Abstract: In a generic-electrode NC-EDM process, the electrode tool oriented in the direction of a z-axis is translationally retracted, from a position of a defective gap condition on a prescribed two-dimensional feed path in an x-y plane, by a prescribed distance in a prescribed direction which is transverse generally to all of the x-y, y-z and z-x planes so that the electrode end portion with a generic form is removed from the machined surfaces adjacent the machining gap of the defective condition. This retraction displacement may be performed under numerical control by displacing the electrode tool translationally by a first predetermined distance in an x-y plane and orthogonally to a portion of the feed path which is immediately prior to that position and simultaneously retracting the electrode axially in the direction of the z-axis by a second predetermined distance.

Abstract: A portable, hand held electric arc saw has a small frame for supporting an electrically conducting rotary blade which serves as an electrode for generating an electric arc to erode a workpiece. Electric current is supplied to the blade by biased brushes and a slip ring which are mounted in the frame. A pair of freely movable endless belts in the form of crawler treads stretched between two pulleys are used to facilitate movement of the electric arc saw. The pulleys are formed of dielectric material to electrically insulate the crawler treads from the frame.

Abstract: A splicer-welder (13) for multiple reels (11,12) of continuous tapes of multiple connected integrated circuit lead-frames to be conveyed through a lead-frame preparation line (10) includes fixed electrodes (40) positioned adjacent an entry slot (45) and spring-loaded movable electrodes (59) normally spaced from the fixed electrodes. The end of the lead-frame tape is sensed and by use of an accumulator section of multiple pulleys (18,19,20) one of which is movable on a rail (21), the span of tape between pulleys acts as a reserve of tape for continuous downstream processing of the tape while the end of the tape is stopped. Sprocket holes on the tape ends are placed on retaining pins (41,42) alongside the electrodes and one or more frames of a beginning of a second lead-frame tape from a second reel are overlapped with one or more frames of the end of the first tape.

Abstract: A sterilization method and apparatus comprise a coil connected to a high-frequency current generating source to generate a magnetic field in which a device to be sterilized is disposed so that an eddy current is generated in a conductor forming the device or a conductor disposed in the vicinity of the device due to the electromagnetic induction action, whereby bacteria attached to the device is sterilized by heat produced by the eddy current loss. The sterilization method and apparatus is suitable for a device such as a tubular connector for connecting between the abdominal cavity and a disposable container containing a dialysate in the peritoneal dialysis, specifically the continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and which is repeatedly used while exchanging the container.

Abstract: A wire electrode clamping mechanism of a wire-cut electric discharge machine is constituted by a wire guide pipe for guiding the wire electrode; a pipe holder for accommodating the upper portion of the wire guide pipe in such a manner that the wire guide pipe is capable of moving up and down; and a clamping member disposed on an upper portion of the pipe holder and operated by the wire guide pipe for clamping the wire electrode, the clamping member clamping the wire electrode which has been passed through the interior of the wire guide pipe.

Abstract: A vacuum evaporation device incorporates a main treatment enclosure connected to an auxiliary chamber containing a material evaporation cell. The cell is fixed to a tight bellows displacement member able to displace the cell between a first advanced position towards a main enclosure and a second retracted position. A sealing valve provided with a slide is provided for the main enclosure from the auxiliary chamber, whereby the material of the evaporation cell can thus be changed without placing the main enclosure under atmosphere again. A fixed heating tube, connecting the main enclosure to the auxiliary chamber, has a first end engaged in the main enclosure and a second end issuing into the auxiliary chamber. The second end is provided with an end piece made from a thermally insulating material ensuring mechanical continuity and thermal insulation with the support part and able to bearingly receive the evaporation cell when the latter is in the advanced position.

Abstract: A process for attaching silver-bearing body electrodes of a multi-layer capacitor blank to a terminating material by using high-intensity heat source to fuse the terminal material to the capacitor blank and body electrode edges exposed on the surface of said blank. A particular advantage is avoidance of silver-migration from the body electrodes.

Abstract: An electromechanical transducer is provided, and the process for making it, which utilizes a piezoresistive element or gage which is crystallinally the same as the base or substrate upon which it is supported. The gage of the invention is a force gage, and is derived from its substrate by etching in a series of steps which, ultimately, provide a gage with substantially reduced strain energy requirements, because the volume of the gage may be as small as 3.times.10.sup.10 cubic centimeters of stressed material. In its most preferred form, the element or gage is etched free of its substrate to provide, in effect, a "floating gage." This is achieved by defining the gage in its substrate or in material rigidly bonded to its substrate, etching away immediately adjacent material, and leaving the gage free in space, while supported at each end on the substrate.

Abstract: A traveling-wire (TW) electroerosion apparatus in which at least one of wire guides which are disposed at opposite sides of the cutting zone includes a plurality of elementary guide members arranged one adjacent to another in the direction of wire travel and having wire-receptive notches, the notched members being staggered to make up a composite guide opening of these notches such that the diameter of an imaginary cylinder which can be inscribed therein is substantially equal to the nominal wire diameter. Preferably, the elementary guide members are arranged to be displaceable relative to one another and in their respective planes, which are parallel to one another, to change the positions of these guide notches and thus to change the diameter of the imaginary cylinder.

