Abstract: A different kind of a gas in an arc current-voltage property from an shielding gas is intermittently added to the shielding gas, an arc current is intermittently changed in proportion to an intermittent chemical composition change of the shielding gas at an arc generation region, and an arc generation point situated at a tip of a welding wire is displaced upward or downward along a groove of a base metal.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch and method for cutting a workpiece in which the torch has a primary gas flow path for receiving a primary working gas and directing it through the torch to a central exit opening of the torch for exhaustion from the torch onto the workpiece in the form of an ionized plasma. A secondary gas flow path in the torch receives a secondary gas separate from the primary working gas and directs it through the torch. The primary gas flow path is in fluid communication with the secondary gas flow path substantially upstream of the central exit opening of the torch to bleed primary working gas in the primary gas flow path into the secondary gas flow path for admixture therewith to form a secondary gas mixture to be exhausted from the torch.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic plant for cutting or welding by gas jet, especially by plasma jet, comprising a torch (T), a first pilot-gas line (L1), a second cutting- or welding-gas line (L2), control means (MP), first means (MR1) for adjusting the pressure of the pilot gas in the line (L1) and second means (MR2) for adjusting the pressure of the gas in the line (L2). The first adjustment means (MR1) are fitted in the line (L1) and controlled by control means (MP). A pneumatic control line (LP) pneumatically connects the line (L1) to the adjustment means (MR2) in order to enable the pressure of the cutting or welding gas to be adjusted in the second line (L2) on the basis of the pressure of the pilot gas in the line (L1), by acting on said second adjustment means (MR2).

Abstract: A technique is disclosed of forming an irregular pattern, such as a camouflage pattern on a user interface. The camouflage pattern is formed in a number of different colors, each color being associated with a specified laser power. Each laser power produces a different amount of color change to a garment. In this way, a camouflage pattern can be formed on the garment.

Abstract: An arc welding apparatus comprising a combination of a teaching-playback robot and an arc welding power source is provided. Even when, in changing a welding method, one welding power source for one welding method is replaced by another welding power source for another welding method, the welding apparatus does not require an adjustment between a robot controller and the latter arc welding power source for consistency between them. The arc welding apparatus comprises a teaching-playback robot comprising a robot body and a robot controller and a welding power source including a controller. The robot controller and the controller of the welding power source both have a communication controller, and communicate with each other using a digital signal. On the basis of information on the welding method transmitted from the welding power source, the welding method is automatically set into the robot controller.

Abstract: The attachment provides an overhandle, which overlies the handle of the torch, thereby creating a tapering space. The welder places the first web area of the hand into the space, whereupon the connection between the hand and the torch is made more secure. The welder can manipulate the torch, without the need to exert a constant tight gripping force on the torch. The attachment includes side-cheeks which provide even more of a constraining connection between the hand and the torch. The attachment is adjustable as to position and angle with respect to the torch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding power includes two power sources (first and second), each having an output. A linking circuit selectively connects the power sources in one of an independent mode (such that each is connected to a separate welding output whereby the first welding output is independent of the second welding output) or a combined mode (such that the power sources are connected in parallel and connected to one welding output whereby the outputs of the first power source and second power source are combined). A controller includes a mode selector to allow the user to select between the independent mode and the combined mode. Also, the controller includes a master output magnitude selector, which is a single selector, that controls the magnitude of the output of both power sources when the user has selected the combined mode. The power sources can be operated in a CV or CC mode when independent, or a CC mode when combined.

Abstract: A snow-melting apparatus prevents ice dams on an outside surface of a roof of a building. An outer edge section of the roof extends over and beyond an outside wall of the building in an outward direction. A heat conduction device includes a substantially planar body portion formed of a substantially thermally conductive material and having a first side and a second side. The second side is opposite the first side. The first side has a coating with a high emissivity. The first side transfers heat to an inside surface of at least the outer edge section of the roof. A heat source is attached to the body portion of the heat conduction device.

