Abstract: A gas recovery and reuse/recycle method is disclosed which can readily and economically recover valuable and/or environmentally hazardous gases from a manufacturing or chemical process and then return the gas to the process for reuse, and repeat this many times without significant contamination or degradation of the gas or the produced products. All gas transport, compression and storage equipment is designed and maintained so that it is non-contaminating to the process gas. Commonly the process gas will be a Group VIII gas, preferably He, Ne, Kr or Xe, or a gas which comprises a hazard to the ambient environment or beings therein, such as a carbon oxide gas, a halocarbon gas, an acid-precursor gas, a biologically hazardous gas, or a radioactive gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for replacing an attachment device on a vacuum chamber is disclosed. The apparatus is constructed by the major component of two shut-off valves, a rough vacuum pump, and a pressure gauge. The attachment replacement apparatus can be advantageously connected between an attachment, such as a vacuum gauge or a flow control valve and the vacuum chamber. By utilizing the present invention novel apparatus, the down time required for replacing an attachment device on the vacuum chamber can be drastically reduced by at least 90%. For instance, only a 10 minutes down time is required by utilizing the present invention novel apparatus when compared to the conventional method which requires a 10.about.30 hour pump-down time for resuming vacuum in a chamber that has broken vacuum. The present invention novel apparatus can be used in conjunction with any type of vacuum chambers, i.e.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring comminuted product from an unpressurized storage unit to a tank, especially a trailer-mounted tank. According to this method, an inert gas source is provided, preferably mounted on the trailer, and a conduit is provided to carry the product, which conduit is connected between the storage unit and the tank. The tank and conduit are evacuated so as to create a pressure differential between the storage unit and the tank, and the inert gas is allowed to flow into the evacuated tank in response to the partial vacuum therein. The product is then allowed to flow through the conduit to the tank in response to the partial vacuum therein. An improved trailer for receiving comminuted product according to a practice of the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for evacuating the inside of a vacuum vessel before a processing gas is introduced into the vacuum vessel. The process includes steps of evacuating the inside of the vacuum vessel through a by-pass evacuation path such that a pressure reduction rate of the pressure inside the vacuum vessel is gradually reduced immediately after the start of evacuation, and opening an evacuation conductance control valve, provided in a principal evacuation path, during or after the evacuation step such that conductance of the evacuation conductance control valve is gradually increased with an elapse of evacuation time. The timing at which the evacuation conductance control valve is started to be opened is controlled so that a pressure reduction rate curve of the pressure inside the vacuum vessel has a minimum value and a maximum value. The minimum value becomes 0.

Abstract: An adhesive fastener for securement to a substrate which has a reservoir comprising a reservoir cup and a piston located therein blocking entry of atmospheric water vapor and preventing unintentional leakage of adhesive from the reservoir and a wall portion of the reservoir may be displaced to prevent hydraulic lock as the piston is pushed into the reservoir during assembly of the fastener and also when the fastener is being deployed against the substrate. Apparatus and a method of filling the reservoir cups and inserting pistons therein while excluding atmospheric water vapor is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a conduit operably connected to a source and extending downwardly therefrom, the conduit being adapted to permit a flow of particulate material from the source through the conduit; a fluidizing nozzle operably connected to the conduit and extending downwardly therefrom, the nozzle defining an inlet for receiving material from the conduit and defining an outlet for dispensing material from the nozzle to a receiver, the inlet defining an inlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow the material and outlet defining an outlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow the material, the inlet cross sectional area being larger than the outlet cross sectional area; the nozzle being adapted with a plenum including an inlet port for receiving compressed gas and a chamber adapted to communicate the gas to the porous walls of the nozzle, and an outlet port for engaging a vacuum source to continuously evacuate the receiver while the nozzle is engaged with the receiver; a conveyor locat

