Abstract: A chemical dispenser reads RFID tags on both chemical source and diluted chemical mixture containers. A dispensing button shifts and electric controller from low to high power state for such reading and initiation of dispensing when data read from such tags is determined compatible. A battery powers the controllers in both power states. A selector valve for selecting a chemical concentrate at one of several source stations also provides selected station information to the controller. A controller learn mode stores delta from RFID tags on the concentrated chemical containers, with the controllers initiated in a high power state in response to entering the learn mode. An alternate embodiment substitutes an alternative receiving container such as a mop bucket, and a dispensing nozzle is provided with an. RFID reader for reading an RFID tag on the alternative container. Methods are provided.

Abstract: A sonotrode specially adapted for defoaming liquids during container filing operations, has an upper body portion having a first diameter and having an upper face adapted to be mounted to a driving transducer, a middle body portion having a second diameter larger than the first diameter situated below the upper body portion, a generally conical portion situated between the upper body portion the middle body portion, and a transition portion situated between the middle body portion and a lower face adapted to be directed toward a liquid upper surface within a container, the lower face being generally rectangular.

Abstract: A low pulsatility syringe pump including a duplex bearing set rotatingly supporting a lead screw, and a transmission having a first drive train configured to increase a number of motor rotations required for a single rotation of the lead screw, and a second drive train configured to reduce the number of motor rotations required for a single rotation of the lead screw as compared to the first drive train. Another embodiment also includes a motor configured to rotate the syringe about its own axis, independent of the motion of the lead screw. In this other embodiment, the fluid in the syringe barrel includes objects (such as cells, latex beads, etc.) entrained in the fluid. The rate of rotation (e.g., about three revolutions per second) is chosen such that each object traces a substantially circular pathway in the syringe barrel and remains in suspension.

Abstract: A container (10) for storing a liquid with a device (11, 12) for feeding one or more substances thixotroping the liquid to the liquid in the container (10) is characterized in that the device (11, 12) is designed so that it feeds the thixotroping substance or substances to the liquid in the container (10) as a result of a signal from a signal transmitter, so that the liquid completely thixotropes, at least in a closed outer layer inside the container (10) that cannot be penetrated by a residue of the liquid, not thixotroped if necessary. This ensures that by simple means the liquid present in the container (10) is pretended from being discharged or from escaping under certain defined conditions, particularly in emergency situations.

Abstract: A sterile filling machine and related method are provided for sterile filling a container with a substance. The container includes a heat resealable stopper and a chamber for receiving the substance therein. The sealed, empty containers are subjected to radiation capable of penetrating through the stopper and chamber for sterilizing the container. The previously sterilized containers are then transported through another sterilizing chamber, such as an e-beam chamber, to sterilize the penetrable surface. A needle is moved into engagement with the stopper to pierce the sterilized penetrable surface of the stopper and inject the substance through the needle and into the chamber of the container. Laser energy is then transmitted onto the penetrated surface of the stopper to fuse the stopper material and hermetically re-seal the stopper.

Abstract: A method of conditioning a compacted polymeric powder to a flowable and meterable state. The polymeric powder is compacted during transport such that the flowability is hindered. To increase flowability, gas is introduced into the polymeric powder to condition the same to an improved flowable and meterable state.

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 source liquid supply apparatus and method that avoids leaving source liquid-and/or cleaning fluid-derived residues in the vicinity of the connection region between the source liquid feed conduit and the source tank. A flow-switching mechanism is attached to the source tank of a source liquid supply apparatus. This flow-switching mechanism has a first port connected to the discharge port conduit of the source tank, a second port connected to a feed conduit, and a third port connected to an exhaust conduit. The first port can be closed by a valve member on a diaphragm disposed within a common compartment while communication is maintained between the second and third ports. A cleaning fluid source and a purge gas source are connected to the feed conduit. Purge gas and cleaning fluid fed into the feed conduit are discharged from the second and third ports and through the exhaust conduit.

Abstract: In order to enable fuel to be sufficiently supplied to a mobile object without requiring a power source outside the mobile object, a compressor is driven by power supplied from a fuel cell vehicle, and hydrogen emitted to gas piping from a pressure accumulator is supplied to a high-pressure hydrogen tank of the fuel cell vehicle side, in a method for supplying the hydrogen as a fuel gas to the high-pressure hydrogen tank mounted on the fuel cell vehicle from the pressure accumulator of the hydrogen station. A power-supplying operation required for driving the compressor is performed by at least a secondary battery or a fuel cell.

