Abstract: A method for the processing in one possible embodiment for the packaging of products using an oxygen-free process gas. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of devices and methods for removing excess air from containers and/or for preserving liquids, paints, and other materials (including semi-liquids and even some solids) that might otherwise dry out, oxidize, or turn bad in some way after being opened, such as paint, wine, food, beverages, etc., when seals of the containers holding the same might be compromised over the passage of time and/or from use, etc.

Abstract: A portable device for delivering nitrogen to multiple tires includes a gas source and supply line connected to a controller. The device also includes a gas delivery line comprising a manifold with a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with each other. A gas delivery line is operably connected to the controller and a plurality of extension lines with engagement chucks are operably connected to the outlets. The controller controls the supply of gas to the gas delivery line and controls a relief valve for venting the gas delivery line. The device also includes a sensor and a processor connected the controller and sensor which accepts user inputs. The controller, manifold and processor are affixed to a stand.

Abstract: A method and device for protecting rope (the term “rope” meaning herein a traditional rope or any other item that would be degraded by contact with oxygen) from reactive atmospheric gases, the basic method comprising introducing a gas having a greater molecular weight than does oxygen, O2, termed a “heavy gas,” into a container having a low permeability to gas. Preferably, the heavy gas is an inert gas; and, most preferably, the heavy gas is argon. Also preferably, after introduction of the heavy gas, the heavy gas is removed, creating a vacuum within the container; and, most preferably the process of introduction and removal is repeated two times. Optionally, argon can be reintroduced into the container prior to sealing of the container. The device for protecting rope is, logically, the container and its contents resulting from the process just described.

Abstract: A method for the filling of beverage cans in a beverage can filling plant, a method for the filling of cans in a can filling plant, and an apparatus therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

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: This invention relates to an apparatus and a method of making and using the apparatus to remove vapors from a storage tank, particularly an underground storage tank. In particular, the apparatus provides a combination of a pump and a stack capable of secure connection to a tank, through which combination vapors from the tank can be exhausted at the height of the stack.

Abstract: A vacuum container comprises a body coupled with a bottom seat having an air sucking device mounted therein, the body having a micro switch electrically connected to the air sucking device, a fastener having a second lever slidably contacted with a lever of the micro switch, a first lever having a first end with a pin optionally coupled to a hole defined in the body and a second end slidably contacted with the second lever of the fastener, and a spring mounted between the second end of the first lever and a tab of the body; and a cover pivotally connected to the body and having tabs for being clamped with the fastener of the body. When the cover is closed, the air sucking device can automatically start operation to suck air from the container for keeping food fresh therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a hard disk drive with a low-density gas is provided. A valve body is positioned over an opening in the hard disk drive housing. The valve body is in communication with a source of low-density gas, a vacuum source and the interior of the disk drive. The vacuum source evacuates the internal cavity of the disk drive through the opening. The cavity is then filled with the low-density gas. A reciprocating member then positions a sealing member in the opening to seal the opening and capture the low-density gas within the disk drive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manipulating a gas heavier than air in a tank. Said tank comprises a successive closure and opening arranged on the top thereof, an input for said heavy gas into the tank when it is closed and an off for said input when the tank is opened, and a depression unit arranged on the periphery of the top of the tank provided with a unit for sucking out the heavy gas effluent from the top of the tank to a closed chamber.

Abstract: An improved fuel filling apparatus (1) or motor vehicles is described. The fuel filling apparatus comprises a receiver assembly (2) suitable for locating within a filler neck of a fuel tank (33) and a fuel filling nozzle assembly (3). By incorporating vents (14) within the receiver assembly an exhaust means for gases located within the fuel tank is provided and so the effects of foaming of the fuel are reduced. Various automatic cut off mechanisms (6) for the fuel filling apparatus system are described which allow the operator to be confident that a fuel tank has been filled to capacity while reducing the detrimental effects of fuel spillage. As a result the apparatus finds particular application in the field of diesel fuel filling apparatus.

Abstract: A diluted fuel includes the addition to a base fuel of a volume increasing, non-reactive, inert gas as a diluter. A fuel tank, a tank of diluter and a tank of combustion enhancing additive are arranged to feed their respective products through control valves into an intermediate mixing tank. The mixed fuel is then metered into a tank which includes an interior aluminum mesh to improve the suspension of the diluter within the fuel.