Abstract: A device configured to be heated to a temperature sufficient to fuse an image forming substance to a sheet includes a hollow roller made of a conductive material and a coil arranged in a hollow portion of the hollow roller. The coil is configured to carry an electrical current that induces a current in the conductive material of the hollow roller such that the hollow roller becomes heated so as to fuse toner to a sheet. The coil is mounted on a member that is disposed in the hollow portion of the roller. The member includes various combinations of features that permit a reliable and safe operation of the induction heating apparatus such as recess and projections formed in the member to separate respective turns in the coil, a hollow center of the member that can be ventilated with a ventilation fan, and predefined gaps being maintained between the inside surface of the hollow roller and an outer surface of the coil.

Abstract: A method is provided for the rapid cooling of a processed semiconductor wafer after a wafer heating by radiation process. The method includes the introduction of a radiation absorbing material element between the processed wafer and highly reflective surfaces—after a wafer heating by radiation process. The highly reflective surfaces reflect and re-direct radiant energy from the processed wafer and its surrounding components back to the processed wafer, impeding its cooling process. The radiation-absorbing material element, once between the processed wafer and the highly reflective surfaces, absorbs radiation from the processed wafer and its surrounding components, expediting their cooling process. Accordingly, significant time is saved for the cooling process, thus improving overall wafer throughput.

Abstract: An oven device for final finishing of a food item includes an oven housing defining a heating cavity configured to receive at least one food item to be heated, and an upper heating unit within the oven housing above the heating cavity. The upper heating unit includes a heating element that generates radiant heat directed onto the food item in the heating cavity. The oven housing includes at least one reflective panel for distributing radiant heat within the heating cavity. The upper heating element includes a rapidly-heating, high-intensity heating element capable of being cycled on for final finishing of the food item when the food item is received in the heating cavity, and capable of being cycled off when final finishing is not being performed. The final finishing typically includes browning a top surface of the food item, or melting a topping onto the top surface of the food item.

Abstract: A cooking appliance having a bowl portion and a hotplate portion whereby differing cooking modes can be simultaneously effected by the appliance.

Abstract: A radiant electric heater comprises a base (3) of thermal insulation material having supported thereon or adjacent thereto at least two concentrically-arranged heating elements (7, 9) separated by a dividing wall (5) of thermal insulation material to form an outer heating zone (8) and an inner heating zone (6), the heater having a peripheral wall (4) of thermal insulation material. A tunnel (11) formed of thermal insulation material extends between the peripheral wall and the dividing wall across the outer heating zone such that heating element or elements of the outer heating zone are substantially absent from an area occupied by the tunnel. A rod-like temperature-responsive device (10) extends from a periphery of the heater through the tunnel (11) and at least partly across the inner heating zone (6), through an aperture provided in the dividing wall (5). One or more portions of one or more heating elements (7) of the inner heating zone extend into the tunnel.

Abstract: An asymmetric radiant electric heater has multiple heating zones which can be arranged in a plurality of configurations. The heater comprises a dish-like support having two orthogonal axes of symmetry, a base of thermal and electrical insulation material in the dish-like support, a first heating element and a second heating element supported adjacent one another on a major surface of the base and forming an asymmetric arrangement in the dish-like support, a terminal block secured at a fixed location at an edge of the dish-like support, and a wall arrangement of thermal insulation material supported on the base and comprising a peripheral wall extending around the heater and a dividing wall, integral therewith, extending between the adjacent first and second heating elements to form at least two asymmetric heating zones.

Abstract: A soft heating element, utilizing electro conductive textile threads as a heating means having additional safety functions as TCO (thermal cut-off) and TSL (temperature self-limiting) devices. The thermal cut-off function is achieved through melting of the electro conductive threads at the temperatures above 120° C. and below 350° C., which results in termination of electrical continuity in the heating element. The temperature self-limiting capability is achieved through a heating thread electrical resistance increase during slow elevation in its temperature, which is below its melting point. Methods of electrical and mechanical connection between heating threads and metal conductors, utilizing winding of connections with flexible strands of fibers or wires, with optional subsequent placement of a rigid mechanical fastener over the winding.

