Abstract: An apparatus for collecting samples of water from open flows is disclosed. The apparatus includes a controller, a quantimetric chamber and storage means, and provides for automatic collection and storage of liquid samples. The entire device is pneumatically operated and therefore suitable for use in explosive atmospheres.

Abstract: An autologous blood transfusion system having at least two interconnected blood receptacles and an associated filter assembly, the first receptacle being evacuated and connected to a suction device for aspirating blood. The second receptacle takes blood from the first by overcoming the vacuum in the first with a greater vacuum in the second without interrupting the ability of the suction device to simultaneously aspirate blood. The second receptacle may comprise a transfer bag for reinfusion into the patient or an infusion set may be connected to the second receptacle to permit simultaneous collection of the blood from the patient and infusion of the blood back into the patient. In either case, the second receptacle is selectively exposed to positive pressure to force blood through the filter assembly and expel the blood from the second receptacle into the transfer bag or patient. The method includes aspirating blood from the patient and collecting blood in the first receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting vacuum sources from contamination occasioned by aspiration of fluids or aerosols from a device operated by such vacuum sources, having an enclosed vessel in communication with the device, a filter in communication with the enclosed vessel to entrap aerosols and a vacuum-breaking valve alternately in communication with atmosphere & vacuum in communication with the filter to control the application of the vacuum by the vacuum source to the device. The vacuum-breaking valve is operated by a switch assembly mounted within the enclosed vessel and in electrical communication with a solenoid designed to operate a valve member within the vacuum-breaking valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the de-airing of a system for hydraulic brakes. The device includes a pumping device continuously creating a vacuum and arranged to be connected via ducts to the de-airing nipples of the system. A connecting piece is provided for said connection and is adapted to be tightly fit to said nipples and to engage said nipples so that they can be turned.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for autotransfusion of blood during surgery. The shed blood is retrieved from the surgical field via a receiving vessel located within a vacuum chamber and under less vacuum than the vacuum applied to the chamber. The vacuum in the receiving vessel draws blood from the surgical field into the receiving vessel where it is first collected and then passed to a second vessel. The blood is transferred from the second vessel to the patient during reinfusion. Suitable filters are provided for removing any blood clots or bits of tissue before the blood is reinfused.

Abstract: A transport tank and a spreader tank with a communicating conduit system for the transfer of liquid sludge to the latter tank. A conduit shut off and venting system includes a receptacle into which a first conduit discharges with a remaining flexible conduit segment leading to the spreader tank. The receptacle mounts an air cylinder provided with a piston actuated valve assembly operable to close a receptacle intake port and open a receptacle vent for venting and evacuation of the flexible conduit segment. When oppositely positioned the valve assembly closes the vent for normal fluid transfer. A valve in circuit with a fluid level sensing device controls air cylinder operation.

Abstract: Displacement metering with two independently metered fluid flows comprises displacing fluid in laminar filament flow from a first chamber through a second chamber into a third chamber, the chambers being separated by a pair of spaced walls provided with coaxially aligned orifices in communicating series relationship. Flow in filamentary form is effected from the first chamber through the orifices seriatim into the third chamber, and flow is effected from the second chamber through the second orifice into the third chamber in sheathing relation to the filamentary flow. Differential pressure effects the flow from first to third chamber independently but concurrently with positive displacement effecting flow from the second chamber into the third chamber.

Abstract: A closed agricultural chemical batching, measuring and mixing system is disclosed for mounting to a sprayer tending truck. The system includes a measuring tank on which a partial vacuum is drawn by opening a connection to the intake manifold of the internal combustion engine of the truck. The measuring tank is in turn communicated to at least one manifold having numerous valve control inlets, all communicated to discrete agricultural chemical containers which can include highly toxic liquid chemicals. At the inlet remote from the mixing tank, the manifold communicates to a supply of surfactant. Preselected amounts of the liquid chemicals are sequentially drawn by the partial vacuum through the valve controlled manifold and to the measuring tank in which they are accumulated. The surfactant is then drawn through the manifold and into the measuring tank to flush the system.

