Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing system includes a container for containing liquid crystal; a liquid crystal measuring sensor proximate the container; a discharge pump for pumping liquid crystal from the container, and a nozzle for dispensing liquid crystal discharged from the discharge pump onto a substrate. In an exemplary embodiment, the crystal dispensing system includes a control unit for controlling a discharge amount of liquid crystal discharged from the discharge pump and calculating and compensating a dispensing amount of liquid crystal based on an amount of measured liquid crystal in the container.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for dispensing photosensitive solution substantially reduces the amount of air bubbles in the photosensitive solution during the dispensing operation. The photosensitive solution dispensing apparatus includes at least one supply vessel that contains the solution, a respective buffer tank that buffers the solution supplied from each supply vessel, a filter unit for filtering the solution, a pump for pumping the solution pumped from the buffer tank to the filter unit, a dispensing nozzle connected to the filter unit, and a dedicated bubble removal filter that is interposed between the buffer tank and the pump. The bubble removal filter is configured to remove air bubbles from the solution before the solution flows into the pump and is dispensed through the nozzle.

Abstract: A device for transferring a dusty, powdery, grain-like or granular conveyed material out of a storage receptacle and into a working or transfer receptacle or a similar accommodating space. The device comprises a working chamber, which is connected to a supply line for the conveyed material, and comprises a discharge cross-section. At least one feed line for a flow medium leads into the working chamber, and a filter device is located between the flow medium and the conveyed material. The supply line for the conveyed material leads into a tubular filter space, and a filter insert, which is also tubular and delimits said filter space, is placed inside the working chamber connected to an air line and/or to a gas line.

Abstract: A filling device for making a mattress includes a main frame, a feed vessel, a feeding platen, a capping structure, and a power mechanism. The feed vessel includes an open top and a bottom having supplying openings. The feeding platen includes filling containers. Each of the filling containers has an inlet and a gas-supplying unit. The capping structure includes caps. The power mechanism includes a power source and at least one actuating element driven by the power source to actuate the feeding platen to move between a first position in which the inlets of the filling containers are aligned respectively with the supplying openings of the feed vessel, and a second position in which the inlets of the filling container are closed respectively by the caps of the capping structure.

Abstract: A pump and stopper combination for vacuum or pressure sealing a container. The stopper has a pour opening and a one-way valve movable between an operative position to permit one-way flow of fluid into or out of the container when the pour opening is in the closed position, and an inoperative position when the pour opening is in the open position. A vacuum/pressure pump that connects to the stopper includes a drive adapted to convert rotational movement of a motor to reciprocating motion of a pump piston in a chamber, and one-way pump valves mounted in a selectable flow control member. The selectable flow control member is movable between pressure and vacuum positions to permit passage of fluid only into or out of the pump chamber. The pump also includes an indicator for indicating when a desired level of vacuum or pressure has been reached. The pump may be incorporated into a container lid.

Abstract: The invention in some embodiments relates to systems and methods of loading fluid in a prosthetic knee. A vacuum fill technique is utilized in one embodiment to load magnetorheological fluid within small gaps in a chamber of a prosthetic knee. Advantageously, this allows for an efficient loading scheme thereby desirably allowing for faster manufacturing speed. Another advantage is that the magnetorheological fluid is substantially uniformly distributed within the small gaps thereby desirably providing consistent production.

Abstract: The opening of an oil container 11 for storing oil 12 is sealed airtight with a cover member 32. A one-sided-bag-shaped fluid dynamic pressure bearing 10 is seated on an O-ring 25 and fixed airtight onto the upper surface of a bearing seating 30. Inanexhaust position with the distal end portion of an injection tube 36 positioned away from an oil level, the inside of the oil container 11 is evacuated by a vacuum pump 22 through a suction/exhaust passage including a suction/exhaust through-hole 17, thus turning the inside of the one-sided-bag-shaped fluid dynamic pressure bearing (10) into a vacuum. In this state, a control device drives a moving device to raise the oil container 11 to an injection position and releases the suction/exhaust passage to the atmosphere. This causes the oil 12 to be injected into the one-sided-bag-shaped fluid dynamic pressure bearing 10 through an oil injection passage including the injection tube 36.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for handling bulk particulate material (M) includes a reservoir hopper (16) having a gas-permeable liner (42) and a gas inlet (44) connecting the reservoir hopper (16) to a pressurized flow of gas sufficient to fluidize the material (M). A transition and pipe assembly (18) receives a flow of material (M) from the reservoir hopper (16). The transition and pipe assembly (18) has an outer conduit (54), an inner conduit (52), and at least one gas inlet (64). The outer conduit (54) is substantially impervious to gas whereas the inner conduit (52) is permeable to gas. The inner conduit (52) is disposed within and surrounded by the outer conduit (54). The gas inlet (64) connects the outer conduit (54) to a pressurized flow of gas to fluidize the material (M) within the inner conduit (52). A variable orifice non-contact valve (24) controls the flow of material (M) from the transition and pipe assembly (18).

