Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a gaseous product includes a horizontal container having inlet and outlet ports, an elongated hollow tube inside the container, a purifying medium inside the tube, inlet and outlet control means adapted to control delivery of the fluid to the inlet port and to control delivery of a gaseous product from the outlet port. The tube has a first opening, a second opening spaced apart from the first opening, and an internal axis between the first and second openings. The first opening is in fluid communication with the outlet port and the second opening is in fluid communication with a vapor space in the container. A portion of the internal axis adjacent the second opening is at an angle greater than zero degrees relative to the horizontal longitudinal axis of the container. Each of the inlet and outlet control means preferably are single ported valves.

Abstract: A system and multiple methods are described for removing dissolved gases from a liquid either prior to or following filling into a container. Prior to filling, gas is removed by creating a pressure differential, by application of heat, by sonication, or by generating a liquid by combination of dry solute and de-gassed solvent. Alternatively, liquids may be highly concentrated with solute to force any dissolved gas out of solution and later diluted with de-gassed solvents. In other embodiments, gases are percolated into liquids to displace atmospheric gases, wherein these percolated gases separate from solution and diffuse out of sealed contained after filling either by nature of their molecular size or chemical reaction with materials constructed into the container.

Abstract: A fill valve assembly for filling a flat bag with an inhomogeneous fluid or viscous product, comprises a valve head of a cross-section dimensioned to fit into the flat bag and having a an outlet for the product and an extension of the outlet, the outlet and outlet extension extending along a central longitudinal axis of the valve head, and at least two product supply passageways extending in the valve head substantially parallel to the outlet and outlet extension, each product supply passageway having an end section terminating in the outlet at an angle of 25° to 45°. A purging space adjoins the outlet extension along the central longitudinal axis. The purging space has a somewhat larger diameter than the outlet extension, and at least a part of the purging space is located in the valve head. A plunger comprising a piston and a piston rod moves the piston up and down through the outlet extension into three positions, the outlet and outlet extension having at least twice the length of the piston.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning candles in a candle filter using a cleaning fluid that flows inside the candle from the side of the filtrate, whereby said fluid is pressed in an opposite direction to the direction of the filtrate from the inside to the outside, through said candles, by a gaseous medium subjected to an overpressure. Water is or can be used as an appropriate cleaning fluid and air is used as a gaseous medium. The prior art teaches nozzle-shaped contractions that are respectively disposed on the outlet end of the candles or deflectors arranged inside the candle at a distance from said contractions, whereby the in-flowing cleaning fluid is deflected towards all sides in the direction of the inner walls of the candles, are provided for distribution of said cleaning fluid.

Abstract: An automated baby formula bottle filler for providing formula for a baby's bottle from powdered formula. The automated baby formula bottle filler includes a housing having an interior space. The interior space is for holding water. A motor compartment coupled to the housing. The motor compartment is positioned in the interior space. A first funnel assembly is positioned in the interior space for dispensing baby formula powder. A second funnel assembly is positioned in the interior space for dispensing water. A control panel is coupled to the housing. The control panel includes a powdered formula dispenser control, a water dispenser control.

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 device for laying dust contained in a flow of bulk product during transfer thereof includes a divergent cone onto whose outside surface the product is directed from a feed pipe to form a tubular layer of product. A mounting device holds the cone in the flow of product leaving the feed pipe and at least one device fixed to the mounting device sprays a moistening liquid to moisten the inside envelope of the layer of product. The spray device has at least one central nozzle in a spray moistening area downstream of the cone to moisten the part of the inside envelope of the product layer downstream of the cone. The structure of the device is such that the thickness of the tubular layer of the flow of product can be freely chosen at least until the flow leaves the area, the layer thereafter retaining its hollow annular shape. Applications include laying dust contained in grain when it is transferred into cells of a storage silo.

