Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a high-velocity particle stream at low cost through multi-staged acceleration using different media in each stage, the particles are accelerated to a subsonic velocity (with respect to the velocity of sound in air) using one or more jets of gas at low cost, then further accelerated to a higher velocity using jets of water. Additionally, to enhance particle acceleration, a vortex motion is created, and the particles introduced into the fluid having vortex motion, thereby enhancing the delivery of particles to the target.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.

Abstract: A device for removing material from biological organisms by directing an abrasive fluid stream onto a surface of a biological organism. The device operates on a standard household pressure source and includes a converging-diverging nozzle that produces a super-sonic abrasive-laden air stream having a temperature that is harmless to the biological organism. The device operates at such a temperature without the use of external elements, such as additional heaters or coolers. The internal contour of the nozzle bore is variable and determines conditions, such as, for example, velocity, temperature and shape of the particle-laden air stream.

Abstract: Systems for abrasive action include machinery for creating a vacuum and positive pressure to enable flow control while providing adequate vacuum to both retrieve and capture the spent abrasive material and the abraded material. A first embodiment includes a vacuum and boost operation facilitated by the use of a foot control for high control of abrasion, cleaning and polishing. A second embodiment is for use with human tissue and includes a vacuum only system with filtered air. A third embodiment includes vacuum with automatic boost for skilled medical personnel use and uses a minimum vacuum level to trigger a pre-set boost operation. The system utilizes air filtration, ultra violet, heat oven sterilization and secure waste storage. A manual contact tool is used closely with the area to be abraded supplanting any other control other than the pressing of the manual contact tool against the surface to be abraded, to create sufficient vacuum to trigger boost operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing a pierce-through condition of a material made by a piercing force in which a shield surrounding a source of the piercing force is supplied with a gas supply to create a pressure within the shield means. A decrease in pressure caused within the shield by a pierce-through condition created by the piercing force is then detected. A method and apparatus for detecting the distance between a nozzle assembly for a machining process and a workpiece to be machined in which gas is supplied to a shield surrounding a nozzle assembly. An increase in pressure in the shield is detected as an open end of the shield approaches a workpiece to be machined. A method and apparatus for obtaining and maintaining a predetermined gap distance between nozzle assembly and a workpiece for a machining process are provided by further detecting when the pressure within the shield means reaches a pressure corresponding values and ranges.

Abstract: Systems for abrasive action include machinery for creating a vacuum and positive pressure to enable flow control while providing adequate vacuum to both retrieve and capture the spent abrasive material and the abraded material. A first embodiment includes a vacuum and boost operation facilitated by the use of a foot control for high control of abrasion, cleaning and polishing. A second embodiment is for use with human tissue and includes a vacuum only system with filtered air. A third embodiment includes vacuum with automatic boost for skilled medical personnel use and uses a minimum vacuum level to trigger a pre-set boost operation. The system utilizes air filtration, ultra violet, heat oven sterilization and secure waste storage. A manual contact tool is used closely with the area to be abraded supplanting any other control other than the pressing of the manual contact tool against the surface to be abraded, to create sufficient vacuum to trigger boost operation.

Abstract: A high pressure fluid transmission nozzle. The nozzle comprises a circular fluid transmitting tubing threaded in close proximity to a tubing discharge end for receiving a complementary threaded, circular collar. Overriding the tubing and collar is a circular gland nut, where the circular gland nut may include an externally threaded shank portion. The circular collar and circular gland nut are each characterized by a pair of radially aligned through holes, where a given pair are diametrically aligned to pass through the axis of the circular fluid transmitting tubing. The holes are adapted to receive a hand tool, such as a spanner tool, to disengage the collar and gland from the tubing. Further, to facilitate the disengagement, the contact engaging surfaces are impregnated with a permanent film lubricant, such as a thermosetting resin.

