Abstract: A paper shredder motor cooling assembly having a paper shredder motor coupled to a fan shaft, an enclosure surrounding the paper shredder motor and having selected input and selected output vents to control airflow to the paper shredder motor, a fan coupled to the fan shaft, communicating with the selected input vents or the selected output vents; when the paper shredder motor is operating, the rotor shaft turns the fan to generate a differential air pressure between the selected input vents and the selected output vents, removing heat from the motor. A duty cycle of greater than 15 minutes is obtained. The fan can be coupled to the motor by speed increasing gearing, attached to the cutter blade assembly, such that the fan turns faster than the motor. The fan also can be attached to the motor shaft. An input fan and an output fan can be used.

Abstract: The invention provides a counter-impact jet milling mechanism. The counter-impact jet milling mechanism comprises rotating members capable of rotating around an axis, and is characterized in that at least 4 circumferentially distributed grinding areas are arranged in the rotating members, a through path is formed between the outer edge of each of the grinding areas and the inner wall of each of the rotating members, and negative pressure blades, positive pressure blades and material diverters are arranged in each of the grinding areas. The invention further provides a counter-impact jet mill.

Abstract: A method for processing hemp to form a dry hemp product including cannabinoid oil comprises steps of: (i) cutting hemp plants growing in a field between about 85 days and about 120 days after seeding, such that the hemp plants include at least one of leaves and flower buds but are free of seed; (ii) drying the hemp plants to a prescribed moisture content of about 5% to about 15%, by leaving the hemp plants in the field to air dry; (iii) shaking the hemp plants to shear said at least one of the leaves and the flower buds from stalks of the hemp plants so as to form separated stalks and said at least one of the leaves and the flower buds which are not deformed; and (iv) screening the separated stalks and the leaves and/or the flower buds so as to be separated from one another.

Abstract: Provided is a sheet processing device able to suppress consumption of sheets. The sheet processing device has a supply device that supplies sheets; an image acquisition device that acquires an image of a sheet supplied from the supply device; a first decision device that determines whether or not the sheet can be reused based on the image of the sheet acquired by the image acquisition device; and an inverter configured to discharge the sheet without reversing the first side and second side of the sheet when the first decision device determines that the first side of the sheet can be reused, and reverses the first side and second side of the sheet and then discharges the sheet when the first decision device determines that the second side of the sheet can be reused.

Abstract: A coordinate positioning apparatus for inspecting an artefact. The coordinate positioning apparatus includes at least one moveable member moveable in at least one degree of freedom, and at least one motor and at least one bearing arrangement for facilitating said movement. At least a part of the at least one motor and/or at least one bearing arrangement are located inside a protective housing therefor. A ferromagnetic contamination trap comprising at least one magnet is provided and configured to attract and retain ferromagnetic contamination entering the protective housing.

Abstract: A system for the continuous monitoring of wear and/or pressure within a gravity concentrator/centrifugal separator [10] is disclosed. The system may comprise a gravity concentrator/centrifugal separator [10] having a cone [30], rotor housing shell [20], and water jacket [40]. At least one detector [34] may be provided to at least one of the cone [30], rotor housing shell [20], and water jacket [40]. At least one integrated or handheld sensor [60] may be provided adjacent to portions of the gravity concentrator/centrifugal separator [10], the sensor [60] being configured to communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with the at least one detector [34] during operation of the gravity concentrator/centrifugal separator [10]. In use, the cone [30] may wear away and ultimately affect a function of the least one detector [34]. In use, pressure changes within the water jacket [40] may change and ultimately affect a function (e.g., an output signal) of the least one detector [34].

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a motor driven, high velocity decanter, and more particularly to a decanter which incorporates a horizontal rotating bowl and a rotating scroll. The decanter is capable of separating particulate material or solids from a liquid. A motor is coupled to and drives the bowl. Rotational power is transferred from the bowl to the scroll through a gearbox. An adjustable speed brake is coupled to the scroll to affect the differential speed between the bowl and the scroll. In one example, the adjustable speed brake is a positive displacement pump.

Abstract: The invention provides a diverter valve assembly for use with multiple water discharge fixtures, such as a shower head and a hand-held sprayer. The diverter valve assembly includes a valve body having an inlet port and multiple outlet ports, a rotatable valve core and a rotation knob. Rotational positioning of an elastic cup seal on the valve core blocks water flow at any of the inlet port and the outlet ports, allowing water flow from a single water source to one of the water discharge fixtures at a time, or to both of the water discharge fixtures simultaneously. The diverter valve assembly also includes a holder for storing the hand-held sprayer.

