Abstract: A fast hole drilling EDM electrode and a more efficient apparatus and method for electrical discharge machining using the electrode. The electrode has an electrically conductive body with a leading end or tip and a length of relatively uniform non-circular cross-section that is operatively adapted to provide a dielectric flush path between the electrode body and the hole being machined in the workpiece. At least one dielectric supply bore is formed lengthwise through the body. The one or more supply bores connect a dielectric exit at the leading end of the body with a dielectric entrance located distally therefrom. This electrode is operatively adapted for being rotated during the machining process and for its non-circular cross-section to form a hole with a circular cross-section, when so rotated.

Abstract: A control system and method for inspection of parts is particularly adapted for inspecting resistance welded parts in a production line environment. A displacement sensor is coupled to a welding electrode for generating a displacement sensor signal responsive to the displacement of the welding electrode during welding. A test computer evaluates the displacement sensor signal to identify defective parts and to provide a fault signal. A part containment box receives the improperly welded parts and has an input sensor for generating a signal when an improperly welded part is deposited therein. The test computer is operative to disable the production line and prevent the indexing of parts until the defective part has been removed from the production line and deposited into the part containment box which generates the input sensor signal, thereby enabling the production line.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a plasma cutting method and a cutting apparatus in which switching can be effected between suitable flow rates of a protective gas at the time of piercing and at the time of cutting, and in which suitable compositions of the protective gas can be set with respect to the time of piercing and the time of cutting, so that it is possible to protect a nozzle favorably from dross and the like, to provide a cut surface high quality and to reduce the operating cost of the protective gas.

Abstract: A metallized film capacitor in which the metallization is made as thin as possible in order to increase the dielectric strength of the film. In the industry, typical metallization thicknesses range from approximately 1-4 ohms/sq, however, the present invention employs thicknesses which range from 5-300 ohms/sq. And, depending on which thickness is used, the effective dielectric strength of the film can be substantially increased. Additionally, the capacitor or various components thereof are exposed to a gas plasma for further increasing the dielectric breakdown voltage.

Abstract: An installation for positioning edge to edge and welding by means of a laser beam at least two sheet blanks comprises means for supporting and positioning a first sheet blank in a horizontal reference plane, means for positioning the edge to be welded of the first sheet blank on the axis of the laser beam, means for maintaining the edge to be welded of the first sheet blank, means for clamping the first sheet blank, means for supporting and positioning at least one second sheet blank, means for maintaining the edge to be welded of the second sheet blank against the edge to be welded of the first sheet blank, means for clamping with a sectorized pressure the second sheet blank, means for exerting a lateral and sectorized pressure on the edges to be welded of the sheet blanks, and a welding unit employing a laser beam movable along the joint plane of the sheet blanks to be welded.

Abstract: The method and apparatus utilize a laser to heat bond pads. While the bond pads are hot, a wire is bonded to the bond pad. The method and apparatus of the present invention may also be used to heat a lead finger of an integrated circuit lead frame using a laser and to bond a wire to the lead finger while the lead finger is hot.

Abstract: The output of a continuously pumped, Q-switched, Nd:YAG laser (10) is frequency converted to provide ultraviolet light (62) for plating internal wall surfaces (79, 126) of vias (72, 74) in multilayered electronic devices (80). The parameters of the output pulses (62) are selected to facilitate substantially uniform deposition of plating material particles explosively vaporized from a substrate (124) onto the internal wall surface (79, 126). These parameters typically include at least two of the following criteria: high average power of greater than about 100 milliwatts measured over the beam spot area, a temporal pulse width shorter than about 100 nanoseconds, a spot diameter of less than about 50 microns, and a repetition rate of greater than about one kilohertz.

Abstract: A laser cutter for cutting textile or leather clothing material adhered on a stiff tacky backing sheet includes a laser which produces a laser beam, a guide head for reflecting and focusing the laser beam onto the sheet-backed clothing material, and an optical sensor mounted on the guide head for recognizing the shape or a pattern marked on the material. The material is supported by an idler roller. Under the control of a computer, a pair of bi-directionally driven pinch rollers move the material back and forth across the idler roller in synchronism with movement of the guide head transversely across the material. The computer alternately activates and controls the optical sensor or the laser. In an optical scanning mode, under control of the computer, the material is scanned to create in the computer memory a model of the desired pattern to be cut in the clothing material, and a desired cutting path matched to the shape of, or pattern on, the clothing material.

