Abstract: Contaminated drinking water and other liquids are decontaminated by contact with sorbents to remove toxic contaminants such as arsenic, as well as non-toxic contaminants. In regenerating the spent sorbents, the waste stream contains both toxic and non-toxic contaminants but only toxic components must be treated as hazardous waste and subjected to strict regulations for disposal. The inventive method regenerates spent sorbents in a process that minimizes the amount of hazardous waste for disposal. The bulk of contaminants are non-toxic and are first selectively removed from the spent sorbent, generating a non-hazardous waste stream. Toxic contaminants are then removed from the sorbent, generating a hazardous waste stream. Because the bulk of contaminants was removed in the first waste stream, the lower concentration of toxic contaminants in the second waste stream requires less material (e.g., ion exchange resin) for hazardous waste decontamination and disposition.

Abstract: The invention relates to purifying unwanted moderately saline water. The methods of the present invention including passing moderately saline water through an ion exchange media saturated with ammonium salts to produce fertilizer water. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of passing moderately saline water through a dual bed cation and anion exchange process for producing purified water. The first cation exchange media is saturated with acids of hydrochloric, nitric or sulfuric acids. Meanwhile, the second ion exchange media is saturated with ammonium hydroxide. Passing the moderately saline water through the first ion exchange media creates an acid rich water which is then passed through the second ion exchange media to remove chloride, sulfate, nitrate, and nitrite anions. Through a regenerative cycle, a fertilizer water is produced which is rich in ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate.

Abstract: A process for reducing the fluorosurfactant content of an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion by filling a container with fluoropolymer dispersion, inserting into the container a fabric pouch containing a fluorosurfactant sorbent so that the sorbent contacts the fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion in the container and retains the fluorosurfactant to reduce fluorosurfactant content of said fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion, and removing the fabric pouch from the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for active in situ multi-element gas sparging for bioremediation or physico-chemical degration for removal of contaminants in a soil formation containing a subsurface groundwater aquifer or a substantially wet unsaturated zone, the multi-gas contained in bubbles, wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of injection wells extending to a depth of a selected aquifer; introducing an oxidizing agent comprising ozone mixed with ambient air to provide a multi-element gas by means of microporous diffusers, without applying a vacuum for extraction of stripped products or biodegration by-products, wherein said diffusers form micro-fine bubbles containing said multi-element gas that oxidizes, by stripping and decomposition, chlorinated hydrocarbons from the aquifer and surrounding saturated soil formation into harmless by-products; also including a pump for agitating water in the well selecting microbubbles, injecting them into the aquifer and effective to alter the path of micro-fine bubbles through a poro

Abstract: The invention relates to a chemical composition and a process for using the chemical composition to remove and recover petroleum hydrocarbons from a contaminated substrate including an ammonia compound; a nitrogen-containing compound; and an aqueous carrier solution.

Abstract: A system and method for treating an aqueous effluent having organic material. The system comprises a single cell reactor having an injector for injecting an oxidizing gas into the reactor. Disposed downstream from the injector is an immersed membrane filtration device for, filtering the effluent contained or passing through the reactor. Disposed between the membrane filtration device and the injector for directing an oxidizing gas into the reactor, is a bed of catalyst material. Preferably the oxidizing gas injector injects an oxidizing gas in a direction generally consistent with direction of the effluent being treated. The bed of catalyst material is capable of catalyzing the oxidation of the organic material in the effluent or absorbing the organic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for disinfecting water contaminated with Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts and to other similar pathogenic parasites by adding monopotassium persulfate activated/oxidized tetrasilver tetraoxide (TTO) to water intended to be potable for human consumption. It addresses methods that improve penetration of this disinfectant to improve efficacy. The procedure has been assessed for viable oocysts by scientifically sound methods (i.e., excystation and infectivity) to show that the killing of oocysts is related to the dose of the TTO administered.

Abstract: A pumping device includes a container having a cover structure. A piston is movably received in the container and is manually operable. The cover structure has an air inlet valve and a slide switch, which, when properly set, allow air to be sucked into or expelled out of the container by the manual operation of the piston to increase or decrease the internal pressure of the container for oil suction and oil drainage. The pumping device also includes another slide switch, whereby when both slide switches are properly set, the internal pressure of the container is increased or decreased due to the supply of pressurized air from an external source and oil can be sucked into and drained out of the container accordingly.

