Abstract: An ISL structure is fabricated by a process in which impurities are introduced into a semiconductor substrate (10) of first type conductivity (P) to form major and minor portions (18 and 18a) of a first region of opposite second type conductivity (N). The minor portion has a lower net impurity concentration than the major portion and extends to a considerably lesser depth. An impurity is introduced into the major and minor portions to form a second region (24) of first type conductivity. An impurity is introduced into the second region to form a third region (30) of second type conductivity spaced laterally apart from the minor portion. Metallization is then performed to create at least one Schottky rectifying contact (32) with the major portion and ohmic contacts (38, 36, and 34) with the substrate and second and third regions.

Abstract: The method is comprised of the following steps:implanting arsenic ions through a thin screen oxide layer in the regions of a P type silicon substrate where subcollectors are to be formed, at a dose less than 2.10.sup.16 at/cm.sup.2, partially etching said screen oxide layer to remove the upper portion, containing contaminating ions exposing to an oxygen ambiant to approximately reconstitute original thickness of the screen oxide layer and then annealing in an inert atmosphere, the substrate, to heal damages and distribute arsenic atoms in the substrate. It has been discovered that the step of reconstituting the original thickness of the screen oxide layer in an oxygen ambient, has the unexpected effect of permitting the subsequent growth of an absolutely defect free epitaxial layer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a wafer for a dielectric isolation (DI) integrated circuit device is provided, wherein the substrate of the wafer, comprises portions of polycrystalline silicon positioned beneath regions for electrical elements, namely, "islands", and portions of single crystal silicon are positioned in other areas of the wafer such as scribing regions, peripheral regions and contact regions. The single crystal portions of the substrate are grown during its fabricating steps by exposing surfaces of an original substrate of single crystal silicon, before the deposition of silicon onto the original substrate, by removing a dielectric isolation layer over the predetermined regions to be exposed. The single crystal silicon portions of the wafer provide various advantages for subsequent mechanical processing of the wafer such as shaping and rounding of the peripheral region and the scribing of the wafer into dice.

Abstract: Apparatus for drawing together mating surfaces of rubber or plastic insulating material which have a high resistance to sliding motion. The invention embodies a handle rotatable through an arc of about 180 degrees wherein the initial 150 degrees of rotation draws members which clamp the materials together, and the final 30 degrees of rotation urges the clamping members away from each other to permit the materials to elastically align themselves.

Abstract: A rotary assembly apparatus includes a base having a pair of parallel vertically oriented axes. A pair of circular platelike members of differing diameters are mounted for rotation, one on each axis such that the peripheries of the circular platelike members encompass both axes and are in juxtaposition at one point. Each of the platelike members includes on its periphery a plurality of receivers for receiving elements of a mechanical assembly from feeders positioned adjacent the periphery of the platelike members. The rotation of the platelike members brings a set of the elements into juxtaposition and one of the receivers moves vertically with respect to the other to complete the assembly of the elements.

Abstract: A turbine rotor disassembly, handling and reassembly apparatus employs a feedback-controlled electric heating oven to rapidly heat a turbine wheel while the rotor shaft is in the horizontal position. An adapter interfaces the wheel to a handling spool whose outboard end is adjusted to slide on the rotor shaft and to provide a fulcrum for supporting the wheel. A handling trolley includes a soft hydraulic system for supporting the weight of the wheel to avoid damaging the precision machined surfaces of the shrink-fit area while the wheel is being withdrawn. The handling apparatus also provides means for upending, or rotating, the removed wheel through 90 degrees to place its axis vertical for facilitating handling. A sensor system senses a radial motion of the wheel to detect clearance and to establish an appropriate fluid pressure to just balance the weight of the wheel and attached parts. The handling system includes means for rotating the wheel slightly during reassembly to align keyways or the like.

Abstract: An optical fiber with a bare end portion is faced-off precisely at 90 degrees. With an unsecured ferrule loosely located on the fiber, the fiber is passed through oversize openings in a fiber holder and a crimping station. The bare fiber portion is located in the interstice of three rods having identical diameters and the assembly is releasably held by jaws in a holding station. The faced-off fiber end is positioned slightly inwardly from the end faces of the rods by a limit pin. The fiber holder is tightened onto the fiber to maintain it in straightened condition and the ferrule is then slid into place over the three rods and included fiber. The crimping station is moved along a track toward the holding station until crimping jaws are positioned about the ferrule, three rods and fiber. Crimping jaws deform the ferrule at several different places firmly securing it in place on the rods.

