Abstract: A combustible energy filtering and recycling system includes a filtering tank, a gas exhaust vent, an overflow vent, and a water-collection chamber. A Venturi gas filter pipe is fixed to the filtering tank and connected with a gas intake pipe which is used for introducing a combustible gas into the gas filter pipe. A first end of the gas filter pipe is connected to a water intake pipe, such that the cooling water can be flowed through the gas filter pipe and collected at the water-collection chamber, and thus dusts and impurities in the combustible gas can be submerged into the cooling water due to the effects of pressure accumulation, air acceleration and pressure reboost produced by the gas filter pipe and the inertia effect. The combustible gas insoluble in water will then be introduced into the gas exhaust vent, so that manufacturers can recycle a high-quality and pollution-free combustible gas.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved water fill capabilities, improved coffee baskets, and improved steam diverting and management features for coffee makers used on board passenger transport vehicles.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to permit the use of charcoal for cooking in barbecue grills designed for heating sources other than charcoal. The existing barbecue grill having a bottom casing containing one or more of a variety of heating sources (i.e. propane, natural gas, wood, electric, infrared and others), a cooking rack or grill supported thereabove, and a top casing, hood, or other closure affixed or not affixed thereto. The apparatus includes a size adjustable charcoal tray or carrier designed to be inserted into the lower casing of the existing barbecue grill below the cooking rack or grills, with a pair of removable handles to allow placement of the unit into the host barbecue and subsequent removal of the unit under hot or cold conditions.

Abstract: A cooking vessel top according to the present invention is presented in that at least the contact surfaces of the cooking vessel top with the different cooking vessels are formed from an elastic material, especially silicone, that the passage opening or passage openings have at least one flat closure part connected to the cooking vessel top, which in the rest state not in contact with the boiling or foaming liquid essentially closes the passage opening or passage openings allocated to it and can be moved into an opening position by the opening force that develops on contact with the boiling or foaming liquid, in which the passage opening or passage openings are at least partially released and is configured and connected to the cooking vessel top so that it offers a slight resistance to the opening movement.

Abstract: A food cooking device generally comprises two sections: a cooking section and a liquid removal section. The cooking section houses and/or heats liquid for cooking the food, and the liquid removal section is operable to reduce the liquid content of the food. The cooking device may further comprise a centrifugal liquid removal device locatable within the liquid removal section. The cooking device comprises a slidable drawer for moving the centrifugal liquid removal device into and out of a housing. A frame is disposed within the slidable drawer, and the frame houses the centrifugal liquid removal device. A translational motor moves the food from the cooking section to the liquid removal section when the slidable drawer positions the centrifugal liquid device in the housing. The cooking device further comprises a hinged door that is in a closed position when the centrifugal liquid removal device is in the housing.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for a compactor/baler includes a controller and a plurality of switches coupled to inputs of the controller. A first switch is in a first position when a ram of the compactor/baler is below a predetermined location, and a second position when the ram reaches the location. A second switch is in a first position when pressure driving the ram is below a predetermined pressure limit, and a second position when the ram exceeds the pressure limit. A communication port and display are operatively coupled to outputs of the controller. The controller is configured to, upon actuation of the first switch to the first position, activate a ram timer to count to a predetermined timer setting, and, if the second switch is actuated to the second position before the ram timer reaches the timer setting, output an alert of a full bale condition the communication port and/or display.

Abstract: Provided is a press machine for driving a slide by a motor, including a control device for controlling driving of the motor, in which the press machine has a press capacity which can be variably controlled by using field control for the motor.

Abstract: A recycling and accessory storage apparatus for crushing items and storing accessory devices, includes a housing having apertures therein. At least one of the apertures is adapted to store an accessory and at least one other aperture is adapted to allow an item to be inserted, crushed and ejected out of the apparatus.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus that prevents degradation of a printing tact and print quality is provided. There are included a cleaning unit 14 that cleans one surface 11c of a screen mask 11 opposing a workpiece 2, the screen mask 11 having a print pattern for printing a pattern on the workpiece 2, and a conveying means 15 that conveys the cleaning unit 14 over the surface 11c of the screen mask 11. The cleaning unit 14 includes cleaning paper 21 that contacts the surface 11c of the screen mask 11, a scraper 22 that brings the cleaning paper 21 into contact with the surface 11c of the screen mask 11, that slides on the surface 11c of the screen mask 11 with the cleaning paper 21 being disposed therebetween, and that has an uneven face portion 22b, and a scraper moving means 23 that moves the scraper 22 to the contact position.

