Abstract: This invention relates to a wafer inspection apparatus having various types of structures for realizing a reduction in convey time of a selected wafer as an inspection target, an improvement in operability, or the like. In particular, this wafer inspection apparatus has a first convey system and a second convey system. The first convey system is movable in a direction perpendicular to a wafer convey reference surface and has a plurality of arm portions operable independently of each other. The second convey system has a plurality of rotary arm portions that are movable in the direction perpendicular to the wafer convey reference surface. Thus, a structure in which the wafer convey time is shorter than in a conventional wafer inspection apparatus is realized. This wafer inspection apparatus also has a lifting unit with a specific structure, thus realizing an improvement in operability of the apparatus or the like.

Abstract: A focus-detecting method and device is provided for detecting when an object is arranged in a focal plane of an object lens. A pattern or a light-source image is formed based on a light-beam on the object through an object blends. The light-beam emitted from the light-beam pattern on the object is reflected from the object to the object lens. Plural images of the light-beam pattern are formed along an optical axis of the object lens based on the light-beam passed through the object lens. A conjugate image point of the pupil of the object lens is formed between the object lens and a final imaging plane based on the light-beam passed through the object lens. The final light-beam pattern is imaged toward the final imaging plane. A photodetecting device is arranged on the final imaging plane. A shielding plate is provided to partially block the light beam from reaching the photodetecting device. The shielding plate is placed substantially at the conjugate image point of the pupil of the object lens.

Abstract: A hand therapeutic appliance, including: a splint cloth with a portion for accommodating a palm with the fingers spread apart, and a portion for covering the underside surface of the carpal joint and forearm; retainers for releasably holding the five spread apart fingers; retainers for releasably securing the wrist and/or forearm to the forearm splint portion; a plurality of first generally delta-shaped pockets positioned between adjacent fingers; a pair of second pockets extending from the finger tips toward the forearm along substantially the full length of the splint cloth, the second pockets span the space between the thumb and the forefinger and the space between the ring finger and the middle finger, respectively; a pair of third generally delta-shaped pockets, one of the third pockets extending between the pair of second pockets from the finger tips toward the wrist to span the forefinger and the middle finger, and the other of the third pockets extending from the finger tips toward the wrist to span t

Abstract: A therapeutic appliance for improving the functions of an individual's carpal joints, hand and fingers includes a palm splint cloth shaped so as to accommodate a hand with its fingers spread apart. Finger retainer members are disposed on the front surface of the splint cloth for holding the fingers individually in their spread apart positions. A plurality of first bladders are disposed on the front surface of said palm splint cloth and positioned between each adjacent fingers except between the thumb and forefinger in a palmiped configuration for spreading the fingers apart form each other. A plurality of second bladders are disposed on the opposite surface of said palm splint cloth for extending the fingers, hand and the carpal joint and fluid supply and discharge tubes are connected to the first and second bladders for supplying and discharging fluid to and from the bladders.

Abstract: Web-like triangular sacs are disposed between the finger stalls of a glove-shaped body to fan the respective fingers by feeding compressed air into the sacs. A plurality of sacs are arranged on the palm portion of the body, each running from the relative stall toward and along an arm portion. When compressed air is fed into the latter-mentioned sacs, the hand and the carpal joint are extended. Charging or discharging of compressed air into or out of the sacs may be carried out simultaneously or selectively with a given cycle. By repetition of the cycle, rhythmical intermittent movement, such as fanning and extension, of the functionally disordered carpal joint, hand and fingers takes place passively for the remedy of flexion contraction and extension disturbance, and a primary factor which can induce active movement is produced.

Abstract: A mixed-bed device for producing pure water for use in the electronic industry, the pharmaceutical industry, etc., comprises a water collector which is shaped to spread along the bottom of a container and which has water collecting apertures positionable as substantially uniformly distributed over the bottom.

Abstract: In the activated sludge process for treating waste water containing a spongy substance in a flowing state by subjecting it to aeration in an aeration tank, an improved process comprising taking out a portion of said spongy substance from the aeration tank continuously in order to remove a part of the sludge adhering to the spongy substance and then returning the thus reclaimed spongy substance into the aeration tank for reuse.