Abstract: An electrochemical cell that receives an inlet stream of air and produces an outlet stream of a high oxygen concentration of gas. The cell is made up of a plurality of layers and preferably a porous electrolyte comprised of yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) that allows only oxygen ions to pass therethrough and which is covered on its sides with electrodes comprised of lanthanum strontium manganate (LSM) which in turn are coated with a layer of platinum to aid in the even distribution of the electrical current. An electrical current is passed through the electrodes to produce a voltage difference therebetween. The layers of YSZ and LSM are formed by a sol-gel process.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for a chromatography system having a chromatographic column for separating gases in a mixture from one another and an electrochemical gas sensor coupled to the chromatographic column for detecting a gas being emitted from the column. The electrochemical gas sensor further includes a substrate having a surface for depositing electrodes thereon, an ionomer membrane in contact with the surface, an electrode in contact with the surface, and an opening in the ionomer membrane in a location proximate to the electrode for permitting a gas to diffuse through the opening to simultaneously contact the electrode and the ionomer membrane within the opening.

Abstract: A tea bag package including a filter container (7) for a product such as tee, comprising an envelope (1) to be opened, said envelope (1) enclosing the filter container (7), and a pull element (11) which is associated with the filter container (7) and can be pulled through an opening (4) in the envelope (1). The envelope comprises an external cover sheet fold (1), whose overlapping sheet portions (2) are releasably connected to each other, thus to hold the envelope (1) in a closed condition. The cover sheet fold (1) has an opening (4) at its back (3). The pull element is formed by a pull element fold (11) and comprises a back (13) which can be grasped as a grip member in the opening (4) of the cover element fold (1). The pull element fold (11) or its sheet portions (12) basically shield the opening (4) in a closed condition of the envelope.

Abstract: The invention relates to a smoking article package, which package comprises a sealed enclosure (1) around a charge of smoking articles and a sheet material wrap (7) disposed exteriorly of the enclosure (1). The sheet material wrap (7) is so configured as to provide means by which the first opening of the enclosure (1) cannot take place without the wrap (7) being torn or partially or fully removed.

Abstract: A fold open display box for storing and displaying objects such as toys comprises a transparent display window or a mesh screen and a fold open case. The window may be made of plastic or cellophane paper. Additional windows, with a protective transparent material covering each of the windows, located on other sides of the fold open display box may allow a full 360 degrees view of an object in the box.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dustbin receptacle (1), intended in particular for domestic use, comprising a bottom (2), a side wall (3) and an opening (5) opposite the bottom, characterized in that the receptacle (1) comprises a false bottom (6) delimiting with the bottom (2) a compartment (7) able to receive a reserve of bags, the false bottom being provided with an opening (8) allowing the passage of a single bag, the bags being joined successively to each other in a detachable manner, the removal of one bag previously positioned in the receptacle leading to the extraction of another bag from the compartment (7) until the separation of said two bags, and so on for the other bags.

Abstract: A packaging material includes a holding part that holds a plurality of recording sheets in a bundle without holding at least one end of the recording sheets and an extending part that extends from the holding part so as to cover at least part of one outer surface at the one end of the recording sheets that are held in the bundle by the holding part, with a friction coefficient of an inner surface of the extending part that contacts the recording sheets being approximately equal to a friction coefficient of the recording sheets. By packaging recording sheets with this packaging material, a pickup roller can come into contact with the end of the recording sheets and pick up the recording sheets one at a time while the recording sheets are still in a bundle by the holding part. In addition, the extending part is present as an underlay between the bottom plate and the final recording sheet, so that the recording sheets can be picked up one at a time right up to the final recording sheet.

