Abstract: A method for cryopreservation of biological samples. A cryogenic liquid such as liquid nitrogen is turned into a slush within a container such as a standard cryogenic storage vial by applying suction to create a partial vacuum above the liquid. The sample to be cooled is dropped into the slush and is subsequently stored in the container within which it was cooled.

Abstract: A jacket (10) for keeping a transplant (46) cold during the time the transplant in surgical way is connected to a receiver comprises a wall (12, 14) with a cavity (22) containing a frozen liquid, which melts under absorption of heat from the transplant. Before the transplant is placed in the jacket (10), the liquid, e.g. water, is frozen by being subjected to vacuum, vapour released from the liquid being absorbed by a substance, e.g. zeolite.

Abstract: Volatile, toxic organic pollutants are removed from drinking water by partially filling a container with water and drawing a vacuum in the space above the water so that the pollutants exit the water into the space above the water for subsequent dispersement into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A centrifugal liquid separator and defoamer for use in a vacuum cooling system including a cooling vessel having a vessel interior for containing a liquid to be cooled, and a vacuum system for applying a vacuum to an interior of the vessel, through a vessel vapor outlet nozzle. This separator and defoamer includes at least one impeller blade positioned in the vicinity of a juncture of the vessel interior and vessel vapor outlet nozzle, this impeller blade being rotated at a speed at which any liquid contacting the rotating impeller blade will be thrown off the blade, and any foam contacting the impeller blade will be converted to liquid and thrown off the blade, in the direction of the vessel interior, by centrifugal action.

Abstract: A thermal management system using an expendable liquid which undergoes phase change to a vapor as waste heat is absorbed and also possesses a high latent heat of vaporization. The vapor is expelled, carrying with it the waste heat. A vacuum source lowers the vapor pressure to lower the vaporization temperature. In first embodiments, regulated fluid flows into a heat exchanger wherein a vacuum system lowers the pressure. Waste heat transported to the heat exchanger by a coolant loop causes the liquid to boil at a desired temperature. A flow regulator controls the rate of fluid flow from the pressurized reservoir to the heat exchanger. The refrigeration effect is produced by the liquid being converted from the liquid to the vapor phase and absorbing heat from the coolant fluid during the phase change. The vacuum system provides a system pressure that results in a suitable temperature at which vaporization occurs. The fluid flow is controlled, based upon the demand from the heat load produced.

Abstract: An improved method is described for use in packaging a wide variety of products, and in particular perishable food and horticultural products. The products are placed within a container of the type which establishes a modified atmosphere environment therein and is cooled, as by heat transfer to a cooling element, which may involve the evaporation of liquid from a cooling collar partially surrounding the container. The container and cooling collar may be subjected to vacuum cooling. The container may include a mechanism to enhance the bulk gas transfer rate during the application of the vacuum while still maintaining the desired atmosphere within the container. The container atmosphere may be precharged with gas of a desired composition. In addition, fumigants may also be included therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilizing items includes a sterilizing chamber that is evacuated. A refrigerant in liquid form expands within the evacuated chamber and rapidly reduces the temperature on the surface of any of the items within the chamber. Thereafter the temperature may rapidly return to room temperature. The rapid temperature changes effectively kill any organisms at or near the surface of any of the items within the chamber.

Abstract: Volatile, toxic organic pollutants are removed from drinking water by partially filling a container with water and drawing a vacuum in the space above the water so that the pollutants exit the water into the space above the water for subsequent dispersement into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A refinery petroleum gas recovery apparatus driven by normally wasted heat, comprising primarily the cooling system, the heat exchanging petroleum gas recovery system, and the appropriate peripheral equipment, wherein the wasted heat from the refining process is used as a power source for creating a vacuum cooling function to cool the water being heat exchanged with the petroleum gas down to the temperature of 12.degree.-13.degree. C. The heat in the gas is removed and the gas is condensed into liquid for reuse. The petroleum gases ethane, propane etc. which are ordinarily burned in the torch tower can now be recovered for reuse. The air pollution created from the burning of the gases in the torch tower is eliminated. Thus the apparatus has a high industrial value.