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 closure for a transportable container used in the transfer of materials to or from an enclosed process area is described. The container docks with a port in a wall of the process area forming a sealed connecting chamber which is sterilized by irradiation. Communication between the interiors of the container and the process area is then established. The closure has a collar and a lid, which portions are formed so that all the surfaces which form part of the connecting chamber in use are in the direct line of the sterilizing radiation, which is normally ultra-violet or pulsed white light radiation. No relevant surface is shadowed from the radiation. The lid may be formed integrally with the collar with a thin web separating the two to define a fracture line. The lid is provided with a grip which can be grasped from within the process area. Application of a pulling force to the grip causes the lid to be pealed away from the collar without the generation of particulates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a pharmaceutical product in a micronised form. The pharmaceutical product is delivered at a predetermined flow rate from a gravimetric feeding device into a delivery line. An air compressor generates an air stream which is delivered along an airline into which the pharmaceutical product delivery line is discharged for delivering the product to a microniser which micronises the product to a desired size range. The micronised product is delivered through a cyclone filter apparatus from which the micronised product is collected through an outlet valve to a storage drum.

Abstract: An injection device is operable to force a treatment fluid into a refrigerant circuit having an R-134a service fitting thereon and includes a tubular container in which the treatment fluid is disposed. The container has an outlet structure with a body section adapted to sealingly receive and open the service fitting, and a rotatable nut portion operative to deform the body section and releasably lock it onto the service fitting. A hollow plunger member is threaded into the container and may be (1) threadingly advanced into the container to force the treatment fluid outwardly therefrom into the refrigerant circuit, or (2) serve as a conduit through which a pressurized driving fluid may be forced into the container to drive the treatment fluid into the refrigerant circuit. Inlet and outlet check valve structures are incorporated into the device to prevent undesirable fluid backflow therethrough.

Abstract: An interchangeable additive injection apparatus provides a plurality of flow paths from one or more upstream additive tanks to one or more downstream fuel containers. A plurality of additive lines converge into an additive conduit at a manifold disposed within the apparatus. A plurality of valves associated with the additive lines are selectively opened and closed to isolate one of the flow paths. A metering device is disposed along the additive conduit for measuring the flow of additive therethrough. A reversible, multiple port housing surrounds at least the valves and manifold. In a forward orientation, a plurality of upstream ports are coupled to upstream additive tanks, and a downstream port is coupled to a fuel tank. By reversing the housing, the apparatus is placed in a reverse orientation wherein the upstream port is connected to an upstream additive tank and a plurality of downstream ports are connected to downstream fuel tanks.

Abstract: A powder feeding method includes the steps of injecting a gaseous medium into a powder material held in a hopper from a porous wall forming a funnel at a bottom part of said hopper, such that the injection of the gaseous medium is carried out intermittently.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for aseptically producing, harvesting and packaging a pharmaceutical product. A section of the apparatus includes an aseptic reactor and structure for introducing a reactant thereinto so that a reaction can be conducted for the purpose of producing a pharmaceutical product. The pharmaceutical product is subsequently introduced into a filter/dryer for the purpose of recovering the pharmaceutical product. Thereafter, the filtered/dried pharmaceutical product is delivered to a hammer mill for delumping or a micronizing mill for calibration and sizing the recovered product to produce a final powdered product. Thereafter, the final powdered product is introduced into a dosing device and aseptically introduced into a transportable bin. The small bins are encased inside of a sterile bag for transport and further aseptic handling.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the flow properties of finely divided powders is provided. The method includes (a) agglomerating the powder by passing it through a screw feeder; and (b) spheronizing the agglomerates. The method preferably further includes (c) sizing the spheronized agglomerates. Spheronization is preferably accomplished by tumbling the agglomerates in a tilted rotating container.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the automatic quantitative filling of powdered or granulated samples for analytic measurement purposes as well as a shaking and holding device for sample substances utilized therefor with which precisely admeasured amounts of the sample substance can be filled into a measuring vessel. The shaking device permits the sample substance to be filled in a continuous, slow and defined flowing stream. The shaking and holding of the sample vessel transpires preferentially pneumatically.

