Abstract: A liquid is efficiently suctioned and discharged from and to a container formed by a plurality of aligned storing portions for storing the liquid, using a plurality of nozzles. Provided is a liquid suction/discharge device including a container support device for supporting a culture container formed by a plurality of aligned storing portions, and a nozzle support device for supporting a plurality of nozzles in a state in which distal ends of the nozzles are directed downward. The nozzle support device includes a nozzle support member that swingably supports the plurality of nozzles using prescribed parts as support points, and the liquid suction/discharge device further includes a nozzle inclination device for causing each of the nozzles to be inclined with respect to the nozzle support member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a battery cell, which includes an electrode assembly, a pair of electrode leads electrically connected to the electrode assembly, a battery case configured to accommodate the electrode assembly and expose a portion of the pair of electrode leads to the outside, an electrolyte injection hole formed in the battery case and connectable to an electrolyte injecting device that injects an electrolyte in a vacuum state so that the electrolyte is injected into the battery case, and an injection hole cap configured to cover the electrolyte injection hole and mounted to the electrolyte injection hole so as to be detachable from the electrolyte injection hole by user manipulation.

Abstract: A product delivery vehicle system includes a product delivery vehicle with at least one tank compartment. The system includes an internal valve fluidly coupled to the tank compartment, a control valve, and an air system comprising a main air valve and a solenoid valve fluidly coupled to the main air valve and to the internal valve. The solenoid valve is operable to open and close the internal valve. The system includes an electronic control unit communicatively coupled to the control valve, the main air valve, and the solenoid valve. The system includes a tank tag reader operable to read a tank tag and transmit a tank tag indicator associated with the tank tag, the tank tag indicator indicative of a stored liquid type in a distribution tank. The electronic control unit may maintain the internal valve closed and the control valve locked when a product type mismatch is detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal fitment, method of assembling the universal fitment, and method of dispensing liquids using such universal fitment. The universal fitment of the present invention has features to engage a quick-connect-disconnect dispensing connector or a screw-on connector dispensing connector for the dispensing of liquids and semi-liquids from a collapsible bag.

Abstract: An optical fluid sensor (OFS) is disclosed that includes a body defining a chamber and having one or more apertures to allow a fluid to enter the chamber, a light source optically coupled to the chamber and configured to emit light into the chamber, and a detector optically coupled to the chamber and configured to receive light from the chamber. The light source may emit IR, visible, and UV light into the chamber, and the detector may measure an intensity of one or more wavelengths of IR or visible light received by the detector. When fluid is disposed within the chamber, the light emitted by the light source may pass into and through the fluid disposed in the chamber before being received by the detector. A crossover protection system is also disclosed that includes an OFS for determining a transported liquid type.

Abstract: A method and apparatus cast a material with nano-micro duplex grain structure. The apparatus includes module system, heating system casting mold and gating system, multiaxial compound motion system accompanied by the following technological characteristics; alloy smelting; after heat preservation, alloy melt is poured into the casting mold which is put into the centrifugal barrel of the six-axis motion system; then the casting mold carries out composite motion and the alloy melt starts solidification; as a result, casting Al—Si alloy block with multi-scale nano-structure includes nano-micro duplex grain group is prepared.

Abstract: A deluge guard has an impeller system for protecting a sensor head from liquid inundation.

Abstract: A method for open jet filling of containers with liquid content using a machine having a rotor that rotates around a machine axis. The rotor carries filling stations, each having va filling element, each having an opening and a container carrier. The carrier holds a container such that its opening is at a selected distance from the dispensing opening. Contents dispensed in a controlled manner by the filling element flow in an open filling jet directed toward the container opening. The method includes compensating for deflection of the filling jet due to centrifugal force acting on it when the rotor rotates by causing controlled relative movement between the filling element and the container. As a result of this movement, the open jet cleanly enters the container through the container opening.

