Abstract: A dish rack draining tray that includes a sloped trough having an exit end at the front side of the draining tray. The slope in the trough allows fluid to flow and discharge off the exit end of the trough on the front side of the draining tray. The draining tray includes one or more sloped surfaces that allow the fluid collected on the sloped surfaces to run off into the sloped trough. These sloped surfaces also support a dish rack on a horizontal plane.

Abstract: The present invention includes a rack for storing panels, comprising a base having a top surface, a rear structure vertically extending from the base, a plurality of supports in at least one of the top surface of the base and the rear structure for supporting the panels in a vertical position, and a plurality of arms extending from the rear structure for engaging top edges of the panels to retain the panels in the vertical position. The present invention therefore allows for easy and selective access to a desired panel, or small group of panels, regardless of the number and disposition of the other panels within the rack. A method for storing panels within a rack is also presented.

Abstract: A magnetic tool holder includes two spaced-apart positioning seats, each of which has two opposite first and second faces, two lateral sides interconnecting the faces, two positioning slots that open respectively at the lateral sides, and a screw hole extending from the second face to the first face, an elongate magnetic frame unit including at least one bar with two opposite ends inserted fittingly into one of the positioning slots in a corresponding positioning seat and a magnet unit mounted fixedly on the bar, and a plurality of fastening units extending respectively into the screw holes in the positioning seats to fasten fixedly the positioning seats on an object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stackable storage racks and modular storage systems, which particularly includes a product holding element which is stackable with a second similar element, the element having a member which is adapted to support and be resiliently clipped to a member of the second element, the resilience being provided by the flexibility of the element's construction. The invention also provides a modular storage system comprising at least two similar product holding elements which are stackable one on top of another.

Abstract: A hanger trolley for supporting and transporting hanger-hung garments in a vertical and horizontal position is provided. The hanger trolley includes a load carrying member for carrying the at least one article, the load carrying member having a free end and rotating end; and first and second coupling members for coupling each end of the load carrying member to the rail system, wherein the first coupling member is detachable from the load carrying member and the second coupling member enables the load carrying member to be positioned in two different orientations.

Abstract: A folding frame comprises four vertical legs and at least one shelf pivotally connected to each of the four vertical legs, each shelf being capable of folding vertically upward. The folding frame further comprises two support beams positioned beneath and on opposite ends of each shelf, each support beam being pivotally connected to two of the four vertical legs and capable of folding horizontally inward. The folding frame is moveable between an extended position with each shelf being horizontal and supported by two of the support beams, and a collapsed position with each shelf being folded vertically upward and the support beams being folded horizontally inward.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide structure that can be installed within a warehouse-type rack to convert the rack for use as a merchandise and display rack. In this manner, warehouse-type racks can be provided with a greater degree of adjustability to accommodate a larger number of shelving and product storage and display configurations. The structure installed within a warehouse-type rack can include secondary uprights connected to secondary front-rear stretchers. Preferably, the connections between the secondary uprights and the secondary front-rear stretchers are adjustable so that the secondary uprights can be secured in different positions within the warehouse-type rack. In some embodiments, the secondary uprights can be secured in different front-rear positions in the rack and/or can be secured in different vertical positions with respect to the secondary front-rear stretchers.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the demountable assembly of latticework jib elements comprising upper and lower chords connected to one another by means of triangulation bars. In the region of the upper chords, there is provided an assembly by shackle, tenon and a connecting shaft, with abutment and relative positioning means. In the region of the lower chords, there are provided centering pegs and a locking assembly consisting of two connections spaced apart and having clamping and locking means. This device is used for assembling the jib elements and counterjib elements of tower cranes, in particular those having a jib without a masthead and without a tie.

Abstract: A crane for installation in window openings, on landings, truck bodies, shells of buildings etc., where a crane jib is equipped with bearing means for rotatable co-operation with a pivot arranged on a fixed part of a fixing bracket and at least one movable part of the fixing bracket, which movable part is designed to be fastened to the fixed part.

