Abstract: In the method of producing a drum having a desired tonal quality, including providing a one-piece wooden cylindrical shell, milling the shell bore to reduce shell thickness to a level characterized as associated with a selected drum tone preliminarily produced when the assembled drum having a head or heads is struck with a beater, and tensioning the head or heads to achieve final tonality.

Abstract: A percussion instrument beater method and apparatus having a mallet which is rotatably coupled to a foot pedal through a ball joint, wherein the ball joint allows substantial positioning about the center or origin of the ball joint. Further disclosed, the ball joint has a through hole which allows slidable adjustment of the mallet shaft relative to the ball joint to allow for lengthening of the mallet from the head to the ball joint.

Abstract: A device for mouthpiece exercises for learning to play a woodwind instrument includes a mouthpiece of a woodwind instrument and a damper which can be placed onto the mouthpiece. The damper has a tubular section at its end facing the mouthpiece and can be inserted in a sealing manner into the mouthpiece opening. The damper is configured for sound absorption in the interior.

Abstract: Storage section has stored therein music piece data sets of a plurality of music pieces, each of the music piece data sets including respective tone data of a plurality of fragments of the music piece and respective character values indicative of musical characters of the fragments. Each of the fragments of a selected main music piece is selected as a main fragment, and each one, other than the selected main fragment, of a plurality of fragments of two or more music pieces is selected as a sub fragment. A similarity index value indicative of a degree of similarity between the character value of the main fragment and the character value of the specified sub fragment is calculated. For each of the main fragments, a sub fragment presenting a similarity index value that satisfies a predetermined selection condition is selected for processing the tone data of the main music piece.

Abstract: Analysis section divides waveform data of a given music piece into waveform data of a plurality of fragments and divides the waveform data of each of the fragments into one or more events of sound, and obtains a character value indicative of a character of the waveform data pertaining to each of the divided events. Storage section stores respective music piece data and music piece composing data of one or more music pieces. The music piece composing data include a character value indicative of a character of the waveform data pertaining to each of the events of each of the fragments. Search section searches (or retrieves) for, from among the stored music piece composing data, one event or a plurality of successive events having a character value of a high degree of similarity to one or more events included in a designated fragment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying similar songs are provided. In accordance with some embodiments, methods for identifying similar songs are provided, the methods comprising: identifying beats in at least a portion of a song; generating beat-level descriptors of the at least a portion of the song corresponding to the beats; comparing the beat-level descriptors to other beat-level descriptors corresponding to a plurality of songs. In accordance with some embodiments, systems for identifying similar songs are provided, the systems comprising: a digital processing device that: identifies beats in at least a portion of a song; generates beat-level descriptors of the at least a portion of the song corresponding to the beats; and compares the beat-level descriptors to other beat-level descriptors corresponding to a plurality of songs.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing a musical tone control device for carrying out appropriate control in user-performed operations. A pitch parameter value PB set by a pitch bend wheel may be loaded and a determination may be made whether the pitch parameter value PB is within a specified range. If the pitch parameter value PB is within the specified range, a time t may advance by 1, and a determination may be made whether the time t has reached t1. If the time t has reached t1, an amplitude value from a low frequency oscillator (LFO) table corresponding to the time t may be read out from the LFO table. The vibrato value VI may be calculated by multiplying the amplitude value and the vibrato depth. The pitch parameter value PB and the vibrato value VI may be added and transmitted to the sound source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stringed instrument with embedded DSP modeling capabilities to model an acoustic stringed instrument. The stringed instrument has a body and a plurality of strings and each of the plurality of strings is respectively coupled to a pickup to detect a vibration signal for each string. An A/D converter converts the detected vibration signal of a string into a digital string vibration signal. A DSP is located within the body of the stringed instrument to process the digital string vibration signal and to implement an acoustic modeling system to process the digital string vibration signal in order to emulate a corresponding string tone of one of a plurality of selectable acoustic stringed instruments. Acoustic modeling includes acoustic string and body modeling, microphone placement modeling, and pick-sound modeling. The emulated acoustic digital tone signal is then converted to analog form for output to an amplification device.

