Abstract: An apparatus for automatically evacuating blood aspiration tubes has an arraying table supporting a number of stoppered blood aspiration tubes which are to be evacuated, an air suction needle for evacuating air from inside the stoppered blood aspiration tubes, and an arm supporting the air suction needle on a needle rest and moving it horizontally and vertically over the arraying table. A drive control moves the air suction needle downward into the stopper of each of the blood aspiration tubes in turn, causes the needle to evacuate air from the tube, then withdraws the needle upward from the stopper. A presser is mounted to a lower part of the needle rest and presses the stopper during the upward movement of the needle in order to maintain the air-tight stoppering of the tube.

Abstract: A liquid crystal contained in a liquid crystal reservoir is applied to an injection port of a blank liquid crystal panel in a vacuum chamber, and the vacuum chamber is restored to the atmospheric pressure to inject the applied liquid crystal into the liquid crystal panel through the injection port. Herein, the liquid crystal, particularly a ferroelectric liquid crystal having a high viscosity, is effectively used for filling the liquid crystal panel with a minimum loss by using a transfer member moving between the liquid crystal reservoir and the liquid crystal panel.

Abstract: An air-suction nozzle for greatly improving the efficiency of waste disposal by compacting trash-filled bags. The air-suction nozzle has a hub member having an opening to communicate with an air-suction line, an outer tube air-tightly held by the hub member and having perforations, an inner tube held by the hub member concentrically with the outer tube and having at least one perforation at a position close to the hub member and communicating with the opening in the hub member, and a plug member sealing and holding the outer and inner tubes concentric at the respective ends remote from the hub member. The air inside a trash-filled plastic bag can be sucked out through the nozzle inserted into the bag without sucking of water even when the trash is wet.

Abstract: An inner lid is attached to a vacuum chamber, covering an inner region of the vacuum chamber. An outer lid, also attached to the vacuum chamber, covers the inner lid, leaving a region between the inner lid and the outer lid. A gas conduit allows gas to flow between the inner region of the vacuum chamber and the region between the inner lid and the outer lid. A filter is placed in or immediately outside the gas conduit to prevent particles from entering the inner region of the vacuum chamber from the region between the inner lid and the outer lid. Since the pressure is the same on the top and bottom of the inner lid, the inner lid does not flex and thus does not rub against the vacuum chamber when the vacuum chamber is pumped down or vented up.

Abstract: A gas delivery apparatus which includes a vehicle fitted with multiple compressed gas cylinders, each provided with a free piston, along with a separate liquid reservoir cylinder, for sequentially displacing the gas located on one side of the free piston in each of the gas cylinders with liquid from the reservoir introduced on the opposite side of the free piston and relocating the free piston disposed in each gas cylinder by residual gas pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus is used to focus a stream of pressurized air into an oil filter thereby opening any one way valve in the oil filter and forcing the waste oil out of the oil filter. The oil is then drained into a sealed oil barrel. The apparatus consists of an inlet funnel at the top, a fluid collection convergence funnel and a threaded hollow discharge spigot at the bottom of the funnel, which is designed for convenient attachment into a threaded open port of a standard oil drum. The throat of the fluid collection convergence funnel above the inlet of the discharge spigot has a chamber which is fitted with a hollow threaded holder for retaining a used oil filter cartridge. The chamber has passages for directing the pressurized air connected to a conventional general service compressed air hose fitted with an on/off trigger valve. The passages connect to the inlet passages on the retained oil filter cartridge.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring a flowable material from a container to a receiver through a flexible tubing which communicates with an opening defined in the container and which extends outwardly from the container. The method involves establishing within the container, after discharge of the material therefrom, a pressure less than the ambient pressure so as to draw the tubing into the container through the opening as a result of the pressure differential created between that within the container and the ambient pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controllably filling a confined optical cavity primarily with a volatile fluid suspension where a controlled slight pressure is used to force the fluid into the cavity and is followed by adjusting the equilibrium with a slight negative pressure or possibly atmospheric pressure applied at an exit port to the cavity. This method and apparatus is particularly suited to the filling of light valves which are configured with parallel plates positioned by very small distances between one another to create the cavity which is to be filled with the volatile fluid suspension.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controllably filling a confined optical cavity primarily with a volatile fluid suspension where a controlled slight pressure is used to force the fluid into the cavity and is followed by adjusting the equilibrium with a slight negative pressure or possibly atmospheric pressure applied at an exit port to the cavity. This method and apparatus is particularly suited to the filling of light valves which are configured with parallel plates positioned by very small distances between one another to create the cavity which is to be filled with the volatile fluid suspension.

