Abstract: Apparatus including (a) a substantially rigid container defining at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port, and being sized and configured to define a first volume for receiving a liquid, solid particulate or slurry material; (b) a flexible, substantially non-porous bag which forms a bag opening perimeter in sealed attachment to the container at the inlet port and being in an initial deflated state; and (c) a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the rigid container through said outlet port, wherein during operation of the vacuum pump, a vacuum is created within the rigid container to thereby cause the bag in an initial deflated state to expand and form a vacuum within the bag to draw material through the inlet port and into the bag.

Abstract: A system which provides a first object defining a first volume and a second object defining a second volume wherein the second object contains the first object. A manifold apparatus is provided which allows a flowable material to flow by vacuum action into the first object and also allows any entrained gas to be transported from the first volume to the second volume without interrupting the vacuum. Methods of use of the system and structures for detachably attaching the manifold apparatus are also provided.