Abstract: Volatile, toxic organic pollutants are removed from drinking water by partially filling a container with water and drawing a vacuum in the space above the water so that the pollutants exit the water into the space above the water for subsequent dispersement into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Adapter for connecting an adsorption agent container to an operating medium steam source includes a sealing seat for vacuum tight connection to the adsorption agent container and a sealing face for a vacuum tight connection to the operating medium steam source. The adapter further includes a flow conduit which is closed to the outside wherein the flow conduit extends from the operating agent steam source to the adsorption agent container and whereby a separating means prevents the flow of flowing operating medium particles by the operating medium steam flowing through the flow conduit.

Abstract: A refrigeration system where the refrigerant starts out as a liquid at ambient temperatures and pressures and is expanded to a very low pressure and temperature through the use of a special design ejector and pump assembly. The preferred design uses a new type of centrifugal pump which is designed to produce a high velocity discharge rather than pressure. The refrigerant in expanding to a gas extracts BTU's from its surroundings.

Abstract: A vacuum cooling system is provided with controls for reliably and consistently controlling the cooling system for a chamber that holds produce provided with a vacuum pump, a refrigeration system, a vent valve, a bleed valve, first, second and third pressure detectors or pressure set points and a programmable logic controller for starting the pump and then automatically operating the refrigeration system in response to operation of the first pressure detector and then momentarily and repeatedly opening the bleed valve in response to operation of the second detector and wherein the third detector detects a pressure above the second level detector and the control system closes the bleed valve in response to operation of the third pressure detector.

Abstract: An evacuation system in an ultra-high vacuum sputtering apparatus capable of shortening the pumping time of the system. A main pump, composed of a turbo-molecular pump and a baffle is positioned upstream of a main pump and cooled to a temperature in which argon gas is not absorbed and only water is absorbed. The pump and a vacuum chamber are separated by a valve. A pipeline circulates a heating medium to rapidly heat and cool the vacuum chamber for enabling a gas discharge from the vacuum chamber whereby the pumping time can be reduced and the overall production of the system can be increased.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for cooling a product in a vacuum chamber which utilizes a door mounted in an opening portion of a vacuum tumbler chamber, a mechanism mounted on the door for injecting a coolant fluid into the tumbler chamber, a mechanism for rotating the tumbler chamber relative to the door and a vacuum mechanism for exhausting the coolant fluid from the tumbler chamber. The process includes the method of cooling a product in a vacuum chamber and which includes the steps of depositing the products in the vacuum chamber, subjecting the chamber to a vacuum, rotating the chamber, applying a coolant fluid to the products in the chamber; and exhausting the coolant fluid from the chamber by vacuum.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of precooling precooled materials such as fruits and vegetables under vacuum, and keeping it in a precooled state for a long time, and to a refrigerating container therefor. Precooling and keeping the precooled state for a long time have been regarded as impossible in the past, but these problems are resolved in this invention even for materials closely stored in the container. This container is formed with ventilating communication conduits of a desired length for providing communication between the inside and outside of the container when the container is closed. As a result, the materials such as the fruits and vegetables can be transported a long distance and stored for a long time with an increased reliability of freshness, yet without deteriorating precooling effects.

Abstract: An active cooling circuit through which cooling liquid circulates, is connected to an evaporation heat exchanger for cooling said cooling liquid when it has begun to warm. For this purpose, a housing encloses an evaporation chamber into which an evaporation fluid, such as water, is sprayed whereby the heat needed for the evaporation cools the cooling liquid passing through a gap between an inner and an outer wall forming said housing. The active cooling circuit passes through the gap in which eddy bodies are arranged in such positions relative to the normal flow direction of the cooling liquid through the gap to cause eddy currents in the cooling liquid flowing through the gap for an improved heat exchange. The discharge for the evaporated fluid is located at the same housing end where the spray nozzles for the injection of the evaporation fluid are located.

