Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, methods and systems are provided which afford solutions to the problems of gas distribution of ultra-high purity ESGs at high gas flow rates. A first aspect of the invention is a system comprising a compressed liquefied gas container; an internal heat exchanger within the compressed liquefied gas container; a gas supply conduit which takes feed from the container and delivers the ESG to a process; and an external heat exchanger positioned effectively near the conduit downstream of the container but upstream of the process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a white smoke generating apparatus for generating white smoke of a stable density unaffected by air temperature or humidity conditions. The apparatus comprises an apparatus main body 11 being provided with a white smoke discharge opening 11a; a cryogenic liquefied gas supply mechanism 12 for supplying a cryogenic liquefied gas into the apparatus main body 11; and a humidifying mechanism 13 for humidifying the atmosphere inside the apparatus main body. The cryogenic liquefied gas supply mechanism 12 is provided with a first pipeline 18 which communicates a cryogenic liquefied gas reservoir 16 and a cryogenic liquefied gas emission nozzle 17 placed inside the apparatus main body 11, preferably at the white smoke discharge opening 11a side.

Abstract: Super cooling the cryogenic liquid propellant in a vehicle propellant tank densities the propellant allowing the vehicle propellant tank to carry more fuel in the same volume tank while lowering the vapor pressure and thus the tank operating pressure. Lowering the tank operating pressure reduces the stress and therefore allows the walls of the tank to be thinner. Both the smaller tank volume and thinner tank wall results in an overall smaller and lighter vehicle with increased payload capability. The cryogenic propellant can be supercooled well below the normal boiling point temperature level by transporting the liquid propellant from the vehicle tanks to a ground based cooling unit which utilizes a combination of heat exchanger and compressor. The compressor lowers the coolant fluid bath pressure resulting in a low temperature boiling liquid which is subsequently used to cool the recirculating liquid. The cooled propellant is then returned to the vehicle propellant tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing ultra high purity non-cryogenic liquefied compressed gases, such as ammonia (NH.sub.3), and delivering a vaporized gaseous product from those liquefied gases for semiconductor processing applications. The delivery method includes withdrawing and heating gaseous product from a storage vessel containing the liquefied compressed gas, and then piping the heated gas through the liquid contained in the storage vessel in a heat exchange fashion. The heat exchange with the liquid inside the vessel induces boiling to maintain a vaporized gaseous product under a minimum positive pressure in said vessel. After liberating its heat, the gaseous product is delivered to a semiconductor manufacturing point of use.

Abstract: A ceramic composite is provided comprising ceramic fibers and microparticles bound together as a porous matrix with a ceramic binder. The ceramic composite is particularly useful for transporting cryogenic fluids.

Abstract: An improved absorption refrigeration system is shown which includes an evaporator which evaporates a refrigerant to form a refrigerant vapor by depriving a chill carrier fluid of its heat. An absorber section cycles between an absorption state in which the refrigerant vapor received from the evaporator is absorbed into a liquid absorbent, a heating state in which diluted absorbent is concentrated by heating to evaporate the refrigerant content thereof as refrigerant vapor, and an intermediate cooling state. A condenser condenses the refrigerant vapor received from the absorber section, thereby transforming condensed vapor into a high pressure liquid which is returned to the evaporator unit in a closed loop absorption refrigeration cycle.

Abstract: A superconducting apparatus is provided with a cryostat, a superconducting magnet contained in the cryostat, an emergency gas discharge pipe connected with the cryostat, and an emergency discharge valve disposed midway of the discharge pipe for discharging to an external environment an emergency discharge gas generated at quenching. In addition, the superconducting apparatus is provided with a gas heating unit for heating the emergency discharge gas flowing inside the discharge pipe.

Abstract: A heating system incorporates one or more reactors containing a complex compound of a metal salt and a polar gas adsorbed thereon in which the volumetric expansion of the complex compound is restricted during adsorption and which reactors comprise one or more reaction chambers having a maximum mean mass diffusion path length of less than about 15 mm, and/or a maximum thermal diffusion path length of less than 1.5 min.

