Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for the production of micro-structured substrates and their application in natural sciences and technology, in particular in microfluidic and analysis devices and provides a method of introducing a structure, preferably a hole or cavity or channel or well or recess, in a region of an electrically insulating substrate (s), said method comprising the steps: a) providing an electrically insulating substrate (s), b) storing electrical energy across said substrate using an energy storage element (c) which is charged with said electrical energy, said energy storage element being electrically connected to said substrate, said electrical energy being sufficient to significantly heat, and/or melt and/or evaporate parts or all of a region of said substrate, c) applying additional energy, preferably heat, to said substrate or a region thereof to increase the electrical conductivity of said substrate or said region thereof, and thereby initiate a current flow and, subsequently

Abstract: A method for repairing a rotor of a turbine includes providing a rotor having a groove portion defined by a circumferential portion of the rotor. The circumferential portion of the rotor is removed to create an opening to provide access to the groove such that the opening, immediately adjacent the groove, is narrower than the groove. A guide block may be extended into a receiving slot separating a first protruding surface from a second protruding surface of the rotor such that a weld area slot of the guide block extends over at least a portion of the opening. The opening may be welded adjacent the guide block to close at least a portion of the opening.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: A device is provided comprising at least one cantilever comprising at least one tip and at least one heating element. Methods for making and using such a device are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a metal article includes a station which receives and supports a workpiece. The station has a source of electrical current and a source of a fluid. The station further includes a first and a second electrode clamp. Each clamp is in electrical communication with the source of current and in fluid communication with the source of fluid. The clamps engage a workpiece and deliver an electrical current and a fluid thereto. The system includes an actuator mechanically associated with at least one of the clamps. The actuator is operable in combination with a clamp to apply mechanical force to the workpiece. The system is operable to selectably control the temperature profile and/or ambient conditions of a workpiece during forming or processing steps. Disclosed are specific systems including modular systems. Also disclosed are methods for using the systems.

Abstract: A brake lining comprises a lining support plate, an underlayer material and a friction lining. The brake lining is clamped between a pressure plate and a holding fixture, which forms a hole matrix and inside of which electrodes are accommodated. A power supply is connected to the electrodes. The adjacent electrodes have different polarities. A current flow is produced between adjacent electrodes as a result of the different polarities. The field lines extend in the shape of an arch. An arrangement of this type permits the friction lining to be scorched. For hardening, a potential gradient can also be applied between the electrodes and the support plate. The current then flows and the entire friction lining is permeated. This results in a homogenous heating of the friction lining. The invention enables an efficient hardening of the friction lining. It is also possible to conduct a hardening and scorching simultaneously. The invention also enables the friction lining to be pressed during the heat treatment.

Abstract: A method for providing a controlled heating profile in an article being heated in a resistance heating process is provided. The method includes contacting the article with a plurality of electrodes, selecting a first correlated group that includes at least two electrodes, and establishing a flow of electrical current between the electrodes of the first correlated group. The method also includes selecting a second correlated group that includes at least two electrodes, the second correlated group differing from the first correlated group. A flow of electrical current is also established between the electrodes of the second correlated group for the purpose of providing a controlled heating profile for an article undergoing resistance heating.

Abstract: A bolt heater including a junction housing, a handle attached and secured to a wall of the housing solely from an exterior of the housing, such as by a threaded connection, a power cable including a fitting attached directly to the wall of the housing, and an electrical resistance heater rod attached to the wall of the housing. The wall may have a boss with a recess therein for receiving a portion of the handle. The housing may be a hollow cylinder with a circular top wall, a circular bottom wall, and a cylindrical side wall. The heater rod may be attached to the housing via a threaded connection and the housing may have a non-circular portion near the threaded connection point, the non-circular portion being engageable by a tool to assist in the threading attachment of the heater rod to the housing.

Abstract: An frit-sealed device comprising a resistive heating element having an electrically-closed-loop structure and process for frit-sealing a device by using such heating element. The element can be advantageously made of a metal such as Invar® and/or Kovar®. The invention enables hermetic frit sealing with low residual stress in the seal. The invention is particularly advantageous for hermetic sealing of OLED display devices.

