Abstract: A method and apparatus for reconditioning wood wine barrels. An open wine barrel is placed on a barrel rotator stand and positioned into a planer-cutter apparatus. Cutting parameters are set, and a horizontal screw advances the cutter into the barrel, cutting a swath the length of the barrel stave. The cutting process is repeated through the number of passes required. The barrel is dried, placed on a toasting rotator stand, and positioned under a toaster so that the toaster elements are inside the barrel. An expansion mechanism places the toaster elements adjacent the barrel interior surface, and the barrel ends are closed. After toasting, the expansion assembly is retracted and the barrel is removed. The barrel heads are run through a planer, dried, and sanded, and placed in a head toaster. The head toaster doors swing closed placing the heads adjacent oscillating firebars.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a plurality of integral support plates for chairs, involving passing a strip of metallic material along a forming line and carrying our a series of operations on the strip, including: piercing and lancing holes, removing material adjacent the holes to permit use of a strip carrier, and cutting notches in opposed longitudinal sides at a first stage; then lancing the strip along two substantially transverse lines extending inwardly to the lancing holes; then carrying out a plurality of sequential operations for creating an integral, closed-ended sleeve projecting from the plate. A subsequent stage involves piercing the closed end of the sleeve and trimming away excessive edge material around the plate. At a later stage, reinforcement ribs are provided, along with any additional profiles that are needed. Then, mounting holes and any required slots are pierced. Finally, the completed support plate is cut from the strip.

Abstract: The particulate collector assembly 10 removes solid particulates from a gas stream. The assembly 10 includes an outer housing 12, an intermediate housing 40, and interior housing 54 to form therebetween a clean gas chamber t14, a particulate-laden gas chamber 41, and a particulate chamber. A plurality or cyclone separator units 62 cooperate with the chambers to remove particulates from the gas stream. Each separator unit is fixedly secured to the intermediate housing and extends radially inward through the inner housing 54. A plurality of cyclone supports 82 are secured to a radially inward end of the cyclone housings and are also secured to a center support pipe 90 within the particulate chamber. This arrangement forms a wagon wheel-like structure which provides the desired rigidity to prevent sagging of the cyclone separator units yet allows the assembly components to expand freely and uniformly to minimize stresses to avoid distortions when exposed to high operating temperatures.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing surgical needles from solid, cylindrical needle blanks. A plurality of needle blanks are cut from a roll of wire and mounted to a flat carrier strip. The carrier strip then indexes each needle blank to a grinding station where an orbital grinding means grinds the distal end of each needle blank into a taper point while the needle blanks are held fixed in the carrier strip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning and holding a pair of sheet metal blanks to be butt welded into a compound blank for stamping a larger panel with varying thicknesses. A fixture plate is provided with locating corners matching predetermined reference corners of the blank and with mechanisms for pushing the blanks into the locating corners. The first blank is pushed into abutment with stops that are then pivoted out of the way, after the first blank is clamped in place. The second blank is then abutted with the already clamped first blank, and clamped. The loaded fixture is then transported to a weld station, where the pre positioned blanks can be quickly and efficiently laser welded.

Abstract: A circuit board having at least one operational characteristic. The circuit board includes a surface and a plurality of conductive pads accessible from the surface and for electrically coupling electrical components to one another. Further, the circuit board includes a plurality of attachment pads accessible from the surface. Lastly, the circuit board includes at least one identification component attached to at least one of the plurality of attachment pads, wherein the identification component comprises a marking for identifying said at least one operational characteristic. The identification component may or may not include an electrical characteristic. If an electrical characteristic is included, an in-circuit tester may be used to measure the electrical characteristic of the identification component and, thus, determine the identifier given the measurement. As an alternative, the measurement may be used to ensure the correct type of identification component is installed on the circuit board.