Abstract: A nozzle is provided for use in discharging a controlled stream of fluid into a reactor tube of a catalyst unloading apparatus for removing non-packed, non-bridging, and packed bridging flowable catalyst and bead material from within the reactor tube. The nozzle has a main channel running medially along its length for entry and exit of the controlled fluid, and a plurality of unevenly spaced smaller fluid discharge openings positioned around the circumference of the nozzle at such an angle to the central axis of the nozzle so as to discharge some of the controlled fluid in an upward and sideward thrusting manner, such that a sideward and downward thrust is exerted against the nozzle, thereby forcing the nozzle to position itself in a downward manner against the side of the reactor tube. This action allows both the catalyst and the bead material to be removed in one continuous operation.

Abstract: An inner lid is attached to a vacuum chamber, covering an inner region of the vacuum chamber. An outer lid, also attached to the vacuum chamber, covers the inner lid, leaving a region between the inner lid and the outer lid. A gas conduit allows gas to flow between the inner region of the vacuum chamber and the region between the inner lid and the outer lid. A filter is placed in or immediately outside the gas conduit to prevent particles from entering the inner region of the vacuum chamber from the region between the inner lid and the outer lid. Since the pressure is the same on the top and bottom of the inner lid, the inner lid does not flex and thus does not rub against the vacuum chamber when the vacuum chamber is pumped down or vented up.

Abstract: An evacuating apparatus for applying suction to the underside of a microtitration diaphragm plate including a plurality of diaphragm receptacles each having an open top and a diaphragm bottom, the evacuating apparatus including a housing defining an evacuation chamber having an aperture provided in a top wall of said chamber and having associated therewith peripheral gasket means for supporting a rim of said microtitration diaphragm plate, and further comprising a carrier including support means for supporting a microtitration recipient plate including a plurality of closed bottom receptacles each having an open top and a closed bottom, said carrier being adapted to be displaced between an access position wherein said recipient plate may be positioned onto or removed from said support means, and a loading position wherein said recipient plate is disposed within said chamber below said diaphragm plate so that said diaphragm receptacles of said diaphragm plate vertically register with said closed bottom recepta

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system to collect and encapsulate bulk waste products or salvageable materials for purposes of storage and/or transportation and ultimate disposal. More specifically, the present invention comprises a sealable support structure which is provided with an air intake and exhaust so as to create air flow through said structure and a fitted liner disposed in said structure where said liner is disposed in fluid with said intake and exhaust. The air exhaust is coupled to a positive displacement blower, centrifugal fan or other similar air moving device. The air intake is coupled to a flexible conduit through which material is transported to the liner. Preferably, the liner is maintained in an open position by the creation of negative pressure about its exterior during the filling process.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for evacuating refrigerant for recovery from a conventional refrigeration sytems, e.g. automobile air conditions, preferably by attachment to a manifold having multiple evacuation devices, e.g. compressor, vacuum pump, transfer pump with the evacuation devices discharging through self-closing quick connect valves into at least one flexible accumulator, e.g. a bag mounted onto a manifold, and with an additional transfer pump evacuating the bag gradually to a recovery system which can be a conventional refrigerant recovery condensing unit with purification. Facilities for receiving bags filled from refrigeration systems which are remote from the system, e.g. home refrigerators, can be provided to weigh the contents into the manifold for recovery.

