Abstract: A conductive gasket for use in apparatus to block the exit or entry of electromagnetic interference (EMI) between adjacent metal surfaces of the apparatus. The gasket is formed at least in part by a polymeric film having an outward facing surface embossed so as to provide a plurality of peaks distributed over the surface. A metal is coated, by vapor deposition, onto the surface so as to over lie the peaks. This provides the film with a conductive surface. When located between adjacent metal surfaces, abrasion of the metal coating from the peaks over time does not adversely affect the conductive properties of the film surface. This is because the wearing away of the metal from the tops of the peaks exposes a cross section of the metal at the sides of the peaks, which remain in contact with the adjacent metal surfaces of the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved electromagnetic interference connection between a pair of electromagnetic interference enclosures that provides electromagnetic compatibility for electrical devices housed in the pair of electromagnetic interference enclosures. The connection includes of a detachable lap joint integrally formed along a first pair of edges in a first electromagnetic interference enclosure and a second pair of edges in a second electromagnetic interference enclosure. The lap joint forms a detachable overlapping metallic joint between the pair of electromagnetic interference enclosures that prevents electromagnetic emissions from the joint without the use of seals or fasteners.

Abstract: A junction box (10) includes an upper case (13), a lower case (12) disposed under the upper case (13), and a junction box body (14) accommodated between the upper case (13) and the lower case (12). The junction box body (14) further includes an upper cover (16) having an embedding stage (24) provided thereon for externally connected electronic components, an under cover (15) fitting to the upper cover (16), a wiring plate (17) disposed between the under cover (15) and the upper cover (16), wiring boards (18) disposed between the wiring plate (17) and the upper cover (16), and a control board body (19) having a substrate (44). The junction box body (14) is accommodated between the upper case (13) and the lower case (12), so that the embedding stage (24) can be a front surface in an accommodation direction.

Abstract: A fluid containment fence apparatus provides a border around the perimeter of an area to be potted on one or both sides of the board. First, or first and second and second (top and bottom), containment walls are secured in place using interlocking elements integral to the walls such that no external fasteners are needed. The interlocking elements permit snug adhesion of the fence to the board even when the board has variations in thickness. The interlocking elements extend through and interlock through engagement with another fence or the board. The size of the holes is minimized. As a result, a minimum amount of board space is occupied by the fence, and the overall size of the board is maintained. A potting fluid containment fence for a board having components to be encased in a potting fluid includes a first wall. The components to be encased are arranged on an upper face of the board, at least.

Abstract: In order to suppress defective lead forming and defective mounting, a semiconductor device includes a sealing body which has a square planar shape, a semiconductor chip which lies within the sealing body, and a plurality of leads which are electrically connected with electrodes of the semiconductor chip, which extend inside and outside the sealing body and which are arrayed along lateral of the sealing body, wherein an outer lead portion of each of the leads is such that a root part which protrudes out of the sealing body is formed at a lead width being equal to or greater than a lead thickness, and that a mounting part which joins to the root part through an intermediate part is formed at a lead width being less than the lead thickness.

Abstract: A grommet is provided with a circumferential channel around its outer surface serving to hold an automobile body panel, thereby forming a circumferential channel base and first and second channel walls extending outwardly therefrom. The circumferential channel also forms corresponding first and second circumferential edges at respective outermost portions of the first and second channel walls. Further, the first circumferential edge extends farther outwardly than the second circumferential edge in a radial direction of the grommet, and has a flat edge in the same direction so as to hold the car's body panel. The first and second walls become closer as they extend from the channel base, such that the first circumferential edge overlaps the second circumferential edge in a longitudinal direction of the grommet.

Abstract: A housing has second and third bays, where each bay receives equipment therein. The housing also has a plurality of lines traveling therein from a site such as a first bay to the second bay and the third bay. A line routing device is positioned above the second and third bays and routes the lines from the site to the second and third bays. Each line is secured at a common securing point above the second and third bays, and each of the second and third bays has a vertical down-channel at one side thereof. Each line extends from the securing point, through the line routing device, and down one of the down-channels such that the line when positioned to hang in either down-channel hangs substantially the same length within such down-channel.

Abstract: A management rack for facilitating the routing and organization of a plurality of elongated members. The rack includes a frame, a spanning element having distinct edges thereof attached to the frame at distinct portions thereof, an organizational element disposed on the spanning element for routing and organizing at least some of the plurality of elongated members, a first hinge support disposed in a first location on the frame, a second hinge support disposed in a second location on the frame, and a door having a first hinge for engaging the first hinge support and having a second hinge for engaging the second hinge support whereby the door is rotatable on the hinges between a closed position where the portion of the frame between the first and second hinge supports is substantially covered by the door and thereby generally inaccessible and an open position where the portion of the frame between the first and second hinge supports is substantially uncovered by the door and thereby generally accessible.

