Abstract: A soldering tool wherein the soldering tip comprises part of a single loop of iron that forms the energizer means, temperature sensor, heating element and solder melting member. The power oscillator comprises a primary transformer coil that is in series with a primary capacitor to form an LC resonance circuit. The primary transformer coil is inductively linked to the iron loop so that the resistance of the soldering tip forms a load resistance on the LC resonance circuit. The power supply includes first and second power transistors connected to a source of DC current. The base of each power transistor is inductively linked to the primary transformer coil so that the power transistors alternately conduct and supply power to the power oscillator. The frequency and amplitude of oscillations in the power oscillator determines how often and how long the power transistors conduct.

Abstract: A heating structure is described having both a return conductor and a heating element consisting of a substrate of a non-magnetic material having high thermal and electrical conductivity, clad with a surface layer of a ferromagnetic material of relatively low electrical conductivity.

Abstract: An autoregulating, electrically shielded heater employs a laminated structure having two magnetic alloy permeable materials of widely differing Curie point temperatures and preferably of differing resistivities. A constant current supply is connected across the laminate such that current flows in the laminae along parallel paths. Due to skin effect, the current is confined to a thin region of a first lamina which is located between the other lamina and the electrical return path. This first lamina has the lower Curie temperature and preferably the higher resistivity of the two laminae to produce heating proportional to I.sup.2 R.sub.1. When the Curie temperature of the first lamina is approached, the current spreads into the other lamina which may have a lower resistivity and higher Curie temperature and heating is obtained by I.sup.2 R.sub.2 where I.sup.2 is a constant due to the constant current source and preferably R.sub.2 <R.sub.1.

Abstract: A portable decal stripping tool particularly adapted for the quick removal of adhesive decals from an automotive surface and comprising a decal stripper attachment for a soldering iron including an elongate shaft with a head portion secured thereto adapted to removably engage and support a razor blade. The decal stripper attachment is constructed of heat conductive material which facilitates elevation of the temperature of the razor blade secured therein so that it will slide under and remove a decal by melting the adhesive securing it to an automobile surface or the like.

Abstract: A simple, highly flexible, virtually massless, temperature autoregulating heater primarily useful for soldering has an energizing circuit that may be integral with or separate from the heater element, which element has a ferromagnetic material energized via the circuit from a constant current source whereby regulation occurs about the Curie temperature of the magnetic material. The energizing circuit may be in the form of a printed circuit conductor formed on a thin layer of Kaptan or like high temperature insulating material having the heater formed on the reverse side thereof or having a sticky substance thereon so that the energizing circuit may be temporarily adhered to the heater and removed after use. Alternatively, the energizing circuit may be formed directly on Nomex paper or the like; a quite thin paper with a sticky backing.

Abstract: Heater bar assembly for a reflow solder machine comprises first and second fingers (50, 52) carrying U-shaped heater bar (54) which is pivotable on main member 22. A spring urges the heater bar assembly to the centered position. First and second thermocouples (82, 84) are secured to the heater bar (54) and are connected through a transfer switch (104) by which their electrical connections can be alternated. One controls the power supply and the other cuts off the power supply if temperature exceeds the selected temperature.

Abstract: A wirestripper for thermal stripping a length of insulated wire includes a "V"-shaped flat metal strip of nickel chrome alloy 0.2 mm thick and having first and second arms 1 mm wide and 3.2 cm long extending from a vertex. The "V"-shaped strip is supported between a support post at the vertex and a respective electrode post at the end of each of the arms, with the electrode posts and support post being parallel and biased apart to tension the "V"-shaped strip. The electrode posts are spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit the length of wire to be stripped to be passed laterally therebetween and between the first and second arms into the vertex for stripping. The serial resistance of the "V"-shaped strip between the electrode posts sufficient for energization of the strip by a 1.2 volt battery connected to the electrode posts.

Abstract: A surgical knife includes a handle supporting a diamond blade. An Nd/YAG laser is optically coupled by a bundle of optical fibres to the blade. The arrangement enables the blade to cauterize tissue being incised by the knife. The selection of the material of the blade and the laser provides a laser knife of extended useful life. The heating of the diamond blade by the laser provides the blade with an unexpectedly increased cutting and cauterizing performance.

Abstract: The cutting instrument of this invention is made by threading a heater assembly through a hollow cutting instrument body. A blade having a shank and a blade body including a cutting edge is secured within the hollow cutting instrument body at its shank portion such that the blade body extends from the hollow cutting instrument body. The heating assembly is secured to the blade body and to the cutting instrument body. The blade body is coated with a non-stick means.