Abstract: A message holding device is disclosed and includes a first member having an inner surface, an outer surface and an exterior peripheral edge. A plurality of pockets are disposed in the first member inner surface. Each pocket is defined by an interior peripheral surface and a sloped bottom surface declining away from the first member exterior peripheral edge to form a seat at the bottom thereof. The pockets are aligned to define a plurality of angular orientations therebetween. A plurality of annular elements are provided, each being sized and shaped for disposition within and movement along one of the pockets. A second member is further provided and it has an inner surface, an outer surface and an exterior peripheral edge.

Abstract: A bicycle rack refers to a rack installed onto a trunk at the back of a car for carrying bicycles, and the rack can carry at least one bicycle. A resistor can be installed to or detached from the bicycle rack to form a rear wheel stand. The rear wheel stand can be fixed onto a plane for supporting and lifting the rear wheel of a bicycle to define the bicycle as a fitness bicycle. The resistor type rear wheel stand is a part of the training platform of the bicycle which refers to the front wheel direction steering device and the foregoing resistor type rear wheel stand, and both sections are connected to a computer, such that the front wheel direction steering device can output a direction signal to the computer, and the computer will control the resistance of the rear wheel stand.

Abstract: A mobile treatment surface (1) for battery formation comprising: a bearing surface (11) for the batteries; a delivery conduit (3) for the acid to the batteries to be formed; a collecting conduit (4) for the acid outgoing from said batteries to be formed; acid circulation means (9) and means for delivering direct current (50) to the forming batteries. The delivery conduit (3) comprises a first acid adduction pipe (31) coaxially disposed inside a second acid pipe (32) and provided with a plurality of radial holes (311) for taking the acid into the second pipe. The second pipe is provided with a plurality of acid outlet holes (321), each of them being connected to a device (324) for taking the acid into the battery to be formed.

Abstract: A device for receiving tools comprises a base and at least one bracket for receiving at least one tool, wherein the bracket is mounted on the base pivotally and can be pivotally rotated between a receiving position and an access position. Further, the bracket includes at least one receiving recess which can receive the tool, and the base is formed with at least one taking recess, near the access position near the bracket. When the bracket is pivoted to the access position, the receiving recess and the taking recess are aligned approximately, and the tool received in the bracket is allowed to move longitudinally so as to be taken easily.

Abstract: A footwear hanger display assembly is provided. The assembly includes a hanger piece, a pair of footwear comprising first and second members and a footwear wrap. The first member of the pair of footwear is positioned with the footwear wrap extending over the first member and along opposite side portions of the first member, the footwear wrap being attached to the hanger piece. The footwear wrap can be integral with the hanger piece, or separately attached. The second member of the pair of footwear is secured to the hanger piece adjacent the first member and the footwear wrap. The second member typically includes no footwear wrap therearound. Methods of assembly and use are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a parts storage system comprising a plurality of individual parts storage containers and a holder for holding the parts storage container. The parts storage containers each have a top, bottom and sidewalls, the sidewalls tapering inwardly from the top to the bottom. The container has a regular geometric shaped cross section. The holder is provided with a plurality of openings for holding the parts storage container, each of the openings having a regular geometric shape corresponding to the shape of the cross section of the container. The opening is sized to hold the container by engaging the sidewall below the top, the opening being provided with an open front dimensioned to allow the container to be removed from the opening by lifting the container upwardly until the sidewall will pass through the open front and then outwardly without having to lift the container to pass the bottom upwardly through the opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bracket for displaying jewelry having a plurality of links, comprising an elongated base member extending along a first longitudinal axis in a first plane and having first and second elongated edges, and a link retention member connected to the base member extending along a second longitudinal axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis and in a second plane that is non-parallel to the first plane, wherein the link retention member includes a plurality of spaced apart openings formed therethrough, each of the openings being adapted to securely receive a link.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular display system that can be used to display decorative fixtures, such as curtain rods, on a wall. The system can be used to display one or more items in adjacent, vertical positions on a wall. The system is adapted to permit quick and easy replacement of the display items on the display board and to also permit the items to be re-arranged on the display board quickly and easily.