Abstract: An accessory for inflating and deflating inflatable articles comprises a conduit 13, an intake 17, an outtake 19 and an injector 35. In use, conduit 13 functions as a venturi tube for rapid inflation and deflation of inflatable articles, preferably, articles having a large, low pressure air volume. For inflation, outtake 19 is connected to the inflatable article. For deflation, intake 17 is connected to the inflated article. For inflation and deflation, a source of pressurized air, preferably, an electric air compressor is connected to injector 35.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device in which a pair of substrates are placed in a vacuum chamber, with at least one inlet port provided for communicating with an inner space between the pair of substrates. The vacuum chamber is evacuated and a material including liquid crystals is supplied to the inlet port. The pressure of the chamber is then elevated such that the liquid crystal and other materials are introduced into the space between the pair of substrates by the use of differential pressure between the inside and outside of the space between the substrates. The material including the liquid crystals is maintained at a sufficiently high temperature such that the liquid crystals exhibit isotropic phases.

Abstract: A method of making a LCD panel system including selecting a pair of substrate panels, forming a peripheral seal on one of the flat surfaces of one of the panels to define an area on the panel surface, distributing compressible optical spheres over the area, aligning one substrate panel with the first and placing the second panel against the seal, in an aligned condition with the other to form a chamber. The panels are pressed together to form a fluid tight seal between the panels. Air is then evacuated from the chamber and an optical fluid is introduced into the chamber.

Abstract: A defueling fitting is adapted to facilitate removal of fuel from an aircraft fuel cell through a flush-mounted fuel drain having a depressable valve stem. It includes a flange with spaced circumferential seals. A vacuum outlet leads between the seals to facilitate attachment of the flange to an exterior aircraft surface surrounding a fuel drain. A separable probe includes a pin actuator for depressing the valve stem of the fuel drain and one or more liquid passages for directing draining fuel through the flange through an attached hose. The method for defueling involves first attaching the flange to the aircraft surface surrounding a fuel drain by application of reduced pressure between the circumferential seals and subsequently depressing the valve stem of the fuel drain to direct fuel through an enclosed liquid passage.

Abstract: A catalyst trough containing multiple guide tubes in registry with the tubes of a multi-tube catalytic reactor is utilized to unload catalysts therefrom with maximum dust containment and maximum catalyst recovery. The catalyst recovery trough contains an outlet collar connected to an outlet line and a positive fastening system whereby the trough is fixedly but detachably connected to the tube sheet of the reactor. The guide tubes extend vertically upwardly from the bottom of the trough and are open in the bottom so as to allow the provision of flexible steel rods or "fish tapes", which may or may not be equipped with high-fluid pressure tubes as air-lances for feeding into the tubes of the reactor, which are on center with the guide tubes of the trough. In this manner any catalytic material which is stuck or bridged across the catalytic tubes may be dislodged so as to fall by gravity into the recovery trough and into an outlet line for recovery.

Abstract: A flush cap for a vehicle cooling system wherein the flush cap has an inlet through which fresh water enters and an outlet through which dirty coolant leaves. The method employs the flush cap to flush the cooling system of the vehicle. The radiator cap can be adapted to drain a radiator using a hose attached to the outlet of the cap.

Abstract: A waterbed draining system utilizes a vacuum relief valve operatively associated with a waterbed mattress bladder, or alternatively with the drain hose or water pump, to automatically provide air flow into the bladder upon the vacuum pressure within the bladder exceeding a predetermined level. The vacuum relief valve automatically bleeds air back into the bladder as needed to effect more complete drainage than was heretofore possible with conventional systems and without any need for operator assistance.

Abstract: A radiator flush/fill apparatus and process employing a flushing apparatus having a modified radiator cap, a pumping device and an automobile radiator containing a liquid, wherein the flushing apparatus comprises a modified radiator cap having an elongated hollow tubular member forming an elongated open fluid passageway through the modified radiator cap and extending into the automobile radiator for accessing the liquid present in the automotive cooling system; with one end of the elongated tubular member adapted to engage in a fluid tight relationship a connecting device connected to a pumping device for removing a major amount of the liquid from the automobile radiator through the elongated tubular member and for replacing the removed liquid by introducing a new liquid through the elongated tubular member.

