Abstract: An interior of a machine tool and a machining area are divided for communication by a labyrinth. The machining area is covered by a cover. Air discharged from an air bearing flows from the machine tool interior into the machining area through the labyrinth. The cover for the machining area is provided with an exhaust unit for discharging the air from the air bearing or a mist produced in the machining area to the outside of the machine tool.

Abstract: A filter assembly has an annular outer wall with a channel for receiving a layer of adhesive and a center ring within the outer wall. A filter media having a plurality of pleats in a closed loop is bonded with adhesive to the outer wall. The assembly is made by rotating the outer wall in a jig and applying a layer of adhesive within the channel. The filter media is positioning the within the outer wall, rotated and allowed to move along a radial path until its outer perimeter contacts the adhesive coated outer wall inner perimeter. The ring is positioned adjacent the filter media inner perimeter.

Abstract: A method of operating a plurality of clean room in a compound within a common enclosure and supplying each room with filtered air by a blower-filter unit by arranging the clean rooms and the blowers connected thereto in two parallel spaced rows with a corridor therebetween, and permitting filtered air to escape the clean rooms from beneath the walls of the clean rooms. Continuous operation of the blowers produces a bubble-like volume of air surrounding the blowers which consists primarily of clean, recirculated air escaping from the clean rooms. By arranging the clean rooms and blowers so that the clean air bubble produced by each blower overlaps the bubbles produced by at least two other blowers, the entire compound can be contained in a highly purified atmosphere consisting primarily of recirculated filtered air. A portion of the air from one or more clean rooms may be discharged in an upward direction through an opening in its top wall.

Abstract: A filter apparatus includes a gas-impermeable outer conduit having an open end and a closed end. The interior of the outer conduit is axially divided into first and second sides. A first clean and first dirty flow path are defined within the first side. A first gas-permeable liner separates the first clean flow path from the first dirty flow path and from the open end. A second clean and second dirty flow path, are defined within the second side. A second gas-permeable liner separates the second clean flow path from the second dirty flow paths and from the open end. A control valve connects one of the first clean and second clean flow paths to an exhaust conduit, and connects the other clean flow path to a selectively pulsed supply of cleaning gas.

Abstract: In order to provide a device for separating wet paint overspray from an exhaust air flow containing overspray particles, wherein the overspray particles pass into the exhaust air flow in an application region of a painting assembly and wherein the device comprises at least one separation device for separating the overspray from at least a part of the exhaust air flow, in which clogging of the separation device with wet paint overspray is substantially prevented during a cleaning operation and/or ingress of precoat material into the application region from the region of the separation device is substantially prevented during a precoating operation, it is proposed that the device comprises at least one closing device, by means of which the flow path of the exhaust air flow from the application region to the separation device can be intermittently closed off at least partially, and at least one precoat feeding means, which discharges a precoat material into the exhaust air flow downstream of the closing device.

Abstract: A filter system extracts particles and/or drops of liquid from air flowing through the filter system. The filter system has a filter layer disposed in a plane and a cyclone collector that is disposed in the edge region of the filter layer. The cyclone collector is provided with a device which, compared with the filter layer, creates a higher flow speed and stronger vortexing of the circulating air. The cyclone collector can be produced from horizontal cyclone elements, curved, horizontal elements or from expanded metal.

Abstract: In a semiconductor-fabrication equipment of a minienvironment system, ambient air is prevented from entering a gap between an opening of the semiconductor-fabrication equipment and a wafer gateway of a hermetic container to prevent dust entrained in the ambient air from adhering to wafers in the hermetic container.

Abstract: An engine air particle filter system configured to selectively receive one of at least a first tray which supports a first filter media and a second tray which supports a second filter media different than the first media.

Abstract: The present invention provides a standardized mechanical interface (SMIF) reticle pod that is configured to provide a controlled environment for supporting a reticle wherein the controlled environment is maintained substantially free of crystal growth causing contaminants. Accordingly, there is provided a layered filter with filter elements capable of filtering particulates and adsorbing gaseous contaminants. The filter has an inwardly facing face generally planar shaped with a surface area that is substantially half or more of the area of the reticle face. The inwardly facing face is placed in close proximity to the reticle patterned surface and has an area that is a significant fraction of the reticle patterned surface area. The SMIF pod is also provided with a purge system configured to inject a very dry gas within the controlled environment to flush the controlled environment of contaminants as well as to regenerate the filter.

