Abstract: A method of treatment of water in an aquatic environment. Water is first pumped from a reservoir to a first mixing station. An inert gas is introduced into the pumped water at the first mixing station to provide inert gas saturated water, which inert gas saturated water will displace undesired gasses in the water in the reservoir. The inert gas saturated water is then pumped to a sparging column such that the inert gas and undesired gasses will be released from the inert gas saturated water to provide depleted water. The depleted water is then pumped to a second mixing station, wherein oxygen is introduced into the depleted water to provide oxygen enriched water. The oxygen enriched water is then returned to reservoir.

Abstract: When elemental iron is in the presence of chlorinated compounds (contaminants) a naturally occurring reaction takes place and the chlorinated compounds are reduced and form harmless compounds. The production of extremely small metal particles containing elemental iron or a mixture of elemental iron and a second metal is imperative to this method of treating contaminants and is the subject of the present invention. When the particle is small enough a surfactant is not required for the particle to do its job. The elemental metal may be kept in an elemental state by keeping it in an oxygen-scavenging environment. This is achieved by either suspending the nanoscale metal in a carbohydrate solution or by injecting a carbohydrate solution in atomized form into the gas used to inject the metal into the subsurface soil. Additionally, the present invention is to a method of using elemental metal to reductively dehalogenate halogenated hydrocarbons, to reduce soluble metals and to treat metalloids in subsurface soil.

Abstract: A method for treating a spent caustic solution having a pH greater than about 10.5 includes the steps of (a) lowering the pH of the caustic solution into the range of between about 10 to 10.5 to produce a pH-modified caustic solution; (b) oxidizing the pH-modified caustic solution until the solution to produce a non-sulfide reactive oxidized solution; and (c) lowering the pH of the oxidized solution to a pH less than 9.

Abstract: A system for automatically collecting and separating whole blood into its components is described. The system includes a console, which contains all motors, pumps, sensors, valves and control circuitry, and a unique disposable set that includes a cassette supporting a centrifuge with an improved design, pump interfaces with an improved design, component and solution bags, and tubing. Various processes are implemented using a specific disposable set for each process which allows automatic identification of the process to be performed the console.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to water and wastewater treatment devices including stationary cloth filter media support structures which support structures also form the effluent plenum for the filtered influent.

Abstract: In a through hole closing process, a metal plate is attached to one surface of a conductive base member having a plurality of through holes by the use of a magnet, in a copper plating process, a copper plating layer is formed on the conductive base member and the metal plate exposed within the through holes, from the side of the conductive base member where the metal plate is not attached, thereby to fill up the through holes, in a film forming process, a Pd alloy film is formed by plating on the surface of the conductive base member after removal of the metal plate, and in a removal process, the copper plating layer is removed by selective etching, thereby to produce a hydrogen production filter that is used in a reformer of a fuel cell so as to be capable of stably producing high purity hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A support rack assembly includes a frame, and two hanging plates each mounted on the frame. The frame includes two side brackets and a plurality of transverse tubes mounted between the two side brackets. Each of the two side brackets has a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. Thus, the side brackets are combined in a slide-snap manner without having to provide any fixing member to combine the side brackets. In addition, the hanging plate is locked on the frame in a slide-snap manner, so that the hanging plate is combined with the frame rigidly and stably.

Abstract: A compact disk storage rack includes a securing portion and a rack portion both disposed at a same axis for relative rotations. The securing portion is non-rotatable when being fixed and positioned, whereas the rack portion is rotatable regarding the securing portion as a benchmark axis thereof. Moreover, a limiting assembly is provided between the securing portion and the rack portion for restraining relative rotations of the securing portion and the rack portion, and for controlling a rotated position of the rack portion. Using the aforesaid structure, a condition of objects hung at the rack portion may be transformed from being stacked to suspended, or vice versa, thereby minimizing storage spaces and facilitating retrieval or acquisition of a specific object.

Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of jewel case enclosed CDs in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired CD is moved to the top region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. In one embodiment a holder retains a single jewel case, and comprises two independent loops that are rotated with a single motor. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of CD selection. The housing base preferably is detached during shipping to permit transporting the rack in a smaller volume container. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.

