Abstract: A portico furnace includes a number of porticos (1), which are arranged parallel to one another and which define the spans of the furnace, and supports (2, 6) that are attached to the porticos (1), between which are positioned interjoists (3) that constitute the walls of the furnace. At least some of the interjoists (3) consist of a chimney block (4) with an axis that is parallel to the supports (2, 6).

Abstract: A portico furnace comprises a number of porticos (1), which are arranged parallel to one another and which define the spans of the furnace, and supports (2, 6) that are attached to said porticos (1), between which are positioned interjoists (3) that constitute the walls of the furnace. At least some of the interjoists (3) consist of a chimney block (4) with an axis that is parallel to said supports (2, 6).

Abstract: Process for regulating the water vapor content in a furnace operating at very high temperature between 1300 and 1800° C. and heated by combustion burners, in which there used as combustible carbon monoxide and as combustion supporter oxygen or air if desired dried and/or enriched in oxygen.

Abstract: Products which are to be traversed vertically by a flow of hot gases, such as ceramic supports of honeycomb structure, are supported in an oven by novel structure during baking. The novel structure is a thin horizontal plate of porous ceramic foam. But because this plate of porous ceramic foam is fragile, it is specially supported by a plurality of parallel horizontal bars. These horizontal bars can be of either or both of two types: in one type, the bars are received in grooves on the underside of the porous ceramic foam plate and project below the lower surface of the plate. In another form, the bars pass through bores in the ceramic plate. When both types of bars are used, the bars of one type are perpendicular to the bars of the other type. In all cases, the bars rest on support structure of the oven, so that the plate of porous ceramic foam does not touch this support structure.

Abstract: The invention is relative to a cardiac valve.This valve is of the type which comprises a means inserted with a controlled and limited clearance into a casing (2) comprising a ring (2.1) and a wire framework constituting arches, which ring comprises a peripheral groove (2.2) on its outer periphery which groove permits the centering and positioning of a covering (3), which valve is characterized in that said means which is inserted into the casing is a module comprising a hemisphere (1.1) extended in the front by a finger (1.3) which extends from the ring toward the outside, which ring comprises an inner profile (2.4) which forms a seat which permits the centering and angular tipping and the articulation of the module (1) in every position of the sweep of the finger.