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 puncture sealant supplying/removing apparatus includes a pressure-resistant bottle, an apparatus body on which the pressure-resistant bottle can be mounted, supply hose means which supplies or returns a puncture sealant accommodated in the pressure-resistant bottle to or from a tire, and a high pressure air source. The apparatus body comprises a venturi flow-path having a venturi portion, a first flow-path extending from the venturi portion into the pressure-resistant bottle, and a second flow-path extending from an inside of the pressure-resistant bottle and connected to one end of the supply hose means. The venturi flow-path is provided at its one end with an air intake which is connected to the high pressure air source, the venturi flow-path is provided at its other end with an opening/closing tool capable of opening and closing the other end.

Abstract: A fixed quantity supply equipment for inflators is combined with a heat-treatment equipment for inflators. A bottom portion 22 of an inflator accommodating chamber 20 at a predetermined position is opened by an opening/closing means 30 utilizing pneumatics to cause inflators 40 inside the inflator accommodating chamber to fall naturally. Thereafter, the bottom portion 22 is closed, the bottom portion 22 of the next inflator accommodating chamber 20 is opened to cause inflators 40 inside the same to fall naturally. These actions are repeated to supply the inflators 40 in a constant number.

Abstract: A feed bag includes a body bounding a compartment, the compartment being adapted to hold a feed material. The body has a first end with an outlet formed thereat and an opposing second end. A vent port is formed on the body so as to communicate with the compartment. In one embodiment a filter is coupled with the vent port. A fluid port is formed on the body so as to communicate with the compartment. The fluid port is adapted to receive a fluid line for delivering a fluid into the compartment of the body.

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: The pneumatic greasing system is a grease delivery system specially designed to accommodate the standard commercial grease cartridges already on the market. In order to accomplish this the present invention comprises a cylindrical barrel comprising a cylindrical chute shaped to receive common cartridges. Either end of said barrel is attached to funnel shaped members that in turn have outlets. Inserted within said barrel is a circular disc comprising a rubber O-ring attached to its circumference. In one embodiment the grease is driven from the barrel by pressurized air impacting said disc. In a second embodiment the grease is driven from the barrel by suction applied by a pump against the surface of said disc.

Abstract: A water treatment product comprising a mixture of at least one active ingredient and a first fluid, wherein the concentration in the product of the active ingredient is at least 50% on a weight basis and the viscosity of the product is at least 2,000 centipoise or 2 pascal seconds, the product adapted to be further diluted upon addition to a second fluid stream to be treated.

Abstract: Cassette based systems and methods of hydrogen storage, distribution, and recovery are disclosed. A cassette or other container may contain a hydrogen storage or storing material. Information may be stored in the material and subsequently read or accessed. A probe may be used to interrogate the material. The hydrogen content or other characteristics of the material may be determined based on the interrogation. A hydrogen dispensing unit may contain a depleted cassette acceptor to accept depleted cassettes and a charged cassette dispenser to dispense charged cassettes. The dispensing unit may be implemented in a hydrogen retail store or as a standalone unit. The retail store or the unit may connect to a hydrogen network and implement various business methods, as disclosed herein.

