Abstract: A utility bag having a compartment recessed in an upper portion of the utility bag to provide additional storage space and utilize unused space in compartments thereof. The recessed compartment may accommodate various items including tools and trays for storing small items.

Abstract: A torque converter is provided with a bridging clutch and two dampers, wherein the bridging clutch is positioned in the power path between the dampers. The converter is provided with a three-duct system for the oil supply.

Abstract: A three-channel torque converter in which an additional wall is mounted, thereby creating a third space which hydraulically connects the end of the plates that faces away from the turbine to a third channel. This third space ensures that an exchange flow of oil in a region of the hydrodynamic components (impeller, turbine, stator), of an optional damper, and of the lockup clutch is always restricted to flow across the plates of the lockup clutch. This provides high-performance cooling of the plates in the slip mode.

Abstract: A synchronizer for first and second drives is provided which includes a first drive having a first fluid passage, a hub affixed with the first drive having a second fluid passage connected with the first fluid passage, a piston mounted on the hub forming a control volume between the piston and the hub, the control volume intersecting the second passage, the piston being responsive to fluid pressure within the control volume, a friction member rotated with the hub being moved by the piston and a friction surface rotating with the second drive member for engagement with the friction member to synchronize the first and second drives together, first teeth rotating with the hub being moved by the piston, and second teeth rotating with said second drive member.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a friction clutch apparatus that includes a disk assembly disk. The disk assembly has a disk portion selectively coupled to a first member, and a hub portion selectively coupled to a second member. The hub portion is generally axially aligned with the disk portion. The disk portion is rotatable relative to the hub portion. The disk assembly selectively transmits a torque between the first member and the second member. The disk assembly also includes an energy storage member selectively damping the relative rotation between the disk portion and the hub portion. The damping includes relative rotation between the disk portion and the hub portion. The energy storage member is preloaded, thereby requiring a preselected amount of torque to be applied by one of the disk portion and the hub portion to the other of the disk portion and the hub portion prior to the relative rotation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wrap spring clutch comprising a first shaft; a wrap spring wound around the first shaft in a winding direction and comprising wrap spring ends; and comprising a second hollow shaft arranged around the wrap spring to be concentric to the first shaft, characterized by an actuator for applying a controlled tangential force onto at least one of the wrap spring ends in a direction opposite to the winding direction of the wrap spring.

Abstract: A roller may have a roller cylinder having two ends and an axle assembly in at least one end of the roller cylinder. The axle assembly has an axle stub extending out from the roller cylinder and rotatably mounted therein by two spaced-apart bearings. In another aspect, an axle cartridge for a roller includes a sleeve having a length and having two ends and two bearings mounted in the sleeve, spaced-apart from each other. An axle stub is mounted in the bearings for rotation relative to the sleeve, the axle stub being configured to protrude from the sleeve. A roller may be manufactured by mounting an axle cartridge as described herein in each end of a roller cylinder.

Abstract: The switcher comprises a support frame (2), a guide channel (13) rotatably mobile about a fixed axis (8) and a telescopic channel (15) located at an end (14) of the guide channel (13) and being slidable with respect thereto. The switcher (1) comprises a support element (6), connected to the guide channel (13), having a first end (7) hinged to a first transversal portion (4) of the frame (2) at the fixed axis (8), a first cursor (16) slidable on the support element (6) and connected to the telescopic channel (15), a second cursor (17) slidable on the support element (6) and a con rod (21) having a first end (22) hinged to the first transversal portion (4) of the frame (2) and a second end (24) hinged to the second cursor (17). The invention also relates to a machine for separating or grouping products provided with the switcher (1).