Abstract: A method for disposal of aerosol dispensers and the contents thereof, which comprises cooling of the aerosol dispenser and its residual contents to a temperature below which the propellant exhibits a substantial vapor pressure (i.e., below the boiling point(s) of the propellant(s)). It is then possible to puncture the container without danger of an uncontrolled release of the contents. The cold liquefied propellant and any additional liquid contents of the spray container may then be drained, without any danger of propellant release to the atmosphere, into a collection container capable of subsequently accommodating the vapor pressure of the propellant at ambient temperature. The container is sealed while its contents are still cold and the liquid is allowed to reach ambient temperature, whereby the propellant regains its vapor pressure and some of the propellant mixture returns to a gaseous form.

Abstract: A multi-stage, batch or continuous, manual or automated process and apparatus for safely depressurizing, de-capping (decrimping plus pulling caps), and recycling aerosol cans, propellants, solvents, chemicals, dip tubes, and can tops. The apparatus includes a synchronized sorting and loading unit for guiding the cans onto an advancing line. The cans are first depressurized by a vacuum head until comprising a vacuum seal and a reciprocable hollow needle which punctures the can recessed top cap and removes the propellants by suction for later reuse or disposal. The cans are advanced to a decapping until where the cap member is removed by decrimping to crack the seal followed by being vertically pulled off without damage to the can's rolled lip.

Abstract: The filling of a rotatable shaft/thrust plate combination is disposed within a sleeve to form a first clearance space between the shaft and the sleeve and a second clearance space between the thrust plate and the sleeve. The external faces of the thrust plate are exposed to air. The clearance spaces are filled with a liquid lubricant and the sleeve includes pressure equalization ports connecting the first and second clearance spaces. Surface tension dynamic seals are provided between axially extending surfaces of the thrust plate and sleeve. The equalization ports balance the hydrodynamic pressures in the lubricant to prevent the lubricant being pumped through one of the dynamic seals. The resulting bearing provides high precision with low repetitive and nonrepetitive runouts. The bearing provides hydrodynamic support of both radial and axial loads and the bearing seal is relatively insensitive to orientation of the spindle and minimizes the generation of debris and contaminating particles.

Abstract: A filter element is placed over the inlet of a hose used to draw a vacuum on a bag that contains asbestos-containing materials collected during an asbestos removal process. The filter element is disposable and is removed from the hose as that hose is pulled out of the bag after the vacuum is drawn on the bag. The filter element is frusto-conical and one embodiment includes a rim located near one end thereof to assist in the removal of the filter element from the hose.

Abstract: A safety gas and liquid containment unit is provided with sealing for retaining the hazardous gas therein until treated. The containment unit can be placed on a transport carrier and rotated from a vertical position to a horizontal position thereon. The gas cylinder may be brought to the containment unit by placing it on a wheeled cart. By aligning the cart with the horizontally positioned containment unit, the container is then transferred from the cart to the containment unit, which can in turn be transported to an appropriate area for treatment. Upon removal of the toxic or other gases, the container can be withdrawn from the containment unit by a winch mechanism.

Abstract: After it has been evacuated, a liquid crystal cell whose filling hole is located at a corner of the cell is immersed into a liquid crystal material inside a vacuum jar and immediately raised again, whereby a drop of liquid crystal material forms at the filling hole. Then the vacuum jar is quickly aerated and the cell is filled outside the vacuum jar. The volume of the drop and the volume of the cell have to be brought into line with each other in such a way that the drop volume is at least as great as the volume of the cell interior so that filling can take place with the drop volume only.

Abstract: An improved method of filling a liquid crystal device with a blended ferroelectric liquid crystal material is disclosed. The method includes the step of disposing the blended ferroelectric liquid crystal material in an inner space formed in the liquid crystal device, with the temperature of the blended liquid crystal being maintained during the disposing step at a temperature higher than the transition temperature of any constituent of the blended liquid crystal material such that the blended liquid crystal material is transformed in its isotropic phase.

