Abstract: Methods for determining corrected positions of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) rover using a GNSS base station and one or more GNSS reference stations include determining a statistical representation of position measurements from the GNSS reference stations and an instantaneous position measurement from the GNSS reference stations. A position correction is determined based on the statistical representation and the instantaneous position measurement. A corrected position of the GNSS rover is determined based on a position of the GNSS rover and the position correction.

Abstract: To provide a transfer chamber capable of replacing a chemical filter without affecting an internal atmosphere, and shortening or eliminating stop time of a transfer process of a wafer (W) associated with replacement of the chemical filter. The transfer chamber transfers the wafer (W) to or from a processing device (6) by using a transfer robot (2) provided thereinside, and includes a circulation path (CL1) formed inside of a transfer chamber (1) to circulate gas, a chemical filter unit (7) provided in the midstream of the circulation path (CL1), and a connecting and disconnecting means (8) which switches connection and disconnection of the chemical filter unit (7) to and from the circulation path (CL1).

Abstract: In an inert-gas circulating type EFEM, generation of any constraints on installation of incidental equipment, a maintenance door, or the like is inhibited, and the need for changing the placement position, etc. of a feedback path according to the specifications, etc. of a substrate processing device connected thereto is eliminated. An EFEM 1 is provided with: a transfer chamber 41 in which a wafer W is conveyed; a unit installation chamber 42 in which a FFU 44 for feeding nitrogen to the transfer chamber 41 is installed; and a return path 43 for feeding the nitrogen having flown through the transfer chamber 41, back to the unit installation chamber 42. A substrate processing apparatus 6 is connected to the rear-side end of the transfer chamber 41. The return path 43 is disposed at the front-side end of the transfer chamber 41.

Abstract: An EFEM includes a housing 3 that constitutes a wafer transport chamber 9 that is substantially closed by connecting load ports 4 to an opening 31a provided on a wall 31, and connecting a processing apparatus 6; a wafer transport apparatus 2, and transports a wafer between the processing apparatus 6 and the FOUPs 7 mounted on the load ports 4; a gas delivery port 11; a gas suction port 12; a gas feedback path 10; and a FFU 13 that includes a filter 13b that is provided in the gas delivery port 11, and eliminates particles contained in the delivered gas, wherein the gas in the wafer transport chamber 9 is circulated by generating a downward gasflow in the wafer transport chamber 9 and feeding back the gas through the gas feedback path 10.

Abstract: In a joint apparatus, a transfer region and a processing region are formed. In the transfer region, a transfer mechanism transferring a first substrate, a second substrate, or a superposed substrate, a position adjusting mechanism adjusting an orientation in a horizontal direction of the first substrate or the second substrate, and a reversing mechanism reversing front and rear surfaces of the second substrate are provided. In the processing region, a first holding member mounting and holding the first substrate on an upper surface thereof, a second holding member holding the second substrate on a lower surface thereof, and a pressing and moving member bringing one end portion of the first substrate and one end portion of the second substrate into abutment with each other and pressing the one end portions when joining the first substrate and the second substrate together are provided.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a disk drive device includes (a) assembling a sub assembly by assembling a bearing unit and a rotating body to a fixed body in a clean room, the rotating body being supported by the bearing unit in a freely rotatable manner to the fixed body, (b) cleaning the sub assembly by spraying a mixture of a cleaning liquid and a first gas to at least either one of the fixed body and the rotating body; and (c) enclosing the sub assembly using an enclosing member.

Abstract: A thermal processing and consolidation system is provided that includes an upper chamber assembly lower chamber assembly, layup and demolding station, transfer assembly, automatic or permanent coupling system, and controller. The upper and lower chamber assemblies are coupled to form an enclosed plenum operable to maintain a pressurized environment about a tool. The layup and demolding station receives the tool and facilitates the layup, bagging and sealing of unprocessed components at the tool. A transfer assembly accurately positions the tool on the lower chamber assembly in alignment with the upper chamber assembly. An automatic or permanent coupling system provides services to the tool and the enclosed plenum. A controller directs services to be supplied to the enclosed plenum and tool in accordance with a set of process parameters. This set of process parameters allows an individual set of unprocessed components to be thermally processed and consolidated.

