Abstract: A cylinder rupture vessel rotates the cylinder during the rupturing process by using at least one driven roller assembly supported on a plurality of bearing surfaces. A rupture mechanism punctures the container and, when used in combination with the roller assembly, the cylinder is cut into sections. The rupture mechanism may be a water laser, a milling tool, a plasma cutting tool, a lathe tool, or at least one cutting wheel. Relative movement between the rupture mechanism and the bearing surfaces is achieved by a plurality of actuators. Treatment or decontamination of contents may be performed in the cylinder rupture vessel.

Abstract: A core-material container constituted of a container main body whose opening is covered with a sheet-like lid member made of an air-permeable material. In order to charge powder core material through a core-material charging inlet uniformly as well as densely, the charging operation of the core material is carried out in the following manner: housing the core material container in a housing space formed by a positioning guide and a plate member; releasing air from a suction outlet, thereby making the core-material charging inlet adhere around a nozzle; releasing air located inside a sealed space enclosed by an upper frame and a lower frame through an air outlet; and charging the core material through the nozzle while evacuating the core material container. Thus, the core material is uniformly charged by air flows caused by the air release, and the charge is densely carried out since air contained in the core material is removed.

Abstract: An aerosol can compacting apparatus which evacuates the can for recovery of any residual propellant and product, therefrom and then compacts the can discharges the slug now compacted for collection. The apparatus can be operated in an automated fashion and preferably by compressed air.

Abstract: A containment vessel is provided to allow the safe, environmentally acceptable release and recontainerization or other processing of hazardous contents from compressed gas cylinders or other target container. The containment vessel is used to position a gas cylinder or other target container adjacent to one or more pneumatic guns. A variety of projectiles are provided for use with the pneumatic guns to pierce the body of the target container. A pneumatic chamber and gun barrel are attached to the containment vessel intermediate the ends thereof to fire a projectile which will puncture the target. Connections are provided for communicating with the containment vessel for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by rupturing the target without releasing the contents into the environment. All of the gas cylinder processing operations may be conducted remotely.

Abstract: A tapping assembly comprising a main valve for selectively opening and closing a valve passageway, a support for holding the main valve adjacent a unit to be tapped, a drill for piercing a wall of that unit with the drill including a housing and a cutting element. A coupler is provided with left-hand threads and right-hand threads for easily connecting and disconnecting the drill housing from the main valve, thereby allowing easy replacement of a drill bit. Vents are provided both upstream and downstream of the main valve for permitting controlled removal of the contents of the unit with the main valve closed and for permitting controlled removal of any contents of the unit from the coupler with the main valve closed.

Abstract: A powder filling apparatus for filling a container with powder is provided. In the powder filling apparatus, a bottle is carried into a plurality of work units moving around successively. While the work units move to work stations disposed in a circumferential direction successively, the bottle is filled with powder by equally evacuating the inside and the outside of the container and dropping powder into the container simultaneously with raising the pressure outside the container. The bottle filled with powder is then taken out from the work units successively while the work units move around.

Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders is defined by an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.

Abstract: A pressurized canister recycling apparatus is used to recycle contents of a plurality of pressurized canisters of varying length and diameter. The canisters are maintained in a hopper and released. The canisters are pushed into a canister piercing station where they are pierced while isolated from the outside environment. After being pierced and while still isolated from the outside environment, the canisters travel within an evacuation tank. The evacuated contents of the canisters are drawn away from the evacuation tank with filters recovering the active ingredients of the canisters and purifying the propellant. The propellant is then placed in a storage tank. The present invention is particularly useful for recycling medicinal Freon ingested into the body since the Freon recovered does not require additional purification before reuse.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing thermally conductive paste into the blind holes of a cold plate, and the insertion of pistons into those blind holes and in engagement with and to be coated by the thermal paste is described. The thermal paste is extruded from a carrier plate into the blind holes by the pistons to form the finished assembly of the cold plate under conditions of a vacuum to eliminate entrapped air or gases, which either would expand when the cold plate assembly was positioned within a vacuum chamber of a thermally conductive module or would impede heat transfer between the piston and the cold plate.

