Abstract: A pallet, and a system suitable for use with the pallet, for supporting and transporting gas cylinders in an inclined position. The pallet includes a supporting base frame. A pair of horizontally spaced, upstanding and parallel side frame members are rigidly secured to the base frame. A plurality of cylinder carriers or tubes are positioned between the side frame members. The carriers are disposed in an inclined position at an angle &agr;. The system includes a load-supporting bed forming part of a vehicle. A plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart and laterally extending bays are arranged in two longitudinally extending rows disposed on the bed. A walkway is disposed on the bed and raised therefrom, the walkway extends between the two longitudinally extending rows and a plurality of pallets. The system may also include a latching arrangement that engages the base of the pallets to retain the pallets in its respective bay during transportation.

Abstract: A pallet, and a system suitable for use with the pallet, for supporting and transporting gas cylinders in an inclined position. The pallet includes a supporting base frame. A pair of horizontally spaced, upstanding and parallel side frame members are rigidly secured to the base frame. A plurality of cylinder carriers or tubes are positioned between the side frame members. The carriers are disposed in an inclined position at an angle &agr;. The system includes a load-supporting bed forming part of a vehicle. A plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart and laterally extending bays are arranged in two longitudinally extending rows disposed on the bed. A walkway is disposed on the bed and raised therefrom, the walkway extends between the two longitudinally extending rows and a plurality of pallets. The system may also include a latching arrangement that engages the base of the pallets to retain the pallets in its respective bay during transportation.

Abstract: A method of removing sterilization gas from a load disposed in a chamber. In accordance with the method, the chamber is evacuated to a subatmospheric pressure. A diffusion gas comprising helium is provided. An amount of the diffusion gas is introduced into the chamber effective to create a superatmospheric diffusion pressure in the chamber. The diffusion gas is allowed to diffuse throughout the chamber to displace sterilization gas from the load. The chamber is evacuated to remove portions of the diffusion gas and the sterilization gas from the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for deflashing work pieces includes a pivotable treatment chamber, a throwing wheel which propels particulate media to impact work pieces in the treatment chamber, and a cryogen supply introducing a flow of cryogen to embrittle work pieces in the treatment chamber. A recirculation system includes a separator in communication with the treatment chamber through a plenum chamber, a media hopper in communication with the separator, first and second withdrawal conduits, a supply conduit connecting the withdrawal conduits to the throwing wheel, and a blower connected to the withdrawal and supply conduits for moving gas therein. The first withdrawal conduit is connected to withdraw cryogen gas from the treatment chamber through the separator and the media hopper and pull media from the separator to the media hopper. The second withdrawal conduit is directly connected to the plenum chamber to withdraw gas therefrom.

Abstract: An ignitor for use with an industrial oxy-fuel burner, the ignitor being able to ensure ignition of a pilot flame in order to enable automatic ignition of an oxy-fuel burner. The ignitor is characterized by two tubes, one inside the other, concentrically arranged with respect to an electric ignitor rod at the center, the tubes and the ignitor rod forming two annuli for the delivery of oxygen and fuel gas from their respective manifolds to an open end of the tubes for ignition by the ignitor rod. The manifolds are each formed from a single piece of material. The ignitor rod is removable from the rest of the ignitor assembly by means of a pipe-threaded adapter at the rear of the assembly.