Abstract: A liquid hydrogen storage system having minimized tanking losses. Hydrogen is discharged from a liquid hydrogen tank through connector piping of a filling connector to a discharge pipe and then to an external device, such as a fuel cell. As such, the connector piping is maintained at a cryogenic temperature substantially that of liquid hydrogen. During refilling of the tank through the already cryogenically cold connector piping there is substantially reduced evaporation of the liquid hydrogen provided by a liquid hydrogen tank station.

Abstract: Recovery of dehydrogenation product must be done separately from supply of hydrogen fuel. However, there is a problem that it takes much time when dehydrogenation product recovery and fuel filling are done separately. A fuel filling/waste solution recovery apparatus includes measuring means to measure a volume of supplied fuel and a volume of recovered waste solution by measuring flow rates of solutions passing through a fuel filling nozzle and a recovery nozzle or piping, and a display which shows the volume of supplied fuel and the volume of recovered waste solution which are measured by the measuring means.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for supplying a fill gas to a cargo or storage tank that holds crude oil/gas condensate. The fill gas flows into the tank together with the crude oil/gas condensate in a common filling line. A separator at the tank separates the fill gas from the crude oil/gas condensate. The fill gas is then filled into the tank at a level above the liquid fill level of the crude oil/gas condensate.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for exact metering and volumetric filling of dry powder medicament doses into preformed containers, which are adapted for administration by a dry powder inhaler. The filling apparatus includes at least a bulk powder source, a feeding chamber, and a receptacle providing the volume for a specified load mass of dry powder. The bulk powder source releases a portion of powder discontinuously to the feeding chamber, but is disconnected from the feeding chamber and receptacle during the filling operation. The filling apparatus further presents a plane surface in contact with the movable feeding chamber and provides a hard-wearing, low friction coating for reducing dynamic friction and powder retention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an installation for controlling the pressure in a working chamber (10) of an insulator (1), which is shielded from the outer environment (U), during opening or closing of the insulator with respect to the outer environment (U), with the aim of avoiding critical pressure bursts in the working chamber (10). The working chamber (10) is provided with an access for introduction or removal of the product to be treated. Purified air is supplied to the working chamber (10) from a circulating air Zone (11), and air arrives from the working chamber (10) at the circulating air Zone (11) via a returning air channel (14), and the working chamber and the circulating air Zone form an interior space (18). A supply air unit (a3) is provided on the insulator (1) and comprises a supply air ventilator (B) and a blockable first supply air adjusting element (21), mounted between the supply air ventilator (B) and the interior space (18).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing semiconductor devices are disclosed. In accordance with the invention, a wafer transfer device for transferring wafers from wafer storage containers to wafer processing equipment includes a flow chamber designed to reduce the amount of contaminants that can enter the wafer container. The wafer transfer apparatus provide two gas inlets for allowing two gases to flow through the flow chamber of the transfer apparatus. This results in a reduced amount of contaminants able to enter the wafer container, which in turn results in manufacture of devices with more reliable performance characteristics as well as high manufacturing yield.

Abstract: A plastic container comprised of a closed base, a body portion, and a neck portion with a dispensing opening. The closed base includes a substantially rigid support portion and a flexible portion. The body portion preferably includes a shoulder portion and a substantially rigid wall portion that includes a plurality of reinforcement formations. The container is configured so that the flexible portion of the base contracts upwardly about the support portion in response to vacuum pressures generated within the container, while the substantially rigid support portion of the sidewall remains substantially firm, for example, to accept or receive a label. If desired, the shoulder portion may include a logo and/or one or more pressure relief formations. A method for producing hot-filled, labeled containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A point of sale system for custom preparation of a personal care product includes a dispensing container, a plurality of personal care product ingredients and mechanisms for introducing determined amounts of selected personal care product ingredients into the dispensing container; and a non-adulterating multi-axis centrifugal mixing apparatus, adapted to mix lotion ingredients within the container, without the mixing apparatus contacting the lotion within the container. An identifying label is be provided for the dispensing container. A method for custom formulation, non-adulterating mixing and packaging of a personal care product at a point of sale location entails introducing selected lotion ingredients into a selected container; centrifugally mixing the ingredients in the container without physically contacting the ingredients; closing the container; and applying a label. The method may be implemented at a point of sale or in response to online orders.

