Abstract: A process for separation of air by cryogenic distillation, including cooling a first purified feed air stream in a heat exchanger, thereby producing a cooled first feed stream, removing a first portion from the heat exchanger at a first intermediate temperature, and compressing the cooled first portion in a first booster compressor, cooling the compressed first portion in the heat exchanger, thereby producing a cooled first portion, removing a second portion from the heat exchanger at a second intermediate temperature, and compressing the cooled second portion in a second booster compressor, cooling the compressed second portion in the heat exchanger, thereby producing a cooled second portion, and vaporizing a pressurized liquid stream from the column system in the heat exchanger at a vaporization temperature to form a pressurized gaseous product stream, wherein, both the first discharge temperature and said second discharge temperature are below ?55° C.

Abstract: A method of making glass through a glass ribbon forming process in which a glass ribbon is drawn from a root point to an exit point is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (I) cooling the glass ribbon at a first cooling rate from an initial temperature to a process start temperature, the initial temperature corresponding to a temperature at the root point; (II) cooling the glass ribbon at a second cooling rate from the process start temperature to a process end temperature; and (III) cooling the glass ribbon at a third cooling rate from the process end temperature to an exit temperature, the exit temperature corresponding to a temperature at the exit point, wherein an average of the second cooling rate is lower than an average of the first cooling rate and an average of the third cooling rate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electromagnetic casting method of polycrystalline silicon which is characterized in that polycrystalline silicon is continuously cast by charging silicon raw materials into a bottomless cold mold, melting the silicon raw materials using electromagnetic induction heating, and pulling down the molten silicon to solidify it, wherein the depth of solid-liquid interface before the start of the final solidification process is decreased by reducing a pull down rate of ingot in a final phase of steady-state casting. By adopting the method, the region of precipitation of foreign substances in the finally solidified portion of ingot can be reduced and cracking generation can be prevented upon production of a polycrystalline silicon as a substrate material for a solar cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a refractory product, comprising the following successive steps: a) mixing of raw materials so as to form a suitable feedstock so that the block obtained in step d) comprises more than 85% of ZrO2, b) melting of said feedstock until a molten material is obtained, c) optionally, casting said molten material, d) cooling of the molten material to solidification in the form of a block, e) optionally, heat treatment, process comprising a compression operation in which a compression pressure of greater than 0.2 MPa is applied to at least one portion of the outer surface of the block obtained in step d), the compression operation beginning at a temperature above the temperature at which, in said block, tetragonal zirconia is converted to monoclinic zirconia or “phase transformation temperature”, and ending at a temperature below said phase transformation temperature.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to evacuation and sealing techniques for VIG units, and/or multi-chamber vacuum ovens for accomplishing the same. In certain example embodiments, a VIG assembly is inserted into a multi-chamber apparatus to successively reduce the chamber pressure and thus the pressure between substrates comprising the VIG assembly until a final evacuation pressure is reached. Once the final evacuation pressure is reached, a pump-out port or tube of the VIG assembly is sealed forming a VIG unit while the VIG assembly is still in the vacuum chamber. After sealing, chamber pressures are gradually increased to atmospheric while the gap between the substrates of the VIG unit remains at a pressure less than atmospheric which is close to the final evacuation pressure.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing polycrystalline silicon ingots. A crucible is arranged in a process chamber and filled with solid silicon material. At least one diagonal heater is located laterally offset to and generally above the silicon ingot to be produced. The silicon material is heated to form molten silicon in the crucible, and thereafter cooled down below the solidification temperature of the molten silicon. A temperature profile in the silicon material during the cooling phase is controlled at least partially via the at least one diagonal heater. The apparatus includes a process chamber, a crucible holder, and at least one diagonal heater. The diagonal heater is located laterally with respect to the crucible holder and generally above a polycrystalline silicon ingot to be formed in the crucible. The diagonal heater is stationary with respect to the crucible holder when the process chamber is closed.

