Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-stage vacuum equipment, preferably a two-stage equipment, whose normal operation requires different pressures to be set, wherein the pressure variation may be achieved by a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wire movement of a suitable element. The invention further discloses a method for operating said multi-stage vacuum equipment controlled by a SMA actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-stage vacuum equipment, preferably a two-stage equipment, whose normal operation requires different pressures to be set, wherein the pressure variation may be achieved by a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wire movement of a suitable element. The invention further discloses a method for operating said multi-stage vacuum equipment controlled by a SMA actuator.

Abstract: The race bib protector (Biblok) is for participants to use during their race event to protect their race bib from getting damaged or dirty. It can be worn on their clothing using safety pins or attached to belts used for holding race bibs. Putting the race bib in the race bib protector helps keep the race bib clean and intact for participants who collect and display them for their own use. It also can hold other items inside such as credit cards and cash, and helps keep the bib flat and visible for others to see.

Abstract: Solar connector receiver tubes with getter systems having a substantially toroidal shape are described.

Abstract: Solar connector receiver tubes with getter systems having a substantially toroidal shape are described.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer is disclosed wherein the ionization element is a corona discharge source (300) consisting of: a first chamber (308) provided with an inlet (309) for a gas to be analyzed and with at least one first opening (311) for communication between the internal space of the first chamber and the reaction zone of the spectrometer; a second chamber (303), contained in the first chamber, provided with an inlet (306) for an ultra-pure gas or a mixture of ultra-pure gases, and with at least one second communication opening (310, 310?) between the first and the second chamber; a pair of electrodes (304, 302?), at least one of which (304) is needle-shaped, arranged in the second chamber, with the pair of electrodes and the second opening arranged in such geometrical relationships that there is no optical path between the zone of the corona discharge and the ion detector of the IMS instrument.