Abstract: A universal machine tool having a workpiece slide movable on a machine bed by means of a motor for the workpieces to be machined and a machining unit which is movable about a plurality of axes by means of a motor. The machining unit includes a motor-driven work spindle for receiving the machining tools. To enable turning operations in addition to milling and drilling operations with high cutting performance in a single clamping position, according to the present invention, the workpiece slide is provided with at least one rotatable workpiece accommodation and an associated rotary drive means. The rotary drive means can drive the workpiece accommodation for carrying out turning operations on the workpiece to be machined.

Abstract: A simplified tool for removing and inserting a plumbing fixture seal, particularly for use with ball type faucets using a rubber seal engaged by a cylindrical compression spring. The tool comprises an outer housing; an inner member having a tapered end designed to frictionally engage the seal and spring, the member being reciprocally disposed within the outer housing, the inner member being retracted inside the outer housing by a retraction spring; and a mechanism for extending the tapered end of the inner member beyond the end of the outer housing sufficient to engage the seal and spring.

Abstract: This invention relates to a jewelry clamping device particularly adapted for holding a ring shank and crown in place during ring manufacture or repair. The device comprises a generally C-shaped frame having a base plate and a top plate. A nest mounted on the base plate has an upper surface formed with at least one groove positioned to engage and hold the crown. A vertically adjustable shaft is connected to the top plate in alignment with the position of the crown. The lower end of the shaft is adapted to engage and hold a ring shank in alignment with the crown. The device is particularly useful for holding the shank and crown in place during soldering.

Abstract: A helical drive system for seating and unseating a removable component, such as a printed circuit board, into a slot is described. The helical drive system includes a receptacle fixed to a housing proximate the slot. A handle and drive shaft are attached to the printed circuit board. The drive shaft has a helical groove that mates with a pin included in the receptacle. Rotation of the drive shaft pulls the printed circuit board into the slot and fully seats the printed circuit board. Rotation in the other direction unseats the printed circuit board. The helical groove has an enlarged entry that terminates in one or more points. This configuration facilitates the automatic alignment of the pin with the helical groove.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for and a method of transporting sliders to the slider insertion area (27) of a slider insertion device (18). A first sensor (30) on a sender track (20) detects a lack of sliders (21) in the sender track. A signal is sent from the first sensor (30) to a controller (24) to actuate a vibratory bowl (14) of sliders (21), and a first solenoid operated plunger (34) thereby releasing the sliders (21) to the sender track (20). Air connections (38) pneumatically push the sliders (21) along the sender track (20) to a second solenoid-operated plunger (44). When a second sensor (46) detects a lack of sliders in the loading rack (26), the second sensor (46) signals the controller (24) to actuate a second solenoid-operated plunger (44) and a solenoid-operated pneumatic valve (48). The second solenoid-operated plunger (44) opens a passage and the pneumatic valve (48) opens to provide an air blast, thereby launching the sliders (21) into the feed tube (22) and onto the slider insertion area (27).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented for the manufacture of brittle wire by the co-extrusion, or filled billet method. The invention involves a step by step method by which a billet can is specially prepared with a chamfered front end and a concave, collapsible front plate and a uniquely vented rear end. The result is a superior process in which bursting of the can and front end is eliminated, thereby resulting in a superior product, increased yield, improved safety and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for forming a drug delivery device by electroplating onto a substrate a porous layer having pores of a controlled size and density and loading a drug into the pores. Preferably the drug delivery device is a gold stent plated with a gold porous layer.

Abstract: Method for production of an eyelet, during connection of workpieces where material of an outermost workpiece is pulled through openings in the other workpieces, using a single feed movement of rim hole or eyelet punch to both shape the eyelet from the one workpiece and generate the openings, in the other workpieces by breaking out one or more pieces of materials, providing a reduction in the number of operating steps and simplifying such steps.

Abstract: A puller (10) for removing a compression sleeve from a pipe (38) generally comprised of a cylindrical body (24) containing on one end an internal cavity (28) to receive the pipe (38) and an external double thread (30) to engage a compression nut (34) and on the opposite end a threaded through screw (14) entering the cavity (28). A disk (22) attached at one end of the screw (14) bears on the end of the pipe (38) and a torque handle (12) at the other end is used to supply increasing pressure against the end of the pipe (38). The puller (10) is threadably attached to the compression nut (34) placing the pipe (38) into the internal cavity (28) against the disk (22) while the compression sleeve (36) is contained between the compression nut (34) and the puller (10). Turning the torque handle (12) urges the compression nut (34) and the compression sleeve (36) toward the end of the pipe (38) until the compression nut (34) and compression sleeve (36) are freed from the pipe (38).