Abstract: A device for cooling sheets of glass by jets of air emitted by at least one nozzle in a form of a pipe, including a box supplying the nozzle with air, airflow ejected via an ejection orifice of the nozzle passing successively through a conical part, of which an internal section is reduced in a flow direction, and then through a cylindrical part including the ejection orifice, of which an internal section corresponds to a smallest internal section of the conical part and to an internal section of the ejection orifice. The cylindrical part of the nozzle has a length greater than 6 times the diameter of the ejection orifice. The device achieves a high level of heat exchange when the sheets of glass are cooled, which makes it possible to increase reinforcing effect on the glass and/or to reduce power of fans used to convey air through the nozzles.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a monolithic float glass forming chamber and its method of construction. The forming chamber being of the type that includes a bottom wall; side walls and a roof wall to form an elongated chamber, the elongated chamber including a forming section and a cooling section for a desired thickness and ribbon width of molten glass, wherein each type of wall comprises: a first refractory structure with a mixture of a castable and pumpable refractory material and an insulation material; and a second refractory structure with a castable and pumpable refractory material, the first and second refractory structures being formed at the same construction site.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a glass sheet with reduced thermal coupling between upper and lower regions of the apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus allows for temperature changes near the lower regions of the enclosure without a large temperature impact on the upper regions of the enclosure, thereby providing for greater flexibility in setting a temperature profile for a forming body located within the enclosure.

Abstract: The mould construction for bending glass sheets includes a framework and support plates on vertical planes, the curvature of the upper edge of the plates essentially corresponding to the desired bending curvature of the glass sheet. On the upper edges of the support plates are slots and pipes forming the mould surface are positioned in the slots. The slots are dimensioned with play with respect to the pipes, but to lock the upward movement of the pipes from the slots. The support plates are supported on the framework in such a way that one end of the mould surface is lower than the other end. The difference in height, that is, the inclination of the mould surface, is dimensioned so as to effect the resting of the edge of the glass sheet placed on the mould against the end stoppers during the bending stage.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing an optical fiber. The method includes the steps of: heating and melting a silica-based optical fiber preform in a drawing furnace; drawing the melted preform into a linear shape from the drawing furnace, continuously cooling and solidifying the preform to form a bare optical fiber; coating the bare optical fiber with a resin to form an optical fiber; and continuously taking up the optical fiber while applying a tensile force, wherein, when a surface temperature of the cooled and solidified bare optical fiber reached down to 100° C. or lower, a surface of the bare optical fiber is reheated while applying a tensile force so as to remelt only a surface layer of the bare optical fiber, and the surface layer of the bare optical fiber is re-solidified, the bare optical fiber is coated with a resin, and the tensile force is released afterward.

Abstract: A density enhancement method for a wool pile fabric comprising simultaneously knitting a plurality of shorter sheared wool fibers and a plurality of longer sheared wool fibers to a backing material. The mixture of the shorter and the longer wool fibers enhances the density of the wool pile fabric and closely replicates the density of natural shearling.

Abstract: A wool pile fabric product including a plurality of wool fibers and at least one security fiber knit with a textile scrim to form a pile fabric having a scrim side and a fiber pile side. The product also includes a facing material that is attached to the scrim side of the wool pile fabric. The security fiber in the product provides a discrete way to identify a genuine product.

Abstract: A washing machine using ultrasonic vibrations, which can allow a user to at home easily and efficiently wash the laundry that needs hand washing or dry-cleaning. The washing machine includes: a body having an inner space of a predetermined volume; a washing tub installed in the body, with a water supply pipe connected to a side of the washing tub so as to supply washing water or a detergent into the tub and with a drain pipe connected to the side of the tub at a position opposite that of the water supply pipe so as to drain used water or used detergent; a cover mounted to a predetermined portion of the body so as to open or close the tub; and an ultrasonic generator installed in at least one predetermined portion of the tub so as to apply ultrasonic vibrations to a laundry contained in the tub.

Abstract: A washing machine having a structure capable of preventing moisture from being penetrated to the inside the control panel assembly while easily transmitting sound generated from the speaker, the washing machine including a cabinet, a control panel disposed on a front surface of the cabinet, a display unit installed on the control panel such that a front surface of the display unit is exposed to a front of the control panel, a speaker disposed at a rear of the control panel, and a speaker hole provided through the control panel so that sound being generated from the speaker is transmitted to outside the control panel, wherein the speaker hole is disposed to be spaced apart from the speaker.

Abstract: A plastic tub for a washing machine includes a cylindrical casing; and an end face wall sealing the cylindrical casing. The end face including a bearing mount for a shaft of a laundry drum and radially-aligned reinforcing ribs molded into the end face wall. The reinforcing ribs begin at the bearing mount and branch in a Y-shape along their radial extent.

