Abstract: The detector comprises an avalanche photodiode for receiving a light beam, a circuit for measuring the mean current across the avalanche photodiode and a bias voltage source. That source is controlled by the circuit for applying to the photodiode a bias voltage such that the mean current across the diode be substantially equal to an adjustable set value.

Abstract: Drying plant for liquid and paste products is equipped with a drier comprising an outer jacket, a cylinder within the jacket and a space between the jacket and the cylinder constituting a heating chamber. The internal cylinder of the drier is rotatable relative to the jacket around a horizontal axis; the drier comprises means for feeding products to be dried into the cylinder and for spreading these products over the inside wall of said cylinder so as to coat the latter with them, means for separating the dried products from said inside wall, means for evacuating the dried products from inside the cylinder and an outlet for the moisture produced by drying the products.

Abstract: The device comprises at least one nozzle (T), in combination with a regulating valve (VR). A detector (135) measures the flowrate of the fluid in the nozzle and controls a distributor (109) for selecting a static pressure take-off orifice from among a plurality of regularly staged orifices in a convergent section (101). The orifice is brought into communication with a chamber (127) of the regulating valve to control the position of a closure member (119) which uncovers to a varying degree the orifices of a cage (117). The displacement of a distributor (121) from one position (R) to another (S) converts the regulating function into a shut-off function by pressure effect, by applying a high pressure to the chamber (127). The total immersion of the closure member obviates the disadvantages of the rod and packing system of conventional valves, as well as those resulting from the radiation-sensitivity of the prior art pneumatic servomechanisms.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the capacity of a battery of series-connected storage cells (10) which are tested by discharging the battery at constant current. The apparatus comprises: sequencer means (30, 40, 50) for cyclically addressing each battery cell in turn, and delivering a single measurement signal (V.sub.M) representative of the voltage across the terminals of the cell being addressed; comparator means (60) connected to receive said single measurement signal and to deliver an active output condition when said single measurement signal (V.sub.M) is below a threshold value (V.sub.REF) representing the end-of-discharge voltage for the cells under test; and timer means (90, 91) responsive to said active output condition to indicate the discharge time of the cell responsible for causing said active output condition to be delivered.Cyclic operation of the apparatus is interrupted each time a cell is encountered with less than the threshold voltage across its terminals.

Abstract: Safety device for limiting the pressure of a fluid, having at least one hollow modular member, which is open at both ends, a diaphragm closing one end, and a knife mounted within the modular member facing the diaphragm at a regulatable distance from it. The device also has a piston for making the knife strike the diaphragm in order to bring about bursting before this would be done by deformation of the diaphragm under the effect of a given pressure. The knife may have a pointed central lip bordered by two leading lips so as to reliably bring about bursting of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A ring designed to support instrumentation modules on the rotor of a rotary machine and to withstand centrifugal accelerations significantly in excess of 500 g comprises two half-rings made of zicral (AZ5GU) alloy clamped to the rotor shaft. In order for the ring to remain attached to the shaft at speeds up to and in excess of the maximum speed thereof, there are formed in the cylindrical perimeter of the ring a central groove and two side grooves. A tape of glass fibers impregnated with a polymerizable resin is wound on under tension in superposed layers, initially into the central groove and then into the side grooves. The wound tape is then immobilized under tension by polymerizing the resin.

Abstract: The apparatus for checking the set pressure of a safety valve (300) comprises: a first tank (100) filled with a first fluid (110) at a pressure less than the set pressure, and connected to the fluid inlet tubing (310) of the valve; a second tank (200) filled with a second fluid (210) at a pressure greater than the set pressure; means (410) for rapidly putting the two tanks into communication with each other; and means (500, 510, 520) for simultaneously measuring the pressure in the fluid inlet tubing and the displacement of the valve plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stack or a vertical pipe for the flow of gas, said stack or pipe comprising a suspension mast defining a vertical axis; at least one supple surface, open downwardly and upwardly, and symmetrical with respect to this axis; substantially horizontal, rigid hoops, viz. an upper hoop and a lower hoop respectively fast with the upper and lower periphery of the surface, each hoop being symmetrical with respect to said axis; supple bearing ties suspending the upper hoop from the mast; and stays connecting the lower hoop to a fixed lower point of the mast or the ground to stretch the supple surface in a vertical direction. The invention finds application in the entire production or extension of stacks or pipes such as atmospheric cooling towers.

