Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding with an engine driven inverter power supply includes generating an ac output with an engine and generator. The output is rectified and inverted to provide an ac inverter output. The engine is controlled using feedback indicative of a welding output operating parameter. The feedback may also be taken from the inverter or generator, and the generator may be controlled instead of or in addition to the engine. Engine parameters that may be controlled include engine speed, selecting between an idle speed and a run speed, a throttle position, a fuel pump, an injection timer, a fuel to air ratio, fuel consumption and ignition timing. Another aspect of the invention is having the feedback be responsive to one or more of the welding current, welding voltage, welding power, or functions thereof. The feedback may be responsive to the current, voltage, power, ripple and functions thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding with an engine driven inverter power supply includes generating an ac output with an engine and generator. The output is rectified and inverted to provide an ac inverter output. The engine is controlled using feedback indicative of a welding output operating parameter. The feedback may also be taken from the inverter or generator, and the generator may be controlled instead of or in addition to the engine. Engine parameters that may be controlled include engine speed, selecting between an idle speed and a run speed, a throttle position, a fuel pump, an injection timer, a fuel to air ratio, fuel consumption and ignition timing. Another aspect of the invention is having the feedback be responsive to one or more of the welding current, welding voltage, welding power, or functions thereof. The feedback may be responsive to the current, voltage, power, ripple and functions thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding with an engine driven inverter power supply includes generating an ac output with an engine and generator. The output is rectified and inverted to provide an ac inverter output. The engine is controlled using feedback indicative of a welding output operating parameter. The feedback may also be taken from the inverter or generator, and the generator may be controlled instead of or in addition to the engine. Engine parameters that may be controlled include engine speed, selecting between an idle speed and a run speed, a throttle position, a fuel pump, an injection timer, a fuel to air ratio, fuel consumption and ignition timing. Another aspect of the invention is having the feedback be responsive to one or more of the welding current, welding voltage, welding power, or functions thereof. The feedback may be responsive to the current, voltage, power, ripple and functions thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding with an engine driven inverter power supply includes generating an ac output with an engine and generator. The output is rectified and inverted to provide an ac inverter output. The engine is controlled using feedback indicative of a welding output operating parameter. The feedback may also be taken from the inverter or generator, and the generator may be controlled instead of or in addition to the engine. Engine parameters that may be controlled include engine speed, selecting between an idle speed and a run speed, a throttle position, a fuel pump, an injection timer, a fuel to air ratio, fuel consumption and ignition timing. Another aspect of the invention is having the feedback be responsive to one or more of the welding current, welding voltage, welding power, or functions thereof. The feedback may be responsive to the current, voltage, power, ripple and functions thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding with an engine driven inverter power supply includes generating an ac output with an engine and generator. The output is rectified and inverted to provide an ac inverter output. The engine is controlled using feedback indicative of a welding output operating parameter. The feedback may also be taken from the inverter or generator, and the generator may be controlled instead of or in addition to the engine. Engine parameters that may be controlled include engine speed, selecting between an idle speed and a run speed, a throttle position, a fuel pump, an injection timer, a fuel to air ratio, fuel consumption and ignition timing. Another aspect of the invention is having the feedback be responsive to one or more of the welding current, welding voltage, welding power, or functions thereof. The feedback may be responsive to the current, voltage, power, ripple and functions thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding with an engine driven inverter power supply includes generating an ac output with an engine and generator. The output is rectified and inverted to provide an ac inverter output. The engine is controlled using feedback indicative of a welding output operating parameter. The feedback may also be taken from the inverter or generator, and the generator may be controlled instead of or in addition to the engine. Engine parameters that may be controlled include engine speed, selecting between an idle speed and a run speed, a throttle position, a fuel pump, an injection timer, a fuel to air ratio, fuel consumption and ignition timing. Another aspect of the invention is having the feedback be responsive to one or more of the welding current, welding voltage, welding power, or functions thereof. The feedback may be responsive to the current, voltage, power, ripple and functions thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling and maintaining a continuous flow of pilot arc current in a plasma cutting torch includes a pilot circuit, a current sensing circuit, and a control circuit. The control circuit maintains a continuous flow of pilot current through the pilot circuit both before and after a cutting arc has been generated. The control circuit further controls the magnitude of the pilot current in response to the sensing circuit indicating the absence or presence of the cutting arc.

