Abstract: In order to provide an airflow sorting device having high accuracy and easy adjustment properties with a simple configuration, there are provided a conduit which has a central shaft line and which lets an object to be sorted to fall due to gravity on the inside of the conduit along the central shaft line; an air supply port which is provided at a lower part of the conduit and configured to blow air upward along the central shaft line; a suction port which is provided above the air supply port of the conduit and is an opening oriented downward of a suction pipe provided parallel to the central shaft line; and an input port provided above the suction port of the conduit through which the object to be sorted is input into the periphery of the suction pipe which is in the conduit.

Abstract: In order to provide an airflow sorting device having high accuracy and easy adjustment properties with a simple configuration, there are provided a conduit which has a central shaft line and which lets an object to be sorted to fall due to gravity on the inside of the conduit along the central shaft line; an air supply port which is provided at a lower part of the conduit and configured to blow air upward along the central shaft line; a suction port which is provided above the air supply port of the conduit and is an opening oriented downward of a suction pipe provided parallel to the central shaft line; and an input port provided above the suction port of the conduit through which the object to be sorted is input into the periphery of the suction pipe which is in the conduit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a phosphor having enhanced luminance. Specifically disclosed is a phosphor characterized by being substantially composed of an oxide containing Sr, Ca, Eu, Mg, Si and a halogen element(s) at a molar ratio of a:b:c:d:e:f (wherein a is not less than 0.5 but less than l, b is not less than 0 but less than 0.5, c is more than 0 but less than 0.3, d is not less than 0.8 but not more than 1.2, e is not less than 1.9 but not more than 2.1 and f is not less than 0.0008 but not more than 0.3), which oxide further contains oxygen.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing particles of a metal compound having a spherical particle shape and an average particle diameter larger than 0.3 ?m without employing high-pressure conditions. This object is achieved by a process for producing particle of a metal compound comprising a step of adjusting pH of an aqueous solution containing urea and at least one metal element to from 4 to 8, a step of heating the aqueous solution under normal pressure, a step of separating a solid from the solution, and a step of drying the solid.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing particles of a metal compound having a spherical particle shape and an average particle diameter larger than 0.3 &mgr;m without employing high-pressure conditions. This object is achieved by a process for producing particle of a metal compound comprising a step of adjusting pH of an aqueous solution containing urea and at least one metal element to from 4 to 8, a step of heating the aqueous solution under normal pressure, a step of separating a solid from the solution, and a step of drying the solid.

Abstract: A method of preparing coprecipitated inorganic particles, including subjecting a first portion of an aqueous solution containing two or more metal ions to a coprecipitation reaction to form a liquid containing nucleus particles; mixing the nucleus particles-containing liquid with a second portion of the aqueous solution to form a mixture; and subjecting the mixture to a coprecipitation reaction to produce coprecipitated inorganic particles. The coprecipitated inorganic particles are calcined to obtain calcined inorganic particles having an average particle diameter of 0.5-10 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A method of preparing coprecipitated inorganic particles, including subjecting a first portion of an aqueous solution containing two or more metal ions to a coprecipitation reaction to form a liquid containing nucleus particles; mixing the nucleus particles-containing liquid with a second portion of the aqueous solution to form a mixture; and subjecting the mixture to a coprecipitation reaction to produce coprecipitated inorganic particles. The coprecipitated inorganic particles are calcined to obtain calcined inorganic particles having an average particle diameter of 0.5-10 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A fluorescent material is disclosed which indludes substantially spherical particles each consisting of Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 and Eu.sub.2 O.sub.3 and having an average particle diameter of 90-210 nm and a narrow particle size distribution. The fluorescent material may be produced by heating an aqueous solution having a pH of 3 or less and containing a yttrium salt, a europium salt and urea at a temperature of at least 90.degree. C. to coprecipitate YOHCO.sub.3 and EuOHCO.sub.3 as particles having an average particle diameter of 110-270 nm. The resulting particles are then calcined at a temperature of at least 600.degree. C. to form spheres each consisting of Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 and Eu.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Abstract: Agglomerated particle size of ceramic materials is controlled by accurate determination of the proper final point of agglomeration. A part of a suspension in a cylindrical agitating region having agitation blades is circulated through a pipe having at least one transparent portion, the suspension which flows through the transparent pipe is irradiated with a light, preferably a laser beam and the final point of agglomeration is calculated based on the change in quantity of the transmitted light and/or the change in acoustic emission generated in the agitating region, thereby to stop the agglomeration.