Abstract: According to the present invention we provide a method for the preparation of a dispersion to be coated onto a photographic support characterised in that one or a plurality of vessels visit one or more preparation stations until the dispersion is prepared and the dispersion when prepared is stored for a period and thereafter is supplied to an apparatus in which it is coated onto a photographic support, the rate of dispersion preparation and the vessel movements being matched to the requirements of each preparation station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining whether a fluid, such as a refrigerant, is a liquid or a gas. To determine whether the fluid at a predetermined level (14) of a storage container (20) is a liquid or a gas, fluid is withdrawn from the container at the predetermined level, depressurized under conditions that would cause it to become a gas if it is a liquid before such depressurization, then the temperature of the fluid after depressurization is measured and compared to a reference temperature that is or is related to the temperature of the fluid in the container. If the temperature of the fluid after depressurization and the reference temperature are approximately equal, one can conclude that the fluid withdrawn from the predetermined level is a gas. If the temperature of the fluid after depressurization is considerably lower than the reference temperature, one can conclude that the fluid withdrawn from the predetermined level is a liquid.

Abstract: A method and assembly for treating hazardous and/or unknown fluids either liquids or compressed gases contained in a gas cylinder (12) having a cylinder body (14) and a removable fixture (16). The assembly (10) includes a tubular housing (18) having an open end (20). An adjustable carriage assembly (34, 38, 40) is included for supporting the cylinder body (14) in the center of the housing (18). A clamping assembly (30) secures the cylinder body (14) to the carriage assembly (34, 38, 42). An end cap (70) seals the open end (20) of the housing (18). A shaft (72) is rotatably disposed through the end cap (70). The shaft (72) includes a fixture engagement assembly (78) on one end (76) thereof for engaging a portion of the fixture (16) and imparting a rotational force thereto. A motor driven gear box (86) imparts the rotational force to another end (74) of the shaft (72 ).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for introducing a gas under pressure into a container of liquid having a cap. A hole is punched through the cap. A hose, having an end, is extended through the hole to the inside of the cap, and the check valve tube forced into the hose from inside the cap. The tube forces the hose outward against the surface of the hole preventing leakage. A gas under pressure will be retained in the container by the check valve.

Abstract: A system and method for loading particulate material into a dispenser. This system includes a dispenser for receiving and dispensing particulate material, and a deflection assembly to deflect particulate material fed into the dispenser. The deflection assembly is located adjacent an inlet of the dispenser, and includes a deflection cone and a plurality of outside fins or ribs. In use, a supply of a particulate material is directed onto the deflection cone, and this cone and the ribs connected thereto then direct that material outward and around the interior of the dispenser.

Abstract: A supply plenum connected to a source of compressed natural gas (CNG) and a control valve assembly for selectively turning on the flow of CNG through a sonic nozzle and out through a dispensing hose assembly. Pressure and temperature transducers connected to the supply plenum measure the stagnation pressure and temperature of the CNG and the ambient temperature, and a pressure transducer fluidically connected to the vehicle tank via the dispensing hose assembly monitors the pressure of the CNG in the vehicle tank.

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling deflation operations in a CTIS (10, 200). During deflation to a selected pressure (P.sub.D), the tires will be deflated to a target pressure (P.sub.T) lower than the selected pressure and then inflated to the selected pressure.

Abstract: An improved method for storage of a first adsorbable gas is disclosed employing a more strongly adsorbed gaseous material. The first adsorbable gas is stored in a bed of solid adsorbent particles after already having adsorbed the more strongly adsorbable gas which causes less of the first adsorbable gas to be retained when being desorbed from the storage medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controllably filling a confined optical cavity primarily with a volatile fluid suspension where a controlled slight pressure is used to force the fluid into the cavity and is followed by adjusting the equilibrium with a slight negative pressure or possibly atmospheric pressure applied at an exit port to the cavity. This method and apparatus is particularly suited to the filling of light valves which are configured with parallel plates positioned by very small distances between one another to create the cavity which is to be filled with the volatile fluid suspension.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controllably filling a confined optical cavity primarily with a volatile fluid suspension where a controlled slight pressure is used to force the fluid into the cavity and is followed by adjusting the equilibrium with a slight negative pressure or possibly atmospheric pressure applied at an exit port to the cavity. This method and apparatus is particularly suited to the filling of light valves which are configured with parallel plates positioned by very small distances between one another to create the cavity which is to be filled with the volatile fluid suspension.

