Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for especially thermally joining micro-electromechanical parts (2, 3) in a process chamber (8), comprising a bottom support plate (11) for holding at least one first (2) of the parts (2, 3) to be joined, and a pressing device (15) for applying pressure to at least one second (3) of the parts (2, 3) to be joined in relation to the at least one first part (2). The pressing device (15) is equipped with an expandable membrane (19) provided for entering in contact with the at least one second part (3). Fluid pressure, in particular gas pressure, can be applied to said membrane (19) on the side thereof facing away from the parts (2, 3) to be joined.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining tension on a tension cable which is wound on the drum of a winch and connected at one end to a position varying object, especially for maintaining the tension of a power cable leading to a travelling coal extraction machine. The winch, preferably a conventional pressure drive operated hauling coiler can be regulated and driven reversibly and it can produce also at stand-still a continuous rotary moment. A tensioning device having a tensioning pulley 11 is also provided and is subjected to the force of the spring 14, the tension cable 6 being guided around the pulley 11 so that over the spring force a desired nominal tension can be set on the tension cable. Position changes of the tension pulley produce over an actuating linkage 14 a control of the winch so that the tension pulley returns into the original equilibrium position. This control process may be accompanied by running the cable off the winch or hauling it in.