Abstract: A four-tube bottling system that greatly reduces the oxygen or other air-borne contaminants in bottled beverages. The apparatus allows for the injecting of inert gas into the bottom of the container while the atmosphere escapes through the forth tube near the top of the container. With this method the air in the container is eliminated before the liquid is poured. This apparatus virtually eliminates contaminants from contact with the beverage during the filling process by purging existing atmosphere form the bottle.

Abstract: First and second wall portions respectively spread along first and second opposing inner surfaces of a housing portion, and a plurality of vent pores that are distributed along the first and second inner surfaces are formed in the first and second wall portions. Hence, when an ambient gas is supplied to a space between the first inner surface and the first wall portion and another ambient gas is simultaneously discharged from a space between the second inner surface and the second wall surface, a laminar flow of an ambient gas directed from the first inner surface toward the second inner surface is formed to be parallel to a plate-like body held by a base portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing wafers without the moisture absorption problem by providing a wafer storage container that has a cavity therein and an inert gas supply line into the cavity for flowing an inert gas at a substantially constant flow rate into the cavity while allowing a portion of the inert gas to escape into surrounding environment outside the cavity such that there is always a positive pressure differential maintained between the cavity and the outside environment to keep out moisture.

Abstract: A tire inflation apparatus and method involves first evacuating a seated pneumatic tire via a vacuum pump and then inflating the tire with a purified, dried gas under pressure, such as pressurized nitrogen, without allowing any ambient air to reenter the evacuated tire. The apparatus includes a three way valve which attaches to the source of compressed dry gas, to the tire valve, and to the vacuum pump with a micron vacuum gauge provided for monitoring the state of vacuum within the evacuated tire.

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing product to a controlled environment includes a rail top, a rail base, and a longitudinally oriented gas limiting member including two sections connected at their longitudinal ends and providing a gap between the sections. The controlled environment gas may be provided to one longitudinal end of a baffle positioned in a channel region formed in the rail top. The gas is distributed along a longitudinally oriented baffle which is aligned with a gassing element positioned in the rail base. A T-shaped port block may be attached to the rail top and engage with a bracket and adjustment member for positioning.

Abstract: A method for adding or removing a liquid product to or from a tank using a breather bag attached to an upper air vent of the tank. Prior to adding a liquid product, the bag is filled with external air either by force or atmospheric pressure, and a liquid product is added to the tank between the bag and tank while simultaneously forcing the external air out of the bag by force on the bag caused by addition of a liquid product into the tank. As liquid product is removed from the tank through an outlet valve, the breather bag is sucked downward by the vacuum created between the bag and tank as the liquid product is removed. In both processes, the liquid product is separated from the external air by the breather bag, yielding the following advantages. Evaporative losses of liquid products stored in atmospheric tanks are averted. Thus, environmental pollution by product gases that would be expelled out of the tanks is avoided.

Abstract: A bottle or a can as a small container intended for consumers for the aseptic cold filling with beverages in a filling and sealing machine comprises a manual seal to be operated by the consumer and is characterized by an additional mechanical seal for filling and machine sealing.

Abstract: A portable closed container has a container body, and a lid for opening and hermetically closing the opening of the container body, in which an internal atmosphere thereof is replaced with an inner atmosphere suitable for an article contained in the container through a gas purging operation. The container is improved such that the lid is a hollowed body with at least one purging wall hole.

Abstract: An ink supply container for an ink-jet printer is provided with a main reservoir, which is typically maintained at ambient pressure. The main reservoir is coupled to a variable volume chamber via a one-way valve which allows the flow of ink from the reservoir to the chamber and prevents the flow of ink from the chamber to the reservoir. The chamber is coupled to a fluid outlet which is normally closed to prevent the flow of ink. A fill port is provided for directing ink into the reservoir to fill the reservoir. The apparatus and method for filling the ink container includes a nozzle that seals around the fill port and that has valved fluid lines connected thereto for evacuating the container prior to filling and for directing ink into the evacuated reservoir. The nozzle surrounds a plug that is moved to seal the port while the nozzle is still sealed around the port immediately after the container is filled.

Abstract: In a method for filling bottles or similar containers with a liquid under back pressure, at least a first flushing and a second flushing of the interior of the respective bottle are conducted in chronological sequence during a pre-treatment phase which precedes the actual priming of the respective container, by the timed introduction of a specified quantity of inert gas, with a subsequent evacuation of the interior of the bottle. The introduction of the specified quantity of inert gas takes place in a timed manner during each flushing, and is performed independently of the capacity at which the bottling system is currently being operated.