Abstract: A fluid-ejection device includes a first member having a fluid inlet; a second member that can be moved relative to the first member; and a control member arranged to be at least in a first condition, in which the control member is at least substantially inside the second member during a first stroke of the second member in which fluid flow through the second member and discharge is prevented; and a second condition, in which the control member is at least substantially outside the second member during a second stroke of the second member, allowing fluid flow through the second member and discharge. A seal member has a first surface engaged with the first member, a second surface engaged with the second member, and a third surface arranged to be engaged with the control member in the first condition.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a gas turbine engine of an aircraft having a fuel nozzle including a fuel swirler and/or an outer air swirler. The fuel swirler may include a manifold for receiving fuel from a fuel conduit, and a plurality of fuel passages to direct fuel from the manifold to discharge orifices that direct fuel with swirling flow. The fuel swirler may be configured to provide uniform spray while minimizing recirculation zones; reduce residence time as fuel enters the manifold; minimize flow disruptions, boundary layer growth, and/or pressure drop as fuel flows through the fuel passages; reduces coking internally of the nozzle; reduces thermal stresses; and is simple and low-cost to manufacture.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electrostatic control of expelled material for lens cleaners are disclosed. In certain described examples, an apparatus can expel fluid by atomization from a central area of the surface using an ultrasonic transducer mechanically coupled to the surface. A first electrode can be arranged relative to the central area of the surface. A second electrode can be located in a peripheral area relative to the central area of the surface, in which a voltage can be applied between the first and second electrodes to attract atomized fluid at the peripheral area.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray device including a voltage applicator and an isoelectric line adjustment electrode. The voltage applicator applies a voltage between a liquid sprayer and a heteropolar portion functioning as a pole opposite from a pole of the liquid sprayer to generate an electrostatic force. The isoelectric line adjustment electrode is made from a conductive material and adjusts equipotential curves appearing so as to surround the nozzle. The isoelectric line adjustment electrode obtains the equipotential curves at least partially drawing curvature gentler than curves of equipotential curves appearing near a front side of the nozzle in a state where the isoelectric line adjustment electrode is not disposed. The isoelectric line adjustment electrode is located near an outer periphery at a distal end of the nozzle and has an electric potential identical to an electric potential of the liquid sprayer such that the equipotential curves drawing the gentle curvature are obtained.

Abstract: A hand cleaner foam dispenser with a first pump arrangement that discharges a first liquid and first air from the atmosphere through a first foam inducing member into a mixing chamber and a second pump arrangement that discharges a second liquid into the mixing chamber, and in which there is a simultaneous discharge of the first liquid, first air and the second liquid from the mixing chamber through an outlet foam inducing member to produce a foamed product delivered onto a person's hand. Preferably, the second pump arrangement may discharge not only the second liquid, but also second air drawn from the atmosphere and discharge the second liquid and the second air through a second foam inducing member into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to foam generation and provide a novel and non-obvious insert for a foam generation apparatus. In an embodiment of the invention, an insert for a foam generator includes a cylindrical cage and a multiplicity of fins extending from an interior portion of the cage towards a longitudinal axis of the cage, and at an inclined angle relative to the axis. The insert further includes at least one pad contacting the interior portion of the cage in a volume defined by opposing sets of the fins and the interior portion of the cage.

Abstract: There is provided a technique that includes: a process chamber in which a substrate is accommodated to be processed; a plurality of quartz gas nozzles configured to supply, into the process chamber, a plurality of process gasses capable of generating reaction products by reacting the plurality of process gasses with each other; an evacuation device configured to evacuate an interior portion of the process chamber; a bypass pipe configured to connect a quartz gas nozzle among the plurality of quartz gas nozzles to the evacuation device; and a coating gas nozzle configured to supply at least one of a silicon-containing gas and an oxidizing gas capable of forming a SiO2 coating film inside the quartz gas nozzle connected to the evacuation device in a state in which the inside of the quartz gas nozzle connected to the evacuation device is evacuated by the evacuation device.

Abstract: Presently described are components of a spray application system, a method of making thereof, wherein at least one component comprises a liquid repellent surface layer such that the receding contact angle with water ranged from 90 degrees to 135 degrees. The liquid repellent surface (e.g. layer) may comprise a porous layer and a lubricant impregnated into pores of the porous layer; a fluoropolymer; a fluorochemical material and an organic polymeric binder; or a fluorochemical material melt additive or silicone/silane/siloxane material melt additive and a thermoplastic polymeric material component. The component is typically a liquid reservoir, a liquid reservoir liner, a lid for a liquid reservoir or liner, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the component comprises a thermoplastic polymeric material. In some favored embodiments, the component is a removable liquid reservoir or liner. In some favored embodiments, the component is a collapsible liquid reservoir or liner.