Abstract: Equipment for treating open beverage containers (3), e.g. by filling or closing, comprising: a treatment site (1), to which a container (3) can be delivered for treatment, and at which a treatment element (2) is situated that acts upon the mouth (6) of the container (3) from above, and slit nozzles (4), which are situated to the side of the treatment site (1), and discharge clean gas, and which are designed for producing a gas curtain that protects the area of the mouth (6) of the container (3). The invention is characterized in that the slit nozzles (4) are placed in, in essence, oppositely oriented jet directions whereby between the slit nozzles (4), a pressure flow is produced having flow components exiting upward and downward from the area of the slit nozzles (4) perpendicular to the plane of symmetry (S).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the efficient and controllable delivery of cryogen liquid droplets into thin walled containers. Discharge of the droplets is facilitated using a horizontal displacement assembly to transport metered droplets from a liquid dosing unit to the point of injection above the container. The horizontal displacement assembly may be provided with internal heaters to prevent freeze up, and a sensor to confirm droplet discharge. It may also be provided with a separate source of heated nitrogen gas, which can be used to back purge the dispensing unit should it become clogged, to melt any frozen liquid occlusions which may have formed in the cryogen supply line.

Abstract: A simple, reliable system is provided for automatically dosing vehicle fuel tanks with a fuel additive, particularly a concentrate containing a fuel borne catalyst (FBC), using gravity as the means of injection, preferably with no electronics or complex mechanical parts. The system includes a supply line for feeding fuel additive by gravity from an additive reservoir and opening into a filler spout of a fuel tank, a ball-in-seat valve at the end of the supply line biased in normally closed position and operable to an open position by mechanically pressing a release on the ball-in-seat valve, and a pivotable lever positioned within the filler spout and including a projection capable of mating with the ball-in-seat valve release upon pivotable movement. Upon insertion of a filler hose into the filler spout, the filler hose moves the lever and projection to press the release on the ball-in-seat valve thereby dispensing additive.

Abstract: A sterile filling machine and related method are provided for sterile filling a container with a substance. The container includes a heat resealable stopper and a chamber for receiving the substance therein. The sealed, empty containers are subjected to radiation capable of penetrating through the stopper and chamber for sterilizing the container. The previously sterilized containers are then transported through an e-beam chamber, wherein an electron beam is directed onto a penetrable surface of the stopper to sterilize the penetrable surface. A needle is mounted within the e-beam chamber and moved into engagement with the stopper to pierce the sterilized penetrable surface of the stopper and inject the substance through the needle and into the chamber of the container. The needle is then withdrawn from the stopper and the filled container is transported outside of the e-beam chamber.

Abstract: A nitrogen-filling system is provided. A nitrogen-filling system includes a carrier including a main body for carrying at least one wafer box having at least a wafer, and a closing cover mounted on the carrier main body so as to formed a closed space around the wafer box, and a transporting vehicle for carrying the carrier and a nitrogen-filling apparatus set there on for filling the closed space with nitrogen so as to enhance a stability of the wafer in the carrier.

Abstract: A high-pressure processing apparatus includes a processing vessel including a processing chamber formed therein to perform a certain process onto an object in the processing chamber; fluid feeding means which feeds a high-pressure fluid into the processing chamber; fluid discharging means which discharges the high-pressure fluid from the processing chamber; an agitating unit which is arranged in the processing chamber and is operative to flow the high-pressure fluid over the object by relative rotation to the processing vessel; a communicating channel which is formed in the processing vessel to communicate inside and outside of the processing chamber; a rotary driving member which is coupled to the agitating unit via a shaft portion provided in the communicating channel; and a sealing portion which is provided between the shaft portion and the processing vessel to disconnect the processing chamber from the rotary driving member.

Abstract: A system for automatically purifying solvents has a solvent holding portion having at least one solvent stored therein, a filter holding portion having at least one filter tube located therein, a peripheral device, and a computer. The computer has a memory and a processor, and the processor is configured by the memory to perform the steps of: receiving an electronic selection of a solvent to be automatically purified; automatically causing the flow of the electronically selected solvent from the solvent holding portion to the at least one filter tube; and automatically filling a collection vessel with the purified solvent.

