Abstract: The present investigation is development of the TiO2 nanotubes concept of preparation of and their composite with fine dispersion of copper. The inventions also relates to identify a method for optimum amount of photocatalyst required for efficient and maximum hydrogen production reported than earlier (H2=99,823 ?mol·h?1·g?1 catalyst) from glycerol-water mixtures under solar light irradiation. A method is disclosed to produce CuO/TiO2 nanotubes with high sustainability and recyclable activity for hydrogen production.

Abstract: A system for the integral chlorine dioxide production with relatively independent sodium chlorate electrolytic production and chlorine dioxide production is provided. The system may feed electrolyte solution into a solid-liquid filter, filtering out the crystal and eliminating sodium chloride and sodium dichromate. The sodium chlorate crystal may be fed into a chlorine dioxide generator after dissolving, while sodium chloride and sodium dichromate solution separately return to electrolyzer for electrolysis process. Sodium chloride may be constantly formed as a by-product in the chlorine dioxide production unit, and solution containing the sodium chloride is withdrawn from the generator and, after filtration, washing and dissolution, recycled back to sodium chlorate production unit. This way, there is no need of sodium chloride make-up.

Abstract: A reactor includes: a reaction-side flow passage through which a fluid as a reaction object flows; and a catalyst structure provided in the reaction-side flow passage. The catalyst structure includes: a body part formed in a raised and depressed plate shape to partition the reaction-side flow passage into a plurality of flow passages disposed side by side in a direction perpendicular to a flow direction of the fluid; a catalyst carried on the body part to promote a reaction of the fluid; and one or more communication holes (grooves) to make the plurality of flow passages partitioned by the body part communicate with each other.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to materials for use in CO2 capture in high pressure environments. In some embodiments, the materials include a porous carbon material containing a plurality of pores for use in a high pressure environment. Additional embodiments pertain to methods of utilizing the materials of the present disclosure to capture CO2 from various environments. In some embodiments, the materials of the present disclosure selectively capture CO2 over hydrocarbon species in the environment.

Abstract: A water absorbing material includes a granular core portion and a coating layer portion. The coating layer portion covers the granular core portion. The coating layer portion contains fluff pulp and a water-absorbent polymer. These fluff pulp and water-absorbent polymer are both derived from a sanitary article.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a treatment agent for treating excrement and the like. The treatment agent is an aggregated treatment agent comprising slaked lime, a water absorptive polymer, a binder, and at least one member selected from the group consisting of a phosphoric acid salt, a carbonic acid salt and a hydroxide at pH 8 to 13.

Abstract: A porous body is provided with enhanced fluid transport properties that is capable of performing or facilitating separations, or performing reactions and/or providing areas for such separations or reactions to take place. The porous body includes at least 80 percent alpha alumina and has a pore volume from 0.3 mL/g to 1.2 mL/g and a surface area from 0.3 m2/g to 3.0 m2/g. The porous body further includes a pore architecture that provides at least one of a tortuosity of 7.0 or less, a constriction of 4.0 or less and a permeability of 30 mdarcys or greater. The porous body can be used in a wide variety of applications such as, for example, as a filter, as a membrane or as a catalyst carrier.

Abstract: A heterogeneous catalyst suitable for use in alkane dehydrogenation has an active layer that includes alumina and gallia. The active layer is dispersed on a support such as alumina or silica-modified alumina.

Abstract: The invention relates to a household appliance, which comprises at least one catalytically effective substance in a surface, wherein the catalytically effective substance is a polyoxometalate that is comprised in an inner an/or outer surface of the household appliance, provided that the polyoxometalate is comprised at least in an outer surface of the household appliance if the household appliance is a water-bearing household appliance having a container for receiving objects to be cleaned. The invention further relates to a method for operating the household appliance.

Abstract: Provided are a porous silicon carbide nanocomposite structure comprising nanowires that are self-formed, a preparation method thereof, and a catalyst comprising the same, in which the catalyst with excellent activity may be prepared by uniformly supporting a catalytically active component in meso-macro pores and nanowires.