Abstract: An automated flowable material dispenser for dispensing flowable material from a flowable material container is provided. The dispenser may include a dispenser housing and a motor assembly. The dispenser housing may include a dispensing opening and be configured to receive the flowable material container therein. The motor assembly may be positioned within the dispenser housing and configured to translate with respect to the dispenser housing between a home position and a dispensing position to dispense the flowable material from the flowable material container. The motor assembly may include a motor housing and a motor positioned at least partially within the motor housing.

Abstract: An actuator is provided. The actuator includes a nozzle; a valve; a conduit in fluid communication with the valve at one end portion and in fluid communication with the nozzle at an opposite end portion; and a trigger operatively connected with the valve, wherein the trigger includes a first zone and a second zone, wherein the first and second zones are independently movable about a common axis.

Abstract: An actuator includes a nozzle; a valve; and a trigger operatively connected with the valve, wherein the trigger comprises an elastomeric material, wherein the trigger is configured to reciprocate from a forward position to a rearward position and back to a forward position upon actuation, wherein upon actuation from a forward position to a rearward position the trigger comprises a changing moment arm.

Abstract: A dispenser has a plunger (3) operable in a pump body (4). The plunger can be locked up or locked down, and formations (88,89) of a pump plunger stem and pump body insert (6) for achieving this are described. Components of the dispenser, including a pump body cylinder/closure component (5), container neck and a pump body insert (6), are rotationally locked together with non-selective alignment and sealed by sliding-fit seals to prevent damage or leakage caused by relative turning of the components in transit.

Abstract: A pressure washer gun is provided including a safety locking feature that may inhibit unintentional actuation. In an embodiment, the pressure washer gun may include a body portion, and a hand grip portion extending from the body portion. A trigger may be disposed adjacent to the hand grip portion and coupled with a flow control valve for controlling the flow of high pressure fluid through the pressure washer gun. A safety lock may be pivotally coupled with the hand grip portion for movement between a locked position inhibiting movement of the trigger to open the flow control valve, and an unlocked position allowing movement of the trigger to open the flow control valve, the safety lock being biased toward the locked position.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system and a method of controlling a fluid dispensing system are disclosed. The fluid dispensing system includes a source of a fluid, a dispensing nozzle, and a spray system. The spray system supplies fluid from the source of fluid to the dispensing nozzle using system parameters for the spray system. The spray system and dispensing nozzle are configured to dispense the fluid as a stream or spray as an actual fluid pattern according to one or more first system parameters that are intended to produce a first fluid pattern. A camera is configured to capture one or more images of the actual fluid pattern dispensed from the dispensing nozzle. A controller is operatively connected to the spray system and the camera.

Abstract: A method for masking securing holes of rims, which are moved on a transport device of a rim-coating system, wherein the method includes the step of determining the position and number of non-masked securing holes. A first non-masked securing hole of a rim is approached, and the first non-masked securing hole is masked with a first masking element by means of a manipulation device. Only in the subsequent step is a second non-masked securing hole of the same rim approached, and the second non-masked securing hole is masked with a second masking element by means of the manipulation device.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying sunscreen is provided The apparatus includes a housing, a means for adhering the housing to a vertical surface, one or more nozzles coupled to the housing, the one or more nozzles for dispensing sunscreen via a mist, a valve communicably coupled to the one or more nozzles, such that the valve regulates ingress of sunscreen to the one or more nozzles, a pressurized canister of sunscreen removably coupled to the valve via a fastener, such that sunscreen from the canister enters the valve, and a processor communicably coupled to the valve, the processor configured for starting a timer and activating the valve for a predefined period of time after the timer expires.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for dispensing a fluid. The system may include a cartridge and a main unit configured to be coupled to the cartridge. The cartridge may comprise a container which may include at least one opening and at least one membrane in fluid communication with the at least one opening. Further, the cartridge may include at least one actuator which, upon activation, may be configured to cause the fluid to pass through the at least one membrane. Furthermore, the cartridge may include at least one storage device configured to store fluid data representing at least one characteristic associated with the fluid. Additionally, the cartridge may be operably associated with at least one controller configured to control activation of the at least one actuator based on the fluid data. The controller may be configured within the cartridge or be coupled to the cartridge by way of, for example, a main unit.