Abstract: A conditioning and loading apparatus and method are disclosed for gas storage at cryogenic temperature and supercritical pressure. The apparatus is self-contained and portable and includes first and second precooling stages utilizing heat exchange with vented system fluids to cool the gas received by the apparatus at supercritical pressure. A third cooling stage includes heat exchange in a liquid nitrogen bath before loading of the gas into a container.

Abstract: A cryogen delivery apparatus for delivering cryogen in a saturated state includes a vessel to contain the cryogen in liquid and vapor phases. The vessel has a headspace region and a heat exchanger located within the headspace region for indirectly exchanging heat between the vapor located within the headspace region and a liquid stream composed of the liquid phase of the cryogen. In case the cryogen is introduced into the vessel as a subcooled liquid, the vapor will condense into the liquid phase and the subcooled liquid will be converted into a saturated liquid. The saturated liquid will then be discharged from a liquid outlet connected to the heat exchanger. In the event the liquid enters the vessel as two-phase flow, the vessel will act as a phase separator. A branched supply line is provided having a liquid inlet branch connected to a bottom liquid inlet of the vessel so that a supply stream composed of the cryogen flows into the vessel.

Abstract: A combined second relief valve and restricted orifice is located downstream of the relief valve stack on a vent line. The second relief valve opens at a pressure greater than that of the relief stack. When the second relief valve is closed, vapor is vented through the restricted orifice at high velocity, and when the second relief valve is open, the vapor vents from the unrestricted end of the vent line at high volume.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for handling, storing, transporting and dispensing cryogenic fluids, liquid natural gas, compressed natural gas, and their equivalents. Internal valves are disclosed for dispensing such fuels from containers used in the system. The containers, in one aspect, are mounted in protective frame systems which are stackable and which provide access to the containers and the valves. A fuel injection system is disclosed for directly injecting LNG into an engine's combustion chamber. Such systems include a railroad system in which a container of fuel is carried on a flat car behind a locomotive and the, e.g. liquid natural gas, is conveyed to the locomotive with appropriate valves, conduits, pumps, and controls. In one aspect tanks according to this invention have an internal relief valve. In another aspect valves according to this invention have an excess flow sensor and automatic shut-off device. In one aspect fuel fluid, liquid or vapor is injected into an intake (e.g.

Abstract: A cryogenic liquid delivery system includes a storage tank holding a quantity of a cryogenic liquid such as liquid oxygen and a vapor space. A compound, two-part dip tube includes an inner liquid delivery tube and an outer tube which is sealed to allow liquid cryogen to be delivered to a vaporizer only via the liquid delivery tube. The vaporizer communicates with the vapor space in the tank via an aperture in the outer tube, above the level of the liquid cryogen and the seal.

Abstract: An evaporated gas supply method in which the liquid seal of an evaporated gas can be effectively avoided, is provided. According to the present invention, there is provided an evaporated gas supply method in which an evaporated gas having a primary pressure filled in a cylinder is reduced in pressure to a secondary pressure through adiabatic expansion, and the evaporated gas having the secondary pressure is supplied to a predetermined consuming installation, and which comprises a step of cooling down an evaporated gas in a cylinder, whereby the enthalpy of the evaporated gas (2) filled in the said cylinder is increased over an enthalpy of the secondary pressure on the saturated vapor line in a pressure-enthalpy diagram of the same evaporated gas, and a step of adiabatically expanding the evaporated gas filled in the cylinder so that its pressure is reduced, and supplying the evaporated gas having the reduced pressure to said consuming installation.

