Abstract: This device comprises (a) a removable compact cell which can be accurately weighed. A sample is introduced into this cell, with the cell equipped with a magnetic stirrer and with at least one measuring gauge. This cell has a sliding cover plate for varying its volume. The device includes (b) a pressurizing unit whose temperature can be controlled and which is provided with a housing for receiving the cell. In combination with the above, there is provided (c) a calibrated hydraulic press operatively associated with the sliding cover plate to compress the fluid contained in the cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for boronizing pieces made of metal or cermet and to surface-boronized pieces. The pieces are placed in a chamber at between 850.degree. and 1,150.degree. C. and they are subjected, in the presence of boron carbide, to a gaseous stream of trifluoroboroxole (BOF).sub.3. The boron carbide is advantageously pulverulent and out of contact with the pieces to be boronized.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing nitrided silicon parts which retain their mechanical properties after hot oxidation, said method consisting of sintering silicon powder in an atmosphere which is rich in nitrogen. 1% to 10% by weight of aluminium powder is added to the silicon before sintering thereof and preliminary hot oxidation is effected in conditions which allow acicular mullite to form by the direct action of the aluminium and of a complement of oxygen molecules supplied by the outside medium on the silicon formed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing nitrided silicon parts by sintering a silicon powder containing aluminium under an atmosphere rich in nitrogen. A small quantity of carbon monoxide is added to the nitrogen atmosphere and the nitrogen and carbon monoxide partial pressures and the aluminium content of the silicon powder are chosen so that the oxidation reaction by the carbon monoxide on the nitrided silicon formed in the surfaces layers of the parts maintains therein an open porosity which is sufficient to allow the nitrogen to penetrate to the cores of the parts until the parts are homogeneously nitrided. Application to the manufacture of parts which must retain good mechanical strength at high temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for boronizing pieces made of metal or cermet and to surface-boronized pieces. The pieces are placed in a chamber at between 850.degree. and 1,150.degree. C. and they are subjected, in the presence of boron carbide, to a gaseous stream of trifluoroboroxole (BOF).sub.3. The boron carbide is advantageously pulverulent and out of contact with the pieces to be boronized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for air-conditioning a greenhouse or the like for the cultivation of plants, due to the solar energy which is picked up during the day, wherein isothermic containers are disposed inside the greenhouse, which contain a body of which the melting temperature is between 10.degree. and 20.degree. C., so that, during the day, when the temperature inside the greenhouse exceeds said melting temperature, said body melts, absorbing calories and cooling the atmosphere of the greenhouse and, during the night, when the temperature becomes lower than said melting temperature, said body solidifies, releasing the latent heat of solidification.

Abstract: The invention relates to the control and regulation of glycemia (that is the glucose rate in blood) for diabetic patients. The device comprises means for sampling the total blood of a diabetic patient 2, means 9 for determining the glycemia of the blood, an electronic unit 11 providing, as a function of the indications at 9, the operation of pumps 15 apable of injecting insulin or 16 capable of injecting glucose. There are also provided recording means for the glycemia 14 and a sound alarm.

Abstract: A process for producing hydraulic binders comprising essentially calcium and silicon oxides by adding, to a mixture composed of compounds containing oxygen, calcium, silicon, and optionally other elements which are normally encountered in conventional raw materials, particularly aluminium, at least one disturbing agent capable of modifying the crystallinity of the minerals normally formed by the firing of said mixture of compounds at high temperatures, firing said mixture of compounds containing said disturbing agent, and recovering a mineral product possessing hydraulic properties.

Abstract: An alloy of nickel-chrome-cobalt comprising in parts by weight at least 2% aluminum, at least 0.10% titanium and 0.30-1.50% hafnium. The alloy is particularly useful for forming forged products such as turbine components and the like normally subjected to high temperature conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to new composite materials having, along a director plane, noteworthy mechanical properties, wherein they comprise a resistant material, in flat form disposed parallel to the director plane and flakes or bands or substantially flat form, constituted of or comprising a material with high modulus, said flakes or bands also being disposed parallel to the director plane.