. Then, after checking the characteristics of the device, delivery inspection is conducted to complete the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method for sharpening a nanotube including the steps of: connecting the base end portion of a nanotube to an electrode with the tip end portion of the nanotube protruded from the electrode; connecting the tip end portion of the nanotube to another electrode; applying a voltage between the electrodes so as to cause an electric current to flow in the middle portion of the nanotube which is located between the two electrodes; evaporating constituent atoms of the nanotube layer by layer from a evaporation starting region, which is located in the middle region of the nanotube (and can be a crystal defect region, or a curved portion), by the heat generated by the electric current, thus reducing the diameter of the evaporation starting region; and cutting the evaporation starting region that has the reduced diameter, thus forming a sharpened end on the nanotube.

Abstract: A surgical scalpel incinerator an electromechanism for thermally destroying and sterilizing scalpels: a cabinet having a door through which a scalpel blade is inserted and supported by supports above several metal plates. Closing the door withdraws the supports, after which the blade contacts the plates. Closing the door closes a switch, connecting the plates to a power supply, electrifying the blade. Pressure plates on the door urge the blade against the plates. Sterilized scrap of the blade falls between the plates and into a receptacle in a drawer beneath the plates.

Abstract: A ring or inverted-cup shaped cutting element is used as a tool electrode for electromachining to rough machine the airfoils on blisks to near net shape. The cutting element is rotated and positioned with respect to the blisk by a CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) drive arrangement.

Abstract: A device for cutting a moving web of textile material as it passes the device, and for sealing the cut edges of the material, having an electrically heated cutting member capable of severing the material as it passes the cutting member, and an electrically heated sealing member downstream from the cutting member relative to the direction of the moving web and positioned to contact and seal the edges of material cut by the cutting member as the edges pass over the sealing member. The sealing member is heated to a temperature somewhat higher than that of the cutting wire, the sealing member having a width larger than that of the cutting member transverse to said direction, and preferably being in the form of a cylinder. The invention also includes a process using the special cutting member/sealing member combination.

Abstract: A needle destruction device is provided. This device has a housing with a first electrode and a second electrode positioned therein in such a way as to create an annular space between the electrodes. In use, a needle is inserted into an opening in the housing and then into the annular space between the electrodes. This creates a short circuit, and the needle is destroyed by the high temperature resulting from the short circuit.

Abstract: The method includes the steps of preparing a die main body; performing batch supply hole machining with respect to one principal plane of the die main body to form batch supply holes; using a cutting apparatus to perform slit machining with respect to the other principal plane of the die main body to form slits; without removing the cutting apparatus from the die main body, continuously performing lateral hole machining to form the batch bold portions, which are arranged at least at intersecting portions in the die main body between the batch supply holes and the slits and are arranged corresponding to the slits; and there after removing the cutting apparatus from the die main body to thereby form an integral die. Alternatively, the above slit machining and continuously performing lacteral hole machining steps can be performed first and followed by performing the batch supply hole machining step.

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: This document refers to the invention of a surgical scalpel incinerator, the operation of which is based on a combination of an electronic circuit, an electromechanism, and electrical components, which raise the temperature of scalpels to over 1,000 degrees centigrade in under 4 seconds, deforming them or breaking them into several pieces, rendering the resulting scrap completely sterile. The invention can incinerate scalpels of all lengths and shapes, provided that they can be removed from their holder. The invention's main field of application encompasses any medical facility that uses scalpels, providing them with a small, portable, easy to use unit with low operation and maintenance costs.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for destroying metal needles having a shaft, hub, and a tip comprising first and second electrodes spaced in an overlapping relationship. The first electrode is generally disc shaped and the second electrode is generally cylindrically shaped. The apparatus also includes a power source connected across the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing the needle portion of a hypodermic syringe and simultaneously sterilizing and destroying the needle portion of a hypodermic syringe, thereby eliminating the risk of infection by microorganisms that may be present in or on the needle. When a syringe is inserted into the apparatus, the needle is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt or at least soften the needle, and sufficient to inactivate any virus, bacteria, yeast, or other microorganism remaining on or within the needle. The needle also is cur at the location of melting so that the needle is removed from the remaining portion of the syringe. The heating and cutting elements are part of a disposable cartridge, which also contains the cut-off needle portions.

