Abstract: Apparatus and an associated method of operation are disclosed for removal of gaseous contaminants, particularly oxygen, from closed containers. The apparatus is economical, simple to install and operate, of convenient size, and highly effective. A gas extractor communicates with a container for a gas-sensitive product. A high gas concentration in the container causes operation of the extractor until the gas concentration is reduced to a desired low level, when the extractor operation stops. Separate sensors and controllers responsive to concentrations can be present, or the extractor can be self-actuated by use as a power source of a battery which operates on gas generated by operation of the extractor. The system preferably is used for oxygen extraction from containers holding oxygen-sensitive contents. The preferred extractor includes an electrochemical cell which has a ion-permeable membrane disposed between two electrodes.

Abstract: A spiral wound type membrane element is formed by superposing gas-liquid contact membranes on both surfaces of a first fluid passage forming member, superposing a second fluid passage forming member on the surface of one of the gas-liquid contact membranes and spirally winding the gas-liquid contact membranes around a second fluid supply pipe along with the first fluid passage forming member and the second fluid passage forming member. A side portion on the inner peripheral side and a side portion on the outer peripheral side of a first fluid passage formed by the first fluid passage forming member between the gas-liquid contact membranes are sealed. Both end portions of a second fluid passage formed by the second fluid passage forming member between the gas-liquid contact membranes are sealed. The spiral wound type membrane element is stored inside a cylindrical container. The gas-liquid contact membranes are formed by PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) porous membranes having hydrophobicity.

Abstract: A vaporizable solute transfer system for transferring a vaporizable solute from a gas feed mixture to an absorbent liquid comprises an absorption module, a porous membrane which divides the absorption module into a gas-feed chamber and an absorbent chamber, a regeneration module, and a nonporous material which divides the regeneration module into an absorbent chamber and a vacuum atmosphere chamber. The absorption module has gas feed mixture inlet and outlet ports which communicate with the gas feed chamber, and absorbent liquid inlet and outlet ports which communicate with the absorbent chamber. The regeneration module has a liquid absorbent inlet and outlet port which communicate with the liquid absorbent chamber, and a vacuum outlet port which communicates with the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A deaerating apparatus is disclosed. The deaerating apparatus can sufficiently remove gases contained in resist solution, developing solution, solvent, and so forth. The deaerating apparatus comprises at least one liquid flow path for allowing the liquid to flow, at least one gas flow path, disposed adjacent to the liquid flow path, for allowing the gas to flow, at least one film member, disposed between the liquid flow path and the gas flow path, for allowing the gas contained in the liquid to permeate, and an exhausting apparatus for exhausting the gas from the gas flow path. While a liquid is being flowed in the liquid flow path, when the exhausting unit is operated, the gas contained in the liquid that flows in the liquid flow path permeates to the film member. The gas is exhausted through the gas flow path.

Abstract: The present invention is a fundamental method and apparatus of a microcomponent assembly that overcomes the inherent limitations of state of the art chemical separations. The fundamental element enabling miniaturization is the porous contactor contained within a microcomponent assembly for mass transfer of a working compound from a first medium to a second medium. The porous contactor has a thickness, and a plurality of pores extending through the thickness. The pores are of a geometry cooperating with a boundary tension of one or the other or both of the media thereby preventing migration of one, other or both through the microporous contactor while permitting passage of the working compound. In the microcomponent assembly, the porous contactor is placed between a first laminate such that a first space or first microplenum is formed between the microporous contactor and the first laminate. Additionally, a cover sheet provides a second space or second plenum between the porous contactor and the cover sheet.