Abstract: A system for calibrating a fluid additive dispensing system of an appliance such as e.g., a washing machine is provided. For example, the system can calibrate for significant differences in the pressure of the water supply provided to the appliance during operation. Calibrations can also be implemented for significant differences in viscosity and/or density of the fluid additives.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a motor assembly for a washing machine. The motor assembly includes a rotor and a stator. The stator includes an inner diameter and an outer diameter with the inner diameter including an insulator. The insulator defines a fastening opening for joining the stator to the washing machine. The insulator includes a locating pin that is separate and in a different plane from the fastening opening and configured to mate with a bearing retainer in the washing machine.

Abstract: A clothes treatment appliance includes a water container connected to a downpipe leading to a water-cleanable unit, in particular, a process air condenser, of the clothes treatment appliance. The clothes treatment appliance further includes a water accelerator.

Abstract: An Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tag that has a main member coupled with an article and an adjustable piece that is looped around the article and manipulated for a tight engagement of the main member with the article for securing the article.

Abstract: A lock device locks a lid, which protects the inlet, and a power supplying plug. The lock device includes a helical gear rotated by the motor. A helical gear is connected to a control shaft. The control shaft is moved to a hook lock bar lock position when the helical gear rotates counterclockwise from the reference position. The helical gear is connected by a transmission member to a lid lock bar. The lid lock bar is constantly urged toward a lid lock position by a coil spring. When the helical gear rotates clockwise from the reference position, the lid lock bar moves to the lid unlock position against the urging force of the coil spring.

Abstract: A lock device includes a helical gear driven and rotated by a motor. The helical gear is connected to a hook stopper control member, which is moved to a projected position when the helical gear is rotated in a clockwise direction, and a lid latch, which is moved to a retracted position when the helical gear rotated in a clockwise direction. A coil spring constantly urges the lid latch to a projected position.

Abstract: Electronic locking devices are provided. One electronic locking device includes a circuit configured to cause a processor of the electronic locking device to be powered by a capacitor, and not a battery for powering a high current load of the electronic locking device, while the battery is driving the high current load of the electronic locking device.

Abstract: A lock protection for a light vehicle is selectively engageable to a light vehicle docking stand for securing thereto. The lock protection comprises a body selectively covering a lock of the light vehicle. The body is movable with respect to the lock between a first position and a second position. When in the first position the body prevents access to the lock. When in the second position the body allows access to the lock. When the vehicle is disengaged from the docking stand, the body is movable to the second position. When the vehicle is engaged to the docking stand, the body is maintained in the first position by the docking stand. A lock and lock protection assembly is also presented.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a tamper-evident cargo container seal bolt lock are disclosed herein. The device can include a receiving member, a conductive bolt member adapted to be snap-locked into the receiving member, and a plastic encapsulant which tethers the bolt member to the receiving member. The encapsulant can contain an electrically conductive medium, such as a wire, which runs from the receiving member to the second end the bolt. A sensory circuit disposed within the receiving member can be configured to sense whether the circuit has been interrupted (e.g., if the bolt has been cut). In the event of an interruption, the circuit can record the present time and/or date in memory. An RFID transponder disposed within the encapsulant or the receiving member can then transmit the recorded date/time to an RFID interrogator if a dispute subsequently arises as to when the lock had been broken.

Abstract: Processes and compositions are disclosed that enhance crop production, increase plant defensive processes and/or decrease the level of plant pathogens. The compositions comprise a microbial composition and liquid fertilizer, preferably a liquid fertilizer that contains at least soluble nitrogen. The composition can be applied immediately to soil, foliage, seeds or seedlings. Alternatively, the composition may be activated by incubation for up to about seven days to form an activated composition. The incubation conditions influence the properties of the consortium after incubation. In one embodiment, the compositions comprise one or more lactic acid producing bacteria, one or more nitrogen fixing bacteria, and liquid fertilizer comprising soluble nitrogen. In preferred embodiments, there are multiple genera and/or species of lactic acid bacteria and nitrogen fixing bacteria. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition comprises HYTa in liquid fertilizer.

Abstract: The invention relates to process for reducing water soluble elements, namely phosphorus, in animal manure fertilizer and/or litter, namely poultry litter, using chitin or chitosan. The amended fertilizer or litter has useful applications in confined animal production for reducing the water solubility of phosphorous and other trace elements in manure and litter.

