Abstract: A hair extension tool includes a pair of elongated handles pivotally secured together at upper ends thereof. The upper ends of the pair of handles have arcuate clamps disposed thereon. A pair of metal rollers are secured to outer surfaces of upper ends of the arcuate clamps of the handles. A pair of heating elements are secured on inner surfaces of the upper ends of the arcuate clamps of the handle. A pair of cutting blades are secured to and extend inwardly from curved central portions of the arcuate clamps of the handle.

Abstract: A hair accessory device including a claw-type hair clip having claw elements hinged for opening and closing movements about an axis and carrying one or more elongated strip sections of artificial hair. Each of two claw elements has an upper panel portion adjacent to the hinge axis and from which extend a plurality of spaced apart tines, configured such that the tines of one claw element are received in the spaces between tines of the other element, when the clip is closed. A flexible bridging element extends from one upper panel portion to the other, close to but below the hinge axis. One or more elongated strip sections of artificial hair, having selvage margins at one end of strip section, are secured by such margins to the bottom surface of the flexible bridging element.

Abstract: A brush having a handle and associated surface application portion, which brush handle contains a beneficial agent generator. The brush typically has a stem with first and second ends, the first end serving as a handle. Bristles are associated with the stem's second end. A beneficial agent generator (such as an electrochemical gas generating cell) that generates a fluid comprising an oxidizing agent is encased within the stem. For treating teeth, the generator will generally be chosen to generate an oxidizing agent such as a peroxide, ozone, oxygen, or mixtures thereof. When the generator requires it, the brush will also include a battery and a switch associated with the stem and in electrical contact with the generator. The switch may be associated with the first stem end and will be in operable (e.g., electrical) contact with the electrochemical gas generating cell and the battery.

Abstract: A negative pressure ring is formed around the surface to be cleaned and an air flow loaded with solid particles is directed onto the surface, which based on its kinetic energy treats the surface without mechanical support means such as brushes. At overpressure the air flow creates an air-cushion-like volume flow, rotating or travelling along predetermined paths, at negative pressure a volume flow is continuously guided over the surface to be cleaned. By admixing solid particles and cleaning and maintenance agents to the air flow, the substrate can be cleaned and maintained. With the process of the invention it is possible to perform several treatment steps in a single operation. The overpressure process works periodically, the negative pressure process in a complete closed cycle, wherein the solid particles are cleaned in an environmentally friendly manner and recycled into the process.

Abstract: A method and system for in-process cleaning of an ion source (12) is provided. The ion source (12) comprises (i) a plasma chamber (22) formed by chamber walls (112, 114, 116) that bound an ionization zone (120); (ii) a source of ionizable dopant gas (66) and a first mechanism (68) for introducing said ionizable dopant gas into said plasma chamber; (iii) a source of cleaning gas (182) and a second mechanism (184) for introducing said cleaning gas into said plasma chamber; and (iv) an exciter (130) at least partially disposed within said chamber for imparting energy to said ionizable dopant gas and said cleaning gas to create a plasma within said plasma chamber. The plasma comprises disassociated and ionized constituents of said dopant gas and disassociated and ionized constituents of said cleaning gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides air intake passage cleaning method and its apparatus for cleaning the air intake passage of intake and exhaust apparatus for conditioning the air in building, ship, aircraft, automobile, train, or other room, to be used in an intake and exhaust apparatus comprising a fleat exchanger, and at least one blow-out port for blowing out air conditioning air exchanged in heat by the heat exchanger, comprising supplying means for supplying a cleaning solvent, together with compressed air, to the heal exchanger side from a specific blow-out port through an air intake passage, and moving means for moving cleaning and wiping elements loaded in the air intake passage toward a specific blow-out port side, and hence relates to air intake passage cleaning method and its apparatus capable of securely cleaning and removing dirt deposits in the air intake passage and heat exchanger, and obtaining sanitary environments.