Abstract: A water trap for a sample gas flow includes a housing 1 fastened to a holder 2. The housing 1 has a tank 3 for receiving liquids and gases. Above the tank 3, the housing 1 contains a first chamber divided by a first hydrophobic membrane 10. The lower divided part 12 of the first chamber is connected to the sample gas flow via the holder 2 on the inlet side and to the gas space in the tank 3 on the outlet side. The upper divided part 11 of the first chamber is connected to a gas analyzer 4 via the holder 2 and is connected to a vacuum. The housing 1 contains a second chamber divided by a second hydrophobic membrane 20. The lower divided part 22 of the second chamber is connected to the gas space in the tank 3 at a point 18 which is located lower in the direction of the liquid level and relative to the entry of the connection line from the first chamber. The upper divided part 21 of the second chamber is connected to a volume flow meter 8 and to the same vacuum.

Abstract: A water-tight plastic component, with a ventilation opening for air exchange between the component interior and the component exterior, and with a gas permeable membrane that covers the ventilation opening to prevent the entry of water into the component interior. The membrane is inserted in a cup-shaped recess disposed in front of the mouth of the ventilation opening, and is clamped at the edge, together with a sealing ring, against the bottom of the recess, in order to achieve a simple assembly. The sealing ring and membrane edge are overlapped by segment tabs that are disposed axially spaced from the bottom of the recess and protrude radially from the cylinder wall of the recess, forming an undercut.

Abstract: An oxide ion mixed conductive substance has the formula of A.sub.1-x Ca.sub.x Ga.sub.1-y B.sub.y oxide, wherein A is at least one lanthanoid element having a trivalent octacoordinated ion radius of 1.05 to 1.15 .ANG., B is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co, Fe, Ni and Cu, x is 0.05 to 0.3, y is 0.05 to 0.3. The oxide ion mixed conductive substance has the perovskite structure.

Abstract: The present invention has a resist processing apparatus for supplying a processing solution onto an object to be processed to perform a resist process, including a processing solution supply nozzle for supplying the processing solution onto the object to be processed, a processing solution feeding arrangement for feeding the processing solution to the processing solution supply nozzle, a processing solution flow path arranged to extend between the processing solution feeding arrangement and the processing solution supply nozzle, and a processing solution deaeration mechanism arranged at an intermediate portion of the processing solution flow path to deaerate the processing solution.

Abstract: A pervaporation process for selectively removing a component from a multicomponent aqueous solution which is practiced with an assembly comprising a feed chamber for holding and introducting the multicomponent aqueous solution to be treated therein, the feed chamber having a pressure, an exit chamber having a pressure, and located adjacent to the feed chamber and downstream thereof; at least one membrane composite located between the feed chamber and the exit chamber and adapted for fluid registry therewith, the membrane composite comprised of a porous membrane having a first and second surface, and a nonporous membrane permanently disposed on the second surface of the porous membrane, and having a permeability selective to the component, the membrane composite aligned such that the nonporous membrane is connected to the feed chamber; and a vacuum pump connected to the exit chamber for evacuating the component from the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water separator for separating a two-phase stream into a liquid water component and a gas component. The water separator includes a housing defining a cavity and includes an input port, a gas output port and a water output port. A hydrophobic filter is provided in the cavity and interposed between the input port and the gas output port so as to prevent a liquid water component of a two-phase stream of gas and water entering the input port from exiting the gas output port. A hydrophilic filter is provided in the cavity and interposed between the input port and the water output port so as to prevent the gas component entering the input port from exiting the water output port.

Abstract: Used for high performance liquid chromatography systems, a degassing unit with degassing performance of high fluid replacement efficiency in a small volume is described, which is composed of (1) a flat rectangular hollow enclosure using two rectangular degassable film sheets which fringes are sealed hermetically to form an internal space, and providing two independent openings at separate positions; one for an inlet to feed eluent in and the other for an outlet to feed it out, (2) two sheet plates with a number of holes, of the same shape as that of the film sheets, each of which is closely fitted to either side of the film sheets to prevent the expansion of the hollow enclosure, (3) a degassing module having the fringe of the hollow enclosure and the fringes of the plates with holes piled in one upon another with a pair of holding frames which allow to expose the outside surface areas of the sheet plates, (4) a vacuum chamber accommodating the degassing module and enclosing the surrounding space around it, a

Abstract: The invention, intended for large power transformers and industrial heat transfer installations, is systemic in nature and calls upon two components which complement each other, the first one effecting the continuous on-line de-gassing of an insulating or heat transfer medium by the application of a vacuum whose pressure reducing effect is compensated by hydrostatic pressure or the combination of an impeller downstream and a restrictor upstream of the pressurized part; the second component of the complementary system is constituted by an expansion space which is separated from a displaceable buffer liquid by a membrane.