Abstract: A thermostat for an electric hotplate has a casing formed in one piece from an insulating material with a bottom and four side walls defining one open-sided recess therebetween, a snap-action switch, a support, and a bimetallic strip mounted on the support and acting on the switch, the casing having slots formed therein for fixing the switch, support, and strip in the recess. the recess remains open at the one side when the casing is mounted on the hotplate. Interfitting locking structure on the support and formed interiorly on at least one of the side walls can be brought into mutual engagement by movement of the support substantially parallel to the bottom of the casing, whereby the bimetallic strip is safely and securely held in the recess notwithstanding the absence of a cover for the recess.

Abstract: A device for heating a plurality of radiant absorbers which utilizes a source of radiant energy in conjunction with a plurality of curved reflective surfaces. The reflective surfaces function to provide a device which directs essentially all of the radiation emitted by the radiant source onto the radiant absorbers. High efficiency is obtained as well as the ability to heat more than one radiant absorber simultaneously. Reflective surfaces can comprise, in general, curved surfaces, multiradius surfaces, or portions of ellipses.

Abstract: An elongated food holding cabinet adapted to be mounted on a wall, the cabinet having a plurality of drawer-containing modules arranged in side-by-side relation, each module having a heating element and an integral water reservoir. The drawers may be provided with vents to control humidity or provided with dispensers for sauces and gravies contained in receptacles in the drawers.

Abstract: In the repair of a leaking heat exchanger tube (10) with a repair tube (11) at a braze (12), strain in the exchanger tube (10) is relieved during the brazing operation. Where the exchanger tube is of U-shape both legs (10A and 10B) are treated similarly. Strain relief could also be obtained by a thinning and bulging operation in the exchanger tube at a region which also receives heat from the brazing operation so, on brazing, yield takes place at the bulge.

Abstract: This duct heater assembly includes a duct section having upper and lower wall portions and opposed side portions. The upper and lower portions include end margin portions connectible to the end margins of conventional duct line section by "S" strip connectors. The side portions include C-shaped flanges connectible to the C-shaped flanges of conventional duct line sections by "C" strip connectors. One of the side portions incorporates a control box having an overhanging end spaced from the side wall of an adjacent conventional duct line section to accommodate the "C" strip connectors.

Abstract: A component fixing machine for hybrid circuits including heating station (5) and a cooling station (6) which are both mounted on a common carriage (17) which is driven in translation back and forth under a fixed station (4) for holding the substrate (1) above the carriage.

Abstract: A temperature control apparatus for a copying machine has a halogen heater for heating a fixing roller, a thermistor for detecting the surface temperature of the fixing roller, and a microcomputer for performing ON/OFF control of the halogen heater in accordance with an output from the thermistor. After the heater is turned on or off, the heater is kept in the ON or OFF state for a predetermined period time irrespective of the output from the thermistor. A waiting time before using the copying machine after the power is turned on is shortened without requiring a heater having a high output power. Erratic operation due to noise generated upon turning on or off of the heater is prevented.

Abstract: A hair dryer, designed to be used both professionally and domestically, has a generally cylindrical body with a nozzle for the discharge of a flow of hot air generated in its interior, this body having secured thereto a saddle-shaped base to which an inclined handle is attached under spring pressure with the aid of a bolt perpendicular to the body axis. The base and the handle adjoin each other along surfaces parallel to that axis for enabling the handle to be rotated through 180.degree. between two extreme positions in which the handle respectively slants toward the rear and the front of the body. The relative rotation is limited by a semicircular cutout in the handle penetrated by a pin rigid with the base.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for providing uniform radiant heat to a substrate by means of a plurality of parallel electroconductive heating wires which are maintained in planar relationship upon heat expansion by means of attachment to a movable bus bar attached to a tensioned spring, positioned in contact with a stationary member which limits its movement to a plane parallel to the plane of the heating wires.

Abstract: A voltage sensor senses the gap voltage between an electrode and a conductive workpiece and compares it to a reference voltage using a comparator amplifier. The output from the comparator amplifier is used by an oil hydraulic servomechanism to raise and lower the electrode. An ultrasonic sensor detects impulse waves from discharges and a current sensor detects the working current for determining the working conditions of the gap. After a predetermined number of irregular discharges occurs the gap width may be widened by the servomechanism, the flow of dielectric fluid may be increased to remove sludge and debris, or the time between machining pulses may be increased.

Abstract: A ballast resistor device for use in a gas laser system for stabilizing the operation of the gas laser includes a housing, a ballast resistor element and a filler material filled in the space between the housing and the resistor element is provided. In the preferred embodiment, the filler material is substantially high in dielectric breakdown strength as well as in thermal conductivity, so that the ballast resistor device of the present invention has a rigid structure providing a strong mechanical and electrical durability, not to mention an excellent heat dissipating characteristic thereby allowing to prevent the resistor element from being overheated.