Abstract: The present specification relates to a hollow metal nanoparticle. Specifically, the present specification relates to a hollow metal nanoparticle having a cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a catalytic composition comprising at least one non-noble metal from group VIII and at least one metal from group VIB of the periodic table. The invention also relates to the catalytic composition thus produced, which has a high specific activity in reactions involving the hydroprocessing of light and intermediate fractions, preferably in reactions involving the hydrotreatment of hydrocarbon streams, including hydrodesulphurisation (HDS), hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) and hydro-dearomatisation (HDA).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing liquid or solid hydrocarbons from syngas via the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in the presence of iron-based catalysts, the iron-based catalysts for the use thereof, and a method for preparing the iron-based catalysts; more specifically, in the Fischer-Tropsch reaction, liquid or solid hydrocarbons may be prepared specifically with superior productivity and selectivity for C5+ hydrocarbons using the iron-based catalysts comprising iron hydroxide, iron oxide, and iron carbide wherein the number of iron atoms contained in the iron hydroxide is 30% or higher, and the number of iron atoms contained in the iron carbide is 50% or lower, relative to 100% of the number of iron atoms contained in the iron-based catalysts.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a catalyst supported for the selective oxidation of sulphur compounds of the tail gas from the Claus process or streams with an equivalent composition to elemental sulphur or sulphur dioxide (SO2). It is also the object of the present invention, a process for the preparation of a catalyst of this type, as well as the process of selective oxidation of sulphur compounds to elemental sulphur using the catalyst of the invention, as well as the process of catalytic incineration of the tail gas from the Claus process using the catalyst of the present invention.

Abstract: A catalyst comprises a carbide or nitride of a metal and a promoter element. The metal is selected from the group consisting of Mo, W, Co, Fe, Rh or Mn, and the promoter element is selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Al, Si, S or P, provided that the metal and the promoter element are different. The catalyst also comprises a mesoporous support having a surface area of at least about 170 m2 g?1, wherein the carbide or nitride of the metal and the promoter element is supported by the mesoporous support, and is in a non-sulfided form and in an amorphous form.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ruthenium alkylidene complex comprising a 1-aryl-3-cycloalkyl-imidazolin-2-ylidene ligand, the cycloalkyl group of said 1-aryl-3-cycloalkyl-imidazolin-2-ylidene ligand being a cyclic secondary aliphatic alkyl.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for synthesizing a fatty olefin derivative. The method includes: a) contacting an olefin according to Formula I with a metathesis reaction partner according to Formula IIb in the presence of a metathesis catalyst under conditions sufficient to form a metathesis product according to Formula IIIb: and b) converting the metathesis product to the fatty olefin derivative. Each R1 is independently selected from H, C1-18 alkyl, and C2-18 alkenyl; R2b is C1-8 alkyl; subscript y is an integer ranging from 0 to 17; and subscript z is an integer ranging from 0 to 17. In certain embodiments, the metathesis catalyst is a tungsten catalyst or a molybdenum catalyst. In various embodiments, the fatty olefin derivative is a pheromone. Pheromone compositions and methods of using them are also described.

Abstract: Provided are: a hydrotreating catalyst for hydrocarbon oil having a hydrodesulfurization activity additionally improved by: simultaneously and continuously adding an aqueous solution of an acidic compound containing titanium and an aqueous solution containing an alkaline compound to a hydrosol containing an alumina hydrate particle at a temperature of 10 to 100° C. and a pH of 4.5 to 6.5; washing the resultant to remove a contaminating ion; forming the washed product after dehydration so as to have a moisture content at which it is formable; drying the resultant; impregnating the dried product with a catalytic component aqueous solution containing at least one kind of periodic table group 6 metal compound, at least one kind of periodic table group 8-10 metal compound, at least one kind of phosphorus compound, and at least one kind of saccharide; and drying the resultant; a manufacturing method for the catalyst; and a hydrodesulfurization treatment method for hydrocarbon oil using the catalyst.

