Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for diagnosing the infectious state of an individual on the basis of a sample of white corpuscles arising from a biological specimen taken from an organ potentially infected by a pathogenic microorganism of said individual, comprising at least the following two steps: i) measuring the mean cellular intensity of the autofluorescence of said sample, and ii) comparing the intensity measured in step i) with a control value, so as to determine the infectious state of said individual. The diagnostic method of the invention uses a routine optical material making it possible to work in wavelength regions which are compatible with the cellular autofluorescence, and thus constitutes a rapid, reliable and inexpensive aid for the diagnosis or monitoring of an infection in an individual.

Abstract: The device (1) according to the invention aims to join at least two medicine capsules (A, B) by adhesive bonding in a reliable and economical manner, in particular in the context of industrial production. To do this, this device comprises at least one matrix (10), which at least partially delimits a recess (15), for depositing capsules (Eight, B), and also a chamber (16), this recess and this chamber being separated from each other by a deformable wall (14) of the matrix, which matrix is designed to move elastically, by pneumatic action of its chamber (16), from a first configuration, in which its recess (15) receives the capsules with a glue (Z) interposed between them, to a second configuration, in which its deformable wall (14) at least partially envelops the capsules by flexible deformation, in such a way as to at least partially enclosed these capsules between the deformable wall and a bottom of the recess in order to align them and press them against one another.

Abstract: An optical sharp fibrous needle probe includes an optical fiber in a hollow needle ending in a cutting point. The optical fiber is inserted and bonded in the hollow of the needle and then polished to take on the exact needle cutting shape. The material to be explored is pricked by the needle. A light injection and recovery device is placed at the inlet of the fiber. The material located at the sharp end of the needle backscatters the incident light and generates an endogenous fluorescence signal. A part of this luminous flux is recovered by the point of the needle and sent back to the injection and recovery device. The same analyses the light in strength, duration and wavelength and enables a diagnostics without taking the in-depth explored material. An optical telemeter placed on the outer tip of the needle enables the depth of the explored area to be known.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for diagnosing the infectious state of an individual on the basis of a sample of white corpuscles arising from a biological specimen taken from an organ potentially infected by a pathogenic micro-organism of said individual, comprising at least the following two steps: i) measuring the mean cellular intensity of the autofluorescence of said sample, and ii) comparing the intensity measured in step i) with a control value, so as to determine the infectious state of said individual. The diagnostic method of the invention uses a routine optical material making it possible to work in wavelength regions which are compatible with the cellular autofluorescence, and thus constitutes a rapid, reliable and inexpensive aid for the diagnosis or monitoring of an infection in an individual.

Abstract: The device (1) according to the invention aims to join at least two medicine capsules (A, B) by adhesive bonding in a reliable and economical manner, in particular in the context of industrial production. To do this, this device comprises at least one matrix (10), which at least partially delimits a recess (15), for depositing capsules (Eight, B), and also a chamber (16), this recess and this chamber being separated from each other by a deformable wall (14) of the matrix, which matrix is designed to move elastically, by pneumatic action of its chamber (16), from a first configuration, in which its recess (15) receives the capsules with a glue (Z) interposed between them, to a second configuration, in which its deformable wall (14) at least partially envelops the capsules by flexible deformation, in such a way as to at least partially enclosed these capsules between the deformable wall and a bottom of the recess in order to align them and press them against one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting dividing cells, or cells having the potential of dividing, in a cytological specimen stained using a Papanicolaou staining process, by the detection of a fluorescence signal coming from the membranes of these cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting dividing cells, or cells having the potential of dividing, in a cytological specimen stained using a Papanicolaou staining process, by the detection of a fluorescence signal coming from the membranes of these cells.

