Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition for purifying exhaust gas and an exhaust gas purifying catalyst which contain a manganese-containing composite oxide, and an object of the invention is to provide a novel catalyst composition which can sufficiently function as an exhaust gas purifying catalyst even without supporting a precious metal as a catalytically active component. To achieve the object, there is proposed a catalyst composition for purifying exhaust gas including particles containing a manganese-containing composite oxide and particles containing a metal of Group 5 to Group 11 having an electron in the d orbital (however, Mn, Pt, Rh, and Pd are excluded) or an oxide of the metal in a mixed state.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing a catalyst for a dehydrogenation reaction of formic acid, the method including: preparing a nitrogen-doped carbon support; forming a mixed solution including a first aqueous metal precursor solution which includes palladium (Pd) and a second aqueous metal precursor solution which includes nickel (Ni); and forming a catalyst for a dehydrogenation reaction of formic acid by stirring the nitrogen-doped carbon support with the mixed solution, and then immobilizing alloy particles of Pd and Ni on the nitrogen-doped carbon support.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composition comprising a mixture of zinc sulphide (ZnS) and molybdenum sulphide (MoSx), in which the Mo/Zn molar ratio is in the range 0.01 to 1.9. The invention also pertains to a process for its preparation as well as to its application in photocatalysis and more particularly to its application in photocatalysis for the production of dihydrogen from water (H2O) and/or hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and/or any other source of protons in the presence of a source emitting in the ultraviolet and/or visible spectrum.

Abstract: A method for preparing nanosized sulfide catalysts includes providing an aqueous solution having an organometallic complex, mixing the organometallic complex with a sulfiding agent, an emulsifier, and a hydrocarbon oil to prepare a water-in-oil nanoemulsion; subjecting the water-in-oil nanoemulsion to thermal decomposition and isolating a solid product from the liquid.

Abstract: Process for preparing a hydrotreating catalyst comprising of from 5 wt % to 50 wt % of molybdenum, of from 0.5 wt % to 20 wt % of cobalt, and of from 0 to 5 wt % of phosphorus, all based on total dry weight of catalyst, which process comprises (a) treating a nickel containing carrier with molybdenum, cobalt and of from 1 to 60% wt of gluconic acid, based on weight of carrier, and optionally phosphorus, (b) optionally drying the treated carrier at a temperature of from 40 to 200° C., and (c) calcining the treated and optionally dried carrier at a temperature of from 200 to 650° C. to obtain the calcined treated carrier.

Abstract: A rare earth free particulate catalytic cracking catalyst which comprises a zeolite having catalytic cracking ability under catalytic cracking conditions, an acidified silica sol binder, magnesium salt, clay and a matrix material. The catalytic cracking catalyst has a high matrix surface area and is useful in a catalytic cracking process, in particularly, a fluid catalytic cracking process, to provide increased catalytic activity and improved hydrogen and coke selectivity without the need to incorporate rare earth metals.

Abstract: A process for preparing a catalytic cracking catalyst, which process comprises: a molecular sieve is introduced into a gas-phase ultra-stabilization reactor, the molecular sieve is moved without the conveying of carrier gas from a molecular sieve inlet of the gas-phase ultra-stabilization reactor to a molecular sieve outlet of the gas-phase ultra-stabilization reactor, and the molecular sieve is contacted and reacted with a gaseous SiCl4 in the gas-phase ultra-stabilization reactor, the molecular sieve resulting from the contacting and the reacting is optionally washed, then mixed with a matrix and water into slurry, and shaped into particles.

Abstract: A heterogeneous catalyst comprising a metal-containing polymer matrix covalently bonded to a support material and a method of making and using such catalysts. The metal-containing polymer matrix comprises metal nano-particles encapsulated in a polymer matrix, e.g., a siloxane. In one aspect, the metal-containing polymer matrix can be bonded to the support material via a hydrophobic group attached to the support material. The catalyst can be recovered after being used in a metal catalyzed reaction and exhibit excellent catalytic activity upon reuse in subsequent reactions.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure includes a honeycomb structure body having a porous partition wall which cells and having a circumferential wall at an outer circumference thereof, and also includes a pair of electrodes on a side surface of the honeycomb structure body. An open frontal area of a center part is 0.70 to 0.95 times of that of an outer circumferential part, where the center part is defined as an area from a center of the honeycomb structure body to a position of 10% of a length from the center to the outer circumference in a direction toward the outer circumference in a cross-section orthogonal to the cells' extending direction, and the outer circumferential part is defined as an area from the outer circumference to a position of 10% of a length from the outer circumference to the center in a direction toward the center in the cross-section.

