Abstract: The invention relates to a suction stent for introduction into a hollow organ of the human or animal body, preferably into the gastrointestinal tract, in particular the intestine, comprising a tubular hollow body which is open in the longitudinal direction and made of biocompatible material, the tubular hollow body having a fixed diameter at least in its central portion; and a porous shapeable material, preferably a sponge material, which is biocompatible and shapeable in the radial direction, the porous shapeable material radially sheathing the tubular hollow body at least in a section of the tubular hollow body. Further, the invention relates to a method for sealing a leakage, especially an anastomosis, of the hollow organ.

Abstract: Methods and devices for sampling tracers may include providing tracers into a wellbore, taking samples of the fluids exiting the wellbore, and quantifying an amount of tracer returning from the well, wherein the samples are automatically taken based on a predetermined profile.

Abstract: There is provided a loading tray for loading particulate material into an array of substantially vertical tubes; wherein the loading tray comprises a plurality of loading tray elements, each loading tray element comprising at least one loading opening and at least some of the loading tray elements comprising at least two loading openings, the loading tray elements being fitted together to form an array of the loading openings.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes an unloading auger carried by a chassis and supplied with cleaned crop material that has passed through a cleaning system. The unloading auger includes a drive auger assembly having a drive coupling and a driven auger assembly. The driven auger assembly includes a hollow tube having an inner surface; an inner rod journaled within the hollow tube and defining a first end and a second end; a coupler attached to the first end of the inner rod that is configured to couple to the drive coupling; and a tube connector rotatably coupling the inner rod to the inner surface of the hollow tube adjacent to the second end of the inner rod. The inner rod is only rotatably coupled to the hollow tube adjacent to the second end of the inner rod.

Abstract: A sample preparation system for an analytical system for determining a measured variable of a sample liquid, comprising: a transport unit connected with a sample taking location via a first fluid conducting line; a sample collecting unit, which serves the analytical system as a staging area for automated removal of liquid samples, based on which the measured variable is determined; a filter unit arranged between the sample taking location and the transport unit; and at least one reservoir connected via a second fluid conducting line with the filter unit for providing a cleaning medium for cleaning the filter unit; wherein the transport unit is embodied to transport sample liquid from the sample taking location through the filter unit into the sample collecting unit. The cleaning medium includes an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A system for filling a blow-fill-seal (BFS) container is provided. The system includes a first fluid circuit constructed to selectively deliver a purge fluid to an open BFS container. A second fluid circuit selectively delivers a product to the open BFS container. A third fluid circuit, having a vent line in fluid communication with the open BFS container and to the ambient, directs a bulk fluid comprising at least the purge fluid from the container when the purge fluid is introduced into the BFS container. The second circuit selectively delivers product when the first fluid circuit selectively does not deliver the purge fluid, and the second circuit selectively does not deliver product when the first circuit selectively delivers the purge fluid.

Abstract: A method for the automated control of a pipe network, in particular a brewing plant, for transporting flow media, where the pipe network provides a plurality of transport paths between a source and a target, and where the pipe network comprises a plurality of line sections and/or control modules, and including an automatic calculation of a transport path for a flow medium between a predetermined source and a predetermined target, and where the calculation of a transport path includes the calculation of a sequence of line sections and/or control modules between the source and the target.

Abstract: The current invention teaches a universal manifold for delivering chemical liquids to a storage container. The universal manifold contains a universal mating system that enables a single manifold to attach to a number of variously sized storage containers that include a number of variously sized fill apertures. This enables the use of the same universal manifold for the delivery and collection of liquid chemical to the storage container at different times.

Abstract: A device for dividing up a volume of liquid contained in an original container by filling bottles that are smaller than the original container, including a source of pressurized gas, a first line running from the source of pressurized gas and opening into the original container so as to place it under pressure, and a line for withdrawing the contents of the original container, connecting the latter to one of the smaller bottles. A second line runs from the pressure source and ends in the smaller bottle to be filled. Means are provided for closing and opening the first and second lines and a member is provided for activating the means for closing/opening so as to open the second line then the pressurization line in sequence, and close these same lines in sequence in the reverse order.