Abstract: A flexible, multi-product, multi-technology, expandable facility for manufacturing products, such as biologicals, pharmaceuticals, or chemicals, and manufacturing processes using elements of such a facility.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for maintenance of a ship propeller including the steps of: placing a flexible habitat having an open upper end over an uppermost blade and a portion of the propeller hub, and establishing a gas seal between the upper end of the habitat and the blade to close the habitat at its upper end. After fixing the lower end of the habitat relatively to the propeller, compressed gas is preferably introduced into the habitat to displace the water in the habitat. The apparatus for maintenance of a ship propeller under water comprises a flexible habitat with an open upper end. The habitat has a gas seal adapted to cooperate with a propeller blade surface to establish a gas seal to close the habitat at its upper end and fixing means adapted to fix the open lower end of the habitat relatively to the propeller. A means for introducing compressed gas into the habitat is provided.

Abstract: A work setting apparatus includes a lower table 15, an upper table 17, and a work holding unit 19 provided with a plurality of work holders 25 each having an adhesive to hold a work. A work setting method sets a second work W2 held by the work holders 25 onto a first work W1 set on the lower table 17. A work holder removing method removes the work holders 25 from the second work W2 set on the first work W1 by vibrating the first and second works W1 and W2 on the lower table 15.

Abstract: A work setting apparatus includes a lower table 15 on which a first work W1 is set, an upper table 17, and a work holding unit 19 having a plurality of work holders 25 each having an adhesive to hold a second work W2. The work setting apparatus lowers the work holders until a predetermined short distance is established between the first and second works and drops the second work from the work holders onto the first work, thereby setting the second work onto the first work.

Abstract: There is provided a biochip stamping device. The biochip stamping device includes a stamping jig in which a first biochip is aligned; an inverting mechanism vertically inverting a second biochip; and a movement mechanism transferring the vertically inverted second biochip on the stamping jig to combine the first biochip and the second biochip.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a disk drive device including: assembling a subassembly by fixing at least a bearing unit, a drive unit and a hub to a base member in a first clean room; cleaning the subassembly in a second clean room; and sealing the subassembly by a sealing member. The first clean room and the second clean room are communicated with each other by a communicating opening for transferring the subassembly, and an atmospheric pressure in the second clean room is equal to or higher than that in the first clean room.

Abstract: A place station for a pick-and-place machine, comprising: a place stage assembly comprising a place stage for supporting a substrate; a covering for providing a clean environment at the substrate, the covering comprising a first opening in a first face of the covering through which a placement operation may be performed to a limited area of the substrate; wherein the place stage and the covering are mounted for relative movement to allow the opening to achieve a selected relative position over the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides various aspects of support for a fabrication facility capable of routine placement and replacement of processing tools in at least a vertical dimension relative to each other.

Abstract: A localizing unit for an X-ray diagnostic system covered with a sterile drape is provided. In one embodiment, the localizing unit can be sterilized and has an adapter, which includes a mechanism for puncturing the sterile drape and a mechanism for temporarily securing the sterile drape on a housing of the X-ray diagnostic system. The adapter may be detachably held in predetermined holders on the housing of the X-ray diagnostic system and may be positioned on the housing in a reproducible manner. In some embodiments, the mechanism for temporarily securing the sterile drape on the housing includes an elastically deformable, surrounding seal, which upon positioning the adapter, produces a force on the sterile drape in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the housing.

Abstract: A device for smooth linear separation between a first part and a second part. The first part is linearly connected to the second part. The device includes a heat source applied onto the first part that applies a heat stimulus to the first part so as to separate the first part from the second part by thermal deformation of the first part.

Abstract: An HVAC sensor assembly for sensor deployment within an HVAC air passage defined by passage walls is provided. In some instances, the HVAC sensor assembly includes a base mountable to a passage wall of an HVAC air passage, and a support member attached to and extending out from the base and configured to project into the HVAC air passage. The HVAC sensor assembly may include one or more HVAC sensors secured to the support member such that the one or more HVAC sensors are positionable and then maintainable at a field configurable distance from the base.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate movement of a pallet from an assembly table to a pallet stacker comprises a roller frame adapted for movable attachment to the pallet stacker in front of the entrance to the pallet opening such that the roller frame can be moved, in a direction substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the loading direction, from a receiving position nearest to the assembly table, to a remote position farthest from the assembly table. A pallet roller is rotatably attached on top of the roller frame about a substantially horizontal axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the loading direction. The pallet roller supports a pallet in a substantially horizontal position such that the supported pallet can be rolled into the pallet opening of the pallet stacker. Conveniently a bias force is provided to return the roller frame to the receiving position when the pallet has been rolled off.

