Abstract: A batch conveying unit for a unit for conveying plate-like elements has at least two transport devices adjacent and parallel to one another (13, 14, 16) which are capable of transporting (L) the batches (3, 6) in a longitudinal direction, drive devices for the transport devices (13), and an actuating device for coupling and decoupling a second transport device (14, 28) relative to a first transport device (14, 27), so as to transport (L) a first batch (6) of elements with the first transport device (14, 27) in the longitudinal direction and to leave a second batch (7) of plate-like elements with the second transport device (14, 28) substantially immobile longitudinally when the second transport device (14, 28) is decoupled from the first transport device (14, 27).

Abstract: A batch conveying unit for a unit for conveying plate-like elements has at least two transport devices adjacent and parallel to one another (13, 14, 16) which are capable of transporting (L) the batches (3, 6) in a longitudinal direction, drive means for the transport devices (13), and an actuating device for coupling and decoupling a second transport device (14, 28) relative to a first transport device (14, 27), so as to transport (L) a first batch (6) of elements with the first transport device (14, 27) in the longitudinal direction and to leave a second batch (7) of plate-like elements with the second transport device (14, 28) substantially immobile longitudinally when the second transport device (14, 28) is decoupled from the first transport device (14, 27).

Abstract: The invention relates to a fibre sensor that enables the propagation of infrared light at at least one wavelength of 0.8 to 25 micrometres, the fibre successively comprising along its length a first infrared waveguide section (23), a second detection section (25) intended to come into contact with an external environment in order to detect infrared signatures interfering with the propagation of the evanescent waves propagating along the fibre (2), and a third infrared waveguide section (27). The invention is characterized in that, in the second fibre section (25) that has the detection role, the fibre (2) is constituted of a curved part, the radios of curvature of which is locally less than 2.3 millimetres.

Abstract: The invention relates to vitreous compositions, in particular of the vitroceramic type, transparent to infrared, production and uses thereof. Said compositions comprise in mol. %: Ge 5-40, Ga<1, S+Se 40-85, Sb+As 4-40, MX 2-25, Ln 0-6, adjuncts 0-30, where M=at least one alkaline metal, selected from Rb, Cs, Na, K and Zn, X=at least one atom of chlorine, bromine or iodine, Ln=at least one rare earth and adjunct=at least one additive comprising at least one metal and/or at least one metal salt with the sum of all molar percentages of the components present in said composition being 100.

Abstract: The invention relates to vitreous compositions, in particular of the vitroceramic type, transparent to infrared, production and uses thereof. Said compositions comprise in mol. %: Ge 5-40, Ga<1, S+Se 40-85, Sb+As 4-40, MX 2-25, Ln 0-6, adjuncts 0-30, where M=at least one alkaline metal, selected from Rb, Cs, Na, K and Zn, X=at least one atom of chlorine, bromine or iodine, Ln=at least one rare earth and adjunct=at least one additive comprising at least one metal and/or at least one metal salt with the sum of all molar percentages of the components present in said composition being 100.

Abstract: A device making it possible to install tiles or any other decorative design in the form of a panel, particularly on walls or floors, wherein these decorative designs are laid down and adhere by adhesive prebonding on a mesh consisting of a trellis of filaments, the said panels are formed of two parts, an external polygon consisting of mosaics arranged in rigorously defined positions which determine the manner in which the panels fit together, and a random arrangement inside the said polygon or frame with a density of mosaics or stones such that they do not touch and do not form any alignment, the juxtaposition of the said panels formed in this way provides a final appearance devoid of connection joint lines.

