Carl Hoffmann (1844 – 1910), der Erfinder der Drehschieberpumpe

Among the numerous constructions and designs of mechanical (vacuum) pumps around the turn of the 19th/20th century Hoffmanns invention of the sliding vane rotary vacuum pump may be considered as the real breakthrough in this field. His pump, manufactured since 1905 excels by the introduction of the – by now standard – back pressure valve which has been retained as an essential component in all later constructions of similar pumps, in particular of Gaede's so called “box” pump. The articel describes Hoffmann's professional life in context with the state of vacuum technology at his time.