Abstract: A unique general-purpose circuit board and a unique burning jig implement a wiring pattern for the trial manufacture of a new electronic circuit. The circuit board is implemented as an insulative plate on which horizontal and vertical parallel conductive lines are provided, and in which through holes are formed at the junctions of the lines. Each through hole is surrounded by four conductive portions insulated from each other and each being connected to a particular conductive line. The burning jig has a flat base and burning pins studded on the base and each corresponding to one of the through holes. Each burning pin has four metal pieces at one end thereof. The four metal pieces are insulated from each other and respectively correspond to the four conductive portions surrounding a single through hole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating through-connections in holes (5) in multi-layer printed circuit boards (2), in which the circuit board (2) is laid on a supporting frame (3) which leaves the area beneath the holes (5) free, and conductive paste (10) is injected by a dispensing apparatus (8, 9) into the holes (5) in the circuit board (2) with the formation of marginal overlaps (12), such that a protruding, outwardly spreading plug (11) of conductive paste is formed. In accordance with the method, a cartridge needle (8) of the dispensing apparatus (8, 9) is placed against the circuit board (2) at the location of each hole (5) that is to be provided with a through-connection, and solderable conductive paste (10) is dispensed into the hole (5), after which the cartridge needle (8) is removed.

Abstract: A holding jig for temporarily holding a plurality of last-in terminals of a wire harness, the holding jig removably surrounding the terminal. In a preferred embodiment, guiding devices which permit the terminals to be transferred are provided.By temporarily holding a last-in terminal in the jig, deformation in transport, and tangling in manufacture, etc. can be avoided. In addition, in another preferred embodiment, the temporarily held last-in terminals not yet inserted can be inserted even into connectors in which some last-in terminals are already present.

Abstract: In an ink jet recording head, after a plate-shaped piezoelectric element is positioned and fixed onto a fixing plate, the piezoelectric element is sliced into a large number of vibrators and the leading ends of the vibrators are embracingly held in positioning holes 33 respectively formed in a top surface of a holding frame and are thus positioned in the surface direction thereof. Further, a cavity unit is positioned and fixed on the top surface of the holding frame.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention are directed to razor heads having a plurality of cutting edges wherein the physical characteristics of the cutting edges are different from each other. Among the items which may be varied in the blades are the substrate material, coatings or shape. Preferably, the characteristics of the first blade should be such as to maximize the blade's cutting effect in relation to the skin/beard flow over the guard bar of the razor head. The subsequent blades are such as to maximize the cutting action as the skin flow over the first blade and on to the subsequent blades. In addition, one or more fencing elements may be disposed over discrete, spaced portions of one or both cutting edges to prevent those portions of the cutting edges from contacting the skin being shaved.

Abstract: An eating utensil is described which is intended to enable disabled persons and infants to feed themselves. A spoon according to this invention is self-leveling due to a counter weight linked to the spoon of the bowl through the handle. The spoon provides enhanced stability because the bowl for holding food is free to move with two degrees of rotational freedom with respect to the handle of the spoon. This results in a spoon which is very forgiving of the decreased motor skills of individuals who have been injured, or are suffering the effects of certain diseases, or are merely young children struggling to master cutlery.

Abstract: A machine having a hydraulic, single acting, spring return cylinder for moving a punch toward and away from a die in order to cut a hole in a steel frame member or the like. A laser is built into the machine for emitting an aiming beam from the punch. A hole can be punched exactly in position on the work by projecting the aiming beam to a preformed mark thereon.

Abstract: A device for forming circles that includes a first member which is rotatably attached to a second member. The first and second members include a first peripheral section and a second peripheral section, with one of the sections being arcuate. The first peripheral section of the first member is generally opposite the second peripheral section of the second member and the first peripheral section of the second member is generally opposite the second peripheral section of the first member. In one embodiment, the first peripheral section is arcuately curved and the second peripheral section is tapered. In another embodiment, the first peripheral section is arcuately curved and tapered and the second peripheral section is generally flat. Marking means are removably secured between the opposing sections of the first and second members.

Abstract: A cross-hair sight of the present invention includes a frame, a cross-hair or horizontal sighting pin secured in the frame, and a level mounted in the frame to be generally parallel to the horizontal sighting pin. A pair of generally circular openings are formed in the radial outer surface of the frame and the level is journaled in the openings. The openings have a diameter larger than the diameter of the level, and a pair of adjusting screws are provided which secure the level in holes. The position of the level relative to the sight frame may be adjusted to square the level to the bow by adjusting the adjusting screws without the need to adjust the position of the sight relative to the bow.

Abstract: A dual axis electrolytic tilt sensor is disclosed which includes a spherical enclosure that houses a plurality of electrodes partially immersed in an electrolytic solution. The electrodes have arcuate contact portions and the spherical inner surface of the enclosure defines a common electrode. When connected to an appropriate electrical circuit, the sensor produces a substantially linear output voltage in proportion to tilt angle.

