Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes a first supply part configured to supply a gas including one or more group III elements on a substrate accommodated in a reaction chamber, a second supply part configured to supply a gas including one or more group V elements on the substrate, and a waveguide configured to irradiate a microwave to the gas including the one or more group V elements.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for heating a dielectric preform material. An exemplary method includes inserting the preform material into a microwave cavity along a longitudinal axis of the microwave cavity and supplying the microwave cavity with microwave power having a frequency that corresponds to an axial wavelength along the longitudinal axis of the microwave cavity. The axial wavelength is greater than a length of the preform material along the longitudinal axis. The method includes heating the preform material within the microwave cavity by the microwave power and determining temperatures of the preform material at one or more locations on a surface of the preform material. The method further includes adjusting, based on the temperatures of the preform material, the microwave frequency to achieve substantially uniform heating at least on a sidewall of the preform material along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid discharging apparatus that includes a medium support portion which supports a recording medium and a tension applying portion which applies tension to the medium support portion.

Abstract: A system for extraction of volatiles from bodies in a vacuum. The volatile containing solid may be subsurface heated with microwave or RF energy subliming volatiles that are captured with a containment structure that directs the flow of the volatile through a cold trap for collecting and condensing the volatile. In one variation, a sample, or an entire body may be enveloped in a sealed container for extraction of volatiles that are then collected and condensed. In a further variation, a planetary surface area is covered and the perimeter sealed at the surface. The area is then heated from above to release volatiles that are then collected and condensed. To heat layers below the surface that contain high concentrations of volatiles, a hollow auger can gain access to the subsurface volatile and microwave or RF energy can be delivered down the hollow auger with a coax cable and vapor can escape through the hollow auger to a capture apparatus.

Abstract: In a method to operate an ink printing apparatus, and in an ink printing apparatus, a recording medium is directed through a printer. The recording medium is subsequently supplied to a dryer having at least one heating saddle and a drying channel arranged at the heating saddle. In the dryer the recording medium is directed past the heating saddle. A negative pressure is generated in the drying channel via an air exhaust arranged at one end of the drying channel. In the printing operation, in a region of the heating saddle a negative pressure is exerted on the recording medium in a direction of the heating saddle so that the heating saddle is then in contact with the recording medium in order to dry the ink on the recording medium. Upon interruption of the printing operation with braking of the recording medium, the negative pressure in the direction of the heating saddle is deactivated at a beginning of the braking.

Abstract: A heating system for hot water and conditioned air uses electromagnetic energy created by one or more magnetrons operated by high voltage transformers. The heating system includes oil cooled transformers and magnetrons. Using radiators in the form of heat exchangers, heat recovered from the transformers and magnetrons is dissipated directly into the path of the return air and the air handler blower. The magnetron heating system includes a coiled conduit sized to allow complete heating of the fluid flowing therethrough. The conduit has a conical shape to allow upper magnetrons to heat the outside of the conduit and lower magnetrons to heat the inside of the conduit.

Abstract: A heating unit can reduce the rate of power consumption for heating a vehicle, so that the running distance of the vehicle is increased and hence the battery charging cycle of the vehicle is prolonged. A heating unit of a vehicle heating system includes a casing made of a metal material capable of electromagnetically shielding microwaves, a support arranged in the hollow section of the casing, a plurality of microwave absorbing/heat emitting members arranged at the support and a microwave outputting unit arranged in the casing to output microwaves toward respective microwave absorbing/heat emitting members, blown air being heated by heat generated as a result of absorption of microwaves by the microwave absorbing/heat emitting members at the time for blown air to flow from the upstream side to the downstream side in the hollow sections of the microwave absorbing/heat emitting members.

