Abstract: A shock absorber is provided that includes a shock absorber body defining a cavity that is at least partially filled with hydraulic fluid. A piston is slidably arranged within the body and separates the cavity into rebound and compression fluid chambers. A rod is secured to the piston and includes first and second portions that are respectively adjacent to the rebound and compression chambers. A fluid passageway extends between the first and second portions to fluidly connect the rebound and compression chambers. In this manner, fluid is permitted to flow through the rod to provide damping characteristics in addition to those damping characteristics typically provided by the piston. A valve assembly, which may include a one-way check valve, is arranged within the passageway for controlling the flow of fluid between the rebound and compression chambers through the passageway. Preferably, the rod includes a longitudinal bore having an adjustable plunger arranged therein.

Abstract: A shock absorber assembly includes a damping adjustment mechanism that can easily be incorporated into a twin cylinder design. The shock absorber includes an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder mounted within the outer cylinder. The inner cylinder is spaced apart from the outer cylinder to define a gap. A piston is mounted within a fluid filled chamber formed within the inner cylinder to dampen vibrations. Holes are drilled into the wall of the inner cylinder to provide fluid ports that can communicate with the gap to form a bi-directional fluid path as the piston moves back and forth within the chamber to dampen vibrations. To provide variable damping, the outer cylinder includes an eccentric inner diameter to outer diameter profile that allows damping adjustment between high and low damping forces. The damping force is adjusted by rotating the outer cylinder relative to the inner cylinder to vary the size of the gap with respect to the ports.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber comprises a cylinder (11) with an expandable and contractible piston rod (12), an outer casing (13) disposed on the outside of the cylinder (11), and a reservoir (16) defined between the outer casing and the cylinder. Due to an elastically deformable bladder (14) disposed inside the reservoir, a gas chamber (17) in which gas is sealed is formed between the bladder and the outer casing, and a reservoir chamber (18) communicated with the inside of the cylinder and designed for guiding hydraulic fluid is formed between the bladder and the cylinder. Furthermore, a gas sealing valve (23) for opening and closing a flow conduit (24) communicated with the gas chamber provided to part of the outer casing is provided to a bottom portion (19) of the outer casing, and allowing gas to enter and exit the gas chamber via the gas sealing valve makes it possible to freely adjust the gas pressure in the hydraulic shock absorber from the outside.

Abstract: Suspension strut comprising a cylinder and a spring perch which is axially displaceable relative to the cylinder for adjustment of the position, wherein the spring perch has a sleeve portion by which the connection to the cylinder is carried out. A chamber is arranged on the cylinder side which is at least partly filled with a moldable material. The sleeve portion contacts the moldable material, which in a solid state transmits a supporting force from the cylinder to the spring perch.

Abstract: A railroad rail is electrically and mechanically connected to a power conductor by an electrical connector that includes a first connector part having a first tail that is bolted to the web of the railroad rail, a socket, and a first opening in the socket. The connector also includes a second connector part having a second tail, a head rotatably received in the socket, and a second opening in the head. The second connector part is rotatable in the socket between an open position, in which the first and second openings are aligned to allow a power conductor to be inserted into the connector, and a clamped position, in which the first and second openings are partially misaligned to clamp the electrical conductor in place. A fastener passes through the first and second tails to hold the second connector part in the clamped position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ratchet one-way clutch comprising an inner race, outer race disposed for a relative rotation respect to the inner race and in concentric with the latter, recessed portions formed in one of an outer periphery of the inner race and an inner periphery of the outer race along a circumferential direction, pawl members formed on the other of the outer periphery of the inner race and the inner periphery of the outer race and adapted to be fitted into the recessed portions, springs for biasing the pawl members toward the recessed portions, and pockets for containing the pawl members and the springs, and wherein a discharge path is formed in the outer race, or a stator using such a ratchet one-way clutch.

Abstract: A dual disconnect differential assembly for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is disclosed. This disconnect differential assembly connects/disconnects both output shafts of a differential assembly simultaneously from the respective universal joints of the drive assembly. Both output shafts are interconnected to provide simultaneous sliding along an axial direction. A clutch mechanism associated with the inboard side of each universal joint (which may be a constant velocity joint) and with the output shafts is provided for simultaneous connection and simultaneous disconnection of the output shafts from the outboard side of the universal joint. The dual disconnect differential assembly herein is simple, compact, and reliable. It overcomes the disadvantages associated with single axle disconnect mechanisms presently in use. It also provides a simpler, more compact, and more reliable dual disconnect differential mechanism than any such mechanism presently known.

