Abstract: A proppant delivery assembly receives and supports a plurality of containers having proppant stored therein. A cradle has a top surface which receives and supports the plurality of containers when positioned thereon. The cradle enables the plurality of containers to dispense the proppant stored therein. A proppant mover is positioned to underlie and extend along the top surface of the cradle aligned with the plurality of containers to receive proppant from the plurality of containers. The proppant mover carries proppant away from the plurality of containers. A chute is coupled to the cradle for receiving proppant from the proppant mover and directing the proppant to a blender hopper. A hood assembly is disposed at an end of the chute opposite the proppant mover for directing a vacuum air flow that removes a volume of air containing proppant dust particles directed from the chute.

Abstract: A bagmaking and packaging device includes a transverse sealing unit, a first tube member, and a gas flow path member. The first tube member is disposed above the transverse sealing unit and extends in an up and down direction. The first tube member allows a packaging material to become wrapped around it to thereby form the packaging material into a tubular shape. At least part of the gas flow path member is disposed inside the first tube member. The gas flow path member delivers nitrogen into the packaging material formed into the tubular shape. The first tube member includes a cutout portion that extends in the up and down direction. The cutout portion is formed so that the nitrogen can move between a space between the packaging material formed into the tubular shape and the first tube member and the inside space of the first tube member.

Abstract: A method for measuring dustiness of a product. The method can include providing the product onto a ramp. The method further can include allowing gravity to move the product down the ramp, toward a discharging end of the ramp, and to exit the ramp through a dam at the discharging end of the ramp. The dam can be configured to control a mass flow rate of the product exiting the ramp. The method additionally can include measuring, by a sensor, airborne particles to determine the dustiness of the product, wherein the airborne particles are generated by the product exiting the ramp and freely falling onto a support surface. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for and method of gravimetric filling of a solid product in sterile conditions in a pharmaceutical container of small dimensions including syringes, vials, capsules, ampoules, single-dose devices, inhalers, bottles, carpules, well(s) of blister pack(s), sachets or bags with solid substances selected from the group formed by powder, lyophilizate, granules, pellets, nanoparticles or microparticles. More particularly, it relates to a process for the gravimetric filling of pharmaceutical containers with one or more sterile solid pharmaceutical substances or sterile excipients dosed and prepared in an aseptic environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing proliferation of dust during mixing of material, including a semi-dome shaped element configured for placement over a top opening of a mixing container, a fastener extending along a bottom circumference of the semi-dome shaped element, such that the fastener is configured to couple to the top brim of the mixing container, and an opening in the semi-dome shaped element, the opening configured to accept a vacuum hose.

Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure provides a medication fulfillment canister. In one embodiment, the canister comprises a bottom section having a tray portion for receiving a medication therein. An upper dispensing compartment is located over a rearward end of the bottom section that is removably attached to the bottom section. A lower edge of the upper dispensing compartment is located above the bottom section to form an opening therebetween to allow a medication to pass therethrough and into the tray portion. A tray lid is removably attached to the canister and configured to cover the tray portion and rotate between an open position and a closed position. A lock is located within a wall of the bottom section that locks the tray lid in the closed position.

Abstract: The method of filling a weighing container (10) for plastics granulate (12), wherein the granulate is dropped from a supply tube (26) into the weighing container (10) via a shutter (22), wherein the weighing container (10) is closed-off on the top side by a wall having a conical part (16) that reaches directly up the shutter (22), and in that the weighing container is filled with granulate up to the level of the shutter (22).

Abstract: A medicine guide assembly is disposed between paired adjacent medicine feeder storage units. Each medicine guide assembly guides the medicines, which have been ejected from the medicine feeders included in the paired medicine feeder storage units, to an outlet port located downward. The medicine guide assembly includes a first divided guide member and a second divided guide member which are combined with each other when the paired medicine feeder storage units are accommodated in the housing and which are separated from each other when one of the paired medicine feeder storage units is drawn out from the housing. Further, air cleaning devices are provided so as to be operable to take in air, clean the air, and supply the cleaned air to an interior of the housing.

Abstract: A system and method for changing a flow rate and direction of dry bulk material supplied from an elevated source, via an angled spout to an adjustable spout end having no internal baffles therein and having readily interchangeable wear pads therein which are accessible through an access door.