Abstract: A welding system includes an imaging system that takes frame by frame pictures of a weld puddle. The imaging system is located in the weld torch. From the images puddle length and width are determined. The length and width are applied against stored membership functions that cover a range of different weld current characteristics and the degree of membership of each dimension in those functions is determined, producing an alpha factor for each membership function. This provides a fuzzy current requirement. Stored values for moment and area for each membership function are multiplied by the alpha for the respective function. The total of the moments is divided by the total of the areas to produce a desired weld current. The weld head includes a weld wire feeder that is driven by a servo by which the wire can be feed along either side of the weld joint. The wire feeder is gear driven in such a way that it does not interfere with the optics in the weld torch. The optics include a strobe to illuminate the puddle.

Abstract: A welding apparatus and shield are provided for safely and effectively welding metal structures. The shield includes a translucent body having an oblique end surface which, in part, extends beyond the end of a gas nozzle of an arc welding apparatus. The operator may safely view the arc plasma generated between the nozzle and a workpiece through a relatively flat portion of the shield. The shield substantially covers the arc plasma while in use, protecting the operator as well as bystanders.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat welding together thermoplastic components and work-pieces comprises a heating unit and a carriage unit. The heating unit is axially movable to contact and melt part of the work-piece to a sufficiently tacky state for the component to be fused thereto. The carriage unit releasably retains the component and is axially movable to move a component contact surface against the melted part of the work-piece, mounting the component thereto. The carriage unit is pivotally movable about the axis, whereby the initial contact of the component against a mis-aligned work-piece causes the component and the carriage unit to pivot so that the component contact surface is re-aligned with the melted part of the work-piece.

Abstract: A no freeze protection device for an outdoor faucet on an exterior wall of a building. The protection device comprises an enclosure to fit about the outdoor faucet. A facility is for mounting the enclosure to the exterior wall about the outdoor faucet. A component is for supplying heat within the enclosure to the outdoor faucet, to prevent water within the outdoor faucet from freezing during cold weather.

Abstract: A heating element having at least one tail is provided for connection to an electrical source. The tail includes an electrically conductive wire with a sleeving around at least a portion thereof. The wire and sleeving are connected to a tubing and crimped for receipt within a connector. The connector is provided to receive the tubing and to connect to the voltage source allowing electric heat to pass through the length of electrically conductive wire and to thereby heat the heating element. The heating section is particularly suitable for pre-heating and post-stress weld stress relieving piping welds.

Abstract: A refractory block for continuous casting is disclosed comprising a unitary assembly including a plate brick having a top, bottom, sides and a passageway therethrough; a gas permeable porous brick having a top, bottom, sides and a passageway therethrough, where the top of the porous brick is attached to the bottom of the plate brick, a gas pool for containing gas surrounds the sides of the porous brick, and a submerged nozzle having a top, bottom and sides, where the sides have shoulder portions, has the top of the submerged nozzle attached to the bottom of the porous brick. A metal casing surrounds the unitary assembly so that the metal casing surrounds and supports a portion of the sides of the plate brick, a portion of the bottom of the plate brick, the sides of porous brick, and a portion of the sides of the submerged nozzle, including the shoulder portions. The metal casing further includes gas feed and discharge pipes therethrough in communication with the gas pool.

Abstract: For use in a ceiling form system with rectangular forms, a support for the forms is provided by a support head having a horizontal base plate mounted in a support column. A horizontal head plate is spaced above the base plate and serves to supportingly engage a corner portion of one or more forms when the forms are in place. The head and base plates are connected with one another by at least one vertical plate section having a horizontal surface engaging the bottom surface of the head plate, a diagonal surface extending from the horizontal surface radially above the head plate and slanting away from the axis of the column, and a stop surface extending vertically above the diagonal surface and in a direction toward the column axis, so that in disassembling a form from the head, after pivoting out of the form, it can be completely removed from the head by only a small amount of raising movement.

Abstract: A textile treatment agent which contains, as an active component, a graft fluorocopolymer having a backbone of a polymer of a fluoromonomer and a branch of a polymer of a fluorine-free macromonomer prepared by copolymerizing the fluoromonomer with the macromonomer which is a fluorine-free macromonomer having addition-polymerizable unsaturated group at a molecular end gives excellent water- and oil-repellency and stainproof property.