Abstract: A machine for the filling bottles, particularly bottles of varying dimensions.The metering machine comprises two identical devices placed one on top of the other, with combs, allowing the rapid, simple and easy adjustment of the nozzles used for metering, and a device for controlling the cycle which is easy to adjust according to the size of the bottles moved by the conveyor.

Abstract: A pre-fill snift cam assembly and related methods are disclosed. The pre-fill snift cam assembly accommodates pre-fill evacuation of air from cans and bottles being processed by automatic filling equipment and causes the egress air from the containers (cans and bottles) to be discharged in a fashion other than from the fill valves into the beverage bowl, i.e., into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A liquid crystal contained in a liquid crystal reservoir is applied to an injection port of a blank liquid crystal panel in a vacuum chamber, and the vacuum chamber is restored to the atmospheric pressure to inject the applied liquid crystal into the liquid crystal panel through the injection port. Herein, the liquid crystal, particularly a ferroelectric liquid crystal having a high viscosity, is effectively used for filling the liquid crystal panel with a minimum loss by using a transfer member moving between the liquid crystal reservoir and the liquid crystal panel.

Abstract: A filling element for dispensing a liquid filling material into bottles or similar containers. The filling element has no filling tube or at most a short filling tube. For treating a respective container with a sterilization medium, preferably with steam, a sterilization tube is provided that can be moved out of an upper lifting or stroke position into a lower lifting or stroke position in which at least one opening formed in a lower end portion of the sterilization tube is disposed in the container in such a way that especially also the base portion of the container that is disposed opposite a mouth region thereof is adequately subjected to the sterilization medium that is discharged into the interior of the container from the tube opening or is withdrawn from the interior of the container through the tube opening and the tube.

Abstract: A process and a device for the sterile filling of beverage liquids. In the process and device a bottle is sterilized by passing steam into it through a short feed pipe. All other phases such as CO.sub.2 flushing, counter-pressurizing and return gas discharge also take place through the feed pipe. During the filling process the liquid to be filled flows into the bottle around the feed pipe.

Abstract: A container bag (10 designed to be inflated before or during filling characterized in that a pressure relief valve (22) is incorporated or incorporatable into the bag body, the valve being connectible to a receiver for exhausted powder or pulverulent matter. The pressure relief valve can be set to give a desired inflation pressure in the FIBC but will permit air to escape above this pressure thereby ensuring that the stitching and seams of the FIBC are not over-stressed to the point of leakage. The valve is connectible to, and preferably is connected to, a receiver for any vented gases and entrained powder. Preferably the receiver is the filling silo (28) so that any expelled powder is returned for refilling.

Abstract: In an apparatus for filling bottles with liquid, the liquid supply tank has several bottle filling adapters mounted to its body and providing a valve seat for liquid to flow from the tank to a bottle. The seat is proximate to a vertically movable valve body which has an integral tubular stem extending upwardly from it and a gas tube extending downwardly from it so gas can be conducted downwardly into a bottle and upwardly for being exhausted or returned to the tank. In the bore of the tubular combination gas conducting tube and valve stem there is a wire constituting a filling level probe. The tip of the wire is exposed in the gas tube to liquid in the bottle and the body of the wire is insulated and runs upwardly through the bore of the tubular stem where it is terminated in a cylindrical conductive element that enters an electrical connector. The connector provides a lead to a microprocessor based controller.

Abstract: A novel beverage dispensing apparatus and process for use by a consumer in a grocery store to fill recyclable containers with beverages, such as soft drinks. The apparatus includes a retraction assembly which comprises a yoke configured to engage a bottle for retracting the neck of the bottle into a dispensing chamber where the opening of the bottle is sealed in fluid communication with a beverage dispensing nozzle. The beverage dispensing nozzle is configured with three ports--a syrup port, a carbonated water port and a relief port. Through the syrup port, a syrup may be introduced into the center of the bottle. The carbonated water port is configured such carbonated water may be directed through onto a side wall of the bottle. The relief port is positioned concentrically about the syrup port and between the syrup port and the carbonated water port and provides a port through which the fluid being displaced by the beverage entering the container may exit the container.

