Abstract: A banding fixture including a body having a horizontal opening therein, a carriage movable into and out of the horizontal opening, a recess in the carriage, the carriage with the recess therein movable into the horizontal opening with an upper surface on the carriage in underlying near contiguous relationship to an undersurface of a plate on the body, and a workpiece-receiving slot in the body above the horizontal opening. A method of banding a workpiece including the steps of placing a band into spaced slots having sides, pressing a workpiece overlying a central portion of the band which is not in the slots into a recess in a member, and moving the member relative to a surface so that the ends of the band which extend beyond the workpiece are pressed together in overlapping relationship as the member passes in contiguous relationship to the surface.

Abstract: A reclosable bag has a bag body and a reclosable, zipper-type closure. The reclosable closure has extruded male and female interlocking profiles extending along opposing sides of an opening of the bag and are constructed to releasably interlock. The closure also has an extruded valve flange extending from one side of the closure to engage an opposing surface of the closure when the profiles are interlocked. The flange and opposing surface are constructed to separate in response to pressure within the bag for venting the bag with the profiles interlocked, and to increase a contact pressure therebetween in response to presence of a vacuum in the bag. The closure also defines a vent passage extending from an air space between the opposing sides of the opening and between the interlocking profiles and the valve flange.

Abstract: A process for packaging a polyurethane foam filled article of furniture, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a polyurethane foam filled article of furniture having an initial volume; (b) reducing the initial volume of the polyurethane foam filled article of furniture to a reduced volume, comprising at least one of the steps of: (1) decreasing air pressure within the polyurethane foam filled article of furniture via a vacuum source; and (2) compressing the initial volume of the polyurethane foam filled article of furniture to a reduced volume; and (c) associating the polyurethane foam filled article of furniture with a package.

Abstract: A film roll changer for a stretch film wrapping device provides rolls of film on a turntable. The changer moves into position beneath a roller carriage assembly, lifts a carrier plate to remove a spent roll, rotates a new roll into place, inserts the film into the roller carriage, pulls out an end of the film. The changer then closes the carriage assembly and transfers the film end to the wrapping device.

Abstract: A packaging blank capable of forming a container having at least two internal compartments comprises in one embodiment a substantially rectangular bottom panel having opposing first and second side panels, a substantially rectangular top panel connected to the bottom panel by the second side panel, and an internal panel connected to the top panel by a first glue flap, wherein the bottom panel typically includes at least one display window. Upon construction the packaging blank provides a container having multiple internal compartments that may be viewable through a plurality of display windows. A method of packaging a product and an associated article comprises in one embodiment the steps of providing a blank, folding the internal panel over the top panel, positioning the article on the internal panel, folding the bottom panel over the internal panel, and securing the container formed by the blank.

Abstract: An automatic wrapper machine tape supporter includes a base member, an inverted U-shaped wrapping tape guide, a reversing device, a drive device and a cam. The base member is mounted in the wrapper machine and a frame mounted upright on the base member. The inverted U-shaped wrapping tape guide is mounted in the frame. The reversing device is mounted on one side of the wrapping tape guide. The drive device is mounted under the frame and connected to the reversing device. The cam is rotatably mounted on the base member and driven by a motor to drive the drive device for horizontally pulling out the wrapping tape guide so that the tape is released from the wrapping tape guide and is wrapped on an object. The reversing device can make the wrapping tape guide moved back to an original position for next wrapping action.

Abstract: A snaffle bridle in accordance with this invention comprises a broad nose band strap (24), to which the nose band (26) and the throat lash (28) are connected, and a second, similarly broad head strap (30) which carries the bit (14) by way of the cheek straps (32a, 32b). A cushioning pad is utilised, which is laid over the horse's head prior to mounting the nose band strap (24), spreading the load which is applied to the head during the use of the bit. Similarly, a weymouth bridle comprises a nose band strap (70), carrying the nose band (74) and throat lash (78), whilst a second head strap (80) carries the weymouth bit (84) and snaffle bit (88).