Abstract: A method for mounting and dismounting a doctor blade chamber in a support holder on a printing unit as well as an apparatus in which the doctor blade chamber is placed in the support holder in a mounting position and subsequently is brought in contact with a roller, preferably, an anilox roller, in a position of operation. The method and the apparatus advantageously have the doctor blade chamber disposed with the opening upwards in the support holder, preferably in a horizontal position or in a position at such a small angle that ink does not run out of the doctor blade chamber, and is brought into a position under the roller, after which the doctor blade chamber is brought into contact with the roller and pivoted about an axis coinciding with the rotary axis of the roller, into the position of operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a machine plate for a printer which can be readily and accurately attached to the printer. A machine plate 2 is characterized in that a rectangular sheet 19 of an elastic material is formed into a cylindrical shape with opposite end portions of the sheet 19 superposed on each other and joined together, thereby forming a cylindrical plate body 17; an end portion of the sheet 19 located on the inner side of a joint portion 20 is bent inward, thereby forming an engagement portion 21; and a forme area 18 is provided at a predetermined portion of the outer circumferential surface of the machine-plate body 17 excluding the joint portion 20.

Abstract: A method enables linear web velocities generated with reference to angular velocity signals generated by encoders at different rollers in a double reflex printing registration system to be equalized. The method includes identifying a low frequency component of a first linear velocity of a moving web, identifying a high frequency component of a second linear velocity of the moving web, and computing a linear velocity for the moving web at a roller in a print zone with reference to the identified high frequency component of the second linear velocity and the identified low frequency component of the first linear velocity.

Abstract: A method for effecting physicochemical transformations and detonation properties in a material using super-compressed detonation includes: providing an insensitive energetic material to be compressed; super-compressing the material by exposure to at least one of a normally or obliquely oriented cylindrical imploding shock wave, generated from a first detonation; effecting transformations from the super-compression in the material including increasing at least material density, structural transformations and electronic energy gap transitions relative to a material unexposed to the super-compression; exposing the super-compressed material to a second detonation; and effecting transformations from the second detonation in the material including increasing at least detonation pressure, velocity and energy density relative to a material unexposed to the super-compression and second detonation.

Abstract: A high velocity acoustic signal producing underwater shotgun system for dispersing a plurality of relatively small supercavitating projectiles over a wide spatial field at long range using the dynamics of cavity collapse for better target localization in underwater mine clearance. A typical supercavitating projectile design is enhanced to produce a two-staged projectile in order to accomplish this innovation. The first stage of the two stage design allows for the long range firing underwater typical of a supercavitating projectile while the second stage permits the coverage of a wide area with a plurality of small supercavitating projectiles just as the first stage projectile reaches its fixed range. A distinctive feature of the radiated noise from a supercavitating projectile contacting a solid object is used in conjunction with the two stage projectile design to provide a system for underwater mine clearance verification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plasma generator (4, 4?) for electrothermal and electrothermal-chemical weapon systems, which plasma generator is intended to deliver at least one energy pulse for the formation of a plasma for accelerating a projectile (3) along the barrel (11) of the weapon system. The plasma generator comprises a combustion chamber (20) with a combustion chamber channel (20?), a centre electrode (24, 24?) disposed inside the combustion chamber channel, which combustion chamber and centre electrode are electrically conductive, and a ceramic tube (23) arranged between the combustion chamber and the centre electrode. The ceramic tube is shrink-fastened into the combustion chamber, and the plasma generator further comprises a polymeric sacrificial material (34, 34?), which is gasifiable by the energy pulse. The invention also relates to a method for making the plasma generator form a plasma, and an ammunition round having a plasma generator according to the invention.

Abstract: A projectile in accordance with one embodiment includes a combustible material structure (e.g., a base burn assembly or rocket motor assembly) having a longitudinal bore extending therethrough, wherein the longitudinal bore defines a gas outlet port on a first end of the combustible material structure. An igniter is provided adjacent to a second end of the longitudinal bore. A clog inhibitor provided within the longitudinal bore, the clog inhibitor including a plurality of openings. The openings are be selected to block extraneous portions of the combustible material structure that are greater than a predetermined size.

Abstract: A projectile is provided for use in a non-lethal weapon system. The projectile includes a first body with a longitudinal axis. The projectile having kinetic energy is launched substantially along the longitudinal axis in the direction of a target. The projectile preferably includes a second body with the same longitudinal axis and a hollow. A portion of the first body fits marginally within the hollow. The elastic mechanism includes an elastic deformation of the first body and/or second body while the first body is forced into the hollow during the impact.