Abstract: System for feeding and processing bottles (1) to be conveyed to a device (30) for entry into a filling machine (40) operating at an assigned speed (Vp), the system comprising: a realignment centrifuge (100) fed randomly with the bottles (1) and having a tangential outlet (113); movement devices (12, 13, 14), able to convey the bottles (1) leaving the realignment centrifuge (100) and vary the speed of advancing movement thereof; at least one device (21) for handling the bottles; the realignment centrifuge is operated at an operating speed (Vc) greater than the speed (Vp) of the filling machine, and movement devices (12, 14) comprise at least a first device (12); a third device (14); said handling device (21) has means (5) for gripping the bottles.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for distributing particulate matter during loading of the particulate matter into a transport container, the apparatus including a housing including an inlet and an outlet, each configured on a side of the housing so that particulate matter can pass through the housing from the inlet to the outlet and from the outlet along a flow path of the particulate matter into a transport container; a rotary drive operatively supported with respect to the housing; and a rotatable member operatively connected with the rotary drive and supported with respect to the housing so as to be rotatable within the flow path for spreading particulate matter within the transport container in a radial direction away from the flow path of the particulate matter from the housing outlet, the rotatable member comprising a central axis and at least two curved arms extending radially from the central axis.

Abstract: A machine for metering microtablets into capsules has a metering surface subjected to vibration and to rotation about a respective perpendicular axis; and an unloading device, which is fixed with respect to and cooperates with the metering surface, and is substantially defined by a cam member and an air outlet. In the metering surface are formed a number of sloping surfaces, along which the microtablets travel upwards, and a respective number of pockets, each for receiving the microtablets from a respective sloping surface. Each pocket has a bottom wall, which cooperates with the cam member and is movable between a fully-closed position, in which the microtablets are retained inside the respective pocket, and a fully-open position, in which the microtablets are unloaded. A number of holes are formed in a raised edge of the metering surface, and, when the holes are aligned with the air outlet, air is blown through the holes to prevent further microtablets from falling into the pockets.

Abstract: A container processing apparatus comprises a rotor, and a rotor support that is mechanically coupled to the rotor. The rotor comprises at least one container processing station. The rotor support is configured to facilitate rotation of the rotor around the rotor support. The container processing station is configured to releasably capture a container, to exert, via the rotation, centripetal force on the container, and to move material (liquid, granular, shredded, particulate or paste-like material) within the container via the centripetal force.

Abstract: An apparatus introducing a fluid using a centrifugal force includes an introduction member including a chip receiver and a fluid introduction reservoir, the chip receiver receiving a first part of a microfluidic chip, the first part including an inlet, the fluid introduction reservoir storing a fluid to be introduced to the microfluidic chip, the fluid introduction reservoir having an exit formed to correspond to the inlet of the microfluidic chip received in the chip receiver, and a support member supporting a second part of the microfluidic chip, wherein the microfluidic chip is disposed between the introduction member and the support member, the apparatus is rotatable in a state where the introduction member is closer to a center of rotation than the microfluidic chip, and the fluid is introducible from the fluid introduction reservoir through the inlet into the microfluidic chip due to a centrifugal force generated by rotation.

Abstract: A refilling pump arrangement comprises a refilling hose (1), and a pump (2) mounted at the free end of the hose which takes in fluid. This hose and pump arrangement can be stored anywhere, either on or off a vehicle or other machine that receives fluid, and when stored on the machine the hose and pump can be stored in an area that does not need to be adjacent the liquid tank. This enables space savings for the parts of the vehicle which have the most critical space demands.

Abstract: An apparatus introducing a fluid using a centrifugal force includes an introduction member including a chip receiver and a fluid introduction reservoir, the chip receiver receiving a first part of a microfluidic chip, the first part including an inlet, the fluid introduction reservoir storing a fluid to be introduced to the microfluidic chip, the fluid introduction reservoir having an exit formed to correspond to the inlet of the microfluidic chip received in the chip receiver, and a support member supporting a second part of the microfluidic chip, wherein the microfluidic chip is disposed between the introduction member and the support member, the apparatus is rotatable in a state where the introduction member is closer to a center of rotation than the microfluidic chip, and the fluid is introducible from the fluid introduction reservoir through the inlet into the microfluidic chip due to a centrifugal force generated by rotation.