Abstract: A surface coating for forming a sealed interface is formed on a substrate, without requiring subsequent finishing operations. The sealed confronting surfaces employ the same coating and can accommodate vibratory movement and high temperature corrosion. A mixture of metal powder and a non reactive ceramic grit are impacted on a substrate at a sufficient velocity to form a lenticular layer and at a sufficiently low temperature to preclude morphology change in the non reactive grit and chemistry of the metal powder.

Abstract: A method of sealing a cartridge having a barrel with a polymeric closure, wherein the polymeric closure includes a tubular collar portion and an integral radial portion, The method includes disposing the tubular collar portion over the radial rim portion of the barrel to surround the reduced diameter neck portion and incrementally rolling and radially deforming the tubular collar portion adjacent its free end into the reduced diameter neck portion with a crimping tool, wherein the polymeric closure is sufficiently malleable to permit radial deformation, yet sufficiently rigid and resistant to creep to retain its shape following deformation The crimping tool or tools include an inclined surface having a gradually decreasing angles of inclination which are driven against the tubular collar portion adjacent the free end and the cartridge assembly and crimping tool are relatively rotated.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a face plate for a golf club head is presented to provide face having substantial thickness variation for enhanced performance. The method includes the steps of providing a rolled sheet of metal material having an initial thickness and forming a blank having a prescribed outer shape from the material. The method also includes machining a second side of the blank such that the resulting face plate has a variable thickness. The machining is such that the plate has a first thickness less than or equal to the initial thickness, a second thickness less than the first thickness and a third thickness less than the second thickness. The machining is performed over a substantial portion of the surface area of the second side. Either a CNC lathe or milling machine may be used; however, for an axisymmetric face thickness a CNC lathe is preferred and for an asymmetric face thickness a CNC end mill is preferred. The club head may be a wood-type or iron, and titanium or steel alloys may be used.

Abstract: A positioner includes a cantilever arm that defines a first axis and has a first end and a second end. A support arm defines a second axis and has a first end and a second end. The support arm is attached to the cantilever arm second end. A mounting head engages the workpiece and is attached to the support arm second end. The support arm rotates around the second axis, and the cantilever arm rotates around the first axis. A counterweight is attached to the support arm to balance the workpiece. A first brake assembly engages the cantilever arm to control rotation of the cantilever arm around the first axis. A second brake assembly is disposed between the cantilever arm and the support arm and controls rotation of the support arm around the second axis. A brake actuator assembly communicates with the first and second brake assemblies and causes the first and second brake assemblies to engage or disengage the cantilever and support arms.

Abstract: Method and apparatus providing a tool turret for a machine tool with at least one motor-driven tool that is suitable for machining of wavy or tubular workpieces. The transport of the workpieces from one machining station to the next is effected in a simpler, more reliable, and less expensive fashion, because the machine tool has a tool turret that includes a gripping element for taking hold of, transporting, and positioning workpieces, rather than using an additional tool.

Abstract: A simplified method for forming passive microwave components, such as a filter, and passive microwave components formed by the method. The method includes forming a ceramic insert having a plurality of resonator regions and then die casting an outer casing of a conductive material about the ceramic insert. Each resonator region has a cavity that may be filled with the conductive material used to die cast the outer casing or, alternatively, may be filled with a resonator rod made of different materials than the encapsulating metal.

Abstract: An injection molding process for fabricating a Coriolis flowmeter. The process includes the steps forming a material flow path core using a core mold, placing the formed material flow path core into a wrapper mold having a cavity whose surfaces define the exterior surface of the plastic Coriolis flowmeter structure to be formed, injecting low temperature metal or soluble material into the cavity of the wrapper mold, removing the plastic Coriolis flowmeter structure from the wrapper mold, and removing the material flow path core from the plastic Coriolis flowmeter by melting the low temperature metal core or by dissolving the soluble material using hot water.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a modular fuel injector permits the fabrication of the electrical group subassembly outside a clean room while a fuel group subassembly is fabricated inside a clean room. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is located at least within the tube assembly; and a first attachment portion.