Abstract: A crate for carrying glass panels comprises a longitudinal body frame consisting of a base, opposite side panels and opposite end panels and including supports extending vertically from the base for holding glass panels in the longitudinal direction of the frame. The supports are pivotally mounted to move between a vertical position to receive and hold the glass panels and a horizontal position in which the supports lie over the base once the glass panels have been removed. The side panels are inwardly foldable to rest over the supports once in their horizontal position. The end panels each include an upper end section inwardly foldable to rest over the side panels when folded over the supports and a fixed lower end section which is constructed to contact the end panels of superposed and underposed similarly constructed crates thereby allowing such crates to be vertically stacked when the glass supports, side panels and upper end sections of the end panels are in their folded position.

Abstract: A transport container for intraoral imaging plates comprising a base member and a cover member, the base member and the cover member each defining a cavity, each of the cavities being completely filled with partially resilient padding, such that when the base and the cover are brought into foldable contact, the padding comes in contact with the respective opposing padding with slight compression thereby gently holding in place any imaging plates that may have been removed from their barrier envelope and placed on the padding, the closing of the cover and base defining a lightless area for the transport of the intraoral imaging plates, the padding also cooperative with the imaging plates and the user's finger tips to insure that the transported intraoral imaging plates may be removed from the padded surface without engaging the exposed side of the imaging plate, but rather, engaging the edges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging for a communication terminal cover provided with a keymat. The packaging is provided with a foldable part that holds the keymat in a relative position to the terminal cover.

Abstract: A diaper bag body according to the present invention includes a bag body 1, and a storage pocket 10 disposed on a back surface 1a facing a user's back of the bag body 1. A folded sheet 13 such as a sheet for changing diapers is contained in the storage pocket 10. A small bag 2 is attached to a front surface 1b of the bag body 1.

Abstract: A flexible purse or wallet has at least one compartment for storing at least one flat object therein; and an attachable surface thereon, which permits removably attaching at least one small item thereto.

Abstract: A combination valve support and sealing element is used in a filter cartridge in which the filter cartridge includes a filter element within a housing closed by an end plate having a central opening surrounded by an array of radial openings spaced a fixed radial distance from one another. The valve support and sealing element is comprised of a unitary body having an annular sealing lip for sealing with the end cap of the filter element, which sealing lip deflects under oil pressure to allow oil to bypass the filter element if the filter media of the filter element is clogged. An anti-drainback valve is provided by a radial flange projecting from the unitary body, which radial flange overlies the spaced radial openings and prevents fluid from flowing back out of the spaced radial openings when not under pressure. When the fluid is under pressure, the radially projecting flange deflects, allowing oil to flow past the flange, into the housing and through the filter element.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filter comprising a sealed vessel containing various filtering components and consisting of a vessel (2) closed with a lid (3) equipped with a removable connector (7) for a pipe (9) supplying water from the tank and a pipe (12) returning water to the tank, each of the connecting elements of the two pipes on the connector being provided with a valve allowing or preventing water to flow through, and the connector is equipped with means to be fixed on the lid. The connector (7) is equipped with a single means (19) for simultaneously actuating the valves mounted on the two pipes and the means fixing the connector (7) on the lid (3).

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for separating a surface layer of a liquid by a container submerged in the liquid. The container includes a bottom, a wall member, connected to the bottom and having a variable length, and a separating member, which is connected to the wall member and communicates with a space in the container via an opening. An overflow portion of the separating member is located below a free liquid surface of the surface layer and permits the flowing of liquid. A discharge conduit extends from the space for liquid discharge. A floating member, connected to the separating member, floats on the liquid outside the container and exerts a lifting force upon the separating member in a direction prolonging the wall member. A submerging member is connected to the separating member and located below the over flow portion.

Abstract: A filter cartridge is described for use in a system to remove impurities from the air. The cartridge has a filter section which may provide tortuous air flow channels between an inlet and an outlet of the filter section. The filter section may be formed from a pair of adjoined sheets with at least one of the sheets having an internally directed raised pattern thereon. This raised pattern spaces the adjoined sheets. The adjoined sheets may be rolled-up into a spiral shape and are positioned in the cartridge with said sheets paralleling an air flow direction through said filter section. It is also contemplated that the raised pattern of the adjoined sheets provide linear air flow channels but ones which are less than three millimeters in height. Alternatively, the filter section may comprise an open pore sponge or foam. The cartridge may be provided with an inlet closure plate having openings therein so as to impart turbulence to incoming air.