Abstract: A fluid flow control for use with a process chamber. In the disclosed embodiment, the process chamber is for ion implantation of a workpiece and the fluid flow control is to assure the flow rates are maintained at values which are efficient in evacuating and pressurizing the chamber but are not high enough to dislodge particulate contaminants from the process chamber walls. In the disclosed design, the invention has utility both in instances in which wafers are directly inserted into the process chamber for ion implantation and in which the wafers are inserted into the chamber by use of a load-lock which avoids the requirement that the process chamber be cyclicly pressurized and depressurized.

Abstract: A supply plenum connected to a source of compressed natural gas (CNG) and a control valve assembly for selectively turning on the flow of CNG through a sonic nozzle and out through a dispensing hose assembly. Pressure and temperature transducers connected to the supply plenum measure the stagnation pressure and temperature of the CNG and the ambient temperature, and a pressure transducer fluidically connected to the vehicle tank via the dispensing hose assembly monitors the discharge pressure of the CNG.

Abstract: A rotary apparatus for purging empty bottles with nitrogen gas includes a rotor from which arms of flexible material radiate. Each arm carries a gas supply lead. The arrangement is that advancing bottles engages the heads and thereby drive the rotor. Valve means is provided whereby each head in turn is placed in communication with a purging gas supply when it reaches a first position and the communication is ended when the head reaches the second position. During its course of travel from the first position to the second position, the head communicates with a respective bottle and the bottle is thereby purged.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling finely powdered material into a long and narrow cavity or hole having a relatively small opening is provided. The apparatus features a discharge port for a particulate laden gas stream directed toward the opening of the hole to be filled but spaced apart from the opening of the cavity to be filled by a gap, so that in operation the powdered material continues across the gap and into the cavity due to its inertia while the gas escapes through the gap.

Abstract: An adjustable pressure control device for hydraulic brake system which reduces pressure surges during braking to decrease wheel slip at one or more wheels during braking. The device has replaceable internal elements which may be combined to tailor the damping response of the device to a specified application.

Abstract: A self-diagnostic method for an on-board CTIS (10) for sensing system faults and/or vehicle conditions requiring system shut down. Includes a method for preventing operations of the CITS if the pressure in the air tank has not reached a desired minimum when the vehicle speed exceeds a reference speed for a preselected period of time.

Abstract: A liquid charging method including the following steps. First, supplying liquid into and then discharging the liquid from an enclosed space provided above a pit block, to fill the liquid into a plurality of pits on the upper surface of the pit block. Each of the pits open at the upper surface of the pit block and have a small-diameter nozzle formed at the bottom of the pit block. Second, a tray having an array of containers with open upper ends is fed to be positioned below the pit block at a specified liquid-charged position. Pressurized air is supplied into the enclosed space to apply pressure on the liquid in the pits, thereby forcing the liquid in the pits to flow through the small-diameter nozzles into the array of containers on the tray.

Abstract: A self-diagnostic method of for an on-board CTIS (10) for sensing system faults and/or vehicle conditions requiring shut down. The pressure transducer (80) is exposed to atmospheric pressure to determine if the transducer is generating believable input signals to the system controller (88).