Abstract: A method and system for producing synthesizer and MIDI control data and for reconstructing and reproducing a signal from data collected by sensors coupled to a string instrument comprising a plurality of sensors coupled to the string instrument and a control unit that is associated with the plurality of sensors. The sensors are adapted to collect temporal and spatial data referring to performer's actions and to the sound generation process of the string instrument, specifically as to string deflection along time, while the control unit is adapted to process the data and generate a signal corresponding to the sound characteristics of the performer's playing and actions on the string instrument.

Abstract: A self-powered fan for circulating air for use in cooperation with a heat source, such as a wood stove, and having a first heat transfer member thermally and physically connected with the heat source. The fan blades operably create a first or warm air flow and a second or cooler air flow. The fan has a second heat transfer member with a thermocouple module structure located between the two heat transfer members. The first heat transfer member is of suitable material, size, mass and shape as to provide a suitable temperature gradient between the thermocouple structure and the heat source to operably allow of such sufficient heat transfer from the first heat transfer member to the thermocouple to generate sufficient power to effect rotation of the blades, but not to cause thermal damage to the thermocouple structure.

Abstract: There is provided a self driving energy direct conversion system capable of restricting global warming by using a recycle-type and open-system thermoelectric effect device which uses a natural heat energy (reusable, non polluting, and omnipresent) and which is capable of obtaining an energy source. With a group of Peltier effect elements separated at a certain distance and a group of Seebeck effect elements separated at a certain distance, a heat energy transfer section, a power generator section, and an electrolysis section are provided. Making artificially a heat energy transfer, an electric potential energy conversion, and a chemical potential energy source (of a hydrogen gas and an oxygen gas) allows use of the heat energy, an electric power and a chemical potential energy. Hereinabove, the chemical potential energy source is made by a water electrolysis circuit using water that is easy to pressurize, compress, store, accumulate and convey.

Abstract: A flexible photovoltaic module for converting light into electricity includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells, a wiring harness, and a connection subsystem. The plurality of photovoltaic cells are electrically interconnected to form a positive node for supplying current to a load and a negative node for receiving current from the load. The wiring harness includes a plurality of flexible electrical conductors, each electrical conductor being electrically isolated within the wiring harness. The connection subsystem is operable to selectively connect the positive node to one of the electrical conductors of the wiring harness. A plurality of flexible photovoltaic modules may be connected to form a photovoltaic array.

Abstract: A light transmissible solar cell module including: solar cell units, which include a transparent substrate, a mirror electrode layer provided on a part of a surface of the transparent substrate, and a solar cell section provided on the mirror electrode layer, arranged in multi-levels; a first connecting wire electrically connected to an electrode provided on a surface side of the solar cell section; and a second connecting wire electrically connected to the mirror electrode layer, wherein the solar cell units are arranged so that a light entering from one side hits the solar cell section of an arbitrary solar cell unit and is reflected, and the reflected light reaches another side by being reflected by the mirror electrode layer of a solar cell unit arranged adjacent to the arbitrary solar cell unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photovoltaic cell comprising a GaInP subcell comprising a disordered group-III sublattice, a Ga(In)As subcell disposed below the GaInP subcell, and a Ge substrate disposed below the Ga(In)As subcell comprising a surface misoriented from a (100) plane by an angle from about 8 degrees to about 40 degrees toward a nearest (111) plane.

Abstract: A solar cell includes polysilicon P-type and N-type doped regions on a backside of a substrate, such as a silicon wafer. A trench structure separates the P-type doped region from the N-type doped region. Each of the P-type and N-type doped regions may be formed over a thin dielectric layer. The trench structure may include a textured surface for increased solar radiation collection. Among other advantages, the resulting structure increases efficiency by providing isolation between adjacent P-type and N-type doped regions, thereby preventing recombination in a space charge region where the doped regions would have touched.

Abstract: A photosensitizing transition metal complex of the formula (Ia) MLY1, (Ib) MLX3 (Ic) MLY2X, (Id) MLY3X or (Ie) MLY4X in which M is a transition metal selected from ruthenium, osmium, iron, rhenium and technetium, preferably ruthenium or osmium. X is a co-ligand independently selected from NCS—, Cl—, Br—, I—, CN—, H2O; pyridine unsubstituted or substituted by at least one group selected from vinyl, primary, secondary or tertiary amine, OH and C1-30 alkyl, preferably NSC and CN—; L is a tridentate polypyridine ligand, carrying at least one carboxylic, phosphoric acid or a chelating group and one substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 50 carbon atoms, substituted or unsubstituted alkylamide group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms or substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group having 7 to 50 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dye sensitized solar cell comprising an n-type semiconductor electrode containing a dye, an opposed electrode, and a gel electrolyte arranged between the n-type semiconductor and the opposed electrode and containing a gelling agent and an electrolyte that contains iodine, wherein the gelling agent contains a compound including an N-containing group and at least one atomic group selected from a group consisting of a sulfonic group and a carboxylic group.