Abstract: A deaeration assembly for removal of air or other gases dissolved in a liquid. The assembly includes a deaeration element having a gas-channel-forming component enclosed and sealed within an envelope which includes a nonporous fluoropolymer film. The assembly also includes a liquid-channel-forming component which can be positioned on the outside of the element, or can be enclosed with the gas-channel-forming component within the element. The assembly can be formed in spiral-wound or folded configurations for installation in a deaeration module or apparatus. The deaeration assembly is useful for removal of gases dissolved in chemically aggressive liquids, high-purity liquids, and other special liquids.

Abstract: A pump for metering liquids out of a tank into a delivery line, includes, fitted on the output side, an air-purge device which is designed to separate off gas, in particular air, entrained by the pressurized liquid being conveyed and to lead the gas away into a gas-collection space which is at a pressure lower than that of the liquid. In order to ensure reliable purging, even with corrosive liquids, the pump is designed so that the purging device has a semipermeable membrane, on one side of which the pressurized liquid acts, the other side being in direct contact with the gas-collection space.

Abstract: An apparatus reduces the pressure in a fuel tank ullage including a first conduit for connection to the fuel tank ullage, a vapor extractor, a pressure sensor to detect the pressure in the fuel tank ullage, a separation module having an inlet connected to the first conduit, a separation membrane, a permeate outlet separated from the inlet by the separation membrane, and a retentate outlet, a second conduit connected to the permeate outlet for connection to the fuel tank, a vapor pump associated with the second conduit for creating a low pressure in the separation module near the permeate outlet as to induce selected vapors to pass through the separation membrane, a vent associated with the retentate outlet to vent retentate to atmosphere, a hydrocarbon detector to detect hydrocarbon concentrations in the vent, and a controller to receive inputs from the pressure sensor and the hydrocarbon detector and output control signals to the vapor extractor and the vapor pump to pull vapor from the ullage when the press

Abstract: A deaeration assembly for removal of air or other gases dissolved in a liquid. The assembly includes a deaeration element having a gas-channel-forming component enclosed and sealed within an envelope formed of a non-porous fluoropolymer film. The assembly also includes a liquid-channel-forming component which can be positioned on the outside of the element, or can be enclosed with the gas-channel-forming component within the element. The assembly can be formed in spiral-wound or folded configurations for installation in a deaeration module or apparatus. The deaeration assembly is useful for removal of gases dissolved in chemically aggressive liquids, high-purity liquids, and other special liquids.

Abstract: An intravenous filter device comprises a filter housing having a front side, a back side, a first end, a second end, an inlet and an outlet, the housing containing a hydrophilic filtration media and defining a flow path such that intravenous fluid entering the housing through the inlet passes through the filtration media before passing out of the housing through the outlet. Inlet and outlet tubing connectors, both preferably attached to the front side of the filter housing, form, respectively, the housing inlet and outlet. In the preferred embodiment the connectors are raised above the front side or the housing such that tubing connected to the connectors does not intersect the front side of the housing. At least one vent hole in the housing provides a passageway for gas to escape from the housing, the vent hole being preferably open to the front side of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing and transporting articles, such as contact lens sections from a manufacturing line to inspection and packaging stations. The lenses are deposited in a transparent plastic primary package which carries the lenses through the inspection station and becomes part of the primary package when a cover is sealed thereto. The invention includes various assemblies, including lens transfer assemblies, deionized water filling and removal assemblies, a water degassing assembly, a lens inspection assembly, and a lens package sealing assembly. The lenses are removed from pallets at a post hydration station, transported and spatially redistributed, and deposited in the primary packages disposed on a second set of pallets. The packages on the second set of pallets are filled with degassed deionized water. The contact lenses and packages are then transported to an inspection station.