Abstract: An elastic membrane is provided for use in a flow-control device comprising a housing with a seat of a predetermined shape and dimensions for the membrane such that when the membrane is mounted in the seat, the membrane is deflected by a pressure differential between its two opposite sides. The elastic membrane has a predetermined shape and dimensions matching the seat and is made of foamed elastomer with closed cells of predetermined cell density and morphology.

Abstract: A method for activating a getter at low temperature for encapsulation in a device cavity containing a microdevice comprises etching a passivation layer off the getter material while the device wafer and lid wafer are enclosed in a bonding chamber. A plasma etching process may be used, wherein by applying a large negative voltage to the lid wafer, a plasma is formed in the low pressure environment within the bonding chamber. The plasma then etches the passivation layer from the getter material, which is directly thereafter sealed within the device cavity of the microdevice, all within the etching/bonding chamber.

Abstract: A flexible production process for fabricating a heat pipe, having the processes of (a) performing pre-process on a heat-pipe material, (b) performing annealing process on the heat-pipe material, (c) introducing working fluid into the heat-pipe material, (d) removing non-condensable gas from the heat-pipe material, and (e) sealing the openings of the heat-pipe material. The heat-pipe material can be disposed into a laminar flow box between any of the steps (a) and (b), (b) and (c), and (c) and (d).

Abstract: Exemplary system and process for assembling a camera module are provided. The system includes a worktable, a light intensity sensor, a lens module holding device and a controlling unit. The worktable provide placement of the image sensor module thereon, thus a center of the image sensor having a coordinate value thereof. The lens module holding device can hold and move the lens module above the worktable, and it has a light source to emit parallel light that converged at a focus point, wherein the light intensity sensor can detect the focus point location and generating a signal associated with a coordinate value of the focus point. The controlling unit can receive the signal and instruct the lens module holding device to move the lens module toward the image sensor module so that the optical axis of the lens module is aligned with the center of the image sensor.

Abstract: An automatic guided system transfers scrap glass resulted from at least one scrap glass source of a clean room to a scrap exit. The automatic guided system for transferring the scrap glass includes a rail module and a vehicle module. The rail module connects the scrap exit to the scrap glass source. The vehicle module is moved along the rail module for transferring the scrap glass from the scrap glass source to the scrap exit.

Abstract: An active cathodic protection system, the apparatus comprising a rectifier element with at least one electrical connection to a source of electrical current, the rectifier element associated with a direct current positive (+) output terminal for electrical connection of via an anode connector to a consumable anode, a direct current negative (?) output terminal for electrical connection via a cathode connector to the structure to be protected, grounding means for electrical grounding of the apparatus and anti-cross connection means for preventing the continuing flow of electrical current when the anode connector is associated with the negative output terminal and the cathode connector is associated with the positive output terminal.

Abstract: A fabrication station (117) suitable for use mobile unit (1) or as stand alone unit for fabricating solid surface construction materials is provided, as is a method of use therefor. The fabrication station is equipped with climate control units (23, 23a, 123) fabrication equipment (24, 124) and other environment control equipment. Therefore, solid surface construction materials can be fabricated onsite or at a remote fabrication shop. In the fabrication process according to the present invention, dimensional information is laid out directly onto the solid surface material stock. The fabrication station can include an adjustable support (124a) that supports each slat support channel portion so that the position of the slat support channel portions is adjustable relative to the support wall and one another to provide a fine adjustment. The fabrication station can also include removable slat portions 124c to accommodate different shapes of solid surface material to fabricate.

Abstract: A method for applying diffusion aluminide coating on a selective area of a turbine engine component and the coating produced by that method is disclosed. A quartz infrared lamp heats only substantially the localized area of the component to be coated, rather than the complete part. Either halide activated or non-activated tape is applied on the area to be coated and is held in place during coating using a high temperature dimensionally stable tape holder manufactured from graphite or ceramic. The quartz infrared lamp is used to heat only the desired area to a coating temperature of about 1800° F. to about 2000° F. under an inert atmosphere for about 3 to about 8 hours to achieve the desired aluminide coating thickness. No powder masking of the machined surface area is required. Due to the localized heating, aluminum vapor generated from the tape will only deposit aluminide coating on the taped area.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a medical device is formed of at least three coupled movable blades which are disposed about a reference circle to form an aperture whose size may be varied. The aperture capable of being sized to contain a medical device. Each blade is in communication with an actuation device which is capable of moving the blade to alter the size of the aperture. Each blade includes a single radial point which a) lies on the circumference of the reference circle prior to movement of the blade, and b) may be moved only along a radius of the reference circle on movement of the blade.

