Abstract: The present invention relates to the art of refrigeration and more particularly to a method of regulating the cooling process by controlling the oil pressure in a compressor. The system prevents the accumulation of the liquid refrigerant in the crankcase of the compressor. The system allows a compressor to continue to work without interruption.

Abstract: An air conditioner having a permanent magnet electric motor with a high output power characteristic in a cooling and heating range and a high output characteristic even in defrosting operation in a high-speed range.

Abstract: Provided is a self-cooling beverage container. The self-cooling beverage container includes a refrigerant vessel provided inside the beverage container and having a refrigerant valve configured to exhaust an internal refrigerant outside, an evaporator tubing having one end connected to the refrigerant valve and the other end led to the outside of a container body to allow evaporation of the refrigerant exhausted through the refrigerant valve and to remove an evaporation heat for the refrigerant from the beverage to cool the beverage, and a refrigerant valve actuator configured to actuate the refrigerant valve, if necessary. Since evaporation occurs directly at an evaporator tubing contacting a beverage inside the container through a wide area, superb beverage cooling efficiency can be achieved. Also, a lid member can be opened by pulling a handle or lightly touching or pressing a convex portion, that is, the self-cooling beverage container can be easily manipulated.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a vertically extending airflow distribution assembly for reducing vertical temperature gradients therein, and. laterally extending air passages are in flow communication with the air distribution assembly for reducing horizontal temperature gradients therein. A single fan simultaneously directs freezer compartment air into the air distribution assembly, the laterally extending passages and into a storage drawer for temperature regulation therein. A damper is located in flow communication with a light assembly and is selectively positionable to cool the refrigeration compartment through the air distribution assembly and the laterally extending passages, as well as to remove heat from the light assembly that may damage a refrigeration compartment liner.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating carbon monoxide and hydrogen from a gaseous mixture thereof. The process comprises separating a cooled and partially condensed stream of feed gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen into hydrogen-rich vapor and carbon monoxide-rich liquid. A portion of the carbon monoxide-rich liquid is at least partially stripped of hydrogen in a hydrogen stripping column, having an operating pressure below the feed pressure to produce hydrogen-stripped carbon monoxide liquid and hydrogen-enriched carbon monoxide vapor. A further portion of the carbon monoxide-rich liquid or a stream derived therefrom is vaporized to provide refrigeration for the feed gas. The vaporized carbon monoxide-rich liquid is compressed in a compressor to below the feed pressure, cooled and partially condensed by heat exchange and at least a portion is recycled to the hydrogen stripping column.

Abstract: A first process stream of the air separation is compressed in a first compressor (2). The first compressor (2) is mechanically coupled (4) to a steam turbine (1) and to an electric motor (3).

Abstract: An air conditioner includes an oxygen-enriched air separator for separating exterior air into oxygen-enriched air and nitrogen-enriched air and an oxygen-enriched air supplier for supplying the separated oxygen-enriched air to an indoor unit. The oxygen-enriched air separator has a main body, an oxygen-enriched air outlet port connected to the indoor unit through a supply tube, a nitrogen-enriched air outlet port for exhausting the nitrogen enriched air and a pressure maintenance unit for maintaining a pressure difference between a first space communicated with the nitrogen-enriched air outlet port and a second space communicated with the oxygen-enriched air outlet port over a predetermined level.

Abstract: A jewelry piece that includes a chain or necklace with one or more decorative jewelry pieces removably mounted thereon by way of a narrow necked down minor length portion of the necklace adjacent the necklace clasp. The decorative jewelry pieces have an open ended channel in the rear face thereof slidably receiving therein the necklace. A gap in the channel is wider than the narrow necked down portion but narrower than the remainder of the necklace.

Abstract: A gemstone setting is disclosed with rounded gemstones with outer faceted surfaces, each gemstone forming an outwardly contoured or convex gemstone configuration which is invisibly set in flush, surface to surface, mating relation within the setting. A section of a rounded gemstone is cut away, leaving a concave inset within and a curved concave inner surface on the gemstone. This concave configuration allows the partially cut away gemstone to mate in flush, surface to surface relation with the convex outer surface of the adjacent gemstone. Grooves within the side facets of the gemstone invisibly set the gemstones in position within supporting housings. The setting of gemstones in this fashion, employing surface to surface flush mating contact, can be used in infinite jewelry designs which employ rounded, curved edge, contoured or generally convex configured gemstones.