Abstract: A device and method of operation for filling medicine capsules, in which a fixed quantity of open capsules to be filled are supported in a circular array by a holder plate beneath the periphery of a rotatable distribution drum. In use, a measured supply of filling medication, in dry granular form, is dispensed into the center of the rotating drum where it is distributed evenly by centrifugal force along the periphery of the drum. As the drum stops rotating, the medication flows by gravity into the capsules, which are then inspected, closed and packaged. The distribution of filler material is more even than if the capsules were filled by hand, and the average quantity (both by volume and by weight) of the filling material per capsule in the batch is variable to suit an individual patient's needs, and very accurately known. In addition, two or more compatible filler medications may be mixed in the same capsules to suit the specialized needs of a particular user.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispersing particles flowing from an orifice comprising a deflecting surface disposed relative to the orifice, wherein the deflecting surface is fixed relative to the orifice, whereby particles flowing from the orifice can impinge upon and can be dispersed by the deflecting surface, wherein the orifice is one of a plurality of orifices disposed in a wall of a conduit, and wherein the conduit has an axis which is oriented between about 45 degrees and about 70 degrees from the vertical such that particles can flow through the conduit and through the orifices by gravity.

Abstract: A combinational weighing apparatus includes a distributing apparatus for distributing articles fed from above, a plurality of conveyance apparatuses disposed radially below and around the distributing apparatus and a plurality of weighing apparatuses disposed below the respective plurality of conveyance apparatuses, the distributing apparatus including a conical distributing table, a stirring member having one end attached to a rotation shaft arranged at an apex portion of the distributing table and the other end extending slantwise downward to the vicinity of a peripheral edge of the distributing table, and a drive unit for rotating the rotation shaft, in which a gap is provided between a lower side of the stirring member and an upper surface of the distributing table so as to be increased downwards.

Abstract: Sample processing devices with electrophoresis channels and methods of loading the electrophoresis channels with electrophoresis sieving polymer while rotating the sample processing device are disclosed. In some instances, the electrophoresis channels may be arranged radially relative to the axis of rotation of the sample processing device. In other sample processing devices, the electrophoresis channels may be arranged in curved arcs that are concentric about the center of the sample processing device (which preferably corresponds to the axis of rotation).

Abstract: Sample processing devices with electrophoresis channels and methods of loading the electrophoresis channels with electrophoresis sieving polymer while rotating the sample processing device are disclosed. In some instances, the electrophoresis channels may be arranged radially relative to the axis of rotation of the sample processing device. In other sample processing devices, the electrophoresis channels may be arranged in curved arcs that are concentric about the center of the sample processing device (which preferably corresponds to the axis of rotation).

Abstract: Sample processing devices with electrophoresis channels and methods of loading the electrophoresis channels with electrophoresis sieving polymer while rotating the sample processing device are disclosed. In some instances, the electrophoresis channels may be arranged radially relative to the axis of rotation of the sample processing device. In other sample processing devices, the electrophoresis channels may be arranged in curved arcs that are concentric about the center of the sample processing device (which preferably corresponds to the axis of rotation).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink jet print cartridge is disclosed. The method includes fabricating a vented foam-filled type or a spring-bag type cartridge. The method also includes introducing ink into a reservoir. For a foam-filled cartridge, the method further includes covering orifices of an orifice plate to prevent leakage of ink through the orifices and subjecting the cartridge to a predetermined centrifugal force to force ink into a standpipe chamber to displace air trapped therein. For a spring-bag type cartridge, the method further includes subjecting the cartridge to a predetermined centrifugal force to force ink away from a standpipe chamber to displace air in a reservoir to force the air to collect adjacent a standpipe and priming the cartridge by drawing the air out of the cartridge through orifices of an orifice plate. A print cartridge manufactured according to the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An installation for the treatment of fluid having a receptacle (1) defining a non-vertical portion of a path for fluid through at least two adjacent masses (A; B; C) of particulate materials, typically different from each other, each mass being in direct contact with its neighbor or neighbors, without the interposition of a separating grid. The installation is particularly useful for the separation or drying of air.