Abstract: Stacking porous and non-porous material layers involves applying vacuum to a first porous layer to stabilize same relative to a support structure. The support structure and/or a non-porous layer are moved to establish contact between the non-porous layer and the first porous layer. The first porous and non-porous layers define a sub-assembly. While applying vacuum to the sub-assembly, one or both of the support structure and a second layer are moved to establish contact between the second layer and the non-porous layer. Vacuum applied to the sub-assembly maintains positional stability of the sub-assembly layers relative to the support structure while the second layer is moved into contact with the non-porous layer. Vacuum is subsequently removed to facilitate transporting of the material layer stack. Material layers of a fuel cell, including first and second fluid transport layers and a membrane, are well suited for automated stacking.

Abstract: An unheading and containment system for unheading and heading a pressure vessel includes an unheading apparatus for removing a cover from a pressure vessel in an unheading operation and a modular enclosure, mechanism to substantially enclose the cover during the unheading operation. The unheading apparatus includes a cover removably secured to the pressure vessel, a lock plate cooperating with the cover, and a cover moving mechanism capable of moving the cover vertically and laterally.

Abstract: A sealing device is provided for a working chamber system with a robot hand (216) that extends into the working chamber (100) through an aperture (120) by means of which a seal may be established and removed by remote control. The sealing device includes: (a) a flexible sealing element (20) by means of which an inner pass-through ring element (40) is connected with the edge of the aperture (120); (b) at least two coupling elements that are attached to the pass-through ring element (40) and (c) at least one locking element that is connected with the robot hand (216) and that may be positioned by means of positioning elements for coupling of the robot hand (216) with the pass-through ring element (40) by means of the coupling elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing or processing articles includes smart microcontroller boards which cooperate with sensors and a communication system to monitor and control manufacturing processes. Microcontroller boards disposed within a container create a microprocessor module which is secured to the apparatus for controlling the same responsive to information provided to them. Sensors are provided for monitoring operation of the apparatus and providing such information to the microcontroller boards. The communication system provides for communication between the sensors and the microcontroller boards, among microcontroller boards and between the microcontroller boards and other portions of the apparatus which are to be subjected to responsive control. In a preferred embodiment, the microcontroller boards are positioned within a container which is secured in a recess in the apparatus and has an overlying material covering the boards. A plurality of microcontroller modules may be employed in a system.

Abstract: Stacking porous and non-porous material layers involves applying vacuum to a first porous layer to stabilize same relative to a support structure. The support structure and/or a non-porous layer are moved to establish contact between the non-porous layer and the first porous layer. The first porous and non-porous layers define a sub-assembly. While applying vacuum to the sub-assembly, one or both of the support structure and a second layer are moved to establish contact between the second layer and the non-porous layer. Vacuum applied to the sub-assembly maintains positional stability of the sub-assembly layers relative to the support structure while the second layer is moved into contact with the non-porous layer. Vacuum is subsequently removed to facilitate transporting of the material layer stack. Material layers of a fuel cell, including first and second fluid transport layers and a membrane, are well suited for automated stacking.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) from a fixture assembly subsequent to MEA bonding within the fixture assembly involves stabilizing the first fixture of the fixture assembly. The second fixture of the fixture assembly is stabilized. While the second fixture is stabilized, the first fixture is pressurized to cause the first surface of the MEA to separate from the first fixture. While the first fixture is stabilized, the second fixture is pressurized to cause the second surface of the MEA to separate from the second fixture. The second fixture is then moved out of proximity with the first fixture to permit removal of the MEA from the first fixture.

Abstract: In a process and an apparatus for loading a disposable camera with a photographic film, a film unwinding and film insertion device (8) is provided for unwinding a predetermined film length from a film cartridge (203) of a film unit (2; 2′ etc.) to form a film supply roll (202) and for inserting the film cartridge and the film supply roll in a film supply chamber (102) or film cartridge chamber (104) of a camera fabrication unit (KU; KU′ etc.