Abstract: The present invention provides a degassing apparatus having a temperature regulating function. The degassing apparatus includes a number of gas permeating tubes for enabling a processing solution to flow through one of the two flow paths partitioned by gas permeating membranes that allow permeation of a gas but prevent permeation of a liquid, while enabling warm water to flow through the other flow path. A temperature regulator regulates the temperature of the warm water fed to the gas permeating tubes, and a gas suction pump sucks the gas from the warm water.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of employing a wet/dry vacuum cleaner for wet material pick-up. By employing a hydrophobic and air permeable filter material, such as an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), with a tight gasket around its edge in place of a conventional wet/dry vacuum filter, it has been determined that the filter can be retained in place at all times during operation, regardless of the material being collected.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for delivering a liquid are disclosed. The liquid contained in a vessel is subjected to a pressurized gas. Any pressurized gas dissolved in the liquid is removed in a degas module by passing the liquid through a gas permeable tube subjected to a pressure differential. Then the liquid is dispensed by a liquid mass flow controller.

Abstract: A degassing module mounted in an intermediate position of a delivery pipe includes a fluid passage formed of a gas-permeable film material. The fluid passage is enclosed in a gas-tight vacuum chamber. A degassing pipe is connected to the vacuum chamber. The degassing pipe has a switch valve for breaking a communication between a sealed space in the vacuum chamber and a vacuum source, thereby forming a closed section including part of the degassing pipe and the sealed space in the vacuum chamber. A reduced quantity of solvent evaporates from a treating solution flowing through the fluid passage of the degassing module, and passes in the form of solvent vapor through the gas-permeable film material into the sealed space of the vacuum chamber. This minimizes change in the concentration and temperature of the treating solution flowing through the degassing module. The degassing pipe has a trap formed in an intermediate position thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and a method are described for extracting gas from a liquid containing dissolved gas. The liquid is pumped from an external reservoir (40) of the liquid into a separation cell (14) by a liquid-pumping chamber (11). In separation cell (14) a permselective membrane (17) effects extraction of the dissolved gas from the liquid. A gas-pumping chamber (23) pumps the extracted gas from the permeate chamber (16) of the separation cell (14) to a collection station (27), where the extracted gas can be analyzed, separated into its individual components, or stored, as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel membranes, formed from perovskitic or multi-phase structures, with a chemically active coating which demonstrate exceptionally high rates of fluid flux. One application is the separation of oxygen from oxygen-containing feeds at elevated temperatures. The membranes are conductors of oxygen ions and electrons, and are substantially stable in air over the temperature range of 25.degree. C. to the operating temperature of the membrane.

Abstract: A spiral-wound, gas-separation membrane module and a gas-separation process. The module and process provide at least partial counter-current flow between the feed and permeate gas streams without requiring a permeate sweep. The counter-current flow pattern can be achieved by appropriate placement of barriers or baffles in the feed channel. Similar modules and processes may also be used for pervaporation.

Abstract: In the simplified ink jet head described in the specification, a tubular member made of air-permeable, ink-permeable material which is closed at one end and connected at the other end to a source of subatmospheric pressure is inserted into an ink passage in the ink jet head to extract dissolved air through the material of the tubular member from a surrounding body of ink in the ink passage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microporous membrane contactor for degassing liquids at temperatures greater than (>) 60.degree. C. and at pressures greater than or equal (.gtoreq.) to 40 psig. The contactor has a microporous hollow fiber membrane adapted to withstand collapse and resist appreciable pore shrinkage or pore closure when subjected to liquid temperatures greater than (>) 60.degree. C. and liquid pressures greater than or equal to (.gtoreq.) 40 psig for a period of greater than or equal to (.gtoreq.) 30 days. A housing encloses the membrane.