Abstract: A filter cup having a shell with a plurality of apertures in an upper portion and an aperture free portion below the upper portion. A base plate adjacent the aperture free portion has at least one aperture therethrough.

Abstract: An oxygen enrichment apparatus includes an oxygen enriching unit for generating oxygen-enriched air and a discharge unit for discharging the oxygen-enriched air transferred from the suction unit. The oxygen-enriched air generated by the oxygen enriching unit has an oxygen concentration ranging from about 25% to 35%. The apparatus also includes a suction unit for suctioning the oxygen-enriched air from the oxygen enriching unit and a control unit for controlling the operation of the suction unit. The main body is provided with a display unit for indicating a state that the oxygen-enriched air is being discharged out by the discharge unit. The oxygen enriching unit has at least one oxygen enriching membrane for generating the oxygen-enriched air and a condensed water treating unit is installed at an air passage for guiding the oxygen-enriched air from the oxygen enriching unit to the discharge unit via the suction unit.

Abstract: A dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner, comprising a dust canister body, a part of which becomes an exposed side exposed outside a cleaner body upon mounting in the cleaner body, and which comprises a first dust separating chamber for separating heavy dirt from air, and second and third dust separating chambers for collecting fine dust from the air passing through the first dust separating chamber; first and second cyclone bodies having first and second cyclone chambers which separates the fine dust from the air passing through the first dust separating chamber; and first and second outlet pipes, wherein the first and second cyclone bodies are eccentrically disposed in the first and second dust separating chambers so as to form a protruded portion which is exposed from the exposed side of the dust canister body, and at least the protruded portion is made of a transparent material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dust collecting apparatus is provided that includes a dust canister body, a part of which becomes an exposed side exposed outside a cleaner body. The cleaner body has a first dust separating chamber for separating large-sized dirt and second dust separating chamber for collecting fine dust; a cyclone body having a cyclone chamber which separates the fine dust from the air passing through the first dust separating chamber; and an outlet pipe protruding from lower surfaces of the first and second cyclone bodies to upper sides of the first and second cyclone chambers, wherein at least a part of the exposed side of the dust canister body is made of a transparent material so as to simultaneously see through the first and second dust separating chambers, and at least a part of the cyclone body is made of the transparent material to see through the cyclone body.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing a relative humidity of air inside an enclosed space includes a portable outside air heat exchanger unit having a fan operative to create an air stream by drawing outside air from an intake and discharging the air stream through an outlet inside the enclosed space, and a temperature adjusting element located in the air stream. A heating source supplies heat energy to the temperature adjusting element in response to directions from a heat controller. A humidity sensor is operative to sense the relative humidity of the air in a sensing location and to send a humidity signal to the heat controller to change the amount of heat energy supplied to the temperature adjusting element in response to the humidity signal. HEPA filters and ultra-violet lights can shine on the air stream to kill mold spores and the like.

Abstract: A combined building air-conditioning unit and NBC protection system, containing an enclosed space housing a building air-conditioning unit and further including a plurality of chambers, a first chamber having an ambient air inlet port, one prefilter and a blower for sucking air through the prefilter, a second chamber having a valve including an open and closed state, receiving air from the blower and accommodating a C-detector and a valve actuator responsible, at least indirectly to, and operable by, the C-detector, and a third chamber housing at least one C-filter and a blower for sucking air from the second chamber via the C-filter into the building when the valve is in its closed state. A method for economically controlling air purity within a protected space is also provided.

Abstract: Filters for removing particulate and gaseous organic and inorganic materials from a fluid stream are disclosed. The filter may contain a polymer matrix and optional sequestering agents. Methods of making the filters are also disclosed. Methods of using the filters to remove one or more materials from a fluid stream, such as an air stream, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying gases escaping from a gully hole (1), particularly escaping from a sewer (8) guided at the bottom (7) of the gully hole (1) by means of a biofilter that is arranged inside the gully hole (1) in such a manner that the gases flow through it before they leave the gully hole (1). The biofilter is mounted at such a distance to the sewer (8) that its temperature and moisture are substantially influenced by the waste water (17) present in the sewer (8).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to porous composite materials comprised of a porous base material and a powdered nanoparticle material. The porous base material has the powdered nanoparticle material penetrating a portion of the porous base material; the powdered nanoparticle material within the porous base material may be sintered or interbonded by interfusion to form a porous sintered nanoparticle material within the pores and or on the surfaces of the porous base material. Preferably this porous composite material comprises nanometer sized pores throughout the sintered nanoparticle material. The present invention is also directed to methods of making such composite materials and using them for high surface area catalysts, sensors, in packed bed contaminant removal devices, and as contamination removal membranes for fluids.