Abstract: A portable vacuum and pressure liquid tank used primarily for the skimming, removal and transfer of industrial waste liquids. A motor-driven pump supplies either super-atmospheric air pressure or a vacuum to the interior of the tank. When the tank interior is connected to vacuum, waste liquid is drawn into the tank. Pressurizing the interior of the tank forces the waste liquid out of the tank. Filling and draining of the tank may be controlled solely by valves.

Abstract: A vacuum operated fluid collection bottle including a fluid inlet port and also a vacuum port, with the vacuum port being provided with an improved vacuum shut-off valve provided with an air deflecting baffle. Such baffle is disposed underneath the valve element or valve gate and is spaced therefrom. The purpose for the baffle is to deflect air essentially around the valve gate so that the pressure of onrushing air, due to the imposition of a vacuum condition, will not cause the valve gate to close prematurely. Thus, the valve gate, even though made of lightweight material, will be permitted simply to float upwardly in response to the rise of fluid level within the bottle until an essentially bottle-filled condition is reached, at which point the lightness of the valve gate will be responsive to the reduced pressure area at the vacuum port so as to suck into and tightly seat against the valve seat provided therefor.

Abstract: In a material transfer system, a substantially airtight hopper is rotatably supported at the top of an upright column which is in turn supported by a base. The hopper may be divided into a plurality of compartment sections, and inlet and outlet ports are provided for each hopper compartment. A vacuum pump is connected to the interior of the hopper through the column. A hose is adapted for connection to one of the inlet ports to direct material into the hopper, and sealing apparatus is provided for closing the remainder of the inlet ports. Each discharge port is provided with a chute for receiving and transferring material under the action of gravity. Drain apparatus is provided for receiving liquid from each discharge port. Each discharge port is further provided with structure for sealing the discharge port in response to the presence of vacuum within the hopper.

Abstract: The specification discloses a medical suction apparatus including a generally rigid container. A pair of conduits extend from the lid of the container for connection to a patient area to be drained and for connection to a vacuum source. In operation, fluid is drawn from the area to be drained and collected within the container. A flexible float valve is connected to the underside of the lid and is operable upon fluid overflow conditions to obstruct the vacuum conduit to prevent fluid from being drawn into the vacuum source.

Abstract: A method of preparing liquid mixtures of predetermined composition, particularly beverages, which comprises the steps of dosing components of the liquid mixture on the basis of weight and evacuating a mixing container to a pressure of less than 0.5 atm. abs. Then individual components of the liquid mixture are drawn into the mixing container by means of valves controlled in succession in dosing devices from storage containers which are under higher pressure than the mixing container.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a vacuum-operated fluid-collection bottle and system including a serially connected tandem system. Dual vacuum bosses for a representative bottle, one being valved, in multiple-boss covers may be used as respective automatic shut-off and tandem-fill means, with the non-applicable boss being releasably capped off. Two of the three conduit portions of the cover may be connected together through appropriate valving system so that either or both may be effective in supplying vacuum communication to the interior of the bottle at selected height levels. Valving means pre-determine maximum fluid height within the bottle, either automatically or by valve adjustment. A representative bottle may include fluid inlet and vacuum ports of differing level-dimension, to aid the lower vacuum port to close off or to conduct outwardly body-fluid while maintaining the inlet port above the bottle fluid level.

Abstract: A self-contained vacuum aspirator system is disclosed which comprises a container having a vacuum applied therein; a valve assembly secured to said container for selectively allowing the passage of fluid into said container; a curette in communication with an aperture in said valve assembly; and an air permeable collection means supported within said container by the aforementioned valve assembly in communication with an opening in said valve assembly for accumulating matter collected by said currette when the valve assembly is operating to establish communication between the aforementioned aperture and opening.