Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus 1 is configured to supply a processing liquid to a peripheral portion of a wafer W being rotated. The substrate processing apparatus 1 includes a rotating/holding unit 21 configured to rotate and hold the wafer W; a processing liquid discharging unit 73 configured to discharge the processing liquid toward the peripheral portion of the wafer W held by the rotating/holding unit 21; a variation acquiring unit configured to acquire information upon a variation amount of a deformation of the peripheral portion of the wafer W; and a discharge controller 7 configured to control a discharge angle and a discharge position of the processing liquid from the processing liquid discharging unit 73 onto the peripheral portion based on the information upon the variation amount of the deformation of the peripheral portion acquired by the variation acquiring unit.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in liquid-dispensing system, the nozzle assembly including: a body configured to receive a pipe; and the pipe, an end of the pipe being mounted on the body. The pipe includes multiple lumens correspondingly terminated in multiple orifices such that a liquid is escapable from each lumen through the corresponding orifice and is thereby dispensable from the nozzle assembly. The pipe has a first flow-capacity to supply a first volume of the liquid at a first flow-rate and at a first pressure. Each orifice and corresponding lumen has a second flow-capacity to supply a second volume of the liquid at a second flow-rate and at a second pressure.

Abstract: Method for producing cardboard tubes by winding a plurality of ribbons (U, L) onto a spindle (1), a preset number of the ribbons (U, L) being glued in correspondence of the lower or radial inner surface thereof, characterized in that a predetermined amount of supplementary quick setting glue is applied on the lower surface of the last ribbon (U) destined to be wound on the spindle (1), in proximity to at least a longitudinal edge (BU) of the ribbon (U) forming a corresponding stripe of quick setting glue (G) astride of a section (ST) of the same ribbon interested or intersected by a subsequent cutting action executed downstream of the spindle (1).

Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a system and method for inserting contents into envelopes that generally reduces the number of operative device components, locates all components in a readily and accessible location, reduces the number of adjustments needed to change envelope size and contents size, provides an efficient and aesthetically pleasing design, allows for a highly flexible arrangement of backup hoppers to primary hoppers for feeding envelope contents and otherwise affords a substantial number of improvements over currently available envelope inserters.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for applying a substance (200) as a bead (202) to a geometric feature (204) extending along a path (220) is disclosed. The apparatus (100) comprises an outlet end (101) comprising a first edge (104), a second edge (106), and an outlet opening (102) at least partially defined by the first edge (104) and the second edge (106). The first edge (104) and the second edge (106) are reversibly extensible.

Abstract: One example of the present disclosure relates to a daubing device for applying viscous material to a fastener. The daubing device comprises a housing comprising a first internal face and a second internal face, separated from the first internal face by a longitudinal distance L. The daubing device further comprises a dispenser between the first internal face and the second internal face of the housing. The dispenser comprises a flexible wall. The daubing device also comprises a pressure-application device between the dispenser and the second internal face of the housing.

Abstract: A combination nozzle and a device for applying a viscous material, particularly an adhesive, to a component edge includes two wide-slot nozzles lying close to one another. The first nozzle applies the viscous material and the second nozzle supplies a gas such as air for shaping the applied material bead. A nozzle mount has a guide roller placed on and movable about the edge of the component during application. A connector element via a connecting mechanism allows movement of the nozzle mount parallel to the surface normal on the component edge to press the guide roller against the edge during the application process by a spring mechanism. With the proposed combination nozzle and the proposed device, an optimal wetting of the component edge with the viscous material can be achieved, and additionally the component tolerances are compensated without the necessity of an elaborate sensor system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for screen testing an optical fiber includes a fiber conveyance pathway, a capstan having an outer circumference and a fiber contact region extending around the outer circumference, the fiber contact region having a durometer hardness of less than or equal to about 40 Shore A, where the capstan is positioned adjacent to the fiber conveyance pathway such that when the optical fiber is directed over the fiber conveyance pathway, the optical fiber engages with the fiber contact region, and a pinch belt positioned adjacent to the fiber conveyance pathway such that the fiber conveyance pathway extends between the pinch belt and the fiber contact region, where the pinch belt is engageable with the fiber contact region such that, when the optical fiber is directed over the fiber conveyance pathway, the optical fiber is impinged between the pinch belt and the fiber contact region.

