Abstract: The aim of the present invention is a process for preparing a mineral matrix by melting, which is implemented according to the method of direct cold crucible induction melting. The method employs a step for initiating the melting. During the initiation step, a conductive mineral load is generated, by introduction of constituent elements of the matrix, into a bath of a conductive liquid, brought by induction to a suitable temperature, in the cold crucible. The intervening conductive liquid has the property of being a liquid and an electric conductor at a temperature between &thgr;1 of less than 600° C., advantageously of between 100 and 500° C., and a temperature &thgr;2 at least equal to the temperature at which the constituent elements of the matrix melt to generate the matrix. The conductive liquid is advantageously a molten sodium hydroxide bath. The preparation of such a glass matrix is advantageously implemented within the context of a method of vitrifying radioactive waste materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for managing stores, in which objects are stored, removed and arranged. Said objects are stored not in accordance with an indexed classification but as a function of their dimensions and of the storage volumes available in the store and, at each instant, their location as well as the location and dimensions of the storage volumes still available are recorded. Said process is advantageously carried out for managing a library, videotheque, discotheque, archives, . . . . The present invention also relates to a device for carrying out said process.

Abstract: A filtering cartridge, without asbestos, for the filtration of gases, especially hot and/or radio-active and/or corrosive gases. The cartridge comprises a substantially cylindrical, hollow body, closed at one of its ends and open at the other end, containing at least 50% by weight of alumina and/or zirconia. The body is obtained by molding in vacuo of a slip consisting essentially of fibers of alumina and/or zirconia having a diameter less than 20 .mu.m and length less than 25 mm, colloidal silica, at least one organic binding agent, at least one deflocculant, optionally, other fibers, and optionally sodium, drying the slip and heat treating the dried slip at a temperature sufficient to volatilize the organic binding agent and deflocculant.

Abstract: A saddle with two cutting stations, i.e., front and rear openings, moves forward and backward horizontally within a chassis. The rear opening includes a cutting blade. The chassis includes a front counter blade. A magazine holds a tube bundle and includes a rear face clamp and rear counter blade. In a first cutting operation, skirting at the base of the tube bundle is placed in the front opening and is cut by first moving the saddle rearward against the rear face clamp and rear counter blade, and then frontward against the front counter-blade. In a second cutting operation, the tube bundle is placed in the rear opening. As the saddle is moved frontward, the cutting blade in the rear opening cooperates with the front counter-blade on the chassis to cut the tubes. This second cutting operation is continued until the tubes are cut.

Abstract: An installation for lifting and stacking or unstacking sheets of glass and particularly sheets of small dimension (i.e. one meter by 1.5 meters). The installation has a secondary conveyor (1), an elevator and a panel (24). The elevator has at least one arm (5) provided with suction cups (7) mounted on the sliding support. The arm is driven in rotation through an angle of about 90 degrees by a connecting rod-crank system (13) provided with at least one balancing jack (18) as well as a jack for laterally displacing the elevator and the secondary conveyor. The installation makes it possible to obtain very rapid operating rates (of the order of two seconds) at a reduced power output.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the immobilization of ion exchange resins originating from radioactive produce (waste) reprocessing plants, the said resins being immobilized in a cement, preferably of the CLK type, wherein, before immobilization in the said cement, the said resins are treated with an aqueous solution containing NO.sub.3.sup.- and Na.sup.+ ions, the quantity of NO.sub.3.sup.- ions in the said aqueous solution being calculated so as to ensure that all the sites in the resins are saturated, assuming that all the resins treated are of anionic type and that the quantity of Na.sup.+ ions used in the said aqueous solution, or added in a second step, ensures on the one hand that the medium has a basic pH and on the other hand that all the sites in the cationic resins are saturated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for transferring objects from a gripping station to a depositing station, and is particularly applicable to the loading or unloading of panes of glass. The device includes at least one arm mounted perpendicularly to a shaft which drives it in rotation, with the arm being adapted to slide perpendicularly relative to the shaft. Gripping devices such as suction cups are mounted at each end of the arm, and a motor and indexer are provided for automatically controlling the rotation of the shaft, the sliding and locking of the arm, and the maneuvering of the gripping devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for immobilizing and packing radioactive "ashes" in a mineral matrix, said method consisting in adjusting the coefficient of expansion of said ashes, molding around said ashes a porcelain in the raw state and taking the whole in one operation to form a hermetically sealed block.

Abstract: In a pool type storage system for storing radioactive waste submerged within water therein, autonomous, dismountable, multi-section exchange units are provided which are submerged directly within the water of the reservoir for effecting heat or ion exchanges on the water without pumping the water from the reservoir.

Abstract: A bundle of tubes filled with nuclear fuel is positioned in a machine with the lower end of the bundle adjacent a first rotary cutter which is operated to sever the lower ends of the tubes after which the bundle is moved to a position adjacent a second rotary cutter where the tubes are cut into short lengths by teeth carried by a second rotary cutter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel remotely dismountable valves comprising a valve body welded to the pipes and having a truncated seat, an outwardly truncated member fitting on said seat, an obturator whose movements may be remotely controlled due to an extension element and a heavy element made fast with the member via a cross-piece presenting an upper surface in the form of a segment of a sphere on which surface the likewise spherical surface of the lower face of said heavy element abuts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preferably continuous process for the treatment of low and average activity radio-active waste, comprising a pretreatment of said waste, a precipitation of radio-active compounds so as to form a stable suspension which may be superconcentrated, wherein from 0.6 to 2 parts by weight of cement for one part by weight of suspension, from 0.5 to 5% by weight, with respect to the cement, of asbestos fibres and possibly a complement of water necessary for ensuring setting of said cement are mixed, said suspension containing from 15 to 75% by weight of dry extract and a suspension agent, and the homogeneous mixture obtained is cast in a container.