Abstract: A mitral annuloplasty and left ventricle restriction device is designed to be transvenously advanced and deployed within the coronary sinus and in some embodiments other coronary veins. The device places tension on adjacent structures, reducing the diameter and/or limiting expansion of the mitral annulus and/or limiting diastolic expansion of the left ventricle. These effects may be beneficial for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Abstract: An electrically heated cigarette smoking device includes a heater unit, heater blades for applying heat to portions of a cigarette that is supported within the heater unit, the heater unit having an opening adapted to receive an end of a cigarette and adapted to position the end of the cigarette in proximity to the heater blades, and the heater unit defining at least part of a suction flow passage through which ambient air is drawn into contact with the cigarette when a smoker draws on the cigarette positioned in the heater unit. The heater unit is mounted within a partition that positions the heater unit relative to the housing and at least partially defines a bypass flow passage in fluid communication with ambient air surrounding the housing, the partition further defining a flow diverting passage leading from the bypass flow passage to the suction flow passage and through which ambient air is drawn from the bypass flow passage when a smoker puffs on a cigarette inserted in the heater unit opening.

Abstract: A low sidestream smoke cigarette comprises a conventional tobacco rod and a non-combustible treatment material for the rod. The treatment material has a porosity less than about 200 Coresta units and a sidestream smoke treatment composition. The treatment composition comprises, in combination, an oxygen storage and donor metal oxide oxidation catalyst and an essentially non-combustible finely divided porous particulate adjunct for said catalyst. In addition, the invention provides a low sidestream smoke cigarette unit that comprises a cigarette with conventional cigarette paper surrounding a conventional tobacco rod and a non-combustible treatment material surrounding and being substantially in contact with the conventional cigarette paper.

Abstract: An improved mascara brush has a typical twisted wire core containing bristles having a high durometer and relatively large diameter. The bristle density is in the range of 8 to 20 bristles per turn; more preferably 10-15 bristles per turn, and most preferably 12-14 bristles per turn. The bristles have a diameter of from 0.010 inch to about 0.016 inch, preferably 0.011 inch to 0.014 inch, and most preferably 0.011 or 0.012 inch. The bristle durometer is in the range of about 92 Shore D hardness to 120 Rockwell R; more preferably about 100 to 120 Rockwell R; most preferably about 103 to 108 Rockwell R. In one preferred embodiment, the filaments have a durometer of 108 Rockwell R. The brush is stable and effective for rapid lengthening of eyelashes and combing of the eyelashes.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a process chamber, comprising the steps of introducing at least one cleaning gas to the process chamber; and employing a rapid heating module located in the process chamber, wherein the rapid heating module increases the temperature of chamber parts and improves the surface temperature uniformity of chamber parts when the module is turned on, thereby assisting the cleaning activity of the cleaning gas such that the process chamber is cleaned.

Abstract: A process for cleaning semiconductor fabrication equipment parts includes determining a definition for a clean part including multiple maximum acceptable impurity levels; determining an initial multiple impurity levels of a part prior to its cleaning; determining a cleaning process to apply to the part; applying the cleaning process to the part, wherein the cleaning process creates reduced multiple impurity levels for the part below that of the initial multiple impurity levels; determining the reduced multiple impurity levels; comparing the reduced multiple impurity levels against the multiple maximum acceptable impurities levels of the definition; and repeating the application of the cleaning process to the part if the reduced multiple impurity levels do not meet the definition of a clean part. A dilute aqueous cleaning solution for cleaning parts includes 0.5-1.5% wt. HF; 0.1-0.5% wt. HNO3; and 1-10% wt H2O2.

Abstract: Provided is a wafer rotary holding apparatus by which a reduced pressure is created on an upper surface of a rotary disk by a simple and easy-to-make mechanism with no need of any of a vacuum source apparatus, a compressed air supply apparatus, a compressed gas supply apparatus and other apparatuses in use; a wafer can be held while rotating with no contact to a rear surface thereof; a degree of pressure reduction can be adjusted with ease and even a thin wafer (of 0.1 mm or less in thickness) can be held while rotating with no deformation; and the wafer with a bowing can be held while rotating with no correction of the bowing. A wafer rotary holding apparatus includes: a rotary disk on which a fluid flow path is formed; a through hole formed in a central section of the rotary disk; and a plurality of wafer rests provided on an upper surface of the rotary disk.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus having a frame suspended from the ceiling and adapted for encircling a vehicle, the frame being capable of being raised and lowered with respect to the vehicle and provided with nozzles for ejecting fluid against the vehicle to clean the vehicle. A pair of overhead bars extend transversely of the vehicle and are supported for traveling longitudinally with respect to the vehicle, the overhead bars being provided with nozzles for ejecting fluid onto the top of the vehicle. The overhead bars are movable towards and away from one another to wash the entire top of the vehicle.