Abstract: A dual disconnect differential assembly for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is disclosed. This disconnect differential assembly connects/disconnects both output shafts of a differential assembly simultaneously from the respective universal joints of the drive assembly. Both output shafts are interconnected to provide simultaneous sliding along an axial direction. A clutch mechanism associated with the inboard side of each universal joint (which may be a constant velocity joint) and with the output shafts is provided for simultaneous connection and simultaneous disconnection of the output shafts from the outboard side of the universal joint. The dual disconnect differential assembly herein is simple, compact, and reliable. It overcomes the disadvantages associated with single axle disconnect mechanisms presently in use. It also provides a simpler, more compact, and more reliable dual disconnect differential mechanism than any such mechanism presently known.

Abstract: A clutch arrangement for rapid disengagement of two elements in a transmission system when a chosen torque is exceeded. The one element is a conical shaft-end which carries a corresponding sleeve (1). The sleeve carries externally at its ends two mutually separated ball bearings (5) and a force transmission ring (20) disposed therebetween. An annular force transmission body (7) surrounds and is carried by the ball bearings and includes a pressurisable hydraulic chamber which when pressurised through the medium of a valve on said body causes a reduction in the diameter of the inner surface of the body (7) so that said body will be brought into force transmitting engagement with the outer surface of the ring. The sleeve (1) carries a dogging element (14) which is adapted to act on an element (10) carried by the body (7) for depressurising the hydraulic chamber (8) upon relative rotation between the body (7) and the sleeve (1).

Abstract: A plurality of clutch levers transmit force to a pressure plate of a clutch. The lever ratio of the clutch lever is variable as the clutch lever moves from an engaged to a disengaged state. When the clutch is engaged, the clutch lever presses the pressure plate to engage clutch discs. The lever ratio of the clutch lever is relatively large, allowing for an acceptable clamp load. When the clutch is disengaged, the clutch lever lifts from the pressure plate, disengaging the pressure plate from the clutch discs. When the clutch is disengaged, the lever ratio is relatively small, allowing for more clearance between the pressure plate and the flywheel and an increase in pressure plate lift. By using a clutch lever having a variable lever ratio, both clamp load and clutch lift can be maximized. The conditions exist during the entire lift of the clutch.

Abstract: A plurality of specially shaped clutch levers transmit rotation between an engine and a transmission in a clutch. The clutch levers are shaped such that the center of mass is on opposing sides of an axis of the clutch levers when the clutch levers are in the engaged and disengaged positions. The axis is the radial line passing through the pivot point of the clutch lever and is substantially perpendicular to the rotation of the clutch. In the engaged position, the center of mass is positioned on the pressure plate side of the axis, the moment rotating the clutch levers against the pressure plate to increase the clamp load. In the disengaged position, the center of mass is positioned on the transmission side of the axis, the moment rotating the clutch levers against the retainer to increase clutch lift. These conditions are satisfied during the entire life of the clutch.

Abstract: A driving device, which can maintain a sufficient rated torque of the non-magnetization type electromagnetic clutch, comprises a driving motor and a driving gear. The driving motor and the driving gear are connected by a non-magnetization type electromagnetic clutch. The electromagnetic clutch comprises a driving shaft, wherein the driving shaft of the electromagnetic clutch is made of non-magnetic material. Because the driving shaft is made of non-magnetic material, therefore the magnetic field of the permanent magnet is not adversely affected or disordered, and a stable rated torque can be achieved.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic friction connecting apparatus, which allows the easier operations associated with the installation of an exciting coil or a search coil in a core element. Input and output terminals having second horizontal parts extending in the vehicle inward direction and second vertical parts extending from the ends of the second horizontal parts into the radial outward direction are provided for the exciting coil and the search coil. Each end of the second vertical parts is situated radially inside a periphery surface of the exciting coil. Holes which allow the respective ends of the second vertical parts of the input and output terminals to face the outside are made on the core element and the housing. They are connected to the ends of the second vertical parts of the input and output terminals by inserting couplers into these holes.

Abstract: A connecting arrangement for a clutch-release mechanism which is concentric with respect to a longitudinal axis of a clutch arrangement includes a connecting line, which can be connected to the clutch-release mechanism for the purpose of control, and a fastening means for the detachable connection of the clutch-release mechanism to a support element by relative rotation between the clutch-release mechanism and the support element.