Abstract: A grill assembly for a cyclone dust collecting apparatus for use in a vacuum cleaner capable of improving dust collection of the vacuum cleaner by preventing dirt from flowing into a vacuum-generating device after passing through a grill. The grill assembly is disposed at an upper part of an air discharge passage of a cyclone body for separating dirt from a whirling air current by centrifugal force by forming the whirling air current from drawn air, and the grill assembly prevents dirt from being drawn into the vacuum-generating device of the vacuum cleaner. The grill assembly comprises a grill body having a plurality of passages formed thereon and filtering means disposed along an interior wall of the grill body for filtering dust drawn into the grill body through the plurality of passages.

Abstract: An expandable media filter structure is composed largely of biodegradable materials and is environmentally disposable. A plurality of pleated panels are interconnected at their edges so as to be collapsible for storage and shipping purposes but expandable for installation and use. A plurality of ribbons are ultrasonically welded to each of the panel edges, with the ribbon portions between edges being of substantially equal lengths, thereby maintaining equal spacing between the panel edges when the filter is in the expanded condition but allowing an easy collapsing of the filter for storage. Forming a part of the disposable filter are pair of end plates, with each being adhesively attached to an end panel and having a pair of slots formed near their ends for attachment to a nondisposable support structure. The end panels are formed of multiple layers of paperboard which are adhesively bonded and compressed into a U-shaped structure that rigidly supports the filter in its expanded condition.

Abstract: An expandable media filter structure is composed largely of biodegradable materials and is environmentally disposable. A plurality of pleated panels are interconnected at their edges so as to be collapsible for storage and shipping purposes but expandable for installation and use. A plurality of ribbons are ultrasonically welded to each of the panel edges, with the ribbon portions between edges being of substantially equal lengths, thereby maintaining equal spacing between the panel edges when the filter is in the expanded condition but allowing an easy collapsing of the filter for storage. Forming a part of the disposable filter are pair of end plates, with each being adhesively attached to an end panel and having a pair of slots formed near their ends for attachment to a nondisposable support structure. The end panels are formed of multiple layers of paperboard which are adhesively bonded and compressed into a U-shaped structure that rigidly supports the filter in its expanded condition.

Abstract: A mowing machine connectable to a lifting device arranged at the rear of an agricultural support vehicle has a mowing device with several rotary cutting members guided in a working position laterally on the support vehicle. A support beam has a first end receiving the mowing device and a second end with a three-point hitch with connecting locations connectable to upper and lower rods of the lifting device. A first connecting location is provided on the support beam on a side of the three-point hitch remote from the mowing device. The first connecting location is connected to the three-point hitch such that when the mowing device hits an obstacle while moving in a traveling and working direction, a pivot movement of the mowing device in a direction counter to the traveling and working direction and a lifting movement of the leading area of the mowing device are initiated.

Abstract: A method for selecting an optimal setting of an adjustable work unit in an agricultural harvesting machine, wherein each setting of the work unit results in a work result, includes adjusting a first set parameter of the work unit on the machine to a first work setting; recording a first, stable work result; adjusting the first set parameter of the work unit to a second work setting; recording a second, stable work result; comparing the first and second work results; and selecting between the first and second work settings based on the comparison of the first and second work results.

Abstract: A mobile sweeper having a wheel supported housing to be moved forward and backward over a surface to be swept of debris. A pair of parallel elongated rotary brushes are mounted in the housing for rotation and extend in the direction of their elongation transversely to the direction of normal forward movement of the housing. These rotating brushes project downwardly through a bottom opening in the housing for sweeping an underlying surface of leaves and other debris. The drive for the brushes drives the rotary brushes in counter rotation whereby debris is swept upwardly between the brushes. A vacuum shredder fan is also mounted in the housing and communicates through a vacuum chute with the bottom opening of the housing for drawing in debris swept up by the brushes and chipping, shredding or mulching and discharging the shredded debris through a discharge chute for collection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that allows a conventional trimmer of the type with flying cutting string or any other type blade to maintain a controllable height above the cutting plane and to swivel 360 degrees. The invention includes a set of wheels that also acts as a fulcrum point forming a lever with the heavier head of the trimmer closer to the wheels and the handle acting as a long lever arm. The invention allows the operator to trim around curbs and edges without making contact. This conserves string and is safer. The invention converts and standard trimmer into a mini-lawnmower allowing less stain on the operator.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a mower body and a grass bag provided at the rear of the mower body. The mower body has a cutter deck rotatably accommodating a cutter blade, a carrying passage for guiding grass clippings into the grass bag, and an air return passage for guiding only air from the grass bag into the cutter deck. Cutter deck-facing openings of the air return passage are opened in line with the rotating track of airlifts provided at the opposite ends of the cutter blade. A swirling airflow inside the cutter deck induced by the rotation of the cutter blade is in the same direction as that of air returned via the air return passage, resulting in a smooth airflow inside the cutter deck.

