Abstract: A cooktop comprising at least one cooktop heater and a controller coupled to the heater and operable to control operation of the heater, including cool down of the heater and drift detection, is described. In one embodiment, the cooktop further comprises a control interface coupled to the controller. The interface comprises a power setting selection unit for operator selection of a power level setting for the heater. The controller is configured to switch off supply of power to the heater if a second power level selection for the heater is a lower power level than a first power level selection, and to then resume standard heater operation once a temperature corresponding to the second power level selection is reached.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has an oscillator for generating an oscillating signal whose frequency is dependent on temperature, a frequency tester for determining whether or not the frequency of the oscillating signal is normal, a heater for generating heat if the frequency tester determines that the frequency is abnormal, and a first hard macro core that is shifted to a normal operation mode if the frequency tester determines that the frequency is normal. The oscillator, heater, and first hard macro core are put under the same temperature condition. The frequency tester employs a lower limit of an operating temperature range of the first hard macro core as a reference to determine whether or not the frequency of the oscillating signal is normal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a relatively compact self-powered, tunable waste conversion system and apparatus which has the advantage of highly robust operation which provides complete or substantially complete conversion of a wide range of waste streams into useful gas and a stable, nonleachable solid product at a single location with greatly reduced air pollution to meet air quality standards. The system provides the capability for highly efficient conversion of waste into high quality combustible gas and for high efficiency conversion of the gas into electricity by utilizing a high efficiency gas turbine or by an internal combustion engine. The solid product can be suitable for various commercial applications. Alternatively, the solid product stream, which is a safe, stable material, may be disposed of without special considerations as hazardous material.

Abstract: A substrate heater for the production of superconducting films utilizing a nickel alloy block uniformly heated with a resistance heating element fully immersed in a brazing material that fills a recess in the block. Massive electric power connectors surround the heating element leads outside the braze material so as to provide a protective heat sink therefor and also to mechanically strengthen the block against warpage.

Abstract: The plasma-arc torch is of the type wherein a thermally ionizable gas is ected past a non-consumable cathode electrode and through the constricted orifice of a nozzle. An arc is established between the non-consumable electrode and the nozzle to initiate and sustain a plasma stream through the constricted orifice and then through a final port in a housing. A shield gas is directed around the nozzle and through the final port in the housing. A wire guide/contact tip is used for supporting a positively charged spray wire with a wire alignment fixture for coupling the wire guide/contact tip to the plasma stream outside the final port in the housing, the wire alignment fixture having a first collar section fixed to the torch and a second collar section fixed to the wire guide/contact tip.

Abstract: A torch for plasma cutting and welding which includes an outwardly insulated metal casing (10, 11, 12) provided with a non-melting electrode centered therein and having an insert (36) of active material directly opposite a nozzle orifice (17) in one end of the casing. The electrode (31) is centered in the casing by an insulating ring (21) at the electrode tip adjacent said orifice (17), and by an adapter sleeve (34) arranged in the opposite end and having a spring member (40). The adapter sleeve (34) has a tapered opening for receiving the likewise tapered end (33) of the electrode (31) and is axially slotted (35) to expand radially when receiving the electrode (31), so as to engage with the interior of the casing for safe current supply form the casing to the electrode (31). Gas is supplied from an inlet (27) along the electrode (31) and is forced to pass inclined ducts (41) in the electrode (31) in the area of the insulating ring (21), so as to be conducted in a spiral motion adjacent the orifice (17).

Abstract: Circuit protection devices which comprise a PTC conductive polymer element and a second electrical component which is thermally coupled to the PTC element and which, when a fault causes the current in the circuit to become excessive, generates heat which is transferred to the PTC element, thus reducing the time taken to "trip" the PTC element. The second component is for example a voltate-dependent resistor which is connected in series with the PTC element under the fault conditions and is thus protected from damage. Alternatively, the second component is a thick film resistor which is connected in series with the PTC element.