Abstract: A basic structure for a liquid chromatography degasser, includes a supporting structure with a perimeter encompassing an opening in which support ribs are arranged. The opening is covered by a membrane made from a material with a good permeability index. Two basic structures are combined to form a basic module. A liquid chromatography degasser comprises at least one or a plurality of basic modules, which are stacked on top of each other, whereby a micro-vacuum-pump is arranged at the top of the stack, and an inlet and an outlet for the liquid being degassed are provided at the bottom of the stack.

Abstract: A membrane and process for separating unsaturated hydrocarbons from fluid mixtures. The membrane and process differ from previously known membranes and processes, in that the feed and permeate streams can both be dry, the membrane need not be water or solvent swollen, and the membrane is characterized by a selectivity for an unsaturated hydrocarbon over a saturated hydrocarbon having the same number of carbon atoms of at least about 20, and a pressure-normalized flux of said unsaturated hydrocarbon of at least about 5.times.10.sup.-6 cm.sup.3 (STP)/cm.sup.2 .multidot.s.multidot.cmHg, said flux and selectivity being measured with a gas mixture containing said unsaturated and saturated hydrocarbons, and in a substantially dry environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for delivering a liquid are disclosed. The liquid contained in a vessel is subjected to a pressurized gas. Any pressurized gas dissolved in the liquid is removed in a degas module by passing the liquid through a gas permeable tube subjected to a pressure differential. Then the liquid is dispensed by a liquid mass flow controller.

Abstract: There are provided an ozone water treatment method by comprising the steps of injecting an ozone-containing gas into pure water to prepare ozone water, supplying the ozone water to use point(s) for treatment of materials to be treated, and circulating for reuse or discharging the ozone water after use, which comprises disposing a deozonizing apparatus, the inside of which is divided into an ozone water passing zone and a reduced pressure zone by a diaphragm, at the downstream side of the use point(s), supplying the ozone water after use to the ozone water passing zone of the deozonizing apparatus, and removing residual ozone and residual oxygen in the ozone water after use by contacting the water with the reduced pressure zone through the diaphragm and an apparatus utilized in the ozone treatment method.

Abstract: A low priming volume integrated centrifugal pump and membrane oxygenator comprising a housing (10) containing a mass transfer bed (40) comprising gas permeable hollow membrane fibers (38) placed circumferentially in a ring around an impeller (30). The mass transfer bed (40) is formed by a multiple wrap of a fiber ribbon (42) comprising at least two layers of fibers (38) bonded in precise orientation with fibers in alternate layers positioned in line with the opening between fibers in the layers above and below. Adhesion means ensure precise orientation of the fibers (38). Priming volume is further reduced by a small impeller flow channel volume.

Abstract: The membrane deaerator according to the present invention includes a plurality of membrane deaerator modules and a water sealed vacuum pump connected thereto. These modules are series-connected between a raw water supply line and a deaeration water supply line. A first vacuum pump is connected to a first deaerator module via a deaeration line, and a second vacuum pump is connected to a second deaerator module via the deaeration line. These vacuum pumps are each provided with a seal water supply line which is used to send the raw water introduced from the water supply line thereinto as seal water to each of the first and second vacuum pumps. A discharge line for the second vacuum pump is connected to the deaeration line for the first vacuum pump. In the membrane deaerator thus formed, the deaeration performance is improved greatly, and a deaeration with dissolved oxygen concentration of several PPB can be carried out.

Abstract: An apparatus reduces the pressure in a volatile chemical tank ullage including a first conduit for connection to the volatile chemical tank ullage, a vapor extractor, a pressure sensor to detect the pressure in the volatile chemical tank ullage, a separation module having an inlet connected to the first conduit, a separation membrane, a permeate outlet separated from the inlet by the separation membrane, and a retentate outlet, a second conduit connected to the permeate outlet for connection to the volatile chemical tank, a vapor pump associated with the second conduit for creating a low pressure in the separation module near the permeate outlet as to induce selected vapors to pass through the separation membrane, a vent associated with the retentate outlet to vent retentate to atmosphere, a VOC detector to detect VOC concentrations in the vent, and a controller to receive inputs from the pressure sensor and the VOC detector and output control signals to the vapor extractor and the vapor pump to pull vapor fr