Abstract: A method of packaging meat emulsion in a flexible thermoplastic bag, wherein the bag has dispersed on its insides, prior to insertion of the meat emulsion into the bag, additives such as liquid colorant or liquid smoke, via a squeeze roller and backing plate (or two squeeze rollers), is shown. An apparatus for dispersing the additives via a squeeze roller and backing plate (or two squeeze rollers) is also shown.

Abstract: A method of packaging meat emulsion in a flexible thermoplastic bag, wherein the bag has dispersed on its insides, prior to insertion of the meat emulsion into the bag, additives such as liquid colorant or liquid smoke, via a squeeze roller and backing plate (or two squeeze rollers), is shown. An apparatus for dispersing the additives via a squeeze roller and backing plate (or two squeeze rollers) is also shown.

Abstract: An extremely compact and accurate device for simultaneously dispensing a plurality of liquids in individually pre-set volumes having: (1) substantially identical radially arranged sets having: a positive displacement metering piston pump, a fluid reservoir which houses a tint, a stirrer, and a valve spring; (2) an interconnecting passage connects the sets to respective dispensing nozzles; (3) a drive plate which moves the pistons and the stirrers between two pre-determined vertical positions for pumping and mixing the fluid; (4) a value for controllably diverting individual liquids independently in predetermined amounts from normally returning from the pumps to the reservoirs to move instead from the pump to small circularly arranged discharge nozzles; (5) a mechanism for aligning paint containers for tint dispensing; and (6) a solvent saturation system for reducing evaporation of fluid.

Abstract: An aqueous cadmium oxide paste of high flowability for the vibration filling of foam-structure and fiber-structure electrode plaques is characterized by a cadmium oxide content of about 25 to 35% by volume, a pH of about 10 to 12.5, a content of about 0.5 to 2.5% by weight, based on cadmium oxide, of one or more dispersants from the group comprising the water-soluble salts of polyphosphoric acids, di- and polyphosphonic acids and their derivatives, gluconic acid or of antimonyl tartrate. The paste has a plastic viscosity of about 0.1 to 1 Pa.s and also a yield value of between about 10 and 120 Pa. This cadmium oxide paste makes it possible to fill foam-structure and fiber-structure electrode plaques completely in one operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of producing reduced lactose milk products by processing raw milk through an ultra high temperature pasteurizer and simultaneously injecting the raw milk and 0.5-3 milliliters per container of lactase enzyme into containers, and immediately sealing the containers, and holding the sealed containers for a predetermined time.

Abstract: By means of a combined heat/internal pressure treatment, reusable bottles of plastic material have their volume enlarged before they are filled. The shrinkage caused by cleaning with a hot cleaning liquid is thus compensated for and the attainable number of cycles is substantially increased.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for reconstituting dry pharmaceuticals and other materials in which a peristaltic pump controlled by a timer automatically dispenses the desired amount of solvent to reconstitute a pharmaceutical at an appropriate concentration and an agitator, preferably also controlled by the timer, mixes the pharmaceutical and solvent.

Abstract: An LNG refueling facility includes a nozzle for mating with the receptacle on a motor vehicle to deliver a flow of LNG to the vehicle's tank. The nozzle is supplied with a flow of dry gas to purge moisture-laden air from around surfaces which mate with the receptacle to prevent freezing of moisture on the mating surfaces when the nozzle turns very cold. The nozzle also includes a boot enclosing mechanical linkages for latching the nozzle to the receptacle. Dry gas is supplied to the interior of the boot to displace air from around the mechanical linkages and thereby prevent moisture from freezing onto the mechanical linkages.

Abstract: Floating roof storage tanks are modified to include a foam surge tank, a low-pressure blower and a foam generator for generating vapor-suppressing foam during withdrawal of liquid from the storage tank and after the floating roof reaches its lowest elevation in the storage tank so that the tank space previously occupied by volatile liquid is provided with a vapor-suppressing foam blanket during liquid withdrawal and refill. The surge tank is mounted directly on the floating roof and discharges its foam through an opening in the roof into the tank storage space. During liquid refill the foam may be forced out through a vent conduit onto the roof of the tank and dissolved and recovered.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for reconstituting dry pharmaceuticals and other materials in which a peristaltic pump controlled by a timer automatically dispenses the desired amount of solvent to reconstitute a pharmaceutical at an appropriate concentration and an agitator, preferably also controlled by the timer, mixes the pharmaceutical and solvent.