Abstract: The filter device (1) is especially used for mechanical cleansing of waste water and for water treatment. It is rotationally arranged in a container (2) and surrounded by the liquid to be filtered The filter device (1) comprises several filter elements (4) which arc arranged at a distance from each other, form segment-shaped filter modules (3) and are assembled to form a rotary filter. The individual filter elements (4) consist of filter plates which are used to divert the filtrate and which are provided with filters on both sides. The aim of the invention is to prevent solids from adhering to the filters during the filtering process. This is achieved by providing the rotary filter with a hollow area (14) that is connected to the container (2) via a suction inlet and which is scaled by means of a carrier plate (6) for the filter segments, and also by making the hollow area (14) cooperate with a now member. A pump blade wheel is used as a flow member.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for separation of suspended solid particles from fluids, for separation and mixing of fluids, and for dissolving gases in aqueous fluids. The apparatus employs a grooved ring to divide the fluid stream and impart a high velocity on each of the divided or sub-streams. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be spiral in shape is used to create a high velocity circular motion on a divided stream for separation of suspended solid particles by centrifugal force in a cyclone filter and for saturation of liquid with gases in a fluid mixer where gases are introduced through a diffuser. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be radial is used in a fluid mixer to divide a stream of fluid, produce a high velocity flow through each groove, introduce a second fluid through an orifice into the first fluid flowing through each groove, and direct the fluid mixture to a center impact zone where the various streams collide to complete the mixing.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for treating wastewater having bio-solids therein. The system includes a tank, a wastewater inlet line, an effluent discharge outlet line, and an aeration source. The tank has an upper aeration chamber and a lower clarification chamber separated by a common inclined partition having an opening defined therein. The inclined partition opens into the lower clarification chamber near a bottom of the tank which allows fluid communication between the upper aeration chamber and the lower clarification chamber. The bottom of the tank has a bio-sludge outlet for removal of settled bio-solids. The wastewater inlet line opens into the aeration chamber and an intake end of the effluent discharge outlet line is positioned within the clarification chamber. The aeration source is positioned within the aeration chamber to supply air to the wastewater within the aeration chamber.

Abstract: There are disclosed a bioreactor carrier comprising a (A) water swellable thermoplastic resin, preferably water swellable thermoplastic polyurethane resin and a (B) compatible resin with the resin as the component (A), and as the case may be, a (C) inorganic filler, characterized in that the degree of volumetric swelling of said carrier is controlled within the range of 120 to 3000%, and that the specific gravity of said carrier on swelling in water is controlled within the range of 1.02 to 2.12; a process for producing the bioreactor carrier; and a process for denitrifying treatment of organic waste water which comprises nitrifying and denitrifying nitrogen components in the organic waste water with microbes by using the above bioreactor carrier. The bioreactor carrier has high physical strength, can be readily produced and uniformly fluidized in a reactor, and enables microbial and enzymatic reactions to be effectively performed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of biological treatment of wastewater by means of activated sludge, wherein the wastewater is introduced first into an acrated activated sludge tank (B tank) and then by turns into one of several sedimentation and recirculation tanks (SU tanks), which are permanently linked with said B tank and in which a separation of activated sludge and clear water occurs, and after separation activated sludge is returned to the B tank and clear waters is drawn off; several times a day, in the SU tanks an operating cycle proceeds comprising a stirring phase (R phase), a pre-settling phase (V phase) and a discharge phase (A phase). In the R phase the activated sludge is remixed with the water, in the V phase the activated sludge settles down and in the A phase clear water is drawn off (single basin technique).