Abstract: A portable fluid transfer apparatus for handling volatile fuels or other chemicals comprises a jug-like container of a convenient volume having a removable cap that can be screwed or clamped onto the neck of the jug and mounted atop the cap is a manually operable rotary vane pump having a first inlet/outlet port disposed within the container when the cap is in place and a second inlet/outlet port external of the jug or container. An elongated, suction/discharge hose having a tether for anchoring the end of the hose in place is affixed to the second inlet/outlet. Manual actuation of the vane pump is then used to transfer a liquid from or into the portable container.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing system includes a container, a discharge pump, a nozzle, and a control unit. The discharge pump draws in and discharges liquid crystal that is contained in the container. The nozzle dispenses the liquid crystal discharged from the discharge pump onto a substrate. The control unit determines a dispensing amount of liquid crystal based on a spacer height formed at the substrate and to control the discharge pump in order to dispense the determined amount of liquid crystal onto the substrate.

Abstract: There is provided a toner container filling device and a toner production management system. The toner container filling device is installed at a toner container filling base and is able to fill a toner container with toner automatically, and obtain information about the toner container filling process while filling the toner container with toner. The toner production management system receives the information from the toner container filling device, and determines the amount of toner to be produced at a toner production base and time of delivering toner to the toner container filling base according to the received information.

Abstract: A portable system for transferring liquids, such as diesel fuel, from a first tank, such as a railcar, to a second tank, such as on a transport truck. The system is self-contained and comprises a pump driven by an engine fueled by the liquid being transferred. A meter measures the amount of liquid being transferred. An inlet hose is used to connect the system to the railcar, and an outlet hose is used to connect the system to the transport truck. The inlet and outlet hoses may be stored in hose storage tubes. A throttle of the engine may be actuated from a rear portion of the system. A sample line is provided through which a sample may be taken of the liquid being transferred. Air from the truck may be used to blow any liquid out of the outlet hose after a transferring operation.

Abstract: Method for preparing a mixed powder sample by mixing two or more different powders comprising transferring a quantity of a first powder to a mixing vessel and transferring a quantity of a second powder to the mixing vessel to form a powder bed in the mixing vessel comprising the first and second powders. The quantities of the powders are selected so the mixed sample has a predetermined ratio of first powder to second powder. The powder bed is fluidized to mix the powders and produce a mixed sample. The mixed sample weighs about 5 grams or less. The invention also includes apparatus for preparing mixed powder samples by mixing two or more different powders.

Abstract: In an apparatus for feeding articles to a blister band, a box-like container, situated close to said band, is fed by a delivering device with a quantity of articles such as to allow accumulation of the articles on the surface of the band. A brush strikes and pushes the articles in a direction opposite to a forwarding direction of the band. A sensor, downstream of the brush, detects the thickness of the layer of articles on the band and interacts with the brush to maintain substantially constant the thickness of the layer of articles.

Abstract: A fuel supply device for direct methanol fuel cells includes a fuel tank for storing liquid fuel, a cavity plate formed on the fuel tank, the cavity plate storing liquid fuel transferred from the fuel tank, and a nozzle plate formed on the cavity plate, the nozzle plate ejecting upwardly the liquid fuel stored in the cavity plate, wherein a fuel tank body of the fuel tank includes a bellows type vessel capable of contracting and expanding. Accordingly, it is possible to actively control an amount of liquid fuel supplied by the fuel supply device to a fuel cell while minimizing electric power consumption, and to effectively remove by-products, thereby improving efficiency of the fuel cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a loading device for a reactor formed by of a plurality of tubes, which are substantially arranged vertically, substantially run parallel to each other and each have a filling opening. The loading device includes a plurality of funnel elements, through which the tubes can be loaded with bulk material, whereby the funnel elements are adapted to the reactor so that a substantially closed surface can be created with a plurality of funnel elements arranged side by side when the filling tubes extend into the tubes of the reactor through the filling openings. Furthermore, a pouring device for loading the tubes through the funnel elements is provided, whereby the pouring device is arranged above the funnel elements and lets the bulk material fall evenly rain-like onto all funnel elements.