Abstract: A fire resistant assembly, which may comprise a first layer having a lumen therein, a second layer adjacent the first layer, a first structural member disposed between the first and second layers, and a box having a cavity defined by a wall, a first opening in the wall, a flange proximate the first opening, and optionally a second opening in the wall, wherein the box is disposed between the first layer and the second layer and wherein the opening is disposed on the lumen of the first layer, the box comprising a further fire resistant feature such as an intumescent ring disposed about the second opening, a plenum wrap layer, or an intumescent layer, and various methods and apparatuses related thereto.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing solar shields are provided. In one embodiment, a solar shield system includes at least one solar shield having a first set of snap-fit features positioned on the first solar shield to engage with attachment channels of an enclosure; at least one solar shield cover having a flexible hinge integrated therein, the at least one solar shield cover further includes a second set of snap-fit features for coupling the at least one solar shield cover with the at least one solar shield; and a plurality of fastening devices for securing the at least one solar shield and the at least one solar shield cover to the attachment channels of the enclosure.

Abstract: A Chicago-style plenum-type electrical junction box provides an air impermeable barrier between a box support structure and a junction enclosure. The junction box includes a base plate and a peripheral wall, the peripheral wall extending from the base plate such that the base plate and peripheral wall define the junction enclosure. The base plate preferably includes a series of fastener knockouts so as to provide an air impermeable barrier. The fastener knockouts are selectively removable for exposing a series of fastener-receiving apertures. The fastener-receiving apertures receive a series of fasteners for sealing the fastener-receiving apertures when fastening the junction box to the box support structure thereby providing an air tight barrier between the box support structure and the junction enclosure.

Abstract: A housing assembly (10) for use in a portable electronic device, includes base (14) and a decorative element (12). The base (14) has a securing portion (144) protruding therefrom; The decorative element (12) has a securing groove (126) corresponding to the securing portion (144) and the cross-sectional area of the securing groove (126) being smaller than the cross-sectional area of the securing portion (144); When the decorative element (12) is pressed toward the base (14), the decorative element (12) may be elastically deformed due to the pressing force, and the cross-sectional area of the securing groove (126) is enlarged so the securing portion (144) can be pushed in the securing groove (126); and when the pressing force is removed, the securing groove (126) begins trying to shrink to its original state so that the securing portion (144) is press-fit within the securing groove (126) to mount the decorative element (12) on the base (14).

Abstract: A cover plate for covering a wall box mounted wiring device such as an electrical receptacle. The cover plate includes an attachment member for covering the wall box opening, at least one opening for at least one wiring device, and a shelf attached to the attachment member. The shelf may also have a non-slip surface or be pitched in such a way that an electronic device such as a cell phone will not fall off. The shelf may also have a lip or raised edge to retain the electronic device. In use, an electronic device will rest on the shelf while charging. The charger plug will be conveniently inserted into the electrical receptacle that is directly below the shelf, with the electronic device resting neatly on the integral shelf. The cover plate reduces clutter related to charging electronic devices in areas such as kitchens or bathrooms. The cover plate may also be used to hold other items such as keys, wallets, watches, clocks, remote controls, and the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods for biasing a neutral axis of a flex cable in a hard drive are discussed. The hard drive comprises a flex cable, a read/write head, and a control card. The flex cable comprises a base film, adhesives, a conductive trace, a cover film, and a neutral axis. The neutral axis is configured to be biased so that stresses in the conductive trace are more compressive and less tensile than stresses without a biased neutral axis.

Abstract: A metal-clad cable having a plurality of spaced apart labels. The labels have coded information about the cable and are conductive and/or include a plurality of openings so as to assure conductivity between an outer sheath of the metal-clad cable and a terminating assembly connector member coupled thereto.

