Abstract: A waste collection and disposal system for use in health care facilities is provided. The system includes a mobile waste collection unit for moving between use areas in the health care facility to collect waste material generated during medical procedures including body fluids, body tissues, saline, etc. The waste collection unit includes stacked upper and lower waste containers for receiving the waste material. During use, the upper waste container can be emptied into the lower waste container for temporary storage. In addition, different vacuum levels can be provided in the waste containers during complex procedures. Once a user desires to empty the waste collection unit, the waste collection unit is wheeled to a docking station. At the docking station, the waste material is off-loaded to a waste drain and the waste collection unit is cleaned and rinsed for further use.

Abstract: The storage bag includes an interior volume for containing food items and a one-way valve element through which air from the interior volume can be evacuated. To prevent fluids and juices from the stored food items from contaminating the valve element, a separator defining a chamber is included that sealingly connects the valve element to the interior volume. In the separator, fluids and juices separate from the evacuating air by gravitational separation and are returned to the interior volume. In an embodiment, to facilitate packaging and distribution of multiple storage bags, the separator is adjustable between an expanded position for providing the chamber and a collapsed position substantially eliminating the chamber. In an embodiment, the separator may be comprised of elastically expandable material.

Abstract: In a solid phase extraction (SPE) device, once all the columns of the SPE plate are filled with liquid, the needles cooperate with engagement formations on a pusher element for pushing down the plate together with an upwardly biased shoe into sealing engagement with a peripheral spacer surrounding a container. Simultaneously, vacuum is applied by appropriate control of a valve and all the columns simultaneously transfer liquid into the drain container. Then, vacuum is released, needles engage recesses to move a carriage above a collect container and a similar prosecution is resumed.

Abstract: A brake fluid flush machine comprises a used fluid tank, a new fluid tank, a manifold connectable to four secondary brake cylinders, a suction pump connecting the manifold to said used fluid tank for draining used brake fluid from said four secondary brake cylinders, a pressure pump connecting the new fluid tank to the master cylinder, and a processor. The processor is configured to control the fluid exchange by sequentially opening and closing valves that couple the four secondary brake cylinders with the suction pump, where the valves may be opened according to a user specified sequence.

Abstract: A bulk material cargo container liner system comprises an inflatable bulk material cargo container liner which has at least one vacuum discharge tube member disposed internally within the bulk material cargo container liner and extending along the longitudinal extent thereof for discharging bulk cargo material outwardly from the bulk material cargo container liner, and at least one inflatable air bag component for conducting the bulk material, disposed within the bulk material cargo container, toward the vacuum discharge tube member.

Abstract: A slurry capture system and kit, and methods of using them, are disclosed for facilitating the recovery of a concrete residue, such as from a chute of a cement mixer truck. The system includes a collector for attaching to the chute of the cement mixer truck and for collecting the concrete residue therefrom. The system further includes a container for storing the collected residue and a conduit in fluid communication between the collector and the container for transferring the residue collected in the collector to the container for subsequent disposal.

Abstract: A cooling system bleeder system for permitting air to be bled from a cooling system of a vehicle to reduce spillage of coolant during the bleeding process includes a container for receiving coolant to be supplied to the coolant system. The container has an upper open end to permit the coolant to be poured into the container. The container includes a lower open end permitting the coolant to drain from the container. A valve is coupled to the container adjacent to and over the lower open end. The valve is selectively actuated to an open position to permit the coolant in the container to drain from the container and selectively actuated to a closed position to discontinue draining of the coolant from the container. A cap is couplable to the container adjacent the upper open end to selectively close the upper open end of the container.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing tool assembly includes an upper tool unit having an evacuation port and a fluid inlet port with fluid actuated poppet valves selectively controlling the flow through each port to a center passage within the upper tool unit. The assembly also has a lower tool unit connected to the upper tool unit by a quick-release coupler and includes a center tube member projecting into the passage and also into the inlet portion of a fluid receiving system. The tube member is shifted axially by a fluid actuated piston within the lower tool unit to form a fluid-tight seal with the inlet portion after a second coupler secures the tool assembly to the inlet portion. A fluid-tight seal may be formed between an annular seat on a plastic inlet portion of the receiving system and an annular shoulder on the tube member within the lower tool unit.