Abstract: A system of resheathing armored power cables that provides multiple uses in harsh environments, such as those found in wellbore applications, before the integrity of the inner core of the cable is degraded. The resheathing system utilizes a sacrificial insulated jacket providing additional protection to the cable's inner core. The sacrificial jacket and the outer armor layer may be easily removed by the use off a rip cord or multiple rip cords. Removal of the sacrificial jacket and armor layer allow the inner core of the cable to be resheathed in the field for reuse.

Abstract: The use of an adhesive tape as a bandaging tape for cables, the cables having a PVC-free sheathing including a PVC-free backing to at least one side of which a pressure-sensitive, acrylate-based adhesive composition has been applied, the adhesive tape causing no damage to the sheathing when bonded to the cables at a temperature of at least 100° C. and for a duration of at least 240 h.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a helical surfaced conductor capable of effectively eliminating noise components while alternating current is turned on and capable of generating a stable magnetic field. To this end, the helical surface conductor has helical grooves or helical protrusions formed on the surface of the conductor. By energizing the helical surfaced conductor according to the present invention, noise components produced while alternating current is turned on can be effectively eliminated. And as a result, it has become possible to generate stable magnetic fields.

Abstract: A multilayer thin film structure having defined strap repair lines thereon and a method for repairing interconnections in the multilayer thin film structure (MLTF) and/or making engineering changes (EC) are provided. The method determines interconnection defects in the MLTF at a thin film layer adjacent the top metal layer of the structure, defines the top surface metallization including a series of orthogonal X conductor lines and Y conductor lines using photoresist and lithography and additive or subtractive metallization techniques and then uses a phototool to selectively expose the photoresist to define top surface strap connections needed to repair the interconnections and/or make EC's, and forms the top surface metallization.

Abstract: A column grid array integrated circuit package has a substrate. The substrate has a solder column array having a plurality of solder columns and a plurality of rigid columns interspersed with the solder columns at no-connect locations. The rigid columns contact a circuit board to which the column grid array integrated circuit package is mounted and support the column grid array integrated circuit package against compressive force.

Abstract: A circuit board apparatus for terminating shielded conductors having multiple different ground potential values is disclosed. In a signal interconnection region, a multi-layer laminated circuit board comprises a shield termination layer that is capacitively coupled to a separate ground reference layer by a dielectric layer. A signal layer is electrically isolated from both the ground reference layer and shield termination layer by a substrate. A shield of a shielded cable terminates at the shield termination layer of the interconnect region, and a signal conductor of the cable terminates at the signal layer. Buried capacitance is developed between the shield termination layer and the ground reference layer. As a result, RF emissions are minimized and an electrically safe termination of multiple ground sources is provided, without enlarging the surface area of an interconnection.

Abstract: A multi-layer printed circuit board includes a via having a conductive upper portion, a conductive lower portion, and an electrically insulating intermediate portion between the upper and lower portions. In one embodiment, the insulating intermediate portion of the via is provided by a non-platable layer of the circuit board, as may be comprised of PTFE. Vias having a continuous conductive coating may be formed through clearance holes in the non-platable layer which are provided with a platable inner surface, either by filling the hole with a platable material, such as epoxy resin, prior to laminating the board or by chemically conditioning the non-platable material to make it platable. In a further embodiment, the as insulating intermediate portion of the via has a narrower diameter than the conductive upper and lower portions.

Abstract: A mechanism which can sense the weight of food as well as perhaps time in order to provide auditory cues to a person who is eating. The cues are calculated to modify eating behavior so that it better conforms to a pre-decided ideal. This would be accomplished through classical conditioning by reward and punishment in that the mechanism would chide the user for engaging in undesirable behaviors such as eating too much. It would encourage the user who was engaging in ideal behavior such as eating enough without eating too much. It could instruct the user in techniques useful in achieving behavior patterns closer to the ideal. The mechanism can also use movement of itself or of the food either alone or in combination with the auditory cues to reinforce the training it provides in appropriate eating habits.

Abstract: A scale with a holographic projector includes a weight measurement device and a holographic projector coupled to the weight measurement device. Activation of the weight measurement device activates the holographic projector that then projects in mid-air a holographic image indicative of a weight of an object being measured. Optionally, the scale may include a display coupled to the weight measurement device.