Abstract: A system for recovering propellant from aerosol cans and other sources having a gaseous propellant therein, which system constitutes a separation tank in which the propellant is separated from the product it was to deliver, a compressor to both compress the propellant and introduce it into a heat exchanger which cools the propellant into a liquid which liquid can be collected in a collection chamber in communication therewith.

Abstract: Aerosol spray cans are positioned one at a time at a workstation by inserting the bottom wall of each can through an appropriately sized centering ring to center the bottom wall relative to an annular seal that engages peripheral portions of the bottom wall to support the can at the workstation. The bottom wall is clamped into sealing engagement with the annular seal by using a lever operated clamping mechanism that is adjustable to accommodate all known standard sizes of aerosol spray cans. The bottom wall is punctured by using a lever operated, rack and pinion driven piercing mechanism that extends a piercing pin through the center opening of the annular seal. Contents that discharge from a pierced can are ducted into a receiving container, a lower portion of which is used to collect liquid contents for environmentally safe disposal.

Abstract: A method and assembly for treating hazardous and/or unknown fluids either liquids or compressed gases contained in a gas cylinder (12) having a cylinder body (14) and a removable fixture (16). The assembly (10) includes a tubular housing (18) having an open end (20). An adjustable carriage assembly (34, 38, 40) is included for supporting the cylinder body (14) in the center of the housing (18). A clamping assembly (30) secures the cylinder body (14) to the carriage assembly (34, 38, 42). An end cap (70) seals the open end (20) of the housing (18). A shaft (72) is rotatably disposed through the end cap (70). The shaft (72) includes a fixture engagement assembly (78) on one end (76) thereof for engaging a portion of the fixture (16) and imparting a rotational force thereto. A motor driven gear box (86) imparts the rotational force to another end (74) of the shaft (72 ).

Abstract: A multi-stage, batch or continuous, manual or automated process and apparatus for safely depressurizing, de-capping (decrimping plus pulling caps), and recycling aerosol cans, propellants, solvents, chemicals, dip tubes, and can tops. The apparatus includes a synchronized sorting and loading unit for guiding the cans onto an advancing line. The cans are first depressurized by a vacuum head unit comprising a vacuum seal and a reciprocable hollow needle which punctures the can recessed top cap and removes the propellants by suction for later reuse or disposal. The cans are advanced to a decapping unit where the cap member is removed by decrimping to crack the seal followed by being vertically pulled off without damage to the can's rolled lip.

Abstract: The present invention is a vacuum fill system for deaerating flowable materials for storage in a container. The vacuum fill system in general has a hollow, cylindrical container connected to a plurality of valves, slide gate valves and a vacuum pump in order to create a vacuum when filled with flowable materials that causes the flowable materials to deaerate and subsequently compact when atmospheric pressure is restored.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading fluid, preferably pressurized gas, from containers in a controlled manner that protects the immediate area from exposure to the container contents. The device consists of an unloading housing, which is enclosed within at least one protective structure, for receiving the dispensed contents of the steel container, and a laser light source, located external to the protective structure, for opening the steel container instantaneously. The neck or stem of the fluid container is placed within the sealed interior environment of the unloading housing. The laser light passes through both the protective structure and the unloading housing to instantaneously pierce a small hole within the stem of the container. Both the protective structure and the unloading housing are specially designed to allow laser light passage without compromising the light's energy level. Also, the unloading housing allows controlled flow of the gas once it has been dispensed from the container.