Abstract: A clutch system includes a clutch device with at least one clutch arrangement for installation in a motor vehicle drive train between a drive unit and a transmission. The at least one clutch arrangement is actuated by a slave cylinder using a pressure medium which is supplied to the clutch device by a first pump. A further medium is also supplied to the clutch device by a second pump arrangement as an operating medium used during operation of the clutch device. The further medium is selectively supplied as a pressure medium to the slave cylinder.

Abstract: A friction material has a plurality of connected sections defined by a plurality of notches therebetween. Each notch has an apex which compensates for tear and compression of the friction material when the friction material is circumferentially placed on a flat surface of an annular core plate. In certain embodiments, a multiple linked loading device places the notched friction material adjacent a core plate to form a clutch plate.

Abstract: A fluid pressure control valve apparatus for a clutch or a brake which is small in size and capable of reducing occurrence of malfunction of a pressure control valve caused by dust caught therein is provided. For this purpose, a fluid pressure control valve apparatus (2) for controlling a pressure of a fluid and feeding it to a clutch or a brake includes a pressure control valve (30) for controlling fluid pressure, an electromagnetic proportional pilot operated valve (50) for issuing an operation command for the pressure control valve with pilot pressure according to a command current to a proportional solenoid (40), and a flow detecting valve (10) for detecting a flow of the fluid to be fed to the clutch or the brake from the pressure control valve to detect completion of filling in the clutch or the brake.

Abstract: The invention relates to a parking brake system for a gearbox of a motor vehicle. An electric engagement is provided between the operating device in the interior of the motor vehicle and the parking brake. The inventive system comprises a spring-type cylinder (9) for activating the parking brake and a pressure-controlled release device of the parking brake. According to the invention, the release device (10) is impinged upon a gearbox-independent negative pressure when the parking brake is released. Said pressure is preferably taken from the suction system (15) of the internal combustion engine pertaining to the motor vehicle or from a negative pressure brake booster pertaining to the motor vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is particularly useful for coacting with roller tubes of conveyor apparatus. A cartridge bearing including a stub axle with a tip of greater hardness than the surface circumscribing the aperture receiving the stub axle is inserted into an end of a conveyor roller tube. Along with being electrically conductive, the stub axle can be provided with a damper for reducing vibration. The stub axle engages an electrically conductive stub shaft and moves axially with respect to the stub shaft to operatively interlock with the aperture of the fixed structure. Use of the cartridge bearing provides for the grounding of static charge that can accumulate during operation of conveyor roller tubes.

Abstract: A bulk material processing apparatus (10) which comprises: a longitudinally extending main frame (11); a supply conveyor (23) mounted on, and extending lengthwise of the main frame (11), and operative to convey a supply of bulk material from a forward lower end of the conveyor to an upper and rearward discharge end (24), a material processing device (13) mounted on the main frame (11) and arranged to receive material from the discharge end (24) of the supply conveyor (23), to process the material, and to discharge processed material; a discharge conveyor (32) mounted on the main frame (11) below the processing device (16) so as to be able to receive processed material discharged by the processing device, and to discharge the material to a discharge point located rearwardly of the apparatus; means (16, 17, 18) mounting the processing device (13) on the main frame (11) for movement between a raised operating position to a lowered transport position; and, means (34) mounting the discharge conveyor (32) on the ma

Abstract: A positioning apparatus that includes at least two rails, at least two work carriers, and a drive unit. The at least two rails (1) are arranged next to one another and have longitudinal directions. The at least two work carriers (2.1-2.n) are arranged on each rail (1) in such a way as to be traversable one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the rail (1) and are able to be fixed independently of one another in selectable positions. The work carriers (2.1-2.n) traversable on the rails (1) are arranged next to one another so as to allow traverse drive of only one of the work carriers (2.1-2.n) on the rail (1) so as to form an independently driven work carrier that carries along at least one non-independently driven work carrier (2.2-2.n). The drive unit (5, 15) is provided on the rail (1) and/or on the driven work carrier (2.1).