Abstract: A coating head and a coating machine are provided. The coating head includes a main body and a spray nozzle. Each of two sides of an inside of the main body is provided with a photoresist injecting tank, respectively. The spray nozzle is disposed under the main body, and the spray nozzle is connected to one side of the photoresist injecting tank. The coating head and the coating machine of the present disclosure can improve production output.

Abstract: A paint edging tool that deliver paint with sharp, clear edges at wall junctions. The paint edging tool includes a base wherein the base may include a handle, at least one wheel, a painting pad, a built-in-deflector, and at least one pad ejector. The handle may be configured to allow rotation between multiple positions. The handle may further include an adapter wherein the adapter is configured to be mounted on the handle, thereby allowing a pivoting motion in relation to the wall. The base may include at least one lobe, wherein the lobe is configured to be located on each side of the base, and is further configured to connect with the at least one wheel. The painting pad may be configured to be notched around the at least one deflector and the at least one wheel in order to allow painting inside a corner area of a wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for filling a cartridge with a flowable component, the method comprising the steps of: providing a cartridge with a cartridge chamber, the cartridge having a piston arranged in the cartridge chamber, the cartridge chamber and the piston defining a storage volume, the piston having a through-hole, arranging a filling nozzle at the through-hole and filling the cartridge by dispensing the flowable component through the through-hole of the piston into the storage volume. The invention further relates to a system suitable for executing the method.

Abstract: A roller frame is for use with a roller. The roller frame includes a base component, and first and second supporting components operatively projecting from the base component. Each supporting component has a mounting cap for receiving a corresponding distal end of the roller. The first and second supporting components are angularly adjustable with respect to the base component via a tightening assembly for allowing the roller to be selectively positioned at different angles with respect to the base component of the roller frame.

Abstract: Methods and systems for additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional (3D) object employ a unique metering system to precisely deposit metal injection molding (MIM) metal powder material into a uniformly distributed layer and compact the powder material by a roller for even distribution. An example embodiment meters the powder material at an opening of a powder supply storing the powder material to produce a flow of the powder material away from the powder supply and onto a moveable surface located beneath the opening. The opening and the moveable surface are spaced apart by a gap therebetween. The metering is based on the gap and a motion of the moveable surface relative to the powder supply. The motion enables the powder material to flow from the powder supply. Absent the motion, the powder material does not flow from the powder supply.

Abstract: A metering apparatus and corresponding method meter a powder material in a three-dimensional (3D) printing system. The metering apparatus comprises a hopper with walls configured to contain a powder material, a metering roller, and a tool. The metering roller is located beneath an opening of the hopper. The metering roller and a given wall of the walls of the hopper are spaced apart by a gap therebetween at the opening; the gap in combination with rotation of the metering roller causes the powder material to flow from under the given wall of the hopper at a substantially predictable rate. The tool is positioned at the given wall where the flow emerges and is configured to force the powder material off of the metering roller to supply the 3D printing system with the powder material for printing a 3D object.

Abstract: Apparatus and method useful for, among other things, providing a layer by layer coating of materials on a substrate.

Abstract: A method of applying a coating liquid to an optical fiber is described. An optical fiber is drawn through a guide die into a pressurized coating chamber and through the pressurized coating chamber to a sizing die. The pressurized coating chamber contains a coating liquid. The method includes directing coating liquid in a direction transverse to the processing pathway of the optical fiber in the pressurized coating chamber. The transverse flow of coating liquid counteracts detrimental effects associated with gyres that form in the pressurized coating chamber during the draw process. Benefits of the transverse flow include removal of bubbles, reduction in the temperature of the gyre, improved wetting, homogenization of the properties of the coating liquid in the pressurized coating chamber, and stabilization of the meniscus.

Abstract: A metallic base coating film 15 is stacked on a colored base coating film 14 provided on a surface of an article to be coated. While the colored base coating film 14 alone is formed on the surface of the article to be coated, a light reflectance at light receiving angles of 15° and 45° is measured to be 2% or below in a wavelength ranging from 450 nm to 700 nm inclusive. On the metallic base coating film 15 alone, the light reflectance measured at the light receiving angle of 15° ranges from 20% to 50% inclusive in the wavelength ranging from 450 nm to 700 nm inclusive, and the light reflectance measured at the light receiving angle of 45° is 2.5% or below in the wavelength ranging from 450 nm to 700 nm inclusive.