Abstract: A thick and thin polyester multifilament yarn having an excellent natural fiber yarn-like hand, a dry touch and spun yarn-like appearance includes a plurality of individual thick and thin polyester multifilaments varying in thickness along the longitudinal direction thereof and exhibits a spectrum having a first peak (Pmax1) of a coefficient of variation in yarn thickness of 4 to 10 cm, a second peak (Pmax2) of the yarn thickness variation coefficient of 50 to 150 cm and a ratio (Pmax1/Pmax2) of 1.5 to 4.0, measured by the normal mode test method using the Uster evenness tester.

Abstract: A regenerator for a thermal cycle engine and methods for its manufacture. The regenerator has a random network of fibers formed to fill a specified volume and a material for cross-linking the fibers at points of close contact between fibers of the network. A method for manufacturing a regenerator has steps of providing a length of knitted metal tape and wrapping a plurality of layers of the tape in an annular spiral.

Abstract: A system for controlling one or more jet engine thrust reversers includes a motor, a speed sensor, and a controller circuit. The motor is coupled to one or more jet engine moveable thrust reverser components for moving the one or more moveable thrust reverser components to at least a deployed position. The speed sensor is operable to sense the a rotational speed of the motor. The controller circuit has an output coupled to the motor for selectively energizing and deenergizing the motor in response to the speed sensor sensing that the rotational speed of the motor is, respectively, at or above a first predetermined rotational speed and at or below a second predetermined rotational speed. The system controls the deployment operation of the jet engine thrust reversers such that unwanted mechanical and electrical loads are avoided.

Abstract: A thrust reverser system includes one or more actuators each having a locking mechanism that prevents unintended actuator movement, and thus unintended thrust reverser movement. Each of the actuators additionally includes a lock inhibitor assembly that engages the lock and prevents it from moving to its locked position until the actuator is moved into a stow position. Upon movement to the stow position, the lock inhibitor assembly disengages the lock, and the lock automatically moves into its locked position.

Abstract: A catalytic material for the plasma-assisted treatment of the exhaust gases from internal combustion engines, consisting of an activated alumina, which contains silver or molybdena (MoO3). For silver doped alumina, a preferred silver concentration is between 0.1% and 5% by weight. The preparation and use of silver doped alumina material also is described.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification device of an engine comprising a particulate filter arranged in an exhaust passage. An electric motor able to impart a vehicle drive power separate from the engine and able to generate electric power from the engine is provided. After the particulate filter finishes being warmed up, when the temperature of the particulate filter is low, the output torque of the engine is increased and the amount of increase of the output torque is consumed by the power generating action of the electric motor.

Abstract: A pair of particulate filters arranged in parallel in an exhaust passage and a combustion device for supplying to the filters exhaust gas having a temperature elevation capability higher than the temperature elevation capability of the engine exhaust gas able to raise the filter temperature are provided. An NOx catalyst and oxidizing substance are carried on each filter. When the NOx absorbed in an NOx catalyst should be reduced, the flow of engine exhaust gas into the filter carrying the NOx catalyst for reduction of the NOx is suppressed and a rich air-fuel ratio exhaust gas is supplied from the combustion device to the filter so that the filter temperature is maintained higher than a particulate continuous oxidation temperature in the NOx reduction temperature range.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of acoustical devices for improving either or both the intake and exhaust sounds emanated from an internal combustion engine. This is achieved by employing acoustical devices which are configured so as to discharge the desired sound waves to the atmosphere rather than by attempting to dampen the undesired sound waves generated in the system.

Abstract: A hydropower conversion system is provided which uses a hydraulic gradient to accelerate water in a drive pipe. A valve is disposed in drive pipe to interrupt the flow of water and thus create a temporary negative pressure within the drive pipe. A negative pressure relief device with a riser section is coupled to the drive pipe and is adapted to pull air but not water into the riser section when under negative pressure. A pneumatic device such as a power turbine is coupled to the negative pressure relief device.