Abstract: A cryogenic gas compression system including a storage container and a gas/liquid mixer coupled to the storage container which employs a controlled flow of cryogenic liquid from the storage container to provide gas cooling action, and compressor for compressing the output gas to a high pressure. A sensor provides an indication of the gas entering the compressor and feeds it to a controller which controls the quantity of liquid cryogen fed from the storage container to the mixer.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for storing and providing heat or cold whereby during a desorption phase, steam-like operating medium is desorbed as a result of a temperature increase of sorption medium. The steam-like operating medium condenses in an operating medium container. After the desorption phase, an additional amount of heat is provided and the liquid operating medium as well as the sorption medium are maintained at a relatively high temperature. Afterward, the heat is withdrawn and the sorption medium is permitted to receive steam-like operating medium and release sorption heat. When cold is to be generated, the liquid operating medium and the sorption medium are permitted to cool off to an ambient temperature and not further heated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for limiting the level of cold liquid within a vessel by sensing the expansion of cold liquid due to ambient heat leak, and venting pressurized vapor from the vessel to reduce the rate of expansion of the cold liquid.

Abstract: A gas mask and breathing equipment arrangement with a storage tank for liquefied respiration gas and an air circulation duct intended for transmitting heat of evaporation from the ambient air to the liquefied respiration gas. A sufficient flow rate of ambient air will be achieved under all conditions of use by providing a fan (22) for delivering ambient air through the air circulation duct (20).

Abstract: A liquid cryogen withdrawal device includes a plug (14) for insertion into the neck of a cryogen-containing dewar (10) in gas-tight relationship. A withdrawal tube (17) passes through the plug to conduct liquid from the bottom of the dewar through a sintered bronze filter to a container to be filled with cryogen. Cryogen is stored in the dewar with a loose fitting cap thereon, with no withdrawal device in the dewar. When liquid is desired to be retrieved from the dewar, the withdrawal device is inserted into the dewar; the withdrawal device has a passive heat source (18) disposed at the bottom thereof to cause sufficient boiling of the liquid to create enough pressure to force a suitable amount of liquid from the dewar. The plug may have a handle and a gas pressure relief valve disposed thereon.

Abstract: The installation comprises an insulated storage tank (1) containing the gas in at least partially liquid form at a high pressure, a line (2) comprising a vaporizer (3) for supplying gas to a user station (A), a first cold-holding circuit (4), comprising a valve (5) and a first exchanger (6) in heat-exchange contact with the fluid in the first tank (1), and a pressure-holding line (8) comprising a second exchanger (9) and a valve (10). The system is particularly useful as a backup installation for a main gas-production source (30).

Abstract: A regenerative sorption compressor assembly for use in a sorption compressor/refrigerator system. The regenerative sorption compressor assembly of the present invention comprises a series of sorption compressor elements connected to a flowing loop of heat transport fluid. The compressor elements are heated and cooled by the heat transport fluid. At some point in the loop the fluid path is broken and the fluid is diverted to a heat source. At another point in the loop the fluid path is broken and the fluid is diverted to a heat sink. The points at which the heating and cooling flows are diverted are switched from compressor element to element in the direction of fluid flow at such a rate that the thermal capacity rate of the fluid in the heat transport loop relative to the moving switch point is equal and opposite to the thermal capacity rate of the compressor assembly relative to the switch point.

Abstract: A vapor pressure control system for controlling the vapor pressure in a fuel storage tank is provided which comprises a cooling chamber for cooling the fuel vapor, wherein the temperature of the cooling chamber is maintained at a point slightly above the freezing point of water. Vapor intake and return lines provide for communication of the fuel vapor between the tank and the cooling chamber. A fan interposed in the intake line causes the circulation of the fuel vapor between the tank and the cooling chamber. The fan is operated by a pressure sensitive switch which causes the fan to run when the difference between the ambient air pressure and tank vapor pressure falls below a certain minimum level, and which causes the fan to stop when the difference between the ambient air pressure and tank vapor pressure rises above a certain, maximum level. The fan is shut off by a temperature sensitive switch when the ambient temperature approaches the freezing point of water.