Abstract: An assembly for use with a shelf generally includes a trim piece having a slot along at least a portion thereof. The assembly also includes at least one device configured for attaching the trim piece to the shelf. The at least one device includes an interlocking member configured to be interlockingly retained within the slot.

Abstract: A display mount apparatus and system is disclosed in which a mounting bracket is attached to a horizontal cross member in sliding engagement, and vertical attachment members configured for attachment to the display at a plurality of points are slidably attached to the horizontal cross member. The mounting bracket contains at least one upwardly-angled hook that engages at least one downwardly-angled flange on the horizontal cross member. The vertical attachment members each contain a hole the approximate size and shape of the horizontal cross member such that the cross member can slide through the vertical attachment members for horizontal adjustment of the display. The display can be vertically adjusted through positioning of its attachment to the vertical attachment members.

Abstract: A modular stand-alone shelving system comprising left and right vertical support members, each having front and rear corner posts connected by a welded grid of horizontal and vertical rods. A plurality of shelves formed of sheet metal are disposed between the vertical support members, each shelf including hook elements formed near the corners thereof for engaging and resting on horizontal rods of the grid. A back member extends between the vertical support members and also includes hook elements formed near the corners thereof for engaging and resting on horizontal rods in the grid. Upper corners of the back member include first and second hooks disposed in planes spaced apart by the thickness of the vertical rods. When installed, the hooks rest on horizontal rods and straddle a vertical rod, preventing motion of the back member and rhombic distortion. The back member prevents rhombic distortion in the X and Z directions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of operating a crane whose safe working load depends on one or more changeable parameters, with the change of at least one of the parameters being made such that the speed of the parameter change is reduced continuously or step-wise before a parameter value is reached at which the safe working load corresponds to the actual working load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a crane, the method comprising comparing velocity requests (Vref) given by a crane control system with a previous velocity request and, if the velocity request is changed, forming and storing an acceleration sequence for the corresponding velocity change, summing the velocity changes defined by the stored acceleration sequences at a particular time and adding the obtained sum (dV) to the previous velocity request to achieve a new velocity request (Vref2), which is set as a new control and velocity request for the crane drives (11, 12), and performing some of the velocity changes defined by the summed acceleration sequences at the definition time of each selected sequence on each program round, i.e. control step, and performing the rest of them as delayed in such a manner that the stored sequence parts to be performed as delayed are read and summed on a plurality of program rounds.

Abstract: This invention relates to a load hoist arrangement (1) comprising a control device (50) arranged between a traverse device and a load carrying device (52). The load carrying device (52) is manually guidable in a three-dimentional space and lateral movement of said load carrying device (52) is controlled by a driving device. The driving device is controlled by recorded and transmitted force impacts from said control device (50) to said driving device. The traverse device has support elements (5, 6, 7) for supporting a traveling bridge (4), arranged to travel along said support elements (5, 6, 7), and a carriage (3) arranged to travel back and forth on said traveling bridge (4). The driving device comprises at least one motor, provided with at least two driving wheel units (15, 16), secured to said carriage (3) and two drag elements (21, 21?) secured at its end portions to opposite end portions of said support elements (5, 6) and crossing at said traveling bridge (4).

Abstract: A package having child-resistant and non-child-resistant modes of operation includes a container having a neck finish with an open end, an external surface surrounding the open end and at least one external first engagement element spaced from the open end. A closure has a base portion, a skirt extending from the base portion, and at least one internal second engagement element on the skirt for engagement with the external first engagement element on the container neck finish in a child-resistant mode of operation. The skirt containing the second engagement element is severable from the base portion of the closure to convert the closure from a child-resistant mode of operation to a non-child-resistant mode of operation. A first annular element within the skirt is disposed for engagement with the external surface on the container neck finish to seal the package in the child-resistant mode of operation.

Abstract: A capsule (1) mounted in a stopper for a container which is essentially used to distribute liquids. The sealed capsule (1) essentially includes a deformable membrane (2) which is sealed at the base thereof by a piercable cap (3) defining a volume containing at least one substance and having at least one intermediate part (6) which is provided by a breaking elements (4) which is integrated into the cap (3) and which can break it in order to release an effective amount of substance (s) (S) further to sufficient deformation of the deformable membrane (2), the intermediate part (6) being embodied in the form of a peripheral ring (7) on which an arc-shaped element (15) rests, whereby the free end (16) of the element is embodied in the form of at least one protruding or pointed element (12) directed towards the cap (3) in order to achieve the breakage.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a package comprising a first portion and a second portion (or a first package member and a second package member) adapted to be connected to each other and thereby keep the package closed, wherein the first and second portions (or package members) are connected to each other by at least one adhesion area, wherein the adhesion area is adapted to comprise an electrically weakable adhesive. The disclosure further relates to a method of closing and opening a package.