Abstract: Methods and systems for filling a container with material to a desired level are provided. In particular, a container to be filled is associated with a funnel. The funnel occupies a selected or reserved amount of the container volume. Moreover, the volume of the funnel is less than the reserved volume of the container. Accordingly, by filling the container and the attached funnel to the top of the funnel, and then removing the funnel, the container is filled to less than a maximum level.

Abstract: A fuel-fill adapter for use in conjunction with a manually-controlled liquid supply nozzle for filling a fuel reservoir is disclosed. The adaptor mates with liquid supply nozzle as well as the filling port of the fuel reservoir. The fuel fill adaptor includes two main fluid pathways: an incoming pathway for liquid to fill the reservoir and an outgoing pathway for vapor venting or excess liquid draining. The fuel-fill adaptor includes a low-pressure differential vacuum-breaking valve to prevent the siphon effect that would otherwise naturally occur if liquid were to enter the gas venting hose. The vacuum-breaking valve permits air to enter the adaptor, wherein the air is then drawn down the drain hose instead of any additional liquid. The vacuum breaking valve can be connected to either the incoming liquid or vent/drain pathways.

Abstract: A device for filling containers includes an arrangement (7) for feeding filling material to at least one dosing system (5) forming a flow path (27) containing a dosing valve (29) that can be opened at least for the duration of the dosing processes to distribute the dosing amounts of the filling material via at least one filling line (9) into relevant containers. The dosing system (5) has an element (31, 33, 43) disposed in the flow path (27) downstream of the dosing valve (29) for selectively producing a suction effect in the flow path (27). A control mechanism (39) activates the element (31, 33, 43) producing the suction effect. Dosing processes are completed by closing the dosing valve (29).

Abstract: A device and a method for filling with a gas other than air an insulating glazing unit composed of at least two glass panes and at least one spacer frame, comprising a movable and a fixed bed. The fixed bed is provided with retractable suckers suitable to capture a lower flap of a glass pane and move therewith with a motion of retraction with respect to the movable bed, such as to provide straightening of the lower flap of the glass pane.

Abstract: A liquid apportionment device having a distribution chamber located within a dispensing chamber, the distribution chamber being mounted onto a pedestal member such that a dispensing channel is defined between the sloping wall of the pedestal and the wall of the dispensing chamber. Dispensing spouts are evenly positioned around the dispensing channel for dispersal of the liquid into individual containers. Three rows of evenly spaced distribution apertures are provided in the distribution chamber, with the top row of distribution apertures oriented horizontally, the middle row of distribution apertures being oriented at 45 degrees, and the bottom row of distribution apertures being oriented vertically.

Abstract: Disclosed are portable fluid treating and dispensing devices, systems, articles, and methods particularly adapted for use in treating potable liquids, such as drinking water, and dispensing it into a plurality of portable potable liquid containers, such as water bottles.

Abstract: Method for dispensing a gas comprising (a) providing a gas storage system containing pressurized gas and having at least first and second gas storage volumes, first and second flow control valves in flow communication with the first and second gas storage volumes, respectively, wherein each flow control valve is initially closed, and wherein the first gas storage volume has a smaller volumetric capacity than the second gas storage volume; (b) selecting a reference temperature; (c) measuring the ambient temperature; (d) providing a gas receiving vessel and placing it in flow communication with each flow control valve and with the gas storage system; and (e) initiating delivery of the gas by (i) opening the first flow control valve when the ambient temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature or (ii) opening the second flow control valve when the ambient temperature is less than the reference temperature.

Abstract: Method for dispensing a gas comprising (a) providing a gas storage system containing pressurized gas and having at least first and second gas storage volumes, first and second flow control valves in flow communication with the first and second gas storage volumes, respectively, wherein each flow control valve is initially closed, and wherein the first gas storage volume has a smaller volumetric capacity than the second gas storage volume; (b) selecting a reference temperature; (c) measuring the ambient temperature; (d) providing a gas receiving vessel and placing it in flow communication with each flow control valve and with the gas storage system; and (e) initiating delivery of the gas by (i) opening the first flow control valve when the ambient temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature or (ii) opening the second flow control valve when the ambient temperature is less than the reference temperature.

