Abstract: Particulate chromatography medium such as silica is packed into a chromatography column (2) along a feed conduit (16, 18) leading to a packing port (1) through the column wall. A motive flow of a liquid packing vehicle such as a non-polar organic solvent is established along a feed conduit by a pump (111). The medium, for example silica which is poorly compatible with low-polarity vehicles, is easily entrained in the motive flow by introducing it into the feed conduit (16, 18) via an ejector (30). This avoids subjecting the medium to the action of a mechanical pump.

Abstract: A method for filling a receiver with expanded fibers includes the steps of feeding at least one bundle of fibers from at least one roving; introducing the at least one bundle into a portable tool having a manual gripping element, a spray nozzle, an air supply device connected for supplying air to the nozzle, an extraction system configured to hold the at least one bundle and feed the at least one bundle to the nozzle, and an inlet guide positioned to guide the at least one bundle to the extraction system; and using the air supply device to expand the fibers of the at least one bundle in said spray nozzle, and spray the expanded fibers into the receiver.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a predetermined volume of a liquid (18) comprises a reservoir (12) for the liquid, a channel (13) provided with an outlet (16) for conveying the liquid (18) from the reservoir to the outlet, and means for generating a pulse of gas. The apparatus is arranged such that the flow of gas causes a predetermined volume of liquid to be ejected from the outlet. The outlet comprises a pair of openings in the channel which face one another, the liquid being retained between the openings by surface tension in the absence of a flow of gas. The gas flow is directed towards one of said openings in use. The apparatus may be used to dispense volumes of a liquid reagent in the range 1 nl to 2 &mgr;l. The apparatus avoids contamination of the liquid, and dispensing head construction allows devices to be low cost disposable units. The apparatus is less sensitive to liquid viscosity than existing devices.

Abstract: A system for strengthening containers in a high-speed filling operation is disclosed. The system includes a supply tank having an intake line connected to a source of liquefied gas. A solenoid-driven injector apparatus positioned at an angle to the containers is connected via another intake line to the supply tank. A back pressure regulator controls the pressure within the supply tank and the injector apparatus. A liquid level control valve within the supply tank prevents liquefied gas from entering the back pressure regulator. Upon sensing the presence of a container, a sensor actuates a solenoid which opens an injector valve, allowing liquefied gas within a chamber to forcibly flow through an outflow line into the container. The solenoid is then deactivated, closing the injector valve and blocking the liquefied gas within the chamber from entering the outflow line. The injector apparatus also includes a heater positioned adjacent to the outflow line and an adjustment device for the injector valve.

Abstract: A multiple panel is manufactured having individual panels in each of which a sealing material surrounds a pixel region and peripheral driver circuit regions. At least a part of the sealing material in the respective panels is provided with seal openings to enable a liquid crystal material to be injected into the inside of the sealing material. A single or a plurality of injection holes leading to the seal openings to permit the liquid crystal material to pass are formed on a side among the peripheral portion of the multiple panel. Vacuum injection method is carried out in a vacuum chamber, and the liquid crystal material is injected into the inside of the sealing material of the respective panels over the pixel regions and the peripheral driver circuit regions from the injection hole through the seal openings of the respective panels. Thereafter, the multiple panel is separated into individual panels.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging a flowable material from a container having a discharge duct comprises support means for supporting the container, preferably in the form of a conical hopper having a central aperture, a clamping enclosure extending downwardly from the hopper, a discharge duct having its mouth located inside the enclosure and facing upwardly towards the aperture in the hopper, and an annular clamping ring inside the enclosure, the ring being movable so as to clamp the spout of the container against the mouth of the discharge duct. Preferably, the enclosure is substantially sealed, with reclosable access openings provided in a front wall of the enclosure through which the spout of the container can be manually handled. The enclosure is also provided with vacuum means to create a negative pressure in the enclosure and therefore prevent release of the contents of the container into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A volumetric dosing system for bulk material utilizes a telescoping measuring container in which the upper portion carries the upper limit sensor for the height of the bulk material in the container and extends into the lower container below the level of the bulk material therein. Upper and lower closures are controlled by this sensor and another sensor detecting the system. The unit is disposed between a mixer and a silo.