Abstract: A worktable apparatus for a machine tool, such as a CNC punch press, a laser equipped machine tool or plasma torch equipped machine tool, which processes a metal sheet or plate workpiece. The worktable apparatus serves a dual function as (a) a worktable that supports a workpiece during processing by a machine tool and as (b) an unloading station for unloading a workpiece or a skeletal remnant produced by the machine tool. The machine tool has a set of workclamps, which move under CNC control along at least one of the numerically controlled axes, grip the workpiece and carry it through the machine for processing. Located on one side of the machine tool, the worktable apparatus has a surface adapted to allow the workpiece to ride smoothly under the motive power of the workclamps.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrically disposing of a hypodermic needle, which provide electric power to the hypodermic needle to generate heat and eliminate the needle with the heat, comprising: an insertion hole through which the hypodermic needle is inserted; an electrode plate which comes into contact with the hypodermic needle being inserted, to provide it with electric power; an electrode wing which comes into contact with the hypodermic needle to melt and eliminate it, the electrode wing having a polarity opposite to that of the electrode plate; a motor for turning the electrode wing; and a controller for controlling the motor.

Abstract: Biohazardous needles are destroyed by the application of an electrical arc that progressively destroys the needle and seals hollow needles. An elongate electrode that slopes up and away from the needle supports is used to strike an then progressively support the destructive arc.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the individual destruction of syringe needles by melting under the effect of a high-intensity electric current. The apparatus includes a lower electrode adapted to accommodate the free end of a needle and to form therewith an electrical contact, connected electrically to a first terminal of an electric power source, a first upper electrode connected electrically to a second terminal of the electric power source. The apparatus also includes a second upper electrode adapted to be placed in electrical contact with the surface of the needle at least substantially radially opposite the first upper electrode. The second upper electrode is connected electrically to the first terminal.

Abstract: A method and a wire electrode for the spark-erosive cutting of hard metal, whereby the wire electrode has a core and at least one outer coat surrounding the core and wearing during cutting. To avoid corrosion, as, for example, pitting, a wire electrode is chosen, the wearing outer coat of which consists of a metal or a metal alloy which is not nobler than the binder contained in the hard metal, and the metal or the metal alloy has an electrode potential which is less than or equal to &phgr;0=−0.28 V, referred to a standard hydrogen electrode.

Abstract: A unidirectional and bidirectional optical fiber couplers using polymer optical fibers having mirrors formed within the polymer optical fibers for reflecting optical signals. The mirrors comprise a notch having at least one surface angled with respect to the central axis of the optical fiber for reflecting the optical signal perpendicular to its central axis. A unidirectional embodiment allows input optical signals to be coupled from any combination of input optical fibers and transmitted into any combination of output optical fibers. A bidirectional embodiment allows optical signals from tapping fibers to be reflected in opposite directions along a first, or BUS optical fiber. Another aspect of the present invention is an apparatus and method for controlling the depth of the notch by monitoring residue power through the optical fibers while the notch is being cut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for destroying the metallic portion of an elongate medical instrument, such as a hypodermic needle, by locating the instrument in the apparatus in a position where the tip of the instrument electrically engages a contact surface of a first and a second electrode. The electrodes each have an electrical contact surface disposed in opposition and separated by a gap from each other, and each electrode is in electrical contact with a power source. The electric potential between the electrodes is sufficient to induce electrical resistance burning of the tip of the instrument when an electrical current is passed through the tip between the electrodes. During operation of the apparatus, the instrument is progressively advanced longitudinally relative to the electrodes to progressively consumes the shaft of the medical instrument as the burning tip continuously advances from the start position to a finish position.