Abstract: Provided is a slot die coater that applies electrode slurry to metal foil to produce an electrode, the slot die coater including a die part, which includes a body having an inner space receiving the electrode slurry, a supply hole disposed in the body to supply the electrode slurry to the inner space, and a discharge hole disposed in the body to discharge the electrode slurry from the inner space to the metal foil, and a member for the slot die coater, which is removably installed in the inner space to form a slope surface in the inner space, or a movable member for the slot die coater, which selectively forms the slope surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for producing a skirting strip prefinished at the factory of the nature of a skirting for floor coverings made of plastic, PVC, rubber, linoleum, or related materials for producing a moisture-tight wall transition. The device consists of a melting and application unit (10) and an edge support wedge molding profile (21), which is functionally connected via a transport device (4) for the strip-shaped blank (6) to the shaping unit (1), and which molds, calibrates, and simultaneously attaches to the convex curvature of the strip-shaped blank (6), the edge support wedge made of molten plastic or hot-melt adhesive.

Abstract: In a liquid discharging device, an objective optical system is moved in the optical axis direction by a focus position adjusting mechanism to perform a first focusing action relative to the tip of a liquid discharging nozzle or a mirror image thereof and a second focusing action relative to the surface of a substrate facing the liquid discharging nozzle, the distance between the nozzle tip and the surface of the substrate is calculated on the basis of the resulting focus positions, and the position of the liquid discharging nozzle is adjusted by nozzle position adjusting mechanism so that the gap is appropriate. According to this configuration, the distance between the nozzle tip and the surface of the substrate can be precisely calculated and an optical unit for observation can be focused on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provided a coating apparatus includes an applicator, material supply unit, and first, second, and third moving mechanisms. The applicator includes a meniscus pillar forming portion configured to form a meniscus pillar of the material in conjunction with a surface to be coated of the object to be coated and a recess. The material supply unit supplies the material to the applicator. The first moving mechanism moves the position of the applicator relative to the surface along the surface. The second moving mechanism moves the position of the applicator relative to the surface so that the meniscus pillar between the surface and the recess. The third moving mechanism moves the position of the applicator relatively toward and away from the surface.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system includes a liquid dispenser array structure. A first liquid supply provides a carrier liquid that flows continuously through an outlet of a liquid dispensing channel during a drop dispensing operation. A plurality of liquid dispensers, located on a common substrate, includes a second liquid supply that provides a functional liquid, immiscible in the carrier liquid, to the liquid dispensing channel through a liquid supply channel. A drop formation device, associated with an interface of the liquid supply channel and the liquid dispensing channel, is selectively actuated to form discrete drops of the functional liquid in the carrier liquid flowing through the liquid dispensing channel. A receiver conveyance mechanism and the liquid dispenser array structure are positioned relative to each other such that the discrete drops of the functional liquid are applied to a receiver.