Abstract: A fitment device is disclosed to be used with a "bag-in-a-box" packaging system. The fitment connects the bag with a valve system and optionally contains a removable diaphragm. The diaphragm is opened by operating a tool which separates and pulls out the diaphragm. A method of assembling the device with the entire system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filling element, preferably a filling element that has no filling tube or only a short filling tube, for filling machines for dispensing a liquid filling material into bottles or similar containers. The filling element has an operational element that can be moved between an upper and a lower lifting or stroke position. The movement is effected by the pressure of at least one operating medium that is also supplied to the container during the filling phase and/or at least one treatment phase that precedes or follows this filling phase.

Abstract: A container filling machine for filling beverages into containers has a filler valve configured for allowing the valve to operated by a simplified control system. The valve has a valve body and a gas pipe disposed concentrically therewith, wherein there is a first spring for applying a biasing force between the gas pipe and the valve body to bias the valve body to its closed position, and a second spring, which when compressed by a control cam when there is a container present provides a force sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the first spring and thereby open the valve. In the absence of a container, the control cam for opening the valve body is able to run through its normal operation cycle without causing the valve to be opened because the gas pipe is configured to hold the valve body closed under a force applied by pressurized gas in the filling machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling bottles or similar containers and comprising at least one filling element having a liquid flow valve. A first and a second gas path are provided that serve for supplying and withdrawing a pressurized gas, and that during filling of a respective container communicate with the interior of this container via a third gas path. The first gas path can be controlled by a control valve, while the second gas path is in constant communication with the third gas path that leads to the interior of the container. This third gas path is common to both the first and the second gas path, and the control valve can be actuated independently from the liquid flow valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the thermal treatment or sterilization of bottles or similar containers in a container-treatment machine that has a transport element that, for treatment at treatment stations, moves containers along a transport section between a container inlet and a container outlet. Thermal treatment of the containers with a hot medium is effected in a portion of the transport section. For monitoring purposes, at least one temperature sensor is provided for measuring the temperature of containers that have been heated up by the hot medium.

Abstract: A fitment device is disclosed to be used with a "bag-in-a-box" packaging system. The fitment connects the bag with a valve system and contains a removable diaphragm. The diaphragm is opened by operating a snaring tool which pulls on a tab to tear out the diaphragm. A method of assembling the device with the entire system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel beverage dispensing apparatus and process for use by a consumer in a grocery store to fill recyclable containers with beverages, such as soft drinks. The apparatus includes a retraction assembly which comprises a yoke configured to engage a bottle for retracting the neck of the bottle into a dispensing chamber where the opening of the bottle is sealed in fluid communication with a beverage dispensing nozzle. The beverage dispensing nozzle is configured with three ports--a syrup port, a carbonated water port and a relief port. Through the syrup port, a syrup may be introduced into the center of the bottle. The carbonated water port is configured such carbonated water may be directed through onto a side wall of the bottle. The relief port is positioned concentrically about the syrup port and between the syrup port and the carbonated water port and provides a port through which the fluid being displaced by the beverage entering the container may exit the container.

Abstract: A can (1) has a primary chamber and a secondary chamber in communication through a restricted orifice and its exterior maintained at atmospheric pressure. The can (1) is filled with beer through a filling block (24) from a bowl (8). Prior to filling the can (1) is pressurized through the block (24) with nitrogen gas to greater than atmospheric pressure and subsequently evacuated to atmospheric pressure. Such pressurization and evacuation is repeated sequentially to dilute the atmospheric oxygen content within the primary and secondary chambers. A gas exchange conduit (40) extends between the bowl headspace (12) and the can (1). Conduit (40) has a gas control valve (55) closeable by movement of lever (60). A beer flow valve (37/46) controls flow of beer (9) from the bowl. During nitrogen pressurization of the can (1) the lever (60) is adjusted to maintain valves (55) and (37/46) closed and insure that high pressure gas in the can (1) cannot flow through conduit (40) into the bowl (8).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling bottles or similar containers, whereby the containers are rinsed and pre-pressurized with an inert gas in a preliminary pressurizing phase that precedes the filling phase. For the rinsing as well as the at least partial pre-pressurization, the return gas from a return gas channel is utilized. To keep the return gas as free from bacteria as possible, the containers are treated with a sterilization medium in a preliminary treatment phase that precedes the preliminary pressurizing phase. Furthermore, air and sterilization medium that are displaced in the sterilization phase and in the preliminary pressurizing phase are withdrawn to the atmosphere or to a channel that is separate from the return gas channel.