Abstract: The flexible bag includes overlaying first and second sidewalls that provide an internal volume that can be accessed via an opening. To evacuate air from the internal volume after the open top edge has been closed, the bag includes a one-way valve element attached to the first sidewall. The bag is configured to prevent objects from clogging the valve element during evacuation. In one embodiment, the bag may include a plurality of ridges formed along the inner surface of at least one sidewall that can maintain separation of the sidewalls and contents from the valve element. In another aspect, the valve element is beneficially located at a top corner of the bag where the valve element is spaced apart from those locations in the bag where contents are likely to collect.

Abstract: A tool assembly includes a body supporting a rotatable nut which receives and mates with a bleeder valve threaded into a hydraulic fluid system such as a caliper wheel brake or a clutch for a motorcycle. The nut is sealed to the system, and the nut is rotated to move the bleeder valve to an open position while maintaining the seal between the nut and the fluid system. A passage within the body and the nut provides for evacuating the system and then charging fluid into the system. The nut is rotated to move the bleeder valve to its closed position, and the nut is then unclamped and unsealed from the fluid system. In one embodiment, the bleeder valve is gripped to clamp and seal the nut to the fluid system, and in another embodiment, the nut is sealed to the system using a clamping member opposing the nut.

Abstract: A vacuum container comprises a body coupled with a bottom seat having an air sucking device mounted therein, the body having a micro switch electrically connected to the air sucking device, a fastener having a second lever slidably contacted with a lever of the micro switch, a first lever having a first end with a pin optionally coupled to a hole defined in the body and a second end slidably contacted with the second lever of the fastener, and a spring mounted between the second end of the first lever and a tab of the body; and a cover pivotally connected to the body and having tabs for being clamped with the fastener of the body. When the cover is closed, the air sucking device can automatically start operation to suck air from the container for keeping food fresh therein.

Abstract: A vacuum storage system in a refrigerator includes a bin or drawer unit removably received in a housing. The vacuum storage system may be utilized in a storage configuration or in a vacuum sealing configuration to remove air from one or more food preservation containers having one-way evacuation valves. A switch on a control interface actuates a vacuum source and a front wall of the bin or drawer unit seals against the cabinet. Air is drawn from the storage space via a hose in communication with the vacuum source and air pressure within the storage space is reduced below atmospheric pressure, whereby air is simultaneously evacuated from the containers housed in the storage space. At a predetermined pressure, a control deactivates the vacuum source and an equalizing valve is opened to return the storage space to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing fine particulate matter from a flexible container includes a housing with a first open end and an opposed closed end. A nozzle is attached to the closed end extending into the housing. The nozzle has a passageway extending therethrough and a first end puncturing a wall of the container and enabling the first member to penetrate the container. A pump member is disposed transversely to the nozzle and includes a passageway having a venturi and a venturi throat disposed adjacent a first end. The second end receives a supply of fluid under pressure. A vent is attached to the cover and has one end puncturing and penetrating the wall of the container. Supply of fluid under pressure forms a pressure differential between opposite ends of the container and enables the fine particulate matter to enter the first and second passage for mixing with the fluid.

Abstract: A vacuum device for a material handling system includes a vacuum device body and a sealing element. The vacuum device body has a vacuum passageway in which a vacuum is generated in response to activation of a pressurized air supply that forces pressurized air through a venturi device. The sealing element moves to a sealing position to substantially seal the vacuum passageway when the air supply is activated, and is urged toward the sealing position via pressurized air that is diverted from an inlet of the vacuum device to the sealing element. The sealing element moves to substantially vent the vacuum passageway when the air supply is deactivated. The vacuum passageway may be in fluid communication with a vacuum cup, which seals against the object when the sealing element is at the sealing position and the vacuum generating device generates at least a partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manipulating a gas heavier than air in a tank. Said tank comprises a successive closure and opening arranged on the top thereof, an input for said heavy gas into the tank when it is closed and an off for said input when the tank is opened, and a depression unit arranged on the periphery of the top of the tank provided with a unit for sucking out the heavy gas effluent from the top of the tank to a closed chamber.

Abstract: A cover for a container fits with a sliding air tight fit over the container body. A cover air release valve allows escape of air from the container when removing and installing the cover to create a vacuum seal fit. A handle positioned adjacent to the air release valve enables a user to remove and install the cover with a single hand gripping the handle and pressing the air release valve. Protrusions extending from opposite sides of the container sleeve engage mating L-shaped openings in a bottom edge of the cover to lock the cover in place. Special dual sided cradles engage a top of a vacuum sealed container below each cradle and a bottom of a vacuum sealed container above each cradle so that a series of cradles are used to vertically stack a number of vacuum sealed containers.

