Abstract: Automatic welding apparatus is provided for welding contact tabs to solar lls which are particularly adapted for use in space vehicular solar generators. The apparatus comprises a plurality of welding electrodes arranged to extend across the direction of movement of a solar cell conveying table. The electrodes are movable in two directions perpendicular to each other and both perpendicular to the direction of movement of the conveying table.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for bonding a semiconductor laser chip to a heatsink and testing the bond obtained, temperature in the bonding operation is regulated by passing a small fixed current through the forward biased laser and monitoring corresponding change in voltage caused by alteration of the laser pn junction temperature. Current is passed to the laser through a floating contact consisting of a conducting vacuum pick-up pressed against the laser top surface. Bond integrity is subsequently tested at low temperature by passing a dc current greater than a threshold current through the laser and measuring the resulting light output and then passing a pulsed current with identical peak current level and again measuring light output. The difference in light output is a function of the bond thermal resistance.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a plasma-transferred-arc torch construction wherein, optionally, a single releasable clamp enables rapid separation of downstream-end fittings of an anode subassembly and a cathode subassembly, as for inspection, servicing and/or replacement; in an alternative option, release of the single clamp enables rapid further disassembly of the entirety of the respective subassemblies from mounting structure which includes the single clamp. These options are available for torch structure incorporating provision for sealed independent fluid-flow supplies of (a) coolant serving both electrode subassemblies, (b) plasma gas serving an annular interelectrode gap at the downstream end of the torch, (c) a metallic, ceramic or other powder fluidized in a carrier gas, for torch-deposition of the powder, and (d) a shielding gas to protect the zone of plasma-transfer of the arc and any powder conveyed therewith.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing induction currents in a pipe to heat the same comprising an axially extending collar adapted to removably surround the pipe, the collar including at least two arcuate frames hingedly connected in end to end circumferential relationship and having a pair of free ends adapted to be opened for placing the frames around the pipe, a plurality of electrically conducting wires carried upon the frames across the axial width thereof and extending circumferentially between the free ends, a connector assembly mounted at each free end, each connector assembly having a plurality of connectors, each connector of each assembly being connected to an end of a wire and being connected electrically to a connector of the other assembly when the frames are in closed position around the pipe, the wires on one axial half of the collar being connected to each other to form two interlaced bifilar windings; the wires at the other axial end of the collar being interconnected to form two interlaced bifilar windin

Abstract: An electronic apparatus having a musical alarm function and a display, which produced a musical sound when an alarm time is reached while also concurrently performing score display of the musical notes of the produced musical sound on a printed five-line staff. The display produces a display of another function when the apparatus performs a function other than generation of the musical sounds.

Abstract: Conductive polymer compositions which have improved voltage stability and which preferably exhibit PTC behavior. The compositions comprise a carbon black dispersed in a crystalline copolymer of an olefin and at least 10% by weight of an olefinically unsaturated comonomer containing a polar group. The carbon black has a particle size greater than 18 millimicrons, preferably greater than 30 millimicrons, a d-spacing greater than 360 and a surface area which is less than1.2S+e.sup.S/50where S is the DBP absorption of the carbon black. The carbon black is preferably present in amount at least 15% by weight of the composition. Particularly useful devices including such compositions are self-regulating heaters.

Abstract: In a microwave apparatus for media which can be circulated and heated by high frequencies, an elongated shaft having a rectangular cross-section transverse to the elongated direction is provided at one end with a microwave transmitter. At the one end the shaft forms a hollow wave guide followed to the opposite end by a resonator chamber. The shaft has the same cross-sectional shape between its ends. A microwave permeable conductor in the form of a hairpin-shaped loop extends through the resonator chamber from the opposite end. The opposite end of the shaft is closed off by a flange plate secured to a flange on the shaft and the inlet and outlet ends of the loop are located in the flange plate.

Abstract: An arrangement for use with a worktank or machining receptacle in a machine tool, e.g. a wire-cut EDM machine, wherein a machining liquid is supplied to a machining zone defined between a tool and a workpiece wherefrom it is permitted to fall at least in part freely by gravity while entraining the machining products therein. In the receptacle provided for temporarily impounding therein the machining liquid falling directly from the machining zone there is provided a liquid damping member which includes a rugged layer of magnetic material for impingement upon by the falling machining liquid droplets and streams to whereby dissipate splashes thereof while magnetically trapping the ferromagnetic machining products therein.

Abstract: A susceptor for use in a rotary disc reactor comprises a disc having a plurality of radial slots formed adjacent the periphery of the disc. The slots are circumferentially spaced from each other such that the oppositely-flowing heating currents in the sectors disposed between the slots are forced to be adjacent each other to cause a cancelling effect. A plurality of such discs may be supported in stack-like relationship by supporting posts having the ends thereof adapted to fit into the radial slots. Each disc also has radiation shielding means attached to and extending beyond the periphery thereof. The radiation shielding means is made of a material different from the susceptor material of the disc.

Abstract: A control circuit for energizing a magnetron of a microwave oven includes only one switching element for controlling the energization of a primary winding of a high voltage transformer connected to the magnetron resulting in the power supply conducted from a power source to the primary winding. The switching element comprises a triac connected to the primary winding or a relay switch for controlling power supply from a power source to the primary winding. The relay switch can be energized by a Large Scale Integrated Circuit which controls the energization of the magnetron in accordance with a program introduced therein through a manual control.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for aligning a laser beam to an integrated circuit. A pair of generally parallel spaced-apart fusible links are formed on the circuit. The laser beam is positioned to a site known to be to one side of one link. Then the beam is stepped towards the links until the link is blown. The beam is then moved a predetermined distance so that it is positioned to one side of the other link. This beam is then stepped toward this link in the opposite direction until it is blown. The midpoint between the links can then be readily computed.