Abstract: A method for durability treatment or sterilization of a pumpable material by high pressure treatment of the same in a high pressure press for killing and/or inactivating harmful microorganisms and enzymes in the material includes placing the pumpable material into a flexible bulk container with a larger volume than the end-user or consumer containers in which the material is intended to be packed, placing the bulk container in a high pressure press and subjected to high pressure treatment, removing the bulk container from the press. The material may be moved from the bulk container to end-user containers by arranging, in a sterile manner provided, connector on the bulk container, which, via a tube connects the interior of the bulk container with an emptying system, for the purpose of draining the pumpable material into the end-user or consumer containers, or into an intermediate storage tank.

Abstract: A sterile filling machine and related method are provided for sterile filling a container with a substance. The container includes a heat resealable stopper and a chamber for receiving the substance therein. The sealed, empty containers are subjected to radiation capable of penetrating through the stopper and chamber for sterilizing the container. The previously sterilized containers are then transported through an e-beam chamber, wherein an electron beam is directed onto a penetrable surface of the stopper to sterilize the penetrable surface. A needle is mounted within the e-beam chamber and moved into engagement with the stopper to pierce the sterilized penetrable surface of the stopper and inject the substance through the needle and into the chamber of the container. The needle is then withdrawn from the stopper and the filled container is transported outside of the e-beam chamber.

Abstract: A front opening unified pod (FOUP) used for temporarily and portably storing semiconductor wafers between processing steps includes a manifold for uniformly distributing a purge gas in the FOUP during a purging process between wafer processing steps. The manifold can be a variety of shapes, and can be located in a number of appropriate locations within the FOUP. The manifold generally extends the full height of the FOUP and includes a plurality of openings configured to direct a flow of purge gas above and below each wafer held by the FOUP.

Abstract: A filler material packing system for packing a granular or fragmental filler material in a bag-shaped hollow surface material includes a suction-type packing container, and means for delivering the filler material. The packing container has an inner space. At least a part of the surface material is air-permeable, and the surface material is positioned in the inner space. The packing container has a suction port and an entry port that are connected to the inner space. The filler material is delivered to the inside of the surface material positioned in the inner space of the packing container by the filler material delivering means. The filler material delivering means includes a cylindrical stirring container having a lid, a sidewall and a bottom wall. The stirring container has a stirring vane positioned on the bottom wall. Air vent holes and an outlet port are provided in an upper part of the sidewall.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a liquid crystal display panel includes a chamber for holding a substrate, wherein the substrate includes first and second metal patterns, a spray nozzle connected to the chamber for spraying spacers onto the substrate, wherein the spacers are charged with a predetermined polarity, and a first power supplier connected to the chamber for applying a first voltage with a positive polarity and a second voltage with a negative polarity to the first and second metal patterns of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for filling a container involves supplying a barrier layer to the inside of a container and irradiating the inside with a high energy ray to form a barrier layer on the inner surface of the container and simultaneously sterilizing the inside and discharging a residual barrier material precursor gas and a by-product gas from the container before or during the filling of liquid food into the container. The method allows the formation of a continuous barrier layer covering edges, gloves, clearances and gaps inside the container. Automatic and effective discharge of a residual barrier material precursor gas and a by-product gas from the container through the filling of liquid food is allowed. The method avoids the necessity of chemical disinfectants through sterilization of the inside of a container by irradiation with a high energy ray and thereafter filling a liquid food in an aseptic state.

Abstract: An apparatus for packing a container with powder of the present invention includes a suction pipe. The suction pipe includes an air separating portion implemented by a plurality of layers that are sieve nets or filters each having a particular mesh size. The air separating portion can therefore suck air contained in the powder over its entire periphery, enhancing dense, accurate packing of the container with the powder.

Abstract: A powder filling apparatus includes a first container configured to contain a powder. A weighing tank is configured to receive the powder from the first container and discharge a predetermined amount of the powder to a second container, which includes an opening configured to discharge the powder into the second container and a regulator configured to open and close the opening to discharge the predetermined amount of the powder into the second container. A connector is configured to feed the powder from the first container into the weighing tank.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for removing a gaseous bubble confined in a microvolume of liquid in a chamber. A source of liquid, a barrier region and an exit region are provided in fluid communication with the chamber. The source of liquid has an energy potential as regards movement of the gaseous bubble that is higher than the energy potential of the barrier region, the barrier region has a higher energy potential than the chamber, and the chamber has a higher energy potential than the exit region. The energy potential is reduced within the chamber, the source of liquid, the barrier region, and the exit region by an amount such that the energy within the gaseous bubble is sufficient to displace the gaseous bubble from the chamber through the barrier region and out the exit region and to fill the chamber with the liquid from the source.