Abstract: The transfer device for a linear conveyor comprises a fixed framework (5) placed on one side of the linear conveyor (2) and means for moving objects towards the framework in a transfer direction that is different from the conveying direction of said conveyor. These means comprise an object transporter structure (6) mounted in said framework (5) to move in a substantially vertical direction in order to occupy a transfer position in which the transporter structure is disposed above the linear conveyor (2) or a retracted position in which the transporter structure is disposed below the linear conveyor (2). The transporter structure (6) extends across the linear conveyor (2) and extends in the transfer direction on one side of the conveyor. The transfer device can be used in a postal sorting machine for handling mail bins.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering parts such as pipette chips in succession to an intended position includes a transfer section. The transfer section includes a stepped portion for changing a transfer passage to upper and lower passages to provide a difference in height between the upper and lower passages, which is in more than a size of the parts. The transfer section further includes a separator for holding on the upper passage an upper part of at least two parts being transferred in overlapping relationship one on the other and causing the lower part of the two parts to drop by gravity onto the lower passage and continuously thereto causing the upper part itself to drop onto the lower passage. A recovery duct is preferably provided upstream of the transfer section. With the above construction, no overlapping parts are delivered to a part supply section and no waste parts occur due to a trouble in transferring.

Abstract: A reversible shelf type vertical conveyor wherein a plurality of shelves are pivotally mounted between two endless chains that are driven by pairs of upper and lower sprockets, the shelves pivoted to a space saving vertical orientation during the return run and to a horizontal orientation during the working run. Positive control of the orientation of shelves is provided by pairs of rollers attached to the shelves which straddle a guide bars during the return run and ride within guide channels during the working run. During the transition between return and working runs at the top and bottom, shelves are held tight against bosses adjacent the sprockets. Each successive cycle pivots the shelves 180 degrees, and the shelves are symmetrical about their pivot axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conditioning conveyor chains in commercial ovens of the type having a continuous conveyor chain supported in a track for transporting bakery products through the oven. A portion of the conveyor chain and supporting track transits outside the heated baking area of the oven and an automatic chain lubricator is positioned along the portion of the track transiting outside the baking area of the oven. A fan for creating a flow of cooling air and at least one air duct are located outside the baking area. The duct receives one end cooling air from the fan and directs the cooling air on to the conveyor chain along the portion thereof located outside the heated baking area of the oven and upstream from the lubricator. Also, an air knife is disposed upstream of the lubricator and directed onto the chain to remove undesired debris, etc., therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conveying printed boards. Every segment of a conveyor line (1) is provided on both sides with a conveyor cheek (7) as the lateral border. Conveyor belts (4) driven by wheels are mounted on the inner sides of the conveyor cheeks on vertically movable boards (5). On the upper edges of the conveyor cheeks drag rails (3) are mounted on the inner side in the longitudinal direction. Said drag rails project beyond the movable boards in such a manner that, when the movable boards are lifted, the printed board is caught with its edge on both sides between the conveyor belt and the drag rail.

Abstract: Described is a conveyor for confections having the design that the material is conveyed along a flow path which is essentially free from abrupt detours or direction changes. In the case of utilization of helix rotors as conveyors this occurs in that the helical rotors (3, 11) are mounted respectively on only one of their ends and the discharge column (10, 20) is provided in essentially the axial direction. These columns may be conical and preferably coaxial but in certain cases may also be slightly eccentric to the axis of the helical rotors.

Abstract: A belt guide for a drive belt of a roller conveyor that cants the belt in the skewed roller section of the conveyor so that an edge portion of the belt, and not the entire width, engages the skewed rollers to impart driving motion. This is accomplished by providing a series of free-wheeling cam followers that support the raised edge portion of the drive belt that contacts the skewed rollers. A second series of freely rotatable grooved wheels or sheaves is provided whose grooved portion captures the lower edge portion of the drive belt.

Abstract: A method for aligning an endless belt having an optimum position within an acceptable range on associate guide rollers in a machine by manually placing the belt over an outboard end of the guide rollers and sliding the belt inward over the guide rollers to a first rough position. When it is determined that the belt has reached an acceptable range of positions, the belt is steered inward using a given operational steering angle. When it is determined that the belt has reached an optimum position, the belt is driven at an operational speed and steered inward and outward to maintain the optimum position.

Abstract: A conveyor 20 comprising a continuous conveyor belt 35, driven at a constant speed, and configured for compression and expansion along the direction of travel of the continuous conveyor belt 35. The continuous conveyor belt 35 passes over a drive pulley 32 and a secondary pulley 34 that freely rotates. At least one impulse linkage 37 engages the continuous conveyor belt 35, the impulse linkage 37 extends beyond the continuous conveyor belt 35 such that it may be contacted by an impulse striker 49 that is configured to intermittently contact said impulse linkage 37. By so contacting the impulse linkage 37, a displacement of a portion of the continuous conveyor belt 35 relative to the rest of the continuous conveyor belt 35 is caused due to the subsequent expansion or compression of the continuous conveyor belt 35, resulting in a localized acceleration.