Abstract: A desoldering tool for removing soldered electronic components from printed circuit boards includes a plurality of electric heater bars disposed in spaced apart, opposed relationship so as to grasp the component to be removed. The heater bars are shaped to contact the solder terminations to be desoldered and are composed of an alloy of high electrical resistivity, such as Nichrome. The heater bars are each removably attached to a pair of cantilever spring plates carried by the enlarged end of the handle of the desoldering tool by a different pair of bus bars enclosed in a molded plastic housing providing support and electrical insulation. One bus bar of each pair is rigidly attached to one spring plate while the other bus bar is attached to the other spring plate so that the cantilever spring plates urge the heater bars against the solder terminations and retain the component for physical removal.

Abstract: In a circuit arrangement for controlling the operating temperature of the heating coil of an electric soldering iron, the resistance variation of the heating coil itself is to be evaluated at lowest possible cost of circuitry and doing away with a thermocouple sensor that used to be arranged in the region of the soldering bit or of the heating coil, at high mechanical cost. To this end, a precision resistor is inserted in the heating circuit and a TRIAC switching element connected between the latter and the heating element, which is switched open by a comparator circuit as a function of the voltage drop at the precision resistor or which lets through only the pulses of a pulse generator circuit required for measuring the switch-on threshold, which pulse generator circuit is synchronized via a null detection circuit for null passage of the AC voltage.

Abstract: A battery operated cautery includes a cylindrical housing configured to retain a voltage source, such as a plurality of batteries, and an electrically heated cautery tip carried by the front end of the housing and adapted to be selectively energized from the power source by a manually operable switch on the housing. The switch includes a contact element having rear end connected to a terminal of the power source and a front end movable into and out of engagement with a terminal electrode of the electrically heated tip to make and break the circuit between the tip and the power source by a operation of a depressible switch actuator on housing. A removable safety cover configured to mount on the front of the housing encloses the switch actuator and heating tip to prevent inadvertent switch actuation and to protect the tip when the cautery is being stored or transported.

Abstract: An electrically heated excising or cutting tool for cutting rubber, plastic, and the like includes a handle carrying at one end a cutting blade of flat resistive material through which current flows to produce heat. The blade is substantially U-shaped with limbs having free ends clamped to contact pieces on the handle connected to the poles of a power supply. The blade is bent at right angles to the plane of the flat material in the region between the free ends of the limbs and the bight portion of the U-shaped blade to define a cutting region having a first limb disposed in a cutting direction from the second limb. The first limb is reduced in cross-sectional area at the bend to increase the production and concentration of heat in the cutting region to counteract the increased heat dissipation in the cutting region caused by the accumulation of excised material thereat.

Abstract: A medical or dental probe having a resistive, integrally heated tip. The probe tip provides a nearly continuous, controllable heat, and it may have a narrow, pointed shape. The tip may be heated rapidly, and it provides rapid heating of the instrument, continuous supply of heat for the purpose desired, and concentration of maximum heat at the end of the tip. Methods for making these tips are also described.

Abstract: An unsoldering tip for an electrical apparatus for unsoldering of soldering joints and for removing the solder consists of an electrical resistance wire being designed for being connected to an electrical voltage source at its both ends and becoming heated on current flow therethrough. The resistance wire comprises two legs which partially extend in parallel relation and have there a small distance between 0.1 and 0.3 mm. Both these legs are electrically connected one with the other at one end. At that area, where both these legs extend in parallel relation and with a small distance one from the other, a bend of about 180.degree. is provided, where an enlargement of the small distance is provided to form an enlarged open area or arcuate configuration for receiving the joint to be unsoldered, with the maximum spacing between the legs in the enlarged area being between approximately 0.8 and 1.2 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting thermoplastic foam material, such as polyethylene foam or rigid polystyrene foam, includes an electrically heated cutting element made from a steel band and having a sharpened front longitudinal edge and a rear longitudinal edge spaced from one another by a width dimension of the band which is many times greater than the thickness thereof. The opposite end portions of the cutting element are parallel and close to one another and are each releasably gripped by a separate set of jaws which engage the front and rear edges of each end portion to mechanically support and supply electric current to the respective end portions. Each set of jaws includes a stationary jaw and a movable jaw. The movable jaws are connected for operation by a single operating member for movement in unison relative to the stationary jaws to facilitate rapid insertion and removal of the cutting element from the jaws.