Abstract: A golf bag umbrella includes a central shaft having a bending portion formed on the shaft, a rib assembly pivotally secured to the central shaft having an umbrella cloth secured on the rib assembly, with the rib assembly including at least a top rib pivotally secured to an upper notch formed on a top of the shaft and a stretcher rib pivotally secured between the top rib and a runner sliding on the shaft having the runner approximating the upper notch to form a crescent configuration between the top rib and the stretcher rib for forming a big dome space beneath the umbrella cloth without tangling the movement of the golf clubs when pulled outwardly from the golf bag, whereby upon bending of the central shaft at the bending portion, the umbrella cloth and the rib assembly may be temporarily tilted to allow an easy withdrawal of the golf club from the golf bag without any obstruction.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a center rod having upper and lower sections. A canopy is attached to an upper end of the upper section. A lower end of the lower section is mounted to a base positionable on a fixed surface for supporting the central rod in an upright manner. A canopy orientating device is arranged between a lower end of the upper section and an upper end of the lower section. The canopy orientating device includes a skirt-like diverging opening formed in the lower end of the upper section and defined by opposite inclined side walls. The upper end of the lower section is received in the diverging opening.

Abstract: A self-tilting connector mechanism of an umbrella is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a seat, a tilting head seat, a pulling shaft, a steel cable and a linking shaft. The seat and the tilting head seat are each provided with a pulley. Using a locking means to position the linking shaft between the tilting head seat and the pulling shaft, such that the pulling shaft is inserted into the through hole of the small tubular section of the seat, and a restoration spring is provided between the pulling shaft and the tubular section, and a steel cable is wound at the pulleys of the seat and the tilting head seat, and the steel cable is mounted to the handle rotating shaft of the main shaft of the umbrella, by rotating adjustment of the hand, the opening, tilting, reverse-tilting and closing of umbrella can be obtained.

Abstract: An umbrella mechanism (10) comprises a central post (12), eight ribs (14) that are pivotally connected to the post, a sliding hub (16) that is slideably retained on the post, eight struts (18) that each extend between a particular rib (14) and the sliding hub (16), eight tensioning cords (20) and a gas spring (22) that is disposed at an upper end of the central post for exerting a pulling force on the tensioning cords. The ribs are pivotally displaceable between a collapsed condition wherein the ribs (14) are disposed adjacent the post (12) and an open condition wherein the ribs extend radially from the central post. Each tensioning cord is connected at one end to an upper end of the gas spring and at the other end, to a distal end of a particular rib. The gas spring exerts a pulling force on the tensioning cords for assisting in lifting the ribs.

Abstract: An automatic folding umbrella is disclosed.

Abstract: An umbrella includes: a spring catch secured on an upper portion of a central shaft of the umbrella, and a runner slidably held on the central shaft to be engaged with the spring catch when opening the umbrella, with the spring catch juxtapositionally positioned and operated outside the central shaft without cutting a catch slit or slot through a tube of the central shaft as found in a conventional umbrella having the spring catch retained within the central shaft and protruding outwardly through the catch slit for locking the runner, thereby enhancing the strength of the tube of the central shaft and prolonging the service life of the umbrella.

Abstract: An improved inflatable tent includes a plurality of inflatable hollow rounded units (1), each tent unit 1 including an outer sheet (4) and an inner sheet (5) connected to each other at their respective ends, a side sheet (6) connecting the outer sheet (4) and the inner sheet (5) along their opposed sides, the side sheet (6) constituting a connecting portion (9), and a floor sheet (8) integrally connected to the lower end of the inner sheet (5). A pair of outer and inner water-impervious slide fasteners (10) are mounted between each pair of adjacent tent units (1) along the outside and insider thereof for joining the pair of adjacent tent units (1) of the tent.