Abstract: On a single chip are formed a plurality of magnetoresistance effect elements provided with pinned layers having fixed magnetization axes in the directions that cross each other. On a substrate 10 are formed magnetic layers that will become two magnetic tunnel effect elements 11, 21 as magnetoresistance effect elements. Magnetic-field-applying magnetic layers made of NiCo are formed to sandwich the magnetic layers in plan view. A magnetic field is applied to the magnetic-field-applying magnetic layers. The magnetic field is removed after the magnetic-field-applying magnetic layers are magnetized in the direction shown by arrow A.

Abstract: A frame jig for a connector is provided in order to be able to easily confirm the kinds of electric wires to be inserted in a connector and the installation locations. The frame jig for a connector includes a holder having a recess and apertures adjacent every location that confronts a respective cavity of the connector retained in the recess. Additionally, at the peripheral rim of the recess at the upper face of the holder, side recesses are provided on the side faces of the holder. First ends of sample electric wires are inserted in the apertures which confront the installation cavities of the corresponding kinds of electric wires to be installed in the connector. The other end of the sample wires inserted into recesses formed in sides of the holder, and locking members are inserted into the side recesses.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for handling integrated circuit (IC) chips such as thin small outline package (TSOP) IC chips. Embodiments of the invention are directed toward removal of TSOPs from device under test (DUT) boards. By use of magnetic forces generated by the invention, in combination with physical manipulation of the DUT boards and transfer structures, IC chips are quickly and efficiently transferred.

Abstract: This invention provides an electronic component mounting method capable of effectively utilizing a self-alignment effect even if a mounting interval of electronic components is small. This method includes the steps of detecting a printing position of a solder paste on the circuit board and mounting an electronic component. When a solder paste on a circuit board having a land formed thereon is printed and an electronic component is mounted, the printing position of the solder paste of the circuit board is detected by a printing position detecting device included in an inspecting apparatus. Then, the electronic component is mounted by using the detected printing position of the solder paste as a reference by an electronic component mounting apparatus.

Abstract: Ink jet printing apparatus is employed to form a non-polar ink stop line around a chip site on the polar surface of an organic laminate substrate. The non-polar ink stop line acts to confine polar liquid flux from spreading after application of the flux to the chip site prior to chip joining. Excessive flux spreading results in insufficient flux being present at the chip site for the formation of good electrical connections during solder reflow upon chip joining.

Abstract: A printed wiring board, particularly, an interposer 20 for a chip scale package, comprising an outer insulator layer 22 having outer electrodes 31, a conductor layer 21, and an inner insulator layer 23 having inner electrodes 27, the electrodes 31 and/or 27 having been formed by electroplating using, as a negative electrode, a metal plate 32 that has been provided on the outer insulator layer 22 and removed after the electroplating. Having no plating leads, the printed wiring board has the electrodes in an orderly array at a fine pitch and a high density.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming an electrical conductors, comprising forming electrically conductive segments incorporating electromigration-inhibiting plugs. A row of windows is formed in a planar surface and electromigration-inhibiting material is deposited over the planar surface and into the windows to provide, electromigration-inhibiting plugs in the windows. The plugs may be formed by depositing an electromigration-inhibiting liner in the windows and then depositing electrically conductive material to fill the windows. Portions of either or both of the plugs and conductive segments are removed such that the plugs and conductive segments have a coplanar surface. The plugs may be formed in windows in an electrically conductive layer defining the conductive segments.