Abstract: An amusement park ride with one or more evacuation zones. The ride includes a track with a rail defining a ride path. The ride path includes at least one evacuation zone along a first length of the track at a first height and a non-evacuation zone along a second length of the track with one or more portions at a second height greater than the first height. The track is sloped in the non-evacuation zone toward the evacuation zone. The ride includes a vehicle supported on the rail via roller elements such as load bearing wheels. The ride includes a drive assembly that provides a driving force to selectively move the vehicle along the ride path. The drive assembly is adapted to automatically disengage from the vehicle upon loss of power. The vehicle is free rolling upon loss of power to travel to the evacuation zone based on gravity.

Abstract: A single main steel wheel rides on a single main steel rail of a guideway to support and drive a carrier and to facilitate steering and provide a simplified, more compact and less costly construction. The carrier can support a car through a platform having elements and chocks for locking contact with a front bumper and front wheels of the car Auxiliary wheels and rails cooperate to cause nearly all weight to be carried through the single main wheel. Traction is increased when necessary through application of increased upward forces to undersides of auxiliary rails and/or through developing magnetic forces between the steel wheel and steel rail. An AC induction motor is a main source of drive power. Acceleration and braking are assisted through epicyclic gearing, braking means and a DC motor/generator that is connected to a battery and that drives the carrier if supply of AC fails.

Abstract: Methods and systems for levitation on uncharged and non-magnetized arbitrary surface are disclosed. The levitation system generates electric fields in order to cause dielectric polarization on the surface on which levitation is to be caused. Methods and systems are disclosed in which the polarity of the electric field that is produced by the system is switched in a controlled manner. Due to kinetic inertia of the effective dipole moment of the uncharged and non-magnetized arbitrary surface, the dipole moment cannot maintain the changes in response to the changes in polarity of the electric field that is produced by the levitation system and thus, a repulsive force is generated between the levitation system and the non-magnetized arbitrary surface. The controlled repulsive force initiates and maintains the desired level of levitation with respect to the uncharged and non-magnetized arbitrary surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic levitation vehicle (1) with a plurality of driving- and braking magnets. According to the invention, provided in the vehicle (1) there is at least one chain of magnet units (15, 16, 19, 26, 25) having in a first plane exclusively driving magnet coils (20 to 22, 27, 28) and in a second plain exclusively braking magnets (30), wherein at least the driving magnet coils (20 to 22, 27, 28) form a band of magnetic flux extending across the entire length of the vehicle. However, a magnet unit (15) located at the front end (2) of the magnetic levitation vehicle (1) forms an exception to this.

Abstract: A cart and track arrangement includes a track unit having a straight track and a curved track, the straight track having an oblique bearing portion, the curved track having a horizontal bearing portion, and a cart having a cart frame and a wheel set, the wheel set having a wheel axle arranged in parallel to the oblique bearing portion of the straight track and a wheel pivotally mounted on the wheel axle, the wheel having a first tread disposed in parallel to the wheel axle for rotatably supporting on the oblique bearing portion of the straight track and a second tread for rotatably supporting on the horizontal bearing portion of the curved track.

Abstract: An ecologically compatible anti-microbial-adhesion agent is described, which is particularly suitable for use in anti-fouling paints, preferably for boats, characterized in that it comprises a compound selected from eugenol, vanillin, benzaldehyde substituted with one or two substituents selected from the groups —OH (hydroxy) and —OCH3 (methoxy), or any combination thereof. An anti-fouling paint is also described, particularly for boats, comprising the anti-microbial-adhesion agent mentioned above and other components selected from conventional biocides, solvents, resins, pigments, charges and fillings, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A diarylide yellow pigment formed by a coupling reaction of a benzidine and a mixture comprising 4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxy-acetoacetanilide and 2,4-dimethyl-acetoacetanilide. The diarylide yellow pigment has a desirable reddish shade than C.I. Pigment Yellow 83, exists in a solid solution, and contains fewer aromatic amine impurities.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are ink compositions including an ink vehicle and a colorant, wherein the ink vehicle includes a compound having a formula of R1—CONH—R2 or R2—CONH—R1, wherein R2 is a methyl group and R1 is an alkyl group having from about 3 carbon atoms to about 200 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds having a formula of R1—CONH—R6—CONH—R3, R1—NHCO—R6—CONH—R3, R1—CONH—R6—NHCO—R3 or R1—NHCO—R6—NHCO—R3, wherein R6 is a cyclic group having from 5 to 8 carbon atoms, wherein R1 and R3 are the same or different and comprise an alkyl group having from about 3 carbon atoms to about 200 carbon atoms, and wherein one or both of R1 and R3 include at least one hydroxyl group substituent, and ink compositions including the compounds as an ink vehicle.