Abstract: A sterile container is provided, especially for receiving and containing surgical instruments or material in sterile conditions, comprising a receiving area formed by a container bottom and container walls, a lid for sealing the receiving are, and a gas exchange opening which can be sealed by a sterile filter maintained in a filter holder. In order to simplify replacement of the sterile filter and to simplify the production of the lid, the sterile filter and filter holder form a filter unit and the filter holder is mounted on the lid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing semiconductor devices are disclosed. In accordance with the invention, a wafer transfer device for transferring wafers from wafer storage containers to wafer processing equipment includes a flow chamber designed to reduce the amount of contaminants that can enter the wafer container. The wafer transfer apparatus provide two gas inlets for allowing two gases to flow through the flow chamber of the transfer apparatus. This results in a reduced amount of contaminants able to enter the wafer container, which in turn results in manufacture of devices with more reliable performance characteristics as well as high manufacturing yield.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching substrates includes an upper chamber for holding an upper substrate and a lower chamber for holding a lower substrate which is to be attached to the upper substrate. The lower chamber is moved up and down so as to come together with the upper chamber to form a sealed attaching space. A substrate receiving part is fixed to a frame of the apparatus so that it does not move as the lower chamber is raised and lowered. The substrate receiving part alternatively projects from the lower chamber is the lower chamber is moved down, or is recessed into the top of the lower chamber when the lower chamber is lifted up.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for automatically maintaining a pressure differential for the continuous delivery of a liquid to semiconductor manufacturing equipment. A refillable bulk liquid delivery system includes a plurality of canisters residing along a liquid flow path, whereby an over pressure is detected within at least one of the canisters. The over pressure may be detected using an automatic venting circuit or a programmable logic controller programmed for detecting such over pressures. The over pressure is then exhausted by removing excess pressure from the canister through a venting valve to maintain a Delta pressure across the canisters for continuously delivering the liquid along the liquid flow path.

Abstract: An automatic bulk filling process for filling a large number of liquid containers (20) simultaneously which consists of placing the open-topped liquid containers upside down in a rack (22). The rack is then inserted into a vacuum chamber (28) and positioned directly above a tray (38) that contains a liquid medicinal product (40). The next step is to evacuate the chamber to a predetermined level below atmospheric pressure and then lowering the rack until the containers are partially immersed in the liquid product. Following that step, nitrogen is introduced into the vacuum chamber at a predetermined gradual rate, thereby quickly forcing the medicinal liquid product into the containers. The rack is then raised from the tray containing the liquid medicinal product and removed from the chamber as another rack full of containers is simultaneously inserted into the chamber from the other end.

Abstract: A substrate container includes an enclosure and an access structure formed in the enclosure and providing fluid access through the enclosure to an interior of the substrate container. The access structure includes an opening and an inner surface. A grommet is situated against the inner surface of the access structure.

Abstract: A device comprising a plug positioned within a housing to regulate air within a container, for example, plastic storage containers or bags. The plug is positioned within the housing to occlude a port hole in the housing. The housing is positioned within a container so the port hole faces a wall of the container. A hole is created in the container above the port hole. To evacuate or inject air into the container, a hose adaptor with a specialized hose tip is connected to a vacuum or air hose. When inserted into the port hole, the hose tip temporarily displaces the plug from the port hole. Vents within the housing allow air to move through the housing and into or out of the hose tip. Removal of the hose tip allows the plug to resume position over the porthole to maintain the vacuum or air pressure within the container.

Abstract: Devices comprising a plug positioned within a housing to regulate air within a container, for example, plastic storage containers or bags. One embodiment utilizes a plug that occludes an opening in a housing. The plug is displaced from the opening to inject or evacuate air from a container. An alternative embodiment utilizes a plug having air channels therein which can be sealed once air has been injected into or evacuated from a container. The devices are utilized with hose adaptors connected to vacuum or air hoses having specialized hose tips for coupling with the housing.

