Abstract: A fast regenerating absorption column including a high pressure outer vessel containing an inner vessel packed with adsorption medium the inner vessel thermally isolated from the outer vessel and including means to rapidly heat and cool the adsorption medium so that a single column can be used to purify an incoming gas and can be rapidly regenerated to eliminate the need for switching adsorbers.

Abstract: A flow tube to distinguish between different gases or gas mixtures flowing through the tube, the tube being sized so that a first or control gas or gas mixture is selected and the properties of the control gas or gas mixture are such that when the control gas or gas mixture flows through the tube a shock wave of a given magnitude is formed at the discharge end of the tube. A second gas flowing in the tube forms a shock wave of different magnitude at the discharge end of the tube; detection of a difference in the magnitude of the shock wave being the operative distinguishing means.

Abstract: A cryopump of vertically tiered individual generally conical shaped sections with linearly increasing base diameters arranged smaller to larger base diameter as the distance increases from the coldest end of elongated refrigeration source. Individual cryopanels are a surface of revolution with tapered bayonet joint interlocking portions to permit ease of assembly while maintaining good thermal contact between sections.