Abstract: A device (20) or system (60) for heating heat-transformable shape memory implants used in surgery applications. The case (22) is configured to be hand-held by a user. The device (20) also includes a variable electronic power supply (24) contained within the case (22). The variable electronic power supply (24) includes a predetermined size and quantity of batteries (34). The variable electronic power supply (24) is varied by varying the predetermined size and quantity of batteries (34) according to the characteristics of the shape memory implants. The device (20) further includes conductive electrodes (26) extending from the case (22). The conductive electrodes (26) are electrically joined with the electronic power supply (24) in the interior chamber (30) of the case (22) via an electrical connection (36) to form a power circuit (38). A user activated switch (28) is joined with the electronic power supply (24).

Abstract: A dialysis fluid heating system includes a dialysis fluid heater; a dialysis fluid carrying element in operable communication with the dialysis fluid heater to heat a dialysis fluid; and a logic implementer configured to control the heater using (i) a heater input determined from a dialysis fluid temperature delta and a dialysis fluid flowrate, and (ii) a potential adjustment of the temperature delta using a measured dialysis fluid outlet temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple, energy efficient and cost effective process for continuous production of high quality MgB2 based superconducting wires, tapes, bulk bodies and powders with better phase purity, microstructure and superconducting properties by introducing some innovative steps namely processing the reactants in evacuated and sealed metal tubes by electrical self-heating cum hot rolling followed by annealing under electrical self-heating, thereby overcoming various deficiencies and shortcomings associated with the prior art.

Abstract: A compact, portable resistance heating device that takes a source of alternating current electricity and through a series of connections and circuitry splits the alternating current electricity into a plurality of circuits. The compact, portable resistance heating device is capable of heating a plurality of cartridge heaters at one time, individually or a combination thereof. The compact, portable resistance heating device is controlled by at least one controller that controls three (3) power output receptacles. The controller is capable of producing 0-100% output power to each respective cartridge heater. Each cartridge heater may be individually controlled by an on/off switch, and an indicator light may be provided and illuminate when each cartridge heater is energized. The cartridge heaters of the compact, portable resistance heating device do not require close tolerances with an axial bore of a stud or threaded bolt and are further capable of being bent to suit the particular operation.

Abstract: An active thermal energy storage system is disclosed which uses an energy storage material that is stable at atmospheric pressure and temperature and has a melting point higher than 32 degrees F. This energy storage material is held within a storage tank and used as an energy storage source, from which a heat transfer system (e.g., a heat pump) can draw to provide heating of residential or commercial buildings and associated hot water. The energy storage material may also accept waste heat from a conventional air conditioning loop, and may store such heat until needed. The system may be supplemented by a solar panel system that can be used to collect energy during daylight hours, storing the collected energy in the energy storage material. The stored energy may then be used during the evening hours to heat recirculation air for a building in which the system is installed.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a metal article includes a station which receives and supports a workpiece. The station has a source of electrical current and a source of a fluid. The station further includes a first and a second electrode clamp. Each clamp is in electrical communication with the source of current and in fluid communication with the source of fluid. The clamps engage a workpiece and deliver an electrical current and a fluid thereto. The system includes an actuator mechanically associated with at least one of the clamps. The actuator is operable in combination with a clamp to apply mechanical force to the workpiece. The system is operable to selectably control the temperature profile and/or ambient conditions of a workpiece during forming or processing steps. Disclosed are specific systems including modular systems. Also disclosed are methods for using the systems.

Abstract: A bundle drawn metal fiber has a radial cross section comprising at least three concentric metal layers, being a core layer, a surface layer and at least one intermediate layer. The intermediate layer or layers envelop the core layer. The surface layer envelops the intermediate layer or layers. The surface layer provides the outer surface of the bundle drawn metal fiber A bundle drawn metal fiber is characterized in that its surface layer has an average thickness of less than 30% of the equivalent diameter of the metal fiber. The invention further relates to a method to provide such bundle drawn metal fibers.