Abstract: There is provided an initial filling method for a functional liquid droplet ejection head in which a filling liquid consisting essentially of a functional liquid or a solvent thereof is initially filled in a passage of a functional liquid drop-let-ejection-head for ejecting a functional liquid droplet on a workpiece. The method includes: a sealing step of sealing a functional liquid introducing port of the functional liquid droplet ejection head communicating with the passage of the head; an immersing step of immersing a head main body of the functional liquid droplet ejection head in the filling liquid stored in a sealed vessel; a pressure-reducing step of reducing pressure inside the sealed vessel to a predetermined degree of vacuum by exhausting the atmosphere inside the sealed vessel; and a pressure-restoring step of restoring the pressure inside the sealed vessel after the pressure-reducing step.

Abstract: A moisture-proof sealing bag comprises a bag body and an exhausting valve. The bag body has an opening, which has a flexible belt on the opening end. A proper position under the flexible belt of the bag body has the exhausting valve. The exhausting valve is concealed inner the bag body, which comprises a valve body, an exhausting unit, a valve gate and an elastomer. The moisture-proof sealing bag has functions of moisture-proof and air-tightness so as to preserve the contents in the bag by use of sealing the opening of the bag with the flexible belt and exhausting the residual air with the exhausting valve.

Abstract: A fluid-distribution system includes a plurality of fluid-distribution nodes with three-way ports attached to bleed/flush lines and alternate ports attached to vacuum lines. A first pump is used to draw new brake fluid from a new fluid container, push it through the manifold and ports, and through the bleed/flush lines. Fluid flow through the ports is selectively controlled by a computing device. In this manner, a vehicle's brake system including individual brake lines and ABS systems, may be flushed in a prescribed sequence. The vacuum lines are connected to a second pump via alternate ports of the sequential control valve manifold and may be used evacuated air and contaminated brake fluid from the vehicle's bleeder valves or master cylinder. Additionally, the bleed/flush lines may be connected to the alternate ports during priming or purging of the system. This also facilitates storage of the bleed lines as it prevents brake fluid from spilling and prevents air from entering the system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a nitrogen tire inflation and deflation system and associated usage methods. In one exemplary embodiment, the system includes a dispenser and a nitrogen storage device along with an associated usage method. In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a decommissioned pay phone is converted into an air or nitrogen dispenser. The conversion utilizes the form-factor and payment component of the pay phone with the additional of parts to regulate air flow. Advantageously, this provides an environmental solution to waste disposal of decommissioned pay phones. The air/nitrogen dispenser of the present disclosure can be placed at gasoline stations, convenience stores, car washes, and the like.

Abstract: In one aspect, a bracket for evacuating a storage bag having a one-way valve element is provided that has parallel first and second flat panels that delineate a gap. A bag can be placed into the gap such that the valve element on the bag aligns with an aperture disposed through the first panel. To evacuate the bag, a nozzle of an evacuation device can be inserted through the aperture and pressed against the bag sidewall about the valve element. When the evacuation device is activated, the sidewall of the bag is pulled against the rim of the nozzle and air is drawn through the valve element. In another embodiment, the nozzle can be pressed against the first panel around the aperture. In another aspect, the bracket can be included as part of a handheld evacuation device.

Abstract: An improved method for measuring and automatically disposing of infectious waste generated during and after surgical and clinical procedures is provided. The infectious waste removal device includes a suction source, a method for pressure verification, separation chamber for isolating fluids, containment reservoir, measurement chamber for determining fluid received, an information source for such fluid volumes, a quantitative method for calculating fluid dynamics, a post use cleaning method, and other attributes for use by the surgical team or healthcare staff in order to while minimize healthcare worker handling of said infectious waste and to limit their possible exposure.

Abstract: A hand-held vacuum device is disclosed that includes a housing to hold an electric motor operable to drive a piston pump that is configured to draw a substantially continuous vacuum for each complete cycle of the piston pump. The hand-held vacuum device also includes an expansion chamber releasably connected to and in fluid communication with the housing and a vacuum interface that has a vacuum connector in fluid communication with the expansion chamber and is configured to releasably couple to a valve disposed on a container. The expansion chamber separates air and liquid from a fluid drawn into the expansion chamber.

