Abstract: A photocatalytic functional film has a structure of a substrate, a barrier layer and a photocatalytic layer stacked one on another. The barrier layer is a SiO2 film, the photocatalyst layer comprises an amorphous TiO2 film, and particles of visible light responsive photocatalytic material formed on the surface of the amorphous TiO2 film. A method for producing a photocatalytic functional film includes: adding an alcohol solvent and an acid to a silicate precursor to obtain a SiO2 sol by dehydration and de-alcoholization reaction; applying and drying the SiO2 sol on a substrate to form a barrier layer; adding an alcohol solvent and an acid to a titanium precursor to obtain a TiO2 amorphous sol by dehydration and de-alcoholization reaction; and applying and drying a composition formed by mixing particles of visible light responsive photocatalyst material with the TiO2 amorphous sol on the barrier layer, to form a photocatalyst layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alloy fine particle including palladium and ruthenium, the alloy fine particle including at least one first phase in which the palladium is more abundant than the ruthenium and at least one second phase in which the ruthenium is more abundant than the palladium, the at least one first phase and the at least one second phase being separated by a phase boundary, the palladium and the ruthenium being distributed in the phase boundary in such a manner that the molar ratio of the palladium and the ruthenium continually changes, a plurality of crystalline structures being present together in the phase boundary.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating suspension containing at least one platinum group metal on a support material, as well as manganese(II) carbonate, and to a method for coating a catalyst support substrate.

Abstract: A supported catalyst having a calcined, predominantly aluminium, oxide support and an active phase of 5 to 65% by weight nickel with respect to the total mass of the catalyst, said active phase having no group VIB metal, the nickel particles having a diameter less than or equal to 20 nm, said catalyst having a mesopore median diameter greater than or equal to 14 nm, a mesopore volume measured by mercury porosimetry greater than or equal to 0.45 mL/g, a total pore volume measured by mercury porosimetry greater than or equal to 0.45 mL/g, a macropore volume less than 5% of the total pore volume, said catalyst being in the form of grains having an average diameter comprised between 0.5 and 10 mm. The invention also relates to the process for the preparation of said catalyst and the use thereof in a hydrogenation process.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing an inexpensive, high-performance AEI type zeolite and an AEI type zeolite having a Si/Al ratio of 6.5 or less by using neither an expensive Y type zeolite as a raw material nor dangerous hydrofluoric acid. The method for producing an AEI type zeolite having a Si/Al ratio of 50 or less includes: preparing a mixture including a silicon atom material, an aluminum atom material, an alkali metal atom material, an organic structure-directing agent, and water; and performing hydrothermal synthesis of the obtained mixture, in which a compound having a Si content of 20% by weight or less and containing aluminum is used as the aluminum atom material; and the mixture includes a zeolite having a framework density of 14 T/1000 ?3 or more in an amount of 0.1% by weight or more with respect to SiO2 assuming that all Si atoms in the mixture are formed in SiO2.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making activated EU-2 zeolite, including: pores having a diameter of 30 to 40 ? while maintaining the crystal structure of the EU-2 zeolite; and pores having a diameter of 40 to 200 ?, wherein the volume of the pores having a diameter of 30 to 40 ? is 0.01 to 0.06 cc/g, and the volume of the pores having a diameter of 40 to 200 ? is 0.07 to 0.4 cc/g.

Abstract: A novel catalyst blend for processing of feedstocks into monoaromatics in a single stage, comprising at least one cracking catalyst, one heterogeneous transition metal catalyst, and optionally at least one hydrogenation catalyst. The process occurs in one-step or single stage with substantially no solvents or external additives, or when the feedstock contains less than 15% oxygen, the process includes additional water or steam to enable sufficient amounts of H2 being produced in-situ.

Abstract: Synthesis of the silicoaluminophosphate and metal silicoaluminophosphate polymorphs of the molecular sieve SAPO-18 using cyclic quaternary ammoniums as organic structure-directing agents (OSDA) and use thereof as a catalyst.

Abstract: A photocatalyst apparatus includes a carrier and a photocatalyst carried by the carrier. The carrier is a porous material with a specific surface area higher than 10/mm, the specific surface area depending on different pore sizes, wherein the porous material includes a plurality of pores having a substantially uniform size with a variation of less than about 20%, wherein the size is larger than about 100 nm and smaller than about 5 mm. The photocatalyst apparatus can be used for lighting, anti bacteria, deodorant, air or water purification, etc.

