Abstract: A hypodermic needle destruction system that utilizes a primary sub-housing with a cartridge demountably secured to the primary sub-housing. First and second electrodes are disposed within the cartridge. A guide is incorporated in the cartridge for accepting a metallic medical instrument for destruction. The guide directs the metallic medical instrument such that insertion thereof into and at least partially through the guide effects an electrical connection between the first and second electrodes. At least one of the electrodes is movable with respect to the other, and a sufficient level of electrical energy is applied across the first and second electrodes to cause the electrical destruction of the medical instrument positioned in electrical contact across the first and second electrodes. A variety of sub-housing alternatives as well as a variety of electrode and protective cap assemblies are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for encapsulating plastic waste such as plastic syringes with attached needles, lancets or blood test strips, having a melt chamber to receive the waste, means to elevate the temperature within the melt chamber, a reciprocating compaction head to compact the melted waste to form a plastic slug with the needles encapsulated within the slug, where the compaction head has a shoulder whereby the slug becomes attached to the compaction head when hardened. The hardened slug is then removed from the melt chamber during the retraction of the compaction head. Preferably, an ejection cam slides the plastic slug partially off the compaction head for easy removal.

Abstract: A portable electronic (electro-mechanical) device for destroying sharp, contaminated hypodermic and other medical needles includes an upper electrode assembly, two fixed, and one moveable electrode situated between the two fixed electrodes. The moveable electrode comprises a chamber to contain residue and sparks generated from closing an electrical circuit. An electronic control circuit controls the modulation of the moveable electrode in relation to the two fixed electrodes and automatically manages the destruction cycle of said needle by use of electro-mechanical sensors and motors. The sharp end of said needle is inserted through an opening in the upper electrode and contacts the lower fixed electrode. Any gases generated by the incineration process are drawn through the disposable burn head by a fan and are filtered by a multi-stage filteration system before being passed into the local ambient surroundings. The portable apparatus is modular.

Abstract: An apparatus permits safe disposal of injection needles by electrically induced heat-generated fusion. The disposal apparatus utilizes a pair of rotating electrodes, spaced apart, and which provide continuously moving points of contact with a needle brought into engagement therewith, and bridging, the electrodes. The moving contact points inhibit electrode degradation. The electrodes are configured and arranged to present a varying size gap between the pair of electrodes, conveniently accomplished by tapering at least one of the electrodes along its length, such that the apparatus can accommodate needles having a wide range of diameters, the needles being inserted between the electrodes where a suitably sized gap exists. The injection needle is inserted into the apparatus such that the needle tip is brought into contact with a first electrode, and a part of the needle closer to the root is brought into contact with the second electrode of the pair.

Abstract: Portable electric wire cutter device includes a housing; a pair of spaced apart electrodes mounted with the housing; a source of electric current, for communication with the electrodes; a wire-guiding member, which can control or guide wire to be in proximity or contact with the electrodes; and a trigger mechanism, which can draw a wire within control of the wire-guiding member to electrical contact with the electrodes and activate a flow of electrical current from the source of electrical current to and from the electrodes, through a length of the wire in the electrical contact with the electrodes, such that the wire can be cut by the electrical current. The device may be of the hand-held type.

Abstract: A device (10) for cutting a material into strips, particularly fabric ribbon flowing continuously along a plurality of such devices mounted on a bar positioned transverse to the direction of movement of the fabric, includes a body (12) coupled to the bar and two electrodes (20, 22) between which is stretched a resistance wire (28). The resistance wire is attached to the electrodes by rivets (30, 32).

Abstract: A method for producing a male helicoid molding die which is adapted to manufacture an inner barrel having a male helicoid, and for producing a female helicoid molding die which is adapted to manufacture an outer barrel having a female helicoid which can engage with said male helicoid of the inner barrel. The method includes the steps of firstly, setting an included angle of trapezoidal threads of the male helicoid to be identical to an included angle of trapezoidal grooves of the female helicoid in a section perpendicular to a direction of an extension of the threads and preparing a cutting tool having an angle identical to the set angle. Secondly, the male helicoid molding die is machined to form a helicoid portion thereof using the cutting tool. Next, an electric spark machining electrode is prepared having a helicoid portion whose shape is identical to a shape of the helicoid portion of the male helicoid molding die, by a mechanical cutting operation, using the cutting tool.

