A method of controlling an atmosphere in an enclosure (12) to which gas (40) is being supplied comprises the steps of monitoring (53) atmospheric pressure within the enclosure and the rate of gas flow to (52) or from the enclosure, comparing these parameters (62) with adjustable set points to obtain error values and adjusting inflow (50) and exhaust (51) valves for the enclosure in dependence upon the error values. A preferred method includes the intermediate steps of deriving from the error val...

A heat treat furnace wherein the furnace top and side walls are each defined by an outer, gas-tight metallic structural wall, an intermediate perforate metal plate generally parallel to and coextensive with the exterior wall to define a plenum chamber therebetween, and an inner layer of non-metallic, gas permeable insulation, preferably a blanket insulation of appreciable thickness. The gaseous atmosphere of the furnace is injected into the plenum chambers defined between the exterior walls and ...

Wave soldering is accomplished in an enclosure having an atmosphere which is substantially free of oxygen and which provides a fluxing action due to the presence of a gaseous reducing agent. A conveyor carries articles to be soldered through the enclosure by means of an entrance and exit which are provided with gas curtains to inhibit atmosphere exchange with the ambient air.

A furnace for heating steel articles and so on without oxidation and decarbonization. In the furnace, non-oxidation gas atmosphere with or without cementation characteristics is produced and regenerated by subjecting the air to carbon elements and heat at a reaction chamber provided within the furnace or closely thereto, and the gas atmosphere is circulated through a substantially closed circuit with the said reaction chamber connecting outtake and intake openings of the furnace.

A package for preserving produce in a wholesome condition for an extended period of time is formed by a sealed container enveloping the produce and filled with a preservative gas which inhibits bacterial growth. The container is formed by a high barrier film which is so perforated as to provide a gas pressure within the container sufficient to inhibit air inflow into the container and to assure gas outflow from the container to prevent its distortion.

A cushioning pad which may advantageously be used in connection with the packaging and storage of fruits is described. Such pad contains a chemical composition for interacting with the atmosphere. The chemical composition may include chemicals such as calcium hydroxide for removing carbon dioxide and/or ethylene from the atmosphere to retard ripening and prevent damage to the fruit. The pad may also contain a hygroscopic chemical such as calcium chloride which causes certain kinds of cushioning ...

An apparatus for producing a controlled atmosphere in an area by providing for the removal of oxygen, carbon dioxide, water droplets and ethylene from a gas stream. The apparatus includes two compressors to increase the pressure of the gases present which are then separated by diffusion across at least two membranes.

A live storage facility provides for the storage of large containers of product in a gas-tight enclosure containing an atmosphere precisely controlled to a preselected gas composition. Containers are introduced into the enclosure through a tunnel and removed through another tunnel, without significantly altering the gas atmosphere or temperature within the enclosure. An externally controlled crane moves and stacks the containers within the enclosure. The storage facility is preferably formed as ...

A brazing procedure including the steps of retaining a component (7) having a brazing section (2) therein by means of a die assembly (3, 4) which is compressed by a hot press (8), admitting (6) an inert gas into the component to produce an inert atmosphere inside the component having a pressure which is higher than the outer pressure, and then heating (5) the component thereby brazing the section. A brazing clearance is maintained at a proper amount prior to brazing, and the outer configuration ...

A method of remote sensing of atmospheric conditions based on the detection of acoustic modulation of lidar returns in the atmosphere. The measured modulation is caused by density changes of the lidar scattering elements induced by an acoustic wave launched collinearly with the lidar. Applications are disclosed for measuring atmospheric humidity, cloud particle size, and temperature profiling.