Abstract: A storage compartment comprises an external enclosure having an opening and a holding compartment that is capable of being inserted into and withdrawn from the interior of the external enclosure through the opening in the external enclosure. Stored articles are contained within the holding compartment. The external enclosure and the holding compartment have coacting surfaces, and a seal is interposed between those coacting surfaces for sealing off the interior of the holding compartment to the entry of gases when the holding compartment is inserted into the external enclosure and the coacting surfaces of the external enclosure and the holding compartment are brought together in a sealing relationship with the seal. Complementary surfaces at the holding compartment and at the exterior of the external enclosure are in engagement with one another and provide surfaces along which the holding compartment travels when it is inserted into and withdrawn from the interior of the external enclosure.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed and pictured herein illustrate a liquid vacuum apparatus and method that is easy to operate, provides increased safety for operators, mitigates the risk of operator exposure to the liquid, and mitigates the risk of liquid spillage during and after the liquid is transported. As described herein, the liquid vacuum apparatus may be employed either with or without the connector, piping, and end piece; and if an end piece is used, it may take many different forms depending on the particular application.

Abstract: A handheld vacuum suction device includes: an exterior case; a cap that includes a suction nozzle; a pressure switch unit that includes a pressure switch having a slide body configured to descend against a spring when a pressure in the cap falls below a predetermined pressure, to thereby cut off power supply, and a vertical through suction duct; a vacuum pump that includes an inlet port connected to the suction duct and sucks in air; and a control that includes an actuating switch, and is electrically connected to the vacuum pump and the pressure switch to control the actuation of the vacuum pump.

Abstract: A vacuum line connected to a robotic device is run into a reactor vessel. The robotic device has a rotating body, a cleaning arm, and stabilizing arms to stabilize the robotic device within the reactor vessel. The robotic device may be controlled/monitored from a remote control station in communication with the robotic device.

Abstract: A propane bottle recycler comprising a bottle station, first and second propane collection tank, compressor, liquid propane storage tank, bottle crusher, and crushed bottle storage compartment. The bottle station comprises a bottle manifold and bottle station frame, and the bottle manifold is pivotally connected to the bottle station frame. Propane bottles are placed in receiving cavities in the bottle manifold and held in place with cam levers, and the bottle manifold is raised to a vertical position. The propane drains out of the propane bottles, through propane hoses into a propane manifold, into the first and second collection tanks, and to a compressor, which repressurizes the propane. The propane is then stored in a liquid propane storage tank. The used propane bottles are crushed by the bottle crusher and stored in the crushed bottle storage compartment.

Abstract: A hand operated pump for evacuating air from a vacuum container having: (1) a barrel defining a conduit therethrough; (2) a plunger having a hand at one end and a piston at the opposite end, the plunger mounted within the barrel and capable of moving reciprocatingly within the plunger; (3) a cap closing a first end of the barrel and having an opening to receive and guide the plunger; and (4) an adapter connected to a second end of the barrel for engaging a valve on a vacuum container.

Abstract: The vacuum storage system comprises: a vacuum pump, a vacuum bus, a control system to monitor and maintain a selected vacuum level in the vacuum bus. The control system provides system shutdown and alerts or warnings when the selected vacuum level cannot be maintained within the vacuum bus. The vacuum storage system further comprises one or more canister ports wherein each of the canister ports comprises a check valve to assure that no loss of vacuum occurs in occupied canister ports when one or more of the canister ports are unoccupied and open to ambient pressure, a manual valve, and a fitment for removably attaching a canister.

Abstract: Waste oils, fuels, and coolants contained in reservoirs and filters found in devices powered by electric motors and internal combustion engines are transferred from said reservoirs by a transportable pumping device in the form of an automotive fluids transfer machine, a shuttle, consisting of a parent tank and equipped to receive two auxiliary tanks, one for fresh filter oil and one for fresh filter fuel. The shuttle and auxiliary tanks are made of an oil and fuel resistant and leak proof material so that they can hold waste fluids until they are transferred to a shop's waste fluids disposal tank, without spills, threats to the environment, human contact with contaminating oil fuels or coolants, clean up costs, and lost time.

Abstract: A system includes a storage bag having an interior volume for containing food items and a one-way valve element through which air from the interior volume can be evacuated. The system further includes an evacuation device having an inlet opening. To evacuate storage bag, the inlet opening is placed directly adjacent a pliable sidewall of the storage bag about the valve element. The placement of the inlet opening against the flexible sidewall will seal the interface between the valve element and the inlet opening facilitating the evacuation of the interior volume.