Abstract: A new fertilizer comprising of amino lignin compounds, which are made by delignification of biomass containing lignin utilizing amino compounds and producing amino lignin, amino lignincellulose and cellulose. The urea lignincellulose is reacted with potassium hydroxide to produce potassium salt of amino lignin and lignincelluose. The amino lignin is reacted with phosphorous acid to produce an amino lignin phosphorous acid. These amino lignin compounds reacted with potassium and phosphorous acid are the source nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in the new solid or aqueous fertilizer.

Abstract: A method for heating a metal slab being transported in a longitudinal direction (L) and having a cross-direction (T) through an industrial furnace in which the metal slab is heated and transported on a rail device from the industrial furnace for subsequent processing, includes impinging a flame from at least one direct flame impingement (DFI) burner to contact a first portion of a first surface of the metal slab in at least one location corresponding to a second position on an under side surface of the metal slab which during transporting of the metal slab through the industrial furnace constitutes a contact point between the under side surface of the metal slab and the rail device, and counteracting a temperature gradient in the metal slab arising from local cooling of the metal slab upon contact with the rail device by heating the first portion with the DFI burner.

Abstract: By using a piercing mill that includes a pusher on the entrance side, a plug on the exit side along a pass line, and a plurality of angled rolls as being provided around the plug so as face to each other, in the case where the maximum diameter of an unsound region consisting of center segregation and porosity in a cross section of a billet is d [mm], piercing-rolling is performed under the condition that the plug nose rolling reduction ratio (TDF) expressed by Formula (1) satisfies Formula (2). TDF=(Bd?D1)/Bd??(1) TDF??0.50×(d/Bd)+0.06??(6) In Formulae (1) and (2), Bd is the billet diameter [mm], and D1 is the opening [mm] between the angled rolls at the plug nose position. Thereby, when piercing-rolling is performed, the occurrence of an inner surface flaw attributable to the center segregation and porosity in the billet can be prevented reliably.

Abstract: A drive shaft for transmitting motion to a roll of a tube rolling stand comprising a telescopic body, a slide and a support base. The telescopic body is fixed by one end with a cardan joint to the drive shaft of the gearbox, and on the other end has a fitting for attaching the roll. The slide is hinged to the support base and may rotate under the bias of a jack to either engage or release the telescopic body. A snap-action locking device, contained within the telescopic body, comprises a cylinder, on which two rocker arms are hinged, and a spring which spreads the rocker arms making the two teeth fit into two holes in the wall of the cylinder, when the drive shaft is at its maximum working length. The carriage has two pistons to work on the two rocker arms thus freeing the locking device and allowing the telescopic sliding of the cylinder in the cylinder and the downward rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: The present system provides a wire drawing die assembly having a magnesia oxide partially stabilized zirconia die or nib for contacting or reducing the diameter of a wire during a draw. The magnesia partially stabilized zirconia has a density of approximately 5.75-5.90 g/cc; a fracture toughness of approximately 10-12; and a flexural strength of approximately 575-700 MPa.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fin processing apparatus including an upper pressing die (1) and a lower pressing die (2) placed apart from each other and capable of coming close to and away from each other, a corrugating mechanism (3) disposed between the pressing dies (1, 2) for continuously forming a plurality of consecutive corrugated members (Fa) from a flat plate (Fo) which is a workpiece material, the consecutive corrugated member (Fa) having a predetermined number of crest portions, and a restriking mechanism (4) disposed between both pressing dies (1, 2) for simultaneously restrike-forming a plurality of crest and trough portions of the consecutive rectangle member (Fb) from the consecutive corrugated member (Fa). The corrugating mechanism (3) and the restriking mechanism (4) are provided integrally.

Abstract: A metal-stamping die or tool is provided. Another aspect uses an additive manufacturing machine and material to create a die. A further aspect provides a method of making a die from an additive manufacturing process and/or using such a die to stamp a metal part, such as a fastener or clip.

Abstract: A method for forming a wave form for a stent includes moving a first forming portion of a first forming member across an axis along which a formable material is provided in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the axis to engage and deform the formable material while engaging the formable material with a first forming portion of the second forming member. The method includes moving the first forming portion of the first forming member and the first forming portion of the second forming member across the axis in a second direction that is substantially opposite the first direction to draw and form the formable material over the first forming portion of the second forming member, disengaging the first forming member from the formable material, and rotating the first forming member to position a second forming portion of the first forming member to face the formable material.