Abstract: A cooking oven in which a ceramic gas sensor is disposed in an exhaust guide which guides air from within the oven chamber toward the exterior of the oven casing. The surface temperature of the ceramic gas sensor is changed to change the sensing characteristic of the sensor, so that the single sensor can sense both water vapor and soot given off from food being cooked. A voltage source including a stabilized direct current voltage source and a non-stabilized or alternating current voltage source is provided for supplying power to the ceramic gas sensor. In the soot sensing mode, the surface of the ceramic gas sensor is heated by the power supplied from the stabilized direct current voltage source to stabilize the soot sensing characteristic of the sensor. An electronic circuit controlling the cooking operation includes a plurality of amplifiers having different gains which are suitably selected to deal with the humidity sensing mode and the soot sensing mode.

Abstract: A microwave oven is provided according to which food is cooked while a temperature sensor is inserted in the food and the heating of the food is interrupted in response to an output signal of the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor comprises a hollow skewer, a bellows which is attached to the skewer and in which is sealed a liquid of high coefficient of thermal expansion, and a sound generating body of a plate spring for generating a sound when the hollow skewer is heated by the food, the liquid is expanded, the bellows is stretched, and the force generated thereby overcomes the biasing force. The microwave oven stops heating and cooking when a sound is generated.

Abstract: A hybrid integrated circuit (121) is coupled to an adapter circuit (151) to facilitate trimming of film resistors (126, 127, 128 and 129) formed on the hybrid circuit. The adapter circuit (151) includes a plurality of safety resistors (156, 157 and 158) which are to be selectively added in series with the film resistor (126) to be trimmed. A computer (145) facilitates the measurement of (1) the resistance of the untrimmed film resistor (126) and (2) the gain of the hybrid circuit (121). Depending upon the measured gain, the safety resistors (156, 157 and 158) are selectively added in series with the film resistor (126) to establish a basic resistance value. Thereafter, the film resistor (126) is trimmed by a laser (144) until the resistance value of the film resistor (126) is equal to the basic resistance value. Other safety resistors are used during the trimming of the remaining resistors (127, 128 and 129).

Abstract: Improved indium oxide resistor inks useful in constructing multilayer integrated circuits, particularly on porcelain-coated metal substrates, are provided. The subject inks, which are characterized by an improved temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), comprise: indium oxide, magnesium oxide as a TCR controlling agent, a barium calcium borosilicate glass frit and a suitable organic vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a thin walled diaphragm unit of the type used in pressostats and thermostats. The method involves attaching a ring element to one end of a tubularly shaped diaphragm element which may have the bellows forming corrugations formed thereon either before or after the attachment of the ring element. Electrodes are utilized for physically pressing the parts together as well as providing for a flow of current through the joint to provide a metallurgical joining of the parts. A layer of an alloy of phosphorous and nickel is applied to the ring element which results in a heat joining of the parts which in effect is between soldering and welding.

Abstract: Electron-beam stage X-Y positioning instrumentation is provided. The electron-beam stage has a number of metal blocks affixed to its bottom. Fixed orthogonal noncontact gage heads are used to sense the distance of the heads from the parallel faces of a proximate metal block. The position of the metal block vis-a-vis the position of the fixed referenced gage heads yields the X-Y coordinates of the stage. The stage is first coarsely positioned adjacent a preselected block.Thereafter the exact position of the stage is computed from the distances sensed by the gage heads. The electron beam electronics are automatically adjusted to the actual position of the stage thereby eliminating the relatively slow, fine positioning of the stage.

Abstract: A space divider system which is substantially freestanding and is formed from a plurality of interconnected prefabricated panels. The panels are individually electrically prewired, and flexible electrical connectors are releasably connected to adjacent panels for transmitting electrical energy between said panels. The individual panels, and the power supply to at least one of the panels, involves a multiple-wire system which provides two or more electrical circuits. The individual panels possess power blocks having socketlike receptacles for permitting adjacent panels to be electrically connected by the flexible connectors. A second socketlike receptacle is associated with some power blocks for permitting connection to external electrical devices, and a third receptacle is associated with some power blocks for permitting connection to light fixtures mounted on the panels. The second and third receptacles are associated with different electrical wires which define different electrical circuits.

Abstract: A fan motor sequencing switch assembly is employed to effect delayed full power energization of a magnetron in a microwave oven for protecting the magnetron and energization circuit therefor against high start-up current surge and for cooling the magnetron during oven operation. The sequencing switch is connected in parallel with a start circuit consisting of a start switch and serially connected current limiting resistor, and is operated by an actuator movable by the magnetic field induced in the fan motor upon energization, the motor being connected to the start switch and sequencing switch for energization through either switch.

Abstract: The high pressure furnace comprises a cylindrical pressure vessel with fr and rear pressure closures. An electrical heating element is supported within the interior of the pressure furnace. The front closure supports a relatively thin-walled inner container opening only to an aperture in the front closure. A small closure plugs the aperture. A reaction frame secures the various closures. Blanket gases are introduced into the furnace chamber and process gases into the process chamber defined by the interior of the inner container. Means are provided for minimizing the pressure difference across the inner container to enable it to maintain its original shape.