Abstract: An antenna cover assembly for a high-temperature operating environment has a cover plate, gasket portions, and a retainer plate. The cover plate has an inner side and an outer side, the cover plate being translucent to at least one selected frequency of electromagnetic energy. The gasket portions are each located adjacent one of the inner and outer sides, each gasket portion being configured for sealingly engaging the adjacent side. The retainer plate is configured for attachment to a structure located in a high-temperature operating environment. The retainer plate has a sealing flange adapted for clamping the cover plate generally adjacent an antenna portion of a waveguide.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for radiation processing of semiconductor substrates using microwave or millimeter wave energy are provided. The microwave or millimeter wave energy may have a frequency between about 600 MHz and about 1 THz. Alternating current from a magnetron is coupled to a leaky microwave emitter that has an inner conductor and an outer conductor, the outer conductor having openings with a dimension smaller than a wavelength of the emitted radiation. The inner and outer conductors are separated by an insulating material. Interference patterns produced by the microwave emissions may be uniformized by phase modulating the power to the emitter and/or by frequency modulating the frequency of the power itself. Power from a single generator may be divided to two or more emitters by a power divider.

Abstract: There is disclosed a floor covering comprising a primary backing having a fibrous face and an underside; and a microwave cured precoat layer on the underside of the primary backing. There is also disclosed herein a method of making a floor covering comprising: tufting or implanting a fibrous material or yarn into a primary backing; precoating the underside of the primary backing layer by applying a precoating composition followed by microwave curing the precoating. An apparatus for curing a precoated primary backing layer also described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for heating a sample by microwave radiation comprising a source of microwave radiation, a first waveguide for guiding said microwave radiation to an applicator space adapted to receive said sample to be heated, wherein said applicator space is defined by a terminal portion of said first waveguide and an initial portion of a second waveguide extending from said terminal portion of said first waveguide and being arranged at an angle with respect to said first waveguide.

Abstract: In a microwave heating apparatus, the fundamental TE10 mode of the standard waveguide (5) having a standard rectangular cross-section is fed into an elongated heating cavity (2) having an enlarged rectangular cross-section in which the shorter side of the standard waveguide is enlarged to a length which can accommodate the desired width of a board (8) to be heated. A pair of lateral slots (25) is provided parallel in the opposite enlarged walls (11) of the heating cavity (2) to form a track for the board (8) to travel across the cavity. As the initially longer sidewall (11) of the standard waveguide is unchanged, the fundamental mode is not affected but the electric field is uniformly distributed along the width of the board (8) traversing the electric field and the cavity. As a result, wider products can be heated and a more uniform heating pattern can be achieved.

Abstract: Microwave apparatus for exposing materials on an elongated member, such as a mandrel, to microwave energy. The apparatus includes a cylindrical microwave exposure chamber (10). Elongated slots (20) spaced about the circumference of the chamber (10) are in communication with openings (50) in the walls of waveguides (28) attached to the exterior (19) of the chamber. Microwave energy fed into the waveguide (28) is coupled into the chamber (10) through the associated openings (50) and slots (20). Bars (54) spaced apart in the direction of wave propagation span the opening (50) in the waveguide for uniform or customized delivery of microwave energy into the chamber (10). A low-profile mode stirrer (38) at the rear end of the chamber further evens out the energy distribution. A front plate (62) seals to the chamber and supports a rotatable mandrel (60) on which material to be exposed to microwave energy in the chamber (10) is wrapped.

Abstract: A T-junction microwave applicator and a method for making a T-junction microwave applicator with a microwave source supplying electromagnetic energy through a junction arm to a pair of collinear arms extending in opposite directions from their junction with the junction arm. The two collinear arms form a main waveguide terminated in end walls in which entrance and exit ports are formed for a conveyor to convey material to be heated through the main waveguide for exposure to electromagnetic energy. A rectangular conductive ridge in the wall of the main waveguide opposite the junction arm extends the length of the applicator. A cylindrical tuning bar spanning the junction is positioned vertically in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the main waveguide to maximize power transfer to the material to be heated.

Abstract: A new, comparatively small type of microwave system based on open-ended applicators is disclosed. The applicator according to the invention uses a main evanescent and a propagating mode in combination, where the combination results in a cancellation of the horizontal magnetic fields at the ends of at least two opposing walls. The effect of this is that the fields propagating out of the applicator become concentrated to the applicator centreline (axis) region, provides an efficient heating of a load or assembly of loads, as well as a stable impedance matching of the system under variable loading conditions due to the mode evanescence, while not leaking energy between adjacent applicators. The applicator can also be used for direct feeding of an underlying small closed metal cavity, for providing (the same favourable) mode conditions to a load in this cavity.