Abstract: Autodeposition coating compositions that deposit uncured coatings, on metallic surfaces of a substrate, which are curable at oven temperatures of less than 130° C., are provided as well as autodeposition methods, compositions and components for depositing such autodeposition coatings. More particularly, the invention relates to autodeposition coatings that cure at temperatures lower than conventional autodeposition coatings, while achieving chemical and corrosion performance comparable to higher temperature cure autodeposition coatings, as well as being directed to autodeposition coating compositions possessing improved storage stability and coating thermal stability, and articles of manufacture having cured and uncured autodeposited coatings deposited thereon.

Abstract: Provided in one examole hod of manufacturing. The method includes disposing over at least a portion of a substrate a first layer, the substrate comprising a metal material and the first layer comprising a water-borne primer. The method includes disposing over at least a portion of the first layer a second layer, the second layer comprising a water-borne basecoat material. The method includes disposing over at least a portion of the second layer a third layer, the third layer comprising a water-bome topcoat material.

Abstract: A novel mode of ultrasonic oscillation is generated in a Langevin ultrasonic transducer comprising a metal block, a metal block provided with a supporting means protruding in a ring shape on its side surface, and polarized piezoelectric elements fixed between these metal blocks, by connecting the ultrasonic transducer to a base via the supporting means, whereby supporting the ultrasonic transducer on the base in a restrained state, and applying to the piezoelectric elements a voltage having such frequency that the ultrasonic transducer generates an ultrasonic oscillation with back-and-forth motion in a direction perpendicular to plane surfaces of the piezoelectric elements which has no oscillation node within the ultrasonic transducer; this novel ultrasonic oscillation mode is utilized for performing ultrasonic machining methods as well as for ultrasonic transmission method.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer may include a multi-layered membrane having a plurality of slits extending through the membrane, thereby forming a plurality of sections of the membrane at least partially separated by the slits. Each slit extends from a perimeter of the membrane to a respective end position at a predetermined distance away from a center of the membrane. The plurality of sections of the membrane are connected to each other at the center of the membrane.

Abstract: As control points in haptic systems move around, the phase offsets for each transducer change at discrete points in time. These are each expressed as a phase offset combined with a monochromatic carrier frequency. To prevent sharp frequency changes, an algorithm that maintains smooth transitions is used. Further, non-idealities in the implementation of haptic array modulation can create spurs in the frequency response of audio output from the array. Adjusting the signal carrier frequency and the signal modulating frequency may substantially reduce audio noise via a notch filter centered at an interpolation frequency.

Abstract: A method for decreasing the time spent on inserting postal objects in and discharging them from a parcel terminal and a parcel terminal comprising at least one storage space with multiple compartments within the parcel terminal for loading and storing postal objects on movable trays; an insertion and discharge area with one or more insertion and discharge slots equipped with a door, and a control unit; a loading mechanism for transporting postal objects from the insertion and discharge area to the storage space of postal objects and from the storage space to the insertion and discharge area.

Abstract: A method of cleaning deposited material from a molding surface (10) of a mold (1) for forming ophthalmic lenses, including bringing a cleaning head (20) into contact with the molding surface (10), the rotational axis (22) of the cleaning head (20) being arranged normal to the molding surface (10), rotating (220) the cleaning head (20) around the rotational axis (22) while maintaining the contact between the cleaning head (20) and the molding surface (10), moving the cleaning head (20) to perform a precession motion (110) around a central normal (11) on the molding surface (10), while rotating (220) the cleaning head (20) around the rotational axis (22) and while maintaining the contact between the cleaning head (20) and the molding surface (10). During the precession motion (110) the rotational axis (22) includes an inclination angle (?1,?2) with the central normal (11) on the molding surface (10).

Abstract: A construction site tool cleaning system. A construction sink is supported by support legs. A drip pant is preferably positioned under the support legs and under the construction sink. Construction sink stabilizers are connected to the support legs and support the construction sink. A construction sink tool support screen covers the top of the construction sink. An elevated pump section is inside the construction sink and is at a higher level than the bottom of the construction sink. A water pump is positioned inside the elevated pump section. A filter screen and filter are positioned on top of the elevated pump section and surround the water pump. A flexible hose is connected to the water pump and a nozzle is connected to the flexible hose.

