Abstract: Present invention relates to the apparatus for conditioning of organic materials, for example tobacco, comprising inlet gate (1a), conditioning chamber (0) and outlet gate (1b). The conditioning chamber (0) comprises a set of nozzles (12, 13) and sieves (3) supplying thermodynamic medium, and immobilizing means (5, 6) for immobilizing organic material, placed in relation to each other in a such way that the flowing thermodynamic medium flows over conditioned organic material placed in the immobilizing means (5, 6). Preferably the thermodynamic medium is a steam or any other medium with controllable physicochemical properties that are preferable for the conditioning process.

Abstract: Apparatus for conditioning of organic materials comprising supplying channel (6) connected with an inlet gate (1a) leading to the spreader (2) placed in the conditioning chamber (8). The conditioning chamber (8) is connected with outlet gate (1b). Further the conditioning chamber (8) is provided with channels (4, 5) supplying thermodynamic medium, the conditioning chamber (8) comprises a set o nozzles (10) giving to the thermodynamic medium angular motion, further conditioning chamber (8) comprises outlet (3) discharging thermodynamic medium outside the apparatus.

Abstract: Method for conditioning of cellular materials, in particular organic materials, wherein the conditioned material is exposed to the thermodynamic medium. Further into the stream of the thermodynamic medium flowing in the channel (1, 6, 8, 9, 10), using the adjustable diaphragms (4, 5, 7) there are introduced turbulences increasing relative speed between conditioned material and thermodynamic medium. Invention further relates to the apparatus for conditioning of cellular materials, in particular organic materials, comprising inlet gate and supplying channel, conditioning channel and outlet, supplied from the source of the thermodynamic medium. Further the conditioning channel (6, 8, 9) has a spiral shape.

Abstract: A packaging and applicator assembly may include: a container containing a composition for application, the composition including magnetic bodies; a magnetic device configured to enable a pattern to be made on at least one layer of composition applied on keratinous materials; and at least one item of information representative of a pattern that can be made on the composition with the magnetic device.

Abstract: A combination grooming aid capable of performing a number of different grooming functions includes a housing member having each of a predetermined shape and a predetermined configuration. A handle member is connected at a first end thereof to and extends from a first end of such housing member for a predetermined distance. A first grooming aid selected from the group consisting of a brush, a comb, a mirror and a lint remover is disposed at least partially one of on and in at least one of such housing member and the handle member depending on which grooming aid is selected and a second grooming aid selected from the group consisting of a brush, a comb, a mirror and a lint remover is disposed at least partially one of on and in at least one of the housing member and such handle member depending on which grooming aid is selected.

Abstract: A hair weave removal apparatus and a method are provided. The hair weave removal apparatus includes a handle; and a tip extending from and retractable within the handle, the tip having a first extending portion, a second extending portion, a linking portion therebetween, and a sharp edge. The sharp edge is on the linking portion, the first extending portion, or both. The method includes providing a subject having weave hair coupled to the subject through at least one stitch of thread; providing a handle and a substantially rigid tip; inserting a first extending portion of the tip into the at least one stitch between the thread and the weave hair; and pushing the sharp edge against the thread to cut the at least one stitch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fast applicable hair piece (1) for obtaining a special esthetical effect like e.g. a colour effect or a hair volume effect having a remarkable high wearing comfort for the user. The hair piece (1) comprises at least one thin, broad and flat hair piece (3) consisting of a number of hairs (20). The hair bundle (3, 3?, 3?) is provided at its free end with a lightweight and thin elongated weaving band (2, 2?, 2?) made from hair or from another suitable material like e.g. cotton or a synthetic material comprising regularly weaving elements (11). This weaving band is characterized by connection opening (4, 4?, 4?, 31)provided at regular mutual distance. A suitable number of basic hairs (9, 9?, 9?) may be passed through said connection openings (4, 4?, 4?, 31). As a result a temporarily, durable however eventually easily removable connection between the hair (1) piece and the basic hair (6) will be formed, in such a way that the hair piece (1) is always reusable.