Abstract: An oil-pressure swaging tool for rebuilding a connecting pipe includes an abutting member abutting against an oil-pressure device, a connector inserted into a connecting pipe, one end of a first axial member passing through the abutting member to connect to one end of the connector, another end of the first axial member connected to the oil-pressure device, a rebuilding member assembled to another end of the connecting pipe, a pressure collar adjacent to one end of the rebuilding member, one end of a second axial member passing through the rebuilding member to connected to the pressure collar, another end of the second axial member connected to another end of the connector. Therefore, when the opening of the connecting pipe is rebuilt by the oil-pressure swaging tool of the present invention, one end of the connecting pipe is not necessary to abut against a wall because of the abutting member.

Abstract: A bending press system is disclosed. The bending press system may include: at least one guide post; a slide plate mounted at a slider so as to be slidable upwardly or downwardly along the guide post; a bending die including a lower die having an upper surface and an upper die having a lower surface corresponding to the upper surface of the lower die and mounted on a lower surface of the slide plate, and adapted to bend an object supplied between the lower die and the upper die to have a predetermined curvature; and a pair of clamping means mounted respectively at both sides of the bending die corresponding to the bending die and adapted to clamp both end portions of the object.

Abstract: A pilot assembly includes a body portion including an outer surface and an opening defined in the outer surface. A pilot is configured for extending through an alignment hole in a sheet of material and is coupled with the body portion. A shaft of the pilot extends through the opening and beyond the outer surface. A stripper includes a bushing and a resilient biasing member. The bushing is configured for moving with respect to the main body portion and the pilot to push the sheet of material off of the pilot. The resilient biasing member is situated within the body portion and is compressed when the bushing engages the sheet of material.

Abstract: A die having adequate flexibility at an entirety thereof while maintaining rigidity of a design surface is presented. A die is a die for a machine press. The die is a die for pressing a work plate together with a contraposed die and forming the work plate into a target shape. The die is provided with a design block, a positioning block, and a plurality of rods. The design block has a design surface for transferring the target shape to the work plate. The positioning block is used for positioning the die relative to the contraposed die. The design block and the positioning block are connected by the plurality of rods.

Abstract: To provide a method for manufacturing a sensor element, by which stabilization of an electrode, which is performed prior to inspecting element characteristics, can be performed for a shorter time period and in a more reliable manner than in the conventional. The sensor element includes: an oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte layer; a first electrode that is formed on a surface of the oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte layer; and a second electrode that is formed in a space provided inside the oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte layer, and that is configured to reduce said predetermined gas component. As the pre-treatment, by an external power source. a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, to thereby decompose and remove a gas component attached to the second electrode.

Abstract: A system for improving operation of an engine having a particulate matter sensor is presented. The system may be used to improve engine operation during cold starts especially under conditions where water vapor or entrained water droplets are present in vehicle exhaust gases. In one embodiment, particulate sensor degradation is indicated in response to an output of said particulate matter sensor staying below a threshold as engine temperature increases past the dewpoint temperature.

Abstract: An undercarriage monitoring device has a roller assembly including a fixed roller component and a bushing. An opening is formed within the fixed roller component. A first sensor is disposed within the opening of the fixed roller component over the bushing. The first sensor is configured to sense a first physical characteristic of the bushing. The fixed roller component is a shaft or a housing. The first sensor is a temperature sensor or a Hall effect sensor. A magnet is disposed on the roller assembly. A second sensor is disposed within the opening of the fixed roller component over the bushing. The second sensor is configured to sense a second physical characteristic of the bushing. A data transmitting device is coupled to the first sensor. Data is collected from the sensor. The data collected from the sensor is transmitted to a receiving device.