Abstract: A clamping cartridge is provided which comprises a plurality of clamping mechanisms spaced apart on a frame or chassis. The clamping mechanisms are generally oriented perpendicular to their direction of spacing. The clamping mechanisms are of the type which comprise a pair of relatively movable jaws which are biased together. An actuator operable in association with the clamping mechanisms serves to open and close the jaws of the clamping mechanisms in unison. While the clamps are closeable in unison, they are individually self-adjusting so the extent of closure for each clamp is dependent on the thickness or presence of an inserted article. The clamping cartridges are useful in a variety of applications requiring clamping of one or more articles in a side-by-side relationship. One such application is a transportation/storage rack which includes a plurality of aligned horizontal and vertical clamping cartridges for clamping the edges of glass panels.

Abstract: There are many aspects of the Roof Rack for Plywood that are new to the industry that it is intended for use. The most apparent benefit of this invention is that I have improved upon a long used wooden rack built by contractors to hold plywood level on the slope of a rooftop. These racks are normally built from materials on the jobsite, wood that will now be discarded at the end of the job, as it is no longer useful. The Roof Rack for Plywood is a reusable, lightweight, easily installed or removed, adjustable version of that same rack. Roof Rack for Plywood will be both safer and more economical for contractors; it is studier than the traditional wooden racks and will eliminate the need to waste time and materials building the wooden racks currently in use.

Abstract: A shelf management system comprises a product merchandising (400) for mounting on a shelf, rack or other support unit (405). It comprises a locating strip (430) engageable with the front edge (406) of the shelf. One or more dividers (410) divide the shelf into zones to accommodate product. The front end of each divider (410) divide the shelf into zones to accommodate product. The front end of each divider (410) is engageable with and lockable to the locating strip. (430). In the engaged mode, the divider (410) is movable relative to the locating strip (430) while still being connected to the locating strip. In the locked mode the divider (410) is secured relative to the locating strip (4309).

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for supporting objects on a shelf, comprising an elongate assembly (12) and at least one divider (14) releasably mounted thereon. The elongate assembly (12) comprises a first part (16), a second part (18) and a spring bias (20) disposed therebetween. The first and second parts (16), (18) are movable relative to each other, with compression of spring bias (20) providing a force urging apart the parts (16),(18) along the longitudinal axis AA. In this way, the assembly (12) may be braced between opposed side wall of a shelf in a book case or the like.

Abstract: A supporting frame with a casing comprises a frame body and a casing. A lower rear end of the frame body has a plurality of lower supporting rods. A front lower side of the frame body has two lower lateral rods; each lower lateral rod being disposed obliquely. Each lower supporting rod has a stud passing through the lower supporting rod. Each of two edges of the front end of the frame body has a buckling post. A front lower area of the two sides of the casing has an axial hole at a position with respect to the respective stud. The casing is ratatable so as to protrude out of the frame body. Two upper sides of the casing have buckles. As the casing protrudes out of the frame body, the buckles will buckle the buckling posts so that the casing will not leave from the frame body.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a support adapted to support a comestible fluid container on a comestible fluid container rack, and a container rack having such a support. The support can include a first portion extending from a stretcher of the comestible fluid container rack and a second portion extending substantially laterally from the first portion to support the comestible fluid container thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning system for a mobile telescopic crane, in which the telescopic mast (7) is outwardly braced via a tensioning means (1, 11), and wherein said tensioning means (1, 11) is guided along or over the telescopic mast (7) and fastened to the telescopic mast (7) in such a way that a pressure bias of the mast (7) is created in the area of the tensioning means guide. The tensile units or winches (3, 17) of a system in accordance with the invention are arranged on the crane superstructure at a distance from the level luffing plane of the telescopic mast (7) of the crane, such that the tensioning means (1, 11) can absorb a substantial proportion of the loads having components perpendicular to the level luffing plane. The tensioning means tensile units or winches (3, 17) of a system in accordance with the invention are arranged on the crane superstructure, such that they can shift.

Abstract: A common E/F type draft sill is provided that accommodates either Type E or Type F draft gear components, including rotary coupler applications. The draft sill is preferably cast, but may also be fabricated. The common E/F draft sill is provided with a fixed, integral spring basket of a Type F draft sill to accommodate and house standard spring-biased spring basket support systems and accommodate standard Type F draft gear. Standard vertical connection of Type F draft gear is provided. The common draft sill is also provided with the horizontal keyslot of a Type E draft sill to also accommodate attachment of Type E draft gear. A drop-in E coupler support is also available that replaces the “spring basket” support system used with Type F draft gear so as to allow proper support of Type E draft gear. Additional standardization and reduction of specialized castings can be achieved by incorporating both body bolster pads and body bolster wings on the common draft sill.