Abstract: A lubricating oil composition comprising:(a) a major amount of an oil of lubricating viscosity; and(b) a minor amount of a synergistic combination of an antioxidant-dispersant additive and a dispersant additive, said combination comprising:(i) a polyisobutylene succinimide;(ii) an ethylene-propylene succinimide; and(iii) an akylated phenothiazine represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a linear or branched (C.sub.4 -C.sub.24) alkyl, heteronlykl or alkylary group; and R.sup.2 is H or a linear or branched (C.sub.4 -C.sub.24) alkyl group.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymeric liquid-crystal compound having a repeating unit represented by Formula (I) ##STR1## wherein U represents a polymer main chain; V represents --(CH.sub.2).sub.m --, --((CH.sub.2).sub.2 --O).sub.m -- or --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --((CH.sub.2).sub.2 --O).sub.p --, one or more of methylene hydrogen atoms of which may be substituted with an alkyl group, a halogen atom, a cyano group, an amino group or a carbonyl group, and m, n and p each represents an integer of 0 to 30; W represents a single bond, --O--, --OCO--, --COO--, --CONR.sup.1 --, --CO-- or --NR.sup.1, where R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; X represents two or more rings of a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic ring or aromatic ring of benzene ring, heteroaromatic ring or condensed ring, which rings are bonded through a single bond, --O--, --OCO--, --COO--, --(CH.sub.2).sub.q --, --N.dbd.N--, --(CH.dbd.CH).sub.q --, --CH.dbd.N--, --(C.tbd.C).sub.q --, --CONR.sup.1 --, --(CO).sub.q --, or --NR.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substantially solventless curable resin composition, in particular for the fabrication of prepregs, which contains more than 45% by weight of substances which are solid at ambient temperature at least or at lower temperature, and which, in addition to comprising customary modifiers, comprises solid epoxy resins or a mixture of liquid and solid epoxy resins, at least one initiator which is sensitive to UV radiation for the polymerisation of the epoxy resins and has the formula I ##STR1## wherein a and b are each independently of the other 1 or 2, R.sup.1 ist a .pi.-arene, R.sup.2 is a .pi.-arene, an indenyl anion or a cyclopentadienyl anion, [X].sup..crclbar. is an anion [LQ.sub.m ].sup..crclbar.

Abstract: An improved ceramic interconnect component for a solid oxide fuel cell having good electrical conductivity thermodynamic stability in the presence of fuel and a coefficient of thermal expansion matching closely that of zirconia electrolytes is disclosed. The interconnect is a lanthanum strontium chromate material containing minor quantities of calcia, and iron and, optionally, very minor quantities of cobalt, as dopants.

Abstract: Alkali metal quaternary chalcogenides and process for the preparation. The chalcogenides have the formula A.sub.x B.sub.y C.sub.z D.sub.n containing (CD.sub.4).sup.4- or (C.sub.2 D.sub.6).sup.4- ions where A is selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal and a mixture of alkali metals, B is selected from the group consisting of mercury, zinc and manganese, C is a metal selected from the group consisting of germanium and tin and D is selected from the group consisting of sulfur and selenium, wherein x, y, z and n are molar amounts which provide non-linear optical transmission properties. These chalcogenides are useful as non-linear optical transmission crystals.

Abstract: Photorefractive crystals having the formula K.sub.1-y Li.sub.y Ta.sub.1-x Nb.sub.x O.sub.3 wherein x is between 0 and 1 and y is between 0.0001 and 0.15. The crystals are useful as a photorefractive material for use in optical systems. The crystals may be doped with various first transition elements and lanthanides including copper, vanadium, chromium, iron, and manganese, nickel, europium and cerium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for a beverage brewing machine for the heating and emulsification of liquids, in particular for the preparation of the coffee with milk beverage "Cappuccino". The device comprises a pipe and a nozzle succeeding in the lower section to the bore, from the orifice of which nozzle hot steam exits during operation. The nozzle is encompassed by the pipe such that an annular chamber is formed around the nozzle, which chamber is open in the direction of flow. The open end of the annular chamber extends beyond the orifice of the nozzle. Apertures are formed at the pipe at the level of the orifice of the nozzle, through which the air, which is necessary for the emulsification, can enter the annular chamber. Further, rib structure is provided at the pipe which permits a user to keep a defined distance between the orifice of the nozzle and the liquid's surface by visual check.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device is fabricated by casting a transparent polymeric body surrounding an electronic component. A reflective layer is formed over the polymeric body. The reflective layer acts as a mirror to reflect light emitted by one electronic component to another electronic component which receives the light. By casting the polymeric body, a consistent and defined shape for optical transmission is provided for forming the shape of the reflective layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a mineral fiber product includes centrifuging mineral fibers with a spinner, forming a veil of the mineral fibers moving in the direction of the axis of the spinner, directing toward the veil, from a position within the veil, organic material to cause intermingling of the organic material and the mineral fibers, and, collecting the intermingled organic material and mineral fibers to form a mineral fiber product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and an apparatus for producing thin-film EL devices with short annealing treatment times and excellent productivity.A substrate to be subjected to annealing treatment is mounted on the surface of a stage. The substrate to be treated is constructed by forming lower electrodes, a lower insulating layer, an EL layer and an upper insulating layer in that order on a translucent substrate. Light-irradiating means is provided above and opposite the surface of the stage. The light-irradiating means includes a plurality of light sources and a reflecting panel, and the light sources are situated along each of a plurality of concavities provided in the reflecting panel. Light from the light sources irradiates roughly the entire surface of the substrate to be treated. The light from the light sources is selected so as to include the absorption wavelength band of the electrode material of the lower electrodes on the substrate.