Abstract: The appliance includes heating means comprising at least one electrical resistor (1-8) having a given rated power and connected to the output of a static contactor (101-103, 201-203) connected to control means and designed to be connected at the input to a phase conductor (91-93) of an electrical network (9) for supply of the resistor with alternating current and at a certain voltage. The control means are arranged to control the static contactor (101-103, 201-203) and break the supply current of the resistor so as to keep the apparent power of the resistor (1-8) substantially equal to its rated power. The invention applies to ovens.

Abstract: A superalloy micro-heating apparatus includes a substrate, an isolation layer on a front surface of the substrate, a patterned heating resistor, and a contact electrode on the heating resistor. The material of the heating resistor includes superalloy material that has the advantages of corrosion-resistance, high-resistance, rapid-thermal increase, and high-temperature resistance. For these reasons, the superalloy micro-heating resistor has an improved reliability and yield.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for electrical resistance heating (1), said device being used to heat a metallic mass (3), such as horse shoes and the like, at a sufficiently high temperature for forging, and over a sufficiently short period of time to be able to meet the requirements of the job. As a substitute for gas, the inventive device offers the user a significant economical advantage, a higher level of safety, and improved working conditions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for welding together two metal pieces, comprising buttering a surface of a first metal piece with a first nickel-based filler metal at a thickness sufficient to isolate a heat-affected zone in the first metal piece from subsequent welding; heat-treating at least the heat-affected zone in the first metal piece; buttering a surface of a second metal piece with a second nickel-based filler metal having the same composition as the first nickel-based filler metal and at a thickness sufficient to isolate a heat-affected zone in the second metal piece from subsequent welding; heat-treating at least the heat-affected zone in the second metal piece; and welding the heat-treated first buttered surface to the heat-treated second buttered surface with a third nickel-based filler metal having the same composition as the first and second nickel-based filler metals.

Abstract: An active thermal energy storage system is disclosed which uses an energy storage material that is stable at atmospheric pressure and temperature and has a melting point higher than 32 degrees F. This energy storage material is held within a storage tank and used as an energy storage source, from which a heat transfer system (e.g., a heat pump) can draw to provide heating of residential or commercial buildings and associated hot water. The energy storage material may also accept waste heat from a conventional air conditioning loop, and may store such heat until needed. The system may be supplemented by a solar panel system that can be used to collect energy during daylight hours, storing the collected energy in the energy storage material. The stored energy may then be used during the evening hours to heat recirculation air for a building in which the system is installed.

Abstract: A method for providing a controlled heating profile in an article being heated in a resistance heating process is provided. The method includes contacting the article with a plurality of electrodes, selecting a first correlated group that includes at least two electrodes, and establishing a flow of electrical current between the electrodes of the first correlated group. The method also includes selecting a second correlated group that includes at least two electrodes, the second correlated group differing from the first correlated group. A flow of electrical current is also established between the electrodes of the second correlated group for the purpose of providing a controlled heating profile for an article undergoing resistance heating. The electrical current between the electrodes of the second correlated group can be established after the flow of electrical current is established between the electrodes of the first correlated group.

Abstract: A system is configured to treat a conductive component. The system includes a power source, an interface configured to electrically contact with a surface of the conductive component, and a controller coupled to the power source and the interface. The controller is configured to pass electric current (e.g., electric pulses) from the power source through the interface and the component to melt tips of a set of cracks along the surface of the component. As the current passes around the set of cracks, the current generates localized heating in high-resistance dislocations at the crack tips to repair the cracks. Accordingly, such current heals the cracks and inhibits the cracks from spreading. Furthermore, the effect of the current remains localized thus enabling the current to strengthen the material around the cracks while easily avoiding damaging or weakening other portions of the component.

Abstract: An annealing apparatus for annealing metallic billets, particularly for use in annealing aluminum-containing billets, comprising at least two contact elements or contact discs made of electrically conducting material, the contact elements being connected to a voltage source so as to provide electric current flow through the billet as it passes between the two contact elements. The material of the contact elements is a light metal, normally aluminum or an aluminum-containing alloy, such that the contact element material is matched to the material of the billet and diffusion of the billet material into the contact element is substantially avoided.