Abstract: The present disclosed are a high exchange-capacity anion exchange resin with dual functional-groups and method of synthesis thereof. The invention relates to the field of environmental function material synthesis and application. The resin is based on chloromethylated polystyrene-divinylbenzene polymer as matrix, and by primary amination and quaternization, yields an anion exchange resin with dual functional-groups having both a weak base anionic group and a strong base anionic group. The anion exchange resin not only has high adsorption capacity for water-born nitrate ions, but also can effectively squelch natural organic acids such as phytic acid in water, thus simultaneously removing nitrate ions and phytic acid organic matter from water. Therefore, the resin has a broad application potential in the fields of drinking water treatment, groundwater remediation, and advanced urban sewage treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to regeneration of weak base anion exchange resins and more particularly to regeneration using low concentrations of sodium hydroxide and/or sodium carbonate to remove ionic contaminants from the resins.

Abstract: Fluidic devices and related methods are generally provided. The fluidic devices described herein may be useful, for example, for diagnostic purposes (e.g., detection of the presence of one or more disease causing bacteria in a patient sample). Unlike certain existing fluidic devices for diagnostic purposes, the fluidic devices and methods described herein may be useful for detecting the presence of numerous disease causing bacteria in a patient sample substantially simultaneously (e.g., in parallel). In some embodiments, the fluidic devices and methods described herein provide highly sensitive detection of microbes in relatively large fluidic samples (e.g., between 0.5 mL and about 5 mL), as compared to certain existing fluidic detection (e.g., microfluidic) devices and methods. In an exemplary embodiment, increased detection sensitivity of microbial pathogens present in a patient sample (e.g., blood) is performed by selectively removing human nucleic acid prior to sensitive detection of microbial infection.

Abstract: System, apparatuses, and methods for performing automated reagent-based analysis are provided. Also provided are methods for automated attachment of a cap to a reaction receptacle, and automated removal of a cap from a capped reaction receptacle.

Abstract: A micro liquid transfer structure includes a plurality of micro projections arranged at intervals causing a capillary action, wherein the plurality of micro projections form periodically arranged unit rows, wherein each of the unit rows comprises the micro projections arranged in one row; and liquid transfer paths that are gaps between the micro projections, wherein at least one of the liquid transfer paths is a low flow resistance liquid transfer path having a flow resistance lower than flow resistances of the other liquid transfer paths, and wherein the low flow resistance liquid transfer path is disposed along a predetermined liquid transfer direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biological sampling and storage container comprising a top cover and a bottom cover adapted to fit onto each other; and a sampling element having a proximal end onto which the top cover fits and a distal end onto which the bottom cover fits, said sampling element further comprising a sampling container comprising a sampling chamber for accepting the biological sample; an aliquoting element removably mounted on and in said sampling container, said aliquoting element comprising a structural element onto which one or more aliquoting chambers are positioned; and optionally, an ejector removably mounted onto said aliquoting element, wherein the ejector comprises an ejector wand fitting into the aliquoting chambers.

Abstract: A microfluidic device molded in a single step provides a seamless fluid communication path from fluid input features to microfluidic channels. The device comprises a molded material which is formed around thread for forming high aspect ratio microfluidic channels. An associated method for the manufacture of the device is also provided.

Abstract: A processing instrument flowcell having a flowcell channel with an upstream channel end, a downstream channel end, a longitudinal axis extending from the upstream channel end to the downstream channel end, and a first operative surface extending between the upstream channel end and the downstream channel end and configured to receive a first number of DNA templates. A first reagent inlet is fluidically connected to the upstream channel end at a location adjacent the first operative surface. A buffer inlet is fluidically connected to the upstream channel end at a location spaced from the first operative surface. An outlet fluidically connected to the downstream channel end. Also provided is a method for operating a flowcell channel under laminar flow conditions to maintain a first reagent adjacent a first operative surface and a buffer fluid spaced from the first operative surface. The flowcell channel may have multiple separate operative surfaces.