Abstract: A wafer cleaning system includes a wafer chuck for holding a wafer top side down and a stage having a top surface opposing the wafer. The top surface of the stage includes thereon a plurality of cleaning liquid nozzles, a plurality of rinsing liquid nozzles, a central drain funnel and a peripheral drain funnel. The cleaning liquid as well as the rinsing liquid is retained in the gap between the wafer surface and the stage by the surface tension of the liquid for effecting a retention cleaning treatment and a retention rinsing treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an equipment for removing deposits accumulated in electrolytic refining on the surface of an electrode, such as a cathode, said equipment including at least one element for stripping the deposits and at least one element for controlling the stripping element; said equipment includes at least one stripping element that is turnably movable in the vertical direction of the cathode, and the cathode can be bent owing to the contact with said stripping element. The invention also relates to a method realized by said equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a seal bar of a bag-making machine comprises a frame positioned in operative association with the seal bar, and a carriage mounted on the frame for movement along the length thereof. An articulable cleaning member is mounted on the carriage for movement therewith along the frame, with the cleaning member including a cleaning head engageable with the seal bar by selective movement of the cleaning member relative to the carriage. By this arrangement, the cleaning head of the cleaning member can be positioned in engagement with the seal bar, and the carriage moved along the frame, whereby the cleaning head cleans/scraps the seal bar to remove built-up residue therefrom, thereby enhancing sealing performance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor dishwasher having at least one washing zone (6, 7), at least one rinsing zone (8, 9) and a heat-recovery device (13) with a suction-extraction means. The dishwasher also comprises a drying zone (11). Openings (17, 18, 19, 20, 21) are provided for the suction extraction of air from the dishwasher. The overall quantity of the exhaust-airstream (24) can be varied by means of closing elements (25, 26, 27, 28), in dependence on the operating state of the dishwasher, by virtue of the openings (17, 18, 19, 20, 21) being completely or partially closed or released.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for cleaning and drying a container for semiconductor workpieces. The apparatus comprises a load port with a fixture that receives a dirty container and delivers it to a deck assembly with a carrier that removably receives the container for further handling. While the container is received by the carrier, a robot with a first end effector removes the container door and places it on a portion of the carrier. The robot includes a second end effector that engages the carrier and elevates the carrier and container for insertion into a process chamber. The process chamber includes a rotor with at least one receptacle wherein the rotor is rotated to create both high pressure and low pressure regions. Once the container and carrier are loaded into the rotor, the rotor is rotated and means for cleaning injects a processing fluid onto the container and carrier. After a rinse stage and while the rotor is rotating, the means for drying delivers air across the container and carrier.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning method, including a step of supplying a two-fluid spray made up of a liquid and a gas to the front surface of a substrate, is provided; wherein the supplying of the two-fluid spray is carried out using a mixture of purified water and isopropyl alcohol as a liquid; concentration of the isopropyl alcohol in the mixture is 10 to 60 wt %; and a particle rejection ratio is 80% or greater.

Abstract: A water-powered eductor cleaner for removing accumulated matter from within a chamber of an eductor. The water-powered eductor cleaner includes an eductor cleaning system for separating accumulated matter from the inside walls of the eductor chamber. The eductor cleaning system utilizes a high-pressured water stream from within the eductor chamber to provide the energy to move the eductor cleaning system between the inside walls of the eductor chamber, thereby engaging and dislodging the accumulated matter.

Abstract: A jet stream cleaning apparatus includes a housing and a cleaning device. The housing is formed with a mounting space to be supplied with a pressurized cleaning fluid. The cleaning device includes a hollow nozzle retainer mounted in the mounting space, a particle-collecting pad mounted on the nozzle retainer, and a tubular nozzle. The nozzle includes a nozzle body having an inlet portion mounted to the nozzle retainer, and an outlet portion. The nozzle body extends through the particle-collecting pad such that the outlet portion is disposed outside the housing. The nozzle permits the pressurized cleaning fluid flowing into the mounting space to flow from the inlet portion through the outlet portion.

Abstract: An exemplary clamping apparatus (9) for optical members includes a top fixture (10) and a bottom fixture (20). The top fixture has a top washing slot (13) defined therein. The bottom fixture has a bottom washing slot (24) defined therein. The bottom washing slot communicates with the top washing slot. The bottom fixture and the top fixture are mounted together for receiving the optical members.