Abstract: A system for charging and/or recharging containers with fluid is provided. The system includes a bottle assembly having a body portion defining a cavity therein, and a valve assembly configured and adapted to open and close a fluid path into the cavity of the body portion; a fluid supply valve assembly for supplying fluid to the valve assembly of the bottle assembly to deliver fluid to the cavity of the body portion; and a fluid supply assembly fluidly connected to the fluid supply valve assembly for delivering fluid thereto. Accordingly, when the bottle assembly is operatively connected to the fluid supply valve assembly, the valve assembly of the bottle assembly actuates the fluid supply valve assembly to the open condition to permit fluid flow into the cavity of the body portion of the bottle assembly.

Abstract: A container filling assembly includes a plurality of fluid storage containers, a fluid inlet for supplying a fluid to the containers, a vacuum source for creating a vacuum in the containers to draw the fluid into the containers, and a connective structure for connecting the vacuum source and the fluid source in fluid communication with the containers. Preferably, the container filling assembly is a sterile, closed system.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system and method for reducing the likelihood that a fuel tank of equipment at a well site during fracturing of a well will run out of fuel. A fuel source has plural fuel outlets, a hose on each fuel outlet of the plural fuel outlets, each hose being connected to a fuel cap on a respective one of the fuel tanks for delivery of fuel to the fuel tank. At least a manually controlled valve at each fuel outlet controls fluid flow through the hose at the respective fuel outlet.

Abstract: In order to increase the hydrogen utilization rate of the cascade storage system, after dispensing gaseous hydrogen to a hydrogen vehicle, gaseous hydrogen is transferred via a compressor from at least one storage vessel at a lower pressure to at least one storage vessel at a higher, dispensable pressure. The methods of the present invention economically and efficiently increase the utilization rate of gaseous hydrogen stored in a cascade storage system by managing the storage of gaseous hydrogen and increasing the utilization rate of gaseous hydrogen stored in a cascade storage system.

Abstract: An in-structure air delivery system comprises a control panel and a plurality of air delivery lines. The control panel is located at a first location in the structure and has an air supply inlet. Each air delivery line extends from the control panel to a different location in the structure. Valves are configured to selectively control the flow of air through each of the air delivery lines. In a method of use, a high pressure air supply such as a portable compressor is connected to the inlet of the system. Air is selectively delivered to one or more of the delivery lines. A control unit is connected to the outlet of the delivery line. Air is supplied to the control unit. The control unit is used to regulate the flow of air to a component of breathing equipment, such as to a firefighter's breathing equipment air cylinder to be re-filled.

Abstract: An apparatus for pumping fluids comprises a suction pump and an inlet tube extendible into a container containing the fluid. A sealing plate is provided over the liquid surface to form a circumferential seal with the inner wall of the container and the outer wall of the inlet tube. The sealing plate prevents air from entering the lower part of the container and thereby prevents the pump from cavitating once the container is emptied. A pumping system is also provided wherein a plurality of pumping apparatuses is provided on a frame. A dispensing system is also provided wherein a plurality of computer controlled nozzles are each connected to a respective pumping apparatus whereby specific volumes of desired fluids can be dispensed.

Abstract: An in-structure air delivery system comprises a control panel and a plurality of air delivery lines. The control panel is located at a first location in the structure and has an air supply inlet. Each air delivery line extends from the control panel to a different location in the structure. Valves are configured to selectively control the flow of air through each of the air delivery lines. In a method of use, a high pressure air supply such as a portable compressor is connected to the inlet of the system. Air is selectively delivered to one or more of the delivery lines. A control unit is connected to the outlet of the delivery line. Air is supplied to the control unit. The control unit is used to regulate the flow of air to a component of breathing equipment, such as to a firefighter's breathing equipment air cylinder to be re-filled.

