Abstract: A sintered body containing ZrB.sub.2 is obtained by sintering a starting powder material containing not less than 50% by weight of a starting powder mixture consisting essentially of Cr.sub.3 C.sub.2 and a boride represented by the formula (XB.sub.2).sub.n wherein n represents an integer of 1 or 2 and when n is 1, X represents a zirconium atom and when n is 2, X represents a zirconium atom and a titanium atom, respectively and B represents a boron atom. The weight ratio of the Cr.sub.3 C.sub.2 : the boride is 50 to 0.5:50 to 99.5.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for dyeing a bundle of fibers, such as a sliver, wool top or a synthetic-fiber tow. A bundle of fibers is accumulated into a dyeing can, comprising a main can and an auxiliary can, and, then, the bundle of fibers in the auxiliary can is pressed from above to pack the bundle of fibers in the main can in the compressed condition. Thereafter, the auxiliary can is separated from the main can. Next, a plurality of full packaged main cans are arranged in a predetermined positional relationship which conforms to the layout of the main cans in a dyeing bath and the full packaged main cans are charged into the dyeing bath while maintaining their prepared positional relationship. Then, the dyeing operation is carried out. After completion of the dyeing operation the main cans are taken out from the dyeing bath and are turned over so as to take out the packed bundle of fibers therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for dyeing a bundle of fibers, such as a sliver, wool top or a synthetic-fiber tow. A bundle of fibers is accumulated into a dyeing can, comprising a main can and an auxiliary can, and, then, the bundle of fibers in the auxiliary can is pressed from above to pack the bundle of fibers in the main can in the compressed condition. Thereafter, the auxiliary can is separated from the main can. Next, a plurality of full packaged main cans are arranged in a predetermined positional relationship which conforms to the layout of the main cans in a dyeing bath and the full packaged main cans are charged into the dyeing bath while maintaining their prepared positional relationship. Then, the dyeing operation is carried out. After completion of the dyeing operation the main cans are taken out from the dyeing bath and are turned over so as to take out the packed bundle of fibers therefrom.