Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure for the preparation of D-(-)-lactic acid in which a strain of Lactobacillus bulgaricus capable of converting lactose into D-(-)-lactic acid to an extent of more than 50%, is cultivated in a medium containing lactose. It is known that galactose-positive Lactobacillus strains produce mainly L-lactic acid, and galactose-negative strains produce D-(-)-lactic acid almost exclusively, but leave the galactose part of lactose unchanged, the D-(-)-lactic acid being thereafter recovered. Strains suitable for use in the present procedure are Lactobacillus bulgaricus CBS 743.84, CBS 687.85, and CBS 688.85.

Abstract: In a method of disposing of organic and inorganic substances, the substances are gasified and decomposed in and/or above a liquid bath of a metal alloy under negative pressure, off-gases forming are seized, collected and purified and separated.To prevent the formation of health-endangering emissions, such as dioxins and furans, and to recover pure starting materials for the production of organic substances, the substances are charged under negative pressure into an induction furnace containing a melt (18) of an iron alloy, in particular a steel melt, and are decomposed in the latter at liquid steel temperature, whereby the entry of gaseous O.sub.2 is avoided.This is also the case at the production of steel from scrap interspersed with organic substances.

Abstract: A coin door assembly is provided comprising a service door panel having a front surface, an inner surface and a coin selector assembly associated with the inner surface. The coin selector assembly is comprised of a pair of spaced chutes attached to the inner surface of the door panel which includes a coin selector secured to the inner surface of the door panel disposed between the chutes, the coin selector having a front surface and a rear surface, with the front surface facing the inner surface of the door panel. The coin door assembly is provided with means for holding the coin selector in place. A lock lever is provided pivoted to the inner surface of the door panel for correctly positioning the coin selector, the lock lever having a clamp piece cooperatively associated therewith.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for conducting light onto cuvettes in a photometer. Onto each cuvette in a row, there is successively conducted light through a moving light-cutting disc (8), which is provided with a slot (10) at each light path. Thus the light passing through the adjacent cuvette does not disturb the measurement.