Abstract: A scheme for removing foreign material from the surface of a substrate by directing a high velocity aerosol of at least partially frozen particles against the foreign material to be removed. Different schemes are described for accelerating the frozen particles to very high velocities sufficient for particle removal, removal of organic layers (e.g., hard baked photoresist or ion implanted photoresist) and removal of metallic layers. In one embodiment, liquid droplets are entrained in a high velocity gas flow and the resulting gas/liquid mixture is passed through an expansion nozzle to produce a high velocity aerosol of frozen particles. In another embodiment, frozen aerosol particles are entrained in, e.g., a sonic or supersonic gas jet before impacting a surface to be cleaned. The cleaning aerosols may be applied to substrates inside a vacuum chamber or directly from a hand-held device.

Abstract: An improved hand piece apparatus for use with abrasive cleaning devices uses a control switch that can be controlled manually by an operator to controllably regulate the amount a mixture of a pressurized air with abrasive particles at the nozzle head inlet port of the nozzle head assembly.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a hand piece in an air abrasion system for delivering an abrasive laden air stream to a surface, the nozzle assembly having a connecting member having a channel and being removably mountable to said hand piece, an arcuate conduit member having a channel, the conduit member secured to the connecting member and a nozzle member formed with the channel, the nozzle member mounted within the channel of the conduit member, the nozzle member defined by a tapered channel portion in fluid communication with the channel of the conduit member and a cylindrically-shaped channel portion in communication with said tapered channel portion for directing the abrasive laden air stream in a substantially cylindrically-shaped cross section to the surface to be abraded.

Abstract: A workpiece includes a surface adjoining an aperture. The aperture is filled with a plug to provide a step adjoining the surface. A stream of pliant shot in a carrier fluid is discharged at a shallow angle of incidence against the plug and directed toward the step for selective abrasion thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a high-velocity particle stream at low cost through multi-staged acceleration using different media in each stage, the particles are accelerated to a subsonic velocity (with respect to the velocity of sound in air) using one or more jets of gas at low cost, then further accelerated to a higher velocity using jets of water. Additionally, to enhance particle acceleration, a vortex motion is created, and the particles introduced into the fluid having vortex motion, thereby enhancing the delivery of particles to the target.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for conditioning a polishing pad in which slurry is directed under pressure at the polishing pad. Additionally, energy (i.e., ultrasonic energy) may be added to the slurry as it is directed towards the polishing pad, wherein embedded material in the polishing pad is removed or dislodged.

Abstract: A removable nozzle head for a miniature sandblaster used for medical or industrial applications is disclosed comprising a nozzle, a handpiece nozzle adapter, a nozzle locking ring where the nozzle and nozzle handpiece adapter each have corresponding first and second bore in fluid communication to allow delivery of independent supplies of a gas and an abrasive laden stream to a mixing chamber in the nozzle for delivery through a orifice tube to a surface to be abraded, cleaned or modified.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that enhances removal of contaminating particles from surfaces of a non-electrostatically sensitive components that are cleaned using a carbon dioxide cleaning spray. The apparatus includes a programmable power supply that is connected to ground and to the non-electrostatically sensitive component. The surface charge of the component is determined by cleaning the surface without adding any voltage or charge bias to the component. Then the surface is reversed-biased with a voltage having the opposite polarity by a large amount using the programmable power supply. The surface is then cleaned a second time, which removes the contaminating particles that were bound to the surface by electrostatic forces generated during the first cleaning. Thus, reversing the polarity of the charge on the surface that is to be cleaned removes the strong attraction between the contaminating particles and the surface and enhances removal of the contaminating particles from the surface.

Abstract: An improved nozzle for a gun or output means of a particle blast apparatus such as a sand blast cleaning device. The nozzle has a wear indicating lip that clearly and unambiguously shows the operator when the nozzle has reached the end of its useful life and should be replaced. The nozzle is elongated and tapered to improve power and accuracy. The nozzle has a proximal media inlet end which has a predetermined configuration which maximizes media/air mixing and flow, and minimizes turbulence and nozzle/gun interface wear. The invention also provides a method of using a particle blast apparatus, and particularly for determining when a nozzle has worn and should be replaced.