Abstract: Chain guide assemblies for conveyor systems including matched chain guide strips and preassembled straps that interconnect and locate the chain guide strips in constant perpendicular spacing. In certain aspects, the matched chain guide strips are preassembled with the straps to form preassembled chain guide assemblies. The chain guide assemblies can describe straight segments as well as circle segments. The chain guide assemblies present a relatively open configuration to facilitate cleaning and servicing the chain guide assemblies and attached conveyor chains.

Abstract: A chain link comprising an elongated body having opposed first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis therebetween. The body has guide shoes that project from a bottom portion of the body for supporting the link on a track. The chain link further includes a gripping member that has a structure that is in sliding engagement with a cooperating structure disposed along the body of the link. The cooperating structure permits the gripping member to move relative to the body in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A module for a modular conveyor belt, is described. The module is of a sandwich layer construction having a core polymeric material completely surrounded by a skin polymeric material. The skin material includes an antimicrobial material for inhibiting bacterial growth on the module, and the conveyor belt is particularly useful for conveying and transporting foods including food processing and food handling applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a conveyor system for transporting a workpiece. The conveyor system includes a drive assembly and a carrier plate. The drive assembly includes a frame, a drive belt, and a drive mechanism supported by the frame and engaging the drive belt. The carrier plate is adapted to support a workpiece and is disposed on the drive belt to move with the drive belt.

Abstract: This system comprises a control means (6) permitting controlling the opening and closing of an associated window, having three separate control zones (F, M, O). In the automatic mode, when the corresponding window has been entirely opened or closed, a push on a predetermined control zone advantageously controls the movement of the window into the position in which it was before its complete opening or closing.

Abstract: A multidirectional operation key including a micro stick switch and a flexible navigation button is provided. The multidirectional operation key, which absorbs the manufacturing and assembly tolerances, is installed in a small-sized electronic device which has an upper cover. The flexible navigation button is used to fine-tune the relative position between the multidirectional operation key and the upper cover such that the multidirectional operation key can perfectly fit into an opening on the upper cover. Of which, the flexible navigation button is a two pieces design including a body and a shaft cover. The upper end of the shaft cover is flexibly jointed with the body while the lower end of the shaft cover is tightly mounted on the micro stick switch with the body being held up by an elastic piece situated between the body and the shaft cover. Besides, the multidirectional operation key further includes an elastic holding piece which holds and keeps the flexible navigation button at a horizontal position.

Abstract: A rotary switch suitable for use as a transmission gear selection switch. The switch includes a housing and a rotor rotationally connected to the housing, the rotor being rotational about a first axis. A cam follower connected to the rotor has a cam surface substantially centered about a radial axis, the radial axis being normal to the first axis. An electrical contact carried by the rotor has a contact surface spaced from the cam surface along the radial axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tamper-proof elastomeric membrane for secure electronic housings.

Abstract: A foot operable controller for a surgical instrument having a main foot pedal assembly providing either proportional or linear control signals when moved laterally and in a vertical direction. Friction between an operator's foot and the foot pedal is minimized by a foot pad having a rotating heel plate. A neutral zone between left and right control positions of the foot pedal enables the operator to move his foot freely without changing control settings. Vertical displacement of the foot pedal is indicated by a plurality of mechanical detents during both upward and downward travel. Changing detent resistance alerts the operator to the vertical position of the foot pedal, indicating that further vertical displacement will change an instrument control signal corresponding to the new foot pedal position, thus providing sensory feedback to the operator indicating a change in the functional mode when the foot pedal is moved.

Abstract: A key switch of a keyboard of the present invention includes a key cap and an elastic body which supports and allows the key cap to elastically move up and down. The elastic body is a band shaped structure and includes end portions which are pivotally supported above a substrate, a central portion bulged to contact a bottom surface of the key cap, and curved portions having a curvature opposite to that of the central portion disposed between corresponding ones of the end portions and the central portion. The curved portions of the elastic body are deformed at a position lower than an upper surface of the substrate. Therefore, the overall height of the key switch can be reduced, allowing for the manufacture of a slimmer keyboard unit.

