Abstract: The process for forming an ultrafine-particle film according to this invention is characterized by irradiating the surface of a target of a raw material with laser energy in a predetermined atmosphere under conditions where a plume is generated, exposing a substrate (a base material) directly to the plume generated, and thereby forming a film. The substrate is positioned in the plume at a distance, from the surface of the target of the raw material, of at least the mean free path of atoms and/or molecules of the raw material (or components thereof). By so positioning the substrate, ultrafine particles of the raw material are deposited on the substrate. The plume containing a large amount of ultrafine particles moves at a high speed; and exposure of the substrate, at the specified position relative to the target, to the plume causes strong adhesion of ultrafine particles contained in the plume to the substrate, resulting in formation of a film.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically controlling the welding condition or the welding torch position in arc welding which makes use of a welding power source of constant-voltage or constant-current type. The apparatus has an oscillator for superposing a signal of a predetermined frequency to the arc and a detector for detecting the arc sound pressure level corresponding to the frequency of the superposed signal. This apparatus is capable of accurately detecting the arc length or other factors by a simple method without being substantially affected by the noises produced by the arc. Control of the torch position, as well as welding conditions such as welding current, arc voltage and so on, can be precisely performed by making use of the detection of the arc length.

Abstract: A sintering method and fusion welding method of the present invention are characterized in that energy is radiated to the black component of starting materials so as to convert it from the state of an energy absorber to the state of an energy reflector (the state where metallic luster is exhibited). The methods can be utilized effectively for forming the electrode of a sensor or the bump of an electronic component. When applied to the production of the sensor and the electrode, the methods can produce these products by a simple production process and with extremely high producibility.

Abstract: A cast article having a complicated shape of the appearance and the hollow can be obtained by forming a coating film on the surface of a pattern from a solvent-insoluble material to prepare a mold pattern, filling and hardening a molding material around the mold pattern, dissolving the pattern with a solvent, and removing the residue of dissolution and the coating film outside the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing ultrafine particles by arc energy characterized by disposing an electrode inclinedly as to a base material so as to generate a magnetic blow to arc, disposing a suction opening at the direction of the arc blown, and cooling vapors generated, followed by collection thereof can improve the production efficiency of ultrafine particles with a uniform particle size.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for bonding a non-oxide ceramic to a metal through an intermediate material comprising at least one member selected from metals of the Groups VIa and VIII of the Periodic Table. This method is suitably used for bonding of a structural part of a machine, an electronic part and the like.

Abstract: A method of efficiently manufacturing ultra-fine particles of material, comprising a step of applying laser energy to the material in order to generate a plume phenomenon thereon to cause the ultra-fine particles. The material may be selected from various materials such as non-metal materials as well as metal materials.

Abstract: In a method wherein arcs are struck across a material to vaporize into ultra-fine particles and an electrode, thereby to manufacture the ultra-fine particles; the material to turn into the ultra-fine particles is arranged for at least either of the electrodes, and plasma currents are generated from the material and the electrode, whereby the formation rate of the ultra-fine particles per unit input is increased, and the material is formed in the shape of a rod or a wire, and a feeder capable of continuously supplying the material is disposed, whereby the ultra-fine particles can be continuously manufactured.

Abstract: A device for identifying an acoustic sound producing location in an axial direction of a rotating body by using an acoustic signal and a rotational pulse signal. In the device, a rubbing location identifying signal is provided in synchronism with the rotational pulse signal in which the pulse interval corresponds to the distance between acoustic sensors or a rotor length. A phase of a peak in a rubbing location identifying signal as measured with respect to the pulse represents an acutal rubbing location.

Abstract: Aluminum or its alloy is subjected to surface treatment wherein the surface is heated and melted by the heat of an electric arc in an atmosphere of a mixture of inert gas and nitrogen gas. By this treatment, a dense layer of aluminum nitride is formed on the surface of aluminum or its alloy so that material of increased wear resistance is obtained.