Abstract: A mechanical interface for relieving stress between an outer layer and an inner insulating layer in a layered insulating tape structure surrounding an electrical conductor. The interface tape includes a porous non-woven carrier having opposing sides including a release region located at a first side and a non-release region located at an opposite second side. The release region is treated with a release material for substantially inhibiting adhesion between the first side and an adjacent outer surface. The non-release region is untreated by the release material for substantially facilitating adhesion between the second side and an adjacent inner surface.

Abstract: There are provided a multilayer printed circuit board and a testing piece for the printed circuit board, including a substrate having an inner-layer conductor circuit and one or more outer-layer conductor circuits formed on the substrate with an insulating layer laid between the substrate and outer-layer conductor circuit, wherein a strain gauge having a resistive element held tight between resin films formed from polyimide or thermoplastic resin is buried in the substrate, and electrodes electrically connected to the resistive element are exposed to outside from the resin film and are electrically connected at exposed portions thereof to a viahole. Even if a crack is caused by an impact test to take place in the insulative resin layer, the resin film layers prevent the crack from spreading and thus the resistive element forming the strain gauge will not be ruptured.

Abstract: The objective of present invention is to provide an electroplating solution capable of forming the upper face of a via-hole and the upper face of a conductor circuit in the same layer in approximately the same plane at the time of manufacturing a multilayer printed circuit board. The electroplating solution of the present invention is characterized by containing 50 to 300 g/L of copper sulfate, 30 to 200 g/L of sulfuric acid, 25 to 90 mg/L of chlorine ion, and 1 to 1000 mg/L of an additive comprising at least a leveling agent and a brightener.

Abstract: A combined environmental and electromagnetic rotary seal. The invention is adapted for use between two mutually rotating components of an electromagnetic energy transmission system and provides simultaneous protection against contamination from the environment and unwanted electromagnetic leakage. In the illustrative embodiment, a first set of grooves is cut into the exterior of a first conductive cylindrical component whose interior contains a portion of a millimeter-wave beam waveguide energy transmission system, the grooves comprising the electromagnetic portion of the seal and a second set of grooves is cut into the interior of the conductive housing enclosing the first conductive cylindrical component.

Abstract: A functional element-mounted module can be decreased in size and requires no costly and special members for a light transition member. A substrate is used, on which an optical functional element having an optical function part and bonding pads therearound is mounted by wire bonding, with an upper face of the element upward. A bank to dam a liquid sealing resin is provided around the optical functional element on the substrate, and the liquid sealing resin is dropped and filled between the optical functional element and the bank such that the bonding pads and partial gold wires for the wire bonding are exposed. A package-component member having a hole corresponding to the optical functional element is abutted to the bank such that the hole is opposed to the function part of the functional element. Thereby, the package-component member is contacted to the liquid sealing resin. The package-component member is fixed to the substrate by curing the liquid sealing resin, and the bank is cut away.

Abstract: Provided are a semiconductor package and a method for forming the same, and a PCB (printed circuit board). The semiconductor package comprises: a PCB including a slit at a substantially central portion thereof, the PCB including an upper surface and a lower surface; a semiconductor chip mounted on the upper surface of the PCB; an upper molding layer disposed on the upper surface and covering the semiconductor chip; and a lower molding layer filling the slit and covering a portion of the lower surface of the PCB, wherein the PCB comprises a connecting recess at a side surface thereof, and the upper molding layer and the lower molding layer are in contact with each other at the connecting recess.

Abstract: A bushing is disclosed with a duct for accommodating a conductor which is surrounded by an electrical field grading insulation. The bushing includes a core with a shell encapsulating the grading insulation and a flange surrounding the shell and carrying through holes distributed over its circumference for allowing the bushing to be attached to a wall. The shell and the flange can be in one piece and include an insulating matrix material. The through holes can be surrounded by metal inserts each forming an annular surface flush with a surface of the flange. A test tap can include a contact pin which is electrically conductively connected to an outermost layer of the grading insulation and surrounded by a contact ring connected to every second metal insert by connection wires for grounding the contact pin via the contact ring when the test tap is not in use and covered.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus having a weighing system, a drive system, and a vertical force minimizing system. The weighing system may include a load receiving surface and a plurality of load cells. The drive system produces rotation of the load receiving surface about its vertical axis. The vertical force minimizing system minimizes the amount of vertical force that is applied to the load cells through the drive system, while simultaneously transmitting forces in the transverse direction to provide for rotational movement of the load receiving surface.