Abstract: Manufacturing equipment and manufacturing process steps that improve upon prior art processes for the manufacturing of filament tube and arc tube light sources, their components and subassemblies, and lamps employing said light sources. A double ended, tipless filament tube or arc tube light source incorporates a drawn-down tubular body, and one piece foliated leads with spurs for process handling and for spudding into a filament with stretched-out legs. Bugled ends on the body provide a novel cutoff means, facilitate a flush-fill finishing process, and enhance mounting and support of the light sources in lamps. The foliated leads are made from a continuous length of wire in a process including foil hammering and two-bath AC electrochemical etching. Cost-reduced light source and lamp production enables affordable household consumer lamps, even when containing two series-connected halogen filament tubes.

Abstract: While gas in a general storage container with no gas inlet and in the storage container with the gas inlet is replaced in a short time, the semiconductor wafer surface is cleaned. In an apparatus for replacing gas in a semiconductor wafer storage container which includes a lid unit and a storage container main body with a gas inlet, the apparatus includes gas introducing means for introducing the gas into the storage container main body, gas evacuating means for evacuating the gas in the storage container main body, and gas circulating means for circulating the gas in the storage container main body through a chemical adsorption filter. Gas introducing means for introducing the gas from a gap between the storage container main body and the lid unit while the lid unit is opened in the storage container mounting means is provided in the storage container with no gas inlet.

Abstract: A device for producing heavy gas-filled insulating glass sheets (62, 64, 60) has two plates (4, 6), between which the insulating glass sheet (62, 64, 60) which is to be filled can be located. On the vertical edges of the plates (4, 6) there are sealing devices (12) to seal the space (10) between the plates (4, 6). On the lower edge of the plates (4, 6) there are a conveyor means (40) for insulating glass and a channel (44) for the supply of heavy gas into the space (10) between the plates (4, 6) and into the interior (60) of the insulating glass sheets (62, 64, 60). In one of the plates (4, 6) there is a seal (20) which extends solely transversely to the plane of the plate (4) from bottom to top essentially vertically and which is located for example in the (lengthwise) middle of the plate (4).

Abstract: A method for purging a manifold for the delivery of a high purity chemical by injecting of a purge gas into the manifold under vacuum conditions. In one embodiment, the method comprises a first step of injecting a purge gas into the manifold at a first end while applying vacuum at a second end; a second step of closing the first end and evacuating the manifold by applying vacuum at the second end; and a third step of opening the first end and injecting purge gas into the manifold at the first end while applying vacuum at the second end, causing a turbulent flow of the purge gas along the internal walls of the manifold due to the pressure differential between the purge gas and the evacuated manifold. An effective removal of residuals of the high purity chemical within the manifold is thereby achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sterile container, in particular for the receipt and sterile storage of surgical instruments or material, comprising a receiving chamber and a gas exchange opening that can be sealed using a sterile filter. The aim of the invention is to prevent undesired liquid from reaching the sterile filter. To achieve this, the exterior of the lid is provided with at least one inflow edge, which faces away from the gas exchange opening, and falls away towards the exterior in relation to a lid plane.

Abstract: An inerting system (10) for an aircraft (12) includes one or more fuel tank circuits (15) associated with fuel tanks (16). An air source (17) supplies pressurized air. A heat exchanger (56) cools the pressurized air. An air separation module (46) is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger (56) and separates inerting gas from the pressurized air. A controller (40) controls flow of the inerting gas from the air separation module (46) to the fuel tanks (16).

Abstract: An apparatus for purging an article such as a tire of moisture and other impurities and for inflating the article with dry pure gas. The apparatus includes a four way valve; a gas input assembly communicatively connected to the valve; a vacuum generator communicatively connected to the valve; and an article interface assembly communicatively connected to the valve. A method of purging and inflating an article, includes the steps of establishing fluid communication between an article and a valve; establishing a pressurized fluid communication between the valve and a source of pressurized gas; establishing a fluid connection between the valve and a vacuum generator whereby pressurized gas flows through the vacuum generator to the atmosphere and fluid in the article flows through the vacuum generator to the atmosphere; and establishing a fluid connection via the valve whereby pressurized gas flows to the article.

