Abstract: A bed frame that can be assembled without the use of additional tools. The bed frame generally comprises a pair of spaced side rails, retainer brackets secured to each side rail, and cross support members extending between the side rails. Each retainer bracket has a base section for supporting one of the cross support members and an aperture extending through the base section. The apertures are aligned with threaded bores in the cross support members so that threaded portions of respective leg assemblies may be inserted through the apertures and used to secure the cross support members to the corresponding retainer brackets.

Abstract: A mattress cover envelops a mattress in order to protect the mattress during moving and storage and has a body member that has a pair of faces joined by left and right side portions and a bottom portion forming an interior space with closed bottom, closed sides, and an open top. A flap extends upwardly from one of the faces and is releasably attachable to the other face in order to provide closure to the cover once a mattress is held therein. Side flaps extend from each side portion to provide added protection to the mattress. A strap extends along the bottom and up a section of each side portion. Loops on the ends of the strap provide carrying handles for the movers.

Abstract: A drive system for an imaging device is provided. The drive system comprises a table assembly for engaging and supporting a patient and a driving system for moving the table assembly. The driving system can be directly coupled to the table assembly. The table assembly comprises a carrier that engages and supports a patient and at least two elongated rails placed beneath the carrier and extending between the opposing sides of the table assembly. The driving system for moving the table assembly comprises at least one double end shaft motor, at least one belt coupled to the double end shaft motor via a coupling device and at least one pair of timer pulleys coupled to the belt. Further, each timer pulley is directly coupled to a feedback device at a first end and a brake device at a second end.

Abstract: On a lift bed comprising four, telescopic lifting columns, which can be connected by a reclining-surface frame (8), as well as by head (2), foot (3) and side elements (4), provision is made, to permit simple assembly and dismantling of the head, foot and side elements, for the lifting columns to each display a slit (5.4), which is parallel to the axis and points towards the adjacent side element (4), and for the reclining-surface frame (8) and the side elements (4) to display corresponding anchoring elements (4.3) that can be inserted into the slits (5.4) in sliding fashion from above.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a patient on a hospital bed includes load cells and a controller for detecting patient movement on, exit from, and impending exit from the hospital bed, including movement across or outside a virtual boundary or region located on the bed. The controller is configured to detect changes in the distribution of patient weight among the load cells. The controller is also configured to accommodate the installation or removal of medical equipment or other tare weights on the bed, head incline adjustment, and bed frame deformation or other changes in the system causing redistribution of weight among the load cells, while minimizing false alarms. A caregiver may select between various patient monitoring modes and remotely monitor patient movement relative to a reference load cell distribution, impending patient exit from the bed and patient exit from the bed. Pressures in an air mattress may be controlled based on signals from the load cells.

Abstract: A pillow is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the pillow includes a pillow body having a generally elongated main segment and a pair of spaced-apart extension segments extending from the main segment; a pillow interior defined between the main segment and the extension segments; and a pair of pillow arms extending from the pillow body into the pillow interior.

Abstract: A lumbar support pillow for supporting the lumbar spine of a person. The support pillow includes a fillable elongate first chamber longitudinally configured to engage and support the person along the longitudinal axis of the person's lumbar spine in a manner substantially conforming to the natural curvature of the spine when filled. The pillow also includes a second chamber that extends downwardly and away from the first chamber on both sides of the first chamber; is independent of the first chamber, and is configured to engage and support the person in a region laterally adjacent to the person's lumbar spine.

