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, a needle receiving enclosure 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 receiving enclosure, a second electrical contact on the second surface and being in registry 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 a mechanism that moves the needle receiving enclosure toward the first opening; so that when the needle is inserted through the first and second open

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for destroying syringe needles. The apparatus has an incinerator into which a syringe needle may be inserted, crimped by a crimper 30, burned by passing an electric current through the needle between the needle tip and a sealing crimp formed by the crimper 30, and the burned needle severed by a cutter 36.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively demetallizing a metallized film whereby the metallized web is selectively demetallized by bringing the web into contact with two electrodes, one of which contacts a greater surface area of the web than the other, and maintaining an electrical potential difference between the two electrodes. Preferably, the electrodes comprise rollers, one of which may be provided with a predetermined pattern. The potential difference between the respective electrodes can be controlled to effect selected demetalization of predetermined desired regions of the web or to vary the extent of demetalization from a desired region. The web material can subsequently be used as microwavable packaging material.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises at least a pair of electrodes supplied by an AC power supply, in contact therewith there are arranged, through suitable guide members, the tip and a middle portion of the syringe needle, the power supply to the electrodes being controlled by a switch which, as it is closed, provides an electric current effective to blunt and melt the needle which can not be reused.

Abstract: A used hypodermic syringe disposal apparatus is disclosed which is capable of disposing of used syringes so as to render re-use impossible and prevent possible infection resulting from the used syringes during the disposal operation. A pair of collapsing gears are arranged at a position which permits the gears to be meshed together in such a manner to prevent direct contacting between teeth of the gears. A voltage is applied to the gear while insulation is provided between both gears. When the used syringe is thrown into the apparatus, a hypodermic needle attached to the syringe is burnt immediately upon the needle contacting both gears so as to make them short-circuit. Also, a narrow gap is defined between the corresponding teeth of the synchronously rotating collapsing gears so that a syringe barrel may be effectively crushed in the gap while being transferred between the gears.

Abstract: This plasma arc torch includes an improved front end assembly to create an improved gouge path when compared with prior art plasma arc gougers. The front end assembly includes a unique secondary gas nozzle for distribution of the secondary gas in a partial radial blanket up to 300.degree. around the plasma. Conventional nozzles distribute the seondary gas in a total, 360 degree, blanket around the plasma. An improved tip design is believed to develop an enlarged plasma stream to further enhance the gouging process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for domain refinement of texture annealed and insulation coated grain-oriented silicon steel strip by contacting the insulated steel surface to be scribed with a discharge electrode, providing a high voltage-low current and low voltage-high current to the electrode, moving the electrode across the steel while essentially maintaining contact therewith, and marking the steel with a plurality of indentations generally aligned across the steel surface by pulsing the high current to produce a plurality of electrical discharges.

Abstract: A method of severing a metal piece into parts in which electrical contacts engage the piece at the end of the severing line and high frequency electrical current is fed to the contacts for the length of time required to at least significantly reduce the tensile strength of the metal along the line, the current being fed to at least one of the contacts through a proximity conductor overlying the line. After such heating of the metal, the portions of the piece can merely be pulled apart. If shaping of the edge faces is desired, they can be pressed together while heated and malleable and after separation or can be pressed against an anvil while heated and malleable. Before separation, the portions on opposite sides of the line can be pushed toward each other or be moved transversely to each other. If the metal along the line is heated to "burning" temperature, the portions can be separated by burning out the heated metal with an oxygen containing gas.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe needle destroying apparatus and method using electrical resistance heating between electrodes which are convergent either geometrically or by virtue of relative movement to conduct incinerating currents first throughout the entire length of the contaminated needle and thereafter over progressively shorter lengths until the entire needle is destroyed. Any remaining needle stub can be removed or deformed while in its heated state by impacting it against a deforming barrier.

Abstract: Apparatus for underwater working, especially for heating, welding, torch cutting, cleaning and electrolytical coating of metal constructions with the aid of electrical current. The apparatus comprises a rotatable electrically conductive shaft (2) arranged on the frame element (1) of the apparatus and designed to conduct electrical current to the removable tip element (3) attached to the end of shaft, this tip element being such as heating bush, welding electrode, cutting, cleaning and/or coating disk.