Abstract: The cutting instrument of this invention is made by threading a heater assembly through a hollow cutting instrument body. A blade having a shank and a blade body including a cutting edge is secured within the hollow cutting instrument body at its shank portion such that the blade body extends from the hollow cutting instrument body. The heating assembly is secured to the blade body and to the cutting instrument body. The blade body is coated with a non-stick means.

Abstract: An electrically heated soldering device adapted to simultaneously heat a plurality of spaced electrical elements in a reflow soldering operation includes an elongated metal laminate of substantially U-shaped cross section having a bight portion between two side portions which may be parallel or divergent. The laminate includes a layer of aluminum between a layer of copper and a layer of stainless steel, with the layers being roll bonded together. The copper and aluminum layers are removed at the bight portion to expose the stainless steel layer and form a heat generating zone for contacting the plurality spaced electrical elements which is corrosion resistant and nonwettable by solder. The edges of the copper and aluminum layers adjacent to the exposed stainless steel bight portion are shaped to impart a selectable temperature profile, either uniform or non-uniform along the length of the bight portion.

Abstract: A thermal tool and tip for the tool are disclosed. The tip includes a twisted loop of heat generating wire where the ends thereof are adapted for insertion into electrical connectors in the end of the tool. The loop is twisted at an intermediate portion and terminates in a working tip end. The flexibility of the working tip end with respect to the legs can be varied by selecting the location of the twisted portion relative to the legs.

Abstract: The cutting edge of a scalpel blade is heated to an elevated preselected constant operating temperature for cutting tissue with simultaneous hemostasis by dielectric heating of the internal structure of the blade in the region along the cutting edge. Selective heating of regions of the cutting edge that are locally cooled by contact with tissues during surgical cutting is provided for by constructing the heating elements of the blade of ferroelectric materials that have a Curie point in the operating temperature range and that provide large increases in loss factor (the product of relative dielectric constant times the ratio of loss current to charging current) for temperature decrements below the Curie point.

Abstract: A variable temperature cautery comprising a housing configured to retain a voltage source with an adaptor plug and associated heating tip assembly in operative relation to each other. A control assembly is movably attached to the housing to operatively couple a conductor disposed within the housing and the voltage source. The conductor is movable into and out of operative engagement with the adaptor plug by an actuator mechanism to selectively deliver an infinite variety of voltages to the removable heating tip assembly of the cautery. The housing or handle of the cautery is encapsulated and sterilized by placing it in a sterile bag device. A disposable tip assembly is used in conjunction with the cautery handle and covering bag and is provided with sharpened electrode leads which puncture the bag and fit into the instrument handle so that current can flow to the wire loop cutting area to provide a hot cutting tip.

Abstract: A heated bonding tool for the manufacture of semiconductor devices comprises a high density non-porous alumina body having a mounting portion at one end and a working portion at the other end. The working portion end is tapered and converges toward the working tip portion. An electrically conductive-resistive thick film is deposited over the outer surface of the tapered portion intermediate said mounting portion and said working tip portion which is capable of heating said working tip of said bonding tool up to 600.degree. C. Preferably the thick film material has a positive or negative temperature coefficient of resistance which permits the temperature of the working tip to be monitored as a function of the measured resistance of the thick film. An insulative heat resistant terminal block is provided with a pair of resilient leads connected to a power source.

Abstract: A wire stringing apparatus interconnects terminals of electronic components mounted upon a circuit board. A wire stringing head, which is transported on an x-y mechanism driven by a controller, wraps an insulated wire about terminals and guide pins mounted on the circuit board. The insulated wire is connected throughout the circuitry to form all of the necessary interconnections. After the wire is installed an automatic solder feeding mechanism and a heating element are transported over the circuit board to selectively solder the interconnecting wire to the appropriate component terminals. The heat generated for the soldering procedure additionally removes the insulation from the interconnecting wire at the connection terminal. A cutting tool transported over the circuit board severs the interconnecting wire at selected points to form individual conduction paths between circuit terminals.

