Abstract: A magnetoinductive flowmeter encompasses a ceramic measuring tube as a conduit for a medium whose flow rate is to be measured, and a measuring electrode featuring a cermet body. The measuring tube is mounted in the wall of the measuring tube with its side that faces the medium conductively or capacitively connecting to the medium while its side facing away from the medium connects to a measuring line. The cross-sectional surface area of the cermet body is larger at its end facing the medium than at its other end facing away from the medium. The result is a measuring electrode that fully meets the respective requirements at either end notwithstanding minimized material consumption in making the electrode. A method for producing a measuring tube for the flowmeter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrically conductive cermet that includes less than 35% by volume of a precious metal by mixing a powdered refractory ceramic with the powdered metal, molding the mixture into a green, and sintering the green to create a cermet with a dense ceramic phase and a metallic phase in the form of a coherent network. The object is good electric conductivity at a low metal content. The precious metal powder is selected to shrink less and exhibits less sintering tendency as it forms the metallic phase than does the ceramic powder as it forms the ceramic phase.

Abstract: A gripping and/or cutting instrument for endoscopic purposes, comprising two limbs that are pivotable relative to one another around an axis and that each respectively comprise a lug for fingers of a user, one of the limbs being hinged to a proximal end of a transmission rod, and having a support shoulder for a finger of the user at the lug of this limb. Two blades are provided movable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position, one thereof being hinged such to a distal end of the transmission rod that the closed position is achieved by applying a pressure onto the transmission rod, whereas the opened position is achieved by applying a pulling force onto the transmission rod, and in that the support shoulder is curved in the direction toward the second limb.

Abstract: A combination pipe piercing fitting and valve including a housing formed of a weldable plastic and having a valve casing communicating with a branch nipple. In the valve casing a valve stem and a boring tool are disposed for axial movement so as first to pierce a pipe welded to the housing and to then selectively open or close the branch nipple from the pipe. A sleeve for guiding the boring tool is axially and rotationally secured in the valve casing and extends at least past the area where the branch nipple enters the valve casing. This guide sleeve has a valve seat at its bottom end and an opening adjacent the branch nipple. This combination fitting and valve assures high operating reliability without leakage both during piercing of the pipe and during operation as a valve.