Abstract: Gradient optics for even light distribution of LED light sources. In an aspect, an apparatus is provided for uniform distribution of light emitted from a light source. The apparatus includes a panel coupled to receive the light emitted from the light source, and gradient optics disposed on the panel, the gradient optics providing a matching transparency gradient that is aligned with the light source to evenly distribute the emitted light. In another aspect, an apparatus includes means for receiving the light emitted from the light source, and means for providing a matching transparency gradient that is aligned with the light source to evenly distribute the emitted light.

Abstract: A manufacturing device for a stator of a rotating electrical machine includes a jig, a support section, link mechanisms and press sections. The jig has holding grooves into which linear portions of coils can be respectively inserted. The jig can be arranged on the inner side of a stator core while holding grooves respectively face the openings of slots. Each of the link mechanisms has a push-out member and a link. The link moves a corresponding push-out member in a direction from the bottom portion of the holding groove to a corresponding slot and in a direction from the slot to the bottom portion. The push-out members can concurrently apply a pressing force to all the coil ends of the coils from the axial direction of the stator core in synchronization with the link mechanisms.

Abstract: A method of aligning microwires includes modifying the microwires so they are more responsive to a magnetic field. The method also includes using a magnetic field so as to magnetically align the microwires. The method can further include capturing the microwires in a solid support structure that retains the longitudinal alignment of the microwires when the magnetic field is not applied to the microwires.

Abstract: Battery parts, such as battery terminals, and associated systems and methods for making same. In one embodiment, a battery part has a sealing region or sealing bead located on a lateral face of an acid ring for increasing resistance to leakage therepast as the battery container shrinks. Another embodiment includes a forming assembly for use with, for example, a battery part having a bifurcated acid ring with spaced apart lips. The forming assembly can include movable forming members that can be driven together to peen, crimp, flare or otherwise form the lips on the bifurcated acid ring.

Abstract: A lithium-ion secondary battery includes a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The positive electrode plate includes a positive electrode collector plate and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the surface of the positive electrode collector plate. The negative electrode plate includes a negative electrode collector plate and a negative electrode active material layer formed on the surface of the negative electrode collector plate. The separator is disposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. The positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, and the separator are stacked and wound, and each of them includes a flat portion disposed along a plane and bearing an external load and a curved portion formed to be curved. The positive electrode active material layer includes a flat region corresponding to the flat portion and a curved region corresponding to the curved portion.

Abstract: A dryer for an electrode substrate of a rechargeable battery according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a drying oven for drying an electrode substrate by feeding the electrode substrate to an inlet and discharging it through an outlet; fixed guide rolls provided at a distance from each other between the inlet and the outlet to guide the electrode substrate; lifting guide rolls ascended or descended at one side of the respective fixed guide rolls to guide the moving electrode substrate; driving rolls disposed to correspond to locations of the lifting guide rolls; and a shuttle moving toward the outlet from the inlet.

Abstract: An assembling device includes: a base, a first pressing plate, a second pressing plate and an ejecting unit. The base defines an accommodating portion which includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface. The top surface defines a plurality of receiving grooves for receiving the moveable frames, the side surface defines a plurality of first through holes, the bottom surface defines a plurality of second through holes, the first through holes and the second through holes are communicated with the receiving grooves. The first pressing plate is configured for assembling a shaft on a first surface of the moveable frame. The second pressing plate is arranged on the side surface and being configured for assembling a magnet on a second surface of the moveable frame. The ejecting unit includes a plurality of ejectors, and configured for ejecting the movable frames in the receiving grooves.

Abstract: In the device for mounting a separation membrane element in a separation membrane module, a sealing member is constituted of a plurality of notched circular packings made of graphite, for example, each having a notched circular shape as viewed in a plan view. The plurality of notched circular packings are fitted on an upper end portion of the separation membrane element in a state where the notched circular packings are made to overlap with each other in plural stages, notched portions of the notched circular packings arranged adjacent to each other vertically are arranged at positions different from each other as viewed in a plan view, the notched circular packings in plural stages are received by the inwardly projecting annular receiving portion in the mounting hole, the notched circular packings in plural stages are pressed to the annular receiving portion by threaded engagement of the press fitting thus applying sealing.

