Abstract: A tool for fusing optical fibers is provided. The tool is preferably sized to be hand held and includes a housing having clamps that are positioned to engage recesses within a fusion sleeve placed in a chamber within the housing for holding down the sleeve. The housing includes a current source and conducting terminals for contacting and for providing an electric current to portions of the sleeve so that a heating element within the sleeve can fuse the first and second optical fibers together.

Abstract: An apparatus for annealing diamond water jet mixing tubes comprises an enclosure, a vertical cylindrical heating tube in the enclosure, a heater for the heating tube and a rack in the heating tube to support the diamond mixing tube. Annealing relieves internal tensile stresses which can decrease the life of the mixing tube.

Abstract: A dc power supply (1) for a dc arc torch (6) comprising: an input port (4, 8) for connection to a source of direct current and an output port for connection to the electrodes (5, 7) of an arc torch; a controlled switch (2) and an inductance (3) connected in series between the input port and the output port; a free-wheeling diode (9) connected such that, in use, it is reverse biased when the switch (2) is ON, and forward biased when the switch (2) is OFF to maintain direct current flow through the arc and the inductance (3); and a feedback circuit (10) having a current sensor (11) to sense the instantaneous value of current flowing through the arc, and a control terminal (26) connected to the switch (2), the feedback circuit, in use, operating to provide a control signal at the control terminal (26) to turn the switch (2) ON when the instantaneous value reaches a first level and OFF when the instantaneous value reaches a second level.

Abstract: An incinerator for the disposal of biohazardous waste has a sealed enclosure defining a combustion chamber with upper, first level intermediate, second level intermediate and lower portions. The upper chamber portion is an inclined chute with a door into which a plurality of cylindrical metal containers of waste are loaded. The bottom run of the chute has a stepped, centrally expanding dimension so different sized containers will be self-centered. A pair of laterally-spaced drums is disposed in the first level intermediate portion, at a constriction which stops further descent down the chute of the leading container. Banks of first level TIG torches are arranged to arc to the drums, providing heat for "cooking" waste in the unopened containers in the upper portion with rising gases and for opening the leading container and incandescently acting on solid materials spilled therefrom.

Abstract: A glass vessel edge chamfering method and apparatus wherein heat energy can be controlled readily and chamfering of a glass vessel having a deformed profile, local chamfering and simultaneous processing of the opposite inner and outer sides of a lip of a vessel can be performed readily and besides the efficiency in consumption of energy necessary for chamfering for one glass vessel is improved so that a glass vessel can be processed efficiently in a short time. A pair of positive and negative electrodes are opposed in a predetermined spaced relationship to an edge of a glass vessel, and flame is blown from a pair of burners into gaps between the edge of the glass vessel and the electrodes while a high voltage is applied between the electrodes. Thereupon, electric current flows between the electrodes and the glass vessel by way of the flame and heats the glass vessel by Joule heat when the electric current flows through the glass vessel.

Abstract: A portable soldering device comprises a short arc lamp including an alumina ceramic cylindrically shaped body with a concave opening at one end that is plated with silver to form an ellipsoidal reflector, a cathode suspended within the concave opening in opposition to an anode protruding through a hole in the center of the concave opening from the opposite end of the body, a circular iron base that supports the anode at its center and attaches to the body. The soldering device further comprises a cone-shaped hood over the flat window and a supply of inert gas attached to the hood that excludes smoke, residue and splatter from infiltrating the hood.

Abstract: A method of fusion splicing optical fibers. Cores of the optical fibers to be fusion spliced are arranged in such a manner that the ends of the corresponding cores of optical fibers opposingly face to each other between discharge electrodes for fusion splicing. Discharge current flowing between the discharge electrodes is automatically adjusted according to a number of the cores of the optical fibers to substantially provide an optimal correction to the discharge current in relation to the number of the cores of the optical fibers. The discharge current is further adjusted to a variation in atmospheric pressure to substantially provide an optimal correction to the discharge current in relation to the variation in atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An optical fiber fusion splicer includes a discharge unit for producing an electric discharge to fusion splice optical fibers and a pressure sensor for producing a pressure detection signal representing the surrounding atmospheric pressure. In response to the pressure detection signal the discharge is controlled by a control unit so that a substantially optimum discharge current for the fusion splicing is provided to the discharge unit. The discharge control unit includes an adjusting unit for producing a discharge current adjusting signal, a control signal generating unit for generating a control signal on the basis of both the pressure detection signal and the discharge current adjusting signal, and a discharge current control unit for controlling the discharge current in response to the control signal.