Abstract: An electrical utility box locator (11) is provided for convenient and accurate location of electrical utility boxes on the studs of a framed-in wall. The locator has a paddle shaped body (12) with a bottom portion (13) that rests against the floor and against a sole plate of the framed-in wall. The side of the paddle rests against a vertical stud extending upwardly from the sole plate. A recess is formed in the middle section (15) intermediate the top and bottom sections (13 and 14) of the body for receiving the front rim of a utility box to be affixed to the stud. The depth of the recess corresponds to the distance that the forward edge of the utility box is to protrude outwardly from the side of the stud to which it is attached. In use, the locator of this invention is positioned with its bottom portion resting on the floor and against a sole plate, its side resting against a vertical stud, and the side of a utility box in the recess also resting against the stud.

Abstract: A positioning device for conveniently and accurately positioning the deformation edges of two deformation tools that includes a support structure, a securing device to secure the gage to one tool, a moveable anvil that is urged against the other tool, and measurement gage that measures the distance between the deformation edges of the tools and compares it to what the distance would be if the edges were a predetermined distance apart.

Abstract: An encoder including a measuring standard, a scanner for scanning the grating of the measuring standard, a measuring standard carrier having a groove for receiving the measuring standard, a relatively thin glue layer provided between one of the opposite surfaces of the groove and the measuring standard, and at least one spring element provided between another of the opposite surfaces of the groove and the measuring standard.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in washing paint brushes, including a cylindrical casing, an inner retainer, an outer retainer, an inner tube, a rectangular transmission plate, a cap, a driving rod, a driven gear, and a coupling block, wherein: the driving rod as a stop arm for securing to the cap as the apparatus is used to drive a paint mixing tool; the coupling block has a coupling hole for holding the handle of the paint mixing tool used.

Abstract: A method and device for drying a paper web in a dryer section having a number of successive dryer groups with a single-wire draw, and being situated after a press section of the paper machine. Each dryer group includes contact-drying cylinders arranged in a first row and reversing suction cylinders or equivalent suction rolls arranged in a second row, the rows being horizontal, diagonal or vertical rows. The paper web is dried by contact-drying cylinders from the side of its lower face across the entire length of the dryer section. The paper web is passed as a closed draw from one dryer group to the next group, and the paper web is guided, while it runs on the drying wire at the side of the outside curve, by the reversing suction cylinders having a curve radius selected in a range from about 250 mm to about 1000 mm.

Abstract: A vehicular apparatus adapted for removing fluids including snow and/or ice and de-icing liquids from a surface as the apparatus traverses the surface. The apparatus comprises: a first container for receiving a first portion of the fluids removed from a zone of the surface; apparatus for collecting and transferring the first portion of the fluids from the zone to the first container; a second container for collecting residual fluids remaining on the zone of the surface after the first portion is removed; apparatus for impinging water at high pressure on the zone of the surface to loosen the residual fluids or make them airborne; and an air sweep connected in fluid communication with the second container for drawing or sweeping the loosened residual fluids and water into the second container concurrently with impinging high pressure water on the surface.

Abstract: An electric steam iron having a standard steam spray mode for spraying a standard quantity of steam and an enhanced steam spray mode for spraying an increased quantity of steam as compared with that afforded during the standard steam spray mode. This electric steam iron includes a soleplate having a heater mounted thereon for heating the soleplate and a vaporizing chamber defined therein, a handle disposed above the soleplate, a water tank unit for supplying water to the vaporizing chamber, and a nozzle disposed at a bottom of the water tank unit. The electric steam iron also includes a valving mechanism for selectively opening and closing the nozzle for controlling supply of water to the vaporizing chamber, and a pumping mechanism for supplying an increased quantity of water within the water tank unit towards the vaporizing chamber to accomplish the enhanced steam spray mode.

Abstract: Coins and medals are constructed from a ring having an inner opening and an insert disposed inside the opening, the insert comprising a groove to be filled with material of the ring plastically deformed, the ring having an inner wall substantially smooth and vertical, having an initial thickness which is greater than the initial thickness of the insert and having a cross-sectional shape which is substantially trapezoidal, a small base of the trapezoid constituting the inner wall of the ring, thereby providing a plastic deformation of the material of the ring towards the insert for connecting the ring with the insert.