Abstract: A method facilitates replacing a portion of a gas turbine engine combustor liner. The combustor includes a combustion zone formed by inner and outer liners. The inner and outer liners each include a series of panels, and at least one of the inner and the outer liner includes an aft support coupled to an aft end of liner. The method comprises cutting through at least one of the combustor inner and the outer liner upstream from the liner aft support, removing the combustor liner aft support from the combustor, and installing a replacement aft support within the combustor such that the liner aft support extends aft ward from the portion of the combustor liner that is upstream from the cut.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a tube that has a plurality of projections (dimples) protruding inwardly from an inside wall of the tube other than a longitudinal end, a work, which is a material of the tube and in a form of band plate, is shaped by a roller to form projections while the work is continuously fed. Then, the projections formed at a predetermined portion of the work are crushed so that the predetermined portion of the work is flattened. Therefore, the projections are formed continuously while the work is continuously fed. It is possible to deal with variations of length of the tube without exchanging a projection-forming roller, thereby improving productivity.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a printhead assembly for an A4 pagewidth drop on demand printer includes a number of printhead modules situated along a metal channel. The metal channel is typically of a special alloy called “Invar 36”. Preferably the channel is nickel plated to help match it to the coefficient of thermal expansion of silicon, being the major component of each individual printhead module. Within the manufacturing method, the channel captures the printhead modules in a precise alignment relative to each other and the similar coefficient of thermal expansion of the “Invar” channel to the silicon chips allows similar relative movement during temperature changes.

Abstract: A linear rolling bearing has a guide carriage (1) that is U-shaped in cross-section and has two U-legs (6). The guide carriage (1) is slidably supported through balls (3) on two longitudinal sides of a guide rail (2). Each U-leg (6) comprises on an inner surface opposing the guide rail (2) a ground raceway (10) for the balls (3). The raceway (10) is made by a grinding wheel whose diameter is larger than the diagonal dimension of the carriage cavity (7). According to the invention, a stop surface (12) having a retaining contour for a guide member (4) containing the balls (3) is configured on a guide rail-distal outer surface of each U-leg (6) of the guide carriage (1), and the raceway (10) on one of the two U-legs (6) and the stop surface (12) having the retaining contour on the other of the two U-legs (6) are made in common in one work step by the grinding wheel.

Abstract: A bushing utilizes a fabric reinforced thermoset composite sleeve incorporated within an outer shell in a construction enabling the sleeve to be press-fitted within the shell and held therein by a constriction in the shell bore which is embraced by the bearing liner. Following installation of the bearing sleeve, the sleeve bore may be reamed to provide a uniform inside diameter.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for fabricating a driving and locking mechanism. The present invention provides a bearing device having a first end and a second end, where the first end has a curvilinear shape. The present invention also provides a strip of metal material with a predetermined length, conforming the strip of metal material to the curvilinear shape of the first end and attaching the strip of metal material to the first end.

Abstract: In a dynamic pressure bearing, when a step portion (1a) is formed on the inner peripheral surface (1b) of a sleeve (1) and radial dynamic pressure grooves (3) are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the step portion, the width (L) in the axial direction of the dynamic pressure grooves is set to be slightly smaller than the width (D) in the axial direction of the step portion. The dynamic pressure grooves of the sleeve are formed by electrolytic etching.

Abstract: The nail clipper contains a pair of blade bodies each having a cutting edge, a lever to be operated for bringing the cutting edges of the blade bodies into press contact with each other and a supporting shaft for linking the lever to the blade bodies; the cutting edges of the blade bodies being brought into press contact with each other by pressing the blade bodies with the lever against resilience of the blade bodies. The nail clipper is provided with bosses formed either on the lever or on the supporting shaft, so as to allow the supporting shaft to pivotally support the lever; and grooves formed on the rest of the supporting shaft and the lever, with which the bosses are engaged. Each groove has a mouth portion through which the boss is engaged and disengaged, a guiding portion capable of pivotally supporting the boss, and a connecting portion connecting the mouth portion and the guiding portion to each other.

Abstract: A strapping packaging device includes a compressing device, a cutting device, a strap-rolling device and a strap-pressing device. The eccentric cam of the compressing device is actuated to rotate by an operating rod, and the eccentric cam presses down a slide base together with a press block to compress on the strap-clamping member of a packaging strap. The strapping packaging device can not only precisely compress on the strap-clamping member, but also cut off the packaging strap easily at the same time.

Abstract: A pair of scissors includes two scissor elements and a pivotal device. Each scissor element includes a countersink extending from a first side thereof through a second side thereof. The pivotal device includes a screw and a nut. The screw includes a threaded shank and an enlarged head. The nut includes a shank and an enlarged head, with a screw hole extending through the shank and the enlarged head of the nut. The nut is received in the countersink of one of the scissor elements, with the shank of the nut extending into the countersink of the other scissor element. The threaded shank of the screw is threadedly engaged with the screw hole of the nut. Thus, the contact area between the screw and the pivotable scissor elements is relatively small.