Abstract: A machining path in die sinking electrospark machining is more precisely checked before actual machining by displaying shaded images of a machined surface of a workpiece during and after die sinking electrospark machining, whereby and faulty machining operation in die sinking electrospark machining is minimized.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a syringe sterilization and disposal unit which utilizes a micro-processor controlled artificial intelligence for operation of the necessary functions to render a used syringe safe for disposal. The syringe sterilization unit includes an "opto-sensor" for signaling the positioning of the syringe for further clamping and processing operations. The lure of a syringe to be processed is exposed to heat from the heat heads to effect separation of the needle. The needle tip gripper jaw heads extract the syringe needle from the syringe body. The heat heads are further used to compress the lure of the syringe body to seal the syringe cavity. The extracted needle is then heated by a needle tip contactor for sterilization whereupon the needle and the sealed syringe cavity are then positioned into an appropriate bin for disposal and/or recycling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing and destroying a syringe needle includes a rotating needle carriage that receives a needle in a loading position. The needle carriage is rotated downwardly to a cut-off position. At the cut-off position, two opposing contact blades pinch the needle, which electrically connects the positive and negative terminals of a battery. Current flows through the contact blades and the needle, thereby melting the needle. A slight further rotation of the needle carriage causes the contact blades to shear the needle. The sheared portion of the needle then falls into a waste compartment in the bottom of the apparatus. When the syringe is removed from the needle carriage, the needle carriage rotates upwardly and returns to the loading position.

Abstract: A system for holding together parts of a construction until the moment of separating the parts from each other, comprises at least two sections having abutting faces and tension element cooperating with supports, this tension element being provided on the sections holding the sections together under pre-tension. A breaker is provided for breaking the tension element so as to separate the sections. The tension element is wound around the supports forming a closed loop bundle that crosses the parting lines of the sections, whereby the strength of the bundle equals at least the pre-tension required to hold the sections together.

Abstract: A portable hand-held device facilitates incineration of needles such as those used in hypodermic syringes. Incineration of such needles precludes the spread of diseases and the possibility of contamination of personnel handling such needles. The device includes two electrodes that are interconnected to complete the circuit when a needle is inserted into a recess in the device. A groove in the guide for the hand-held device allows full insertion of the a syringe to facilitate complete incineration of the needle, leaving little or no residue behind. An ambient temperature sensor senses the temperature adjacent the electrodes and cuts off power when the temperature exceeds a pre-set level.

Abstract: Roller electrodes 5 and 6 are rotated by DC motor 2. Power is supplied to the electrodes 5 and 6 through brushes 10a and 10b. If the tip of an injection needle N is brought into contact with first roller electrode 5, and a part slightly away from the tip of injection needle N toward the root is brought in contact with roller electrode 6, the part of the injection needle N sandwiched between electrodes 5 and 6 fuses because of the Joule heat generated. If the syringe is pushed so that the injection needle N is always in contact with electrodes 5 and 6, almost the complete injection needle N can be fused. The first roller electrode 5 has a tapered form; the width of the gap between electrodes 5 and 6 can be varied; therefore, a position where the gap suits the diameter of the needle can be selected. Consequently, maintenance work becomes easy. Also, stable disposal of the needles is possible irrespective of the diameter of the injection needle.

Abstract: A hypodermic needle destruction system utilizes a primary sub-housing with a cartridge demountably secured to the primary sub-housing. First and second electrodes are disposed within the cartridge. A guide is incorporated in one of the electrodes for accepting a metallic medical instrument for destruction. The guide directs the metallic medical instrument such that insertion thereof in the guide effects an electrical connection between the first and second electrodes. Atleast one of the electrodes is linearly reciprocated with respect to the other, and a sufficient level of electrical energy is applied across the first and second electrodes to cause the electrical destruction of the medical instrument positioned in electrical contact across the first and second electrodes. The present arrangement utilizes two, inter-related electrical power systems which provide two discrete energy levels, whether AC or DC. In either event, both the low and the high electrical energy systems are activated by needle insertion.

Abstract: An apparatus having a thermal scission reactor with a graphite-lined plasma arc chamber for the pyrolytic disposal of toxic or hazardous waste. The thermal scission reactor includes a vessel with the plasma arc chamber surrounded by a water jacket. A tubular plasma arc electrode is provided for reciprocating movement within the plasma arc chamber. A conduit communicates with the tubular plasma arc electrode for the introduction of waste material through the tubular plasma arc electrode into the plasma arc chamber. The tubular plasma arc and an opposing electrode produce a plasma electric arc within the plasma arc chamber. An entry duct communicates with the plasma arc chamber for introduction of solid waste into the plasma arc chamber. An exit duct communicates with the plasma arc chamber for escape of gases and ash from the plasma arc chamber. Graphite liners are provided in the plasma arc chamber, the entry duct and the exit duct.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inscribing wood by the steps treating the wood surface with an electrically conductive preparation, attaching two electrodes to two different regions that have been treated with the electrically conductive preparation and supplying current between the two electrodes over the preparation to inscribe the wood. In one embodiment there is a stationary electrode and a hand held electrode. In a second embodiment there are two movable hand held electrodes used.