Abstract: The fluid management system comprises a mixing/recirculation system including an external recirculation pump for receiving fluid from a zero gravity storage system and returning an output flow of the fluid to the storage system. An internal axial spray injection system is provided for receiving a portion of the output flow from the recirculation pump. The spray injection system thermally de-stratifies liquid and gaseous cryogenic fluid stored in the storage system.

Abstract: A cryogenic liquid vaporizer system 10 comprising an outer tube 22 for exposure to the atmosphere and enclosing an inner tube 16 to form an annulus 36. The fluid enters the inner tube 16 as liquid, flows in the inner tube 16 where it is at least partially vaporized, and discharges into the outer tube 22. In one embodiment the fluid discharges near the end 34 of the outer tube 22 and counterflow in the annulus 36 where it is usually completely vaporized and partially superheated. In another embodiment, the fluid discharges into the outer tube 22 and continues to flow in the longitudinal space 38 provided by the length of outer tube 22. The annulus 36 is occupied by quiescent fluid.

Abstract: A cryogenic reservoir (1) comprising an internal reservoir (2) and an external reservoir (5) with vacuum insulation between them, is provided with a plug-valve (17) in a conduit (12) passing through the external reservoir (5). This plug valve (17) incorporates the trapping agent of the desorption gases, as a getter. In the case of accidental overpressure in the intermediate vacuum space, due to an escape of fluid from the internal reservoir (2), the "getter" is ejected to a distance with the plug valve (17), which avoids any dangerous reaction between the getter and the cryogenic fluid, which can for example be oxygen.

Abstract: A cryogenic station for delivering a cryogen substantially free of higher boiling impurities. The cryogenic station includes an insulated main tank and an auxiliary tank. Liquid stored in the main tank and pressurized by a pressure building circuit is driven into the auxiliary tank. Cryogenic vapor formed in the auxiliary tank is warmed to ambient temperature by an external heat exchanger and is then recirculated back to an internal heat exchanger located within the auxiliary tank. The internal heat exchanger is configured such that a portion of the cryogen driven into the auxiliary tank is vaporized to form the cryogenic vapor and a remaining portion of such cryogen is left within the auxiliary tank to substantially retain the higher boiling impurities in a solidified state. As such, the cryogenic vapor is substantially free from the impurities when delivered as a product stream.

Abstract: A natural gas vehicle fuel delivery system regulates the pressure of LNG which is vaporized and delivered to an engine. The system employs dual regulator valves responsive to the gas phase pressure of a storage tank to either directly couple vapor produced from a heat exchanger to an engine combustion system, or to divert that vapor through another heat exchanger contained within the tank itself. This additional heat exchanger maintains the pressure within the tank at the desired level despite heavy fuel demands of the engine. The system functions independent of liquid level in the storage tank. When multiple LNG storage tanks are used, they are coupled in parallel so that they both produce gas and are concurrently regulated in the gas phase portion. A pressure initializing structure and process are also provided.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid Dewar container (10) for supplying a gas mixture to an on-demand external delivery device, such as a regulator and associated facepiece (84) independent of the direction of its gravitational field and spatial orientation of the container, is described. The Dewar container holds a volume of cryogenic fluid (24) as a liquefied-gas at a relatively low pressure. A first endothermic heat energy conduction means (58) is mounted outside the Dewar and vaporizes and warms the cryogenic fluid to form a raised-energy fluid that is moved to an exothermic heat energy conduction means (62) mounted inside the Dewar container, which conducts a portion of the added heat energy to the remaining cryogenic fluid. This causes some of the cryogenic fluid to vaporize and raise the pressure inside the Dewar container.