Abstract: A piezoelectric vibrator wafer which includes a plurality of vibrator chips each including a vibrator portion, a frame portion and connecting portions for connection between them, and joint portions for connecting the vibrator chips to each other, with the vibrator chips and joint portions being integrally formed in one unit by a metallic material to constitute the piezoelectric vibrator wafer. The joint portions each have such dimensions as will be readily fused upon passing of electric current through them. Invention by described.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for adjusting the resistance value of a thermal head assembly. One voltage pulse or a set of voltage pulses of a preselected peak value are impressed on the heat generating resistor elements of the thermal head assembly. The resistance values of the resistor elements are then measured and compared with the predetermined target value. If the measured resistance values are above the target value, the resistor elements are subjected to another pulse or set of pulses having a peak value a little higher than the preceding one. Then, the resistance values are again measured and compared with the target value. Thus, the resistance values are decreased by successively impressing voltage pulses with the peak value thereof being increased little by little, until the resistance values become lower than the target value.

Abstract: A system for trimming the ohmic value of a resistor included in a microelectronic chip to raise or lower its resistance without changing its physical dimensions. The system is provided with a self-contained unit which generates a low radio-frequency carrier overmodulated by a sonic frequency signal to yield at its output terminal pulsed radio-frequency energy. Coupled by an extension cable to the output terminal of the unit is a portable probe assembly whose position may be manipulated to bring the assembly into operative relation with the resistor to be trimmed. The assembly includes a tank circuit connected by the cable to the output terminal of the unit and tuned to the carrier frequency so that the pulsed energy is stored therein and not radiated. A "Down" probe is inductively coupled in step-up relation to the tank circuit to cause a corona discharge beam to be projected from the tip of this probe, which beam when directed toward a point on the resistor acts to reduce its ohmic value.

Abstract: Balancing apparatus for performing in-process balancing of a rotary mass by capacitor discharge to deliver an arc to erode material from the mass. A capacitor bank is operatively coupled through a coupling circuit to electrode structure which delivers the arc to the mass. A trigger pulse is injected into the coupling circuit to initiate the arc discharge. The coupling circuit is so constructed and arranged as not to impair the effectiveness of the trigger pulse in initiating the arc, yet it provides no significant resistance to the high amperage capacitor discharge current which is enabled to flow to the electrodes once the gap between the electrode structure and the rotary mass has been broken down. Several embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment comprises multiple capacitor banks which are sequentially placed on-line. Associated with each capacitor bank is a "contactless switch".

Abstract: Thin-layered conductive or semi-conductive electric circuits are made on a thin conductive or semi-conductive layer that was previously deposited on an electric insulating substrate. The electric circuits are produced by attacking with an electro-erosion tool the thin layer so as to form insulated paths thereon.

Abstract: A mini electrical syringe needle destroyer, consisting of a syringe needle destroyer, a neighboring needle detaching device contained in the same framework as the destroyer, and a needle collecting box that can be plugged into the framework for automatic collection of waste needles.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for cutting a sheet-like member such as an adhesive tape applied to a surface of a semiconductor wafer at the periphery of said semiconductor wafer.The apparatus comprises a heating rod to be brought into contact with the periphery of the semiconductor wafer, heating means for heating the heating rod, urging means for relatively urging the heating rod against the periphery of the semiconductor wafer, and a moving mechanism for relatively moving the heating rod along the periphery of the semiconductor wafer. The heating rod is moved relative to the periphery of the semiconductor wafer as the heating rod is urged against the periphery of the semiconductor wafer, and thereby the sheet-like member applied to the semiconductor wafer is melted and cut at the periphery of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A PTC heater has passages therethrough through which a fluid can flow to be heated. The passages are separated from each other by thin walls of PTC material. Electrical current flow is in a direction normal to the thin walls. A short duration pulse of high electric current is applied to the heater in order to eliminate any electrical shorts between passages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for demounting a metal plate spot welded to a metal member. In accordance with the method, a hollow electrode rod is placed in opposition to the periphery of a spot weld between the metal plate and the metal member, an electric arc is formed between the electrode rod and the metal plate, the periphery of the spot weld is melted with arc heat, and the resultant molten metal is drawn up through the hollow portion of the electrode rod. The method may be performed with an apparatus having a hollow internal rod which includes an electrode rod retaining portion at a forward tip end thereof. A rod retaining mechanism retains the internal rod for free longitudinal movement in opposite forward and rearward directions, elastically urged in the forward direction. A sliding block is movable in the forward and rearward directions, urged forward by an elastic member. Structure is provided to prevent movement of the sliding block forward of a predetermined forward position.