Abstract: A waterjet head is resiliently supported at one location along its axis and is pivotally supported at another, axially spaced location. The head is driven in a pivoting, oscillating manner by a drive system including a rotary motor and an eccentric. The outlet nozzle of the waterjet head pivots in an orbital path so that the UHP liquid or liquid/abrasive stream discharged from the nozzle describes an orbital path on an adjacent workpiece surface, enabling the stream to carry out a uniform surface treatment operation such as cleaning, polishing or milling without damaging the workpiece surface.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a container and an apparatus therefor for cleaning a surface layer of the container by blasting fine particles of sodium bicarbonate with pressurized air into the container. The apparatus provdes a ball joint construction and a nozzle angle control mechanism for swing a nozzle body at an angle within a range of 50 degrees.

Abstract: An improved structure of a sand blast gun includes a body, a guide tube accommodated in the body in a longitudinal direction, and a stop valve disposed in a radial direction. The stop valve has two guide posts. A shaft having a sleeve fitted on the outside straddles over upper portions of the guide posts. The guide posts are respectively fitted with pressure springs and inserted into holes of the body. An urging top end is firstly fixed on a center of a securing plate that is screwably mounted at the bottom side of the guide posts such that the urging top end extends into a radial round hole of the body to urge against a catgut tube to close the passage. When a trigger of the sand blast gun is pulled, it pushes the shaft and the guide posts to cause the pressure spring to retract to thereby cause the securing plate on the bottom of the guide posts and the urging top end to displace outwardly.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plurality of electro-optic cells is disclosed, in particular for manufacturing liquid crystal display cells (2) or photovoltaic cells, each cell including a cavity (5) filled with a liquid and defined by sealed partitions (8, 9) between two plates (3, 4), in particular made of glass, provided with electrodes within the cavity. In a first step, a batch of cells (2) is manufactured, whose cavities are filled with the desired liquid and sealed. In a second step, the external contour (20) of each cell is cut, and if necessary a hole (10) passing through the cell, by means of a very high pressure water jet (30), the water either being loaded or not with an abrasive agent. Thus, the external layers (25, 26) such as a polarizer and a reflector may be applied onto the batch prior to the cutting step.

Abstract: The useful life of a dry abrasive blasting head is greatly extended by two design features. First, the tube on which the rotating nozzles are mounted is protected from abrasion by an easily-replaced wear tube which is a sleeve-like liner. Secondly, the relatively expensive nozzle holder is protected by providing it with a cup-shaped cavity facing the incoming abrasive particles. The cup-shaped cavity soon becomes at least partially filled by the particles, so that later-arriving particles strike the particles contained in the cavity and do not directly reach the nozzle holder, thereby prolonging its life. Taken together, these structural features of the present invention result in a high-performance blasting head that can operate for more than 1,000 hours without interruption.

Abstract: An abrasive nozzle assembly comprises a casing, a nozzle head and an abrasive nozzle mounted coaxially to generate a high-velocity abrasive airstream. The nozzle head has a cavity with a nozzle orifice. The casing includes an air passage, which communicates, at one end, with a compressed air supply tube and, at another end, with the cavity. The abrasive nozzle includes an abrasive supply tube which passes axially through the casing and cavity to terminate at the nozzle orifice. A compressed air source feeds the compressed air supply tube. An abrasive mixture source feeds the abrasive supply tube. The abrasive nozzle acts as a primary nozzle directing a narrow abrasive airstream from the center of the nozzle orifice. The nozzle head, which acts as a secondary nozzle, discharges a ring-shaped, high-velocity, abrasive-free airstream from the periphery of the nozzle orifice.