Abstract: A lifting assembly comprising parallel guides (18, 20), a carriage (26, 28) associated with each parallel guide (18, 20) and movable along the length of the parallel guides, a displacement arm (40) pivotally connected to each carriage (26, 28) and pivotally supporting a bridge (14), preferably a trolley (13) located on the bridge (14) including attachment means (12) for supporting a lifting device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cover for a coupling head to protect a coupling head (12), particularly the moving components found therein, against environmental influences such as dirt, snow, icing and mechanical shocks. The functioning of the coupling head cover is such that an automatic coupling process between two vehicles is further guaranteed. A shroud (6) is provided, which may be pivoted from a working or uncoupled position, in which the shroud (6) is arranged in an essentially vertical position in front of the coupling head (6), into a rest or coupled position above the coupling (11). A jointed arrangement (7,B,C,D) is provided for pivoting the shroud (6), connected to both the shroud (6) and the coupling (11) or a frame (9) arranged on the coupling (11).

Abstract: A plastic container for beverages to replace a container having a round flange with a round flange diameter and which is adapted to be conveyed by air along a track with inwardly extending track rails spaced from one another a set distance. The plastic container replacing the replaced container without significant modifications to the conveying system including the inwardly extending track rails of the track. The container including a central axis, an upper mouth portion, a neck portion coaxial to the axis with a diameter, a cylindrical sidewall, a lower base and an anti-rotation flange below the upper mouth portion having a polygonal peripheral edge with a shape including a plurality of flats and a plurality of apexes each located between adjacent flats. Each apex being diametrically opposite one of the flats. The peripheral edge having a diametrical distance between each of the apexes and the flat opposite the apex.

Abstract: The plastic capsule, especially for large-volume bottles for use in dispensers, includes an openable zone (4) which is accessible from the outside and closed by a cap (3) is externally protected by a disc (5) which is made in a single piece with the capsule. The cap (3) is peripherally connected to the openable zone by easy-break ribs (6) and also by a thin annular skin (6a) which hermetically closes an annular space existing between the upper surface (1a) of the capsule and the disc (5).

Abstract: The invention is a device and a method for remotely peeling off a peelable seal, using only one or two pieces of flexible material, allowing the container to be placed in the pouring position, and the delivery orifice to be inserted into a receiving port, all the while sealed; then once in the receiving port, to be unsealed, so as not to spill any fluid outside the receiving port.

Abstract: A closure (10) that is suitable for attachment to a container (20) having an end portion defining an opening of the container. The closure (10) comprises a top portion (11) and a skirt portion (12) depending from the top portion. The closure (10) also has a sealing rib (14) having a first sealing portion (15) which is contiguous with the top portion (11). The first portion (15) has an inner surface made up of at least a first substantially cylindrical surface portion (17) lying radially inwardly of the first surface portion (17). The rib (14) further includes a second sealing portion (16) that is separated from the top portion (11) by the first portion (15) and which, prior to attachment of the closure to the container, extends inwardly to a free edge. The closure (10) further has a continuous nub member (28) extending downwardly and outwardly from the underside of the top portion (11) and positioned radially inwardly of the first sealing portion (15).

Abstract: A stopper for sealing a bottle comprising a core having a top surface, a bottom surface and one or more side surfaces and an enclosure that covers the bottom surface and the one or more side surfaces of the core. The seal between the stopper and the inner surface of the neck of the bottle is formed with a radially protruding sealing member that circumferentially engages the enclosure. The core may be made of materials selected from cork, synthetic cork, material that simulates cork or from combinations thereof. The core may also be made of other materials that may create a pleasing design for a particular application or need. The sealing member may be an O-ring that may be received by an O-ring gland formed in the enclosure or the sealing member may be injection molded with the enclosure, wherein the sealing member and the enclosure form an integral piece.

Abstract: A closure for receptacles such as bottles which includes a solid cylindrical core. The cylindrical core includes a helically or spirally shaped frangible structure along which the cylindrical core can be pulled, stripped, unwound or torn apart. The closures can be pressed into receptacles using conventional methods. To remove the closures, one pulls, strips or tears the cylindrical core apart.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an exemplary apparatus and method are provided for electropolishing a conductive film on a wafer. An apparatus includes a wafer chuck for holding a wafer, an actuator for rotating the wafer chuck, and a nozzle configured to electropolish the wafer. The apparatus may further include a conductive ring or a shroud. A method of electropolishing a conductive film on a wafer includes rotating a wafer chuck with sufficient speed such that electrolyte fluid incident upon the wafer flows on the surface of the wafer towards the edge of the wafer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a storage node contact of a semiconductor device. The method includes the steps of: depositing sequentially a conductive layer, a nitride layer and a polysilicon layer on a substrate having an insulating structure and a conductive structure; etching selectively the polysilicon layer, the nitride layer and the conductive layer to form a plurality of conductive patterns with a stack structure of the conductive layer and a dual hard mask including the polysilicon layer and the nitride layer; forming an insulation layer along a profile containing the conductive patterns; and etching the insulation layer by using a line type photoresist pattern as an etch mask to form a contact hole exposing the conductive structure disposed between the neighboring conductive patterns.

