Abstract: The invention relates to a probe assembly (1) adapted to penetrate and travel in a mass of material, comprising:a hull,a front striking zone (3) and/or a rear striking zone (4) axially opposite, for transmitting pulses to the hull,a striking piston (2) anda pneumatic motor for setting in motion the striking piston (2) so as to project it against a striking zone (3, 4) integral with the hull, a compressed-air supply for the motor, characterized by the fact that the friction of the hull and any guiding elements rigidly connected to the hull in a pulverulent mass is between a lower value f insufficient to assure the holding of the probe upon the recoil of the striking piston (2) and a higher value F preventing the probe from advancing upon the impact of the striking piston (2) on the striking zone (3, 4) so as to permit the advancement of the probe in the pulverulent material.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a method for the deployment of a duct within a mass of powder-like material, according to which the duct is deployed from a compact configuration, characterized by the fact that the duct is brought in this compact configuration to a point in the mass of powder-like material and, while one end of the duct is held fixed, the other end is moved toward the exterior of the mass of powder-like material, the deployment of the duct thus being effected.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for spraying a liquid treatment agent onto cereal grains. it consists of at least one tubular frame (1 . . . 8) provided with at least one row of perforations (1), the interior of the frame being connected to a pressurized source of supply of a liquid treatment agent for cereal grains through a supply line (9), the said frame being of such a size as to surround an opening in a structure through which cereal grains are made to flow by gravity or under pressure.

Abstract: Method of fumigating bulk cereal grains while in storage, comprising the steps of providing a closed empty compartment having internal and external walls in which compartment said cereal grain is to be stored; initially exposing the internal walls of said empty compartment and the space within said compartment to a first fumigant to disinfect the compartment; said first fumigant being providing in sufficient volume to leave a residue film deposit of fumigant on said internal walls; inspecting the external walls of said compartment to ascertain the degree of air-tightness of said empty compartment during said initial fumigation by seeking to detect leaks; repairing any leaks detected during said initial fumigation and inspection; thereafter loading said compartment with bulk cereal grain; and closing said compartment and exposing said grain to a second fumigant to disinfect said bulk cereal grain with said second fumigant as well as with said residue of said first fumigant.