Abstract: A cover for a canopy of an umbrella or parasol includes a body configured to extend over the canopy of the umbrella while the canopy is open, and a fastening component operable to releasably attach the body to the umbrella. The cover can protect the canopy and extend the life of the umbrella. The cover can also include a restraining component to hold the canopy in an un-inverted position while the canopy is open. Thus, in windy conditions the cover helps the umbrella's canopy stay in the un-inverted position to shed water. Also, the body of the cover can include an image that is displayed to the environment when the cover extends over an open canopy. Thus, a user may have multiple covers, each having an image that conveys a different expression, such as a design for fashion, and each being releasably attachable to an umbrella to allow the user to express his/her emotion or dress the umbrella in the latest fashion, as desired, or promote a person's or a party's product or service.

Abstract: A support system for tents and other shelters. The support system includes base support members that are in the shape of an arch. These base support members are secured in a desired configuration by an upper support member that is in the shape of a circle or other geometrical shape. A roof support may be added as well. The size and configuration of the shelter may be easily changed by adding or deleting the number of base support members.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module may include a first substrate having a mounting portion and an extension portion and a second substrate facing to the mounting portion. First electrodes are disposed on the mounting portion and have a first surface layer of gold. Second electrodes are disposed on the second substrate and have a second surface layer of gold. Thermoelectric elements are electrically bonded between the first and second arrays of electrodes by solder. A bonding layer is disposed on the extension portion and has a third surface layer of gold. The first surface layer of gold is distanced by a gap from the first surface layer of gold. A metal layer underlies the gap. The metal layer has a solder-wettability that is lower than that of the first and third surface layers of gold.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrically conductive paste for connecting thermoelectric materials, the paste comprising a specific powdery oxide and at least one powdery electrically conductive metal selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, platinum, and alloys containing at least one of these metals. By connecting a thermoelectric material to an electrically conductive substrate with the electrically conductive paste of the invention, a suitable electroconductivity is imparted to the connecting portion of the thermoelectric element. Further, the thermal expansion coefficient of the connecting portion can be made close to that of the thermoelectric material. Therefore, even when high-temperature power generation is repeated, separation at the connecting portion is prevented and a favorable thermoelectric performance can be maintained.

Abstract: High performance thin film thermoelectric couples and methods of making the same are disclosed. Such couples allow fabrication of at least microwatt to watt-level power supply devices operating at voltages greater than one volt even when activated by only small temperature differences.

Abstract: A thermoelectric bias voltage generator having a substrate, an active device formed in a semiconductor region of the substrate, and a thermoelectric junction disposed on the substrate and connected to the active device to provide the bias voltage for the active device.

Abstract: Crystalline silicon PV modules typically use tinned flat copper wire to increase the conductivity of a bus bar metallization and to interconnect to adjacent cells. Such a flat bus wire may be patterned with shallow v-shaped grooves using metal forming techniques, such as rolling, stamping and drawing. The grooves are designed so that incident light is reflected up toward the glass superstrate of the module at an internal interface angle that is large enough (typically greater than about 40°) so that the light undergoes total internal reflection at the glass-air interface and is reflected onto the solar cell. A photocurrent resulting from the normal impingement of light on a proto-type of such a patterned bus bar is at least 70% of the photocurrent resulting from the direct impingement on active cell area of the same light source. A typical face angle of about 60° may provide TIR for at least 50% of the light that strikes the bus wire as omni-directional illumination.

Abstract: The thermoelectric material is represented by the following composition formula of (Tia1Zrb1Hfc1)xAyB100-x-y, in which element A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ni and Co, element B is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Sn and Sb, 0?a1?1, 0?b1?1, 0?c1?1, and a1+b1+c1=1 hold, and 30?x?35 and 30?y?35 hold, and the thermoelectric material comprises a phase having an MgAgAs type crystal structure as a major phase. In this thermoelectric material, the density of the thermoelectric material is more than 99.0% of the true density. When this thermoelectric material is used for either one or both of p-type elements and n-type elements, a thermoelectric conversion device having high thermoelectric conversion performance is realized.

Abstract: A solar energy system for a hybrid vehicle that utilizes an attachable solar panel to receive and convert solar energy into direct current electricity. A wiring harness directs the direct current electricity generated by the solar panel to a converter. The converter transforms the direct current electricity from a comparatively lower energy state to a comparatively higher energy state.