Abstract: Efficient, high-precision machining of ceramic materials is achieved by supplying onto a workpiece of a ceramic material a liquid electrolyte having components at least one of which is normally inert to but becomes chemically reactive with the ceramic material at an elevated temperature, and applying to a limited zone of interface between the liquid electrolyte and the workpiece, localized energy of a magnitude sufficient to heat the liquid electrolyte and the ceramic material there to the elevated temperature and to remove from the workpiece the locally heated ceramic material in a form at least partially chemically degenerated with that electrolytic component. The limited zone acquiring the localized energy is displaced in a scanning manner from one region to another on the workpiece along numerically programmed path to consecutively remove the ceramic material along the path from the workpiece.

Abstract: In order to bond a fine metal wire of a high tensile strength or a low cost to an electrode of a semiconductor chip and an external lead of a semiconductor device package, either an inert gas or an inert gas containing a predetermined concentration of oxygen is made to flow through a region in which the tip of the fine metal wire is melted by a spark discharge, parallel to the path of the discharge.

Abstract: Water shield (38) provided for a metal piece disintegrator (10) of the type having a longitudinally extending quill (12) holding a longitudinally extending electrode (16) at one end (14). A vibrating structure (20) serves for longitudinally vibrating the electrode (16) and a fluid delivery system (30) serves for delivering a stream of pressurized liquid coolant generally parallel to the electrode and against a broken piece of metal (32) embedded in a metallic member (34). Tubular member (40) is about at least one end (14) of the quill (12). A first end portion (46) of the tubular member (40) is positionable generally adjacent the electrode (16). A piston (48) is in tight-fitting slidable relation against the inner wall portion (42) of the tubular member (40). The piston (48) is generally sealingly attached to the quill (12) adjacent its one end (14). The tubular member (40) is selectively longitudinally positionable in releasable fixed relation relative to the electrode (16).

Abstract: A hot metal-working tool 10 using electrical resistance heating. Metal-working tool 10 comprises seat 12, cutting insert 14 and chipbreaker 16. Electrical current source 35 provides current which flows between metal working edge 30 of insert 14 and the shear zone 80 of a workpiece 72 during the machine operation. Cutting insert 14 comprises two structural components, one of which 26, contacts chip 82 thereby providing a second path for current flow between tool 10 and shear zone 80. Shear zone 80 may thus be heated by current not passing through metal-working edge 30. The invention also provides for the flow of coolant fluid through internal passages in tool 10. The coolant fluid removes heat from metal working region 28 and is then discharged to bathe the region proximate metal working edge 30.

Abstract: A process for making thin flexible electroluminescent lamps comprises continuously feeding a flexible strip of transparent insulating material which serves as the carrier for performing various process steps, as well as becoming part of the finished lamp itself. The strip is provided with a thin transparent conductive layer. An epoxy/phosphor mixture is continuously applied to a controlled thickness over the conductive layer and cured in an oven. Another conductive layer is continuously applied over the cured epoxy/phosphor layer on the carrier sheet and dried. In a preferred embodiment, lamp members are severed from the roll, and a narrow groove is made in the last applied conductive layer to divide the conductive layer into two exposed electrode areas to which the lamp terminals are connected. In another embodiment, the conductive layer on the plastic carrier sheet is continuously subdivided by vaporizing the conductive material to form a narrow groove with an electric arc.