Abstract: A pool cleaning vacuum employing multiple power supply sources and associated method includes a body including first, second and third vertically juxtaposed chambers formed therein. The chambers share a wall with the second chamber wherein the third chamber is isolated therefrom. A motor assembly and a filter section are housed within the first chamber. The filter section is located downstream of the motor assembly, and has an open lateral face exposed to the aqueous environment. An anchor shaft is seated within the second chamber and extends through an entire longitudinal length of the body. A vacuum head is pivotally attached to the anchor shaft. The vacuum head includes a conduit in communication with the filter section, and a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to opposed corners thereof. A mechanism transmits a predetermined quantity of power to the motor assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing Japanese beetles and other insects from blueberries and other small produce without damaging or discarding any produce. The apparatus includes a produce conveyer formed by a plurality of elastic bands trained around four traverse rollers. A plurality of brushes are suspended above the top conveyer run and a plurality of rakes are supported between the top conveyer run. The brushes have soft, flexible bristles, which extend downward to contact the blueberries as it moves past the brushes carried atop the conveyer. The rakes have a plurality of spaced fingers that extend upward at an angle between adjacent conveyer bands. As the blueberries pass under the brushes, the bristles lightly contact the berries to gently turn the berries so that the beetles hang from the underside of the berries where they are knocked off the berries by the rake fingers.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an espresso machine includes a brush head attached to a neck. The brush head includes a longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to that of the neck. The neck extends along a first longitudinal axis for a length and is attached to a handle section that includes a second longitudinal axis which extends away from the brush head at a greater angle than the neck. A plurality of annular rings prevents scalding water from traversing past the neck and reaching the handle section, where a user is adapted to grasp the apparatus. A protrusion is included, as desired, to clean the orifice of a steamer wand. Various possible enhancements include ergonomic grip surfaces on the handle section, replacement component parts, and dual cleaning surfaces.

Abstract: An athletic shoe cleaning device includes cleaning teeth affixed to a handle. Pairs or opposed cleaning teeth are provided which have a first section and a second section joined by an angle suitable for cleaning golf shoe spikes having multiple nubs or flanges. The cleaning teeth are especially suited for removing debris from circular or softer type golf spikes.

Abstract: A magnetic scraper for manually cleaning contaminated surfaces, such as commercial kitchen exhaust duct systems, is disclosed. Two sharpened blades are positioned opposite one another secured to a body portion. An elongated, extendable arm pivotally connected to the body portion allows propelling the scraper blades either forward or backward in any direction over the extended distances imposed by duct geometry. A magnetic base surface provides self position maintenance of the body portion of the magnetic scraper. Precision dimensions over the length of the scraper body portion and the angle of blade placement permits smooth manual degreasing throughout the varying duct configurations.

Abstract: A mop bucket assembly for use with a wringer device and a mop includes a container having partition elements dividing the container into compartments. A first compartment contains a liquid for rinsing the mop head after mopping. A second compartment receives a liquid extracted from the mop head by the wringer device. A fourth compartment contains a cleaning solution. A housing is received in a third compartment and a flexible bladder is disposed in the housing and is in fluid communication with the fourth compartment. The flexible bladder contains a supply of cleaning solution. Liquid extracted from the mop head by the wringer device flows through an opening in one of the partition elements and places pressure on the flexible bladder, causing the cleaning solution in the flexible bladder to flow into the fourth compartment to maintain a desired level of cleaning solution in the fourth compartment.

Abstract: A backpack frame for a power bower and yard treatment sprayer system is provided in one embodiment of the present invention. The frame includes a first portion and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion. The second portion is adapted for carrying the power blower thereon and has a hollowed out section. A cavity is further defined by the hollowed out section of the second portion and defined for holding a yard treatment mixture. A supply pipe is provided with a first end in communication with the cavity and a second inlet end positioned externally for filling the cavity with the yard treatment mixture. A tube is also provided with a first end in communication with the cavity and a second exit end positioned externally from the frame and terminating into a flow of air defined by power blower. Lastly, the frame includes straps for attaching the frame on the back of an operator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a duster brush assembly for a vacuum cleaner. The duster brush assembly includes a duster brush fixedly disposed at the air flow entrance of a hollow tubular member operatively connected to the vacuum cleaner. A hollow tubular member is telescopically mounted on a suction tube which is in communication with the vacuum cleaner. To clean the duster brush the hollow tubular member is moved forward over the duster brush is removed by vacuum into the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: An air reflux assembly for a conventional or a automatic cleaner comprising an outer shell, an inner shell, a rotating disc, a rotating disc seat and plurality of return air ducts. The inner shell is positioned in the lower part of the inner chamber of the outer shell and does not contact the inner wall of the outer shell; the rotating disc seat is connected to the upper portion of the inner shell, the lower part of the rotating disc is placed in the rotating disc seat, three groups of windows are arranged in the upper, middle and lower portion of the rotating disc, another three groups of windows which correspond to the three groups of windows of the rotating disc are arranged in the upper, middle and lower portion of the rotating disc seat; air inlets and air outlets are arranged in the rotating disc seat and the two ends of the return air ducts are respectively connected to the air inlets and air outlets.