Abstract: An apparatus for emptying bags of pulverulent products without the spread of dust on the outside, which is intended to be used in particular in a water treatment plant, the apparatus including a box equipped with a removable closure, a slab situated at the periphery of the box, the slab being able to receive the bags so that they can be opened inside the box, a dust suction situated at the top of the box, a mechanism for dispersing the sucked-up dust or dissolving it in scrubbing water, a hopper situated at the base of the box, able to collect the powder from the bags, a mechanism of transporting the powder from the hopper to a powder storage.

Abstract: There is provided a loading tray for loading particulate material into an array of substantially vertical tubes; wherein the loading tray comprises a plurality of loading tray elements, each loading tray element comprising at least one loading opening and at least some of the loading tray elements comprising at least two loading openings, the loading tray elements being fitted together to form an array of the loading openings.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers with a liquid and, in particular, with a beverage, with a plurality of filling elements which in each case have an outlet in order to pour the beverage into the containers, as well as a valve device in order to control the supply of the liquid into the containers, with a conveying device which conveys the containers along a pre-set conveying path at least for a time during the filling thereof with the liquid, and with a cleaning device which acts with a cleaning medium upon at least one region contacted by the liquid to be filled. At least one filling element is designed in such a way that the cleaning medium is freely discharged out of this filling element during a cleaning operation.

Abstract: A suction nozzle, which is configured to be interlocked with a gas filler nozzle used to supply a gas to a gas consuming device, comprises a suction port configured to suck moisture inside the gas filler nozzle when the suction nozzle is interlocked with the gas filler nozzle.

Abstract: A unit (10) for filling containers (14), includes an insulator (16) having a body (18) provided with an inlet (E) and an outlet (S), the structure (20) of the body (18) defining a space (V) forming an aseptic working region (22) and including insufflation elements (28) which are arranged in the upper part of the insulator (16) and are able to insufflate a sterile air flow for creating an overpressure inside the space (V). The insufflation elements (28) are arranged in the insulator (16) in such a way as to project a laminar-type flow (F) to lick the outer surface (44) of the containers (14), and the insulator (16) includes evacuation elements (48) which are separate from the inlet (E) and the outlet (S) and used to enable a controlled evacuation of the insufflated sterile air flow (F).

Abstract: The aseptic packaging installation comprises a bench under a ceiling, a line of machines mounted on the bench in a packaging zone subjected to a sterile laminar flow traveling vertically from the ceiling at a rate adapted to establish a first pressure in the packaging zone that is higher than a surrounding pressure, an intervention zone adjacent to the packaging zone, and subjected to a one-way flow of clean air travelling vertically from the ceiling of the intervention zone at a rate that is adapted to establish a second pressure in the intervention zone that is lower than the first pressure but higher than the surrounding pressure.

Abstract: An assembly for transferring solid particulate matter has a pressurized vessel for retaining a pre-determined quantity of the solid material. A transfer conduit connected to the vessel carries the solid material to a loading vessel, be it a processing tank, a storage vessel, or any other similar container. A discharge nozzle carried by a distant end of the transfer conduit is connected to a vacuum source, whereby a slight vacuum is created at the discharge opening. A separate dust removal conduit is secured immediately adjacent to the discharge nozzle for removal of the dust particles away from the discharge nozzle. The dust particles are collected in a separate vessel, which is mounted in a flow of air from the dust collection conduit and an exhaust fan. Mesh sleeves suspended in the vessel, capturing the dust particles on exterior surface thereof. Periodically, the dust particles are dislodged from the sleeves by blowing air through the sleeves.

Abstract: An assembly for transferring solid particulate matter has a pressurized vessel for retaining a pre-determined quantity of the solid material. A transfer conduit connected to the vessel carries the solid material to a loading vessel, be it a processing tank, a storage vessel, or any other similar container. A discharge nozzle carried by a distant end of the transfer conduit has a plurality of perforations that allow removal of the dust particles by suction from the discharge nozzle. A separate dust removal conduit is secured immediately adjacent to the discharge nozzle for removal of the dust particles away from the discharge nozzle.