Abstract: A wire is wound around an elongated support and a series of successive electric arcs is struck between at least one electrode in a transverse plane of the support and the wire, in such a way that the latter is struck by at least one of the arcs. A hollow member having a bevel shaped end raises the downstream part of the wire and a tubular member prevents the upstream part of the wire to be moved too far away from the support.

Abstract: An electric arc saw and a method for operating the saw for cutting or slitting metallic objects by melting a narrow kerf into the object. The method provides for determining the minimum threshold current that is necessary to initiate the cutting operation. The normal cutting current exceeds the threshold current and during the cutting operation the blade is advanced through the object at a speed which is continuously monitored and varied as required to maintain the current flow between the blade and the object substantially constant. The arc saw is constructed so that cuts in three mutually perpendicular directions can be made. The blade is mounted to a vertically disposed, hollow piston that reciprocates in a cylinder mounted to and movable along a cross-head. The piston can be pivoted about its axis to align the blade with the different cutting directions. Electric busbars and power lines for rotating the blade extend through the hollow interior of the piston.

Abstract: An unbalance correction system is disclosed for balancing a workpiece while it rotates in a conventional balancing machine. Stock removal occurs simultaneously with unbalance measurement. State of balance is continuously monitored while correction proceeds. The trial and error aspect in conventional methods of alternating between measurement and correction operations is eliminated, resulting in a higher precision balance in reduced procedure time. Stock is removed by discharging capacitors across a gap formed between the spinning workpiece and stationary electrodes. The momentary high-current arc melts and vaporizes material during only a portion of a total revolution. The discharge is triggered by a vibration induced signal from the balancing machine when the heavy spot is adjacent the electrodes.

Abstract: By using a controlled arc-heated gas flow, material may be milled away from a substrate. By controlling the size of a gas flow aperture as well as other variables such as gas flow and arc current, small holes can be drilled into the substrate. Typically, these holes would have a diameter between 0.025 mm and 0.125 mm.In one embodiment, an arc made between an anode and cathode is placed above the work. A gas vortex is produced and is caused to pass through the arc, with the holes being drilled by the heated high-energy gas. Alternatively, the work may be used as the anode, with the gas flow carrying away material heated at the arc attachment point of the anode.The use of the arc-generated plasma gas vortex is particularly advantageous in the milling of multi-layer circuit boards.

Abstract: A method of forming a cavity of a desired three-dimensional contour in a workpiece utilizes two steps of machining operation. In the first step (a), a multiplicity of holes are mechanically drilled in the workpiece substantially all over but within a three-dimensional region which is destined to constitute the cavity and which is bounded by a programmed outline corresponding to the desired three-dimensional contour whereby only a minimum of stock is left unmachined in the workpiece within the region.

Abstract: An electrical discharge is applied to a wafer mounted in a wafer holder. The wafer includes at least one conducting region covered by an insulating layer. The discharge causes a conductive channel from the conductive region through the insulating layer. The conductive channel provides a relatively low impedance path suitable for conducting away electrons which are injected into the region during processing steps such as electron beam exposure.

Abstract: The electrolytic/electric discharge machining of a workpiece of a non-conductive hard material, for example, ceramic material is carried out by preparing a grinding wheel having conductive regions and non-conductive abrasive regions circumferentially alternately arranged on the circumferential edge of the wheel, and bringing the rotating grinding wheel in contact with the workpiece while applying AC or DC voltage across the grinding wheel and the non-conductive workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for breaking up metal parts is characterized in that it comprises at least two conductive supports connected to an electric power supply and able at least partly to support the part to be broken up. Application to the breaking up of metal parts by a thermoelectric effect.

Abstract: The metal coating on a dielectric sheet or strip, for instance for use in capacitors, is locally removed by a Corona discharge between the sheet and a point electrode.A current return electrode contacts the sheet and is located in the return path to a HV generator connected to the point electrode.

Abstract: Addition of between 2 and 20% by weight of noise suppressing constituents to a conventional d.c. air-carbon arc cutting and gouging electrode results in an electrode operating at noise levels between 5 and 15 dbA below that of a conventional d.c. electrode. Further noise reduction is achieved by lowering the operating pressure of the air in the torch.