Abstract: Microwave apparatus for exposing materials on an elongated member, such as a mandrel, to microwave energy. The apparatus includes a cylindrical microwave exposure chamber (10). Elongated slots (20) spaced about the circumference of the chamber (10) are in communication with openings (50) in the walls of waveguides (28) attached to the exterior (19) of the chamber. Microwave energy fed into the waveguide (28) is coupled into the chamber (10) through the associated openings (50) and slots (20). Bars (54) spaced apart in the direction of wave propagation span the opening (50) in the waveguide for uniform or customized delivery of microwave energy into the chamber (10). A low-profile mode stirrer (38) at the rear end of the chamber further evens out the energy distribution. A front plate (62) seals to the chamber and supports a rotatable mandrel (60) on which material to be exposed to microwave energy in the chamber (10) is wrapped.

Abstract: A system including a method and apparatus for applying sound wave therapy to a mammal utilizing a silicone layer at or near the skin to enhance the therapeutic affect.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for microwave treatment in an applicator (1), characterized in that it comprises, arranged in the applicator, impedance adapting dielectric means (2, 7, 8) having shapes and dimensions adapted to the objects (10) to be treated and to the characteristics of wave propagation modes.

Abstract: A microwave heater and/or dryer has a nonlinear or curvilinear relative slot profile geometry. In one embodiment, the microwave dryer has at least one adjustable field modifier making it possible to change the geometry of the heater or dryer when drying different webs. In another embodiment, the microwave dryer provides more uniform drying of a web when the field modifier is adjusted in response to a sensed condition of the web. Finally, a method of microwave heating and/or drying a web achieves a uniform heating and/or drying profile.

Abstract: Trays placed in an autoclave are coupled with microwaves from microwave generators and move back and forth as they are processed to ensure even heating. The generators are placed at the side of the autoclave so each generator connects to a wave guide in the autoclave with upwardly directed decoupling openings immediately below the tray to be heated. The distance between the decoupling opening and the tray is maintained at less than one-half wavelength. The foods on the tray are heated first from below and then the heat rises. When water in the lower food layers is heated, steam forms and must pass through the cooler upper layers to escape. As it does so, it loses heat to these layers, warming them and preventing scorching on the food's surface as well as any bursting of the trays' seal.

Abstract: In order to more accurately control the radiation characteristics of microwaves to improve the controllability of processing in radial and circumferential directions of an article, there are disclosed a microwave applicator and a plasma processing apparatus using the applicator, which comprise a circular waveguide having a surface provided with a plurality of slots for radiating microwaves, wherein the centers of the plurality of slots are offset in a direction parallel to the surface with respect to the center of the circular waveguide.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a motor for a stirrer and a motor mounting unit. The motor is provided at an outer circumferential surface thereof with a first flange having a hole. The motor mounting unit is provided on an outer surface of a wave guide, and includes a seat, a mounting piece provided at an edge of the seat and having a hole, and a stopper. The stopper is upwardly projected from a first piece provided on the seat adjacent to the mounting piece, to delimit a mounted position of the motor. The motor mounting unit also includes a guide piece upwardly projected from a second piece provided at an edge of the seat. A slot is longitudinally formed along the guide piece. The motor has a second flange at a position opposite to the first flange to be fitted into and guided along the slot.

Abstract: A wall-mounted type microwave oven includes an outer cabinet defining an outer appearance thereof, an inner cabinet disposed in the outer cabinet to define a flow path therebetween, a sensor disposed in the flow path to check conditions of air flowing in the flow path, and a terminal unit connected to the sensor to transmit electric power and control signals to the sensor. The flow path includes a fitting hole to hold the sensor and the terminal unit. A sensor holder receives the sensor and the terminal unit, and is detachably fitted in the fitting hole. Only an operation of separating the sensor holder from a guide duct is performed in the guide duct, and an operation of pulling the sensor and the terminal unit out of the sensor holder and detaching the sensor from the terminal unit is performed outside the guide duct.

