Abstract: A vapor phase growth apparatus according to an embodiment includes a reaction chamber; a substrate holder having a holding wall capable holding an outer periphery of the substrate; a process gas supply part provided above the reaction chamber, the process gas supply part having a first region supplying a first process gas and a second region around the first region supplying a second process gas having a carbon/silicon atomic ratio higher than that of the first process gas, an inner peripheral diameter of the second region being 75% or more and 130% or less of a diameter of the holding wall; a sidewall provided between the process gas supply part and the substrate holder, an inner peripheral diameter of the sidewall being 110% or more and 200% or less of an outer peripheral diameter of the second region; a first heater; a second heater; and a rotation driver.

Abstract: Equipment for the continuous hot dip-coating of a metal strip 9 including an annealing furnace, a tank 2 containing a liquid metal bath 3, a snout connecting the annealing furnace and tank 2, through which the metal strip 9 runs in a protective atmosphere and the lower part of the snout, the sabot 5, is at least partly immersed in the liquid metal bath 3 in order to define with the surface of the bath, and inside this snout, a liquid seal 6, an overflow 7 not connected to the snout, the overflow 7 including at least one tray 8, placed in the vicinity of the strip 9 when entering the liquid metal bath 3 and encompassed by liquid seal 6.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus that enable drying and curing a plurality of specimens carried by a plurality of microscope slides. Slide carriers are positioned at a first position while the slide carrier holds the microscope slides. Each of the specimens can be carried by one of the microscope slides. The slide carrier can be robotically moved to move the slide carrier into a circulation loop defined by a heater apparatus. The specimens and/or microscope slides can be convectively heated while the slide carrier is located in the circulation loop.

Abstract: A method including identifying a subject as possibly having a benign tumor in ovarian tissue and obtaining an infrared spectrum of a PBMC sample of the subject and assessing a characteristic of the sample at at least one wavenumber selected from the group consisting of: 754.0±4 cm-1, 1103.6±4 cm-1, 1121.4±4 cm-1, 1346.1±4 cm-1, 1376.9±4 cm-1, 753.50±4 cm-1, 850.5±4 cm-1, 918.9±4 cm-1, 1058.7±4 cm-1, 1187.9±4 cm-1 and 1651.7±4 cm-1. Using a processor comparing, at the at least one wavenumber, the infrared spectrum to an infrared spectrum obtained from a PBMC sample from a person without a benign tumor, to detect a difference between the infrared spectrum of the PBMC sample of the subject and the infrared spectrum obtained from the PBMC sample from the person without a benign tumor. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A roll-to-plate process for texturing or patterning discrete substrates, such as displays, lighting or solar panels comprising the steps of supplying an imprinting lacquer, texturing or patterning the imprinting lacquer with an imprint texture which imprint texture is formed by openings and elevations thus creating volumes in the imprint texture to obtain an imprinted lacquer and optionally followed by curing the imprinted lacquer to obtain a solidified textured or patterned layer, characterized in that the texturing or patterning is performed with an imprint texture that comprises domains of greater volumes at its edges, and with a flexible stamp with a Young's Modulus of between 0.1 Giga Pascal (GPa) and 10 Giga Pascal (GPa).

Abstract: A condiment container comprises a body having a side wall, a bottom, and an open top, the side wall and the bottom defining a reservoir that can contain a condiment. The side wall includes a steep portion and a ramp portion, the ramp portion having an angle relative to the bottom that is greater than the angle of the steep portion relative to the bottom. A food item, such as a chicken wing, can be inserted into reservoir and applied with condiment, and the food item can be dragged across the ramp portion to distribute the condiment in a desirable manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imprint apparatus that performs imprint processing of forming a pattern of an imprint material on a substrate using a mold, the apparatus including an image sensing unit configured to sense at least one of the mold and the substrate and obtain an image, and a determination unit configured to determine normality/abnormality of the imprint processing, wherein the imprint processing includes a first step of supplying the imprint material onto the substrate, and a second step of bringing the mold and the imprint material on the substrate into contact with each other, and the determination unit changes a reference of determination of the normality/abnormality of the imprint processing for each step of the imprint processing and determines the normality/abnormality of the imprint processing based on the image sensed by the image sensing unit.

