Abstract: In a method of making an electronic device having at least a transparent conductive layer, which includes at least a step of forming a transparent conductive layer member and a step of forming a transparent conductive layer by patterning the transparent conductive layer member using a spot-shaped or linear laser beam or beams, each of which has a short wavelength of 400 nm or less and optical energy greater than the optical energy band gap of the transparent conductive layer.

Abstract: A closed loop, electronic temperature control system for a tankless water heater. The control system incorporates error range comparison circuitry for comparing the difference between a water temperature selected from a temperature selection device and an actual water temperature sensed by a temperature sensing device. An error range comparison circuit operates to select a high gain when the sensed water temperature is within about +/-3.degree. Fahrenheit of the selected temperature, and a low gain when the sensed water temperature is more than +/-3.degree. Fahrenheit of the selected water temperature. A slow start network is included for applying current gradually to the heating element of the water heater when power is initially applied to the system. A master power down circuit quickly interrupts current flow to the heating element after the system has been powered down.

Abstract: In a method of making an electronic device having at least a transparent conductive layer, which includes at least a step of forming a transparent conductive layer member and a step of forming a transparent conductive layer by patterning the transparent conductive layer member using a spot-shaped or linear laser beam or beams, each of which has a short wavelength of 400 nm or less and optical energy greater than the optical energy band gap of the transparent conductive layer.

Abstract: A plasma spray torch comprises a spray nozzle which forms an electrode and which includes a nozzle duct, and a second electrode associated therewith, in a portion of a torch arm which is electrically insulated from the spray nozzle. The torch arm has flow passages for a working gas and for a cooling agent, the latter flowing in one of the flow ducts to the nozzle and being removed after producing its cooling effect from another flow duct. A powder feed conduit opens into the nozzle duct. The working gas flow duct is connected to a duct which passes through the second electrode while at least in the region of its mouth opening, the nozzle duct is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the torch arm or the flow duct therein. In a method of internally coating a tube by plasma spraying, the torch is introduced into the tube which is then rotated and moved axially relative to the torch during the spray operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and the like, and more in particular to the temperature control at a fixing unit thereof. In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the temperature of the fixing unit is controlled to be kept at the first set point by the first temperature control structure in normal operation, and when the temperature of the fixing unit comes to reach the second set point as a result of the first temperature control structure getting out of order, the temperature of the fixing unit is controlled to be kept at the second set point by the second temperature control structure. Consequently, the temperature of the fixing unit can be controlled to be kept within a desired range even when the first temperature control means gets out of order.

Abstract: A three-part front-end assembly for a plasma arc cutting torch utilizing a single inlet gas is disclosed. The front-end assembly includes (1) an electrode having an integral, hollow, elongated, interior cooling tube, (2) a tip element with integral swirl ring, and (3) a nozzle. The electrode having an integral, hollow, interior cooling tube stacks upon and nests in the tip element with integral swirl ring. Both of these elements then nest in the nozzle forming the stack configuration of this three part, front end assembly. The invention also includes as a separate element, an electrode having an integral, hollow, elongated, interior cooling tube. Another separate element of this invention is the tip element with integral swirl ring.

Abstract: An hydraulically operated vehicle lift having an electro-hydraulic power unit mounted on one of the lift columns for supplying fluid to the hydraulic actuator for raising the lift carriages. The electro-hydraulic power unit has an electrical junction box mounted on the motor and a manually operable switch and a lift limit control switch mounted on the junction box and electrically connected inside the box to each other and to the motor windings. The lift limit control switch is actuated by a flexible switch actuating line that has a portion extending crosswise between the lift columns at a level to be engaged by the roof of a vehicle being raised, to stop the power unit.

Abstract: An etching apparatus has a method for stopping the generation of plasma responsive to the detection of poor cooling of a block electrode, which is provided with an electrode, to prevent the electrode from being cracked because of the thermal expansion of both electrodes so as to reduce the times of electrode exchange. The present invention also provides an etching method including a process of controlling the flow rate and pressure of a cooling gas supplied to a clearance between a substrate to be processed and a block electrode on which the substrate is mounted, so as to enable uniform etching to be applied to the substrate.

Abstract: A preheating control apparatus for diesel engines of the present invention is provided wherein the voltage developed across a sensing resistor connected in series with a glow plug, which voltage is indicative of the temperature of the glow plug, is amplified by an amplifier. The amplified voltage is compared with a predetermined reference voltage to control the preheating current through the glow plug so that the temperature of the glow plug can be precisely controlled without increasing the resistance value of the sensing resistor. Further, a protection circuit may be provided to end the preheating current to the glow plug in response to an abnormal change in the voltage applied to the glow plug.

Abstract: For the purpose of effecting the thermal control of a heating apparatus the temperature is allowed to rise to a value lower than a predetermined maximum temperature (TM), whereupon, after stopping the heating, the temperature is allowed to rise through thermal inertia until the aforesaid maximum temperature (TM) is substantially reached, the difference (E) between said maximum temperature and the temperature (TC) at which heating is stopped being determined in dependence on the profile of the temperature rise curve during the heating period.Utilization in particular in cooking utensils.

