Abstract: A simple, low cost, efficient and stable micro-vial configuration for handling micro-volume of sample fluids. The interior wall geometry of the inventive vial is designed to include several axial sections of various interior diameters to provide a range of functionalities to address various design considerations. The interior wall defined in the vial has a cylindrical sample section, a wider cylindrical alignment section, a tapered or conical guide section, and a relatively large cylindrical body section, arranged in sequence in that order along the center axis of the vial. The sample section is designed to hold a small volume of a sample fluid, and to receive the tip end of a capillary tube. The alignment section has a larger diameter than the sample section, designed to receive a cylindrical support that coaxially supports the relatively fragile capillary tube. The tip of the capillary tube dips into the micro-volume of sample fluid held in the sample section.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a microfluidic chip and a control method thereof, a droplet generation device and a microsphere preparation device. The microfluidic chip includes a matrix (3), and a first flow channel (1) and a second flow channel (2) provided in the matrix (3), wherein the first flow channel (1) and the second flow channel (2) intersect to form an intersection area, sheared phase fluid can flow in from the first flow channel (1), shearing phase fluid can flow in from the second flow channel (2) so as to separate the sheared phase fluid into discrete droplets in the intersection area, and the cross-sectional areas of the first flow channel (1) and the second flow channel (2) range from 0.1 mm2 to 1 mm2. The microfluidic chip can increase the flow rate and improve the efficiency of forming droplets; and the efficiency of generating the droplets is increased on the basis of ensuring the cell activity in order to meet the requirements of 3D biological printing.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate having a surface in which a first region and a second region disposed adjacent to the first region are formed; a magnetoresistance effect element that is disposed on at least the first region and is configured such that a resistance value detected according to an input magnetic field varies; a protective film that is disposed on both the first region and the second region and covers a surface of the magnetoresistance effect element, and is disposed on the top part of the second region and contains an affinity substance that allows recognition of the biomolecules on the outer surface only on the second region; and an adsorption prevention film that is disposed on at least the top part of the first region and is substantially free of the affinity substance, wherein the protective film and the adsorption prevention film are made of different materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for generating droplets of an aqueous solution on a microfluidic chip with an air continuous phase. Specifically, the droplet generator according to the present invention is integrated into a microfluidic chip to generate and introduce droplets of an aqueous solution into the microfluidic chip. The droplets travelling in a network of chip channels may be captured in on-chip traps in a manner defined by hydrodynamic resistances of chip channels. A biological reaction may be performed on a droplet trapped on the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: A carrier element for introducing a dry substance into a cavity of a microfluidic flow cell or a chamber or cavities for interacting with a fluid, including: a plug-like body figure to be insertable into a passage of the flow cell leading to the cavity; and, a carder surface for receiving the drive substance, the carder surface being at an end of the body facing the cavity when the body is inserted in the passage.

Abstract: A cell transfer apparatus transfers cells from a dish in which the cells are held to a microplate where a plurality of wells are classified into a plurality of groups. The cell transfer apparatus includes a camera unit that captures an image of the dish with the cells being held in the dish, an evaluation unit that gives evaluation levels to the plurality of cells held in the dish, respectively, based on the image of the dish with reference to predetermined multiple-step evaluation level for the cells, an allocation processor that sets transfer destinations of the cells on the dish so that the cells equal in evaluation level are distributed evenly to the groups in the microplate, and a shaft controller that transfers the cells in accordance with the transfer destinations set by the allocation processor.

Abstract: Fluidic systems including cartridges with modular components (cassettes) and/or microfluidic channels for performing chemical and/or biological analyses are provided. The systems described herein include a cartridge comprising, in some embodiments, a frame, one or more cassettes which may be inserted into the frame, and a channel system for transporting fluids. In certain embodiments, the one or more cassettes comprise one or more reservoirs or vessels configured to contain and/or receive a fluid (e.g., a stored reagent, a sample). In some cases, the stored reagent may include one or more lyospheres. The systems and methods described herein may be useful for performing chemical and/or biological reactions including polymerase chain reactions (PCR) such as those performed within a laboratory, clinical (e.g., hospital), or research setting.

