초록 ▼

An apparatus for exchanging a first gas contained in a sealed container for a second gas. The apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber for receiving the container and for maintaining a controlled pressure about the container, a gas exchange head for exchanging gas in the container while maintaining a se

An apparatus for exchanging a first gas contained in a sealed container for a second gas. The apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber for receiving the container and for maintaining a controlled pressure about the container, a gas exchange head for exchanging gas in the container while maintaining a seal between the container and the chamber, and a vacuum source coupled to the gas exchange head and to the vacuum chamber for evacuating the first gas from the container and air from the chamber. The apparatus further has a gas source for supplying the second gas, the gas source being coupled to the gas exchange head for supplying the second gas to the container, and a sensor for monitoring the pressure in the container during gas exchange. The present invention further provides for a controller for adjusting the rate with which the first gas is removed from the container and the rate at which the chamber is evacuated such that the container is not damaged, and the controller can adjust the rate at which gas is supplied to the container and the rate with which the chamber is pressurized so as not to damage said container.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [22.] A method for exchanging a first gas contained in a sealed container for a second gas, the method comprising:providing an apparatus including a vacuum chamber and a gas exchange head having a flow probe and a sensor probe, said flow probe and said sensor probe being separ

[ What is claimed is:] [22.] A method for exchanging a first gas contained in a sealed container for a second gas, the method comprising:providing an apparatus including a vacuum chamber and a gas exchange head having a flow probe and a sensor probe, said flow probe and said sensor probe being separately ported;placing said sealed container in said vacuum chamber;sealing said vacuum chamber;piercing said container with said flow probe;piercing said container with said sensor probe;withdrawing at least a portion of said first gas from said container through said flow probe;injecting said second gas into said container through said flow probe; andmonitoring the pressure in said container with said sensor probe during said withdrawing and flowing steps.