Abstract: A dismantlable door (22) seals an opening (24) in a chamber (20) of a washer. The door includes removable glass panes (36) and (38) which allow an operator to view the contents of the washing chamber during a washing cycle. A connecting member (40, 132, 156, 180, 200, 216, 220, 244, 250) seals the inner glass pane (36) to a frame (28) of the door by compressing a gasket (42). In one preferred embodiment, the connecting member also receives a lower end 102 of the outer pane (38) in a channel (100, 202'). In other preferred embodiments a channel (131, 242) or L-shaped flange (224) is connected with the lower end of the door frame for supporting the lower end (102) of the outer glass pane. In yet another preferred embodiment, fixing members (258) connect the outer glass pane to the connecting member. An air space (170) is formed between the inner and outer panes. Air is able to enter and leave the air space through air gaps between the channel and the outer panes.

Abstract: A device for use in cooperation with an apparatus for lifting a person from the seated position to a standing position wherein the apparatus has at least one hollow handle extending downwardly when the person is in a standing position. The device includes an extension portion for at least partial insertion within the hollow handle and an engaging mechanism for frictionally engaging an inner surface of the hollow handle and a handle portion extending outwardly from the extension portion for gripping by the person when in a standing position.

Abstract: A valve seat arrangement that uses a TEFLON valve seat. The seat is held in place and kept from cold flowing in undesired ways by an outlet guide and a retainer. The valve seat arrangement is assembled using interference fits to avoid damage to the TEFLON seat. To overcome technical difficulties associated with the interference fit, a particular method of assembly is used. Specifically, the seat is heated and mounted on the outlet guide. Once the guide/seat assembly returns to ambient temperature, it is immersed in liquid nitrogen to force it to shrink. After removing the guide/seat assembly from the liquid nitrogen, the retainer is mounted thereon and the assembly is allowed to return to ambient temperature, thereby achieving another interference fit. If the retainer were heated to force it to expand, its temperature upon mounting on the seat would damage or destroy the seat, causing leakage through the seat.

Abstract: A household appliance water leak detection and management containment wall made from one or more oblong pieces of water-resistant, shape-retaining, flexible sheet material such as aluminum. The ends of the pieces may be joined to circumscribe a zone of contact between the appliance and its supporting surface, forming a containment space. A layer of sealant creates a water-resistant seal between a lower edge of the wall and the supporting surface. An electronic water-detection and alarm device may be placed within the containment space. A valved spigot may be mounted through a portion of the wall to allow drainage.

Abstract: A shutoff valve assembly interposed in a fluid line for monitoring fluid flow volume and closing a fluid conductor, in the event of fluid flow volume above a predetermined value. The valve assembly contains a valve seat and a normally open piston valve for sealing with the seat and includes opposing piston rods each slidably supported at one end portion by end caps. The piston valve is normally fluid pressure balanced by equal upstream and downstream rod end surface areas. A plate is secured to the body by posts in axial spaced relation with respect to the downstream end portion of one piston rod for supporting a pressure collapsible rod-like pin in accordance with Euler's law for slender columns, axially interposed between the plate and the adjacent piston valve rod.

Abstract: An unbalance compensated bypass valve (23) for a gas turbine engine fuel supply system is responsive to the fuel pressure differential across a fuel metering valve (15) to open and close a bypass orifice (37, 39, 41). The bypass valve (23) selectively supplies high fuel pressure to providing a counterbalancing force against an annular area (47) of the bypass valve piston 34 to compensate for increased restorative forces of a helical reference spring (57) as that spring is compressed as well as to compensate for other unbalance conditions within the valve (23). The piston (34) includes additional sidewall openings (69, 70, 71) which function during a "shut-off" condition to divert all fuel flow from an inlet of the metering valve (15) back to a fuel pump (13) inlet. The piston (34) also includes further sidewall openings (73, 75) which provide a controlled fuel leakage from a bypass valve inlet line (25) to the bypass valve pressure sensing inlet (29).

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering coolant from a motor vehicle includes an inlet tube with a sharply pointed end for penetrating a wall of a hose of the vehicle cooling system. The inlet tube is connected to an inlet of a closed container. An outlet of the closed container is coupled to a suction port of a venturi that also has a fluid inlet for attachment to a source of a pressurized fluid, and a fluid outlet. The flow of fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet creates a suction at the suction port which draws coolant from the cooling system of a vehicle into the closed container. A muffler is provided at output from the venturi to reduce noise produced by fluid flowing form that output. Specific structures for the venturi and the muffler are disclosed.