Abstract: An incinerator for the disposal of biohazardous waste has a sealed enclosure defining a combustion chamber with upper, first level intermediate, second level intermediate and lower portions. The upper chamber portion is an inclined chute with a door into which a plurality of cylindrical metal containers of waste are loaded. The bottom run of the chute has a stepped, centrally expanding dimension so different sized containers will be self-centered. A pair of laterally-spaced drums is disposed in the first level intermediate portion, at a constriction which stops further descent down the chute of the leading container. Banks of first level TIG torches are arranged to arc to the drums, providing heat for "cooking" waste in the unopened containers in the upper portion with rising gases and for opening the leading container and incandescently acting on solid materials spilled therefrom.

Abstract: A micro-welder for optical fibers includes a stand having a central support surrounded by two lateral supports or beams. The beams are suitable for moving under drive from a bending movement about respective X-axes. The stand also supports a device for securing optical fibers on the beams and a device for accurately guiding the fibers on the central support. A low accuracy first displacement device is adapted to displace the beams to bring the fibers into end-to-end contact with each other by relative translation movement along their longitudinal Z-axis which is orthogonal to the X-axes. A high accuracy second displacement device is adapted for moving the beams to drive the fibers with accurate relative translation movements along the Z-axis. Two welding electrodes are provided and an optical device which includes a microscope for observing the ends of said optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical fiber fusion splicer includes a discharge unit for producing an electric discharge to fusion splice optical fibers and a pressure sensor for producing a pressure detection signal representing the surrounding atmospheric pressure. In response to the pressure detection signal the discharge is controlled by a control unit so that a substantially optimum discharge current for the fusion splicing is provided to the discharge unit. The discharge control unit includes an adjusting unit for producing a discharge current adjusting signal, a control signal generating unit for generating a control signal on the basis of both the pressure detection signal and the discharge current adjusting signal, and a discharge current control unit for controlling the discharge current in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A heating device including a body comprised of two or more strata of electrically conductive refractory particles, a supporting element of a refractory material between adjacent strata and an arrangement for passing an electrical current through the body.

Abstract: A personal appliance, such as hair dryer, with enhanced shock hazard protection, and including a housing formed of two complementary and interfitting sections, electrical units mounted within the housing, a power cord leading to the housing, an IDCI on the power cord, and a sensing wire associated with the power cord leading from said housing to said IDCI, electroconductive coating on the internal surfaces of the housing sections, with the coating being electrically connected to the sensor wire, whereby water contacting the coating and the power cord or any of the electrical units will cause a voltage in the sensing wire and thereby trigger the IDCI.

Abstract: A device for the electrostatic perforation of webs made of paper or other materials, particularly of the webs used in the manufacture of ventilated cigarettes to constitute the cigarette envelope or the junction band of a cigarette with the respective filter, includes two opposite electrode-carrying heads between which the web passes at least one of the heads is provided with a plurality of individual needle-shaped electrodes arranged substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the web. The individual needle-shaped electrodes are mounted so as to be axially slidable in the respective electrode-carrying head and can be pushed toward the opposite by a pushing force and against the action of an opposing force, until their front ends engage a gauged shim placed between the two to establish the right spacing.

Abstract: A method of continuously overheating large volumes of gas wherein a gas flow is heated in a cylindrical pipe by means of an electric arc generated between two electrodes arranged in the pipe and axially spaced from each other, the gas being introduced in the tube at a speed of 15-100 m/s and supplied with a quantity of energy amounting to 0.1-0.5 kWh/m.sup.3.

Abstract: A dc power supply for spacecraft arcjet thrusters has an integral automatic starting circuit and an output averaging inductor. The output averaging inductor, in series with the load, provides instantaneous current control, and ignition pulse and an isolated signal proportional to the arc voltage. A pulse width modulated converter, close loop configured, is also incorporated to give fast response output current control.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel apparatus and process for the complete dewatering of sludge containing hazardous and toxic materials, the stabilization of pathogens and microorganisms contained in the sludge and the disintegration and volume reduction of the resultant solids including a blending chamber for the blending of sludge and a predetermined amount of electrolyte, the partial dewatering of the sludge and electrolyte in a filter unit, the adjustment of the resultant filter cake to a desired thickness and the measurement of the conductivity of the filter cake and the transporting of the filter cake to a disintegration chamber where the filter cake is introduced to an automatically-adjustable source of electrical energy reducing the filter cake to particulate solids and where the filter cake conductivity measurements are communicated to the blending station and the source of electrical energy for the automatic adjustment of same.