Abstract: In a process and an apparatus for loading a disposable camera with a photographic film, a film unwinding and film insertion device (8) is provided for unwinding a predetermined film length from a film cartridge (203) of a film unit (2; 2′ etc.) to form a film supply roll (202) and for inserting the film cartridge and the film supply roll in a film supply chamber (102) or film cartridge chamber (104) of a camera fabrication unit (KU; KU′ etc.

Abstract: A telescoping joint assembly and a method for making a telescope joint assembly 10. The joint assembly 10 has a pair of members 12, 14 which are telescopically engaged. Assembly 10 further includes a resinous, plastic and/or polymer material 16 which shrinkably coats or lines the inner shaft 12 after the inner shaft 12 is heated and exposed to a substantially inert gas, thereby providing a relatively durable and substantially “low friction” bearing or surface 18 which is effective to promote and/or assist the telescopic sliding motion between the members 12, 14.

Abstract: A clean box has a box body having an aperture in one side surface, an opening/closing lid for hermetically closing the aperture while undergoing vacuum suction to the box body, and a plurality of latches provided on the box body so as to be able to engage the opening/closing lid outside the box body. The latches of the clean box can be unlatched by latch releasing mechanisms from outer and lateral sides of the box body, which are side positions with respect to the side surface having the aperture.

Abstract: A fabrication station (117) suitable for use mobile unit (1) or as stand alone unit for fabricating solid surface construction materials is provided, as is a method of use therefor. The fabrication station is equipped with climate control units (23, 23a, 123) fabrication equipment (24, 124) and other environment control equipment. Therefore, solid surface construction materials can be fabricated onsite or at a remote fabrication shop. In the fabrication process according to the present invention, dimensional information is laid out directly onto the solid surface material stock. The fabrication station can include an adjustable support (124a) that supports each slat support channel portion so that the position of the slat support channel portions is adjustable relative to the support wall and one another to provide a fine adjustment. The fabrication station can also include removable slat portions 124c to accommodate different shapes of solid surface material to fabricate.

Abstract: This invention relates to an arrangement for sealing a closed chamber in which equipment is to be replaced and especially to a chamber in which equipment is to be replaced while the chamber is to be maintained closed. The arrangement includes a channel filled with a fluid, such as water, and a skirt arranged to extend into the fluid to form the seal. As the skirt extends down into the liquid, a portal space is formed at the opening in the chamber and the opening preferably includes a gate for closing the chamber from the portal space and the outside.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a photo film unit has a dark box, which has supply openings into which parts are supplied, and an exit opening from which the body loaded with the photo film is exited. Intermediate cells of the dark box shield ambient light and include interlocked outer shutter plates and inner shutter plates which are disposed in the supply openings and the exit opening. A cassette supplying loader and a robot hand transfer the cassette into the dark box, while a leading tongue of the photo film is protruded from the cassette shell, with a remaining portion of the photo film contained as a roll. A roll forming fork device winds the photo film to a predetermined length from the cassette and forms the photo film into the roll. A photo film mounting mechanism swings the roll and the cassette shell together to change orientation thereof, and loads the roll and the cassette shell into the body.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for fabricating wing panels from a plurality of elongated wing planks attached together with splice stringers along adjacent longitudinal edges and stiffened with stringers parallel to each other and to the splice stringers includes a fixture having a series of headers on which the planks can be assembled and held at the desired curvature with attachment devices for holding the planks as assembled on the fixture. An elevator supports the fixture in an elongated pit for precise adjustment in a generally vertical direction of the fixture and the assembled wing planks. A stringer positioning device is mounted along one longitudinal edge of the pit for positioning a stringer loaded thereon against the assembled wing planks accurately in accordance with the wing design. A downwardly opening yoke having two arms depending from a top cross member is suspended over the pit on a support structure.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an apparatus for automatically assembling elements of a COAST container. The apparatus includes a cabinet that has a vertical stocker mounted therein for holding the elements of the COAST container, an input loadlock mechanism for introducing the elements into the cabinet, a manipulating mechanism for placing the elements into the vertical stocker, a conveyor located outside of the cabinet, a load loadlock mechanism mounted inside the cabinet and interfacing with the outside thereof near the conveyor, an automatic manipulator mechanism inside the cabinet for removing the elements from the vertical stocker and assembling these elements into the COAST container, and a mechanism for pressurizing the inside of the cabinet with a protective atmosphere.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic container assembler apparatus (800) to assemble the constitutive elements of a COAST container i.e. the wafer (138) that is to be treated in the manufacturing line, the cassette-reservoir (123) and the single wafer holder (130). In essence, the assembler apparatus consists of a cabinet whose interior space cabinet is submitted to a clean filtered gas flow generated by a blower, so that a clean gaseous mini-environment is created therein with a light overpressure with regard to the outside ambient. The cabinet includes a vertical stocker (804) adapted to be manually and safely filled with the adequate number of the elements mentioned above. Generally, the wafers are carried in a multiple wafer holder (130'). These elements are introduced in the cabinet through an input loadlock device (810) and laid down onto a table (806) by an operator. Next, the operator places them in their respective bins (815) of the stocker through manipulation gloves (805).