Abstract: The invention provides an incinerator adapted for disintegrating metal needles and lancets such as are used in the medical profession. An incinerator is provided that includes first and second electrodes, each having a contact edge spaced apart in an overlapping relationship to one another. The second electrode is rotated relative to the first electrode so as to define a tapered gap between the contact edges. A controlled power source is selectively interconnected to the first and second electrodes, with both being supported by a housing. The housing defines an opening adjacent to the electrodes for receiving metal, such as hypodermic needles, interveinous needles, lancets, etc., to be incinerated by the electrodes. In another embodiment of the invention, a residue collection drawer is slidably mounted within the housing adjacent to the electrodes so as to capture residue from the incineration.

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: A method and device for hot-air cutting, wherein compressed air is forced into a hot-air unit in which the compressed air is heated, the hot air is then conducted through a cutting nozzle for hot-air cutting. A compressed-air unit is connected to a hot-air unit via a coupling device arranged at one end of the hot-air unit to provide the hot-air unit with compressed air. The hot-air unit is being provided at its other end with a cutting nozzle. A heating device is arranged to heat air flowing into the hot-air unit.

Abstract: An improved device for efficiently and safely destroying used hypodermic needles is disclosed. The needle destroying device is portable, operating from a battery power pack, and makes use of a capacitor that discharges current into any needle inserted into the device for destruction. The strong discharge of current completely destroys small needles and substantially speeds up destruction of medium or large needles. An apparatus for adjusting the device to accept different sized needles is also provided. The adjusting apparatus ensures that small needles adequately contact the electrodes located within the device and that large needles do not wear down or separate the electrodes. A motor may also be provided and coupled between the battery and a fan. The motor drives the fan to pull air into the device and thereby circulate it through a filter, located in a removable tray within a cartridge, that prevents vapors or particles from exiting the device.

Abstract: A needle disposal apparatus for melting a needle to be disposed of by passage of electrical current through it, has a guide member having an inlet which permits the needle to be inserted; an upper electrode roller, to which a first voltage is applied, the inserted needle making contact with an outer surface of the upper electrode roller; a lower electrode roller to which a second voltage is applied, the inserted needle making contact with an outer surface of the lower electrode roller; and a drive mechanism which rotates the electrode rollers in each direction so that the inserted needle is drawn between the electrode rollers; wherein the electrode rollers are disposed so that a part of the lower electrode roller is hidden behind the upper electrode roller when viewed from the inlet in a direction of insertion of the needle.

Abstract: A needle incineration apparatus for disposing of hypodermic needles comprises an insertion aperture (26) through which a needle to be destroyed may be introduced into the apparatus, two electrodes separated by a gap that is aligned with the insertion aperture (26), and a power supply for applying a voltage across the electrodes to destroy needles introduced through the insertion aperture (26) into the gap to contact the two electrodes. In accordance with the invention, the apparatus is formed of a main housing (10) and a disposable cartridge (20) separable from the main housing (10), the power supply being disposed within the main housing (10), the insertion aperture (26) being formed in a wall of the cartridge (20) and the electrodes being disposed in the cartridge (20) within a permanently closed compartment for storing debris resulting from the destruction of the needles.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the calibration of a circuit breaker trip mechanism including a terminal element, a bimetal element connected thereto, and a trip bar. Laser energy is applied to lanced or pre-bent surfaces of the terminal element to thermally induce displacement thereof and thereby modify a trip distance between the bimetal element and the trip bar. Where a laser beam is directed to fall on a middle leg of a lanced or pre-bent section of the terminal element, the bimetal element moves in one direction relative to the trip bar. Conversely, where a laser beam is directed to fall on lateral legs of the lanced or pre-bent section of the terminal element, the bimetal element moves in an opposite direction relative to the trip bar. Thus, laser energy may be applied from the same direction, or to the same side of the trip structure, regardless of whether the trip time is to be increased or decreased.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machine with at least one wire electrode (30) in which the wire electrode (30) runs between two guide heads (10,10'). At least one, in particular, both, guide heads (10,10') are formed to be at least partially spherical. At least one of the guide heads (10,10') is seated in a manner suited for spherical rotations. Alternatively or additionally, a drive means is provided for the spherical rotation of at least one guide head (10,10'). The spatial position of the wire electrode (30), in particular, its conical angle, can be adjusted completely or essentially by subjecting the two opposing spherical guide heads (10,10') to spherical rotations and/or a modification of spacing.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a retaining plate for a machine tool work piece, where the machine tool is equipped with a tool, e.g. an erosion wire, that can be moved in th z-direction of a work area, and where the work area is bounded by an xy-plane that is perpendicular to the z-axis, and with a work table whose work surface is in a specific position relative to the xy-plane and which is arranged in the direction of movement of the tool.

