Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cutting glass tubes, characterised by the following steps: a glass strand is drawn; a heating device is driven synchronously with the glass strand and is directed towards the region of a desired separation point; the glass strand is drawn in the region of the desired separation point; a separation device is driven synchronously with the glass strand; the separation device is actuated in such a way that it severs the glass strand at the desired separation point.

Abstract: The invention solves the task of creating a temperature-controlled wire holder that enables a reliable and controlled release. This task is solved by the invention in that the wire holder (1) is produced from a shape memory material, and that the wire (14) is clamped in an aperture (2) of the wire holder (1) by compression of the aperture (2), and that the compressed aperture (2) opens by itself when the wire holder (1) is heated to a specific operating temperature, thus releasing the wire. The invention may be used in a temperature-controlled wire holder that releases a secured wire (14) under mechanical tension when a specific operating temperature is achieved.

Abstract: A retention and triggering mechanism with a shape memory actuator which ensures safe triggering and is of simple design and requires little energy. An end (7, 8) of a stressed wire is held by a free end of a wire made of shape memory material (9, 10) which contracts along its length when heated, thus withdrawing its free end from an opening (27, 28) formed in the end (7, 8) of the stressed wire thereby releasing the stressed wire.

Abstract: A transmission for folding out the solar cell panels (3 through 7) folded in an accordion-like manner on a spacecraft (1) has cable pulleys (22 through 27) at the hinges (9 through 14), around pairs of which pulleys endless cables (29 through 33) are wound. To adapt its change in length during temperature changes to the change in the length of the panels (3 through 7) and to increase its rigidity to elongation, the cable (29 through 33) is provided with a plastic sheathing (47, 48) firmly connected to same outside the area of the cable pulleys (22 through 27).

Abstract: In a process for the direct synthesis of methylchlorosilanes by reacting methyl chloride with a catalytic composition comprising silicon, copper catalyst and promoters, where at least some of the catalytic composition is comprised of the catalytic composition from a prior production campaign.