Abstract: A hand-held molecular diagnostic test device includes a housing, an amplification (or PCR) module, and a detection module. The amplification module is configured to receive an input sample, and defines a reaction volume. The amplification module includes a heater such that the amplification module can perform a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on the input sample. The detection module is configured to receive an output from the amplification module and a reagent formulated to produce a signal that indicates a presence of a target amplicon within the input sample. The amplification module and the detection module are integrated within the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic system comprising a magnetic source (150) and two chambers (110) that are connected by a channel. According to a preferred embodiment, the chambers and the channel are filled with different fluids such that a non-zero surface tension is created at the associated fluidic interfaces. Moreover, the magnetic source (150) is arranged to provide at least two separate magnetic gradient regions (GR) and to allow for the attraction of magnetic particles (MP) present in one of the chambers into these different regions, wherein furthermore the magnetic attraction forces (F) generated by at least one of the gradient regions (GR) is strong enough to allow for pushing or pulling magnetic particles through said fluidic interfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic source may be realized by a permanent magnet (150) of hexahedral shape.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for sorting particles are provided. In one embodiment, a particle sorting device includes a microfluidic channel in a substrate formed of optically clear material and a diverter formed of magnetically responsive material in the microfluidic channel and capable of being rotated by a magnetic torque. Systems and methods are also described and illustrated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sample processing method for processing a target component in a sample by use of a sample processing chip having a storage portion and a droplet forming flow path, the sample processing method including: storing, in the storage portion, a mixture of the target component and a predetermined amount of a diluent for causing the target component to be encapsulated by one molecule or by one particle into a droplet; heating the mixture in the storage portion to cause thermal convection in the storage portion thereby to mix the target component and the diluent together; and in the droplet forming flow path, forming droplets in a dispersion medium, each droplet containing the diluted target component and a reagent that reacts with the target component.

Abstract: A device for performing a microfluidic assay on a chip comprising, a microfluidics chip, one or more fluid receptacles on the chip for receiving a fluid, a plurality of pneumatic pumps arrayed on the chip, each pump having a discharge channel leading to a rectifier on the chip, and a reaction chamber in fluid communication with each of the rectifiers, wherein a pressure on the pressurized fluid source drives fluid from the fluid receptacle into the incoming fluid channel connecting the fluid receptacle to the pump, through the pump and into the discharge channel, through the discharge channel to the rectifier, and through the rectifier into the reaction chamber, wherein the pump is configured to generate droplets of a pre-determined size, wherein the rectifiers prevent backflow of the droplets, and wherein droplets are combined in the reaction chamber, the chamber facilitating an assay being performed on the chip.

Abstract: A mechanical actuator system for performing an assay on a disposable diagnostic cartridge having a plurality of fluid-containing blisters includes a body configured to carry the disposable diagnostic cartridge in stationary relation thereon. A lead screw is operably supported by the body and a drive motor is operably connected to the lead screw. A carriage is threadedly coupled to the lead screw, with the carriage having upper and lower wall spaced from one another. A roller is operably carried by the upper wall of the carriage. The roller is spaced from the lower wall for passage of the diagnostic cartridge between the roller and the lower wall. A driven gear is operably coupled to the roller in meshed engagement with the lead screw. Actuation of the drive motor causes the lead screw to rotate, thereby translating the carriage along the lead screw and concurrently causing the driven gear to rotate the roller.

Abstract: A heating hood according to the disclosure comprises a spherically formed heat transfer region, in particular for receiving at least partially spherical objects; a frame device, wherein position of the heat transfer region is at least partially predefined by the frame device; and a heating device arranged between the heat transfer region and the frame device. A slit for guiding air is formed at least sectionally between the frame device and the heating device, wherein air can be introduced into the slit on a first side of the frame device, and wherein the introduced air can be diverted from the slit on another side, which is spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the frame device.

Abstract: A mill includes a housing with a first end portion, a second end portion, and a lateral area disposed therebetween. The housing includes a raw material inlet, an air inlet, a recirculated material inlet, and a material outlet. An impeller is supported by the housing and includes a shaft disposed along the longitudinal axis of the housing, with a plurality of curved blades. A method for milling includes receiving a material of a first size range, introducing the material to an apparatus via a first inlet and introducing air into the apparatus via a second inlet. The method also includes agitating the material via an impeller, where the agitation reduces at least some of the material to a second size range by the time the material reaches an outlet of the apparatus. The processed material is delivered to subsequent processing operations.