Abstract: Polymer-based micro-cantilevers for depositing material onto a surface include, in one embodiment, a body portion, an elongated beam portion sized smaller than and extending from the body portion and having a length greater than about 500 microns. The body portion includes a reservoir and the elongated beam portion having a passageway disposed therein. The passageway has an inlet opening in fluid communication with the reservoir and an outlet opening at a distal end of the elongated beam portion. The passageway comprises a width greater than 10 microns to about 100 microns, and a height of about 25 microns to about 100 microns. Methods for delivering fluid and living cells using the polymer-based micro-cantilevers are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for precision pen height control which includes a dispensing member, a fluid dispensing system, a vertical position sensing system, and a vertical position controller. The fluid dispensing system is in fluid communication with an opening in the dispensing member via a tubular member. A vertical position sensing system, which includes a diffraction grating and a sensor, is engaged to the tubular member. The sensor is positioned adjacent the diffraction grating. The diffraction grating is engaged to a vertical support, which is engaged to the tubular member. The sensor produces a vertical position signal based upon the position of the vertical support. The vertical position controller is engaged to the vertical position sensing system, and receives a control signal generated from the vertical position signal. The vertical position controller produces and applies vertical forces to the vertical support in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a flowable conductive paste onto a greensheet from a dispensing apparatus comprising an orifice member having first and second surfaces and a bore therethrough between the surfaces, a pressurized chamber adjacent the orifice member first surface containing the paste, and a punch having a face movable through the orifice member bore. The method comprises positioning the punch outside the orifice member bore such that the punch face is spaced from the orifice member first surface, flowing a desired amount of paste onto the punch face, moving the paste on the punch face through the orifice member bore until the punch face extends beyond the orifice member second surface, and contacting the workpiece with the paste while still on the punch face to deposit the paste on the greensheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbon ribbon for covering in a thin layer of semiconductor material, and to a method of deposited such a layer on a substrate constituted by a carbon ribbon. At least one of the two faces of the carbon ribbon is for covering in a layer of semiconductor material by causing the ribbon to pass substantially vertically upwards through a bath of molten semiconductor material. According to the invention, the two edges of at least one of the two faces of the carbon ribbon project so as to form respective rims.

Abstract: A method of doping at least one element in an array of elements on a substrate is disclosed. The method comprises providing at least one microfluidic channel passing from a first location external of the at least one element to a second location in fluidic communication with the at least one element. A dopant fluid is passed through the at least one microfluidic channel to the at least one element for doping the at least one element. A corresponding apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: In the condition where a nozzle for applying a coating liquid is disposed on the lower side of a substrate and a substrate surface controlled in wettability is faced down, the nozzle and the substrate are moved relative to each other, whereby the coating liquid is applied to a desired region of the substrate, and then the coating liquid is dried, to obtain a pattern included a dried coating layer.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for applying a liquid to a surface comprises a chamber for carrying the liquid, an aperture in the chamber for communicating liquid from the chamber to the surface via a conduit having outer sides of limited wetability to the liquid. This device provides a solution for confining liquids to defined areas of a surface without involving physical seals and additionally permits moving the device and confined liquid on the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems including a colorant cup that is adjacent to a cliché, wherein the cup includes a vent, an interior roof portion, and an air gap beneath the roof portion; a reservoir containing colorant; a feed conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir; and a return conduit in fluid communication with the cup. Also disclosed are various methods in which colorants are transferred in the disclosed systems from the reservoir to the colorant cup. The disclosed systems, colorant cups and methods are useful in the preparation of tinted contact lenses.

Abstract: To provide a coating apparatus, which can surely prevent a coating solution from spreading, to simplify a manufacturing process and reduce the manufacturing cost and provide a coating method using the same. The coating apparatus includes a holding table holding a plate having a through hole penetrating in a thickness direction; and a coating head including a slit-shaped nozzle orifice which discharges a coating solution, the nozzle orifice being opposed to a coating surface opposite to a holding surface held on the holding table. The coating apparatus applies the coating solution to the coating surface of the plate by moving the plate and the coating head relative to each other in an in-plane direction of the coating surface. In addition, the coating apparatus includes coating preventing means, which prevents the coating solution from entering the through hole of the plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a small volume of a selected liquid, such as a biological sample or reagent, onto a substrate. The device includes a tube adapted to contain the liquid. An elongated fiber is disposed within the tube for axial movement therein between raised and lowered positions. Upon shifting or oscillating the fiber between its raised and lowered positions, a liquid spot can be formed at a selected position on the substrate. The device is readily adaptable for the production of micro-arrays having a great number of individual spots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a small volume of a selected liquid, such as a biological sample or reagent, onto a substrate. The device includes a tube adapted to contain the liquid. An elongate fiber is disposed within the tube for axial movement therein between raised and lowered positions. Upon shifting or oscillating the fiber between its raised and lowered positions, a liquid spot can be formed at a selected position on the substrate. The device is readily adaptable for the production of micro-arrays having a great number of individual spots.

Abstract: A method for producing a graytone mask capable of satisfying a dimensional accuracy of a predetermined graytone pattern, on a graytone mask having, at least in a part, a predetermined graytone pattern. Suppressed to ±1% or less an on-plane distribution in thickness of a resist film to be applied onto a substrate in a graytone mask producing process.