Abstract: A coupler for interconnecting a damper blade shaft having a keyed end with an actuator is provided whereby movement of the actuator is imparted to the damper blade shaft via the coupler. The coupler comprises a socket adapted to receive the keyed end of the damper blade shaft in at least two angular positions and a connector adapted to receive a portion of the actuator. The damper blade shaft can thereby be indexed to any one of the at least two positions relative to the actuator without additional fasteners when the keyed end of the damper blade shaft is received in the socket.

Abstract: A rotary fluid coupler includes a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and rotatable relative to the first fluid conduit, and a first fluid conduit/second fluid conduit seal at a joint between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit. A return fluid conduit has an inlet end that receives fluid leaked through the first fluid conduit/second fluid conduit seal, and a return/joint seal that seals against leakage from the return fluid conduit to an external environment. A fluid-pressure biasing source is in communication with the return fluid conduit to move fluid away from the inlet end through the return fluid conduit, and back to a fluid source.

Abstract: Two disks (4) attached to a cylindrical bar (3) with the cylindrical bar (3) passing through the center of the disks (4) and perpendicular to the plane of the disks (4) and also having a hollow tube (5) which surrounds the cylindrical bar (3) between the two disks (4) and which rotates freely around the cylindrical bar (3) in such a manner as to allow a flat hose to pass over the cylindrical bar (3) and facilitate the draining of the hose.

Abstract: The invention comprises a diverter device which has an expandable perimeter for removably mounting same to a storm drain and comprises a passageway therethrough for the directing the controlled flow of air and/or fluids from the storm drain during a back-flow incident.

Abstract: A system for joining an expansion line to a main line of a sanitary sewage or storm sewage system. The system of the present invention joins an expansion line to a main line while reducing the amount of required excavation and minimizing the obstruction of a high capacity drainage line extending vertically within a manhole system.

Abstract: An automatic-control valve device has a main valve unit, and a pilot valve unit for controlling the main valve unit. The pilot valve unit has a pilot valve A which closes when pressure in a downstream passage on the downstream side of the main valve unit increases beyond a predetermined value, a pilot valve B which opens when pressure in the downstream passage increases beyond the predetermined value. The pilot valve A and the pilot valve B are connected in series by passages through a main valve driving pressure chamber in a section between an upstream passage on the upstream side of the main valve unit and the downstream passage, and cooperate to maintain the pressure in the downstream passage at the predetermined valve.

Abstract: An air valve includes a valve body having an air passage and a transverse bar suspended in the air passage, a valve flap coupled to said transverse bar at a bottom side to close said air passage, and a movable plate coupled to locating blocks at said transverse bar at a top side and moved vertically between a first position where the movable plate is released from the valve flap and the air passage is closed by the valve flap, and a second position where the valve flap is deformed by the movable plate to open the air passage for letting air pass.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve assembly for relieving fluid pressure in an exhaust outlet includes a deformable fluid passage in fluid communication with the exhaust outlet. The passage is blocked by a poppet disposed in the passage for discouraging fluid firm passing therethrough. A spring disposed in the passage urges the poppet against the fluid, and a knob having external buttress threads is disposed in the passage to compress the spring. The knob compresses the spring to prevent fluid below a predetermined pressure from escaping through the passage past said poppet.

Abstract: An improved polymer processing system having a pair of filtration units and a diverter valve arrangement for directing the flow of molten polymers alternately through the filtration units includes an improved manifold for the diverter valve arrangement for positioning the filtration units at opposite sides of the diverter valve arrangement allowing connection between the diverter valve arrangement and the filtration units with relatively shorter connecting pipes. The improved polymer processing system also includes an improved vent valve arrangement extending through the lid of the filtration unit and a means for introducing gas into an inactive filtration unit for speeding the draining of the polymer from the unit. The improved polymer processing system also includes a means for protecting the annular seal of the inlet port of each filtration unit during the process of reinstalling the filter vessel into the surrounding jacket.

