Abstract: The tunnel comprises a tube (1) in which are stacked parts (A) to be cooled, and an intermediate chamber (7) which surrounds the tube and around which is disposed a heat exchanger (3). Liquid nitrogen is vaporized upwardly in the exchanger, redescends in the chamber (7) and rises in the tube (1). The supply of liquid nitrogen is controlled by a temperature probe (17). Application in the cold fitting of parts in the mechanical industry.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for temporarily rendering rigid a product of soft material of elongated form such as a rubber tube. In this apparatus, a tube of the product penetrates into a tunnel and issues therefrom after having been cooled by liquid nitrogen vaporized in an exchanger. A part of the nitrogen travels in counterflow and another predetermined part thereof travels in equidirectional flow towards a processing station.The invention is particularly applicable to braiding or winding rubber tubes, but is not limited to this field of use.

Abstract: A releasable latch for a garbage can cover which includes a stop member affixed to the depending flange of the garbage can cover and a resilient latch member affixed to the depending flange of the cover at a point thereon diametrically opposite the stop member. The resilient latch member has a resilient latch arm with a latch element normally extending inwardly through an opening formed in the depending flange of the cover. The stop member and the latch element are adapted to engage the lower edge of the conventional outwardly turned rim formed on the upper end of the garbage can when the cover is moved upwardly. The latch element has a camming surface which moves the latch arm outwardly while the cover is being placed in closed position on the can. A finger grip is provided on the resilient arm to move the latch element outwardly out of contact with the rim to permit removing the cover from the can.