Abstract: An auxiliary device to stick a film on a portable electronic product includes a holding base having plural sets of positioning holes and an auxiliary cover having one set of positioning posts. The positioning posts are inserted in the positioning holes to assemble the auxiliary cover and the holding base together and to tightly wrap the portable electronic product therein. The auxiliary cover has a limit frame which has four sides to form a hollow area within the limit frame. The hollow area corresponds to the screen or the rear cover of the portable electronic product. Through the present invention, a protective film can be stuck on the electronic product accurately, quickly and flat, without bubbles or wrinkles. By the same holding base to cooperate with different auxiliary covers, the present invention is adapted for electronic products in different sizes to save the cost and to enhance its convenience.

Abstract: A device is provided to attach a connector having an internally threaded base and external threads to a cable having a casing. The device includes a body having a bore therethrough. At least a portion of the bore is threaded and the external threads on the connector are threaded into the threads of the bore until a stop surface in the bore is engaged by a portion of the connector. The device may then be turned to thread the base onto the casing of the cable.

Abstract: A sensor, and methods of making, for determining the concentration of an analyte, such as glucose, in a biological fluid such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. The sensor includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and may include an insertion monitoring trace to determine correct positioning of the sensor in a connector. The sensor is calibration-adjusted, eliminating the need for a user to enter a calibration code or for the meter to read a calibration code.

Abstract: In a method for attaching a connector to a coaxial cable a solder preform is placed upon an end of an outer conductor of the cable. A connector body of the connector is seated upon an interface pedestal and the end of the outer conductor is inserted into a bore of the connector body against the interface pedestal. The outer conductor, the connector body and the interface pedestal contribute sidewalls to form a solder cavity, and the solder preform is heated. A seat may be applied to the interface pedestal to provide a thermal barrier and/or enhanced seal characteristics that are cost efficiently replaceable upon degradation.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of touch display device includes steps of: providing a liquid crystal display unit and disposing at least one printed circuit layer on a display surface of the liquid crystal display unit; electrically connecting multiple transmitters and multiple receivers onto the printed circuit layer; positioning the liquid crystal display unit in a receiving space of a case; and providing a frame body and mounting the frame body onto the case to cover the printed circuit layer. The printed circuit layer is directly formed on the display surface of the liquid crystal display unit so that the cost for the circuit boards is saved. In this case, the manufacturing cost of the touch display device is lowered. Moreover, the total thickness of the touch display device is reduced and the installation is facilitated.

Abstract: An approach is provided for a method for connecting multiple plates of a substrate device, the substrate device at least comprises a conductive layer and a plate has at least one hollowed hole that is used to directly transfer the heat from a high power electrical chip to the conductive layer, the method comprises acts of forming a first cupper layer on a top surface of the plate and forming a second cupper layer on a bottom surface of the plate, printing a circuit on the first cupper layer, and soldering the second cupper layer on the conductive layer with a soldering paste.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a circuit board structure having at least an embedded electronic element is disclosed, which includes the steps of: providing a substrate and embedding at least an electronic element in the substrate with an active surface and a plurality of electrode pads of the electronic element exposed from a surface of the substrate; forming a plurality of conductive bumps on the electrode pads of the electronic element; and covering the surface of the substrate and the active surface of the electronic element with a dielectric layer and a metal layer stacked on the dielectric layer, wherein the conductive bumps penetrate the dielectric layer so as to be in contact with the metal layer, thereby simplifying the fabrication process, reducing the fabrication cost and saving the fabrication time.

Abstract: To provide a substrate for mounting element having sulfurization resistance improved by increasing planarity of the surface of a thick conductor layer. The substrate 10 for mounting element of the present invention has such a structure that on a surface of a LTCC substrate or ceramics substrate as an inorganic insulating substrate 1, a thick conductor layer 2 is formed as an element connection terminal. The thick conductor layer 2 is made of a metal composed mainly of silver (Ag) or copper (Cu) and formed by printing and firing a metal paste. This thick conductor layer has its surface planarized by wet blast treatment to a surface roughness Ra of at most 0.02 ?m. A Ni/Au-plated layer 3 is formed on the thick conductor layer 2, so that the surface of the thick conductor layer 2 is completely covered without any space.

Abstract: A component can include a substrate having a first surface and a second surface remote therefrom, an opening extending in a direction between the first and second surfaces, and a conductive via extending within the opening. The substrate can have a CTE less than 10 ppm/° C. The conductive via can include a plurality of base particles each including a first region of a first metal substantially covered by a layer of a second metal different from the first metal. The base particles can be metallurgically joined together and the second metal layers of the particles can be at least partially diffused into the first regions. The conductive via can include voids interspersed between the joined base particles. The voids can occupy 10% or more of a volume of the conductive via.

