Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a silica-based crucible material that includes, before sintering or firing, selected amounts of a thermal expansion stabilizer component (B2O3 and Ca2SiO4) which impart improved thermal shock resistance and enhanced ability to withstand repeated thermal cycling, to a sintered or fired crucible made of the material. An illustrative embodiment of the invention provides a crucible material whose chemical composition comprises, in weight %, about 91% to about 98% SiO2, about 1% to about 8% thermal stabilizer component, and up to about 1.0% of additional oxides including MgO, Al2O3 Fe2O3, CaO and ZrO2.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for use in conjunction with cameras which are used to monitor motor vehicle traffic flow on highways, bridges and the like. The camera are mounted using servomotors which have made the cameras' direction to be varied by a remote operator. The invention permits cameras whose direction is driven by signals in different protocols for languages to be used in the same camera array.