Abstract: In a fan filter unit for filtering and continuously supplying clean air into a clean room, the fan filter unit includes a chemical filter for removing chemical contaminants contained in the air, a fan for sucking and blowing out the air, and a particle filter for removing particles such as dusts and moisture contained in the air. A filter medium of the chemical filter has a circular tube shape and is disposed between an inner circular tube and an outer circular tube. A cover is detachably combined with top portions of the inner and the outer circular tubes, and prevents air flow through the top portions of the inner and outer circular tubes. The air is sucked only through the outer circular tube, the chemical filter and the inner circular tube by a suction force of the fan. Accordingly, velocity distribution of the air passing through the chemical filter may be improved and lifetime of the chemical filter may be increased.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dust collecting apparatus is provided that includes a dust canister body, a part of which becomes an exposed side exposed outside a cleaner body. The cleaner body has a first dust separating chamber for separating large-sized dirt and second dust separating chamber for collecting fine dust; a cyclone body having a cyclone chamber which separates the fine dust from the air passing through the first dust separating chamber; and an outlet pipe protruding from lower surfaces of the first and second cyclone bodies to upper sides of the first and second cyclone chambers, wherein at least a part of the exposed side of the dust canister body is made of a transparent material so as to simultaneously see through the first and second dust separating chambers, and at least a part of the cyclone body is made of the transparent material to see through the cyclone body.

Abstract: A dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner, comprising a dust canister body, a part of which becomes an exposed side exposed outside a cleaner body upon mounting in the cleaner body, and which comprises a first dust separating chamber for separating heavy dirt from air, and second and third dust separating chambers for collecting fine dust from the air passing through the first dust separating chamber; first and second cyclone bodies having first and second cyclone chambers which separates the fine dust from the air passing through the first dust separating chamber; and first and second outlet pipes, wherein the first and second cyclone bodies are eccentrically disposed in the first and second dust separating chambers so as to form a protruded portion which is exposed from the exposed side of the dust canister body, and at least the protruded portion is made of a transparent material.

Abstract: A structure and method of removing semi-rigid debris and demisting gas for use primarily in surface maintenance or conditioning machines, Demisting is accomplished by, a combination techniques including rapid pressure reduction and removal of semi rigid debris is accomplished by forcing the debris through a path with curvatures to great for the debris to follow.

Abstract: A modular filtration assembly for filtration of fluids, the capacity of the assembly depending upon the selected number of filtration modules included in the assembly. Each of the modules is made up of two identical housing members connected together in inverse, head-to-tail configuration and providing for inflow and outflow of fluid to and from a filter unit disposed in a recess formed by the two housing members. A housing inlet and housing outlet serve the function of assembly inlet and assembly outlet when the modules are assembled to one another to form the filtration assembly, providing for modularity and affording flexibility of capacity of the assembly.

Abstract: An inlet for an environmental air monitor is described wherein a pre-separator interfaces with ambient environment air and removes debris and insects commonly associated with high wind outdoors and a deflector plate in communication with incoming air from the pre-separator stage, that directs the air radially and downward uniformly into a plurality of accelerator jets located in a manifold of a virtual impactor, the manifold being cylindrical and having a top, a base, and a wall, with the plurality of accelerator jets being located in the top of the manifold and receiving the directed air and accelerating directed air, thereby creating jets of air penetrating into the manifold, where a major flow is deflected to the walls of the manifold and extracted through ports in the walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for treating a gas/liquid mixture, comprising: an inlet opening for the mixture; an outlet for the mixture located downstream; rotating means arranged in the tube for setting the mixture into rotating movement; one or more outlet openings arranged downstream relative to the rotating means for allowing a part of the mixture to flow laterally out of the tube; a return conduit arranged in axial direction through the rotating means for reintroducing into the tube the flow which has exited via the outlet openings; and divergence means arranged close to the outlet opening of the return conduit for allowing the reintroduced flow to diverge laterally.