Abstract: A method and system for system for welding a workpiece is disclosed. The workpiece is preheated while the weld is being performed. The preheating is performed fast enough that it can be done on-the fly- immediately in advance of the weld. The preheating is preferably accomplished with an induction heating system. The induction coil is mounted with the welding torch such that as the torch is moved along the weld path, the coil precedes it, preheating the weld path.

Abstract: An induction heating device for heating cooking vessels includes at least three concentric inductors and implements a step of heating a load. For a load covering at least three inductors, at least one intermediate inductor that is covered and that is determined in such a manner as to homogenize the input of heat to the load is not energized during the heating step. Applications of the device include domestic hot plates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a parts arrangement structure for a DC microwave oven which is formed by a combination of an upper panel, a lower panel and a rear panel, a space inside the DC microwave oven being divided into a device chamber in which a magnetron and an air guide are placed and a cooking chamber in which a rotating motor for rotating rollers and a turntable is placed, the DC microwave oven having a control panel which closes a front end of the device chamber. The parts arrangement structure comprises a high voltage transformer and an inverter circuit board mounted to the lower panel inside the device chamber; and at least one high voltage capacitor mounted to the lower panel below the cooking chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microwave oven having a tray which is arranged in a cooking chamber and on which a food to be cooked or a vessel having accommodated therein a food to be cooked is placed and a tray driving section which is disposed in a driving chamber for transferring rotating force to the tray. The microwave oven comprises tray supporting means for preventing the tray from being released from an original installation position. The tray supporting means includes a first coupling portion which is formed on a driving shaft of the tray driving section, a second coupling portion which is press-fitted around the first coupling portion, and supporting arm portions which extend from the second coupling portion in a radial direction so as to be respectively engaged with an edge of the tray.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for carrying out microwave assisted chemical reactions. The system includes a source of microwave radiation, a cavity in communication with the source, a plurality of reaction vessels in the cavity, a pressure line in fluid communication with at least one of the reaction vessels, a pressure transducer in communication with the pressure line, an electrical connector for the transducer in a wall of the cavity, and a shield around the connector that prevents microwaves launched into the cavity from interfering with electrical signals transmitted through the connector.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ornamental exterior panel having a lustrous appearance and a method for manufacturing such a panel at lower cost. The method comprises the steps of forming a part having front and rear faces with a transparent plastic material, applying an adhesive on the rear face of the part, dispersedly applying colored or lustrous fine particles onto the adhesive, and coating with a selected color tone of paint over the resulting rear face of the part. The ornamental panel comprises an outer body which is formed of a transparent plastic and the front face of which is exposed outside of the panel, an adhesive layer formed on the rear face of the outer body, a number of colored or lustrous fine particles which are dispersedly distributed over the adhesive layer, and a coated layer formed on the rear face of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an above-ground storage tank with a leakage protection lining for storing media posing a hazard to water, and to a process for equipping and particularly refitting an existing above-ground storage tank with a lining protecting it against leakage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a container consisting of a thermoplastic material, with side walls, flat top and bottom panels of which the top panel is provided with at least one fill/drain opening, and with a continuous circumferential carrying and transport rim. For better utilization of pallet space, the container body has an approximately square cross-section with slightly convex lateral surfaces and slightly radiused corners. In order to counteract the inherent tendency of the flat container walls to bulge and buckle, the container body is provided with vertical and/or horizontal reinforcement elements.

Abstract: The vessel (1) includes a container (2), a top (3) and a flexible hinge (4) connecting the container (2) with the top (3), the flexible hinge (4) being made of the same material as the container and top. The container may hold cosmetic, flagrance or pharmaceutical products, and/or to contain a cream and/or a sample quantity of a product.

Abstract: The invention proposes a stack (50) of supple and absorbent sheets, for example made of cellulose wadding, which comprise a longitudinal fold line (22) forming a longitudinal border (28) and at least one transverse fold line (30) perpendicular to the longitudinal fold line (22), characterized in that the longitudinal (22) and transverse (30) fold lines of an upper folded sheet (36) in the stack are not adjacent to the respective longitudinal (22) and transverse (30) fold lines of the previous lower folded sheet (36).