Abstract: A one-piece, hand-held slat ripper for cutting slat, such as vinyl fencing slat, in lengths of uniform width, which includes an enclosed channel of uniform rectangular cross-sectional area housing a blade safely disposed within the channel.

Abstract: The present invention is an extended reach tree maintenance apparatus. The invention is comprised of a lightweight electric chain saw, at least two hollow and stackable extensions poles, a bracket, several fasteners, and a wireless ON/OFF switch. The bracket is attached to a handgrip at one end of the lightweight chain saw and has a coupler fixed along its length that facilitates its secured yet removable attachment with one extension pole. At least three fasteners pass through the bracket and contact the chain saw securing the bracket to the chain saw. One fastener depresses the trigger switch of the chain saw in the ON position. The wireless receiver switch is electrically connected to the chain saw and remotely operable via a wireless transmitter. In other embodiments, the invention further comprises a switch electrically connected between the chain saw and the wireless ON/OFF switch and fastened to an extension pole.

Abstract: A sight protective cover system adapted for a target sight including a protective cover. The protective cover being a body having at least two L-shaped slots. Also, including a mounting section which has a protective cover insert extending outward from the mounting section and away from the target sight, where the protective cover insert is sized to fit inside the body of the protective cover. There are at least two studs extending from the protective cover insert to interact with the at least two L-shaped slots to lock the mounting section and the protective cover together. There is a spring member between the mounting section and the protective cover to provide tension between the at least two studs and the at least two L-shaped slots to aid in locking the mounting section and the protective cover together.

Abstract: A guide device for cutting lap joints includes a frame and a rectilinear guide member, the frame having a Y-like shape and consisting of a removable top portion and a bottom portion forming a yoke therebetween at the upper portion of the Y-like frame. The lower portion of the Y-like frame has a guide portion and one side of the guide portion extends to be co-linear with one side of the yoke portion forming a first adjustable guide surface. The guide portion is provided with a guide way running longitudinally along the guide portion with a movable stopper provided so as to move along the guide surface as guided by the guide way. The movable stopper has a lockable member for locking the movable stopper in any desired position along said guide surface. The other side of the guide portion opposite to the guide surface forms an angle of 45 degrees with another contiguous side of the yoke portion and a fixed stopper is formed near the junction of the yoke portion and this other side of the guide portion.

Abstract: A pipe size measuring tool for identifying the pipe configuration, i.e., outer diameter and inner diameter, having a plurality of gauges, each gauge having an open mouth therein. The sizes of the open mouth in each gauge are different from each other. The gauges are mounted together with each gauge having a front end, a body portion and a rear end. The gauges are pivotally mounted together adjacent their rear ends so that they are moveable from a folded compact position to an open position. The front ends are wider than the rear ends and the gauges are thin light-weight. The gauges are of different sizes with the larger open mouths located in the larger gauges with indicia on the gauge which identifies the pipe measured.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments. The articulated arm includes an integrated, internal counter-balance in one of its hinge joints. This counter-balance utilizes a coil spring having relatively wide end rings and narrower internal rings machined from a metal cylinder. The spring further includes at least two posts for locking into the hinge structure of the arm as well as a spring adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) capture method and system having a 3-D contour capture device for capturing a surface contour of an object, a contoured support device for placing between the surface and the 3-D contour capture device that provides additional support to at least a portion of the surface, wherein a first contour captured by the 3-D contour capture device is modified based on a second contour captured with the contoured support device placed between the surface and the 3-D contour capture device to provide a resultant 3-D contour.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method for defining elastic deformations and integral angle between of the most important parts of a gyratory compactor, in which method the angle of gyration of a gyratory compactor is measured during the use of the gyratory compactor. The object of the invention is also a device in accordance with the claim 1, which device includes measuring elements (13, 20, 27, 28) for measuring the angle of gyration of a gyratory compactor. Characteristic to the method in accordance with the invention is the fact that a loading device (1) is adjusted in the place of mass specimen, the loading of which on the gyratory compactor is earlier known and that the gyratory compactor will be in use while the loading device (1) is inside the gyratory compactor. Characteristic to the device in accordance with the invention is the fact that the device includes at least one loading device which can be placed inside the specimen cylinder mold of the gyratory compactor.