Abstract: When atmosphere inside a wafer carrier is replaced by introducing a gas into the wafer carrier from a gas inlet provided to the wafer carrier that can accommodate wafers. At the same time, the atmosphere inside the wafer carrier is sucked to make an inside pressure negative relative to an outside pressure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of potting a component, namely encasing a component (110) in a potting compound (112) with, optionally, all or some of the voids in the component also being filled with potting compound. In particular, the present invention relates to potting a component that will be subject to high electric field strengths in use. The method comprises introducing an inert gas into a first pressure vessel (100) containing the component to be potted thereby to create an inert environment, introducing a potting compound into the first pressure vessel and allowing the potting compound to cure in the inert environment.

Abstract: A gas conduit for a load lock chamber. The gas conduit connects to a gas source to introduce gas from the gas source into the load lock chamber of semiconductor equipment. The structure includes a filter mounted on the top surface of the load lock chamber, a pressure limitative device to maintain a preset pressure of gas source, and a gas inlet device including an inlet end connected to the pressure limitative device and an outlet end connected to the filter, wherein the gas inlet device introduces gas from the gas source into the load lock chamber with its maximum flow rate when breaching the vacuum therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sterile container, especially for receiving and containing surgical instruments or material in sterile conditions, comprising a receiving area formed by a container bottom and container walls, a lid for sealing the receiving are, and a gas exchange opening which can be sealed by a sterile filter maintained in a filter holder. In order to simplify replacement of the sterile filter and to simplify the production of the lid, the sterile filter and filter holder form a filter unit and the filter holder is mounted on the lid.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser with a booted nozzle for vapor recovery is modified to include check valves in a vapor return path. The check valves selectively allow atmospheric air into the vapor return path to alleviate nuisance shut offs at the nozzle when an ORVR vehicle is being fueled. The check valves may be included anywhere in the vapor return path between the nozzle and the vapor recovery vacuum assist pump. The fuel dispenser may further include a pressure sensor in the vapor return line so that the fuel dispenser can determine if the vehicle is an ORVR vehicle or not. If the fuel dispenser determines that an ORVR vehicle is present, the fuel dispenser may modify the operation of the vapor recovery system.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of producing and servicing insulating glass units. Methods are provided for reducing the pressure differential on an IG unit, for changing the interior pressure within an IG unit, and for changing the gaseous interior composition within an IG. These methods can be practiced by forming a hole through at least one of the panes of an IG unit, and flowing gas through the hole. One method includes forming a hole through one of the panes of an IG unit, flowing gas through the hole, and sealing the hole with an optically clear sealant (e.g., a transparent resin). A number of methods for producing IG units are also provided. Further, several kits are provided for servicing IG units. There is also provided a method for detecting leaks in an IG unit by flowing an opaque gas into the unit and observing the unit to detect leaks of the opaque gas therefrom.

Abstract: A canister guard for preventing liquid contamination of an oulet to a canister containing liquid. The canister guard may include baffles extending from a sidewall. Additionally, the canister guard may be configured to be replacable or for retrofitting to conventional liquid chemical containing canisters.

Abstract: A portable and modular shielding system having various modular wall components that can be interconnect to form a custom designed wall configuration, wherein the resulting wall provides shielding from radiation at its joints of two adjacent modular wall components as well as along its entire length. The principal modular wall component has a main container being generally rectangular in shape and a connector container being an elongated cylinder having a cross section that is generally circular in shape and being integrally connected to the second end of the main container. The first end of the main container is concave in shape and adapted to correspond to the generally circular shape of the connector container. A shielding wall is formed by interconnecting a connector container of a first modular wall component into a first end of a second modular wall component. The main container and connector container are hollow and are adapted to be filled with a filler material.

Abstract: An in-situ purge system for charging the interior of a semiconductor wafer pod with nitrogen gas after the pod is exposed to ambient moisture, air and particles in a clean room. A gas supply line extends into the pod interior from a gas source, and a gas exhaust line extends from the pod interior to remove moisture, particles and excess gas from the pod interior as the pod contains a wafer-filled cassette and rests typically on a SMIF arm before transfer to a processing tool or other destination in the facility. The removable bottom door of the pod and the bottom plate of the cassette are modified to receive the gas supply line and the gas exhaust line.