Abstract: For the glow discharge between a receptacle and a workpiece, the glow discharge path is connected in series with a first switch. A capacitor circuit is charged via the glow discharge path and two diodes. By closing a switch, the previously positive pole of the capacitor circuit is set to the zero potential, whereby the potential of the other pole is shifted negative. By closing a switch, the capacitor circuit is discharged through the glow discharge path while the first switch is closed. Upon the discharging of the capacitor circuit, the supply voltage continues to be present at the glow discharge path for the remaining pulse time. In the initial range, the voltage pulses have a pulse peak for ignition followed by a maintenance range, the height of which corresponds to the supply voltage.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for heating process air for industrial purposes to a predetermined temperature. In one embodiment, the method comprises passing a first air-flow portion through a plasma generator and thus heating said portion to a temperature sufficiently high to cause the ionization of nitrogen and oxygen in the portion and thus form a plasma gas, immediately thereafter adding to said plasma gas a material containing carbon and/or hydrocarbon in sufficient quantity that when said material is reacted with the plasma gas, the ratio CO+H.sub.2 /CO.sub.2 +H.sub.2 O is at least 0.1 thereby substantially avoiding the formation of nitrogen oxide; and immediately thereafter mixing with the plasma gas, with its content of material containing carbon and/or hydrocarbon, a second air flow in such proportion that the predetermined temperature is achieved in the final air mixture.

Abstract: A self-contained portable exothermic cutting system including an electrode holder, current source, arc initiator and source of oxygen.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing high purity silicon melts utilizes a solid silicon body which is drilled to provide bores into which electrodes are inserted. The electrodes preferably are also of silicon and an electric arc-current is passed through the electrodes to generate an arc which melts out the body to define a cavity therein containing the melt. The melt may be used for the drawing of a silicon bar or for the deposition of silicon in vapor form from the melt upon a substrate in a vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An electric arc heater having outlet gas admission. The mounting flange of an electric arc heater has a channel extending about its circumference which is enclosed by a detachably fastened plate to form a manifold. A passageway for the material to be admitted is provided between an outer surface of the mounting flange and the manifold. A plurality of peripherally spaced passageways are provided in the plate intermediate the manifold and the flow path of the arc heated gas exiting the arc heater outlet providing for the uniform distribution of the added material into the arc heated gas. By varying the position of these passageways a broad range of admission paths ranging from substantially parallel to the flow path of the arc heated gas to substantially perpendicular can be achieved without the use of additional downstream admission collars and seals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a means for electrically heating gases, comprising cylindrical electrodes (2,3) between which an electric arc (20) is generated. Between these two electrodes are arranged one or more spacers (6,7) whose length is from 100 to 500 mm.

Abstract: The invention comprises a safety lighter for providing a flame for lighting camp fires, cooking stoves, heaters, lanterns, and the like. The safety lighter has a housing for a fuel container and an electric igniting device, and an extension tube, mounted to the forward end of the housing, that is pivotable from a folded position to an extended position, wherein a flame can be provided at its end remote from the user's hand. The housing has a recess in which a push-button is positioned for actuating the providing of fuel and the igniting device simultaneously. When the extension tube is folded, it lies parallel to the housing over the recess and the push-button so that the lighter cannot be accidentally ignited.

Abstract: A high power non-transferred electric arc heater utilizing interelectrode segments which create a stepped arc chamber intermediate two hollow, substantially cylindrical, axially spaced electrodes. Gas to be heated is admitted upstream of the arc chamber and between adjacent segments. Gas is used to form a cold boundary layer about the expanding core of arc-heater gas. Additional secondary gas inlets adjacent the electrode provide fluid dynamic means for arc positioning on the electrode segments. Gas pressures of less than or in the range of about 1 atmosphere to about 50 atmospheres are used with power levels of about 10 MW being possible. The stepped arc chamber facilitates arc transfer to the downstream electrodes and allows a larger diameter for the arc heated gas while the boundary layer of gas maintaining comparable spacing along the length of the arc-heated gas and the surface of the arc chamber reducing the rate of heat transfer from the arc heated gas to the segments of the arc heater.