Abstract: A pin-in-capillary apparatus for depositing droplets of fluid onto a surface is described. The apparatus has an off-axis channel for supplying fluid to the capillary. In the capillary the fluid wets the tip of the pin and is delivered to the surface when the pin is extended from the capillary. The capillaries and pins are flexible, allowing spatial reformatting for fluid delivery. Methods of delivering fluid to a surface are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for applying adhesive to at least a first end of a rod-shaped member, such as a cotton swab stick includes a carrier, an adhesive applicator, and a rotator device. The carrier conveys the rod-shaped member or stick in a machine direction and also allows rotation of the rod-shaped member about its longitudinal axis. The adhesive applicator includes an application surface positioned to engage the first end of the rod-shaped member. The application surface includes at least one discharge passage for applying adhesive to the first end of the rod-shaped member. The rotator device rotates the rod relative to the application surface and about its longitudinal axis as the rod-shaped member is conveyed along the application surface.

Abstract: A method for coating flat substrates with a liquid, the method comprising: pressurizing liquid within a coat head wherein the liquid has a viscosity of at least thirty centipoises; forming a meniscus of liquid at an orifice in the coat head; contacting the meniscus of the liquid to the substrate; and moving the meniscus relative to the substrate. A system for coating a flat substrate with liquid, the system comprising: a coat head filled with liquid by capillary action, wherein the viscosity of the liquid is at least thirty centipoises; a pressurizer of the liquid that forms a meniscus at an orifice in the coat head; a contacter of the meniscus to the substrate; and a mover of the meniscus relative to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a small volume of a selected liquid, such as a biological sample or reagent, onto a substrate. The device includes a tube adapted to contain the liquid. An elongate fiber is disposed within the tube for axial movement therein between raised and lowered positions. Upon shifting or oscillating the fiber between its raised and lowered positions, a liquid spot can be formed at a selected position on the substrate. The device is readily adaptable for the production of micro-arrays having a great number of individual spots.

Abstract: A method of coating a substrate comprises immersing a surface portion of a substrate in a liquid or supercritical first phase. The first phase comprises carbon dioxide and a coating component such as a polymer. The substrate is then withdrawn from the first phase into a distinct second phase such as a gas atmosphere so that the coating component is deposited on said surface portion. The withdrawal step is followed by separating the carbon dioxide from the coating component (e.g., by evaporation, venting, heating, etc.) so that the coating component is retained as a coating layer formed on the surface portion. Apparatus for carrying out the method by free meniscus coating, or employing a metering element such as a knife, blade, or roll, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catalyst composition is applied to an interior of a hollow substrate. The composition is coated on the substrate by immersing the substrate into a vessel containing a bath of coating slurry. A vacuum is then applied to the partially immersed substrate. The intensity of the vacuum and its application time is sufficient to draw the coating slurry upwardly from the bath into each of a plurality of channels located in the interior of the hollow substrate. After removing the substrate from the bath it is rotated 180°. A blast of pressurized air is applied at an intensity and for a time sufficient to distribute the coating slurry within the channels of the substrate to form a uniform coating profile therein.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the modifying of substrates such as monofilaments, bundles of monofilaments, and fibrous structural material with a modifying agent. The modifying agent is suspended or dissolved in a supercritical fluid, near-critical fluid, superheated fluid, superheated liquid, or a liquified gas and is deposited by rapidly altering the pressure in a chamber to deposit the modifying material onto the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a small volume of a selected liquid, such as a biological sample or reagent, onto a substrate. The device includes a tube adapted to contain the liquid. An elongate fiber is disposed within the tube for axial movement therein between raised and lowered positions. Upon shifting or oscillating the fiber between its raised and lowered positions, a liquid spot can be formed at a selected position on the substrate. The device is readily adaptable for the production of micro-arrays having a great number of individual spots.