Abstract: An automatic faucet device capable of cleaning and sterilizing a human body of a user with no stress given to the user. The device includes: a water supply head; a first solenoid valve interposed in the course of a pipe connecting the water supply head to a pre-cleaning water source; a second solenoid valve interposed in the course of a pipe connecting the water supply head to an ozone-water source; and a sensor for detecting the presence of a substance such as a hand of a human body under a discharge port of the water supply head. The first solenoid valve is opened for a specific period of time A in response to a signal detected by the sensor, and the second solenoid valve is opened for a specific period of time C after an elapse of a specific period of time B since starting of the opening of the first solenoid valve.

Abstract: A valve control and monitoring assembly is mounted substantially alongside the upwardly extending auxiliary shaft of a rotary valve actuator, rather than directly above the auxiliary shaft. This valve control and monitoring assembly includes a targeting device and LEDs that provide for immediate visual indication as to the position of the driven valve, and may also include a pneumatic valve for effectuating opening and closing of the driven valve.

Abstract: A remote control device for providing air actuation of a hydraulic pump and having a remote control valve body with an air supply inlet at its bottom and first and second air ducts leading from the air supply inlet to respective first and second air valve chambers. First and second air outlets on opposite sides of the device communicate respectively with the first and second air valve chambers, and first and second air valves are positioned in the respective first and second air valve chambers to control air flow from a respective one of the first and second air ducts to a respective one of the air outlets. Additionally, a piston and cylinder device with an anti-vacuum vent is provided which is actuable in response to air pressure supplied through one of the air outlets to actuate a piston slideably mounted over a release button of a hydraulic pump.

Abstract: Pressure compensating valves disposed at inlet sides of directional control valves are each configured with a step-shaped spool having a larger diameter portion and smaller diameter portions and pressure receiving chambers are provided to sandwich the larger diameter portion such that a pump delivery pressure and an inlet pressure of a metering throttle of the directional control valve acts in the chambers, respectively, and further pressure receiving chambers are provided at respective ends of the smaller diameter portions such that an outlet pressure of the metering throttle and a signal pressure act in the chambers, respectively. A check valve operated by the outlet pressure of the metering throttle is fitted in the smaller diameter end portion positioned on the side of the pressure receiving chamber to reduce the pump delivery pressure and produce a signal pressure.

Abstract: A valve assembly used to minimize chemical loss during the transfer of chemicals from one container to another is disclosed herein. The valve assembly minimizes chlorine or other process material loss to the environment by sealing the manifold and the cylinder to be filled from the environment while the valve assembly is connected or disconnected. The valve assembly includes an inlet valve connectable to an outlet valve, the inlet valve comprising a first plug positioned in a bore extending between an inlet and outlet port and a transfer tube engaging a bore of a first insert positionable within the bore of the inlet valve. The outlet valve comprises a second plug positioned in a bore extending between an inlet and outlet port and second insert positionable within the bore of the outlet valve. The transfer tube has a first and second end configured to be insertable at least partially within respective bores of the first and second inserts, the first and second ends each having at least one port.

Abstract: A combination faucet assembly and filter assembly is provided wherein these respective assemblies are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship by pipes preferably located in a common housing structure. The combination is adapted for use in association with a kitchen sink or the like. The faucet assembly incorporates a valve for mixing hot and cold tap water and for diverting cold tap water for passage through a filter in the filter assembly. A spout is preferably associated with the faucet assembly. A pivotable faucet lever is preferably associated with the faucet assembly. The lever has a universal type of movement capability and is manipulated by an operator to accomplish regulating of either such mixing or such diverting, and also the regulating of water volume issuing from the spout. Preferably, in mixing hot and cold water in an operator selected ratio are fed to a mixing chamber adjacent the valve before dispensing of the resulting water mixture from a spout.

