Abstract: Described are various embodiments of a refractory lance assembly and a composite refractory lance. In one embodiment, a refractory lance assembly is provided that comprises: an immersion tube having an immersion tip immersible within a melt and an extension tube coupled at an opposed end thereof to form a longitudinally extended composite tube therewith defining an optical path therein, wherein said longitudinally extended composite tube is injectable, in use, with an inert gas to form and probe an immersed melt surface. The assembly further comprises a shroud longitudinally encasing the composite tube and injectable with inert gas to mitigate fluid contamination of the composite tube and immersed melt surface.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of a refractory lance assembly and a composite refractory lance. In one embodiment, a refractory lance assembly is provided that comprises: an immersion tube having an immersion tip immersible within a melt and an extension tube coupled at an opposed end thereof to form a longitudinally extended composite tube therewith defining an optical path therein, wherein said longitudinally extended composite tube is injectable, in use. with an inert gas to form and probe an immersed melt surface. The assembly further comprises a shroud longitudinally encasing the composite tube and injectable with inert gas to mitigate fluid contamination of the composite tube and immersed melt surface.

Abstract: There is provided a biosensor for detecting water contaminants. The biosensor has a microbial fuel cell compartment, having (i) at least one opening to allow water into and out of the microbial fuel cell compartment, (ii) an anode comprising electroactive microorganisms, and (iii) a cathode. The anode is electrically and physically separated from the cathode. The anode is anaerobic and comprises electroactive microorganisms. The cathode is aerobic.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for detecting and characterizing heterogeneities within a bulk material that exhibit scale-dependent uniformity represented by locally representative volume elements (LRVEs). The invention is particularly useful in the characterization of local variations of crystallographic texture of metals and alloys, including metallurgical Ti alloys. The invention consists of generating ultrasonic waves through different paths in the object, and detecting differences in time, amplitude and/or phase of the detected frequency components traveling the different paths to characterize a statistical mean dimensions of the LRVEs, for example, by autocorrelation. Mean sizes of the LRVEs in the scan directions can be computed by autocorrelation, and mean sizes in the direction of the propagation can also be approximated.

Abstract: Gas cooking appliance comprising a gas burner equipped with a gas injector 1 fixed to a support 3 and a gas supply tube 2; the support is a sheet metal plate 3 with a through-aperture 4; the injector 1 is fixed to the end of the tube 2; the injector 1 and/or the tube 2 extend through the aperture 4 with the injector 1 and tube 2 one on each side of the plate 3; and a radial annular flange (6) is provided on the tube 2 and situated under the plate 3, being clamped in a sealed fashion against the peripheral edge of the aperture 4 and/or bearing surface 12 of the injector 1 so as to seal between the tube 2 and the injector 1 and between the top and the underside of the plate 3 around the edge of the aperture 4, and to hold the injector 1 secured to the tube 2 centrally in the aperture 4 in a predetermined axial position above the plate 3.