Abstract: A multi-station machine for filling storage batteries has an unloading station, a loading station and a filling station. At the unloading station, a filled battery case is removed from a pivotally mounted cradle assembly including an acid container. At the loading station, adjacent the unloading station, the battery case is loaded in the cradle assembly in a vertical orientation and then tilted to and latched in an angular orientation. At the filling station, the battery case and acid container are further tilted to a horizontal orientation, the container is filled with acid and then returned to the tilted and latched orientation. When all of the cradle assemblies are filled with battery cases and acid container are filled with acid, the cradle assemblies, are spun at a speed sufficient to rotate the assemblies to a more tilted orientation to cause centrifugally induced flow of the acid into the battery case while simultaneously unlatching the cradle assemblies.

Abstract: A method for safely, reliably and continuously feeding a liquid specimen such as human blood in one container on a centrifugal rotor into another container on the same rotor without the need to touch the specimen as well as any part of the device while completely preventing contamination due to mixing of microorganisms. A liquid is injected into a pressurizing or a depressurizing container on a rotor from outside to pressurize or depressurize a first container on the rotor, thereby feeding under pressure a specimen in the first container into a second container on the same rotor, or sucking a specimen in the second container into the first container.

Abstract: The present invention features a method and apparatus with a rotatable central reservoir and radially extending support arms for packing chromatographic columns at a consistent gradient of particle impact by using centripetal forces to independently accelerate particles comprising a bed material through a filling opening at one end of the column and continuously as they move axially along the length of the column to their packed destination. The method and apparatus are particularly suitable for use in packing capillary columns having an interior diameter of about 500 microns or less.

Abstract: Particle loader assembly for loading particles into a vessel to form a particle bed comprising inner and outer radially disposed concentric layers of particles the inner layer containing at least one type of particle of different granulometry or composition or both granulometry and composition from a type of particle contained in the outer layer.

Abstract: The invention comprises particle loader assembly for loading particles into a vessel to form a particle bed comprising inner and outer radially disposed concentric layers of particles said inner layer containing at least one type of particle of different granulometry or composition or both granulometry and composition from a type of particle contained in said outer layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a battery with electrolyte has an electrolyte feeding unit pivotally mounted on a body, an electrolyte filling port slidably installed within each of longitudinal holes of the case receiving unit, and a valve unit for opening the filling nozzle of the electrolyte filling port. A bias member is installed between the shoulder of the filling port and the upper end of the case receiving unit. A filling valve is located at the upper edge of the filling nozzle. When the rotation speed of the body reaches a predetermined speed, the filling port overcomes the biasing force of the bias member and slides down towards the case, so that the filling nozzle is opened. When the rotation speed of the body is less than the predetermined speed, the filling nozzle is closed by the valve. Thus, the electrolyte in the filling port does not leak outside.

Abstract: Free space within a chamber is filled with a flowable material via an opening in a surface of the chamber. A delivery force is used to deliver the flowable material into the chamber via the opening. An outwardly directed force, independent of the delivery force, is applied to draw the flowable material away from the opening. The extent to which the free space within the chamber has been filled is sensed. And the delivering of the flowable material is controlled in response to the sensing. A wall of the chamber defines a longer dimension and a shorter dimension and the opening is in a portion of the wall that defines the longer dimension. The flowable material is delivered into the chamber via the opening in a manner such that, as the flowable material fills the chamber, a surface of the flowable material moves toward the opening along the longer dimension of the chamber.

Abstract: Free space within a chamber is filled with a flowable material via an opening in a surface of the chamber. A delivery force is used to deliver the flowable material into the chamber via the opening. An outwardly directed force, independent of the delivery force, is applied to draw the flowable material away from the opening. The extent to which the free space within the chamber has been filled is sensed. And the delivering of the flowable material is controlled in response to the sensing. A wall of the chamber defines a longer dimension and a shorter dimension and the opening is in a portion of the wall that defines the longer dimension. The flowable material is delivered into the chamber via the opening in a manner such that, as the flowable material fills the chamber, a surface of the flowable material moves toward the opening along the longer dimension of the chamber.

Abstract: A slurry loading apparatus for automatically loading a slurry into a substrate, the substrate having a front surface, a back surface opposite said front surface and an interior with voids between the front and back surfaces, the apparatus including a device for introducing the slurry onto the front surface and into the voids where excess slurry passes through the substrate and exits the back surface, and a device for repeatedly forcing the excess slurry back onto the back surface and into the voids.