Abstract: For filling the inner space of an insulating glass panel (1) with argon, one glass pane is maintained at a distance from the spacer frame in the region of one corner (2) during pressing of the insulating glass panel (1), by holding this glass pane at a spacing from the spacer frame by pivoting of a portion (12) of the press plate (11), with the aid of suction cups (19, 20) provided at this portion (12). Through the thus-formed gap, a probe (4) for feeding argon and a probe (5) for exhausting air from the inner space of the insulating glass panel are introduced. The probe (4) blowing argon into the inner space is oriented in parallel to the lower horizontal leg of the insulating glass panel (1), and the other probe (5), exhausting air and/or air-argon mixture, exhibits an orifice pointing obliquely upwardly, i.e. away from the other probe (4).

Abstract: A method of refueling a road transportation vehicle or the like comprising receiving and storing liquid natural gas in a relatively large supply tank at relatively low temperature and moderate pressure, dispensing the liquid natural gas from the supply tank generally exclusively on demand when a vehicle is present for refueling, delivering the dispensed gas to a high-pressure fuel tank on the vehicle while simultaneously converting it to compressed natural gas vapor at relatively high pressure and moderate temperature through the addition of energy to the gas primarily in thermal form. In one embodiment the pressure of the natural gas is elevated by a mechanical pump while in another embodiment the pressure of the natural gas is raised primarily by the addition of heat.

Abstract: A method for filling insulated glazing units is disclosed. The method utilizes a vacuum chamber in which the insulated glazing units are placed. The insulated glazing units and vacuum chamber are evacuated simultaneously. The units are then refilled with a low conductance gas such as Krypton while the chamber is simultaneously refilled with air.

Abstract: The filling of a rotatable shaft/thrust plate combination is disposed within a sleeve to form a first clearance space between the shaft and the sleeve and a second clearance space between the thrust plate and the sleeve. The external faces of the thrust plate are exposed to air. The clearance spaces are filled with a liquid lubricant and the sleeve includes pressure equalization ports connecting the first and second clearance spaces. Surface tension dynamic seals are provided between axially extending surfaces of the thrust plate and sleeve. The equalization ports balance the hydrodynamic pressures in the lubricant to prevent the lubricant being pumped through one of the dynamic seals. The resulting bearing provides high precision with low repetitive and nonrepetitive runouts. The bearing provides hydrodynamic support of both radial and axial loads and the bearing seal is relatively insensitive to orientation of the spindle and minimizes the generation of debris and contaminating particles.

Abstract: Marine tankers and cargo tanks for storing hydrocarbon liquids are provided with treated flue gas which is heated to a temperature at least about equal to or in excess of the liquids to be stored in the tanks to minimize the generation and emission of hydrocarbon vapors during loading, storage and transfer of hydrocarbon liquids with respect to the tanks.

Abstract: After it has been evacuated, a liquid crystal cell whose filling hole is located at a corner of the cell is immersed into a liquid crystal material inside a vacuum jar and immediately raised again, whereby a drop of liquid crystal material forms at the filling hole. Then the vacuum jar is quickly aerated and the cell is filled outside the vacuum jar. The volume of the drop and the volume of the cell have to be brought into line with each other in such a way that the drop volume is at least as great as the volume of the cell interior so that filling can take place with the drop volume only.

Abstract: The gas refuelling device for a motor vehicle comprises a compressor unit, a gas distributor unit and a control unit inside a housing and an external operating unit. At least one temperature sensor and one pressure sensor deliver measured values to the control unit, which has stored set values which are adapted to the changing environmental and operating conditions. When actual values deviate from their set values, the operating state of the gas refuelling device is altered. The operating states are selected such that the device closes down if there are serious incorrect manipulations or components fail and can only be made ready for operation again with auxiliary devices.

Abstract: An improved method of filling a liquid crystal device with a blended ferroelectric liquid crystal material is disclosed. The method includes the step of disposing the blended ferroelectric liquid crystal material in an inner space formed in the liquid crystal device, with the temperature of the blended liquid crystal being maintained during the disposing step at a temperature higher than the transition temperature of any constituent of the blended liquid crystal material such that the blended liquid crystal material is transformed in its isotropic phase.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for high pressure gas filling of gas cylinders is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongated filling tube for a pressurized gas cylinder having a valve regulator/fitting sealed in an opening at one end of the gas cylinder, the elongated filling tube extending within the cylinder and being attached at one end to the valve regulator/fitting. The elongated filling tube is provided with longitudinally spaced transverse openings along the length thereof to facilitate intermixing of gases injected into the cylinder under pressure.