Abstract: A nipple for a baby bottle includes both inner and outer separable members. The inner member defines a valve passage that can be selectively obstructed by a flap of the outer member. The outer and inner members have respective flexible membranes that define a holding chamber having the valve passage as an inlet and an aperture at the tip of the outer member as an outlet. The flap inhibits flow from the holding chamber through the valve passage when the outer member is compressed, and deflects away from the valve passage to allow the holding chamber to receive a fluid through the valve passage when the outer member is released.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a bottle (1) comprising a bottle neck (3) and a snap-on adapter (6) and/or a sealing cap (7) that is/are held on the bottle neck (3). The aim of the invention is to produce a structural shape of great mechanical strength that is easy to assemble. To achieve this, both a snap-on projection (8) and an alignment projection (9) are configured on the bottle neck (3).

Abstract: A membrane for a cover for closing a container having the general form of a cylinder and being compressible in the direction of the axis of the cylinder. The membrane comprises two mutually parallel, generally flat parts arranged to move axially in relation to each other guided in the movement by guiding elements; resilient element arranged to generate a counterforce between the flat parts during compression of the membrane in the direction of the axis; at least a first and a second electrical contact device operated by the axial movement between the circular parts, the combined electrical settings of which contact devices will carry information about the compressions and decompressions of the membrane and elements for presenting the settings to the outside of the membrane. A cover comprising such a membrane and use thereof are also described.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device designed to close a container (3) provided with a neck (2). Said device comprises: a first portion designed to form a closure element (4); a second annular portion (5), designed to be maintained around the neck (2); and a third portion forming a tamper-evident tab (6) linking the first (4) to the second portion (5), which is connected to said first and second portions (4, 5) by frangible means (8, 9) and which is designed to be removed upon first use so as to release the closure element (4). Said device defines means (14) for storing (F) the tamper-evident tab (6; 106), once said tamper-evident tab has been separated from the first and second portions.

Abstract: There is provided a container having a container with open end, and a bottom cap has a sealant material bonded thereto to provide a hermetic seal between the bottom cap and the open bottom of the container and a grip surface through or slightly beyond the exterior surface of the bottom cap to contact a substrate, such as a table.

Abstract: A container (1) with a flexible neck (2) that permits the neck (2) to be moved into any position while continuing to spray liquid (12) from the container (1). The container (1) can be used with any conventional spray nozzle attachment (3) having an attachment ring (4), tubing (11), a trigger (6) and a nozzle (7).

Abstract: A method for fabricating a carbon nanotube (CNT) nanoarray, which includes the steps of forming a thin film of supramolecules on a substrate on which metal catalyst for CNT synthesis is deposited, inducing the self-assembly of the supramolecules by annealing to form a regular structure, selectively staining the formed regular structure with a metal compound, etching the metal compound-stained thin film to form a nanometer or smaller size pattern, forming a nanopattern of metal catalyst by using the nanopattern of supramolecules stained with the formed metal compounds, and growing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) vertically on the formed metal catalyst nanopattern. A biochip is readily fabricated by binding bioreceptor(s) to CNTs of the CNT nanoarray.

Abstract: A process is revealed whereby resistors can be manufactured integral with a circuit board by printing the resistors onto the insulative substrate. Uniformization of the insulative substrate through etching is discussed as a technique for improving the uniformity and consistency of the printed resistors. Trimming and baking are also disclosed as methods for adjusting and stabilizing the resistance of the printed resistors.

Abstract: A process for forming a conductive layer on a substrate is disclosed which comprises the steps of providing an ink comprising a metal oxide in particulate form suspended in a mixture of a resin and an organic solvent, depositing the ink on a substrate by means of a lithographic printing process, and applying a reducing agent to the ink to reduce at least some of said metal oxide to metal. Preferably, a mixture of an alkyd and a non-alkyd resin is employed.

Abstract: A method of texturing a substrate or superstrate support material is provided, in which a thin textured film (32) is applied to the surface of the support material such as glass sheet (11). The dipping process is performed by loading a sheet (50) of the support material (11) into a frame (51) which provides a small number of small area contact points (52, 53) at which the sheet (50) is supported and lowering the frame (51) into texturing solution (59) comprising a mixture (59) of Sol-Gel (61) and texturing particles (62) comprising SiO2 monospheres. The sheet is then withdrawn from the texturing solution and the resultant film allowed to dry. The film is then sintered and the resulting film provides a textured surface suitable for the formation of a photovoltaic device.