Abstract: Shaped articles made from molded ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with an average molecular weight of between about 1 million and about 10 million and exhibiting a low modulus of elasticity throughout the shaped article or in selected regions of the shaped article are disclosed. These articles are produced by filling a mold with powdered UHMWPE, covering the mold with a piston, raising the temperature of the mold and its contents to between about 140.degree. and about 225.degree. C. while simultaneously applying a pressure of between about 2.5 and about 15 MPa to the mold and its contents, maintaining the pressure and temperature for between about 5 and about 25 minutes, with the time selected dependent upon the thickness of the molded part, then dropping the temperature of the molded part, either completely or in part at a rate between about 4.degree. and about 175.degree. C.

Abstract: A digital crossbar switch designed to facilitate easy and flexible interconnection of up to 8 data ports. The device includes 8 bidirectional ports, each 8 bit wide. Interconnection of the ports is controlled by 32 stored control memory locations associated with each port. The controlling memory locations can be changed dynamically without interfering with data flow. Additional program flexibility can be achieved by providing each port with a 16 word first-in first-out data buffer. The capability to bit reverse the data on any of the ports is also provided to simplify the interconnection of busses from different architectures. The device is fully expandable to wider busses, has extensive test capability and a master reset is provided for system initialization.

Abstract: A process for preparing an ultrahigh molecular weight linear polyethylene (UHMWLPE) exhibiting a combination of properties including a creep resistance of less than 1% demonstrated under exposure to a temperature of 23.degree. C. (+ or -1.degree. C.) and a relative humidity of 50 (+ or -2% for 24 hours under a compression of 1000 psi) without sacrificing excellent tensile and flexural properties. The invention includes the use of an inert gas and a prescribed pattern of heating and cooling including a further heat and cooling treatment to create the superior properties of the UHMWLPE. Also included is the product of the process invention.

Abstract: A digital crossbar switch for switching data from an input/output data bus to an internal data bus and to the same or another input/output data bus which includes a plurality of multiplexer logic units, an m-bit internal data bus coupled to each of said multiplexer logic units where m is an integer, and a plurality of n-bit input/output data buses one connected to each of the multiplexer logic units were n is an integer. The switch further includes an m/n to 1 multiplexer, where m/n is an integer, in each multiplexer logic unit. The m/n to 1 multiplexer has an input control to the internal data bus and an output coupled to a corresponding one of the input/output data buses and is operative in response to a configuration control signal to switch a selected n-bits of data from the internal data bus to the corresponding input/output data bus. A memory storage for storing configuration control signals is coupled to the m/n to 1 multiplexer.

Abstract: A reinforced ion exchange membrane which comprises fluorinated polymer which has carboxylic functional groups, which has a hydrogen bubble release layer on the cathode-facing side thereof, and which has channels open to the outer surface of the anode-facing side thereof, is described. Precursor membrane, which may contain partially embedded sacrificial members, and from which the reinforced ion exchange membrane is made, is also described. The reinforced ion exchange membrane can be used to separate the compartments of a chloralkali cell, and such a cell operates at low voltage, high current efficiency, and low power consumption.

Abstract: An unreinforced ion exchange membrane which comprises fluorinated polymer which has carboxylic functional groups, which has a hydrogen bubble release layer on the cathode-facing side thereof, and which has channels open to the outer surface of the anode-facing side thereof, is described. Precursor membrane, which may contain partially embedded sacrificial members, and from which the unreinforced ion exchange membrane is made, is also described. The unreinforced ion exchange membrane can be used to separate the compartments of a chloralkali cell, and such a cell operates at low voltage, high current efficiency, and low power consumption.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved process for making an iron-activated cathode for a chloralkali cell, and an improved method for lowering the operating voltage of a chloralkali electrolysis cell, which comprises adding to the cathode compartment of the cell a solution of a water-soluble or caustic-soluble ferrite and passing an electric current through the cell. By virtue of the invention, the hydrogen overvoltage in the cell is lowered, and considerable operating improvement thereby attained.