Abstract: An entrained particle flow turning device capable of turning entrained particle fluid flow about an abrupt turn without significant particle size and mass degradation provides significant improvement as part of a complete particle blast system. The turning base allows for preservation of independent particle mass during fluid transportation through a delivery hose ending with passage into a blast nozzle through an abrupt angular change in particle direction. The turning base allows access and confined areas for preferred ergonomic characteristics.

Abstract: A blast system for processing components by means of abrasive particles, comprising a hopper (1) for abrasive particles (2), a mixing device (3) formed by a mixing chamber (9) into which an HP-air pipe (10) issues and which in its turn issues into a blast pipe (11), a transport line (5) between the hopper and the mixing chamber, through which line the abrasive particles are transported from the hopper to the mixing chamber, means (6) for generating HP-air (P) which is supplied to the mixing chamber through the HP-air pipe for obtaining a mixture of air and abrasive particles issuing from the blast pipe, and a transport mechanism (4) for transporting the abrasive particles through the transport line. To obtain an energy-efficient system suitable for mass manufacture, the invention is characterized in that the system operates at an absolute pressure (P) of the HP-air of between 2 and 4.5 bar, while a ratio d.sub.1 /d.sub.2 of a smallest diameter d.sub.

Abstract: A method for cleaning parts employed during the processing of semiconductor wafers includes a first cleaning step for removing super-micron particles and a second cleaning step for removing sub-micron particles. The second step utilizes frozen carbon dioxide pellets and removes contaminant particles have a size of less than one micron. The cleaning method consistently removes substantially all sub-micron particles from a work surface.

Abstract: A process and a device for clearing out joints in masonry is disclosed. The clearing out is effected by producing a groove by high-pressure water jets that are so oriented and guided relative to one another and relative to the desired groove. Further, a groove with a determined cross section of determined width and depth results.

Abstract: A method for the removal of fluorine or chlorine residue from an etched precision surface such as a semiconductor sample is provided which comprises exposing said precision surface to liquid CO.sub.2 under appropriate conditions that are sufficient to remove the residue from the precision surface. Cryogenic aerosol may be used in conjunction with liquid CO.sub.2.

Abstract: A nozzle for an abrasive blast cleaning apparatus consisting of a short, relatively rapidly converging inlet section, a constant-area throat, a rapidly diverging first diverging section, and a long second diverging section that diverges less rapidly than the first diverging section. The inlet section quickly accelerates the abrasive particles after entering the nozzle, while the first diverging section rapidly brings the relative velocity of the air stream and the abrasive particles to about Mach 1.4. The second diverging section helps to maintain the relative Mach number while the abrasive particles continue to accelerate. This makes abrasive blast cleaning more efficient, particularly because the kinetic energy of the abrasive particles emerging from the nozzle is significantly increased.

Abstract: A method and powder mixture are described for cutting a refractory body. The powder mixture comprises refractory metal oxide particles and fuel particles which burn exothermically by combining with oxygen to form a refractory oxide. The mixture is characterised in that the refractory metal oxide of the powder mixture comprises calcium oxide and/or magnesium oxide. The powder mixture enables refractory bodies to be cut more effectively than hitherto.

Abstract: A substrate may be treated by impinging the substrate with a cryogenic aerosol spray wherein the cryogenic aerosol spray is formed by expanding a pressurized liquid or liquid/gaseous stream of one or more cryogens through a nozzle at a given distance from the substrate into a process chamber with a pressure of about 1.6.times.10.sup.4 Pascal or less so as to form at least substantially solid aerosol particles of said one or more cryogens downstream from the nozzle by the cooling resulting from the expansion and/or evaporation to form an at least substantially solid particle containing aerosol.

Abstract: A device for removing material from biological organisms by directing an abrasive fluid stream onto a surface of a biological organism. The device operates on a standard household pressure source and includes a converging-diverging nozzle that produces a super-sonic abrasive-laden air stream having a temperature that is harmless to the biological organism. The device operates at such a temperature without the use of external elements, such as additional heaters or coolers. The internal contour of the nozzle bore is variable and determines conditions, such as, for example, velocity, temperature and shape of the particle-laden air stream.

