Abstract: A bioreactor system includes a support housing having an interior surface bounding a compartment, the support housing having a sidewall with an opening extending therethrough and communicating with the compartment. A rack is secured to the support housing in alignment with the opening. An elongated first shaft has a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the first shaft being secured to the rack so that the second end of the first shaft projects outwardly away from the sidewall of the support housing. A structure is secured to the first shaft towards the second end of the first shaft, the structure outwardly projecting away from the first shaft. A collapsible bag bounds a chamber and is at least partially disposed within the compartment of the support housing. A member projects from the collapsible bag and passes through the opening on the sidewall, the structure restraining movement of the member.

Abstract: An apparatus for addition of droplets of a monomer solution for production of poly(meth)acrylate to a reactor for droplet polymerization, comprising at least one channel or a dropletizer head having, at its base, holes through which the solution is dropletized into the reactor, at least one of the following features being fulfilled: (a) the ratio of the area covered by the channels or the dropletizer head in the reactor relative to the area which is defined by the circumference of a line along the outermost holes is less than 50%, (b) the number of holes relative to the area which is defined by the circumference of a line along the outermost holes is within a range from 100 to 1000 holes/m2.

Abstract: A float valve for a chemical reactor has a central pipe which glides around a liquid transfer pipe when a liquid level rises and falls, thereby opening for fluid transfer through liquid transfer apertures in the transfer pipe when the liquid level is rising and shutting off for fluid transfer when the float lowers and seals against a sealing ring placed on the transfer pipe below the liquid transfer apertures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-reactor for carrying out at least one catalytic reaction between two or more reactants in each case, comprising a stacking sequence of reaction surfaces (1) for carrying out at least one exothermic reaction, and a cooling region (6) divided at least into individual fields (6) with feed and discharge devices for the coolant.

Abstract: A metal adsorbent that includes silver-decorated graphene nano-platelets and a polymer matrix that comprises polyamide, wherein the metal adsorbent is a highly porous material with a specific surface area of 200 to 300 m2/g and an average pore size of 50 to 100 ?, which effective removes heavy metals and cations from a liquid. Various embodiments of the metal adsorbent and a method of making thereof are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are metal-organic frameworks (MOF) and uses thereof, including those comprising a repeat unit of the formula [Cu2L(H2O)2]-5DMF-3H2O, wherein L is a ligand of the formula: These are useful for many applications, including in the purification of hydrogen gas from production byproducts CH4 and CO2, sensing, heterogeneous catalysis, drug delivery, lithium sulfide battery, membrane and analytical devices.

Abstract: A heteroatom (N,S,O)-rich porous organic polymer and a membrane-based separation system and process employing the polymer is provided that utilizes one of a number of the heteroatom-rich porous organic polymers which contain ultra-small pores in their structures. The polymers can be used in the membranes to form a simpler, easy to regenerate separation system and method that and does not involve phase changes in the operation of the system. The system with the functionalized nanoporous organic polymer(s) can be utilized as a nanoporous membrane composite(s) for CO2 gas separation, or in the formation of a heterogeneous catalyst to convert CO2 to useful chemicals.

Abstract: A cylindrical column-shaped honeycomb adsorbent has a plurality of cell passages extending along an axial direction of the honeycomb adsorbent. The plurality of cell passages are configured so that a pitch of adjacent cell passages is within a range of 1.5 mm˜1.8 mm, and so that a thickness of a wall between the cell passages is within a range of 0.45 mm˜0.60 mm. With this configuration, the honeycomb adsorbent exhibits BWC (Butane Working Capacity) of 6.5 g/dL or greater. By mixing fibrous meltable core melting away during baking, the honeycomb adsorbent has macropores configured to have a volume of 0.15 mL/g˜0.35 mL/g with respect to an overall weight of the honeycomb adsorbent and metal oxide particles having a proportion of weight of 150˜250% with respect to the activated carbon.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel chromatographic materials, e.g., for chromatographic separations, processes for its preparation and separations devices containing the chromatographic material; separations devices, chromatographic columns and kits comprising the same; and methods for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous catalyst support, consisting of a material comprising a natural sheet silicate, containing ZrO2 dispersed throughout the material. The present invention also relates to a method for the production of the catalyst support according to the invention and to a shell catalyst containing the catalyst support according to the invention and also the use of the catalyst according to the invention in particular for the production of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM).