Abstract: A metal oxide-based fine particle includes a metal oxide-based core region; an intermediate region formed on the outer periphery of the core region, the intermediate region having an alkoxyorganosiloxane condensate structure; and a surface region including an organic molecular chain or an organic silicon molecular chain or a reactive functional group.

Abstract: The present application discloses an acidic-stabilised alkyl silicate composition comprising 0.5-30% by solids volume of inorganic fibres, wherein the fibres have (i) an average length of 25-250 ?m and an average thickness of 1-50 ?m, and a ratio between the average length and the average thickness (aspect ratio) of at least 5; and (ii) a specific surface area (BET) of 0.01-6 m2/g. A corresponding acidic-stabilised alkyl silicate composition comprising zinc and inorganic fibres, wherein the zinc constitutes 50-95% by solids weight of the total composition, and the fibres constitutes 0.5-30% by solids volume of the non-zinc fraction of the composition, is also disclosed. The application further discloses a method for the establishment of a crack resistant alkyl silicate paint coat by applying one of the compositions to a metal surface.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cement clinker includes a rotary furnace, a cyclone preheater receiving the fumes from said rotary furnace, an air blowing clinker cooler, and at least one heat exchanger, referred to as a first heat exchanger. The raw materials are preheated and decarbonated in said cyclone preheater. The clinker is cooled in said clinker cooler. A first portion of the hot air generated by said clinker cooler, or so-called secondary air, is directed to the rotary furnace to be used as combustion air. A second portion of the hot air generated, or so-called tertiary air, is directed and carried separately from the first portion to a place in the facility where fuel is burned. A third portion of hot air generated in said clinker cooler, or so-called excess air, is carried into at least said first heat exchanger for the purpose of recovering power to produce electricity.

Abstract: A linear actuator (8) in which a squeeze protection device is arranged, where the device is located in connection with the rear fixture (17) on the motor (10). The squeeze protection device is based on a piezo element (23), which as a module (22) is built into the actuator (8), so that it is passed through by the forces, exerted by the actuator (8). The piezo element (23) is equipped with cables (30), which are connected to a printed circuit board (31) in the actuator (8), where the connections for the actuator (8) are collected, so that the signal from the squeeze protection in an easy manner may be communicated to a control device (6), which can stop the motor (10) or briefly reverse the direction of the movement and thus release a trapped object.

Abstract: A multipurpose rotatable tray includes a wall-mountable member rotationally coupled to a tray member, the latter being dually functional as (1) a horizontal support surface and (2) a wall hanging for an aesthetic article, while the tray member is in horizontal and vertical configurations, respectively. The tray member includes an opening for receiving a replaceable aesthetic article, such as, but not limited to, a painting or photograph. The tray unit may be automatically or manually coupled to the wall-mountable member when in the vertical configuration.

Abstract: All in one multifunction pallet, comprising a main part of the pallet, collapsible supporting legs, belts, joint shafts coupled by nuts, and RFID tags providing an easy to use, easy to operate and easy to recycle pallet. RFID tags equipped on the pallet offer a great advantage for supply chain management to utilize RFID technology. The fully folded pallet has zero space waste and one truck can transport at least fourfold pallets comparing with the currently and widely used and various pallets existing on the market. This convenient to use, recyclable, all in one pallet can significantly lower various RFID tag costs in RFID technology applications in large scale. Any damaged part can be easily replaced with new parts to keep the pallet continually in use, thereby reducing the coast per pallet in the supply chain.

Abstract: A folding table and chair each have an unobtrusive folding mechanism that cannot be easily seen when unfolded for use. Because the folding mechanism is not readily seen, folding tables and chairs of a number of well-known and popular styles can be provided that are suitable for use as everyday home furniture. Folding furniture may be particularly desirable for apartment and condominium dwellers who have limited living space and need to occasionally store bulky furniture to fully use such space. The folding furniture of the invention is also easier to move than traditional furniture, including the hinge of the table, which can also serve as a carrying handle.

