Abstract: The invention concerns a temperature distribution controlling sample holding adaptor for setting up gradient heat treatment conditions in heat treatment ovens, which has a sample holder for realizing temperature distribution and setting and adjustment units associated therewith, and which enables the production of the free prescribed or desired temperature range by means of heating up, maintaining the heat and cooling down. The adaptor mechanism may be combined with any known heat treatment apparatus which was not manufactured originally for gradient heat treatment purposes and by means of processors or micro-processors which may be connected thereto for controlling adjustment, controlling and recording instruments the apparatus may be operated without supervision even for more complicated treatments.

Abstract: A method for galvanostatic and potentiostatic electrochemical measurement of the rate of corrosion of an object is described wherein a working electrode, counter-electrode and reference electrode are immersed in an electrolyte and the electromotive force appearing on the cell formed by the working electrode and counter-electrode is measured and related to the reference electrode and the corrosion rate of the object is derived therefrom, the object measured being utilized as a plurality of working electrodes utilized in combination with a plurality of reference electrodes. An apparatus for performing the measurements as above described is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to equipment for the investigation or optimization of the properties and/or raising methods of organisms, having a growth or breeding surface and/or space for the treatment and/or investigation of the organisms, and, if desired, sensory units for recording the values of environmental factors affecting the organisms and/or the properties of the organisms. According to the invention, the equipment has one or more treating and/or controlling units creating continuous or varying regular distributions acting in diverse directions with respect to at least two environmental factors.With the help of the equipment according to the invention, the properties of organisms and the effects and interactions of the conditions under which they are raised can be elucidated and optimized in a simple manner, using a minimum number of experimental individua, a minimum amount of material and an extremely short experimental period.