Abstract: A carbon/carbon composite is prepared without using any expensive carbon fiber fabric and without performing any complicated molding step prior to a densifying step. More specifically, a pitch-based infusiblized fiber alone, or optionally in the form of a mixture thereof with a pitch-based carbonized fiber, is subjected to carbonization and molding under uniaxial pressing to obtain a carbon/carbon composite preform. The preform is then densified using a carbonaceous matrix.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for the moulding of a product formed from the mixing of a plurality of different feedstocks where different ratios of the feedstock materials are required in different areas or sections of a mould to produce a product with different properties in the different areas or sections of the final moulded product. A plurality of streams of the different feedstocks, each from separate feedstock supply vessels, are combined to form a mixed feedstock in a delivery head or heads prior to delivery to the mould. Separate pumps are provided to deliver, at constant speed of operation, a predetermined volume of each feedstock at a predetermined flow rate to the mould during a moulding cycle, driven by an electric motor operating at constant speed under constant load.

Abstract: Process for forming a dimensionally variable tubular member for use in catheterization procedures. The process includes a mechanism for extruding a tubular member. A variable speed puller pulls the tubular member through or from the extrusion means at a selectively variable speed. A variable air or gas pressure supply supplies pressurized air or gas to the extrusion mechanism at a selectively variable rate. The dimensionally varying tubular member may be cut to desired lengths for use as catheter shafts or catheter soft tips. The process may include forming a tubular member having a dimensionally varying first layer and a dimensionally varying second layer, wherein a portion of the first layer at a distal end of the tubular member is removed.

Abstract: A process for the cyclic control of extruders which facilitates the precise control of an extruder to achieve maximum output and at the same time optimal quality of the extruded profiles. Accordingly therefore the extrusion velocity is controlled in such a way that the profile exit temperature is constant and equal to a prescribed temperature trajectory. Thereby the extrusion velocity and the profile exit temperature are measured over the complete cycle interval for each and every cycle k, and with the knowledge of the relationship between these quantities and the trajectory of the extrusion velocity of the cycle k, the trajectory of the extrusion velocity for the (k+1)th cycle is determined, such that the control error and the control effort are as low as possible and after completion of the (k+1)th extrusion cycle the whole process is repeated for every subsequent cycle therefore until the whole extrusion program is completed.

Abstract: A mixture of calcinated metallic oxides are mixed with ZnO and SiO.sub.2, granulated, compacted and then sintered to form a nonlinear resistor. After sintering, the formed ZnO resistor elements are heat treated, preferably in a two-step heat treating process.

Abstract: A process for preparing a composite, continuous-fiber-containing filament which entails:a) unwinding a continuous fiber bundle from a bobbin,b) loosening the fiber bundle, in order to separate the bundle substantially into individual fibers,c) impregnating the individual fibers with a thermoplastic polymer powder, andd) recompacting the fiber bundle and providing a flexible sheltering sheath around the bundle, whereby the fiber bundle is caused to have a substantially elliptical cross-section.

Abstract: Porous and non-porous compositions include diamond particles, non-diamond particles, or mixtures of particles consolidated with polycrystalline diamond. The composite compositions of the present invention may be formed by a process which includes the steps of preforming the particles into a preform having a desired shape, and consolidating the preform with polycrystalline diamond. The polycrystalline diamond is preferably formed using CVD techniques including application of sufficient microwave energy to maintain the preform at a temperature of between about 670.degree. and 850.degree. C. The preform may be rotated during a portion of the deposition process.