Abstract: In a sealing apparatus used in a process for sealing a glass tube-assembly of a flat-type cathode-ray tube by frits, three of a front panel, a screen panel and a funnel can be sealed together, and the front panel can be prevented from being broken. The sealing apparatus includes a frame for properly positioning a combined assembly in which the front panel, the screen panel and the funnel are butted with each other by frits and the following sealing jig(41) The sealing jig(41) includes a holding means(42) for holding a front panel(2) and a screen panel (3) under the condition that joint surfaces of the front panel and the screen panel are butted with each other by frits The holding means(42) is provided with a first resilient member(43) which is urged against the outer surface of the front panel(2) and a second resilient member (42) which is urged against the outer surface of the screen panel(3).

Abstract: An improved female mold is used in conjunction with a heated male mold for press bending glass products, such as vehicle windshields. The female mold is made of a material having thermal expansion properties equivalent to those of the corresponding male mold, preferably ceramic and most preferably the same ceramic material as the male mold. Additionally, the female mold is preferably heated so that the glass sheet to be press bent is contacted by heated surfaces on both sides.

Abstract: An improved male mold for press bending sheets of glass includes, as heating elements, heating wires which are disposed in the male mold in a manner which conforms to the outer surface of the male mold. These heating wires provide a more uniform temperature profile over the pressing surface of the male mold, thus more uniformly heating sheets of glass. Additionally, a method is provided of making a male mold for press bending sheets of glass with such conformal heating elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for glass melt devlivery and methods for using these devices. In these devices, a delivery nozzle comprising at least one platinum group metal material is directly heated by electricty. To facilitate heating, a cylindrical heating ring is mounted in ceramic base. The device's construction ensures a regulatable heating of the nozzle and the melted glass flux.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for bending glass panels. An upper tier of successive mould carriages (9) defines a number of heating stations, the final one being an actual bending station (4b). A lower tier of successive mould carriages (9) defines a number of cooling stations (5, 6, 7), which are located underneath the heating stations. The mould carriages have an open-structured or otherwise highly heat transmitting floor (10). A pre-bending station (4a) preceding the bending station (4b) and at least the final preheating station (3b) have a floor (15), on top of which are radiation heating elements (16) positioned below a floor (10) of the carriage (9) for speeding up the heating of a bottom glass panel for preventing it from falling behind from the heating of a top glass panel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing optical waveguides that comprises non-optically measuring the average temperature of a moving optical waveguide fiber as it exits a heated draw furnace using a temperature device. The device comprises an enclosed chamber that has a plurality of differential thermopiles secured to the inside surface, and a cooling system that substantially maintains a reference surface temperature of one end of each of the thermopiles. Each of the thermopiles are serially interconnected, whereby, in response to a maximum amount of radiant energy absorbed, the thermopiles generate an output signal. The output signal is substantially proportional to the maximum amount of radiant energy absorbed by the thermopiles, which in turn is substantially proportional to the fourth power of the average temperature of the moving optical waveguide fiber within the chamber.

Abstract: A method of forming a silica soot preform comprising: forming a primary soot preform on an outer periphery of a glass rod by a primary burner; and forming a secondary soot preform by a secondary burner on an outer periphery the primary soot preform, wherein a diameter of the primary soot preform is set to be ranged from twice to five times of a diameter of the glass rod, a thickness of the secondary soot preform is set to be range from 1.5 times to seven times of that of the primary soot preform. Consequently, the deposition rate with respect to the introduction of the raw material gas is considerably increased. Further, it is possible to maximize a performance of depositing the primary soot preform.

Abstract: A method for producing a large quartz glass preform for optical fibers having a low ellipticity at a low cost is provided. The method comprises a heating and stretching of a large quartz glass cylinder or a preform in which a core rod is inserted in said quartz glass cylinder without being integrated with the cylinder in non-contact state, using a heating furnace equipped with a carbon-made heating element, whereby setting the ratio (d/D) of the outer diameter (D) of the large quartz glass cylinder and the inner diameter (d) of the heating element to a range of from 1.02 to 1.5, and blowing in an inert gas from the upper part of the heating furnace (FIG.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a preform from which fiber optics are drawn is fabricated by supplying reactants and gas vapors to the preform and by using two opposing forces to control the movement of a heat source supplying heat to the preform. The two forces function to reduce any hesitation or backlash in the movement of the heat source along predetermined portions of the preform to enable uniform layers to be formed within the preform.