Abstract: This mechanism is planned for tripping an electrical or mechanical apparatus or device, by means of which any type of actuating is performed, including the tripping and rearming means mechanism, the former being designed based on a swiveling lever (7) which is actuated by means of a hammer (6), causing the release of the locking of a trip (12) on a sliding part (16) moved toward the tripping position by means of a spring (25), whilst the rearming means are designed based on a pushbutton (26) to which a cam (29) which, when the pushbutton is pressed, pushes a skid (18) which slides along a ramp (17) of the slide (16), moving the slide along to cause the rearming by the interlocking thereon of a roller (15) pertaining to the trip (12). Said mechanism comprises a module which can be mounted on the device or apparatus on which the application thereof is feasible.

Abstract: A process for converting waste plastic into gasoline, diesel, fuel oil and the like using pyrolysis and catalytic cracking techniques.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to reduce the number of instruments used in a distillation apparatus to thereby simplify control.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for inhibiting the premature polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers comprising adding to said monomers an effective amount of at least one inhibitor selected from the group consisting of C-nitrosoaniline and quinone imine oxime compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method for removing elemental mercury from a fluid, the method comprising irradiating the mercury with light having a wavelength of approximately 254 nm. The method is implemented in situ at various fuel combustion locations such as power plants and municipal incinerators.

Abstract: A method for electrically charging a probe by plasma technology for use in pipetting compounds in small volumes includes the steps of placing the probe to be charged in a plasma chamber; creating a vacuum within the plasma chamber and then introducing a stable gas into the plasma chamber; applying electromagnetic energy to the plasma chamber, thereby molecularly disassociating the gas, thus creating charged ions, free electrons, and free radicals, charging the probe by the free radicals attaching to the probe; venting the plasma chamber to back to atmospheric pressure; and removing the charged probe from the plasma chamber, whereby the charged probe can pipette compounds in small volumes. The method is applicable to pipetting both liquid and solid compounds. In another embodiment, the plasma generation is at atmospheric pressure without a containment chamber and the surface charging effect is used for surfaces of both the fluid dispensing device and the fluid containing device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for performing chemical reactions between gaseous species in accordance with a selective reaction path, by generating an electric discharge (12) in a starting gas between two energizing electrodes (23, 24) whereto is applied an electric supply voltage, so that the discharge brings about energization of at least one of the gaseous species of said starting gas. The invention is characterised in that it consists in providing the following: the starting gas includes at least a carrier gas and at least a reaction gas; the conditions of electric supply of the electrodes are adapted to enable the generation of metastable species among the species of said carrier gas, so that the ratio, in the inter-electrode space, between the concentration in said metastable species and the concentration in electrons is not less than 1.

Abstract: An electric field is provided in a first direction between an anode and a target having a flat disposition. A magnetic field is provided such that the magnetic flux lines are in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The magnet structure may be formed from permanent magnets extending radially in a horizontal direction, like the spokes of a wheel, and from magnetizable pole pieces extending vertically from the opposite ends of the spokes. The permanent magnets and the pole pieces define a well. The target is disposed in the well so that its flat disposition is in the same direction as the magnetic flux lines. Molecules of an inert gas flow through the well. Electrons in the well move in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions. The electrons ionize molecules of the inert gas. The ions are attracted to the target and sputter atoms from the surface of the target. The sputtered atoms become deposited on a substrate.

Abstract: A vacuum arc plasma gun deposition system includes a cathode, several anode assemblies that define a plasma channel, a current source for causing electrical current to flow from the anode assemblies to the cathode, a mechanism for moving the anode axially to keep the active surface of the cathode substantially at a fixed position relative to the anode assemblies, mechanisms for moving the anode assemblies to keep the cross sectional size of the plasma channel substantially constant, a mechanism for cooling the cathode by conducting heat away from lateral surfaces of the cathode, and mechanisms for ensuring that a non-flat substrate is coated uniformly. The scope of the invention includes methods of making coated products by depositing coatings on substrates using this vacuum arc plasma gun deposition system, and the coated products so made.

Abstract: A fluorine gas generating apparatus for generating fluorine gas of high purity by electrolysis of a mixed molten-salt comprising hydrogen fluoride, the fluorine gas generating apparatus comprising an electrolytic cell which is separated into an anode chamber 5 and a cathode chamber 7 by a partition wall 28, and pressure keeping means 50 for supplying gas to the anode chamber 5 and the cathode chamber 7, respectively, to keep an interior of the anode chamber 5 and an interior of the cathode chamber 7 at a certain pressure.