Abstract: A fishing lure and a kit for forming the lure including at least one main pliable body member of somewhat cylindrical configuration having a concavity at one end for receiving one of first and second barbed ends of a first barbed shaft member and a second bi-directional barbed shaft. The barbed shaft member is provided with and an array of cilia-like projections secured to the other end, either by tying or by attachment via a flanged end and a flexible washer. The array of cilia may include animal hair, feather strips or synthetic hairs. A fish hook is provided for securing to and through the other end of the main pliable body member. In addition, a pliable component is provided, the component being configured to simulate a body portion of a fish forage creature, such as a portion of a shrimp or a crab or the like. The bi-directional barb member is provided for insertion into the concavity of the main body member and pliable component for interconnection thereof.

Abstract: A bug collection apparatus comprising a frame with a handle portion. Extending from the frame is a removable net with an adhesive disposed thereon. In some embodiments, the net also has an insecticide disposed thereon. The net is supported in the frame by a mounting member, which is mounted in a semi-circular portion of the frame. The mounting member is removable from the frame and is held in place by a retaining peg. The apparatus is further adapted to prevent the net from contacting a surface on which it is placed when not in use.

Abstract: A candelabra flower holder comprising: a base member having a column extending outwardly therefrom having an internally threaded bore formed into the distal end thereof; at least one J-shaped flower display member, each having an attachment aperture formed through the central section thereof and a plurality of flower mounting holes formed through the longest vertical section thereof; and a candle holder member having a threaded rod extending from one end thereof that is positionable sequentially through each of the attachment apertures of the flower display members and then screwable into the threaded bore of the column, and a candle receiving aperture at an opposite end thereof. The base member and column may be replaced with a base member having a candle stick aperture insertion portion sized to frictionally fit within the convention candle base holding aperture of the candle stick.

Abstract: A support apparatus having a first mounting element adapted to be mounted on a support, a second mounting element having a structure for receiving at least one work object thereon, and an assembly for interconnecting the first mounting element and the second mounting element to support the structure of the second mounting element in a predetermined attitude relative to the support.

Abstract: A device having a coiled section (13) and clip (12) attached over the rim of a pot (10) with an elongated stem (14) extending over and holding a plant in the pot. The coiled section (13) contains spring-like semi-circular loops and an outer vertical clip so that the rim of the pot fits between the loops and the clip for secure holding. An optional inward bending hook (15) may be further provided to hold the device under the bottom of the rim. Due to the spring-like expandability of the coiled section (13), the device can be easily used on plastic pots or any type of pot without modification.

Abstract: A vehicle door arrangement suitable for a cargo transport vehicle provides for at least one door to be slidably guided by a single rail provided in the vehicle side near the top of the door. Guidance to the door between a closing position and an open position is provided by an arm located at the top of the door and carrying a wheel and a guide lug which are respectively supported and guided by the rail. A mechanism including a levered shaft is provided at the side of the vehicle near the bottom of the door and is operable to engage with the door therat to hold it in a closed position relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: An interface mechanism is used for shutter systems, which includes a hollow nylon bushing and a pin. The pin is positioned within the hollow bushing by inserting the pin therethrough and into the louver. The nylon bushing is press fitted into the stile and is held immobile by ears or flanges. Rotation of the louver causes the pin to turn within the bushing providing a uniform tactile feel and long life, as a result of a section of tiny grippers located adjacent to the head of the pin.

Abstract: Temporary emergency structures comprising inflatable frameworks formed of ultra-high temperature resistant fabric tubing which may insulate the protected person or equipment from the ground and which serves to support a cover formed of ultra-high temperature resistant fabric cloth.

Abstract: A weep screed for use in exterior construction has a vertical member, an outwardly projecting member, and an inwardly projecting member which is susceptible of being form-fit to a concrete foundation. The inwardly projecting member has a plurality of grooves or notches running along the length of the weep screed to provide tear strips, to permit adjustability of the length of the inwardly projecting member by allowing it to be torn off, or to permit bending of the inwardly projecting member for a form fit with the foundation where a flush fit occurs at a point in between tear strips.

Abstract: A shear link energy absorber comprises a base plate, an I-shaped beam, a fixture, at least one connecting plate and a plurality of bolts. The I-shaped beam has a pair of flange plates and a web plate positioned between the flange plates. The fixture has a bottom plate and two side plates parallel connected to the bottom plate. The base plate is connected to one end of the I-shaped beam while the connecting plate connected to the other end of the I-shaped beam. The plurality of bolts bolt the connecting plate and the fixture together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling water seepage at an interface between a wall supported by a footing and a floor with a side surface adjacent the wall and a bottom surface adjacent the footing using a pliable panel disposed between the wall and the side surface of the floor and between the footing and the bottom surface of the floor to substantially isolate the floor from the wall and the footing. The panel including a water flow path between the wall and the side surface of the floor and between the footing and the bottom surface of the floor, wherein the pliable panel permits expansion and contraction of the floor, walls and footing.