Abstract: A vapor reduction system for a solvent bottle (12) which is performed in an enclosure (11). A timer (23) controls events during a purge cycle. A vent (14) removes vapors from the enclosure to a vapor treatment system. Pressurized gas is forced through the solvent bottle (12) which vaporizes solvent liquid. A receptacle (16) receives solvent liquid and vapor forced from solvent bottle (12). A line (17) removes to solvent liquid from the receptacle (16) to an environmentally safe container. A second line (18) removes solvent vapor from the receptacle (16) to the vapor treatment system. A fire extinguishing system (31) senses and extinguishes any fire which may develop.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for removing gases and liquid from containers. The ice punctures the bottom of a container for purposes of exhausting gases and liquid from the container without their escaping into the atmosphere. The device includes an inner cup or cylinder having a top portion with an open end for receiving a container and a bottom portion which may be fastened to a disposal or waste container in a substantially leak-proof manner. A piercing device is mounted in the lower portion of the inner cylinder for puncturing the can bottom placed in the inner cylinder. An outer cylinder having an open end and a closed end fits over the top portion of the inner cylinder in telescoping engagement. A force exerted on the closed end of the outer cylinder urges the bottom of a can in the inner cylinder into engagement with the piercing device in the bottom of the inner cylinder to form an opening in the can bottom, thereby permitting the contents of the can to enter the disposal container.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for removing and otherwise managing the contents of compressed gas cylinders and other hazardous containers. The invention includes a selectively sealable chamber that receives a container to be serviced. A shearing device such as a saw or cutter is provided within the chamber. Once the chamber is sealed, the shearing device engages the cylinder and shears off a portion thereof. Such an operation permits the entire contents of the cylinder to be released into the chamber. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a device for manipulating the position of the chamber to facilitate gravitational drainage of the contents. The present invention further includes a decontamination system that delivers decontamination or cleansing fluids to both the interior of the opened cylinder and the chamber. The present invention further includes an evacuation system that removes all gases from the chamber and the cylinder in a environmentally safe manner.

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring the filling elements of a filling machine that, for filling containers with a liquid filling material, has a plurality of such filling elements disposed on a rotating rotor. Each filling element has a closeable bell-shaped portion for accommodating a container that is to be filled. The bell-shaped portion is designed to operate at a processing pressure of a gaseous or vaporous medium, with the processing pressure being other than ambient pressure. To monitor a satisfactory operation, a respective pressure gauge is provided on each filling element and is responsive to the pressure in the pertaining bell-shaped portion of that filling element. At least one sensor is provided via which the pressure gauge produces an electrical signal if the processing pressure in the bell-shaped portion deviates from the ambient pressure.

Abstract: A vacuum fill system for deaerating flowable materials includes a hollow, cylindrical container connected to a plurality of valves, slide gate valves and a vacuum pump for creating a vacuum when filled with flowable materials that causes the flowable materials to deaerate and subsequently compact when atmospheric pressure is restored.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable, closed, chemical transfer system is described. The system includes a support frame, a container, a vacuum pump, a leveling means for the container, a valved inlet line, and a valved outlet line. The leveling means allows for use of the portable, self-contained system on various surface levels. The vacuum pump can provide solely a vacuum to the container of the system or can be structured to also provide pressure to the container of the system to facilitate emptying of the container. When a pressure means is not provided, gravity is utilized to facilitate emptying of the container. The vacuum pump of the invention which provides alternatively for both vacuum and pressure includes a single operating lever operatively connected to two 3-way valves which are used in conjunction with a motor, air pump, and appropriate air lines. The system is operated through the use of a minimal number of valves which provides for simple construction and operation.

Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders is defined by an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.

Abstract: A multi-stage, batch or continuous, manual or automated process and apparatus for safely depressurizing, de-capping (decrimping plus pulling caps), and recycling aerosol cans, propellants, solvents, chemicals, dip tubes, and can tops. The apparatus includes a synchronized sorting and loading unit for guiding the cans onto an advancing line. The cans are first depressurized by a vacuum head unit comprising a vacuum seal and a reciprocable hollow needle which punctures the can recessed top cap and removes the propellants by suction for later reuse or disposal. The cans are advanced to a decapping unit where the cap member is removed by decrimping to crack the seal followed by being vertically pulled off without damage to the can's rolled lip.