Abstract: Gear, preferably for actuators of the type, where an electric motor (1) through the gear drives an activation element, such as a pivotal arm or a longitudinally movable element, and where the gear has at least two gearing stages. The first stage is constituted by a worm drive with a worm—(11; 13a, 13b) and the subsequent gearing stage is constituted by a crown and bevel wheel (23; 16a, 16b). The crown wheel faces towards the worm drive and has a power take-off (24, 27) in extension of or in all essentials in extension of the worm (11) or parallel thereto. The bevel wheel (16a, 16b) is with its axis of rotation arranged perpendicular in relation to the axis of rotation of the worm (11), and the worm wheel (13a, 13b) is in drive connection with the bevel wheel (16a, 16b) through a gear train (14a, 15a; 14b; 15b). Thus a relatively compact transmission with a high gearing is achieved, and by having worm wheels, toothed gearing and bevel and crown wheels of plastic the transmission is in addition silent.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a combustion system having a plurality of jets; a spatial monitoring system with a plurality of sensors disposed in a spatial grid within or downstream from the combustion system; and a control system configured to adjust a forcing frequency of at least one fluid jet in the plurality of fluid jets in response to sensor feedback from the spatial monitoring system.

Abstract: A four-way valve for use in a regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) assembly for alternating between a first cycle with a gas flowing in a first direction and a second cycle with a gas flowing in a second direction. A partition divides the interior of the housing of the valve into an input zone and an output zone. A pivot shaft rotatable about an axis is disposed in the interior of the housing, and a pair of opposing dampers extend radially outwardly on opposite sides of the pivot shaft. A plurality of ducts are disposed in the housing. Each duct engages one of the input and output apertures and extends into one of the input and output zones for engaging the dampers to restrict the flow of gas during the first and second cycles.

Abstract: In a combustible energy recycling system and its method, the system includes an airtight incinerator body, a gas intake module and a blower. The incinerator body is filled with a combustible waste material, and the gas intake module installed in the incinerator body includes gas intake pipes, and one of the gas intake pipes is an ignition pipe for igniting the waste material in the incinerator body for a smoldering combustion, and an air outlet pipe of the blower is interconnected to the gas intake module for guiding outside air into the incinerator body, such that the outside air can move slowly upward with a high-temperature dense smoke produced in the smoldering combustion and surround every cross-section in the incinerator body for a uniform smoldering combustion, and a gas containing combustible energy in the dense smoke can be guided to a gas recycling mechanism for recycling and reusing the gas.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a roll-suppression device for an offshore structure. The device includes a damping plate separated downward from a hull to be placed below a bottom of the offshore structure by a connection unit, so that the width of the damping plate may be effectively enlarged without occurrence of collision during shuttle docking or ship-to-ship operation. Accordingly, the device may maximize roll-suppression, as compared with a bilge-keel or a step, and a detachable design of the device facilitates ship construction or shore operation inside a drydock.

Abstract: A dynamic or aerodynamic fin comprising at least two parallel arranged fin sections. At least one fin section comprises a rotational axis for installing the fin section by a rotation shaft. An end stop is provided for stopping the rotational movement of the fin section to define an extreme position. In the extreme position the fin sections provide a substantially cambered shape to the fin. The dynamic fin is improved in that it comprises a pair of coupling elements. A first fin section is coupled to a second adjacent fin section by a pair of a first and second coupling elements. The first coupling element is complementary to the second coupling element. The first coupling element is part of, preferably integral, with the first fin section and the second coupling element is part of, preferably integral, with the second fin section.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for anchoring a kayak to the bottom of a body of shallow water. The apparatus includes first and second tubes for attachment to the kayak proximate the upper portion of the kayak between the bow and the stern of the kayak, and first and second shafts which are disposed in the first and second tubes, respectively. A gear box is provided proximate the seat which comprises two sets of gearing mechanisms for operative engagement with the two shafts, and a rotatable handle which is external to the gear box for operative connection to the first and second gearing mechanisms.

Abstract: This invention is to offer the floating structure to change oil tanker and oil barge of single hull into that of double hull by simple method. This floating structure is provided with central tanks, wing tanks on right and left of central tank and gate at the end of the floating structure. This floating structure can change the oil tanker or oil barge of the single hull to double hull by leading-in and fixing oil tanker or oil barge of single hull in concave portion formed between the central tanks, wing tanks and the gate. The gate has the connecting coupler with tugboat.