Abstract: A vacuum processing apparatus for processing a substrate under a vacuum atmosphere includes a vacuum processing module, a vacuum transfer module, a gate valve and a control unit. The vacuum processing module includes a processing chamber, a mounting table and a first gas supply unit. The vacuum transfer module includes a transfer chamber airtightly connected to the processing chamber through the transfer port, a transfer unit and a second gas supply unit. The gate valve is configured to open and close the transfer port for the substrate. The control unit is configured to open the gate valve in a state where a flow rate of an inert gas supplied from the first gas supply unit is smaller than a flow rate of an inert gas supplied from the second gas supply unit and a pressure in the processing chamber is lower than a pressure in the transfer chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus that enable drying and curing a plurality of specimens carried by a plurality of microscope slides. Slide carriers are positioned at a first position while the slide carrier holds the microscope slides. Each of the specimens can be carried by one of the microscope slides. The slide carrier can be robotically moved to move the slide carrier into a circulation loop defined by a heater apparatus. The specimens and/or microscope slides can be convectively heated while the slide carrier is located in the circulation loop.

Abstract: A plant and process for printing a sheet fibrous material. The printing plant includes a conveyor belt, a printing station, and a preparing station. The conveyor belt is configured for receiving the sheet fibrous material and guiding along an advancement direction. The printing station is adapted to ink-print at least part of a second side of the sheet fibrous material. The preparing station is configured for modifying the surface hydrophobicity of at least part of the sheet fibrous material. The preparing station includes a plasma treating device configured to define a treatment environment where a portion of the fibrous material is received. The control unit is configured for commanding the movement of the conveyor belt and controlling at least an operative parameter of the plasma treating device as a function of the movement of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A method and a machine for drying blood smears and an automatic smearing device are provided. In the method, a dry gas is used as a drying medium to dry a blood film on a blood smear in drying the blood smear, thus reducing drying time and the number of blood smears which are dried together. The dry gas is obtained by: first, removing a liquid from a pressurized gas, second, filtering a vapor, and finally, decompressing the dried pressurized gas to be a non-pressurized gas having lower humidity. In addition, the dry gas is further heated for further reducing the humidity of the dry gas. In order to prevent cell distortion from occurring, the heated dry gas is caused to gently flow over the blood smear in a direction which the blood film is spread.

Abstract: According to some aspects, an additive fabrication device is provided configured to form layers of material on a build platform, each layer of material being formed so as to contact a container in addition to the build platform and/or a previously formed layer of material. The additive fabrication device may comprise a container and a wiper, wherein the wiper comprises a wiper arm and a wiper blade coupled to said wiper arm using a pivoting coupling.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a three-dimensional object includes a fabrication stage and a flattener. A fabrication layer in which powder particles are bound together is formed layer-by-layer on the fabrication stage. The flattener relatively moves in a moving direction along a stage surface of the fabrication stage and flattens a surface of powder on the fabrication stage to form a powder layer. The fabrication stage and the flattener are arranged to be relatively movable in a height direction. In formation of the powder layer on the fabrication layer formed on the fabrication stage, the apparatus performs an operation to increase a distance between the flattener and the fabrication stage in the height direction when the flattener moves to a position near an edge of the fabrication layer in the moving direction.

Abstract: A smear preparing apparatus of an embodiment includes: a transportation part that holds and transports a microscope slide; a housing defining a room therein, the housing including: an insertion opening through which the microscope slide transported by the transportation part is to be inserted, and a feed opening through which air is to be fed; and a blower configured to feed the air through the feed opening to the microscope slide housed in the housing. The housing further includes a discharge opening through which the air fed from the blower through the feed opening is discharged.

Abstract: A method for detecting a characteristic of a forming material and a three-dimensional printing apparatus are provided. The three-dimensional printing apparatus includes a tank filled with a liquid forming material, and the method includes the following. The tank is controlled to swing to cause a wave motion on a liquid surface of the liquid forming material. The wave motion of the liquid forming material is detected to obtain detection waveform information. The detection waveform information and sample waveform information are compared with each other to obtain a characteristic comparison result. A predefined operation is executed according to the characteristic comparison result.