Abstract: An optical sharp fibrous needle probe includes an optical fibre in a hollow needle ending in a cutting point. The optical fibre is inserted and bonded in the hollow of the needle and then polished to take on the exact needle cutting shape. The material to be explored is pricked by the needle. A light injection and recovery device is placed at the inlet of the fibre. The material located at the sharp end of the needle backscatters the incident light and generates an endogenous fluorescence signal. A part of this luminous flux is recovered by the point of the needle and sent back to the injection and recovery device. The same analyses the light in strength, duration and wavelength and enables a diagnostics without taking the in-depth explored material. An optical telemeter placed on the outer tip of the needle enables the depth of the explored area to be known.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fluorescence detection device comprising a support means (101) for supporting a sample (111), a sample excitation means so that a fluorescence is emitted by the sample (111) and a detection means for detecting said fluorescence, said support means (101) comprising a layer having a rough surface (115) for redirecting said fluorescence in a plurality of directions and said detection means covering an observation cone to collect the redirected fluorescence in a plurality of directions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fluorescence detection device comprising a support means (101) for supporting a sample (111), a sample excitation means so that a fluorescence is emitted by the sample (111) and a detection means for detecting said fluorescence, said support means (101) comprising a layer having a rough surface (115) for redirecting said fluorescence in a plurality of directions and said detection means covering an observation cone to collect the redirected fluorescence in a plurality of directions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making a material absorbing surface mechanical wave generated by local waves capable of producing interference phenomena relative to the pressure wave with propagation direction orthogonal to said surface. The method consists in forming a support (S) delimiting the surface from a continuous structure, said support having a specific rigidity in a direction substantially orthogonal to said support (S). An sound-absorbing coat (R) is then formed on at least one surface of the support (S), said coat comprising a plurality of obstacles to the propagation of the surface mechanical wave and the local waves, which are thus absorbed. The invention is useful for making diaphragms for electro-acoustic transducers and high quality electro-acoustic transducers.

Abstract: A method for purifying a minority constituent and concentrating it in a majority constituent of a gas mixture that also contains one or more other minority constituent(s) employs (i) a selective permeation step, (ii) next, a purification step, and (iii) finally a concentration step. In the selective permeation step, an initial gas mixture is passed through a membrane to yield a gas mixture that is enriched in the first minority constituent. In the purifying step, the first minority constituent is absorbed by a solid adsorbent which has a strong affinity for the first minority constituent, then following an elution step, a gas mixture that contains essentially only the majority constituent and the first minority constituent is formed.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of films or diaphragms for acoustic applications, exhibiting improved vibration properties, and films or diaphragms obtained by this process, particularly diaphragms for electro-mechanical transducers, particularly for loudspeakers. The invention has for an object a process for preparing films or diaphragms for acoustic applications exhibiting improved vibration properties, consisting in preparing a dispersion, in a liquid, of at least one macropolymer, especially at least one synthetic macropolymer having at least 30,000 atoms in a molecule, adding, to the dispersion, a product capable of swelling said macropolymer and of transforming said dispersion in a gel of similar material, and drying sale gel or similar material by evaporating substantially all the liquid from the gel or similar material, thereby obtaining the film or diaphragm in the porous solid slate. NO DRAWING.

Abstract: Reinforcing Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 ceramics with preoxidized SiC whiskers improves flexural strength and WEIBULL modulus over that of comparable bulk Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 ceramics or Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 ceramics reinforced with neat SiC whiskers. Hot isostatic pressing further improves the physical properties of said ceramics.

Abstract: Reinforcing Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 ceramics with preoxidized SiC whiskers improves flexural strength and WEIBULL modulus over that of comparable bulk Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 ceramics or Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 ceramics reinforced with neat SiC whiskers. Hot isostatic pressing further improves the physical properties of said ceramics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices intended for receiving and handling a propellant powder, and especially to hoppers and containers for such a powder.The hopper 1 for propellant powder 2 possesses an upper charging orifice 4 and a lower flow orifice 5 for the powder 2.This hopper 1 comprises a side vent 13 possessing means for preventing the powder 2 from escaping through this vent; a zone 12 in the side wall of the hopper, which is located approximately between the vent 13 and the charging orifice 4, is made of a material which can be destroyed under the conjugate action of the pressure applied by the powder and the flames generated on the outside of the hopper near this zone 12.