Abstract: An engine cooling system liquid insertion and removal system has an adapter disposed in a vehicle radiator service opening via which old coolant is removed from the engine system by partial vacuum applied to an old coolant container via a conduit. New coolant is introduced via the adapter by atmospheric pressure from a portable container. Conduits interconnect the engine cooling system, the old and new coolant containers, and a source of partial vacuum applied to conduits.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling spaced apart cavities with particulate material include a transport for moving the cavities along a path of travel. The cavities are partially filled with particulate material at an upstream location while applying vacuum underneath each cavity during such partial filling. The partially filled cavities are then completely filled with a downstream deposit of particulate material while applying vacuum to the upper sides of each cavity during such filling. The combination of vacuum applied underneath the cavity during partial fill and vacuum applied to the top sides of the cavity during complete fill produces approximately 100% cavity fill with minimal extraneous scatter of particulate material.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses and methods for introducing particles into a microdevice conduit. Also provided are microdevices containing a plurality of particles that occupy at least about 25 volume percent of a microconduit. In some instances, particles may controllably form a particle bridge in a bridging zone within a microdevice.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of potting a component, namely encasing a component (110) in a potting compound (112) with, optionally, all or some of the voids in the component also being filled with potting compound. In particular, the present invention relates to potting a component that will be subject to high electric field strengths in use. The method comprises introducing an inert gas into a first pressure vessel (100) containing the component to be potted thereby to create an inert environment, introducing a potting compound into the first pressure vessel and allowing the potting compound to cure in the inert environment.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and a tool for exact metering and volumetric filling of finely divided dry powder medicament doses into preformed containers, whereby the doses and containers are adapted for administration by inhalation using a dry powder inhaler (DPI). A filling tool illustrating the invention includes at least one receptacle (10). The shape and size of a receptacle may vary depending on the size and mass of the powder load to be metered. A stretched woven filter (106) is positioned between the second opening of the receptacle (10) and a suction nozzle (13), using flexible seals at joints to stop air and powder leakage. The shape may be circular or elliptical, the wideness and depth, i.e. the volume, is adapted to the intended load and the method of filling and unloading.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the sealing of inflatable articles, in particular tyres, comprising a container containing a sealant and an extraction unit releasably connected and preferably screwed to the container, the extraction unit having at least one inlet line connectable to a source of gas pressure and at least one outlet line capable of being coupled to the article to be sealed, wherein ends of the lines which project into the container are sealed in a fluid tight manner relative to the inner space of the container by a closure arrangement which can be removed and in particular blown off by means of gas pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a motor having a fluid dynamic bearing is provided. In one embodiment, a method for filling a motor having a fluid dynamic bearing having at least two passages coupling the bearing to the surrounding environment includes the steps of moving a fluid injection tool into contact with the fluid bearing motor, sealing the fluid injection tool to the fluid bearing motor, and injecting fluid from the fluid injection tool into a first passage coupled to the fluid dynamic bearing. In one embodiment, an apparatus for filling a motor having a fluid dynamic bearing having at least two passages coupling the bearing to the surrounding environment includes a body coupled to an actuator and fluid transfer mechanism. The actuator is adapted to move the body and fluid transfer mechanism is adapted to dispense fluid through a fluid port formed in the body. A seal is coupled to the body and adapted to seal the fluid port to a fluid bearing injection motor during filling.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus dispenses liquid crystal onto a substrate. The liquid crystal dispensing apparatus includes a frame, a table, at least one liquid crystal discharge device, and a liquid crystal amount inspecting portion. The table is installed on the frame to have the substrate to be mounted thereon. The liquid crystal discharge device adjustably discharges an amount of liquid crystal, and the liquid crystal amount inspecting portion inspects a liquid crystal dispensing amount by comparing an actual amount of liquid crystal discharged from the liquid crystal discharge device with a preset liquid crystal amount. The liquid crystal discharge device includes a piston to perform ascending motions to draw in the liquid crystal and descending motions to discharge the liquid crystal with an angle of at least a portion of the liquid crystal discharge device determining a magnitude of the ascending/descending motion to control an amount of liquid crystal discharged.

Abstract: There is provided a toner container filling device and a toner production management system. The toner container filling device is installed at a toner container filling base and is able to fill a toner container with toner automatically, and obtain information about the toner container filling process while filling the toner container with toner. The toner production management system receives the information from the toner container filling device, and determines the amount of toner to be produced at a toner production base and time of delivering toner to the toner container filling base according to the received information.