Abstract: The invention provides a cleaner head (50;90;130;180) for a vacuum cleaner comprising a housing (52;92;132;182), a suction opening (60;100;142;184) in a face (58;96;136;186) of the housing which is intended to face a floor surface, a suction passage (110;146) for conducting dirt-laden air from the suction opening (60;100;142;184) through the cleaner head to an outlet thereof, a bleed air inlet (200) arranged in the housing and closed by a bleed valve (76;124;166;198) which is openable to allow air to be bled into the suction passage via the bleed air inlet. The cleaner head further comprises a force-transmitting member (68 122;152;194;232) connected to, or adapted to be connected to, a handle (18;48) by means of which the cleaner head is, in use, maneuvered across the floor surface, and the force-transmitting member (68;122;152;194;232) is connected to the housing by a connection allowing relative movement between the force-transmitting member and the housing.

Abstract: Clock gating circuits are disclosed in the present disclosure. Also disclosed herein are methods for designing clock gating circuits in the early stages of manufacturing. In one embodiment of a method for designing a clock gating circuit, the method comprises providing a schematic layout of a D-type flip-flop, wherein the flip-flop has a reset terminal and two latches. The method further comprises modifying the layout of the flip-flop to create a clock gating circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lightweight caster assembly and modular shelf system for use on an existing collapsible foldable cart with four wheels.

Abstract: A door hinge with a checker include: a first hinge arm and a second hinge arm which are connected to be relatively rotatable by a hinge pin; a check cam which is provided at the first hinge arm and has positioning recessed portions on its outer peripheral surface; a roller which moves on the outer peripheral surface of the check cam and engages with the positing recessed portions in accordance with relative rotation of the first and second hinge arms; and a torsion spring which resiliently urges the roller toward the outer peripheral surface of the check cam. A torsion shaft portion is connected via a reinforcing member to a free end part of a movable arm portion in the torsion spring. Thus, shaking of the door when the roller resiliently engages with the positioning recessed portion of the check cam by torsional load of the torsion spring is prevented.

Abstract: A door handle apparatus comprising a grip member whose one end is rotatably supported by a door panel, and an escutcheon which is disposed closer to the other end surface of the grip member and which is fixed to the door panel, wherein the door handle apparatus further comprises a water force reducing structure which reduces force of water which enters from a gap between the grip member and the escutcheon.

Abstract: A clamp tie includes a locking head and flexible straps extending therefrom. The straps are insertable through the locking head to form spaced loops, which may secure items in a spaced relationship. Pawl mechanisms in the locking head secure the straps in looped configuration. An aperture through the locking head is provided for securing the tie to a mounting structure such as a shouldered mounting stud. An additional pawl mechanism may be provided within the aperture to secure the tie to the stud. Arcuate surfaces extend from the locking head, spaced from the straps, to further engage secured items. The upper and lower surfaces of the locking head have counterbores to receive mounting hardware and provide minimal variance of wall thickness throughout the locking head to reduce cure time and materials required for manufacture.

Abstract: A reclosable fastener having a one-way valve interposed between first and second sets of interlocking members permits fluid flow in one direction through the fastener and blocks fluid flow in an opposite direction through the fastener.

Abstract: A safety hook includes: a hook body having a base segment that has front and rear end portions, the rear end portion being formed with an elongate groove that is defined by a groove-defining wall which has a lower surface; a latch locking unit including a limiting rod that extends through the elongate groove and that is in sliding contact with the lower surface of the groove-defining wall; and a latch unit pivoted to the front end portion. The latch unit has a limiting arm unit extending toward the limiting rod, disposed above the limiting rod, and arrested by the limiting rod when moving downwardly.

Abstract: A tufted backing and a method of manufacturing a tufted backing from thermoplastic polymer fibers or filaments that are processed to yield a spunbonded nonwoven are described, the spunbonded nonwoven containing only fibers or filaments having a titer of 1 to 15 dtex, the mass per unit area of the tufted backing being 70 to 110 g/m2, its density being 0.18 to 0.28 g/cm3 and the 5% modulus value in the machine direction being >60 N/5 cm, but at least 0.6 Nm2/g.