Abstract: A process for making a circuit board comprises the following steps of: half-etching a metal layer formed on an insulating substrate by means of a first masking which is positioned on an upper surface of the metal layer; applying a positive liquid resist on the half-etched metal layer from an upper side of the first masking; exposing the positive liquid resist with parallel light from the upper side of the first masking and developing the positive liquid resist in such a manner that a part of the positive liquid resist located under the first masking is protected to be unexposed and undeveloped; etching again the metal layer by means of a second masking composed of the first masking and the protected positive liquid resist to form a conductive pattern on the insulating substrate; and removing the first masking and the second masking from the metal layer.

Abstract: There are provided an electroless plating apparatus and a post-electroless plating cleaning method which can remove Co or Ni particles, produced upon electroless plating onto Cu interconnects of an electronic circuit substrate and remaining on a silicon oxide film as an interlevel dielectric, without exerting an adverse influence on the Cu interconnects. The electroless plating apparatus for carrying out electroless plating of the surface of interconnects formed in a surface of an electronic circuit substrate having fine circuit patterns of conductive metal interconnects, includes: a substrate transfer device (62, 76, 86); a loading station (58) disposed in association with the substrate transfer device; at least one electroless plating cell (82) disposed in association with the substrate transfer device; and a scrub cleaning device (66a) and/or a solution cleaning device (66c) disposed in association with the substrate transfer device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing reflective spatial light modulator mirror devices is disclosed. In the method, a portion of a mirror layer and a first sacrificial layer beneath the portion of the mirror layer are removed simultaneously to expose the substrate while defining a pattern of the mirror layer. Then, a second sacrificial layer is deposited conformally, and substrate contact openings and a mirror layer contact opening are defined in the second sacrificial layer at the same time. Subsequently, a support material layer is deposited conformally and etched back, so as to form supporting posts of the mirror layer in the substrate contact openings. Before the support material layer is etched back, the substrate contact openings can be filled with a photoresist material first, so as to maintain the support material layer in the substrate contact openings and increase the structural intensity of the supporting posts.

Abstract: In fabricating an apparatus such as a silicon device or an optical device initially a wafer having a plurality of dies is formed. These dies are then separated into individual dies and the individual dies are formed into encapsulated devices having input and/or output leads. The dies are separated by a means that is not based on crystallographic plane cleavage. Additionally the boundary along which the separation is performed is not a linear path. By employing non-linear paths that are not constrained by crystallographic planes, device yield per wafer is substantially improved particularly for dies having non-linear boundaries. In one embodiment the dies are separated using an alternating dry etching and polymer deposition technique.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a micro device is formed by depositing a sacrificial layer over a metallic electrode, forming a moveable structure over the sacrificial layer, and then etching the sacrificial layer with a noble gas fluoride. Because the metallic electrode is comprised of a metallic material that also serves as an etch stop in the sacrificial layer etch, charge does not appreciably build up in the metallic electrode. This helps stabilize the driving characteristic of the moveable structure. In one embodiment, the moveable structure is a ribbon in a light modulator.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a mold for a light guide plate in accordance with the present invention generally includes the following steps: providing a substrate (18); and providing electron beams (15) to etch the substrate according to predetermined patterns. Because a focus diameter of the electron beams is adjustable, a very narrow line-width of the patterns can be obtained by employing the fine focus diameter of the electron beams. That is, the mold (18′) fabricated by the present invention can have fine patterns at the nanoscale level. The light guide plate (22) formed using the mold has correspondingly fine patterns. These fine patterns can greatly enhance the quality and performance of the light guide plate.

Abstract: An appartus and method for a stud welder power source is disclosed. The power source has a control circuit connected to an inverter which converts an electrical signal from a power source into an electrical signal that can perform stud welding. The inverter conditions the power signal such that a current of at least 1000 amps can be generated nearly instantaneously. Additionally, having a power source that includes a control circuit with an inverter allows for a smaller and lighter appartus when compared to known stud welders.