Abstract: The present invention provides for a device for reducing a volatile organic compound (VOC) content of a gas comprising a manganese oxide (MnOx) catalyst. The manganese oxide (MnOx) catalyst is capable of catalyzing formaldehyde at room temperature, with complete conversion, to CO2 and water vapor. The manganese oxide (MnOx) catalyst itself is not consumed by the reaction of formaldehyde into CO2 and water vapor. The present invention also provides for a device for reducing or removing a particle, a VOC and/or ozone from a gas comprising an activated carbon filter (ACF) on a media that is capable of being periodically regenerated.

Abstract: A paste for manufacturing a photocatalyst is provided. The paste for manufacturing the photocatalyst includes an alcohol paste and a photocatalyst precursor. The photocatalyst precursor is dispersed in the alcohol paste, and the photocatalyst precursor includes a first metal precursor and a second metal precursor, wherein the first metal in the first metal precursor includes Zn, Sn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Co or Ag, and the second metal in the second metal precursor includes Fe.

Abstract: A process for at least partially reactivating the catalytic activity of at least a partially deactivated catalyst following a reaction cycle, the catalyst having been used in a catalytic reaction process for hydrogenating an aromatic epoxide to produce a hydrogenated aliphatic epoxide; said process including contacting the at least partially deactivated catalyst with an oxygen-containing source at a temperature of less than about 100° C. and in the presence of a reactivation solvent for a pre-determined period of time sufficient to at least partially re-oxidize and reactivate the catalyst for further use; and a catalytic reaction process for hydrogenating an aromatic epoxide to produce a hydrogenated aliphatic epoxide including the above reactivating process step; and optionally including a step for washing the deactivated catalyst with a solvent prior to re-oxidizing the deactivated catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to: a catalytic composition that is active in the selective catalytic reduction of nitric oxides, containing an iron-containing MFI-type zeolite and an iron-containing BEA-type zeolite, wherein the weight average particle size d50 of the MFI-type zeolite and the BEA-type zeolite is different; a method for producing an SCR catalyst; and the SCR catalyst produced in this way. The adhesion of the coating is improved in that the weight average particle sizes of the MFI-type and BEA-type zeolites are different.

Abstract: A method of preparing an aromatization catalyst comprising contacting a zeolitic support with a metal-containing compound and a boron-containing compound to produce an impregnated support, and contacting the impregnated support with an activating composition to produce an aromatization catalyst, wherein the activating composition comprises a chlorine-containing compound and a fluorine-containing compound, and wherein the impregnated support is heated in the presence of the activating composition to a temperature in the range of from about 100° C. to about 500° C.

Abstract: A new crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite comprising a MTT framework has been synthesized that has been designated UZM-53. This zeolite is represented by the empirical formula: M+mRrAl1-xExSiyOz where M represents sodium, potassium or a combination of sodium and potassium cations, R is the organic structure directing agent or agents derived from reactants R1 and R2 where R1 is diisopropanolamine and R2 is a chelating diamine, and E is an element selected from the group consisting of gallium, iron, boron and mixtures thereof. Catalysts made from UZM-53 have utility in various hydrocarbon conversion reactions such as oligomerization.

Abstract: A method of preparing a metal-doped zeolite catalyst with a modified topology (e.g. a pillared zeolite or a delaminated zeolite), and a method of using thereof in a process for converting an alkyl-aromatic hydrocarbon stream to BTX (benzene/toluene/xylene), wherein an enhanced pore topology in the metal-doped zeolite catalyst determines a selectivity to transalkylation of trimethylbenzene to xylene, which in turn leads to a higher xylene yield. Various embodiments of the method of preparing the metal-doped zeolite catalyst, and the process for converting the alkyl-aromatic hydrocarbon stream to BTX are also provided.

Abstract: Oxygen-absorbing resin composition comprising a polyester containing a constitutional unit (a) comprising tetralin ring structure, for example, an alkyl tetralin dicarboxylate, wherein the alkyl component has, for example, from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and a constitutional unit (b) derived from a polyfunctional compound, selected from glycerin, trimethylol propane, pentaerythritol, trimellitic acid, trimellitic acid anhydride, pyromellitic acid, and pyromellitic acid anhydride, and a transition metal catalyst.

