Abstract: A microwave furnace having a tunnel-like structure within which are arranged paired coherent sources of electromagnetic radiation that develop electromagnetic fields that have an interference pattern in which the average density of electromagnetic waves in each cross section of the furance is substantially constant. The paired coherent sources are box horns with each pair connected to a corresponding microwave generator that applies its microwave energy directly to one of the box horns of the pair and applies it through a phase shifter to the other box horn of the pair. The phase shifter shifts the relative phase shift cylically and effects for all points of each cross section an average valve of electromagnetic energy density that is constant over a cycle of variation of each phase shift. The box horns are arranged aligned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the tunnel-like furnace with the radiation openings thereof aligned and extending in the longitudinal direction of the furnace.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for obtaining plants having improved characteristics. This process consists in placing and culturing on a specific synthetic, non-morphogenic nutrient medium the tissues obtained from the germination of the seeds of a single seed-plant, in sub-culturing the calluses so formed on a morphogenic medium and on potting up the plants so obtained.

Abstract: A rotary motor has a superconducting freely spinning field winding, A.C. armature windings and electrically conductive screen means connected to an output shaft. The field winding consists of a flat winding delivering a magnetic field whose lines of flux are parallel to the axis. The armature winding straddles the field winding and is separated therefrom by the screen means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of amides.This process for the preparation of an amide by hydrolysis of the corresponding nitrile is characterized in that the said nitrile in aqueous solution is subjected to the action of bacteria having a nitrilasic activity, in that the pH of the said aqueous solution is maintained at a value at least equal to the limiting pH of the amide hydrolysis reaction, and in that the bacteria mass is separated from the amide solution.This process is useful in particular for the preparation of acrylamides.

Abstract: Hydrosoluble extracts of mycobacteria suitable as immunological adjuvants are prepared. These extracts have a molecular weight between 3,500 and 30,000 and adjuvant, non-arthrogenic properties. The delipidated bacterial residues of mycobacteria are subjected to a mild extraction, then the so-obtained substance is isolated and purified by physicochemical methods, or the delipidated bacterial residues of mycobacteria are treated by means of pyridine optionally in the presence of acetic anhydride, then the obtained products are treated with ethanol or water, and the hydrosoluble substances are isolated and purified by physicochemical methods.

Abstract: In an apparatus for local surface analysis of a target sample in which an ion probe is directed to the target for sputtering particles. A chamber having walls heated to a high temperature (above 2200.degree. K as a rule) collects sputtered particles. The particles entering the chamber are subjected to successive adsorptions and desorptions before they leave the chamber for entry into a mass spectrometer. Scanning may be provided as in conventional SIMS systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of superoxide dismutase and the superoxide dismutase so obtained. The superoxide dismutase obtained is extracted from marine bacterial strains and is characterized in that it comprises non-hematinic iron or copper and zinc, it has a molecular weight of about 33,000 to 40,000 .+-. 2500 and a pHi or isoelectric point of about 4 to 8.2 and it has maximum enzyme activity at a pH of about 8.5 to 10 with an optimum at about 9 to 9.5 and the use of said superoxide dismutases for the protection of oxidizable systems from auto-oxidation.

Abstract: The device measures electrical charges, an electrical voltage or an electrical current, present between two electrodes of which one is fixed and of which the other is mounted so as to be able to vibrate mechanically. One of the two electrodes is connected to ground. Energizing means apply an AC voltage V.sub.o of frequency f.sub.o between the two electrodes. Means are provided for detecting the amplitude of the mechanical vibrations of frequency f.sub.o of the vibrating electrode and means for measuring this amplitude, which is a function of the parameter to be measured. The means for detecting and measuring the amplitude of the mechanical vibrations is a piezo-electric element subject to these vibrations and an apparatus adapted to measure the AC voltage produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new process for converting straight chain saturated hydrocarbons into other saturated hydrocarbons, notably branched chain hydrocarbons. It consists in submitting these products to oxidation in liquid phase in the presence of a superacid such as HFSO.sub.3, the oxidizing agent being SO.sub.3 and/or an electric current. Straight chain saturated hydrocarbons containing 4 to 12 carbon atoms undergo polymerization to form hydrocarbons of higher molecular weight.

