Abstract: This subject invention is a protective shield for protecting indwelling medical devices, during showering, bathing, or swimming. This protective shield comprises an inner bag having an opening containing by a medical grade absorbent material, where the opening is surrounded by a medical grade adhesive for attachment to a patient's skin. The medical device in inserted into the bag through the absorbent material. This bag is covered by an attached outer cover, which has an adhesive material applied along it peripheral edge or attachment to the patient, which diverts the flow of fluid away from the opening of the inner bag. The absorbent material in opening of the inner bag traps and hold fluid penetrating the two adhesive barriers affording additional level of protection in preventing fluid from reaching the inside of the pouch.

Abstract: A laparoscopic technique for harvesting the inferior epigastric artery and removing it from the body. The harvested inferior epigastric artery may be used as a bypass graft in a coronary or peripheral bypass operation.

Abstract: A plurality of co-operative and complementary software programs are implemented in a web-enabled high speed computer system to remotely monitor, manage and modify the operational and functional parameters of a plurality of implanted medical devices (IMDs). The system utilizes virtual electrophysiologist module (VEM), chronic monitoring module (CMM) and prescription program module (PPM) programs to effect specific therapeutic and diagnostic methods for managing the IMDs, remotely on a conditions and real-time basis. The modules enable remote and continuous monitoring, management and maintenance of the IMDs by identifying critical medical events, determining optimal clinical settings and upgrading performance parameters based on prescriptive data. The modules are implemented in a data center having high-speed computers operating in a web-enabled environment. The modules and the IMDs communicate through wireless communications system via a programmer or an interface medical unit (IMD).

Abstract: A tobacco smoking mixture is provided that includes tobacco and at least one inorganic particulate material. The at least one inorganic particulate material is effective to reduce the temperature of a burning portion of the tobacco smoking mixture upon combustion/pyrolysis thereof. The at least one inorganic particulate material can be an inorganic carbonate, an inorganic hydrate, an inorganic oxide, an inorganic phosphate, a carbon material or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A humidor 30 for the retaining and preserving of tobacco products includes multiple independent storage compartments 29 arranged vertically with hygrometers 9 mounted externally for ease of monitoring internal humidity levels. Indepedent storage compartments swivel in a variety of directions allowing multiple opening configurations and acessability. Rotational means is achieved via a fulcrum and cantilever mechanism 12. Compartments are sealed air tight utilizing a sealing gasket material 15 imbedded within the side wall of the compartment above and mating with the bottom wall 16 of the compartment below. The vertical array of independent storage compartments swivel around a common bottom support base 24. Each independent storage compartment utilizes an integrated venting structure comprised of a bottom vent panel 10, a venting side panel 7, a humidity generating means, and a hygrometer 9. The humidor is preferrably made of wood.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for applying a substance to the hair, in particular a hair dye, the device comprising an applicator portion and a receptacle on which the applicator portion is fixed, the receptacle being suitable for containing the substance to be applied, the applicator portion having at least one delivery orifice enabling the substance to be delivered, wherein the applicator portion has teeth arranged around a closed curve, the gaps between the teeth being such that they allow hairs to pass between the teeth while enabling the substance to be retained within said curve, in particular by capillarity.

Abstract: A lipstick holder is designed for retaining multiple rod-shaped cosmetic products. The lipstick holder will allow a user of cosmetics to conveniently carry and use multiple cosmetic products.

Abstract: A makeup mirror apparatus comprises a case body, a case lid, and a rotary shaft rotatably connecting the case body and the case lid. The case body is provided with a cosmetic-material containing area, a brush containing area, and operation buttons. The case lid is provided with a mirror unit, a camera portion, and a memory slot. The mirror unit is constituted such that an LCD panel is stacked on a half mirror. By manipulating the operation button, a sample image is read from a memory card loaded in the memory slot. The read sample image is displayed on the LCD panel and is overlapped with a user's face reflected in the half mirror. Makeup is performed by tracing the sample image.

Abstract: A powder puff device containing a powder receptacle which includes a puff unit having a cover, and a receptacle unit having an outlet channel for exhausting the powder from a receptacle which contains powder to the cover of the puff unit whereby a composite unit of the puff unit and the receptacle unit can be easily and conveniently used to make up the user's face anywhere and anytime.