Abstract: Printers' ink liquid work product transfer apparatus is provided to transfer raw printers' ink work product stored in drums to a remote location for processing into finished commercial printers' ink. The mechanism includes means to provide substantially simultaneous operations comprising: rotating the drum; scraping product residue from the interior wall surface of the drum; pumping the work product from the drum; and lowering the nozzle of a pump connected work product inlet tube in a work product-filled drum at the same rate that the level of the work product is lowered in the drum by pumping action. When the nozzle of the work product inlet tube reaches the bottom of the drum, the work product in the drum will have been substantially completely emptied of work product.

Abstract: A fluid flow control for use with a process chamber. In the disclosed embodiment, the process chamber is for ion implantation of a workpiece and the fluid flow control is to assure the flow rates are maintained at values which are efficient in evacuating and pressurizing the chamber but are not high enough to dislodge particulate contaminants from the process chamber walls. In the disclosed design, the invention has utility both in instances in which wafers are directly inserted into the process chamber for ion implantation and in which the wafers are inserted into the chamber by use of a load-lock which avoids the requirement that the process chamber by cyclicly pressurized and depressurized.

Abstract: A sealable, collapsible storage module for storing and shipping matter such as grain and plastic resins is disclosed. The module includes a body having a bottom portion and a flexible, collapsible upper portion. The flexible, collapsible upper portion is sealed to the bottom portion to define a sealable storage chamber for storing matter. The body also defines at least one sealable port in communication with the storage chamber through which matter is conveyed. The module also includes a plurality of internal support lines extending across the inside of the storage chamber wherein each support line is attached at its ends to opposing sides of the upper body portion. The plurality of support lines provides internal support for the upper portion to prevent it from rupturing when it is filled with matter such as grain.

Abstract: A filling machine has a cabinet of generally rectangular configuration and of a suitable size so that a filter tray can be stood on its end inside the cabinet with the fill opening at the top. A filling head on top of the cabinet has a distributor manifold in it for delivering granulated charcoal through an array of pipes into the charcoal bed chambers in the filter tray. An apertured intermediate floor in the cabinet supports the tray. An offal collection box is under that floor. A vacuum is maintained in the cabinet during the filling operation to remove all dust and fines which do not settle in the box. Valves control the vacuum and the rate of flow of the charcoal into the fill chamber. A shaker oscillates the cabinet horizontally during the filling operation to assist in packing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a hydraulic control apparatus of the type including a reservoir, a diaphragm positioned in the reservoir, a master cylinder, a slave cylinder, and a conduit interconnecting the master cylinder and the slave cylinder. The apparatus is filled by the use of a filling head which is fitted into the open top of the reservoir and which includes a nozzle portion having an exterior surface enclosing a volume which approximates the volume of the diaphragm so that, following filling of the apparatus, removal of the filling head, and reinsertion of the diaphragm, the apparatus is automatically placed in a totally filled condition.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus and method for removal and replacement of the liquid in an automotive cooling system by use of a pumping device and by access to liquid in the automotive cooling system through the neck opening of the radiator of the automotive cooling system. The prior art requirement of introduction of one or more tees into heating hoses of the automotive cooling system is beneficially eliminated.

Abstract: A lubrication system for an earth boring drill bit having a pressure compensator for minimizing the pressure differential between the drill bit lubricant and the well bore fluid is improved in a manner to prevent sharp edges in the lubricant reservoir wall from damaging the flexible diaphragm and for enabling the lubricant space available in the lubricant reservoir to be maximized. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the pressure compensator is positioned on a shoulder ring in the lubricant reservoir and the shoulder ring retains the open end of a pressure diaphragm within an interior recess of a compensator cap, the diaphragm sealing against a perimetric wall of the recess. Methods of filling the lubrication system with the pressure compensator installed or removed are provided which avoid stretching or damage to the diaphragm while still maximally filling of the lubrication system with lubricant.

Abstract: A cassette containing a group of sealed cells is used as a means for delivering doses of fluid to be injected into a sterilizing chamber. After the cassette is automatically positioned over a piercing mechanism, the cassette is moved downwardly so that a cell is pierced. Fluid is then forced out of the cell by pneumatic pressure into an injector valve, which opens in a manner which does not adversely affect a vacuum within the chamber.