Abstract: An emergency control system for selectively activating and deactivating an apparatus. The system includes a fiber optic transmitter for emitting radiation and a fiber optic receiver for receiving and measuring a wavelength and an intensity of the radiation. A manually-operated fiber optic switch is placed in optical communication with the fiber optic transmitter and the fiber optic receiver. In operation, the switch is selectively actuated, thereby selectively opening and closing a fiber optic circuit defined by the transmitter, receiver, and the switch. The system further includes a relay controller in communication with the fiber optic receiver, such that the relay controller is actuated when the fiber optic receiver receives a predetermined wavelength and intensity of radiation from the transmitter. When the relay controller is actuated, it allows a signal to pass through the relay to a point of use.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an inner wall of a mold part includes forming a chamber between displaced mold parts by introducing a casing between the mold parts. The casing enclosures a blasting device for introducing a blasting nozzle which directs a cleaning jet at the inner wall. The chamber encapsulates noise and particles which are produced during the cleaning process.

Abstract: A method is provided for cleaning an electronic circuit board having first and second opposing surfaces. The method includes directing a stream of carbon dioxide particles against the first surface. Steam is sprayed toward the first and second surfaces such that condensation of the steam caused by cooling from the CO.sub.2 particles forms a thin film of water on the first surface for conducting electrostatic charge away from the first surface. The CO.sub.2 particles substantially remove residue present on the first surface, thereby cleaning the circuit board.

Abstract: A high speed fluid jet nozzle made at least in part of a porous material and configured so that the porous part of the nozzle is surrounded at least in part by a reservoir containing a lubricant fluid. As a cutting fluid passes through the nozzle, lubricant from the reservoir is drawn through the porous material and lubricates the surfaces of the nozzle exposed to the fluid jet. The invention not only resolves the main difficulties of the prior art relating to nozzle wear, it expands the use and applications of high speed fluid jet cutters. By reducing wear of a jet nozzle, it is possible to increase the jet speed and reduce the nozzle diameter even further than the prior art, allowing much higher precision, deeper cutting, and usage on difficult to cut material such as ceramics. The invention thus provides a reliable but yet very simple method for preventing nozzle wear.

Abstract: A fluid jet cutting system that includes an X-Y axis support table that is adjustable in both the X and Y-axis direction and has frame structures that overhang a centralized support platform assembly. The frame structures include overlapping central openings positioned above an opening defined by the platform assembly. A driving system such as a linear motor system shifts the support table. A Z-axis holder is provided for supporting a nozzle head assembly in a central area of the opening defined by the platform assembly. The nozzle head assembly has a main body that is fixed in position or limited to Z-axis movement with or without fourth and fifth axis rotation capability. Workpieces are supported by rails or the like within the open area. The nozzle head assembly directly receives abrasive through a plurality of abrasive ports which directly receive branch tubes of a multi-branch abrasive feed assembly.

Abstract: A blasting apparatus and a blasting method enable a processing pattern to be enlarged or modified in a suction type blasting apparatus by using a relatively simple composition, and also permit stable, continuous ejection of an abrasive in the enlarged or modified processing pattern. A nozzle (42) of a blast gun (40) of a suction type blasting apparatus is surrounded by a nozzle cover (49) with a predetermined gap provided therebetween, and a passage (43) which is opened in an abrasive ejecting direction between the outer periphery of the nozzle (42) and the inner periphery of the nozzle cover (49) is communicated with a supply source of compressed air. An abrasive dispersion chamber (52) serving as a dispersing nozzle is connected to an ejection port (47) of the blast gun (40).