Abstract: Semiconductor-oxide nanotubes-based composite particles are useful for dye-removal. A method involves an ion-exchange mechanism operating under a dark-condition in an aqueous solution, for the processing of products consisting of the nanotubes of semiconductor-oxides deposited on, anchored to or attached to the surface of fly ash particles and metal-oxide (magnetic and non-magnetic) nanoparticles. The resulting micro-nano and nano-nano integrated composite particles can be used in the removal of an organic synthetic-dye from an aqueous solution and industry effluent via a surface-adsorption process, involving ion-exchange and electrostatic-attraction mechanisms. The composite particles can be recycled for the next cycle of dye-adsorption by decomposing the previously adsorbed dye on their surfaces via the use of either noble-metal-deposited or magnetically separable magnetic photocatalysts and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) or solar-radiation.

Abstract: A controlled environment enclosure comprises a robotic arm manipulation system used to protect and unprotect a fluid path within the controlled environment enclosure. The apparatus allows the fluid path to be protected against dangerous decontamination vapors and chemicals before the controlled environment enclosure is decontaminated, the method not requiring the use of gloves or other means that degrade the integrity of the controlled environment enclosure. The apparatus similarly allows the fluid path to be unprotected for use without the use of gloves, the method not requiring the use of gloves or other means that degrade the integrity of the controlled environment enclosure when decontamination is completed. The apparatus and method allow for the protecting, unprotecting and decontaminating sequences to be automated.

Abstract: An apparatus, comprising at least separating means (1) for separating blood plasma and red blood cells, which separating means (1) comprise pressure means (20) for pressing at least a part of the blood through a filter (26), wherein at least first collecting means (27) are provided for collecting separated blood plasma and at least one reagent is provided in said first collecting means (27) or can be introduced therein for reaction with substances or organisms present in said blood plasma.

Abstract: A biological fluid sample analysis cartridge is provided. The cartridge includes a housing, a fluid module, and an analysis chamber. The fluid module includes a sample acquisition port and an initial channel, and is connected to the housing. The initial channel is sized to draw fluid sample by capillary force, and is in fluid communication with the acquisition port. The initial channel is fixedly positioned relative to the acquisition port such that at least a portion of a fluid sample disposed within the acquisition port will draw into the initial channel. The analysis chamber is connected to the housing, and is in fluid communication with the initial channel.

Abstract: A valve for a fluidic cartridge is provided. The valve comprises a valve cavity having first and second openings connected to first and second passageways, respectively; and a flexible membrane within the valve cavity, the flexible membrane having a first portion actuatable to seal against the first opening and a second portion actuatable to seal against the second opening; wherein the valve cavity is configured such that the first flexible membrane portion may be actuated independently of the second flexible membrane portion to enable the first opening to be sealed independently of the second.

Abstract: An apparatus for actuating in rotation and reading a centrifugal microfluidic disk for biological and/or biochemical analyses, comprising: a container body, defining an internal chamber forming a closed curvilinear path, the path comprising a housing region configured to house the centrifugal microfluidic disk, and a curvilinear channel fluidically coupled to the housing region; a heater operatively arranged in a section of the curvilinear channel; and a fan operatively arranged in a respective section of the curvilinear channel.

Abstract: A reagent manager for a diagnostic analyzer system includes a reagent manager housing, a high-speed reagent bottle spinning device, a processor, and a memory. The reagent manager housing is for housing reagent bottles. The high-speed reagent bottle spinning device is disposed within the reagent manager housing for spinning at least one of the reagent bottles. The processor is in electronic communication with the high-speed reagent bottle spinning device. The memory is in electronic communication with the processor. The memory includes programming code for execution by the processor. The programming code is configured to spin the high-speed reagent bottle spinning device to spin the at least one reagent bottle to remove microparticles from a bottom surface of a septum of the at least one reagent bottle.

Abstract: For the present small solenoid valve, a stem is coupled to a solenoid plunger, and a valve body is attached to a distal end of the stem. A circular-ring shaped valve seat on which the valve body is seated is provided in a valve chamber of a valve casing, and a seal ring is externally fitted on the stem between the valve chamber and the solenoid plunger with an outer peripheral portion of the seal ring made to contact with an inner surface of the valve casing. The valve casing and the seal ring are made of a rubber-like polymer elastic body, a first port is connected to communicate with the valve chamber, and a second port is connected to communicate with an inner side of the valve seat. At actuation of the solenoid, when the stem moves in an axial direction, the seal ring follows the movement by only elastic deformation without sliding.

