Abstract: A source of fast neutral molecules comprises a gas discharge chamber (1) with an anode (5), a cathode (7) and a gas discharge power supply (8), a charge transfer chamber (2) with additional electrodes (16), an accelerating grid (3) composed of grid elements (18) isolated electrically from each other and an accelerating voltage power supply (4). The width of the accelerating grid (3) exceeds within the ion-producing gas pressure range the ion charge transfer length L=1/n&sgr;, n being gas molecule density and &sgr; being charge transfer collision cross-section. The negative pole of the accelerating voltage power supply (4) is connected through a resistor (11) to the charge transfer chamber (2), through resistors (17) to the additional electrodes (16) and through resistors (19) to the grid elements (18).

Abstract: A prosthesis (P1, P2) intended to remedy laryngeal dysfunction includes a tubular body (1) which is intended to be introduced into the larynx (8) and which, at one of its ends is shaped in a bevel (3) and which includes, on the one hand, an inclined closure face (4) and, on the other hand, lateral orifices (5) for communication between the inside of said tubular body (1) and the area outside of said tubular body (1).

Abstract: A gauge shroud for protecting a gauge of a first select equivalent outer diameter which is connected to the distal end of a gauge stem extending a first select distance from a body includes a base having a top and a bottom separated by a second select distance slightly less than the first select distance. The base defines a radially inward extending gauge stem receiving slot between the top and bottom. A cap has a side wall having a second select equivalent inner diameter, an open top and an open bottom. The second select equivalent diameter is greater than the first select equivalent diameter. The hinge pivotally connects the cap and the base, whereby the cap can be pivoted relative to the base between a closed position with the open bottom of the cap abutting the base top and an open position of the open bottom inclined from the base. A latch between the cap and the base selectively maintains the cap in the closed position.

Abstract: A method for treatment of products in gas-discharge plasma consists in that a two-step vacuum-arc discharge is initiated between an anode (3) and an integrally cold cathode (2), featuring a metal-gaseous step of plasma and a gaseous step of plasma. The gaseous step of plasma is established by ionizing the working gas with electrons separated from the metal-gaseous step of plasma. Then a product (5) under treatment is preheated to working temperature and held in a preset temperature range. To this end, provision is made in the device for a means (13) for electron separation from the metal-gaseous step of plasma, which means is situated in the zone of the integrally cold cathode (2) and is impermeable to the metal ions generated by the cathode (2). In a particular case the means (13) is made as a set of V-shaped plates (14).

Abstract: An electric arc metal evaporator has a cathode (2) extending along its longitudinal axis which is made of an evaporating material and has an evaporation surface extending along its longitudinal axis, and power supply leads (7,8) connected to opposite ends (5,6) of cathode (2) and connected to control switches (10) and (11) which are connected through individual activating members (12,13) to a control unit (14) and a direct current power supply (15) which is also is connected to an anode, and a unit for determining the current position of the cathode spot (16) on the evaporation surface (3) of cathode (2) which is connected to a control unit (14.) The cathode (2) itself can be used as a current position detector (17) and its power supply leads (7,8) serve as the detector (17) power supply leads.