Abstract: A laminated film is obtained by laminating, through a liquid crystal polymer layer, a thermoplastic polymer layer which is adhesive to the liquid crystal polymer layer, on a thermoplastic polymer layer which is not adhesive to the liquid crystal polymer layer, such lamination being made in a co-extrusion molding machine, by extruding the laminated layers from a die and by separating the non-adhesive thermoplastic polymer layer from the liquid crystal polymer layer. The adhesive thermoplastic polymer layer is preferably formed by a modified polyolefin into which a functional group is being introduced. The non-adhesive thermoplastic polymer layer is preferably formed by an olefin polymer or a polyalkylene terephthalate.

Abstract: Fibers are made from thermoplastic polymers by supplying solid particles of the thermoplastic to a melting grid; heating the melting grid to a temperature sufficient to melt the thermoplastic; melting the thermoplastic particles on the heated melting grid such that the melted thermoplastic flows through the grid and is collected in a collecting chamber located beneath the melting grid; injecting into the collecting chamber below the melting grid an additive present in a non-aqueous carrier which carrier comprises organic rosin materials and a surfactant; without actuated mechanical stirring, forming a substantially homogeneous mixture from the injected additive; and extruding fibers from the substantially homogeneous mixture.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hollow body such as a golf club head, having an external hollow body of molded thermal plastic material and an insert in the hollow by which it is possible to adjust the position of the center of gravity and the weight of the hollow body. An insert which is to remain within the hollow body is overmolded with a soft fusible metal to define with the insert a shape for the interior hollow of the hollow body. The hollow body of plastic material is overmolded over the combination of the insert and the overmolded core. The insert is then melted without melting the hollow body around it, and the melted insert material is removed from within the hollow body. For holding the insert and/or the fusible material core in place during the overmolding, either the insert is so shaped or a pin passes through the overmolded region defining an opening in the molded body through which the fusible material may be removed later, and that opening may be plugged.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a wire harness protector (2), which can reduce the manufacturing cost with excellent productivity. A resin material having a black or gray tone, or a resin material containing an additive absorbing a laser beam is employed as a molding resin material. A hollow compact (1) is molded by NC blow molding. Then, the as-formed hollow compact (1) is cut with a laser beam, to manufacture a solid wire harness protector (2).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an article from a sheet of PET material of thickness greater than 1 mm comprises heating the PET sheet to a preforming temperature of approximately 110.degree. C. by heaters, and then forming the sheet onto a heated vacuum mold. The sheet is retained in the mold by the vacuum and the surface of the sheet are maintained at a temperature of approximately 160.degree. C. by the mold and the heater, respectively, until the degree of crystallization of the sheet is in the order of 35%.

Abstract: A label L is supplied to an inner surface of a fixed die 6 of an injection molding machine 5. The label is taken from a known label supply device 1 by air suction onto the outer periphery of a pseudo core 2. The pseudo core 2 is pivotally moved from the supply The label is then inserted into the opened fixed die 6 and is stopped at a label delivering position. At this position the label is supplied onto an inner peripheral surface (label retaining part 6a) of the fixed die 6 by air supplied from the air supply device 4B.

Abstract: A method for applying particulate powder material to a moving, pre-formed, fibrous substrate. In this method, particulate powder material is entrained in a continuous airstream. The air-entrained stream of particulate material exits a nozzle to be applied to the substrate or recirculated. The stream of air-entrained particulate matter has a velocity component in the direction of movement of the fibrous substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a light weight self-standing blow molded two liter carbonated beverage bottle having a unique petaloid base made from a monobase preform. The base comprises a petaloid design which has a plurality of at least three (preferably five) feet. The monobase preform has a thick reinforcing ring forming portion which remains unstretched during blowing. The reinforcing ring forming portion is thicker than both the sidewall forming portion and the gate area forming portion of the preform thereby resulting in increased stretching in both those areas. The reinforcing ring extends circumferentially around the base. By providing such a reinforcing ring, a bottle having a bigger foot radius and/or containing less material use can be realized. The resulting bottle has less stress whitening and greater stress crack resistance while at the same time using less material and/or having a larger radius than prior bottles.

