Abstract: Enhanced inserts are formed having a cylindrical grip and a protrusion extending from the grip. An ultra hard material layer is bonded on top of the protrusion. The inserts are mounted on a rock bit and contact the earth formations off center. The ultra hard material layer is thickest at a critical zone which encompasses a major portion of the region of contact between the insert and the earth formation. Transition layers may also be formed between the ultra hard material layer and the protrusion so as to reduce stresses formed on the interface between the ultra hard material and the protrusion.

Abstract: Method for purging a furnace comprising a closable processing tube defining in its interior a closable, processing space, a purging gas being flowed along the outer surface of the processing tube separated from the processing gas flow inside the processing tube, wherein said processing gas flow comprises a gas being reactive with air at elevated temperature and said purging gas comprises an inert gas. A furnace assembly for realizing this method is proposed comprising a controller for controlling force connected in a conduit connected to a source of reactive and inert gas respectively. This controller is realized such that only after placing the closure of the processing chamber in the closing position the valve in the supply conduit for reactive gas can be opened and said closure can only be removed from said closing position after said valve in supply conduits for reactive gas has been closed.

Abstract: A storage assembly has a magazine which is provided with compartments arranged at different heights for receiving cassettes. Each compartment has a base plate provided with means for establishing a predetermined position of the cassettes. A device for placing cassettes in the compartments is height adjustable, positionable in a horizontal plane and provided with a head for gripping the cassettes. The head of the device includes sensor means for determining a vertical position with respect to the magazine as well as a horizontal position thereof. Reference means interact with the sensor means for determining the horizontal position and are arranged in each of the compartments of the magazine.

Abstract: Method for purging a furnace comprising a closable processing tube defining in its interior a closable, processing space, a purging gas being flowed along the outer surface of the processing tube separated from the processing gas flow inside the processing tube, wherein said processing gas flow comprises a gas being reactive with air at elevated temperature and said purging gas comprises an inert gas. A furnace assembly for realizing this method is proposed comprising a controller for controlling force connected in a conduit connected to a source of reactive and inert gas respectively. This controller is realized such that only after placing the closure of the processing chamber in the closing position the valve in the supply conduit for reactive gas can be opened and said closure can only be removed from said closing position after said valve in supply conduits for reactive gas has been closed.