Abstract: To provide a process gas supply mechanism for ALCVD systems that enables the high speed switching of process gases without accompanying particulate contamination of the treatment substrate. The ALCVD system is provided with a CVD treatment section and a process gas supply section. The process gas supply section contains a reactant gas line and a carrier gas line; these are combined to form a joint flow line. A vent line is connected to the reactant gas line upstream from the joint flow position. A stop valve SV and a needle valve NV are disposed in the vent line. This needle valve NV functions as a setting means in order to set the flow rate of the gas flowing in the vent line. The stop valve SV is driven through repetitive switching operations by a drive control element, thereby effecting supply and nonsupply of the reactant gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing a hose access port for a mobile unit configured to provide access for a hose through an exterior wall to extend to a toilet for flushing a holding tank. The hose access port includes a hose-holding duct portion, an outside-mountable flange and a sleeve member. The hose-holding duct portion includes a bore extending between opposite first and second end portions of the duct portion and operable to extend through a hole formed in the exterior wall between an outside surface and an inside surface of the exterior wall proximate the toilet in the mobile unit. The outside-mountable flange extends orthogonally from the first end portion of the duct portion and is operable to be secured against the outside surface of the exterior wall. The sleeve member includes securing structure and is coupled around the second end portion of the duct portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gas separation membranes including a metal-based layer having sub-micron scale thicknesses. The metal-based layer can be a palladium alloy supported by ceramic layers such as a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer. By using MEMS, a series of perforations (holes) can be patterned to allow chemical components to access both sides of the metal-based layer. Heaters and temperature sensing devices can also be patterned on the membrane. The present invention also relates to a portable power generation system at a chemical microreactor comprising the gas separation membrane. The invention is also directed to a method for fabricating a gas separation membrane. Due to the ability to make chemical microreactors of very small sizes, a series of reactors can be used in combination on a silicon surface to produce an integrated gas membrane device.

Abstract: An air vent mechanism includes a composite type air vent valve having a check valve for controlling a pressure in a fuel tank and a cut valve for discharging vapor in the fuel tank and preventing fuel from leaking. The check valve and the cut valve are connected through a communicating path. A tank side connecting portion communicates with the communicating path, and an atmosphere side connecting portion communicates with an atmosphere side port of the check valve portion.

Abstract: A foot-actuated condensate drain for an air compressor tank. The foot-actuated condensate drain includes a lever that is connected to a valve on the bottom of the air compressor tank. Movement of the lever, for example by a user's foot, causes the drain valve to open. The lever may be moved to a locked position where the drain valve is held in an open position, even if the user releases his or her foot. The valve stem of the valve is hollow and includes a seal for closing off the opening, and radial holes below the seal and in fluid communication with a hollow interior portion of the stem. When moved away from the closed position, fluid in the compressor tank flows out of the opening, around the seal, into the radial holes, through the stem, and out of the valve.

Abstract: A control circuit for a plumbing device that has a drain line and a water supply line includes a water sensor generating a potential overflow level signal in response to the water level in the plumbing device caused from a restricted drain line, an electrically controlled valve coupled to the drain line, and a controller coupled to the water sensor and the valve. The controller closes the valve in response to the potential overflow level signal.

Abstract: The invention is an improved conduit flow controller for selectively controlling the flow of fluid through an elongated conduit. The conduit has an aperture defined by a continuous peripheral edge in the sidewall of the conduit. An elongated housing surrounds the aperture and is sealingly connected to the conduit. A conduit stopper is movably mounted in the housing and is positionable in the conduit. The conduit stopper includes a deformable sealing element having opposed flat sides and an edge engageable with the conduit. A carrier is sealingly connected with the sealing element. A resilient seal is mounted on a carrier and is engageable with the continuous edge. The sealing element is cooperative with the seal to close a portion of the conduit to regulate the flow of fluid along the elongated conduit.

Abstract: A lavatory flush tank silent-operating fill device has a silencer extending along an axis and through which a stream of water flows; a number of channels are defined inside the silencer by a bundle of substantially straight, parallel tubes housed inside the silencer and parallel to the axis, and into which the stream of water is divided; and the flow section of the channels is such that flow of the water inside is substantially laminar.

Abstract: An overflow protection device includes a valve body having an inlet conduit passing vertically therethrough. The inlet conduit includes an outlet end below a valve chamber. A valve within the valve chamber is movable between and open and closed position. A float is pivotally mounted below the valve and the float cams, an actuator upwardly when the float experiences a less than full tank and cams the actuation downwardly to permit the valve to move downwardly when the float rises to a predetermined level as it floats on the liquid within the tank.

