Abstract: A ravioli machine having improved means for feeding and dispensing filling material is disclosed. The machine includes a reciprocating slide bar dispenser mounted adjacent a die roll for accurately depositing metered amounts of filling material into dough-lined mold cavities in the die roll. A flighted screw conveyor is provided for the transfer of filling material from a storage hopper to the slide bar dispenser.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in determining a thermal characteristic of a specimen includes first and second chucks for engaging two regions of the specimen, a first chuck mounting mechanism for supporting the first chuck in relatively fixed orientation, and a second chuck mounting mechanism. The second chuck mounting mechanism supports the second chuck in relatively movable orientation relative to the first chuck to permit variations in the spacing between the first and second chucks occasioned by thermal variations in the specimen. A base supports the first and second chuck mounting mechanisms. A laser is provided for heating a third region of the specimen lying between the two regions to a different temperature than the two regions. An infrared detector is provided for detecting radiation emitted from the third region.

Abstract: An improved electric tube furnace is described in which a compressible leaf-spring attachment between the heating element tube and at least one of its supporting electric terminals compensates for linear thermal expansion of the tube without restricting access to the interior of the tube. The use of such furnace in an evacuated atmosphere for high temperature thermal diffusivity measurements is shown.