Abstract: The invention concerns the preparation of acicular particles of mixed oxalates of iron and of one or more metals of the group consisting of cobalt, nickel, copper, manganese, zinc, magnesium and cadmium. The method consists in preparing a first solution containing cations of iron and of the divalent metal or metals, and a second solution containing oxalic acid, one of the said solutions further containing Cl.sup.- and SO.sub.4.sup.2.sup.- anions and at least the second solution containing alcohol with preferably a light hydrocarbon. The first solution is poured very slowly (1 drop every 10 seconds) into the second one, conveniently at temperature below 0.degree. C, while the latter is strongly stirred. The concentration in alcohol is preferably maintained at at least 50% in the second solution during the whole pouring process which should be effected with at least a slight excess of oxalic acid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a herbicidal composition comprising an an effective amount of a compound of the formula: ##SPC1##In which Z is a hydrogen atom or a benzyl group optionally substituted at para-position with a halogen atom, R.sup.1 is either a group -OR in which R is an alkyl group having 1-12 carbon atoms, a cyclohexyl or a lower phenylalkyl group, or a hydrazino group, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 represent a hydrogen atom, a benzyl group, a group --COR.sup.4 in which R.sup.4 is a phenyl, lower alkyl or anilino group or R.sup.2 and R.sup.3, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a phthalimido or succinimido group, and their acid addition salts. This composition has in particular an inhibiting activity on the growth of some dicotyledons.

Abstract: Olefins containing from 3 to 30 carbon atoms are directly oxidized to epoxides and allyl alcohols in the liquid phase by contact with a gas stream comprising oxygen but substantially free from hydrogen, in the presence of two metal compound catalysts which are soluble in the reaction mixture. The catalysts are preferably a compound of a Group VII or VIII metal and a compound of a Group VA or VIA transition metal.

Abstract: A plant for boning the meat of the half-carcass of a skinned beast, comprising a plurality of successive working stations where the still warm meat is removed by means of semi-automatic and automatic mechanical devices and, more precisely, on a first track, means for removal of the shoulder and means for cutting the neck and removing the fillet, top, top flank, thin flank, membrane, filet mignon and tail; on a second track, means for treating the cuts removed on the first track, e.g.: boning the leg and the "marrow bone", the blade bone being passed for stock purposes, boning the shoulder and, finally, on a third track followed by the residual carcass, means for boning the breast, the ribs and the thigh.

Abstract: An immunological product for the treatment of intestinal infections due to enterobacteria pathogenic to the infant.It consists of a serum of a horse hyperimmunized by means of cultures of enterobacteria pathogenic to the infant, of the type Echerichia coli and Salmonella, the serum being administered per os.This preventive or curative treatment by immunological means makes it possible to avoid the use of antibiotics, which have drawbacks and risks.

Abstract: Liquid crystals subjected to an electric field are stabilized by the addition of an electrochemically active and chemically stable material capable of undergoing reversible oxidation-reduction at the electrodes applying the field to the material. The invention is particularly for use in converting electric signals to optical signals.

Abstract: An electroemissive component having variable emissivity is made up of a conductive substrate on which at least one continuous thin film of a solid organometallic compound has been formed by electrochemical deposition and of a conductive deposit constituted by at least one thin film and deposited on said organometallic film, the substrate and the conductive deposit being electrically connected respectively to the two poles of a variable-voltage source which controls the emissivity.The component is particularly well suited to the fabrication of electronic or optoelectronic devices such as electron tubes, luminescent cells, display panels, thin television screens, and brightness amplifiers.

Abstract: A rotary coupling of the torque limiter type comprises two bodies rotating axially one within the other, with intermediate connecting elements inserted between respective surfaces of said bodies and subject to the action of springs acting in the tangential direction. The connection between the two bodies is effected by means at least partially deformable adapted to rub coaxially on one of said bodies, thereby receiving the motion of the other body, through a drive device combined with elastic means of the torsion spring type. The elastic means may be constituted by at least one torsion bar arranged for example axially to the coupling. The intermediate connecting elements, receiving the effect of the torsion means, may be constituted by shoes.

Abstract: A device for correcting the frequency response of an electromechanical transducer, thus allowing said transducer to be used over a wide frequency band and set at or near its resonance frequency. The device includes a delay element having substantially the inverse transfer function of said transducer. An amplifier may be connected between said transducer and said delay element. Said delay element may comprise a variable delay line such as an adjustable length of coaxial cable, and may also include an integrated delay line.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing vaccines, which consists in bringing into contact a toxic product with glutaraldehyde at a concentration and for a duration just sufficient to detoxify or inactivate said toxic product, and in stopping the glutaraldehyde-antigen reaction as soon as said inactivation stage is reached by physical and/or chemical means. The thus obtained inactivate product remaining antigenic and retaining its immunizing power, is usable as a vaccine for the preventive treatment of human and animals against infections caused for example by microbial or venomous toxins.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of galactose which comprises (1) the cultivation of a mutant, non-pathogenic protoprophic yeast or bacteria possessing .beta.-galactosidase activity and a gal.sup.- character on a media containing lactose, e.g., lactoserum and (2) recovery of the galtose. The mutants are produced using two different methods. The galactose solutions produced are suitable for use in beverages.