Abstract: In a servo controller 3a, it is confirmed whether or not the voltages from amplifiers G1 through G3 are within the range of normal performance in the comparators 32a through 32c after alternating current voltages generated individually in a primary coil 22a and secondary coils 23a and 24a of an LVDT 2a are converted into direct current voltages and output from the amplifiers G1 though G3. When a voltage out of the range of normal performance is confirmed in at least one of the comparators 32a through 32c and a high voltage is output, the servo controller 3a is brought into a stand-by state.

Abstract: In a hydraulic tensioner having a relief valve mechanism in which a spring-biased valve element is reciprocable in a bore, hitting sounds produced by collision of the relief valve element with a plug in the bore, and wear and breakage of the biasing spring, are prevented by providing an oil relief hole in a peripheral wall of the relief valve bore at a position where it is closed by the relief valve element when he relief valve element is moved by a rapid increase in oil pressure.

Abstract: In a fuel tank for a motor vehicle, an intermediate tank is arranged for the intermediate storage of fuel fed via a plurality of suction jet pumps. The intermediate tank distributes the fuel to a plurality of baffles having feed units. One of the feed units is thereby prevented from running dry in the event of transverse accelerations of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A solenoid operated three port pressure control valve assembly of the exhaust pressure bleed type. The valve for the inlet pressure supply port includes a pressure responsive diaphragm with the supply port obturator attached. A bleed orifice in the diaphragm provides viscous dampening of the movement of the obturator and minimizes inlet valve flutter. The valve assembly is disclosed in both normally open and normally closed configurations.

Abstract: A valve and valve arrangement for a fire suppression system includes a remotely controlled valve such as a solenoid valve which is electrically controlled to provide a preselected flow through the remotely controlled valve corresponding to the flow through a single sprinkler head.

Abstract: A four-way switching valve includes a first three-way switching valve having a valve element for connecting a port B to a port A, or to a port D via a sleeve, in a switching manner; a second three-way switching valve having a valve element for connecting a port C to the port A, or to the port D, in a switching manner; and a piston for actuating these three-way switching valves. The three-way valves and piston are coaxially arranged within a hollow cylindrical body. A three-way solenoid valve introduces high pressure into a pressure chamber on the upper side of the piston to actuate the valve elements held on the sleeve downward, while the upward actuation is effected with a driving force produced by reducing the pressure in the pressure chamber and configuring guides to have a larger pressure-receiving area than that of a guide.

Abstract: A spool valve comprises a slidable spool, and through displacement of the spool a supply port of the valve is allowed to communicate with one of the load ports of the valve while the other load port is allowed to communicate with a corresponding one of return ports of the valve. The spool is provided with a portion, the outside diameter of which gradually increases, at least on the other load port side from the center of a central concave portion of the spool. The outside diameter gradually increasing portion decreases fluid force which acts against an operating force of the spool when the valve is activated.

Abstract: A device that is adapted to be mounted to an interior surface of a polymeric fuel tank includes a body, a weld foot adapted to be inserted into the molten inner surface of the fuel tank and having a support surface adapted to control insertion of the weld foot into the molten inner surface of the fuel tank and to position the device relative to the inner surface, and a break zone positioned between and interconnecting the weld foot and the body and having a structural cross section that is weaker than the weld foot and the body such that under sufficient force, the break zone will fracture and allow the body to separate from the inner surface of the fuel tank, thereby leaving the weld foot embedded within the inner surface of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A method and arrangement to accomplish a self-acting function of one way flow in a conduit with minimal flow resistance is disclosed. A one way valve, which in an unaffected position blocks the conduit, is of a flexible, elastic material, and is arranged with a tight fit in connection to the inner surface of the conduit and is partially fixed along the inner circumference of the conduit by means of one or more parts having a surface with longitudinal/circumferential extension in the conduit. In case of pressure of a medium in one direction of the conduit, any flow will be blocked due to the fact that the pressure of the medium will press the non fixed parts of the one way valve against the inner surface of the conduit, whereby a completely tight element is formed. In addition, the non fixed parts of the one way valve collapse in case of pressure of the medium directed in the opposite direction, whereby a flow will be let through without any substantial resistance depending on the magnitude of the pressure.

