Abstract: The invention relates to a corset for the treatment of a patient suffering from a back complaint, such as scoliosis, comprising a lower part to be supported by the hip, and an upper part to be fitted around the patient's chest. There is a flexible coupling provided to connect the lower part and the upper part. Both the lower part and the upper part are provided with an adjustable springy element to enable the lower part and the upper part to apply a pressure force on the patient's body.

Abstract: A method for shielding a molten metal cooling bath used in directional casting of superalloys from a high temperature furnace environment. A plurality of floating ceramic baffles are used, floated on the top of such cooling bath so as to substantially cover the surface thereof. Each baffle member comprises a hollow ceramic member and ceramic seal means sintered to such hollow member so as to form a hermetically sealed chamber within the hollow member. The baffles are displaced during the directional casting process when a mold containing the cast article is lowered into the cooling bath. A ceramic baffle of this construction is also disclosed.