Abstract: A metal oxide is formed within the pores of a porous sintered blank substantially uniformly throughout the porosity of the blank producing a porous bubble pressure barrier of predetermined pore size. The barrier is integrally sintered to a face of an electrode, the median pore size of the barrier being significantly smaller than that of the electrode, producing a composite useful as an electrode in a molten carbonate fuel cell. The blank and the electrode are composed of metal.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting integrated circuit packages into sockets on a burn-in board includes a plurality of loader heads, one for each column of sockets on the board, for pushing the packages into the sockets; a plurality of support means, one for each loader head, for aligning and supporting the package under the loader head; and a plurality of channels, one for each loader head, for delivering IC packages to the support means. Movement of the loader head in the downward direction clamps the IC package between the loader head and the support means for insertion of the package into the socket.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus for processing end-taped electronic components. This apparatus provides means for high-speed trimming, bending, or combinations thereof, of the leads of these components. The dies as assembled portions are carried in blocks for easy removal from reciprocated slide members. Left- and right-hand die assemblies are carried in by blocks removably attached to slide members mounted in groove portions of a support block. This support block may be moved by screw threads on a shaft to provide desired fine adjustment of the trimming of the leads. Barrel-type eccentric cams are carried on this apparatus and are moved in timed relationship to each other and the motor drive. Each of these eccentric cams engages and reciprocably drives box-like follower members which move a slide member, and an associated die block and die assembly. The driven sprocket is positioned between and adjacent the reciprocated die assemblies at the processing station.

Abstract: A bussing block has wafers stacked one on top of the other and includes apertures which are in alignment with each other. Buss bars are carried on the wafers and have apertures aligned with the apertures in the wafers. Electrically insulating collars extend from selected ones of the wafer apertures so that when electrical terminals are inserted through all of the aligned apertures of the wafers and buss bars, the electrical terminals will be electrically isolated from the buss bars by the collars.

Abstract: A lightweight, hand-held portable tool for opening a smokeless tobacco container uses a rotatable cutting wheel to slit an adhesive coated paper wrapper extending around the rim of the lid and cylindrical body of the container. The tool has a top member which rests on the circular lid to fix the position of the cutting wheel at a distance therebelow. The cutting wheel is recessed in a body member perpendicularly disposed to the top member to restrict the cutting depth to the combined thickness of the rim and wrapper. The tool includes grasping surfaces for the user and a guide member shaped to conform to the side surface of the container so that the opening operation can be accomplished by revolving the tool about the body of the container as the top member rests on the lid.

Abstract: A hand tool of the scissors type includes two pivotally-movable operating members or jaws or blades and two pivotally-movable handle members which members are readily separable from each other and are interrelated by a single pivot bolt extendable through the four components so that relative movement between each operating member and its respective handle member is precluded. The components are readily replaceable without supporting rivets, pins, screws or the like. Novel locking means allow easy tool operation both in the opening stroke preparatory for use and in the closing operating stroke and for assuming the safe locked position when the tool is fully closed.

Abstract: Clamping is provided for a drive shaft tube to a housing that uniformly distributes the clamping forces, eliminating high concentrations of clamping pressure, and accomplishing clamping in an aesthetic manner. A one-piece tubular housing, having an inner surface, for the trimmer head includes a drive shaft component within it. A tubular casing containing a flexible drive shaft has an outer surface for receipt by, and engagement with, the trimmer housing inner surface. A pair of clamping components having an arcuate extent generally comparable to the circumference of the tubular casing inner surface engage the inner surface, and clamp the tubular casing to the trimmer housing inner surface by the action of a pair of screw fasteners having heads exterior of the first housing, and threaded shanks extending into threaded engagement with openings in the inner clamping components.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a tensioning arrangement for adjusting the tension in the saw chain of a chain saw. The cutter bar for the saw chain has an elongated opening for engaging the guiding means upon which the cutter bar is displaceably mounted and guided in the housing of the chain saw. The tensioning arrangement includes a bolt-like drive member which extends through the elongated opening of the cutter bar and acts upon an output member via a transmission. The output member is configured as a slider which entrains the cutter bar for displacing the latter to tension the saw chain. The drive member extends through the elongated opening and beyond the housing as well as the cover of the sprocket wheel to the outside so that it can be adjusted conveniently and simply from outside of the housing for tensioning the saw chain.