Abstract: Containerless apparatus for accessing a pressurized member and identifying fluid contents thereof includes a support for an access port to be provided to the interior of the member, a cutting device removably secured to the support for cutting a substantially flat sealing portion in the exterior of the member, a seal forming coupling secured to the support for forming a seal with substantially flat sealing portion, and a drilling mechanism including a drilling tool for drilling an access port in the sealing portion of the member through the coupling. A valve may be included between the drilling mechanism and the coupling to control the passage of fluid, with the drilling tool passing through the valve when such valve is in the open position. A sampling mechanism may be secured in fluid-tight relation to the drilling mechanism for sampling the fluid contents of the member.

Abstract: Apparatus for admitting metered quantities of a liquid into discrete containers in the form of bottles, cans or the like has a rotary annular tank which carries at its underside a ring-shaped set of filling units each of which has a discrete metering vessel serving to receive a metered quantity of liquid from the interior of the tank for admission into a container which is placed into alignment with a centering and sealing sleeve movably mounted on each metering vessel. If the liquid is to be admitted into the containers at an elevated pressure, the supply of liquid in the tank is disposed beneath a plenum chamber and each filling unit is designed to admit compressed gas from the plenum chamber into the aligned container prior to admission of a metered quantity of liquid. The liquid which flows into a container expels the compressed gas which is returned into the plenum chamber or into a separate receptacle.

Abstract: A vacuum fill system for deaerating flowable material includes a cylindrical container partitioned into a plurality of chambers which rotate sequentially and which are connected to a vacuum pump for establishing a vacuum when filled with flowable material. The flowable material deaerates and compacts when atmospheric pressure is subsequently restored.

Abstract: A method for disposal of aerosol dispensers and the contents thereof, which comprises cooling of the aerosol dispenser and its residual contents to a temperature below which the propellant exhibits a substantial vapor pressure (i.e., below the boiling point(s) of the propellant(s)). It is then possible to puncture the container without danger of an uncontrolled release of the contents. The cold liquefied propellant and any additional liquid contents of the spray container may then be drained, without any danger of propellant release to the atmosphere, into a collection container capable of subsequently accommodating the vapor pressure of the propellant at ambient temperature. The container is sealed while its contents are still cold and the liquid is allowed to reach ambient temperature, whereby the propellant regains its vapor pressure and some of the propellant mixture returns to a gaseous form.

Abstract: Device for releasing a remaining gas which can easily puncture a hole without involving danger and a cap of a pressure can container which removably stores such a device. The remaining gas releasing device has a flexible sponge plate, a push pin member with its pin portion fitted into the center of one of the surfaces of the sponge plate, a center hole rigid sheet member positioned around the push pin member, a gas-impermeable rigid sheet plate bonded to the surfaces of the center hole rigid plate member, an adhesive sheet plate bonded to the other surface of the sponge plate so that the other surface is covered therewith and having a small hole at its center, and a release sheet plate peelably bonded to the adhesive sheet plate.

Abstract: A multi-stage, batch or continuous, manual or automated process and apparatus for safely depressurizing, de-capping (decrimping plus pulling caps), and recycling aerosol cans, propellants, solvents, chemicals, dip tubes, and can tops. The apparatus includes a synchronized sorting and loading unit for guiding the cans onto an advancing line. The cans are first depressurized by a vacuum head until comprising a vacuum seal and a reciprocable hollow needle which punctures the can recessed top cap and removes the propellants by suction for later reuse or disposal. The cans are advanced to a decapping until where the cap member is removed by decrimping to crack the seal followed by being vertically pulled off without damage to the can's rolled lip.

Abstract: A system for recovering vapor and liquid emerging from a tank as it is being filled, in which the volumetric flow of a recovery pump that withdraws the vapor through a recovery tube is made equal to the volumetric flow of a fuel delivery pump with a microprocessor. The microprocessor can also modify the volumetric flow of the recovery pump in response to variations in the hydraulic pressure at the inlet side of the recovery pump.

Abstract: A safety gas and liquid containment unit is provided with sealing for retaining the hazardous gas therein until treated. The containment unit can be placed on a transport carrier and rotated from a vertical position to a horizontal position thereon. The gas cylinder may be brought to the containment unit by placing it on a wheeled cart. By aligning the cart with the horizontally positioned containment unit, the container is then transferred from the cart to the containment unit, which can in turn be transported to an appropriate area for treatment. Upon removal of the toxic or other gases, the container can be withdrawn from the containment unit by a winch mechanism.