Abstract: An electrode is composed of a carbon carrying a metal and a binder polymer, and it is used as a counter electrode of a dye-sensitized solar cell. The metal carried by carbon is at least one kind of metal selected from the group consisting of Pt, Ru, Co, Ti, Ni, Al and Au. The carbon is needle-like carbon, fullerene, carbon nanotube, conductive carbon black, or the like, and its specific surface area is equal to or larger than 100 m2/g.

Abstract: A solar cell having at least one hole blocking layer and at least one electron blocking layer, and methods of fabricating such devices. Specifically, a hole blocking layer is disposed between a first electrode of the solar cell and the active layer. Further, an electron blocking layer is disposed between a second electrode and the active layer. The solar cell may be formed by fabricating an anode component and a cathode component and laminating the anode component and the cathode component together.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element is provided. The photoelectric conversion element includes a casing; and a stacked body enclosed within the casing, wherein the stacked body comprises: a working electrode having a porous oxide semiconductor layer having a sensitizing dye supported on a surface thereof; a counter electrode provided on a side of the porous oxide semiconductor layer of the working electrode facing the working electrode; and an electrolyte layer at least a part of which is formed between the working electrode and the counter electrode, and wherein an upper surface and a lower surface of the stacked body contacts directly or indirectly an inner surface of the casing, the portion of the casing at least contacting the working electrode being made of a material having an optical characteristic of transmitting sunlight.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for fabricating a flexible semiconductor electrode including preparing a first substrate having a semiconductor layer disposed on a release layer, forming a second substrate having an adhesive layer disposed on a conductive material-coated flexible substrate, and pressing the first substrate against the second substrate under heat effective to transfer the semiconductor layer from the first substrate to the second substrate. The method allows for a flexible semiconductor electrode to be fabricated at low temperatures in a stable manner, and the flexible semiconductor electrode allows for high photoelectric conversion efficiency in a solar cell.

Abstract: There are provided compounds of formulas (IV), and (IVa): Various chemical entities can be used for R4, R5, R6, and R12. These compounds can be particularly useful as anti-static agents or for preparing redox couples.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid supply method in which, when preparing a solution that can be used as washing water and the like by supplying a minute amount of chemicals and the like to ultrapure water, the amount of supply solution that is supplied can be accurately determined. In this liquid supply method, a solution is prepared by supplying a supply liquid to a primary fluid that is circulating in a primary fluid circulation tube (2). This liquid supply method uses a liquid supply apparatus (1) that includes: a supply section (3) that delivers the supply liquid; and a supply liquid circulation tube (4) that causes the supply liquid to flow from the supply section (3) to the primary fluid circulation tube (2), the internal diameter of the supply liquid circulation tube (4) being between 0.01 and 1 mm.

Abstract: An invention of a flow-regulating valve for a nozzle comprise a valve chamber with an inlet and outlet, a valve axle with a notch passage and a block section for regulating the flow of the fluid, and a regulative handle joined with the valve axle by a set of joining tray to drive the valve axle in the various angles. The above block section is set in the midsection of the valve axle and with an annular groove to clasp a annular block washer for blocking and shut off the flow of the fluid, and two annular washers set on two ends of the valve axle for avoiding the leakage from the gaps between the valve axle and the valve chamber. The defended fences are set on the inlet and the outlet of the valve chamber for avoiding the annular block washer to get off as the valve axle turning.

Abstract: A gas flow isolation device includes a gas flow isolation valve movable from an opened condition to a closed condition. The module isolation valve in one embodiment includes a rupture disk in flow communication with a flow of gas when the module isolation valve is in an opened condition. The rupture disk ruptures when a predetermined pressure differential occurs across it causing the isolation valve to close. In one embodiment the valve is mechanically linked to the rupture disk to maintain the valve in an opened condition when the rupture disk is intact, and which permits the valve to move into a closed condition when the rupture disk ruptures. In another embodiment a crushable member maintains the valve in an open condition, and the flow of gas passed the valve upon rupturing of the rupture disk compresses the crushable member to close the isolation valve.

Abstract: A support bracket is affixed to a medical gas outlet. The support bracket supports one or more elements of a gas circuit coupled to the medical gas outlet and prevents deformation of a lock spring of the medical gas outlet. The medical gas outlet can be a wall mounted vacuum or oxygen outlet.