Abstract: An electric arc saw and a method for operating the saw for cutting metallic objects by melting a narrow kerf into the object are disclosed. The method provides for determining the minimum cutting current. The blade is advanced through the object at a speed which is continuously monitored and varied as required to maintain the current flow between the blade and the object substantially constant. The saw blade is a thin disc formed from electrically conductive material and having a plurality of gullets disposed radially about its periphery. At least some of the gullets extend into a slit which has a much narrower width than the gullet. The gullets act to circulate water and remove cutting debris while the blade rotates. Both the gullets and the slits prevent deformation of the blade due to heating.

Abstract: An electric arc saw and a method for operating the saw for cutting metallic objects by melting a narrow kerf into the object are disclosed. The method provides for determining the minimum cutting current. The blade is advanced through the object at a speed which is continuously monitored and varied as required to maintain the current flow between the blade and the object substantially constant. The blade is mounted to a vertically disposed, hollow piston that reciprocates in a cylinder mounted to and movable along a cross-head. The piston can be pivoted abouts its axis to align the blade with the different cutting directions. When the object is so large that the threshold cutting current exceeds the available power supply, or when the power supply exceeds the threshold by a small amount only, the blade is operated to cut through the object in multiple passes, each at a depth which is less than the thickness of the object and chosen to provide a high cutting speed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method for arc cutting of metal, more specifically a method in which an electric arc is formed between the metal and a cutting torch and gas is blown into the cut during the cutting process. According to the invention a paste is injected through the torch into the region of the arc, said paste containing a finely-divided electrically conducting substance mixed with a carrier and acting as an electrode which causes the electric arc to be struck. The conducting substance may contain e.g. metal powder, such as powder of aluminium or of an aluminium alloy, to which also carbon and phosphorus may be added.

Abstract: An improved machining process using electro-erosion to form integral hinges in rods in making flexible and/or electric suspension blades for various industrial devices.The machining process includes repeatedly eroding a rod alternately on two opposite sides to form two curved indentations, one on each side of the rod at a given point along its length, using a curved cylindrical electrode, so that the rod is progressively narrowed at this point until the required thickness of hinge is obtained. The process may also include, using as reference planes, to position the eroding electrode accurately, surfaces of a frame to which the rods have been attached. In this way, the rods are accurately prepositioned and thin hinges are produced with a repeatable high accuracy.Products made by this process include a pendulum-type accelerometer and an elastic support for a gyroscope useful in aeronautical applications.

Abstract: An electrical discharge is applied to a wafer mounted in a wafer holder. The wafer includes at least one conducting region covered by an insulating layer. The discharge causes a conductive channel from the conductive region through the insulating layer. The conductive channel provides a relatively low impedance path suitable for conducting away electrons which are injected into the region during processing steps such as electron beam exposure.

Abstract: A reduced operating noise nozzle for a cutting device using at least one electrode and an electric arc to cut material of a workpiece, comprises, a nose end piece disposed around the electrode which has an outer surface tapered from an outer relatively wide diameter end inwardly toward a smaller diameter end which faces the workpiece to be cut. Compressed air is directed in a substantially annular flow path along the tapered surface of the nose piece from the wide diameter end toward the smaller diameter end thereof. Noise which would have emanated from the nozzle, especially when the material of the workpiece which is melted by the arc is blown away to effect the cutting operation, will be greatly reduced.

Abstract: A portable disintegrator to disintegrate a hole in a metal workpiece is disclosed. Disintegrator current and coolant are supplied to the working end of an electrode which is vibrated in advance and retract axial movements. Guide means either actually engages the workpiece immediately surrounding the hole to be formed or engages a part of the workpiece closely adjacent where the hole is to be formed in the workpiece. The main frame of the metal disintegrator may be counterbalanced for weight but is guided by hand with freedom of limited movement in two dimensions during operation of the disintegrator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tipping off the refractory metal tubulation of a high pressure sodium discharge lamp arc tube including a machine which repetitively squeezes the tubulation through two pairs of sequentially reciprocating jaws to mechanically swage the tubulation to a reduced diameter prior to electrical flashing to cause separation and sealing off of the tubulation.