Abstract: A four-tube bottling system that greatly reduces the oxygen or other air-borne contaminants in bottled beverages. The apparatus allows for the injecting of inert gas into the bottom of the container while the atmosphere escapes through the forth tube near the top of the container. With this method the air in the container is eliminated before the liquid is poured. This apparatus virtually eliminates contaminants from contact with the beverage during the filling process by purging existing atmosphere form the bottle.

Abstract: A solenoid valve is provided that includes a valve body (14) having an inlet duct (18), an outlet duct (24) and a plurality of sequentially operated solenoid actuators arranged in a circular configuration for selectively bringing these two ducts into communication with each other. The valve body includes at least two separate passages (19, 20) which connect the inlet duct to the outlet duct, and each of the solenoid actuators operates to periodically and selectively close off one of said passages. The solenoid valve finds particular application in inerting and pressurizing bottles containing still liquids with nitrogen.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in filling a container from a hopper containing a supply of particulate material is provided. The apparatus includes a conduit operably connected to the hopper and extending downwardly therefrom. The conduit is adapted to permit a flow of particulate material therewithin. The apparatus also includes a nozzle assembly operably connected to the conduit and extending downwardly therefrom. The nozzle assembly defines an inlet thereof for receiving particulate material from the conduit and defines an outlet thereof for dispensing particulate material from the nozzle assembly to the container. A conveyor within the conduit assists in providing the flow of particulate material from the hopper to the container.

Abstract: An improved pressurizable wide mouthed vessel is provided which is capable of storing beverages under pressure and also of being used as a drinking vessel. The wide mouthed drinking vessel is closed by a closure urging a seal to sealingly engage the vessel. The closure is so configured that when the vessel is pressurized, the closure is deformed to transmit additional pressure to the seal to effect tighter sealing engagement with the vessel. The closure has pressure release means for venting the vessel in order to release the pressure on the seal, and so allow the closure to be more readily removed from the mouth of the vessel.

Abstract: A controlled environment gassing system is provided for removing the existing environment from containers. The existing environment may be purged by passing the containers along a gas distribution manifold disposed parallel to the direction of travel of the containers. The manifold includes at least one region of flow resistance disposed parallel to the direction of travel, and the manifold may have a width less than the width of the container and/or screen openings sized to provide a laminarized flow, for supplying a controlled environment gas flushing stream continuously and at substantially steady state to the containers. As the containers pass along the manifold, the controlled environment flushing gas creates an optimal flow pattern which consistently and steadily removes the existing environment from the containers while preventing the flushing gas from drawing in air. Return gas chambers are provided to retrieve the gasses exiting the container as they are purged.

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing product to a controlled environment includes a rail top, a rail base, and a longitudinally oriented gas limiting member including two sections connected at their longitudinal ends and providing a gap between the sections. The controlled environment gas may be provided to one longitudinal end of a baffle positioned in a channel region formed in the rail top. The gas is distributed along a longitudinally oriented baffle which is aligned with a gassing element positioned in the rail base. A T-shaped port block may be attached to the rail top and engage with a bracket and adjustment member for positioning.

Abstract: A gas exchange device designed to displace existing air or gas inside a pressurizable or inflatable article with an inert, dry gas such as nitrogen. The gas exchange device includes an elongated injection tube which inserts into a valve or opening of a pressurizable or inflatable article. As an inert gas is injected into the article through the elongated injection tube, the interior gas is exhausted through the article valve or opening into an exhaust receiving orifice. The exhausted gas is controlled so that it may be monitored for moisture content.

