Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for passivating the surface of semiconductor samples in which, simultaneously to passivation, the life-time of free carriers is also determined by illuminating the semiconductor sample by a light pulse of higher energy than the forbidden band of the material, and the time function of the resistance change occurring in the semiconductor as a result of illumination is measured advantageously by a microwave reflectometer, and the life-time of carriers is determined as the characteristic time constant of the process. The essence of the method lies in that, the surface part of the semiconductor sample to be measured is continuously electrically charged. The arrangement comprises a microwave reflectometer (2), a signal processing unit (3), and a laser light source (4) illuminating the semiconductor sample (1). The surface of the semiconductor sample (1) charged by ions generated by corona generators (5, 6) simultaneously with the measurement.

Abstract: A compound needle comprises a closing element with two closing element springs. These are designed to be asymmetrical relative to each other or at least provided with clearances or openings which, during the operation of the compound needle, are made to overlap with a corresponding cutout or other openings in the basic compound needle member, so that deposits can be removed to the needle channel. An asymmetric design of the closing element springs prevents the closing element from being wedged into the closing element channel, even if the deposit removal is incomplete. As a result, the compound needle wear is reduced considerably and the operational safety is increased.

Abstract: A transporting apparatus includes a conveyor for advancing items and a transfer apparatus for lifting the items off the conveyor and for depositing the items at a location externally of the conveyor. The transfer apparatus has hoisting devices spaced from one another in the conveying direction. Each hoisting device has first and second lifters spaced from one another in a direction transverse to the conveying direction and being situated bilaterally of the conveyor. A first drive moves the first and second lifters into raised and lowered positions; and a second drive moves the first and second lifters toward and away from one another to cause them to assume a normal position and a spread-out position. First and second tray parts of a tray forming part of each hoisting device are mounted on the first and second lifter, respectively. In the raised and lowered positions the trays are clear of a travel path of the items on the conveyor.

Abstract: A cast-iron piston ring for a piston of an internal combustion engine includes a ring composed of cast-iron and having a circumferential surface; a nitrided layer covering the entire circumferential surface of the ring, the nitrided layer including a diffusion layer and a connection layer disposed above the diffusion layer in which the diffusion layer and the connection layer both cover the entire circumferential surface of the ring; and a metal layer which is electrodeposited onto the connection layer, which is composed of a metal having a hardness which is less than that of the connection layer, and which has a thickness of less than 5 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A fiber processing machine for forming a fiber lap from fiber tufts includes a generally vertically oriented reserve chute, a generally vertically oriented feed chute having an inlet adjoining the outlet of the reserve chute, and a fiber feeding assembly drawing fiber from the reserve chute and advancing fiber into the feed chute. The fiber feeding assembly includes a generally horizontally oriented feed roll having a rotary axis extending parallel to the horizontal width of the reserve chute, and a feed tray array cooperating with the feed roll and being composed of a series of individual feed trays lined up along the feed roll and rotatable about an axis. Each feed tray defines a nip with the feed roll. Measuring elements are coupled to each feed tray for emitting signals representing an extent of excursion of the respective feed tray as the fiber material passes through the respective nip. A control and regulating device is connected to the measuring elements for receiving the signals therefrom.