Abstract: In a method for the manufacture of plastic parts which are used in an analytical measuring device and there come into contact with liquids, plastic base material is mixed with a suspension liquid and then extruded in the form desired. Before it is mixed with the plastic base material, aromatic and olefinic substances are removed from the suspension liquid by means of a chemical reaction, for instance, so that the final plastic products are free from such substances. In that way, it is avoided that, when using the plastic parts in an analytical measuring device, it may come to interferences of the detection by extraction of such substances into the flow of liquids and transportation into the detector. A vacuum degasser is a particularly advantageous field of application for the plastic parts manufactured in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A deaeration method for eliminating dissolved gases from a liquid product, which method involves low initial cost and running cost, compact equipment, and simple arrangement to accomplish the deaeration. For the method to eliminate dissolved gases from a liquid product, a deaeration module which is divided by a gas-pervious membrane into a liquid phase side and a vapor phase side is used. A deaeration-use gas composed of one or more kinds of inactive gases is previously dissolved in a liquid product to be deaerated, whereby a deaeration-target liquid is prepared. The deaeration-target liquid is distributed on the liquid phase side, in which distribution process the deaeration-use gas moves to the vapor phase side via the gas-pervious membrane, while the dissolved gases move to the vapor phase side along with the movement of the deaeration-use gas. This movement of the gases is carried out during passage through the deaeration module under ambient pressure.

Abstract: A flexible, insertable vent cover is formed from a flexible, resilient material. The cover has a through passageway; a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane traversing the passageway; a diaphragm valve covering the membrane; and an annular securing ring that maintains the valve in a protective position with respect to the membrane in order to protect the membrane from immersion in or impingement by liquid.

Abstract: A dialysis membrane is made of a regenerated cellulose polymer in the form of a hollow fiber with a continuous internal cavity filled essentially with a gas. The hollow fiber has a porous inner and an outer surface. The outer surface of the hollow fiber is formed by a thin skin which has fine lengthwise grooves. The inner surface of the hollow fiber is positively modified by physical and/or chemical means.The invention also includes a method for manufacturing such a dialysis membrane.

Abstract: A self-priming filter holder for filtration of intravenous liquids is provided and is formed of one or two housing portions sealed to a core portion. The core portion has one or two ribbed surfaces forming a plurality of flow paths sealed at one end and open at a second end and at least one channel preferably larger than the flow paths. The channel(s) is in fluid communication with the flow paths and an outlet. An inlet is provided to the interior of the housing portion(s) which are sealed from the ribbed surfaces by hydrophilic membranes. The housing portion(s) can be provided with gas vents sealed with hydrophobic membranes. Fluids pass through the flow paths in one direction and through the channel(s) in an opposite direction to remove gas from the flow paths and channels prior to use.

Abstract: The invention relates to membranes for facilitated ion transport in aqueous solutions. The membrane is an adduct of a heteropolysiloxane and a crown-ether, and contains certain ions such as picrate or fluoroborate. This membrane is efficient for the selective transport of potassium ions.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for delivering a liquid are disclosed. The liquid contained in a vessel is subjected to a pressurized gas. Any pressurized gas dissolved in the liquid is removed in a degas module by passing the liquid through a gas permeable tube subjected to a pressure differential. Then the liquid is dispensed by a liquid mass flow controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the measurement of the total organic carbon (TOC) content of a liquid is shown. The inorganic carbon in the liquid is converted into carbon dioxide and removed from it. At the same time, oxygen is added to the liquid. The liquid is then exposed to ultraviolet radiation and the organic carbon thereby oxidized. This oxidized carbon, in the form of carbon dioxide, is allowed to migrate across a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane directly into a measurement chamber, where its absorption of radiation is measured to determine its concentration.