Abstract: A metal layer 12 of aluminum or an aluminum alloy is formed on at least one side of a ceramic substrate 10, and a resist 14 having a predetermined shape is formed on the metal layer 12. Then, an etchant of a mixed solution prepared by mixing ferric chloride with water without adding any acids is used for etching and removing an undesired portion of the metal layer 12 to form a metal circuit 12 on the at least one side of the ceramic substrate 10.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microfluidic structure, in particular a biochip, said method consisting at least:

Abstract: A substrate (wafer) processing method capable of producing an ink jet recording head substrate in which the reverse surface thereof, that is, the surface having the larger of the two openings of the ink supply hole, is precisely covered by protective film to the very edge of the hole, comprising: a step for forming protective film on the substrate; a step for etching the surface of the protective film; a step for forming etching resistant film on the etched surface of the protective film; a step for forming an ink supply hole pattern through the etchant-resistant film and protective film; a step for forming the ink supply hole through the substrate by etching; a step for removing the portion of the protective film left projecting into the ink supply hole while forming the ink supply hole; and a step for removing the etchant-resistant film.

Abstract: This invention offers a method to improve-etching resistance of etching mask upon etching comprising steps of forming a pattern on a substrate by using photoresist, applying a composition for forming an etching protection layer containing water-soluble or water-dispersible resin, crosslinking agent and water and/or water-soluble organic solvent as a solvent, forming etching protection layer which is insoluble in a developer containing water in the interface between a composition for forming an etching protection layer and a photoresist by heating, removing by a developer unnecessary area excluding etching protection layer made of a composition for forming an etching protection layer, and treating a substrate by etching using photoresist pattern as a mask.

Abstract: Methods of surface finishing a component useful for a plasma processing apparatus are provided. The component includes at least one plasma-exposed quartz glass surface. The method includes mechanically polishing, chemically etching and cleaning the plasma-exposed surface to achieve a desired surface morphology. Quartz glass sealing surfaces of the component also can be finished by the methods. Plasma-exposed surface and sealing surfaces of the same component can be finished to different surface morphologies from each other.

Abstract: A wafer edge etching apparatus and method for etching an edge of a semiconductor wafer including a bottom electrode, arranged below the semiconductor wafer and acting as a stage to support the semiconductor wafer. A method of etching a semiconductor wafer including inserting a semiconductor wafer into a chamber, increasing a pressure in the chamber, supplying at least one etchant gas to the chamber while further increasing the pressure, supplying power to the chamber and etching the semiconductor wafer at the edge bead or the backside of the semiconductor wafer, discontinuing the power and the etchant gas, venting the chamber with a venting gas, and purging the venting gas from the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for establishing endpoint during an alternating cyclical etch process or time division multiplexed process. A substrate is placed within a plasma chamber and subjected to an alternating cyclical process having an etching step and a deposition step. A variation in plasma emission intensity is monitored using known optical emission spectrometry techniques. An amplitude information is extracted from a complex waveform of the plasma emission intensity using an envelope follower algorithm. The alternating cyclical process is discontinued when endpoint is reached at a time that is based on the monitoring step.

Abstract: A plasma processing method and apparatus are provided for processing the surface of a semiconductor device or the like through the effect of plasma. A pulsed plasma discharge is performed by switching on and off the high frequency electric power for generating the plasma with a specified off period of the plasma generation, to control an inflow amount of positive and negative charges to sparse and dense portions of device patterns and suppress an electric potential on a gate oxide film. Thereby, a highly accurate etching process with no charging damage can be carried out.

Abstract: A method of making, and the resultant mask, comprises developing resist layers over surfaces of a masking layer to transfer significantly reduced sized openings within glass masters attached to the surfaces of the masking layer into the resist layers. These significantly reduced sized openings within the resist layers are then transferred into the masking layer within a first etch bath by simultaneously monitoring and controlling both etchant activity and concentration of a byproduct within the etch bath formed between the masking material and the etchant. The openings may be etched to completion within the first etch bath, or alternatively, the openings may be etched to a pre-finished image size. Wherein the openings are etched to a pre-finished image size, the masking layer is immersed into a second etch bath for further micro-etching of these openings to a final desired image size.