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 fuel filler assembly (10) for a fuel tank (12) of a vehicle including a filler tube (14) for directing fuel to the tank (12) and a vent tube (15). The vent tube (15) is closed by a float valve (24) when the tank is filled to capacity and an equalizing port (27) is provided in the vent tube (15) to balance the pressure between the upper portion of the filler neck and the vapor dome area of the tank. When pressure is relieved by removing the filler cap, relief valve (25) located above the float valve (24) and within the vapor dome of the fuel tank operates to allow pressure relief from the vapor dome of the fuel tank. A check valve (20) is provided in the filler tube (14) at the fuel tank (12). The check valve (20) in the filler tube (14) features a valve element (38) having cylindrical sides (39) and a hemispherical end (41) which is received in a housing (32) having cylindrical walls (34) and an annular seat (40) against which the hemispherical end (41) of the valve element (38) seals.

Abstract: A cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of hazardous contents of compressed gas cylinders is defined by an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.

Abstract: Liquid under a given temperature and pressure is aseptically tranferred from a first space to a second space by introducing a gas having a condensation temperature which at the given pressure is higher than the temperature of the liquid, into the second space, permitting the gas to contact the liquid in the first space where it is condensed by contact with the liquid, the lowered pressure in the second space inducing liquid from the first space to flow into the second space.

Abstract: Substance loss is minimized in a station for loading a container with cryogenic substance stored in a tank. A throttle vent valve is provided at the outlet vent of a container being loaded for controlling the differential pressure between the storage tank and the container. The throttle vent valve is adjusted to maintain the differential pressure at a value equal to the optimum differential pressure for minimizing substance loss. The optimum differential pressure is selected by determining the filling loss for a plurality of values of differential pressure and selecting the differential pressure which produces the minimum filling loss.

Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders comprises an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.

Abstract: A control system for providing a closed loop control circuit between a liquid nitrogen dispenser and apparatus for determining internal pressure within a closed can having liquid nitrogen applied thereto whereby the automatic controlling of the volume of liquid nitrogen dispensed into each can is effected. Control data from a pressure test unit is averaged and the average is compared to a preselected set point and converted into a pulse of a width varying in accordance with the average detected pressure of previously filled cans to control the time of dispensing and thus the volume of dispensed liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: Pressurization of containers with liquid nitrogen to impart container strength and content protection is effected by injecting a small quantity of liquid nitrogen before sealing the container by the methods and apparatus including a gas pressure system wherein liquid nitrogen is maintained by control means at a constant pressure with nitrogen gas being separated from liquid nitrogen before dispensing and a recirculating pump pressure system wherein liquid nitrogen from a second of two supplies is pumped through a conduit to a dispensing gun and surplus liquid and gas is returned to the supply.

Abstract: A device for filling a container through a spout extending from the container includes a sterile chamber having a wall opening therethrough for inserting the spout into the chamber. A cover inside the chamber is positioned over a base plate which encloses the wall opening to prevent the escape of sterile gas from the chamber when the spout is being inserted into and removed from the wall opening. A pair of jaws fit around the spout when the spout is in the opening to hold the spout in position for filling and to prevent contamination of the sterile chamber during the filling operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for carrying out multiple simultaneous transfers of fluid. The method and apparatus are particularly directed toward immunoassays wherein immunologically active compounds, such as antigens and haptens, are detected through their associated antibodies. The device relies on the ability to transfer fluids, such as biological samples and reagents, between a reservoir and an associated receptacle. By providing a receptacle having a port at its lower end and which is otherwise hermetically sealed, such fluid transfer can be effected by immersing the port beneath the surface of the fluid in the reservoir and manipulating the pressure on the remaining surface area outside the port. The transfer of biological fluids at positive pressure provides enhanced fluids flow characteristics, particularly reduction or elimination of the tendency of these fluids to froth or bubble.