Abstract: A liquid abrasive jet focusing tube for making cuts in a workpiece at a predetermined non-perpendicular angle, and a method for making non-perpendicular cuts in a workpiece with a liquid abrasive jet. The focusing tube includes a body having an inlet end which defines an inlet opening, an outlet end which defines an outlet opening, and a cylindrical passage which extends between the openings and which has a longitudinal axis. The outlet end has a tip portion with an angled surface adjacent the outlet opening and oriented in relation to the passage axis at the predetermined non-perpendicular angle. The method includes positioning the focusing tube so that the angled surface is generally parallel to the workpiece surface and the passage axis is oriented in relation to the workpiece surface substantially at the predetermined non-perpendicular angle.

Abstract: A dental handpiece for use with a prophylaxis treatment of carious teeth by means of a powder mixed with air and water is provided on a gripping sleeve of the handpiece with an integrated powder container which is formed as a closed hollow body of rotation. The hollow body of rotation forms a whirl chamber which spatially acts in all directions for a mixing of the stored powder with air which is supplied substantially in the geometric center of the body of rotation whereas the powder and air mixture which is formed in this powder container is transferred by means of a transfer line to a multiple nozzle arrangement of a spray head of the gripping sleeve via an inlet end of the transfer line which is provided also substantially in this geometric center directly adjacent to the outlet end of the flow line for air, the nozzle arrangement being also connected with a supply line for water.

Abstract: A blast nozzle assembly for wet blasting is provided comprising a blast nozzle for accelerating a blast stream of abrasive particles in compressed air toward a targeted surface and in combination therewith, a water atomizer means which is releasibly secured to the exterior of the blast nozzle. The water atomizer means is formed of two parts, a manifold body which includes a water supply means and an outlet assembly which includes a mixing chamber for receiving the blast stream leaving the blast nozzle, a plurality of spaced water nozzles for directing a stream of water into the mixing chamber and an outlet for directing the mixture of blast stream and water to the targeted surface.

Abstract: An improved cutting head for a water jet cutting assembly utilizing water or other liquid medium at ultra high pressure, with the cutting head including an assembly with an elongated body having a central bore along its axis and including a delivery nozzle at the distal end of the assembly. Alignment of the components is maintained by incorporating a process of manufacture which utilizes the formation of a single bore extending through the body so as to both form and maintain axial alignment of the components. The arrangement is further characterized by having mating surfaces which are free of gaskets or other packing material, thereby establishing, maintaining, and preserving proper axial alignment of components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that enhances removal of contaminating particles from surfaces of a static-sensitive components that are cleaned using a carbon dioxide cleaning spray produced by a jet spray gun. The apparatus has a programmable power supply that is connected to ground, to the static-sensitive component, and to the jet spray gun. The static-sensitive component is cleaned using the cleaning spray and the surface charge generated on the surface of the component or substrate is simultaneously monitored to determine the amount and polarity of the charge that is generated thereon. The programmable power supply then applies a reverse bias to the jet spray gun that is equal to and has the opposite polarity of the charge that is generated on the surface of the static-sensitive component or substrate, which neutralizes the charge generated on the surface of the component.

Abstract: A blast head has an air cushion device that directs a flow of relatively high velocity air inwardly and toward the surface being blasted from around the periphery of the blast head. This air flow creates a barrier preventing the escape of particles and debris from the blast head and also creates a so-called ground effect; i.e. the air flow between the head and the surface creates a force that lifts the head off the surface being blasted so that the head floats on cushion of air.

Abstract: An environmentally compliant triboelectric applicator and process for coating or ablating a substrate and for retrieving excess or ejected material from the substrate. The applicator comprises an inner supersonic nozzle for accelerating triboelectrically charged projectile particles entrained in a supersonic gas to speeds sufficiently high to coat or ablate a substrate and an outer evacuator nozzle coaxially surrounding the inner supersonic nozzle for retrieving excess projectile particles, ablated substrate powders, or other environmentally hazardous materials. A fluid dynamic coupling uses the efficacy of the Mach turning angle associated with a supersonic boundary layer of carrier gas to aspirate the central core of the supersonic two-phase jet.