Abstract: An apparatus for directing fluid into and out of a fluidic device includes two or more fluid prime channels connected to a fluid inlet of the fluidic device, a flow control valve for each fluid prime channel to control flow between the fluid prime channel and the fluid inlet, one or more outlet channels connected to a fluid outlet of the fluidic device, and a flow control valve for each outlet channel to control flow between the fluid outlet and the associated outlet channel. An apparatus for delivering fluids to a fluid inlet includes a plate that is rotatable about an axis of rotation and a plurality of fluid compartments disposed on the plate, each compartment having a fluid exit port disposed at a common radial distance from the axis of rotation and positioned to align with the fluid inlet as the plate rotates about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: Microfluid chips that comprise one or more microscale and/or mesoscale condenser arrays, which can facilitate particle purification and/or fractionation, are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus can comprise a layer of a microfluidic chip. The layer can comprise an inlet that can receive fluid, an outlet that can output a purified version of the fluid, and a condenser array coupled between and in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. The condenser array can comprise a plurality of pillars arranged in a plurality of columns. Also, a pillar gap sized to facilitate a throughput rate of the fluid of greater than or equal to about 1.0 nanoliter per hour can be located between a first pillar of the plurality of pillars in a first column of the plurality of columns and a second pillar of the plurality of pillars in the first column.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for identifying and targeting individual cells within a cell population for selective extraction of cellular content and a digital microfluidic device having at least one hydrophilic site for receiving cells, an imaging system including a stage for receiving the digital microfluidic device and an imaging module for identifying at least one targeted cell among the cells at the at least one hydrophilic site. The system includes a pulsed laser source for laser lysing the targeted cell thereby releasing the cell content to produce a lysate.

Abstract: Microfluidic chips that can comprise thin substrates and/or a high density of vias are described herein. An apparatus comprises: a silicon device layer comprising a plurality of vias, the plurality of vias comprising greater than or equal to about 100 vias per square centimeter of a surface of the silicon device layer and less than or equal to about 100,000 vias per square centimeter of the surface of the silicon device layer, and the plurality of vias extending through the silicon device layer; and a sealing layer bonded to the silicon device layer, wherein the sealing layer has greater rigidity than the silicon device layer. In some embodiments, the silicon device layer has a thickness between about 7 micrometers and about 500 micrometers while a via of the plurality of vias has a diameter between about 5 micrometers and about 5 millimeters.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus for dispensing or assaying biofluid samples as well as a system for dispensing and assaying biofluid. One embodiment of the biofluid sample dispensing apparatus comprises a set of reservoirs and cavities, each reservoir comprising an inlet for receiving biofluid, an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet, a peripheral barrier surrounding the outlet for containing the biofluid sample within a cavity residing within said reservoir, a valve disposed at the outlet for releasably sealing the biofluid sample, as well as an overflow outlet to limit the predetermined volume of biofluid sample. An apparatus for assaying biofluid comprises a receptacle for housing cuvettes, a receptacle sealing element for sealing engagement between the receptacle and a biofluid sample dispensing apparatus for sealing the cuvettes and an automated system connected to receptacle for performing an assay process.

Abstract: A method for metering and storing liquids by means of a permanently open container (1), wherein: the container (1) comprises a liquid reservoir (11) in which at least one liquid (2) is contained for storage; the container (1) has at least one opening (15) for the metered discharging of the liquid from the liquid reservoir (11); the opening (15) is permanently open; influencing factors affect at least one change in pressure (4) in the container (1); influencing factors render the system formed of the container (1) and liquid (2) unstable; the pressure (4) is detected in at least one location in the container (1); and, subject to at least one detected change in pressure (4), at least one reaction (9) is initiated that is suitable for maintaining the system of the container (1) and liquid (2) in a stable state or for re-establishing this stable state.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic chip having an inlet/outlet structure optimized for sealing an inlet/outlet of a microfluidic chip using a UV curable sealing material, a microfluidic chip having the inlet/outlet structure, and a method of sealing the inlet/outlet of the microfluidic chip using a UV curable sealing material. It is possible to provide a semi-permanent seal with less contamination from a fluid sample or a harmful reagent, and the inlet/outlet of the microfluidic chip can be firmly sealed using simple equipment and without high-temperature/high-pressure conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides a sample container arrangement comprising a carrier for at least one sample container and a tempering module, comprising at least one tempering element and being at least sectionally in contact with the carrier such that the at least one tempering element is suitable to temper the at least one sample container, wherein the sample container arrangement is such that the carrier is kept in contact to the tempering module by negative pressure relative to ambient pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal cycler for the carrying out of chemical or biological reactions, such as PCR or other nucleic acid amplification reactions, that is segmented with a plurality of reaction vessel receiving elements. The reaction vessel receiving elements are thermally isolated from each other and provide an airtight seal to prevent liquids or moisture from penetrating below the reaction vessel receiving elements. The reaction vessel receiving elements have several recesses arranged in a pattern to receive the reaction vessels of a single standard microtiter plate and the segmented thermal cycler has a system for independently heating and cooling each of the reaction vessel receiving elements.

