Abstract: A stencil printer includes a frame, a stencil coupled to the frame, and a support assembly coupled to the frame, with the support assembly including tooling configured to support the electronic substrate in a print position beneath the stencil. The stencil printer further includes a print head assembly coupled to the frame in such a manner that the print head assembly is configured to traverse the stencil during print strokes. The print head assembly includes a squeegee blade assembly and at least one paste cartridge to deposit solder paste on the stencil. The stencil printer further includes an end effector configured to pick up and release items from a tooling tray. The stencil printer further includes a movable cart configured to interface with the stencil printer to deliver changeover and/or replacement items within a stencil printer.

Abstract: Devices and methods for preparing and delivering biological assay samples are provided herein. Components of such devices include a sample receiving module within which a biological assay sample can be prepared and a cap, which when operatively coupled with the sample receiving module, pressurizes the module. These devices can be employed for subsequently delivering a biological assay sample.

Abstract: The implants of the invention relate to improved implants formed using additive manufacturing techniques, the implants including a hemispherical cup portion, and an ischium flange, a pubic ramus flange and an ilium flange, each flange extending outwardly from the perimeter of the hemispherical cup portion, wherein the implant surface includes an area of integrally formed three dimensional scaffold on the bone apposition surfaces of the cup portion and on a bone apposition surface of at least one of the flanges of the implant. The invention also relates to implants with different surface texture and alignment features, together with methods for the manufacture of patient-specific implants of the invention.

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 of manufacturing a three-dimensional object facilitates removal of the three-dimensional object from the platen on which the object was formed. The method includes rotating the platen from a horizontally level position to a position at an angle to the level position to enable gravity to urge the three-dimensional object away from the platen and inductively heating the platen to melt support material at the boundary of the object and the platen to release the three-dimensional object from the platen.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object facilitates removal of the three-dimensional object from the platen on which the object was formed. The method includes rotating the platen from a horizontally level position to a position at an angle to the level position to enable gravity to urge the three-dimensional object away from the platen and inductively heating the platen to melt support material at the boundary of the object and the platen to release the three-dimensional object from the platen.

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 wiping element made of a rubber-elastic or ductile-elastic material for the protection of components mobile against one another, wherein at least one wiping lip (2) is provided on a wiping ring (1). The wiping element has a protective lip (4), which is or can be fixed in a detachable fashion to the wiping ring (1). In a wiper arrangement (10), the wiping ring (1) is arranged position-stable on a first component and lies with the wiping lip (2) and the protective lip (4) adjacent to a second component. With the use of such a wiper arrangement (10) for the painting of components mobile against one another, at least one component is painted in the fixed state of the protective lip (4) and the protective lip (4) is then detached from the wiping ring (1).

Abstract: A squeegee holder including a self-cleaning sliding mechanism, a squeegee blade, two end caps at each end of the squeegee blade. The end caps include a flange and a hole. Two actuating motors are attached to the flanges, the motors include drive shafts pointing downwards. A wiper blade is attached to a blade mount slidable along the squeegee blade and a drill rod is secured at each end with press fittings into the holes in the end caps.

Abstract: A method for intermittently applying thin-film coatings is realized, by which a coating of extremely thin film reduced to 20 ?m or less in thickness is deposited intermittently with high productivity and at the same time, the trailing coating edge of the thin film is formed in a highly accurate shape having good linearity. This is achieved as follows. A band-shaped substrate (1) traveling in one direction is kept looped over a stationary reference-roller (4) and a movable actuation roller (7), and is brought into contact with an application roller (19) which carries a coating agent (18) on its circumferential surface and rotates in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the substrate (1). The actuation roller (7) is moved to come into or out of contact with the substrate (1) with a predetermined timing.

Abstract: In a flux transfer unit to be used in an electronic component mounting apparatus for transferring flux to an electronic component picked up from a component feed unit and then mounting the electronic component onto a board, a blade holding head which has a first blade and a second blade for film formation use and scraping use of flux, respectively, and which is reciprocatively driven by a rodless cylinder via a drive transmission pin, is held by a movable member so as to be swingable about a swing support pin, and the movable member is braked with a specified braking force by a plate spring member. Thus, each time the direction of motion of the blade is reversed, the blade holding head swings, so that the first blade and the second blade can be automatically switched over without providing any exclusive drive mechanism.