Abstract: A method of forming a metal matrix component and product that comprises forming scrap sheet metal material, shredding the scrap sheet metal material to a predetermined size range, filling the shredded scrap sheet metal material into a compacting die, adding an adhesive material to the shredded scrap sheet metal material in the compacting die, compressing the shredded scrap sheet metal material and curing the adhesive to form a metal matrix component. The product comprises an inertia ring that may be used in a crankshaft damper.

Abstract: An eyeglass lens processing apparatus includes: a piercing unit that includes a piercing tool for piercing a hole in an eyeglass lens; a first input unit that inputs position data and depth data of a non-through hole to be formed in a refractive surface of the lens; a detecting unit that detects a position of a front end of the piercing tool; and a control unit that controls a process of forming the non-through hole based on the detected front-end position data, and the input position data and the input depth data.

Abstract: A pallet P is moved in a vertically held state from a pallet-mounting surface vertically formed on a table 115 of a machine tool 101 onto a pallet-mounting surface of a pallet support member 17 that is vertically formed on a pallet exchanger 11. After a turning plate 15 is turned and indexed by 180° about the vertical axis, a pallet P? is moved from the pallet support member 17 onto the table 115.

Abstract: A dual disc type of tool turret device is powered by means of single main power source, which also serves to power the spindle of the machine; the turret device includes an inner and outer tool turrets; when power is transmitted from the main power source through a transmission element, a piston clutching piece, and rotary shaft (A), the inner turret will be rotated to carry out a tool-choosing operation; when power is further passed on to rotary shaft (B) through rotary shaft (A), the inner turret will be rotated to carry out a tool-choosing operation; after the tool-choosing action, power is supplied to the spindle of the machine in order for the machine to carry out a machining operation.

Abstract: A method and assembly for mounting an auto rim and either motorcycle or auto tire as a motorcycle rear wheel. The assembly allows tires of different widths and diameters to be used on the rear of motorcycles that have single side swing arms and standard swing arms. The method and assembly allows a left side or right side drive which can be a belt or chain. A hub with bearings and spacers are mounted with a brake rotor disk and a drive pulley in tandem to produce a hub assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing a probe on a probe card is provided. A plurality of beams is formed on a beam panel. The plurality of beams includes a replacement beam. After identifying a damaged beam on the probe card, the damaged beam is removed from the probe card. The beam panel is aligned with the probe card. After the beam panel is aligned, the aligned beam panel is temporarily affixed to the probe card. After the beam panel is temporarily affixed to the probe card, the replacement beam is affixed at a location previously occupied by the damaged beam. After the replacement beam is affixed at the location, the beam panel is removed from the probe card.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a magnetic tape cartridge, in which a release pad can be assembled securely by a robot. A magnetic tape cartridge including: a reel around which a magnetic tape is wound; a cartridge case which houses the reel in a locked position; a release pad for releasing locking of the reel; and a cup-like hub of the reel in which the release pad is mounted, wherein a plurality of guide holes for allowing a plurality of lock release pins to penetrate therein, which extend from the lower surface of the release pad, are made in the periphery of a base plate of the cup-like hub, and a plurality of pairs of guide ribs, which are capable of guiding the plurality of lock release pins to the plurality of guide holes, stand inside the cup-like hub corresponding to the plurality of guide holes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided wherein a tube insert is at least partially disposed within the end portion of a tube. An alignment fixture can be used to assist in forming an aperture through the wall of the tube at a predetermined location that is aligned with at least one cavity in the outer surface of a tube insert.

Abstract: A lathe includes a base on a bed having a forward container, a cutting tool on a front surface of the base, an arm on an upper portion of the base, a saddle on an underside of the arm, a first motor at an open end of the arm for moving the saddle, a container at a forward end of the bed, a slide on an underside of the saddle, a second motor on a front surface of the cutting tool for moving the slide, and a chuck assembly on an underside of the slide and including a housing, a third motor at a front end of the housing and having a driving shaft projecting out of a rearward end of the housing, and a chuck at an end of the driving shaft. A workpiece held by the chuck is always disposed above the container during a machining operation.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a ceramic electroactive transducer of a predetermined shape is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of providing a suitably shaped core having an outer surface, attaching a first conductor to the outer surface of the core, coating an inner conductive electrode on the outer surface of the core such that the inner conductive electrode is in electrical communication with the first conductor, coating a ceramic layer onto the inner electrode, thereafter sintering the ceramic layer, coating an outer electrode onto the sintered ceramic layer to produce an outer electrode that is not in electrical communication with the first conductor, and then poling the sintered ceramic layer across the inner electrode and the outer electrode to produce the ceramic electrode.