Abstract: Each of the tools accommodated in a tool magazine of a NC machine tool is transferred to a reference receptacle arranged near to the tool magazine and the length and outer diameter of the tool are measured thereby inputting the measured values into the machining program.

Abstract: This disclosure depicts a clamp device in a measuring instrument wherein a slider having a detecting portion is clamped to a guide member, comprising: a holder provided on the slider and penetrated therethrough with the guide member; a movable block received in the holder and having a through-hole, through which the guide member extends; a screw member threadably coupled into the movable block; and a rotation locking mechanism for locking the movable block. Rotation of the screw member causes the forward end face thereof to contact the guide member, so that the slider can be clamped.

Abstract: A device to improve and simplify techniques in needlework construction is disclosed which utilizes a porous resilient surface and a dense backing structure. The resilient surface is divided into two equal main working areas by a main indicator and each of the two main working areas are divided into smaller working areas by a plurality of secondary indicators. The purpose of the main and secondary indicators is to provide proper alignment of clothing materials placed on the device and more particularly with respect to completing a smocking apparatus. The purpose of the alignment indicators is to provide a series of work areas whereby a pre-pleated material can be pinned and retained while the smocking stitching is accomplished.

Abstract: A compass type instrument capable of describing curves, circles and ellipses of infinitely variable angle and size. The central column of the instrument is supported on a foot that aligns the instrument with the center of the desired ellipse and maintains the instrument still and perpendicular to the surface to be marked. Removably mounted on the central column is a circular cam that is hinged symmetrically along it's diameter. Non-circular symmetrically hinged shapes may be substituted to alter the curve. The extent that this cam is folded about itself is adjustable and determines the angle of the ellipse described. An articulated follower arm is adjustably mounted to the top of the central column. About the central column rotates the upper section of the follower arm that pivots at a point variable from the center of the column. The upper follower arm is spring loaded in order to keep contact with the cam.

Abstract: A device for measuring a linear dimension of an article for quality control and fabrication purposes includes an elongated, wheeled support having a stationary anvil secured adjacent an end of the support. A carriage is positionable along the longitudinal axis of the support. The carriage slides on spaced, parallel tracks and supports a movable anvil. A digital display is electrically connected to an encoder or reader mounted on the carriage which generates an output indicating the displacement of the movable carriage and anvil with respect to the fixed anvil. Support bars may be placed on the track to support the article being measured.

Abstract: A measuring gage for internal and external splines of a workpiece employs a pair of opposed aligned gage pins with hardened balls respectively on their outer ends for registry with internal splines of a workpiece and upon their inner ends for registry with the external splines of a workpiece and with the balls lying in a single plane for operative engagement with the workpiece splines. Longitudinal movement of one of the gage pins is adapted to control axial movement of a plunger upon a dial indicator directly or through a linkage for comparing the dimensions of the workpiece spline with respect to a set master size. In gaging external splines, one of the gage pins forms a part of the dial indicator plunger.

Abstract: In a sensing or measuring arrangement for determining the position or dimensions of a test object, the sensing arrangement housing is fastened to a receiving element for the installation of the sensing housing onto a tool receptacle of a spindle of a machine tool. A voltage source is included in the sensing housing to power a measuring signal transmitting system. In addition, a switching arrangement is included for switching the voltage source from a standby mode of operation characterized by low current consumption to a measurement mode of operation in order to increase the life of the voltage source. This switching arrangement is responsive to an expansion measuring strip which detects an axial elongation of the receiving element in the tool receptacle. In the disclosed embodiment the expansion measuring strip is fastened to an inner surface of the receiving element which is subject to axial elongation when the receiving element is installed in place in the spindle of the machine tool.