Abstract: A bypass for a tube set for directing the flow of a fluid component includes an inlet passage for fluid connection with a source of said fluid component, an outlet passage for fluid connection with a first bag compartment, and a bypass passage for fluid connection with a second bag compartment. A flow control device in the bypass passage is operable in a first position in which the flow control device seals the bypass passage, and a second position in which the flow control device unseals the bypass passage to receive a tubing line connected with said second bag compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a medium to containers may include a distribution chamber which is arranged with respect to a rotation axis and which has a plurality of openings through which the medium can be guided out of the distribution chamber. A sleeve may be arranged on the distribution chamber, wherein the sleeve extends in the direction of the rotation axis of the distribution chamber. According to the invention, the apparatus has a supply tube for supplying the medium to the distribution chamber. Furthermore, the supply tube extends at least partially in the direction of the rotation axis of the distribution chamber, and the sleeve is designed such that it can rotate with respect to the supply tube. A gap through which the medium can pass is formed between the sleeve and the supply tube and extends in a circumferential direction around the rotation axis.

Abstract: An improved multi fluid dispenser for simultaneous dispensing of a plurality of fluids shown and described. The dispenser includes a controller that is linked to a coordinator board. The controller has a memory with a plurality of recipes stored in the memory. A coordinator board is linked to a first module. The first module may include one or two pumps, each connected to a fluid reservoir. The module is then linked in series to a plurality of other modules as well as a manifold module. Each module includes a module board for controlling the pump or pumps of that module. The controller, coordinator board and module boards are all programmed for the simultaneous or sequential pumping of multiple fluids from the reservoirs through outlet nozzles of the manifold in accordance with a recipe selected by the user and retrieved from the memory of the controller.

Abstract: A bypass used for selectively dispensing fluid components includes a fluid passage with an inlet, a first outlet for fluid communication with a first collecting container, and a second outlet for fluid communication with a second collecting container. A method for dispensing fluid components using the bypass includes the steps of providing fluid components to be dispensed, with one fluid component isolated from the other fluid components, blocking the first outlet of the bypass, and dispensing the isolated fluid component through the second outlet and into the second collecting container.

Abstract: In a system including a gas source, a target cylinder for receiving gas, a conduit for carrying gas, and a valve for controlling the flow of gas, a method of dosing the target cylinder with gas is disclosed. The method comprises the step of calculating a mass flow rate for dosing the conduit and the target cylinder. The valve is biased to an open position to permit gas to flow through the conduit and into the target cylinder. The mass flow rate and the cumulative mass of gas flowing through the conduit are measured using a mass flow meter. The valve is biased to maintain the measured mass flow rate of gas flowing through the conduit substantially equivalent to the calculated mass flow rate. The valve is biased to a closed position once the measured cumulative mass of gas is substantially equivalent to the pre-determined mass of gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing system and method for on-demand dispensing of spoonable or drinkable food products in a container. Single servings or larger portions of these products can be dispensed. The system and method achieve dispensing of the product with a visual differentiation of the components in the container. The container may be translucent or transparent so that the consumer can view the visually differentiated product therein. The products form yet another embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A method for selectively dispensing fluid components through a bypass, the bypass having a fluid passage with an inlet, a first outlet that is unsealed, and a second outlet that is sealed, includes the steps of inserting a tubing line into the second outlet to unseal the second outlet, sealing the first outlet to prevent flow of fluid through the first outlet, and delivering a first fluid component into the inlet of the bypass and through the second outlet.

Abstract: A bypass for a tube set for directing the flow of a fluid component includes an inlet passage for fluid connection with a source of said fluid component, an outlet passage for fluid connection with a first bag compartment, and a bypass passage for fluid connection with a second bag compartment. A flow control device in the bypass passage is operable in a first position in which the flow control device seals the bypass passage, and a second position in which the flow control device unseals the bypass passage to receive a tubing line connected with said second bag compartment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid. A method for treating a fluid may include combining two or more separate streams into a common stream and then splitting the common stream into a new set of separate streams wherein the separate streams may possess different properties. The separate streams may be combined to produce a gradient, such as a concentration gradient or shear gradient. The apparatus of the invention may provide a network of fluidic channels that may be used to manipulate a fluid to produce, for example, a gradient or a series of solutions containing a substance at varying concentrations.