Abstract: A dental strip made of a suitable plastic which is of a thickness that it will fit snugly in the interproximal spaces of the teeth, yet not so snugly that it cannot be moved back and forth in the same manner as dental floss. The dental strip is preferably made of a biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate and has a thickness of from about 0.0015 inch to about 0.0045 inch, a length of from about one inch to about 6 inches, and a width of about ⅛ inch to about ½ inch. The Dental strip may have a coating holding a flavoring agent, a sweetening agent, and/or a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A method for reducing contamination of HEPA filters with radioactive and/or hazardous materials is described. The method includes pre-processing of the filter for removing loose particles. Next, the filter medium is removed from the housing, and the housing is decontaminated. Finally, the filter medium is processed as pulp for removing contaminated particles by physical and/or chemical methods, including gravity, flotation, and dissolution of the particles. The decontaminated filter medium is then disposed of as non-RCRA waste; the particles are collected, stabilized, and disposed of according to well known methods of handling such materials; and the liquid medium in which the pulp was processed is recycled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing agricultural chemicals that remain on the surface of agricultural products, comprising the steps treating agricultural products having residue of the agricultural chemicals with a aqueous solution for oxidizing, and thereafter or at the same time forming OH radical as a result of irradiating ultraviolet rays to agricultural treating oxidizer aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method for removing particles on semiconductor wafers, which is a process involving a cleaning tank filled with a first cleaning solution consisting of hydrogen water, is accomplished by carrying out said process in which in-solution hydrogen concentration in said first cleaning solution is in the range 20% to 50% of its saturated concentration (0.3 ppm to 0.8 ppm), a process in which ultrasonic waves are generated in said semiconductor wafers are cleaned for a prescribed time in said cleaning tank. Here the in-solution hydrogen concentration in said first cleaning solution is in the range 0.3 ppm to 0.8 ppm.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus is provided that assures constant fluid flow of the fluid that is entered into a semiconductor device processing tank or container. A flow meter is set to a particular flow rate; the fluid that comes from the POU is routed through the flow meter. The fluid passes through a flow meter into a processing tank. The fluid is allowed to fill the container up to an overflow point of the container. An overflow basin is provided into which the overflowing fluid is routed from where the fluid is drained into a fluid reclaim vessel. The overflow is detected by a sensor, the sensor activates an overflow relieve valve that is mounted in the bottom of the container. The overflow relieve valve is opened and drains fluid from the container thus counteracting the overflow of the fluid into the overflow basin. The interaction between the overflow detector and the overflow relieve valve assures a constant rate of supply of the fluid to the processing tank or container.

Abstract: A foreign-matter removal capacity is improved in a cleaning process. When a wafer is cleaned while a brush is moved from the center of the wafer toward the outer circumference thereof, a discharge flow rate of cleaning liquid flowing into the brush is regulated so that the interval between the brush and the wafer is kept constant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for removing material from the edge of a disk. In one embodiment, the edge of the disk is contacted with etchant via an etchant containing swab or trough (which may contain one or more transducers) and is rotated such that successive portions of the disk edge are scanned through the trough or past the swab. To prevent etchant from contacting the major surface of the substrate, and/or to prevent excessive etching, the edge of the disk is contacted with a rinsing fluid (e.g., a rinsing fluid nozzle or a trough filled with rinsing fluid). In a further embodiment material such as residue or particles may be removed via a trough containing sonically energized rinsing fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning a surface, comprising brush means including a body (16) which carries bristles (17) engageable with the surface; means for effecting movement of the bristles relative to the surface, to provide an agitating cleaning action thereon; said bristle-carrying body further being provided with steam delivery means (20, 21) for applying steam to said surface in a region thereof engaged by said bristles. The apparatus may be for cleaning a conveyor belt (10), with the brush in the form of a drum (16) rotatable about an axis (18) parallel to the conveyor belt with the steam passing through the drum and emerging through peripheral apertures (21), the brush being disposed within a hood (15) with an extraction system for loosened dirt and water.

Abstract: The invention provides a water supplying apparatus and method thereof which has a high capacity of peeling and removing a disused material such as a resist film and the like, and can efficiently use water vapor. A water supplying apparatus for executing a washing process, a cleaning process and a working process of a subject, is provided with a water vapor body supplying means for supplying a water vapor body, and a water mist body supplying means for supplying a water mist body containing liquid water fine particles, and the structure is made such that said water vapor body and said water mist body are supplied to the subject by independently controlling said two means.