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

Abstract: A system for exhausting gas from a source constituting a machine or process which operates on a cyclical basis and generates exhaust gas at a relatively high volume of gas in a short period, at one or more points in its operational cycle. The system includes a first fan or blower which operates continuously and handles a flow volume which is at least equal to the average flow from the source but is lower than the high flow volume produced by the machine or process at intermittent times during its operational cycle. The exhaust from the source in excess of the average is fed into an accumulator at such times as the machine or process is emitting volumes higher than the volume of the constantly operated blower. The constantly operated blower continuously exhausts the accumulator. The energy demands and cost of the exhaust system are therefore substantially lower than a system which would be designed to continuously exhaust the process at the high volume required intermittently.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for transferring hazardous material between the interior of a container and the chamber of a fume hood having a port that includes a flexible enclosure with an upper surface, a lower surface and a side surface; a first conduit extending from the enclosure to connect to the port; a second conduit extending from the enclosure to connect with the container; and a pair of glove ports in the enclosure outer wall, including sleeved gloves extending into the enclosure, whereby the interior of the container and the chamber of the fume hood are accessible through the glove ports. The apparatus may also include means for supporting the enclosure in an open position above the container.

Abstract: In a first aspect, an automatic door opener is provided that includes (1) a platform adapted to support a substrate carrier; (2) a door opening mechanism adapted to open a door of the substrate carrier while the substrate carrier is supported by the platform; and (3) a tunnel. The tunnel is adapted to extend from an opening in a clean room wall toward the platform and at least partially surround the platform. The tunnel is further adapted to direct a flow of air from the clean room wall toward the platform and out of the tunnel. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In a first aspect, an automatic door opener is provided that includes (1) a platform adapted to support a substrate carrier; (2) a door opening mechanism adapted to open a door of the substrate carrier while the substrate carrier is supported by the platform; and (3) a tunnel. The tunnel is adapted to extend from an opening in a clean room wall toward the platform and at least partially surround the platform. The tunnel is further adapted to direct a flow of air from the clean room wall toward the platform and out of the tunnel. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A rotary processing machine for beverage containers (1), including a carousel (7, 8) that revolves about a vertical axis (5) and is fitted with peripherally spaced processing sites (12) receiving the containers. The processing sites are configured in a sealed space that may be charged with a special atmosphere. The stationary surfaces (14, 15, 16) of the space are traversed by entry and exit conveyor elements (19, 22). The space assumes the shape of an annular tunnel (7, 8, 14, 15, 16) surrounding the carousel (7, 8) and is enclosed, on one hand, by the closed carousel surfaces (7, 8) and, on the other hand, by the stationary surfaces (14, 15, 16). The carousel surfaces and stationary surfaces subtending the tunnel seal each other off by two seals (17, 18) concentric with the axis (5).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing leakage from a fitting coupling a first and second fluid supply line to an environment surrounding the fitting is generally provided. In one embodiment, a containment apparatus includes a body having a first, second and third aperture formed therethrough. The body defines interior volume that is adapted to substantially enclose the fitting. The interior volume is adapted to be maintained at a pressure less than the surrounding environment to prevent fluid that may leak from the fitting from being released into the surrounding environment. In another aspect of the invention, a method for preventing fluid leakage from a fitting coupling a first and second conduit from entering an environment surrounding the fitting includes enclosing the fitting in a volume defined between a first shell and a second shell, evacuating the volume, and drawing air into the volume from between the shells.

Abstract: An aseptic filling apparatus of the rotary type comprises an aseptic chamber 12 provided for surrounding a path of transport of containers along with a turntable 41. An air discharge channel 71 is provided between the turntable 41 and the aseptic chamber 12. A channel control member 81 is fixedly disposed so as to cover the air discharge channel 71, and to be opposed to the turntable 41 and the aseptic chamber 12 with the channel 71 positioned therebetween. Seal clearances 101, 102 are formed between the turntable 41 and the channel control member 81, and a vent clearance 92 is provided between the aseptic chamber 12 and the channel control member 81. A collection pipe 112 is in communication with the vent clearance 92.