Abstract: An improved process for creating clear ice products and ice products with patterns. Purified water placed in a container having an inlet is deoxygenated by at least 20% by the use of a vacuum through the inlet. The container is then either sealed to prevent the reintroduction of the oxygen into the water or the water is frozen in a ice cube tray on a plate evaporator between -20.degree. and 30.degree. F. The variations in the water temperature at the time the vacuum is applied and when the water is placed in the freezer effect the patterns obtained in the ice products.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for distillation drying of one or more biological samples. The drying apparatus includes a retaining assembly, a vacuum assembly, cooling means, monitoring means and control means for actively regulating the temperature and pressure conditions of biological tissue so that such tissue may be dried without substantial ultrastructural damage.

Abstract: Volatile, toxic organic pollutants are removed from drinking water by partially filling a container with water and drawing a vacuum in the space above the water so that the pollutants exit the water into the space above the water for subsequent dispersement into the atmosphere.

Abstract: The product is frozen and freeze-dried in a freeze-drying apparatus (1) containing a freeze-drying chamber (2) with shelves (6) for performing the freeze-drying and a condenser (11), the cooling surfaces of which are formed by a coiled tube (14) in a number of tube coil turns (15), and where the low temperature created by the condenser (11) is used to freeze the product. To carry out the freezing quickly and simply the product is put into trays or dishes (21) and these trays or dishes are positioned on the tube turns (15) of the condenser (11) already in operation.

Abstract: In a vacuum cooling apparatus, a hollow receptacle is provided, for containing a plurality of containers for containing materials to be cooled, the containers being slidably fitted in the receptacle one after another. The receptacle has through-holes formed therein at intervals corresponding to the dimension of the container which is measured in the axial direction of the receptacle in such a manner that the receptacle through-holes are arranged in the axial direction of the receptacle. Each of the containers has a container through-hole formed therein so that the container through-hole is allowed to communicate with the receptacle through-holes. Seal members also are provided, allowing the inside of each container to communicate with the outside only through the receptacle through-hole and container through hole.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for distillation drying of one or more biological samples. The drying apparatus includes a retaining assembly, a vacuum assembly, cooling means, monitoring means and control means for actively regulating the temperature and pressure conditions of biological tissue so that such tissue may be dried without substantial ultrastructural damage.

Abstract: The invention is a process for processing and treating the meat, and preferably, the muscles of swine, the muscles having water contained in themselves. The muscles are placed in a container 11 having an inner cavity. A vacuum is created by means of a plurality of vacuum pumps 19, 20 and 22. The vacuum being sufficient to lower, in the interior cavity, the temperature at which water boils so that water in the meat boils. The meat is agitated by tumbling in the container 11. The vapor inside of the cavity is exhausted and both cooling and massaging of the meat pieces are by means of the vacuum created.

Abstract: A regenerable cryosorption pump with a movable physical barrier in which the barrier includes a cylindrical body closed at one end and having a circumferential baffle around the open end. The baffle engages a flange on the hydrogen isotope condensing and pumping surface to require all gases entering the pump during normal operation to pass through the hydrogen isotope condensing and pumping surface, thus avoiding bypass of that surface. The barrier is advanced by a bellows system to isolate the hydrogen isotope condensing and pumping surface from the sorbent surface during regeneration and thus ensuring separation of hydrogen isotopes such as tritium from helium which is sorbed onto the sorbent surface.

Abstract: A cryopump which has three temperature stages for pumping gas. The third temperature stage is surrounded by and separated from the second temperature stage which is surrounded by and separated from the first temperature stage. Adsorbent placed on the second and third stage are operated at different temperatures to prevent gases with higher critical mobility temperatures from becoming immobilized at the entrance of pores and wells along the surface of the adsorbent.

Abstract: In a vacuum system having a load lock cooperating with a work chamber, a flow line is connected between the cryopump of the load lock and the work chamber. The flow line passes noncondensible gases which are not absorbed by the cryopump of the load lock to the work chamber 12 for absorption by the cryopump of the work chamber. Alternatively, the flow line is connected between the load lock cryopump and the cryopump of the work chamber for directly passing the noncondensible gases to the work chamber cryopump. The flow line prevents buildup of noncondensible gases within the cryopump of the load lock. The flow line may include baffles to damp pressure surges during cryopumping of the load lock. A control valve connected to the flow line allows operator control of the passing of noncondensible gases from the load lock cryopump to the work chamber or to the work chamber cryopump through the flow line. The dimensions of the flow line provide molecular flow of the noncondensible gases.