Abstract: A method of forming a planarized layer on a substrate, where the substrate is cleaned, and the layer is formed having a surface with high portions and low portions. A resistive mask is formed over the low portions of the layer, but not over the high portions of the layer. The surface of the layer is etched, where the high portions of the layer are exposed to the etch, but the low portions of the layer underlying the resistive mask are not exposed to the etch. The etch of the surface of the layer is continued until the high portions of the layer are at substantially the same level as the low portions of the layer, thereby providing an initial planarization of the surface of the layer. The resistive mask is removed from the surface of the layer, and all of the surface of the layer is planarized to provide a planarized layer.

Abstract: An invention is provided for a chemical mechanical planarization apparatus. The apparatus includes a cylindrical frame, a polishing membrane attached to an end of the cylindrical frame, and a pad support disposed within the cylindrical frame and below the polishing membrane that is capable of differentially flexing the polishing membrane. The pad support can be air bearing that provides air pressure to the polishing membrane to differentially flex the polishing membrane during a CMP process. In a further aspect, the pad support can be in contact with the polishing membrane, and include mechanical elements that are capable of differentially flexing the polishing membrane during a CMP process. In addition, the apparatus can include a conditioner element disposed above the polishing membrane, and a conditioner pad support disposed below the polishing membrane and the conditioner element, wherein the conditioner element is capable of eroding the polishing membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for a switching tube with a fixed and movable contact part, said movable contact part being controlled by a plastic switch rod (SS) which remains substantially unstressed when the contact parts are connected or disconnected and the force of the contact spring (KF) when the contact parts are connected is approximately fully exerted on the movable contact part of the switching tube. The actuating lever and the pendulum lever are replaced by drive levers (AH, AH′) having a triangular contour and which are fitted with a pivoting rotational bearing (SL . . . ) in each corner area, said drive levers (AH . . .

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying a continuous source of wire includes a base supporting at least first and second sources of wire, a wire joining apparatus adjacent the base configured to weld a first wire from the first source with a second wire from the second source and a swing arm apparatus adjacent the first and second sources of wire. The swing arm apparatus may comprise a swing arm assembly configured to position a source cover over the second source of wire upon depletion of a feed wire in the first source of wire.

Abstract: A welding device and a welding method for butt welding two pipes to be welded are provided. The welding device comprises a welding device body, having an electrode unit with a welding electrode and a fixing clamp for holding the pipes to be welded; and electrode position indicating means for indicating a position of the welding electrode with respect to the pipes to be welded. The electrode position indicating means is capable of irradiating an indicating light to the pipes to be welded at the position corresponding to the welding electrode. Therefore, the positions of the butt edge surfaces of the pipes and the welding electrode can be easily and correctly consistent so as to perform a good welding.

Abstract: Spark erosion system for removing connection elements from a structure (W, 60), having a drill head (3) [(4)?], a rotational drive (10) by means of which a tool is caused to rotate, a positioning system (15) for moving the tool as well as a process control (48) for controlling the overall system, the system comprising an energy unit (30) and an electric circuit, and in that, furthermore, the tool is a tube electrode (5) through whose interior (5a) a dielectric can be guided to the surface (61a) of the connection element (61) to be detached, which surface (61a) faces the interior (7a), in order to cause a voltage between the tube electrode (5) and the connection element (61) to be detached, for implementing a spark erosion.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the gap between an upper nozzle of a wire electric discharge machine includes placing a spacer member of a known thickness between a forward end of the upper nozzle and a workpiece. The forward end of the upper nozzle is brought into contact with the spacer member, so that the forward end of the upper nozzle is prevented from coming into direct contact with the workpiece. A Z-axis position of the upper nozzle is controlled on the basis of the thickness of the spacer member and the desired nozzle gap to set the gap between the forward end of the upper nozzle and the workpiece to a predetermined value. In controlling the Z-axis position of the upper nozzle, correction is made to compensate for a deformation of the upper guide, the spacer member, the workpiece, and the upper nozzle, and/or for a displacement of the upper guide resulting from a pressure of a working fluid.