Abstract: An object is to obtain a semiconductor production device, a method of adjusting its internal pressure and a method of processing an object of processing which can prevent adhesion of particles to an object of processing. The amount of gas in a cassette chamber (1) is adjusted to bring the internal pressure in the cassette chamber (1) close to atmospheric pressure. Next, on the basis of the pressure difference between atmospheric pressure and the internal pressure gas is gradually moved through gas discharge means (Ta, V13, Tb, Tc) between the atmosphere and the cassette chamber (1) so that the internal pressure becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure. Then a gate (G1) is opened/closed to convey an object of processing between the cassette chamber (1) and the atmosphere. Hence, no flow of gas is caused between the processing chamber and the atmosphere when the gate (G1) is opened/closed, which prevents adhesion of particles to the object of processing.

Abstract: There is provided a manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display panel. The manufacturing method includes the steps of manufacturing a panel having a cell gap by joining a substrate including a pressure-reducing port and an injection port to another substrate having no pressure-reducing and injection ports, injecting a liquid crystal material containing a liquid crystal and a polymer monomer into the cell gap, and curing the polymer monomer included in the cell gap, wherein the step of injecting a liquid crystal material is performed by applying pressure to the liquid crystal material using a pressure-applying apparatus, after reducing the inside pressure of the cell gap. Thus, the manufacture of a liquid crystal display panel is easy, and the waste of the liquid crystal material is minimized. Further, the optical properties of the fabricated panel are at least as excellent as those of a panel made by a conventional vacuum injection method or a conventional compression method.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system used with fuel dispensers and having error detection capabilities incorporated therein for detecting vapor leaks and performance deficiencies in the vapor recovery system. The vapor recovery system includes a fuel nozzle connected to a fuel source for pumping fuel into a vehicle. A vapor transfer line is connected to the nozzle and has a connected pump which pumps fuel vapor from the nozzle through the vapor transfer line and into a vapor holding tank. A pair of test valves are connected in the vapor transfer line on opposite sides of the pump and are used to isolate selected sections of the vapor recovery system for test purposes. Connected between each test valve and pump is a pressure sensor for measuring pressure in the vapor transfer line. A digital processor is connected to the vapor recovery system to control the vapor recovery system and to place the vapor recovery system in various test modes.

Abstract: A clean and easy-to-use, portable upright apparatus, and a method for its use, which can be used to flush and fill the radiator and coolant systems of motorized vehicles in approximately 15 minutes, the apparatus comprising a self-priming pump, a waste collection tank, a tank for holding new or recycled coolant, a filter assembly, and a wheeled support structure for conveniently and efficiently housing the pump, tanks, filter assembly, and the several hoses needed to perform the flush and fill procedure. Applications may include, but are not limited to, flushing coolant from automobile radiators and refilling them with new or recycled coolant.

Abstract: An internal space of a container is divided into a first chamber and a second chamber by a partition member. The first chamber is provided as chamber for reserving a liquid crystal and connected to an object through a first port of the container. The second chamber receives a pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid supply source through a second port of the closed container. The liquid crystal within the first chamber is pressurized through the partition member by a pressurized fluid which is introduced into the second chamber and the liquid crystal is delivered to the object.

Abstract: Evacuated microspheres, insulating materials constructed from such microspheres, and methods of manufacturing same provide insulation and reduce heat transfer through radiation, conduction and convection. Additionally, an infrared reflective coating is provided on a microsphere surface to reduce radiant heat transfer. A protective exterior coating is also provided to protect an exteriorly applied infrared reflective coating on such a microsphere. Furthermore, the spheroidal geometry of such microspheres restricts heat transfer to point-to-point conduction therebetween. Finally, evacuated microspheres further reduce through-heat transfer within a shell. One embodiment utilizes such evacuated microspheres in constructing an elastomeric roof coating which appreciably reduces cooling and air conditioning power costs for a building. An alternative embodiment utilizes such an elastomeric coating in constructing an exterior paint for a building.