Abstract: A domestic carbonator for gasifying liquid in a container comprising a cap for the container having an injector passage closed by a one-way non-return valve in combination with a main body having pressure-reducing discs, an injector piston for initiating a gas flow, a pressure relief valve and a pressure gauge. The main body is provided with an opening for receiving a CO.sub.2 cylinder with a further piston for cutting off the gas supply under the effect of the back pressure from the container.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for rapidly filling a pressure vessel such as a fuel storage tank with highly pressurized gas by initially inserting into the tank, a measured quantity of liquefied natural gas (LNG) or some other type of cryogenic liquid and permitting the temperature of the liquid to rise within the tank to vaporize it into a gas under a pressure which at least approaches the design working pressure of the tank. The storage tank maintains the gas under sufficiently high pressure that automotive fuel tanks or other small tanks can be rapidly filled from the storage tank without compressors due to the high internal pressure of the storage tank.

Abstract: A cylinder (1) having a plunger tube (3) contains a mass of supercritical CO.sub.2 containing 7 to 8% dissolved hydrogen, surmounted by a gaseous sky constituted by hydrogen under a pressure higher than about 120 bars. Supercritical CO.sub.2 containing several percent of dissolved hydrogen can thus be obtained by merely opening the valve (5) of the cylinder. Used in the cosmetic industry.

Abstract: The filling device houses a compressor which is connected via a suction line comprising an inlet shut-off valve to a source of gaseous fuel, and is adapted to be connected to a gaseous-fuel container via a supply line equipped with a pressure-limiting valve and a discharge valve. The inlet valve and the discharge valve are connected to a control device which together with the pressure-limiting valve, the discharge valve and, if required, the inlet valve is disposed in a pressure-resistant casing connected to a discharge line leading away from the device. The control device is adapted to be influenced in dependence on control signals from a temperature sensor detecting the environmental temperature, a pressure sensor detecting the pressure at which the compressor is supplied, and a pressure-difference sensor disposed in front of the inlet valve and detecting the difference between the pressure in the suction line and in the casing.

Abstract: A cylinder (11) provided with a plunger tube (28) contains a mass of supercritical CO.sub.2 containing 2 to 6% of dissolved helium, surmounted by a gaseous sky constituted by helium at a pressure higher than about 135 bars. Supercritical CO.sub.2 can be in this way obtained which contains a few % of helium dissolved by a simple opening of the valve (27) of the cylinder. Application in the cosmetic industry.

Abstract: A method of filling a liquid crystal device including a pair of parallel substrates having external surfaces with a liquid crystal material is set forth. The liquid crystal device is filled by disposing the liquid crystal device in a vacuum chamber between a pair of opposed parallel plates, evacuating the vacuum chamber, supplying the liquid crystal material to an inlet of the device, elevating the pressure in the chamber to allow the liquid crystal material to enter a space formed between the parallel substrates through the inlet by virtue of a differential pressure between the inside and the outside of the liquid crystal device, and applying opposed pressure with the parallel plates to the external surfaces of the parallel substrates respectively in order to form a uniform liquid crystal device. With the external pressure being applied to compensate for the expansion of the liquid crystal device during the elevation of the pressure within the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A method of filling a liquid crystal device with a blended liquid crystal material is set forth. The liquid crystal device is filled by disposing the liquid crystal device having an inlet port, in a vacuum chamber, evacuating the vacuum chamber, supplying the inlet port with the blended liquid crystal material, and elevating the pressure in the chamber to allow the blended liquid crystal material to fill the liquid crystal device through the inlet port by virtue of the differential pressure between the inside and the outside of the liquid crystal device, with the temperature of the blended liquid crystal material being maintained, until the liquid crystal device is completely filled with the blended liquid crystal material, at a temperature higher than the transition temperature of any one of the constituents of the blended liquid crystal material so that the blended liquid crystal material is transformed in its isotropic phase.

Abstract: A Freon type refrigerant, which is vented from a heat exchange system, such as an air-conditioner, is transferred directly from the exhaust valve of the heat exchange system through a tube to a collecting cylinder or tank. The outer metal side walls of the collecting tank are wrapped with a chemically activatable cold wrap. The cold wrap may, for example, contain therein a rupturable pouch having a chemical blend of ammonium nitrate and urea to isolate same from water within the cold wrap. Upon rupturing of the pouch, the chemical blend is dissolved in the water and an endothermic reaction is initiated. As a result, the heat within the tank is absorbed therefrom by the cold wrap causing the temperature and pressure inside of the tank to drop. This permits substantially all of the refrigerant in the heat exchange system to be transferred into the chilled tank in a condensed or liquid state.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and controlling the tire inflation pressure in a tire testing machine comprises first and second measuring rim portions for mounting a tire therebetween, and a pressure sensor operable to detect the inflation pressure of the tire. The pressure sensor has a pressure-receiving surface which is arranged to directly detect the pressure in the interior of the tire. The pressure sensor rotates with the tire in a tire testing run. A spindle connected to the measuring rim portions and rotatable therewith has conduit means for supplying compressed air to inflate the tire. A control means is operable to close off the conduit means, thereby constituting a closed volume of air defined by the space within the tire, the space between the measuring rim portions holding the tire, and the conduit means in the spindle, that volume of air rotating as a unit with the components defining same, during a tire testing operation.

Abstract: A control system and method for sensing and reacting conditions indicative of unacceptable slow CTIS response to selected pressure setting changes.

Abstract: A central tire inflation and deflation system which quickly inflates or deflates tires to any one of a plurality of pressures selected by the vehicle operator. Inflation pressure is greater than the pressure to which the tires are to be inflated. The system uses a tire valve which deflates the tires when a pressure less than the instantaneous tire pressure but greater than a minimum value is applied to the valve. Pressure on rotary seals which connect the tires to the system is relieved when the system is not operating.

Abstract: A method for pressurizing an aqueous liquid and delivering the liquid into a serving vessel while undergoing a pressure reduction wherein a large but not excessive head is formed on the liquid in the vessel by use of pressurizing gas consisting essentially of from 32 to 70 volume percent carbon dioxide and the balance being one or more gases having a solubility in water less than carbon dioxide.

Abstract: When filling the inner space (14) of an insulating glass unit (4) with a filler gas, a pressure is exerted during filling on the outer surfaces of the glass panes (12, 13) of the insulating glass unit (4) to be filled. For this purpose, an apparatus is suggested with a device (5) for feeding filler gas and with a device (6), by which air and/or gas can be removed from the inner space (14) of the insulating glass unit, wherein two pressure plates (1, 2) are provided which can be placed, during the filling step, with a preselectable pressure against the outer surfaces of the glass panes (12, 13) of the insulating glass unit (4).

Abstract: A system for use in a structure for refilling portable self-contained breathing apparatus comprising a plurality of stations including a first station, an intermediate station and an end station, apparatus for coupling the first station to a source of compressed air, tubing for conducting compressed air from said first station to said intermediate and end stations and apparatus at each of said stations above or downstream from said first station for coupling said compressed air to said portable self-contained breathing apparatus. Air pressure indicators and valves for isolating an upstream station from a downstream station are also provided in each station.

Abstract: A method for conducting, into a rock cistern, gas or liquid which is colder than the rock cistern temperature. In this procedure, gas or liquid is fed through a feeder pipe into a gas space of the rock cistern, through a feeder pipe construction for conducting gas or liquid into the gas space of the rock cistern. The feeder pipe of the rock cistern is enclosed within a protective tube or housing. A tubular connector extends from the gas space of the rock cistern into an intermediate space formed between the feeder pipe and the protective tube or housing, for circulating saturated gas present in the gas space of the rock cistern between the gas sapce of the rock cistern and the intermediate space, in a preferred embodiment.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for sorptively storing a multiconstituent gas in, and for selectively releasing the multiconstituent gas from, a vessel having a predetermined sorbent material therein, while substantially preserving minimum quantities or concentrations of certain constituents of the gas. In such a method and apparatus, a first of the constituents of the multiconstituent gas which is preferentially sorbed by the sorbent material, is present in the multiconstituent gas in a predetermined minimum concentration level substantially less than that of the second constituent. First, the sorbent material in the vessel is sorptively saturated with a pre-storage quantity of the first constituent at a first predetermined pressure. Then the multiconstituent gas to be stored is introduced under pressure into the vessel, with the vessel being pressurized to a second predetermined pressure above the first predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A pump (18) draws liquefied carbon-dioxide from a reservoir (4 or 6) and delivers it via a controllable heater (20) and a filling valve (14) to a cylinder (26) to be filled to any required density. This receiver cylinder (26) is controllably warmed by a heater (32) while sensors (22,24) are provided to indicate the pressure and temperature of its contents. For each required density a table of figures is provided relating pressures (above saturation pressure) to temperature, for that density. A temperature (which must be clear above the lowest temperature at which the receiver will be liquid-full at the required density but which need not exceed the critical temperature) is selected, and the heaters (20 and 32) are controlled so that the receiver cylinder and its contents will converge at or near that temperature as filling is completed. During the final phase of filling the indicated temperature will rise slowly and the pressure (from the time the receiver is liquid-full) will rise relatively fast.

Abstract: A game ball, particularly a golf ball, having a liquid core, in which some portion of the dissolved gases in the liquid are removed to decrease the compressability of the liquid core.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods and apparatus for filling acetylene gas cylinders. In particular, acetylene containers having a porous mass contained therein and a solvent occupying a portion of the pores of the porous mass are disclosed. The solvents comprise acetone and an amount sufficient to improve the acetylene storage capacity of the solvent of a lower alkyl alcohol. Solvents containing acetone and methanol are disclosed as being particularly preferred.

Abstract: Injection means for injecting a liquified gas such as sulphur dioxide into a container such as a wine storage tank and avoiding "icing up" the valve mechanism, wherein a three limbed "T" piece of conduit receives the liquified gas, each having a separately controlled valve, one of the limbs being connected to a source of gas which is not liquified, such as nitrogen, the nitrogen blowing the liquified sulphur dioxide gas out of the three limbed "T" piece when two of the valves are opened. The volume of the "T" piece accurately determined the dosage of sulphur dioxide.

Abstract: The tire filling unit, particularly for filling a bicycle tire, comprises a filling head with an outlet connectable to a filling valve of a tire and with an inlet containing a hollow prong for a high pressure gas cartridge and a concentric cartridge jacket attachable with the filling head at the inlet for receiving the high pressure cartridge. A connecting duct contains an automatically closing valve between the inlet and the outlet which locks the connecting duct in a closed configuration and which is movable into an open configuration by an operating device mounted in the filling head.

Abstract: A central tire inflation and deflation system which quickly inflates or deflates tires to any one of a plurality of pressures selected by the vehicle operator. Inflation pressure is greater than the pressure to which the tires are to be inflated. The system uses a tire valve which deflates the tires when a pressure less than the instantaneous tire pressure but greater than a minimum value is applied to the valve. Pressure on rotary seals which connect the tires to the system is relieved when the system is not operating.

Abstract: A process is provided for optimizing the storage capacity, based on weight, of a hydrogen storage device containing a hydride-forming alloy. A corresponding hydrogen storage device is also provided wherein the storage device is designed to operate under a pressure of 100 to 300 bars, and the weight of hydride-forming alloy contained within the device is about 0.8 to 2 kg of hydride-forming alloy per liter of internal volume. As an added benefit attendant this process and device, the hydrogen gas stored in the device is purified thereby.