Abstract: An apparatus is described for withdrawing filtered permeate from a substrate contained in a reservoir at ambient pressure. The apparatus includes a plurality of membrane assemblies. Each assembly has a plurality of hollow fiber filtering membranes, immersed in the reservoir, at least one permeating header with the membranes sealingly secured therein, and a permeate collector to collect the permeate sealingly connected to the at least one permeating header and in fluid communication with lumens of the membranes. The membranes of each assembly extend generally vertically upwards from a first header during permeation. One or more sources of suction are provided in fluid communication with the lumens of the membranes of each assembly through the permeate collectors and apply sufficient suction to withdraw permeate from the lumens of the membranes. An aeration system for discharging bubbles assists in keeping the membranes clean.

Abstract: A portable filtration assembly includes a housing containing a water inlet port and a water outlet port and a sub-micron filter disposed in the housing having hydrophilic sub-micron rated membrane filter elements. The sub-micron filter is configured to effect a six log reduction of bacteria (99.9999%) and a four log reduction of protozoa (99.99%) at a flow rate between 10-30 mL/sec requiring a pressure of 1.5-10 psi. The assembly also includes structure for venting air through the hydrophilic sub-micron rated membrane filter elements. The assembly may additionally include a monolithic radial flow carbon composite filter also disposed in the housing. The monolithic radial flow carbon composite filter is configured for removing at least 80% of chlorine and at least 90% of lead over a minimum of forty gallons at a flow rate of 10 mL/sec at a pressure drop of 10 psi or less.

Abstract: Process for the production of a hydrofluoroalkane, according to which hydrofluoroalkane comprising organic impurities is subjected to at least two distillations.

Abstract: A method for manipulating small particles in a microfluidic system wherein a fluid flow through a tolerance of the microfluidic system is used to capture large particles, which are then used, in turn, to capture small particles.

Abstract: A method of removing synthetic hydrophobic resinous particles from a waste treatment process in which an aqueous cellulosic suspension is formed from waste cellulosic material in a pulping stage, passing the cellulosic suspension to a separation stage in which particles of ink and/or synthetic hydrophobic resinuous materials are separated from the cellulosic suspension, and optionally subjecting the cellulosic suspension to a washing stage and/or thickening stage to provide a treated pulp, in which process water from the separation stage and/or washing and/or thickening stages is clarified in a clarification stage in which suspended solids, comprising synthetic hydrophobic resinous particles are removed, and the clarified water is fed to the pulping stage in a clarification loop and/or combined with the treated pulp, wherein a water soluble cationic polymer is added to the process water at or prior to the clarification stage, characterised in that the water soluble cationic polymer formed from a monomer blend

Abstract: Mineral contaminants are removed from water in a system in which water is sprayed into an air head at the top of a tank through a diffuser and withdrawn through a pick-up tube. A solenoid valve operates to allows air from a compressor to flow into the top of the tank through a shuttle valve which is opened by the air pressure. Simultaneously a drain valve connected to the shuttle valve opens a drain, venting water and air from the tank. The shuttle valve, closed by the solenoid valve, closes the air supply line and connecting the shuttle valve to atmosphere, and pressure within the aeration tank can close the shuttle valve, which causes closing of the drain valve. The part of the valve which opens the drain is made responsive to excess pressure within the air tank to open the drain and so acts as a pressure relief valve.

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and a method for supplying ozonated water to more than one process tool. Ozonated water of a first concentration received from an ozonated water generator and water received from a source are mixed to produce ozonated water of a second concentration. The ozonated water of a second concentration is supplied to a first process tool. Ozonated water from the ozonated water generator is supplied to a second process tool while supplying the ozonated water of the second concentration to the first process tool.