Abstract: A tool for micro-soldering the connecting tags of an integrated circuit chip to corresponding terminals on a substrate by Joule heating includes a high conductivity bit having a planar bottom face adapted to contact the tags and press them against the terminals while applying sufficient heat to the tags to solder them to the terminals. The face has a perimeter and a centrally apertured portion adapted to receive and accommodate the circuit chip. The apertured portion forms a geometric loop on the planar face having opposite sides spaced from each other and adapted to contact the tags of the chip. A continuous high electrical conductivity flange extends upwardly from all portions of the perimeter of the face to provide rigidity to the bit.A pair of high conductivity strips extend from facing segments of the flange for applying current to and removing current from the flange on opposite sides of the loop so that a pair of symmetrical current half loops extend about the face between the opposite sides thereof.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument includes an electrically heated cutting edge and a power supply system for maintaining the cutting edge at a constant high temperature for sterilizing the blade, cutting tissue and cauterizing the incised tissue to reduce hemorrhage from the cut surfaces of the tissues (hemostasis).

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument includes an electrically heated cutting edge and a power supply system for maintaining the cutting edge at a constant high temperature for sterilizing the blade, cutting tissue and cauterizing the incised tissue to reduce hemorage from the cut surfaces of the tissues (hemostasis).

Abstract: The cutting edge of a scalpel blade is heated to an elevated preselected constant operating temperature for cutting tissue with simultaneous hemostasis by dielectric heating of the internal structure of the blade in the region along the cutting edge. Selective heating of regions of the cutting edge that are locally cooled by contact with tissues during surgical cutting is provided for by constructing the heating elements of the blade of ferroelectric materials that have a Curie point in the operating temperature range and that provide large increases in loss factor (the product of relative dielectric constant times the ratio of loss current to charging current) for temperature decrements below the Curie point.

Abstract: A combined electrosurgery/cautery system wherein a common heater/electrode element is employed to effect electrosurgical and cautery procedures.

Abstract: The cutting edge of a scalpel blade is resistively heated to a preselected constant temperature range by conduction of high frequency electrical currents within variable skin depths of a ferromagnetic conductor that is disposed on the blade in the region of the cutting edge.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a disposable, self-contained, battery-operated cautery featuring a finger-grasping end which is of substantially reduced diameter as compared with the battery-containing body portion of the device. Such reduced finger-grasping proportions enable facile and precise manipulation of a cauterizing tip, and a switch actuator carried at the finger-grasping end further facilitates manipulation. The switch actuator is of such low profile as to be fully encased and protected when a protective cover is telescopically assembled over the tip end of the cautery.

Abstract: The cutting edge of a scalpel blade is heated to a preselected constant temperature range by conduction of high frequency current through the blade of ferromagnetic material in a region thereof which is in close proximity to a conductor positioned along the cutting edge. Selective heating of regions of the cutting edge that are locally cooled by the tissue contact during surgical cutting is provided by constructing the blade of ferromagnetic materials that have a Curie point in the operating temperature range and that provide large increases in magnetic permeability for temperature decrements below the Curie point.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument includes an electrically heated cutting edge and an automatic control system for maintaining the cutting edge at a constant high temperature for sterilizing the blade, cutting tissue, and cauterizing the incised tissue to reduce hemorrhage from the cut surfaces of the tissues (hemostasie).

Abstract: A tool adapted to simultaneously heat a plurality of spaced electrical elements for soldering includes an elongated heat generating member connected between spaced, parallel, relatively massive and high conductivity rectangular cross section bars. An arcuate lower portion of the heat generating member disposed between the bars is adapted to contact the surface to be soldered. Electrical current applied to one end of one bar and to the opposite end of the other bar is directed uniformly through the heat generating member transverse to the elongated dimension thereof to provide a uniform temperature to all the spaced elements. Upon discontinuation of the electrical current the relatively massive bars are operative to rapidly remove heat from the heat generating member.

Abstract: A technique for the repair of selenium photoconductor elements is disclosed. The particular method includes applying a concentrated heat source to a damaged area of the photoconductor in an oscillating motion traverse to the damaged area so as to effect a weld of same. The oscillating motion of the heat source enables quick melting and resolidification of a minute area of selenium wihout undesirable recrystallization of the photoconductor.

Abstract: A thermographic stylus apparatus includes a bimetal spring element in the pen arm and a resistive heating means. The pressure exerted by the scribing element on the writing platen is varied in linear proportion to the total power consumed in the resistive heating means which causes bending or at least a tendency to bend in the bimetal.