Abstract: A tooth and a toothholder for a mulching apparatus. The tooth includes a body, a cutting element mounted to the body, and a mounting element projecting from the body. The toothholder includes a mounting recess for receiving the mounting element. The mounting element engages the mounting recess to prevent rotation of the tooth relative to the toothholder. The mounting element may be shaped to engage with the toothholder to prevent rotation of the tooth relative to the toothholder. The mounting element may include a plurality of outer engagement surfaces. The plurality of outer engagement surfaces may define an exterior profile of the mounting element that is polygonal in shape.

Abstract: An under-sink disposal unit includes a motor, a disposal chamber, and a disposal throat. The disposal throat extends from the disposal chamber to an opening in a top of the disposal unit and defines a passageway through which objects pass into the disposal chamber for grinding. The disposal unit further includes a coil assembly including an arrangement of coils. The arrangement of coils is used to detect the passing of a metallic object in the passageway through the disposal throat. Furthermore, the arrangement of coils includes at least one coil having a loop that is oriented with respect to an axis of the passageway through the disposal throat such that objects passing through the disposal throat into the disposal chamber pass by and proximate to, but do not pass through, such loop. Preferably DC injection braking is used to stop the motor upon detection of a metallic object.

Abstract: A rotary grinding mill for that improves the rotary grinding mill process. A milling assembly that comprise an offset ripper blades to limit the noise applied to the unit, cutting edges on the milling assembly blades, and an trailing blade edge that is angled creating a milling fan blade. The milling fan blade creates an air flow through the mill assembly. A collection container that utilized a plurality of cyclonic air flow patterns and filters to remove particles from the air.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating materials and recovery of valuable materials such as from end-of-life vehicles and appliances are disclosed. Vehicles are shredded and resulting pieces are dropped into a fluidic separator that separates the shredded vehicle scrap into heavier pieces and lighter pieces. The fluidic separator separates the bulk of the more valuable metals of the non-metals. The fluidic separator, which may be used for separating many kinds of mixtures of pieces of varying specific gravity, comprises a fluid-filled container in which the pieces and the fluid are stirred so that pieces of specific gravity greater than that of the fluid tend to sink and pieces of specific gravity less than that of the fluid tend to float.

Abstract: A method for separating amino and/or organic acid-containing particles from a mixture of amino and/or organic acid-containing particles based on density is disclosed, the method comprising: providing a feed of the amino and/or organic acid-containing particles; providing a medium having a selected density effective for particles of a lower density than the selected density to float in the medium for particles of a higher density than the selected density to sink in the medium; combining the feed of the amino and/or organic acid-containing particles with the medium; and separating the amino and/or organic acid-containing particles of the higher density from the amino and/or organic acid-containing particles of the lower density.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a method for processing electrical and electronic components in order to recover valuable materials, such as the metals contained in printed circuit boards. According to this method, the electrical and electronic components are pre-shredded mechanically and then mixed with a liquid before they undergo wet milling (5).

Abstract: A magnet apparatus for generating a high gradient and/or high strength magnetic field, comprises: two permanent magnets (2, 4) located side-by-side with oppositely oriented magnetic field polarities and end surfaces of opposite polarities next to one another, wherein the magnetic anisotropy of the magnets exceeds the magnetic induction of the material of the magnets; and a mask (6) or masks (6) on a first end of each of the adjacent permanent magnets (2, 4), the mask(s) 6 comprising a non-retentive material covering adjacent end surfaces of the two permanent magnets (2, 4) with a gap (8) along a joining line between the two permanent magnets (2, 4) to form a zone of high-gradient magnetic field above the joining line; wherein the mask(s) (6) are embedded within the magnets (2, 4) and/or have a varying thickness and wherein the mask(s) (6) each have a maximum thickness greater than a tenth of the thickness of the respective magnet (2, 4).

Abstract: A nozzle device according to an embodiment includes a first opening, a plurality of second openings, and a first duct part. The first duct part includes at least one first branching part having a first part extending in a first direction and a plurality of second parts connected to a first end of the first part and extending in respective directions intersecting with the first direction. The first duct part connects the first opening and the second openings and is branched at least once by the first branching part in a path extending from the first opening to the second openings. The path lengths and the numbers of first branching parts between the first opening and the respective second openings are the same. The cross-sectional area of the first end of the first part is smaller than the cross-sectional area of a second end of the first part.