Abstract: A thrust balanced turn base for changing the direction of a fluid flow containing entrained abrasive media is provided. The turn base includes an elongated member having an inlet for the fluid flow with the entrained abrasive media. The turn base further includes a first internal passageway that extends in a downstream direction from the inlet. The first passageway includes a first throat, a converging portion between the inlet and the throat, a diverging portion extending downstream from the throat, an additional converging portion downstream from the diverging portion, a turning portion downstream from the additional converging portion that converges to a second throat and that leads to a nozzle that conducts the fluid flow containing the entrained abrasive media in an angled direction relative to the long axis of the turn base.

Abstract: An improved mixing tube for use in a high-pressure abrasive fluid jet system is shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, the mixing tube is provided by forming a first piece and a second piece, each piece having a length that is substantially equal to the length of the mixing tube. A longitudinal groove is provided in each piece, the longitudinal groove extending from a first end to a second end of each piece. The first and second pieces are coupled together, such that the first and second longitudinal grooves meet to form a bore that extends longitudinally through the length of the mixing tube. Although the first and second pieces may be joined in a variety of ways, in a preferred embodiment, the two pieces are joined by shrink fitting a metal sheath around the outer surface of each piece. The first and second pieces are made of a hard ceramic material, and the longitudinal grooves are formed by grinding the pieces to remove material along their length.

Abstract: A fluid jet accelerator/pressurizer apparatus for accelerating and pressurizing a fluidized stream of particulate matter, e.g. for ice blasting, has a nozzle housing defining a main conduit, forming a passage for the flow of the fluidized stream through the nozzle housing. The main conduit has a constriction formed by a convergent-divergent region of the main conduit for effecting acceleration of the fluidized stream, and an inner blast nozzle is provided in the main conduit and directed in a downstream direction towards the constriction. In operation, a blast medium is discharged from the inner blast nozzle at a speed sufficient to form within the fluidized stream a flow front which is impenetrable by the fluidized stream and which co-operates with the constriction to accelerate the fluidized stream.

Abstract: A method of cleaning an integrated circuit chip module prior to attaching wire bonds thereto. The method involves disposing a module containing an integrated circuit chip and IC bond pads without wire bonds in an environmental process enclosure. A carbon dioxide jet spray cleaning system having a spray nozzle and orifice assembly is disposed the environmental process enclosure. A jet spray of carbon dioxide is generated using the jet spray cleaning system. The carbon dioxide jet spray is directed onto the surface of the module such that the spray impacts the IC bond pads and module bond pads to clean unwanted adhesive from the surface of the module and thus clean the IC and module bond pads.

Abstract: A machine tool for cutting workpieces includes a cutting head with at least two cutting units each providing cutting beams directed at the workpiece so as to impinge thereon closely adjacent each other to cooperate in the cutting action. The machine tool includes a worktable to support the workpiece, and the workpiece and cutting head are relatively movable to provide a cutting line in the workpiece. At least one of the cutting units is movable relative to the other so that the angular relationship of the cutting beams may be varied, and the supply of the cutting medium is separately controlled for the cutting units. In one embodiment the cutting beams are high speed water jets which may contain abrasive and the cutting characteristics of the jets may be varied.

Abstract: A gas delivery system provides a first gas which is in a liquid state under extreme pressure and in a gaseous state under intermediate pressure. A particle delivery system provides a slurry comprising the first gas in a liquid state and a second gas in a solid state. The second gas is selected so that it will solidify at a temperature at or above the temperature of the first gas in a liquid state. A nozzle assembly connected to the gas delivery system and to the particle delivery system produces a stream having a high velocity central jet comprising the slurry, a liquid sheath surrounding the central jet comprising the first gas in a liquid state and an outer jacket surrounding the liquid sheath comprising the first gas in a gas state.