Abstract: A composition is described which comprises at least one chromium compound, at least one aryloxy compound of an element M selected from the group formed by magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium, with general formula [M(RO)2-nXn]y, in which RO is an aryloxy radical of a derivative ROH containing 6 to 80 carbon atoms, X is a halogen or a hydrocarbyl radical containing 1 to 30 carbon atoms, n is a whole number which may take the values 0 or 1 and y is a whole number in the range 1 to 10, and at least one additive selected from ether type compounds, which may or may not be cyclic, introduced in a near-stoichiometric quantity with respect to the element M.

Abstract: A solid-supported palladium(II) complex which catalyzes the Mizoroki-Heck coupling reaction efficiently and a method of employing the solid-supported palladium(II) complex to synthesize cinnamic acid and derivatives thereof. The solid-supported palladium(II) complex is also stable and can be recycled without significantly losing catalytic activity.

Abstract: A solid-supported palladium(II) complex which catalyzes the Mizoroki-Heck coupling reaction efficiently and a method of employing the solid-supported palladium(II) complex to synthesize cinnamic acid and derivatives thereof. The solid-supported palladium(II) complex is also stable and can be recycled without significantly losing catalytic activity.

Abstract: A solid-supported palladium(II) complex which catalyzes the Mizoroki-Heck coupling reaction efficiently and a method of employing the solid-supported palladium(II) complex to synthesize cinnamic acid and derivatives thereof. The solid-supported palladium(II) complex is also stable and can be recycled without significantly losing catalytic activity.

Abstract: An apparatus for capture of CO2 from the atmosphere comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air.

Abstract: A polymer and a method for preparing the same are provided. The polymer includes a first repeat unit and a second repeat unit. In particular, the first repeat unit is and, the second repeat unit is wherein R+ is A? is F?, Cl?, Br?, I?, OH?, HCO3?, HSO4?, SbF6?, BF4?, H2PO4?, H2PO3?, or H2PO2?; X is i and j are independently 0, or an integer from 1 to 4; Y is —O—, —S—, —CH2—, or —NH—; R1 is independently C1-8 alkyl group; and, R2 and R3 are hydrogen, or independently C1-8 alkyl group.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for manufacture of test elements for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid, where the test elements include a housing having at least one base element and at least one cover element. The methods include providing the base element, and mounting the cover element to the base element with an adhesive, wherein the adhesive contacts at least one test field of the cover element such that the adhesive is interposed between the test field and the base element and at least partially covers the test field. The test elements also include at least one fluid channel formed within the housing, where the the fluid channel includes a capillary region and a measurement region. The capillary region and the measurement region have differing aspect ratios. The at least one test field has at least one test chemical, where the test chemical is adapted to change at least one optically measurable property in the presence of the analyte.

Abstract: A closed system for rehydrating powder and delivering the rehydrated powder to a reactor, may include a liquid reservoir for containing liquid; a syringe configured to contain powder to be rehydrated; a reactor; a controller for controlling operation of the syringe; and a conduit fluidically linking the liquid reservoir to a port of the syringe, fluidically linking the port to the reactor. The controller is configured to operate the syringe so as to draw liquid from the liquid reservoir into the syringe and rehydrate the powder, or to drive the rehydrated powder into the reactor.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes: a first microfluidic channel; a second microfluidic channel extending along the first microfluidic channel; and a first array of islands separating the first microfluidic channel from the second microfluidic channel, in which each island is separated from an adjacent island in the array by an opening that fluidly couples the first microfluidic channel to the second microfluidic channel, in which the first microfluidic channel, the second microfluidic channel, and the islands are arranged so that a fluidic resistance of the first microfluidic channel increases relative to a fluidic resistance of the second microfluidic channel along a longitudinal direction of the first microfluidic channel such that, during use of the microfluidic device, a portion of a fluid sample flowing through the first microfluidic channel passes through one or more of the openings between adjacent islands into the second microfluidic channel.