Abstract: A low raised access floor structure having widened spacing between the floor posts thereof and allowing more communication cables or bus bar wires to pass underneath. This unique structure solves the problems caused by unevenness of the construction ground and further provides the benefits of shortening the time required for installation, simplifying the construction work, and production is at a low cost. In addition, the arrangement of outlets can be changed in a quick and easy manner without adverse influence in the integrity of the outer appearance.

Abstract: An anchorage assembly for post-tensioning a tendon in a pre-stressed concrete structure, comprises an anchor having a bore for receiving the tendon, the bore comprising a first bore portion which is convergent inwardly of the anchor and a second bore portion. Wedges are in wedging engagement between the first bore portion and the tendon to retain the tendon, and a seal is engaged between the second bore portion and the tendon, the seal having a wedge-shaped cross-section and being compressed by a wedging action between and into sealing engagement with the second bore portion and the tendon.

Abstract: A modular fitting room for retail store use. The fitting room provides side and front panels to define an interior space. A door panel is provided with laterally extending formations which cooperates with studs to prevent viewing of the interior space from outside of that space. Studs for mounting the door panel and for facilitating the assembly of the fitting room are also described.

Abstract: An anchor frame for securely fastening a remote housing to a concrete pad, formed from one piece of sheet-metal to hold anchor bolts and wires in place when pouring a concrete pad for a remote enclosure, so that the bolts are properly aligned for attaching to the remote enclosure. The anchor frame speeds construction of concrete mounting pads for remote enclosures.

Abstract: A quadrilateral floor tile is provided with a generally flat top surface with each side having a downward sloping edge, inclining toward the floor. Two of the sides, being adjacent, are formed with an integral interlocking strips, each having a plurality of spaced-apart male connecting members. The remaining sides of the tile are formed with a plurality of cavities located to the interior to the sloping edge. Each of the cavities is positioned to mate with a corresponding male connecting member of a neighboring tile. In use, the tiles are interlocked with a number of like tiles to form a basic floor surface. When the outer periphery of the floor surface is encountered, a finished tile edge is formed on perimeter tiles by severing the interlock strip from each tile. The length of each interlock strip may also be adjusted to interlock only at points of intersection with neighboring tiles or may be removed entirely to form a smooth edge.

Abstract: A roofing and/or siding unit and methods are disclosed, the units being formed of an appropriately formulated flexible foamed PVC material, and having a size, overall shape, and exposed surface configuration modeled after a traditional building material unit for which the units of this invention may be substituted (for example shake shingles, or various types of roofing tiles). The units are manufactured by an injection molding process wherein one part of the mold utilized is made by taking a metal casting of the normally exposed surface of one of the traditional building units so that substantial duplicates thereof are produced by the molding process. Since the units produced are similar in size, shape and the like to the traditional type units, workers need no special training regarding their application, which in most applications requires no techniques differing from techniques utilized to apply the traditional building units after which the units of this invention are modeled.

Abstract: An insulating spacer for creating a thermally insulating bridge between inner and outer panes of, for example, a multiple pane window unit. The spacer defines an insulated space between the panes and includes a top bridge member, first and second metallic leg members, a bottom bridge member and a channel portion. The top bridge member is provided for contacting the inner and outer panes of the window unit. The top bridge member is made of a synthetic resin or composite material and can include openings. Perforated extensions of the first and second leg members are secured to the top bridge member. The first and second leg members can be bent into a zig-zag configuration. The bottom bridge member is substantially parallel to the top bridge member and cooperates with the first and second leg members. The channel portion is defined by the configuration of the top bridge member, the first and second leg members and the bottom bridge member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a quick-opening wrapping for packaging objects, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:an embrittling agent is added to at least one extrudable plastics material;a monolayer film is made from said composition by monoextrusion; andsaid objects are surrounded at least in part by a portion of said film, and tear initiator means are provided in said portion of the film whereby it is possible to tear said wrapping in the direction that is predetermined by said initiator.