Abstract: A conveyor belt including a plurality of rollers that serve as tensile members for the conveyor belt. In some embodiments, the rollers include roller members that rotate about longitudinal shafts, wherein the roller shafts receive and transmit tensile forces along a longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt. In some embodiments, nothing exists between adjacent roller members across a width of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A process for efficiently conveying containers along a table-top conveying system includes the steps of temporarily securing a transfer stabilizing support (1a, 1b) to a bottom end of a formed container (14) so that the container can freely move along a production line using the table-top conveying system where the transfer stabilizing support has a bottom surface (2a, 2b) with an opening (4a, 4b), a sidewall (6a, 6b) extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, and a ridge area (10b) surrounding the opening and inside the sidewall of the support; and after the container has gone through operations of the production line, the transfer stabilizing support is removed so that aesthetic qualities of the formed container shape are revealed.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for releasably securing a grouper lug to a conveyor plate in a packaging machine conveyor belt assembly. The locking mechanism includes a cantilever arm that is disposed in a base wall of the grouper lug which defines a locking surface. The cantilever arm is defined by a channel that is formed in the base wall. A detent is disposed at the distal end of the cantilever arm and protrudes from the locking surface. An elongated key is integral to the base wall of the grouper lug and can be slidably received by a groove that is integral to the conveyor plate. The conveyor plate includes an aperture or depression that receives the detent to releasably secure the grouper lug to the conveyor plate.

Abstract: Vibrational linear conveyor for conveying workpieces and powdery or granular materials with a useful mass and a counter mass, which are equal in magnitude, are mounted separately at a vibrating system and, for conveying, can be brought into an opposite oscillating or vibrating movement over an electromagnetic exciter element comprising a magnet coil and a magnet armature, both of which are parts of the useful or counter mass. The workpieces or materials are transported by means of the oscillating or vibrating movement on a trough-like conveying element, which is part of the useful mass, along the conveying element, the useful and counter masses of the same magnitude lying essentially one above the other and being built up symmetrically on either side of a vertical central plane, in which the centers of mass of the useful and counter masses are resting on a common line of action.

Abstract: A roller conveyor in an as such known manner includes a plurality of driven rollers disposed in two parallel tracks. With each driven roller a drive motor is associated. From a first voltage source a first set of the driven rollers is supplied, wherein a second voltage source is provided, from which a further set of the driven rollers is supplied. This arrangement offers a high degree of redundancy in the event of the failure of individual components of the roller drive, thereby guaranteeing an emergency operation in such a situation.

Abstract: A roller conveyor including a plurality of driven rollers disposed in two parallel tracks. With each driven roller a separate drive motor is associated, which takes the form of a low voltage motor. The drive motors are supplied from at least one low voltage source. They are preferably hub motors, which are operated with direct current. By virtue of the low voltage technology, less expensive components may be used and the safety requirements may be reduced.

Abstract: A belt module comprising an intermediate section having a top surface. A first plurality of link ends have opposed side walls that provide the first link ends with a first transverse thickness. The transverse thickness is connected to the intermediate section at a first proximal portion and extends from the intermediate section in a direction of belt travel to a first distal portion at the link ends. The first link ends have a first opening through the thickness between and to the opposed side walls. The first opening is disposed transverse to the direction of belt travel. The belt module also includes a second plurality of link ends having opposed side walls providing the second link ends with a second transverse thickness. The second transverse thickness is connected to the intermediate section at a second proximal portion and extends from the intermediate section in a direction opposite to the first link ends to a second distal portion at the link ends.

Abstract: A conveyor is described comprising an endless side-flexing conveyor belt made from a number of rows of hinged interconnected belt links, where each row comprises at least one link, where each link has a front end, a back end, a top surface, a bottom surface and two sides, where hinge parts separated by apertures are arranged along the front end and the back end such that front hinge parts on the front end will fit inside apertures on the back end of an adjacent belt link, and where the front end and back end are substantially parallel to a first axis parallel to the width direction of the link, wherein the hinge parts of each link are defined by a top and bottom that are substantially flush with the top and bottom surfaces respectively, and two side surfaces and a free front surface, and that at least some of the front hinge parts are provided with a protrusion on one or both side surfaces, where these protrusions fit inside elongated apertures provided in the side surfaces of the rear hinge parts on the oppo

Abstract: An operating device for an electric cook-top is disclosed having a rotary control operating unit, which is retained in position in a magnetic rotary manner on an outer surface of the cook-top. In one embodiment, the rotary control is provided with a contact switch for signal transmission of a switching process to a control unit mounted below the outer surface. In one embodiment, the contact switch is a contact switch with a capacitive coupling through the outer surface.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit comprises an electrostatic actuator, an estimation circuit, a storage circuit and a bias circuit. The electrostatic actuator has a top electrode, a bottom electrode, and an insulating film disposed between the top electrode and the bottom electrode. The estimation circuit estimates the amount of a charge accumulated in the insulating film of the electrostatic actuator. The storage circuit stores a result of the estimation of the charge amount by the estimation circuit. The bias circuit changes, on the basis of the estimation result stored in the storage circuit, a drive voltage to drive the electrostatic actuator.