Abstract: In a process for forming a bulk hydroprocessing catalyst by sulfiding a catalyst precursor made in a co-precipitation reaction, up to 60% of the metal precursor feeds do not react to form catalyst precursor and end up in the supernatant as metal residuals. In the present disclosure, the metals can be recovered in a chemical precipitation step, wherein the supernatant is mixed with at least one of an acid, a sulfide-containing compound, a base, and combinations thereof to precipitate at least 50% of metal ions in at least one of the metal residuals, wherein the precipitation is carried out at a pre-select pH. The precipitate is isolated and recovered, yielding an effluent stream. The precipitate and/or the effluent stream can be further treated to form at least a metal precursor feed which can be used in the co-precipitation reaction. The process generates an effluent to waste treatment containing less than 50 ppm metals.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for making and handling liquid samples are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling fluid flow through a cartridge for use in an assay of a fluid sample for detection of a target analyte. In one aspect, the cartridge includes a microfluidic device having a network of microfluidic channels, one or more reservoirs and one or more actuatable valves for controlling fluid flow from the reservoirs through the microfluidic channels. In some embodiments, the valve includes a deformable membrane movable between a closed configuration in which the membrane seals against the microfluidic device inhibiting fluid flow and an open configuration moved away from the microfluidic device to allow fluid flow through the microfluidic channels. Other valve embodiments utilize frangible membranes or user-removable membrane.

Abstract: A device for passing a biopolymer molecule includes a nanochannel formed between a surface relief structure, a patterned layer forming sidewalls of the nanochannel and a sealing layer formed over the patterned layer to encapsulate the nanochannel. The surface relief structure includes a three-dimensionally rounded surface that reduces a channel dimension of the nanochannel at a portion of nanochannel and gradually increases the dimension along the nanochannel toward an opening position, which is configured to receive a biopolymer.

Abstract: A reagent container used in an automatic analysis apparatus capable of preventing reagent in the reagent container from spattering out of the reagent container even when the reagent container with large capacity is rotated at a high speed and an automatic analysis apparatus using the reagent container are provided. A reagent container 12 for an automatic analysis apparatus has a first opening 27 used for sucking reagent and a second opening 28 used for the filling of the reagent. The second opening 28 is provided with an attachable/detachable lid 29. The lid 29 is provided with an air vent 33, a first shield plate 30 and a second shield plate 31 for preventing spattering of the reagent through the air vent 33 due to a wave motion of the reagent.

Abstract: A slot extender includes a reservoir. The reservoir includes a reservoir floor defining a drain opening, a continuous reservoir sidewall extending from the reservoir floor, and a concave fillet running along at least a portion where the reservoir sidewall joins the reservoir floor. The concave fillet has a variable radius.

Abstract: An instrument for performing highly accurate PCR employing an assembly, a heated cover, and an internal computer, is provided. The assembly is made up of a sample block, a number of Peltier thermal electric devices, and a heat sink, clamped together. A control algorithm manipulates the current supplied to thermoelectric coolers such that the dynamic thermal performance of a block can be controlled so that pre-defined thermal profiles of sample temperature can be executed. The sample temperature is calculated instead of measured using a design specific model and equations. The control software includes calibration diagnostics which permit variation in the performance of thermoelectric coolers from instrument to instrument to be compensated for such that all instruments perform identically. The block/heat sink assembly can be changed to another of the same or different design.

Abstract: A test tube holder is configurable to support a combination of a first test tube type and a second test tube type. The test tube holder has a base and a plurality of independently adjustable support members, each coupled to and rotatable with respect to the base between a first position, where the support member is configured to support the first test tube type, and a second position, where the first support member is configured to support the second test tube type.