Abstract: A sample holder with a broad base that is resistant to spills is provided. The sample holder can hold specimen containers that allows for easy analysis of multiple samples while also decreasing the risk of spilling said samples. The sample holder also provides for easy analysis for multiple samples at the same time.

Abstract: A pulverizing device for pulverizing a base material, e.g. pellets, having a predetermined shape and size, for use in an asphalt mixture. The pulverizing device includes a pulverizing member and a pulverizing surface arranged in a housing, the pulverizing member and the pulverizing surface being arranged such that the base material is adapted to be pulverized between the pulverizing member and the pulverizing surface. The housing at least partly encloses the pulverizing member and the pulverizing surface. The pulverizing surface extends essentially along a longitudinal axis, and the pulverizing member includes a plurality of planar circular cutting discs, adapted to pulverize the base material. The cutting discs are provided with a planar surface, and the cutting discs are arranged along the longitudinal axis, such that the planar surfaces of the cutting discs are oriented essentially parallel to each other.

Abstract: A bearing block assembly for a plant-trimming machine having a rotatable perforated tumbler, a rotatable reel and a bed bar assembly. The bearing block assembly comprises an outer bearing plate having a bearing-receiving bore for holding a reel bearing to rotatably support an end of the reel, and an inner bearing plate affixed to the outer bearing plate. The inner bearing plate has a pocket for receiving the bearing-receiving bore of the outer bearing plate, the pocket having a tolerance permitting the bearing-receiving bore to be set at a selected position within the pocket. The inner bearing plate also has a contact surface for engagement with the bed bar assembly and a bore for receiving a tumbler bearing for a rotatable tumbler support. The bearing block assembly has connectors for affixing the outer bearing plate to the inner bearing plate.

Abstract: A magnetic filter for a central heating or cooling system comprises a pipe having an inlet end and an outlet end, and a filtration portion between the inlet and outlet ends the diameter of the filtration portion of the pipe being greater than the diameter of the inlet end of the pipe and also greater than the diameter of the outlet end of the pipe, and a magnet assembly adapted to be attachable to the pipe, around an outside surface of the filtration portion of the pipe, and movable relative to the pipe from a position close to the pipe to a position more distant from the pipe.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for tuning an electrical field gradient for insulator-based di electrophoresis (iDEP). A fluidic layer defines a fluidic channel adjacent to a substrate. A deformable membrane is positioned adjacent to the fluidic channel. An actuator controllably causes the deformable membrane to deflect into the fluidic channel restricting a fluidic flow in the fluidic channel. A control system is configured to tune an electrical field gradient by operating the actuator to adjust a magnitude of the deflection of the deformable membrane into the fluidic channel.

Abstract: A turbine having a turbine wheel, as used for example as a drive for active oil separators, and to a liquid separator having such a turbine is described.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a screw centrifuge, such as a solid-bowl or a screen-type screw centrifuge. The screw centrifuge processes a product so that solids conveyed out of the drum with the screw are removed from the product. A current angular speed and an average angular speed of the transmission input shaft for the screw over time are determined. The current and average angular speeds are evaluated and a warning signal and/or changing one or more operating parameters of the screw centrifuge is changed if dynamic changes in the angular speed are detected during the evaluation.

Abstract: A method and a device for monitoring the rotational speed of an element are disclosed. The element may be part of a centrifuge, e.g. a motor, drive shaft, or rotor of a laboratory centrifuge. The rotational speed of the element is not determined directly, but rather clock cycles are counted while the element rotates by a predetermined rotational angle. Exceeding a predetermined rotational speed is determined by comparing a number of counted cycles with a predetermined value. The method and device can be implemented in hardware without requiring a microcontroller with corresponding software, thereby eliminating a need to software certification.