Abstract: A fluid supplying system for LCD manufacturing equipment and a wet processing bath therefor are provided. The fluid supplying system includes a bath united with storage tank in which a fluid collection bath is united with a fluid storage tank. The storage tank having a small size is individually provided to each bath. Further, the body of the wet processing bath is made of a durable material with a chemical resistive material coated thereon. Therefore, the wet processing unit can be widely used regardless of the different types of chemical fluid.

Abstract: A unit for feeding powdery and/or granular products to containers includes a main body and a revolving funnel, through which the product reaches the main body. Driving means are provided for rotation of the revolving funnel with respect to the main body. Conveying and stirring means are carried by the funnel and driven into rotation within the main body to prevent formation of agglomerates.

Abstract: A transportable container for fluidizable solids includes a storage container adapted to contain the fluidizable solids is disclosed. The storage container defines an air inlet port for introducing fluidizing air into the storage container and a solids outlet port for discharging the solids from the storage container. A solids outlet conduit may be connected to the solids outlet port for supplying the solids to a downstream process or apparatus. An agitator is provided at the bottom end of the storage container for mixing and maintaining homogeneity of the solids in the fluidizing air. A fluid permeable fluidization membrane is disposed in the storage container below the agitator. The fluidization membrane defines an air chamber below the solids for introducing the fluidizing air into the solids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a powder filling method in which powder is filled in a powder box having a discharging port at its bottom segment, the powder box is moved over a cavity to be targeted while being slid on a die plate, thereafter the powder in the powder box is dropped into the cavity by its own gravitational force and filled there, wherein the powder in the powder box is applied with a mechanical agitation when the powder in the powder box is at least dropped into the cavity in the powder filling method for filling the powder in the powder box while being dropped at least into the cavity.

Abstract: A method wherein the particles are homogeneously distributed like rain to constitute a horizontal bed of particles on the entire section of the chamber (1). The invention is characterised in that it consists in temporarily modifying at least once the loading conditions, so that the profile of the surface (8) of the bed of particles forms, at least at the periphery thereof, an angle &agr; with the horizontal ranging between 6° and 25°, preferably, between 10° and 20°, and in subsequently restoring the loading conditions to obtain a horizontal bed.

Abstract: A hydraulic system servicing apparatus includes an old fluid holding vessel and a new fluid supply vessel with a selector valve which draws fluid from the holding vessel during flushing operations and draws fluid from the supply vessel during fluid replacement and bleeding operations. A pump moves the fluid through the selector valve and supplies it to a flow reversing valve which has a master cylinder line and a plurality of bleeder valve lines for connection to the hydraulic system. A shutoff valve is provided in each bleeder valve lines for directing fluid through the different branches of the hydraulic system. To flush the system, the flow reversing valve is cycled to circulate the fluid from the old fluid holding vessel in opposite directions and return it to the old fluid holding vessel. To replace the fluid and bleed the system, the fluid selector valve directs new fluid through the flow reversing valve into the system.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for simultaneously sterilizing a large number of packs (1) by means of a gas mixture containing hydrogen peroxide and a carrier gas. The apparatus comprises: supply lines (4) for the carrier gas and for hydrogen peroxide (5), a device (21) for evaporating hydrogen peroxide by heat and mixing it into the carrier gas, supply lines (4, 5) and a substantially horizontally extending distributor line (6, 22) and nozzles (3) which are arranged above the respective pack (1) and are connected to the distributor line (6, 22).

Abstract: A system is disclosed for the manufacture and use of a composite reinforced gas transport module (“GTM”). A metal shell of the system is wrapped circumferentially with a composite reinforcement, the composite reinforcement is post cured and the metal shell is then pressurized beyond the yield point of its material to load the composite reinforcement. The system is then brought to ambient temperature. The expansion deformation of the metal shell due to pressurization beyond the yield point results in a loading of the metal shell by the cured composite reinforcement at ambient temperature. Thus, a negative hoop stress condition is created in the metal shell at ambient to reduce the hoop stresses created during subsequent pressured operation.

