Bruces "Slider Gate" set-up was similar in function to the old SF-300 and SF-600 rotary valves used to switch intake and exhaust flow in the bench. The valves are right next to the vacuum motors so there will me a minor amount of air loss but compared to the massive air losses in the old MSD bench with the "Slider Doors" (fixed by using Beckman marine port holes) his slider plate (for intake/Exhaust) works exceptionally well.
Tom V.