Abstract: An array of key members for inputting data or signals to an electronic device. Each key member has a convex outer surface including a plurality of outwardly converging facets. Each facet has corresponding alphanumerical characters or other indicia and is associated with a single switching element corresponding to alphanumerical characters or other indicia. Elements responsive to the application of pressure on each of the facets actuates a corresponding one of the switching elements. The array of key members comprises two or more aligned key members intersecting with two or more other aligned key members at at least one intersection. A finger base is located at the at least one intersection between adjacent key members and a single facet of the adjacent key members are located at each corner of the intersection.

Abstract: A switch device including an operating member which includes a plurality of actuating sections, opposing corresponding spring sections, for operating their corresponding spring sections. By actuating the actuating sections, corresponding switches are switched. Ends of the actuating sections which oppose their corresponding spring sections are inclined in the outward direction of the operating member. The tilt angle of an actuating section which opposes its corresponding spring section which is not provided along with a switch is greater than the tilt angle of an actuating section which opposes its corresponding spring section which is provided along with its corresponding switch. In a conventional switch device, one or two switches are actuated depending on what portion of the operating member is pressed. Therefore, differences in the clicking characteristics are produced.

Abstract: A hookstick operated switch assembly includes a switch mounted to a support and movable between open and closed positions. An operating lever is connected to the switch for opening and closing the switch. A locking arm is positioned proximal the switch. A locking member is receivable by the locking arm when the switch is in the open position to prevent movement of the operating lever, thereby locking the switch in the open position.

Abstract: A full power switch assembly for a portable generator that is capable of instantly communicating the presence and operation of a full power switch to the user is disclosed. The full power switch assembly includes a first outlet for supplying electrical power having a first voltage (e.g., 120 VAC), a second outlet for supplying electrical power having a second voltage (e.g., 240 VAC), and a switch including a selector. The selector is movable from a first position to a second position for causing the first outlet to be capable of supplying electrical power up to a maximum power level. Movement of the selector between the first position and the second position further causes indicia to be displayed for indicating whether the first outlet is capable of supplying electrical power up to the maximum power level.

Abstract: A circuit breaker assembly is comprised of a first circuit breaker and an oppositely oriented circuit breaker adjacent thereto. The circuit breaker toggle actuators are coupled to one another by an offset coupler or tie such that when one circuit breaker is ON, the other is OFF and vice versa. A motorized circuit breaker module is preferably provided alongside one of the breakers or poles to allow remote operation thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical connection device for contacting conductor wires of a plurality of electrical conductors (12), running in a strip-like manner, of a conductor wire combination, with the conductor wires of electrical connection lines of an electrical consuming unit, in particular a light of a lighting strip system, whereby the connection device (13) has a coupling part to (13a) and a counter-coupling element (13b) having contact elements (16) which upon plugging together of the counter-coupling element (13b) with the coupling parts (13a) each make a current connection to associated conductor wires, whereby the contact elements (16) are arranged in two rows (R1, R2) extending transversely to the conductor wires and there is associated with one row (R1) a contact position selection device (25a) for displacing at least one contact element (16) between at least two neighbouring contact positions.

Abstract: A gas-burner electrical switch, which may be associated with a gas-supply cock. The gas-supply cock has a maneuvering stem (14) that is free to slide and turn about its own axis within the cock body (13) to control gas supply. The electrical switch includes a shell (15) that can be fixed to the cock body (13), and that encloses a first contact (16) that may be associated to a second contact (17) to close or to open an electrical circuit of the lighter. The switch includes a control rod (31), which is free to slide within the shell (15) and is constrained to the stem (14) in such a way as to translate with the stem (14) in both directions of sliding of the stem (14), but without being forced to rotate with the stem (14). The control rod (31) sets the two contacts (16, 17) in electrical connection at a point corresponding to at least one position of the stem (14). The two contacts (16, 17) are otherwise separate from one another.

Abstract: A monolithic finger barrier for blocking insertion of a human finger into the open end of a terminal recess in the molded casing of an electric power switch such as a circuit breaker includes a planar member that slides into mountings slots in the switch casing traverse to the open end of the terminal recess and has integral resilient fingers extending along one face adjacent side edges of the planar member. Laterally, outwardly extending catches on the resilient fingers, which engage catch surfaces in the casing, can only be released to remove the barrier when the planar member is installed with the one face facing away from the terminal recess so that integral grips on the fingers are accessible.