Abstract: A vessel includes a hull, a shaft extending from an upper part of the hull to a bottom of the hull, a turret being rotatably supported in the shaft via a turret bearing, a manifold support structure carrying one or more conduits being rotatably supported on the turret via a manifold bearing. The turret includes a cavity for receiving a mooring buoy carrying one or more risers and one or more vertically displaceable actuation members near the manifold bearing for vertically displacing the manifold support structure relative to the turret between a rotational position in which the manifold support structure can rotate relative to the turret via the manifold bearing and a locked position in which the bearing support structure is rotationally locked relative to the turret.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for the adaptation of a subsea vehicle, such as an ROV, and in particular a hydraulically powered construction or maintenance work ROV. In one embodiment the vehicle is provided with a module or modules which provide further propulsion means that have reduced noise at high speed in comparison to the vehicle's main propulsion means. The module or modules also optionally provide greater performance and decreased drag. An ROV adapted in such a way is therefore suitable for high speed survey work. In another embodiment a hydraulic ROV is adapted to enable it to be able to directly drive electrically powered tools.

Abstract: A water entry system increases the drag of an underwater vehicle by disrupting the cavity that forms during high-speed transit of the vehicle through the water. A series of inlet ports are positioned in regions of the vehicle where pressure stagnation occurs during transit. Flow passages connect these inlets to outlet ports at regions of lower pressure. Pressure differences cause jets to flow in the respective passages. The jets produce a high flow rate normal to the original cavity boundary. The jets serve to increase drag in at least two manners. In one case, a flow jet normal to the cavity interface broadens the cavity to increase drag and slow the vehicle. In a second case, a jet can cause waves on the cavity interface to break down the stable cavity. As a result, the vehicle surface is wetted, producing skin friction drag and slowing vehicle.

Abstract: A folding boat (11) with at least two foldable horizontal frames (12) each comprising at least two fold ably connected sections secured to each other by releasable locking means (24) and equipped with at least one foldable guard rail (26). Said frames (12) are connected by a plurality of removable horizontal transverse beams (34) supporting deck sheets (44) and are secured to the frames (12) by releasable locking means (38), said frames (12) hold a plurality of removable and stackable floats and said deck sheets (44). Said floats can be three types of configurations: for individual installation, paired mirror oriented installation or combination of the intermediate and the end floats forming a continuous hull. Said floats are equipped with removable and stackable gasketted watertight covers (48) and with a removable stiffening elements (80) installed inside.

Abstract: A disclosed instrument cluster includes dial gauges with an illuminated pointer including light reflecting features for uniformly distributing light within the pointer. The light deflecting structure directs light toward tip of the pointer by reflecting the light of each of the first and second sides. The light deflecting structure provides the desired distribution of luminescence by directing light toward the sides surfaces of the pointer.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a method of producing a pretreated metal fluoride containing impurities such as oxygen in decreased amounts and a fluoride crystal containing impurities such as oxygen in decreased amounts and having excellent optical properties such as transparency. [Means for Solution] A metal fluoride is heated in a temperature range of not lower than 300° K. but not higher than 1780° K in the co-presence of a carbonyl fluoride of an amount of not less than 1/100 mol per mol of the metal fluoride to thereby obtain a pretreated metal fluoride while removing oxygen and water from the starting metal fluoride and from the interior of the production furnace. Further, the pretreated metal fluoride as a starting material is heated and melted, and a fluoride crystal of a high quality is obtained from the obtained melt by a crystal growing method such as a melt pull-up method or a melt pull-down method.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a device for coloring microscope slides L, comprising a base that includes motor means, and is surrounded by an enclosure (14) closed off by a cover (16), said base being capable of accommodating said slides L and of being rotated by said motor means, characterized in that it includes a removable casing (40) placed inside the enclosure (14).

Abstract: A liquid application apparatus applies a liquid to an objective region. The apparatus includes a trap having an opening from which the liquid linearly appears, a feeder to feed the liquid to the trap, and an operation unit to position the trap on the objective region and bring the linearly appeared liquid at the trap into contact with the objective region, thereby linearly applying the liquid to the objective region. The apparatus is capable of linearly applying the liquid in a uniform thickness to the objective region.

Abstract: A device for repairing or relining an offset chimney includes a spreader assembly for spreading a repair material on the interior walls of a chimney as the device is pulled up the chimney, a pull assembly for pulling the device through the chimney, and an optionally reticulated centering device for keeping the portion of the pull assembly directly above the spreader assembly away from the chimney walls when the spreader blade assembly is moved through a chimney offset.