Abstract: The invention is characterized in that the indexing and de-indexing device comprises an electric step motor (19) controlling, via a screw-nut type mechanical transmission (18), a sliding indexing pin (15) moving between an abutting position against the fixed indexed arm (3) and a position spaced apart from the fixed indexed arm (3), said electric motor being controlled by a management electronic module (20) designed to receive a control signal (22) and, in response to the reception of said signal, to power the motor (19) and provide controlled displacement of the indexing pin (15). The invention is applicable to electrically-driven welding pliers.

Abstract: A resistance welding tip assembly having a welding tip support to which a welding tip is secured. A sleeve is constructed of an electrical insulating material, such as ceramic, and the sleeve includes a throughbore along a preset axis. The sleeve is slidably mounted to the welding tip support along the preset axis between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the welding tip support. A compression spring disposed between the welding tip support and the sleeve urges the sleeve towards its extended position. The welding tip extends through the sleeve throughbore and is of the same size and cross-sectional shape as the sleeve. Furthermore, when the sleeve is in its extended position, a free end of the welding tip is recessed within the sleeve throughbore. Conversely, when the sleeve is in its retracted position, the free end of the welding tip is adjacent a free end of the sleeve and accessible for a welding operation.

Abstract: An copper alloy material having a structure in which fine particles with a mean particle size of 50 nm or less have precipitated in a structure composed of fibrous crystal grains with a minor axis length of 10 &mgr;m or less which are composed of subgrains with a mean grain size of 3 &mgr;m or less is obtained by extruding an alloy material represented by a general formula Cubal.Xa (wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cr, Zr, Fe, P, and Ag; a is 1.5% by weight or less, and the balance is Cu comprising unavoidable impurities) at an extrusion ratio of 4 or higher and at a temperature of 300 to 600° C. The copper alloy material is preferably heat treated at a temperature of 350 to 700° C before and after the extrusion.

Abstract: Accordingly, a method of suppressing energy spikes is provided comprising projecting a laser beam through a mask having a slit pattern comprising a corner region with edges, and a blocking feature with the corner region to reduce energy spikes projected on a substrate. An alternative method is provided, wherein the corner region is modified such that it is replaced by a more tapered shaped region, preferably a triangle. Also provided, are a variety of mask designs incorporating both corner regions, with and without one or more blocking features, and triangular regions, with or without one or more blocking features. The mask designs provide examples of mask modifications that may be used to reduce energy spikes.

Abstract: A welding apparatus spot welds two or more overlapping sheets having a coating, such as zinc coated steel or aluminum alloy with an oxide coating. A hole is formed in the upper sheet at the desired point of spot welding. A clamping cup of a plasma arc passes surrounds the hole and contacts the upper surface of the upper sheet. The torch heats the sheet, allowing entrapped vapors in the coating on the lower sheet to vent freely. Filler wire is added to fill the hole and to secure the overlapping sheets together. If the overlapping sheets are zinc coated steel, preferably the filler wire is copper based.

Abstract: The invention provides a welding device (10) using a power laser beam (22), the device (10) being miniaturized, the device (10) being suitable for being moved very close to the surface (52a) of the part (52) to be welded and of reaching welding zones that are difficult to access, but without vapor and particles of molten metal (56) being capable of penetrating into the inside and dirtying the optical components (28, 48, 46). Such a device is remarkable in that it includes a feed (26) of gas under pressure suitable for producing a primary flow of gas (50) leaving via the front opening (20) together with the laser beam (22), and in that it also includes a nozzle (60) connectable to a source of gas under pressure, said nozzle (60) producing a secondary flow of gas (62) sweeping the front opening (20) transversely, thereby deflecting the primary flow of gas (50) laterally.

Abstract: A gear pump having an inner rotor and an outer rotor is covered by a cylindrical outer casing and side casings. The cylindrical outer casing has two outer circumferential edges which are welded over the entire circumference thereof to the outer edges of the side casings, respectively. The outer casing has two angularly spaced recesses in its inner periphery for receiving slide seals therein. Welding is started at a welding start point which is 90 degrees spaced from the middle point between two recesses. During welding, welding energies are applied to the welding start point and the middle point between two recesses. Those energies tend to deform the casing into oval shapes that are 90 degrees out of phase from each other. Thus, these energies cancel each other, thereby preventing the casing from being deformed.