Abstract: An apparatus for incinerating the metal shaft of hypodermic needles which includes a housing having adjustable electrodes mounted therein which when supplied with electric current and contacted with a metal shaft of a needle will instantly disintegrate the needle to a safe residue which is collected in a tray within the housing. Gases generated within the housing from the incineration process are purified by passing through filters and ionizers before being vented to atmosphere.

Abstract: Apparatus for destroying bio-hazardous sharp metallic instruments or "sharps" typified by hypodermic needles, hemodialysis fistula and the like wherein a stationary electrified anode is in circuit making engagement with the metallic instrument to be destroyed and the later establishes short circuit engagement with a moveable grounding electrode comprising a rotatably driven annulus or spiral wheel ramp moveable across the an outer end and progressively along the lengthwise axis of the instrument such that a majority of the instrument is burned away and volatilized by short circuit current flow between the metallic instrument and the grounding electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus for destroying surgical instruments including a containment body having an insertion plate for receiving the instruments and a panel made of an electrically conducting material, in which the plate and panel are respectively electrically connected to a first pole and a second pole of an electric current generator. The plate is arranged on a traction and removal unit for receiving and removing the instruments from a holding element, and for pushing the instruments against the panel such as to provoke a melting current discharge through the instruments. An insertion sensor is also provided for activating the traction and removal unit upon insertion of the instruments in the insertion plate.

Abstract: An injection needle melting/destroying device comprising an A(D)C power supply, a power indicator lamp, a transformer having output terminals, two opposite metal plates disposed beside the output terminals of the transformer to define a socket, a collection box disposed under the metal plates and a brush disposed above the metal plates. An injection needle is adapted to be inserted into the socket to make a short circuit so as to produce great current for melting the injection needle. The brush serves to cover the socket and prevent spark from splashing outside the socket during the melting operation.

Abstract: A portable needle syringe destroyer apparatus that includes a housing with a handle, three lights and a switch on top and a metal plate on, the front at an oblique angle. The destroyer apparatus includes: a battery, battery charge monitor, battery charger and current regulator interior to the housing. The metal plate floats on a spring and moves when a needle is inserted into the opening on the plate. The current is applied through the switch to instantly heat the metal plate high enough and cause the immediate destruction of the needle, any pathogens on or in it and seal the syringe with a small metal ball at the needle hub. The result is irrevocably disposing of the needle and rendering their toxins harmless.

Abstract: An apparatus for destroying or rendering safe the metal needle portion of a hypodermic needle syringe in which the needle is destroyed by electrical resistance heating. The apparatus includes two electrodes that are generally disc shaped that are mounted so that they are a predetermined distance away from each other in an overlapping manner. During operation, the metal needle portion forms a resistive load between the electrodes which causes the metal to be incinerated and which causes switching circuitry to turn on a fan for a predetermined period of time. The fan draws smoke and emissions produced by incineration through a filter module. The filter module preferably includes a first filter having a porous layer and an antimicrobial layer, a second filter of activated carbon, a third filter of potassium manganate, and a fourth filter of activated carbon in series.

Abstract: A novel method of cutting a complexly shaped end edge of a tube is incorporated into the apparatus for forming the tube to shape. Hydroforming dies are provided with a pair of sharp ribs which, simultaneously with the pressurized expansion of the tube out into the die cavities, cut a groove into the surface of the tube. The groove matches the shape of the cut end edge desired, and locally increases the electrical resistance of the tube at the groove, but does not cut all the way through the tube wall. Then, a high electrical current is applies to the tube to either side of the groove, which selectively heats and melts the tube at the higher resistance grooved area.

Abstract: A chip detector is an open circuit device that attract metal chips circulating throughout a piece of equipment such as a transmission. If a chip closes the circuit in the chip detector, then it is subjected to a first pulse of energy in an attempt to burn or displace it from the chip detector contacts. The energy content of the first pulse is selected to burn fuzz, which represents chips of an acceptable size. If the chip remains in the chip detector, then it is subjected to one or more additional pulses each having a greater energy content than the first pulse. The number of pulses and their energy contents are recorded to determine the size of the chips captured by the chip detector and to provide a history of the equipment being monitored. If the chip in the chip detector exceeds a predetermined threshold, then an indication is given on a user interface.