Abstract: A device for measuring the flow rate of a fluid in the annular space of a steam generator; having within a probe housing, kept fixed relative to the outer wall of the steam generator, a probe. A seal between the probe and the probe housing is formed by an elastic bellows fitted in such a way that it constantly applies one end of the probe against the inner wall of the generator.

Abstract: Device for the detection of leaks by sampling liquid sodium in a steam generator.The sodium sampling means is constituted by a tubular collector placed in the protection space on the periphery of the tube plate and along which are distributed a plurality of sampling openings, while a plurality of ducts issue at one end into the protection space and at the other end into the sodium circulation enclosure.

Abstract: A variable level liquid rheostat having a tubular overflow member between a starting chamber and a tank for controlling the level of electrolyte in the starting chamber. The overflow member has a closed upper end inside the starting chamber and lateral discharge orifices and communicates with the electrolyte in the tank. The overflow member produces a siphoning effect when the electrolyte level in the starting chamber is substantially above the discharge orifices for causing a sudden drop of the level in the starting chamber until the electrolyte level in the starting chamber again reaches the discharge.

Abstract: A turbine generator unit comprises a turbine (1) and condenser (2) with fible joint (33) between them. A table (4) supporting the turbine generator unit rests on springs (47). In conjunction with a baseplate (7) supporting the condenser (2) and supported on springs (67), it forms a cradle. The table (4) and baseplate (7) are linked together by means of columns (47).

Abstract: A substance to be treated is brought into a treatment column (10) and kept in suspension (11) in the latter by the injection (A) of a fluidizing gas into the bottom part of the column.According to the invention, a plasma is injected (D) into the column in at least one direction within a radial plane relative to the column.Preferably, the plasma is produced by high-frequency induction and injected at a pressure of the order of atmospheric pressure, so as not to perturb the fluidization of the bed and so as to permit good interpenetration of the various gas streams.Applications to the synthesis of nitrogen oxides, to the gasification of a carbonaceous substance and to the reduction of ores, as well as to the roasting or drying of materials.

Abstract: A method of preparing polymer lattices of homogeneous interpenetrated structure, starting from a mixture of at least two basic prepolymer constituents is characterized by the fact that a microwave radiation is applied having a frequency spectrum chosen in order that it interacts preferentially with the first prepolymer and a power density chosen in order that it directly activates the exothermic reaction of cross-linking of the first prepolymer. The cross-linking of the second prepolymer is only triggered under the combined action of the heat due to the interaction of the microwave energy with the second prepolymer and the heat introduced by the cross-linking reaction of the first prepolymer, which makes it possible to combine propagation of the two cross-linking reactions at similar speeds.

Abstract: Electrochemical generators comprising an anode consisting of a highly reducing metal or metallic alloy, such as an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, a cathode consisting of a reducible material such as CuO, MnO.sub.2, AgO, and (SN).sub.x and a water-free liquid or solid electrolyte consisting of an ammoniate of a salt of a cation of the anode metal or of a more highly reducing metal, the salt being for example a halide or perhalogenate.

Abstract: The metal coating on a dielectric sheet or strip, for instance for use in capacitors, is locally removed by a Corona discharge between the sheet and a point electrode.A current return electrode contacts the sheet and is located in the return path to a HV generator connected to the point electrode.

Abstract: Boron is removed from silicon by zone melting purification. A jet of hot plasma obtained by high frequency excitation is directed on a zone of a bar of silicon to be purified. The plasma is formed from a mixture of a plasma-producing gas, such as argon, and an amount of oxygen which is sufficiently low to avoid oxidization of silicon.

Abstract: A cooling tower or chimney comprises an assembly of rigid frames which form a trellis. The meshes defined by the trellis are covered by a casing in the form of a sheeting (not shown), which is recessed to a greater or lesser degree towards the inside of the tower in order to give to the tower a broken up external surface. The tower is constructed by the assembly of preassembled frames or groups of frames to which the sheeting has previously been attached, while on the ground.

Abstract: For treating textile yarns by electrical discharge, the yarn is caused to travel along a path within at least one module. The module has a first and a second electrode confronting each other. A generator is connected to the electrodes to provide a voltage sufficient to strike an arc. The power of the generator and the impedance of the circuit are such that the arc is quenched after striking in a time which is short as compared to the time of rise to the arc striking voltage.

Abstract: The core of a fast reactor having at least three core regions is made up of vertical fuel elements each having an axial passage of sufficient diameter to permit the flow of molten fissile material in the event of a power excursion. The diameter decreases from the central region of the core to the periphery, the decrease being proportional to the reduction in neutron flux density in order to maintain the integral of conductivity at a substantially constant value.