Abstract: A tube set for dispensing components into a product bag includes a plurality of tubing lines, a manifold, and a bypass. The manifold has a plurality of inlets, each inlet adapted for connection to a respective tubing line. The manifold also has an outlet connectable to a first feed tube of a product bag. The bypass is associated with at least one of the plurality of tubing lines. The bypass has a bypass inlet connectable to the tubing line associated with the bypass and at least two outlets. A first outlet is connected to a tube line in fluid communication with an inlet of the manifold and the second outlet is removably connectable to a second feed tube in fluid communication with the product bag, independent of the manifold.

Abstract: A loading station having a dispensing manifold for loading syringe pairs with thrombin and adhesive and clotting proteins for use as a biological adhesive. The resulting loaded syringe pairs are compatible with a variety of biological adhesive dispensers and may be used in a surgical setting.

Abstract: The pneumatic greasing system is a grease delivery system specially designed to accommodate the standard commercial grease cartridges already on the market. In order to accomplish this the present invention comprises a cylindrical barrel comprising a cylindrical chute shaped to receive common cartridges. Either end of said barrel is attached to funnel shaped members that in turn have outlets. Inserted within said barrel is a circular disc comprising a rubber O-ring attached to its circumference. In one embodiment the grease is driven from the barrel by pressurized air impacting said disc. In a second embodiment the grease is driven from the barrel by suction applied by a pump against the surface of said disc.

Abstract: A combination gravimetric and volumetric fluid dispenser is disclosed which includes a scale linked to a controller. The controller is linked to a plurality of two stage valves which control the dispensing of large quantities of base materials. The controller is also linked to a plurality of nutating pumps which together with the controller controls the dispensing of smaller quantities of additive materials. The dispensing system disclosed is particularly useful for paints or other liquid formulations where larger quantities of base materials are added and which can be added by weight and whereby precise measurements of the larger base materials is not particularly required. However, the incorporation of nutating pumps and the addition of smaller amounts of additives by volume using the nutating pumps enables precise dispensing of the additives, such as colorants for paint. The larger containers or reservoirs of base material may be disposed at a remote location from the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A combination gravimetric and volumetric fluid dispenser is disclosed which includes a scale linked to a controller. The controller is linked to a plurality of two stage valves which control the dispensing of large quantities of base materials. The controller is also linked to a plurality of nutating pumps which together with the controller controls the dispensing of smaller quantities of additive materials. The dispensing system disclosed is particularly useful for paints or other liquid formulations where larger quantities of base materials are added and which can be added by weight and whereby precise measurements of the larger base materials is not particularly required. However, the incorporation of nutating pumps and the addition of smaller amounts of additives by volume using the nutating pumps enables precise dispensing of the additives, such as colorants for paint. The larger containers or reservoirs of base material may be disposed at a remote location from the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for collecting fluid fractions. The present apparatus includes an inlet, a channel, a plurality of collectors, and an outlet. The inlet communicates with the collectors and the outlet through the channel. The collectors are disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The method for collecting the fluid fractions comprises two steps. First step, injecting the fluid in to the inlet for guiding the fluid to the outlet along the channel, wherein the fluid fills the collectors one by one due to the capillary attraction when passing through the collectors, and flows to the outlet after the collectors having been filled. Second step, injecting pressurized gas into the channel to drain the fluid fractions from fill the collectors respectively to a plurality of corresponding containers.

Abstract: There is provided a method for loading solid particles into a multi-tube reactor having an upper tube-sheet holding together the upper ends of the multitude of reactor tubes, the method comprising positioning a loading device having a plurality of holes on top of the upper tube-sheet such that the loading device rests on and substantially covers the upper tube-sheet and the holes correspond to the reactor tubes, the loading device comprising a plurality of adjacent polygonal plates, each polygonal plate having from 1 to 30 holes, each hole corresponding to one reactor tube; pouring the particles over the combined polygonal plates covering the tube-sheet; sweeping the particles through the holes in the plates into the respective reactor tubes; removing residual particles and any dust remaining on and between the plates; and removing the loading device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid. A method for treating a fluid may include combining two or more separate streams into a common stream and then splitting the common stream into a new set of separate streams wherein the separate streams may possess different properties. The separate streams may be combined to produce a gradient, such as a concentration gradient or shear gradient. The apparatus of the invention may provide a network of fluidic channels that may be used to manipulate a fluid to produce, for example, a gradient or a series of solutions containing a substance at varying concentrations.