Abstract: A device for containing and dispensing a product may include a housing including an opening, and a container for containing a product. The container may be within the housing and may have an end portion defining an opening of the container. The device may also include a region in the housing for receiving a gas to pressurize the container. The region may be defined at least partially by an interior of the housing and an exterior of the container. The device may further include a cover member covering at least a substantial part of the opening of the housing. The end portion of the housing may be between a portion of the cover member and a portion of the housing. Additionally, the device may include a valve on the cover member configured to dispense product from the container and a seal compressed between the portion of the housing and the portion of the cover member.

Abstract: A beverage dispense apparatus having one or more outlets for fluids to be dispensed, a fluid supply line for each fluid, each outlet being governed by a valve, and a valve actuator to open and close each valve. A flow sensor is positioned in each fluid supply line and connected to a control which controls the opening of its respective valve on receiving a start signal and actuates closing of the valve when the pre-determined amount of fluid flow has been achieved. Each valve includes a closure member movable in a passageway from a first position in which the valve is fully closed to a second position in which the valve is fully open. The closure member comprises a groove having a transverse cross section that increases in area in the downstream or upstream direction, whereby movement of the closure member from the first position towards the second position opens a flow channel through the groove.

Abstract: A dispensing container which stores two or more separated fluids and blends the fluids when dispensing. The container has two or more liquid receptacles and a cap which threads to the bottle. The receptacles include the open interior of the container, and an interior vessel separate and removable from the container. The cap is connected a mixing circuit which retrieves and blends fluids taken from the receptacles. A pump, which may be either manually or electrically operated, draws fluids from the receptacles and discharges these fluids after they are mixed. The dispensing container has at least one, and optionally a plurality of separate, attachable auxiliary vessels. The auxiliary vessels communicate with the mixing circuit or alternatively with one another. The auxiliary vessels are constructed to hold pressurized propellant, while the dispensing container is formed from plastic.

Abstract: A metering pump dispenser for simultaneous metered dispensing of liquid and/or pasty media has at least two separate storage chambers (1, 2), which are arranged in a common pump housing (9) and with which separate metering pumps with a priming valve and a dispensing valve each are associated. The metering pumps can be actuated by a common actuating member, which is mounted axially movably in the head part of the pump container and has one or more dispensing channels.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser system having a beverage tower with a first side and a second side. The beverage dispenser system also has an ice elevator and an ice hopper connected to the ice elevator. The ice hopper has a first side exit and a second side exit such that the ice elevator may be positioned on either side of the beverage tower and connected to either side exit of the ice hopper.

Abstract: A dispensing package is provided for fluid products such as liquid soaps, shampoos and conditioners, household detergents, cleaners, polishes, moisturizing creams, and the like, and includes a container with a self-sealing dispensing valve mounted therein. The valve includes a marginal portion, a head portion with a discharge orifice therein, and a generally J-shaped connector sleeve having one end connected with the marginal portion and the opposite end connected with the head portion. The connector sleeve has a resiliently flexible construction, with first and second leg portions that are oriented at an acute included angle, and join one another at an arcuate base portion to facilitate movement of the head portion of the valve when dispensing product from the container. A top dispense embodiment of the package has an inverted J-shaped configuration at the top of the upper leg, which extends arcuately into the head portion of the valve for dispensing products from the top of the container.

Abstract: A dispensing pump implemented as modular functional unit comprises a piston body (10) having a piston section (11) and a cylinder body (20) having a cylinder section (21). The piston section (11) is slidably accommodated in the cylinder section (21). Both said elements define a pump chamber (30) together. An inlet channel (24) and an outlet channel (14) are connected via the pump chamber (30). A respective check valve (31, 32) is arranged in each of said channels (14, 24). Limiting devices (12, 22), which are adapted to be brought into engagement with one another, are provided on said piston body (10) and said cylinder body (20). In addition, a dispenser and a dispenser unit-assembly system are suggested.