Abstract: When taking in outside air with a fan to control the temperature inside a covered portion where a specimen is installed, the internal temperature may change depending on an environment temperature to cause a difference in temperature control. The wind generated by the fan may blow against a reaction container depending on its loading position and it may influence the temperature control over individual specimens and lead to problems with temperature accuracy, temperature rise speed, and temperature drop speed. A reaction container avoiding these problems has a covered portion which performs temperature control on the reaction container and in which a cover and a fin cover have a heat insulating structure. A heat source is provided for controlling an internal temperature of an internal covered space. The internal temperature is kept constant and the influence of the environment temperature over the temperature control of the reaction container is minimized.

Abstract: A laboratory specimen tray for the organization of medical and scientific specimens for improving continuity of case/patient identification and reduction in the mislabeling or mixing of specimens between patients is provided. The specimen tray may be an elongated body of material that forms various voids for securing various types of specimen containers and associated paperwork. An upper surface of the specimen tray provides a distinct demarcation, such as one of a plurality of colors, so that two specimens of the same type are never next to each other in a laboratory setting, further preventing the possibility of specimen/patient mix ups. This separation makes sure that a cassette during sectioning by the technologist is not accidentally cut and placed on the wrong patient slide.

Abstract: A microplate reader comprises a housing; at least one optical measuring/detection device; a microplate support; a moving unit; and an integrated lid holding apparatus. The lid holding apparatus is arranged to move the microplate lid and/or the microplate support is arranged to move the microplate in one respective, in an at least approximately vertical direction for moving the microplate lid away from the microplate. The lid holding apparatus is arranged inside the housing as a magnetic lifter and comprises a non-array arrangement of at least one permanent magnet, or at least three electromagnets, or at least one switchable permanent magnet. Each microplate lid to be moved away from the microplate comprises magnetizable material.

Abstract: A device for comminuting feedstock with a rotor which is disposed within a housing and rotates about an axis of rotation and is equipped over its circumference with comminuting tools. A ring disc is attached to front sides of the rotor in each case concentrically to the axis of rotation. The removal of the sufficiently comminuted material occurs via a screen deck extending over part of the rotor circumference. On axial front sides of the screen deck an arcuate sealing element following the outer circumference of the ring disc is disposed in each case, the element which to form a sealing gap in the plane of the ring disc lies radially opposite to the disc. The sealing effect of the sealing gap between the screen deck and rotor uniformly over the entire length is successfully achieved in this way.

Abstract: A hydrate production apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a main body unit having a reaction space in which a hydrate is produced therein; an inlet pipe unit connected to one side of the main body unit so as to introduce, into the reaction space, a host material and a guest material for producing the hydrate; an outlet pipe unit connected to the other side of the main body unit so as to discharge the hydrate produced in the reaction space to the outside; and a pulverizing device unit provided inside the reaction space so as to increase a reaction area for producing the hydrate by pulverizing, into fine-sized particles, an object to be pulverized, which is at least one of the introduced host material and guest material.

Abstract: A mineral material processing plant and a method for controlling thereof. The mineral material processing plant includes at least one motor, at least one actuator, a feeder device, a control system, and an arrangement for recognizing a need to switch off a standby-mode. The control system is configured to control the processing plant in such a way that the need to switch off a standby mode is automatically recognized. In response to the recognized need to switch off the standby mode the running speed of a motor or motors of the mineral material processing plant is raised from a stand-by speed (Rsb) to a process speed (Rf); and the feeding of mineral material into the processing plant is enabled.

Abstract: A particle separation system for separating particles in an airflow upstream of a detection chamber in an aspirating smoke detector is disclosed. The particle separation system includes an airflow path for directing the airflow from an inlet to an outlet. The airflow path includes a first airflow path section in a first direction and a second airflow path section in a second direction, the first and second directions being different relative to each other. The airflow path also includes at least one electrically charged surface such that the airflow undergoes electrostatic precipitation as it traverses the airflow path. A method of separating particles in an airflow upstream of a detection chamber in an aspirating smoke detector is also disclosed.