Abstract: The disclosure provides devices, systems and methods for the generation of encapsulated reagents and the partitioning of encapsulated reagents for use in subsequent analyses and/or processing, such as in the field of biological analyses and characterization.

Abstract: A controlled transfer biological sample material collection device is disclosed which includes a body and a sample collection member for collecting the biological sample material, the body housing a sample storage medium for generally dry storage of the biological material, the collection member being moveable from an exposed position where collection of a biological sample is possible, to a transfer position which effects transfer of at least a portion of the collected sample to said medium. The body of the device slideably supports the sample collection member, and the body or collection member includes a ramp-like projection portion operable to force the collection member into the transfer position against the medium and to effect the transfer as the collection member slides within the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sampling valve and to a device equipped with such a valve notably allowing haematology measurements to be taken from a blood sample. The valve comprise two external parts, one internal part clamped between said external parts, and means for regulating the relative angular position of these parts about an axis of rotation. The internal part has opposite surfaces pressing in a sealed and sliding manner against adjacent surfaces of the external parts. The external parts comprise orifices, loops and ducts, said loops and said ducts being arranged in such a way as to communicate selectively with orifices passing through the internal part. The valve parts have no aliquot return groove or recess or labyrinth, thereby eliminating regions of turbulence. The valve is characterized in that two of the parts are able to rotate about the axis of rotation with respect to one of the said parts which is stationary, the rotary parts preferably being the external parts.

Abstract: A gas treatment includes: a gas scrubber chamber operable to receive an effluent gas stream originating from a manufacturing process tool to be scrubbed therewithin to provide a scrubbed gas stream; and an electrostatic precipitation chamber operable to receive the scrubbed gas stream to be treated therewithin to provide a treated gas stream, one of the gas scrubber chamber and the electrostatic precipitation chamber defining a first chamber and another of the gas scrubber chamber and the electrostatic precipitation chamber defining a second chamber, the first chamber being configured to surround the second chamber. In this way, the first chamber and the second chamber can share the same volume.

Abstract: A combined shower comprising a top shower head and a handheld shower head, a first magnetic piece, an elastic piece and a sealing structure is inside an assembly hub of the top shower head. The first magnetic piece can move under the action of the elastic force from the elastic piece and then makes the sealing structure shut off the outflow cavity of the top shower head. The second magnetic piece is fixed on the handheld shower head and the second magnetic piece is arranged magnetically opposite and facing the first magnetic piece. Under the action of the attraction force from the second magnetic piece, the first magnetic piece can overcome the elastic force from the elastic piece, moves in the opposite direction, and makes the sealing structure connect the outflow cavity of the top shower head to the water inlet cavity.

Abstract: A shower head structure includes a main body, a face plate, and a switching device installed inside the main body for controlling an outflow of water from the face plate. The circumferential portion of the face plate is provided with a plurality of water outlet units. Each water outlet unit includes a plurality of jet orifices. The water flowing from the plurality of jet orifices forms a bunched spout. The bunched spout includes a plurality of fine spouts. The water won't spray about. Since the diameter of the jet orifice is small, the force of the fine spouts is stronger. The water-saving effect is good. The shower head can be used for low pressure environment.

Abstract: A spray nozzle assembly is provided with an electrode, a wear resistant member, and a compliant sleeve. The wear resistant member supports the electrode and is supported by the compliant sleeve. For coating operations that use abrasive powder such as porcelain enamel, the wear resistant member may comprise ceramic. The compliant sleeve may be made of an elastic material such as plastic, which allows one end of the compliant sleeve to receive an end of a glass powder tube. The wear resistant member may be in the form of a ceramic spider. The electrode may be installed in-line with a powder flow path defined by the powder tube, which extends through a spray gun body.

Abstract: A feed center for powder coating material includes a hopper, an extraction duct, and a control valve. The hopper is connectable in fluid communication with a fluidizing pressure source. The extraction duct is connectable in fluid communication with at least one suction source. The control valve connects the extraction duct with an extraction port of the hopper. The control valve is operable between a first position for applying suction from the at least one suction source to the hopper, and a second position providing an exterior opening in at least one of the control valve and the first extraction duct for exhausting pressurized fluid from the hopper and/or collecting at least some of the air and powder that is exhausted from the powder.