Abstract: A method for distributing glue on an end edge of a log, on a log, or on a core for logs which advances logs on a feed surface toward a glue reservoir wherein a fixed blade, coupled to a movable plate, distributes the glue from said reservoir to the log by conveying said plate upwards and discharging said glue to an upper free end of the fixed blade, returning said plate downwards, and passing said log over said fixed blade.

Abstract: A method for automatically inserting connectors and coupling test probes to circuit boards, such as computer system boards and the like. The method is implemented via an apparatus that enables connectors to be automatically inserted into mating connectors on a circuit board device under test (DUT). Connectors may be automatically inserted along 1-4 axes. The apparatus includes replaceable probe/connector plates that are DUT-type specific, as well as DUT-type specific side access units. The apparatus may also be used for inserting memory devices and microprocessors, and further enables peripheral devices to be operatively coupled to expansion bus connectors on the DUT. In one embodiment, a single actuator is employed to actuate up to four insertion axes simultaneously.

Abstract: A device for distributing glue on an end edge of a log, on a log or on a core for logs comprising a feed surface (16) of logs or cores (15) towards a glue distribution area, wherein the device comprises a container (13) containing glue (12), wherein disposed inside the container (13) is a fixed blade (18) with one free end (22) facing upwards at the level of an interrupted section (19) of the feed surface (16) on which the logs or cores (15) travel, one behind another, the fixed blade (18) being associated with a plate (27) movable from the bottom upwards, and vice versa, which conveys the glue (12) to the level of an upper free end (22) of the fixed blade (18), discharges it on the free end (22) and returns towards the bottom of the container (13), the moving plate (27) having, at an upper end thereof, an area to collect glue (28, 29) in the container (13) and to discharge glue on the fixed blade when it is taken to the level of the upper end (22) of the fixed blade (18).

Abstract: The uniformity of a wet coating on a substrate is improved by contacting the coating at a first position with the wetted surfaces of periodic pick-and-place devices, and re-contacting the coating with such wetted surfaces at positions on the substrate that are different from the first position and not periodically related to one another with respect to their distance from the first position. A coating is applied to a substrate by applying an uneven wet coating, contacting the coating at a first position with the wetted surfaces of periodic pick-and-place devices, and re-contacting the coating with such wetted surfaces at positions on the substrate that are different from the first position and not periodically related to one another with respect to their distance from the first position. These methods can provide extremely uniform coatings and extremely thin coatings, at very high rates of speed. The coatings can be applied in lanes with sharply defined edges and independently adjustable coating calipers.

Abstract: Sigma-delta modulation is provided, comprising feeding an input signal to a first SDM, subtracting the output of the first SDM from the input signal, filtering the output of the subtracting to obtain a filtered signal, delaying the input signal, adding the filtered signal to the delayed signal, feeding the output of the adder to a second SDM and providing the output of the second SDM. The first SDM in combination with the subtracting and filtering delivers a correction signal which, by adding it to the input signal, reduces the distortion in the second SDM, which second SDM performs in fact the sigma-delta modulation of the device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fast three-dimensional modeling method comprising the following steps: a phase which consists in transforming the raw material in the work space (32) by means of a device inducing transformation (1); at least at one moment, a phase which consists in supplying non-transformed material, downstream of the doctor blade; a phase which consists in covering the transformed material (PI) with non-transformed material (MAT), which consists in moving the blade in a direction (F), driving in rotation about an axis a rolling member (26, 27) whereon an extruded log of non-transformed raw material (28) is wound, arranging a pushing member (22) such that its proximal edge (23) coincides with the surface of said work space, and positioning said rolling member downstream of the pushing member, and opposite thereof, so as to channel the extruded log of non-tramsformed material towards a cavity formed between the proximal edge and the rolling member facing it.

Abstract: A gun for sealing with sealing wax which includes a handgrip, a tank melting-pot for the sealing wax, a feeding device, an injector, and a punch. The gun is heated by heating elements. The tank melting-pot is connected with the feeding device and with the injector which consists of a chamber provided, in its terminal part, with a nozzle in which a plunger slides. The punch consists of a sliding rod provided, in its end, with a metallic engraved or raised mark.