Abstract: An adsorption cooling apparatus includes a hermetically sealed cylindrical capsule that contains a first thermal medium, a moisture absorber on its first side and an adsorbent on its second side. The capsule reciprocatively moves and slidably contacts with a cooling vessel containing a low temperature thermal medium on the first side and with a heating vessel containing a high temperature thermal medium on the second side. The capsule is cooled by an external airflow when it is moved to the cooling vessel, so that the first thermal medium absorbed in the moisture absorber evaporates and the low temperature thermal medium in the cooling vessel is cooled because of the latent heat of evaporation of the first thermal medium. The so cooled low temperature thermal medium is utilized for cooling the object to be cooled. The first thermal medium having evaporated from the moisture absorber is adsorbed by the adsorbent.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided with a refrigerating unit in the form of an apparatus having at least one pair of containers, where each pair includes a first and a second container (18 and 20, respectively) communicating with each other through a pipe (22). Each container contains a substance which, when being heated, gives off a gaseous working medium and, when being cooled, absorbs the gaseous working medium. The first container (18) is arranged to be heated from the storage compartment (16) of the refrigerator, which compartment thereby is cooled. The second container (20) is provided with a heater (34). Each container is provided with an arrangement for, when need arises, conducting heat away from the respective container, which arrangement includes a cooling circuit (26, 28, 30, 32 and 36, 38, 30, 32, respectively), in which a pump (26, 36) brings a cooling liquid to cool the respective container. The liquid is cooled in a radiator (32) arranged on the refrigerator.

Abstract: A cooling plant bringing into play a reaction between a solid and a gas, comprises at least two solid-containing reactors connected to an evaporator and a condensor by means of tubes in which the gas flows. Means are provided for cooling the reactor. Said means comprise a heat exchanger filled with a refrigerating agent and connected by tubes to a condensor in heat exchange arrangement with a fan.

Abstract: A control apparatus for maintaining constant the temperature and pressure of the vapor phase in a very low-temperature controlled liquefied gas container includes a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, two electromagnetic valves, and a refrigerator. When operation of the refrigerator disturbs measurement at low temperature, the refrigerator is stopped. Gas vaporizes from a liquid phase, and gas is discharged from the container. In this manner, the temperature and pressure of the liquefied gas in the container can be maintained constant. After measurement, the liquid level in the container will be lowered by evaporation, so that the liquefied gas is supplied to the container. In this manner, the liquid level in the container can be maintained constant.

Abstract: An adjustable alignment assembly for a cryogen venting system for a superconducting magnet including a radially adjustable floating flange connection with a cryogenic seal to enable precise alignment of the cryostat vent pipe with the ceiling vent pipe of the room in which the superconducting magnet is installed.

Abstract: Rotary vacuum evaporation of a primary refrigerant cools a secondary refrigerant mixed with it. The secondary refrigerant does not change state and meanders through a low pressure cooling circuit for refrigeration applications. The primary refrigerant changes state and remains in a short and secure circuit. Evaporation is produced at a surface around the axis of rotation and within the mixture by opposed centrifugal and centripetal forces acting through a narrow afferent mesial passage between rotating disks mounted on a hollow shaft. Vapor is stripped from the surface, scrubbed by cyclonic flow through the afferent mesial passage, and condensed by a centrifugal compressor, which is a centrifugal pump having its inlet communicating with the bore of the hollow shaft and the afferent mesial passage. Latent heat is drawn off by water, making this a water heater, and the water is produced by de-humidification. The primary refrigerant and the secondary refrigerant are cheap and environmentally harmless, e.g.

Abstract: Intermittent sorption cycles with fixed heat supply and removal and comprised of a generator/absorber (4), a condenser (2), and a receiver/evaporator (10) are adapted and simplified so as to require at most only two control valves (8) and (15) for their operation. With an integral thermosyphon (6) for absorption heat removal, only a single refrigerant charge is necessary. The two valves are advantageously combined into a single three-way ball valve, and key gravity drains (14) and (17) are provided. Applications include hot water heating, solar refrigeration, and steam generation.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric (31) having an annular shape in the horizontal cross-sectional view is put inside of a pressure-resistant wall (11) of a gas cylinder (2) adapted to contain liquefied petroleum gas (19). An outer surface (34) of the nonwoven fabric (31) is kept in contact with an upper portion of an inner surface (20) of the pressure-resistant wall (11). A lower section (33) of the nonwoven fabric (31) is adapted to suck up the liquefied petroleum gas (19) in its liquid phase portion (25) owing to capillary action, so that the sucked up liquefied gas can be brought into contact with the upper portion of the inner surface (20) of the pressure-resistant wall (11).

