Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for processing a preform and/or drawing an optical fiber. The method is characterized by securing the preform (2) to the processing device by means of at least two separate gripping means (4, 6), heating the preform (2) or a section thereof by means of at least one heating device at least locally, generating a tension in the preform (2) by means of the gripping means (4, 6), and processing the preform (2) by moving one of the gripping means (4, 6) and the heating means (12) and keeping the gripping means (4, 6) on the side of the end product of the preform in position relative to the body of the processing device, whereby the end product produced also remains in position relative to the body of the processing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transporting sewage in a vacuum system, which comprises a source (2) of sewage, which through sewer piping (1) is connected to a collecting or discharge space (15) for sewage, and means (4,5) for generating vacuum in the sewer piping (1). In order to attain a reliably operating system the method employs a rotary lobe pump (4,5) for generating vacuum, transported through the rotary lobe pump (4,5) to the collecting or discharge space (15) for sewage. The rotary lobe pump can also be used for emptying the collecting space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transporting sewage in a vacuum system, which comprises a source (2) of sewage, which through sewer piping (1) is connected to a collecting or discharge space (15) for sewage, and means (4,5) for generating vacuum in the sewer piping (1). In order to attain a reliably operating system the method employs a rotary lobe pump (4,5) for generating vacuum, transported through the rotary lobe pump (4,5) to the collecting or discharge space (15) for sewage. The rotary lobe pump can also be used for emptying the collecting space.