Abstract: A method and device (10) for positioning a probe (14), such as a temperature sensor, in a flask (12). A stopper adapted to be secured to an open end of the flask (12) is provided having an opening (32) through which a tube (34) extends. A clamping mechanism (40) is connected to the tube (34) to secure the probe (14) to the stopper. The clamping mechanism (40) comprises a first flange (44), and a second opposing flange (46) spaced slightly apart from the first flange (44). An O-ring (50) positioned around the flanges (44, 46) causes them to flex inward to engage and secure the probe (14) between them.

Abstract: A positioning device for a temperature sensor in a flask for freeze drying. The device comprises a generally circular plastic stopper having an opening approximately in its center. The stopper is snap-fittingly secured to the top of the flask. A central, annular tube extends through that opening and into the flask. A thermocouple having a generally circular cross section is coiled around and supported by the annular tube so that it is free and is in the center of the flask. The thermocouple is retractable and extensible to permit the use of the thermocouple in flasks of various lengths.

Abstract: The freeze dryer device of the invention furnishes automatic operational, power outage and defrost control providing for an operator to perform other productive activities during operation of the freeze drying device. Upon initiation by the user, the operational control conditions the freeze drying device to receive bottles of frozen sample product to be freeze dried. Upon the drying device becoming properly conditioned in temperature and pressure, the device of the invention provides the user an indication to apply the sample bottles to the device. The power outage control protects the integrity of the samples applied to the drying device by sensing both temperature and pressure before returning to normal operation. If either temperature or pressure are above certain values after the power outage, the device of the invention stops normal operation by opening manifold chamber to atmospheric pressure while maintaining the refrigeration system operating.

Abstract: A temperature conditioning device acheives a fast rate of temperature change in air or gas applied to stress thermally an electronic component by establishing separate cold and hot gas paths from a two-way directing valve interior the device cabinet to a nozzle assembly retaining the gas of selected temperature around the electronic component. An evaporation coil of a mechanical refrigeration system chills the air or gas in the cold gas path interior the cabinet and a tube heater adjusts the air or gas temperature in the cold gas path to that selected. A quartz enveloped nickel-chrome filament heater adjacent the nozzle assembly heats the air or gas in the hot gas path to the temperature selected.

Abstract: A tray-type freeze drying device determines the end of a first stage of a freeze drying process by regularly and drastically reducing the pressure surrounding the product being freeze dried. No decrease in product temperature during the reduction in pressure indicates the completion of the sublimation of water from the product and the end of the first stage of drying. A decrease in product temperature during the drastic reduction in pressure indicates the need to continue the sublimation procedure and the first stage of drying.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices such as integrated circuits and discrete transistors are mounted on cards and the cards are installed on raised racks extending up from the bottom of a tank forming a burn-in chamber. The racks are individually lowered to immerse the cards and operating devices in a bath of liquid heat exchange medium at an elevated temperature. The racks are individually accessible through aligned segments of a segmented cover to reduce the intrusion of room water vapor into the burn-in chamber. The elevated temperature of the medium is maintained during the procedure by pumping the medium over mechanical cooling coils to remove excess heat produced by the operating devices. A lead screw and lever mechanical combination provide variable speed pumping, to accommodate changes in medium viscosity, from a fixed speed motor. The pumping also mixes the medium around the cards and devices to produce uniformity in the medium temperature.

Abstract: A freeze dryer for rapidly and efficiently drying tissue specimens, having a source of heat independent of the cover and mounted for efficient heat transfer to a copper support plate having a substantially flat top surface. A specimen plate is machined from aluminum to have a recessed bottom surface which is matable with the support plate for maximum physical contact. The specimen plate has peripheral walls of a thickness and a height that will eliminate substantially all heat differentials between different portions of the specimen plate interior caused by external variations to allow effective control of the temperature of the specimen plate.

Abstract: An improved defrosting means for a condenser in a freeze drying apparatus including a thermocouple for monitoring the condenser temperature during a freeze drying cycle, and an electric cartridge heater for defrosting the condenser after the freeze drying process, both of which are insertable into the structure of the condenser. The cartridge heater, in association with a highly-conductive woven mesh disposed in the interior of the condenser, provides for a uniform distribution of thermal energy throughout the condenser to quickly and efficiently cause layers of ice and frost on the outer surfaces of the condenser to break up and drop away.

Abstract: A manual stoppering container assembly having a central shaft which is threadedly secured to a handle on an upper portion and fixedly secured to a stoppering plate at a lower portion. The handle is rotatably secured in the cover plate for imparting reciprocal motion to the stoppering plate. The stoppering plate is guided by tracks in the container body. The cover plate is fluid-tightly mounted on a container body, so that the downward movement of the stoppering plate may force a plug into a sample vial while the container assembly is under vacuum.