Abstract: An improved wine bottle closure and vacuum pump apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus provides an improved bulb structure to be used for pumping and storage purposes, the bulb remaining with a closure plug even after pumping is completed and the wine is to be stored for later consumption. The bulb structure can be collapsed in two different positions including a first position that maintains overall height of the bulb structure and a second position that enables the bulb structure to be shortened in height as an optional feature. The bulb structure provides an enlarged central section that is much larger in diameter than the lower end portion. The lower end portion provides a closure plug for fitting the opening of a wine bottle.

Abstract: An aesthetic and useful device for enclosing a vacuum pump within a framed enclosure for the evacuation of air from used containers is herein disclosed. An enclosure for a vacuum pump comprises a latching access door, a lid, and a container-staging area that extends downward, effectively housing a vacuum pump supported by an interior shelf. A vacuum chamber for collecting any entrained liquids or solids from used containers is coupled at one end to vacuum plumbing extending from the inlet of the vacuum pump and at the other end to a container adapter. The container adapter has a stepped female diameter opening to accommodate various sized container mouths. A sealed and latched access door maintains the integrity of the vacuum chamber as well as provides an aesthetic and protective shroud for the vacuum pump.

Abstract: A filling method for filling a reservoir (10) of variable working volume with a fluid, the method being characterized in that the reservoir (10) is firstly emptied of any content, such that its working volume is substantially zero, and the fluid is then injected into the reservoir, thereby increasing the working volume of the reservoir (10).

Abstract: Apparatus for puncturing a gas filled bottle uses a spring force upon an inflator tack, which punctures the gas filled bottle, rather than a manual or explosive force.

Abstract: A portable vacuum unit for use with a resealable, evacuable container, comprising a vacuum pump housed within a body, an accumulator removably coupled to the body and in fluid communication with a vacuum port of the body, the accumulator comprising a receptacle, a tip, wherein a first end of the tip is coupled to a first end of the receptacle and in fluid communication therewith, the tip having a shape which facilitates interaction with a valve on the resealable, evacuable container, the tip comprising at least one support structure and a semi-rigid material coupled to a second end of the tip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a small volume, liquid dispenser having particular application in the analytical fields. The liquid dispensers can be quickly and reliably filled to a predetermined volume without monitoring liquid flows or volumes or filling times. Various versions of the dispenser and systems utilizing one or more of the dispensers are disclosed.

Abstract: A container for storing food at a predetermined vacuum or pressure condition. A lid includes a vacuum or pressure pump for removing or adding fluid, a controller and an electrical circuit including a normally-closed indicator contact which is opened by an indicator when pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level above or below that outside the container and a normally-opened switch contact closed by a switch when the lid is attached and sealed to a container. The method includes attaching the lid to the container, closing the indicator and switch contacts to activate the pump to remove or add fluids to the container through the lid, and opening the indicator contact when pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level of pressure or vacuum. The controller then cycles the pump on and off. Subsequently, the lid is removed from the container to open the switch contact and render the pump inoperable.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching substrates includes an upper chamber for holding an upper substrate and a lower chamber for holding a lower substrate which is to be attached to the upper substrate. The lower chamber is moved up and down so as to come together with the upper chamber to form a sealed attaching space. A substrate receiving part is fixed to a frame of the apparatus so that it does not move as the lower chamber is raised and lowered. The substrate receiving part alternatively projects from the lower chamber is the lower chamber is moved down, or is recessed into the top of the lower chamber when the lower chamber is lifted up.

Abstract: A brake fluid flush machine is adapted to simultaneously supply fresh brake fluid and vacuum used brake fluid in a vehicles braking system while controlled by a processor to allow a single worker to complete the fluid exchange operation. The automatic brake fluid exchange machine comprises a used fluid tank, a new fluid tank, a manifold connectable to four secondary brake cylinders corresponding to a front driver's side wheel, a front passenger's side wheel, a rear driver's side wheel, and a rear passenger's side wheel, a suction pump connecting the manifold to said used fluid tank for draining used brake fluid from said four secondary brake cylinders, a pressure pump connecting the new fluid tank to the master cylinder, and a processor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of thermally insulating the annular space (4) in an element (1) of an assembly of two coaxial pipes (2, 3), the space being filled with a porous thermally insulating material (5), in which method the following steps are performed: a) said pipe element (1) is inclined, preferably at an angle ? of 5° to 30°, said annular space being closed at each end by respective closure pieces (13a, 13b); and b) substantially all of said annular space (4) is filled with said insulating material (5) in the form of particles in bulk; and c) preferably said particles of insulating material are shaken, at least intermittently, as the annular space is filled in order to compact said insulating material.