Abstract: A chemical collection assembly and a method for using the assembly such that a chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) pad used in the manufacture of semiconductor wafers can be assessed for cleanliness. The method involves delivering solvent from the assembly's reservoir to an enclosed volume over the CMP pad. The solvent then brings contaminants imbedded on the CMP pad into solution. This solution is then drawn back up from the enclosed volume wherefrom a sample of the solution can be taken. That sample is then analyzed for the level of contaminants present therein, and the analysis is compared to a pre-determined level of cleanliness to determine whether the CMP pad should or should not continue to be used for semiconductor wafer manufacturing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for cleaning ophthalmic devices. The apparatus has a conveying system for transporting lens mold carriers to a cleaning station. The cleaning station has at least one movable cleaning assembly which is situated above the lens mold carrier and has a recess. When the cleaning assembly is lowered to the lens mold carrier, a substantially enclosed or enclosed cavity containing the lens mold is created by the carrier and the recess of the cleaning assembly. Compressed gas is injected into the cavity to dislodge any debris that may be present on the lens molds, and a vacuum is employed to remove gas and debris from the cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to apparatus used to clean a paint feedline (1) of a painting system, said line running from at least one paint tank (2, 9) to a paint deposition device (3) and feeding paint in this direction during the operational stages. During cleaning stages between operational stages, a cleaning substance is forced through the feed line (1). An inert gas, for instance nitrogen, is used in the invention as the gas for this purpose, and at the end of the cleaning stages the feed line (1) is filled with the inert gas. The gas remains in the feed line (1) until the next operational stage begins.

Abstract: An aqueous liquid composition comprising water; at least one acid selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids, hydroxycarboxylic acids, and inorganic acids other than phosphoric acid wherein the at least one acid is present in an amount from about 1.0 to about 30 milliequivalents per kilogram of total composition (“mEq/kg”); and an amphoteric surfactant wherein the amphoteric surfactant is present in an amount from about 0.01 to about 20 grams per kilogram of total composition (“g/kg”), the aqueous liquid composition having a pH from about 2.0 to about 6.1 and having a reduced etch attack on metal as compared to an aqueous composition comprising from about 1.0 to about 30 milliequivalents per kilogram of total composition (“mEq/kg”) of acids selected from the group consisting of carboxylic, hydroxycarboxylic, and inorganic acids, and not containing the amphoteric surfactant.

Abstract: A powered utensil basket is provided that captures a jet stream emanating from a nozzle located along a rear wall of a wash-tank type pot and pan washing machine. The nozzle directs the jet stream towards a bottom wall of the utensil basket. The jet stream is diverted from the bottom wall of the utensil upward and forward toward a front wall of the basket where it is diverted upward and rearward toward a rear wall of the basket. At the rear wall of the basket, the jet stream is again diverted downward towards the bottom wall where the jet stream is then diverted forward again towards the front wall. This diversion of the jet stream creates a washing action within the utensil basket that is substantially similar to the washing action of the washing machine.

Abstract: An improved pot and pan washing machine is provided including wash tank, a self-draining parallel flow pump connected to the wash tank, a self-cleaning intake manifold within the wash tank, flush mounted jet nozzles within the wash tank, and a non-welded field joint for connecting two portions of the washing machine together as a single unit. The pump is located on a side of the wash tank. Fluid enters the pump in a first direction and is discharged in a second direction that is substantially parallel to the first direction. The discharge fluid is unobstructed as it enters an outlet manifold located along the rear wall of the wash tank. Directional tubes of the nozzles then divert the fluid from the outlet manifold into jet streams that are directed towards the bottom wall of the wash tank. The jet streams skim across the top of the intake manifold to blow away debris.

Abstract: A windbreak and air-ventilating folding umbrella includes a frame coupling with a linkage bar. The linkage bar has one end attached to a sleeve which is movable on the frame and another suspended to allow the linkage bar having open or close movement at the suspended end. The sleeve is formed in C-shape. There is an upper panel fastened to an anchor cap of the umbrella and the suspended end of the linkage bar, and a lower panel fastened to the rib of the umbrella. The upper panel and the lower panel have respectively a portion overlapped with each other. The umbrella thus constructed can shelter rainfall and shield sunshine, and also facilitate air ventilation, thus can prevent the umbrella from overturning in the strong wind, and is adaptable for ordinary or folding umbrellas.