Abstract: A mobile bulk materials bagging machine equipped to convert compacted bulk materials into baggable material of uniform consistency. The bagging machine includes a feed hopper which may be loaded with compacted bulk materials with heavy duty loaders. The bagging machine conducts a series of processing steps for converting compacted bulk material into a restructured material of a more uniform and free-flowing consistency for bagging. The operation of the bagging machine includes partitioning compacted bulk materials into segmented portions, agitating and leveling systems which, in cooperative association with electronic sensors for intermittently terminating the flow of feed materials, prevents excessive product build up and recompaction of the processed material into an unbaggable material.

Abstract: A container for use in a processing chamber to lessen the amount of contaminant particles found within the chamber after processing. The container fits closely within the chamber and includes ports for a gas conduit and a vacuum conduit. The container may be locked to the chamber through a locking mechanism and a recess in the container. The container may be guided into the chamber with a plurality of chamfers. The container may be used in inductively coupled plasma chambers, electron cyclotron resonance chambers, and chambers capable of receiving microwaves.

Abstract: A particulate material distribution device for evenly distributing particulate material in a silo, which includes a frame connected to a silo upper end. The frame supports a feeder conduit having a feeder end portion, which is at least partially positioned in an open end of the silo. The feeder conduit has a feeder conduit axis, which is generally parallel to a silo sidewall. The device includes a rotatable sweeper arm connected to the frame and positioned generally orthogonal relative to the feeder conduit axis. The rotatable sweeper arm is at least partially positioned in the open end of the silo and spaced apart from the feeder conduit end and having a sweeper arm axis of rotation which is generally parallel to the feeder conduit axis.

Abstract: An underground beverage chase system is provided for receiving a plurality of tubing installed therethrough for delivering food and beverage material from at least one location to at least another location through the underground chase system. The chase system includes various conduits including straight portions and those having enlarged radial bends which are fused together to form a leak-free system. The conduits are made from a high density polyethylene (HDPE) material.

Abstract: An assembly and method enhances particulate matter retention during the filling of a moving cavity. The assembly further reduces the tendency of particulate matter to come to rest at a point other than in the moving cavity. The assembly for enhancing particulate matter retention comprises a transport for continuously moving a stream of empty cavities in a downstream direction. The assembly further includes a feed for depositing particulate matter from a supply into the empty cavities on the transport. A vibrator engages the cavities on the transport thereby vibrating the cavities to enhance particulate matter retention within the cavities and to remove any excess particulate matter from areas adjacent the cavities. The assembly and method are particularly suited for efficiently filing cavities in a multiple component cigarette filter preform with carbon or similar type granules.

Abstract: A scoop is used to collect a liquid slurry upstream of an internal collection tank. The scoop is in fluid communication with a downcomer, which receives at least part of the collected slurry, thereby maintaining a continuous flow of liquid slurry through the scoop to prevent plugging. Collected slurry can be removed for treatment from the scoop or the downcomer. In an application to a wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) scrubber, the scoop collects an effluent slurry of partially reacted liquid scrubbing reagent and scrubbing byproducts before they drain into an internal reaction tank. Partially reacted liquid scrubbing reagent and scrubbing byproducts can therefore be withdrawn for treatment before the addition of fresh reagent alters the pH of the treatment stream.

Abstract: Liquids such as waste water are clarified in a compact unit consisting of a conditioning stage and of a solid/liquid separating stage. In order to allow the liquids to be clarified as completely as possible in a coherent step, the downward flowing suspension under the influence of gravity is forcibly subjected to a substantially vertical acceleration superimposed on the force of gravity. Preferably, the suspension is subjected to a combination of mechanical, magnetic and electric forces. Consequently, not only a largely complete clarification of the liquid is obtained, even when said liquid entrains the most different groups of substances, but also the dwelling time during the solid/liquid separation is shortened, and the dimensions of the clarification reactor are relatively reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for packing a container with powder of the present invention includes a suction pipe. The suction pipe includes an air separating portion implemented by a plurality of layers that are sieve nets or filters each having a particular mesh size. The air separating portion can therefore suck air contained in the powder over its entire periphery, enhancing dense, accurate packing of the container with the powder.

Abstract: A pathology distribution system 10 is provided for automated sample container 14, 15 distribution. The system 10 comprises a loading station 500 for loading samples in primary containers 14 of different types, a sample handling station 16 for receiving the containers 14 and identifying the container types and samples therein, and a container distribution station 38 for distributing the containers in areas or racks in the distribution station 38 marked for analyzing processes prescribed for the samples therein.