Abstract: Arc cutting device with a revolving electrode forming an intermittent arc includes a revolving narrow disc having a peripheral edge, part of which is electrically alive for forming the arc, and part of which is electrically dead for mechanically carrying away material that is to be removed from a cutting groove formed in a workpiece being cut by the arc.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a large area photovoltaic cell into a plurality of photovoltaic cells on a common substrate and preparing the individual cells for an overlying layer of conductive material. A tool bit is urged against the polycrystalline materials forming the heterojunction to remove a preselected pattern and expose a layer of conductive material, tin oxide, on a supporting glass substrate. Tool bit pressure causes fracturing of the crystals to produce defined edges along the tool bit furrow. An electrical arc is produced to vaporize a portion of the exposed tin oxide to electrically isolate the individual photovoltaic cells. Applicator pens coat the edges of the polycrystalline material with preselected insulating films. Finally, a buffer wheel abrades a preselected metal onto the remaining exposed surface of the tin oxide to obtain an improved metallurgical and/or electrical contact between the tin oxide and the subsequent conductor layer.

Abstract: An aluminum coated carbon-graphite electrode for use in the air-carbon arc cutting and gouging process. Uniformly coating the electrode with commercially pure aluminum results in a lower operating noise level when the electrode is in use, a cleaner and safer work environment for the user and better performance than conventional electrodes. A further feature of the invention resides in lowering the operating air pressure in the torch when using the new electrodes to further reduce the operating noise level.

Abstract: A turret punch machine tool equipped with controlled automatic x-y axis workpiece movement mechanisms for moving the workpiece over a stationary work table section adjacent a punching station is provided with a separate laser beam generator and with a tool frame carried vertically retractable and extendable laser cutting head in optical communication with the beam generator. The beam generator is capable of producing both laser pulses of varying duration and spacing or a continuous beam. The cutting head is provided with two gas inputs one for use with the continuous beam, a second for use with the pulse beam, and controls are provided to automatically provide varying combinations of use of the punch and laser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for terminating optical fibres. In the method, the fibre is threaded through a tubular ferrule so that the end of the fibre projects from an end face of the ferrule, and a heated cutting edge is swept across the end face of the ferrule at a predetermined rate. This produces a cut end for the fibre with a minimum of scratches, roughness, distortion, stress or discoloration without the need for subsequent grinding or polishing. The apparatus disclosed is particularly intended for performing the above method and comprises a jig adapted to receive the tubular ferrule and a fixed heated blade. The jig is arranged to be movable freely under the action of gravity with the end face of the ferrule maintained in sliding engagement with the blade whereby the cutting edge thereof is swept across the end face at the predetermined rate.

Abstract: The operating noise level of the air-carbon arc cutting and gouging process can be reduced by controlling the air velocity in the area where the air impinges on the arc column to between 90 and 170 feet per second. Velocity control can be achieved by modifications to existing air-carbon arc cutting and gouging torches.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for cutting a pipe from the inside by the oxy-arc cutting technique. This device comprises, in combination, guide means for guiding the device proper inside a pipe subjected to cutting, fixing means provided with a plurality of claws adapted to be thrust radially from a cylinder in the direction of the inner wall of the pipe by the action of a piston actuated by the supply of a compressed fluid to the cylinder so as to hold the device immovable in position inside the pipe, and oxy-arc cutting means for cutting the pipe from the inside by the use of a covered hollow stick cutting rod rotated by a rotary shaft pierced through the center of the piston, with the exposed core of the cutting rod held in sliding contact under a fixed force with the inner wall of the pipe.

Abstract: A turret punch machine tool equipped with controlled automatic x-y axis workpiece movement mechanisms for moving the workpiece over a stationary work table section adjacent a punching station is provided with a separate laser beam generator and with a tool frame carried vertically retractable and extendable laser cutting head in optical communication with the beam generator. The beam generator is capable of producing both laser pulses of varying duration and spacing or a continuous beam. The cutting head is provided with two gas inputs one for use with the continuous beam, a second for use with the pulse beam, and controls are provided to automatically provide varying combinations of use of the punch and laser.