Abstract: A steam outlet tube assembly for preparing beverages includes a steam tube having a terminal length portion including an outlet end. The outlet end of the first conduit is located at the terminal length portion of the steam tube. There is further provided a second conduit having an outlet end communicating with the steam tube at the terminal length portion thereof; and a mechanism for selectively placing the second conduit into an unblocked position and into a blocked position. In the unblocked position the steam passing through the steam tube draws liquid through the first conduit and draws air through the second conduit to effect a discharge of a steam/liquid/air mixture through the outlet end of the steam tube. In the blocked position the steam passing through the steam tube draws liquid through the first conduit, to effect a discharge of solely a steam/liquid mixture through the outlet end of the steam tube.

Abstract: A machine for metering pharmaceutical products into containers, each presenting, at least one given portion, a seat for a pharmaceutical product in the form of small-size particles; a conveyor being provided to convey the containers in a given direction through an operating station; a metering unit being provided for feeding the product into the containers by means of at least one dispenser; the dispenser presenting a number of nozzles for receiving the product from a hopper of the dispenser and subsequently feeding the product into the seat and a dispensing device for regulating flow of the product through the nozzles.

Abstract: A process for introducing an aroma into the headspace of a package containing a food product during the gas packaging of the food product which comprises introducing a modified atmosphere into the headspace, and introducing a food acceptable aroma dissolved in a liquid food acceptable gas under pressure into the headspace of the package.

Abstract: A method for filling a liquid crystal (LC) cell with liquid crystal comprises the step of placing the LC cell having a LC cavity therein and LC inlet openings in its top and bottom edges, in a vacuum chamber which encloses upper and lower LC supply members each having a LC-impregnated yarn exposed through a slot therein. The method includes the steps of evacuating the vacuum chamber, moving the LC supply members to bring the yarns into contact with the top and bottom inlet openings of the cell, and returning the chamber to an atmospheric pressure to thereby cause liquid crystal to be sucked into the LC cavity through the inlet openings. Apparatus for filling a LC cell with liquid crystal is also provided.

Abstract: A gravity dispensing unit for filling containers with powdered material, wherein a vessel for powdered material presents, underneath, at least one dispenser with a central supply conduit in turn presenting a shutter and made of porous material; the supply conduit extending in fluidtight manner through an annular chamber for receiving pressurized fluid, and through an annular intake manifold surrounding the annular chamber and presenting an annular, downward-facing inlet.

Abstract: A liquid is charged into a container through a liquid charging opening, which is formed at an upper end of the container. The container comprises a bottom for self-support, which is formed at a lower end of the container and causes the container to be supported by itself, and a pleated expansible part, which is formed at a middle region between the upper end and the lower end of the container and which expands or contracts vertically and causes the volume of the container to change due to at least a predetermined value of vertical load when the vertical load is given to the container. The container is fed into a liquid charging system, while the container is being supported by itself and the pleated expansible part is being contracted. Thereafter, when or before the liquid is charged by the liquid charging system into the container, at least the predetermined value of vertical load is given to the container, and the pleated expansible part is thereby caused to expand by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A pneumatic pellet transportation apparatus loads a predetermined quantity of dry ice pellets into an empty container while simultaneously evacuating the containers of dead air. The apparatus includes an aerator for fluidizing the dry ice pellets into a moving stream of compressed air. A container interface unit directs the fluidized dry ice pellets into an opening provided in the container. A method of using the pneumatic pellet transportation apparatus includes deactivating an auger well before the aerator is deactivated in order to clear the vacuum insulated transport conduit for efficient utilization of dry ice pellet resources.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for venting volatile organic compound vapors from a liquid storage vessel which includes the steps of introducing a purge medium to a liquid storage vessel containing volatile organic compound vapors and establishing an uniform and continuous stratified interface between the purge medium and the volatile organic compound vapors. The introduction of the purge medium is continued causing the continuous stratified interface to move within the vessel purging the undiluted volatile organic compound vapors from the vessel and into a vapor recovery line which delivers the volatile organic compound vapors to a vapor handling device. Preferably, the purge medium comprises carbon dioxide or nitrogen.

