Abstract: An apparatus for testing stiffness characteristics such as modulus of elasticity E of an article such as a piece of lumber moving in a conveying direction transverse to the testing axis, comprises a bearing unit capable of contacting the piece of lumber at two spaced apart portions thereof. There is provided a first deflecting unit including a first working element being normally disposed in a first static position relative to the conveying path for applying a first thrust against a loaded area on the article at an intermediary portion thereof located between the spaced apart portions, to produce an article deflection of a first magnitude. Each working element defines a loading surface extending substantially parallel to the article-conveying path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for classifying batches of wood chips or the like according to light reflection characteristics; provide optimal use of darker wood chips in pulp and paper processes. According to a preferred embodiment, light produced by a set of illumination sources is evenly directed onto superficial wood chips of an inspected batch portion transported on a conveyor while being inspected by a camera disposed over the conveyor. The superficial wood chips presenting light reflection characteristics being substantially representative of the wood chips of the inspected batch, reflected light is sensed by the camera to produce electrical signals representing rejection intensity values for the wood chips of the batch portion.

Abstract: A connector for a coaxial cable which includes, from the inside to the outside, a central conductor or core (1), an electrically insulative covering, an outer conductor (4) and a sheath (5), wherein said connector includes an outer body (10) which surrounds an insulating sleeve (13) disposed round a conductive connection member (14) whose rear end is connected by means of a hoop to the outer conductor (4) of said cable, said conductive connection member itself surrounding, firstly at its front end an annular conductor (18) which opens out at the front end of the connector and secondly in its mid-portion two concentric parts (19,20) of conical cross-section between which the end of said electrically insulative covering is gripped, said conical parts being clamped by means of a clamping component (25) which abuts against a distance piece (26), an insulating sleeve (28) being disposed between said annular conductor, said conductive connection member and an annular part (29) connected to the front portion of said