Abstract: A generally flat insulator chuck is arranged to retain surgical electrodes so that the working area of the electrodes extends externally on one end and an electrical circuit accomodating prong is contained within a recessed chamber at the other end. The recessed chamber is dimensioned so as to effect continuous contouring relative to a receiving control handle apparatus in such a manner that the physical stress is translated between the insulator sidewalls of the chuck and the insulator of an extended plug on the handle. The electrical connection extension prong within the recess slidingly engages an electrical connector embedded within the handle extension so as to provide electrical contact free of physical stress from usage. Locking and guiding arrangements cooperate between the handle and the chuck to further insure firm attachment.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting arbitrary shapes in material, particularly in synthetic plastic foam material, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bendable, shape-retaining, electrically conductive resitive wire which may be successively formed into any desired shape by selectively arranging either or both elements of a pair of independently movable wire positioning elements which are respectively attached to end portions of the resistive wire. The resistive wire is also connected to an electrical current source provided on said elements for heating the wire to a predetermined temperature which is sufficiently high so that the wire may cut the desired shape into the workpiece by heat.

Abstract: An electrically heated parting tool for removing windshields and other uses has a holder in the form of a long slender housing mounting a blade-like parting element at one end. The parting element is constructed of thin flat sheet metal and has a generally U-shape including a pair of thin flat leg portions disposed in coplanar relation and joined by a thin flat connecting portion defining a tip end. The free ends of the element leg portions are secured to a high temperature resistant ceramic-like support member recessed into one side of the holder. The parting element extends longitudinally from the holder and has a right angle bend between the holder and tip end whereby the tip end extends laterally of and toward the opposite side of the holder in spaced relation to the holder end. The holder includes a housing at the opposite end in which is located a step-down transformer connected to the leg portions of the parting element by leads extending through the holder.

Abstract: A tool adapted to simultaneously heat a plurality of spaced electrical elements for soldering includes a rigid low conductivity metallic strip connected between and holding first and second relatively massive high conductivity bars in spaced, parallel relation. The lower portion of the elongated metallic strip is shaped to extend from the bars and contact the elements to be soldered. Electrical current is applied between one end of the first bar and the opposite end of the second bar and is directed through a metallic strip transverse to the elongated dimension. Upon discontinuation of the electrical current, the relatively massive bars rapidly remove heat from the metallic strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting arbitrary shapes in material, particularly in synthetic plastic foam material, comprises a bendable, shape-retaining, electrically conductive resistive wire. The wire may be successively formed into any desired form factor by selectively arranging either or both elements of a pair of independently movable electrically non-conductive wire-positioning elements which are respectively connected to end portions of the wire. The wire cuts the desired shape by the heat produced by connecting the wire to an electrical current source which heats the wire to a sufficiently high temperature. Securing portions are respectively provided on the movable wire-positioning elements so that the latter may be fixedly positioned and form an interlocked assembly, whereby the wire may be positioned into a narrow loop and thereby cut circular patterns into a series of workpieces.

Abstract: Terminal members of an electric tool, such as a soldering iron or the like, for receiving detachable tips wherein each tip has a pair of electrical conductors which are detachably secured to the terminal members. Each terminal member is an electrically conducting member having a longitudinal bore to receive a tip conductor, the mouth of the bore preferably being conically countersunk to facilitate conductor entry. A spring member, secured to the terminal member by a set screw inserted into a threaded opening intersecting the longitudinal bore remote from the mouth thereof, has a portion overlying the bored end of the member, the portion being movable transversely in opposition to spring bias.

Abstract: A variable temperature portable cautery includes a housing configured to retain a voltage source, such as a plurality of batteries, and an electrically heated cautery tip carried by the front end of the housing in operative relation with each other. A manually operable switch is provided on the housing to allow selective energization of the cautery tip from the voltage source. A rotatably adjustable variable resistor is mounted on the rear end of the housing and is connected in circuit between the voltage source and heated tip to allow the temperature of the tip to be selectively varied. The movable contact of the switch and the wiper contact of the variable resistor are provided by the respective ends of a common conductor member extending longitudinally in the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of articles with a compact smooth skin and a cellular core from polymer materials, which contain blowing agents, by injection molding or extrusion wherein the apparatus contains an electric heating element within a channel through which the polymeric material is passed.

Abstract: Thin material such as hair or paper is severed by a singeing process using the heated and opposed edges of two thin strips of metal with the edges closely spaced apart to form a slot and with the edges heated by high frequency electrical current or currents flowing along such strips and exhibiting therewith and therebetween skin and proximity effects, and by moving such strips relative to such material so that the material to be singed or severed enters such slot and is therein singed to effect severance by such singeing.