Abstract: A process and device for filling a vessel with a liquid. The vessel is placed on a lifting plate and guided up to a filler spout a predetermined distance measured from its base, the vessel's opening being lifted into a sealed filling position below the filler spout. The vessel is filled up to a predetermined filling level by opening a valve associated with the filler spout, whereupon the supply of liquid is terminated, and a volume of liquid still present between the valve and the filling level flows into the vessel. This after-flowing liquid volume is controlled as a function of the vessel height so that in the case of a vessel having a height smaller than a mean vessel height there is an afterflow of a larger volume of liquid than in the case of a greater vessel height where the afterflow is of a smaller volume of liquid.

Abstract: A liquid crystal contained in a liquid crystal reservoir is applied to an injection port of a blank liquid crystal panel in a vacuum chamber, and the vacuum chamber is restored to the atmospheric pressure to inject the applied liquid crystal into the liquid crystal panel through the injection port. Herein, the liquid crystal, particularly a ferroelectric liquid crystal having a high viscosity, is effectively used for filling the liquid crystal panel with a minimum loss by using a transfer member moving between the liquid crystal reservoir and the liquid crystal panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for admitting metered quantities of a pressurized liquid into successive containers, such as cans or bottles, has a housing which stores a supply of pressurized liquid and carries one or more combined container sealing and centering units. Each such unit has a vertically reciprocable at least partially elastomeric tubular member movable between a lower end position and an upper end position. The external surface of the annular upper end portion of the tubular member sealingly engages a cylindrical internal surface which surrounds the outlet of the housing when the tubular member assumes its lower end position, and an end face of the annular lower end portion of the tubular member is then in sealing engagement with the open top of a container to be filled. The open lower end of a conduit for compressed gas is located at the upper end of the passage within the tubular member to ensure that the upper end portion of the tubular member can be expanded into sealing engagement with the internal surface.

Abstract: A rotary apparatus for purging empty bottles with nitrogen gas includes a rotor from which arms of flexible material radiate. Each arm carries a gas supply lead. The arrangement is that advancing bottles engages the heads and thereby drive the rotor. Valve means is provided whereby each head in turn is placed in communication with a purging gas supply when it reaches a first position and the communication is ended when the head reaches the second position. During its course of travel from the first position to the second position, the head communicates with a respective bottle and the bottle is thereby purged.

Abstract: A portable beverage dispenser system is housed within a rigid back pack transported on the back of a vendor. A beverage dispensing container, dispensing hose, and a pressurized gas container is housed within the back pack. The beverage dispensing container has a rigid wall surrounded by a flexible thermally insulating and cushioning jacket and an access opening at the top end of the dispensing container receives a removable flexible liner. A releasably locked closure lid is removably mounted within the access opening and has a gas fill valve and liquid fill and dispensing valve thereon with passages extending through the closure. The flexible liner is inserted into and withdrawn from the dispensing container in a collapsed condition and substantially conforms to the shape of the interior of the container in an installed liquid filled condition. The liner has an open end releasably engaged on the lid closure and forms a fluid pressure sealed envelope for containing the liquid beverage and the pressurized gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers, especially bottles, with liquid material is provided. The apparatus has at least one filling element for dispensing the liquid material into a respective container in a controlled manner. A bell-shaped portion is provided for each filling element and has a chamber for completely accommodating a container during a filling process. The underside of the bell-shaped portion has an opening for the introduction and withdrawal of a container. The apparatus also has a support mechanism that forms a support surface for the container and is disposed below the filling element in the direction of a filling element axis. Via relative movement between the bell-shaped portion and the support mechanism in the filling element axis, the chamber at the opening of the bell-shaped portion can be closed and opened by the support mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to aseptically dispense liquid under counterpressure into a container. In a sterilization phase that precedes the filling, the inner surfaces of a container, the container mouth, as well as an outer surface of the container adjacent to the mouth thereof, are acted upon by a hot, pressurized, gaseous or vaporous sterilization medium. During both the sterilization and filling phases, the respective container is thereby completely disposed in a chamber in such a way that the interior of the container communicates via the mouth thereof with the interior of this chamber. The sterilization medium is introduced into the container at a distance from the mouth thereof via a filling tube that later serves for filling.