Abstract: A method and an installation for dispensing a flowable material. The material (11) is contained in a sleeve 60 positioned in a container (12) underneath a follower plate (36). The follower plate (36) is moved into the container (12) and in the process the material (11) is dispensed via a conduit system. On its contour, the follower plate (36) has a sealing element (50) which can be displaced between a sealing position and a retracted position. In the sealing position this sealing element (50) rests against the inner container surface (16) and constitutes a sealing device. In the retracted position the sealing element (50) is spaced apart from the inner container wall (16) and, together with the latter, delimits an opening (50) for venting the space underneath the follower plate (36).

Abstract: An improved container for storing, dispensing and handling viscous and semi-viscous fluids such as paint and the like, having novel spout and other design features that enable substantially dripless dispensing and improved handling and storage

Abstract: A carrier comprised of a holding member and an article support member. The holding member includes a tubing with a plurality of grooves lengthwise down the tubing. The article support member is coupled to the holding member. The article support member includes a tray and a collar. The collar is coupled to the tray and interlocks with the holding member in a plurality of angular orientations. The collar enables the tray to be rotatably adjusted with a slope in accordance with a selected angular orientation of the plurality of angular orientations. An integral locking mechanism allows an article to be locked to the carrier.

Abstract: A backsack includes a pouch with two first buckle members attached thereto. A positioning device is secured to the pouch. A shoulder strap unit includes two shoulder straps each having a second buckle member for releasably engaging with an associated first buckle member. An engaging device is mounted to the shoulder strap unit and is releasably engaged with the positioning device on the pouch, thereby releasably attach the shoulder strap unit to the pouch.

Abstract: This device comprises a frame carrying means for conveying blanks according to a substantially plane path and two parallel shafts (10, 11), which are mounted so as to be rotatable on both sides of the plane of said path and comprising tool supports (19a, 19b, 20a, 20b) for inducing a shearing between the adjacent edges of a cutting line during their displacement, in order to break nicks on the cutting line. Each parallel shaft (10, 11) comprises at least one tool support (19a, 19b, 20a, 20b) for connecting the shearing tools to said respective shafts (10, 11) and means for angularly (10a, 11a) and longitudinally positioning these tool supports (19a, 19b, 20a, 20b) on said respective shafts (10, 11).

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus for forming a block of folded material, and a method for forming a block of folded material. The inventive apparatus includes a folder for folding a web onto a block, a holder holding an end of the web from a bottom layer of the block. The apparatus further includes a cutter for providing an end portion from an uppermost layer of the block. The inventive method includes the steps of folding a web onto a receiving element until a portion of the web forms a folded block of a preselected height, and feeding the uppermost web layer to a cutter. The inventive method further includes cutting an uppermost web layer to form an end portion, and laying the end portion from a bottom layer of the block at least partly on top of the block.

Abstract: A first guide guides a wire at a first position. A second guide guides the wire at a second position. A feeder feeds the wire from the first position to the second position. A length examiner examines the wire to be fed in length between the first and second positions and at downstream of the feeder.

Abstract: A fastener feeding mechanism for a power actuated gun (10, 310, 410, 510) having a track (16, 316, 416, 516) for holding a plurality of fasteners (18, 318, 636). Fasteners are biased by a spring (32, 372, 672) down the track towards a holding or latch mechanism (22, 322, 422, 522). The holding or latch mechanism has a retractable latch. The holding or latch mechanism holds a fastener in a predetermined position to be driven into a substrate. A guide (14, 314, 414, 514) attached to a barrel (12, 312, 412, 512) of a power actuated gun guides the barrel permitting the barrel to be advanced for firing and driving the fastener. After firing a bias on the guide causes the barrel to be retracted for the positioning of another fastener to be driven. The present invention greatly facilitates the driving of fasteners having a plate, and permits the driving of fasteners quickly resulting in more efficient and therefore less costly construction.

Abstract: A precisor plate for an automatic wire bonder having a heat block attachment portion thereon to precisely attach a heat block thereto provides a simple and quickly adjustable precisor plate and method of alignment. The precisor plate includes fixed alignment pins to align the precisor plate relative to a lead frame in an automatic wire bonding machine. In a preferred embodiment, the heat block is integral with the precisor plate and includes internal bores and or passageways for receiving a heating element, a thermocouple, and/or a vacuum source.