Abstract: A container for use in a processing chamber to lessen the amount of contaminant particles found within the chamber after processing. The container fits closely within the chamber and includes ports for a gas conduit and a vacuum conduit. The container may be locked to the chamber through a locking mechanism and a recess in the container. The container may be guided into the chamber with a plurality of chamfers. The container may be used in inductively coupled plasma chambers, electron cyclotron resonance chambers, and chambers capable of receiving microwaves.

Abstract: A modular, on-board, inert gas generating system for aircraft is disclosed in which main components such as a heat exchanger, filter, and an air separation module, and a pressure scheduling valve are provided in a modular unit sized to provide a variable flow of nitrogen-enriched air to the aircraft spaces to be inerted. For different inert gas requirements, for example in larger aircraft, multiple modular units may be provided without redesigning the basic system. A method for inerting fuel tanks, cargo holds and other void spaces using the modular approach and pressure scheduling valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a load lock apparatus having an interior configured to receive an object. At least one inlet valve may be flow coupled to the interior of the load lock apparatus, and at least one outlet valve may also be flow coupled to the interior of the load lock apparatus. A controller may be configured to selectively control opening and closing of the at least one inlet valve. The load lock apparatus may include an object receiving mechanism that is movable within the interior of the load lock apparatus to throttle the evacuation of the interior. Several methods of using the system and load lock apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular gas control device for use with a compressed gas cylinder (111) comprises a primary module (152) and a secondary module (252) mounted on the primary module. The primary module comprises a first supporting body (154) having a first main gas flow path (155) through the body. The supporting body has input connecting means (156) for mounting the body on the cylinder (111) and connecting the gas flow path (155) to communicate with the gas cylinder through a first flow path (157). Pressure reducing means (166) provides gas in the flow path at a lower pressure than in the container. Output connecting means (170) downstream of the pressure reducing means provides a low pressure outlet from the main gas flow path. A high pressure shut-off valve (164) is positioned upstream of the pressure reducing means, and filling means (161, 160) allows filling of the cylinder with compressed gas through the input connecting means (156) along a second flow path (159) separate from the input flow path (157).

Abstract: A system for filling an enclosed environment of a disc drive with a gas other than air includes a filling system connection apparatus that can be connected to a corresponding disc drive connection apparatus that is connected to the enclosed environment of the disc drive. A vacuum source and a source of gas other than air can be connected to the filling system connection apparatus. The filling system also includes a pressure sensor can produce a pressure signal representative of the pressure within the enclosed environment of the disc drive. A control module receives the pressure signal and directs one of the vacuum source and the source of gas other than air through the filling system connection apparatus to the enclosed environment of the disc drive. A method of filling an enclosed environment of a disc drive with a gas other than air includes connecting the enclosed environment to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A modular gas control device for use with a compressed gas cylinder (111) comprises a primary module (152) and a secondary module (252) mounted on the primary module. The primary module comprises a first supporting body (154) having a first main gas flow path (155) through the body. The supporting body has input connecting means (156) for mounting the body on the cylinder (111) and connecting the gas flow path (155) to communicate with the gas cylinder through a first flow. path (157). Pressure reducing means (166) provides gas in the flow path at a lower pressure than in the container. Output connecting means (170) downstream of the pressure reducing means provides a low pressure outlet from the main gas flow path. A high pressure shut-off valve (164) is positioned upstream of the pressure reducing means, and filling means (161, 160) allows filling of the cylinder with compressed gas through the input connecting means (156) along a second flow path (159) separate from the input flow path (157).