Abstract: A cleaning solution is supplied from a solution reservoir to a workpiece held in a cleaning station through a cleaning solution supply passage extending from the solution reservoir to the solution reservoir. When the cleaning solution is supplied to the workpiece, ultrasonic energy is radiated into the cleaning solution to cavitate the cleaning solution for cleaning and deburring the workpiece. A deaerating device for deaerating the cleaning solution to be supplied to the workpiece has a casing disposed in the cleaning solution supply passage for passing the cleaning solution therethrough, gas separating membranes disposed in the casing and having passages defined therein for passage of the cleaning solution therethrough, and an evacuating unit for evacuating the casing to deaerate the cleaning solution flowing through the passages by drawing a gas contained in the cleaning solution through walls of the gas separating membranes.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for separating a liquid component from the exhalation gas of a patient to be delivered to one or more analyzing units (3, 4). The apparatus comprises a first chamber (10) for receiving therein an exhalation gas coming from a patient and in which the inflowing gas divides into two components in a manner that some of the gas flows to an analyzing unit and some of the gas, as well as a liquid component possibly entrapped in the exhalation gas, is conducted out past the analyzing unit, a second chamber (12), through which a patient's exhalation gas flows from the first chamber to an analyzing unit, and a gas-permeable wall (11), which separates these chambers and through which the gas flows from the first chamber into the second chamber. Upstream of the wall (11) there is a filter (20), the exhalation gas of a patient flowing through this filter prior penetrating through the wall (11) and the filter (20) allowing therethrough the flow of a liquid component possibly entrapped in the gas.

Abstract: A venting mechanism which includes three members. A first member having threads defined thereon connected to a second offering a hexagonally shaped external surface. The third member features a bore which defines an annular surface at the intersection with a bore through the second member. A baffle is located within the bore of the second member by engagement with the annular surface defined between the second and third member. A Gortex film and a wire mesh placed within the bore of the third member are retained by a rolled lip thereof. In this manner, the baffle and the Gortex film act to maintain liquid on one side of the breather while allowing gases to freely pass therethrough.

Abstract: A flow-through vacuum degassing unit for degassing a liquid includes a vacuum chamber adapted to be connected to a source for creating a vacuum in the chamber, inlet and outlet connections for admitting and discharging liquid to be degassed and one or more tubes for conducting the liquid through the chamber, wherein the tube is formed in a predetermined, memoried configuration and capable of self-supported containment in the vacuum chamber, the tube being of a thin-walled semi-permeable polymeric resin material.

Abstract: A reservoir for use in a hydraulic circuit is disclosed which includes a passive gas separating medium to separate gas from the hydraulic fluid as it circulates through the reservoir. The gas separating medium, which may be a membrane-type diffuser, is permeable to air, but not hydraulic fluid. This allows entrained air to diffuse through the membrane element after which it may be expelled to the atmosphere. The membrane diffuser is located within the reservoir housing in a low-pressure portion of the hydraulic circuit in a space between spaced apart double walls of the reservoir such that hydraulic fluid returning to the reservoir must first pass through the membrane. The membrane may have several concentric or spiral layers, depending upon the capacity of the circuit. Gas separated from the hydraulic fluid is withdrawn from the membrane diffuser structure and may be vented to atmosphere through a valve associated with the reservoir housing.

Abstract: A melt is stored in a vessel placed in a decompression vessel. On the bottom of the vessel is arranged a bubble generator made of porous bricks, and bubbles of argon gas are introduced into the melt through this bubble generator. Also a lower half section of a degassing member is immersed in the melt. This degassing member has a cylindrical form with the lower end closed and the section immersed in the melt is made of a porous material permeable to gases and impermeable to melts.With these features, a surface of molten metal can be put under reduced pressure and high content components of the melt can be removed by means of bubbling, and also solute components in the melt can be removed into bubbles of argon gas. Also, gases in the melt and gases produced by reactions between the melt and the porous material can be sucked through a wall of the degassing member into inside thereof and removed.