Abstract: A valve assembly operable to fill a container with pressurized gas from a source thereof and to vent the cylinder and associated passage means in the valve assembly to atmosphere, the cylinder having a valve with a valve member spring biased to a closed position. The valve assembly has a valve housing within a main chamber, a supply port connectable to a source of pressurized gas, a fill port connectable to a cylinder to be filled, and a vent port communicating with the atmosphere, the supply port, fill port and vent port communicating with the main chamber. A valve body is mounted in the main chamber for movement therein and having a first passage operable in a first position of the valve body to connect the fill port to the vent port, a second passage operable in a second position of the valve body to connect the supply port to the fill port, and a third passage operable in a third position of the valve body to connect the fill port to the vent port.

Abstract: The head is determined by a valvular body defined by a housing (4) inside of which there is a sealer bushing (5) of the annular discharge outlet (7), which is crossed through by a vertical tube (8) whose bottom end can penetrate into the bottle (1) to be filled. The bushing (5) is axially connected to another segmented one (11) which pressed on the tube (8) by means of peripheral elastic rings (13). Both bushings incorporate both elastic inside rings (14-15), one of the non-slip type (14), which adjusts into the cylindrical periphery of the tube (8). Between the annular bed joint (6) of the sealer bushing (5) and the discharge outlet (7) there are two radial ducts (16-17) one (17) of which is connected to a discharge valve and the other (16) bifurcates to connect to both pressure (18) and vacuum (19) units of temporary and alternate operation. The bottle is pushed along its base in order to adjust hermetically to the discharge outlet (7) provided with an elastic bushing (3).

Abstract: A method and apparatus to aseptically dispense liquid under counterpressure for filling thereof into a container. In a sterilization phase that precedes the filling, the inner surfaces of a container, the container mouth, as well as an outer surface of the container adjacent to the mouth thereof, are acted upon by a hot, pressurized, gaseous or vaporous sterilization medium. During both the sterilization and filling phases, the respective container is thereby completely disposed in a chamber in such a way that the interior of the container communicates via the mouth thereof with the interior of this chamber. The sterilization medium is introduced into the container at a distance from the mouth thereof via a filling tube that later serves for filling.

Abstract: The disclosure of this application is directed to a medicament injection adjunct which provides a source of sterile air for loading into a medicament syringe prior to use of the syringe for withdrawing liquid medicament from a multi-dose vial. The disclosure also describes the sequence of steps involved in loading the syringe with sterile air. Embodiments involving inclusion of the adjunct in a tandem medicament package and also use of the adjunct in hospital wards or outpatient areas are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aseptically filling containers with product, such as the bags (B) of bag-in-box containers, wherein the aseptic filling chamber (9 or 40) with a filling head or nozzle (5 or 43) therein is provided with fluid inlet and outlet lines (2,4,6,8,19,21,39 or 57,59,63) to create desired positive or negative atmospheric conditions within the chamber, so that a positive pressure can be maintained within the chamber when change over, at an aperture in the chamber, of a bag to be filled occurs, and so that after filling, a negative pressure (through line 15 or 63) can be generated to evacuate the chamber and hence remove any headspace gas from the top of the filled container prior to it being capped.

Abstract: In apparatus for filling cans with beverage the can is coupled to the filler valve and purged of atmospheric air with a mostly inert gas and air mixture derived from the space of the liquid in a storage tank. When the exhaust valve is closed, another valve opens to permit pure inert gas stored in a reservoir to flow into the can and pressurize it to slightly above atmospheric pressure but below the pressure in the storage tank. A pre-pressurization valve is then opened to let some of the inert gas and air mixture in the storage tank flow to the can which is occupied by the substantially pure inert gas so practically none of the downflowing gas and air mixture from the storage tank enters the can although it fills the chamber to which the can is connected and thereby pressurizes the can. When the can pressure and storage tank pressure become equal, a liquid control valve opens to drain liquid from the tank into the can.

Abstract: A system for deaerating water utilized to flood a bore of a turbine rotor which is to be ultrasonically inspected in which the bore is inclined and evacuated and heated water enters the bore and impinges on a surface that breaks up the influent stream of water to substantially increase its surface area to assist in the deaeration, the bore being connected to a trough partially filled with heated water to a level above the bore to maintain the flooded condition of the bore during the ultrasonic inspection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for aseptic filling of pre-sterilized non-rigid containers, especially foodstuffs containers. The said process involves taking laying hold of the container by means of air-suction, followed by sterilization of part of the container and the means holding same, then piercing of the actual container and subsequent introduction thereinto of sterile gas. This is followed by introduction of the foodstuff into the container and ultimate hermetical heat-sealing of the container thus filled. The apparatus used for carrying out the process comprises a movable workhead, positioned appropriately along a traverse overlying the conveyor bringing up containers for filling the workhead has means for taking hold of the container by suction, means for piercing the container, and for introducing sterile gas and foodstuff into the container. The workhead carries out such operations by moving into angularly distinct respective working postures.