Abstract: The present invention provides low cost microfluidic devices having embedded metal conductors. The devices of the invention comprise a electronic component comprising a substrate having a first surface, a layer of electrically-conductive material deposited on a portion of the first substrate surface, a first sublayer of electrically-insulating material deposited on the first substrate surface and on the layer of electrically-conductive material, a second sublayer of electrically-insulating material deposited on the first sublayer of insulating material, and a third sublayer of electrically-insulating material deposited on the layer of dielectric material, and a fluid-handling component having a contoured surface affixed to the electronic component. The devices of the invention are advantageously used for performing electric field lysis and the polymerase chain reaction. The invention further advantageously provides simple, low cost methods for fabricating such microfluidic devices.

Abstract: An instrument is disclosed for microwave-assisted chemical processes that avoids tuning discrepancies that otherwise result based upon the materials being heated. The instrument includes a source of microwave radiation, a waveguide in communication with the source, with at least a portion of the waveguide forming a cylindrical arc, a cylindrical cavity immediately surrounded by the cylindrical arc portions of the waveguide, and at least three slotted openings in the circumference of the circular waveguide that provide microwave communication between the waveguide and the cavity.

Abstract: A microwave device has a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) disposed therein for applying microwave radiation to a microfluidic structure, such as a chamber, defined in the device. The microwave radiation from the MMIC is useful for heating samples introduced into the microfluidic structure and for effecting lysis of cells in the samples. Microfabrication techniques allow the fabrication of MMICs that perform heating and cell lysing of samples having volumes in the microliter to picoliter range.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for processing a ceramic material includes placing the ceramic material in a microwave heating apparatus having a microwave cavity; subjecting the ceramic material to a combination of microwave radiation and conventional heat; and controlling the uniformity of the processing of the ceramic material so as to avoid deformations and cracking by applying the microwave radiation to the ceramic material through at least one branched slotted waveguide which substantially uniformly distributes the microwave radiation throughout the microwave cavity.

Abstract: A microwave ink drying apparatus for an ink jet printer includes a microwave applicator. The applicator may be attached to a movable print carriage. The applicator may further comprise a slot antenna. The slot antenna may be formed as a dual slot, with one portion of the slot coupled to a wave launching cavity, and the other portion of the slot coupled to an impedance matching cavity.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for deburring conductive articles such as electrochemical cell electrodes prior to their assembly into completed cells. An electrode substrate is passed in a continuous motion between two discharge elements between which a high voltage potential is produced sufficient to arc a gap between the discharge elements and burrs on the edges of the substrate. A shaped discharge surface is provided to ensure arcing to burrs having a variety of orientations. The current and frequency of the power supply providing the arcing current are selected and controlled to distribute the deburring energy over the length of the substrate. By so doing, deburring is accomplished with minimized damage to the substrate and without producing additional burrs. Preferably, the frequency of the discharge current at least matches the frequency at which burrs pass the discharge elements.

Abstract: A microwave applicator including a cylindrical elongated chamber used to process materials therein; a microwave power source capable of producing microwave power having an electric field; a waveguide connected to the chamber couples microwave power into the microwave chamber. The applicator provides microwave energy having a substantially uniform field distribution over a large area for processing materials such as a web or sheet-like product. The uniformity of the applicator is enhanced by the use of matching devices within the applicator to match the regions of the applicator with no load to regions where the load is present in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A microwave processing system comprising a microwave applicator and a microwave source. A microwave source generates a microwave field at an output frequency. A frequency of the microwave field in the elongated chamber and the output frequency of the microwave source are matched through the use of controlled feedback of critical material and process parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved manner of recovering the used electrode wire discharged from an electric discharge machine (EDM). A more detailed object of this invention is to provide an efficient and effective system for electrode wire scrap collection, including cutting the electrode wire discharging from the EDM into many small separate pieces and collecting there pieces randomly but compactly packed in a removable container proximate the EDM.

Abstract: An improved holder for a carbon arc electrode has a tubular handle that receives an electrical conductor and a hose for conducting air under pressure. An insulation block is affixed to the forward end of the tubular handle. A metal torch body extends from the insulation block in the direction opposite the handle and is in electrical communication with the electrical conductor. A flow passageway opening is provided within the body. An electrode support is affixed to the body and has a concave electrode contacting surface that is inclined at an angle to the torch body and has a lower surface having a gas passageway recess therein communicating with the torch body flow passageway. A U-shaped bail extends from the insulation block and has a bight portion positioned laterally above the electrode contacting surface.