Abstract: An acoustic agglomerator for agglomerating constituents in a fluid is provided. The acoustic agglomerator includes an area containing a fluid having constituents and an acoustic generator operable to generate a modulated acoustic field to enhance agglomeration of the constituents in the fluid. In one aspect the acoustic field is frequency modulated and in other aspects the acoustic field is amplitude modulated, while yet in other aspects the acoustic field is both frequency and amplitude modulated. A method for agglomerating constituents in a fluid is also provided. The method includes providing a fluid with a constituent and applying an acoustic field to the fluid. The method provides for modulating the acoustic field to cause the constituent to agglomerate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to porous composite materials comprised of a porous base material and a powdered nanoparticle material. The porous base material has the powdered nanoparticle material penetrating a portion of the porous base material; the powdered nanoparticle material within the porous base material may be sintered or interbonded by interfusion to form a porous sintered nanoparticle material within the pores and or on the surfaces of the porous base material. Preferably this porous composite material comprises nanometer sized pores throughout the sintered nanoparticle material. The present invention is also directed to methods of making such composite materials and using them for high surface area catalysts, sensors, in packed bed contaminant removal devices, and as contamination removal membranes for fluids.

Abstract: Applicant's present invention comprises mass spectrometer systems that operate in a mass range from 1 to 1016 DA. The mass spectrometer system comprising an inlet system comprising an aerodynamic lens system, a reverse jet being a gas flux generated in an annulus moving in a reverse direction and a multipole ion guide; a digital ion trap; and a thermal vaporization/ionization detector system. Applicant's present invention further comprises a quadrupole mass spectrometer system comprising an inlet system having a quadrupole mass filter and a thermal vaporization/ionization detector system. Applicant's present invention further comprises an inlet system for use with a mass spectrometer system, a method for slowing energetic particles using an inlet system. Applicant's present invention also comprises a detector device and a method for detecting high mass charged particles.

Abstract: A breather filter cartridge in a data storage device contains a filtration media, such as packed granular carbon, in a chamber. The cartridge incorporates a gas diffusion path that traverses through the breather filter casing, interfacing with the chamber along a tubular sidewall and allowing the thickness of the filter top end to be reduced. This permits additional filter media to be packed into the same breather filter height. Alternatively, the same amount of filtration media can accordingly be packed into a thinner breather filter. The top end may also include an outward extending flange, with the chamber extending completely through the flange. A thin film seals the media above the flange, allowing for even more filter media to be packed into a breather filter of identical height.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for simultaneously removing dust and volatile toxic organic compounds. The system comprises a dust collecting unit disposed between an inlet duct and an outlet duct for removing dust, an organic compound removing unit disposed between the inlet duct and the outlet duct for removing volatile toxic organic compounds, and an inlet blower disposed between the dust collecting unit and the organic compound removing unit. The dust collecting unit is made up of a bag filter, which comprises a housing formed in the shape of a box and connected to the inlet duct, a plurality of filtering members, such as cloth or felt, arranged in the housing, and dust collecting layers defined between the housing and the filtering members. The organic compound removing unit comprises an absorbing apparatus for absorbing the volatile toxic organic compounds, and regenerating heaters attached on the outer circumference of the absorbing apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intake arrangement (1) for the combustion air (2) of an internal combustion engine (3) in a handheld work apparatus (4) such as a cutoff machine, a motor-driven chain saw or the like. An air filter (5) is provided for the cleaning of the combustion air (2) drawn in via an opening (6) of a filter housing (7). To discharge dust (11) accumulated in the air filter (5) a carrier airflow (10) is provided in a flow channel (16) and the filter housing (7) is fluidly connected with the aid of a discharge tube (13) to the flow channel (16). For a dosed metering of dust (11) from the filter housing (7), a shutoff member (14) is provided and the shutoff member (14) clears or closes the fluid connection between the flow channel (16) and the filter housing (7).

Abstract: An air purifier includes a main body defining an air passage therein to allow sucked air to pass therethrough prior to being discharged, and a first filter installed in the main body to be switched between a closed state and an open state. The first filter removes contaminants from the sucked air in the closed state, and allows the sucked air to pass through the air passage in the open state. The air purifier may include a main body to suck and discharge air, with a bypass passage formed in the main body so that the bypass passage is opened or closed by a door, and a first filter installed in the main body. The sucked air passes through the first filter prior to being discharged when the door is closed, and passes through the bypass passage prior to being discharged when the door is opened.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas purification system with improved efficiency, simpler construction, cost reductions, form factor improvements, and increased durability. The present invention provides cost and form factor improvements through fewer components overall and through utilizing multiple integrated components. Prior art gas purification systems are more bulky and complicated. The present invention achieves increased thermal efficiency through utilization of a regenerative heat exchanger to recapture a portion of the heat energy transferred to the gas during the purification process. Prior art purifiers lacked a regenerative heat exchanger. The present invention integrates the two components into one integrated heater and purification vessel assembly. The present invention integrates the two discrete components into one integrated hydrogen sorption and particle filter assembly. The integrated hydrogen sorption and particle filter assembly is also capable of operating at higher temperatures.