Abstract: A plasma purification module is described. The plasma purification module includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, at least one long electrode and a catchment element. The first electrode plate is configured to be connected to a first electrode of a power supply. The second electrode plate is disposed over a surface of the first electrode plate, and is configured to be connected to a second electrode of the power supply, in which the second electrode plate has a channel. The long electrode is configured to form a discharge area. The long electrode is disposed on the surface of the first electrode plate and passes through the channel. The long electrode has a tip. The catchment element is disposed adjacent to the tip, and is configured to provide the discharge area with mist or water.

Abstract: A foam molding shell for a centrifuge bowl, a bowl for a centrifuge, a method for producing a thermal insulation encasing the bowl for the centrifuge and to a centrifuge. The foam molding shell is configured as a disposable tool for foam encasing the bowl for the centrifuge with the thermal insulating material. Thus, the production complexity and the production cost of the centrifuge bowl with the thermally insulated bowl for the centrifuge can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A rotating machine has a bowl that is rotatable about an axis to generate a cylindrical pool of a feed slurry. The bowl has a heavy phase discharge port and a base plate at one longitudinal end of the bowl. There is at least one outlet opening in the base plate and a liquid phase discharge port member positioned over the outlet opening. The liquid phase discharge port member includes at least one open straight channel having a longitudinal axis that extends at an acute angle relative to the base plate. The channel has an extension in the direction of the longitudinal axis of open straight channel.

Abstract: A valve gun for a high-pressure cleaner is provided, including an inlet channel with an inlet for supplying a pressurized liquid and an outlet channel with an outlet for discharging the liquid, a valve arranged in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet, a triggering member manually movable between a rest position and a release position for opening and closing the valve, a first locking member manually movable between a locking position and an unlocking position for locking the triggering member in the rest position, and a handgrip graspable by the user. In order to further develop the valve gun such that it is easier to handle, the triggering member can be arranged at the rear side of the handgrip that faces away from the outlet, and that the first locking member can be arranged at the front side of the handgrip that faces the outlet.

Abstract: A blocked hole treatment apparatus and method are provided. The blocked hole treatment apparatus includes: a dredge element, a support element and a driving element, the dredge element is arranged on the support element, and the driving element is configured to drive the dredge element to rotate around the support element such that one end of the dredge element is inserted into a vent hole (the blocked hole) of the crucible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a changeover device for coating media having a plurality of supply units, each of which has at least one inlet, which can be connected to a reservoir, and an outlet, wherein a flow channel extends between the inlet and the outlet. At least one coupling unit which can be moved relative to the supply units has an entry and an exit which can be connected to an application device, wherein a through channel extends between the entry and the exit. The entry of the coupling unit is complementary to the outlets of the supply units so that the entrance of the coupling unit can be coupled to the outlet of one of the supply units and can be separated again therefrom. The coupling unit is designed as a pigging station. The invention further relates to a coating system for coating objects having such a changeover device.

Abstract: A filter for industrial coating filtration systems. The filter has a housing made up of a peripheral wall extending around the periphery. The housing is preferably made of a suitably rigid material. A preferably rigid support backing is mounted within the housing. The support backing has a planar configuration with openings formed through it so that gas can flow through without substantial resistance. The preferably planar sheet of which the support backing is made is pleated. The pleated support backing defines a series of panels, each of which is angled to a next adjacent panel. Filtration media is mounted to the support backing, end caps are attached to the ends of the support backing to maintain the pleated configuration, and the assembly is inserted into the housing, which can have end flaps to seal using tape or adhesive.

Abstract: A system for dosing one or more fluids on a substrate, the system comprising a rotating roll. The rotating roll has a central longitudinal axis, wherein the rotating roll rotates about the central longitudinal axis; an exterior surface defining an interior region and substantially surrounding the central longitudinal axis; and a vascular network configured for transporting the one or more fluids in a predetermined path from the interior region to the exterior surface of the rotating roll.

Abstract: A nozzle is provided configured for applying sealant to a construction panel joint. The nozzle includes a nozzle body having a first, supply end, and a second, outlet end opposite the supply end, the body defining an internal passageway. Also included on the nozzle is at least one tooling formation located at the outlet end and constructed and arranged for tooling a bead of sealant dispensed out the passageway from the outlet end.

Abstract: A method is used to identify and compensate for errors created by changes in the relative positions of a deposition unit and a vision system of a dispenser. The method includes calibrating the vision system, dispensing a pattern of features over a working area, moving the vision system over a deposition location to locate a deposition, obtaining an image of the deposition, tagging data associated with the image, calculating a relative distance between the deposition unit and the vision system, storing correction data with spatial location in a file for later use, and using the stored data to make small corrections prior to dispensing additional material.