Abstract: A catch-free umbrella includes: a central shaft, a rib assembly pivotally secured to the shaft and an umbrella cloth secured on the rib assembly; with the rib assembly having a plurality of top ribs pivotally secured between an upper notch formed on the shaft and a plurality of stretcher ribs pivotally inclinedly secured to a runner slidably held on the shaft; and the top ribs radially arcuately bent to form a lotus-shape arrangement when opening the umbrella to form an upward force fraction acting on the runner for lifting the runner and the rib assembly without gravitational descending; whereby upon closing of the umbrella by initially lowering the runner, the top ribs of lotus-shape arrangement will serve as closing springs for closing the umbrella automatically.

Abstract: A detachable canopy-like cover intended to be used on motor scooters, which can protect cyclists from the elements and provide increased stability for a motor scooter. The cover's lightweight construction is water-resistant yet sturdy enough to be used on the highway. The cover includes a non-shattering molded front shield that protects a cyclist and its passenger from oncoming flying debris. The All Weather Cycle Protector effectively serves to reduce intense temperatures cyclists are exposed to while on a motor scooter. The frame for the cover is constructed of a lightweight material that can easily be attached to the front and back frame of a motor scooter. Clamps are used to hold the frame firmly in place on the under portion of a motor scooter.

Abstract: A lamp set with a thermal converting device is disclosed. The thermal converting device includes a supporting frame having a heat-generating source mounted therein, a thermal converting mechanism located on a top opening of the supporting frame, and a thermocouple mounted in the thermal converting mechanism with a hot end of the thermocouple adjacent to a central through hole of the thermal converting mechanism and a cold end contacting with a radiating member provided around the central through hole. When the heat-generating source generates heat energy to heat the hot end, a potential difference between the hot and the cold ends of the thermocouple is generated and led out via conductors to supply electric energy to an electric load connected to the thermal converting device.

Abstract: A device for generating power to run an electronic component. The device includes a heat-conducting substrate (composed, e.g., of diamond or another high thermal conductivity material) disposed in thermal contact with a high temperature region. During operation, heat flows from the high temperature region into the heat-conducting substrate, from which the heat flows into the electrical power generator. A thermoelectric material (e.g., a BiTe alloy-based film or other thermoelectric material) is placed in thermal contact with the heat-conducting substrate. A low temperature region is located on the side of the thermoelectric material opposite that of the high temperature region. The thermal gradient generates electrical power and drives an electrical component.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a highly-versatile solar cell with excellent yields and productivity are provided. The method includes forming a belt-like first electrode layer on a substrate, forming a belt-like semiconductor layer on the first electrode layer, and forming a belt-like second electrode layer on the semiconductor layer. At least one electrode layer selected from the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is divided by (a) applying a liquid resist so as to form a striped resist pattern, (b) forming the at least one electrode layer so as to cover the resist pattern, and (c) removing both the resist pattern and the at least one electrode layer formed on the resist pattern.

Abstract: A thin-film flexible solar cell built on a plastic substrate comprises a cadmium telluride p-type layer and a cadmium sulfide n-type layer sputter deposited onto a plastic substrate at a temperature sufficiently low to avoid damaging or melting the plastic and to minimize crystallization of the cadmium telluride. A transparent conductive oxide layer overlaid by a bus bar network is deposited over the n-type layer. A back contact layer of conductive metal is deposited underneath the p-type layer and completes the current collection circuit. The semiconductor layers may be amorphous or polycrystalline in structure.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an economical and environmentally benign method to recover crystalline silicon metal kerf from wiresaw slurries and to shape and sinter said recovered crystalline silicon kerf into thin-layer PV cell configurations with enhanced surface texture for metallization and reduced optical reflection losses.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for the distribution of gas comprising transferring the gas into a swirl chamber through an inlet section positioned tangentially to the swirl chamber,

Abstract: A washer system which includes a first reservoir containing a freezable washer liquid and having a drain port therein. The drain port is in fluid communication with the freezable washer liquid when the first reservoir is in at least a full state. The washer system also includes a temperature sensor for measuring a critical temperature corresponding to approximately a freezing temperature of the freezable washer liquid, a drain plug sealingly communicating with the drain port, and an electrical control unit in operative communication with the temperature sensor and the drain plug. The electrical control unit controls the drain plug to drain the liquid from the first reservoir in response to the critical temperature.

