Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for the drying of articles, especially foodsfs, biological materials and other substances susceptible to cell damage with overheating, wherein the material is spread in a high-vacuum vessel directly adjacent a cooled condenser and is subjected to a vacuum by a pump capable of developing pressures as low as about 0.1 mbar. The chamber is evacuated until there is a noticeable formation of the condenser whereupon the connection between the pump and the chamber is closed and the product is heated to evaporate liquids but below a predetermined temperature (say a maximum of 50.degree. C.) while the condensate resulting from the evaporation is collected directly below the product and is discharged.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing spherical uranium dioxide nuclear fuel particles aving diameters of the order of several hundred microns comprises a source of an aqueous solution of uranyl nitrate, urea and hexamethylenetetramine, a container of a hot organic liquid, i.e. paraffin in which water is insoluble, and a droplet-forming dispenser connected between the source and the container. The dispenser has a constricted nozzle disposed above the free surface of the hot liquid and a piston displaceable in the passage leading thereto by a crank mechanism imparting periodic movement to the piston. The piston has a conical tip which cooperates with a seat along the passage having a larger flow cross-section than the nozzle orifice.