Abstract: A sample smear apparatus of an embodiment includes: a slide feeder that feeds a slide glass before processing; a smear processor that smears a sample on the slide glass; and a slide transporter including a slide holder mechanism with an upper surface where to hold the slide glass and a transfer mechanism that moves the slide holder mechanism in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction, the slide transporter arranged movably to the slide feeder and the smear processor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to construction tools. The present invention includes tools used for applying mastic or mud to a work surface, for example, a flat box mastic applicator tool, blade assembly, and/or blade adjustment system, that have many improvements too numerous to mention all in the Abstract. The flat box mastic applicator may include unique walls. The blade assembly may have a non-uniform cross section, e.g., a blade holder with thinner areas and/or material removed at various locations along its lateral length. The blade holder may have a larger size outer end(s) to withstand bending or braking. The blade holder may have and arched shape, ribs or bumps for holding a blade more firmly, and a ridge or bump at its outer edge to act as a dam. The blade adjustment system may include symmetrical pins or posts and a tapered leaf spring. See further improvements herein.

Abstract: A 3-D printing apparatus including a base and a printing head module is provided. The base includes a first supplying platform, a printing bed and a second supplying platform disposed in order along a printing path. The first supplying platform and the second supplying platform carry building powder respectively; the first supplying platform and the second supplying platform are alternately lifted to a printing-reference plane of the base for supplying the building powder to the printing bed. The printing head module is movably disposed above the base and configured to move along a forward direction of the print path to transfer the building powder of the first supplying platform onto the printing bed, and move along a backward direction of the printing path to transfer building powder of the second supplying platform onto the printing bed to form bonded powder layers stacked together to form a 3-D object.

Abstract: A three dimensional printing apparatus including a base, a tank, a modeling platform, and a plurality of floating units is provided. A liquid forming material is filled in the tank. Each of the floating units connects between the base and the tank, such that the tank is disposed on the base in floating manner. The modeling platform is movably immersed in the liquid forming material. A three dimensional object is formed and adhered between the modeling platform and a bottom of the tank. The modeling platform drives and tilts the tank to move out of the base by the three dimensional object, such that the three dimensional object is released from the bottom of the tank by gravity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a spray coating system with constant pressure and stirring function. The spray coating system comprises a stirring barrel containing a mixture material, a stirrer stirring the mixture material, a control valve used for controlling a spray rate of the packaging material, a nozzle connected to the control valve for spouting the packaging material in spray form, a circulation pipe line connected between the stirring barrel and the control valve and a peristaltic pump mounted at the circulation pipe line. Thereby, the spray coating system is applied to the dispensing process of the LED to stir the packaging material and spout the packaging material in spray form, and can transmit the packaging material remained back to the stirring barrel by the peristaltic pump for avoiding the extraneous entering to the packaging material and blocking the nozzle to advance the spray coating quality and efficiency.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for spreading a fluid across a substrate. A spreader for spreading a fluid across a substrate includes a wiper and a frame. The wiper and the frame may mate to permit translation of the wiper across, and with respect to, the frame. The wiper spreads the fluid across the substrate and the frame supports the wiper and the substrate. The frame may also include a ramp to cause a portion of the wiper to lift away from the substrate.

Abstract: A method for spreading a resin paste onto a carrier film includes feeding resin paste into a doctor blade unit having a doctor blade, using a feed device that includes a discharge opening through which the resin paste is fed from the feed device into the doctor blade unit, moving a carrier film on a base surface through a doctor blade gap that is formed between the doctor blade and the base surface, and spreading the resin paste onto the carrier film using the doctor blade. The discharge opening is positioned to be immersed into the resin paste that is in the doctor blade unit during operation of a doctor blade apparatus configured to perform the method. A resin mat installation for producing resin mats, particularly of SMC, includes at least one doctor blade apparatus as described above.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for positioning the core of the compression coated tablet in manufacturing techniques for the production of such tablets.