Abstract: The heating surface of an iron member is contacted to the upper surface of an electronic part such as a semiconductor chip to be mounted on a wiring substrate. Then solder electrode sections (solder balls) on the electronic part are dissolved so that the electronic part is soldered to a cupper foil pattern on the wiring substrate. And only the electronic parts necessary to be soldered are heated at a uniform heating temperature without influencing the periphery. Moreover, the iron member is moved by a moving head (iron head), and the wiring substrate is placed on a moving table to be moved. A semiconductor chip is mounted at a predetermined position on the wiring substrate by the movement of the iron member and the semiconductor substrate. The iron member is provided with a function of holding the semiconductor chip by attracting it, and thus the iron member has a function of a soldering apparatus and a function of a chip mounter.

Abstract: Solder balls are mounted on electrodes with an active resin therebetween. The solder is heated and melts to be connected to pads of an LSI chip, thereby forming solder bumps on the chip. In a method of forming bumps, a method of mounting flip chips, and a mounting structure, by the use of the active resin, a flux washing process can be eliminated and at the same time, an assembly cost can be minimized.

Abstract: Disclosed are a solder and a solder paste used for soldering an electronic part to a circuit board. This solder comprises 2.0 to 3.5 wt % of Ag, 5 to 18 wt % of Bi and Sn for the rest. Alternatively, it further contains at least one element selected from the group consisting of 0.1 to 1.5 wt % of In, 0.1 to 0.7 wt % of Cu and 0.1 to 10 wt % of Zn.

Abstract: A method of integrated circuit assembly before encapsulation including at least one step of soldering, under mechanical pressure, a first element on a second element, including temporarily maintaining a predetermined spacing, at least partially without solder paste, between the surfaces to be assembled of the first and second elements.

Abstract: A gabled, gussetted resealable lined container having an outer carton with foldable closure flaps and a liner within the carton. The upper inner surfaces of the liner are releasably sealed together after filling with product and at least one of the liner upper outer edges adhered to the closure flaps on the carton, whereby when the closure flaps are opened, the inner liner is pulled opened and when the closure flaps are closed, the inner liner is resealed to maintain product freshness.

Abstract: A computer system (10) that allows a user to automatically access one of a plurality of Internet Service Providers which require information specific to the user and/or the ISP (12) to be accessed. A smart card (14) contains the information specific to the user and/or the ISP (12) to be accessed, and a smart card reader (18) reads the information contained on the smart card (14) when inserted into the recess 16 of the smart card reader (18). A computer (24) is provided having a Central Processing Unit CPU (22) that is in communication with the smart card reader (18) and which is also adapted to be connected to the ISP (12) via telephone line (30).

Abstract: A portable electronic device, which executes a prescribed process based on a selling amount of money that is input from a terminal device, has a memory for storing information concerned with a loyalty point calculation process corresponding to a selling amount of money, calculates a loyalty point using information stored in the memory based on a selling amount of money which is input from the terminal device and updates a loyalty point stored in the memory to a calculated loyalty point.

Abstract: Self Service Terminal and Method for Processing Transaction Forms A self service terminal for processing transaction forms or slips, especially checks and transfer forms, is provided, including means for optically reading and taking an electronic image of said transaction form or slip with a transparent plate. The transaction form or slip is positionable on said transparent plate in such a way that there is no motion of the form when taking the electronic image.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (10) for preventing fraud and a module (50) for use in a fraud-resistant self-service terminal (10) are described. The SST (10) comprises a fascia (12) defining a card entry slot (22), and a card reader module (50) located behind the card entry slot (22). The SST (10) further comprises a terminal shutter (34) operable to cover the card entry slot (22), and sensors (68,86,88,90,94) for detecting the location of a card within the module (50). If the sensors detect a card within the module (50) that cannot be transported then the SST (10) operates the shutter (34) to cover the card entry slot (22) and prevent access to the card. A method of preventing fraud using the SST (10) is also described.