Abstract: A composite annular seal for a rotary ball valve or ball joint comprises a sealing ring (C) of low friction material intended to engage the ball (2), a first metal ring (A) of which part of one face is adapted resiliently to engage and conform with part of the surface of the sealing ring (C) while a radially more inward part of the face is adapted to engage and conform with the curvature of the ball (2), a second metal ring (B) which supports the first metal ring (A), having a radially outer part which overlaps the radially outer part of the sealing ring (C) and the radially outer part of the first metal ring (A) and of which a part is adapted to be in area contact with a part of the first metal ring (A), and a layer (D) of soft non-metallic material bonded to the axially outward surface of the second metal ring (B) for separating that part of the second metal ring (B) from the part of the housing (1) into which the seal is intended to be installed.

Abstract: A conveyor oven for cooking or heating food products and other items which utilizes a (preferably non-metallic) heat sink to absorb energy from an infrared heat source and then re-radiate the heat into the oven. Control over the degree and distribution of heat is exerted by bottom side vent holes and bottom sliding plates which control the size of the vent hole openings and top rotary flaps which deflect heat onto the food products. A method of cooking or heating food products and other items utilizing such a conveyor oven is also provided.

Abstract: Microsphere wet cake is mixed with a processing aid effective to prevent agglomeration and surface bonding of the microspheres, and thereafter removing water by drying with continuous mixing, optionally also under reduced pressure, i.e. vacuum drying. By the control of the application of heat and balancing temperature and the mixing, and optionally also the reduced pressure, it is possible to also control expansion of the microspheres from substantially none to substantially theoretical limits of expansion.The processing aid in the present invention is any one of a wide diversity of materials which meet the requirements of the intended function, i.e., to prevent the agglomeration of the microspheres during the process. Suitable materials include, by way of example, dry inorganic pigments or filler materials, and the like, and related organic materials.