Abstract: Coins, particularly game coins, which are soft and excellent in workability before the coining work and high in hardness and exhibit weak magnetism after the coining work are provided. The stainless steel for coins comprises C: not more than 0.03 wt %, Si: 0.1-1.0 wt %, Mn: 0.1-4 wt %, Ni: 5-15 wt %, Cr: 12-20 wt %, N: not more than 0.03 wt %, O: not more than 50 ppm, and, if necessary, at least one of Cu: 0.5-3.0 wt % and Mo: 0.1-2.0 wt % and austenite stabilization index M value of 20.0-23.0 and ferrite formation ratio F value of not more than 6. A method of producing coins of stainless steel is also provided which comprises subjecting a starting material of such a stainless steel to a cold rolling of 50%, heat-treating at 900.degree.-1100.degree. C. and subjecting to coining work of 15-25%.

Abstract: A method for producing aluminum matrix composites containing refractory aluminide whiskers or particulates which are formed in-situ is disclosed. Aluminum and refractory metal materials are blended in powder form and then heated to a temperature above the melting point of aluminum. A solid/liquid reaction between the molten aluminum and solid refractory metal provides a desired volume fraction of refractory aluminide reinforcement phase (in situ whiskers or particulates). Upon cooling the molten, unreacted portion of aluminum solidifies around the in situ reinforcements to create the improved composite material.

Abstract: A sanitizer uses a radiant energy source such as a microwave source to excite a gas contained in a bulb so that the gas produces ultraviolet radiation that can be used to sanitize substances exposed to the radiation. The ultraviolet radiation may also be used to generate ozone from oxygen in air or another gas containing oxygen and the ozone may be used by itself or in combination with ultraviolet exposure to sanitize substances. The bulb for generating ultraviolet radiation can be shaped so that substances to be sterilized are able to pass through the bulb, so that objects (even metal objects) are enclosed by the bulb and shielded from the radiant energy source, or so that the bulb is located at the end of a waveguide and can be positioned to sanitize inaccessible surfaces or substances.

Abstract: Temperature control chimney has a hollow cylindrical housing, which is immersible in a liquid of a bath tub, having means for positioning in the tub, and top and bottom openings in the housing useful for permitting uniform liquid current flow. Preferably, it has means for holding at least one sample within the housing. The invention can be used to improve sample preparation, for an illustrative example, in sensitive viscosity testing.

Abstract: A pipette tip ejector mechanism for a pipette comprising a releasable connector between a lower end of a pipette tip ejector shaft and an upper end of a pipette tip ejector arm. The connector comprises a female receptor extending from either the shaft or arm and a male connector extending from the other of the shaft or arm to axially fit into the female receptor for support thereby. A cantilever is secured at one end to either the shaft or arm to extend along an outer surface thereof. The cantilever carries one of a locking member or a locking shoulder to engage and lock to the other of the locking member or locking shoulder on the shaft or arm to axially lock the arm relative to the shaft as the male connector is inserted into the female receptor.

Abstract: A connecting capillary for analytical measuring-technology, in particular for high pressure liquid chromatography and for capillary electrophoresis, comprises a glass capillary, in particular a fused silica capillary, which is characterized in that the glass capillary is surrounded at least it its end regions by a sheath of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or a PEEK-derivative.

Abstract: A heater unit including a honeycomb heater, a metallic casing for holding the honeycomb heater, and a gas flow-controlling means for controlling flow of exhaust gas through the heater unit, such that about 2 to 20% of the total amount of exhaust gas flows outside the honeycomb heater, between the honeycomb heater and the metallic casing. The honeycomb heater may be attached inside the metallic casing via several appropriate devices including supporting, buffer and connecting devices.

Abstract: A thermoelectric reactor for the chemical destruction of heavy-molecule volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds, or hydrogen sulfide contained in a gaseous feed. The reactor contains a hollow core containing energy sources. This reactor core surrounded by several ceramic walls and insulating zones. Uniform, high temperatures, up to at least 1900.degree. C., are obtained in the reactor core not only from direct radiant heat from the energy sources, but also from energy reflected and emitted from the surrounding zones. Reaction rates are enhanced by non-equilibrium conditions caused by electromagnetic threes derived from the energy sources. Further chemical destruction is accomplished in a porous energy retaining zone after passage through the reactor core. Ionizing gases and ionization seed material may be added to the gaseous feed material to increase electric conductivity and promote dissociation and ionization in the reactor core.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating infectious wastes from hospitals, medical clinics or the like integrates sterilizing, fragmentizing and compaction steps within a single waste processor. Wastes which are deposited in a sterilization chamber are made non-infectious by exposure to pressurized steam. An outflow of wastes from the sterilization chamber is fed through one or more on-line shredders or the like and then into a compactor which compresses the processed material into a transportable container that may be hauled to a dump site.