Abstract: A platform has an opening therein. The platform is adapted to receive a heat source therein. The platform is rotatably disposed about the heat source. A motor is operatively coupled to the platform for rotating the platform about the heat source. A temperature sensor senses the temperature at a predetermined position on the interior surface of a barrel disposed on said platform and provides a temperature output. A central processing unit has a clock for measuring an interval during which a barrel is exposed to the heat source. A database stores toasting recipes, which are a function of time and temperature. The central processing unit receives an input from the sensor and clock and utilizes the recipe stored in the database to provide an output to an alarm if the sensed temperature during the input time interval does not substantially correspond the recipe as stored in the database.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for heating rigid plastic pipe for the purpose of bending and forming the pipe. The heating apparatus includes an elongate housing that has a bottom wall, a pair of side walls, a first end wall, and a second end wall to define an interior. Each of the end walls has a pipe hole for permitting a user to insert rigid plastic pipe through the interior. An elongate burner member burns combustible gas to produce heat and is mounted to the housing and is positioned in the interior proximate to the bottom wall. A valve assembly regulates a flow of the gas to the burner member. An elongate burner plate disperses the heat generated by the burner member and is positioned above the burner member. A plurality of pipe support members support the pipe above the burner plate while positioned in the interior of the housing. An elongate cover member selectively covers the opening to the interior of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is a pipe heater that uses a combustible gas burner to provide heat to the pipe. The gas burner permits the heater to be portable and to be used in remote locations where a source of electricity is not readily available. The heater comprises a body adapted so that a pipe can extend therethrough and a burner to bend the pipe. Positioned between the burner and the pipe within the heater is a baffle having a plurality of holes therein. The baffle redirects the heat from the burner around the pipe, thus evenly heating the pipe. The heater is also provided with a control system to regulate the flow of fuel to the burner and potentially with a battery-powered or flint starter device. Furthermore, the body of the heater has air holes positioned in its sides and openings within its bottom to provide an air supply to the burner and to allow the burner to be lit if a starter is not provided or is inoperative.

Abstract: DNA strand having an ability in biotechnological production of .alpha.-acetolactate decarboxylase is disclosed. The DNA strand is characterized in that it has a nucleotide sequence coding for a polypeptide whose amino acid sequence is substantially from A to B of FIG. 1 and which has .alpha.-acetolactate decarboxcylase activity. Also disclosed is a yeast which belongs a Saccharomyces cerevisiae and which has been transformed by the DNA strand. The yeast is characterized by the fact that its .alpha.-acetolactate producing ability is reduced, and will thus produce an alcoholic liquor such as beer which contains no or little diacetyls which have come from their precursor, namely .alpha.-acetolactate.

Abstract: Configuration for temperature treatment of substrates, in particular semiconductor crystal wafers, comprised of a carrier for receiving the substrates to be treated, a frame-like support for receiving the carrier, whereby the frame-like support is connected to a time-controlled compressed air cylinder and can be shifted in axial direction by means of a roller guide, as well as heating devices. The heating devices are connected to a vacuum suction configuration, and includes one, disk-shaped heating plate with a flute type opening on top, to which the substrates contained in carrier are vacuum sucked. The configuration is used for low temperature processes used in conjunction with semiconductor technology, especially photolithographic processes, and eliminates unnecessary reloading or other rearranging procedures.

Abstract: The present invention is a round-bottom flask support which comprises a base of honeycomb or honeycomb-like material flat on its lower surface and having a concave upper surface substantially complementary to the flask it is designed to support. The cross section of the base is preferably cylindrical and a cylindrical annular ring engaging the periphery of the base and upper surface can be provided for added dimension stability.The upper surface of the base preferably has a semi-spherical configuration produced by compression of the upper surface of the base toward the lower surface to create "pleats" in at least some cell walls. This provides an added mechanical lock at the cell nodes which reduces the tendency of the honeycomb to separate at the cell nodes and is of particular advantage where the honeycomb is subjected to high temperatures and the adhesive bond may be weakened.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing solid tires from tubular rim bands is disclosed. A transverse cut is first made through the annular rubber tire, then the tubular rim band is heated at its inside surface to a temperature high enough to break the bond between the tire and the outer surface of the band. Also disclosed is an apparatus utilizing gas-fired infrared heat to effect the heating of the rim band.