Abstract: A toner-filling device that transports a toner mass from a hopper to a cartridge. A porous tube is used during the filling operation to remove air from or supply air to the toner. This porous tube will operate at various depths of toner to more completely remove air from or supply air to the toner. An auger is used to transport the toner, and the porous tube extends through the auger beyond the lowest end of the auger.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing system includes a container for containing liquid crystal; a liquid crystal measuring sensor proximate the container; a discharge pump for pumping liquid crystal from the container, and a nozzle for dispensing liquid crystal discharged from the discharge pump onto a substrate. In an exemplary embodiment, the crystal dispensing system includes a control unit for controlling a discharge amount of liquid crystal discharged from the discharge pump and calculating and compensating a dispensing amount of liquid crystal based on an amount of measured liquid crystal in the container.

Abstract: A linear guideway with quick release oil tanks comprises: a rail, a slide block disposed on the rail, connectors and an oil tank disposed at an ends of the slide block. The oil tanks is “II”-shaped and includes a base portion and two extension portions, a distance between the two extension portions is larger than a maximum width of the rail, and a maximum width of the base portion of the oil tanks is shorter than a distance between an upper surface of the rail and a top surface of the slide block. The connectors each have a connecting portion and an engaging portion, and is axially defined with a through hole, and the oil tanks are defined with an oil outlet for engaging with the engaging portion of the connectors.

Abstract: There is provided a toner container filling device and a toner production management system. The toner container filling device is installed at a toner container filling base and is able to fill a toner container with toner automatically, and obtain information about the toner container filling process while filling the toner container with toner. The toner production management system receives the information from the toner container filling device, and determines the amount of toner to be produced at a toner production base and time of delivering toner to the toner container filling base according to the received information.

Abstract: A plurality of reactor tubes contained in a reactor vessel are filled with at least one catalyst by automatically measuring the catalyst by weight with equipment located at the site of the reactor vessel, and dispensing the measured catalyst into a plurality of reactor tubes.

Abstract: A collapsible apparatus (10) recovers and dispenses packaging material. The collapsible apparatus (10) includes a receptacle (20) that is permeable to air. A disc (30) defines a lower end of the receptacle (20). A collection tube (36) is slideably received in a hole (34) of the disc (30) and has an inlet (38) outside the receptacle (20) and an outlet (40) inside the receptacle (20). A fan (60) is mounted to the disc (30) and communicated with the collection tube (36) to form a vacuum in the collection tube (36). The vacuum pulls the packaging material through the collection tube (36) and deposits the packaging material in the receptacle (20). A discharge valve (81) is a scissors valve that extends through the disc (30) for discharging packaging material from the receptacle (20).

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims a fill system and method for reducing the chemical concentration gradient in absorbent materials. The fill system includes a source of liquid connected to a nozzle for dispensing the liquid into a container. The nozzle includes a dispersal face that defines primary apertures approximately equidistant from the outer perimeter and center point on the dispersal face. The nozzle may also include secondary apertures proximate to the outer perimeter and one or more tertiary apertures proximate to the center point. The dispersal of fluid through the secondary or tertiary apertures may be less approximately one-half of the dispersal of fluid through the primary apertures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for accurately metering and conveying a dry powder or granular material to a blender in a substantially closed system. The apparatus includes a storage tank adapted to hold the dry powder or granular material, a hopper disposed inside of the storage tank; and a conveyor at least partially disposed inside of the storage tank, which delivers the dry powder or granular material to the hopper. The apparatus also includes a metering feeder adapted to deliver the dry powder or granular material at a substantially uniform density from the hopper to a blender located outside of the storage tank. The apparatus is a substantially closed system, thus minimizing the risk that the dry powder or granular material will become airborne.