Abstract: Spinner discs for use in the fiberization of glass in rotary fiberization processes are made of intermetallic compounds of aluminides of nickel (Ni3Al and NiAl).

Abstract: A washing machine in which a plurality of display image parts (ID=0 to 9) are disposed and displayed, on the basis of a display/arrangement structure, on the display surface of a display unit in which a transparent pressure-type touch panel is mounted, so as to form a display/operation unit which enables display and operation/instruction by depression. Thus, a user can change the layout of the display/operation unit and washing operations freely.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of removing earth/sand, waste thread, dust and the like stuck to the washing. In order to realize the objective, the washing machine is constituted so as to be operated as follows: overflowed washing water or rinsing water from washing/dehydrating tank to an annular drainage pipe by reciprocating revolutions of the tank is led to a side pipe, where the water is filtered and circulated to the tank by a pump arranged in the middle of the side pipe for utilizing the washing or the rinsing operation.

Abstract: The field weakening of the magnetic flux of a permanent magnet is enabled. The rotor of the permanent magnet dynamo-electric machine is divided to move relatively.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column lock includes a locking element that is movable reciprocally by a rotatable control element between a locked and an unlocked position. The control element extends around the locking element and includes two inner bevel surfaces and four terminal surfaces cooperating with two radial locking element projections that are arranged diametrically opposite to each other relative to the control element's axis of rotation. The projections each engage at their ends a bevel surface or one of its two terminal surfaces located in planes extending orthogonal to the control element's axis of rotation.

Abstract: An air bag retainer to be used in combination with a steering lock for securing an air bag of an automobile while the steering lock secures the automobile. The air bag retainer includes a plate and a hooking portion extending from a side of the plate to hook a steering wheel of the automobile. Multiple through bores are defined in the other end of the plate so that connecting ends of the steering lock are able to respectively extend though the through bores to secure the air bag retainer to the steering wheel. Therefore, the air bag is securely covered by the plate and prevented from being stolen.

Abstract: A convertible knob/lever cylinder developed with a hybrid lock architecture for a door designed to incorporate the functionality of a cylindrical lock architecture with the ease of installation of a tubular lock architecture is provided by the present invention. The convertible knob/lever cylinder comprises a cylinder plug housed within a cylinder housing. A driver bar is attached to the cylinder by a cylinder driver such that rotation of the cylinder plug causes rotation of the driver bar. The driver bar telescopically mates with a chassis assembly of a lock assembly. The present invention also relates to a new lock architecture configuration including a convertible knob/lever cylinder, the lock assembly comprising a chassis assembly mounted in a bore of a door. A door latch assembly is operably connected to the chassis assembly for retraction and extension of a bolt. An outside handle is mounted on an outside spindle of the chassis assembly.

Abstract: A push button door locking mechanism developed for a hybrid lock and architecture designed to incorporate the functionality of a cylindrical lock architecture with the ease of installation of a tubular lock architecture. The push button door locking mechanism comprises a push button mounted on a push button carrier housed within an inside spindle of a door lock assembly. A main retractor is co-rotatingly attached to the inside spindle. A locking catch assembly having a head portion on a first end thereof wherein the head portion matingly attaches to the push button carrier, and a locking catch engageable against the retractor component in a manner preventing axial movement of the locking catch assembly. A push button spring biases the locking catch assembly in an unlocked position. The present invention also relates to a lock assembly for a door comprising a chassis assembly mounted in a bore of the door including an inside chassis assembly and an outside chassis assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shift lever apparatus which shifts a shift lever connected to a transmission of a vehicle, and thereby, changes a shift range to a specific shift range from among a plurality of shift ranges preset in the transmission corresponding to the position to which the shift lever has been shifted, comprising: a key device which is provided at a side the shift lever and adjacent to the shift lever, and which holds an ignition key inserted therein so that the ignition key is rotatable, and restricts the removal of the ignition key at a rotation position other than a predetermined removal position; and a lock link which restricts the rotation of the ignition key to the removal position in the key device, and is displaced by a predetermined operation of the shift lever at a specific shift position corresponding to a specific shift range from among the plurality of shift ranges so as to release the restriction of the rotation of the ignition key.

