Abstract: The invention relates to a filter for brewed beverages, especially a coffee filter, and a process for producing such a filter, in which a fibrous material has pores with an average pore width (d) of at least about 0.1 mm measured at a fiber density of about 50% of the original fiber density of the material. The average pore width (d) is preferably in a range from 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm approximately and more preferably in a range from 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm approximately. The material is preferably paper. The pores are also preferably made by piercing with needles or by subjecting the fibrous material to water jets, providing an irregular pore edge.

Abstract: New carotenoids of the formula ##STR1## wherein R and n have the significances given herein, are useful for pigmenting the egg yolk, integuments and/or subcutaneous fat of poultry and the meat and/or integuments of fish and crustacea when included in the feed of the poultry, fish or crustacea. As well as such carotenoids and method of pigmenting the invention further embraces the pertinent carotenoid-enriched feed for poultry, fish or crustacea, the premixes for incorporation in such feeds and beadlets containing one or more of these carotenoids for incorporation in such premixes and the use of the carotenoids in the pigmenting method. The process of manufacturing such carotenoids, which more specifically may be designated as carotenoid ketones, monoesters and diesters, also represents an aspect of the invention.

Abstract: A phenylazoxycyanide compound of formula I ##STR1## is useful as an antimicrobial and fungicidal composition. A method for using the antimicrobial and fungicidal compositions, and for manufacturing the compound is also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel process for the manufacture of .beta.-keto alcohols from aldehydes comprising reacting a conjugated polyene aldehyde under basic conditions with a cyclocarbonate or derivative thereof. Certain carotenoid products of this process are novel compounds and are also an object of the present invention. The products, which for the most part belong to the carotenoid field, find corresponding use, for example, as colorants or pigments for foodstuffs, egg yolk, integuments and/or subcutaneous fat of poultry and flesh and/or integuments of fish and crustaceans.

Abstract: A variable-length distancing unit has a tubular male component with external threads in mesh with the internal threads of a sleeve-like female component. Each component has a head which can be engaged by the working end of a wrench or another torque transmitting tool to rotate the male component relative to the female component and/or vice versa in order to select the axial length of the distancing unit. A locknut and/or a radially extending plastic screw is used to fix the two components in selected axial positions relative to each other. An axial passage of the male component can receive the shank of a bolt or screw. The head of the male component is similar to or identical with the head of the female component and/or with the locknut. This ensures that one and the same tool can be used to turn any one of these parts relative to the adjacent part or parts.

Abstract: Apparatus for melting by vapor-phase treatment a solder applied to an object. The liquid serving for vapor production, which is situated in a vessel, is heated by electrical heating means which are disposed exclusively outside of the vessel and are completely enveloped by a liquid heat-carrying medium. The vessel floor is provided with projections to increase the thermal transfer. A tubing coil is furthermore disposed in the heat-carrying medium for rapid cooling thereof.

Abstract: To permit testing of electrical connectors mounted on a strip, a pair of jaws, similarly to substantially transversely extended clothespin jaws, are provided, the inside surface of one (A) of the jaws (A, B) carrying a conductive strip (4) adapted to be engaged by one terminal of elements to be tested, the other terminal of the test elements being connected to a test track (7), for example applied over the conductive strip with an intervening insulating layer; (20) individual components (2) can be tested by foreshortening one terminal pin (5b) of the components and extending electrically conductive fingers, preferably of resistance material (6) for spring-clip engagement (8) with the foreshortened pins. The conductive strip (4) and the track (7) are brought out to external accessible terminal connectors (9). Alternatively, the test track is applied to a support strip (1) on which the elements (2) are located.