Abstract: A photothermal power generation device designed to heat an emitter receives a supply of fuel and air, burns the fuel to produce combustion gas, and converts light emitted from the emitter into electric power by means of a photoelectric conversion element. The device is provided with a flow resistance adjusting unit for adjusting a flow resistance of the combustion gas in the emitter in accordance with a state of combustion gas, a combustor fire vent adjusting unit for adjusting the shapes of, or a number of, fire vents formed in the combustor in accordance with a required output, or a discharge state adjusting unit for adjusting a discharge state of exhaust gas in accordance with a state of the combustion gas. This photothermal power generation device provides uniform light-emitting intensity and enhances power generation efficiency.

Abstract: Robotic, and Exoskeletal designs and applications may require a direct conversion of power in the form of electrical, hydraulic, or mechanical actuation. By utilizing actuators powered by a miniaturized power source located inside the actuator the normally cumbersome external systems for power generation and distribution are eliminated. In this invention a piston-cylinder assembly integrated concentrically inside the core of a special burner provides a controlled power-stroke to be utilized as the actuator for robotic and similarly actuated structures. Each actuator has its own fuel reservoir and can be operated independently of each other through an internal computer system, as well as the action of one or more self-powered actuator(s) can be controlled by an external computer so as to execute programmed routines involving several actuators simultaneously.

Abstract: Interaction between mating gas turbine combustor components due to vibrations and assembly tolerances can cause excessive wear and premature replacement. Typically, wear reduction features, such as hardened materials, are used to minimize the amount of wear or direct such wear to a specific component. The present invention discloses an improved wear reduction device for the interface between a gas turbine combustor transition duct end frame and the turbine inlet. The improved wear reduction device incorporates “L-shaped” wear strip inserts, constructed of a hardened material, and fixed along the sidewalls of the end frame to protect it from wear by the mating turbine inlet seal. The improved wear strip insert provides a cost savings by not requiring costly manufacturing tooling to form the wear strip inserts, unlike previous wear reduction techniques for the same component interface.

Abstract: For regulating engine exhaust and for environmental reasons, aircraft users are restricted from expelling engine fluids from engines onto airport ramps. All such fluid must be collected and subsequently burned or properly disposed of. The present invention installs witness drain valves in the drain lines between seal cavities and environmental collector tank. The witness drain valves have a small reservoir that will retain a known volume of fluid. As fluid passes from a leaking seal to the collector tank, a small sample is captured in the witness drain valve. Once the witness drain valve reservoir is full, the leaking fluid then flows on to a collector tank, which is also provided. During regular engine maintenance, technicians push on a spring loaded drain valve located on the witness drain valve reservoir. If fluid is detected, the seal is beginning to leak, and corrective maintenance may be scheduled while the leak rate is still within operational limits.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for optimizing the transient response of a gas turbine engine by controlling the variable positioning of compressor inlet guide vanes. The system employs a normal mode schedule which schedules relatively closed inlet guide vane settings at low compressor speeds and relatively open inlet guide vane settings at high compressor speeds. The system further employs an alternate mode schedule that schedules inlet guide vane settings that are more closed at low compressor speeds than those scheduled by the normal mode schedule. Control logic is provided for rapidly moving the inlet guide vanes from the more closed settings of the alternate mode schedule to settings which are more open than those which are schedule by the normal mode schedule, during an acceleration from low engine power levels. The control logic is further configured to command the inlet guide vanes back to the normal mode schedule as the acceleration nears completion.