Abstract: A nozzle includes a mounting opening that is to be connected to an opening portion of a container, an outlet that jets liquid stored in the container, a side face that connects the mounting opening to the outlet, and a liquid storage portion that stores a part of the liquid stored in the container in the nozzle without jetting a part of the liquid from the outlet in a case where the liquid is to be jetted from the dispensing container, that is, in a case where the outlet faces downward in the direction of gravity.

Abstract: A handheld shower head includes a shower head body, a water inlet assembly and a water outlet assembly mounted on the shower head body. The water inlet assembly includes a water inlet body and a flow control device. The flow control device includes a gasket, a return spring, a control valve shaft, and a control button. The control valve shaft passes through the flow control chamber of the water inlet body. A lower portion of the control valve shaft is connected with the gasket. The control button is connected with an upper portion of the control valve shaft. The handheld shower head can control the flow rate of water discharge and is user-friendly.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an article that includes a non-wetting surface having a dynamic contact angle of at least about 90°. The surface is patterned with macro-scale features configured to induce controlled asymmetry in a liquid film produced by impingement of a droplet onto the surface, thereby reducing time of contact between the droplet and the surface.

Abstract: A shower head, illustratively for a sanitary shower, including a shower head housing, a fluid inlet into the shower head housing, a shower jet outlet out of the shower head housing, a fluid duct within the shower head housing from the fluid inlet to the shower jet outlet, and an overpressure valve pressure-coupled to the fluid duct, including a movable valve body which, in case of an overpressure in the fluid duct, moves from a normal position to an overpressure position. The valve body is illustratively configured to be self-retaining in the overpressure position and returnable to the normal position by user operation, and/or the valve body acts position-dependent on a passage cross-section of the fluid duct, wherein the valve body reduces the passage cross-section in the overpressure position relative to the normal position.

Abstract: A shower jet generating device for a shower head, illustratively for a sanitary shower head, including a shower jet disk delimiting a fluid chamber on an outlet side and including at least one jet outlet opening leading out of the fluid chamber and at least one overpressure valve opening, and comprising at least one overpressure valve disposed on the overpressure valve opening. The overpressure valve illustratively includes an overpressure outlet opening leading out of the fluid chamber, an immobile valve seat and a valve body capable of movement controlled by a fluid pressure in the fluid chamber and interacting with the valve seat, which valve body, in a normal pressure position, rests against the valve seat, thereby closing the overpressure outlet opening, and, in an overpressure position, is lifted off the valve seat, thereby exposing the overpressure outlet opening.

Abstract: A base with a supply connection for connecting the base to a water supply. A distributor head is revolvubly mounted to the base for rotating with respect to the base. There are at least two jet arms rotatably combined to the distributor head. Each of the jet arms comprises of at least one jet nozzle in fluid communication with the supply connection for disbursing water from the water supply. The jet arms are each rotatable to change the area of coverage of the sprinkler.

Abstract: The coating machine is provided with an air motor (3), a rotational shaft (4) that is rotatably supported by the air motor (3), a feed tube (5) that extends to a tip end of the rotational shaft (4) through the inside of the rotational shaft (4), a rotary atomizing head (6) that is mounted to the tip end of the rotational shaft (4), and a shaping air ring (7) that surrounds an outer periphery of the rotary atomizing head (6) and an axial tip end of which is arranged in back of a paint releasing edge (6D) of the rotary atomizing head (6). The shaping air ring (7) includes a great number of first shaping air spurting holes (9), and a great number of second shaping air spurting holes (10). An inner diameter dimension (d1) of the first shaping air spurting hole (9) is set to be larger than an inner diameter dimension (d2) of the second shaping air spurting hole (10). The number (N2) of the second shaping air spurting holes (10) is set to be smaller than the number (N1) of the first shaping air spurting holes (9).

Abstract: A control method for a two-component spray system having first and second pumps for separate fluid components includes registering a target spray pressure, registering a material-specific pressure factor margin, sensing an output pressure of the second pump, and identifying a failure condition in the event that the sensed output pressure remains further than the pressure factor margin from the target spray pressure for at least a threshold time.