Abstract: The fuel cutoff valve has a connection conduit that connects the connection hole to the approximately round shaped cross section tube passage. With the connection conduit, the connection hole and the flow path area are almost the same, and this comprises a curved passage part that makes the rising gas flow from the connection hole face in the horizontal direction, and a connection passage part that leads the gas flow from the curved passage part to the connection passage part. The fluid guide member that constitutes the curved passage part is a passage that has an inclined face that makes the rising gas flow that flows out from the connection hole face in the horizontal direction, and a passage upper surface formed from a flat surface continuous from the upper edge of the inclined face and arranged above the connection hole. The connection passage part is formed such that the cross section shape of the passage upper surface gradually faces the round shaped cross section of the tube passage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel leakage preventing valve involving no variations in valve closing characteristics.

Abstract: A toilet fill valve assembly for filling a toilet tank with water includes a tube assembly sized and shaped so as to be mounted in the toilet tank and to receive a supply of water. The fill valve assembly also includes a fill valve, which is connected to the tube assembly and having an open state and closed state, and a float, which is coupled to the fill valve for moving the fill valve between the open and closed states. Moreover, a first sensor is coupled to at least one of the tube assembly and the float for detecting the position of the float, while a second sensor is coupled to the tube assembly for sensing water flow through the tube assembly. A controller is also coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor for receiving signals therefrom so as to determine whether a leak condition is present in the toilet tank. The tube assembly, the fill valve, the float, the first sensor, the second sensor and the controller are integrated with one another as a single unit.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided for venting pressurized gases generated from within an enclosed package during a heating of the package. The valve assembly has a membrane element, a tubular body and a retaining member. The tubular body has an open end, a closed end and a recess defined therebetween. The closed end has an aperture for venting the pressurized gases therethrough. The recess is operative to receive and support the membrane element adjacent the closed end. The retaining member is operative for snap-fit engagement with the tubular body for retaining the membrane element within the recess.

Abstract: A reservoir structure of a fuel suction unit or pump module for a diesel vehicle is provided. The reservoir structure includes a reservoir 10 having a bottom surface 14. A primary opening 12 is provided in the bottom surface for permitting fuel to pass from a fuel tank of the vehicle into the reservoir. A secondary opening 16 is provided in the reservoir 10 that is elevated from the bottom surface 14. A valve member 18 is associated with the secondary opening 16. The valve member 18 is constructed and arranged to close the secondary opening under certain pressure conditions in the reservoir and, under pressure conditions in the reservoir different from the certain pressure conditions, to permit fuel to enter the reservoir through the secondary opening in the event the primary opening is substantially blocked.

Abstract: A regulator insert for valves includes inflow openings and a plurality of slot-shaped outflow openings extending in the axial direction of the insert and being, via a roller membrane, closable in response to the difference in pressure across the insert under the influence of a spring that seeks to keep the outflow openings open. The slot-shaped outflow openings have at least two different lengths, whereby complete closure of at least some of the outflow openings can take place only consecutively. At least one of the slot shaped outflow openings has such length that complete closure thereof by means of the roller membrane is not possible.

Abstract: A manual valve of a hydraulic pressure control system for an automatic transmission includes: a valve body including a first exhaust passage that includes an exhausting hole and an intake hole that are communicated with a drive range port in a neutral range, such that a transmission fluid, which is supplied from the drive range port when the vehicle is shifted from drive to neutral, is exhausted; and a hydraulic pressure exhaust control unit that is disposed in the exhaust hole so as to control an exhaust amount according to an exhaust pressure.

Abstract: There is provided a microfluidic device capable of preventing the flow of a fluid from being interrupted by bubbles generated in a micro flow passage. In a microfluidic device 10 wherein a micro flow passage 16 having a substantially constant height is formed for allowing a fluid to flow therein and wherein a narrow portion is formed in a portion of the micro flow passage by forming a columnar portion 12c or the like in the micro flow passage, an extending recessed portion 14c for extending the micro flow passage upwards is formed upstream of the narrow portion, and a plurality of raised portions extending in substantially parallel to longitudinal directions of the micro flow passage are formed on a portion of the bottom face of the micro flow passage facing the extending recessed portion if necessary.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing one or more axially ported components on a manifold with lateral space restraints, an installation bore being formed to have a sealing surface and the manifold further modified to include an outer threaded section, the apparatus including a sealing member formed of a compressible material with a central bore sized to receive a tubular port of a component to be installed, a drive sleeve having a slot extending through one side, an interior sized to receive the body of a component to be installed, and a threaded end, a thrust collar being positioned between the drive sleeve and sealing member, the formation of he installation bore, assembly of the sealing member, thrust collar and drive sleeve around the flow component to be installed and the engagement of the drive sleeve screw threads with the installation bore screw threads resulting in the compression of the sealing member causing the securing and sealing of the flow component and its port in the manifold.