Abstract: A food storage device includes a housing defining an interior area accessible through a door coupled to the housing. The food storage device includes a vacuum pump in communication with the interior area for selectively removing air from the housing. A pressure activated switch is in communication with the vacuum pump and interior area for selectively actuating the pump. A humidifier is also positioned relative to the interior area for maintaining that area at a predetermined humidity level. A humidity sensor communicates with the humidifier for selectively actuating the humidifier to add moisture to the interior area so as to maintain a desired humidity level. The food storage includes a pressure equalizing valve in communication with the housing interior area and with an area external to the housing for equalizing a pressure inside the interior area with a pressure outside the housing.

Abstract: A pumping device includes a container having a cover structure. A piston is movably received in the container and is manually operable. The cover structure has an air inlet valve and a slide switch, which, when properly set, allow air to be sucked into or expelled out of the container by the manual operation of the piston to increase or decrease the internal pressure of the container for oil suction and oil drainage. The pumping device also includes another slide switch, whereby when both slide switches are properly set, the internal pressure of the container is increased or decreased due to the supply of pressurized air from an external source and oil can be sucked into and drained out of the container accordingly.

Abstract: A brake fluid flush machine to simultaneously supply fresh brake fluid and vacuum used brake fluid in a vehicle's braking system while being controlled by a processor to allow a single worker to complete the fluid exchange operation. The machine has a used fluid tank, a new fluid tank, a manifold connectable to four secondary brake cylinders corresponding to a front driver's side wheel, a front passenger's side wheel; a rear driver's side wheel, and a rear passenger's side wheel, a suction pump connecting the manifold to said used fluid tank for draining used brake fluid from said four secondary brake cylinders, a pressure pump connecting the new fluid tank to the master cylinder, and a processor. The processor controls the fluid exchange by sequentially opening and closing valves that couple the four secondary brake cylinders with the suction pump.

Abstract: An evacuation system including an evacuation member engages a product package and applies pressure thereto, such that a product in the product package moves toward an outlet in the product package for dispensing. A controller monitors the force applied by a driver to the product package, thereby ensuring that the pressure remains below a particular threshold to protect the integrity of the product package. The controller further monitors the evacuation member location, thereby enabling the controller to recognize when the product package is empty. The evacuation system further includes a package carrier including a pinch-off area that moves product out of an unrecoverable portion of the product package. The evacuation member may be utilized as a stand-alone device or with a primary device, wherein the primary device provides signals to the evacuation system and the evacuation system provides product to the primary device.

Abstract: A manual vacuum device is introduced to provide vacuum isolation in a container. The manual vacuum device comprises a lower cover disposed on the container and an upper cover rotatably disposed on the lower cover to form a first air chamber. The lower cover includes a first air channel fluidly communicating the container with the first air chamber and a first check valve disposed within the first air channel to prevent air from flowing back to the container. The upper cover includes a second air channel fluidly communicating the first air chamber with the external environment and a second check valve disposed within the second air channel to prevent air in the external environment from flowing back to the first air chamber. The air in the container exhausts to the external environment by the rotational movement of the upper cover relative to the lower cover.

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: Fluid-dynamic-pressure bearing manufacturing method for more efficient and fail-safe degassing of bearing oil. Method makes it possible to prevent the generation of air bubbles in the course of an oil-charging operation that amounts to a step following degassing, and to single out the causative source of air bubbles when their generation has been detected. At the same time oil that is under a reduced-pressure environment within an oil-storing vacuum chamber is vacuum-degassed, immersed within the oil a stirrer for agitating and degassing the oil is rotated by indirect drive means, and the oil after having been degassed is supplied to a vacuum chamber where a fluid-dynamic-pressure bearing unit is retained—which has been pumped down to a pressure below the pressure within the oil-storing vacuum chamber—and is charged into the bearing clearances by raising the internal pressure of the bearing-retaining vacuum chamber.

Abstract: This invention is a manually driven pump used to transfer a liquefied gas such as nitrous oxide or carbon dioxide between containers. The pump is designed to minimize friction, can be directly attached to a mother bottle, and has an automatic piston return on the pumping stroke, all of which optimize operator use for the particular gas which is being pumped. The pump is small, portable, and requires no additional power source in its operation, making it ideal for field use. The pump can be used to fill nursing bottles from a mother bottle or to raise the pressure of a nursing bottle to a desired operating level.