Abstract: A device for filling containers through a spout on the container includes a sterile chamber that has an opening in a wall through which the spout of the container may be inserted into the chamber, a filling head inside the chamber for connecting with the spout and filling the container through the spout, a cup-shaped cap inside the chamber that covers the opening in the wall to substantially prevent the escape of a sterile gas from the chamber when the spout is not in the opening, a fluid spray head inside the cup-shaped cap for sterilizing the spout before it is exposed to the sterile chamber, and a pair of jaws that fit around the spout when the spout is in the opening to substantially prevent the escape of the sterile gas during the filing operation when the cap is removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting fluids into flexible containers. The apparatus includes an outer vacuum chamber having a flexible container disposed therein. A split inner chamber is positioned around the flexible container. A bladder means is disposed between the inner chamber and the outer chamber. The bladder means is in communication with the atmosphere so as to cause the bladder means to expand and fill the space between the inner chamber and the outer chamber when the vacuum is applied to the outer chamber.

Abstract: A system of apparatus for filling bags with dry powdered material and separating foreign matter therefrom includes a vacuum chamber for receiving a bag for filling with dry powder and a novel classifier for removing particulate foreign matter from the powder. The system includes a tank which is evacuated by a small vacuum pump and is connected to the enclosure where the bags are filled with powder and also is connected to a classifier which is provided for separating particulate foreign matter from the powder being bagged. The classifier is a rotary screen separator which discharges dry powder through the screen into a hopper connected to the bag filling enclosure. The classifier is connected to be maintained under vacuum on the outlet side during operation and is arranged to be connected to vacuum on the inlet side for back flushing to remove and recover particulate matter collected therein.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for filling containers within a sterile chamber under aseptic conditions includes a vertically disposed nozzle (48) which forms an extension of the sterile chamber and which is arranged to have its lower outlet end inserted into an open container to be filled and which is provided with valve closure element (51) which is opened when the nozzle is at its lowermost position and which remains open during filling of the container which is accompanied by upward movement of the nozzle and of the closure element while maintained in open position so as to prevent splashing together with a drip proof seal (49, 52, and 53) for preventing dripping following closure of the valve means.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for applying liquids to objects under vacuum, and in one embodiment, particularly suitable for injecting potting compounds into electronic components, comprises a portable, bell-shaped housing, preferably made from transparent material and having a bottom, circular aperture surrounded by a vacuum gasket, conduit means for introducing vacuum into the interior chamber of the bell-shaped housing, regulator means for regulating the degree of vacuum so introduced into said housing, gauge means for monitoring the degree of vacuum within said housing, container means for holding the potting compound in liquid form, liquid conduit means for transferring liquid potting compound from said container means to a desired location within said housing, and a liquid flow regulation valve for controlling the rate of flow of liquid potting compound through said liquid conduit means.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly including a dump tank disposed near the fill pipe for an underground gasoline storage tank at an automobile service station. The tank is normally isolated by a hand valve and a check valve from communication with the storage tank fill pipe, however, when the storage tank has been filled from a transport vehicle, the gasoline in the fill pipe and the flexible delivery hose may be dumped into the dump tank by opening a manually operated valve. The check valve permits gasoline thus dumped to flow from the dump tank back to the storage tank as gasoline is pumped from the storage tank during normal pump operation of the service station.

Abstract: Fluid is forced from a reservoir into an evacuated chamber by forcing a plunger into the reservoir. When it is desired accurately to stop the flow of the fluid, the plunger is withdrawn and concurrently the pressure in the reservoir is reduced to that of the evacuated chamber by means of vacuum pump connected to the reservoir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for rapidly distributing a first gas throughout a chamber that contains both the first gas and a second gas. The invention is particularly useful in the pressurizing of tennis ball centers with a low permeability gas, where the diffusion rate between the low permeability gas and air is very slow. By this invention, the distribution of the low permeability gas throughout the mold can be accomplished in a much shorter period of time by a mechanical mixing method and apparatus that involves circulating the mixture of gases inside the mold through a conduit and pump located outside the mold.

Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders comprises an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.