Abstract: A pulsation attenuator for a fluidic system with a fluidic pump. The pulsation attenuator includes a fluidic channel, a first fluidic device adapted to attenuate pulsations with a shallow rolloff slope, and a second fluidic device adapted to attenuate pulsations with a shallow rolloff slope. The first fluidic device and the second fluidic device are connected to the fluidic channel such that they cooperatively attenuate pulsations with a steep rolloff slope. Preferably, the first fluidic device includes a first fluidic resistor and a first fluidic capacitor, and the second fluidic device includes a second fluidic resistor and a second fluidic capacitor. Preferably, the pulsation attenuator is arranged, similar a second-order low-pass filter, in the following order: (1) first fluidic resistor, (2) first fluidic capacitor, (3) second fluidic resistor, and (4) second fluidic capacitor.

Abstract: A method and kit for repairing a gas leak in a pipe containing natural gas. The natural gas repair kit includes a leak sealant, a pressure sealant, and an encapsulator. The method for repairing the gas leak includes the act of applying a leak sealant over the leak in the pipe. The method further includes the act of wrapping a pressure sealant around the pipe near the leak. The pressure sealant should enclose and contact the leak sealant. Additionally, an encapsulator should be wrapped around the pipe near the leak. The encapsulator should contact the pressure sealant and the pipe.

Abstract: A flexible tubular pipe, for example, for the transport of hydrocarbons. The pipe comprises successive independent layers including helical coils of strips or different sections and at least one polymer sheath. At least one of the coils is a strip or strips of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of composite tubing having properties tailored to meet a wide variety of environmental and working conditions. Composite tubes disclosed herein may include one or more of the following layers: a internal liner, a composite layer, a thermal insulation layer, a crush resistant layer, a permeation barrier, buoyancy control layer, a pressure barrier layer, and a wear resistant layer. Grooves may be provided in one or more layers of the composite tube to provide increased axial permeability to the composite tube. A venting system, including vent paths, may be provided in the composite tube to vent fluid that may become trapped within the wall of the composite tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for face-to-face weaving of a pile fabric on a weaving machine, pile forming pile warp yarns (6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19) being interlaced alternately around a weft yarn (1) in the upper fabric and around a weft yarn (1) in the lower fabric and non pile forming pile warp yarns (6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19) being interlaced in one of the backing fabrics in accordance with a predetermined pattern, the said weaving machine comprising at least three weft insertion means and that at each weft insertion cycle only one weft yarn is inserted, the non pile forming pile warp yarns (6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19) to be interlaced are positioned on a different level (N1, N2) and, in successive series of four weft insertion cycles (a, b, c, d) each time during two successive weft insertion cycles one weft yarn (1) being inserted (a, b) under the two levels (N1, N2) and one weft yarn (1) being inserted above the two levels (N1, N2) and each time, during two other successive weft insert

Abstract: A diagnostic method for a gas supply system includes: determining a desired ramp rate for filling a vessel from a supply of compressed gas; monitoring the actual pressure of gas entering the vessel; and discontinuing the flow of gas into the vessel when the actual pressure deviates from the intended pressure at the desired ramp rate by an undesired amount. A system for carrying out the method includes a flow controller for controlling operation of the supply system to deliver compressed gas from a source to a vessel through a supply line at a desired ramp rate. The system employs a pressure monitor downstream of a control valve for measuring the pressure of gas directed into the vessel and transmitting pressure-related data to the flow controller, which closes the control valve to discontinue filling of the vessel if the actual pressure exceeds a permissible deviation from the intended pressure.

Abstract: An automated medication preparation system for preparing a prescribed dosage of medication in a drug delivery device includes a plurality of stations for receiving, handling and processing the drug delivery device so that the prescribed dosage of medication is delivered to the drug delivery device and a transporting device that receives and holds more than one drug delivery device and moves the drug delivery devices in a controlled manner from one station to another station. The system is configured so that two or more separate drug delivery devices can be acted upon at the same time.