Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem that, when applying pressure and heat to laminate substrates, to maintain the flatness of the substrates so as not to have the load concentrated in one part, and to prevent the occurrence of resistance value abnormalities by making the electrically conductive layers between terminal parts uniform over the entire substrate.

Abstract: A developer preparing apparatus for obtaining a developer containing a developer component having a definite content by mixing an undiluted developer solution containing 5 to 40% by weight of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and pure water, and a developer preparing method for preparing the developer using the developer preparing apparatus. The developer preparing apparatus comprising a mixing bath equipped with a means for receiving and mixing an undiluted developer solution and pure water, an ultrasonic densitometer for measuring the developer component contained in the developer in the mixing bath, a flow rate controlling means for controlling the supplying flow rate of the undiluted developer solution and/or pure water into the mixing bath by the output signal from the ultrasonic densitometer, and a storage tank for receiving and storing the developer containing the developer component having the definite content in the mixing bath.

Abstract: By heating a kneaded marine paste product with superheated steam in a heating chamber under the conditions that:(A) the superheated steam is blown as the heating source into the heating chamber;(B) the paste product is prevented from being contacted directly by the superheated steam being blown in its initial blown direction into the chamber; and(C) the temperature of the gas phase in the vicinity of the paste product is controlled at less than 100.degree. C.,to coagulate the proteins of the paste product, a paste product without adhesion thereto of water droplets can be obtained, and the drying time after the heat treatment and the energy required for drying can be greatly reduced.