Abstract: A degassing apparatus capable of preventing cross-contamination is provided. A degassing apparatus 1 includes degassing modules 10, 20, and 30 each having a tube unit 12 that is a gas permeable membrane separating a fluid circulation space S1 and a reduced-pressure space S2 from each other, vacuum piping 40 communicatively connected to the reduced-pressure spaces S2, a discharge device 50 that discharges gas in the reduced-pressure spaces S2 through the vacuum piping 40, atmospheric release piping 60 communicatively connected to the reduced-pressure spaces S2, an atmospheric release valve 70 capable of introducing atmosphere into the reduced-pressure spaces S2 through the atmospheric release piping 60, and a control unit 80 that controls the operation of the discharge device 50 and the atmospheric release valve 70.

Abstract: A metal coating-forming method and a method of manufacturing a chip electronic component is performed such that a wiring pattern or external electrodes can easily be formed by the use of a readily removable coating layer without deterioration in the safety of the work environment. The method includes the steps of forming a coating layer on a component element surface with an ink paint that is soluble in a rinsing solution principally including alcohol, removing the coating layer disposed on both ends where external electrodes are to be formed by a blasting process, forming an electroless metal coating over the component element, and rinsing the resulting component element to remove the coating layer disposed on a region where no external electrodes are formed and the electroless metal coating attached thereon.

Abstract: A choke coil includes a magnetic bobbin, windings, and a magnetic connecting member. The bobbin has a winding member. End flange portions are provided at both ends of the winding member, and a center flange portion is provided at the approximate center thereof. The center flange portion preferably has a substantially rectangular shape and is slightly smaller than the end flange portions, and has inclined portions at two adjoining corners. The connecting member connects the outer peripheral portions of the end flange portions. A gap is formed between the connecting member and the outer peripheral surface of the center flange portion.