Abstract: A capacitive touch switch which is used, for example, in a control device for an electronic domestic appliance, includes a sensor area as part of a capacitive sensor element having a capacitance which changes when touched. A measuring electrode, which is coupled to the sensor area, is disposed on a printed circuit board and is at a first potential. An additional electrode, which is disposed near the measuring electrode, likewise on the printed circuit board, is electrically insulated from the measuring electrode and is at a second potential, which is different from the first potential. The additional electrode brings about a shielding of the measuring electrode and thus an output signal of an associated sensor circuit that is less sensitive to interference. A circuit configuration for a capacitive touch switch and a control device for an electronic domestic appliance, are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic device comprises a housing, a circuit board, a cover and a switch. The housing comprises an opening receiving a card. The circuit board is disposed in the housing. The cover is disposed on the housing corresponding to the opening. The switch is disposed on the circuit board, wherein when the cover is moved, the cover actuates the switch to control the circuit board.

Abstract: A switch assembly for an automotive power window having a housing and an actuator with two spaced-apart ends pivotally mounted to the housing about a transverse axis extending across a central portion of the actuator. The actuator includes a first actuator surface extending between the axis on one end of the actuator and a second actuator surface extending between the axis and the other end of the actuator. The actuator is pivotal in a first direction from a rest position by depression of the first actuator surface and is pivotal in the opposite direction from the rest position and to a second position upon depression of the second actuator surface. The second actuator surface is recessed within the housing in an amount sufficient to prevent actuation of the actuator to its second position by a sphere having a radius greater than or equal to 19 millimeters which approximates the size of a child's knee.

Abstract: Electronic apparatus that can be disposed in a small space and allows multidirectional input without impairment of a click feeling. A cross key including a plurality of pins is elastically held by an operating member holding mat including a plurality of holes into which the respective pins are insertable. An analog switch overlapped on the operating member holding mat outputs a signal when one of the pins comes into direct contact with the analog switch in response to operation of the cross key. A metallic dome sheet overlapped on the analog switch outputs a signal when one of the pins comes into contact with the metallic dome sheet via the analog switch in response to operation of the cross key. The metallic dome sheet outputs a signal after the analog switch outputs a signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for preparing a metal or nonmetal phthalocyanine by using both microwave and ultrasonic wave energy in the presence of a solvent, or by using microwave energy in the absence of a solvent. Specifically, according to the process, anhydrous phthalic acid, phthalimide, 1,3-diiminoisoindoline, 1,2-dicyanobenzene, an halogen derivative thereof, an alkyl_derivative thereof or an alkoxy derivative thereof is mixed with a metal chloride or an alkoxy metal at 130250° C. for 0.2515 hours by using microwave at a frequency of 0.1-1000 Hz and a power of 100-3,000 W and ultrasonic wave at a frequency of 1-1,000 GHz and a power of 100-5,000 W in the presence of a solvent, or by using microwave at a frequency of 0.1-100 GHz and a power of 100-4,000 W in the absence of a solvent. Further disclosed is an apparatus for preparing a metal or nonmetal phthalocyanine in the absence or presence of solvent.

Abstract: A sputtering apparatus includes a chamber for containing a feed gas. An anode is positioned inside the chamber. A cathode assembly comprising target material is positioned adjacent to an anode inside the chamber. A magnet is positioned adjacent to cathode assembly. A platen that supports a substrate is positioned adjacent to the cathode assembly. An output of the power supply is electrically connected to the cathode assembly. The power supply generates a plurality of voltage pulse trains comprising at least a first and a second voltage pulse train. The first voltage pulse train generates a first discharge from the feed gas that causes sputtering of a first layer of target material having properties that are determined by at least one of a peak amplitude, a rise time, and a duration of pulses in the first voltage pulse train.

Abstract: A cell comprising an acidic medium, a first electrode which is disposed in the acidic medium, a basic medium which is kept in contact with the acidic medium, and a second electrode which is disposed in the basic medium, wherein the acidic medium contains a first substance which causes a reaction of removing electrons from the first electrode, accompanied by hydrogen ions contained therein, and the basic medium contains a second substance which causes a reaction of donating electrons to the second electrode, accompanied by hydroxide ions contained therein, and a method of power generation using the cell.