Abstract: A portable system for transferring liquids, such as diesel fuel, from a first tank, such as a railcar, to a second tank, such as on a transport truck. The system is self-contained and comprises a pump driven by an engine fueled by the liquid being transferred. A meter measures the amount of liquid being transferred. An inlet hose is used to connect the system to the railcar, and an outlet hose is used to connect the system to the transport truck. Air from the truck may be used to blow any liquid out of the outlet hose after a transferring operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a receptacle comprises a reservoir adapted to contain a supply of powder pharmaceutical formulation, a holder adapted to hold a receptacle in a position where it may receive powder from the reservoir, an extension extending above the receptacle, and a plunger moveable within the extension, whereby powder from the supply may fill the receptacle and at least a portion of the extension and the plunger may force the powder in the extension into the receptacle. In one version, the plunger may be a portion of the receptacle or may be adapted to install a portion of the receptacle. Alternatively, vibrational or other energy may be used to cause powder in the extension to be filled in the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a fluidizer including at least one wall forming a conduit for a gas. The at least one wall may include a material having microscopic holes therein with a sufficient porosity to permit the escape of the gas through the microscopic holes to gas a substance. The present invention may also relate to a fluidizer including a non-cylindrical shape for fluidizing a particulate substance. The fluidizer can include a body at least partially positioned within a flow of the particulate substance wherein at least some of the particulate substance flows around the body.

Abstract: A material transfer device for transferring material from a pressurized container to the connector on an automotive air conditioning system or tire is provided having an actuator, fluid conveying tube and a quick connect fitting for attachment to the automotive connector. The quick connect fitting has a one piece plastic body and a plastic locking sleeve mounted on the body for attaching and detaching the quick connect fitting to the automotive connector. The plastic body has locking tabs integrally formed therewith for engaging the automotive connector. The locking tab is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking sleeve retains the locking tab in the locked position. The quick connect fitting also has cooperating prongs to allow assembly of its components, restrain disassembly, and provide frictional forces during relative movement of the sleeve and body. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A coolant transfer machine for an automotive engine includes first and second fluid transfer systems. The first system, operated when the engine is not running, sequentially first removes at least a substantial portion of used coolant from the engine. The first system then collects in a used fluid container the used coolant as the used coolant is being removed and then replaces the removed used coolant with new coolant from a new fluid container. The second system, operated when the engine is running, simultaneously displaces at least a substantial portion of used coolant in the engine with new coolant from the new fluid container and collects the displaced used coolant in the used fluid container. A manually operable switch has a first position that enables operation of the first fluid transfer system and a second position that enables operation of the second fluid transfer system.

Abstract: A vapor pressure equalizer system for reducing the pressure of a storage tank that contains volatile liquid or fuel. A conduit is connected to the storage tank that draws vapors present in the ullage of the storage tank into the conduit. The vapors are circulated through the conduit to cool the vapor and return the vapor to the storage tank. In this manner, the pressure of the storage tank is reduced since the vapors being returned are cooler and smaller in volume than when the vapors entered the conduit. The conduit may be an open system that circulates vapors, or may be a closed system that circulates a cooling media through a radiator in the ullage of the storage tank. An electronic controller controls the operation of the system according to measurements that indicate an overpressure condition or a likelihood of future over-pressurization.

Abstract: A vapor pressure equalizer system for reducing the pressure of a storage tank that contains volatile liquid or fuel. A conduit is connected to the storage tank that draws vapors present in the ullage of the storage tank into the conduit. The vapors are circulated through the conduit to cool the vapor and return the vapor to the storage tank. In this manner, the pressure of the storage tank is reduced since the vapors being returned are cooler and smaller in volume than when the vapors entered the conduit. The conduit may be an open system that circulates vapors, or may be a closed system that circulates a cooling media through a radiator in the ullage of the storage tank. An electronic controller controls the operation of the system according to measurements that indicate an overpressure condition or a likelihood of future over-pressurization.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for filling trays with polymerized growth medium. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of filling a tray with polymerized growth medium using an apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of producing and servicing insulating glass units. Methods are provided for reducing the pressure differential on an IG unit, for changing the interior pressure within an IG unit, and for changing the gaseous interior composition within an IG. These methods can be practiced by forming a hole through at least one of the panes of an IG unit, and flowing gas through the hole. One method includes forming a hole through one of the panes of an IG unit, flowing gas through the hole, and sealing the hole with an optically clear sealant (e.g., a transparent resin). A number of methods for producing IG units are also provided. Further, several kits are provided for servicing IG units. There is also provided a method for detecting leaks in an IG unit by flowing an opaque gas into the unit and observing the unit to detect leaks of the opaque gas therefrom.