Abstract: An X-Y digitizer system is described for embedding within a host device, such as a tablet PC, a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant or the like. The digitizer is configurable so that it can detect and track the position of different types of position indicator. The digitizer that is described also includes novel digitizer windings and novel excitation circuitry for energizing the windings.

Abstract: A circuit for an acoustic wave switch or sensor having a resonant acoustic wave cavity detects a touch or sensed event using a time domain approach. The circuit includes a controller that drives an acoustic wave transducer to generate a resonant acoustic wave in the acoustic wave cavity during a first portion of a sampling cycle. In a second portion of the sampling cycle, the controller monitors the time that it takes for the acoustic wave signal from the transducer to decay to a predetermined level. Based on the decay time, the controller detects a sensed event, such as a touch on the acoustic wave switch/sensor.

Abstract: A multi-directional detect switch (100) includes an insulative housing (5), a number of fixed terminals (4) embedded in the insulative housing, a moveable contact (2), and an actuator (1) positioned on the moveable contact. The fixed terminals include a pair of fixed grounding terminals (44) and a number of fixed periphery terminals (411-414). The moveable contact contacts with the fixed grounding terminal and has a number of periphery beams (21). When the actuator is operated obliquely, one or two periphery beams of the moveable contact is depressed by the actuator for contacting with corresponding one or two fixed periphery terminals, to thereby electrically connect the fixed periphery terminals with the fixed grounding terminal.

Abstract: A complex button assembly and a portable multimedia device using the same. The complex button assembly is installed to an upper end of a case which defines an external appearance of the portable multimedia device. The complex button assembly is provided with a plurality of buttons to receive information on an operating state of the multimedia device. The complex button assembly is installed to face upwardly on the upper surface of the case or rearwardly and upwardly on the upper surface of the case such that a user can easily operate the portable multimedia device. In the complex button assembly, a button body having first and second button units is installed in a penetration portion of a button frame. A jog window is further formed in a middle portion of the button body in which a jog button is installed.

Abstract: A layered mechanism for use in a circuit breaker fabricated by automated assembly operations includes a movable electrical contact mounted on a blade for movement relative to a stationary electrical contact. The major portion of the blade is substantially flat, and a handle is coupled to the blade to move said blade. A toggle spring is connected to the blade to apply a biasing force in the plane of the flat portion of the blade. The handle and blade form cooperating opposed surfaces that allow engagement of the handle with the blade so that movement of the handle can move the blade while allowing pivoting movement of the blade relative to the handle, while opposed surfaces resist upward pivoting movement of the blade when the toggle spring is attached to the blade during assembly of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A switchgear apparatus is provided in which an impact induced by a close operation is mitigated, featuring space saving and high reliability with low costs. The switchgear apparatus includes a switching unit 3 that is composed of a fixed electrode 1 and a movable electrode 2; a movable shaft 4 that is extended from the movable electrode 2; an operating mechanism 5 that produces driving force and transfers the driving force to the movable shaft 4; a switching-unit holder 6 that holds the switching unit 3 and the movable shaft 4 thereinside; and a holder supporting unit 7 that has a fixing plane so as to fix the switching-unit holder 6 thereonto. The switchgear apparatus is arranged in such a manner that the holder supporting unit 7 serving as the fixing plane is constituted of a plurality of plates layered in the axial direction along the movable shaft 4.

Abstract: A rotary knob is for operating a motor vehicle by rotation of the rotary knob, the rotary knob having an at least partially transparent display layer which rotates along in response to an angular movement of the rotary knob, and a controllable light source for displaying changeable information on the display layer.

Abstract: A control knob is supported on a switch base via a first pivotal shaft. A movable contact holder holds a movable contact and is supported on the switch base via a second pivotal shaft substantially parallel with the first pivotal shaft. The movable contact holder is formed with first and second arms between which a sliding surface is formed. A control plunger sliding on the sliding surface is slidably fitted to the control knob. A return spring urges the control plunger in a direction to abut on the sliding surface. The control plunger is arranged such that, when the control knob tilts to the first and second operating positions, the tip end of the control plunger moves on the sliding surface to left and right sides with respect to a plane extending between axes of the first and second pivotal shafts, and such that the repulsive force of the return spring constantly urges the control knob toward the first operating position.