Abstract: Ice is formed by allowing water to partially evaporate in a vacuum. The ice can then be removed and be collected for subsequent use. For the creation of the vacuum, means for reduction of the pressure are required. A vapor compressor may be used for suction and compression of the water vapor to a pressure which enables condensing on a cold surface without freezing occurring. To be able to manufacture ice in a vacuum without using an expensive water vapor compressor, a method and a device for the manufacture of an ice slurry include which several cooperating vacuum chambers (1, 2, 3) with cold surfaces (6, 7, 8) used in a plant without a water vapor compressor. In this plant fresh water is supplied to one of the vacuum chambers for defrosting thereof, the thermal energy of the fresh water being utilized for that purpose. The precooled water thus formed is supplied to the other vacuum chambers, in which they will then form ice.

Abstract: An improved cryopump for the removal of gases from a high vacuum, comprising a cryopanel incorporating honeycomb structure, refrigerant means thermally connected to the cryopanel, and a rotatable channel moving azimuthally around an axis located near the center of the cryopanel, removing gases absorbed within the honeycomb structure by subliming them and conducting them outside the vacuum vessel.

Abstract: A method for cooling a material in contact with a cooling medium comprises evaporating water contained in the cooling medium and adsorbing the evaporated water to soft burnt lime and causing the evaporation and the adsorption to be carried out under a reduced pressure to cool the material. An apparatus for carrying out the method is provided.

Abstract: The refrigerator of a cryopump is positioned within an insulating vacuum and the two stages of the refrigerator are selectively thermally coupled to first and second stage cryopanels. After initial rough pumping by an air ejector, rough pumping is completed during startup by coupling the cold first stage of the refrigerator to a first stage adsorption cryopanel. The second stage of the refrigerator is thereafter coupled to the second stage cryopanel. Thermal coupling of the refrigerator to the cryopanels is by means of spring biased thermal contacts brought into position by movement of the refrigerator. The thermal contact elements are provided with sufficiently large thermal masses to handle the large thermal loads of system startup.

Abstract: An improved vacuum process is disclosed for use in treating vapors created during deodorization and/or physical refining of edible oils and fats. Vapors are condensed by contact with a saline solution which may be introduced at a temperature below the freezing point of pure water, the temperature being adjusted according to desired absolute pressure. Saline solution is recirculated through a flotation and cooling unit where a constant addition of salt and a purge of solution are made.

Abstract: A vibration isolated cryogenic apparatus mounted as a mass in a series of mass/elastomer/mass springed system.

Abstract: In a refrigerated fruit store 1, the atmosphere is controlled to low levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide using an activated carbon bed 2, by continuously repeating the following cycle of operations:(1) expose the carbon in the bed 2 to the atmosphere in the fruit store 1, until saturated with CO.sub.2 (12 minutes);(2) evacuate the bed 2, down to 7 kPa, to the gas reservoir 5, whereby the O.sub.2 and N.sub.2 (but not CO.sub.2) are released in "fruit store" proportions into the reservoir (2 minutes);(3) expose the bed 2 to air to purge it of the CO.sub.2 (18 minutes);(4) evacuate the bed 2 to waste (7 kPa is adequate) to remove O.sub.2 and N.sub.2, which would otherwise remain in the bed in substantially "air" proportions (i.e. excessive oxygen) (2 minutes);(5) expose the bed 2 to the gas put in the reservoir 5 at operation (2) above, so that the bed 2 now contains O.sub.2 and N.sub.2 in "fruit store" proportions (2 minutes);(1) expose the adsorptive medium to chamber atmosphere; and so forth indefinitely.