Abstract: A bioclean room is formed surrounded by a frame body with side portions of the frame opened and curtains to be selectively opened and shut to cover opened side portions of the frame body. An air flow passage is equipped with an air cleaning device to deliver the air in the frame body along a top plate to an air blow duct above the patient's head through which clean air is blown into the bioclean room. The frame body is equipped with an opening on the head side of the patient through which a medical console can be received inside the bioclean room when the frame body is brought into abutment against a wall.

Abstract: Fresh and clean air in a forest, which contains abundant anion and phytoncide molecules, relaxes stress and anxiety and helps the metabolism of human body. An apparatus is disclosed in the present invention, which removes the dust particles, chemicals, smelly compounds, etc. in the air. The apparatus further disperses anions and phytoncide molecules in the air to generate an air condition resembling the air environment in a forest, which is fresh, clean and containing substantial amount of anions and phytoncide molecules. The apparatus of the present invention is also very concise and can be used in a small space, such as in an office, a vehicle, etc. The present invention also discloses the design for building the apparatus, which can generate air condition resembling the air environment of a forest, in a compact manner.

Abstract: An acoustic agglomerator for agglomerating constituents in a fluid is provided. The acoustic agglomerator includes an area containing a fluid having constituents and an acoustic generator operable to generate a modulated acoustic field to enhance agglomeration of the constituents in the fluid. In one aspect the acoustic field is frequency modulated and in other aspects the acoustic field is amplitude modulated, while yet in other aspects the acoustic field is both frequency and amplitude modulated. A method for agglomerating constituents in a fluid is also provided. The method includes providing a fluid with a constituent and applying an acoustic field to the fluid. The method provides for modulating the acoustic field to cause the constituent to agglomerate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas purification system with improved efficiency, simpler construction, cost reduction, form factor improvements, and increased durability. The present invention provides cost and form factor improvements through fewer components overall and through utilizing multiple integrated components. Prior art gas purification system are more bulky and complicated. The present invention achieves increased thermal efficiency through utilization of a regenerative heat exchanger to recapture a portion of the heat energy transferred to the gas during the purification process. Prior art purifiers lacked a regenerative heat exchanger. The present invention integrates the two components into one integrated heater and purification vessel assembly. The present invention integrates the two discrete components into one integrated hydrogen sorption and particle filter assembly. The integrated hydrogen sorption and particle filter assembly is also capable of operating at higher temperatures.

Abstract: A compact cascade impactor is formed to classify particles carried in a flow through the impactor. The impactor has collection chambers that are arranged to conserve space and yet provide a large flow passageway. The collection chamber may be tear drop shaped and being nested together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for drying compressed air comprising a substantially cylindrical, innerly hollow, container (19), provided, above, with an inlet hole (2) for the compressed air and with an outlet hole (24) for the compressed air, and at the bottom, with a chamber (21) for collecting condensed air and with means for extracting the same, at least an expansion chamber (3), communicating with said inlet hole (2), at least a laminating flange (4, 5), provided, downward said expansion chamber (3), with holes (6) for the passage of the compressed air, at least a spiral conical expander (10), provided with fins, and an inner canalization (23) for the rising of the compressed dehumidificated air toward the outlet hole.

Abstract: A sheet-like adsorption filter formed by sandwiching particulate activated carbon with heat-resistant nets and non-woven fabric sheets that have a percentage of void of 90% or higher, is disposed at an internal combustion engine side of a filter element.

Abstract: An air filter assembly for removing particulate contaminants, chemical contaminants, or both, from an incoming dirty air stream. The resulting filtered or clean air is supplied to catalytic equipment, such as a fuel cell. The filter assembly can include a physical filter portion for removing physical or particulate contaminants, a chemical filter portion for removing chemical contaminants, or can have both portions.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a container having an inlet for dirty air, an outlet for clean air, a coarse dust chamber and a fine dust chamber. The coarse dust chamber includes a filtering tube disposed within a rotary cylinder. The fine dust chamber includes a rotary cone. Air containing dust is drawn into the coarse dust chamber and supplied into the gap between the cylinder's inner surface and the filtering tube's outer surface. The air is rotated within the coarse dust chamber to force coarse dust to travel away from the chamber's center and air containing only fine dust travels through the filtering tube. This air is supplied into the rotary cone within the fine dust chamber and is rotated to force fine dust away from the chamber's center. Dust free air, which is travelling in the center of the rotary cone, is supplied out of the filter as clean air.