Abstract: A method of filling a liquid crystal device with a blended liquid crystal material is set forth. The liquid crystal device is filled by disposing the liquid crystal device having an inlet port, in a vacuum chamber, evacuating the vacuum chamber, supplying the inlet port with the blended liquid crystal material, and elevating the pressure in the chamber to allow the blended liquid crystal material to fill the liquid crystal device through the inlet port by virtue of the differential pressure between the inside and the outside of the liquid crystal device, with the temperature of the blended liquid crystal material being maintained, until the liquid crystal device is completely filled with the blended liquid crystal material, at a temperature higher than the transition temperature of any one of the constituents of the blended liquid crystal material so that the blended liquid crystal material is transformed in its isotropic phase.

Abstract: A method of filling a liquid crystal device including a pair of parallel substrates having external surfaces with a liquid crystal material is set forth. The liquid crystal device is filled by disposing the liquid crystal device in a vacuum chamber between a pair of opposed parallel plates, evacuating the vacuum chamber, supplying the liquid crystal material to an inlet of the device, elevating the pressure in the chamber to allow the liquid crystal material to enter a space formed between the parallel substrates through the inlet by virtue of a differential pressure between the inside and the outside of the liquid crystal device, and applying opposed pressure with the parallel plates to the external surfaces of the parallel substrates respectively in order to form a uniform liquid crystal device. With the external pressure being applied to compensate for the expansion of the liquid crystal device during the elevation of the pressure within the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for changing the antifreeze in a vehicle requires only a garden hose and opening of the radiator cap. Water from the hose is utilized to prime a conduit for siphoning used coolant from a side tank radiator and for refilling the radiator. By operating the vehicle with fresh water in the radiator, coolant remaining in the system is mixed with the water, and repeated drainings decrease the remaining used antifreeze by about one-half each time. After removal of the desired amount of antifreeze, new antifreeze may be placed in the radiator.

Abstract: A foldable bag for transporting dry granular powders has a flexible and collapsible skin top, sides and a base with the base a base incorporating a fluidizing port. To transport material the bag is supported to the frame or structure of a container and filled with any dry granular powder. The filling is performed through an orifice in the top portion of the bag. At a destination the contents of the bag are fluidized by providing aeration of the contents through the base of the bag. Once fluidized the contents of the bag are then emptied under gravity or vacuum through outlet ports in the base of the bag. The fluidizing is accomplished a series of channels in the base of the bag with holes for the release of air and with an aeration cloth generally covering these holes. The base of the bag incorporating the fluidizing can be detached from the rest of the bag enabling appropriate recovery or repair of parts of the bag.

Abstract: In a system for discharging particulate material from a reactor, the material is conveyed pneumatically from a drain zone of the reactor via a first vacuum line to a gas/solids separator and solids we fed from the separator to a receiving vessel via a gas-tight line and an inlet port provided on a cover member sealingly engaged with the top of the vessel. The majority of the gas is re-cycled from the separator to the drain zone via a main vacuum return line and the remainder of gas is drawn from the separator to the receiving vessel via a further vacuum line and a gas inlet provided on the cover member. Gas is passed from the receiving vessel to the main vacuum return line via an outlet port provided on the cover member and an auxiliary vacuum return line. The cover member is mounted for movement towards and away from the receiving vessel so that successive receiving vessels can be covered by the cover member and filled with separated solids.

Abstract: When filling the inner space (14) of an insulating glass unit (4) with a filler gas, a pressure is exerted during filling on the outer surfaces of the glass panes (12, 13) of the insulating glass unit (4) to be filled. For this purpose, an apparatus is suggested with a device (5) for feeding filler gas and with a device (6), by which air and/or gas can be removed from the inner space (14) of the insulating glass unit, wherein two pressure plates (1, 2) are provided which can be placed, during the filling step, with a preselectable pressure against the outer surfaces of the glass panes (12, 13) of the insulating glass unit (4).