Abstract: A disposal or waste apparatus for used or waste injection syringes including a housing with a power transformer, a fan, a deodorant cartridge and a scrap containing box, and a cartridge type electrode plate unit detachably provided to the housing. Cartridge type electrode plate unit has two insertion holes for injection syringes, and two pairs of electrodes separated from each other and cross each other in order to electrically contact with contact terminals of the electrode plates in the housing. The used syringes inserted through the insertion holes respectively come into contact with one pair of electrodes and melt by short circuit current flown between the electrodes and turn on the fan so that any odor gas generated is blown through the deodorant cartridge. The apparatus further includes a switch rod actuated by sliding of said scrap containing box to open a primary winding of said power transformer.

Abstract: An injection syringe slot 28 for holding a tip of a syringe 30 detachably is formed on a case 2. A pair of shafts 4 and 6 connected to a rotary drive device is journalled on the case 2, and a plurality of elongate electrodes 8 and 10 are fixed to each of the shafts 4 and 6 at a predetermined interval. Each electrode 8 of the shaft 4 of one side forms a pair with each electrode 10 of the shaft 6 of the other side which is opposed to each other with a difference in level in axial direction, and a plurality of sets of a pair of electrodes are set so that the opposite interval of a pair of electrodes of a lower level is narrower than the opposite interval of a pair of electrodes in upper level. When the syringe 30 is inserted and set at the syringe slot 28 of the case, the syringe 30 is supported at the syringe slot. When the shafts 4 and 6 are driven, the electrode 8 of plus side and the electrode 10 of minus side approach to each side of an injection needle 42.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnet wire having a high heat resistance, a conductor, and an inner layer formed by baking a first resin coating covering the outer surface of the conductor. The inner layer has a heat resistance which is not lower than 130.degree. C. and is lower than 200.degree. C. An outer layer is formed by baking a second resin coating covering the outer surface of the inner layer, the outer layer having a heat resistance which is not lower than 200.degree. C., the thickness of the lower layer falling within a range of between 0.3 .mu.m and 5 .mu.m and being not larger than 1/3 of the sum of the thicknesses of the outer and inner layers. The present invention also provides a method of removing an insulating covering from a magnet wire having a high heat resistance comprising the steps of: preparing a magnet wire having a high heat resistance, and irradiating an insulating covering of said magnet wire with a converged laser beam having a high energy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for destroying or rendering safe the metal needle portion of a hypodermic needle syringe in which the needle is destroyed by electrical resistance heating, the apparatus having complimentary electrodes which contact only the end one-eighth inch to three-sixteenths inch (1/8"-3/16") portion of the needle until the needle hub contacts the first electrode, at which point the first electrode is slidably movable toward the second electrode allowing the destruction of the remaining portion of the needle, the method being the progressive destruction of the end one-eighth to three-sixteenths (1/8"-3/16") portion of the needle until the hub portion of the needle contacts the first electrode, at which time the first electrode slidably moves toward a second electrode allowing the destruction of the remaining one-eighth to three-sixteenths inch (1/8"-3/16") of the needle.

Abstract: A syringe needle destructor consists of a housing with a multiple-electrode type needle destroying device in the housing and an elastic needle supporting frame disposed above the housing over the destroying device. The frame consists of a sliding face plate with a needle inserting hole and an elastic frame body. The housing is provided with an opening to contain a number of electrode members of the destroying device. Two snap holes are provided on two sides of the opening to install the elastic supporting frame. The opposite inner edges of the snap holes are provided with spring grooves to support two springs of the supporting frame respectively. The needle destroying device has at least two electrode members in the housing connected to the power source. Different electrode configurations are disclosed.

Abstract: A glass article cutting method by which a glass article can be cut not only along a linear line but also along a curved line of a desired profile and can be cut comparatively readily even if the glass article has a concave or convex portion on a face thereof or even if the glass article has a complicated three-dimensional profile. A conductive coating material such as colloidal carbon is applied in a linear line or a curved line on a surface of a glass article to be cut, and a high voltage is applied from a pair of positive and negative electrodes to the line of the conductive coating material to energize the conductive coating material to generate heat thereby to cut the glass article by thermal stress caused by the heat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for destroying syringe needles. The apparatus has an incinerator unit (16) into which a syringe needle may be inserted, crimped by a crimper (30), the needle measured between its tip and the sealing crimp, burned by passing an electric current corresponding to its measured length between the needle tip and the sealing crimp, and the burned needle severed by a cutting blade (36).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disintegrating and otherwise destroying a syringe needle through total and complete incineration.

