Abstract: A relative weaving motion of a welding torch relative to a weld line is given to a welding torch, by way of composing a weld main path vector for a relative movement of the weld torch along the weld line and a swing vector for a relative movement of the weld torch. And by detecting the amount of an electrical parameter of an arc of the weld torch, the amount of correction is calculated based upon the deviation between the detected amount and a predetermined reference amount. The direction of the amount of correction is determined based upon the swing vector. The relative movement of the weld torch relative to the weld line is performed by a vector composed of the weld main path vector, the swing vector, and the correction vector. In other words, the present invention features the direction of the amount of correction being definitely determined based upon the basis of the swing vector.

Abstract: There is provided the novel compound 11-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one-20-carbaldehyde, as well as a microbial method for production of the same. This novel compound is of value as a starting material for antiinflammatory corticoids such as hydrocortisone, cortisone, prednisolone and prednisone.

Abstract: A system and method for weld line profile control wherein an electrical quantity corresponding to the arc of a welding torch is detected and the deviation between the electrical quantity and a reference quantity is monitored so that correction movements of the welding torch relative to the weld line can be limited if the deviation exceeds a predetermined value. In more detail, an electrical quantity corresponding to the arc of one side waveform of a welding torch operating under the influence of a wave signal is detected and a reference quantity corresponding to the arc of the other side waveform of the welding torch is detected, and the deviation between the electrical quantity and the reference quantity is monitored to provide a signal limiting the correction movements of the welding torch relative to the weld line when the deviation exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: In welding effected by weaving an electrode, welding current or voltage is applied to a frequency analyzer, for deriving a frequency component having the same period as a weaving period and a doubled frequency component having a period which is half the weaving frequency. The center of weaving motion is corrected in relation to the two frequency components to thereby effect tracer control for the electrode.

Abstract: A microbial process for producing 12.alpha.-hydroxypregna-1,4-dien-3-one-20.alpha.-carboxylic acid or a salt thereof which comprises cultivating a microbe of the species Pseudomonas arvilla or the genus Alcaligenes, e.g. Alcaligenes faecalis, which is capable of producing 12.alpha.-hydroxypregna-1,4-dien-3-one-20.alpha.-carboxylic acid or a salt thereof by utilizing deoxycholic acid or a salt thereof as a substrate, in a culture medium containing the substrate and collecting the resulting compound.