Abstract: A wand having a length of flexible hose extending therefrom is inserted within an underground fluid filled storage tank. Through actuation of a propulsion system, the wand is directed to a suspected vapor pocket within the tank and temporarily retained in place by floatation. An evacuating pump draws in the vapor through inlets at the extremity of the wand and through the trailing hose to reduce or eliminate the vapor pocket within the tank. Upon elimination of the vapor pocket to a practical extent, the hose and attached wand are withdrawn from the tank.

Abstract: A system and method for loading liquid gases into a container includes supplying substance to a pump simultaneously with the evacuation of the container for cooling the pump down during evacuation and starting the pump motor when the pump has reached a low temperature determined in accordance with the pressure of the substance storage tank. An analyzer for detecting the presence of contaminants is coupled to the evacuation line in fluid communication with the substance removed from the cylinders. Cavitation during the loading operation is detected by monitoring the flow of substance from the pump. A plurality of containers of differing sizes are loaded simultaneously on the same manifold. An isolation valve is provided in the manifold for terminating flow of substance to smaller containers when the smaller containers are full while permitting substance to continue to flow to larger containers coupled to the manifold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for turning a seat cover inside out. A pressure vessel (12) is fitted with a vacuum pump (16). The pressure vessel (12) is also provided with an inlet (20) which is fitted with a butterfly valve (22). The valve (22) is opened and closed by a pneumatic cylinder (39). Attached to the pressure vessel (12) around the valve (22) is a hood (26). The hood (26) has an open end (30) distal the attached end (28). A seat cover (32) is interfaced with the open end (30) of the hood (26). A vacuum is then created in the pressure vessel (12) and the valve (22) is opened. As the air from inside the seat cover (32) and the hood (26) is sucked into the pressure vessel (12), the seat cover (32) is also drawn into the hood (26). Since the pressure vessel (12) has a known volume of air removed and the hood (26) is of a known volume, the speed and/or amount of the seat cover (32) which is drawn into the hood (26) can be adjusted as desired.

Abstract: Process for the filling of the interior space of insulating glass units whereby the air-filling is replaced by a heavier gas. An optimum is set between an as-short-as-possible filling time and as-small-as-possible turbulent mixing losses through the appropriate control of the filling and evacuation rate.

Abstract: Injection of a functional liquid into a display device cell having an inlet opening and a relatively narrow space between front and back substrates. The liquid is a liquid crystal for a liquid crystal display device or an electrolyte solution for an electrochromic device. The cell is placed in a chamber such that the inlet opening is in an uppermost section of the cell. Also a vessel containing the liquid is placed in the chamber, and vacuum is created in the chamber. In that state the inlet opening of the cell is connected to the liquid in the vessel by a pipe. After that the lever of the liquid surface in the vessel is suitably varied with respect to the level of the inlet opening of the cell by vertically moving the vessel containing the liquid and/or the cell, while an inactive gas is gradually introduced into the chamber to produce a controlled pressure difference between the interior of the cell and the inactive gas atmosphere in the chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dust suppressing device for use in the discharge of granular bulk materials, such as crushed rock, ore, and the like, for example, during the loading of such material onto a transport vehicle such as a ship. The device comprises(a) a central hopper;(b) a first outer tubular member, coaxially disposed and concentrically spaced outward with respect to the hopper; and(c) a second tubular member coaxially disposed and concentrically spaced outward with respect to the hopper and the first tubular member. The spacing between the central hopper and the first tubular member and the spacing between the first and second tubular members are such as to provide alternate path for the discharge of granular material when the flow rate of the granular material into the hopper exceeds the capacity of the hopper.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling carbon dioxide and excluding it from contact with the atmosphere while carbonating and storage, transfer, and dispensing of the carbonated beverage. The apparatus includes one or two vessels and a valve assembly for each vessel. Each valve assembly has a pressure relief valve and an outlet tap, which are normally closed to isolate the interior of the vessel from the atmosphere, and a pump for transferring and dispensing air and liquid from or to its vessel, all without bringing the carbon dioxide in contact with the atmosphere.