Abstract: A null-adjusting tool for aligning a tilt sensor of the electrolytic liquid type to the vertical is provided. A sensor mounting plate with a tilt-sensing element attached thereto is rotated about a pivot pin by the rotation of a coarse and fine adjustment screw. The coarse adjustment screw acts directly on the sensor mounting plate. The fine adjustment screw provides a high degree of position resolution control through a combination of screw thread and lever type mechanical advantage. A digital readout containing a liquid crystal display and self-contained power source is mounted on the null-adjusting tool to provide a visual indication of the angular deviation of the tilt sensor from the vertical during the alignment process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the inclination of the wheels of an automobile is provided. In accordance with one form of the present invention, there is provided a toe angle detecting device including a pair of detector plates which are normally spaced apart from each other to allow the corresponding wheel of the automobile to be located therebetween and which are pressed against the wheel from both sides when activated to determine the inclination of the wheel with respect to the longitudinal center line of the vehicle, i.e., toe angle of the wheel. In another aspect, a particular link mechanism is provided to interconnect four support members on which the four wheels of the automobile are placed, and the link mechanism is structured to determine the direction of the longitudinal center line of the automobile with respect to the reference line of the link mechanism.

Abstract: An archery bow signt including an extension bar, sight bar, carriage, sight-supporting block, and bubble level wherein the improvement is directed to an arrangement for pivotally adjusting one of the sight members relative to another. In the preferred embodiment, the member to be adjusted is mounted to an underlying, second member by two bolts or screws which ordinarily lock the two members together. In operation to make an adjustment, the locking screws are first loosened wherein one of the screws is then used to define the pivotal axis about which the adjustment is made. To do this, the shaft of the second screw is received in an elongated slot in the member to be adjusted and as this member is pivoted, the elongated slot therein accommodates the relative movement of the second screw. The fine adjustment of the two members is then accomplished by manipulation of only a single set screw which contacts the shaft of the second screw and works against a coil spring.

Abstract: A first rod includes a relative elevation scale and a first fluid container vertically adjustable with respect to the relative elevation scale to a position corresponding to a desired elevation relative to the base of the first rod, and a second rod includes a second fluid container of substantially lesser cross sectional area than the first fluid container, a predetermined level of fluid in the second fluid container indicating that the base of the second rod is at a desired elevation relative to the base of the first rod.

Abstract: A thread guage for indirectly determining the pitch diameter and taper of threads on casing and tubing is disclosed. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, the thread guage includes a pair of adjustable thread engaging arm assemblies mounted on a bar member. The arm assemblies are selectively locked along the bar member, the distance between the arm assemblies being a fixed position corresponding to a specified thread size. At least two indicators are mounted on one of the arm assemblies providing a value of the measured thread dimensions relative to a standard, which value is used to determine pitch diameter and taper of the thread.

Abstract: A method of assessing the body length by carrying out a length measurement, in which the length of the lower leg is measured and the measured leg is multiplied by a person-bound factor. A device for carrying out the measurement comprises a chair part a and a measuring part b, at least one of the parts a and b being adjustable in a direction of height and displaceable in a forward (backward) direction, said measuring part comprising one or two posts along which at least one measuring plate can be placed on the knee.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring instrument in which a touch signal probe is brought into contact with a workpiece to be measured and a contour of the workpiece is measured in response to an electric signal on the basis of the aforesaid contact.The touch signal probe used in this measuring instrument comprises a first member held on a main body of the probe and a second member rotatably provided on the first member and having a contact member. The second member has a forward end constantly positioned on the rotary axis of the second member irrespective of any position of rotation of the second member.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for heat-drying of webs, especially printed or inked webs, the web is first subjected to a contactless heat shock treatment, for example by hot air at about 300.degree. C. It is then heated by a contact process at a lower temperature, for example by heated rollers at about 230.degree. C., after which it is cooled by a contact process in a third step. Each of the heated rollers may have associated therewith a roller for applying a film of a buffer agent and also a cleaning roller. Energy expended in the processes is recovered by the use of heat exchangers. The apparatus may comprise a closed housing divided into separate chambers within which the sequence of steps is carried out.

Abstract: The invention comprises an unfired fluidized bed dryer and sorter. Pressurized fluidizing air is preheated passing through steam heat exchangers. Bed outlet air/vapor temperature is held in a range of 100 F. to 150 F. Smaller/low density solids are removed from the top of the bed and larger/heavier solids are removed from the bottom of the bed after some retention in the bed. Feedstock is fed continuously to the bed. The exhaust air/water vapor from the bed is postheated at least 20 F. before passage through a bag house by addition of steam heated air to the air/vapor stream exhausting from the bed. Moisture content of the effluent solid materials from the bed is controlled by mass flow rate of the fluidizing air and rate of steam flow to the bed air heater.