Abstract: Systems are described for the “on-site” production of substantial amounts of carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The systems include a stack of multiple electrochemical cells, which decompose organic carboxylated compounds into CO2 and H2 without leaving any residue. From a bench-top small generator, producing about 1 lb of CO2 per day to a large-scale generator producing 1 ton of CO2 per day, the process is essentially identical. Oxalic acid, either anhydrous or in its dihydrate form, is used to efficiently generate the gases. The energy required is less than 0.3 Kilowatt-hours per lb of CO2 generated. Individual cells operate at less than 1.2 volts at current densities in excess of 0.75 amps/cm2. CO2 production rates can be controlled either through voltage or current regulation. Metering is not required since the current sets the gas production rate. These systems can competitively replace conventional compressed CO2 gas cylinders.

Abstract: A wafer stage includes a bottom insulator plate secured on a bottom portion of the processing chamber; a central pedestal plate mounted on the bottom insulator plate; and a removable top insulator cover having a chamber fittingly accommodating the central pedestal plate and the bottom insulator plate, wherein the top insulator cover has a flat top surface on which a wafer is placed.

Abstract: This invention provides a sputtering system providing large area sputtering and plasma-assisted reactive gas dissociation. A plurality of plasma sources is provided in a reaction chamber to dissociate at least one reactive gas. The dissociated reactive gas is doped in a film during the deposition of the film so as to control the composition of the film. The property of the film is thus improved. A composite film can be formed on the substrate by the present sputtering system. The present sputtering system is suitable for film deposition on a large-area hard substrate and flexible substrate.

Abstract: A sputtering apparatus includes a first cover surrounding a periphery of a target, having a first opening through which sputtered particles from the target are emitted, and being made of a conductive material; a second cover having a second opening through which the sputtered particles from the target are adhered onto a substrate, the second cover being made of a conductive material; an O-ring placed between the first cover and the second cover to allow the first opening and the second opening to communicate with each other via a hollow center portionof the O-ring, the O-ring being made of an insulating material; and a third cover placed via an insulating material over a face of at least one of the first cover and the second cover facing the O-ring, the third cover being made of a conductive material.

Abstract: A current collector wire (1) is over-moulded with a seal (2) made from a thermoplastic elastomer (Santoprene 64) having a (64) Shore A hardness rating. In a three electrode carbon monoxide sensor three current collector wire (1a, 1b, 1c) and seal (2a, 2b, 2c) combinations are inserted into the body (3) through receiving apertures (12a, 12b, 12c) in a side wall of the body, so that the current collectors protrude through connection apertures (12a, 12b and 12c). The outside diameters of the seals and the bores of the apertures are dimensioned to provide an interference fit of the one in the other. The seals are pressed home into receiving apertures in the body (3) to provide compression of the seals against both current collectors and the aperture bores resultant from the interference. Gold-plated phosphor bronze clips (8) are attached which locate on and are retained by barbs on the housing, thereby trapping the current collector wires and providing electrical contact to external circuitry.

Abstract: A planar-sensor arrangement is disclosed, which is used to detect particles possibly contained in an analyte. The sensor element includes a substrate, a first planar-sensor electrode and a second planar-sensor electrode which are formed on and/or in the substrate and whereon catcher molecules can be immobilised. The first sensor-electrode and the second sensor-electrode are divided, respectively, into a plurality of planar sensor-electrode partial areas. The sensor electrode partial areas of the first sensor electrode and the sensor electrode partial areas of the second sensor electrode are arranged in an alternating manner in two dimensions on the surface plane of the substrate. The sensor element also includes a wiring structure by which at least one part of the sensor electrode partial areas of the first sensor electrode are electrically coupled together, and by which at least one part of the sensor-electrode partial areas of the second sensor electrode are electrically coupled together.

Abstract: A glucometer pack for a communication device includes a glucometer having a test strip receiver for measuring blood sugar and a back cover for the communication device, the back cover containing the glucometer and having an opening through which the test strip receiver of the glucometer can receive testing strips, wherein the back cover is configured to retain a battery of the communication device and attach to the communication device so as to position the battery to contact the power terminals of the communication device.