Abstract: By treating potable water at a temperature of at least 230° C. (446° C.) and at a pressure at least equal to the pressure of saturated steam at said temperature, can produce pyrogen-free water using treatment times of 0.05 to 5 seconds or less. The addition of an oxidant, in the form of a gas, a liquid, or a solid, further decreases the required treatment time to less than 0.05 second. The reduction in equipment size achieved with this rapid treatment time allows the utilization of treatment units small enough to be easily transported to remote locations or installed in the restricted space environment existing in ships and submarines.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for treating water by skimming, the apparatus comprising:

Abstract: A mobile chamber has an inlet for receiving polluted water and an outlet for pollution-free water to flow out. A mobile trap operating system includes an output pump, an input pump, a pollution tank, and a liquid tank, all operably connected to the chamber. Within the chamber is a collection reservoir with a skimming edge for skimming off floating pollutants such as motor oil, other hydrocarbons, and detergents. Alternative embodiments include a screen, baffles, and/or pivotal filter for further separating the pollutants from the water. A method for separating the pollutants from the water includes directing the water from the water tank at the pollutants and into a collection pool of polluted water, drawing the polluted water into the chamber, receiving the skimmed pollutants from the collection reservoir into the pollution tank, and receiving the pollutant-free liquid from the chamber into the liquid tank.

Abstract: A method and device for dewatering most liquid/solid solutions and slurries is described. A dewatering device having a dewatering pump in fluid communication with a filter rack with vertically arrayed filter elements that is carried by a container. To begin the dewatering process, the filter rack is lowered to the bottom of the container and the liquid/solid slurry is introduced. Next, the dewatering pump draws the liquid from the slurry into the filter rack and then to the pump. When dewatering efficiency decreases, the dewatering operation is momentarily stopped and the filter elements of the filter rack are backpulsed with air and raised to dislodge the filter cakes that have formed. The filter rack is then relowered and the dewatering operation continues. These steps of dewatering, backpulsing, raising the filter rack, and lowering filter rack are continued until the container is full of dewatered solids.

Abstract: A rack for supporting off the floor the side mounted motorcycle bags used to carry items on motorcycles while the bags are removed from the motorcycle such as for cleaning or storage. The rack is of a generally A-frame or saw horse configuration, having a main support frame which folds for more compact storage. The main support frame comprises a pair of upright frames which are pivotally connected to an upper longitudinal support member. The upright frames are inwardly inclined from vertical extending along the upper longitudinal support member. A bag mounting bracket assembly is connected to each of the upright frames for removably connecting and supporting one motorcycle bag, which bag mounting assemblies utilize at least some component parts used to mount the motorcycle bags to an actual motorcycle. A pair of trays are secured to a top portion of the main support member for holding various items during use.

Abstract: A dual band dishwasher clip which is suitable for retaining and preventing undesired movement of articles such as lightweight, typically plastic articles, in a dishwasher rack during operation of an automatic dishwasher. The dual band dishwasher clip includes a pair of dishwasher clip fasteners for engaging the dishwasher rack. An elastic band engages the dishwasher clip fasteners, and each of the dishwasher clip fasteners includes a rack-engaging mechanism for receiving the dishwasher rack and a pair of spaced-apart spacers provided on the rack-engaging mechanism and engaging the elastic band. The spacers define a pair of engaging band segments of the elastic band which extend between the dishwasher clip fasteners and engage and secure the articles in the dishwasher rack.

Abstract: A kitchen lid storage sack fabricated from series of fabric panels folded back upon itself in a U-shape forming a plurality of open mouth pockets, a rigid tube positioned in a pocket across the top of the sack comprising a sliding support for the sack positioned between a kitchen wall and the adjacent refrigerator wall. The sack is being supported by a stationary bar attached to the wall restricting the space between the wall and the refrigerator thereby permitting the sack to be freely moved horizontally in and out from between the wall for removal and insertion of pot lids in the plurality of pockets.

Abstract: A product display assembly for use with an upwardly extending support surface, such as a wing rack assembly having a surface defined by a plurality of spaced apart grid portions. A planar shaped and elongate extending back panel includes a plurality of apertures formed therethrough at spaced apart intervals, the apertures receiving inserting and engaging ends of product display hangers. First and second side panels are provided, each likewise planar shaped and elongate extending, and each further exhibiting an arcuate shape in cross section. Clasp portions are defined along the arcuate extending edges of the side panels and receivingly engage opposite extending side edges of the back panel insertingly received between inwardly facing surfaces of the clasp portions. Spaced apart and opposing channel defining portions extend from outwardly facing surfaces of the side panels for supporting and displaying advertisement placards.

