Abstract: In one embodiment the semiconductor laser comprises a carrier and an edge-emitting laser diode which is mounted on the carrier and which comprises an active zone for generating a laser radiation and a facet with a radiation exit region. The semiconductor laser further comprises a protective cover, preferably a lens for collimation of the laser radiation. The protective cover is fastened to the facet and to a side surface of the carrier by means of an adhesive. A mean distance between a light entrance side of the protective cover and the facet is at most 60 ?m. The semiconductor laser is configured to be operated in a normal atmosphere without additional gas-tight encapsulation.

Abstract: Thin thermoplastic foil is applied with the aid of a wide slit nozzle and an electrostatic discharge electrode to a nonwoven mat of thermoplastic fibers and filaments on a bonding roller and the resulting composite is then subjected to biaxial stretching utilizing at least some of the bonding heat carried by the composite. The composite may then be thermally fixed before being cooled to room temperature.

Abstract: A process for the thermomechanical treatment of a fleece web which is comprised of filaments and/or fibers of a thermoplastic synthetic resin in a continuous process. The fleece web is moved during the thermal treatment continuously and with uniform speed. The fleece web passes initially a thermal treatment station and in this is traversed by a gas stream of predetermined gas flow velocity and gas flow temperature and is heated to a preheating temperature. The preheated fleece web is subjected to mechanical treatment. The gas flow temperature and the gas flow velocity on the one hand and the treatment stretch of the fleece web in the thermal treatment station on the other are so selected that the preheating temperature at all speeds which can be assumed by the fleece web, including zero speed, does not exceed the temperature of the melting point of the filaments and/or the fibers. Also apparatus for carrying out the process of the invention are given.

Abstract: A process for producing a web fleece of thermoplastic polymer filaments. Filaments of thermoplastic polymer are spun from a spinneret to form a curtain passing through a cooling chamber and a stretching channel. The volume rate of flow of the thermoplastic polymer from the spinneret, the volume rate of flow of air, the velocity of the air and the temperature of the air in the cooling chamber and stretching channel are so controlled that individual filaments of the curtain have filament diameters less than .mu.m and a degree of crystallinity less than 45%. The filaments of the curtain are collected on a continuously moving sieve belt in a mat whose crossing points fuse together. The mat is heated to a stretching temperature of 80.degree. to 150.degree. C. and stretched axially by 100 to 400%. The biaxially stretched mat is heated to a temperature above that of the stretching temperature to thermofix the web.

Abstract: A melt-blowing head is used to produce long thermoplastic filaments which are collected on a sieve belt and form crossing welds at cross-over points. The resulting mat may be calendered and is composed of filaments having a diameter of less than 100 .mu.m and a degree of crystallinity which is less than 45%. The mat is heated to a stretching temperature of 80 to 150.degree. C. and is then biaxially stretched by 100 to 400% before being thermally fixed at a higher temperature. The result is a nonwoven web which can have a greater strength for a given area weight or a reduced area weight for a given strength than earlier systems.

Abstract: The measurement of temperature and the sampling of a steel bath in a converter are effected using a remotely controlled device comprising a composite probe or two probes for temperature measurement and sampling, the probe being mounted on the end of a measurement rod fixed to the end telescopic element of a telescopic jack which is pivotally mounted on a carriage mounted for movement on a support suspended above the working platform of the converter. The carriage is horizontally movable between a storage position and a position opposite the mouth of the converter and the jack is pivotal in a vertical plane between a vertical storage position and an inclined operative position with the converter. All movements of the jack and carriage are remotely controlled.