Abstract: A cylinder containing gas has a valve and is connected to a delivery side through a filling pipe, a primary pipe, a first air-operated valve, a pressure reducing valve, a secondary pipe, and a second air-operated valve. Inert gas flows into the primary pipe through an air-operated valve. The primary pipe is connected to a vacuum generator through an air-operated valve and a pipe. Gas remaining in the primary pipe is purged as exhaust gas by automatically repeating leaving-pipe-in-pressurized-state purge for pressurizing the inside of the primary pipe by the inert gas and leaving the pipe in this state for 2 to 10 minutes and evacuating the pipe for 20 seconds. Gas remaining in the primary pipe is purged with high-efficiency, and the vacuum generator is stopped while the inside of the primary pipe is pressurized in the leaving-pipe-in-pressurized-state purge and the just-before-replacement purge.

Abstract: A melting tank with a batch loading channel, with a channel covering having an exhaust gas flue and a loading opening that can be closed by a loading door or flap during operation of the melting tank and the loading opening can be opened for loading the batch. Emissions and service life improvements can be achieved because during operation of the melting tank, a constant air stream is introduced into the loading channel by nozzles in the closed loading door or flap. While loading the batch, the loading door or flap is moved sufficiently far so that the nozzles are moved out of the region of the loading channel, and the loading door or flap covers the region underneath the channel covering with a suction device. A region of the loading opening underneath the channel covering is opened for a loading device.

Abstract: A fluidizing method transports particulates by gravity flow but passes the particulates through a fluidizer which is partitioned by a porous distributor plate to form first and second chambers and wherein the particulate materials pass through said first chamber which is in gaseous communication with said second chamber via the porous distributor plate. Gas is delivered to the second chamber at a pressure sufficient to generate a gas bearing between the porous distributor plate and the particulate material. The gas is permitted to migrate through the particulate material, but it is then vented to the surrounding atomosphere without causing substantial turbulence in the particulate material and to reduce tendencies for dusting and separation of the particulates into sizes.

Abstract: The device comprises a container (1) with a mouth (4′) to which the end of the conduit through which cement falls into the drum (3) of a concrete mixer truck is coupled, said container being fixed and having a trap door (6) for adapting the back part of said drum (3) so that the dust originating from the fall of the cement remains inside sad container (1). Part of the dust goes out through the conduit (9) to a common collector (10) while the other part is suctioned in through a suctioning head (2) formed by a truncated cone-shaped body, the biggest base thereof being coupled to the mouth (3′) for loading the drum (3) and the smallest base leading to a conduit (13) that ends in the common collector (10). The dust is suctioned in from said collector and passed through a container or hopper (22) with filters with the purpose of cleaning and final reception in a tank or common collector (20).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling aseptic containers with an aseptic product in an aseptic processing apparatus. An apparatus including a valve mechanism for controlling the opening or closing of a valve. The aseptic product is delivered through the valve to the aseptic container. The valve mechanism remains in a sterile tunnel, preventing contaminants from being carried into the aseptic product.

Abstract: A fume hood is described for use in removing material from, or inserting material into, the opening of a container. The fume hood enclosure has a floor with an opening for insertion of the upper end of the container into the enclosure, with a flexible member around the periphery of the opening to form a seal between the container and the enclosure when the upper end of the container is inserted into the enclosure. A base is provided supporting the hood at a level permitting insertion of the containers beneath the opening in the floor. A vertically adjustable carrier is provided to raise the container to insert the upper end of the container into the enclosure through the opening.

Abstract: A hood (11) for the protection of premises, in particular for premises where general foodstuffs are treated in a controlled atmosphere, comprising an outer enclosure (18) forming a first chamber (22) to house a machine (12), for instance an oenological rinsing, filling or capping machine (12). The enclosure (18) holds an aspirating element (20) equipped with an opening (42) for discharging air and/or steam to the outside of the hood (11), which delimits the upper part of the first chamber (22) and forms, between its outer surface and the enclosure (18), a second chamber (24) communicating with the first chamber (22). Some fans (28) charge the second chamber (24) with air, which passes from the second chamber (24) to the first chamber (22), spreads out by flowing over the elements of the machine and is then discharged through the opening (42).

Abstract: A standard mechanical interface wafer pod gas filling system, comprising: a platform, carrying a wafer pod cover of a wafer pod; a pod hold-down latch mechanism; a port, carrying a wafer pod base, with lateral gaps between the platform and the port; a pod door lock/unlock mechanism, mounted on the lower side of the platform; a port door up/down mechanism; several nozzles, mounted on one lateral side of the platform, having widening ends, wherein the lateral gap located opposite to the nozzles is wider than the other lateral gaps; a charging box, mounted on the lower side of the platform; and a gas supply unit for supplying inert gas through the nozzles and taking out air from the wafer pod.