Abstract: A method for refilling an inkjet cartridge such that there is little or no ink leakage. Turning the cartridge upside-down, the ink reservoir vent, on the base of the cartridge, is held facing up, allows air to vent, while the ink is dispensed into the cartridge at the opposing end of the reservoir. The components used to perform the refill operation are tapered fittings that securely lock together and make a tight seal on the fill port of the cartridge so that ink will not spill out during the filling operation. Once the cartridge has been refilled, a negative pressure reservoir is provided to create and maintain a negative pressure, or vacuum, required to keep the printer cartridge operational until it exhausts its supply of ink. The negative pressure reservoir (n.p.r.) is connected to the fill port of the cartridge, with out the need to displace or remove any ink from the cartridge. The n.p.r. is removable in order to repeat the refill procedure as many times as allowed by the performance of the printhead.

Abstract: A small battery cell including a pressure relief and spring disengagement device which vents various internal pressures to the atmosphere to prevent cell bulging or explosion, and also which internally interrupts current flow through the cell due to internal cell over heat, excessive current flow or the like. Internal reconnection of cell members reoccurs subsequent to internal thermal or other internal abnormalities. Alternate embodiments illustrate an apparatus and method for vacuum assisted filling and an apparatus for vacuum sealing of the small battery cell.

Abstract: A process for the production of prefilled syringes free from dangerous residual air or gas bubbles, in short production times.

Abstract: A self-contained, hermetic module for the transport of hazardous fluids such as space craft fuels. The module includes a base and a removable cover hermetically sealed to the base. The combination of the base and the cover define an enclosure. Located within this enclosure are a pressurized gas cylinder, a fuel tank and an evacuated vessel. An inert gas contained within the pressurized vessel expels a fuel contained in the fuel tank to fill the space craft. The evacuated vessel purges all lines and conduits to prevent hazardous fluids from escaping to the environment.

Abstract: A method of completely filling an the interior cavity of a bourdon tube in a pressure gauge with a gelatinous substance ,comprising the steps of:a) evacuating the interior cavity of the bourdon tube to a vacuum level not greater than 50 millitorr;b) depositing a predetermined amount of a gelatinous substance in the interior cavity; andc) venting the interior cavity to remove the vacuum level, whereby increasing air pressure forces the deposited gelatinous substance to completely fill the interior cavity.

Abstract: A system for evacuating a reactor chamber includes a main evacuation line connected at one end thereof to the reactor chamber and at another end thereof to a means for creating a partial vacuum. A valve in the main evacuation line divides the line into a chamber side and a vacuum side. A second line is connected at one end to the vacuum side of the main evacuation line and at another end to a fluid supply source. As the valve in the main evacuation line is opened, fluid is supplied through the second line to the main evacuation line to prevent rapid, turbulence-inducing pressure drops in the reactor chamber.

Abstract: A smectic liquid crystal is injected into a liquid crystal panel according to the vacuum injection scheme. The liquid crystal is applied over an injection port of a blank panel while maintaining the panel at a temperature below a temperature at which the liquid crystal shows a fluidity and controlling the liquid crystal at a viscosity of 0.0005-0.005 kg/ms. As a result, an appropriate amount of the liquid crystal can be applied, thereby providing a liquid crystal panel free from inversion of bubbles and good and uniform alignment free from alignment failure.

Abstract: A method of making a pipette sampler system for removing and transferring a plurality of liquid samples includes the step of thermoforming a plurality of identical pipettes in a first thin PVC plastic sheet utilizing a first precision die. A concave housing including a plurality of stiffening depressions and a skirt portion possessing a peripheral sealing edge is thermoformed from a second thin PVC plastic sheet utilizing a second die. The housing and pipette sheet are joined by dielectric heat sealing forming a manifold communicating with each pipette, with the peripheral sealing edge and each of the stiffening depressions heat welded to the pipette sheet, forming an inflexible rigid monocoque structure. A filling tray is thermoformed from a third thin PVC plastic sheet utilizing a third die. A sealing washer is sealed to a top surface of the housing, surrounding an aperture formed through a top surface of the housing and communicating with the manifold.