Abstract: A filter device for removing combustion gases and/or particulate matter from air comprises a cooling unit and filtering unit. The cooling unit has an inlet for receiving an air stream containing combustion gases and/or particulate matter, a cooling member for lowering the temperature of the air stream, a first outlet for discharge of a condensate, and a second outlet for discharge of the air stream containing uncondensed particulate matter. The filtering unit has an inlet for receiving the air stream containing uncondensed particulate matter from the second outlet of the cooling unit, the filtering unit having at least one filter barrier through which the air stream passes, the filter barrier being configured to catch at least a portion of the particulate matter in the air stream. The invention is also for a process for removing combustion gases and/or particulate matter from an air stream.

Abstract: An air/oil separator tank (10, 60) has a separator element (12, 62) including coalescing media (14, 64). A separate downstream drain layer (22, 72) removes the separated coalesced oil and passes clean air. The separator element is removable from the tank for replacement. The drain layer is permanently attached to the tank.

Abstract: In a dry air filter for internal combustion engines of utility vehicles having an outlet for the dust separated in a preliminary separator stage, compressed air is delivered to the outlet, at least intermittently, and in order to produce an ejector action to keep the outlet and optionally the dust discharge valve closing off the outlet free of dust, is blown in the direction of the dust discharge valve. Preferably, surplus compressed air already to hand from an on-board compressed air generating system is used for this purpose. In order to improve the cleaning action, the compressed air is delivered into the outlet via a nozzle.

Abstract: A Vehicle Exhaust Filtration System and Method is disclosed. Also disclosed is a system and method that reduces the airborne contaminants leaving the exhaust pipe of any internal combustion engine to which the system is attached. Furthermore, the method and system involves the use of recyclable cartridges that can be exchanged on a planned maintenance program. Still further, the disclosed system and method prohibits engines failing to have acceptably clean filter/converters from being started. It is another aspect of the present invention that the method and system provide an alert to the user, and potentially to external individuals, that the change out deadline is approaching.

Abstract: An integrated filter body and adsorbent unit capable of being integrally fastened together for easy and economical assembly into a refrigerant pressure vessel assembly. The integrated filter and adsorbent unit includes a filter puck, an adsorbent unit mounted to the filter puck, and an integral feature on the filter puck for integrally fastening the adsorbent unit to the filter puck. The adsorbent unit includes a desiccant bag and a flap that has a mounting aperture and a fastening hole extending therethrough. The filter puck includes a disc-shaped body portion and a projection for cooperation with the fastening hole of the adsorbent unit. The projection is displaced to form an enlarged head for trapping the flap of the desiccant bag to the filter puck.

Abstract: A method of removing a liquid entrained in a gas moving at a velocity in an upward direction from a base to a top of a stack comprising the steps of imparting a swirling direction to the velocity of the gas adjacent the base of the stack and then recovering at least some of the liquid adjacent the top of the stack. Also disclosed is an apparatus for removing a liquid entrained in a gas in a stack having a base and a top comprising at least one duct having a longitudinal axis entering the stack adjacent said base and at least one vertical vane disposed at and angled to the longitudinal axis of the duct and a collector adjacent the top of the stack for recovering liquid.

Abstract: A drying agent box 10 which serves to remove moisture from air, especially for a compressed-air brake apparatus, and which comprises a housing 11 with at least one inlet 14 and at least one outlet 15, the housing 11 being formed by a container 12 and a flange 13. A drying agent body 18, which has a stable shape, is contained in the housing 11. Channels 22 may optionally be provided in the drying agent body for guiding the flow of air through the body. Different ways of installing the drying agent body 18 in the housing 11 also are described. Due to the stable shape of the drying agent body 18, the structure of the drying agent box is simplified because there is no need for components to hold a granular drying agent in place.

Abstract: Modular cartridges which may be inserted into and removed from a well or receptacle on the bottom of a pod. The cartridges may be configured to include various types and combinations of valves, filters, and/or conditioning agents. A standalone cartridge replacement station may be provided for inserting and removing various cartridges from one or more of the receptacles on the bottom of a pod while wafers are seated within the pod. The standalone replacement unit may decouple an existing cartridge from the pod by rotating the cartridge from a locked to an unlocked position and then lowering the cartridge out of the pod. Thereafter, the replacement station may insert a new cartridge up into the appropriate receptacle and rotate the cartridge into a locked position in the pod.