Abstract: A non-uniform graded ball adsorbent bed support is employed in the head section of an adsorption vessel to achieve a uniform flow of gas to the adsorbent bed. The open areas of an inlet gas distributor are also varied to channel gas toward the edge portion of the vessel head to enhance the uniform flow of gas to the adsorbent bed.

Abstract: Vacuum insulation panels are provided with textured surfaces that localize thermal expansion thereof. Large thermal strains that could produce cracking and warping of the panels is thereby avoided.

Abstract: A getter capsule comprising at least one particular container (1 or 10) containing getter particles (9) is useful for removing reactive gases in at least one vacuum space(21d or 22d). The particular container (1 or 10) may be made of a material containing sintered particles or may be made of a combination of a filtering means (11) and a perforated inorganic pipe or cup (12). At least one closing means (5 or 15) employed in each container (1 or 10) to close or cover the opening (4 or 14) of the container (1 or 10) may be particularly designed to prevent the getter particles (9) from escaping the container (1 or 10) without using any sealants, even when the container (1 or 10) is subject to vibrations.

Abstract: A uniformly packed bed of adsorbent particles is formed using a particle loader adapted to provide a uniform flow of adsorbent particles across the cross sectional area of an adsorption vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to apparatus for providing uniform fluid flow in vessels having packing materials or particulates and, in particular, to apparatus for providing uniform gas flow in pressure swing adsorbent vessels.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method and apparatus for cooling and freezing of organic-comprised articles which makes use of liquid cryogen and of chilled gases from a mechanical refrigeration system to provide an economical process for reducing the temperature of the article. The article is contacted with a liquid cryogen and subsequently contacted with circulating cold gases in the mechanical refrigeration system. The improvement relates to the method and apparatus for producing the cold gases which are used in the mechanical refrigeration system; the method comprises using the cryogen vapors generated upon contact of the articles with the liquid cryogen as an indirect heat exchange fluid for removing heat from heat exchange fluids used in the mechanical refrigeration system. This indirect heat transfer using cryogen vapors supplements cooling of the mechanical refrigeration system cold gases by the mechanical refrigeration system chiller.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus to be used in the cryogenic fast freezing of organic comprised articles such a biologicals and foodstuffs. The method enables control of the time-temperature profile of an article as it progresses through the freezing process, and thus provides the highest quality frozen article. The method requires at least two applications of liquid cryogen to the surface of the article during the freezing process, wherein the applications of liquid cryogen are spaced in time in a manner which essentially prevents thermal cracking and embrittlement of portions of the article, while simultaneously ensuring that a frozen crust which operates as a barrier to water conduction or transmission out of the article remains on the articles throughout the freezing process. In addition, the method and apparatus provide an improved efficiency of operation in terms of utilization of the cryogenic medium within the freezing process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quick-filling a full charge of compressed natural gas into an adsorbent filled cylinder.

Abstract: A vacuum insulation panel comprising a defined dual layered enclosure encasing a defined compressed fiberglass substrate which enables easy and effective insulation of large equipment with improved system flexibility and integrity.

Abstract: A cryogenic storage vessel and method for a high value cryogenic liquid wherein a second cryogenic liquid is utilized as a refrigerant. The refrigerant cryogenic liquid is caused to pass between a large reservoir and a small accumulator by differential pressure caused by heat leak into the vessel whereby the refrigeration of the cryogenic liquid is more efficiently employed for cooling.

Abstract: An insulation system, and method of fabricating insulating means, comprising insulating material having good heat transfer resistance at pressures between 1 and 500 microns of mercury, and hydrophobic molecular sieve adsorbent having a water capacity of less than 12 percent.

Abstract: An insulation system, and method of fabricating insulating means, comprising insulating material having good heat transfer resistance at pressures between 1 and 500 microns of mercury, and hydrophobic molecular sieve adsorbent having a water capacity of less than 12 percent.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for use with a pressurized fluid having a three-section sealing baffle between the inlet and outlet which improves efficiency by causing the fluid to flow more evenly and reducing the tendency of the fluid to recirculate or flow in eddies.

Abstract: Insulation board capable of bearing a load without significant loss of insulating capacity due to compression, produced by a method wherein the board is made in compliance with specified conditions of time, temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated conduit exhibiting reduced thermal leakage through a joint area wherein the evacuated space between inner and outer pipes is reduced in the joint area by a plate from the outer pipe to bellows covering the inner pipe which form the major heat transfer pathway.

Abstract: A thermal insulation panel which is lightweight, load bearing, accommodates thermal stress, and has excellent high temperature insulation capability comprising high performance insulation between thin metal walls supported by high density, high strength glass pegs made in compliance with specified conditions of time, temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A high density peg which can support a large load and exhibits excellent thermal resistance produced by a method wherein the peg is made in compliance with specified conditions of time, temperature and pressure.