Abstract: A showerhead combination and a method for controlling water flowing. A non handheld first showerhead, a handheld second showerhead and a control device are included in the showerhead combination. The control device is installed in the first showerhead to control the water flowing out of the first showerhead. The second showerhead is cooperated with the first showerhead in two different statuses. In one status, the second showerhead is connected to the first showerhead and drives the motion of the control device to make water flowing out of the first showerhead. In the other status, the second showerhead is separated from the first showerhead, and the control device controls the first showerhead to stop water flowing.

Abstract: A method of atomizing a fluid using a pair of counter-rotating rollers including a first roller having grooves, the grooves enclosed by a pair of fins extending away from the first surface and a second roller having channels, the first and second rollers aligned with each other such that the grooves of the first roller mate with the channels of the second roller forming enclosures and nips. The method includes drawing the fluid from a fluid source through the nips, the nips having an upstream side and a downstream side, stretching the fluid between the diverging surfaces of the pair of counter-rotating rollers on the downstream side of the nips to form fluid filaments, and forming fluid droplets from the stretched fluid filaments on the downstream side of the nips between the diverging surfaces of the pair of counter-rotating rollers.

Abstract: A foam generating device for a high-pressure water gun has a supporting body defining part of a conduit, which extends along an axis and has a mixing chamber communicating with a lower inlet, and subject, in use, to a vacuum to aspirate a liquid from said lower inlet; the device has a first sleeve which is fitted around one end of the supporting body, is axially fixed, is rotatable and is provided with an end portion carrying a nozzle; such a nozzle defines the outlet of the conduit and is adjustable so as to vary the outgoing flow type between a fan-like jet and a solid stream jet; the device has, in addition, a second sleeve which is coupled to the first sleeve in a fixed axial position and in a rotatable manner and is provided with cams to adjust the nozzle in response to a rotation of the second sleeve with respect to the first sleeve.

Abstract: An automatic fragrance dispenser, comprising: a mechanism compartment comprising a water operated actuator fluidically connected between a water supply pipe and a water exit pipe, wherein the propeller turns as a result of water flow through it; and a fragrant substance compartment containing a fragrant substance, wherein turning of the propeller is coupled to dispensing the fragrant substance.

Abstract: A water atomisation device for water evaporation and/or dust control. The device includes: a generally longitudinally hollow housing; a fan; a motor; and a hollow manifold. The housing extends between an inlet end and an outlet end, with the inlet end defining a first air inlet to an interior of the housing. The fan is within the housing, between the inlet end and the outlet end. The motor drives the fan. The manifold is shaped to generally correspond to that of the outlet end and has a plurality of water injector nozzles directed substantially inwardly and away from the outlet end. A distal edge of the outlet end is longitudinally spaced apart from a proximal edge of the manifold to define a second air entrainment inlet to an interior of the manifold.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a continuous launcher including a pressing tube having a first hollow portion therein, a launch unit having a second hollow portion therein, disposed at a front side of the pressing tube in a spaced manner, and launching a launch object using air compression force, a piston supply unit provided at a rear side surface of the pressing tube, including a plurality of pistons therein, and supplying the pistons one by one, a piston loading unit connected to a rear end of the pressing tube, and moving the piston to a load position, and an operating fluid supply unit supplying an operating fluid to press forward the piston, wherein the launch unit includes a launch tube having a launch hollow portion with the launch object therein, and a diaphragm.

Abstract: A hollow cannula (4) including a perforating tip (5) for perforating a perforating site, said perforating tip (5) being provided with an opening (6), said opening (6) defining a peripheral edge (7) that extends around said opening (6) and that includes a distal axial end and a proximal axial end, said distal axial end of said peripheral edge (7) forming the distal axial end (59) of the perforating tip (5), said distal axial end (59) of the perforating tip (5) being arranged on the longitudinal central axis (A) of said cannula (4), said perforating tip (5) having an outer shape that is rounded in the radial direction, and said distal axial end (59) of said perforating tip (5) being of shape that is rounded in the axial direction.