Abstract: Liquid film dies for coating of substrates with thin films of fluid have substantially constant fluid path geometry fluid passages leading to fluid outlet orifices. A fluid film applicator for applying a film of a fluid onto a substrate includes a dispensing head which dispenses the fluid so that the fluid is deposited as a continuous sheet on the substrate, and a meniscus forming member that controls the thickness of the fluid in the continuous sheet. The dispensing head may include upper and lower plates with a fluid channel between, the plates being offset and positioned relative to the meniscus former. A variable contour dispensing head has movable dispensers which feed coating fluid to a common slot, and the slot can be deformed to correspond to the shape of the surface being coated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a small volume of a selected liquid, such as a biological sample or reagent, onto a substrate. The device includes a tube adapted to contain the liquid. An elongate fiber is disposed within the tube for axial movement therein between raised and lowered positions. Upon shifting or oscillating the fiber between its raised and lowered positions, a liquid spot can be formed at a selected position on the substrate. The device is readily adaptable for the production of micro-arrays having a great number of individual spots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a small volume of a selected liquid, such as a biological sample or reagent, onto a substrate. The device includes a tube adapted to contain the liquid. An elongate fiber is disposed within the tube for axial movement therein between raised and lowered positions. Upon shifting or oscillating the fiber between its raised and lowered positions, a liquid spot can be formed at a selected position on the substrate. The device is readily adaptable for the production of micro-arrays having a great number of individual spots.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying photoresist to a surface of a base body having a receiving device therefor, including a photoresist feeder movable relative to the base body, the feeder being a point source device, and a device for performing a defined movement of the base body, comprising a conically shaped tip formed on the point source device for applying photoresist in a defined spot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for moistening labels, each of which has a face that is pre-gummed, which device enables the gummed face of each of the labels to be moistened uniformly. The device comprises a moistening element constituted by a rigid bar whose top portion comes into contact with the gummed face of each of the labels and is provided with capillary action slots passing through said bar in the advance direction of the labels, slanting relative to said advance direction, and having respective bottoms immersed in a moistening liquid that is maintained at a constant level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing precisely metered quantities of an emulsion on a surface are disclosed. The method and apparatus are particularly useful for assembly of reversible clinical thermometers. The apparatus involves (a) at least one cartridge having a volume containing the emulsion composition; (b) at least one piston associated with each cartridge for collapsing the volume under a controlled pressure; (c) at least one tubular needle for receiving a flow of emulsion composition from each cartridge; (d) a fluid connection between each tubular needle and each cartridge for delivering the emulsion composition from each cartridge to each needle; and (e) a valve for each fluid connection.

Abstract: A method for coating flat substrates with a liquid, the method comprising: pressurizing liquid within a coat head wherein the liquid has a viscosity of at least thirty centipoises; forming a meniscus of liquid at an orifice in the coat head; contacting the meniscus of the liquid to the substrate; and moving the meniscus relative to the substrate. A system for coating a flat substrate with liquid, the system comprising: a coat head filled with liquid by capillary action, wherein the viscosity of the liquid is at least thirty centipoises; a pressurizer of the liquid that forms a meniscus at an orifice in the coat head; a contacter of the meniscus to the substrate; and a mover of the meniscus relative to the substrate.

Abstract: For the removal of a small amount of fluid, in particular blood, from a sealed container, and the deposition of a drop of fluid on a slide by a dropper, and the subsequent spreading of the drop, the rear end of a dropper needle having a longitudinal channel which passes therethrough is pressed through a seal into a container. Once the needle is inserted into the container, a drop of fluid moves out of the container via the longitudinal channel to a slide. After depositing the drop of fluid on the slide, the dropper itself is used to spread and distribute the drop of fluid on the slide, so that spreading of the drop of fluid is facilitated and hazardous waste is reduced to a minimum. The dropper used for this purpose is made integral with a spreader.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck (20) comprises at least one mesh electrode (30) on an underlying dielectric layer (25), the mesh electrode having apertures therethrough. A monocrystalline ceramic (28) covers the mesh electrode (30). The monocrystalline ceramic (28) comprises a layer of large crystals substantially oriented to one another, the layer of crystals having a resistivity sufficiently high to electrically insulate the mesh electrode (30). The monocrystalline ceramic (28) further comprises integral bonding interconnects (40) that form a unitary structure with the layer of large crystals, the bonding interconnects extending through the apertures in the mesh electrode (30) to bond directly to the underlying dielectric layer (25), substantially without adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic slide staining system which will process stained slides, such as cytology or histology specimens. The present invention includes two embodiments for the staining system. The first system includes a slide storage device, a slide transport apparatus, a first platen including a plurality of staining stations, a heating station, and a housing. In order to utilize the first embodiment of the system of the present invention, the stained slides are placed in the storage device. The slides are removed from the storage device and are processed on the various stations via the transport apparatus. The first system can be altered slightly so that a cover slip apparatus can be incorporated within the system. In order to do so, the heating station is removed. A cover slip dispensing apparatus replaces the heating station. This will permit for a cover slip to be placed on the stained slide after a complete transverse of the slide staining stations.