Abstract: A pair of hard material plates form the control members for a sequential type mixing valve, the plates perform, during the control stroke, only a relative rotation around a rotation center, the fixed plate has two passage openings and the movable plate has at least one passage opening, the whole of a first portion of the fixed plate is located on one side of a first straight line passing through the rotation center is lacking in openings, both openings of the fixed plate occupy in their whole just less of a second portion of the fixed plate, lying with respect to the first straight line opposite the first portion of the fixed plate, both openings of the fixed plate are mutually separated by a rib having, at least in part, the minimum width needed for ensuring the seal, the whole of a first portion of the movable plate which is located on one side of a second straight line passing through the rotation center is lacking in openings, and the passage openings of the movable plate occupy in their whole only a part

Abstract: Improvements relating to devices and methods for carrying out a double-catheter epidural procedure are provided. An integrated valve assembly employs a manipulable dial for selectively connecting an anesthesia input port to one of plural output ports to thereby provide anesthesia delivery access through a catheter to a targeted location in a patient's epidural space.

Abstract: A faucet comprises a main body, a control valve column, and a filter mounted on the main body. The main body is provided with an axial hole in which the control valve column is movably received. The control valve column is provided at one end thereof with a handle fastened therewith such that the control valve column can be caused by the handle to displace in the axial hole so as to let the liquid out directly from an outlet of the main body or to let the liquid out of the outlet of the main body via the filter.

Abstract: A regulator for regulating a flow rate is provided with an upper connector having a downwardly opened channel in communication with the regulator. An on-off valve connected to the regulator is provided with a lower connector having an upwardly opened channel in communication with the on-off valve. The upper connector is lapped over the lower connector and removably joined thereto with a screw so as to cause the downwardly opened channel to communicate with the upwardly opened channel. Accordingly, the regulator can be removed singly, for example, when malfunctioning.

Abstract: The tube closure comprises a cap and a nut which work in concert with each other to effectively seal a nipple at the end of a threaded tube or pipe and which facilitate removal of the cap. The cap has a flared end portion, a narrowed neck portion, a head portion, and an inner cylindrical sealing surface which engages the nipple. The cap is removably engaged within the nut with the nut at the neck portion, and is sealingly engaged on a cylindrical surface of the nipple. The cap may be removed from the nut by withdrawing the head through the nut, with an axial separation force. Removal of the cap from the nipple requires an axial cap removal force. The required axial separation force is greater than the cap removal force. The engagement of the cap within the nut allows the unscrewing of the nut to provide an axial force on the cap to disengage the cap from the nipple without separating the nut from the cap.

Abstract: A process of filling an underground natural gas pipeline and similar pipelines with an inert foam to render the pipeline unusable. Pipelines which are no longer in service must be properly be abandoned in a manner acceptable to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The pipeline is cut at periodic intervals to create a shorter pipe and small sections of pipe are removed. An electrical or plumber's snake or similar device is passed through the pipe between the cuts to ensure that a clear path exists. A dual hose is then pulled through the pipe from a first opening to a second opening and a mixing device having a mixing head and a static mixing tube is then attached to the hoses. The chemicals needed to produce the foam are then pumped through the hoses. The hoses are then pulled back to the first opening as the mixed chemicals are pumped through the mixing head. The mixed chemicals react with each other to create an inert foam.

Abstract: An inventive air duct includes a blow molded tubular body of a first material having at least one annular open end, the open end terminating at a radially outwardly extending lip. A cuff of a second material is molded to the main body such that at least a portion of the lip is embedded within the cuff. Before molding the cuff, a portion of the main body adjacent the open end is pre-formed to remove any seams created during blow molding and to provide improved dimensional stability. Thus, leak pathways are minimized. The improved dimensional stability in combination with the use of an outwardly extending lip, a portion of which is embedded within the cuff, helps promote a strong seal between the cuff and the main body.

Abstract: An elongate deformable conduit and method of fabrication thereof adapted for the subterranean conveying of petroleum products and petrochemicals has an inner copper tube to which is bonded an outer layer of flexible polyvinyl chloride up to about one-third inch in radial wall thickness. In a preferred embodiment the polyvinyl chloride contains an ultraviolet stabilizer and is extruded in a wall thickness up to about one-tenth inch about the copper tube, and the copper tube has an outside diameter ranging up to about two inches and is sized to convey heating oil substantially below ground.

