Abstract: A plunger rod is for use with a syringe having a syringe barrel. The plunger includes an elongated body having a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end, a central axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end, a first curved end face, a second curved end face, and a joining portion joining the first curved end face to the second curved end face. Each of the first curved end face, the second curved end face, and the joining portion extends between the proximal end and the distal end. The first curved end face and the second curved end face together are comprised in the circle defined by an outer perimeter of the elongated body.

Abstract: A firewood retainer assembly and a fireplace incorporating the same are provided. The assembly includes a grate for supporting firewood at a level above a floor of a fireplace combustion chamber. The grate includes a first end opposite a second end such that a width of said grate is defined between these ends. The assembly also includes a deflector positioned adjacent the grate for deflecting air entering said combustion chamber below the level. A method of burning firewood is also provided which results in reduced particulate emissions. The method requires the deflection of air used for combustion below the firewood, heating the air with embers located below the firewood, and using the heated air for combustion.

Abstract: Flue sections and an airtight venting system being made therefrom by connecting in line the flue sections. The flue section has a pair of opposite ends of circular cross-section one of which called "male end" is shaped and sized to fit into the other end, called "female end" of a similar flue section. The male end comprises at least two outwardly-projecting L-shaped grooves, a peripheral outwardly-opening recess and an O-ring mounted therein and protruding outwardly. The L-shaped grooves are positioned in such a manner to have an opening at the male end of the flue section. The recess is positioned at a distance "H" from the L-shaped groove.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cutting torch for iron and steel metallurgy which is provided with two oxygen cutting ducts, ending in two housings, for receiving two cutting inserts, or a heating nozzle and a cutting insert. In this manner, there is obtained a torch which may very rapidly be converted into a cutting torch with high heating capacity and single cutting jet, or into a cutting torch with high cutting speed provided with two cutting inserts.

Abstract: An oxygen cutting device comprising two cutting oxygen jets conducted through passageways with a passageway therebetween for a carburizing flame ensuring a reheating at depth of the rough-cut kerf which is effected by the first cutting oxygen jet and is finished by the second cutting oxygen jet.

Abstract: The plasma torch comprises a hollow torch body whose interior is connected to a source of plasma-producing gas, a hollow electrode lodged inside this body and electrically connected to an electric supply conductor, and a nozzle provided with an orifice for the outlet of the plasma. The feature of the invention is that the torch comprises a detachable annular skirt (4) which is assembled by a screwed connection with the torch body (1) and has two axially spaced-apart seats (17c,18b) respectively for the electrode (2) and the nozzle (3), and the electrode and the nozzle are freely slidably mounted in the skirt (4) and applied against their respective seats (17c,18b) solely under the action of the pressure of the plasma-producing gas.