Abstract: A portable device for the complete destruction of hypodermic needles includes a contact mechanism comprising two parts, a recess being formed in the two parts to receive an inserted needle. Behind the contact mechanism is a plate that contacts the inserted needle. A current source, such as a battery, is connected to the contact mechanism and to the plate so that a short circuit between the contact mechanism and the plate causes the inserted needle to melt.

Abstract: An apparatus for destroying a medical instrument includes a housing having a wall member with an aperture disposed therein. A first electrical connector member is mounted adjacent the wall member of the housing for engaging a portion of a medical instrument inserted through the aperture in the wall member. A second electrical connector member is disposed within the housing for engaging an end portion of a medical instrument inserted through the aperture in the wall member. The first and second electrical connector members are provided to be selectively connected to a supply of electric current for destroying the medical instrument by transmitting current from the first electrical connector member to the second electrical connector member and through a medical instrument for melting the same. The second electrical connector member may be spring biased toward the aperture and pivotally mounted.

Abstract: An incinerator for disposing of a syringe needle having a first pair of electrical contacts adapted to connect a source of electricity at approximately opposed positions across the width of the syringe needle such that the electricity will flow across the width between the positions for welding and sealing the needle, and a second pair of electrical contacts adapted to connect a source of electricity to flow across a portion of the length of the syringe needle for incineration of said portion. The present invention ensures that the end of the needle is completely sealed, i.e., sufficiently sealed to prevent any possible leakage of harmful quantities of fluid.

Abstract: A melting disposal apparatus for injection needles having a unit for generating electromagnetic microwave, unit for generating a plasma discharge with high temperature by being irradiated with the electromagnetic microwave, and moving unit for automatically inserting the injection needle into the zone in which said plasma discharge is produced, and automatically releasing the injection needle from the zone after the injection needle has been molten.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing and destroying a syringe needle, having a housing, first and second walls in opposed relationship in the housing and defining therebetween a needle burn chamber, the distance between the first and second surfaces being at least the length of the needle, the first surface defining an opening therethrough, a needle receiver in the chamber, a first electrical contact on the needle receiver, a second electrical contact comprising an electrically conductive surface secured within the burn chamber and or added substantially perpendicular to the face of the needle receiver and the surface in alignment with the central line of the needle receiver, power source connected to the first and second contacts and, a waste collector disposed in the housing beneath and in communication with the burn chamber, the waste collector being removable from the housing; so that when the needle is inserted through the opening, it is in contacting relationship with the first electrical contact, the

Abstract: A method and apparatus for destroying a syringe needle, having a housing, first and second walls in opposed relationship in the housing and defining therebetween a needle burn chamber, the distance between the first and second surfaces being at least the length of the needle, the first surface defining a first opening therethrough, needle receiver in the chamber movable between the first and second surfaces and defining a second opening therethrough which is coaxial with the first opening, a first electrical contact on the needle receiver, a first electrical contact on the needle receiver, a second electrical contact on the second surface and being in association with the second opening, power source connected to the first and second contacts, a waste collector disposed in the housing beneath and in communication with the burn chamber, the waste collector being removable from the housing, and spring loaded needle guide for moving the needle receiver toward the first opening; so that when the needle is inserte

Abstract: Equipment for melting a used injection needle includes a pair of movable contacts (2) and a fixed contact (3) between which electric voltage is applied. A short-circuit detector (4), determines when the movable contacts (2) and the fixed contact (3) are short-circuited by a used injection needle (9), and a timer (5) produces a signal during the period in which the short-circuit detector (4) produces a signal. An electromagnet drives the movable contacts (2) together to secure the used injection needle (9) to decrease the contact resistance between the movable contacts (2) and the used injection needle (9) and to allow a large electric current to flow in the used injection needle (9) in a stable manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible hinge pin, and a method and apparatus for forming the hinge pin, wherein a cable is twisted and heated with sufficient torque and heat to sever the cable into shorter hinge pins. The heating and twisting causes the portions of the cable in proximity with the severed ends to have a tight spiral and to be reduced in diameter, and the strands which comprise the cable to be bonded to one another both internally and at external portions of the cable. The reduced diameters of the formed ends facilitates easier threading of the hinge pins through belt fastener hoops. The bonding of the cable strands in the region of the ends serves to both maintain the tight spiral and the reduced diameter, and to prevent the ends of the hinge pin from separating.