Abstract: A multi-wound stainless steel pipe produced by plastic-deforming a hoop material made of a stainless steel sheet applied with a Cu-brazing material on the surface thereof to a multi-wound pipe and after melting the brazing material between the walls of the multi-wound pipe, cooling the molten brazing material, wherein the Cu-brazing material between the walls and the Cu-brazing material at the surfaces of the inside surface and the outside surface of the pipe are diffused into the base material at a depth of from 0.5 .mu.m to 15 .mu.m and bonded thereto. The multi-wound stainless steel pipe is excellent in the pressure resisting strength and working strength and has a high quality.

Abstract: A method for producing a fabric, by a loom equipped with healds, a reed and a back roller, characterized by using synthetic filament yarns as the warp yarns and the weft yarns to be supplied to the loom, using a drive system having a cam for the shedding and closing motions of the healds, and keeping the dwell angle of the healds in a range from 85 to 120 degrees. The back roller is equipped with a positive easing mechanism, and the easing quantity by the easing mechanism is adjusted in a range from about 5 to about 15 mm. Where the warp yarns positioned in the selvages of the fabric among the warp yarns are called selvage yarns and the warp yarns additionally added to the selvage yarns are called insert yarns, then the number of insert yarns per 10 selvage yarns is in a range of from 1 to 10, and one selvage yarn each and one insert yarn each are guided through each dent of the reed.

Abstract: In a loom of which the backrest (3) and/or the warp stop motion (17) are adjustably supported on the machine frame (22) and are adjustable by associated adjusting equipment with at least one adjusting function, at least the backrest (3) and/or the warp stop motion (17) are automatically adjusted. To achieve this, at least one controllable driven adjusting device (30) connected to the loom control is allocated to the adjusting equipment. The existing actual position of the backrest and/or of the warp stop motion is determined. At least the measured values characteristic of the actual position are compared to prescribed nominal or desired values. From this comparison, an adjusting signal is generated, which is then provided to the adjusting device, which then automatically moves the backrest (3) and/or the warp stop motion (17) automatically into the respective desired position.

Abstract: Different groups of warp threads are subject to different variations of warp thread tension during shed changes, especially when weaving a fabric having portions such as fabric edges with different weave binding patterns. To provide different warp thread tension compensation for the different thread groups, a cam-like first tensioning module is arranged protruding from the circumferential surface of the backrest along the entire operating width thereof. Second and third tensioning modules are arranged and engaged over the first tensioning module at particular selected axial locations on the backrest. While the second and third tensioning modules provide a constant deflection path distance for second and third warp thread groups guided thereover, the first tensioning module provides a varying deflection path distance for the first warp thread group guided thereover, depending on the oscillating rotational angular position of the backrest.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing and positioning U-shaped loops of wires on a conveyor of a harness making machine comprises transfer grippers moveable in a vertical direction V. The transfer grippers are for transferring the wire loops from the selector and cutting station into the jaws of conveyor grippers. Provision of the transfer grippers enables initial feeding and cutting of the wire loops during movement of the conveyor grippers thereby decreasing cycle time.

Abstract: A pressurized package of paint additives is prepared by mixing water, emulsion, stabilizers and a propellant in a pressurizable container. This pressurized container is then sold to retail stores where a water borne paint composition is injected into the pressurized container and sold directly to the end user.

Abstract: A filling valve assembly for filling a container (11) with a fluid material and comprising a valve body (16) having an outer wall (18) defining an inner chamber (20). A vent tube (30) extends upwardly through the chamber (20) for ventilating the container (11) when the container (11) is filled with the fluid material and defining at least one fluid passageway (38) disposed between the outer wall (18) and the vent tube (30) for allowing the fluid material to discharge from the chamber (20) and into the container (11). A first screen (62) is disposed across said fluid passageway (38) and the assembly is characterized by a second screen (64) disposed across the passageway (38) in spaced relationship to and below the first screen (62) whereby the capillary action of both screens (62) and (64) accumulate to more precisely fill successive containers (11) to equal volumes.