Abstract: A lock core assembly comprising: an external cylinder, an inner cylinder rotatably fitted in the external cylinder, a plurality of alignment elements provided in the inner cylinder, at least a limiting element provided in the external cylinder able to engage with the alignment elements, and a key to be inserted into the inner cylinder to move the alignment elements to positions making an unlocking state with the limiting element; the assembly is characterized by: the limiting element is assembled by means of an engaging member on the external cylinder meeting the specification of the key; when the engaging member is detached, the limiting element is separated from the external cylinder, then the original couple of the key and the limiting element are substituted by another couple of a key and a limiting element. Thereby, when a user loses his key, he can have the lock core assembly repaired without changing the entire lock set; this can reduce expenditure and avoid waste of resources.

Abstract: A cylinder lock includes a shell and a plug inside the shell. A locking pin, a sensor pin and a flexible coupling are mounted within the plug. The sensor pin moves the flexible coupling and the coupling moves the locking pin to an unlocked position when the correct key is inserted into a key slot in the plug. The key includes a locking pin receiving notch, to allow the locking pin to move to the unlocked position. The key also includes a contact surface that moves the sensor pin and thereby moves the locking pin to the unlocked position through the flexible coupling. When an incorrect key, without the locking pin receiving notch, is inserted, the flexibility of the flexible coupling allows the sensor pin to move without moving the locking pin. The cylinder lock may also include conventional pin tumblers.

Abstract: A lock with sensor comprises a housing defining a chamber and a latch mechanism located within the chamber of the housing. The latch mechanism is movable relative to the housing between a retracted position wherein the latch mechanism is substantially within the housing and an extended position wherein the latch mechanism extends,at least partially outside of the housing. A sensor mechanism is provided and has a fixed switch portion located within the chamber and a movable switch activator portion, the switch activator portion being mounted so as to move with the latch mechanism and thereby activate and deactivate the switch portion respectively.

Abstract: A water jet peening apparatus which can carry out an efficient peening work on a large-diameter cylindrical structure by injecting a jet stream which contains air bubbles caused by cavitation at a low angle of incidence is provided. The apparatus is comprised of a nozzle which introduces a high pressure water and injects a water jet stream containing air bubbles caused by cavitation at the cylindrical structure disposed in water, wherein the angle of injection of the jet stream is smaller than 45 degrees relative to a tangent of the cylindrical structure.

Abstract: Seamless tubing of a nonferrous material is made by continuously and concomitantly advancing a tubular workpiece of the nonferrous material along an axis through a rolling station, radially squeezing the workpiece in the station between external rolls and an internal mandrel to radially reduce a wall thickness of the workpiece and increase an axial length of the workpiece so that the workpiece is heated, and spraying a liquid coolant against the workpiece in and upstream of the station to maintain the workpiece at a temperature below a recrystallization temperature of the material.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of forming a sheet metal cup without using a mandrel. A cup shaped blank is first produced having a relief on a rim or outer circumference. The blank is clamped in the spinning machine. The relief controls and facilitates the bending process, creating a uniform curve at a predetermined bending point. During the rolling process, a forming roller is engaged with rim, and is moved progressively parallel with an axis of rotation. As the forming roller moves, the rim is progressively bent from an orientation normal to an axis of rotation to a position parallel to the axis of rotation. The fully formed rim can then be punched to accommodate a bearing or shaft. This allows a small radius pulley to be formed without use of a mandrel.

Abstract: In a method and a device for producing curved lengths of spring band steel in order to produce precisely toleranced, dimensionally stable bending radii, the spring band steel (10) pass through a bending unit (20), which is comprised of three support points (23-25) spaced apart from one another, and passes through a reverse bending unit (22), which is disposed after the bending unit (20) in the advancing direction of the spring band steel (10) and is comprised of a fourth support point (32), and in a cutting unit (21), the curved and recurved lengths of spring band steel (11) are cut from the spring band steel (10). The central support point (24) of the bending unit (20) and the fourth support point (32) of the reverse bending unit (22) are embodied so that they can be moved and are controlled in their advancing in relation to the spring band steel (10) by means of a numerical control unit (20) in accordance with predetermined programs (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The modular grill for vehicles such as trucks includes an elongated screen of generally rectangular configuration, with the longest dimension extending horizontally and with the screen having inner and outer surfaces. A plurality of vertically spaced elongated tubular bars are provided which extend horizontally across the screen in surface-to-surface contact with the outer surface of the screen. A plurality of vertically spaced straps are provided, one for each tubular bar, with the straps being in surface-to-surface contact with the inner surface of the screen. Fastening means extend through the straps, screen and tubular bars for retaining the bars on the screen. A roll forming method is disclosed for making the tubular bar with an integral rolled locking system which extends the entire length thereof and holds the bar in tension. The bar is preferably sweep along its longitudinal axis to create a curvature consistent with modern automotive designs.