Abstract: A threadless cap for closing a liquid bottle, the liquid bottle having a neck with an upper edge defining a discharge opening. The threadless cap comprises a lid for overlying the upper edge, the lid including a surface for facing the upper edge and a projection extending from the surface toward the upper edge. The threadless cap also comprises a skirt depending from the lid. The threadless cap further comprises a seal member on the surface for establishing a sealing engagement with the upper edge. The seal member includes an arcuate bead of resilient material located on the surface in a position to register with at least a portion of the upper edge. The projection engages and extends along the arcuate bead of resilient material. A blank for such a threadless cap and a method for manufacturing such a threadless cap are also provided.

Abstract: A container for storing, transporting and dispensing fluids has a spout in the top proximate the front portion, a hollow handle open to the spout and the top of the container body proximate the rear portion and a handling indentation for manipulating the container to dispense liquid from the spout. Improved facilities for dispensing liquid comprise a channel dividing the handling indentation into segments whereby liquid flows through the channel from the rear of the container past the segments to the front of the container when the container is rotated to dispense liquid therefrom. A mold assembly comprises mating mold components comprising molding surfaces for producing a container in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A container for storing, transporting and dispensing liquids has a spout comprising a mouth opening through which liquid passes, the spout projecting from the top portion of the container body proximate the front thereof, and a hollow handle joining the spout with the rear of the top portion of the container body and comprising a handle opening joining the spout with the hollow handle so that with the container rotated to dispense liquid, liquid does not block the inflow of air through the hollow handle and into the container. Advantageously the spout further comprises a spout throat comprising the mouth opening, a spout base and a spout platform, the spout throat being substantially cylindrical and less wide than the spout platform, the spout base being frustoconical and joining the spout platform to the spout throat, the spout platform having plural flat sides between the spout base and the top portion of the container body.

Abstract: An inexpensive and rapid method for fabricating arrays of hollow microneedles uses a photoetchable glass. Furthermore, the glass hollow microneedle array can be used to form a negative mold for replicating microneedles in biocompatible polymers or metals. These microneedle arrays can be used to extract fluids from plants or animals. Glucose transport through these hollow microneedles arrays has been found to be orders of magnitude more rapid than natural diffusion.

Abstract: A product of and method for laminating and interconnecting multiple layer printed circuit boards (14) includes at least two complementary substrates (10 and 12) each having a solder bump (30) formed from conductive material (28) applied to a desired component (22). A dam network (34) is formed about the bumps (30) to prevent undesired spreading of the conductive material (28). Bonding material (36) between the surfaces (38a and 38b) of the substrates (10 and 12) bonds the multiple layers. The bonding material (36) has apertures through which the solder bumps (30) are connected.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thick film conductor composition comprising: (a) 70 to 98 weight percent of one or more electrically functional powders; (b) 0.5 to 10 weight percent glass frit; (c) 0.5 to 6 weight percent inorganic borides; dispersed in (d) organic medium, based on total thick film composition. The composition is useful as a via fill and/or innerlayer conductor composition in PTOS applications.