Abstract: A toroidal ECR reactor is described in which a poloidal magnetic field is established in a plasma generating chamber in which a specimen to be processed is disposed on an electrode in a specimen chamber. Microwaves and gaseous reactants are introduced into the plasma generating chamber. A plasma discharge occurs in which high energy electrons are confined in a plasma source region extending between a magnetic mirror formed in the specimen chamber out of line-of-sight to the wafer(s) when disposed on the electrode. A baffle region formed between the two chambers prevents microwaves from entering the specimen chamber. The reactor is particularly suitable for etching or depositing films on semiconductor substrates, since the sensitive substrates are not exposed to the high energy ions and/or photons of the source region.

Abstract: An electrode for a plasma carburizing furnace is disclosed which is adapted to provide a dynamic gas shroud for inhibiting the buildup of carbon soot on the insulating elements of the electrode. The reduction of carbon soot buildup on the insulating components dramatically reduces the frequency of electrical short-circuits across the insulating component, thereby increasing the availability of the furnace for processing of workpieces.

Abstract: A stable, low gas-flow microwave induce plasma torch for use with a helium microwave induced plasma system provides a toroidal plasma with central analyte injection obtained by the addition of a tantalum coupling probe injector. This, injector which penetrates through 100% of the total cavity depth, aids in plasma initiation, in the efficiency of power transfer to the cavity, and in eliminating the effects of a lack of homogeneity in the microwave field on analyte distribution in the plasma. In the preferred embodiment the microwave induced plasma torch includes a stainless steel body, a threaded aluminum insert, a PTFE insulator, a tantalum injector probe, and a quartz containment tube.

Abstract: A temperature control system for use with a fluid circulating system operable in a heating or cooling state to monitor and control the temperature and flow of fluid circulated through a remote liquid circulation manifold comprising a display/control panel to select the system operating parameters and provide a visual indication of the system status including operating temperature and fluid flow and a micro including logic circuitry to receive input signals from the display-control panel and fluid circulating system and to generate system control signals to control the operation of the fluid circulating system and system indicator signals to provide the visual indication of system operations.

Abstract: In a method for the preparation of a melt for the production of mineral wool a raw material is introduced at the top of a shaft furnace and heated to melting temperature partly with a hot gas formed by plasma heating and partly with a hot gas formed by combustion of one or more gaseous hydrocarbons, the latter gas stream being introduced at a level at which the temperature does not exceed 1250.degree. C., and the melt formed is discharged at the bottom of the shaft furnace.

Abstract: A manual keyhole plasma arc welding system including a power source; a manual arc welding torch assembly which includes, a) a hollow shield cup, b) a orifice subassembly concentrically disposed within the shield cup, and c) an electrode concentrically disposed within the orifice subassembly; a shield gas source; and a plasma gas source. A shield gas discharge annulus is formed between a terminal edge of the shield cup and the terminal end of the orifice subassembly. The terminal edge of the shield cup is extended beyond the terminal end of the orifice subassembly to produce a laminar shield gas discharge flow through the discharge annulus, providing cooling of the orifice subassembly. A plasma gas discharge annulus is formed between the terminal end of the orifice subassembly and a terminus of the electrode. A first terminal of the power source is connected to the electrode and a second terminal of the power source is connected to the workpiece. The power source provides a sinewave alternating current.

Abstract: There is disclosed an arc reactor for treating a material in powder form conductive at very high temperatures, the reactor comprising a vertical electrically insulated sleeve cylindrical in shape, an upper electrode coaxially mounted with the sleeve at its upper end, a bottom electrode cooperating with the upper electrode, injectors for injecting a gas tangentially into the sleeve in order to create a vortex inside the same, a feed mechanism for introducing the powder material inside the sleeve near its upper end, so as to form a uniform cylindrical curtain of particles falling down into the sleeve, the particles being centrifugally projected against the internal wall of the sleeve by the vortex and entirely covering the internal wall while they are being simultaneously treated by the arc column, a crucible positioned under the sleeve to collect the treated particles in molten form that drip down from the sleeve, the molten material in use being in conductive contact with the bottom electrode, and a drive sys