Abstract: An arc member is provided for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes an operating mechanism for opening and closing separable contacts, and an arc chute disposed proximate the separable contacts to attract an arc generated thereby. The separable contacts include a stationary contact and a movable contact. The stationary contact has an edge, which is disposed in a plane. The arc member includes an arc element disposed between the stationary contact and the arc chute. The arc element has first and second portions and first and second arc attractors. The first arc attractor extends outwardly from the first portion toward the plane of the edge of the stationary contact to draw the arc from the separable contacts to the arc member. The second arc attractors, which are disposed on the second portion of the arc element, direct the arc into the arc chute.

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: In one implementation, a method is provided for testing a plasma reactor multi-frequency matching network comprised of multiple matching networks, each of the multiple matching networks having an associated RF power source and being tunable within a tunespace. The method includes providing a multi-frequency dynamic dummy load having a frequency response within the tunespace of each of the multiple matching networks at an operating frequency of its associated RF power source. The method further includes characterizing a performance of the multi-frequency matching network based on a response of the multi-frequency matching network while simultaneously operating at multiple frequencies.

Abstract: A welding flash protection apparatus for use with a welding machine with gas shielding is disclosed, the apparatus providing for delay of the welding flash thereby preventing the typically inherent fraction of a second delay between flash and lens darkening, hence protecting the eyes. The apparatus provides a complete helmet or apparatus components for fitment to an existing helmet. The apparatus provides a unique transmitter antenna mount for the shielding gas tank.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and systems for micromachining a conical surface. In one embodiment, such a system may include a rotating platform for receiving a long line of laser illumination, a mask having a predetermined pattern comprising a sector of a planar ring, the mask being positioned on the rotating platform, a workpiece stage having a rotational axis for rotating a removably-affixed workpiece comprising a conical surface, wherein the sector comprises the planar image of the conical surface, an excimer laser for producing a laser beam, a homogenizer for homogenizing the laser beam in at least a single direction, at least one condenser lens, a turning mirror and at least one projection lens.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for generating optically perceptible laser-induced cracks in brittle material, wherein a laser beam, followed by a coolant jet, is guided relative to the surface of the brittle material in order to advance a crack trail into the material starting from an initial crack, and wherein a marking agent which penetrates into the crack during the formation of the crack so as to make the latter visible is mixed with the coolant.

Abstract: Methods are provided of forming a plurality of fan-shaped effusion holes on a combustor having a surface, each hole having an outlet on the combustor surface. The method may include rotating the combustor relative to a laser beam, and positioning the combustor to a first position where the laser beam is at a first predetermined angle relative to the combustor surface. The laser beam is pulsed at the combustor surface to form a first plurality of trepan cuts. The first predetermined angle is adjusted to a second position where the laser beam is at a second predetermined angle relative to the combustor surface. The laser beam is pulsed at each trepan cut of the first plurality of trepan cuts, to thereby form a cut for at least a portion of the fan shape of each effusion hole outlet, wherein each cut overlaps a trepan cut of the first plurality of trepan cuts.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a laser irradiation method and a laser irradiation apparatus for irradiating an irradiation surface with a linear beam having more homogeneous intensity by blocking a low-intensity part of the linear beam without forming the fringes due to the diffraction on the irradiation surface. In the laser irradiation, a laser beam emitted from a laser oscillator 101 passes through a slit 102 so as to block a low-intensity part of the laser beam, the traveling direction of the laser beam is bent by a mirror 103, and an image formed at the slit is projected to an irradiation surface 106 by a convex cylindrical lens 104.

Abstract: Various slag systems exhibiting improved flow characteristics and weld puddle properties are provided. Also provided are flux cored electrodes for producing the noted slag systems and related methods of arc welding.

Abstract: A substrate heating apparatus includes a top plate arranged above a hot plate so that a vertical space is formed between the hot plate and the top plate. The top plate has an evacuated internal chamber serving as a vacuum insulating layer that suppresses heat transfer from a first surface of the top plate facing the hot plate to a second surface of the top plate opposite to the first surface. When heating the substrate, a gas flow flowing through the space between the hot plate and the top plate is generated.