Abstract: A method of producing a metal pipe which can suppress quenching defects is provided. In the method, a bend of the metal pipe is straightened by a straightening machine 10. Next, both pipe end portions of the metal pipe whose bend has been straightened are cut off by a pipe cutting apparatus 20. Next, a plurality of the metal pipes whose both pipe end portions have been cut off are aligned in the axial direction thereof to be conveyed to a quenching apparatus 30, and the metal pipes are quenched by being cooled after being heated by induction heating.

Abstract: A compact, high-performance thermoelectric conversion module includes a laminate having a plurality of insulating layers, p-type thermoelectric semiconductors and n-type thermoelectric semiconductors formed by a technique for manufacturing a multilayer circuit board, particularly a technique for forming a via-conductor. Pairs of the p-type thermoelectric semiconductors and the n-type thermoelectric semiconductors are electrically connected to each other in series through p-n connection conductors to define thermoelectric conversion element pairs. The thermoelectric conversion element pairs are connected in series through, for example, series wiring conductors. The thermoelectric semiconductors each have a plurality of portions in which the peak temperatures of thermoelectric figures of merit are different from each other. These portions are distributed in the stacking direction of the laminate.

Abstract: A disk rotor is produced using pre-forms. A manufacturing device 10 includes lower mold 11 and upper mold 12. The lower mold 11 includes support block 13, main body part of the lower mold 14, inclined pins 15, core elements 16 and slider 17. In securing and supporting pre-forms 4A, 5A, a cylinder 18 is actuated to cause upward movement of the support block 13 and the main body part of the lower mold 14, during which movement, core elements 16 and slider 17 are slid relatively outwards along inclined pins 15. In this state, the pre-forms 4A, 5A are guided to preset sites. The support block 13 and the main body part of the lower mold 14 are then moved downwards, during which movement, core elements 16 and slider 17 are slid relatively inwards along the inclined pins 15. In this state, the pre-forms 4A, 5A are supported and secured stably to define a cavity.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus that separates solder from solder dross, comprising first and second rolls and a fixture. The first roll has a substantially cylindrical surface and is rotatable about a first longitudinal axis. The second roll has a substantially cylindrical surface and is rotatable about a second longitudinal axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The fixture is coupled to the first and second rolls and spaces the second roll apart from the first roll by a first distance, such as 0.001 to 0.015 inches, the first distance sufficient to separate a solder-dross mixture directed between the first roll and the second roll into a liquid solder and a dross powder when the first and second rolls are rotated in opposite directions.