Abstract: Methods and systems to manufacture a semi-conducting backplane are described. According to one set of implementations, semi-conducting particles are positioned in a supporting material of the semi-conducting backplane utilizing perforations in the supporting material or perforations in a removable support member upon which the semi-conducting backplane is constructed. For example, semi-conducting particles are deposited in perforations on a supporting member such that a portion of the semi-conducting particles protrudes from the supporting member. Suction is applied to the semi-conducting particles to retain the semi-conducting particles in the perforations and a layer of encapsulant material is applied onto the supporting member to cover the protruding portion. The supporting member is then removed from the semi-conducting particles and the layer of encapsulant material, which together form an assembly of the semi-conducting particles and the layer of encapsulant material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and shaping a fillet at an interface. A fluid may be dispensed from a nozzle onto the interface as the nozzle is moved along the interface to form the fillet. An exposed surface of the fillet may be worked using a fairing element associated with the nozzle, as the nozzle is moved along the interface and the fluid is dispensed from the nozzle.

Abstract: A device for coating at least regions of a medical implant including a powder having at least one pharmaceutically active substance or one bone growth-promoting substance such that the powder can be transferred to the medical implant when the medical implant is contacted.

Abstract: A resin spread device includes a substrate, a first member, a resin and a second member. The first member is disposed on the substrate, the first member includes a first region, a second region and a third region, the first region and the third region surround the second region, a plurality of rectangular openings is disposed on the second region and the first member surrounds the openings. The resin is disposed in the openings. The second member is disposed on the first region, and is transported from the first region through the second region to the third region.

Abstract: An application jig includes a first principal surface, a second principal surface, and an opening section. The second principal surface is provided on an opposite side of the first principal surface. The opening section penetrates from the first principal surface to the second principal surface and includes a first opening section and a second opening section. The first opening section is provided on the first principal surface side. The second opening section is provided on the second principal surface side and has a substantially constant diameter from the second principal surface toward a boundary line between the first opening section and the second opening section. The first opening section has a diameter gradually decreasing from the first principal surface toward the boundary line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for applying preferably liquid flavorings (15), in particular menthol, to a medium (16), wherein flavoring (15) is supplyable from a (storage or processing) container (10) to an applicator unit (14) via at least one conduit (11, 13). The invention is characterized in that the applicator unit (14) has a controllable valve for the application of flavoring (15) to the medium (16).

Abstract: A system for producing carbon nanotubes includes a reaction chamber in which a process is performed for producing a carbon nanotube on a synthetic substrate; a station part disposed at one side of the reaction chamber and provided with a first transporter for loading/unloading the synthetic substrate to/from the reaction chamber; a first transporter installed inside the station part for loading/unloading synthetic substrates to/from the reaction chamber; a substrate accommodating part in which a substrate to be loaded to the reaction chamber is accommodated or a synthetic substrate unloaded from the reaction chamber waits; a retrieve part for drawing out a synthetic substrate from the substrate accommodating part to retrieve a carbon nanotube produced on the synthetic substrate; a catalyst coating unit configured for coating a synthetic substrate with a catalyst before the synthetic substrate is accommodated in the substrate accommodating part of the station part; and a second transporter for transporting a s

Abstract: A rod-bed assembly has a holder (30) and an insert (20) removably and insertably supported in a groove (31) of the holder (30), the rod-bed assembly being for a rod (10) rotatably supported in a recess (21) on a front side of the insert (20). Longitudinal bending of the holder (30) in a cross-direction is under 0.5%, advantageously under 0.35%, of the longitudinal distance between two profiling loading points of the holder (30).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an imprinting apparatus includes an ejecting unit, a stage, a moving unit, and an observation unit. The ejecting unit ejects and drips a hardening resin material onto a substrate to be processed. The substrate to be processed is placed onto the stage. The moving unit relatively moves the ejecting unit and the stage. The observation unit observes the dripped hardening resin material and the pattern with the state in which the dripped hardening resin material and the pattern are overlaid on a plane, before the template is brought into contact with the hardening resin material.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, machines and products for producing foil relief. The system includes apparatuses for placing a foil on a curable adhesive deposited on a substrate when the curable adhesive is substantially non-tacky, and applying energy to the adhesive deposited on the substrate while pressing the foil to the adhesive to cause the adhesive to become tacky and to adhere to the foil. The adhesive becomes substantially fully cured prior to completion of the pressing of the foil to the adhesive deposited on the substrate. In some embodiments, the system may further include one or more energy sources for pre-curing the curable adhesive prior to placing the foil on the adhesive to initiate the curing process of the adhesive and manipulate a viscosity level of the adhesive, with the pre-cured adhesive remaining substantially non-tacky. The curable adhesive includes one or more of, for example, a radical type adhesive and/or a cationic adhesive.