Abstract: A method for the vibration filling of foam-structure or fiber-structure electrode plaques for galvanic cells, particularly for electrical accumulators, totally immerses one or more electrode plaques in a vibrating paste of active mass which has an active mass content of about 25 to 60 vol %, a maximum granulometry of the active particles of about 0.04 mm and in the unvibrated state a yield value of about 10 to 120 Pa and a plastic viscosity of about 0.1 to 1 Pas at 20.degree. C. The paste is preferably set in vibration with a frequency of about 40 to 125 Hz and an amplitude of about 0.1 to 1.5 mm by a vibration transmitter fitted inside the tank containing the paste.

Abstract: A microgravity dispenser system including a carbonator, metering device and cup filler for dispensing a still or carbonated beverage in the microgravity conditions of outer space.

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

Abstract: In order to fill a container having a check valve with a spontaneously foaming filling material, the latter is introduced through the check valve already mounted at the container. In a piston arrangement as the filling device, filling material to be filled in is sucked into a mixing chamber (65) by means of a metering piston (60), foam gas is injected through the piston rod (58) of this piston, filling material and gas are mixed by means of a mixing piston (56), then forced by means of the metering piston (60) through the check valve into the container. This prevents frothing of the filling material, intermixed with foam gas, at any point in time between mixing and filling. During mixing, slight foaming is desirable in order to increase the absorption capacity for the foam gas.

Abstract: A microgravity dispenser system including a carbonator, metering device and cup filler for dispensing a still or carbonated beverage in the microgravity conditions of outer space.

Abstract: A foaming apparatus for driving out residual air from containers, especially bottles, that are filled with liquid material that can foam. The apparatus has a nozzle mechanism that cooperates with a control device and is disposed above a conveying section. To foam the material in the containers and to drive out the residual air from the latter as they move past below the nozzle mechanism, the latter is provided with a plurality of individual nozzles that in the conveying direction of the conveying section are fixedly disposed one after the other above the path of movement of the containers, with the spray nozzles being adapted to communicate with a common supply channel for the medium that induces foaming. Each spray nozzle is furthermore provided with a separately controllable control valve for establishing the communication of the spray nozzles with the supply channel.

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

Abstract: Modular apparatus for mixing, storing, metering and dispensing flowable materials wherein the modules constitute standard containers for shipment of bulk and other goods and the containers confine and/or support various material treating units. The apparatus can treat and/or store two or more different types of flowable material which are stored separately or in admixture to one another. The containers can be assembled into a group which contains superimposed horizontal and/or upright containers.

Abstract: A valve station for interconnecting boreholes in a seabed has a buoy anchored to the seabed and secured to a tanker whereby the buoy serves to anchor the tanker. Valves are provided on the buoy for connecting a plurality of separate pipelines extending from the boreholes to a common pipeline on the tanker. The buoy has an upstanding pipe extending through a shaft space in the stern of the tanker to a swivel connecting the pipe to the common pipeline on the tanker.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing particulate agglomerating solids in accordance with the invention includes a container for holding the particulate solids to be dispensed having a foraminous discharge disposed at the bottom of the container; apparatus for applying agitation to the particulate solids within the container to break up agglomerations to cause the solid to be free flowing through the foraminous discharge; a transporting mechanism disposed beneath the discharge with a top surface along which the solids flow from a receiving area upon which the solids fall upon the application of agitation to the solids to a discharge area having an end from which the solids are discharged, the top surface being substantially flat at the receiving area and being sloped downward from the receiving area to the discharge area; apparatus for applying vibrations to the transporting mechanism for causing the solids to flow from the receiving area to the discharge area; and a controller for causing the activation of the apparat

Abstract: A sleeve is provided to be retrofitted to a diesel fuel tank filling nozzle that has selective leaching properties such that an antifoamant agent, such as a silicon compound, migrates in a selective manner to the surface of the sleeve intermittent to passage of the diesel fuel over the sleeve. An initial gust of the diesel fuel will carry the antifoamant material from the nozzle sleeve into the consumer's fuel tank where it exhibits antifoaming activities and thereby permits a top-up of the diesel fuel tank of the vehicle.