Abstract: The body tool has a rectangular shape with two projections and a central passage for a Pinewood Derby® car body. The holes in one projection align with the other projection. A child places a car body into the passage so the kerf for an axle aligns with the holes in the projections. Alternately, the body alignment tool has two jaws upon a threaded rod closed by a wing nut that grasp a car body. The child then drills through the holes and the car body to straighten the kerf to accept an axle. The child then removes the car body from the body tool and inserts an axle into the new kerf.

Abstract: The invention relates to a position measuring system for scanning a movement between a first element and a second element which is arranged in a moveable manner in relation to the first element. Said system comprises a material measure which can be fixed to the first element and has a scale carrier, and a scanning head which can be fixed to the second element and which scans a movement of the material measure in relation to the scanning head. The inventive system comprises a mount by which means the material measure and the scanning head can be fixed to each other in a pre-determined position, the scanning head being detachably fixed to the scale carrier. In order to assembly one such position measuring system on a first element and a second element moving in relation thereto, the scanning head is fixed to the material measure in such a way that the scanning head and the material measure are mutually fixed in position.

Abstract: A method for the directional attachment of a scale element of a position measuring system to an installation face of a first body. The method includes aligning a scale element on an installation face of a first body parallel to a measuring direction via an adjustment device provided on a second body, which has a scanning head provided thereon and is movable in the measuring direction in relation to the first body. Attaching the aligned scale element to the installation face, wherein the adjustment device is in an alignment position with respect to the second body during the attaching. Positioning the adjustment device into a position of rest with respect to the second body subsequent to the attaching, wherein the position of rest is different from the alignment position.

Abstract: This device facilitates field marking an arc of a circle having an obstructed center. It comprises a first clamp having a slot to engage a standard tape measure and a second clamp having another slot to engage a color-coded tape measure. A detachable swivel joint snap connects the first clamp to the second clamp, and a handle is connected to the first clamp. A method is provided to use the device, a standard tape measure, a color-coded tape measure, a rod, and a scribe to mark out such an arc. The method comprises identifying coordinates of an eccentric ellipse, whose foci are field accessible, that will substantially overlap the arc. The two tape measures are anchored to the two foci. The standard tape measure is stretched tight between the two foci while the color-coded tape measure provides a string line for marking out a closely fitting elliptical arc segment.

Abstract: A piston travel measuring device for mounting to a non-pressure head is provided. The non-pressure head includes a cylinder and a piston connected thereto for reciprocal movement along a piston travel axis. The device comprises a mounting flange adapted to mount to at least a portion of the cylinder, an elongated body projecting from the flange and along at least a portion of the travel axis of the piston, and at least one indicator on the body and aligned so that at least a portion of the piston may be visually compared with the indicator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum processing apparatus having vacuum processing chambers the insides of which must be dry cleaned, and to a method of operating such an apparatus. When the vacuum processing chambers are dry-cleaned, dummy substrates are transferred into the vacuum processing chamber by substrates conveyor means from dummy substrate storage means which is disposed in the air atmosphere together with storage means for storing substrates to be processed, and the inside of the vacuum processing chamber is dry-cleaned by generating a plasma. The dummy substrate is returned to the dummy substrate storage means after dry cleaning is completed. Accordingly, any specific mechanism for only the cleaning purpose is not necessary and the construction of the apparatus can be made simple.

Abstract: A through-air drying apparatus is disclosed. The through-air drying apparatus includes a rotating drying cylinder over which a tissue web is carried and dried. A hood surrounds the drying cylinder leaving an open free end. In accordance with the present invention, an external baffle is positioned adjacent to the open free end of the drying cylinder to prevent external air from leaking in or infiltrating the drying cylinder.

Abstract: A device for holding substances during drying comprising a flask having a structure defining an opening. A pair of contiguous or juxtaposed filters is disposed in the opening. A freeze-drying assembly comprising a freeze-drying apparatus, and the device disposed in the apparatus for holding substances during freeze-drying processing. A method for processing a substance under sterile conditions comprising disposing a substance in a flask, positioning the flask in a drying apparatus, and passing a drying medium through a pair of juxtaposed filters for drying the substance.