Abstract: A vacuum chamber is provided for the development of latent fingerprints, having a first and second end, and end plates sealing the first end, a removable end plate for sealing the second end to form a vacuum chamber by assembly of the wall end plates. In addition, the chamber wall and end plates define three passageways, a vacuum gauge passageway, an inlet passageway and an outlet passageway. The outlet passageway is connected to a conduit which is connected to the inlet of a vacuum pump. The outlet of the vacuum pump is connected to a conduit connected to a valve assembly, and the valve assembly is connected to a recycle conduit, and the recycle conduit is connected to the inlet passageway. The valve assembly has a first position whereby gases within the chamber are vented to the atmosphere and recycle is prevented, and a second position in which recycle of gases remaining in the chamber is permitted while venting to the atmosphere is prevented.

Abstract: A row of open top containers travelling on a conveyor is purged of oxygen by passing the containers along a gas distribution manifold disposed parallel to the direction of travel of the containers. The manifold includes at least one region of lower flow resistance disposed parallel to the direction of travel, for supplying a higher velocity inert gas flushing stream continuously and at substantially steady state to the containers. The manifold also includes at least one region of higher flow resistance disposed parallel to the direction of travel, for supplying a lower velocity inert gas region along the containers, continuously and at substantially steady state. As the containers pass along the manifold, the inert flushing gas steadily removes oxygen from the containers, while the lower velocity inert gas region prevents the flushing gas from drawing in air.

Abstract: A readily cleaned liquid transfer system is designed for use with an associated vessel or container, such as a barrel, having therein a liquid to be removed. The system comprises a recirculation loop, a transfer manifold, and a transfer hose for providing flow communication between the transfer manifold and the recirculation loop. The transfer manifold has an inlet port which is located at about the bottom of the barrel, and an outlet port. The recirculation loop which has water flowing therethrough which is used as a diluent, also includes an eductor pump. The eductor pump hydrodynamically drives or draws the liquid in the barrel, through the transfer manifold and the transfer hose, into the recirculation loop. The recirculation loop discharges a blended product to a product tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for venting volatile organic compound vapors from a liquid storage vessel which includes the steps of introducing a purge medium to a liquid storage vessel containing volatile organic compound vapors and establishing an uniform and continuous stratified interface between the purge medium and the volatile organic compound vapors. The introduction of the purge medium is continued causing the continuous stratified interface to move within the vessel purging the undiluted volatile organic compound vapors from the vessel and into a vapor recovery line which delivers the volatile organic compound vapors to a vapor handling device. Preferably, the purge medium comprises carbon dioxide or nitrogen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flavoring coffee with a particular flavoring ingredient in situ within the package. The apparatus includes a hopper for containing a supply of coffee and a connected feed tube through which the coffee is delivered in measured amounts into the lower end of a tube of sheet material or web which is being continuously formed about the coffee feed tube to define the package for the coffee. A flavoring feed tube connected in communication to a reservoir containing a supply of flavoring material is disposed along the coffee feed tube and through which the flavoring material is circulated for injecting a predetermined amount of flavoring material into the coffee being delivered into the lower end of the continuously formed tube. The lower end of the continuous tube containing the predetermined amount of coffee and flavoring material is thereafter sealed and separated from the remainder of the continuous tube to define an individual package of flavored coffee, and the sequence repeated.

Abstract: An unmanned conveying device for a clean room is capable of restraining a spontaneous oxide film from growing in case that an unmanned carriage is obliged to stop for a long time due to its own cause of a cause at a destination spot while it conveys a semiconductor wafer from one spot to the destination spot. It is a first aspect of the invention to provide the unmanned conveying device which is self-propelled for conveying an object from a ground facility to a destination spot while loading an object to be conveyed thereon, characterized in that the object is accommodated in a container and the container is connected to an inert gas reservoir through a gas supply passage so that the atmosphere in the container can be replaced by a nitrogen gas.