Abstract: A cryomagnet system, in particular for use with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments or ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) experiments, with a low-loss helium cryostat (1) comprising a helium container (2) and one or a plurality of tubes for the feed or exit of helium into or out of the helium container (2), respectively, the tubes being sealed to the atmosphere outside the helium container (2) by at least one non-return low-pressure valve (4), wherein at least one exhaust pipeline (3) is provided with a device for dissipating the energy of the expanding helium. Such a device may consist of a chamber which is deviated from the exhaust pipeline (3) and has a wall material of very high extensibility, e.g. a folding balloon. Yet the device may also consist of a flow baffle which is provided in the exhaust pipeline (3), for example a porous disc (6).

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing heat leakage into the interior of a liquid cryogen-holding vessel from the sealed well through which the vessel is accessed. An actively cooled heat sink in the well transfers heat to low temperature cryogen vapor venting from this vessel to the external environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a food processing system and method for refrigerating articles of food. The food processing system includes at least two cooling stages formed by a cryogenic freezer and a hydrocooler. The cryogenic freezer receives the articles of food and transfers heat from the articles of food to the cryogen so that the articles of food are refrigerated. After the transfer of heat from the articles of food to the cryogen, the cryogen boils off to form cryogenic vapor. The hydrocooler receives the articles of food prior to the cryogenic freezer and transfers heat from the articles of food to supplied cooling water. Such heat transfer reduces the quantity of cryogen required to refrigerate the articles of food. Additionally, an eductor is connected to a pump and to vent line from the cryogenic freezer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cooling high temperature superconducting materials (HTSC) to superconductive temperatures within the range of 27.degree. K. to 77.degree. K. using a mixed refrigerant consisting of liquefied neon and nitrogen containing up to about ten mole percent neon by contacting and surrounding the HTSC material with the mixed refrigerant so that free convection or forced flow convection heat transfer can be effected.

Abstract: A system for drying and ventilating jet fuel tanks for reducing the fuel fume level from residual fuel in an emptied fuel tank operates in four modes. In a recirculation mode, a blower recirculates air through the tank in a closed loop. The blower suctions air from the tank and forces it through a vapor recovery unit having a cooling section with a refrigeration coil causing condensation of fuel vapor and a reheater section which reheats the air entering the tank to enhance evaporation of residual fuel. A heat recovery system circulates glycol/water mixture through a first heat recovery coil in the cooling section for absorbing heat from the air and a second heat recovery coil in the reheater section for returning the heat to the air. After fuel vapor has dried from the walls of the tanks, the system operates in a vacuum mode in which a vacuum hose, obtaining negative pressure through a pipe from the suction side of the blower, is used to remove residual puddles of fuel from the tank.

Abstract: A passive emergency ventilation system and method. The system includes a storage facility for a substantial volume of compressed or preferably liquified air in or near a room to be ventilated. During an emergency event, air from the storage facility is gasified in a liquid air gasifier and flows through one or more eductors. The eductors are used to draw additional ambient air into the system. The ambient air may optionally be cooled through one or both of mixing with the incoming stored air and/or using the incoming ambient air to heat liquid air gasifiers.