Abstract: A method of providing electrolyte to an electrolyte starved battery includes the steps of supplying electrolyte from a source to a dispenser and dispensing the electrolyte from the dispenser in a preplanned sequence to each of a number of electrolyte inputs in the electrolyte starved battery. Related devices for accomplishing such a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for rapidly rotating a small enclosed transparent container and introducing a plurality of visually different materials into the rotating container to produce distinctive multi-aspect designs. The illustrated apparatus includes a support for releasibly holding one of the containers at a time for rotation about an axis, and a drive mechanism for causing the held container to rotate rapidly about that axis. The container has an entrance and the apparatus includes dispensers for selectively and sequentially introducing two or more of the visually different materials in flowable form into the entrance while the container is rotating. The materials have the capacity for maintaining themselves generally separate from the other materials in the rotating container. By way of example, the materials could be sands or gels of different colors or appearances. There may be a plurality of containers with a variety of different shapes.

Abstract: This invention provides an electrolyte injection apparatus capable of injecting an electrolyte accurately into a battery which does not contain an electrolyte yet and in which an electrode group consisting of a laminated structure formed by interposing a separator between positive and negative electrodes is accommodated in a case such that a lamination plane of the electrode group is parallel to the direction of depth of the case.

Abstract: A powder filling apparatus comprised of a frame means having a cylindrical channel extending therethrough. A cylindrical funnel means is rotatably mounted in the channel, the funnel means having a bore extending therethrough. The bore has an axial section for receiving a flow of powder and an angled section at a preselected angle from the axis for directing the powder flow from the funnel means. A drive means is operatively connected for rotating the funnel means.

Abstract: To fill receptacles (2) uniformly, without air inclusions and without soiling, the filling material is pressed into the continuously enlarging space between the receptacle bottom and a counter-bottom attached to the end of the filling head (1) facing the receptacle bottom and eccentrically traversed by the outlet opening (17) and at the same time the counter-bottom is rotated relative to the receptacle by the central axis.

Abstract: Column chromatography beds are packed through the application of static force. A slurry of the chromatography bed material and a non-viscous liquid is filled into the column plugged at one end, and allowed to settle. The column is transferred to a centrifuge, and centrifuged for a brief period of time to achieve a predetermined packing level, at a range generally of 100-5,000 gravities. Thereafter, the plug is removed, other fixtures may be secured, and the liquid is allowed to flow out through the bed. This results in an evenly packed bed, with no channeling or preferential flow characteristics.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a predetermined quantity of a liquid comprises: a pipette (1) constituted by a rod having a substantially spherical open element at its end, the element having a calibrated internal volume; mechanical device for holding this pipette either in a first position (51) for filling and for calibration purposes, or else in a second position (52) for emptying purposes; and mechanical device for rotating the pipette at high speed.

Abstract: A method for splitting samples of particulate matter (powders or suspensions), by which a powder or suspension stream of a sample is subdivided several times into subsamples and an analysis sample obtained therefrom, involves forming a powder or suspension stream rotating it centrifugally throwing off the stream and dividing it up several times into subsamples in the tangential throw-off direction and collecting divided subsamples, whereby one or more subsamples may be recycled into the stream of particles. An apparatus for carrying out this method (a sample splitter) comprises a central pipe which is capable of being rotatably driven, to which the powder or suspension is fed in batches, and which has a curved lower discharge end.

Abstract: A high-speed rotary filling machine, for filling containers with carbonated beverages or other flowable substances, has a turret (38) mounted on a horizontal axis (31). The containers (30) are carried in radially-extending positions around the circumference of the turret, open ends facing inwards, and are filled by conventional filling valves (43) within the turret. The centrifugal effect of rotating the turret at high speed is utilized to enable filling to take place over an arc of rotation approaching 360.degree.. Spillage problems due to centrifugal effects are avoided by transferring the containers to a linear exit conveyor (58) tangentially at the lowest position (19) of turret rotation, without changing the linear velocity of the container.