Abstract: In this method:

Abstract: Multiple cutting heads are provided in a single cutting cell whereby vibrations created in one cutting head is isolated from the other cutting head(s). Each cutting head is supported by separate support structures to prevent the transfer of vibration from one cutting head to another. The multi-head laser cell includes a series of support structures that are staggered with respect to each other so that the lasers are isolated from each other. In the preferred embodiment, each laser cutting head has a dynamic pre-programmed operating zone to prevent collisions with other cutting heads. The control system will have the proper communications needed to coordinate motion used to develop the dynamic pre-programmed operating zone. Furthermore, the laser cutting heads preferably have multi-axes motion control; e.g., five axis motion control.

Abstract: The present invention is a low heat energy input repair system. The system utilizes a V-shaped feedstock that conforms to the shape of grooves in damaged parts. The V-shape of the feedstock conforms closely to the damaged region of various components and reduces the heat input needed to bond the surfaces. The repair system is deployable onsite, at a military depot, industrial manufacturing facility or other location where a mobile repair system would be beneficial. The present system provides onsite, in-situ, low heat input repair of wear, fatigue and corrosion cracks, or impact surface damage of large components. The present invention is particularly useful for components with thin walls and results in low distortion.

Abstract: Various laser shock processing methods are provided to establish selective compressive residual stress distribution profiles within a workpiece. An asymmetrical stress distribution profile may be formed through the thickness of a thin section of a gas turbine engine airfoil. One method involves simultaneously irradiating a workpiece with a set of laser beams to form a corresponding set of adjacent non-overlapping laser shock peened surfaces, enabling the shockwaves to encounter one another. Additionally, opposite sides of the workpiece may be irradiated at different times to form opposing laser shock peened surfaces, enabling the shockwaves to meet at a location apart from the mid-plane. Furthermore, opposite sides of the workpiece may be irradiated simultaneously using laser beams having different pulse lengths to form opposing laser shock peened surfaces. Moreover, opposite sides of the workpiece may be irradiated simultaneously to form a set of laterally offset laser shock peened surfaces.

Abstract: The method according to the invention of connecting a metal fastening element (1) to a metal workpiece (5), wherein the fastening element (1) comprises a carrier (2), which carries a solder material (3), to which the carrier (2) is connected in an electrically conductive manner, comprises the following process steps: the solder material (3) is introduced into an indentation (8) in the carrier (2) and provided with a convex contour (4) directed towards the workpiece (5) to be soldered; a voltage is applied between the fastening element (1) and the workpiece (5) so an electrical arc (6) between solder material (3) and workpiece (5) effects a selective melting-on of the solder material (3); the fastening element (1) is pressed against the workpiece (5).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for initiating an arc (e.g., a welding arc) by directing a beam of electromagnetic radiation at an ionizable chemical placed on the surface of a workpiece, on the torch or some other location in proximity to the gap between the torch and the workpiece. This is done while a potential difference is applied between an electrode of the torch and the workpiece. The radiation vaporizes the chemical to form ionized gas that renders the gap between the electrode and the workpiece more conductive, thereby reducing the voltage threshold needed to initiate an arc between the electrode and the workpiece. When the voltage threshold reaches the level of the applied potential difference, the arc will be initiated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for initiating an arc (e.g., a welding arc) by placing liquid droplets containing ions in the gap between an electrode and a workpiece. This is done while a potential difference is applied between the electrode and the workpiece. The presence of the ions renders the gap between the electrode and the workpiece more conductive, thereby reducing the voltage threshold needed to initiate an arc between the electrode and the workpiece. When the voltage threshold reaches the level of the applied potential difference, the arc will be initiated.

Abstract: A short circuit arc welding system is disclosed. The control scheme uses a current command signal to drive the output current. The command signal is comprised of a long-term current command that sets the long-term current command level and a real-time or short-by-short current command. Arc voltage feedback is used to determine if the desired arc length is present and to adjust the long-term command. The short-by-short current command is derived from real-time arc current feedback and is used to control the burn-off rate by an instantaneous, or short-by-short, adjustment of the current command. A function of the time derivative of arc power, less the time derivative of arc current, is used to detect, in real time, when the short is about to clear. A stop algorithm is employed that monitors the arc on a short-by-short basis. When the process is ending a very low current level is provided to avoid forming a ball.