Abstract: A cutting drill includes a shank having a hole and formed to be gripped in a tool holder, and a drill body having a rod shape and locked into the hole of the shank. The shank has an axis around which the drill body rotates. The drill body has a cutting-edge portion forming a tip portion of the drill body and a neck portion having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the cutting-edge portion. The cutting-edge portion has a first cutting-edge portion and a second cutting-edge portion formed between the first cutting-edge portion and the neck portion. The first cutting-edge portion is contiguous to the second cutting-edge portion by a step portion such that the second cutting-edge portion has a diameter which is smaller than a diameter of the first cutting-edge portion.

Abstract: Techniques for efficient split wire routing of wires and electrical components within a device are disclosed. A split wire routing is discussed with a common start and end point but allows divergent paths for individual and/or groups of wires. A wire can be routed, for example, in the space between two battery cells (or other components/structures) with the use of a bracket inserted between the cells to provide structural support. The electrical tape surrounding a battery may be cut or otherwise breached in order to expose the cavity between distinct battery cells. In some embodiments, multiple brackets may be inserted between the battery cells, creating a trough through which a wire or other component may be routed. After routing a wire through the trough, another electrical part or housing may be fixed above the battery cells.

Abstract: Techniques for efficient routing of wires and electrical components within a cavity of a device are disclosed. A wire or group of wires can be routed in a split wire configuration, for example, in the space between two battery cells (or other components/structures). One example embodiment includes exposing a cavity between at least two electrical parts within an electrical device, and routing a first electrical component through the cavity and routing a second electrical. component in a divergent path to the first electrical component, wherein the first and second electrical component have a common start and end point. In some cases, the first and second electrical components are wires. Numerous such split wire configurations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

Abstract: A pre-array temporary placement area A2 and a post-return temporary placement area A3 are set along with a lower receiving area A1. Temporary placement positions TP for lower receiving pins 22 in the pre-array temporary placement area A2 and the post-return temporary placement area A3 are previously assigned in consideration of requirements for preventing occurrence of interference between the lower receiving pins 22, which would otherwise occur during transfer of the lower receiving pins 22, and in accordance with array positions AP of the lower receiving pins 22 in the lower receiving area A1. Further, a transfer sequence is set in accordance with array positions AP.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite contact in which a flange section with a large diameter at an end of a base part with a small diameter, the composite contact having: a contact section which is made from silver alloy into an upper-surface part of the flange section; and a leg section which is made from copper alloy by forming a large-diameter part so as to form a lower-surface part of the flange section is made integrally with the base part, having the steps of: a primary-forming process forging a copper-alloy wire and a silver-alloy wire having a smaller diameter than that of the copper-alloy wire in a hole of a forming die in a state of being butted to each other so as to form a primary-formed body including a silver-alloy part and a copper-alloy part so that the wires are bonded with each other.

Abstract: In an optical/electrical composite connector including a male connector and a female connector, the male connector includes a ferrule provided at an end portion of an optical fiber on a side of the male connector which is connected to the female connector, and an electrode terminal. The female connector includes a core to transmit an optical signal, a cladding to cover the core, an electric wiring provided on an outer wall surface of the cladding, a sleeve in which the ferrule is fitted, the sleeve provided at an end portion of the cladding on a side of the female connector which is connected to the male connector, and a lens provided in the sleeve. When the ferrule and the sleeve are fitted together, the electrode terminal and the electric wiring are electrically connected and the optical fiber and the core are optically connected through the lens.

Abstract: A method for producing a piston from an upper piston part and a lower piston part. A strip- or plate-shaped semifinished product made of a metal material is provided, from which an annular upper piston part or an annular blank is stamped out, which blank is finished to form an upper piston part, wherein the upper piston part is connected to a lower piston part to form a piston.

Abstract: A method of repairing a wind turbine blade while mounted on a tower without removing the blade from the tower is provided. The method includes positioning the wind turbine blade in a substantially vertical orientation. Next, a containment structure is positioned adjacent to a damaged portion of the blade. The damaged portion is at least partially enclosed by the containment structure and the temperature of the air within the containment structure heated. The blade is repaired by removing a damaged portion of the blade, installing a repair portion to the blade where the damaged portion was removed, and the repair portion is cured in the heated containment structure.