Abstract: A cryopump is regenerated by means of an ejector pump which draws gas from the cryopump as the pump is warmed. The ejector is actuated by an inert gas. The same inert gas may also be used to purge the pump during evacuation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrarapid cooling of tissue samples against a chilled cryogenic surface. The cryogenic surface is enclosed in an ultra-high hydrocarbon free vacuum chamber during cooling of the cryogenic surface by a helium cryopump or multiple-stage refrigerator. Dry helium gas is introduced from an external source to raise the chamber pressure just prior to slamming or plunging a sample against the cryogenic surface. The cryogenic surface is heated for regeneration or cleaning purposes between each successive sample. During heating and cleaning of the cryogenic surface, an evacuated thermal break functionally separates the surface from the helium cryopump or multiple-stage refrigerator used to cool the surface.

Abstract: Method and equipment for the utilization of the freezing heat contained in water as a source of heat of a heat pump. The water flow to be utilized as the source of heat is evaporated in one or several stages (4) at such a low pressure that, when the vapor that is formed binds its evaporation heat out of the water, part of the water freezes. The vapor formed is condensed in one or several heat exchangers functioning as the evaporator of the heat pump, whereat the vapor, on being condensed, delivers its heat to the heat transfer medium used in the heat pump.

Abstract: The hypobaric preservation of respiring plant matter without the step of humidifying the storage atmosphere by contacting it with a supplementary body of heated water is hereby disclosed, characterized by storage at controlled and correlated conditions of temperature, subatmospheric pressure, evacuation rate, air recirculation rate and air intake rate, and by the dependence of each set of correlated conditions upon the weight, respiration rate and type of plant matter. Expanded relatively dry atmospheric air is passed into and humid rarified air is withdrawn from the storage chamber at rates which maintain an optimal steady-state oxygen partial pressure for each type of respiring, oxygen-consuming plant matter, and a nearly saturated relative humidity sufficient to keep the temperature of the respiring, heat producing plant matter equal to or slightly higher than the temperature of the chamber walls and rarified air.

Abstract: To control the temperature of one or more heat sinks of a cryogenic refrigerator in a cryopump, refrigerant gas to the refrigerator is diverted through heat exchangers associated with the refrigerator heat sinks. The diverted refrigerant gas may be used to maintain the temperature of the first stage cryopumping surfaces above some level to avoid cross over hangup. The second stage cryopumping surfaces may be warmed by the diverted refrigerant to some temperature level for partial regeneration. Both heat sinks may be warmed for full regeneration of the cryopump. Bleed flow of refrigerant gas cooled by the first stage of the refrigerator can be directed past a thermal mass to cool that mass. By reversing the flow of refrigerant gas during cooldown of the system, the thermal mass can be used to more rapidly cool the refrigerator. The thermal mass is thermally isolated from the refrigerator heat sinks and is positioned within the vacuum vessel of the cryopump adjacent to the first stage of the refrigerator.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises an insulated storage tank adapted to hold a liquified cryogenic fluid and vapor emanating from the liquified cryogenic fluid, an insulated working chamber adapted to hold an object to be treated, and a vacuum pump for evacuating the interior of the working chamber. The storage tank is in fluid communication with the working chamber, either directly, or through a vapor reservoir adapted to hold the vapor emanating from the cryogenic fluid. The method comprises introducing the vapor and/or liquid cryogen into the working chamber either in discrete or continuous amounts. The working chamber can be evacuated to a specific negative pressure either prior to introducing the vapor and/or liquid cryogen or simultaneously as the cryogens are introduced. The apparatus also provides the capability of heating materials from cryogenic levels to room-or-higher-temperature levels in a choice of ambient gases.

Abstract: The hypobaric preservation of non-respiring animal matter without the step of adding fresh air to the storage chamber, and without humidifying the storage atmosphere by contacting it with a supplementary body of heated water, is hereby disclosed, characterized by storage at a controlled temperature correlated to the type of animal matter, by a hypobaric pressure slightly less than the vapor pressure of water at said storage temperature, and by evacuation at a controlled rate correlated to the storage temperature and the weight of stored animal matter. The evacuation rate preferably is set to pump nearly saturated steam from the vacuum tank at a rate which exhausts an amount of water equal to about 1% of the initial weight of the animal matter each month.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for vacuum cooling produce and similar foodstuffs includes a vacuum cooling chamber, a vacuum pump, refrigeration equipment and data processing equipment which is provided with various data by the operator, weight and pressure sensors within the cooling chamber and appropriately controls and terminates the operating cycle of the equipment. The method generally includes determining the initial weight and average temperature of the produce, calculating the amount of heat removal necessary to lower the temperature of the produce to a predetermined final temperature, calculating the amount of water to be removed to accomplish the desired heat removal and subjecting such produce to a vacuum to vaporize the quantity of water from such produce, such quantity of water having a heat of vaporization sufficient to achieve the previously calculated heat removal.

