Abstract: A shelf arrangement is disposed within the vacuum drying chamber of a freeze dryer. The shelf arrangement has multiple vertically-movable shelves that are suspended by stops on flexible wires stretched between upper and lower brackets of a frame assembly. Each shelf has four flanges extending from the edge thereof which comprise arms that straddle corresponding wires thereby engaging the stops so that the shelves are positioned in a vertical arrangement. The slots between the arms of the flanges allow the shelves to slide vertically along the wires when multiple screw members which engage following threaded nuts attached to the lower most shelf of the group of shelves are rotated. Thus, as the lower most shelf is raised, it engages the next highest shelf and so forth until all of the shelves are elevated vertically against the upper bracket.

Abstract: A shelf arrangement is disposed within the vacuum drying chamber of a freeze dryer. The shelf arrangement has multiple vertically-movable shelves that are suspended by stops on flexible wires stretched between upper and lower brackets of a frame assembly. Each shelf has four flanges extending from the edge thereof which comprise arms that straddle corresponding wires thereby engaging the stops so that the shelves are positioned in a vertical arrangement. The slots between the arms of the flanges allow the shelves to slide vertically along the wires when multiple screw members which engage following threaded nuts attached to the lower most shelf of the group of shelves are rotated. Thus, as the lower most shelf is raised, it engages the next highest shelf and so forth until all of the shelves are elevated vertically against the upper bracket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a door and hinge frame arrangement for external-pressure vessels or vacuum chambers which has a five-way adjustment capability to assure that the door properly seals over the chamber entrance without the necessity for the application of large forces. A chamber door (which may be either circular or square) is pivotally mounted in a vertical position between ends of horizontal arms of a "C" shaped frame assembly. The "C" shaped frame comprises a vertical hinge member which is pivotally mounted at the bottom and top ends thereof, and the two horizontal arms extend from opposite ends of the straight member. Thrust bearings are provided to support the weight of the door and frame at the lower pivot of the vertical member. The vertical position of the door and frame can be adjusted by varying the thickness of the thrust bearings at this point.