Abstract: An FET-based gas sensor includes at least one field-effect transistor and at least one gas-sensitive layer and a reference layer. Any changes in work function occurring when materials of the layers are exposed to a gas are used to trigger the field-effect structures. The gas-sensitive layer includes a metal oxide having an oxidation catalyst on its surface and accessible to the measured gas.

Abstract: After the sequencing of the human genome, great interest has developed in trying to discern the complementary proteome of humans and other species. The present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for proteomic fractionation that may increase the number of protein spots visualized by 2DE analysis, and may allow enrichment of proteins normally not detectable by standard 2DE analysis. According to some embodiments of the disclosure, devices, systems, and methods of the disclosure relate to fractionating a proteome on the basis of surface charge, hydrophobicity, isoelectric point and/or size.

Abstract: An electrodialysis system is used to produce electrodialyzed compositions with altered pH but without objectionable odor and taste. An aqueous solution is contacted with a membrane electrodialysis system and an electrical potential is applied in an amount effective for changing the pH of the aqueous solution by at least about 2.0 and for providing an electrodialyzed composition having a total cation or anion concentration of about 1.0N or less, and individual cation or anion concentration of about 0.6N of less, and a free chlorine content of about 2 ppm or less.

Abstract: Disclosed is a production process of an electronic circuit that can efficiently form a highly accurate electrically conductive pattern. The production process comprises the steps of: adhering insulating particles onto an electrically conductive base material to form an insulating pattern comprising a pattern region and a nonpattern region on the electrically conductive base material; adhering electrically conductive particles to the nonpattern region by first electrophoretic treatment; removing the pattern region by second electrophoretic treatment; and transferring the electrically conductive particles onto a recording medium to form an electrically conductive pattern of the electrically conductive particles onto the recording medium.

Abstract: An electroplating method that includes: a) contacting a first substrate with a first article, which includes a substrate and a conformable mask disposed in a pattern on the substrate; b) electroplating a first metal from a source of metal ions onto the first substrate in a first pattern, the first pattern corresponding to the complement of the conformable mask pattern; and c) removing the first article from the first substrate, is disclosed. Electroplating articles and electroplating apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Electrochemical fabrication (e.g. EFAB) processes and apparatus are disclosed that provide monitoring of at least one electrical parameter (e.g. voltage) during selective deposition where the monitored parameter is used to help determine the quality of the deposition that was made. If the monitored parameter indicates that a problem occurred with the deposition, various remedial operations may be undertaken to allow successful formation of the structure to be completed.

Abstract: The present invention replaces all or a portion of substrate processing by chemical-mechanical polishing with electrolytic processing using deionized water, ultrapure water or the like. An electrolytic processing apparatus comprises: a chemical-mechanical polishing section for chemically-mechanically polishing a surface of a substrate; an electrolytic processing section having a processing electrode and a feeding electrode, and also having an ion exchanger provided at least either between the substrate and the processing electrode or between the substrate and the feeding electrode, for electrolytically processing a surface of a workpiece under existence of a solution by applying a voltage between the processing electrode and the feeding electrode; and a top ring capable of freely moving between the chemical-mechanical polishing section and the processing electrode section.

Abstract: A metallic composite coating, and methods for forming same, for an implantable medical device is disclosed. The composite coating comprises at least one metal or metallic tie layer formed on the surface of the device, followed by an electroless electrochemical cladding of one or more additional layers over the tie layer. One or more therapeutic or biologically active agents are co-deposited with at least one of the electroless electrochemical claddings.

Abstract: A method of electrochemical deposition (ECD) provides a barrier and a seed layer on a substrate. The surfaces of the substrate are pre-treated before a metal layer is electrochemically deposited thereon in an electrochemical plating cell with a physical or a chemical surface treatment process. The electrochemical plating cell is covered by a cap to prevent evaporation of the electrolyte solution. The electrochemical plating cell includes a substrate holder assembly with a lift seal, e.g., with a contact angle ? less than 90° between the lift seal and the substrate. The substrate holder assembly includes a substrate chuck at the rear side of the substrate.