Abstract: A system and method for coating a substrate, the system including integrated powder coating material preparation and deposition of powder coating material onto a substrate. The system includes a feed input that processes the powder coating materials for use in a filament extension atomizer. The filament extension atomizer stretches fluid filaments of the powder coating material to form droplets of powder coating material. The droplets of powder coating material are partially cooled to prevent agglomeration and to form a powder coating material suitable for electrostatic deposition. The cooled powder coating material is electrostatically charged and directed onto the substrate surface, where it is deposited due to the electrostatic potential between the substrate and cooled droplets. The deposited powder coating material is then cured to the substrate to form a cohesive film of coating material across the substrate.

Abstract: Positions of an outer periphery of a rotating substrate and a processing liquid nozzle are detected. An amplitude of a change with time of the position of the outer periphery of the substrate detected during rotation is acquired. In a direction passing through a rotational center and parallel with the rotating substrate, a relative position of the processing liquid nozzle with respect to the spin chuck is periodically changed at a frequency equal to a rotational frequency of the spin chuck and the acquired amplitude. A difference between a phase of a change with time of the position of the processing liquid nozzle and a phase of a change with time of the position of the outer periphery of the substrate is adjusted to not more than a predetermined value. A processing liquid is discharged from the processing liquid nozzle to a peripheral portion of the rotating substrate.

Abstract: A particulate film laminating system includes: a nanoparticle generating chamber in which nanoparticles of a metal material are generated; a nanofiber generating chamber in which nanofibers of a resin material are generated; a laminating chamber in which the nanoparticles and the nanofibers are film-formed and laminated on a substrate; a nanoparticle film-forming region configured such that the nanoparticles are film-formed in the laminating chamber; a nanofiber film-forming region configured such that the nanofibers are film-formed in the laminating chamber; a moving unit which moves the substrate between the nanoparticle film-forming region and the nanofiber film-forming region; an exhaust unit which exhausts the laminating chamber; and a coolant-gas introduction unit which introduces coolant gas into each of the nanoparticle generating chamber and the nanofiber generating chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol F, Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), and Bisphenol F diglycidyl ether (BFDGE)-free coating compositions for metal substrates including an under-coat composition containing a polyester (co)polymer, and an under-coat cross-linker; and an over-coat composition containing a poly(vinyl chloride) (co)polymer dispersed in a substantially nonaqueous carrier liquid, an over-coat cross-linker, and a functional (meth)acrylic (co)polymer. Also provided is a method of coating a metal substrate using the BPA, BPF, BADGE and BFDGE-free coating system to produce a hardened protective coating useful in fabricating metal storage containers. The coated substrate is particularly useful in fabricating multi-part foodstuffs storage containers with “easy-open” end closures.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducer coupling adapters, ultrasonic transducer assemblies with an adapter, and methods for making and for using ultrasonic transducer adapter components are disclosed. An ultrasonic transducer assembly is disclosed for generating and transmitting ultrasonic energy to a work piece (e.g., non-resonant structures). The assembly includes piezoelectric actuators that generate ultrasonic vibrations in response to high-frequency electrical signals. A feedback system monitors and regulates voltages applied to the piezoelectric actuators. The assembly also includes an adapter that is connected to the piezoelectric actuators (e.g., via a front mass) and is configured to distribute the ultrasonic vibrations from the actuators to the work piece. The adapter reduces or substantially eliminates transmission back to the piezoelectric actuators of erratic strain generated by the work piece in response to these ultrasonic vibrations.

Abstract: A grizzly screen member assembly with a replaceable tip end. The grizzly screen member assembly comprises an elongate base member and a replaceable tip member coupled removably coupled to the replaceable tip member. The elongate base member may be coupled to a panel and assembled into a grizzly feeder system or coupled to the grizzly feeder system itself.

Abstract: Automated (e.g., robotic) mail tagging, traying, sleeving, and palletizing devices are disclosed. A monitoring system is also disclosed. In embodiments, the monitoring system is configured to operate with (e.g., monitor and/or control) one or more of the automated devices disclosed herein to facilitate actual physical mail matches the digital files provided to the USPS for postage discounts received on same mail. By comparing the digital information regarding the mail item identifier, the tray identifier, and the pallet identifier with the stored physical information received from the one or more scanners; and identifying whether or not any discrepancies exist between the digital information regarding the mail item identifier, the tray identifier, and the pallet identifier and the stored physical information received from the one or more scanners users can ensure actual physical mail matches the digital files submitted to USPS for postage discounts of same mail.