Abstract: In an accumulator comprising a pressure vessel, a bellows dividing the interior of the pressure vessel into a gas chamber filled with pressurized gas and a liquid chamber which communicates with a liquid pressure circuit via a liquid introduction port, a stay member attached to the inner surface of the pressure vessel inside the bellows and provided with a communication port for communicating the interior and exterior of the stay member with each other and adapted to be closed by a part of the bellows to define a fully contracted state of the bellows, and a safety valve provided in the stay member, typically in the form of a weakened portion of the stay member, for selectively communicating the exterior of the stay member with the interior of the stay member. Thus, because the safety valve is not provided in the pressure vessel itself, the safety valve of the present invention would not affect the sealing capability of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A drainage device and method of decreasing clogging in a drain pipe comprising heating the drain pipe with a heating element that is partially enclosed.

Abstract: A flat woven papermaker's forming fabric having a paper side layer and a machine side layer interconnected by pairs of machine side layer weft binder yarns. Each of the binder yarn pair members in sequence interlaces with a portion of the machine side layer warp yarns in segments of the weft yarn path so as to complete an unbroken weft path in the machine side layer weave pattern, and to provide an internal machine side layer float. Each of the binder yarn pair floats interweaves with a paper side layer warp yarn so as to bind the paper and machine side layers together. The location of the internal floats in each layer determines the available interweaving locations, not all of which need be used. A wider choice of possible paper and machine side layer weave design combinations is thus made available in forming fabrics, thereby allowing for a better match between the forming fabric and the paper maker's requirements.

Abstract: A supply spool supplies a weft thread through an adjustable actuated thread brake and a thread tension sensor to a weft thread accumulator, from which an accumulated insertion length of the thread is provided to a weft insertion device. The tension sensor provides a measured actual thread tension signal to a control arrangement, which compares the actual tension to a selected rated tension, and, dependent on the deviation therebetween, provides a control signal to an actuator of the thread brake, so that the actual thread tension constantly corresponds to the selected rated tension. Another sensor provides a signal indicating a change from an empty spool to a full spool. Responsive thereto, the control arrangement actuates the thread brake to an adjustable starting brake setting as a coarse adjustment. Then the self-regulating fine adjustment is continued. A constant winding tension and thread accumulation length are achieved in the thread accumulator.

Abstract: A bank section (112a, 112b) are formed between a plurality of electrodes (111) which are formed on the base body (2). A functional layer is formed on each electrode (111) by injecting a composition from a plurality of nozzles. A display device is manufactured which is provided bank sections (112a, 112b) between the functional layers formed on the electrode (111). A nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles are disposed to be inclined in a main scanning direction scans on the base body (2). A liquid drop (110c1) of the composition which is injected initially for each functional layer is injected so as to contact at least a part of the bank sections (112a, 112b). According to manufacturing method for a display device in the present invention, it is possible to realize a display device having superior display quality without causing non-uniform functional layer for each pixel electrode.

Abstract: The novel use of a one-way valve (13) to prevent drips of fluid such as fuel from a fluid delivery conduit after an intended flow shut-off is disclosed. At least one embodiment involves the use of a biased, one way valve that is reconfigurably responsive to a fluid flow shut-off pressure to prevent flow (e.g., drips, drops and/or a fluid stream) after an intended shut-off of fluid flow via closing of a main valve element (5). The biased, one-way valve (13) may itself comprise at least one fluid obstruction element that is rotatable about and attached at a chord of a simple closed curve (a circle or oval, as but two examples) defined by the inner surface of the conduit through which fluid in the vicinity of the valve flows. Nozzles of existing fuel conduits may be retrofitted to include the valve, or initial manufacturing may incorporate the valve within the conduit.

Abstract: A method of filling containers, especially bags, with bulk material by a feeding funnel and a filler pipe. The filler pipe adjoins the lower end of the feeding funnel. An axially displaceable and rotatable conveying unit is arranged co-axially within the filler pipe. An axially displaceable and rotatable closing element is firmly connected to the lower end of the conveying unit. The bulk material, while being conveyed by the conveying unit in the filler pipe, is simultaneously mechanically agitated in the filling funnel, or simultaneously mechanically conveyed in the filling funnel towards the filler pipe.

