Abstract: The variable-flow feeder (1) of the invention is meant to be fitted in particular onto a milk bottle and comprises at the end of its nipple (2) a slit (3) with two arms (3a, 3b) subtending between them an angle, and is characterized in that the angle subtended by the two arms of the slit (3) is an obtuse angle .GAMMA. between 165.degree. and 95.degree. of which the vertex lies on the feeder axis, in that the lengths l.sub.1 and l.sub.2 (l.sub.1 >l.sub.2) of the slit arms form such a ratio l.sub.1 /l.sub.2 that it falls between a value of 1 and .delta., the value of .delta. increasing from 1 to 10, preferably from 1 to 4.5, when the angle .GAMMA. decreases from 165.degree. to 95.degree., said arms of the slit (3) being determined by cutting lines which do not remove material and issuing at their non-adjacent ends into a hole (4b, 4c) of small cross-section.

Abstract: A superheated vapor generator including a porous material substantially filling an annular space between two concentric spaced apart tubular inner and outer electrodes connected across a power source. A pump is provided to pump a predetermined quantity of liquid into the porous material to temporarily complete the circuit through the electrodes and generate superheated vapor or steam. Since the liquid itself completes the circuit, no switches or controls are required. Labyrinthe passages between the pump and the inlet to the annular space and between the interior surface of the inner electrode and a tubular steam discharge outlet prevents dangerous current leakage and assure generation of superheated vapor. An electrically grounded porous metal plug in the vapor outlet minimizes electrical shock hazards. The vapor generator is held in the hand and can be used for setting or treating human hair.