Abstract: A method of forming a pattern in a conductive film of the group consisting of indium oxide film, indium tin oxide film, and aluminum film, covering a surface of a substrate of glass or a plastic material. This is accomplished by contacting a metal electrode with the surface of the substrate, and moving the area where the electrode contacts the conductive film at a speed of 5 to 1000 mm/sec while a voltage of 5 to 60 volts is applied between the electrode and the film.

Abstract: A portable electrical apparatus for destroying contaminated sharp medical instruments. The sharp portion of an instrument is inserted into the apparatus and electrically grounded. An electrically activated electrode is pivotally advanced to approach or contact the point of the sharp instrument to create an electrical arc that progressively volatilizes the sharp portion. A wiper bar dislodges slag from the electrode surface into a receptacle. The contaminated medical instrument is made safe for disposal by the destruction of the sharp portion and by the killing of germs by the heat of the electrical arc.

Abstract: A multifunction laser assisted processing apparatus can perform cutting processes, marking processes and drawing processes on a workpiece material. The apparatus includes a laser beam source, a work face to support the workpiece material, an X-direction movable arm on the work face, and a Y-direction movable process head to project laser beam on the workpiece material. The apparatus further includes an output adjustable mechanism to adjust the amount of the laser beam from the laser beam source. The adjustable mechanism in one embodiment has a gas control device for keeping the pressure of laser medium gas at constant level, and a DC high-voltage power unit capable of adjusting the resonance and supplying it to the laser beam source.

Abstract: A micromelt structure is provided on a probe tip by contacting the probe tip with a foil of the material from which the micromelt structure is to be formed and passing an electric current through the contact point to melt the foil and cause the molten foil material to collect on the tip of the probe where, by surface tension, it is drawn into a microsphere shape and homogeneously solidifies. The probe with the micromelt tip is highly reproducible and uniform and is particularly effective for use as a probe in scanning microscopy.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for safely and simply disposing of hypodermic syringes and needles. The apparatus includes: (a) a housing or enclosure; (b) microwave generator, (c) microwave absorber, and (d) a syringe receiver heated by the microwave absorber to a temperature greater than the melting point of the needle. The apparatus is self-contained and can be provided in any desired size.

Abstract: An apparatus for destroying used hypodermic needles includes a rotating electrode wheel, a stationary electrode element which is positioned in closely spaced relation to the electrode wheel and a guide member for guiding a hypodermic needle inserted into the apparatus so that it is advanced into electrical contact with the electrode wheel and the electrode element in order to electrically destroy the needle. The apparatus further includes a sensor for automatically energizing the electrode wheel and the electrode element when an operator approaches the apparatus, and a disposable cartridge assembly for receiving and containing debris generated as needles are destroyed in the apparatus.

Abstract: A needle destruction device which prevents reuse of used needles and includes a pivotable removable and autoclavable needle receiver mounted on a receptacle. The receptacle contains a pair of electrodes through which current passes when a needle is placed across them and is destroyed. The receiver has a needle hub grasping plunger which grips the needle hub while the syringe is unscrewed therefrom. After separation of the needle hub from the syringe, the hub fails into a drawer inside the receptacle. The receiver is removable for serialization and is replaceable upon the receptacle.

Abstract: A metal composition is formed into a sheet by the method comprising; spray forming the metal composition to form a cylindrical deposit, and wire electric discharge machining the cylindrical deposit in a preselected spiral path parallel to the axis of the cylindrical deposit to form the sheet.

Abstract: A technique for weakening an interconnection wire provided on a contact on an electronic component, in which the wire is weakened by means of an arc which is created between the wire and an electrode provided in an aperture in the wall of the bonding head of the wire bonder through which the wire is supplied, the arc being generated by an electric field between the wire and the electrode. The electric field has a second portion in which its polarity is reversed, for controlling the dispersion of charged particles emitted from the wire. The electric field may be created by an arc generator which includes a capacitor which discharges through a transformer.

Abstract: A hot knife assembly for cutting excess organic polymeric material from a thermal forming mold includes a blade-like knife in the form of a thin flat plate having an inner edge connected to a heater and an outer edge with a cutting surface thereon. The thin flat plate has two flat surfaces substantially encapsulated by a refractory wedge. The refractory wedge in formed silicone material and extends coextensive and adjacent the blade-like knife for preventing stringing or re-welding of the cut material.