Abstract: An insert is bolted to the inlet of a wood chip digester to provide air exhaust during chip loading, and over pressure relief during chip processing. The insert has an upper flange which connects to an overhead chip valve, and a lower flange which mates with the top of the digester inlet. The insert has an outer cylindrical section extending between the upper flange and the lower flange and a lower conical section which extends downwardly into the digester. An inner cylindrical sleeve is positioned coaxially with, and joined to, the outer wall by a conical ring at the top, and is joined to the conical section at the bottom. The outer wall, the conical section, and the inner cylindrical sleeve form a sealed volume, which maybe partitioned into two parts. The first part has a sector between the outer wall and the inner cylindrical sleeve which is connected to a pressure relief fitting, a portion of the sector being porous for allowing pressure relief through the fitting.

Abstract: This invention concerns a cabinet for chemical canister storage and dispensing. More particularly, this invention concerns a cabinet structure comprising: walls connected to a base and a top to provide an enclosed structure; wherein at least one wall has at least one vent opening on the lower portion thereof; wherein an upper portion of the cabinet has a exhaust outlet hole; wherein one or more baffles are positioned within the cabinet structure to direct a flow of air over fittings of a canister, a cabinet manifold, or both as the air moves from the at least one vent opening to the exhaust outlet hole.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for providing a HEPA air shower to the critical fill zone of the liquid filling operation for preventing entry of particulate, non-viable and viable particulate, into the critical filling zone by providing opposed flows of pressurized HEPA air, by providing opposed laminar flows of pressurized HEPA air, or by providing a single laminar flow of pressurized HEPA air to the critical filling zone to provide the HEPA air shower.

Abstract: A cover of a powder loading device prevents the escape of loose powder when the powder is transferred from a storage container of a plant to a receiving container. A blower inside the cover moves air from the outside, under the cover, a filter, and returns the filtered air to the outside. A backwash device is operated periodically to remove the filtered powder from the filter into the receiving container. The powder is delivered storage container to the receiving container through a retractable loading chute. A powder detection switch within the retractable loading chute determines when the receiving container is full and stops the transfer of powder. The result is a powder loading device which maximizes dust collection and minimizes lost loose powder. The powder loading device adapts to various plant and receiving container sizes.

Abstract: First and second wall portions respectively spread along first and second opposing inner surfaces of a housing portion, and a plurality of vent pores that are distributed along the first and second inner surfaces are formed in the first and second wall portions. Hence, when an ambient gas is supplied to a space between the first inner surface and the first wall portion and another ambient gas is simultaneously discharged from a space between the second inner surface and the second wall surface, a laminar flow of an ambient gas directed from the first inner surface toward the second inner surface is formed to be parallel to a plate-like body held by a base portion.

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 of the material and outlet defining an outlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow of 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

Abstract: A Vapor Recovery System for recovering gasoline vapors released into the vicinity of an automotive filing installation. The inventive device includes an closed-ended pipe having a plurality of apertures formed therealong disposed in spaced relationship to a pumping column front portion, a first sealed housing sealingly attachable to the closed-ended pipe, the first sealed housing further comprising a motor and fan assembly disposed therein, a second sealed housing sealingly attachable to the first sealed housing, the second sealed housing further comprising a filter disposed therein, a third sealed housing sealingly attachable to the second sealed housing, the third sealed housing having attached thereto a compressor, and an outlet pipe sealingly attachable to the third sealed housing at an end thereof and terminating in the gasoline storage tank.

Abstract: An apparatus including:a funnel comprising a housing operably connected to a particulate source at one end and extending downwardly therefrom to a receiver member at the other end, the funnel being adapted to permit a flow of powder therethrough, and wherein the inner wall of the funnel is adapted with a porous member which provides a boundary layer of gas between the porous member and the powder.

