Abstract: A process for manufacturing MgO-based .beta."-alumina sintered bodies from a starting powder comprising an MgO-based .beta."-alumina as a main ingredient, through shaping and firing, in which process shaped bodies before firing contain 0.3.about.5 wt. %, preferably 1.about.3 wt. %, of Na aluminate. The resulting sintered bodies are high in density, ionic conductivity and strength and useful for solid electrolytes, for example, of sodium sulfur cells.

Abstract: A voltage non-linear type sintered resistor is disclosed, which is produced by reacting, under heating, a mixture consisting essentially of zinc oxide as a main component, and an additive exhibiting voltage non-linearity and silicon oxide as auxiliary components. The silicon oxide is contained in an amount of 0.3 to 4.0 mol % with respect to the sintered resistor when calculated as SiO.sub.2, and the average particle diameter of crystalline grains of the zinc oxide constituting the sintered body is not more than 6 .mu.m.

Abstract: In case of manufacturing a voltage non-linear resistor, a sintering process is divided into two completely separate steps, i.e. primary and secondary sinterings. The primary sintering is carried out under a reduced pressure and the second sintering is conducted under an atmospheric pressure with a sufficient amount of oxygen. The primary sintering is effects such that the relative density and open porosity of the primarily sintered body are 85% or more and 1% or less, respectively. The secondary sintering removes to a large extent, voids existing in the body and, oxidation of the body is sufficiently effected. Therefore, the finally sintered body has a high density, a large surge withstanding capability, and a high non-linearity index.

Abstract: A chucking device of a workpiece to be ground in a grinding machine, including a rotatable housing, a pair of elastically biased weight bodies which are opposed in the housing so as to come away from and close to each other a pair of opposed clamp plates which are provided on the respective weight bodies for relative movement and which have openings defining a center insertion opening in which the workpiece is inserted, and an end plate which is secured to the housing for covering the housing. The clamp plates are capable of inclining in planes thereof. The workpiece is firmly held in and by the center insertion opening of the clamp plates at at least four points of the center insertion hole by the outward displacement of the weight bodies, due to the centrifugal force acting thereon when the chucking device rotates.

Abstract: An electrode support device for a continuous electroplating bath includes current supply rotating drums whose parts are immersed in the electroplating bath, a metal strip to be plated being trained about the immersed parts of the rotating drums, and a number of arcuate consumable electrodes arranged side by side along generators of the rotating drums and successively movable on support surfaces of electrode supports so as to supply new consumable electrodes at one ends of the arranged electrodes and remove consumed electrodes from the other ends.