Abstract: An improved mechanical stoppering apparatus is provided by the present invention for use with a chamber freeze dryer in which at least two shelves supporting a plurality of receptacles containing material to be freeze dried are adjustably suspended from a fixed plate one above the other for substantially isolating the shelves from the walls of the vacuum chamber of the freeze dryer to provide an even rate of sublimation along the entire surface area of the shelves. A drive means is provided for raising the lower shelf individually until the receptacles it supports contact the bottom of the upper shelf, whereupon both shelves move upwardly in tandem toward the fixed plate, the receptacles on the upper shelf being stoppered against the fixed plate and the receptacles on the lower shelf being stoppered against the bottom of the upper plate.

Abstract: A shell freezer for the freezing of liquids in a container in a uniform layer on the interior walls of the container having belts rotating over rollers within a bath; rods are secured over the belts to act as stops for cylindrical containers placed on the belts, thereby causing the rotation of the containers. Underneath the rotating belt is a supportive platen which is covered with a fabric to allow smooth rotation of the belt while supporting a flask full of liquid. The bath may be tilted to a desired angle to allow more liquid to be frozen within a container. A novel heat exchanger cools the thermal transfer fluid which is circulated over the belts and back to the heat exchanger, to allow a minimum of such fluid in use.

Abstract: A new and improved corrosion resistant condenser is provided, adapted for use with a freeze drying system for dehydration of materials with relatively high concentrations of acids or bases. The condenser includes unique heat transfer means for uniform transfer of heat flow between the outer surface of the condenser and a corrosion resistant condensing trap disposed inside the condenser, which condensing trap may be readily removed from the system and immediately replaced in preparation for another freeze drying procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting an efficient heat transfer between a shelf and a tray of a freeze drying apparatus. A unique method comprising the steps of placing two halves of the shelf on a bowed jig and welding together forms a hollow shelf having a substantially flat heat transfer surface on which a tray containing materials to be freeze dried may be placed. Throughout the shelf interior circulates a heat transfer fluid. The tray and the freeze drying chamber have mating hold-down rails which bias the tray against the shelf surface to effect superior heat transfer.

Abstract: A freeze dryer chemically resistant to corrosive condensates having a sample chamber in direct communication with the condenser chamber. The condenser chamber is spun-molded of a chemically resistant material having an exterior with a near perfect cylindrical shape, and is insulatedly supported on the frame by wooden blocks shaped to conform exactly with the chamber exterior, thereby strengthening the chamber walls to withstand the stress of the high vacuum and low temperatures. Visibility and accessibility to the entire condenser chamber is accomplished by easily removable front and rear transparent cover plates, the rear cover plate serving as a mounting for the condensing coil.

Abstract: A flask for freeze drying being formed of chemically and thermally resistant materials, including a container flask and a cover assembly and having conduit means in the cover assembly for communication with the interior of the container flask and connection to a vacuum source. A filter is removably held in place by a sealing ring on the cover assembly over the point of communication of the tube with the container flask to prevent solid particles from being withdrawn by the vacuum and excludes contaminants on release of the vacuum. A resilient annular sealing ring is compressed between two movable portions of the cover assembly to sealingly engage the walls of the flask mouth and thereby provide a positive seal both at room temperature and in the face of the sudden temperature changes under vacuum which are present in freeze drying procedures.

Abstract: A freeze drying apparatus of the manifold type having a generally horizontal free standing condenser tube enclosed within a removable hollow manifold having a plurality of ports formed in it for communication with the interior of containers having specimens to be sublimated. The condenser tube is disposed generally along the central axis of the manifold so that the distance between the condensing surface and the manifold ports is relatively short and constant to provide fast and uniform sublimation. The condenser tube is packed with a woven copper mesh to provide increased surface area for wetting by the refrigerant fluid thereby increasing the condenser capacity and reducing its temperature. The location of the condenser tube within the manifold provides a single volume to be evacuated and speeds system recovery as new materials are added to the system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum valve having a hollow body formed of a resilient material and a valve means securely positioned at the center of the valve body in a seat integral with the body. The body is divided into two parts, being connected to a vacuum source at one end and an ampule at the other. The valve means alternately closes and opens this connection to the vacuum source in the manner common to valves. The valve further has openings connecting the ampule end of the valve body to the ambient air pressure, allowing release of the ampule without undue turbulence. The body has grooves in its interior walls, two on the ampule side and one on the side of the vacuum source, to enable the valve body to accept different sizes of ampules and connections without deforming and the subsequent loss of vacuum.