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.