Abstract: A system is provided for controllably venting cryogen of extremely low temperature from a cryostat, wherein a conduit formed of selected metal provides a path of flow for the cryogen from the cryostat to an exhaust system. A gauge is coupled to the conduit, along the path of flow, by means of a bushing which thermally isolates the gauge from the metallic conduit, which is at an extremely low temperature. Thus, the gauge, which is used to continually monitor cryogen pressure, does not become unreadable due to icing or frosting as a result of heat loss from the gauge to the conduit. The bushing is formed from a material such as GC-10, and includes an intermediate portion for spacing the bushing away from the metallic conduit, and also for enclosing a dead space which substantially reduces heat transfer directly between the gauge and cryogen in the conduit.

Abstract: A system for controlling the heater of a liquid nitrogen vaporization type cooling system includes a heater power computer circuit, a comparator, a synchronizing pulse generating circuit, an integrating circuit and a relay for automating the heater control to adjust the vaporization rate of the liquid nitrogen automatically.

Abstract: The holding container comprises an inner casing and an outer casing of the same or different materials and a cryogenic liquid withdrawing pipe including an inner portion having a section advantageously in the form of adjacent spiral turns, which is kept in resilient contact, typically by means of a spring spacer against the inner face of the other casing, thus enabling to provide heat exchange contact between the section of the first part of the pipe and the outer casing notwithstanding the nature of the materials constituting the pipe and the outer casing. Application for example to self-pressurizable holding containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cryogen delivery apparatus and method for delivering a flowing cryogen with a regulated cooling potential. The apparatus includes a pressure vessel for receiving a liquid form of the cryogen. A liquid-vapor interface is maintained within the pressure vessel so that a gaseous form of the cryogen having a low cooling potential is situated above the liquid-vapor interface and a liquid form of the cryogen having a high cooling potential is situated below the liquid-vapor interface. An outlet conduit is provided for delivering the gas and liquid forms of the cryogen from the pressure vessel. The conduit has a moveable end section located within the pressure vessel. When the moveable end section is oscillated above and below the level of a liquid-vapor interface, a two-phase flow of cryogen is delivered comprising the pure gaseous and liquid forms of the cryogen.

Abstract: A transfer vessel apparatus has a device for introducing gas from a liquid nitrogen trap into a vessel body to form and maintain an inert atmosphere in the vessel body. The inert atmosphere maintained in the vessel body enables a sample to be stored for long periods and enables transfer of the sample between different vacuum systems.

Abstract: Device for producing cold and/or heat by a solid gas reaction comprising a first and a second reactor each of which contains a salt capable of reacting by absorption with a gas by an exothermic reaction, the first reactor being in communication in a first operating stage with an enclosure intended to retain the gas, the second reactor being in communication, in the first operating stage, with an enclosure intended to release the gas, according to the invention, each reactor comprises a different salt. A device comprising four reactors provided with three different salts is also described.

Abstract: A cooling chamber on a microtome has an internal space which is observable and accessible from above and which accommodates an object holder and a tool for processing the object. The cooling chamber structure also includes a supply tank for accommodating a liquid cryogenic agent, the tank communicating with the cooling chamber space by way of a downwardly leading feed conduit for evaporated gaseous cryogenic agent. The feed conduit is directly in the form of a heater which can produce a controllable heating action so that the gaseous cryogenic agent can be heated along its flow path from the tank into the cooling chamber space, to provide for uniform temperature distribution in the cooling chamber space.

Abstract: A system for storing chemical energy comprises first and second vessels, the first containing a liquid solution of an alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxide, halide, or thiocyanate, or ammonium halide or thiocynate at an initial concentration of between about 30% to abotu 80%, by weight, the second vessel containing liquid, a space about the liquid in each vessel and a conduit communicating between the spaces having a valve for selectively allowing liquid vapor to pass between the spaces, means for heating the solution to a temperature above about 80.degree. F., means for cooling the liquid to a temperature below about 55.degree. F., and heat exchange means for transferring heat from the heated solution and for transferring heat to the cooled liquid. Water is the preferred liquid although ammonia, lower alcohols, and polyols such as glycerol, glycols, polyglycols, glycol ethers, lower aliphatic amines and alkanol amines, and mixtures thereof, may be used.