Abstract: Various arrangements involving a single-stream sorting system are presented, such as for use in sorting a single stream of recyclable materials. The single-stream sorting system may include a platform for an operator to stand on. The single-stream sorting system may include a circular conveyor that rotates in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to move the stream of items around the platform. The single-stream sorting system may include a plurality of item collector chutes arranged in a circular pattern around an outer circumference of the circular conveyor. The stream of items deposited on the conveyor is rotated around the circular platform and proximate to each item collector chute of the plurality of item collector chutes to allow items from the stream of items to be moved from the circular conveyor into the plurality of item collector chutes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning arrangement for a nozzle of a vacuum cleaner. The cleaning arrangement comprises a socket for receiving the vacuum cleaner nozzle and a cleaning member arranged in the socket for removing articles entangled to a rotatable member of the vacuum cleaner nozzle during rotation of the rotatable member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel nozzle adapter for a spray bottle. The nozzle adapter coupled to a nozzle of spray bottle to allow a fluid chemical composition of sanitizing fluid to be forcefully discharged through it into the small opening cut outs of a knife block. The nozzle adapter serves as a guard to enter the opening and protect a splash back from occurring when the user applies a sanitizing fluid spray solution by pressure into the inside portion of the knife block slots which are of various sizes.

Abstract: A container is disclosed. The container includes a top portion and a bottom portion, both including a mesh portion, at least one hinging feature attached to the bottom portion, wherein the at least one hinging feature hingably attaches the top portion to the bottom portion, wherein the top portion and the bottom portion having an open configuration and a closed configuration and wherein the top portion and the bottom portion, when in the closed configuration, forming an inner portion, also a latching mechanism wherein when the latching mechanism is in a locked position the top portion and bottom portion are locked into the closed configuration, also at least one spring holder attached to the at least one hinging feature and located within the inner portion wherein when the top portion and bottom portion move from the closed position to the open position, the at least one spring holder lifts upwards.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the technical field of glass substrate cleaning. Specifically, the present disclosure provides a glass substrate detergent tank which can solve the technical problem of wasting detergent solution. The detergent tank includes a tank body enclosed by a top face, a bottom face and side faces. There are a water inlet, a water outlet and a vent hole in tank body. There is a partition plate disposed between two facing inside faces of the tank body, which separate the tank body into two cavities communicating at the bottom. The detergent tank according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will not let froth discharge outside the tank body with gas, and thus can reduce the amount of wasted detergent solution, thereby extending the usage time of the detergent solution.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus and method, the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus (10) comprising a tank (12) for in use receiving a cleaning liquid and for receiving an item to be cleaned in a cleaning region (16) thereof, a transducer (21) arranged, when driven, to direct ultrasonic pressure waves into cleaning liquid received in the tank (12) and a controller (30) arranged in use to drive the transducer (21), a gas introducer (40) arranged to in use provide a supply of gas into cleaning liquid in the tank so that macroscopic bubbles of gas are produced wherein the gas introducer (40) provides a plurality of bubble sources distributed below the cleaning region of the tank. The apparatus further comprises an assembly arranged in use to enable movement of the item to be cleaned in the cleaning region.

Abstract: Described embodiments include an unmanned aerial vehicle and a method. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes an airframe and a rotary wing system coupled with the airframe and configured to aerodynamically lift the vehicle in the air. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a flight controller configured to control a movement of the vehicle while airborne. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a cleansing controller configured to manage a removal of a surface contaminant from a selected portion of a surface of an external object using an airflow generated by the rotary wing system.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus for removing particles from a surface of a substrate, such as from the backside of the substrate, are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for removing particles from a surface of a substrate includes: a substrate handler to expose the surface of the substrate; a particle separator to separate particles from the exposed surface of the substrate; a particle transporter to transport the separated particles; and a particle collector to collect the transported particles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting fluid during flushing of a subsea fluid conduit such as a subsea umbilical. The apparatus comprises a vessel configured to receive fluid from the subsea fluid conduit, and a first connector for fluidly coupling the vessel to the subsea flowline. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a second connector for fluidly coupling the apparatus to a subsea production system and a flow control system. The flow control system is configured to operate in a first mode in which flushing fluid is directed from the subsea fluid conduit into the vessel, and is configured to operate in a second mode of operation in which the fluid is diverted from the subsea flowline to the subsea production system. In another aspect, the apparatus is configured to provide a detectable signal to surface when a pre-determined volume of flushing fluid has been received in the vessel.