Abstract: A device for conditioning fabrics in the tumble-dryer comprises a powdered conditioning agent inside a permeable container, for example a sachet of paper, nonwoven fabric or plastics film, which in turn is inside an outer, substantially form-retaining, apertured container. The outer container is of a shape, for example, spherical, which allows ready movement among the tumbled fabrics. As it moves, the article gives more uniform and efficient conditioning than articles in the form of a sheet substrate impregnated with a solid conditioning agent.

Abstract: A hot-air generator to facilitate execution of work on plastic spectacle frames, having two axial, parallel and opposing hot-air outlets.

Abstract: An insole comprising a bladder which is filled with a water and air, and having a metatarsal and heel area for cushioning the foot of the user. Flow restrictions are located between the metatarsal and heel area of the bladder so as to restrict the flow of water and air from the metatarsal area to the heel area and vice versa. The flow restrictions are C-shaped seals in the bladder and provide a massaging action for the foot of the user.

Abstract: An orthopedic shoe (88,116) and postoperative shoe (10) are disclosed. The postoperative shoe (10) maintains the foot of the wearer supported on a planar inner sole (12) without flexure of the foot while permitting the shoe (10) to roll, imitating the natural motion of the foot during walking. This permits the wearer to walk in a normal manner while controlling the flexure of the foot to permit the foot to recover from surgery or prevent aggravation of a medical condition. Straps (66,68 and 72-78) are provided to adjustably position the foot on the inner sole (12) so that the metatarsal point (20) of the foot is positioned forward of the fulcrum (16). When the wearer is standing, the weight is distributed between the heel (18) and metatarsal point (20) so that the planar portion (46) of the shoe (10) contacts the walking surface. When weight shifts toward the metatarsal point (20) as in walking, the shoe (10) rolls on the curved portion (48).

Abstract: An electrically heated steam iron operable by a drip system includes a drip valve arranged to have a variable rate of flow of water therethrough, and a water tank the interior of which is vertically divided into two chambers and by a partition wall, the two chambers being in flow communication with each other via an opening. A vaporizing chamber is disposed below the drip valve. A vertically adjustable slide member is arranged to slide relative to the partition wall while being sealingly engaged therewith, and adjustment means comprising a valve rod is connected to the slide member. The valve rod passes through a top surface of the tank, wherein vertical adjustment of said slide member by means of the valve rod is effective to vary the height of the column of water above the drip valve, thereby adjusting the rate of flow of water.

Abstract: This invention is a perpetual desk calendar, including a base on which to stand, a hollow case on the base, windows on the front of the case for seeing selected indicia printed on movable slides inside the case; the indicia indicating a year number, a month of the year and the date of the month.

Abstract: The present invention provides, without the drawbacks accompanied by the use of hot melt adhesives, an attractive, easily recycled labelled container, the label, on its underside that is adjacent the container when applied, being provided with a finite area on its leading edge and a finite area on its trailing edge, by applying thereto a solvent for the polymer in each of the finite areas, the finite areas comprising a viscous tacky solution of the polymer in the solvent, the solidifying solution being sufficient to tack and bond the label to container during wrapping.After the label is wrapped around the container, the bond between the container and label becomes weaker as the solidifying solution hardens so that later the label can be easily and cleanly stripped from the container for recycling.

Abstract: A mobile sculpture and kit for its manufacture are provided wherein a plurality of pairs of photographs, in back-to-back relationship, with respect to one another, are suspended in air, in spaced-apart location, each pair of photographs being removably replaceable from a holder for the pair of photographs so that other pairs of photographs can be substituted from time-to-time.

Abstract: A mount for a scope, which includes a base having depending side plates, each of the side plates having an inwardly extending lip. At least one of the side plates is detachable from the base, the base having first and second set screws disposed therein for engagement at spaced axial points along the top surface of the associated handgun.

Abstract: An apparatus for hooking and possibly baiting of a fishing line (1) which is provided with snoods (2) arranged in spaced relationship along the length of the line and each provided with a head (3). The apparatus is provided with a rotatable table which mounts a hook store (13), possibly a bait store (14) and a slide member (15) which, under rotation of the table performs a rectilinear radial movement for the purpose of bringing a fishing hook (17) from the hook store (13) into engagement with a snood head, possibly through a bait (18) from the bait store (14).

