Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing sodium 2-keto-L-gulonate from sorbitol and recovering 2-keto-L-gulonic acid in high recovery yields, by controlled cation exchange treatment of the micro-organism free fermentation broth and/or adjusting PII of said purified fermentation broth, followed by direct crystallisation of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid monohydrate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing sodium 2-keto-L-gulonate from sorbitol and recovering 2-keto-L-gulonic acid in high recovery yields, by controlled cation exchange treatment of the micro-organism free fermentation broth and/or adjusting Ph of said purified fermentation broth, followed by direct crystallization of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid monohydrate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing erythritol by fermentation using a polysaccharide negative erythritol producing strain and recovering erythritol crystals by direct crystallisation from the unrefined micro-organism-free fermentation broth. Direct crystallisation of erythritol is performed at dry substance higher than 80% w/w. Recovery of erythritol crystals is at least 85% and purity of erythritol crystals is at least 99% w/w.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing erythritol by fermentation using a polysaccharide negative erythritol producing strain and recovering erythritol crystals by direct crystallization from the unrefined micro-organism-free fermentation broth. Direct crystallization of erythritol is performed at dry substance higher than 80% w/w. Recovery of erythritol crystals is at least 85% and purity of erythritol crystals is at least 99% w/w.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing erythritol by fermentation using a polysaccharide negative erythritol producing strain and recovering erythritol crystals by direct crystallization from the unrefined micro-organism-free fermentation broth. Direct crystallization of erythritol is performed at dry substance higher than 80% w/w. Recovery of erythritol crystals is at least 85% and purity of erythritol crystals is at least 99% w/w.

Abstract: The mechanism comprises a bar (8) slidably mounted in a channel (18) which can be obstructed by a sliding member (11) of an electromechanical latching unit in accordance with a preset time-schedule.The device described enables the time ban to be lifted by means of two pivotal elements (43, 52) that are normally not coupled to one another, one of them being positionable in the path of travel of the bar (8) of the mechanism so as to be actuated thereby when the mechanism is moved in an opening direction. The two pivotal elements are associated with transmission means (50, 57) which are actuated when a breakdown is detected in order to lock the two pivotal elements together. The electromechanical latching unit can then be made inoperative manually by actuating the mechanism of the locking system in an opening direction.

Abstract: A time lock, for example for high security locks of safes or strong rooms, comprises at least one spring-driven timing device coupled to a first regulator (35) via a wheel-train (34). One of the wheels (39) of this wheel-train is equipped with a differential mechanism which forms switching means enabling the wheel-train to be coupled to a second regulator (50) comprising a flanged disk (55). Hence, by controlling the switching means, the speed of running of the timing device may be set so as to be able to abruptly free the residual energy of the spring (22a) when the fixed time setting has elapsed. This provides a better determination of the precise instant when the lock is unlocked.

Abstract: In this arrangement the lock may be operated only if a bolt is withdrawn. Such bolt is driven by a motor controlled by a micro-processor associated with a memory in which time slots for removal of the ban on lock operation are stored. These time slots are constantly compared with the time of day by the micro-processor which removes the ban by controlling the motor only if the time of day is within a time slot. Blocking intervals having precedence over the time slots may intervene so as to prevent removal of the ban during such intervals. A keyboard following checking of an authorizing code permits eventual modification of the time slots and the blocking intervals. The arrangement finds use for safes and other protected enclosures.