Abstract: A hemming apparatus for joining together an inside panel and an outside panel of a closure, such as a door. The apparatus includes inner and outer tools and sliding and scarfing dies supported on a frame at a bending station. The inner tool is moved into a position against an inner surface of an inside upstanding flange of the inside panel. The outer tool is pressed against an outer surface of an outside upstanding flange of the outside panel. The sliding die bends an upper portion of the outside upstanding flange over the inside upstanding flange. The scarfing die then folds the upper portion of the outside upstanding flange downward against the inside upstanding flange to complete the hem.

Abstract: A hemming assembly and method for joining the edges of a pair of panels together includes a main die supporting edges of the two panels, a pre-hem slide supporting a pre-hem tool, a final die holder supporting a final die, and at least one drive to move the tool and die for pre-hemming and final hemming, respectively. A mechanism guides the pre-hem slide first vertically for at least partial pre-hemming, and then at an angle to expose the pre-hemmed edges for final hemming. Vertical travel of the pre-hem tool against the edges produces a superior and less distorted joint, and pre-hemming and final hemming can be performed in one overall stroke. A number of assemblies can be arranged to pre-hem and final hem a number of edges.

Abstract: A flange bending apparatus for bending an upstanding flange on an inside perimeter of an automotive window opening. A flanging steel drive reciprocally drives a flanging steel between retracted and extended positions on a frame. The retracted position of the first flanging steel allows a metal panel workpiece to be positioned on the frame with the flanging steel extending through an opening in the workpiece. When in the extended position the flanging steel overlies a portion of an inside perimeter of the opening. As it moves toward the extended position the flanging steel engages an inner surface of an upstanding workpiece flange that extends upward from around the inside perimeter of the workpiece opening. The flanging steel then bends the flange radially outward as the drive continues to move the steel to the extended position. The flanging steel bends the workpiece flange radially outward such that a lateral bend line is formed along the flange where no breakline was present before bending.

Abstract: A load applied to a slider by a suspension is adjusted as follows. First, the suspension is held while no external force to bend the suspension is applied to the suspension. Then, in this state, a position of a load beam is measured with a position measuring instrument. From the information on the position, a pitch angle of the load beam is determined, and conditions for laser light irradiation are determined from the pitch angle. Under the conditions thus determined, laser light is projected onto the front face or the rear face of a bent section of the load beam of the suspension.

Abstract: A pair of upright arms are connected at their lower ends to an anchoring beam that lies on the floor after the truck is driven onto a ramp. The front truck axle is positioned below the top ends of the upright arms, which are then joined by a pressure distributor located above the axle to form an upright arm assembly. A hydraulic ram presses upwardly against the axle, which is restrained by the pressure distributors, thereby bending the axle to align the wheels. A system of countersunk apertures and mating conical frustrum fittings and bushings distribute the resulting forces more evenly throughout the apparatus, thereby preventing bending of the upright arms.

Abstract: The Roll Defect Management Process (RDMP) is a system which is designed to manage, track and evaluate all mill rolls found in use in the hot and cold production of flat rolled metal strip. The RDMP is capable of detection, distinction and differentiation of various defects found in the mill roll using a nondestructive inspection system for generating variable amplitude output voltage signals corresponding to changes in physical properties found in a mill roll and defines corrective action for each roll type, mill, stand and position. The disposition and corrective actions of the RDMP are automated and dependent on the determination of various thresholds identified by roll, mill and stand.

Abstract: A screw is incorporated into a heating barrel. A ball screw is connected to a rear end portion of the screw through a load cell, and a servomotor for injection is connected to the ball screw. First, the heating barrel is retreated and separated from a mold, and the screw is moved to the half stroke position. After the screw is advanced for a preset period of time, the servomotor is stopped by automatic decompression to detect an output of the load cell. Similarly, after the screw is retreated for a preset period of time, the servomotor is stopped by automatic decompression to detect an output of the load cell. An average of outputs of the load cell after the screw advances and retreats is calculated and considered to be an output of the load cell under no-load conditions, thereby performing zero adjustment of the load cell.