Abstract: A rotary switch for an electrical appliance includes a housing adapted to receive a plurality of conductive wires, a plurality of conductive terminals fixedly mounted onto the housing, an actuation shaft rotatably mounted onto the housing, and a movable contact mounted onto the actuation shaft for selectively connecting two of the conductive terminals. The housing includes a base and a cover mounted onto the base. The cover includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a plurality of inwardly tapered guide walls. Each guide wall is shaped to define a slot into which an associated conductive wire can be securely retained in electrical isolation from the remainder of conductive wires. Each guide wall has a funnel-type configuration and includes a closed end and an open end, the slot being narrower at the closed end than at the open end.

Abstract: A key switch includes an elastic member having a circular open end and a membrane sheet on which the elastic member is disposed. The membrane sheet includes two flexible sheets and an insulating resin sheet sandwiched between them. The insulating sheet includes an opening, which has a shape different from that of the open end.

Abstract: An object, such as a pistachio nut, is sorted based on a given trait. The sorting process commences by bouncing the object off a body so that the object emits a sound. The sound emitted by the object is converted to an electrical signal which is analyzed to determine electrical characteristics that indicate the trait of the object. For example, the electrical signal can be integrated and a signal gradient produced to discriminate among signals from different classes of objects.

Abstract: A vacuum cartridge, in particular for an electrical protection apparatus such as a switch or circuit breaker, comprising an enclosure of appreciably cylindrical shape closed by two end-plates, two contacts extending axially inside the enclosure, at least one of which contacts called the movable contact is connected to an operating mechanism and is slidingly mounted between a closed position of the contacts corresponding to a rest position of the apparatus and a position in which the arcing contacts are separated and form an electric arc between them, separation of the contacts resulting in breaking of the electrical circuit, and a means for producing an axial magnetic field for diffusion of the arc in the arc formation area. The cartridge comprises means for speeding up cooling of the contact material in liquid form flowing on the contact surface of said arcing contacts during breaking.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker incorporates vacuum switches operated by a toggle mechanism. Pole arms tied together by a cross bar are rotated simultaneously by the toggle mechanism. A drive link translates the rotational movement of each pole arm into linear movement of a driven member along the axis of the movable electrode of the associated vacuum switch. A coupling bracket has a base section secured to the movable electrode, longitudinal sections straddling the movable electrode axis and terminal sections extending inward toward the plane of rotation of the pole arm from the ends of the longitudinal sections. Coupling members extend from the driven member through slots in the terminal sections of the coupling bracket. Springs couple the free ends of the coupling members to the coupling bracket to open and close the vacuum switch with operation of the toggle mechanism.

Abstract: A wire tensioning system for a wire-shaped working electrode of a spark erosion machine and a procedure for the tensioning of the working electrode. The working electrode at least nearly circumferentially encompasses a braking roller in a wire entry zone and/or a tensioning roller in a wire withdrawal zone. A nozzle is assigned to the braking and/or the tensioning roller such that the nozzle exerts a tensile force on the working electrode to tension the wire.

Abstract: A plasma apparatus separately measures multiple plasma jets upstream of where the plasma jets converge into a combined plasma stream. The separate plasma jets can be separately adjusted to place the separate jets in a configuration that provides the combined stream with desired properties for a plasma treatment. The system can include an injector for a neutral jet that becomes part of the combined plasma stream. With an injector, the positions of the plasma jets can be measured relative to the injector so that the plasma jets and the neutral jet are properly aligned to form a combine plasma stream having the properties desired.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for cutting a non-metal substrate. A laser device generates a first laser beam onto a cutting route formed in the non-metal substrate for heating the cutting route such that a scribe line is formed on the cutting route. The laser device also generates a second laser beam, which is spaced by a predetermined distance from the first laser beam, such that a beam pattern is formed along a radiating route of the first laser beam. A cooling device forms a crack by applying a cooling fluid beam onto the cutting route formed between the first laser beam and the second laser beam. After applying the cooling fluid beam, the non-metal substrate is cut by using one beam pattern, to simplify an optical system. A great tensile force is generated in the scribe line, so the thick non-metal substrate can be completely cut at once.

Abstract: A laser via drilling system, and a method of use thereof, is provided. The apparatus uses two or more laser systems to achieve processing parameter flexibility. The output beams from the independently controlled laser systems are combined using a beam splitter that combines the beams into single or multiple processing beams. The operational flexibility of the system can be further enhanced through the use of multiple EO modulators and a polarization sensitive beam splitter.