Abstract: A metering dispenser for simultaneously or selectively discharging two media, including an outlet opening, a first reservoir for a first medium, a first metering-conveyor device for conveying the first medium from the first reservoir, a second reservoir for a second medium, a second metering-conveyor device for conveying the second medium from the second reservoir, a mixing chamber arranged upstream of the outlet opening and in which the first medium, conveyed by the first metering-conveyor device, and/or second medium, conveyed by the second metering-conveyor device, is stored temporarily, and an output-conveyor device for conveying the medium or media from the mixing chamber to the outlet opening. The first metering-conveyor device has the form of a metering-pump device with a variable-volume metering chamber, an inlet fluidically connected to the first reservoir and having an inlet valve, and an outlet fluidically connected to the mixing chamber and having an outlet valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic container capable of discharging two kinds of contents including a lower container body (200) for accommodating first and second containers (202, 203) which are coupled to a lower cap (201) and have cosmetic contents filled therein; airless pumps (300) including piston parts (301) provided in opening portions of the first and second containers (202, 203), and piston housings (303) provided on the outer periphery portions of the piston parts (301) and having pressing protrusions (302); button housings (400) for accommodating side buttons (500) which slide by pressing the pressing protrusions (302); and a mixture discharge member (700) which is coupled to the upper parts of the button housings (400) so as to discharge the cosmetic contents, and which is dented in a dish shape.

Abstract: The invention provides a dispensing assembly to dispense a foam, comprising: ?—a double cylinder element (2) mounted or to be mounted in an opening of a container (100), comprising a liquid cylinder (3) and an air cylinder (4), wherein the liquid cylinder has a smaller diameter than the air cylinder, and wherein the liquid cylinder and the air cylinder are arranged substantially concentrically, and ?—a piston assembly (10) comprising a liquid piston (11) and an air piston (12) for reciprocal movements in the liquid cylinder and air cylinder, respectively, and a common operating part for operating the liquid piston and air piston, ? wherein a liquid pump chamber (14) is at least delimited by the liquid cylinder and the liquid piston, said liquid pump chamber having a liquid inlet (15) and a liquid outlet (16), ? wherein an air pump chamber (25) is at least delimited by the air cylinder, the air piston and the liquid piston, said air pump chamber having an air inlet (26) and an air outlet (27), ? wherein the pi

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing flowable fluids by dispensing the flowable fluid through a passageway leading to a discharge outlet in one stroke of a piston pump and, in a second opposite stroke of the piston pump, discharging air into the passageway to displace the fluid from the passageway through the outlet.

Abstract: A paint application device, in particular suited for the application of water-dilutable paints, comprises a paint reservoir connected with a paint application device via a supply line. Further, a paint discharge device for returning excess paint from the area of the paint application device into paint reservoir is provided. For the adjustment or the maintenance of the viscosity of the paint, a humidification device is provided for increasing the air humidity in the area of the paint application device and/or in the paint reservoir.

Abstract: A device for repelling pests includes a housing, a positioning mechanism to move the housing, at least three range-finding elements affixed to the housing along a common plane to detect a presence of a pest (e.g., an animate pest such as an animal, or an inanimate pest such as a drone) by obtaining a signal indicative of a location of the pest relative to the device, a projectile launcher affixed to the housing to fire one or more projectiles therefrom, and a controller electronically coupled to the range-finding elements, the positioning mechanism, and the projectile launcher. The controller may be configured to move the housing using the positioning mechanism until a strength of the signal obtained from each of the range-finding elements is substantially equal thereby indicating that the projectile launcher is directed toward the location of the pest, and to fire projectiles from the projectile launcher toward the pest.

Abstract: Methods for simultaneously dispensing a first fluid pattern at a first dispense region with a first applicator and a second fluid pattern at a second dispense region with a second applicator. The first and second applicators are moved toward their respective dispense regions with a positioner. While dispensing, the second applicator is moved relative to the first applicator in a direction or directions parallel to a first axis, a second axis, and/or a third axis, the axes being mutually orthogonal. The first dispense region may be provided with a unique first tilt and/or a unique first contour relative to the reference plane and along the third axis. Systems for dispensing fluid include a primary positioner supporting a first applicator, and a secondary positioner coupled to the primary positioner and supporting a second applicator and configured to move the second applicator relative to the first applicator.