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 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 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 be cyclicly pressurized and depressurized.

Abstract: A powdered developer filling device for filling a developer container with a powdered developer comprises a hopper for containing the powdered developer, feeding means for feeding the developer contained in the hopper into the developer container from a feed port through a mouth portion of the developer container, conveying means for conveying the developer container to a feed position where the developer is fed into the developer container from the feeding means, and recovering means for recovering the developer spilled from the above feed port by blowing air against the vicinity of the feed position where the developer is fed into the developer container from the feeding means.

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 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: An apparatus for use in placing an object inside an inflated balloon is disclosed as comprising a housing forming a first chamber and a second chamber. The housing has a lid with an orifice therein which communicates with the first chamber, and a flexible diaphragm having a hole therethrough is positioned in the orifice. At least three rams are positioned on the lid of the housing so as to substantially surround the diaphragm, and a substantially L-shaped finger is attached to the actuating rod of each ram, the fingers lying adjacent one another when the actuating rods of the rams are in an unretracted position with each finger extending through the hole through the diaphragm. After the neck of a balloon is placed around the fingers, the actuating rods of the rams may be retracted, thereby enlarging the neck of the balloon and forming a substantially air-tight seal between the neck of the balloon and the flexible diaphragm.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for filling a powder, lipid or granule into a soft shell capsule employing a flat linked track of cavity blocks to prevent spillage.

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 contaminate 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 be cyclicly pressurized and depressurized.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for inserting objects into balloons. The apparatus preferably includes a housing having a balloon chamber and a vacuum pump chamber therein. The balloon chamber is large enough to accommodate an inflated balloon and has a lid through which the inflated balloon can pass. The vacuum pump chamber houses a vacuum pump which is in gaseous communication with the balloon chamber in order to create a vacuum therein. The lid includes an adjustable mechanism for first expanding and then maintaining a balloon orifice in an expanded condition to enable access to the interior of the balloon in a position in which the balloon extends downwardly from the lid to a position inside the balloon chamber. The vacuum pump may then be actuated to cause the balloon to inflate within the balloon chamber so that the desired object may be inserted through an access opening in the lid to the inside of the balloon.

Abstract: A method of filling a balloon with articles and air wherein a container having a removeable cover having an outlet pipe therein the latter is evacuated after the opening of a balloon is attached to said pipe within the container to thereby expand the balloon and permit articles to be placed therewithin through the pipe. A stopper is then placed in the pipe and the air pump shut off whereby the end of the balloon can be tied off.

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 vacuum manifold for solid phase extraction of a plurality of liquid samples from reagent tubes removably connected by valves to a vacuum chamber through a removable vacuum tight cover closing. A plurality of parallel flow paths are provided through the cover for the flow of liquid samples into the vacuum chamber, through a plurality of valves rotatable about an axis parallel to the general direction of flow through the cover to provide flow adjustment and closing of the valves. A valve is also provided for attaching the vacuum chamber to a vacuum source to create a vacuum therein. An optional attachment is provided permitting treatment of materials with nitrogen or other gases using a manifold plate attached to a source of gas and providing a plurality of valve control means axially aligned to couple with the rotatable valves for passage of liquid into the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for changing oil in an internal combustion engine pierces an outer wall of an old oil filter containing old motor oil to form an opening in a lower portion of the filter wall. Old motor oil is drawn from the pierced oil filter into a container by suction through the filter wall opening and a suction conduit. The oil drain plug from a crankcase containing old motor oil is removed to form a drain opening in the crankcase, and old motor oil is drawn from the crankcase into a container by suction through the drain opening and a suction cup, to empty the crankcase of old motor oil. The drain opening is closed after emptying the crankcase of old motor oil by securing the drain plug in the drain opening. The pierced and drained old oil filter is replaced with a new filter and the drained crankcase is refilled with fresh motor oil.