Abstract: A metallic component is made by heating with subsequent hardening by rapid cooling. In the component unhardened regions remain, in that the component is electrically resistant heated and defined regions, either by partial resistance heating of the other regions, by overbridging or by cooling are excluded from heating above the austenitization temperature so that after a subsequent hardening process, they will remain with a ductile structure.

Abstract: There is provided a method capable of decreasing a friction force in friction stir welding, in which a welding tool is used. In a method of friction stir welding workpieces together by rotating and pressingly plugging a welding tool, formed from a harder material than the workpieces, into a weld zone of the workpieces and moving the welding tool relatively in a welding direction, a power supply device allows a current to flow between the welding tool 1 and the workpieces to cause resistance heating of the welding tool. Combined use of resistance heating makes it possible to decrease a friction force. Preferably, a conductive ceramic is coated on surfaces of the welding tool to cause resistance heating.

Abstract: A method of heat treating a coil (14) for use as a superconducting coil. The coil (14) is heated in a furnace, the temperature of the furnace being controlled to perform a predetermined heating cycle. A current is passed through the coil (14) for at least a portion of the heating cycle so as to further heat the coil by resistance heating.

Abstract: A print head for a liquid ink printer deposits liquid ink droplets on a recording medium. A curved infrared foil heater is disposed adjacent to the recording medium path opposite the print head, for heating the recording medium to dry the liquid ink droplets. The foil heater is an infrared emitting, etched foil circuit heater mounted within a channel in a frame to curve and thus self-tension to prevent wrinkling of the foil heater despite any thermal expansion of the foil heater.

Abstract: The invention relates to a welding head (20) having an infeed shaft (2) and an electrode movable via a cylinder (7). Detection of various parameters via a pressure sensor (9) is provided for in this case.

Abstract: A welding construction (10) includes a weldable portion (11a) formed by bending a leading end of an electrically conductive plate (11). This weldable portion (11a) is formed with a tip (11c). Further, a slit (11d) is formed to extend from a left slanted edge (11b) toward a widthwise center of the weldable portion (11a), and a lead (12a) is accommodated in the slit (11d). A meltable portion (11e) is provided between the slit (11d) and the leading end of the weldable portion (11a) including a tip (11c). When an electrode (D) of an arc welding machine discharges arcs toward the leading end of the weldable portion (11a), these arcs are created toward the tip (11c) to melt the weldable portion (11e) and connect the lead (12a) and the weldable portion (11a).

Abstract: An electrode pattern is used to apply preheating and final heating electric current to a workpiece whose smaller regions are bridged, or otherwise controlled as to the temperature so that for the final heating, all parts of the workpiece have substantially the same temperature and hence substantially the same electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A metallic component is made by heating with subsequent hardening by rapid cooling. In the component unhardened regions remain, in that the component is electrically resistant heated and defined regions, either by partial resistance heating of the other regions, by overbridging or by cooling are excluded from heating above the austenitization temperature so that after a subsequent hardening process, they will remain with a ductile structure.

Abstract: The piston for a magneto-rheological fluid system is manufactured from a piston skirt of a material having a high magnetic permeability and a piston plate which closes one end of the piston skirt having a low magnetic permeability and therefore must be made out of a material such as stainless steel. The piston is manufactured by placing the plate on one electrode and clamping another set of electrodes against the outer circumferential surface of the piston ring or skirt. The plate and ring are brought into contact with one another while applying a current through the piston ring and the piston plate, thereby heating interfering portions of the ring and plate and permitting the plate to be forced inside of the ring while at the same time allowing the softened or plastic portions of the ring and plate to intermingle with one another and thus form a solid state bond.

Abstract: A resonance controlled conductive heating apparatus for heating a conductive load, has input terminals for receiving AC power. The primary winding of a transformer is coupled to the input terminals. First and second electrodes are coupled to the secondary winding of the transformer and are adapted respectively to electrically engage the conductive load in first and second contact points spaced from each other for direct passage of current therebetween. A resonant circuit is coupled between the secondary winding of the transformer and the electrodes. The resonant circuit has inductance, capacitance, voltage and operating frequency properties set to control a maximum current flowing across the conductive load between the electrodes.