Abstract: A needle burner apparatus is a generally rectangular box with a needle alignment plate located under the cover thereof. The interior of the box is provided with the electrode assembly, the drive assembly for horizontally rotating and horizontally reciprocating the electrode, the exhaust fan assembly and the container for collecting burned needle residue. The needle alignment plate is mounted to the underside of the cover of the box and is spring-biased upwardly. The electrode is a single rod element that is positioned horizontally in a carriage. The rod electrode is mounted for rotation along its horizontal axis and the carriage is also mounted for horizontal reciprocal motion. A drive motor effect the axial rotation of the electrode and, through a gearing assembly, the same drive motor also effects the horizontal reciprocal motion of the carriage.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the calibration of a circuit breaker trip mechanism including a terminal element, a bimetal element connected thereto, and a trip bar. Laser energy is applied to lanced or pre-bent surfaces of the terminal element to thermally induce displacement thereof and thereby modify a trip distance between the bimetal element and the trip bar. Where a laser beam is directed to fall on a middle leg of a lanced or pre-bent section of the terminal element, the bimetal element moves in one direction relative to the trip bar. Conversely, where a laser beam is directed to fall on lateral legs of the lanced or pre-bent section of the terminal element, the bimetal element moves in an opposite direction relative to the trip bar. Thus, laser energy may be applied from the same direction, or to the same side of the trip structure, regardless of whether the trip time is to be increased or decreased.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved manner of recovering the used electrode wire discharged from an electric discharge machine (EDM). A more detailed object of this invention is to provide an efficient and effective system for electrode wire scrap collection, including cutting the electrode wire discharging from the EDM into many small separate pieces and collecting there pieces randomly but compactly packed in a removable container proximate the EDM.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing preform elements comprises the initial step of forming a preliminary component including a facing table of superhard material having a front face, a peripheral surface, and a rear surface bonded to a less hard substrate. The rear surface of the facing table and the front surface of the substrate are formed with inter-engaging projections and recesses to provide a non-planar interface between the substrate and facing table. There are then cut from the preliminary component a plurality of separate preform elements each having a facing table and substrate with a non-planar interface between them. The configuration of the non-planar interface of the preliminary component may vary with distance from its center, so that the non-planar interface of each preform element also varies in configuration across the width of the element.

Abstract: A constant current annealing device for annealing a wire or surgical needle is disclosed. The device includes amplitude and time setting devices, such as thumb-wheel switches. A constant current source is connected to the current setting device. The constant current source is switchable, through a switch for example, in response to a timing signal to provide a constant current for a predetermined duration. A pair of spaced apart electrodes are clamped on the needle and a switching device is connected between the constant current source and the pair of electrodes. The voltage drop across the switching device varies to compensate for load variations, thus keeping the anneal current constant in the anneal ON mode. In the anneal OFF mode, where current is not provided to the needle, the switching device shunts a residual current away from the electrodes. The time setting device include a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a solid state relay to provide an accurate timing signal.

Abstract: A handheld needle incinerator is self-contained within a portable housing and includes a guideway designed to guide the external walls of a diabetes pen-type injector into the incinerating chamber. Two spaced electrodes are simultaneously engaged by the needle to complete an electrical circuit and cause needle incineration. One electrode is dome-shaped and protrudes through an opening in the other electrode. Surrounding the opening in the other electrode is an annular generally conical surface designed to act like a ramp and lead the end of the needle toward the dome-shaped electrode to cause completion of the electrical circuit.