Abstract: An improved method for measuring and dispensing fractions of a liquid sample in a device which comprises a casing having a vertical axis and containing a central chamber and transparent cells distributed around the chamber. Each cell is connected to the chamber by a closure cup. A capillary constriction separates each pocket from the corresponding cell. The improvement comprises adding polyvinylpyrollidone to the liquid sample.

Abstract: A centrifugal casting apparatus for dentistry comprises a rotating member or platform for the mold having a mold disposed on one side thereof, a rotating member for the crucible movably positioned at the center of revolution of the said rotating member for the mold and provided with a crucible and a melting means, and a driving mechanism therefor, whereby metal for dentistry uses charged into the crucible is heated to be molten, while the mold is caused to rotate about the periphery of the crucible by means of the rotating member for the mold, and, after melting of the metal for dentistry uses is completed, the rotating member for the crucible is brought into engagement with the rotating member for the mold for rotation therewith where the metal in the molten state is cast from the crucible into the mold through impact force produced upon transmission of rotation as well as centrifugal force after initiation of rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for filling a capsule under rotation and a machine for carrying out the method. The capsule is rotated at a variable speed during the filling so that the centrifugal force at the inner surface of powder present in the capsule is essentially equal to the gravity. The centrifugal machine comprises a holder for the capsule and a drive structure by which the holder is driven at variable speed. The amount of supplied powder is measured and the speed is controlled in dependence on the output signal generated by the measurement.

Abstract: The invention relates to the conditioning of a sample of a liquid for medical analysis. The conditioning device according to the invention, comprises a plurality of calibrated peripheral cells connected to a central receptacle and includes, for each cell, ducts including an air inlet orifice for conveying the sample from the receptacle to said cell to completely fill the cell by centrifuging and an air escape orifice in each cell for the escape of the air contained in said cell closer to the axis of rotation than said inlet orifice and leading into said receptacle, said orifices further being dimensioned so as to retain the liquid contained in each cell after complete filling thereof.

Abstract: An improved method for the filling of porous tube electrodes for electric accumulator batteries is disclosed. A paste of the active material and a liquid (e.g., water) is formed and a small amount of surplus liquid is added. The tubes are filled with resulting paste by centrifugation with the surplus liquid being removed through the tubes during filling.

Abstract: An amount of liquid is divided into precisely defined aliquots by discharging the liquid by centrifugal force from a single radial opening in a spinning bowl against a circular row of knife-edged partitions defining receptacles therebetween.

Abstract: A device for measuring fractions of a liquid sample comprises a casing having a vertical axis and containing a central chamber and transparent cells distributed around the chamber and permanently vented to atmosphere. Each cell is connected to the chamber by a closure cup. A capillary constriction separates each pocket from the corresponding cell. The device may be used for the preparation of antibiograms.

Abstract: An automatic sample preparation apparatus including a centrifuge apparatus for centrifugally separating the lighter components of a sample mixture from its heavier components and an automatic sample loading apparatus which utilizes centrifugal forces to load the sample into a centrifuge drum through an aperture in the bottom end of the drum. A separation chamber in the drum has a truncated conical interior side wall with a trap or cavity therein ringing the wall. The centrifuge drum is spun to force the heavier components into the cavity while the lighter components are forced up the conical interior side wall portion. Means are provided to remove one or both of the components from the separation chamber while the centrifuge drum is spinning to prevent the sample from pouring out of the drum through the bottom aperture. In one embodiment, one of the components is aspirated from the separation chamber by a vacuum source coupled to the interior of the chamber through the hollow shaft on which the drum is spun.

Abstract: A device for floating one liquid on top of another for special effects in mixing drinks and the like includes a funnel-like upper cup portion with a large, upper end or opening to receive liquids and a smaller, lower end attached to and surrounding a shaft portion. Relatively small openings are provided between the lower end of the funnel-like cup portion and the shaft portion to allow a liquid to escape from the funnel-like cup portion, at a relatively slow rate, and run down the sides of the shaft. When the lower end of the shaft portion is immersed in another liquid, the liquid flowing down the sides of the shaft will meet and spread out over the surface of the other liquid, if the one liquid is less dense than the other liquid.