Abstract: A system for unloading powdered or granular materials from a container made of flexible material, the system including a line supplying compressed gas to the interior of the container to fluidize the material in the container, and a delivery conduit which may be attached to the container for delivering fluidized material from the container. A pair of arms are movable between a first position in which they are spaced from the container and a second position in which they engage and squeeze the container. Vibrators are provided for vibrating the container. The action of the arms and the vibrators facilitates unloading by breaking up clumps of the material in the container and preventing the formation of air pockets and material bridging.

Abstract: The plant, which is used in the working of fruits such as applies and similar, collects the fruits (9) from water conveyor channels (6), and inserts them below a bell (3), from which the fruit will successively be transferred, by force of gravity, inside container bins (1); the bell (3), apart from being capable of axial movement, is capable also of translation movement which allows it to be positioned over various transport channels, with which a plant is usually equipped; the bell (3) further comprises an aspiration pump (10) which creates a vacuum inside it, so as to favor the accumulation of fruit inside the bell (3).

Abstract: The invention is directed to an annular vessel for holding radioactive soions which contain solids. The vessel has an inclined bottom and a discharge at the lowest point of the vessel. A plurality of pulsators charged with air are mounted in the ring-shaped interior of the vessel so as to extend into the solution. The pulsators operate to completely and evenly discharge the undissolved solids out of the vessel with the flow of solution and to prevent sedimentation. At their bottom ends, the pulsators have respective outlet nozzles which are arranged parallelly to the vessel bottom and are directed toward the lowest point thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling an open top carton with a liquid product and liquidating the foam generated during the filling of the carton. A plurality of dispensers sequentially fill the carton with the liquid product. A defoamer introduces a spray of high velocity particles into the foam in the container to break down and liquidate the foam. After the foam is dissipated, the top of the carton is sealed.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide storage and dispensing apparatus and method for storing carbon dioxide which is characterized by a pressure vessel designed to hold carbon dioxide liquid and vapor, which pressure vessel is insulated to control heat input and includes a refrigeration system, fill and withdrawal piping, a fill line mixer provided in the fill line for rapidly mixing incoming liquid carbon dioxide with carbon dioxide in the vapor phase, a volume gauge, heating rod for introducing heat into the vessel and associated operating and safety control devices. The pressure vessel may be characterized by a horizontal or vertical tank and is designed to provide the user with an uninterrupted supply of carbon dioxide gas or liquid, while at the same time overcoming many of the problems associated with currently available carbon dioxide storage and dispensing equipment.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuously producing bottled beverages and closing bottles with caps, each bottle having an externally threaded mouth and having been charged with a liquid product for drinking, the apparatus includes a timing screw for advancing bottles continuously at fixed spatial intervals, each bottle having an externally threaded mouth and having been charged with a liquid product for drinking. An inlet star wheel having a plurality of recesses at the periphery thereof at fixed spatial intervals is provided. The recesses receive bottles with externally threaded mouths that have been conveyed by the timing screw. A cap release applies caps onto the threaded mouths of bottles. A nozzle ejects a stream of a non-oxidizing gas into bottles with the nozzle being situated immediately ahead of the cap release. A capper having a plurality of recesses at the periphery thereof at fixed spatial intervals is provided.

Abstract: A gassing apparatus for breaking bubbles at the surface of a newly filled bubbling product (beer) and thereafter removing air from the head space above the surface of the product. The gassing apparatus includes a new bubble breaker which provides for the breaking of the bubbles at lower than customary gas pressure followed by a gassing rail which is of sufficient length and gassing apertures to permit full air removal notwithstanding variations in head space. Preferably the bubble breakers are used in pairs with the gas in the second bubble breaker being at a pressure less than that in the first.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a prefilled single-dose syringe.It comprises a station (12) for supplying the ampoules (2), a station (13) for pregassing the ampoules (2), a station (14) for filling-gassing the ampoules (2), a station (15) for supplying the injector bodies (3), equipped with their needle-holder covering cap (4), a station (16) for assembling the ampoules (2) and the injector bodies (3), a station (19) for final control of the syringe (1), a station (22) for release of the syringes accepted by the final control station, a station (20) for quantitative control of gassing of the syringes, a station (21) for qualitative control of gassing of the syringes.