Abstract: There are provided a method for performing high-efficiency machining by high-density radical reaction using a rotating electrode, in which a large amount of the reaction gas is supplied to a machining gas between a machining electrode and a workpiece under control, and the limit value of a making power is elevated so that the density of neutral radicals is increased to remarkably improve the machining rate 10 to 100 times as large as the conventional machining rate, and the prevention of arc discharge and the thermal stabilization are made.

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: The efficacy of electrical discharges for severing bond wires and/or for forming balls at the ends of bond wires (including bond wires already severed by alternative mechanisms) is improved by performing the electrical discharges in the presence of ultraviolet light. A "spark gap" is formed between an EFO electrode and the wire, one of which serves as the cathode of the spark gap. Preferably, the ultraviolet light is directed at the element serving as the cathode of the spark gap. Providing photoemission at the cathode element of the spark gap stabilizes arc/plasma formation and produces more reliable and predictable results. This technique may be used in conjunction with negative EFO systems or with positive EFO systems, and may benefit from either direct or field-assisted photoemission.

Abstract: A transport system for transporting a recording sheet having liquid ink deposited thereon through a dryer for drying the liquid ink having an input portion and an output portion. The transport system includes a transport belt disposed between the input portion and the output portion for transporting the recording sheet through the dryer. A negative pressure member is located beneath the belt and defines a negative pressure chamber. The pressure member decreases the pressure within the pressure member so that a non-uniform negative pressure is applied to the recording sheet during transport through the dryer. A directing member located within a plenum directs differing negative pressures within the plenum such that negative pressures decrease in amplitude along the transport direction. The application of a negative pressure within the plenum also tends to reduce or remove evaporated liquid driven from the inks during drying.

Abstract: A method for processing a carbon steel body by electric arc gouging with a carbon electrode to create flutes with a hardened heat zone containing finely dispersed martensite beneath the bottom surface of each flute. This process can form a kelly bar having hardened flutes for improved wear. Preferably the carbon steel body composition is according to the AISI 4130 standard.

Abstract: A continuous denitration apparatus capable of ensuring mass processing of a nitrate solution of a nuclear fuel and a continuous stable operation. By a rotation of screws, uranium nitrate solution supplied from a liquid feed inlet is continuously conveyed. A trough is divided into a concentration zone, a denitration zone and a drying zone. Microwaves emitted from a microwave incident inlet pass through a microwave permeable part provided in a critical shield plate for covering the upper part of the trough and are applied to the uranium nitrate solution of high concentration and high viscosity, conveyed by the screws. The uranium nitrate solution is denitrated to prepare a denitrated product (uranium trioxide). This denitrated product is dried in the drying zone to obtain powder to be discharged from an outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating a fiber using microwave energy. The apparatus has a source of microwave energy feeding and applicator. The applicator is configured to concentrate the microwave energy on a chamber holding a fiber. Fibers made or coated using chemical vapor deposition in the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus wherein an adsorption media, containing contaminants adsorbed from a contaminated gas stream, are contained in a media chamber. This chamber is defined by a generally cylindrical vessel, and the adsorption media comprises a polymeric material in particulate or bead form. The media chamber is defined in surrounding relationship to an elongate hollow guide tube which extends longitudinally along the central axis of the chamber. A microwave generator supplies microwave energy into the guide tube which functions as a waveguide. This waveguide has a plurality of slots formed therein which functions as radiators for the microwave energy. The microwave energy passes radially outwardly from the waveguide into the surrounding media throughout the length thereof to effect uniform heating of the media both longitudinally and radially. This heating effects release of the contaminants from the adsorbent media, which volatiles are then sucked out of the media.

Abstract: A microwave introducing device has an endless circular waveguide provided with a plurality of slots. The circular waveguide is provided with a microwave introducing portion connected to a microwave power source, and the plurality of slots are spaced through an inner side of the circular waveguide such that the slots are arranged at the inner side of the circular waveguide at a given interval. A plasma treating apparatus can be provided with the microwave introducing device.