Abstract: The invention concerns a feed device (1) comprising a positioning piston (6) for holding a fastening element (2) during positioning, a catching clamp (5) for pre-positioning the fastening element (2) for the positioning piston (6) and a housing (3) for holding the positioning piston (6) and the catching clamp (5), the housing (3) having a feed channel (4) for feeding the fastening element (2) to the catching clamp (5) and the positioning piston (6) being adjustable for positioning the fastening element (2) relative to the housing (3), and the catching clamp (5) being able to be closed or opened substantially independently of the axial forward movements of the fastening element (2) during forward and backward movement of the positioning piston (6).

Abstract: A short-cycle arc-welding system (10) and a method for welding elements (32), such as metal bolts (32) to components (34) such as sheet metal (34) includes a robot (12), having at least one arm (16) displaceable on at least two co-ordinate axes (x, y, z), a welding head base (20) fixed to robot arm (16), a welding head (22) displaceably mounted on welding head base (20), a retaining device (30) retaining an element, a lifting device (36) for setting and re-positioning retaining device (30) in relation to welding head (22), and a measuring system (44,46) determining the relative position between component (34) and element (32). Measuring system (44,46) has a control device (46), controlling lifting device (36) such that element (32) displaces towards component (34) until contacting component (34) to determine the relative position.

Abstract: A hand welding device for short-time arc welding of elements, such as metal studs, onto parts, such as metal sheets, having a handlable housing, a holding means mounted on the housing to hold an element to be welded onto a part, a reciprocating means mounted on the housing to advance and restore the holding means relative to the housing, and positioning means mounted on the housing to maintain a predetermined distance from the part, is proposed. Further, a corresponding welding apparatus having such a hand welding device and a welding gauge fastened to the part, are proposed.

Abstract: A resistance welding method preventing a bonded part raised once to a high temperature from being cooled to a martensite phase in texture when bonding carbon steel having a carbon content of at least that of medium carbon steel by resistance welding and as a result preventing a drop in toughness and embrittlement of the bonded part, cracking of the bonded part, and aging cracks, comprising running a current through a common rail unit and holder formed by carbon steel having a carbon content of 0.35 wt % to bond the clamped parts and controlling the current run through the common rail unit and holder and current carrying time to slowly cool the bonded part raised to a high temperature for annealing treatment, whereby the Vicker's hardness can be lowered to less than 600 HV and the majority of the texture of the bonded part can be made the medium stage phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembly of small structures is disclosed. The present invention discloses electron beams created from one or more nanotips in an array operated in a field emission mode that can be controlled to apply heat to very well defined spots. The multiple electron beams may be generated and deflected and applied to electron beam heating and welding applications.

Abstract: New method of introducing color to two- and three-dimensional images produced in glass or any other transparent media with laser induced micro-explosions, is proposed. The method is based on utilization of a special color film, which consists of multiple periodically repeating transparent stripes of filters of major Red, Green and Blue (RGB) colors. The color film is attached to the glass in front of the image, while external parallel beam of white light illuminates the image through this color film. The image becomes subdivided into multiple color stripes (for two-dimensional image) or slices (for three-dimensional image), which thus transform the image into RGB color sub-pixels. The computer program places the visible dots, resulting from the micro-explosions, into corresponding sub-pixel areas to reproduce the original colors of the image stored in the computer memory. If the sub-pixel pitch is sufficiently short, the human eye perceives the image as a colored one.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing holes in workpieces by using at least one laser beam, in particular a short-pulse or ultrashort-pulse laser beam, whereby a process gas is supplied to the point of contact of the laser beam with the workpiece. At least one parameter of the process gas, i.e., its composition, pressure, volume flow, for example, is selected and the process gas is supplied to the interaction zone between the laser beam and the workpiece in such a way that the hole produced by the laser beam has a desired quality (hole geometry, reduced ablation residues, or none at all, etc.).

Abstract: A system for laser processing a work piece surface with a laser processing beam includes a processing beam delivery source (205) optics (210, 230) for focusing the processing beam at a surface of the work piece, a viewing camera (250) configured coaxially and coincidently focused with the processing beam (207) at beam impinge point (245) on the work piece (100). The system further includes a computer (510) and processor (512) for displaying an image of the work piece (100) and a cursor (600) superimposed thereon on a monitor (560). One or more movable mirrors (320, 325) are provided movably mounted on galvanometers (335, 340) controlled by the processor (512) to direct the processing beam to selected points on the work surface for processing, (e.g. by laser spot welding). The system further includes an input device such as a mouse (520) for positioning a movable cursor (600) on image points of the work piece image and for selecting the image point for laser processing.