Abstract: This relates to electric arc discharge apparatus including at least two pair of electrodes and a single power source which comprises a multi-phase transformer, arc stabilization means and two or more rectifier bridges. Each rectifier bridge provides a pair of electrical power outputs to supply power to a respective pair of electrodes.The invention enables the multi arc system to be employed using a single power source and is of particular use in heating gas to be used in the oxidation of titanium tetrachloride for the production of titanium dioxide pigments.

Abstract: Typically, a bottom of a cup-shaped electrode opposes to that of a similar electrode through a predetermined gap and in a mixture of helium and hydrogen. A step-up transformer connected across an AC source through a resistor applies a voltage in excess of a discharge breakdown voltage for the gap across the electrodes to cause a pilot glow discharge between them before the source voltage reaches a glow hold minimum voltage for the electrodes. A rectified voltage resulting from a transformer connected across the resistor turns a bidirectional triode thyristor on to apply the source voltage across the electrodes through the conducting thyristor. This smoothly transits the pilot glow discharge to a glow discharge between the electrodes. The latter discharge heats a liquid forcedly flowing along inner surfaces of the electrodes. Also an auxiliary electrode can be operatively coupled to the electrodes to cause similarly a pilot glow discharge between it and either one of the electrodes.

Abstract: Typically, a bottom of a cup-shaped electrode opposes to that of a similar electrode through a predetermined gap and in a mixture of helium and hydrogen. A step-up transformer connected across an AC source through a resistor applies a voltage in excess of a discharge breakdown voltage for the gap across the electrodes to cause a pilot glow discharge between them before the source voltage reaches a glow hold minimum voltage for the electrodes. A rectified voltage resulting from a transformer connected across the resistor turns a bidirectional triode thyristor on to apply the source voltage across the electrodes through the conducting thyristor. This smoothly transits the pilot glow discharge to a glow discharge between the electrodes. The latter discharge heats a liquid forcedly flowing along inner surfaces of the electrodes. Also an auxiliary electrode can be operatively coupled to the electrodes to cause similarly a pilot glow discharge between it and either one of the electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for corona effect surface treatment of sheet materials, comprising a metal electrode and an insulating material coated electrode, between which the materials to be treated are inserted, wherein in the inside of said coated electrode a cooling fluid is caused to flow.

Abstract: A composite structure for use on a smoking product including a non-porous tipping paper coated with a heat-activatable adhesive in a selected pattern, having areas void of adhesive and microscopic openings through the tipping paper within the void areas. The method of manufacturing the composite structure includes applying a non-conductive, heat-activatable adhesive coating on the paper web in a specific pattern having void and adhesive coated areas and forming perforations in the void areas of the paper web.

Abstract: Fluid permeable wall members through which an auxiliary fluid is passed against pressure exerted by a fluid to be contained, which wall member is composed of inorganic fibres, may be used to contain hot fluids or fluids otherwise having a deleterious effect on the wall members. Vacuum formed shapes composed of refractory inorganic fibres may be used to contain fluids having temperatures of over 2500.degree. C. such as gases which have been heated by electrical discharge means for use in the vapor phase manufacture of oxides of titanium, iron, aluminium, silicon or zirconium and offer low capital costs combined with resistance to thermal shock.

Abstract: Arrangement for effecting the superfine perforation of film-like sheeting with the aid of high-voltage pulses. The sheeting to be perforated is permitted to pass in a contactless manner between two areal electrode fields. The electrode fields consist of a multitude of needles which are aligned to one another in a mirror-inverted manner and arranged in rows, with each time pairs of them forming discharge or sparking gaps. The needles of the first electrode field are in a direct conductive connection with each time one high-ohmic resistor. Each needle pair is arranged within the secondary circuit of an ignition transformer. These transformers have a high transformation ratio. On the primary side, the transformers are connected via transistor switches, to a source of low d.c. voltage. The transistor switches are initiated groupwisely via a distributor (ring counter) which, in turn, is controlled by a clock-pulse generator.