Abstract: Packaging machinery alignment, and a package having tear initiation and tear control, result from laser scoring of the package substrate, particularly, by providing at least two substantially parallel, substantially straight or linear, laser scores across the entire width of such package substrate.

Abstract: A packing machine receives stacks of blanks, which are to be converted into packets for cigarettes, from an apparatus wherein a first conveyor delivers stacks of blanks to a first station at a first frequency and a second conveyor advances stacks from a second station to the machine at a second frequency which can be less than the first frequency. The stations are connected to each other by two transporting units each of which can act as a first-in first-out reservoir for stacks or as a conveying unit which can move successive stacks without interruptions all the way from the first to the second station. The conveying unit is operative alone as long as the second frequency matches the first frequency, and the reservoir begins to accept surplus stacks when the first frequency exceeds the second frequency. Once filled, the reservoir begins to deliver stacks to the second station and continues to receive stacks from the first station until the reservoir is empty.

Abstract: An ice bagger comprises an ice maker, an ice bagging unit which includes an automatic sanitation system, and a merchandiser. The ice maker delivers particulate ice into a hopper housed within the ice bagging unit. The ice bagging unit includes a bag carrier which retrieves a bag from a bag supply and opens the bag underneath a delivery chute communicating with the hopper via an auger. A scale supports the bag during its filling to measure the weight of the ice delivered into the bag from the hopper. When the scale registers the desired amount of ice, the auger ceases to deliver ice from the hopper into the delivery chute. The ice bagging unit further includes a sealer arm and heating element wherein, after the bag is filled, the sealer arm pivots to detach the bag from the bag carrier and force both sides of the open end of the bag against the heating element. The heating element then activates to seal the bag closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming, for their packing, lots of products fed by a conveyor and arranged in adjoining rows.The apparatus comprises a transfer chain or belt (1) stretched between two drive wheels (11, 12) having vertical axes (111, 121) and provided with uniformly spaced drive means (13), each intended to hold one carriage (2) comprising a movable holding and separating means (22) intended to form a lot (31) of products (3), one of the strands (10) of said chain (1) having two offsets (14, 15), the first of which (14), located at a short distance behind the feed wheel (12) for the carriages (2), makes it possible to disconnect them from the chain (1), while a roller (242) which is firmly attached to said carriage (2) engages in the groove (51) of a variable pitch screw (5) the axis of which is parallel to the straight line connecting the two points of offset (14, 15) and the length of which is approximately equal to the distance between said two points of offset (14, 15).

Abstract: An envelope ejecting apparatus is disclosed for use in an inserting machine in which envelopes are fed successively in one direction along a feed path to a first location and then are moved incrementally in a reverse direction to an insert receiving position at which envelope throat opening devices open the throats of the envelopes so that insert material can be fed thereinto. The envelope ejecting apparatus is connected to the throat opening devices for operation therewith and also to the means for feeding the envelopes in the reverse direction, and there is a control means operatively interconnected between the envelope throat opening means and the envelope ejecting means for preventing the envelope ejecting means from ejecting the envelope until it is positioned at the insert receiving position and insert material has been inserted thereinto.

Abstract: A grass conditioning device for a grass mowing machine which receives mown grass through an inlet, discharges the conditioned grass through an outlet, and consists of at least two rows of counter-rotating cylinders. The grass conditioning device is flat, compact and can be economically integrated in mass produced harvesters. For this purpose, several cylinders having substantially the same diameter form a first and at least a second row of cylinders. The cylinder rows are associated with each other, the first cylinder row can be driven separately from the cylinders of the other cylinder rows and the at least two cylinder rows have different peripheral speeds.

Abstract: The present invention provides ceramic coated heat-resistant elements which suffer no damages even under high heat load conditions and can afford a thermal barrier effect stably for a long period of time and can be used, for example, as buckets and stationary blades of turbines. A method for making the elements is also provided. The ceramic coated heat-resistant element comprises a heat resisting alloy base mainly composed of Ni and/or Co and a heat-resistant coating layer provided on the surface of the base and is characterized in that said heat-resistant coating layer comprises a metal layer of an alloy superior to the base in high-temperature corrosion and oxidation resistance and provided on the base, an Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ceramic thin film layer provided on the metal layer, a ZrO.sub.2 ceramic coating layer having dense texture provided on the Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ceramic thin film layer and a ZrO.sub.2 ceramic coating layer having columnar texture provided on the ZrO.sub.