Abstract: Support apparatus for a chemical reactor vessel comprises a mounting system comprising a collar device (221) arranged for closure around the chemical reactor vessel, and a mounting unit (200) having a member (212) with a hollow, semi-cylindrical receiving portion arranged to receive and support the chemical reactor vessel when fitted with the collar device. The collar device has three radially outwardly extending lugs (223A, 223B, 223C). An upper surface of the member (212) is provided with recesses for receiving and supporting lugs 223A and 223C. A slot in the hollow, semi-cylindrical receiving portion is arranged to receive and support the lug (223B). A chemical reactor vessel fitted with the collar device may be mounted on the apparatus without the need for manual handling of the apparatus, allowing two hands to be used for lifting and mounting the vessel. The lugs (223A, 223B, 223C), recesses and slot cooperate to prevent rotation of the vessel when mounted on the apparatus.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a drive for an ultra-high-energy pulsatory-rotary mill that can be applied in the laboratory-class equipment. The objective of the invention is the use of the drive for an ultra-high-energy pulsatory-rotary mill which allows to accomplish the three-dimensional milling process in three axes with simultaneous control of amount of the supplied mechanical energy in real time. The rotary-planetary drive comprises an alternating-current motor (1) constituting the rotary motion drive and powered through an inverter (2) connected with the rotary mechanical energy counter (3), and an alternating-current motor (4) driving actuator (5) constituting the pulsatory motion drive and powered by inverter (6) connected with the pulsatory mechanical energy counter (7). Signals from mechanical energy counters (7) and (3) are conveyed to the digital recorder (8).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for shredding sheet-shaped material, preferably for shredding stacked sheets of paper. In addition, the invention relates to a device for performing said method. According to the method according to the invention, a stack of paper is placed onto a support, the sheets are grasped individually from the stack and, whilst realizing a sheet loop, are guided one after another through a through-opening in the support to a cutting system, and are shredded in the cutting system, wherein, when the loops are formed, the sheets are merely deformed elastically and consequently reversibly such that by realizing a free end each sheet loop is opened again before it reaches the cutting system, and is cut up, unfolded, into regular particles over its entire length.

Abstract: A device for comminuting media materials that store sensitive information. The device is a rotating mill core with removable flat edged blades, a set of stacked bed knives and a screen. The mill core rotates in close proximity to adjustable bed knives to shear the material being fed before passing through a screen in order to grate the material. The mill core has an angular positioned blade constructed and arranged to shear material with said bed knives. The mill core has a mass and is operated at 1000 rpm. A flywheel is further attached to the mill core in order to conserve rotational energy and improve the efficiency of the device. Vacuum ports facilitate cleanup.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for separating associated ions within a gaseous fluid stream into a first population of positively-charged hydrated hydrogen ions and a second population of gaseous hydrated anions. The device employs a housing and spinning wheel within a vacuum chamber to expose a flow of associated ions to a combination of microwaves and magnetic energy within the vacuum to cause bifurcation of the associated ions into a first population of positively-charged hydrated hydrogen ions and a second population of gaseous hydrated anions which may be collected in reservoirs. The collected two populations can be further channeled through a transformer to electrically induce a force for locomotion or communication.

Abstract: A method of separating heavy mineral particles, such as zircon, monazites, xenotime etc., from a sample of quartz crystal powder, comprises the steps of: a. conditioning the quartz powder suspected of containing heavy mineral particles as an aqueous pulp using a froth-flotation agent; b. subjecting the conditioned pulp to froth flotation to obtain a tailing; c. combining the tailing with an aqueous solution having a density greater than that of quartz and less than that of a heavy mineral which it is desired to separate; and d. centrifuging the combination. The separated heavy mineral crystals can then be characterized using a micro-analysis technique.

Abstract: A long throw Pop-Up Irrigation Nozzle assembly has no oscillating or rotating parts and includes a cylindrical body having a fluid inlet and a sidewall defining at least one fluidic circuit configured to generate a selected spray pattern when irrigation fluid flows through the body. In order to throw long distance, droplet velocity, droplet size and droplet initial aim angle determine the throw to provide a low precipitation rate (“PR”) for fluidic sprays. The nozzle assembly and method of the present invention achieve a PR of 1 in/hr or less and good spray distribution with a scheduling coefficient (“SC”) of about 1.5 without utilizing any moving components to provide a significantly more cost effective nozzle assembly, as compared to prior art rotator nozzles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a push-button switching structure for a hand-held shower head, including a water-dividing disc installed between a water inlet and a water outlet of a switching space and formed with a water-dividing hole, first bevel teeth, and a ratchet; a driver installed on the water-diving disc and having a bevelled groove and second bevel teeth to mate with the first bevel teeth; a worm having a bevelled reinforcing fillet to mate with the bevelled groove and a stopping part extending out of the switching space; a positioning pin pivoted in the switching space and having a pawl to mate with the ratchet; and a push button corresponding to the stopping part and mounted outside the switching space. This structure achieves the function of one push button controlling multiple water outputs.