Abstract: Nickel aluminum alloys are welded utilizing a nickel based alloy containing zirconium but substantially free of titanium and niobium which reduces the tendency to crack.

Abstract: A data processing system is provided for determining a minimum flange length for a joint to be welded by resistance spot welding. In particular, the data processing system utilizes data for a preselected weld electrode and a set of joint data representative of a joint to be welded to determine whether a set of corrected tip data or a set of uncorrected tip data is to be used in determining the minimum flange length. A method for calculating the minimum flange length is also provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for partly reinforcing a workpiece which is capable of reinforcing the reinforcement requiring part of the workpiece on which stress is liable to be concentrated upon use of the workpiece. A workpiece 1 made of metal having a reinforcement requiring part 10 and a forming die 3 are provided. The reinforcement requiring part 10 of the workpiece 1 is heated up to a higher temperature than the other part 18. The reinforcement-requiring part 10 is quenched and reinforced as compared to the other part 18 by bringing the forming surface area of the forming die 3 into direct contact with at least the reinforcement-requiring part 10 of the workpiece 1 which is then strongly pressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for thermally supporting mechanical joints by means of punched rivets with a semi-hollow rivet or a solid rivet or by pounding. The method is characterized in that a local and time limited heating of the joint parts (1a, 1b) occurs by means of electric resistance heating in the future forming zone, whereby the heating is carried out by means of a hold-down device (5) and a matrix (4) or by elements (10/11, 12/13) arranged next to or elements (14, 15) arranged in front of said hold-down device and matrix. The heating is initiated at the start of or immediately before the joining process and is completed before the forming begins.

Abstract: A laser sintering method and apparatus has a material on a substrate. A laser is used for completely sintering the material and enhancing adhesion of the material to the substrate without damaging the substrate. Any computing device may receive and process data and automatically control the sintering operation. A protective layer may be provided on the substrate. The substrate may be a low temperature substrate and the protective layer may be a protective thermal barrier which prevents damage to the substrate during sintering and also enhances adhesion of the material to the substrate. The substrate, the material, and the protective thermal barrier may be formed as an electronic component. A feedback control system coupled to the computer provides information to the computer for processing and controlling output of the laser. The material on the substrate may have any shape. The substrate may also have any shape.

Abstract: A wire cleaner for removing impurities from the surface of an elongated welding wire as the wire travels along a given path, the wire cleaner comprises a tunnel with a tube having a central passage surrounding the path with a gap between the tube and the wire moving through the tube, a power supply with first and second output terminals across which is generated an AC output current having a frequency in the range of about 100-300 kHz and a magnitude of at least about 1.0 amperes, a first connector attaching the first output terminal to the tube and a second terminal attaching the second output terminal to the moving wire whereby current proportional to the output current flows along the surface and across the gap to heat the wire to cause evaporation of the surface impurities. As an alternative, induction heating of the wire is used.

Abstract: Improved shape and strength of the weld in a welded structure are obtained by use of a weldable aluminum product comprising a structural component which is a sheet, a plate or an extruded body and is made of an aluminum alloy containing not more than 1.5 wt % Zn. This component has, adhered on at least one side, a cladding layer made of an AA7xxx-series alloy having a corrosion potential lower than that of the alloy of the structural component. The alloy of the structural component is preferably an AA5xxx-series alloy containing Mg in the range 2 to 6 wt %.

Abstract: A sleeve means is described. The sleeve means comprises a round plane and ring-shaped side adjacent to the round plane. The round plane has a central hole and six periphery holes thereon. The central hole and six peripheral holes respectively correspond to a central opening and six screw holes of a heater adapter flange used in Gasonics L3510 (trademark) etcher. The sleeve means could be jacketed onto the heater adapter flange for dispersing the stress on and reducing deformation of the heater adapter flange when the heater adapter flange is mounted on the chamber of the etcher.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for performing tube-to-tubesheet welding within box headers and, in more particular, to a GTAW welding gun that has a long generally tubular barrel which is small enough in diameter to pass through the plug holes on one side of a box header and long enough to reach over to the point of connection on the opposite tubesheet. Additionally, and as a critical part of the instant invention, the torch is fitted with a semi-automatic cold wire feeding apparatus and an associated wire feed liner that is constrained to be proximate to the exterior of that tube throughout said barrel's length. Thus, both the barrel of the welding torch and its accompanying wire feed liner are sized to fit within and pass through a plug hole.