Abstract: A substrate for a fluid ejection device includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a fluidic channel communicating with the first side and the second side. A first portion of the fluidic channel extends from the first side toward the second side, a second portion of the fluidic channel extends from the second side toward the first side, and a third portion of the fluidic channel extends from an interface between the first portion and the second portion of the fluidic channel toward the second side.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for process integration in manufacture of a photomask are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cluster tool suitable for process integration in manufacture of a photomask including a vacuum transfer chamber having coupled thereto at least one hard mask deposition chamber and at least one plasma chamber configured for etching chromium. In another embodiment, a method for process integration in manufacture of a photomask includes depositing a hard mask on a substrate in a first processing chamber, depositing a resist layer on the substrate, patterning the resist layer, etching the hard mask through apertures formed in the patterned resist layer in a second chamber; and etching a chromium layer through apertures formed in the hard mask in a third chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature exchanging element made by extrusion and able to receive a heating element and/or heat conducting element, and radiation fins. It is constituted of a single-piece base incorporating an external face equipped with means to receive the radiation fins, and an inner face equipped with at least one means to integrate the heating and/or heat conducting element, said reception and integration means being made during the extrusion of the base. Application to the manufacture of a radiation module, a dryer, an air conditioner, a solar energy collection device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing an area of a layer of a component consisting of metal or a metal compound. According to prior art, corrosion products of a component are removed in a first step by applying a molten mass or by heating in a voluminous powder bed. This requires high temperatures or a large amount of space. The inventive method for removing corrosion products of a component is characterized in that a cleaning agent is applied locally, which removes the corrosion products by means of a gaseous reaction product.

Abstract: A photomask etch chamber, which includes a substrate support member disposed inside the chamber. The substrate support member is configured to support a photomask substrate. The chamber further includes a ceiling disposed on the chamber and an endpoint detection system configured to detect a peripheral region of the photomask substrate.

Abstract: Etching and protective-film deposition operations E and D are in alternation repeatedly executed on a silicon substrate carried on a platform within a processing chamber. With gas inside the processing chamber having been exhausted to pump down the chamber interior, in the etching operation E, the substrate is etched by supplying etching gas into the chamber and converting it into plasma and applying a bias potential to the platform, and in the protective-film deposition operation D, a protective film is formed on the silicon substrate by supplying protective-film deposition gas into the processing chamber and converting it into plasma. When a predetermined time prior to the close of operations E and D (time intervals indicated by reference marks Ee and De) is reached, the supply of etching or protective-film deposition gas is halted, and the exhaust flow rate of gas exhausted from the chamber is made greater than that previously.

Abstract: A production method for a semiconductor wafer is provided in which semi-fixed abrasive grain grinding with free abrasive grains reduces minute surface undulations generated by wire saw slicing or double disc grinding as well as simplifying conventional semiconductor wafer fabrication process steps. A production method for a semiconductor wafer characterized by conducting a slicing process, then a beveling process, an etching process, and a one side or double side polishing process, wherein a semi-fixed abrasive grinding process using a porous polishing pad and free abrasive grains is conducted after the slicing process.

Abstract: The invention includes an etchant composition containing isopropyl alcohol and one or more of HF, NH4F and tetramethyl ammonium fluoride (TMAF). The invention encompasses a method of processing a substrate. A substrate is provided which has a first material containing at least one of polysilicon, monocrystalline silicon and amorphous silicon, and a second material. The substrate is exposed to an etch composition which comprises isopropyl alcohol and at least one of HF, NH4F and TMAF. The invention includes a method of processing a semiconductor construction including providing a construction which has a capacitor electrode material and an oxide material along at least a portion of the capacitor electrode material. At least some of the oxide material is removed by isotropic etching utilizing an etchant composition comprising isopropyl alcohol.

Abstract: In the case of the picture-frame transporting crate according to the invention, a spacing which remains in the height direction between the closed cover (4) and the top side of a picture frame (7) which has been placed in position, or of a padding plate which covers the top side of the picture frame, is filled by means of a heightwise spacer (8) which is coordinated precisely, in terms of length, with this spacing. For this purpose, either a heightwise spacer (8) of appropriate length is selected from a supply or the appropriate heightwise spacer (8) is produced on site by virtue of the appropriate length being cut off precisely from a longer strip or a longer rod.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus which can remove foreign particles over an object to be processed during or before/after the discharging is provided. The plasma processing apparatus includes a processing chamber; a processing gas supplying unit for supplying a processing gas into the processing chamber, an antenna electrode for supplying a radio frequency electric power into the processing chamber and forming a plasma, a vacuum evacuating unit for evacuating the inside of the processing chamber; a disposing electrode for disposing the object into the processing chamber and holding the object therein; and a DC power supply for supplying a negative electric potential to the antenna electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a generator for generating a time sequence of discharge pulses for EDM machining wherein a pulse capacitor (22) for generating the discharge pulse is charged with a charging voltage (U_chrg) and then discharged into the spark gap. The pulse capacitor (22) after being discharged is recharged with a charging voltage (U_chrg) having the same polarity as that of the residual voltage (U_end) remaining at the pulse capacitor (22) after its discharge. Thereafter, the pulse capacitor (22) is discharged with a discharge pulse into the spark gap, wherein the polarity of the discharge pulse is independent of the polarity of the charging voltage (U_chrg) at the pulse capacitor (22) after its recharge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a generator for generating a time sequence of discharge pulses separated from each other by pulse pauses for electrical discharge machining. At least two pulse capacitors are discharged each in the form of a partial pulse into the spark gap for forming together a discharge pulse. A discharge pulse having a predetermined waveform is selected from a plurality of discharge pulses having differing predetermined waveforms. The discharge of the at least two pulse capacitors is controlled such that the selected discharge pulse is generated with the predetermined waveform.