Abstract: In the heat treatment of food particularly pre-packed food it is important to control the temperature and to provide uniform heat distribution within the article, By using a number of microwave emission slots in a waveguide which are brought to resonance in the presence of pre-packed articles carried over the slots by a conveyor the rate of rise of temperature within the article is controlled without unnecessary energy loss between articles carried seriatim on the conveyor The slots may be set obliquely to the direction of passage of the article Alternatively the slots may be formed by a series of smaller slots staggered obliquely across the waveguide so that the presence of the article tunes each of the slots in turn as it passes over the waveguide. The slots may be covered with low-loss dielectric material to prevent extraneous matter falling into the slots and to space the article from the slots so as to control power dissipated.

Abstract: An apparatus for torch cutting and welding which is safe, easy to use, accurate, provides an exceptionally clean cut of any desired shape, and can be brought into a non-operating state by the operator underwater. The apparatus includes a body having at least a first chamber and a second chamber, a hydraulic motor fitted in the first chamber and communicating with an external source of a pressurized liquid medium. At one end of a movable shaft of the motor, an elongated electrode is connected, at least a portion of which is adapted to extend out of the body through an opening in the body. Via the shaft, the motor transmits a rotating or reciprocating motion to the electrode. An electric current is conducted from an external power supply source to the electrode via an electrically conductive member which is fitted in the second chamber around at least a portion of the electrode.

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: An apparatus and method for measuring and machining the roundness and concentricity of an outer surface of a roll having oppositely disposed ends spaced along a longitudinal axis. The apparatus includes a plurality of spaced roll supports for rotatably supporting the outer surface, and one or more drive wheels to rotate the roll about its longitudinal axis. An axial strut is provided for limiting the axial movement of the roll during rotation, and a pair of locators are individually mounted adjacent each of the ends of the roll and establish a reference line along the roll. A plurality of displacement monitoring devices using lasers simultaneously measure variations in the contour of the outer surface and movement of the reference line as the roll is rotated. The apparatus is further designed to determine the true axis of rotation of the roll, whereby a profile of the roll can be obtained by comparing roundness measurements taken at any point along the longitudinal axis to the true axis of rotation.

Abstract: A spark disintegrator tube cutter comprises a housing having a shaft with armature rotatably mounted in the housing. A conductive base which is electrically connected to a post accessible from outside the housing, carries a carbon brush against which the armature slides. The post is used to supply electricity to the shaft. A flexible shaft extension is connected to the shaft and carries a cutting electrode which extends radially outwardly from an end of the shaft. A spacer which is engaged around at least part of the shaft extension on an opposite side from the cutting electrode, and urges the cutting electrode against the inner circumferential surface of the tube to be cut. A pneumatic motor mounted to the housing and connected to the shaft, rotates the shaft. With dc current passing through the cutting electrode, an arc is formed as the electrode slides in continuous contact around the inner circumference of the tube, for cutting the tube.

Abstract: A universal fitting for electrodes for use with electric arc metal disintegrator apparatus. The fitting accommodates all sizes of electrodes used with metal disintegrator apparatus and enables electrodes as short as one inch to be used. The universal fitting connects two electrodes, such as two electrodes having different diameters and/or materials, respectively. Smaller diameter electrodes may be carried within larger diameter electrodes and only a short length of the smaller diameter electrode need be exposed to the workpiece. The universal fitting is composed of collets, a central double-ended connector for connecting a collet at each end, seals to form a water-tight connection between the collets and the double-ended connector, and retainers to secure the electrodes to the collets and the collets to the middle connector. The universal fitting may be axially aligned, or in another embodiment, form a right angle for offset work.

Abstract: A cutting device which includes an external tube, an internal tube disposed within the external tube, and a number of steel rods or wires housed within the internal tube. A squib, with or without additional fuel, is disposed within the external tube and adjacent to one end of the internal tube. A plurality of vent holes are provided on the periphery of the external tube to allow the combustion gases to exhaust therethrough. The vent holes are located away from the squib but adjacent to the end of the internal tube. One of the open ends of the external tube is sealed with a plug.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for using successively joined carbon electrodes (that are not coated with a metal) shaped with a projection at one end and a socket at the other end. In order for the user to know the existing length of the electrode performing the gouging this electrode is marked with a notch, ink or material which changes its color at elevated temperatures at 80 mm, 60 mm, and 40 mm.