Abstract: A thermal spray apparatus to apply coatings to external and internal surfaces in restricted areas is provided. The apparatus includes: a fuel input line; an oxidizing gas input line; coolant input and outlet; a combustion chamber that facilitates primary combustion; a diverging section that splits the primary combustion flow into two or more streams; an elbow section that redirects the combustion streams; a convergent/divergent nozzle; a convergence section that recombines the combustion streams into a single combustion stream within an injection zone of the convergent/divergent nozzle; and a feedstock injector for the injection of feedstock material for forming said coatings into said injection zone of the convergent/divergent nozzle; wherein the convergent/divergent nozzle has a nozzle throat downstream of the injection zone whereby in operation the injection pressure of the feedstock material upstream of the nozzle throat approximates the pressure of the combustion stream within the injection zone.

Abstract: A diffusing apparatus for diffusing essential oils into the air includes a reservoir configured to hold essential oils in an internal cavity, and a collar assembly covering the internal cavity. The collar assembly includes a collar exhaust aperture, a collar exhaust channel, and an exhaust port. The collar exhaust aperture is positioned on an opposite side of the exhaust port.

Abstract: A power sprayer that includes a housing on which is mounted a battery, a battery-powered motor and a motor-powered liquid pump and a tank communicating with the pump for holding a supply of water or other liquid. An outlet from the pump to a connector is provided and adapted to receive a hose. An applicator wand is provided for connection to the hose for directing fluid under pressure to a desired target.

Abstract: To provide a base body of pressurized spray that makes it possible to stabilize a pressing spring and also to reduce the number of assembling processes. The base body 2, which is assembled into a pressurized spray A that is attached to a container so as to suck a liquid inside the container into a cylinder part 6 through an F valve 7 from an introduction pipe 4, and by applying a pressure to the liquid inside the cylinder, the liquid is jetted out through an S valve 10 from a nozzle, is provided with: an attaching part for use in attaching the introduction pipe 4 on a lower side, which is attached between a cap and a container mouth part, and a pressing spring part 11 that is attached onto an upper side and presses the S valve 10 in a valve closing direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pump head that enables a metered dispensing of fluids. The present invention also relates to a metering apparatus that can, for example, be configured as a squeeze bottle, wherein the metering apparatus comprises a pump head in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispensing pump which mainly comprises a cap, a cylindrical pump body having a first elastic member therein, a ball valve fixed at a bottom of the cylindrical pump body, a needle valve fixed at a top end of the cylindrical pump body, and a pressing tube connected to an upper side of the needle valve and having a pressing head connected to an upper end thereof.

Abstract: A water spray gun with flow control comprises a gun body having a water inlet, a water outlet and an accommodating chamber connected therebetween; a water control valve, being pivotably installed in the accommodating chamber and having a receiving recess being received in the accommodating chamber, wherein the receiving recess has its outside formed with an opening and has its bottom provided with a water-filling port; and a sealing block slidably installed in the receiving recess, so that when a pressure of water coming from the water-filling port acts on the sealing block from bottom, the sealing block slides toward the opening. Thereby, water pressure ensures close fit of the sealing block. Even if the sealing block is worn, the water pressure coming from the water-filling port can still push the sealing block outside to keep the water outlet sealed.

Abstract: A pull-out hose guiding device for guiding a pull-out hose having at least one hose bend of variable hose bend length, wherein the pull-out hose guiding device includes a hose guiding box configured for accommodating the hose bend in an anti-twist manner in a box-inwards hanging position, and a guide weight roller arrangement including at least one guide weight roller which is insertable into a bend reversion zone of the hose bend for rotary motion about a roller rotational axis. The guide weight roller with its roller rotational axis is capable of translational motion in a hose bend lengthwise direction box-outwards with decreasing hose bend length and box-inwards with increasing hose bend length. A sanitary shower device may be equipped with such a pull-out hose guiding device.