Abstract: Method of evaluating a product by applying a substance to the surface of an artificial substrate to form a substance-coated surface and performing an analysis of the substance-coated surface. The surface of the substrate may have one or more of the following properties: a total surface energy of from about 15 mJ/m2 to about 50 mJ/m2, a polar component of the total surface energy of from about 0 mJ/m2 to about 15 mJ/m2, and a zeta-potential at a pH of about 5.0 of from about ?30 mV to about 30 mV.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing a device for protecting against piercing elements, such as ammunition or weapons with blades that can pierce human beings, said method including the following steps: providing a block of plastically deformable material; fitting the block with the protection device to be tested; applying the piercing elements to the protection device with a series of predetermined levels of energy and kinematics; measuring the sizes of the impacts of the piercing elements in the block of plastically deformable material, and obtaining a series of measurements of mechanical parameters resulting from the piercing elements; and converting the series of measurements using conversion data obtained by a conversion method according to the invention, so as to deduce therefrom the corresponding mechanical properties resulting from the piercing elements on a dummy.

Abstract: A gas detector can be releasibly coupled to one of a group of elongated probes each of the probes includes a detector connecting end and a gas in flow/outflow end. The connecting end includes a helical attaching feature which when coupled to the detector defies a plurality of spaced apart angular locking positions. A locking position is selected in response to a flow of air in an adjacent duct to which the detector is being attached. Where the detector carries an elongated display device, the locking position can be selected so that the display device exhibits a desired presentation.

Abstract: A method of the invention includes preparing a mold having a hydrogen detection part pattern, a nanogap pattern and a base to be formed on a hydrogen sensor substrate; preparing a material to which the patterns are transferrable; forming the hydrogen sensor substrate by bringing the mold into contact with the material to thus transfer the patterns to the material and then detaching the mold from the material to which the patterns are transferred, the hydrogen sensor substrate having a base part corresponding to the base, a plurality of hydrogen detection parts erected from the base part and corresponding to the nanogap pattern and a plurality of nanogaps formed between the hydrogen detection parts and corresponding to the hydrogen detection part pattern; and forming, on the hydrogen sensor substrate, a thin film of a transition metal or an alloy thereof to be expanded by hydrogen.

Abstract: A portable filter testing assembly for testing filter elements is provided. The portable filter testing assembly includes a first modular component including filter elements disposed within an interior and a fluid flow inlet. The testing assembly further includes a second modular component in fluid communication with the first modular component and includes fluid flow drawing means for drawing fluid flow through the filter elements of the first modular component such that the fluid flow is filtered by the filter elements. Each of the first modular component and second modular component includes an external structure of a modular International Organization for Standardization (ISO) shipping container. A kit of plural modular components for testing filter elements is provided. A method of using ISO modular components for testing filter elements is also provided.

Abstract: A plating method includes holding a substrate with a substrate holder while bringing a sealing member into pressure contact with a peripheral portion of the substrate to form an enclosed internal space in the substrate holder; performing a first-stage leakage test of the substrate holder by producing a vacuum in the internal space and checking whether pressure in the internal space reaches a predetermined vacuum pressure within a certain period of time; and if the substrate holder has passed the first-stage leakage test, performing a second-stage leakage test of the substrate holder by closing off the internal space after producing the vacuum therein and checking whether a change in the pressure in the internal space reaches a predetermined value within a certain period of time.

Abstract: In most cancers, a significant factor in a poor outcome for the individual cancer victim is metastatic disease, i.e., dissemination of tumour cells to other parts of the human body via the circulation, such as distant organs, and their subsequent proliferation therein to form multiple other cancer tumours. The presence of circulating tumour cells, or CTCs, represents a vital intermediate step in this process and variations of a few CTCs within blood samples containing tens of billions of cells may denote the outcome for a patient or impact the cancer treatment regimen. At present no low cost field deployable technique for filtering CTCs exists. According to embodiments of the invention micro-machined filters with high aspect ratio, with and without, functionalization are employed to perform multi-parameter filtering for CTCs based upon compatibility with low cost semiconductor processes within multiple materials including silicon, polymers and silicon carbide.

Abstract: A hardness tester capable of facilitating positioning of a sample even when the hardness tester includes a manual XY stage. The hardness tester includes an XY stage displacing a sample stage in a horizontal direction; a CCD camera capturing an image of a sample surface via an objective lens; a monitor displaying the image of the sample surface captured by the CCD camera; an operator specifying a test position at which an indentation is to be formed, the test position being specified on the image displayed on the display; and a CPU calculating, in conjunction with displacement of the XY stage, an amount of offset in the XY direction between the test position and a center position of the indenter when forming the indentation, then displaying the calculated amount of offset on the display.