Abstract: A thin film fabricating apparatus includes an electrode part which sprays a thin film material as electrified spray particles, a substrate holder disposed facing the electrode part and holding a substrate to be provided with a thin film, and a mask disposed between the electrode part and the substrate holder and provided with a plurality of pattern grooves, where the mask and the substrate are applied with a mask voltage (Vm) and a substrate voltage (V0), respectively, the mask voltage (Vm) is a variable voltage, and the mask voltage (Vm) has the same polarity as the polarity of spray particles.

Abstract: A bore masking system for effectively protecting the interior surface of a bore during all phases of the painting process. The bore masking system includes a tubular shield formed from a hydrophobic sheet to protect the interior surface of the bore during the various phases of the painting process including cleaning, painting and curing. The hydrophobic sheet repels liquids such as water, chemicals and paint to ensure the structural integrity of the tubular shield during the painting phases.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing liquid material onto a substrate includes a body, a valve module, and a backpressure control device having a device passage. The body includes an inlet passage, a dispensing outlet passage, and a recirculation outlet passage. The valve module has a dispensing mode and a recirculation mode, and directs the liquid material through the dispensing outlet passage in the dispensing mode and directs the liquid material through the recirculation outlet passage in the recirculation mode. The backpressure control device directs the liquid material through the device passage in the recirculation mode such that a backpressure of the liquid material in the recirculation mode is substantially equal to a backpressure of the liquid material in the dispensing mode. A method of adjusting a backpressure experienced by liquid material is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a booth that includes a booth housing that defines an area for locating or positioning a vehicle to undergo a filling, priming, and/or painting operation as part of an overall vehicle collision damage repair process. The booth includes a first air handling system and a second air handling system that is in fluid communication with an air extraction tool. The first handling system includes an air intake, a pressurized plenum, a filter to filter air from the air plenum before that enters into the interior of the housing, and an air exhaust. The second air handling system includes flexible and static conduits that are in communication with each other and in communication with an air exhaust outlet for removing debris and particulate from a sealed application area located adjacent the vehicle being repaired.

Abstract: A fluid application device having an applicator head, a slot die assembly and a securing mechanism for securing the slot die assembly to the applicator head is provided. The slot die assembly includes a die extruder comprising one or more fluid input ports configured to receive a fluid from the applicator head, a shim positioned adjacent to the die extruder, and a plate positioned adjacent to the shim on a side of the shim opposite from the die extruder. The securing mechanism includes a securing component at one of the applicator head and the slot die assembly and a corresponding securing component at the other of the applicator head and slot die assembly.

Abstract: An adhesive dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a heater unit configured to heat an adhesive to an application temperature, a fill system configured to supply the adhesive to said heater unit, and a controller. The controller is configured to actuate the fill system to supply the adhesive to the heater unit, operate the heater unit to maintain a unit set point temperature sufficient to heat the adhesive to the application temperature, and operate the heater unit to reduce its temperature from the unit set point temperature following a first set threshold time from actuation of the fill system to supply the adhesive to the heater unit.

Abstract: To increase the strength and water resistance of a joint between two slabs of building materials, an interface for inserting bonding material between the joins of two interlocking members is used. The interface has two interlocking slabs, a tongue ridge, a groove slot, a fill channel, and a quantity of adhesive. The two interlocking slabs are the pieces of building material that are joined by the interface. To accomplish this, the tongue ridge connects to the first interlocking slabs, and the groove slot traverses into the second interlocking slab. The tongue ridge engages the groove slot to form an interlocking connection. The fill channel traverses through the tongue ridge along the length of the tongue ridge so that the quantity of adhesive can be deposited into the interlocking connection between the tongue ridge and the groove slot.

Abstract: An inline coating system has an introduction chamber comprising an introduction gate, a first buffer chamber which connects to the introduction chamber and which can be separated from the introduction chamber by means of a first sluice gate and other components. The first buffer chamber has a gap sluice device with at least one slit diaphragm, and when the first insertion gate is opened or closed, a pressure gradient within the first buffer chamber is adjusted between the pressure in the region of the second insertion gate and the pressure in the region of the first insertion gate.