Abstract: A cryopump has a two-stage refrigerator in a housing with a pumping surface area in thermal communication with each stage of the refrigerator for gas-pumping by adsorption or absorption when the refrigerator is operated. A roughing vacuum pump provides a pressure of from about 1 to about 10.sup.-3 mbar to the housing and at least the pumping surface area of the second refrigerator stage is heated sufficiently to prevent gas adsorption or absorption thereon before the cryopump is operatively connected to a space to be evacuated therewith as a starting method for improving the cryopumping of, particularly, helium and a regenerating method after use of the cryopump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating moist pulverulent material and is particularly useful for removing the moisture from such material. In one aspect of the invention, the material is hot foundry sand, where the sand is first moistened by the addition of water and then the moist sand is treated in a vibrating container under vacuum.

Abstract: A cryosorption pump for high vacuum condition to be evacuated generally comprises a cryopumping container connected to a chamber to be evacuated, and cryosorption and cryocondensation members located in the container. The cryocondensation member surrounds the cryosorption member on which an adsorbent is applied to adsorb gases which are not beforehand condensed on the cryocondensation member. A coil means or magnet means for generating a magnetic field is also disposed in the container so as to generate a magnetic field around the cryosorption member to prevent from the impingement of energetic electrons or .beta.-rays emitted from a material condensed on the cryocondensation member against the cryosorption member.

Abstract: A vacuum cooling trap for use in a vacuum chamber comprising: a laminated structure comprised of a pair of plates bonded together in face-to-face contacting relation, the plates being composed of metal of high thermal conductivity, and the plates having aligned confronting conduit portions which jointly define a conduit within the laminated structure for circulating a cooling medium through the laminated structure during use of the vacuum cooling trap.

Abstract: A cryopump and method for using cryopumping to enhance the sensitivity of a leak detection system. The cryopump is used to control the relative pumping speeds of the gases normally frozen out on the pump or adsorbed in a cold adsorbent to thereby achieve the enhanced sensitivity of the system. The system is characterized by controlled access to the cold panel which is disposed within the warm panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hibernator suitable for keeping under permanent refrigeration a cadaver placed in a desired position and constantly visible from the outside. The hibernator consists essentially of a structure whose refrigerated and fluid-tight upper part (1) serves as a resting place for the being to be preserved, with at least a double-glazed wall; and whose lower part (2) or base is intended to house the refrigerating unit (3) and various technical elements including pipes (22 to 24) to assure partial vacuum in determined sectors of the structure of the resting place. Also disclosed is a process for preservation and showing of cadavers which have previously been frozen or imprisoned in blocks of translucid ice.

Abstract: Hydrogen is stored at cryogenic temperatures by adsorption on porous carbon having a nitrogen BET apparent surface area above about 1500 m.sup.2 /g. Hydrogen can be adsorbed and desorbed in the context of a cryopump, having as the pumping element a panel, having large particles of pressed porous carbon thereon.

Abstract: An oil free vacuum system 10 which comprises a high thermal capacitance cryopump 12 and air ejector 38. The air ejector 38 is used to reduce load lock chamber 16 pressure to an intermediate vacuum. Cryopump 12 further evacuates chamber 12 to the operating vacuum of a work chamber 14. The work chamber 14 is maintained at high vacuum by a main cryopump 20. The main cryopump can be started in an oil free manner through the use of air ejector 38 and high thermal capacitance cryopump 12. A high themal capacitance, high thermal conductance cryopanel is formed of a lead/copper sandwich.