Abstract: Liquid crystal dropping apparatus and method for dropping liquid crystal discharged from discharging ports of a liquid crystal dropping head on a planned drop region, wherein the liquid crystal is discharged only from one or some of discharging ports located in correspondence with the planned drop region among a plurality of discharging ports of the liquid crystal dropping head.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for establishing in a system for dispensing fluid in a gaseous phase a predetermined quantify of the fluid in its liquid phase, and for allowing such fluid in its liquid phase to vaporize into its gaseous phase to replace the gaseous phase fluid that is dispensed to users.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filling sleeve which allows containers with a rectangular or square cross-section, especially bags with deep side folds, to be filled advantageously in that they are given a stable shape. The objective is achieved by means of a filling sleeve which is characterized in that, in the exit cross-section, a central region is provided with inserts and four separate exit apertures are kept open in the corners of the square or rectangular cross-section. In this way, the filling material flowing through the substantially completely open and normally undivided entrance cross-section of the filling sleeve is divided into four individual streams which are associated with the corners of the exit cross-section. Thus, while being filled, the bags are initially stabilized from the corners, as a result of which a certain tension remains in the walls between the corners, so that the walls cannot bulge out when the level of the filling material rises.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid. A method for treating a fluid may include combining two or more separate streams into a common stream and then splitting the common stream into a new set of separate streams wherein the separate streams may possess different properties. The separate streams may be combined to produce a gradient, such as a concentration gradient or shear gradient. The apparatus of the invention may provide a network of fluidic channels that may be used to manipulate a fluid to produce, for example, a gradient or a series of solutions containing a substance at varying concentrations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluidized bed for dispensing small quantities of powders. The fluidized bed is made using a porous housing to permit injection and removal of fluid through the surrounding walls to improve the operation of the bed particularly for small particles of the group C size, including significantly reducing powder adhesion to the walls. In one aspect of the invention the fluidized bed housing is rotated about its longitudinal axis, which may be oriented at any suitable angle. A system for changing the volume of the bed is described as is a system for incorporating injection nozzles within the bed for constant agitation and prevention of powder adhering to the walls of the housing.

Abstract: A loading station having a dispensing manifold for loading syringe pairs with thrombin and adhesive and clotting proteins for use as a biological adhesive. The resulting loaded syringe pairs are compatible with a variety of biological adhesive dispensers and may be used in a surgical setting.

Abstract: A process is provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates in a machine, wherein one or more concentrates and/or one or more diluents are mixed together in a mixing chamber; and the product is dispensed from said machine into a storage container. A machine is also provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates, wherein said machine comprises one or more diluent sources and one or more concentrate sources, said diluent and concentrate sources being in fluid communication with one or more mixing chambers. Further, a process is provided for the simultaneous multiple mixing and dispensing of a plurality of products employing a machine comprising one or more diluent sources and one or more concentrate sources, said diluent and concentrate sources being in fluid communication with a plurality of mixing chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of damping pressure pulsations and attenuating noise transmission in a fuel supply system. The apparatus includes a first end in fluid communication with a fuel supply line, a second end in fluid communication with a manifold, and a body that couples in fluid communication the first and second ends. The first end is adapted to receive fuel from a pump. The second end is adapted to supply the fuel to a plurality of nozzles in individual fluid communication with the manifold. And the body includes a tube that is arranged in a helix around a central axis.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the transfer of a fluent material to or from a container. The container has a holding portion adapted to hold the fluent material and a transfer assembly having a flexible conduit and multiple access ports. The access ports are positioned in spaced apart relationship along the flexible conduit, which has a flow channel in fluid communication with the holding portion. Each of the access ports is operable for selectively transferring fluent material. After a first access port is used to transfer a quantity of fluent material, the section of the conduit carrying the first access port is hermetically or mechanically divided from upstream sections of the conduit. Successive transfers that either dispense fluent material from the holding portion or add fluent material to the holding portion are performed in a like manner using the remaining access ports.