Abstract: The fill system provides sterile air to the product tank and the cleaning box which creates a more hygienic environment for the forming, filling and sealing of cartons on a packaging machine. The fill system has a pair of offset reducers for facilitated positioning of the fill pipes in relation to each other. The fill system also has a tank atmospheric valve for maintaining the proper pressure in the product tank. The fill system also has a level probe for measuring the level of product in the product tank during a production cycle, and to measure the level of cleaning solution in the product tank during a cleaning cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling drums with a substance. First and second external chambers are employed, and an interior filling chamber is employed, which is adjacent to the first and second external chambers. A first exterior door is provided between the first external chamber and an outside environment, a second exterior door is provided between the second external chamber and the outside environment, a first interior door is provided between the first external chamber and the filling chamber, and a second interior door is provided between the second external chamber and the filling chamber. The filling chamber fills a drum with the substance and vents out of the filling chamber gaseous emissions produced during said filling.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for providing a HEPA air shower to the critical fill zone of the liquid filling operation for preventing entry of particulate, non-viable and viable particulate, into the critical filling zone by providing opposed flows of pressurized HEPA air to the critical filling zone to provide the HEPA air shower.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the outside of a container to remove any adhering liquid, particularly in the region of a fill opening thereof. Adhering liquid is blown off of the container by mean of compressed air.

Abstract: A filling installation for hazardous pourable or fluid substances. The substances to be packaged at the output of a production plant are divided into portions and packaged in a glove box of a sacking plant in clean room conditions. The sacking plant may be shut off from the glove box by a sealing swivelling cover. The glove box is held under an overpressure and a laminar flow of pure air is continuously present in the glove box and flows around at least one filling head arranged at the output of the production plant.

Abstract: A filling machine (10) for filling into containers (30), by volume, weight, or level, of products requiring maintenance of a specified temperature. The filling machine includes a product reservoir (14), a filling nozzle (16), a pump (22) and suitable tubes (26, 28) for controlling the flow of product from the reservoir to the nozzle. The above parts are disposed within a double walled enclosure (62). A conveyor (44) having an upper flight (44.2) which supports containers (30) to be filled via the filling nozzle enters and exits the enclosure. A heater (138) is located outside of the enclosure and is connected to the enclosure through an insulated air duct (130) so that forced hot air may be used for heating the enclosure. A heat sensor (158) is provided within the enclosure for controlling the flow of air into the enclosure and also for regulating the output of the heater. The enclosure is provided with two aligned doors (96, 98), and when these doors are opened a blow down cycle is initiated.

Abstract: A contamination-free freight and storing system for containerized bulk goods adapted to the freight and storage of granular or powdered goods, comprises an improved container satisfying ISO standard, an unloading tank with a top opening, a lifting device within the unloading tank, a suction filter device and a container freight device. The bottom board of the container comprises two separate bottom panels, which are placed above the top opening of the unloading tank while unloading, and are activated by the lifting device and elevated inwardly to expose the two sides of the base of the container so that the granular goods inside the container can slide into the unloading tank. The powder formed from the material seepage can be drawn and filtered by the suction filter device and then released into the atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention provides a combination of a nozzle and a vacuum hood. The vacuum hood has a chamber that surrounds the tip of the nozzle and removes residue from the tip by a vacuum which flows in the chamber past the nozzle tip. This vacuum catches and removes residue from the nozzle tip and prevents the reside from interfering with the spraying action or dripping down. The method of the instant invention provides for dispensing a fluid from a nozzle without dripping fluid from the nozzle having a vacuum hood. The method comprises: (a) dispensing a fluid on a rotating semiconductor wafer through a nozzle over the wafer; (b) terminating the fluid flow through the nozzle; (c) creating an upward flow of gas about the dispensing nozzle when the flow of fluid through the nozzle is terminated; (d) capturing any fluid residue from the nozzle in the upward flow of gas; (e) removing the wafer and positioning another wafer; and (f) terminating the upward flow of gas; and repeating the process of steps (a) through (f).

Abstract: A device for coupling two containers comprising connecting branches having essentially circular cross section, with each of the connecting branches having a closing member at one end, which is essentially circular in cross section, for closing the end facing away from the container. When the two connecting branches are brought together, the two closing members are combined into a single member moved by a single actuator so that no clearance is required in each of the branches between the ends of the branch and the member. Each of the branches has annular edge seals, which, in an uncompressed condition, engage a circumferential edge of each of the closing members and are compressed when engaged with the edge seal of the adjacent branch member to release the respective closing member.