Abstract: The wildlife observation and hunting platform, of the present invention, is a climbing tree stand for hunting and wildlife observation. The wildlife observation and hunting platform includes an upper frame and a lower frame. Secured to each frame is a platform. Each frame also includes an engaging bar that is adapted to aid in the securement of the hunting platform to the tree. A securing device is also provided to add to the security for attaching the tree stand to the tree. Each platform includes a foot insert to enable the user's feet to be fastened to the device. This will render the device to be propelled up the tree by the user's feet, using a stepping motion. Upon reaching the desired height the frame is leveled and locked by utilizing the engaging bars and the securing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical beam divider which subdivides a beam (A), more particularly a laser beam, into at least two beams (B, C) which differ from the original beam (A) only in intensity. To this end the beam divider has a deflecting mirror (2) which is disposed in the path of the beam (A) and which rotates around an axis lying perpendicular to the plane of the mirror and has at least one window (2c) which sweeps the whole cross-section of the beam (A) when the deflecting mirror (2) rotates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for the welding of strips 1, 2 without a filler by means of a laser beam 6. To keep the gap width of the joint edges formed by the strips 1, 2 at the joint as small as possible, disposed downstream of the welding focus in the direction L in which the strips 1, 2 run is a cooling device 10, 11, the cooling intensity is controlled to a constant small gap width in dependence on the gap width measured immediately upstream of the welding focus, referred to the direction L.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for guiding sheets or strips to be butt-welded together and to an apparatus with means for conveying and guiding sheets or strips to be butt-welded together. The sheets or strips, lying laterally next to one another, each with one of its side edges against a guide surface lying in the same vertical plane, are brought into contact without gaps in the same horizontal plane, on conveying planes inclined at an acute angle relative to one another. In the apparatus, the conveying means, especially roller tables, form conveying planes arranged at an acute angle .alpha. relative to one another. The guide means consist of guide surfaces lying in the same vertical plane. Thus, strips or sheets can be guided continuously past a fixed welding device in order to be welded together without gaps.