Abstract: A removable adhesively mountable retention plate for holding protected articles to a base structure such as a desk. A stiff metal base plate is bonded to one face of an adhesive pad, the pad having an adhesive surface on the other of its faces. The adhesive surface is to be bonded to the base structure, thereby to retain the base plate to it. A plurality of spaced apart threaded openings are formed through the plate. The pad is apertured among these openings. A jack screw is threaded into at least some of these openings to exert a separative force between the base structure and the pad to release the pad from the base structure.

Abstract: A desoldering tool has a removable heater cartridge and a base unit having an assembly interior including a solder collection chamber and a removable vacuum source for developing a vacuum in and above the chamber and a removable porous solder retention pad located between the vacuum source and the solder collection chamber, the cartridge having a temperature self-regulating heater therein, a tail pipe extending from a hollow tip of the cartridge to a position above the solder collection chamber, and a vacuum seal between the cartridge and the base unit to maintain the vacuum and reduce transfer of heat from the tip. The tool is readily converted to a soldering iron or a hot air gun.

Abstract: A flexible autoregulating heater with a latching mechanism to form the strap that may be applied about work to be heated, the strap holding the work during the heating and subsequent cooling cycle. The strap may then be removed or permitted to remain in place to provide a resulting binding force about the finished product. A band strapping tool is modified to not only draw the strap tight but apply electric current to activate the heater.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for selectively heat treating at least a portion of an article in the field with autoregulated heating. The autoregulated heating is provided by a heater including at least a first magnetic material disposed along the portion of the article to be heat treated. The first magnetic material has a magnetic permeability which sharply changes at temperatures at or near the autoregulating (AR) temperature thereof. The changes in permeability result in corresponding changes in the skin depth of the first magnetic material and, hence, the heating produced therein responsive to a.c. current passing therethrough. By maintaining the a.c. current constant in amplitude and frequency, the first magnetic material and the portion of the article are regulated at substantially the AR temperature of the first magnetic material.