Abstract: A combined camp stove or camp lantern fuel tank reservoir cap and pressurizing assembly is presented in which a fuel tank cap body is adapted to include a hollow check-valve assembly base on the top thereof. Into the check-valve assembly base is inserted a check valve assembly. The cap body has an aperture therein so as to be fluidly connected to the base when a compressed air nipple from a hose is inserted into the check-valve assembly. The compressed air flows through the base, past a gasket in the body having a slit therein for air passage and through the body to pressurize a fuel reservoir.

Abstract: A wettable spray box for dispensing wettable agricultural spray powders in a tank of spray equipment so as to protect the operator from exposure to the powders is disclosed. The spray box comprises a box (10) with a lid (12) for attachment to the spray tank. The bottom of the box is fitted with a main pipe (18) which extends into the spray tank. A fill pipe (24) extends part way down the interior of the main pipe (18) and is connected to a source of water. One or more knives (34) within the box (10) are positioned to slit a bag of wettable powder which is inserted into the box. A water injector (40) extends into the slit bag, and a spray head (48) is positioned near the top of the box. An inserted bag is prevented from falling to the bottom of the box (10) by a rack or screen (28). In use, an unopened bag of wettable spray material is inserted into the box (10) and the lid (12) is closed to seal the box.

Abstract: Containers such as bottles, which are to be filled with liquid from a tank pressurized with non-oxidizing gas, are coupled to a filling device and evacuated of air that is discharged to the atmosphere. Next gas from the tank is fed to the bottles. When gas pressure in the tank and bottle equalize, the liquid flows by gravity into the bottle to displace the gas and return it to the tank. After filling with liquid is cut off a charge of pure non-oxidizing gas is injected in the bottle to fill it to the top with pure gas. Excess pure gas is fed back into the tank to make up for the dilution of the gas that results from the evacuation of air from the bottles being necessarily imperfect. The bottles are uncoupled from the device after they are filled with pure gas and they are then sealed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pouring molten metal in a neutral atmosphere into an ingot mold, a trumpet funnel for bottom poured ingots or a tundish box for a continuous caster or like vessel is disclosed wherein the receiving vessel is closed to the atmosphere by a closure having an opening therein through which the molten metal is poured. A ceramic sleeve may be positioned in said opening and wherein the normal atmosphere is replaced by vaporized hexamethylene or cyclohexane as it is sometimes called. The closure with the opening through which the molten metal is introduced into the receiving vessel is positioned on top of the receiving vessel and is engaged by a pouring nozzle in an airtight manner. The closure is provided with break lines or scores that permit the edge portions of the closure to be moved in hinged relation thereto when the closure is pushed downwardly into the receiving vessel to a point on or near the surface of the molten metal.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process for injecting steam directly into a product in a processing vessel are described. The apparatus comprises a steam inlet valve (12, 13) operable under steam pressure to inject stem fed through the valve into a product in a processing vessel. Air inlet means (9) are provided for bleeding air at a predetermined pressure into the steam being fed to the steam inlet valve means, the pressure of the air bled into the steam being such that hammering of the steam in the processing vessel is prevented.

Abstract: Air in the space above the fill level in the neck of a bottle or similar container is displaced before the closure is applied, by injection of a liquid or gaseous medium that causes the product to foam. The system consists of a filling station, a closure station, a star wheel to transfer bottles between the two stations, and a jetting device. The jetting device is mounted to a horizontal holding arm above the transfer star and pivots concentrically around the axis of the transfer star. The conveyor speed is automatically monitored by a tach generator. Its signal activates a servo motor which engages the holding arm and moves it together with the jetting nozzle along the bottle path according to the operating speed. The jetting device is moved closer to the closure station at lower operating speeds while its distance to the closure station is increased during higher speeds.