Abstract: Apparatus for dropping and sealing liquefied inert gases into a can immediately before rolling of a canning can, and applying internal pressure to the can after sealed. Liquefied gases supplied from a liquefied gas main tank to a liquefied gas storage tank set in gas pressure lower than that of the main tank is controlled by a bucket or ball type float valve to maintain a constant liquid level at all times. A given amount of liquefied gases are dropped from a dropping nozzle into a can by means of a dropping valve actuated by a sensing signal of the can. Internal pressure of the storage tank is maintained constant by releasing vaporized gases within the tank through a regulating valve. This released gas shields the liquefied gases released and dropped towards the circumference of the dropping nozzle and the nozzle to prevent vaporization of the dropping gases and freezing of the nozzle. To prevent the nozzle from being frozen, it is preferred that a nozzle portion is made of a suitable synthetic resin.

Abstract: A novel process for the removal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and other adsorbed material from electrical apparatus to limit residual contamination to be less than a predetermined level; the process includes the steps for removal of the bulk fluid, subsequent solvent wash, repeated contact with penetrating solvent vapor, and cooling solvent soaks, with continuous solvent recovery.

Abstract: A biaxially stretched molded bottle is forcibly cooled by having its outer surface contacted with a cooling fluid such as cold water or gas to avoid its deformation by the heat of a liquid poured into the bottole and elution by such heat of any constituent of the material from which it is molded, when the bottle is a molded product of a saturated polyester resin, particularly polyethylene terephthalate, which has poor heat resistance like bottles of other synthetic resins, and is filled with the liquid which is heated to a high temperature for sterilization purpose only when it is filled into such a bottle and which is allowed to return to room temperature or cooled. When the liquid is poured into the bottle through its open neck, the cooling fluid supplied for cooling the bottle is prevented from flowing into the bottle through its open neck and mixing impurities into the liquid in the bottle.

Abstract: The removal of undesirable substances such as water, PCB's and air from the internal components of electrical devices such as transformers and power capacitors is efficiently and effectively achieved by contacting, in the absence of air, the internal components of these various electrical devices with a heat-stable fluid material. The heat-stable fluid materials are preferably halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons and most preferably perchloroethylene or FREON 113.

Abstract: A method for producing sealed packages filled with fluid material wherein a limited amount of the material is delivered into a predetermined length of flexible, thermoplastic tubing, the major portion of which is wound on a primary reel, and the remainder of which is wound on a secondary reel. The amount is less than that required to completely fill the tubing, thus providing a slug of fluid material in the tubing on the primary reel and a vacant space in the tubing on the secondary reel. The amount of tubing on the secondary reel is calculated in advance to be equal in length to that portion of tubing required for the production of heat-sealed closures along the length of the tubing. The slug of material is displaced toward the secondary reel, thus creating a vacant space at the end of the tubing on the primary reel, and the tubing is rewound onto the primary reel.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling liquid gas with minimum contamination includes a manifold assembly separated into three sections by two valves and having a vent at one end and a fitting for connecting a gaseous sample container to the apparatus at its other end. A liquid sample receiving cylinder is connected to the middle section of the manifold assembly. A flexible conduit, which may be connected to a unit to be sampled at one end, may be selectively coupled to the sample receiving cylinder or the first section of the manifold assembly for purging the service hose. The method of using this apparatus includes purging sections of the manifold, receiving cylinder and flexible conduit with residual gas vapor pressure in a sample container, purging the flexible conduit with liquid gas from a unit to be sampled, filling the receiving cylinder with liquid gas, and converting the liquid gas to a gaseous state in the sample container.

Abstract: An automatic dispenser for ice cream in cups and/or wafer cones, comprising one or more containers for ice cream ingredients, a first compressor for supplying cold compressed air at a predetermined pressure to the said containers and to one or more holding and mixing chambers, a second compressor group supplying a cooling gas for cooling the surfaces of the said containers and to an outer chamber containing the said containers and being provided with a fan, an ice cream dispensing and a cup and/or cone dispensing device, a positioner for the cups and/or cones associated with a dosing device, a programmer for controlling the sequence of dispensing operation, and disactivation of the operation cycle when the cups and/or cones have received the predetermined quantity of ice cream.