Abstract: To remove films, such as oxides and lubricants, from a metal substrate, mechanical or thermal stress is first applied to the films so as to rupture the film to the substrate. The substrate is then moved through an electrolysis cell having one or more electrode elements of one electrical polarity spaced from the moving substrate defining another electrode element with the opposite polarity. An electrical signal is applied to the electrodes, and the electrical signal flows down to the metal substrate, resulting in an etching or pitting of the surface of the metal substrate. Following the electrolysis cell, the moving substrate is immersed in a cavitation fluid. Energy, either sonic or ultrasonic, is generated and focused onto the moving substrate so that cavitation bubbles are formed in the pitted portions of the metal substrate beneath the film.

Abstract: A method of reducing acid emissions and ozone deletion precursors from a flue gas produced by the combustion of sulphur-or nitrogen-containing fuel or acid emissions and ozone deletion precursors from chemical plants. The method comprises introducing into a flue containing the gas, an additive derived from the chemical reaction of pyrolysis liquor with an alkaline earth metal compound in the presence of an oxidant. This reaction produces a hydrophobic/hydrophilic mixture containing a plurality of thermolabile alkaline earth metal compounds. These compounds are able to decompose at flue gas temperature to produce an alkaline compound able to react with sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen to eliminate them from the gas.

Abstract: A manufactured metal member, such as a wire, having a magnetite oxide film thereon, is subjected to mechanical stress to produce cracking of the magnetite film approximately to the surface of the metal member. The metal member is then moved through an electrolysis cell bath in which the metal member forms the anode thereof, and vertically positioned steel bars form the cathode. A pulsating DC current is applied to the anode and the cathode. The current flows to the surface of the metal member via the cracks in the oxide, maintaining the metal member anode in a state of depassivation and loosening the bond between the oxide film and the metal member. The loosened magnetite is then readily cleaned off the metal member. A thermal stressing step may also be used prior to the mechanical stressing.

Abstract: A method of reducing acid emission from a flue gas produced by combustion of a sulphur-containing fuel. A pyrolysis liquor containing a thermolabile alkaline earth metal compound is introduced into a flue containing the flue gas. The alkaline earth metal compound is able to decompose at flue gas temperature to produce an alkaline compound able to react with sulphur dioxide in the flue gas. A liquor additive to inject into a flue gas resulting from a combustion of a sulphur containing fuel to reduce the acid content of the flue gas is also described. The liquor comprises a pyrolysis liquor, initially acidic but at least partially neutralized by basic alkaline earth metal compounds. The resulting liquor contains at least one thermolabile alkaline earth metal compound able to decompose at flue gas temperature to produce an alkaline compound able to react with sulphur dioxide. A method of producing the liquor is also described.

Abstract: An ultrasonic agitator (10) for generating turbulence in the vicinity of elongated metal workpieces (12) such as newly formed strands of wire. The system includes a bath (14) that is filled with a cleaning solution (16). The workpiece is introduced into the bath so as to move along a predetermined path of travel. One or more transducers (20, 24) are disposed in the bath to produce ultrasonic waves in the cleaning solution. The transducers are further configured and spaced so that the focal points of the vibrations substantially coincide with the path of travel with the workpiece. The transducers are driven by a signal generator (28) that causes the transducers to vibrate at a frequency between 0.5 and 3.0 MHz. The vibrations of the transducers produce ultrasonic waves that can be used to scrub off contaminants from the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A manufactured metal member, such as a wire, having a magnetite oxide film thereon, is first subjected to stress to produce cracking of the magnetite film approximately to the surface of the metal member. The metal member is then moved through an electrolysis cell bath in which the metal member forms the anode thereof, and vertically positioned steel bars form the cathode. A pulsating DC current is applied to the anode and the cathode. The current flows to the surface of the metal member via the cracks in the oxide, maintaining the metal member anode in a state of depassivation and loosening the bond between the oxide film and the metal member. The loosened magnetite is then readily cleaned off the metal member.

Abstract: Method and device for making a first body (8), having a magnetostrictive properties, and a second body (6), against which said first body is in bearing contact with a certain grip between the contact surfaces, to move with respect to each other while substantially maintaining said grip. According to the invention a magnetic field is made to sequentially influence only one of adjacent partial sections of said magnetostrictive body (8), starting from the front end of the body as seen in the intended direction of movement. The magnetic field is adjusted so that the respective partial section under the influence of the magnetic field undergoes an increase in length, at the same time being subject to a contraction in the transverse direction which is big enough in order to decrease, preferably eliminate the grip between the bodies. The device includes a rod (8) of magnetostrictive material, which is clamped within a tubular body (6), one end of which being attached to a rigid supporting structure.

Abstract: An actuator having first and second brake sections, one of the first and second sections movable relative to the other along a predetermined axis, spaced apart pairs of brakes in each of the brake sections, a spring connected between the first and second brake sections for biasing the first section away from the second section along the axis, a pusher rod between the first and second sections parallel to the predetermined axis, operative in response to an activating control signal to expand axially and upon removal of the control signal to contract to its original length, and a device for selectively activating the brakes in each section and the push rod such that the actuator moves in a selected direction along the axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) converter (5) that receives a direct current signal from an input power source (10) to drive a load (2). A power module (16), controlled by a central processing unit (CPU) (14), includes a DC-to-DC voltage booster (20) that boosts the direct current signal from approximately 12 volts to 150 volts. A DC-to-AC inverter (70), which is also controlled by the CPU, converts the boosted DC voltage from DC to a 60 Hz AC output signal (18) used to drive the load. The power module includes a voltage feedback path and a current feedback path for regulating the AC output voltage signal in response to changes in the load (12). The voltage feedback path includes a fast integrator (36) connected in parallel with a slow integrator (34).