Abstract: Dressing or preserving liquid filling unit for vacuum filling machines, comprising a valving member for the introduction of dressing liquid, formed by a lower body sealingly associable with a can or the like, and an upper body which is connected to the lower body and pivotable relatively thereto to take a variety of operational positions. The rotation of the upper body with respect to the lower one is accomplished through a cam following element which is connected to a rod extending axially from the upper body, which engages with a camming path correspondingly arranged along the processing path followed by cans to be filled.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging products such as dusty powders are provided. The apparatus is an enclosed housing (e.g., a glove box) with an open lower end and having two glove openings with gloves attached, an opening for attaching a waste disposal bag thereto, and an optional opening for attaching a bag for product samples. The glove box has means for securing a bag in a filling position around the lower end and has the discharge end of a product fill pipe extending into the open lower end. There are vacuum means for applying a vacuum to the inside of the glove box and for applying a vacuum from the inside through apertures circumferentially arranged around the lower edge of the glove box.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the elimination of foam above the level of the liquid in a container. The foam is collapsed by the application of high frequency wave radiation thereto.

Abstract: To remove air from pouches filled with foodstuffs or other products prior to sealing, equipment has been used which opens the top of the pouch, inserts a nozzle, injects steam through the nozzle, draws the edges of the top of the pouch together and then seals the top edges. The present invention is an improvement in the nozzle construction which prevents droplets of water from condensing on the top edges of the pouch, a deficiency of the prior art which inhibits an air-tight seal. The nozzle has an inner tube with a flared terminus which is lowered into the pouch, the tube being surrounded by a jacket connected to a source of saturated steam at about 50-60 psi. An adjustable pressure reducing orifice interconnects the jacket and tube so that the steam pressure emitted from the terminus is reduced to near atmospheric pressure and the temperature is increased to about (270.degree.-290.degree. F.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for filling cans with measured amounts of wet material, having improved methods and procedures for the conveying and controlling the feeding of such materials. Feeding from a conveyer belt employs a deflecting barrier having two or more adjacent rotating rollers. The height of the column of material maintained in an upright tube of the can filling unit is controlled by an electrical probe assembly and associated electronic circuitry. The probe of the assembly is positioned above the column of material, and the arrangement is such that when it is contacted by the upper surface of the column, the associated circuitry effects a reduction in the feed of material to the column.

Abstract: A device for use in loading heat sensitive material into sealable containers having an inert gas flow control assembly for substantially reducing contact of the material with oxygen during loading.

Abstract: A method for filling containers with predetermined amounts of food material (e.g., leafy vegetable, like fresh blanched spinach). It employs a vertically extending tube having removable cut-off means at its lower end. The food material is supplied to the upper end of the tube in loose uncompacted form, and as it moves downwardly into the tube a column of the material is formed which provides progressively increased gravity compaction toward the lower end of the tube. Lower end portions of this column are recurrently cut off and caused to be transferred to containers being filled. Also apparatus for carrying out the method including the vertical tube into which the material is fed and having cut-off means at its lower end. Also, means is provided for continuously shaking the tube with a vertically directed stroke.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the distribution of composite mixtures into an initially open mold, such as the components utilized in the manufacture of frictional components containing asbestos. The apparatus includes a hopper or reservoir for holding and dispensing the mixture onto a collection surface and, suitable means for moving the collection surface relative to the hopper. A deflector is mounted below the hopper, while supply and feed rotors, separated by a reciprocator means are carried within the hopper. Means are further provided for driving the deflector, rotors and reciprocator. The apparatus may further include means for sweeping and levelling the composite mixture in the mold.