Abstract: A pneumatic cleaning gun (10) according to the present invention comprises a gun housing (100) with a compressed air connection, a liquid nozzle (130) with a nozzle cover (200), and an air intake tube (300) which leads into the covered flow channel (221A) and can also be connected to a suction device via a suction hose (30) in order to suction dirt particles through the flow channel (221A). Depending on the use of the cleaning gun (10), the suction hose (30) may interfere with work if the suction hose hinders the intended cleaning work. This disadvantage is eliminated by the invention by the fact that the cleaning gun (10) is improved such that the air intake tube (300) is not rigidly but pivotably mounted on the cleaning gun (10). The air intake tube (300) can therefore be mounted in a plurality of different positions of use such that the user can find the most comfortable or convenient position of use and the air intake tube (300) can be correspondingly adjusted.

Abstract: An endoscope cleaning station for cleaning an endoscope includes a sink having an inlet connected to a water supply for filling the sink and a drain for draining the sink, a fill solenoid for controlling a flow of water to the inlet of the sink, a detergent pump and detergent valve that cooperate to selectively dispense detergent into another flow of water thus creating a detergent solution, a manifold for injecting the detergent solution into the endoscope, a lumen solenoid for controlling the flow of the detergent solution to the manifold, a pressure regulator disposed downstream of the lumen solenoid and upstream of the manifold to reduce a pressure of the detergent solution delivered to the manifold, and a high-pressure port connected to a narrow channel of the endoscope, the high-pressure port receiving the detergent solution that bypasses the pressure regulator so that the detergent solution exiting the high-pressure port into the narrow channel has a higher pressure than the pressure of the detergent s

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include systems and methods to clean ducts. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting airflow into an exhaust duct. The method also includes dosing, in response to detecting airflow into the exhaust duct, an amount of a treatment product with a fluid to produce a treatment fluid. The method also includes pumping the treatment fluid into a pipe deposited along the exhaust duct. The method also includes spraying the treatment fluid through a nozzle coupled to a section of the pipe to clean buildup formed along an area of the exhaust duct proximate to the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry cleaning technology for a cleaning a surface of an object to be cleaned by adiabatically expanding liquid carbon dioxide to generate sublimable dry ice particles and carrying the dry ice particles on high-speed carrier gas to be sprayed onto the surface of the object to be cleaned, wherein an end of a liquid carbon dioxide nozzle further protrudes to the outside relative to an end of a carrier gas nozzle to prevent a growth of dry ice particles in the carrier gas nozzle, a hydrophobic coating is formed on a surface of the liquid carbon dioxide nozzle to prevent a formation of water droplets and to prevent an occurrence of irregular dry ice particles, thereby effectively preventing damage to a surface of an object to be cleaned and being advantageous in an economical aspect by significantly reducing consumption of liquid carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for surface wetting control are disclosed. In certain described examples, an apparatus can expel fluid from a droplet on a surface using a transducer mechanically coupled to the surface. A first area of the surface can have a first wettability for the fluid, and a second area of the surface can have a second wettability for the fluid. The first wettability of the first area of the surface can be greater than the second wettability of the second area of the surface. The first area and the second area can be arranged in a patterned arrangement.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for displacing fluid from a pipe. The method includes engaging a fluid-displacement system with the pipe. A displacement agent is pumped into the pipe via the fluid-displacement system. Fluid present within the pipe is displaced by the displacement agent. The pipe is manipulated in a desired manner.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate processing part 3 and a washing unit 40. The washing unit 40 includes a main body 43 having a liquid supplying port 41 and a liquid jetting port 42, a flow channel 44 formed between the liquid supplying port 41 and the liquid jetting port 42, and a valve 45 provided in the flow channel 44. In the washing unit 40, when the valve 45 is opened, the flow channel 44 is opened, thereby causing the liquid jetting port 42 to jet liquid, and when the valve 45 is closed, the flow channel 44 is closed, thereby causing the liquid jetting port 42 to stop jetting liquid. The flow channel 44 is provided with a water-hammer reducing mechanism 48 that operates to reduce damage to the flow channel 44 caused by a water hammer phenomenon when the valve 45 is closed.

Abstract: An anti-fouling system (1) for use with a wet compartment (10) having at least one inlet opening (11) for allowing water to enter the compartment (10) is configured to receive and operate at least one anti-fouling source for emitting anti-fouling light in order to keep at least one surface (26) as present in the compartment (10) free from biofouling. The system (1) comprises a controller (50) for controlling operation of the at least one anti-fouling source (30), the controller (50) being configured to determine at least one operation parameter of the at least one anti-fouling source (30) in relation to at least one of at least one water-related parameter, at least one surface-related parameter and at least one opening-related parameter.