Abstract: A constant current annealing device for annealing a wire or surgical needle is disclosed. The device includes amplitude and time setting devices, such as thumb-wheel switches. A constant current source is connected to the current setting device. The constant current source is switchable, through a switch for example, in response to a timing signal to provide a constant current for a predetermined duration. A pair of spaced apart electrodes are clamped on the needle and a switching device is connected between the constant current source and the pair of electrodes. The voltage drop across the switching device varies to compensate for load variations, thus keeping the anneal current constant in the anneal ON mode. In the anneal OFF mode, where current is not provided to the needle, the switching device shunts a residual current away from the electrodes. The time setting device include a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a solid state relay to provide an accurate timing signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a closed metallic canister with a gas under pressure comprising means for forming a gas filling opening in the canister, and dispensing means for sequentially injecting a high pressure gas through the gas filling opening to charge the canister, and depositing and fusing a fusible body in the gas filling opening, while continuing to inject gas into the canister and utilize the force of the gas to urge the dispensing means into sealing engagement with the canister being charged.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for effecting preheating of elongate metal parts, such as bars, for permitting subsequent deformative processing of the bar. Electrode-type clamps are attached adjacent opposite ends of the elongate bar, and direct-current electricity is applied to the clamps for transmission longitudinally of the bar to effect heating thereof. A further pair of electrode-type clamps is applied directly at each free end of the bar, with the electrode clamps of each end pair being disposed for engagement on opposite sides of the bar substantially flush with the end face of the bar. An electric current, such as an alternating-current, is applied across the sidewardly-spaced electrode clamps of each end pair to effect transmission of electrical current transversely across the bar in the direct vicinity of the end face to effect additional heating directly at the end of the bar to supplement the heating which is effected by the direct-current passed longitudinally through the bar.

Abstract: An entry wire passes through a furnace containing zinc vapor in an inert atmosphere. While passing through the furnace the wire is heated by the Joule effect, by passing through it an electrical current produced by a generator, which rapidly heats it to the appropriate temperature. This produces an electrode wire having a thicker surface layer of diffused copper-zinc alloy, so that spark erosion machining is accelerated. The manufacturing method is fast and low in cost.

Abstract: A laminated window includes at least one rigid external substrate (5) and a sheet made of flexible plastic material (6) which is adjacent to the substrate (5). The window is equipped with an electrostatic protection circuit which is capable of dissipating the charges which have accumulated on the external sheet (7). This circuit includes conducting elements (2) which cross through at least the substrate and at least one part of the sheet made of plastic material (6). The conducting elements (2) are connected to a collector element (3) which is connected to the ground (4) and embedded in the sheet made of flexible plastic material (6).

Abstract: An oven (1800) for use in conjunction with a dynamic thermal-mechanical testing system that exhibits both self-resistive and self-inductive heating whenever a sufficiently large alternating (AC) electrical current is passed through the oven. In one embodiment, the oven is fabricated from a material which undergoes self-resistive heating to radiantly heat an internal volume of the oven. The oven also includes appropriately shaped heating sections (1830), which undergoes self-resistive and self-inductive heating to compensate for heat losses into a support for the oven.

Abstract: A wire cutter for electrically cutting a path through wires to allow a land ehicle to pass therethrough is provided. The wire cutter does not use the forward motion of the vehicle to provide the actual cutting and in general can cut any thickness of wire located in front of the vehicle. The wire cutter device includes first and second conductive rods mounted in spaced relationship and connected to voltages of different values, e.g., to the positive and negative terminals of a power supply. A wire catcher device, comprising a pair of arms which are arranged in a U-shaped configuration and on which the rods are mounted, is provided for capturing wires located in the path of the vehicle and for guiding wires so captured to the rods so as to complete an electrical circuit through the rods and thus provide melting of wires so captured.