Abstract: A fibre optic bundle end is produced by placing the end in a ferrule (6) and the bundle (14) and ferrule (6) are supported in a furnace (22) for rotation about the ferrule axis. The ferrule (6) and the fibres (14) therein are heated and while still in the furnace (22) are radially compressed by compression members (2,4) so that the fibres become lightly packed, after which the protruding fibre ends are cut off and the cut surface (16) is polished. The compression is achieved by rotating the ferrule (6) and fibres (14) back and forth about the bundle axis while the compression members which are bars passed through the furnace (22) move together radially of the ferrule (6), the said members being mounted for reciprocation so as to allow the ferrule (6) to roll thereon as it rotates.

Abstract: An automatic assembling system for assembling a product constituted by a plurality of parts, includes a group cell having a plurality of assembling cells and inspecting cells, pallets loaded with the same type of parts or products, at least one buffer for holding a plurality of pallets, and at least one pallet hand-over mechanism for transferring pallets between the buffer and each cell. At least one of the buffers is provided in common for a plurality of cells, and at least one of the pallet hand-over mechanisms is provided to the common buffer.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a photo film unit has a dark box, which has supply openings into which parts are supplied, and an exit opening from which the body loaded with the photo film is exited. Intermediate cells of the dark box shield ambient light and include interlocked outer shutter plates and inner shutter plates which are disposed in the supply openings and the exit opening. A cassette supplying loader and a robot hand transfer the cassette into the dark box, while a leading tongue of the photo film is protruded from the cassette shell, with a remaining portion of the photo film contained as a roll. A roll forming fork device winds the photo film to a predetermined length from the cassette and forms the photo film into the roll. A photo film mounting mechanism swings the roll and the cassette shell together to change orientation thereof, and loads the roll and the cassette shell into the body.

Abstract: An automated continuous manufacturing system which includes a rotatable work table having a plurality of work piece supports for maintaining work pieces during operation of said system, and a plurality of work stations for performing cleaning, pretreatment, treatment or assembly tasks on work pieces secured to said work piece supports. Each of the tasks performed at the work table is performed at a respective work station. Certain of the work stations comprise a removable station subassembly for performing a specific task. The removable station subassemblies are removably engagable with the rotatable work table and may be replaced with an alternate removable station subassembly for performing a desired alternate task. One of the work stations is an assembly station engaged with the rotatable work table for receiving work pieces from their individual work piece supports. The assembly station further includes a removing subassembly for removing the work pieces from the work piece supports for further assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encapsulating a payload in a shroud and mounting the resulting assembly on a launch vehicle. An encapsulation cell is provided for containing a payload to be encapsulated in a shroud. That cell is maintained at a "clean room" level of cleanliness. A shroud having a cleaned and sealed interior is placed on the roof in a vertical orientation. A seal arrangement seals between the shroud near its lower end and the roof, creating an airlock. The roof panels below the shroud are opened and the payload is lifted into the shroud through the opening and secured in the shroud. The opening is then closed, the seal retracted and the assembly of payload and shroud moved to a bay where it is mated to a space launch vehicle. This cell and encapsulation system eliminates the need to clean the shroud exterior and any need for a very large clean room cell to house the payload, shroud and lifting device.

Abstract: An apparatus for disposing of a plurality of sodium sulfur cells is disclosed, which comprises: a work-setting pipe unit including a plurality of cell-holding pipes, a work-setting station for setting the cells into the work-setting pipe unit, a heating oil vessel, a sodium-extracting station, an inner tube-extracting station, an unloading station where the remaining sodium sulfur cells are unloading from the work-setting pipe unit, and a transferring unit for transferring said work-setting pipe unit among said stations.