Abstract: A circuit includes at least one odor-sensitive organic field effect transistor (OFET) having a conduction channel whose conductivity changes in response to certain ambient odors and a feedback loop coupled between an output and an input of the circuit. The feedback loop generates a feedback signal which stabilizes the output signal of the circuit for time drift of the odor-sensitive organic transistor. In one embodiment, the OFET is an integral part of an amplifier and generates input signals to the amplifier in response to certain odors. A selectively enabled switch may be coupled between the output and the input of the amplifier circuit to provide negative feedback that tends to cancel the effect on the amplifier of time drift due to the OFET.

Abstract: An electronic odor sensor includes first and second amplifiers, a biasing network, and a device connected to receive the output signals from the first and second amplifiers. The device is configured to correlate the received output signals to the presence or absence of an odor. The first and second amplifiers have respective first and second organic semiconductor layers and are configured to produce output signals responsive to the conductivities of their respective organic semiconductor layers. The conductivities of the organic semiconductor layers are responsive to voltages applied to associated ones of the amplifiers and to the presence of the odor. The biasing network applies the voltages to the amplifiers.

Abstract: A multi-function device for testing masks such as NBC masks used in civilian and military applications. In its preferred form, the device is self-contained and can be readily transported to field sites by one or two individuals. The device includes a protective storage and transport case. The case includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the case houses the power unit assembly and includes sufficient storage space to store such things as an aerosol generator reservoir, various headform accessories, a containment shroud, manuals (e.g. installation, operation and maintenance manuals) and nominal tools. The lower portion of the case houses the head assembly and controller unit which are preferably mounted on a cover or top panel. Underneath the top or cover panel of the lower portion of the case are stored the light scattering chamber, flow sensor, pressure transducer, circuit boards and valves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for detecting gas-permeable damaged points in an electrically non-conductive layer which can exist as a single layer or as a multi-layer composite with at least one conductive layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating leaks at an undetermined location in a section of pipeline of known length. Standard pressure vessels of relatively small volume are connected to respective ends of the pipeline section through valves. The pipeline is closed at each end and the valves into the standard pressure vessels are opened. Fluids are placed in the pipeline under a pressure. The valves to both of the standard pressure vessels are simultaneously closed, isolating each of the standard pressure vessels from the pipeline section so as to maintain the pressure vessels at substantially the same level as at the time of closing. The differential pressure between each end of the pipeline and its respective standard pressure vessel is then continuously monitored and recorded in real time measurements. The location of a leak is determined by solving an equation, based on the equilibrium equation and real time measured differential pressure values at each end of the pipeline.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for evaluating the rheological properties of Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids and melts employs the principle of capillary breakup following rapid stretching of the fluid between two plates.

Abstract: To economically perform preparatory chromatography, a plurality of pumps each having a corresponding one of a plurality of pistons and a corresponding one of a plurality of cylinders are driven by one motor to draw and pump solvent simultaneously into corresponding columns. To form a gradient the pumps are connected to two-way valves that are connected alternately to a first solvent and a second solvent, whereby the time said valve is in a first position controls the amount of solvent drawn from said first reservoir into said pumps and the amount of time in said second position controls the amount of said second solvent drawn into said pumps and the solvent is mixed in the pumping systems. The detectors are photodiodes mounted to light guides in the flow cells that generate signals related to light absorbance and communicate with a controller, whereby said controller receives signals indicating solute between the light guides and causes collection of solute.

Abstract: To economically perform preparatory chromatography, a plurality of pumps each having a corresponding one of a plurality of pistons and a corresponding one of a plurality of cylinders are driven by one motor to draw and pump solvent simultaneously into corresponding columns. To form a gradient, the pumps are connected to two-way valves that are connected alternately to a first solvent and a second solvent, whereby the time said valve is in a first position controls the amount of solvent drawn from the first reservoir into said pumps and the amount of time in said second position controls the amount of said second solvent drawn from the second reservoir into said pumps and the solvent is mixed in the pumping systems. The detectors are photodiodes mounted to light guides in the flow cells that generate signals related to light absorbance and communicate with a controller, whereby the controller receives signals indicating solute between the light guides and causes collection of solute.