Abstract: A substrate coating apparatus includes a stage, a coating liquid tank, and a moving mechanism. The stage holds the substrate to be vertical or inclined. The tank has a hollow body extending along the widthwise direction of the substrate, with opposing ends closed. The tank has a protruding front end surface which can be positioned facing the substrate surface to be coated. The tank has an outlet path having an opening over the width of the area to be coated, and an inlet opened in the tank below the outlet. The moving mechanism holds the tank such that the front end surface thereof faces the surface of the substrate, with a prescribed space, for example, 0.1 to 0.3 mm, therebetween. The moving mechanism moves the tank vertically relative to the substrate, from a start position to an end position, while the predetermined space between the tank and the surface is maintained. The front end surface of the tank has a lower edge positioned between the outlet and the inlet of the coating liquid outlet path.

Abstract: A reservoir for dipping a non-cylindrical flexible belt into a coating fluid so that an electrophotographic layer can be deposited onto its outer surface during a manufacturing process includes a non-cylindrical tank with an inlet located at one end. A coating fluid enters the bottom of the tank and moves past a flow divider located inside or just above the inlet. This divides the entering fluid into two substantially equal portions, so that the level of coating fluid inside of the tank rises uniformly. The coating fluid passes first through a porous membrane, and then through a perforated plate, both of which will reduce the velocity of the coating fluid, to ensure that the fluid has laminar flow characteristics once it reaches the top of the reservoir. Finally, the coating fluid passes through an annular shaped flow director which ensures that the layer which is deposited onto the outer surface of the flexible belt has a uniform thickness.

Abstract: A device for coating substrates with a capillary slot includes a component having a capillary slot with an outlet opening. A container filled with a coating fluid is provided. The component is positioned in the container such that the capillary slot communicates with the coating fluid and such that the coating fluid is supplied to the capillary slot. A device for moving vertically the outlet opening of the capillary slot relative to the container is also provided.

Abstract: A vacuum rig apparatus for introducing a liquid into a space defined by a shaped article, which apparatus comprises a series of interconnected vessels attached through a port to a vacuum line, wherein one of the vessels is adapted to hold the shaped article and the apparatus is tiltable about a point midway along the vessel so that liquid from a reservoir flows into the vessel to surround the shaped article and fill the space therein when a vacuum is applied to the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming color video display screens of the line or stripe screen type are disclosed. Tubules form menisci of screen element liquids which are contacted with a moving display screen surface to produce screen element lines comprising the screen.

Abstract: A plurality of glass plates 10 are stacked in a block form without forming gaps between adjacent glass plates while the stacked glass plates are separable; the stacked glass plates are cut off in a circular shape or a doughnut-like shape in a block; and then, the processed glass plates are separated. According to this method, tipping which may result when glass plates are processed individually can be prevented whereby processing is easy, and productivity is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a linear pattern having a width less than 100 microns and a resistivity of the order of 10.sup.-6 .OMEGA..multidot.cm on a substrate includes a tank for maintaining a low melting point metal in a fused state and having a narrow passage for flow of the fused metal, a drawing head having a fine groove connected to the narrow passage of the tank, and a tip close to or in contact with a substrate, the fused metal flowing to the tip of the drawing head through the groove by capillary action for application to the surface of the substrate.