Abstract: A resistance bonding method comprises contacting a plurality of bonding members, which are electro-conductive, supplying current to the bonding members under a stress applied to a contact interface therebetween by means of plural electrodes in contact with the bonding members thereby to bond the members. The current supply is conducted by switching energizing paths. Part of the members is thermally expanded by current supply before one of the bonding members is contacted with other member, and the members in contact with each other are bonded by the second current supply.

Abstract: A method for repairing a workpiece using microplasma includes the steps of generating a microplasma stream having a width of about 0.5 millimeters to about 5 millimeters; applying the microplasma stream to a workpiece; and coating a portion of the workpiece with the microplasma stream without masking the workpiece. One or more quantities of powdered materials entrained in the microplasma stream may be applied to the workpiece without masking the workpiece after applying the first layer.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for welding structural parts, preferably of a gas turbine, especially of an aircraft engine. A structural component is laser-welded by means of at least one laser source, the one or more laser sources being operated in a pulsed mode. Pulse duration and/or pulse shape and/or output of the one or more laser sources are adjusted in a variable manner. The wire advance of the welding wire is controlled subject to the pulses of the one or more laser sources.

Abstract: A robot laser processing system (10) comprises at least one robot controller (14) for controlling at least one robot, a host controller (12) connected to the robot controller through a first network (11) for overall control of the robot controller, and a plurality of laser oscillators (16-1 to 16-n) selectively connectable to the processing nozzle (35) mounted on each robot and connected to the robot controller through a second network (18-1 to 18-n). An instruction from the host controller is transmitted to the robot controller through the first network, so that the robot controller determines the laser oscillator to be controlled and directly controls the particular laser oscillator through the second network. As a result, a processing command can be issued directly to the laser oscillator from the robot controller without intervention by the host controller.

Abstract: A laser head of laser beam processing machine which comprises a housing, in the interior of which a beam compartment and at the end thereof a nozzle for the laser beam and a working gas to exit are disposed. A dome-shaped nozzle head is provided on the housing and has alternating nozzles disposed on the interior. These nozzles are held rotatable about an axis of rotation and can be introduced into the beam path of the laser beam. The axis of rotation is located on an eccentric disk so that a one-off adjustment can be carried out while the nozzle head is exchanged. The nozzles on the nozzle plate can be exchanged without additional adjustment and thus also automatically, thereby avoiding the need for a complicated adjustment and handling during exchange of the nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for shielding coherent electromagnetic radiation, especially laser radiation. The device comprises at least two partially converging faces (6, 7) between which two opposite openings (8, 9) are configured. The distance of the faces (6, 7) between the two openings (8, 9) varies to such an extent that the electromagnetic radiation is prevented from going from the one opening (8) straight through the other opening (9).

Abstract: An arc start control method in robot welding includes the steps of shorting a welding wire with a base metal, retracting a welding torch by a welding robot for taking the welding wire off the base metal to generate an initial arc, retracting the welding torch to a predetermined position with maintaining the initial arc maintained while applying an initial arc current smaller than a steady welding current during this initial arc period, and starting to feed the welding wire steadily and to supply the steady welding current so as to make a transition from the initial arc to a steady arc as well as starting to move the welding torch along a welding line. During a re-shorting prevention period which starts from a beginning of the initial arc period, a re-shorting prevention current which is larger than the initial arc current is applied in order to prevent re-shortening between the wire tip and the base metal right after the initial arc was generated. Thereafter, the initial arc current is applied.