Abstract: A component mounting apparatus and method for mounting a plurality of components on a board. The aparatus is provided with a board holding device for holding the board at a board holding position, a first mounting head for holding and taking out a component fed from a first component feeding position and mounting the component on the board held at the board holding position, a second mounting head for holding and taking out the component fed from a second component feeding position and mounting the component on the held board, and a component feeding device having a wafer holding table for holding a wafer on which the respective components are fed so that the wafer holding table can be moved reciprocationally between the first component feeding position and the second component feeding position.

Abstract: A method for sealing an electrical connector having a transition end and a cable. A protective coating is applied to the transition end of the connector. The connector, transition end and cable are positioned within halves of a mold. An annular resilient seal is positioned about the transition end within the mold. When the mold is filed with castable material the annular resilient seal compresses against the connector, preventing leakage of the castable material along the connector. The mold can then be separated leaving a waterproof boot formed on the transition end of the connector. The invention also provides a mold and sealing means for this process.

Abstract: A charge plate is fabricated for a continuous ink jet printer print head by applying an etch-stop to one of the opposed sides of an electrically non-conductive substrate. An array of charging channels are etched into the substrate through the etch-stop layer adjacent to predetermined orifice positions. The charging channels are passivated by depositing a dielectric insulator into the charging channels; and electrical leads are formed by coating the passivated charging channels with metal. A second etch-stop layer is applied to the other of the opposed sides of the substrate, and an array of orifices is formed through the orifice plate substrate at the predetermined orifice positions. The orifices extend between the opposed sides.

Abstract: An electric razor having a doubly latched net support includes a body unit containing a drive motor, and a head unit coupled to the body unit. The head unit includes a head body, a cutting blade assembly received in the head body, and the net support having a safety net and coupled to the cutting blade assembly and the head body. The head body has seating recesses formed in a bottom thereof, shock-absorbing springs received in the seating recesses, respectively, upper and lower buttons embedded in opposite sidewalls thereof, and upper and lower stepped portions formed at the inner surfaces of the sidewalls thereof. The net support further has supporting bars extending downward from a lower end thereof to be inserted, respectively, into the seating recesses formed in the bottom of the head body, and outwardly inclined latches provided at upper ends of the supporting bars, respectively.

Abstract: A safety mechanism that protects against inadvertent closure of the blade of a folding knife. In one embodiment, the safety mechanism is implemented in a folding knife having a liner lock with a flexible, resilient locking element. The safety mechanism is movable between a safety position in which the safety mechanism interferes with movement of the flexible locking element to its unlocked position and a release position in which the locking element can be moved to its unlocked position for closing the blade. The safety mechanism is resiliently biased toward the safety position and is retained in this position unless sufficient pressure is applied to the safety mechanism to overcome the biasing force. A biasing mechanism, such as a spring, can be used to apply the required biasing force to the safety mechanism.

Abstract: A pair of hairdressing scissors comprises a first blade, a second blade pivotally secured to the first blade, at least two recesses formed at least one of the first and second blades, and at least a retainer fixed on at least one of the first and second blades. The retainer has two retaining portions each having an edge, two pairs of scissors are secured to each other in such a manner that an edge of a retainer of a first one of the two pairs of scissors is locked in two recesses of a second one of the two pairs of scissors.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw includes a locking mechanism for a shoe of the reciprocating saw. The mechanism includes a lever mounted on the saw body movable to a first position where the saw blade is clamped in place. It also includes a lock pin with a body, a reduced circumference section, and a pin shoulder adjacent the reduced circumference section. The pin has a locked position where the pin shoulder abuts the shoe shoulder whereby the pin locks the shoe in place and an unlocked position where the shoe shoulder may translate through the clearance defined by the reduced circumference section. The lever urges the pin toward the locked position when the lever is in the first position.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for use in a can opener comprising a body; rotationally mounting to the body about a first axis a drive wheel for engaging the rim of a can; rotationally mounting to the body about a second axis and drivably rotatable by the drive wheel, a cutter wheel; eccentrically mounting to said cutter wheel, a cutting knife movable on rotation of the cutter wheel to a cutting position in which the cutter knife forms a nip with the drive wheel such that the cutting knife penetrates through the cylindrical wall of the can, to provide a cut therein as the opener orbits relatively therearound, wherein the cutting position is defined by a cutting interval corresponding to a segment of rotation of the cutter wheel in which the cutting knife is sufficiently proximal to the drive wheel to form the nip.