Abstract: Present invention enables to mass-produce rich-taste tamari soy sauce with reasonable costs. First step: Moisturizing soybeans. Second step: Steaming the moisturized soybeans. Third step: Shaping the steamed soybeans into nuggets. Fourth step: Mixing a soy flour and seed koji. Fifth step: Putting the mixture on the nuggets. Sixth step: Incubating the nuggets. Seventh step: Putting the incubated nuggets in salt water. Eighth step: Fermenting the nuggets in the salt water. Ninth step: Pressing moromi (solid component of the fermented product). Tenth step: Settling the liquid obtained by pressing the moromoi. Eleventh step: Optionally filtrating raw tamari soy sauce with a reverse osmosis membrane. Twelfth step: Adjusting concentrations of some constituents of the raw tamari soy sauce. Thirteenth step: Pasteurizing the raw tamari soy sauce. Fourteenth step: Settling the pasteurized tamari soy sauce. Fifteenth step: Filtering the supernatant. Sixteenth step: Bottling the tamari soy sauce.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a mixture of a first product and a second product has a pump which presents a pump body that is intended to be connected to a bottle which contains the first product. The pump has a piston secured to a push button so as to be actuated in translatory motion in the body. The piston defines within the body a dosing chamber having a feeding inlet formed on a lower part of the body. The pump further has a lower check valve that is slidingly mounted in the dosing chamber between an upper opening position and a lower closing position of the feeding inlet.

Abstract: A coating apparatus includes: a rotation holding unit configured to hold and rotate a substrate; a coating liquid supply unit configured to supply a coating liquid onto a surface of the substrate; and a control unit configured to control the rotation holding unit and the coating liquid supply unit. The control unit performs: controlling the coating liquid supply unit to supply the coating liquid onto an encircling line surrounding a rotational center of the substrate while controlling the rotation holding unit to rotate the substrate; followed by controlling the coating liquid supply unit to supply the coating liquid onto a central area; and followed by controlling the rotation holding unit to rotate the substrate at an angular velocity greater than that when the coating liquid is supplied onto the encircling line.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) for applying a liquid to a surface. According to various embodiments, the UAS includes an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) including flight control mechanisms. The UAV is configured to receive first control signals and to adjust an operational configuration of the flight control mechanisms in response to the first control signals. The UAS further includes a delivery assembly coupled to the UAV, where the delivery assembly is configured to receive second control signals and to apply the liquid to the surface located proximately to the UAV in response to the second control signals. The UAS further includes a control unit coupled to the UAV and the delivery assembly, the control unit configured to transmit the first and second control signals to the UAV and the delivery assembly, respectively.

Abstract: An ultrasonic atomizer for maintaining a constant temperature of an ultrasonic vibration generating unit by decreasing a temperature at the periphery of the ultrasonic vibration generating unit even under an environment in which the ultrasonic vibration generating unit is exposed to a high temperature is provided. The ultrasonic atomizer includes: an ultrasonic vibration generating unit which generates ultrasonic waves and atomizes a spray material; a nozzle unit; a heat exchange unit which cools heat generated from the ultrasonic vibration generating unit; and a housing which has heat exchange chambers, where the heat exchange chambers include: a vortex chamber which is positioned in the housing at the periphery of the ultrasonic vibration generating unit and guides a vortex flow; and a thermal insulation chamber which surrounds the vortex chamber and has a separation wall which abuts the vortex chamber, and includes an internal thermal insulation space.

Abstract: A driving method of a vertical heat treatment apparatus having a vertical reaction container with a heating part installed includes: performing a process of loading wafers by a substrate holder support to the reaction container; performing a film forming process of storing a first gas at a storage unit and pressurizing the first gas, and alternatively performing a step of supplying the first gas to the vacuum atmosphere reaction container and a step of supplying the second gas to the reaction container; subsequently performing a purge process of unloading the substrate holder support and supplying a purge gas into the reaction container to forcibly peel off a thin film attached to the reaction container; and while the purge process is performed, performing a process of repeating storing the purge gas at the storage unit, pressurizing the gas and discharging the gas into the reaction container.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus simultaneous discharges at least two flowable components of a multi-component mass from different storage volumes. The dispensing apparatus includes a passive mixing unit having a central mixing passage extending along a flow direction and being configured to guide the components mixed with one another, and including at least two inlets opening into the central mixing passage, the inlets being associated with the same storage volume and open into the mixing passage at different positions along the flow direction.