Abstract: The nail clippers are designed for bringing one cutting edge formed on a tip of the one cutting blade closer to the other cutting edge, the one cutting edge and the other cutting edge being disposed facing opposite each other and holding a particular nail being to be cut between the two opposed cutting edges to cause the two opposed cutting edges to engage each other and cut that particular nail. The one cutting edge and the other cutting edge have, respective straight line portions which face opposite each other and extend parallel to each other and respective curved portions which are provided contiguously to the corresponding straight line portions and which are curved and extended at a curvature that permits the one curved portion to exactly match the other curved portion when they meet each other.

Abstract: A scrubbing razor includes an upper handle, a plurality of outer safety ribs or feet integrally joined to the lower end of the upper handle, and a cutting blade mounted to the lower end of the upper handle. Each of the outer safety ribs or feet has a radially outer end, and a lower flat side lying in a common plane, and each radially outer end extends radially outwardly from the lower end of the upper handle to a rib or feet outer diameter. The cutting blade is flat, includes a radially outer rounded cutting edge, and extends parallel to the common plane of the plurality of outer safety ribs or feet.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a fruit tool apparatus and methods of use of a fruit tool apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a cutting apparatus for cutting a strap to a desired length. The cutting apparatus includes a handle body with first and second handles and a head affixed to the handle body. The head includes an attachment mechanism to allow a strap to be cut to be releasably secured to a first end the head. The cutting apparatus further includes a blade disposed proximate to a second end of the head. The length of the head or the distance between the first end of the head and the blade approximates a device body length. The present disclosure further includes a method of using a handheld cutting apparatus for cutting a strap to a desired length, such that the combined length of the strap and a device to be attached to an object, approximates the circumference of the object.

Abstract: A pair of garden scissors with an adjustable cutting angle is provided with first and second scissor members. A positioning protrusion of the first scissor member cooperates with a positioning end of the angle-restricting member of the second scissor member to restrict the maximum cutting angle of the first scissor member, and an adjust member is able to adjust the cutting angle by adjusting the position of the angle-restricting member, so that the cutting angle can be freely adjusted within the movement range of the angle-restricting member.

Abstract: A modified axe head with a front-end containing a double-beveled axe blade and a back end containing a straight flat blade with a beveled blade edge. The back end blade contains a flexible hinge that allows the blade to pivot upwards and downwards as a result of applied force. The back end blade can be quickly inserted by firefighters in between doors, wall holes, floorboards, or roofing tiles for more gently opening or removing of these obstacles in an old or unstable buildings during search and rescue operations.

Abstract: A trimmer head for use with a plurality of lengths of flexible cutting line in a flexible line rotary trimmer having a plurality of line holders rotatably mounted thereon. Each line holder defines a pair of laterally spaced apertures in an upper surface thereof, a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough, terminating in an extended end thereof and communicating with the laterally spaced apertures. An interior guide surface extends along a curvilinear path from the spaced apertures to the passageway and a web extends between the apertures whereby end portions of lengths of cutting line can be extended into and through the spaced openings, along the guide surfaces into and through the passageway and outwardly therefrom, whereupon lengths of line extend about and are held against the web with portions of the line projecting from the passageways in the line holders for the cutting of vegetation.

Abstract: In an edge tool having a cutting edge made of a nonmetal inorganic solid-state material with a facet formed on a ridge of the cutting edge, a pre-wearing layer having a thickness of 5 nm or more and having a surface structure formed by a network of recesses and protuberances surrounded by the recesses is formed on a surface of the facet. The average width of the protuberances is 5 nm to 50 nm. A property value of the pre-wearing layer is different from the property value of the inorganic solid-state material underlying the pre-wearing layer, and there is no solid-solid interface between the pre-wearing layer and the inorganic solid-state material.

Abstract: A method of operating a rotary laser level includes actuating a drive system to level a laser assembly of a base unit of the rotary laser level, and emitting a laser beam from the rotating laser assembly after the laser assembly has been leveled. A first beam center position of the emitted laser beam is detected using a portable receiving unit. An initial level position is determined at the first beam center position, and the receiving unit is fixed at the first beam center position. The base unit is then rotated so the laser assembly is pointing away from the receiving unit and the laser assembly is leveled again. The laser beam is then centered on the receiving unit again and a current level position is determined. The current level position is compared to the initial level position to determine a state of calibration of a level position of the laser assembly based on the comparison.