Abstract: A temperature and pressure sensitive valve is disclosed herein. The valve has a valve piston for regulating flow through the valve, a valve piston guide for directing movement of the piston, the piston guide having one or more passages there through, a thermal element for enabling movement of said piston, and an elongated housing having an anterior and posterior end and an interior wall able to house said piston, guide and thermal element. The housing further has two or more passages able to aid the piston in regulating flow, with at least one of the passages placed towards said anterior end of the housing, and at least one of the passages placed towards said posterior end of the housing.

Abstract: A canister such as may be used for storing metal hydride. The canister includes a thermal fuse designed to relieve pressure in the canister when the temperature of the canister exceeds a threshold, for example, as a result of fire or direct heating. In addition, a latching assembly provides a quick-release connection for securely and reliably attaching the canister to a fuel delivery system, such as an input manifold for a fuel cell.

Abstract: A washer system and a method are provided for purging the washer liquids contained within a washer system. A first reservoir 21 containing a freezable washer liquid 40, a second reservoir 23 containing a freeze-resistant washer liquid 48, and an exit circuit 28 are fluidically coupled to a fluid distribution circuit 26. A fluid purge apparatus 61 is also coupled to the fluid distribution circuit 26. An electronic control module (ECM) 20 is electrically coupled to the fluid distribution circuit 26, the fluid purge apparatus 61 and a temperature sensor 86. The ECM 20 controls the fluid purge apparatus 61 upon receiving a temperature signal from the temperature sensor 86. The fluid purging apparatus 61 purges freezable washer liquid 40 from a portion of the fluid distribution circuit 26, during temperatures at or below a predetermined temperature, to prevent the washer liquid from freezing within the fluid distribution circuit.

Abstract: A safety device for inflating an envelope (32) at risk of bursting comprising: a tubular body (2), a piston element (3) slidably and sealably mounted within at least one inner portion of the said tubular body (2); at least one piston rod (6) integral with said piston (3) element and extending so as to protrude from one first end (5) of the said tubular body (2); an annular bottom member (11), located in the said tubular body (2) or at the said first end (5) thereof and suitable for slidably guiding the said piston rod (6) and for closing the said tubular body (2) whereby delimiting an annular space (19) together with the said tubular body and with the said piston (3); removable anchoring means (14; 39; 44) suitable for acting at the protruding end of said piston rod (6) and for constraining the said piston rod (6) to a support (18); at least one inlet opening (21) and at least one outlet opening (23) formed in the said tubular body (2) at the said annular space (19), in operation the said inlet opening (21) b

Abstract: A flow control valve is disclosed having a cylindrical housing having inlet and outlet ends and a central portion there between; a piston slidably disposed within the central portion and having a wall at one end thereof; a piston rod having a base and a top, a filter located within the rod, and a spring surrounding the rod for urging the rod and the piston toward the inlet end; and a flow restrictor through which the rod is able to pass. The flow restrictor has a first portion with one or more inlet ports and a second portion separated from the first portion by an annular ridge.

Abstract: A method of controlling the dispensing of adhesives or sealants uses actual flow rate measurements to generate an error signal which is used to correspondingly alter the flow rate with a controllable flow regulator.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve for releasing pressure from a system, which pressure relief valve typically includes a valve housing provided on a pressure relief conduit which receives pressure from the system. A valve opening establishes communication between the valve housing and the pressure relief conduit, and a substantially arcuate valve body is pivotally mounted in the valve housing for sealingly and slidably engaging the valve opening. Accordingly, the valve body is capable of pivoting between a first position to close the pressure relief conduit and a second position to open the pressure relief conduit as the valve body slidably traverses the valve opening. A bias mechanism biases the valve body in the closed position in such a manner that the valve body pivots from the closed position to the open position against the bias mechanism and opens the pressure relief conduit, responsive to a threshold pressure of the pressurized fluid impinging against the valve body in the pressure relief conduit.