Abstract: A push member and a caulking gun having the same. The caulking gun includes the push member, a gun body and a push rod. The push member includes a blockable receiving portion which includes a receiving space and a lip protruding from a periphery of the receiving space, and a push portion arranged opposite to the blockable receiving portion in a first direction, for pushing a caulk cartridge. The lip defines a blocking mouth, and the blocking mouth and the receiving space are open toward a same lateral side of the push member to form an open end. When a push plate of the push rod is disposed within the receiving space, the lip and the push plate are blockable with each other in the first direction.

Abstract: A method of texturing a wall or ceiling with non-acoustical joint compound by providing a collapsible bag having an opening at its top and is adapted to contain non-acoustical joint compound for forming a textured coating on the wall or ceiling and providing a spray nozzle having a low pressure input port, a joint compound suction port attached to the opening at the top of the collapsible bag, and an output port for spraying the non-acoustical joint compound. A low pressure stream of air from an air gun attached to the low pressure input port urges a small quantity of the non-acoustical joint compound to be sprayed out of the spray nozzle when the bottom of the collapsible disposable bag is raised above its top to either allow or force the joint compound to flow into the suction port and into the interior of the spray nozzle.

Abstract: A method for depositing high aspect ratio molecular structures (HARMS), which method comprises applying a force upon an aerosol comprising one or more HARM-structures, which force moves one or more HARM-structures based on one or more physical features and/or properties towards one or more predetermined locations for depositing one or more HARM-structures in a pattern by means of an applied force.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to a method of applying a flowable substance to a substrate. The method comprises contacting a portion of the substrate with a portion of a rotating applicator as the substrate is conveyed, and immersing the portion of the rotating applicator in the flowable substance to accumulate the flowable substance on the portion of the rotating applicator. The method further comprises engaging a metering device with the portion of the rotating applicator, metering a portion of the accumulated flowable substance on the portion of the rotating applicator off of the portion of the rotating applicator using the metering device, and applying a portion of the remaining flowable substance on the portion of the rotating applicator to the portion of the substrate when the portion of the substrate contacts the portion of the rotating applicator.

Abstract: A brush composition used for phase-separation of a layer containing a block copolymer having plural kinds of blocks bonded formed on a substrate, the brush composition including a resin component, the resin component having a structural unit (u1) represented by genera formula (u1-1), and having a hydroxy group on at least one terminal portion of the main chain thereof: in formula (u1-1), R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R1 represents a halogen atom, or a linear, branched or cyclic hydrocarbon group of 1 to 20 carbon atoms optionally containing an oxygen atom, a halogen atom or a silicon atom, or a combination of the linear, branched or cyclic hydrocarbon group; and p represents an integer of 1 to 5.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a transparent electrically conductive substrate having an application process whereby a wet layer is formed by applying onto a substrate film a coating liquid comprising metallic nanowires dispersed in a solvent, and a drying process whereby the solvent contained in the abovementioned wet layer is removed by drying, characterised in that the abovementioned drying process includes a process whereby the orientation of the abovementioned metallic nanowires is altered by introducing a forced draft facing towards the substrate from a direction that is different from the longitudinal direction of the substrate film.

Abstract: Various laser marking compositions and related methods are described. The laser marking compositions include a molybdenum metal complex, a tungsten metal complex, or combinations thereof. Marks or other indicia formed on a substrate using the compositions and methods exhibit increased contrast and improved substrate bonding.

Abstract: Methods of reducing waste in the production of wood products, particularly a fenestration unit, and methods of coating a solid softwood component, as well as coated wood products are provided.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer having a reduced cost of manufacture. The ultrasonic transducer includes a first insulative retaining layer, a second insulative retaining layer, and a vibrator film layer sandwiched between the first and second retaining layers. The first retaining layer includes a first plurality of apertures formed therethrough, and the second retaining layer includes a second plurality of apertures formed therethrough, in which the second apertures are substantially in registration with the first apertures. The ultrasonic transducer further includes a first cover portion having a plurality of spring/backplate assemblies connected thereto, and a second cover portion. The combination of the first retaining layer, the vibrator film layer, and the second retaining layer is sandwiched between the first and second cover portions of the ultrasonic transducer.