Abstract: A geodetic device comprises three device components, two axes of rotation, and two angle sensors such that the device components are rotatable with respect to each other and their rotational positions are determinable, and an inclination sensor system. A method for determining a characteristic of the device comprises an alignment of the second device component with respect to the first device component into a plurality of different rotational positions, whereby in each rotational position of the plurality of rotational positions a measurement value is determined from the first angle sensor, a measurement value is determined from the second angle sensor, and a measurement value is determined for the orientation of the inclination sensor system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser-based measuring device which can be used to measure geometrical sizes and lines of a plane from a distance away. The device comprises a hand-held or mountable housing unit containing a laser projector, two pivotally fixed mirrors moveable by a first and second motor respectively, and at least one range finder, wherein the laser generates a visible line whose width is determined by the on time of the laser the angle of reflection of the first mirror and the rotational speed of the second mirror. The range finder(s) project the laser beam through a marked lens which then illuminate a ruled line or grid upon the planar surface to be measured.

Abstract: There is provided a flexible display capable of improving an angle-measuring accuracy using different kinds of sensors and a method of measuring an angle thereof. The flexible display includes a first sensor unit disposed in a first region and including different kinds of sensors, a second sensor unit disposed in a second region adjacent to the first region and including different kinds of sensors, and an angle-measuring unit measuring a folding angle between the first region and the second region in response to sensing signals outputted from the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit.

Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine (AACMM) for measuring three-dimensional coordinates of an object in space is provided including a base and a positionable arm coupled to the base. The arm has at least one arm segment including a position transducer for producing a position signal. An electronic circuit receives the position signal from the at least one position transducer. A non-articulated measurement device, coupled to the arm, includes a flexible member having at least one sensing element configured to sense deflection of the flexible member. A probe of the flexible member contacts a surface of an object. A processing unit coupled to the sensing element determines the position and shape of the flexible member. A processor, coupled to the electronic circuit, determines the three-dimensional coordinates of a point on the object in response to position signal from the position transducer and the position signals from the processing unit.

Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine includes a distance meter to measure 3D coordinates of at least three targets to establish a position and orientation of the articulated arm within a frame of reference established by the at least three targets.

Abstract: Example height measuring system includes a slide rack configured for mounting to a vertical wall surface and being vertically aligned. The height measurement system also includes a height measuring gauge. The height measuring gauge has a slide mount portion slidably mounted within the slide track, the slide mount portion being configured to travel essentially parallel to the vertical surface. The height measuring gauge also has a gauge plank hingedly mounted to the slide mount portion. The gauge plank is rotatable between a first plank position and a second plank position. The first plank position is parallel to the vertical surface, and the second plank position is perpendicular to the slide mount portion. The height measurement system also includes a backing sheet configured for mounting along a length of the backing sheet on the vertical wall surface and between the height measuring gauge and the vertical wall surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing on-machine measurements and automatic part alignment, including: a measurement component operable for determining the position of a part on a machine; and an actuation component operable for adjusting the position of the part by contacting the part with a predetermined force responsive to the determined position of the part. The measurement component consists of a transducer. The actuation component consists of a linear actuator. Optionally, the measurement component and the actuation component consist of a single linear actuator operable for contacting the part with a first lighter force for determining the position of the part and with a second harder force for adjusting the position of the part. The actuation component is utilized in a substantially horizontal configuration and the effects of gravitational drop of the part are accounted for in the force applied and the timing of the contact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for underwater pelletizing and subsequent drying of crystallizing polymers to crystallize the polymer pellets with out subsequent heating is shown in FIG. 5. High velocity air or other inert gas is injected into the water and pellet slurry line (120) toward the dryer near the pelletizer exit (102) at a flow rate from about 100 to about 175 m3/hour, or more. Such high-speed air movement forms a vapor mist with the water and significantly increases th speed of the pellets into and out of the dryer such that the polymer pellets leave the dryer with sufficient latent heat to cause self-crystallization within the pellets. A valve mechanism in the slurry line (150) after the gas injection further regulates the pellet residence time and a vibrating conveyor after the dryer helps the pellets to achieve the desired level of crystallinity and to avoid agglomeration.