Abstract: An automated tool changer system for a drilling or other type of machine tool system. A gripper apparatus transports tools held in a tool magazine to a tool working unit such as a drill spindle. The tool working unit is supported by an upper support beam above a workpiece-supporting table mounted for movement in an X-Y plane. The magazine is supported by a sliding carriage mounted on the upper support beam, and can be moved upwardly and downwardly to insert and remove tools from the gripper apparatus. The gripper apparatus is supported by the X-Y table, and can be raised or lowered relative to the table during the tool changing operation. The gripper apparatus is provided with two possible grip pressures, and with a sensor for detecting the presence of the tool end at a predetermined grip jaw reference point. The sensor permits the tool to be inserted into the spindle chuck with a predetermined length of tool extending from the chuck.

Abstract: A high speed drilling system is disclosed for high spped drilling of very small holes in workpieces such as printed circuit boards. The A-Y positioning system includes air bearings to provide lift between the stationary guide beams, the crossbeam and the top table, and further includes a vacuum preloading apparatus for providing a preloading force between the table and the guide beam. The preload force dampens Z axis oscillations which can result in drill bit breakage. The top table is a lightweight honeycomb structure, whose effective rigidity is virtually that of the guide beam due to the vacuum preloading. The system includes pairs of spindles, one a conventional spindle for drilling holes large than about 0.125 inches, and the other a high speed spindle for drilling holes in the range of about 0.003 to 0.125 inches. The high speed spindle includes a stationary spindle body carry the stator of the rotary drive motor. Only the spindle rotor is translated along the Z axis to perform the drilling movements.

Abstract: A high speed drilling system is disclosed for high speed drilling of very small holes in workpieces such as printed circuit boards. The X-Y positioning system includes air bearings to provide lift between the stationary guide beams, the crossbeam and the top table, and further includes a vacuum preloading apparatus for providing a preloading force between the table and the guide beam. The preload force dampens Z axis oscillations which can result in drill bit breakage. The top table is a lightweight honeycomb structure, whose effective rigidity is virtually that of the guide beam due to the vacuum preloading. The system includes pairs of spindles, one a conventional spindle for drilling holes larger than about 0.125 inches, and the other a high speed spindle for drilling holes in the range of about 0.003 to 0.125 inches. The high speed spindle includes a stationary spindle body carrying the stator of the rotary drive motor.

Abstract: A drilling spindle having a pressure foot is disclosed for handling drilling tools having relatively large diameter shank regions and relatively small diameter drilling bit portions regions. The pressure foot assembly includes a shutter plate which contacts and clamps the workpiece during drilling operations. The shutter plate translates along an axis transverse to the rotor axis to align either a small aperture or a large aperture with the rotor axis. The small aperture is sized to receive the drilling tool region of the drill, and permits the drilling region to be extended therethrough while providing good clamping of the workpiece during drilling. The large aperture is sized to receive the shank region of the tool, and permits the tool to be inserted or withdrawn from the spindle during tool changing operations.

Abstract: A high speed drilling system is disclosed for high speed drilling of very small holes in workpieces such as printed circuit boards. The X-Y positioning system includes air bearings to provide lift between the stationary guide beams, the crossbeam and the top table, and further includes a vacuum preloading apparatus for providing a preloading force between the table and the guide beam. The preload force dampens Z axis oscillations which can result in drill bit breakage. The top table is a lightweight honeycomb structure, whose effective rigidity is virtually that of the guide beam due to the vacuum preloading. The system includes pairs of spindles, one a conventional spindle for drilling holes larger than about 0.125 inches, and the other a high speed spindle for drilling holes in the range of about 0.003 to 0.125 inches. The high speed spindle includes a stationary spindle body carrying the stator of the rotary drive motor.

Abstract: An apparatus providing a source of alternating power for power devices is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a frame member having a plurality of ground engaging wheels for transporting the frame member along the ground. The frame member carries a plurality of DC storage means therein. A transformer means carried on the frame has a low voltage center tapped winding, a line voltage winding, and a high voltage winding. The low voltage center tapped winding is in communication with the DC storage means, and the line voltage winding is operable to produce an AC output voltage suitable for powering devices. A plurality of controllable rectifier means is in communication with both the high voltage winding and the low voltage center tapped winding. The rectifier means are operable to alternately provide a conduction path for said DC storage means through both halves of the low voltage center tapped winding.

Abstract: An electrical power unit adapted to increase the DC power output of an electrical generating system of the type including a DC storage battery and an alternator which delivers AC voltage to the generating system. The AC voltage is stepped down and rectified to produce a first DC voltage. A voltage regulator having a field output connected to the field winding of the alternator, and an input connected to the battery and the first DC voltage, is operative to control the field winding of the alternator to maintain the first DC voltage at a relatively constant level. The first DC voltage may be applied to the battery to supply power thereto and to any load which may be connected to the battery. Increased power is provided when the regulator forces the alternator to produce AC voltage at a higher than normal voltage. When this higher voltage is stepped down and rectified to provide normal system DC voltage, greater than normal DC power is provided.