Abstract: A portable apparatus to enable rapid determination of an individual's ABO blood group and Rh blood type and a method of using such apparatus. The apparatus has a plurality of microtubes joined together which contain blood taken from an individual. The assembly of microtubes is connected during use to an assembly of reaction chambers containing blood typing reagents. The apparatus enables rapid visualization of the test reactions within the reaction chambers, and may be used in locations removed from a laboratory to determine the ABO blood group and Rh blood type of an individual.

Abstract: A multipoint dispensing of viscous material onto a board (23) comprises the monitoring and controlling of several process parameters such as the initial gap (.delta.) between a dispensing tool (20,25) and the board (23), the dispense pressure time cycle within the tool (FIG. 3A) and the tool velocity cycle (FIG. 3B). Also, an improved method for loading solder paste into the dispensing tool includes applying vacuum to two regions of the tool while vibrating it in its axial direction (FIG. 4). Furthermore, improved techniques for preventing crust formation on the paste within the tool, and for controlling the viscosity of the solder paste within the tool, achieve consistent dispensing results in a production environment.

Abstract: A mixture of a powder and a liquid is formed and poured, under vacuum into suitable containers for the subsequent production of molds to be employed in dental and goldsmith fields. In order to achieve the best degassing conditions and to avoid the production of foams and bubbles in the course of the vacuum mixing step, separate degassing of the liquid and powder components of the mixture is performed in separate vessels before the mixing step, followed by a combination, for example by pouring, of the components in one of the vessels, while maintaining the vacuum conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for filling a conventional Bourdon tube with an outgassed fluid to permit use of the Bourdon tube to measure fluid pressures at high temperatures. The filling device includes a hot reservoir containing hydraulic fluid that has been heated to facilitate outgassing and a cold reservoir in fluid communication with the hot reservoir to prevent exposure of the fluid in the hot reservoir to oxygen. A vacuum line connected to the cold reservoir permits evacuation of the filling apparatus, the Bourdon tube and a typical bellows that may be attached to the Bourdon tube. The bellows is mechanically compressed and provided with a center post to reduce the volume of the bellows by about fifty percent. After the Bourdon tube, the bellows and the hydraulic fluid in the hot reservoir have been heated and outgassed, the vacuum is removed from the cold reservoir to permit hydraulic fluid to flow from the hot reservoir into the bellows and Bourdon tube.

Abstract: A vial closed at one end by a septum is redundantly sealed by a shaped plug for the storage of soil gas samples.

Abstract: Medical suction apparatus is disclosed including in combination a rigid outer canister having a cover and a disposable semi-rigid inner liner or container. Mounting assembly means coacts with the canister and cover to seal the container within the canister. The container is a cup-like member which maintains its cup-like shape before, during and after use within the canister. A simple and efficient snap-fit mounting assembly includes an annular sealing support lid on the upper peripheral lip of the container. The lid is snap-fit mounted to the rim of the canister to support the container therefrom. This mounting also establishes a gap between the container and canister, as well as sealing such gap. The cover is snap-fit mounted to the annular lid to compress the container lip and an upper section of the container sidewall between the cover and the lid. This mounting seals the interior of the container. The lid may be released from the canister without breaking the seal between the cover and container.

Abstract: A method of making a package having contents comprising the steps of taking a tube of flexible material having a top and a bottom end, ultrasonically sealing a bottom band seal across the tube, inserting the contents into the tube, and ultrasonically sealing an upper band seal across the tube at a location spaced away from the bottom end of the tube, with the contents contained between the upper and bottom band seals.