Abstract: A preservation device for wine remaining in containers from which a substantial portion of the contents has been dispensed. The preservation device includes a dispensing nozzle which is mountable in the container pouring opening and which is adjustable therein to juxtapose the dispensing end of the nozzle in contiguity to the surface of the remaining wine. Cooperative with the dispensing nozzle is a mount which maintains the dispensing nozzle in the pouring opening during the dispensing of a pressurized gas through the dispensing nozzle. The gas is maintained in a cylinder or capsule which is connected by connecting means to the nozzle and the mount for the nozzle includes fluid passage means permitting the bypassing of excess gas from the container during the dispensing of the gas from the dispensing end of the nozzle.

Abstract: Apparatus for gasifying a liquid with a fluid supplied in liquid form has a discharge conduit for the fluid in which there are one or more restricted cross-section flow paths in a material providing a heat source for converting the fluid to a dry gas. Sealing means are urged resiliently against the open lip of a liquid-filled container into which the discharge conduit projects. Control means for the discharge rate of the dry gas flow from the conduit limit the pressure rise in the container. The sealing means comprises portions of greater flexural compliance permitting excess pressure to be vented from the container. The apparatus may comprise two telescopically movable parts, one holding the liquid container and the other holding a sealed bulb of the gasifying fluid. Said container and bulb are mounted in the parts such that said telescoping movement adjusts itself to accommodate different sizes of container and capsule.

Abstract: A system for filling containers with liquid and the like which reflects ultrasonic pulses from the surface of the liquid as it rises in the container being filled. Range gates at predetermined fill levels control throttling down and/or shut off of the filling liquid.

Abstract: A valve actuator is adapted to connect between an outlet valve of the type having a projecting operating needle on a pressure vessel and an inlet valve on a container, and comprises a coupling having securing means to releaseably secure the actuator to the body of the outlet valve. The coupling has a bore within which a piston is arranged to slide, and the piston is adapted to engage with the operating needle on sliding movement of the piston relatively to the coupling, to operate the outlet valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to the handling of particulate materials such as foundry molding sand requiring cooling. The operating vessel has an inlet, through which material is charged to flow-downwardly in the vessel against an upward flow of pressurized fluid, usually air, there being provided sensing and signalling probes to sense the height of the fluidized material in the vessel at a pedetermined maximum level in the vessel and at a predetermined minimum level. These sensing and signalling probes control the outlet of cooled sand from the bottom of the vessel, stopping it when the minimum level is sensed and re-commencing discharge when the maximum level is reached.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved structure for aerating potable liquids used in the preparation of drinks. The structure includes a movable part which provides access for a container; a pneumatic seal arrangement engageable with the container, a traveller arranged to allow the movable part to move vertically; and a control system for supplying compressed carbon dioxide to the seal and to the liquid in the container.

Abstract: An electric capacitor containing a winding of paper and/or synthetic dielectric foils and metallic coatings and having at least one winding which is disposed in a sealed gas-tight housing containing an excessive pressure safety system and filled with an impregnation fluid, such as mineral oil, up to a predetermined buffer volume. In accordance with the invention, the impregnation fluid is saturated with an electro-negative gas and the buffer volume in the housing likewise is filled with such gas in an amount which assures a pressure higher than the normal pressure but, lower than the response pressure for the safety system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the concentration of gaseous hydrogen dissolved in a liquid substance. The apparatus comprises an electrochemical cell constituted of a polymeric membrane in contact with a sample of the liquid substance and which is permeable to hydrogen, of an electrolyte capable of causing an oxydation reaction of the hydrogen diffused through the polymeric membrane, at a first electrode, and a reduction reaction of an oxygenated gas at a second electrode, so as to deliver an electric current proportional to the hydrogen concentration to be measured. An electrovalve operates, when activated, to exhaust the liquid substance sample at a predetermined instant in the measuring process. Moreover, the circuit amplifies a voltage corresponding to the value of the current proportional to the concentration, which current flows through a load resistance mounted in parallel across the first and second electrodes and the input of the amplifying circuit.