Abstract: A combination top water and under water fishing lure resembling a frog is described. The lure has a buoyant body portion moveably joined to a weighted hind leg portion which simulates a live frog at rest. The body portion is weighted at its posterior end whereby the anterior end or head end is maintained at an upright position in the water. A plastic dive plate attached to the anterior end of the body portion provides realistic kicking and diving action together with erratic head movement of the simulated frog being retrieved beneath the water's surface. The invention simulates the natural appearance of a frog in both swimming and at-rest modes.

Abstract: A plastic collapsible and nesting tip-up unit has a poised tilt arm and flared windscoop to move the bait in a rhythmic motion. A plastic and adjustable drag type reel is provided with a with simplified signal trip arrangement.

Abstract: A fishing diver (2) is provided by a diving plane (4) with an upstanding fin (32), and releaseable latch means (14) having a latched condition clamping the diving plane to the line such that upon trolling the diver dives downwardly at an angle to the trolling line, and having a released condition responsive to the strike of a fish unclamping the diving plane from the line and providing free sliding passage of the line through guide means (8) along the plane of the diving plane.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated animal trap comprising a trap cage having a movable closure wall which is secured in an open position by a latch mechanism connected to an actuating rod which is connected to a piston and cylinder type pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic actuator is in communication with a pressure air filled storage vessel supported on the trap cage and connected to a pilot operated control valve which is actuated to valve pressure fluid to the pneumatic actuator in response to engagement of a triggering mechanism by an animal to be captured in the trap. The storage vessel and control circuit are self contained and adapted for remote, long term unattended operation.

Abstract: A cultivator particularly well adapted for use in vineyards and orchards because of its ability to cultivate the ground between successive plants in the same row includes a main frame that is continuously laterally expandable under control of the operator to accommodate variations in the spacing between rows; outriggers that flank the main frame and that contract laterally when collision with an object in their path becomes imminent; a spot sprayer mounted on each outrigger and activated by the lateral contraction and expansion of the outrigger to direct a spray of herbicide or other chemicals at the base of each plant but no where else; and a cultivator shank assembly that is castered-mounted to the outrigger or to the main frame so as to pivot to assume the direction of motion of the outrigger or main frame to which it is mounted.

Abstract: A modular cultivation apparatus for the cultivation of plants and the simultaneous production of earthworms and fertilizer/top soil. The apparatus comprises an enclosure (12) including a modular foundation (14) comprising a plurality of plant growth modules (34) for the cultivation of plants and a plurality of harvest modules (36) for the growth and harvest of earthworms. The enclosure (12) further comprises side walls (16) mounted atop and supported by the modular foundation (14), such side walls (16) in turn supporting a roof member (26). In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an interior grow light (52), and a self-contained irrigation system (76) for dispersing liquid nutrient or other liquids to the harvest modules (36) and plant growth modules (34).

Abstract: In an arrangement for a vertically adjustable window pane which is disposed flush with the adjacent body panels, the guide means for the window pane are to be inserted into the guide tracks laterally from the outboard side of the vehicle. This objective is being achieved in that the guide means on the rearward edge of the window pane is disposed in a forwardly pointing direction and is adapted to engage into a rearwardly facing opening of an elongate guide member, and in that the projecting guide portions of the guide means on the forward edge of the window pane are adapted for insertion substantially transversely of the window pane into the associated guide track through openings provided therein and are guided within the guide track in all directions.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for an automotive body closure such as a sliding roof comprises a sealing member including a tubular sealing portion and a shorter reservoir portion. The two portions are filled with hydraulic fluid and communicate with one another. When the closure member is closed, the sealing portion is not under pressure and offers little resistance to the movement of the closure member. After closing, an actuator such as a crank is retracted and in so doing acts through a rack and pinion on an actuating device which compresses the reservoir portion and thus pressurizes the sealing member to improve the sealing of the joint.

Abstract: An instrument for sharpening microtome knives and similar articles, having a honing mechanism and a deburring or stropping mechanism, arranged on a housing which encloses motors for driving the mechanisms. The knife is honed against a stone, which is mounted on a reciprocating carriage that has a variable speed control, and the honed knife blade is then deburred or stropped using a pair of counter-rotating disks, one for each side of the knife blade. A vise securely holds the knife and positions it at the proper angle for optimum honing, and the vise is mounted in a track which allows the knife blade to be moved back and forth across the reciprocating hone for uniform honing. A shield guards against inadvertent contact with the dangerously sharp blades during the honing operation, and guards are used to prevent the vise from leaving the track.