Abstract: Processes and devices useful in the application of coatings (14) to the interior of tubes (10) are described. Such processes (40, 400) may include applying a layer (20) of coating fluid (18) to the internal surface (16) of the tube (10) and passing a smoothing member (22) through the tube (10) at a distance from the internal surface (16). The viscosity of the coating fluid (18) may be selected so that the layer (20) of coating fluid (18) has a thickness substantially equal to or in excess of a predetermined wet film thickness (Twf) correlated to a desired final thickness (Tf) of the coating (14). The distance between the smoothing member (22) and the internal surface (16) may substantially correspond to the predetermined wet film thickness (Twf). The smoothing member (22) may smooth the coating fluid (18) and remove coating fluid (18) in excess of the wet film thickness (Twf) from the internal surface (16).

Abstract: A doctor blade head for coating a transfer roller includes a semi-cylindrical cavity to enable streamline fluid flow therethrough, and check plates at the inlet and outlet openings for permitting unidirectional flow into the inlet opening from said pump and out of the outlet opening toward the pump. An hydraulic accumulator acts as a fluid pressure and fluid velocity balancing device, and includes a rolling diaphragm piston moving in a cylinder that is connected to the inlet fluid path, with a spring impinging on the piston to absorb pressure surges and compensate pressure dropoffs.

Abstract: A wafer support device is provided. The wafer support device includes a plurality of support portions; and a bottom area located among the support portions, wherein the bottom area has a protective layer formed thereon. A method for processing a working surface of a wafer support device is also provided.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a direct metal deposition (DMD) structure having substantially fully forged structural qualities is provided. In various embodiments, the method includes depositing a layer of metallic material onto an existing metallic structure having a microstructure that provides the existing metallic structure with substantially fully forged structural qualities. The DMD layer has a microstructure that provides the DMD layer with non-forged structural qualities.

Abstract: An adhesive metering system for applying an adhesive to an anilox roll is provided. The anilox roll includes cups embedded within a peripheral surface of the anilox roll. The system includes a pan having a first end, a second end, opposing sidewalls, and a bottom configured to form a trough to partially receive the peripheral surface. A first blade is coupled to the first end, wherein the first blade has an edge spaced from the cups by a gap defined between the peripheral surface and the edge. The system further includes a pump coupled to the pan and in flow communication with the first blade and the trough. The pump is configured to discharge the adhesive into the trough and on the first blade wherein the first blade is configured to facilitate channeling adhesive into the cups of the anilox roll.

Abstract: Method is provided for applying a cement mixture to a honeycomb body including the step of aligning a first end of the honeycomb body with respect to a first longitudinal axis of a first support member. The method further includes the step of aligning a second support member with respect to the second end of the honeycomb body. The second support member is allowed to move relative to the first support member such that a second longitudinal axis of second support member is not coincident with the first longitudinal axis. The method further includes the step of fixing the position of the honeycomb body with respect to the first support member and the second support member. The method still further includes the step of applying a cement mixture to the honeycomb body. An apparatus is provided that is configured to apply a cement mixture to a honeycomb body.

Abstract: A coating apparatus including a coating part which coats a liquid material containing a metal on a substrate, a coating-film forming part which subjects the liquid material coated on the substrate to a predetermined treatment to form a coating film, and a removing part which removes a peripheral portion of the coating material formed along the outer periphery of the substrate.

Abstract: A manufacturing method includes providing a structural element that provides a predetermined gap between a first substrate and a second substrate to at least one of the first and second substrates, forming an alignment film on each of the first and second substrates, and subjecting the alignment film formed on each of the first and second substrates to a rubbing process. The structural element is formed after the alignment film is formed and before or after the rubbing process is performed.