Abstract: Pairs of elongated rigid rollers are spaced apart and supported by flexible webbing hung from rafters or a ceiling or interior roof of a vehicle. The rollers have a rubberized coating to secure surfboards, kayaks, ladders, or other long objects while loading, unloading, and storing the objects. A more or less vertical pair of webbing supports hang by rings on hooks from rafters or a ceiling. Other strips of webbing are attached horizontally and in a criss-crossed pattern between spaced apart pairs of vertical webbing supports. The webbing may be adjustable in length.

Abstract: A clothes dryer includes a retractable pole and a plurality of grooves are defined in an outer surface of the pole so that a plurality of legs pivotably connected to a lower end of the pole can be received in the grooves. A plurality of clothes rods are received in a top end of the pole and limited by a limit cover in the top end of the pole. The clothes rods can be pulled out from the top end of the pole by lifting the limit cover and are positioned horizontally so that clothes can be hung on the clothes rods.

Abstract: A control system includes an intuitively working remote control operating unit which has a first pair of control elements for controlling a movement of a hoist, in particular a trolley of a crane, in two opposite movement directions along an axis. One control element is assigned separately to one movement direction and the other control element assigned separately to the other opposite movement direction. The control elements are so disposed as to form a side-correct representation of the movement directions, wherein assignment of the control elements to the movement directions corresponds to an orientation of the operating unit in relation to a directed external field and is swapped, when the operating unit is oriented in opposite direction.

Abstract: In devices such as flat panel displays, an aluminum oxide layer is provided between an aluminum layer and an ITO layer when such materials would otherwise be in contact to protect the ITO from optical and electrical defects sustained, for instance, during anodic bonding and other fabrication steps. This aluminum oxide barrier layer is preferably formed either by: (1) partially or completely anodizing an aluminum layer formed over the ITO layer, or (2) an in situ process forming aluminum oxide either over the ITO layer or over an aluminum layer formed on the ITO layer. After either of these processes, an aluminum layer is then formed over the aluminum oxide layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for applying a structured insulating layer (14) onto a metal layer (12), in which insulation material (14) is applied onto the metal layer (12), overlayer material (16) is applied to the insulating layer (14) and insulating material (14) and overlayer material (16) are etched in a plasma etching process, the overlayer material (16) being structured following the application of insulating layer (14), and, following the structuring of overlayer material (16), a plasma etching process is carried out, a structured and planarized insulating layer (14) being created.

Abstract: A scroll type compressor comprises a stationary scroll and a rotary scroll which is assembled with the stationary scroll so as to define a closed space, the outer surface of the rotary scroll 22 is formed thereon with a tin compound film containing a tin compound and having a thickness of 50 &mgr;m. Such a coating film is never peeled off from a member even after long time operation, and is excellent in sealability and conformability, in the displacement type compressor.

Abstract: The manufacturing method of the semiconductor device provides reduction of the photoresist film distortion occurred in a development procedure and, as a result, makes measurement of the place difference of the photoresist mask correct. The manufacturing method of the semiconductor device to be published are those the photoresist film consisting the upper alignment-measuring mark is placed more than about 200 &mgr;m from an corner in device forming region formed adjoining scribing region, along with X-direction which is the measurement direction in scribing region formed on semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: An integrated in situ etch process performed in a multichamber substrate processing system having first and second etching chambers. In one embodiment the first chamber includes an interior surface that has been roughened to at least 100 Ra and the second chamber includes an interior surface that has a roughness of less than about 32 Ra. The process includes transferring a substrate having formed thereon in a downward direction a patterned photoresist mask, a dielectric layer, a barrier layer and a feature in the substrate to be contacted into the first chamber where the dielectric layer is etched in a process that encourages polymer formation over the roughened interior surface of the chamber. The substrate is then transferred from the first chamber to the second chamber under vacuum conditions and, in the second chamber, is exposed to a reactive plasma such as oxygen to strip away the photoresist mask deposited over the substrate.