Abstract: Cooking apparatus for preparing meats to suit individual tastes of different consumers. The meat is subjected to electric current heating to cook the meat and to radiant broiling to char its surface. The cooking current passing through the meat is regulated in response to a comparison of an input corresponding to the desired degree of cooking and an indication of the interior temperature of the meat as it is being cooked. The apparatus are particularly suited to handle effectively a variety of individual orders at substantially the same time.

Abstract: A web is electrically perforated at high hole density by applying alternating-current voltage across an electrode pair facing the web while pressurized gas is supplied to the electrode gap. Voltage amplitude level and gas flow and direction thereof are selected to provide for the striking of multiple arcs per half-cycle, thereby enabling reduction in spacing between adjacent perforations in the web. Perforation practice involving preselection of cigarette filter tipping paper based on chemical composition of the paper is also disclosed as is apparatus for use in implementing the described practices, wherein electrode support members have gas flow conduits formed integrally therewith and wherein webs are taken up by a capstan drive unit resiliently biased into engagement with a web take-up roll.

Abstract: Arc heater apparatus using total alternating current characterized by a pair of axially spaced cylindrical electrodes forming a narrow gap therebetween and connected to a first alternating current power source to produce an arc in the gap, each electrode having magnetic coil means for producing a rotating magnetic field at the arcing surface of the electrodes to rotate the arc, and the magnetic coil means being connected to a second alternating current power source which has an arc current zero aligned with that of the first alternating current power source.

Abstract: A method of heating a gas, particularly a chemically reactant ionized gas, designed, in particular, for producing lower olefins and industrial hydrogen from hydrocarbon stock, wherein the gas is mixed with an intermediate heat carrier gas plasma jet and heated additionally with a rotary electric arc.

Abstract: Disclosure is an appliance for use in conjunction with the electrical resistance cooking of an electrically high conducting food substance within an electrode type cooking package which comprises: A housing defining a packaged food cooking compartment; and retractable plunging means located at opposite ends of said cooking compartment which urge intimate electrical contact between an electrically high conducting food substance held within a subject food containing package, said package being set within the food cooking compartment, and at least two electrical contacts located at the inside surfaces of diametrically opposite ends of said imparting a regulated electrical current for finite time periods to said electrical contacts, forcing current through a subject electrically high conducting food substance, cooking same by conversion of electrical energy into heat without undesirable arcing or food burning; and a protective cover which may exist in an open or closed position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for introducing holes or straight or circular slots approximately normal to the surface in the vicinity of the surface of round timber and to an approximately predetermined depth for the purpose of facilitating the penetration of impregnating means into the surface zones of the timber to better protect against chemical and biological attacks.

Abstract: A surface of a wooden object is decorated by the formation of tracks in the surface simulating the random pattern of tracks seen in wormy wood, the tracks being formed by the application to the wood of a high voltage current.

Abstract: A three-phase arc heater system characterized by two axially spaced, sustantially cylindrical electrodes forming a first intermediate gap, a third electrode forming a second intermediate gap upstream of the first gap, means for channeling gas to the first and second gap, and a three-phase delta-connected power source having a ground conductor connected to the downstream electrode.

Abstract: An arc heater system as a high energy heat source characterized by a housing forming a plenum chamber, a plurality of arc heaters mounted on the housing circumferentially and extending substantially radially thereon, each arc heater comprising a downstream electode adjacent to the housing and an upstream electrode remote therefrom and an intermediate gap therebetween, a polyphase wye-connected power system comprising one conductor for each phase and a neutral conductor, the upstream electrodes of each arc heater being connected to the phase conductors, the downstream electrodes being connected to the neutral conductor, whereby arc heated jet streams from the arc heaters merge and project into the housing.

Abstract: An arc gas heater includes an injector unit having a chamber into which high pressure gas is introduced in a swirl and a constrictor passage leading from the chamber so that the swirling gas flows downstream through the constrictor passage. A rear tubular electrode opens into the chamber with its hollow interior axially aligned with the constrictor passage. The injector unit is separated from a tubular front electrode by interelectrode segments having axially aligned tubular inserts which define a continuation of the constrictor passage beyond the injector unit. Located downstream from the front electrode is a convergent-divergent nozzle. Air flowing subsonically through the constrictor passage assumes a relatively high constant pressure therein, and this high pressure demands a greater difference in electrical potential between the two electrodes to maintain an arc in the passage. This arc elevates the energy of the gas in the constrictor passage to extremely high values.