Abstract: A device (10) for applying particulate material onto a surface of a mould is described. The device (10) comprises a container (12) for holding particulate material and defining an opening (18) for releasing the material. A closure device (20) is operable to open and close the opening (18). A levelling means (24) projects from the container (12) adjacent to the opening (18) and is operable to level the surface of the material dispensed. The levelling means (24) is shorter than the length of the opening (18) so that the opening extends beyond each end of the levelling means (24). In this way, an even layer of particulate material can be dispensed in one pass covering the bass of a mould cavity and opposed side walls of the cavity.

Abstract: A specimen processing system is capable of processing specimens carried on slides. The specimen processing system can sequentially deliver slides and opposables to specimen processing stations. The specimen processing stations can use the opposables to apply a series of liquids to the specimens. The applied liquid can be moved along the slide using capillary action while the specimen processing stations control the processing temperatures. The applied liquid can be in a fluid-carrying gap. The opposable can contact the slide to vary a cross section of the fluid-carrying gap.

Abstract: A doctor blade assembly for use in combination with apparatus for forming a film on a substrate. The doctor blade assembly includes a doctor blade to be mounted on a programmable robot. The doctor blade has a bottom face and spacers at opposite ends of the body of the doctor blade extending a predetermined distance down below the bottom face of the body for contacting a substrate and spacing the bottom face from the substrate. The spacers are adjustable relative to the doctor blade for adjusting the predetermined distance according to the thickness of film to be formed on the substrate. Other aspects and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices coat, at least regions of, a medical implant, preferably of an artificial joint or a fixation for a joint. The method provides a medical implant, fills a device with a liquid having at least one pharmaceutically active substance, wherein the device has a compressed, at least over regions thereof, elastic, porous transfer means increases a volume of the transfer means, whereby the liquid is taken up at least partly into the pores of the transfer means, and transfers the liquid from the transfer means to a medical implant surface to be coated. The device coats, at least regions of, a medical implant, by means of the method, whereby the device has a compressed, at least over regions thereof, elastic, porous transfer means.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multilayer coating for decoration of surfaces includes the successive steps of providing a supporting substrate, applying a protective layer on that substrate, applying at least one first decorative layer on the protective layer to transfer a first ornamental patter thereto, depositing at least one adhesive layer on the first decorative layer to form a multilayer coating configured to be applied on a surface to be decorated. The substrate is a film of a polymeric material configured to be removed from the protective layer after application of the multilayer coating on the surface to be decorated. A system of manufacturing a multilayer coating for the decoration of surfaces.

Abstract: A piece of substrate material is formed under heat and pressure by a roller against a cavity or platen into a shaped substrate sheet having one or more depressions. Two substrate sheets are bonded together to form a substrate wherein the one or more depressions form one or more interior channels. The substrate is coated with a dope in a casting device having a guide portion corresponding to the shape of the substrate sheets and quenched to form a filtering membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a doctor device for metering and/or leveling a liquid to pasty medium applied to a moving surface, the surface in the case of direct application being a paper, board or other fibrous web and in the case of indirect application being the surface of a transfer element which transfers the medium to the fibrous web. The doctor device includes a cylindrical metering rod and a pressure tube, with which the metering rod can be pressed against the moving surface for the purpose of metering and/or leveling the medium applied. Additionally, the doctor device is of modular design, having a top part and a bottom part, the top part being provided with a first holder for holding the pressure tube, and the bottom part being provided with a second holder for holding a clamping tube.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes: a device configured to partially provide a second conductor layer on a surface of a first conductor layer; a device configured to partially provide a first insulating layer on the surface of the first conductor layer; a device configured to integrate the first conductor layer, the second conductor layer, the first insulating layer, and a third conductor layer, in a state in which the second conductor layer and the first insulating layer provided on the surface of the first conductor layer are covered with the third conductor layer from a side opposite the first conductor layer; a device configured to form a conductor pattern by partially removing at least one of the first conductor layer and the third conductor layer in a structure obtained by the integrating; and a device configured to cover both sides of the structure.

Abstract: An apparatus can be used to apply and remove fluid substances for processing biological samples. The fluid substances can be delivered between a first substrate and a second substrate. One substrate carries a specimen. A layer of the fluid substance is retained in a gap defined by the first and second substrates. One substrate is moved with respect to the second substrate to disperse the fluid substance in the gap.