Abstract: A plasma-arc cutting apparatus having a plasma torch producing a plasma arc and cutting a workpiece with the plasma arc, the plasma torch including a nozzle from whcih the plasma arc is ejected toward the workpiece; a feed device moving the plasma torch relative to the workpiece; a magnetic-field forming device producing a magnetic filed, and applying the magnetic field to the plasma arc so as to intersect the plasma arc and thereby deflect the arc; a first control device numerically controlling the feed device according to cutting operation information, the cutting operation information including cutting path data representative of a predetermined curved cutting path along which the plasma torch is moved over the workpiece, the first control means providing torch position data representative of a current position of the plasma torch relative to the workpiece; and a second control device controlling the magnetic-field forming device according to the cutting operation information and the torch position data so

Abstract: An improved, environmentally safe protective coating for marine surfaces is provided which is specially formulated for application to boat hulls for resisting marine growth thereon while minimizing release of toxic antifoulants into the environment. The coatings of the invention can therefore be used on boat hulls for preventing marine growth without the severe pollution effects associated with conventional antifoulant paints. The coatings are preferably made from powdered mixtures which include respective quantities of Nylon 11, an inorganic porous carrier such as carbon black, and an antifoulant such as tributyltin fluoride.

Abstract: Disclosed herein a plasma torch that includes a torch body that at its upstream portion is adapted for being removably retained in a plurality of laterally adjusted positions by one lateral end position of a handle. The opposite end of the torch body is joined to the head to extend at an obtuse angle. The head includes an adaptor and an electrode having axial portion coaxially arranged to an air tube and at least parts of the combination of the torch shell and the nozzle to provide a cooling air path to flow downwardly through the tube, thence upwardly around the tube and thence downwardly to primarily discharge downwardly through the shell and in part through the nozzle. A stand and holder are mounted on the shell to hold the nozzle spaced from the cutting surface. The handle has a pair of switches connected in series and positioned to prevent accidently starting the cutting operation, i.e.

Abstract: In the cordless iron assembly, an iron (10) includes a base (11), a heater (12) for heating the base (11), a thermosensitive element (13) for sensing the temperature of the base (11), a temperature detecting circuit (14), and terminals (P1, P2, P3, and P4), and a stand (15) including a terminals (P5, P6, P7, and P8), a pulse detecting circuit (16), a temperature control circuit (17), and a cord (18). The temperature detecting circuit (14) produces a pulse signal in accordance with the temperature signal outputted from the thermosensitive element (13). The pulse signal detecting circuit (16) receives the pulse signal, and outputs the pulse signal to the temperature control circuit (17). By the temperature control circuit (17), the temperature of the heater (12) is controlled in accordance with the plate signal whereby the base temperature of the iron (10) can be correctly controlled when the iron (10) is supported on the stand (15).

Abstract: Plastic mold heater moisture detection and dry out apparatus for detecting the presence of moisture in the plastic molding heaters and for drying out the heaters. The plastic mold heater moisture detection and dry out apparatus includes a heater leakage current sensor, an analog to digital converter, a microprocessor, and a triac that are operatively connected to a heater temperature sensor and the heaters. The plastic mold heater moisture detection and dry out apparatus monitors the heater leakage current that is due to moisture or the like present in the heaters and depending upon the value of this leakage current either permits normal heater operation, dries out the heaters or shuts off power if an unsafe ground fault situation exists. In drying out the heaters a series of increasing voltages are applied to the heaters during successive loops or passes to avoid heater electrical arcing that could damage and degrade the heaters.

Abstract: In a plasma arc cutter and a method of controlling the same, a rise compensating circuit (39) and a shift compensating circuit (44) both composed of a charging and discharging capacitor and a resistor are respectively inserted in parallel between an electrode-side connection (21) and a nozzle-side connection (35) and between the electrode-side connection (21) and a workpiece-side connection (34), and a diode (33) is provided on the workpiece-side connection in such a manner as to be inserted between a connecting point (36) of the nozzle-side connection and a connecting point (43) of the shift compensating circuit. A detector (31) for controlling a current is provided on the electrode-side connection at a position closer to the electrode side than a connecting point (37) of the rise compensating circuit, and a detector (32) for detecting a shift is provided on the workpiece-side connection at a position closer to the workpiece side than the connecting point (43) of the shift compensating circuit.