Abstract: Vitreous solid compositions of formula I:Te.sub.w Se.sub.y X.sub.x Z.sub.z (I)whereinX represents at least one halogen selected from chlorine, bromine and iodine,Z represents at least one element selected from As, Sb and Bi,w, x, y and z represent the molar percentages respectively of elements Te, X, Se and Z,w being a number varying from 5 to 50,x being a number varying from 5 to x.sub.1,y being a number varying from 5 to 80,z being a number varying from 5 to z.sub.1,the numbers w, x, y and z being such that the sum (w+x+y+z) is equal to 100,the numbers x.sub.1 and z.sub.1 being such that:when X represents mostly iodine, x.sub.1 =50 and z.sub.1 =60,when X represents mostly bromine, x.sub.1 =60 and z.sub.1 =50, andwhen X represents mostly chlorine, x.sub.1 =60 and z.sub.

Abstract: A handling and orienting device comprises a carrier plane surface that includes a series of driven rollers between which a table equipped with driven balls is located, the carrier plane and table are relatively movable upward and downward, as well as shifted sidewise in one or the other direction. The driven balls are actuated by a rotating disk and the disk is able to rotate in one or the other direction.

Abstract: A table for orthogonally sorting flat workpieces comprising a tray with freely rotatable carrier balls protruding from both surfaces of the tray, an arrangement engaging the balls to support the balls and to rotate them in either direction along a first line of motion, this arrangement being either a continuously moving belt or a plurality of parallel positioned rollers. The table also includes an arrangement for obtaining relative movement between the belt or parallel rollers and the tray to cause a rotation of the balls along a second line extending perpendicular to the first line.

Abstract: Fluoride glasses comprise at least one fluoride of each of the following five categories:______________________________________ Fluorides Molar amount % ______________________________________ M.sup.1 F.sub.3 u M.sup.2 F.sub.4 v M.sup.3 F.sub.2 w M.sup.4 F.sub.3 x M.sup.5 F.sub.2 y ______________________________________wherein M.sup.1 represents In or Ga; M.sup.2 represents Th or U; M.sup.3 represents Ba or Pb; M.sup.4 represents Y, Yb or Lu; M.sup.5 represents Zn or Mn; and wherein u=25-35; v=5-12; w=25-35; x=5-12; and y=15-30; and optionally, at least one adjuvant or dopant present in a molar percent, z, wherein z=0-4. This composition is capable of providing, by casting in the molten state, followed by cooling, pieces of glass having a thickness greater than 10 mm. The specification also describes a method of producing these fluoride glasses.

Abstract: A solid vitreous composition has the formula: Te.sub.100-x-z X.sub.x Z.sub.z wherein x represents chlorine, bromine or iodine, Z represents sulfur and/or selenium; x represents the molar percentage of X and ranges from 5 to 67; z represents the molar percentage of Z and ranged from 0 to 60; it being understood that the sum (x+z) ranges from 33 to 85. A method for the preparation of this composition is disclosed as is its use in the field of optoelectronics and infra-red transmission.

Abstract: Fluoroglasses, their preparation and intermediate products obtained. These glasses are characterized by containing as the forming element at least about 10% by moles of a metal fluoride or mixture of metal fluorides of the formula MF.sub.n, n being a number equal to 3 or 4, M representing a 5f transition metal when n=4 (fluoride MF.sub.4) and a 4f transition metal or yttrium when n=3 (fluoride MF.sub.3), it being understood that said glasses are free of hydrofluoric acid as the forming element.

Abstract: Halogenated glass comprising 20 to 90 mole percent of at least one of cadmium, manganese and zinc halide and a process for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: Halogen glass is treated, while heated above its fusion temperature, with carbon disulphide. The resulting halogen glass is essentially free of parasitic absorption bands in the infra-red spectrum. The treatment with carbon disulphide apparently lowers the hydroxyl ion content and the metal-oxygen bonds sufficiently to avoid the infra-red absorption bands.

Abstract: Compositions of fluorinated glasses are disclosed which result from the ternary composition of ZrF.sub.4 or HfF.sub.4, BaF.sub.2 and ThF.sub.4 or UF.sub.4, each component being within a specified range of composition indices, the indices for the separate components totalling unity.