Abstract: A biopharmaceutical cryopreservation system includes a container having an outer surface area with the container being adapted to contain a biopharmaceutical material for freezing and thawing therein. The container may be received in a cryocooling enclosure having an interior cavity configured to receive it. The cryocooling enclosure includes at least one heat transfer surface configured to contact the outer surface area of the container when the cryocooling enclosure interior cavity receives the container. Also, a cryocooler is thermally coupled to the cryocooling enclosure and is configured to flow a fluid to the at least one heat transfer surface to control the temperature of the heat transfer surface and the biopharmaceutical material within the container. The fluid is isolated from contacting the container. Further, a temperature sensor is thermally coupled to the cryocooling enclosure, the at least one heat transfer surface, the fluid and/or the cryocooler.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating ice pellets having a rotationally mounted drum, a cryogenic component for cooling the outer surface of the drum, a fluid droplet applicator for transferring droplets to the outer surface of the drum, and a particle removal blade for removing solidified particles from the drum surface. Methods are also disclosed for creating ice pellets including transferring fluid droplets to a rotating drum having an outer surface sufficiently cold to cause solidification of the droplets during a period of drum rotation. Upon solidification, the particles are removed and made available for subsequent use. Such subsequent use includes disposing the apparatus in a pressurized vessel, collecting the pellets, and feeding the same, under pressure, to the ambient environment.

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner with an automatic control having a learning function of manual operation, when a passenger manually sets an air blowing amount in the automatic control, it is determined whether or not an air blowing amount after the manual operation is in a readily sensible area. When a change of the air amount due to the manual operation is in the readily sensible area, a reflecting degree of the manual operation reflected in an air amount control pattern is increased. For example, 100% of the manual operation is reflected in the air amount control pattern in the readily sensible area, while about tens % of manual operations is generally reflected in the air amount control pattern totally.

Abstract: A dehumidifier includes a casing inside which a dehumidifying and condensing unit for removing water from surrounding air is mounted.

Abstract: An air conditioner for a vehicle has a sunlight amount sensor for detecting the amount of sunlight incident into a vehicle, the other sensors and an air conditioning control device that controls the blowing out amount of the conditioned air at each blow-out port in association with the signals detected by the sensors. The air conditioning control device conditions the air by using the fixed amount of sunlight when the change in the amount of sunlight detected by the sunlight amount sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined value so that the air conditioning is performed comfortably for a passenger.

Abstract: A first check valve 620 for allowing refrigerant to flow only from a compressor 100 to an evaporator 300 (a refrigerant passage 510) is provided in a hot-gas passage 600 that conducts refrigerant discharged from the compressor 100 into the evaporator 300 without passing through a radiator 200 and an ejector 400. Therefore, the refrigerant can be prevented from flowing into the hot-gas passage 600 during normal operation. In normal operation, the refrigerant in the hot gas passage 600 from the low pressure side (on the side of the evaporator 300) can be prevented from being retained in the hot-gas passage 600, so that the required amount of refrigerant can be reduced and the cost of producing the ejector circuit can be also reduced.

Abstract: In an ejector cycle system, a variable throttle is disposed at an upstream side of an ejector. When high-pressure side refrigerant pressure in the ejector cycle system is approximately equal to or higher than critical pressure of the refrigerant, the variable throttle is fully opened. When the high-pressure side refrigerant pressure is approximately lower than the critical pressure of the refrigerant, a throttle open degree of the variable throttle is reduced from the fully open degree so that high-pressure side refrigerant is decompressed in two steps of the variable throttle and the ejector. Accordingly, in both cases of a high heat load and a low heat load of the ejector cycle system, COP of the ejector cycle system can be improved.

Abstract: An oil holding tank (40) is communicated to the case (10c) of the compressor (10). Part of the refigerant discharged from the compressor (10) is introduced into the oil holding tank (40) so that the lubrication oil (L) is allowed to flow out from the oil holding tank (40) and the lubrication oil (L) which flows out is allowed to return to the case (10c). The presence of the lubrication oil (L) is detected from a comparison between the temperature (TK1) of the refrigerant introduced from the compressor (10) to the oil holding tank (40) and the temperature (TK2) of the lubrication oil (4) flowing out from the oil holding tank (40). On the basis of the result of the detection, it is judged whether or not the amount of the lubrication oil (L) in the case (10c) is appropriate.

Abstract: The object of the present Invention is to provide an expansion valve including a pressure sensor which enables reduction of parts cost. A pressure sensor is screwed into an opening of a body block, which communicates with a space accommodating a valve element and a compression coil spring for urging the valve element toward a valve seat. A set value for an expansion valve is adjusted by changing the amount of screwing of the pressure sensor to thereby change the load of the compression coil spring. An adjusting screw for adjusting the set value for the expansion valve can be dispensed with, which makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the expansion valve.