Abstract: A system is provided with a laser beam source, a reflector mirror that is a reflecting member for reflecting a laser beam emitted from the laser beam source, a spindle motor that is a rotating and driving unit for rotating and driving the reflector mirror, and a f-&thgr; lens that is a converging unit for converging a laser beam reflected by the reflector mirror. The reflector mirror is rotated and driven under the condition that its normal line is mounted to be slanted to a rotary axis of a spindle motor. The optical axis of the reflector beam of the laser beam introduced into the reflector mirror is deflected so as to take a precession. A circular track is depicted on the surface of a workpiece to be machined by a beam spot converged by the f-&thgr; lens to perform the machining work.

Abstract: A method for laser shock peening rotor blade leading and trailing edges of gas turbine engine integrally bladed rotors and disks that are not blocked by other rows of blades. The method includes continuously firing a stationary laser beam, which repeatable pulses between relatively constant periods, along at least a portion of leading or trailing edges of the blade, with the laser beam aimed at an oblique angle with respect to a surface of the edge such that laser pulses form overlapping elliptical shaped laser spots. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the elliptical shaped laser spots have an overlap of about 50% and are on the order of 11.7 mm by 4 mm in diameter. Another method is for laser shock peening rotor blade leading and trailing edges of gas turbine engine integrally bladed rotors and disks that are blocked by other rows of blades.

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: A welding method that enables the joining of at least two dissimilar, metallic alloys to form a weld that is free of cracks is disclosed. The method incorporates a pure (99.00% minimum by weight) nickel fill-wire, integrally assembled into the joint between the two alloyed metals to be joined. The alloys joined by this method are an iron-based, low expansivity, gamma-prime strengthened superalloy (i.e., Incoloy®) and a high carbon, powder metallurgical tool steel high in refractory metal alloying agents (i.e., CPM REX 20). Welding of the joint results in the formation of a nickel rich region within the weld, thus “inoculating” the weld against cracks. The weld joint formed by the method of the present invention can be used in the fabrication of a rotating anode bearing shaft assembly for use in an x-ray generating device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit board/printed circuit board having pre-reserved conductive heating circuits, which comprises a plurality of metal circuit substrates and a plurality of layers of insulating material. The conductive heating circuits are disposed on the metal circuit substrates. Each of the conductive heating circuits has a plurality of direct heat-generating regions. The insulating material is disposed between the metal circuit substrates. When a current is provided to the conductive heating circuits, heat required for partly bonding and hardening can be generated so that the insulating material and the corresponding positions of the direct heat-generating regions on the metal circuit substrates can be bonded and hardened together. A pre-stacked multi-layer metal circuit board with partly bonding and hardening is thus finished.

Abstract: A temperature detector for an air-conditioned vehicle seat with seat heating and/or seat ventilation is disclosed. To ensure accurate temperature measurement for regulation purposes close to the surface of the seat cushion while eliminating purely local temperature peaks, the temperature detector is provided with a flat, extended heat absorption surface, which is preferably formed by a thin, flexible layer of good thermal conductivity in which a temperature sensor in button or disc form is firmly embedded.

Abstract: A portable food container with incorporated heaters including a container portion. The container portion includes a first cover member hingeably coupled with the back wall for covering the open upper end. The container portion includes a second cover member hingeably coupled with the back wall for covering the first cover member and the open upper end. The second cover member contains a thermos bottle therein. A pair of heating elements are disposed within the closed lower end of the container portion. Three insulated receptacles are removably positioned within the container portion including two hot food receptacles and one cold food receptacle. The hot food receptacles are each in contact with one of the heating elements. A control panel allows independent control of a duration and activation time of day for heating by each of the heating elements.

Abstract: An oven for maintaining cooked foods at temperatures suitable for serving the foods or even for cooking foods has a cabinet containing multiple heat sinks of channel-shaped configuration. The ends of the heat sinks open out of the cabinet, so that any heat sink may receive a tray of food from either the front or back of the cabinet. The interior surface of the heat sinks generally conform to the cross-sectional shapes of the trays, so that the heat sinks lie along the bottoms and sides of the trays. The heat sinks have a heating elements extended along their sides and bottoms for elevating the temperature of the heat sinks and directing heat into the trays within the heat sinks. In addition, each heat sink also contains a cover which may close the top of the tray in the heat sink and thereby retard the escape of moisture from the tray or may vent the interior of the tray.