Abstract: An electrical resistance heater includes interior surface bounding a fluid passage therein configured so as to disrupt lamellar flow of fluid and impart cross-mixing to the fluid. In specific construction, heaters herein include a housing, or heating cartridge insert to the housing, having a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port, a fluid passage extending longitudinally with the housing between the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port and bounded in part by surface which is configured to impart lateral displacement to fluid traversing the passage, and an electrical resistance heater disposed in such passage.

Abstract: An electric arc torch having a pair of detection units for detecting a mounted and dismounted state of a nozzle detachably mounted on an end of the torch provides a pair of holders for holding the pair of detection units each of which is formed separate from the torch body of the torch, a pair of grooves for containing the pair of holders therein each of which is formed on the torch body of the torch and a cover member for fixing the pair of holders to the torch body from the outside thereof which is detachably fixed to the torch body.

Abstract: A dielectric method of drying a hot plastic food extrudate comprises extruding the hot plastic food material from a food extruder, passing the extruded hot plastic food material while the material is still plastic to a dielectric heating apparatus which is in close proximity to the food extruder, and subjecting the hot plastic food material to dielectric heating.

Abstract: A transfer-type plasma torch may be used to heat objects, for example, to heat molten steel at a certain stage of being supplied from a converter to a continuous casting mold. After a trigger electric discharge has been produced between the cathode and the ignition anode of the plasma torch, an electric discharge is effected between the cathode and an object to be treated that is set as the anode. The plasma torch includes a cylindrical cathode-holding member having therein a space allowing for the flow of coolant, an ignition anode disposed within the cathode-holding member, and a ring-shaped cathode disposed on an inner periphery of the cathode-holding member and positioned below the tip of the ignition anode, with the tip portion of the cathode projecting downwardly from the bottom face of the cathode-holding member. This arrangement eliminates a conventional nozzle, thereby allowing for a reduction in a diameter of the entire torch while enabling a relative increase in the diameter of the cathode.

Abstract: A driving control apparatus for an electric range having a function of self-diagnosis by detecting a temperature within an oven with a voltage, detecting the present temperature within an oven by comparing the detected temperature with reference voltages according to each step, controlling precisely the temperature within the oven by the present temperature with an established temperature and determining automatically the state of a hardware for outputting the reference voltages at the time of detecting the present temperature. The apparatus can precisely control the temperature within the oven, and in case of an abnormal condition of a hardware, it stops the operation of heater and indicates the error, thereby the reliability and safety of the product can be enhanced.

Abstract: A plasma arc cutting torch is disclosed which includes a nozzle assembly below the electrode for injection of water around the plasma flow so as to constrict the arc. The nozzle assembly includes upper and lower disc like nozzle members which are spaced apart to define a water gap therebetween, and the members include aligned bores for permitting the plasma to flow therethrough to the underlying workpiece. The lower nozzle member is of extended length, and its forward or lower end portion is beveled to define a frusto-conical exterior surface, so as to permit the torch to be positioned closely adjacent the workpiece when making beveled cuts and so as to achieve the predetermined standoff which maximizes the quality and speed of the cut.

Abstract: This plasma arc torch includes an improved front end assembly to create an improved gouge path when compared with prior art plasma arc gougers. The front end assembly includes a unique secondary gas nozzle for distribution of the secondary gas in a partial radial blanket up to 300.degree. around the plasma. Conventional nozzles distribute the seondary gas in a total, 360 degree, blanket around the plasma. An improved tip design is believed to develop an enlarged plasma stream to further enhance the gouging process.

Abstract: The present system includes a bridge circuit (with four legs) with one leg including a heating element. The mid-points of the bridge circuit are connected to a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) which is further connected to the control element of a monostable multivibrator. Further connected to the power input elements of the monostable multivibrator is a D.C. power source. The monostable multivibrator is connected to a transistor which has a light emitting diode (LED) in its cathode circuit. The LED is part of a circuit which further includes a light sensitive triac. The light sensitive triac is further connected through a pulse generating circuit to the control element to a second triac which in turn is connected to supply heavy electrical current to the heating element.

Abstract: A heating system, a deep fat fryer, control devices therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the control device comprising a temperature sensing unit for sensing the actual temperature of the output heating effect of a heat producing unit, and a setpoint unit for selecting a desired setpoint temperature that the heat producing unit is to provide with the output heating effect thereof, the control device being so constructed and arranged that the same is adapted to tend to cause the heat producing unit to provide the desired setpoint temperature with the output heating effect thereof, the control device being so constructed and arranged that the same is adapted to turn off the heat producing unit if the actual rate of change of the temperature of the output heating effect thereof is greater than a target rate of change thereof when the actual temperature of the output heating effect at that time is below the desired setpoint temperature and to turn on the heat producing unit if the actual rate of

Abstract: For the purpose of achieving an efficient and long-lived switching contact making on the basis of a structural design saving space and material, a reversing circuit for direction reversal in the case of direct current drives comprises four single-pole contactors which are arranged in a square and which are provided with coils 1 and with contact bridges 2 as well as four contact pieces 3 for connecting the outer terminals with fixed contacts formed by said contact pieces 3, the contact pieces 3 being arranged on one side of the coils in a square within one plane.