Abstract: The method by the invention in which a molten salt is held in a reactor cell 1 to perform electrolysis in the molten salt of the reactor cell, the molten salt containing CaCl2 while Ca being dissolved in the molten salt, and Ti or Ti alloys are generated in the molten salt by supplying a metallic chloride containing TiCl4 into the molten salt such that the metallic chloride containing TiCl4 is caused to react with Ca generated on a cathode electrode side by the electrolysis, makes it possible to produce the high-purity Ti metals or Ti alloy. Furthermore, the reactor cell 1 includes a membrane 4 which partitions an inside of the reactor cell into a side of an anode electrode 2 and a side of a cathode electrode 3, and the membrane 4 blocks the movement of Ca generated on the cathode electrode side in the reactor cell toward the anode electrode side while permitting the molten salt to flow in the reactor cell, which allows a back reaction by Ca to be effectively suppressed.

Abstract: A method of producing titanium semi-finished or ready-to-use products from titanium oxide powders and/or pellets is disclosed. The method produces products that are not affected adversely by levels of chlorine that have an impact on performance, particularly weldability, of products made by other methods.

Abstract: Methods for the production of erythrose and/or erythritol are provided herein. Preferably, the methods include the step of electrolytic decarboxylation of a ribonic acid or arabinonic acid reactant to produce erythrose. Optionally, the reactant can be obtained from a suitable hexose sugar, such as allose, altrose, glucose, fructose or mannose. The erythrose product can be hydrogenated to produce erythritol.

Abstract: A metal oxide feed material for an electrochemical reduction process is disclosed. The feed material is in the form of powders and/or pellets that have sufficient porosity, typically 35-60%, to enable penetration of molten electrolyte into the powders and/or pellets during the course of an electrochemical reduction process in an electrolytic cell and subsequent washing of electrolyte from the powders and/or pellets after the powders and/or pellets are discharged from the cell. A process for preparing the metal oxide feed material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A chlorine treatment apparatus includes a housing with a cavity containing a chlorine generator for chlorinating a liquid such as water and at least three openings to the cavity. The chlorine generator may be an electrolytic cell. Some embodiments may include one or more plugs for closing the openings. The plugs may be keyed to operate with only certain of the openings. Yet other embodiments may include sensors for monitoring various aspects of the liquid such as temperature, salinity, flow rate, and chlorine concentration.

Abstract: Novel means for the inexpensive long-term storage on farms of hydrogen produced from wind power or solar energy is provided. The means allow hydrogen stored at near-ambient temperature and pressure to heat farm buildings and crop dryers many months after the hydrogen has been produced, at projected initial cost savings of 92% to 96% of the initial cost of present state of the art storage means. The novel means include inflatable and deflatable balloons protected by shields which, because they are not subjected to the stresses and loads of pressurized gas or liquid heads and because they rest on relatively cheap rural lands, are lightweight and cost-effective despite their bulk.

Abstract: The present invention generally includes deposition and electropolishing methods and an apparatus comprising an electroplating cell and auxiliary cell. In one embodiment for electropolishing a substrate, a cycle is performed in which the substrate is alternately placed in an anolyte solution to remove material and a catholyte solution to deposit material. As the cycle is repeated successively, an exposed layer disposed on the substrate is planarized. In another embodiment, an auxiliary cell may be used to deposit the ultrathin seed layer prior to electroplating.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention generally relate to a method and apparatus for processing a substrate where reduced defect formation is desired. Embodiments of the invention may be beneficially practiced in chemical mechanical polishing and electrochemical mechanical polishing processes, among other processes where reduction in defect formation due to foam formation is desired. In one embodiment, a processing system for planarizing a substrate is provided that includes a platen, a pad disposed on the platen, a carrier head configured to retain the substrate against the pad while contacting an electronically conductive processing solution; and a foam removal assembly. The foam removal assembly is configured to remove foam from the electrically conductive processing solution, wherein a gap exists between a surface of the electrically conductive processing solution and a bottom edge of the foam removal assembly.

Abstract: An electrode assembly includes a distribution plate having a plurality of grooves that communicate with openings in an overlying polishing pad layer. The grooves include end openings that allow for draining of process solution, both during processing and subsequent cleaning/rinsing of the pad. Drainage occurs continually during processing, cleaning and rinsing, and so is constricted through the end openings relative to the grooves, to prevent wastage. The end openings are sufficiently large, however, to substantially completely drain fluids from the grooves between steps without delaying robotic motions.