Abstract: In a first respect this invention is a container, comprising: a cylindrical, hollow body capped on both ends by a base and a top; a conduit that bisects the top and extends into the interior of the container; and a perforated housing that encompasses the portion of the conduit that extends into the interior of the container. In another broad respect, this invention is a removable splash guard, comprising: a housing having a top and bottom that define an internal space; a lower tube that bisects the bottom, wherein the lower tube has a upper portion which is angled; an upper tube that bisects the top, wherein a portion of the second tube that extends into the internal space contains at least one hole; and a partition interposed between the upper and lower tubes that serves to block movement of a chemical from the lower tube to the opening at the inboard end of the upper tube.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a method and a device for filling a distribution line (20) with corrosive gas. The said method is a method for filling with gas, with passivation, a line (20) for distributing corrosive gas, which line is intended to distribute the said corrosive gas to a system (3) located immediately downstream of the said line (20); the said method comprising: prior conditioning of the said line (20); the actual filling of the said line (20) with the said corrosive gas known as an active gas. Characteristically, the said actual filling with gas comprises: at least one cycle of filling the said line (20) with active gas as far as immediately upstream of the system (3) and of removing the said active gas thus introduced into the said line (20); the said removal being performed without the said active gas passing through the said system (3); followed by the final filling of the said line (20) with gas so as to make the said gas available to the said system (3).

Abstract: A method for filling a gas-insulated electric current transmission line with gas using an insulating gas mixture, which line comprises an outer tubular sheath, at least one conductor internal to the sheath and coaxial with this sheath, and a space lying between the at least one conductor and the outer sheath, comprising the steps of: a) applying at least one purging cycle to the space comprising: a pumping step, down to a first vacuum level; a purge step comprising introducing a purge gas and obtaining a first internal atmosphere including the purge gas; b) applying to the space a filling cycle comprising: a pumping step, down to a second vacuum level; a filling step using the insulating gas to obtain a second internal atmosphere.

Abstract: In the coolant circulating apparatus for supplying a coolant in a tank to a heat load connected to the tank through a feed pipe and a return pipe in a circulating manner to cool the heat load, the coolant building up in the feed pipe, the heat load, and the return pipe is caused to flow back into the tank and recovered by supplying compressed gas from a compressed gas supply source into the feed pipe through a recovery gas duct when operation of the apparatus is completed and changes in a liquid level in the tank caused by supply and recovery of the coolant to and from the heat load are absorbed by supplying or discharging compressed gas from and into a liquid level regulating gas duct into and from a liquid level regulating chamber to thereby push the coolant out from the liquid level regulating chamber or cause the coolant to flow into the liquid level regulating chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a static unit (1) for the production of anaerobic, micro-aerophilic or other atmospheres (e.g., CO2) in a mobile interchangeable container, which is connected, at a lid of the unit to the system for the production of the desired atmosphere in the interior of the interchangeable container. The invention also relates to an interchangeable container particularly suitable for such a device. The static unit (1) can receive mobile interchangeable containers in an aperture provided for this purpose, in which the desired atmosphere in the interior is produced fully automatically. A vacuum-operated docking cylinder automatically couples the interchangeable container, which has an internal gas supply channel for the system (4) for the production of the desired atmosphere and is pressed gas-tight against an area of the interchangeable container lid having gas inlets and outlets.

Abstract: A container for use in a processing chamber to lessen the amount of contaminant particles found within the chamber after processing. The container fits closely within the chamber and includes ports for a gas conduit and a vacuum conduit. The container may be locked to the chamber through a locking mechanism and a recess in the container. The container may be guided into the chamber with a plurality of chamfers. The container may be used in inductively coupled plasma chambers, electron cyclotron resonance chambers, and chambers capable of receiving microwaves.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging a flowable material from a container having a discharge duct comprises support means for supporting the container, preferably in the form of a conical hopper having a central aperture, a clamping enclosure extending downwardly from the hopper, a discharge duct having its mouth located inside the enclosure and facing upwardly towards the aperture in the hopper, and an annular clamping ring inside the enclosure, the ring being movable so as to clamp the spout of the container against the mouth of the discharge duct. Preferably, the enclosure is substantially sealed, with reclosable access openings provided in a front wall of the enclosure through which the spout of the container can be manually handled. The enclosure is also provided with vacuum means to create a negative pressure in the enclosure and therefore prevent release of the contents of the container into the atmosphere.

Abstract: An air compressor includes a housing having an air outlet for selectively supplying a pressurized air to an air device, and having a port for coupling to the air device and for drawing the air out of the air device, and having an air inlet for allowing the air to flow into the housing. One or more nozzles each may be selectively and detachably secured to either of the air outlet and the port of the housing for coupling to various kinds of air devices. The air inlet may be selectively blocked for facilitating the drawing of the air into the housing via the port.