Abstract: A blow dryer attachment for vectoring directional flow of an airstream exiting a barrel of a blow dryer. The attachment features at least two body components in an articulated engagement having a central passage which may be curved by such articulation to reposition and exit aperture in a nozzle end opposite a connection to a blow dryer. A rotational engagement of the first component to the blow dryer allows for rotation of the exit aperture around the axis of the blow dryer barrel for additional adjustment of the angle and direction or vector angle of the exiting airstream from the attachment.

Abstract: An acoustic wave drying system for drying a material using an acoustic resonant chamber that imparts acoustic energy to transiting air received from an airflow source. The acoustic resonant chamber includes a primary air channel having side surfaces connecting an air inlet and an air outlet, the primary air channel having a primary air channel length between the air inlet and the air outlet. One or more secondary closed-end resonant chambers are formed into side surfaces of the primary air channel. An air impingement airstream containing acoustic energy exits the air outlet and impinges on the material.

Abstract: An acoustic wave drying system for drying a material using an acoustic resonant chamber that imparts acoustic energy to transiting air received from an airflow source. The acoustic resonant chamber includes a primary air channel having side surfaces connecting an air inlet and an air outlet, the primary air channel having a primary air channel length between the air inlet and the air outlet. A closed-end resonant chamber is formed into a first side surface of the primary air channel, the closed-end resonant chamber having a resonant chamber length. The acoustic resonant chamber also includes a sound air channel having a sound air channel inlet on a second side surface of the primary air channel opposite to the closed-end resonant chamber and a sound air channel outlet for directing an air impingement airstream containing acoustic energy onto the material.

Abstract: A method for drying a material using an acoustic wave drying including an acoustic resonant chamber that imparts acoustic energy to transiting air received from an airflow source. The acoustic resonant chamber includes a primary air channel having side surfaces connecting an air inlet and an air outlet, the primary air channel having a primary air channel length between the air inlet and the air outlet. A closed-end resonant chamber is formed into a first side surface of the primary air channel, the closed-end resonant chamber having a resonant chamber length. The acoustic resonant chamber also includes a sound air channel having a sound air channel inlet on a second side surface of the primary air channel opposite to the closed-end resonant chamber and a sound air channel outlet for directing an air impingement airstream containing acoustic energy onto the material.

Abstract: A method for drying a material using an acoustic wave drying including an acoustic resonant chamber that imparts acoustic energy to transiting air received from an airflow source. The acoustic resonant chamber includes a primary air channel having side surfaces connecting an air inlet and an air outlet, the primary air channel having a primary air channel length between the air inlet and the air outlet. One or more secondary closed-end resonant chambers are formed into side surfaces of the primary air channel. An air impingement airstream containing acoustic energy exits the air outlet and impinges on the material.

Abstract: A method of controlling and enhancing the nucleation of product in a freeze dryer, wherein the product is maintained at a predetermined temperature and pressure in a chamber of the freeze dryer, and a predetermined volume of condensed frost is created on an inner surface of a condenser chamber separate from the product chamber and connected thereto by a vapor port. The opening of the vapor port into the product chamber when the condenser chamber has a pressure that is greater than that of the product chamber creates gas turbulence that breaks down the condensed frost into ice crystals that rapidly enter the product chamber for even distribution therein to create uniform and rapid nucleation of the product in different areas of the product chamber.

Abstract: A device is provided for separating beads from a carrier fluid, the device comprising: a bead-receiving means for receiving beads dispersed in a carrier fluid, a fluid removal means operable to remove fluid from the bead-receiving means in a first fluid removal zone by the application of reduced pressure, and a bead collection means operable to remove beads from the bead-receiving means in a bead collection zone by the application of reduced pressure, the bead-receiving means being movable so that beads are movable from the first fluid removal zone to the bead collection zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum processing system for processing a substrate (2), with an enclosure (1) for carrying the substrate (2) to be treated in a substrate plane (4), whereby the enclosure (1) comprises a first reflecting means (6) and a heating means (5) having a first plane surface (10) and an opposed second plane surface (11), the heating means (5) is configured for irradiating heating energy only via the first surface (10) and/or via the second surface (11), the first reflecting means (6) is configured for reflecting the heating energy irradiated by the heating means (5) onto the substrate plane (4), and the heating means (5) is arranged such that the first surface (10) faces towards the first reflecting means (6) and the second surface (11) faces towards the substrate plane (4).