Abstract: An improved filling valve specially configured for attachment onto a conventional, high speed liquid filling machine that is typically utilized in food product container packaging lines to quickly fill large numbers of containers, such as bottle or cans. A filler valve has several improvements that result in greater reliability in operation, increased operational speed, and easier adjustment in operational parameters. The filler valve including a manifold that receives a manifold insert and a spring nut that abuts to a slider. The slider is the only moving part of the filler valve. A filler stem is received through the slider and attaches to the manifold. For filling, the top opening of a bottle is placed against a spanner nut and the manifold lowered, thereby compressing the slider into the manifold to insert the stem into the container. A liquid is then injected into the container, while displaced air is exhausted into the co-axial annular space between the stem and the slider.

Abstract: A standard mechanical interface wafer pod gas filling system, comprising: a platform, carrying a wafer pod cover of a wafer pod; a pod hold-down latch mechanism; a port, carrying a wafer pod base, with lateral gaps between the platform and the port; a pod door lock/unlock mechanism, mounted on the lower side of the platform; a port door up/down mechanism; several nozzles, mounted on one lateral side of the platform, having widening ends, wherein the lateral gap located opposite to the nozzles is wider than the other lateral gaps; a charging box, mounted on the lower side of the platform; and a gas supply unit for supplying inert gas through the nozzles and taking out air from the wafer pod.

Abstract: The dispenser comprises a plurality of delivery stations (20a-20b, 30) for the constituent substances of the drink, a delivery station (40) for empty cups, a location (10) for release of the drink to the user, and an automatic control unit which automatically controls the succession of operations involved in emitting the substances and cups. A cup handling device (60) is provided, comprising a gripping member (61) for gripping a cup (8), and means for moving said gripping member (61) in such a manner as to bring it, by a succession of movements, to the exit points of the delivery stations (20a-20b, 30, 40, 50); said handling device (60) is controlled by the automatic control unit in such a manner as to firstly bring the gripping member (61) to the station (40), then bring the gripped cup under the exit points of the other delivery stations (20a-20b, 30, 50), and finally bring the cup carrying the drink into the location (10) for its release to the user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for filling containers with a gas or gas mixture under pressure are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a fixed volume vessel for containing the gas at a pressure P.sub.1, a line extending from the fixed volume vessel to a buffer volume vessel which has a capacity greater than the volume of the container to be filled, a pressure controller for controlling the pressure of the gas in the line so that the gas reaches the buffer volume vessel at a pressure P.sub.2 which is less than P.sub.1, a further line extending from the buffer volume vessel to at least one filling nozzle, and a valve located in the further line for controlling the flow of gas from the buffer volume vessel to the gas capsule to be filled.

Abstract: A material handling transfer system which utilizes passive dust control methods for containing and controlling fugitive dust emissions generated during a transfer operation. The present system includes an enclosure containment structure which houses a specially designed transfer chute for vectoring a stream of moving material from a first elevated transfer location to a second lower transfer location, the chute being constructed to reduce fugitive dust emissions at the second transfer location, an adjustable deflector mechanism for containing and funneling the bulk material onto the transfer chute structure, and a stilling zone positioned downstream from the second transfer location for impeding the propagation of any fugitive dust emissions through the exit area of the enclosure structure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hollow needle axially mobile so as to pierce a container stopper. Said needle comprises a pointed end with a cutting edge tangent to the needle cylindrical body generatrix, an oblique shape linking the edge to said cylindrical body and a side outlet orifice of the channel centred on said generatrix and a site spaced from the edge, said orifice being centred perpendicular to the needle longitudinal axis. This invention is applicable to automatic and semiautomatic analytical equipment.

Abstract: An ice dispenser for a refrigerator includes an ice reservoir mounted inside the refrigerator, an ice supplier disposed within the ice reservoir, a cavity mounted in a refrigerator door, an ice supply tube communicating the ice reservoir with the cavity, a damper door for opening and closing the ice supply tube, and an elastic member biasing the damper door toward the ice supply tube closing position. A mounting lever pivotally fixed on the cavity, a damper door opening lever extending from an extreme end of the mounting lever to one side of the damper door, a switch operating lever extending from the extreme end of the mounting lever, and a switch operated by a pivotal movement of the switch operating lever are provided. A retardation means for retarding the return of the damper door to the closed position for a predetermined time after pieces of ice are dispensed out of the cavity and the switch is turned OFF is also provided.