Abstract: A freeze dryer comprises a chamber having a rectangular slot through which vials are inserted into the chamber. An assembly for loading the chamber comprises a bar extending across the slot to engage vials to be inserted into the chamber. The bar is attached to a mechanism for moving the bar laterally into and out from the chamber. In a retracted position of the bar, at least part of the mechanism is wound around a sprocket. Rotation of the sprocket unwinds the mechanism to move the bar into the chamber.

Abstract: A freeze dryer comprises a chamber having a rectangular slot through which vials are inserted into the chamber. An assembly for loading and/or unloading the chamber comprises a transfer bar extending across the slot. The bar is pivotally attached at each end to first and second flat springs, each spring being wound on a respective rotatably mounted spool located proximate the slot. Drive means are provided for synchronously rotating the spools to effect movement of the bar into or out from the chamber and for selectively rotating the spools to raise or lower the bar.

Abstract: A freeze dryer (10) comprises a chamber (12) having a rectangular slot through which vials are inserted into the chamber (12). An assembly for loading the chamber (12) comprises a bar (32) extending across the slot to engage vials to be inserted into the chamber (12). The bar (32) is attached to a mechanism (34) for moving the bar (32) laterally into and out from the chamber (12). In a retracted position of the bar (32), at least part of the mechanism (34) is wound around a sprocket (106). Rotation of the sprocket (106) unwinds the mechanism (34) to move the bar (32) into the chamber (12).

Abstract: A device for reducing the quantity of oxygen in the space above the filling in a container before closing of the container, in which a vacuum is formed in the space, then a compressed gas is blown into the container in a direction running obliquely to the vertical axis of symmetry of the container and again a vacuum is formed in the space, these steps being repeated if necessary. Valving is provided in the fixed housing within which are formed, coaxially with a central column, an inner chamber and an outer, essentially cylindrical chamber enclosing it. One chamber is connected to a vacuum source and the other chamber to a source of the gas. One head face of each chamber has a plurality of openings at specific angular distances from each other and disposed on an inner and an outer circle respectively. Fixed on the central column is a disc in sealing fashion against the head faces.

Abstract: An apparatus for selecting closures with a cylindrical raised edge out of a supply of closures present in one plane with the back to the one or the other side. The apparatus has a hopper that in cross section is rectangular with mutually spaced side walls between which the closures fit, side edges and a lower sloping edge having an opening below which a first worm extends parallel to the lower edge. The first worm has a curved profile in which said raised edge of the closure fits. A side wall adjoining the opening of the lower wall has an opening in which a cylindrical shaft is present with its outer face tangential to the plane of the side wall and extends parallel to and is driven synchronously by the first worm in the same direction.