Abstract: Systems for phase-change particulate slurry cooling equipment and methods to induce hypothermia in a patient through internal and external cooling are provided. Subcutaneous, intravascular, intraperitoneal, gastrointestinal, and lung methods of cooling are carried out using saline ice slurries or other phase-change slurries compatible with human tissue. Perfluorocarbon slurries or other slurry types compatible with human tissue are used for pulmonary cooling. And traditional external cooling methods are improved by utilizing phase-change slurry materials in cooling caps and torso blankets.

Abstract: A Machine and method for producing the illusion of snow is disclosed and described. It produces said product in a manner such that is easier to manufacture, operate, and produce than is currently available.

Abstract: An apparatus for low volume dispensing of soft drinks preferably uses no mechanical refrigeration equipment, depending instead on heat transfer from a bin of ice to cool water and soft-drink syrup for beverages. A heat-exchange plate desirably includes transfer lines for incoming water to and from a carbonator. A portion of the heat exchange plate, or a second heat exchange plate, includes transfer lines for syrup and for carbonated water. The carbonated water is used to cool the syrup through the second heat exchange plate, and is also mixed with the syrup to dispense a soft drink. Heat from the incoming water and syrup is removed by melting ice in the ice bin, which may be replenished as needed.

Abstract: An absorption-cycle refrigerating unit, comprising an electrically heated boiler, covered with a layer of mineral wool that is covered by an external enclosure made of expanded plastic material.

Abstract: A bracelet includes at least one electronic display unit. Each display unit has a display having a plurality of display elements arranged in a sequence lying along the length of the bracelet and/or arranged in a sequence lying substantially around the perimeter of the display. The bracelet has a control circuit to control the display elements so that the characters displayed by the display elements appear to move along the sequence of display elements with time. In the alternative, the characters appear to move along a discrete face which is provided along the bracelet.

Abstract: A method for heat treating a synthetic quartz glass for optical use in a heating furnace, that comprises covering the surroundings of a synthetic quartz glass body with a SiO2 powder having a mean dissolved hydrogen molecule concentration of 1×1019 molecules/cm3 or higher, and then heat treating the body.

Abstract: A glass polarizer and a method of making the polarizer, the polarizer being produced from an R2O—Al2O3—B2O3—SiO2 glass containing limited amounts of ZrO2 and TiO2, and having a silver halide liquidus temperature and a rutile liquidus temperature, both temperatures being not over 995° C.

Abstract: A display element has a luminescent body formed on a glass substrate, a glass cap with the rim bonded to the rim of the glass substrate, and a sealing layer of frit formed on the bonding region between the glass substrate and the glass cap. In encapsulating, the display element is placed between a pedestal an a pressing plate, and then a high-power laser beam is provided to penetrate the glass cap to focus on the sealing layer, resulting in sintering frit. Also, pressure is applied to the pedestal and the pressing plate.

Abstract: A transfer arm holds a plurality of preforms arranged in a single line and simultaneously drops and supplies the preforms downward. A positioning arm has a pair of arm split members split in its widthwise direction. The arm split members have positioning surfaces formed on their contact surfaces to be brought into contact with outer peripheries of the preforms. After the preforms are dropped and supplied from the transfer arm, the arm split members of the positioning arm are opened and closed so that the positioning surfaces are brought into contact with the outer peripheries of the preforms. Thus, the performs are properly positioned.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for forming a discharge tube for a low-pressure discharge lamp. In the method, an end of a section of the discharge tube is fastened with first clamping means, and a second end of the section in held in an oriented position. The section is heated to a softening temperature, and a bending moment is exerted on the section between the first end and the second end for achieving the desired radius or direction of curvature of the section. The holding of the second end of the section and the exertion of the bending moment on the section are effected at least partly with another re-solidified section of the discharge tube which is adjacent to the softened first section. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises first and second clamping means for positioning the ends of a bending section of the discharge tube in an oriented position relative to each other, and for exerting a bending moment on the ends.

Abstract: According to the invention, measures will be taken to lead the current of the molten glass through the tank furnace so that cutoffs of the glass current between the surface of the glass bath, on the one hand, and the outlet opening on the other hand are avoided and a an equal holding period of all melt particles in the tank furnace is achieved.

Abstract: A vacuum degassing apparatus for molten glass, comprising: