Abstract: A SMIF type mini-environment (1) can be connected onto a purge station (2). The purge station comprises a leaktight purge compartment (2b) whose top face includes a closable transfer passage (2c) facing the bottom face (1b) of the mini-environment pod (1). An elevator (4) is suitable for vertically displacing the bottom wall (1b) of the mini-environment pod (1) when coupled thereto, simultaneously moving the stack (3) of substrate wafers carried by the bottom wall (1c) so as to introduce them together into the leaktight purge compartment (2b). The stack (3) of substrate wafers is then purged inside a leaktight purge compartment (2b) of the purge station (2), while simultaneously purging the mini-environment pod (1). This provides purging that is much more effective and much faster, thus encouraging the use of SMIF mini-environment pods in microelectronic processes.

Abstract: An automatic bulk filling process for filling a large number of liquid containers (20) simultaneously which consists of placing the open-topped liquid containers upside down in a rack (22). The rack is then inserted into a vacuum chamber (28) and positioned directly above a tray (38) that contains a liquid medicinal product (40). The next step is to evacuate the chamber to a predetermined level below atmospheric pressure and then lowering the rack until the containers are partially immersed in the liquid product. Following that step, nitrogen is introduced into the vacuum chamber at a predetermined gradual rate, thereby quickly forcing the medicinal liquid product into the containers. The rack is then raised from the tray containing the liquid medicinal product and removed from the chamber as another rack full of containers is simultaneously inserted into the chamber from the other end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing gases and liquids having a high trans-migration rate through containment surfaces due to their molecular size. An inner pressurized retaining enclosure for the storage of gas and liquids has a second enclosure wall about the first enclosure defining a gap between the respective enclosure surfaces which is filled with a containment gas or liquid having a molecular size greater than the porosity of the storage wall and stored gas or liquid. The containment gas effectively impedes the transmission of the storage gas and liquid through the first inner pressure retainer enclosure by creating a pressure barrier on its outer surface.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus determines an amount of liquid crystal remaining within a liquid crystal container. The apparatus includes a liquid crystal dispensing unit for containing dispensable liquid crystal, capable of be dispensed directly onto a substrate and a main control unit for determining a total amount of liquid crystal dispensed onto the substrate based on a unitary amount of liquid crystal dispensed and the number of times the unitary amount was dispensed, and determining an amount of liquid crystal remaining by deducting the determined total amount dispensed from an initial amount of liquid crystal contained within the liquid crystal dispensing unit.

Abstract: A device for producing heavy gas-filled insulating glass sheets (62, 64, 60) has two plates (4, 6), between which the insulating glass sheet (62, 64, 60) which is to be filled can be located. On the vertical edges of the plates (4, 6) there are sealing devices (12) to seal the space (10) between the plates (4, 6). On the lower edge of the plates (4, 6) there are a conveyor means (40) for insulating glass and a channel (44) for the supply of heavy gas into the space (10) between the plates (4, 6) and into the interior (60) of the insulating glass sheets (62, 64, 60). In one of the plates (4, 6) there is a seal (20) which extends solely transversely to the plane of the plate (4) from bottom to top essentially vertically and which is located for example in the (lengthwise) middle of the plate (4).

Abstract: A polymeric container for holding a fluid and a gas includes a specially designed base. The base includes an annular outer ridge connected to a convex dome by a flexible annular joint. During a hot fill operation, the structure of the base resists outward deformation. The top is then sealed. During the subsequent cooling of the container, the interior volume decreases forcing the dome upward toward the top of the container thereby reducing the tendency of the sidewall to inwardly collapse. In an embodiment of the invention, the sidewall of the container has a plurality of internally protruding diagonal ridges.

Abstract: A gasoline vapor recycling system for gasoline tank includes a route control valve installed on a breathing valve piping of a gasoline tank to control change of gasoline vapor path, and a discharge processing apparatus which has an intake pipe connecting to the route control valve and a gasoline return pipe connecting to the breathing valve piping via a check valve. The discharge processing apparatus has a sensor to monitor the pressure of the saturated gasoline vapor in the gasoline tank. A control element activates a delivery unit or directly actuates the route control valve to direct the gasoline vapor that otherwise will be discharged through the breathing valve piping into the discharge processing apparatus. The gasoline vapor is processed by a compressing unit and a processing unit for separating of liquid and vapor, and purifying of the vapor. A portion of the gasoline vapor flows back to the gasoline tank via the gasoline return pipe.

Abstract: A method of verifying the integrity of a valve in service in a tire pressure management system is disclosed. The method of verifying valve integrity of a valve interposed between a tire and conduit assemblies for conducting fluid to and/or from the tire in a tire maintenance system includes closing the valve for prohibiting fluid flow into the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve and monitoring the pressure of fluid in the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve for ascertaining a pressure increase therein.

Abstract: A fueling facility and method for dispensing liquid natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) or both on-demand. The fueling facility may include a source of LNG, such as cryogenic storage vessel. A low volume high pressure pump is coupled to the source of LNG to produce a stream of pressurized LNG. The stream of pressurized LNG may be selectively directed through an LNG flow path or to a CNG flow path which includes a vaporizer configured to produce CNG from the pressurized LNG. A portion of the CNG may be drawn from the CNG flow path and introduced into the CNG flow path to control the temperature of LNG flowing therethrough. Similarly, a portion of the LNG may be drawn from the LNG flow path and introduced into the CNG flow path to control the temperature of CNG flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A method for detecting the undesirable entry of oxygen into a transfer system that transfers liquid hydrogen from a liquid hydrogen source into a container. A nozzle for use in the transfer system for dispensing liquid hydrogen comprises a housing and an oxygen sensor positioned inside the nozzle for detecting the concentration of oxygen in the nozzle when the liquid hydrogen is not flowing. The sensor emits a signal indicative of the concentration of oxygen in the transfer system before the liquid hydrogen begins transferring. The signal is received by a controller and prevents transfer of liquid hydrogen until the oxygen is removed from the transfer system.

Abstract: A system and method of reducing particle generation in packaging containers used to transport ultra pure liquids. Particle generation in the containers is reduced by reducing the air-liquid interface present during filling, transport, and dispensing of the liquid.

Abstract: Under a reduced-pressure environment, stopping at will liquid that flows out from a nozzle tip, or dispensing liquid with the level of energy at which it will not splatter has proven difficult. To address such difficulties, parameters including nozzle bore, and surface tension and viscosity of, and delivery pressure on, a liquid are selected so that the surface tension that acts on the liquid when flowing out from the nozzle tip will be greater than the momentum of the liquid. By dispensing liquid under such conditions, outflow of the liquid is reliably controlled, and rapid infusion work is realized.

Abstract: A mobile self-contained self-powered station having a plurality of vessels delivers a pressurized fluid to a receiving tank (e.g., a fuel tank of a hydrogen-powered vehicle) without using mechanical compression, external electric power, or other external utilities. The station includes first and second vessels, a conduit in fluid communication with the receiving tank and each of the first and second vessels, means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the first vessel to the receiving tank, means for measuring continuously a pressure differential between the increasing pressure in the receiving tank and the decreasing pressure in the first vessel, means for discontinuing the transfer from the first vessel when a predetermined limit value is reached, and means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the second vessel to the receiving tank.

Abstract: Method of charging dynamic-pressure bearing device with lubricating fluid. Preparatorily, lubricating fluid is put into a vacuum chamber and the chamber is vacuum-evacuated to subject the lubricating fluid to a degassing process. An appropriate quantity of fluid is dispensed in one end of the bearing gap, with the bearing device having been placed in a reduced-pressure ambient. In carrying out the dispensation, the pressure of the ambient is adjusted so as to be higher than the pressure during the degassing process. The method in this way prevents the lubricating fluid from frothing when it is being dispensed, and makes it possible to charge dynamic-pressure bearing devices with lubricating fluid without soiling the bearing-device surfaces with splashes or other contaminants.

Abstract: A system for purging high purity interfaces connecting a high purity chemical container to process lines comprises a first purging manifold, connected at one end to a first adapter manifold extending from the high purity chemical container, and connected at the other end either to a process tool, to a second high purity container, to a source of gas, or to a source of vacuum on one side, or to a source of vent or to a source of vacuum on the other side; and a second purging manifold connecting the second adapter manifold either to a source of push gas, a source of purge gas, or a source of vacuum; or to a source of vent. A related method comprises blowing purge gas through both the first and the second purging manifolds, and, optionally, applying vacuum to both purging manifolds.

Abstract: An apparatus for the preservation of still beverages is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vacuum tank capable of maintaining a standing vacuum. The apparatus also includes a vacuum pump connected to the vacuum tank. The vacuum pump reduces the pressure in the vacuum tank to create the vacuum. A vacuum line is connected to the vacuum tank, and at least one valve head is connected to the vacuum line for receiving a bottle having a stopper placed therein. The valve head exposes the bottle and stopper to a vacuum. Upon exposure to the vacuum, air in the bottle is substantially evacuated and is prevented from reentering the bottle by the stopper.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus determines an amount of liquid crystal remaining within a liquid crystal container. The apparatus includes a liquid crystal dispensing unit for containing dispensable liquid crystal, capable of be dispensed directly onto a substrate and a main control unit for determining a total amount of liquid crystal dispensed onto the substrate based on a unitary amount of liquid crystal dispensed and the number of times the unitary amount was dispensed, and determining an amount of liquid crystal remaining by deducting the determined total amount dispensed from an initial amount of liquid crystal contained within the dispensing unit.

Abstract: A method for quick filling a vehicle hydrogen storage vessel with hydrogen, the key component of which is an algorithm used to control the fill process, which interacts with the hydrogen dispensing apparatus to determine the vehicle hydrogen storage vessel capacity.

Abstract: A two-stage pressure differential pressure responsive flow control valve is disposed to provide greater fuel vapor recirculation to a tank filler tube when high vacuum conditions are encountered during refueling from a fuel dispensing nozzle inserted in the filler tube. The pressure responsive valve has an obturator with a passage therethrough for providing a relatively low flow rate when the valve is in the closed condition resulting from a relatively low vacuum during refueling. When a higher vacuum is encountered, the obturator is moved to the open position permitting greater flow. Preferably, the pressure responsive valve is disposed in a common housing with a float operated rollover valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for the preservation of still beverages is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vacuum tank capable of maintaining a standing vacuum. The apparatus also includes a vacuum pump connected to the vacuum tank. The vacuum pump reduces the pressure in the vacuum tank to create the vacuum. A vacuum line is connected to the vacuum tank, and at least one valve head is connected to the vacuum line for receiving a bottle having a stopper placed therein. The valve head exposes the bottle and stopper to a vacuum. Upon exposure to the vacuum, air in the bottle is substantially evacuated and is prevented from reentering the bottle by the stopper.

Abstract: The air-to-liquid (A/L) ratio in vacuum assist vapor recovery dispensers of fueling systems is controlled by utilizing an in-station diagnostics (ISD) system interfaced with the dispenser or a dispenser diagnostics system. Diagnostics systems monitor the performance of the vapor recovery system according to a number of variables. In one embodiment, a diagnostics system is configured to monitor the A/L ratio of each dispensing event using a flow meter placed in the vapor line and a fluid meter placed in the fuel supply line.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for measuring the concentration of hydrogen gas being transferred through a nozzle from a source container to a destination container and for providing an alert and/or taking action where hydrogen gas leaks may create an unsafe condition. The invention can accurately and reproducibly respond to and measure the absolute hydrogen gas concentration within the nozzle housing using hydrogen gas sensors that are selective only to hydrogen, which do not require the presence of oxygen to operate and which do not saturate when hydrogen safety levels are reached. These sensors are positioned inside the nozzle housing to allow for the direct and immediate knowledge of the presence of hydrogen gas that cannot be safely determined by other means. An apparatus and process for detecting leaks of liquid hydrogen through a nozzle during transfer of liquid hydrogen from a source container to a destination container are also discussed.

Abstract: A device for pressurized contents and an associated method. The device includes a container and a port assembly. In one aspect, the port assembly includes a body, a plunger, a seal arrangement, a plunger bias device, and a bushing. The plunger is movable and has a conduit for contents flow. The bushing moves the plunger, against the bias device, from the first plunger to a second plunger position to open the seal arrangement during movement of the bushing to permit contents flow. In another aspect, the device is transportable, and a valve assembly flow controller includes a valve, a regulator, and a flow meter. The device includes a protective housing, coupled to the container, enshrouding the flow controller to protect the flow controller from impact and transmit impact forces to the container. The housing is configured to permit access to the flow controller and inspection of the container and port connection to verify leak tightness with the housing coupled to the container.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser with a booted nozzle for vapor recovery is modified to include check valves in a vapor return path. The check valves selectively allow atmospheric air into the vapor return path to alleviate nuisance shut offs at the nozzle when an ORVR vehicle is being fueled. The check valves may be included anywhere in the vapor return path between the nozzle and the vapor recovery vacuum assist pump. The fuel dispenser may further include a pressure sensor in the vapor return line so that the fuel dispenser can determine if the vehicle is an ORVR vehicle or not. If the fuel dispenser determines that an ORVR vehicle is present, the fuel dispenser may modify the operation of the vapor recovery system.

Abstract: A system is disclosed allowing non-invasive, continuous local and remote sensing of the internal environmental characteristics of transportable containers. The system utilizes a variety of sensors inside the container to sense internal environmental conditions.

Abstract: A fueling facility and method for dispensing liquid natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) or both on-demand. The fueling facility may include a source of LNG, such as cryogenic storage vessel. A low volume high pressure pump is coupled to the source of LNG to produce a stream of pressurized LNG. The stream of pressurized LNG may be selectively directed through an LNG flow path or to a CNG flow path which includes a vaporizer configured to produce CNG from the pressurized LNG. A portion of the CNG may be drawn from the CNG flow path and introduced into the CNG flow path to control the temperature of LNG flowing therethrough. Similarly, a portion of the LNG may be drawn from the LNG flow path and introduced into the CNG flow path to control the temperature of CNG flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A method of verifying the integrity of a valve in service in a tire pressure management system is disclosed. The method of verifying valve integrity of a valve interposed between a tire and conduit assemblies for conducting fluid to and/or from the tire in a tire maintenance system includes closing the valve for prohibiting fluid flow into the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve and monitoring the pressure of fluid in the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve for ascertaining a pressure increase therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for the preservation of still beverages is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vacuum tank capable of maintaining a standing vacuum. The apparatus also includes a vacuum pump connected to the vacuum tank. The vacuum pump reduces the pressure in the vacuum tank to create the vacuum. A vacuum line is connected to the vacuum tank, and at least one valve head is connected to the vacuum line for receiving a bottle having a stopper placed therein. The valve head exposes the bottle and stopper to a vacuum. Upon exposure to the vacuum, air in the bottle is substantially evacuated and is prevented from reentering the bottle by the stopper.

Abstract: A canister guard for preventing liquid contamination of an oulet to a canister containing liquid. The canister guard may include baffles extending from a sidewall. Additionally, the canister guard may be configured to be replacable or for retrofitting to conventional liquid chemical containing canisters.

Abstract: An apparatus for adding fluid to a closed system can be connected to a service port of the system. The fluid can be added to the system by actuating valves on the system and on the fluid supply. The apparatus facilitates clean addition of the fluid to the system. The system can be a climate control system.

Abstract: A tank pressure management system includes a vapor condensing system in fluid communication with a storage tank and an accumulator vessel in fluid communication with the vapor condensing system and a storage tank. The accumulator vessel includes an air/vapor conduit and a liquid conduit connected to a storage tank. A method of managing air/vapor pressure of a storage tank includes the steps of monitoring the pressure in a storage tank, removing air/vapor from a storage tank, separating liquid from the air/vapor, returning all remaining air/vapor to a storage tank and returning the liquid to a storage tank.

Abstract: A turbine flow meter used as a vapor flow meter in a vapor recovery-equipped fuel dispenser. The turbine flow meter measures the vapor recovered by the fuel dispenser during a fueling operation that is returned back to the underground storage tank. The turbine flow meter measurements may be ignored when fuel is no longer flowing through the fuel dispenser since the turbine rotors in the turbine flow meter may continue to rotate even after vapor is no longer being recovered.

Abstract: An apparatus for adding fluid to a closed system can be connected to a service port of the system. The fluid can be added to the system by actuating valves on the system and on the fluid supply. The apparatus facilitates clean addition of the fluid to the system. The system can be a climate control system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for compensating gas loss in an incubator. A transducer can be used to monitor the gas pressure of various gases that flow into the incubator. By knowing the correct pressure that flows into the chamber, a faster and more accurate compensation can be done during enhancement or depletion of the gases in the incubator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a compressed gas into a pressure vessel, for instance, hydrogen into a vehicle fuel tank, in which hydrogen is compressed in an initial and final compressions stages which can be powered by a common source. The initial compression stage can continually operate to compress the gas in a lower pressure storage bank during the time that hydrogen is dispensed to a vehicle fuel tank. In time periods between dispensing, the gas from the lower pressure stage and from the lower pressure storage bank is compressed in the final compression stage and stored in a higher pressure storage bank. When the pressure vessel is to be filled, the compressor compresses the gas from the higher pressure storage bank to fill the vessel.

Abstract: A backflow blocker prevents backflow of gas to a lower pressure first stage of a system for processing particles from a downstream higher pressure second stage of the system. The blocker comprises an upright duct connecting the first stage to the second stage. The duct is at least partly filled with a column of particles passing from the first stage to the second stage. By properly selecting the duct dimensions and by controlling the flow rate of particles into and from the duct, the velocity of downwardly moving particles in the duct can be made to exceed the velocity at which the gasses flow through the particles in the duct. This prevents gasses from flowing from the lower pressure downstream stage to the higher pressure upstream stage.

Abstract: A mobile self-contained self-powered station having a plurality of vessels delivers a pressurized fluid to a receiving tank (e.g., a fuel tank of a hydrogen-powered vehicle) without using mechanical compression, external electric power, or other external utilities. The station includes first and second vessels, a conduit in fluid communication with the receiving tank and each of the first and second vessels, means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the first vessel to the receiving tank, means for measuring continuously a pressure differential between the increasing pressure in the receiving tank and the decreasing pressure in the first vessel, means for discontinuing the transfer from the first vessel when a predetermined limit value is reached, and means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the second vessel to the receiving tank.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus determines an amount of liquid crystal remaining within a liquid crystal container. The apparatus includes a liquid crystal dispensing unit for containing dispensable liquid crystal, capable of be dispensed directly onto a substrate and a main control unit for determining a total amount of liquid crystal dispensed onto the substrate based on a unitary amount of liquid crystal dispensed and the number of times the unitary amount was dispensed, and determining an amount of liquid crystal remaining by deducting the determined total amount dispensed from an initial amount of liquid crystal contained within the liquid crystal dispensing unit.

Abstract: Encapsulated oral dosage pharmaceutical products are produced utilizing a system including a hopper and a dosator, where the hopper receives particles having irregular geometries and sizes greater than about 100 &mgr;m for delivery to the dosator. A gaseous fluid is directed into the hopper to fluidize particles within the hopper so as to minimize or eliminate the formation of voids within the bed of particles disposed within the hopper. The fluidization of the particles within the hopper maintains a substantially continuous and uniform flow of particles from the hopper to the dosator, which results in the formation of encapsulated products with desirable weights and particle size distributions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cleaning a container having an amount of anhydrous ammonia contained therein. The container is first inspected thoroughly for leaks. Heated nitrogen gas is then fed into the container. The heated nitrogen gas may be transported from a nitrogen storage tank to the container via at least one pipe. Liquid nitrogen may be fed into a vaporizer for vaporizing the nitrogen. The liquid nitrogen gas may then be heated via a heater, such as a steamer, to expand the nitrogen gas and ensure that no liquid nitrogen enters the container. The heated nitrogen gas may vaporize any liquid anhydrous ammonia contained therein. Further, the heated nitrogen gas may transport the anhydrous ammonia to a flare for incineration. The heated nitrogen gas may be added any number of times to reduce the concentration of the anhydrous ammonia therein to a desired level. The container may then be steam cleaned and opened to enter and thoroughly clean the inside of the container.

Abstract: A gas distribution system according to an embodiment includes flowing a first gas stream from a first dispensing cylinder to a receiving cylinder. When the pressure differential between the first dispensing cylinder and the receiving cylinder obtains a selected value, stopping the flow of the first gas stream, and flowing a second gas stream from a second dispensing cylinder to the receiving cylinder. When the pressure differential between the second dispensing cylinder and the receiving cylinder obtains a selected value, stopping the flow of the second gas stream, increasing the pressure of a third gas stream from the first dispensing cylinder to a pressure greater than the second dispensing cylinder pressure, and flowing the third gas stream into the second dispensing cylinder until the pressure in the second cylinder has increased to a selected value. In other embodiments, an intensifier is used to increase the pressure of a gas stream.

Abstract: A pressure container (70) for storing hydrogen gas (26) under pressure for a fuel cell engine. The container (70) includes an outer support layer (12) and a thermoplastic liner (14). An adapter (18) is provided in the outer layer (12) and the liner (14) to allow fill gas (20) to fill the container (70) under pressure. A fill vessel (72) is provided within the liner (14) and is sealed and thermally coupled to the adapter (18). The fill gas (20) is confined within a gap (78) between an outer surface of the fill vessel (72) and the liner (14) so that the temperature of the liner (14) is not significantly increased during the fill process. An opening (82) is provided in the fill vessel (72) so that the fill gas (20) forces the contained gas (26) within the container (70) into the fill vessel (72) through the opening (82).

Abstract: A pressure container (70) for storing hydrogen gas (26) under pressure for a fuel cell engine. The container (70) includes an outer support layer (12) and a thermoplastic liner (14). An adapter (18) is provided in the outer layer (12) and the liner (14) to allow fill gas (20) to fill the container (70) under pressure. A fill vessel (72) is provided within the liner (14) and is sealed and thermally coupled to the adapter (18). The fill gas (20) is confined within a gap (78) between an outer surface of the fill vessel (72) and the liner (14) so that the temperature of the liner (14) is not significantly increased during the fill process. An opening (82) is provided in the fill vessel (72) so that the fill gas (20) forces the contained gas (26) within the container (70) into the fill vessel (72) through the opening (82).

Abstract: To provide a manufacturing method of a dynamic pressure bearing device and a dynamic pressure bearing device to inject a proper amount of lubricating oil to a bearing unit by using a simple process without leaving air bubbles in the bearing unit. The bearing unit is exposed in an atmosphere of reduced pressure such as in a vacuum chamber or the like to evacuate air in a gap between a shaft body and a bearing. The proper amount of lubricating oil is dropped to an open end of the gap of the bearing unit by using a dispenser. The bearing unit is released to an atmospheric air to fill the lubricating oil into a gap of the bearing unit.

Abstract: A method in which large-volume gas containers, for example, airships having a gas holding capacity of, for example, 400,000 m3, can be filled with a process gas, includes first completely filling the container with an auxiliary gas, the density of which differs from that of the process gas. The process gas is then quiescently introduced into an upper area of the gas container in such a way that no significant mixing with the air occurs and, at the same time, the auxiliary gas is removed by suction from the lower area of the gas container. To purify the contents of the gas container, purified or fresh process gas is quiescently introduced into the upper area of the gas container in such a way that no significant mixing with the contaminated process gas present in the gas container. At the same time, the contaminated process gas is removed by suction from the lower area of the gas container. To empty the gas container, the above-described process is reversed.

Abstract: A tank pressure management system includes a vapor condensing system in fluid communication with a storage tank and an accumulator vessel in fluid communication with the vapor condensing system and a storage tank. The accumulator vessel includes an air/vapor conduit and a liquid conduit connected to a storage tank. A method of managing air/vapor pressure of a storage tank includes the steps of monitoring the pressure in a storage tank, removing air/vapor from a storage tank, separating liquid from the air/vapor, returning all remaining air/vapor to a storage tank and returning the liquid to a storage tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for compensating gas loss in an incubator. A transducer can be used to monitor the gas pressure of various gases that flow into the incubator. By knowing the correct pressure that flows into the chamber, a faster and more accurate compensation can be done during enhancement or depletion of the gases in the incubator.

Abstract: A cylinder containing gas has a valve and is connected to a delivery side through a filling pipe, a primary pipe, a first air-operated valve, a pressure reducing valve, a secondary pipe, and a second air-operated valve. Inert gas flows into the primary pipe through an air-operated valve. The primary pipe is connected to a vacuum generator through an air-operated valve and a pipe. Gas remaining in the primary pipe is purged as exhaust gas by automatically repeating leaving-pipe-in-pressurized-state purge for pressurizing the inside of the primary pipe by the inert gas and leaving the pipe in this state for 2 to 10 minutes and evacuating the pipe for 20 seconds. Gas remaining in the primary pipe is purged with high-efficiency, and the vacuum generator is stopped while the inside of the primary pipe is pressurized in the leaving-pipe-in-pressurized-state purge and the just-before-replacement purge.

Abstract: System and method for controlling a hazardous fluid distribution facility wherein a control arrangement is provided at the facility having a power on switch providing for its general energization and de-energization along with a start switch which is actuated by an operator for an interval of time sufficient for a gas pressure control monitor to assume an enable condition causing the actuation of tank valves and the enablement of emergency shut-off valves. A receiver is incorporated with the housing which performs in conjunction with strategically positioned emergency transmitters which are actuated by personnel in the event of a perceived emergency condition. The transmitters transmit an off-state signal which is responded to by the receiver circuit to vent the pneumatic actuation and enablement system as well as to disenable electrical input to pump motors. The transmitters are polled periodically by the receiver circuit to determine their operational status.