Abstract: An aperture plate 1 comprises an inlet surface 2 for receiving a liquid to be aerosolised, an outlet surface 3 and a plurality of apertures 4 extending therebetween. The apertures 4 are tapered from an inlet opening 10 at the inlet surface 2 to an outlet or exit opening 12. The aperture plate 1 is convex in the direction of the inlet openings 10 and concave in the direction of the exit openings 12. The aerosol exits on the concave side of the aperture plate. The aperture plate of the invention generates an aerosol plume which converges and is particularly suitable for application to the eye.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glue gun (1), comprising: a housing (2), at least one storage means (5) for storing plastic, a heating device (11, 12), an outlet nozzle (10) for discharging the heated plastic from the glue gun (1), an extrusion unit (9) for shaping the strand (36) having plastic, which strand is to be extruded, a conveying device (17) for conveying the thermoplastic plastic from the storage means (6) to the heating device (11, 12) and through the outlet nozzle (10). The problem addressed by the invention is that it should be possible to store glue in the glue gun (1) even in large amounts and to join the parts to each other with a strand of fiber-reinforced plastic by means of adhesive bonds in such a way that the adhesive bonds withstand even large forces. This problem is solved in that the glue gun (1) comprises a pultrusion unit (8) for consolidating fibers and plastic.

Abstract: A caulk wiping attachment for a caulk gun includes a tube having at least one open end for providing a circular wiping edge. The tube can be attached directly to a barrel of the caulk gun or to a disposable caulk cartridge installed into the barrel of the caulk gun. The tube can be cylindrical with an annular cross section. The tube can be attached to the caulk cartridge using a sleeve slipped over the caulk cartridge, the tube being attached to an outside of the sleeve. A disposable liner or cup can be held within the tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to devices for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices for measurement of glucose in a host that incorporate a cellulosic-based resistance domain.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device for forming a conductive film. The device includes a deposition device and an air supply. The deposition device is configured to form a wet film having conductive nanostructures and a fluid carrier on a web. The web is moved in a first direction while forming the wet film. The air supply is disposed at a side of the web and configured to apply an air flow onto the wet film. The air flow is directed onto the wet film in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to reorient a direction of some conductive nanostructures in the wet film to define reoriented conductive nanostructures.

Abstract: A process for preparing contact lens with film by plasma UV induced grafting polymerization is disclosed to plasma-modification on contact lens to form hydrophilic functional groups on said contact lens surface, and then to immerse said contact lens in a solution of the mixture of NVP, PEGMA and photoinitiator, and then remove said contact lens from said solution and expose said contact lens to an ultraviolet light from an ultraviolet device to form a thin film on said contact lens surface. Through the thin film, the contact lens can have good hydrophilicity and anti-fouling properties, so when the patient wear said contact lens, he or she does not feel uncomfortable foreign body sensation, significantly reducing deposit and corneal infection risk.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying a corrosion-resistant coating to a metal part by immersing/withdrawing said part in/from an aqueous paint bath. The invention is characterized in that the aqueous paint bath includes water, a binder and cellulose microfibrils, and in that the coated metal part is subjected to vibrations when removed from the bath. The invention also relates to an aqueous coating composition including water, a binder, metal particles and CMNFs. The invention also relates to a corrosion-resistant coating for metal parts that is characterized in that it is obtained by the method according to the invention, the coating layer subsequently being subjected to a curing operation preferably at a temperature of between 70° C. and 350° C. Lastly, the invention relates to a metal part provided with a corrosion-resistant coating according to the invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system and method of depositing ceramic or ceramic composite coatings on the inside surface area of a tubular shape. The system and method described herein can provide an interior coating for tubes and pipes to provide wear resistance, abrasion resistance, and anti-scaling effects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound transducer assembly, in particular for intravascular ultrasound systems. The ultrasound transducer assembly comprises at least one silicon substrate element including an ultrasound transducer element for emitting and receiving ultrasound waves and including electrical connectors for electrically connecting the transducer element. The substrate element has a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface connecting the top surface and the bottom surface. An isolation layer forms the side surface for electrically isolating the substrate element.

Abstract: A feed diffuser for use in a rotating screen having drain holes is provided, comprising a flow chamber having an upstream end and a downstream end and defining a flow path for a slurry having solid material larger than the drain holes flowing between the upstream end and the downstream end; the flow chamber having an intermediate portion disposed between the upstream end and the downstream end; the intermediate portion having a first opening; the flow chamber having an inclined floor, the lowest point of the inclined floor being adjacent to the first opening; whereby the inclined floor is sufficiently inclined such that when the slurry flows down the flow path, the larger solid material is directed towards the first opening.