Abstract: A high-voltage transformer-rectifier device comprising a step-up three-phase transformer with a spatial magnetic circuit made up of three vertical stacks (7) of closed cores (9) insulated from one another and secured in an insulating frame (8), having a common window and carrying the sections (10) of a secondary winding (2). A primary winding (1) comprises three flat rectangular coils (11) whose vertical parts are arranged to lie pairwise along the axis of the common window in each stack (7) of the cores (9). A bridge rectifier section comprises individual bridge rectifiers connected to the sections (10) of the secondary winding (2), and each of the potential screens is formed by ring sections (6 and 20) arranged one on top of another along the stacks (7) of the cores (9).

Abstract: In an electroslag remelting apparatus comprising electrode holders adapted to hold at least two consumable electrodes connected to different terminals of an a.c. power source, the mould and the bottom plate are electrically connected to each other and, through rectifiers, to the a.c. power source, the rectifiers being connected to the same terminals of the a.c. power source as the electrode holders. The rectifiers are so connected into the circuit as to provide a flow of only direct current through the bottom plate and mould towards the a.c. source through said rectifiers.

Abstract: A carrier for the pneumatic conveying of loads over a pipeline the body of which is provided with longitudinal seals attached to its sides with provision for displacement in the vertical direction relative to the body and also provided with transverse seals at its end faces -- a forward and a rearward seal being provided to take into account the direction in which the carrier travels. The transverse seals form, in conjunction with the longitudinal seals, spaces above and below the body communicating with the space in the pipeline before and after the body, respectively, by way of at least one opening provided in each of the forward and rearward transverse seals.

Abstract: An improved feeder of a concrete block splitting apparatus which splits a concrete block to form natural looking stone surfaces for gateposts, walls, etc. The feeder has a table which moves in the vertical direction with the concrete block thereon, and receiving members which receive the concrete block when the concrete block is lifted to the predetermined position. The table can be lowered to the original position for successive operations of concrete block lifting while the concrete block is held by the receiving member for the purpose of being fed toward a splitting apparatus.

Abstract: A thermionic device for converting nuclear energy into electrical energy comprising a tubular anode spaced from and surrounding a cylindrical cathode, the cathode having an outer emitting surface of ruthenium, and nuclear fuel on the inner cylindrical surface. The nuclear fuel is a ceramic composition of fissionable material in a metal matrix. An axial void is provided to collect and contain fission product gases.