Abstract: A system and methods with scavenging capabilities for simultaneously filling and evacuating a plurality of separate pressure vessels including valved conduits interconnecting a source of pressurized fluid and a source of vacuum separately to at least two pressure vessels whereby while one vessel is being filled the other is being evacuated and means to connect an evacuated tank to portions of the system for the purpose of using the vacuum therein to scavenge residue gas in said portions.

Abstract: A hollow vessel of resilient material and which is easily collapsible by hand is utilized to remove air from within an infant bottle by way of the nipple. Removal of such air causes the liquid in the infant bottle to rise while the liner of the infant bottle collapses.

Abstract: A method of producing a high vacuum in a container which has limiting walls hich define a reaction chamber which is adapted to be evacuated for vacuum processing purposes, and in which gases are sorbed during vacuum operation and the gases are removed subsequently by increasing the temperature of the walls and evacuating the chamber at the same time includes heating the reaction chamber, sensing the underpressure in the reaction chamber and controlling the heating of the chamber in accordance with the sensed pressure in a manner such that the underpressure remains within a preselected upper and lower limit value until a predetermined temperature of the walls is attained.

Abstract: In order to evacuate a receptacle using a pumping arrangement composed of a backing pump connected to the receptacle and a fine or high vacuum pump connected to the receptacle via a cold trap, the receptacle is initially evacuated only by operation of the backing pump, the time taken to achieve a predetermined initial pressure reduction in the receptacle only by the action of the backing pump is measured, then, on the basis of the magnitude of such pressure reduction and the measured time period, the subsequent time period which would be required, if the effect of condensable gases in the receptacle were ignored, to reach a predetermined second pressure, lower than the first pressure, in the operating range of the fine or high vacuum pump is calculated, and the receptacle is then evacuated by operation of the fine or high vacuum pump at the expiration of the subsequent time period.

Abstract: A method for reducing the pressure in and then collecting medium samples in containers such as test tubes sealed by a resilient stopper at substantially atmospheric pressure, comprising piercing the stopper at or shortly before the time of collection of a medium sample by a first cannula, connected at one end to a pressure-reducing device, thereby connecting the interior of the container with the pressure-reducing device via the first cannula; evacuating the container to a desired subatmospheric pressure; withdrawing the first cannula; penetrating the stopper by a second cannula connected at one end to a medium source to be sampled, thereby connecting the source with the interior of the container via the second cannula; and then sucking a sample of medium into the container under the influence of the subatmospheric pressure effected in the interior of the container by the pressure reduction.

Abstract: An automatic sample preparation apparatus including a centrifuge apparatus for centrifugally separating the lighter components of a sample mixture from its heavier components and an automatic sample loading apparatus which utilizes centrifugal forces to load the sample into a centrifuge drum through an aperture in the bottom end of the drum. A separation chamber in the drum has a truncated conical interior side wall with a trap or cavity therein ringing the wall. The centrifuge drum is spun to force the heavier components into the cavity while the lighter components are forced up the conical interior side wall portion. Means are provided to remove one or both of the components from the separation chamber while the centrifuge drum is spinning to prevent the sample from pouring out of the drum through the bottom aperture. In one embodiment, one of the components is aspirated from the separation chamber by a vacuum source coupled to the interior of the chamber through the hollow shaft on which the drum is spun.

Abstract: For filling and adjusting double-membrane cassettes acting as link members in piston metering pumps, the sealing surfaces of the membranes are first coated with a resilient pressure-deformable cement. The membrane cassette is introduced still unclosed into a thermostat where an adjustable, uniform pressure is applied to the upper membrane. The membrane cassette is then filled under an excess pressure of from 0.2 to 1 atm. and closed. After closing, the membranes of the cassette are brought into plane-parallel alignment in an evacuation unit.

Abstract: Spacing core materials, such as honeycomb, may be filled with fiberous insulation batting by placing the spacing core on a vibrator over the batting. The lower edges of the core cut through the fiberous material and permit it to fill the core. Additionally, a vacuum from the top side uniformly distributes the material in the core cells in an expanded condition.