Abstract: Embodiments include a bottle and method for cleaning a grill. An exemplary method may be applied to grills having an upper grill and a lower grill. Methods can include providing a bottle having a dosing chamber with a first outlet, a reservoir chamber configured to store a solution and including a second outlet, and a sprayer for dispensing solution via the second outlet. The sprayer includes a spray head and a trigger that, when actuated, draws solution from the reservoir chamber and dispenses it by spraying the solution from the spray head. Methods can include filing the dosing chamber with a predetermined dose of solution from the reservoir chamber and dispensing the solution onto the lower grill from the first outlet, and dispensing the solution onto the upper grill by spraying the solution onto the upper grill from the second outlet.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a fluid, which includes: a feed pipe, a dispensing pipe arranged in order to convey a fluid in a dispensing direction, a deformable pouch, a feed valve, which, in an open state, allows fluid to pass from the feed pipe to the inside of the pouch, and, in a closed state, does not allow this, and a dispensing valve, which, in an open state, allows fluid to pass from the inside of the pouch to the dispensing pipe, and, in a closed state, does not allow this, wherein the dispensing valve is held in the device by tightening between inner walls of the dispensing pipe.

Abstract: A system includes a manual tool data system having a manual tool data monitoring system configured to monitor one or more manual tools, a manual tool data acquisition system configured to acquire data corresponding to one or more operational parameters of the one or more manual tools, a manual tool data analysis system configured to analyze the data acquired by the manual tool data acquisition system, and a manual tool messaging system configured to generate messages based on the data analyzed by the manual tool data analysis system.

Abstract: A dispensing control system, including a frame component having a first side surface and a second side surface, a first sensor portion positioned proximate the first side surface, and a second sensor portion positioned proximate the second side surface, the second sensor portion being separated from the first sensor portion a distance to allow a liquid spray stream exiting a dispenser of a conformal coating machine to pass therebetween, wherein the first sensor portion transmits a beam of light towards the second sensor portion to measure the liquid spray stream exiting the dispenser, the beam of light encompassing both edges of the liquid spray stream while the dispenser is stationary, is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.

Abstract: An application system component is provided in the form of a changeable application member such as a nozzle or a bell cup. The application system component includes a transponder for storing component data, from which the component data is readable, and a wear detection device for monitoring of the application system component. The wear detection device includes a wear mark and an optical detector.

Abstract: A coupling structure of a spray head and a connector of a water spray gun is provided. An outer wall of the connector is provided with a positioning flange. The rear end of the spray head is provided with a stop plate. The rear end of the spray head is provided with a positioning rim. When the connector is inserted into the accommodation space of the spray head, the stop plate is secured in the positioning rim and connected with the rear end of the spray head. The stop plate has an annular area to get contact with the positioning flange provided on the outer wall of the connector, such that the spray head and the connector are assembled to become one-piece. The size of the spray head is reduced, so it is light and cost-effective. The water spray gun is able to provide different spray modes.

Abstract: A compact spraying device (10) connectable to a surface and for spraying a fluid comprises a housing (16) with an inlet (20), a pump (28) in fluid communication with the inlet (20), a retractable nozzle (24) in fluid communication with the pump (28), a nozzle cover (22) and a drive system (30). The retractable nozzle (24) selectively extends forward relative to a front side of the housing (16) into a spraying position for spraying the fluid and retracts inside the housing to a retracted position when not spraying. The nozzle cover (22) is selectively moveable from a closed position in which the cover (22) covers the nozzle (24) when the nozzle (24) is in a retracted position, to an open position in which the cover (22) moves to allow the nozzle (24) to extend into the spraying position. The drive system (30) moves the retractable nozzle (24) and the nozzle cover (22) and operates the pump (28).

Abstract: Wearing down of a doctor blade by a filler contained in a coating solution is prevented. The doctor blade is for scraping off the coating solution, containing the filler, from a circumferential surface of a coating roller, the coating roller being for applying the coating solution to a battery member being conveyed. A surface of the doctor blade is made from an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing substrates are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a process kit, the process kit comprising a first ring to support a substrate proximate a peripheral edge of the substrate; a second ring disposed about the first ring; and a path formed between the first and second rings that allows the first ring to rotate with respect to the second ring, wherein the path substantially prevents light from travelling between a first volume disposed below the first and second rings and a second volume disposed above the first and second rings.

Abstract: A glue gun is adapted to receive a glue stick and to feed the glue stick forwardly a heater subassembly. A trigger is sequentially operated to advance the glue stick. The heater assembly transforms the glue stick into molten glue which is dispensed through a frontal nozzle of the glue gun. The glue gun has a temperature indicator. The glue gun is exteriorly ergonomically configured for facile usage.