Abstract: A check valve comprising a casing having a flange extending circumferentially around the inner periphery of the body. The flange is constructed by first drilling from a first direction at a diameter less than the predetermined diameter and then drilling from an opposite direction at the predetermined diameter. The flange defines a valve aperture for receiving a poppet valve. The poppet valve includes a stem including a plurality of legs each having an outer peripheral surface facing the valve aperture. The outer peripheral surface of the valve legs have rounded or recessed edges such that only a center portion of the outer peripheral surface of the legs can come into contact with the inner surface defining the valve aperture.

Abstract: A cock according to the present invention comprises a cylindrical main body, a plug inserted into the main body liquid-tightly so as to be turned normally and reversely, a mounting flange mounted to the main body, a first cock part permitting a first inflow port and a first outflow port on the main body side to be opened and closed through a first connection port on the plug side, and a second cock part permitting a second inflow port and a final outflow port on the main body side to be opened and closed through a second connection port on the plug side, wherein the final outflow port is formed in the main body along a perpendicular direction, and the first cock part is controlled to start opening slightly later than the second cock part and also to start closing slightly earlier than the second cock part.

Abstract: A ceramic valve in combination with a connection mount is provided. The ceramic valve has a bottom seat with a seal ring disposed on the external periphery thereof. There are two supporting lugs, a cold water inlet tube, a hot water inlet tube and a water outlet extended from the bottom of the bottom seat. Both the cold and hot water inlet tubes have a short extended insertion section and also have a seal ring at their ends respectively. The connection mount and the water outlet conduct are integrally produced. The connection mount has a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet and a water outlet and is provided with an externally threaded journal section at the top thereof. Whereby the assembly of the components can be completed with speed and ease without finely machining insertion grooves, resulting in the saving of production time, labor and cost. No specific orientation must be check in assembly to make the assembly easy and quick.

Abstract: A water conditioner valve configured for use with a tank in a water conditioning system, including a main housing a working portion disposed within the main housing and further including at least one valve chamber, and at least a portion of the working portion is mounted within the tank.

Abstract: To provide an electromagnetic valve where a high coupling strength between a valve portion and a solenoid portion can be secured simply at a low cost without large-sizing the solenoid portion.

Abstract: An on-off device disposed at each of the inlet and the outlet of a fluid controller is one of five kinds of on-off devices, i.e., on-off device having a two-port valve, on-off device having a two-port valve and a three-port valve, on-off device having a two-port valve and two three-port valves, on-off device having two three-port valves, and on-off device having three three-port valves, The main bodies of two-port valves of all types of on-off devices are identical in configuration and each have an inlet and an outlet in a bottom face thereof. Main bodies of three-port valves of all types of on-off devices are identical in configuration and each formed in a bottom face thereof with an inlet, an outlet always in communication with the inlet, and an inlet-outlet subopening.

Abstract: A flow-dampening degassing apparatus for transport of liquid chromatography fluids therethrough includes a substantially burdoin-shaped flexible tube disposed in a reduced-pressure chamber, the tube being sufficiently flexible to expand in a cross-sectional direction upon incursion of a fluid pulsation to thereby increase an inner volume of the tube and correspondingly reduce fluid pressure therein. In a particular embodiment, the tube is fabricated from a gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable material for degassing transported fluids in the reduced-pressure chamber.

Abstract: A double-layer pipe for fluidic transport of abrasive solids, includes a hardened inner pipe portion of steel, an outer pipe portion of weldable steel to surround the inner pipe portion, and terminal coupling collars made of weldable steel. Disposed between the inner pipe portion and the outer pipe portion is a heat-insulating layer which is made of a combustible, non-metallic material.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizes an object holding technique for holding a tray or discrete object while depositing an extruded dough product onto the tray or discrete object. Preferably, a conveyor transports the tray or discrete object for receiving extruded dough products. A subframe preferably moves the tray or object, by way of deflecting the conveyor, to a position with respect to a dough extruder such that dough products may be placed on the tray or object. In an embodiment, a cutoff blade may be utilized to portion the dough products. Preferably, the operation of the conveyor, subframe, extruder, and cutoff blade are controlled by a control system. The present invention is also directed to methods of portioning and placing dough products on a tray or discrete object by way of such an apparatus.