Abstract: An adjustable framing tool 10 for laying out hip and valley rafters 216. A planar body 12 has a measuring edge 14 and first and second scribing edges 16,18 disposed at right angles to the measuring edge. An arm assembly 20 comprising first and second parallel arms 22,24 disposed on opposite sides of the planar body is rotatably mounted on the planar body. The arm assembly extends across an arcuate slot 40 in the planar body centered on the pivot of the arm assembly. A thumb screw 42 selectively positions the arm assembly at any rotational position. The measuring edge is numbered in increments from 0 to 12, the length of the measuring edge being equal to 12 times the secant of the angle c formed by the hip or valley rafter 218 with the nearest common rafter 208. The slot is numbered in increments expressed as the pitch of the main roof 202.

Abstract: A headwear-size measuring apparatus measures a size of a headwear, an elastic band, or the like and also measures a pressure applied to a wearer's head on wearing the headwear. The headwear-size measuring apparatus includes: a controller; a driving source controlled by the controller; an object extending unit having a diameter size controlled by an operation of the driving source; a pressure measuring unit for measuring an applied pressure of an object and provided at the object extending unit and transmitting the measured value to the controller; an input unit for receiving an established value and transmitting the received value to the controller; a standard data base connected to the controller such that data are transmitted to the controller and storing standard-object sizes and ranges of appropriate pressure applied to a head corresponding to the object sizes; and an output unit for displaying data processed by the controller.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for accurately and safely cutting residential siding members. A specialized tool and saw guide system comprise two hingedly connected plates to securely hold and balance the siding member during the cutting process, as well as resilient saw guides for guiding a saw blade. The device allows for both a straight edge cut and an angled cut to match a conventional roof pitch. Additional embodiments are anticipated to provide for various angled cuts.

Abstract: A cross tie bracket that is attachable to a rod and a building structural element. The cross tie bracket has a generally cylindrical body sized to receive the rod and a gusset disposed between the body and a base. The base has a series of apertures formed therein for inserting fasteners through the base into the building structural element, temporarily securing the cross tie bracket to the building structural element with screws, and for providing alignment of a temporary drill guide with the base. A first and second end plate are disposed adjacent to each respective end of the cylindrical body. Each of the end plates has a rod aperture sized to receive the rod. Accordingly, by inserting and securing the rod to the end plates, it is possible to attach the rod to the building structural element.

Abstract: A stud marker is used for marking the location of a vertical stud in a framed wall having a sole plate and a plurality of vertical studs on the floor directly in front of the stud. The stud marker contains a paint wand attached to a marking guide. The marking guide has a flat plate with an opening, a vertical wall, and at least one projecting member for centering the opening in front of a stud.

Abstract: A side seal fixing unit 24, which is made up of a U-shaped pressing member 25 which presses and holds a side seal 20 against a lubricant application member 22, a pivot shaft 26 provided at one end portion of the pressing of the pressing member 25 along a height diection of a guide rail 10 and a support plate 27 which supports rotatably the pressing member 25 via the pivot shafty 26 is provided between an end cap 17 and the lubricant application member 22.

Abstract: A reduced pressure drying apparatus includes a chamber that closes in an airtight manner during a reduced pressure drying operation, a stage on which a substrate is mounted; and an exhaust unit having an exhaust tube that opens at exhaust openings within the chamber. The stage is disposed within the chamber during the reduced pressure drying operation. The exhaust unit discharges atmosphere from the chamber via the exhaust openings during the reduced pressure drying operation to reduce the pressure within the chamber. The exhaust openings are formed such that a position of the exhaust openings is substantially the same as or no higher than a surface position of the substrate. The reduced pressure drying apparatus allows a film having a more uniform thickness to be formed on the substrate.