Abstract: Fluxless laser soldering methods are used to securely bond an optical or microelectronic component to a substrate. A component is aligned on a substrate. The substrate comprises solder dams in joint areas and solder is placed in the joint areas between the dams and the component. Oxygen is evacuated from the joint areas such as by a vacuum or by filling the area with a gas. Lasers may be fired simultaneously or sequentially at the solder in each of the joint areas to reflow the solder. When the solder re-solidifies a strong bond is created securing the component to the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding is disclosed. The method includes sensing the status of a trigger between an on position and an off position. A system latch is set or released based on the trigger status and the latch status. The system latches on when the trigger is held for a predetermined time (and the latch was previously off). The latch is released when the trigger is pulled and released when the latch was previously on. When the latch is off, pulling the trigger turns the system on, and releasing the trigger before the predetermined time turns the system off. The latch may also be released when welding current drops below a threshold. The time might not start until after welding current is flowing. A welding wire feed speed control potentiometer on a torch is also disclosed. The range of the torch potentiometer is from a minimum to a value dependent on the control panel welding wire feed speed. A run-in wire feed speed control is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding wire in a welding system include one or more motors disposed adjacent the wire to drive it. A wire feed motor is also disposed along the wire path, and is closer to the source of wire than the torch, and closer to the source than the one or more motors. The motors may be a pair motors disposed on opposite sides of the wire and move the wire to and away from an arc end of a torch. They preferably reversing the direction of the wire within one process cycle. The or more motors may be a stepper motor, a servo motor, a zero backlash motor, a gearless motor, a planetary drive motor, or a linear actuator (such as a piston), in various embodiments.

Abstract: A method to minimize the distortion, such as buckling, caused in the welding of thin plate by utilizing transient thermal tensioning to induce areas of residual tensile stress. Distortion of such welded plates after stiffeners are welded to the plates is due to large areas of unsupported residual compressive stress following the tensile stress that is induced along the weld lines by the welding of the stiffeners. Application of transient thermal tensioning by moving heat sources at the time of welding of the stiffeners induces areas of residual tensile stress that minimize the tendency of the plates to buckle. Multiple heat sources of variable intensity may be utilized, and multiple stiffeners may be welded to a single panel by the method. Minimization of distortion improves the function and appearance of the finished plates and minimizes post-welding repairs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power supply that maintains power supply to a plurality of electronic components of a welding system when an arc voltage falls below approximately 15 volts. The invention includes a power supply having a secondary supply circuit that improves the operable range of the power supply by maintaining power to components of a welding system when the arc voltage at a weld is greater than or equal to approximately 10 volts. As a result, the operable range of the power supply is no longer limited by the arc voltage. The invention includes a secondary power supply circuit having a power switch that when activated causes a buildup of energy in the transformer assembly whereupon deactivation of the power switch in the magnetic core is exhausted such that power supply is maintained. The power switch regulates the transformer assembly such that sufficient secondary power is provided if the input voltage to the transformer is as low as approximately 10 volts.

Abstract: Method of welding titanium using gas metal arc welding procedure where the shielding for the weld included torch shielding gas only and no trailing or backup shielding. The technique used here is a departure from known titanium welding specifications wherein extensive shielding is required.

Abstract: An outdoor-use heating mat system includes at least one heating mat. At least one heating mat of the system includes a first structural layer, a heating element, a plurality of intermediate strips, a second structural layer, and at least one of a cord and a plug. The first and second structural layers each are both durable and electrically insulating. The first such layer has a plurality of first layer edges associated therewith. The heating element positioned above the first structural layer. The plurality of intermediate strips are mounted upon the first structural layer. Each intermediate strip is positioned proximate at least one of one the first layer edge and the heating element. The second structural layer is mounted to the plurality of intermediate strips opposite the first structural layer.

Abstract: A heating device of the invention comprises a heater, a main power supply, and an auxiliary power supply. The heater includes a main heating element which generates heat with power supplied from the main power supply, and an auxiliary heating element which has a resistance different from a resistance of the main heating element and generates heat with power supplied from the auxiliary power supply. The auxiliary power supply is provided to supply to the auxiliary heating element a current that is different from a current supplied from the main power supply to the main heating element.