Abstract: A substantially constant load impedance electrical heater has been provided. The heater is comprised of two sections, a first heater and a second heater. The first heater is continuously “on” to provide the bulk of the heat. A second heater is selectively engaged to provide slightly more heat to the medium, heating the medium to the desired temperature. The output temperature of the heated medium is maintained by controlling the duty cycle of the second heater. More drastic changes in temperature are accomplished by changing the power continuously dissipated by the first heater. The greatest heating control is obtained by defining the first and second heaters as subsets from a bank of selectable heater elements. A method of minimizing fluctuations in the loading of a high-wattage electrical device is also provided.

Abstract: In performing control to supply power to a heater by detecting the impedance of a sensor element and feeding it back for control, a heater control device for an air-fuel ratio according to the invention can prevent damage to the heater or the sensor element by suppressing an excessive rise in the temperature of the heater and hence the sensor element even when the impedance of the sensor element has increased due to degradation of the sensor element. The heater control device includes: a feedback control unit which, based on the impedance of the air-fuel ratio sensor element, controls supply power to the heater for heating the air-fuel ratio sensor; a half-activation time detection unit which detects the half-activation time of the air-fuel ratio sensor; and a power limiting unit which, based on the half-activation time detected by the half-activation time detection unit, limits the power that is feedback-controlled by the feedback control unit.

Abstract: A cooktop includes a cooktop panel, at least one heating element for heating a cooking vessel placed upon the cooktop panel, and a weighing unit for detecting a deformation of the cooktop panel as a result of weight-induced loading by the cooking vessel and for determining the corresponding weight-induced loading. The weighing unit is disposed at the underside of the cooktop panel and has an actuating element connected to the cooktop panel and a displacement sensor connected to the actuating element and the cooktop panel. The displacement sensor determines the weight-induced loading from an amount that the actuating element is displaced relative to the displacement sensor as a result of the deformation of the cooktop panel.

Abstract: A safe electrical heat energy generator which comprises a heater unit equipped with a set of systematically organized heat radiating metal fins. A feature of the invention is its reenforced compact structure in which a heating element arrangement and the heat radiating metal fin arrangement are manufactured as a single heater unit structure. In such a structure, a heating element is surrounded with an insulating layer and enclosed inside a central heat conductive tubing of the framework for the metal fin arrangement, thereby defining the major components of the heater unit. In this manner, the entire heater unit structure is the source of radiant heat energy, not simply the heating element itself.

Abstract: A heated container is formed from a substantially continuous element structure. The substantially continuous element structure includes an electrically insulative first and second polymeric layers and a resistance heating layer laminated between the first and second polymeric layers. An interior surface of the container includes the first polymeric layer, and the first polymeric layer is thermally conductive. The resistance heating layer has a pair of terminal end portions that may be coupled to a pair of external power leads to energize the resistance heating layer.

Abstract: In a heater system for a microwave oven including an air tunnel having an suction portion and a discharge portion, formed at an upper surface of a cooking chamber, a fan assembly installed inside the air tunnel and having a circulation fan forming air flow by sucking air inside the cooking chamber through the suction portion and discharge the sucked air through the air tunnel and the discharge portion, a first heater chamber having a first heater installed inside the air tunnel and heating air discharged into the discharge portion from the air tunnel, and a second heater chamber having a second heater installed inside the air tunnel and emitting radiation heat into the cooking chamber, wherein the suction portion and the discharge portion are formed near opposite side walls of the cooking chamber.

Abstract: A heating apparatus of a microwave oven includes: a heater installed at an upper portion of a cooking chamber into which foodstuff is received; a ventilating fan installed at one side of the heater, for circulating air inside the cooking chamber to pass across the heater; a panel having a suction hole installed at an upper portion of the cooking chamber, through which the air inside the cooking chamber is drawn into the ventilating fan, and a discharge hole, through which the air which has passed across the heater is again supplied to the cooking chamber; and an air guide unit mounted at an upper side of the panel, for guiding air flow from the ventilating fan to the heater.

Abstract: For effecting auto-focussing of an objective lens used for observing a semiconductor wafer, a semiconductor microscopic device includes an inspection stage for supporting a semiconductor wafer and an objective lens for observing the semiconductor wafer. For automatic focussing of the objective lens, a defocussing magnitude of a light spot is detected using a knife edge. A collimator lens is oscillated by a voice coil motor to oscillate the light spot on the wafer. A peak value of the defocussing quantity detected at this time is peak-held to generate a position detection signal. The inspection stage is vertically moved so that this position detection signal will be equal to a pre-set target value.