Abstract: The device according to the present invention comprises a furnace (10) provided with heating means allowing said material to be crystallised to be rendered liquid, then to be cooled until it progressively solidifies. The device also comprises reception means (20) of the material (21) disposed in the furnace, fixed relative to the furnace and situated such that the material is in the intermediary zone. The heating means (11, 12, 13) supply three heating zones: a hot zone (16), an intermediary zone (15) and a cold zone (14). Thermally conductive means (17) are disposed between the reception means (20) and the heating means (11, 12, 13) and extend from the cold zone as far as the hot zone.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for determining the weight of a probe of a coordinate measuring machine wherein the probe is connected to a probe head (1) of the machine. The machine includes a control unit and the weight of the probe (3) is preferably statically determined without active control of the movement of the probe. Signals from the probe (3) and/or the probe head (1) are supplied to the control unit (51).

Abstract: A portable postal scale for determining whether the weight of a letter exceeds the maximum for a given amount of postage, for example, one ounce. The scale has a beam in the form of an elongated block with two thicknesses. The flat bottom surface of the thicker portion terminates in a transverse edge that serves as a fulcrum. The thinner end has a clamp for holding a letter, and that end is intended for extension over the edge of a table or desk so that downward movement of the letter is unobstructed. If the letter exceeds the maximum, the thinner end will pivot downward around the fulcrum. The thinner end has a flat bottom surface parallel to the bottom surface of the thicker end and spaced apart a distance corresponding to the maximum letter thickness for a given amount of postage, for example, one-fourth inch.

Abstract: A balance-type scale is provided which is made nearly substantially entirely of plastic, thereby being resistant to environmental degradation. A counter-balance weight is of metal, but is embedded within the plastic. The scale is of two-part construction, comprising a body including the counter weight and a hook-like structure at the opposite end. A suspension member is pivotally connected to the body, and comprises a pair of spaced plates embracing the body. The suspension member includes a pointer, and the body is provided with indicia to be read opposite the pointer and readable directly in units of weight.