Abstract: A method for forming a throughhole in an ink-jet print head of a bubble-jet system includes the steps of: forming a bubble-generator which is adjacent to a throughhole-forming region on one side of a substrate, and which includes a heater; forming a first mask layer for covering portions excluding the throughhole-forming region on a first side of the substrate; forming a second mask layer for covering portions excluding the throughhole-forming region on a second side of the substrate; forming a first well with a predetermined depth on the throughhole-forming region of the substrate not covered by the first mask layer by spraying sand under high pressure and at a high speed onto the first side of the substrate; forming a second well corresponding to the first well on the throughhole-forming region of the substrate not covered by the second mask layer by spraying sand under high pressure and at a high speed onto the second side of the substrate; forming a throughhole by overlap of the first well and the second

Abstract: A slurry collection device 1 includes a ring-shaped barrier member 2 provided around a turntable T of a polishing machine E and a ring-shaped slurry collection container 3 provided around the barrier member 2. The turntable T is connected to an upper end of a main rotation shaft T1 that sticks out from a bottom portion of a sink S of the polishing machine E and is lifted from the bottom portion of the sink S. The slurry collection device 1 of the present invention is inserted between the turntable T and the sink S.

Abstract: A stud welder utilizing a frequency inverter which is capable of delivering in access of 1000 A for a short duration of about 1 second using double-sided cooled power semiconductors. The inverter can deliver constant power to the stud circuit or the arc, sense the progress of the stud process, and stop the process if the forecast for an acceptable stud will not be achieved, and detected sufficiently early that the current has not created a stud that can not be removed and repeated. The stud welder also has a circuit capable of delivering a high voltage pulse capable of penetrating paint covering the base metal, and thereby enabling better stud welding to painted material. The stud welder and method also monitor the ending energy delivered and adjust it to the energy required. The stud welder further has a battery or capacitor storage device to reduce the fuse size used by storing the energy needed when a stud is formed by charging the storage device when no power is needed.

Abstract: A laser-marking system that emits a laser beam through an acousto-optic deflector and onto a product to form dot-markings on the product. The acousto-optic deflector defects the laser beam depending on the frequency emitted to the acousto-optic deflector. A controller controls the laser to emit a laser beam when desired, and controls a digital frequency synthesizer to emit the desired frequency to the acousto-optic deflector. The user and/or controller may configure the laser-marking system to determine the efficiency of the acousto-optic deflector to determine correct amplitudes of dot frequencies to give the desired dot intensity on a product. Theses amplitudes are stored in memory as dot-marking profiles. The controller access the dot-marking profile to print dot markings onto products as desired. The user and/or the controller may also control scaling, vertical placement and overlapping of dot markings printed onto products.

Abstract: A solenoid control and safety circuit suitable for use in connection with contact start, plasma-arc torches. The system monitors a voltage to determine when to open an air control solenoid as part of a contact starting process. If a proper voltage is sensed, a gas solenoid is opened to allow airflow to separate the contact starting elements. The system also includes a circuit that monitors a gas pressure switch to determine whether sufficient pressure exists to separate the contact start elements after a contact start process has been initiated. The circuit removes power if it senses insufficient pressure. Also disclosed is a circuit that monitors a differential voltage between the electrode and the tip to determine if the elements remain in contact after airflow has been provided to the torch head.

Abstract: A non-copper-plated solid wire for CO2 gas shielded arc welding. The non-copper-plated solid wire for CO2 gas shielded arc welding with excellent feedability ensures a reduced amount of generated spatters when welded at a relatively low current area, resulting from controlling the ten point average roughness (Rz) of the wire surface to 0.10 to 9.00 &mgr;m and the Vickers micro-hardness of the wire surface (Hv(1 g)) to 125 to 310. Therefore, the welding operation can be carried out with a high efficiency to produce a weld of good quality.