Abstract: A fueling and associated vapor recovery system maintains the same, or lower, vacuum level in the vapor hose during ORVR vehicle refueling as that seen during a non-ORVR refueling. A valve assembly is made as either a part of the end of the vapor recovery hose assembly, a separate unit that is placed between the hose assembly and the nozzle, or incorporated directly into the nozzle. The valve assembly includes a diaphragm biased to one position by a spring to which is attached a sliding valve member. The force of the spring on the diaphragm is sufficient to keep the valve member in the original position when refueling non-ORVR vehicles so that the vapor hose is unobstructed and an air bleed hole is closed. When refueling an ORVR vehicle, the elevated vacuum level moves the diaphragm and valve member to a second position which blocks off the vapor hose from the vacuum pump and opens up the vapor hose to the air bleed hole.

Abstract: The invention features pipets for fast and efficient liquid exchange, pipet controllers for use with such pipets, and pipetting systems utilizing pipets and/or pipet controllers of the invention.

Abstract: A method and filling station are disclosed for introducing a compressed gas stream into one or more vessels such that upper and lower temperature material limits are not exceeded and preferably such vessels are not over or under filled by controlling the filling temperature of the compressed gas stream. The compressed stream is produced by compressing a stream composed of a vapor phase located within a cryogenic liquid storage tank. The density of the vapor phase is held constant by adding heat to a liquid phase, preferably by addition of a subsidiary stream composed of the compressed gas stream. The filling temperature of the compressed gas stream is controlled by adding heat to the compressed gas stream by a trim heater or to the vapor stream to be compressed by recirculating part of the compressed gas stream to an inlet of the compressor.

Abstract: A hydrogen fueling station and system for hydrogen fueled vehicles that can transfer any gaseous fuel to any vehicle and can be located in any place where a vehicle can park and where environmental, safety and other regulatory requirements permit gaseous fuel to be transferred. The hydrogen fueling station is vertically elongate and includes an enclosure that has a plurality of housings to house groups of like components. The housings are configured and positively ventilated with external air to prevent the accumulation of leaked hydrogen.

Abstract: A machine for treating containers, in particular for a bottling line, including at least a table (10) whereon are mounted functional elements (12, 14) adapted in particular to transfer and/or to process the containers. The table is produced in the form of a sandwich structure including an outer casing (18, 20) and an inner core (17) made of a material injected in fluid form into casing (18, 22) solidified therein.

Abstract: Device for supplying additives (A, B, C) and machine for filling containers (4) with a fluid product (6) supplied to delivery heads (5) by means of a header (7; 7; 107) and distribution ducts (7a; 7b) comprising means (10a, 10b, 10c, 11; 110A, 110B, 110C, 11) for supplying said additives (A, B, C) to the said header (7; 7; 107) receiving the base product (6).

Abstract: A tube filling machine comprises a circulating conveying device for transporting a tube through the tube filling machine to pass through different processing stations. One of the processing stations is a filling unit in which the tube can be filled with a desired product. To remove and install the filling unit in a simple and rapid fashion, it is disposed on an adjustable support structure which can be actuated between an operating position in which the filling unit is disposed in the tube filling machine above the tube to be filled and a non-operating position in which the filling unit sidewardly projects out past the tube filling machine.

Abstract: A transportable container for fluidizable solids includes a storage container adapted to contain the fluidizable solids is disclosed. The storage container defines an air inlet port for introducing fluidizing air into the storage container and a solids outlet port for discharging the solids from the storage container. A solids outlet conduit may be connected to the solids outlet port for supplying the solids to a downstream process or apparatus. An agitator is provided at the bottom end of the storage container for mixing and maintaining homogeneity of the solids in the fluidizing air. A fluid permeable fluidization membrane is disposed in the storage container below the agitator. The fluidization membrane defines an air chamber below the solids for introducing the fluidizing air into the solids.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering powdered filling material has a filling material container whose bottom is provided with bores which cooperate with tamping plungers and transfer plungers. Underneath the bottom is a stop ring which functions as a counter support for the tamping plungers. To prevent powder losses from the bottom the filling material container is axially movable in such a way that it can be pressed against the stop ring during the downward motion of the tamping plungers. This is achieved by means of hold-down elements which can be moved synchronously with the tamping plungers.

Abstract: The filler spout comprises a tubular body having mounted therein a valve member and a magnetic actuator element connected to the valve member via a coupling member comprising two elements that are coupled to each other via a coupling that includes radial clearance.