Abstract: An automatic smear preparing apparatus includes a sample smearing section for smearing a biological sample on a slide glass by using a spreader glass, a washing section for washing the used spreader glass, and an ultrasonic generating section for applying ultrasound to the washing section.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated staining apparatus including an arm (30) moveable in three dimensions, and a hollow tip head (70) located on the arm including integral reagent tip head (40), wash tip (41) and blow tip (42) for selectively dispensing gas and liquid onto microscope slides. Also disclosed are various sub-components of the apparatus that are specifically adapted to the processing of specimens on slides.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in producing three dimensional components by bonding together successive layers of a porous material with droplets of a binder material. A powder is dispensed on a support surface in a layer. A vibratory mechanism vibrates the layer of dispensed powder to compact the powder.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an object by stereolithography is provided with a tank (1) receiving a bath of liquid or powdery material which can be solidified by action of electromagnetic radiation. In known manner the apparatus comprises a support (4) for positioning the object relative to the surface (3) of the bath and a device (8) for solidifying a layer of the material (3) adjacent to the surface using electromagnetic radiation. In order to allow a precise adjustment of the layer thickness the apparatus comprises a supplying device (51) for supplying the solidifiable material (3), the supplying device extending transversely across the tank and having a discharge opening (53) at its bottom side in operational position, a channel extending in the interior thereof and communicating with the discharge opening (53), the channel being connected at one point with a pump (63) through a conduit (62).

Abstract: A material (21) is transferred to an electronic component (32) using a transfer apparatus (10). The transfer apparatus (10) has pins (13) that pass through openings (19) in a cavity plate (16). The pins (13) and the openings (19) in the cavity plate (16) form cavities (20) that are filled with the material (21). The pins (13) are then extended from the cavity plate (16) to transfer the material (21) from the cavities (20) to the electronic component (32).

Abstract: For the removal of a small amount of fluid, in particular blood, from a sealed container, and the deposition of a drop of fluid on a slide by a dropper, and the subsequent spreading of the drop, the rear end of a dropper needle having a longitudinal channel which passes therethrough is pressed through a seal into a container. Once the needle is inserted into the container, a drop of fluid moves out of the container via the longitudinal channel to a slide. After depositing the drop of fluid on the slide, the dropper itself is used to spread and distribute the drop of fluid on the slide, so that spreading of the drop of fluid is facilitated and hazardous waste is reduced to a minimum. The dropper used for this purpose is made integral with a spreader.

Abstract: An automatic sample preparing apparatus which can automatically perform all the steps of a sample preparation process from smearing of sample onto a slide glass to dyeing the smeared sample and with which there is no wasting of dyeing liquid even when only a small number of samples are to be dyed and the degree of freedom of slide glass handling and control is high. The apparatus can include a smearing part, cassettes, a carrying part, a loading part, a dyeing part and a storing part. The smearing part functions to smear samples onto slide glasses. Each cassette has a holding part which can hold slide glasses and a liquid and a pair of hanging support parts connected to this holding part. The carrying part carries the cassettes. The loading part loads the slide glasses one by one into the cassettes. The dyeing part performs dyeing of the smeared sample on the slide glasses. The storing part stores cassettes containing slide glasses with sample smeared thereon and dyed.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring and spreading a high-viscosity bonding agent to a thickness of about 10 .mu.m on a bonding-agent onto a member. The device includes a squeegee table on which a bonding agent is spread, and a film moving device for feeding a film made of elastic material from one end to the other end of the squeegee table at a predetermined speed and sticking the film onto the bonding agent. The film moving device then peels the film off the spreading side at a speed at which the upper half of the bonding agent layer is peeled off from the other end of the squeegee table, whereby the thickness of the bonding agent is reduced to half of that which has been spread on the squeegee table. The film moving device then feeds the film having the bonding agent onto a member and peels off the film from the member, thereby transferring a bonding agent having a thickness of about 1/4 of the thickness of the bonding agent spread on the spreading side, not greater than 10 .mu.m, for example, to the member.

Abstract: A roll coater for forming a film of uniform thickness on a substrate W includes a bottom plate 6 for transporting the substrate W in a predetermined direction F, a coating rubber roll 4 for transferring a coating liquid Q adhering to the outer circumferential face onto the substrate W, and an ink supplying device for supplying ink to the outer circumferential face of the roll 4. The ink supplying device includes a roll 1 for transferring the coating liquid Q adhering to the outer circumferential face thereof to the outer circumferential surface of a roll 4, metal doctor 2 for supplying a coated film of a coating liquid Q of uniform thickness, and a coating liquid reservoir 3 for storing coating liquid Q. A scraper 7 for scraping the remaining coating liquid Q on the outer circumferential face of the metal roll 1 is provided downstream of the roll 4 and upstream of the coating liquid reservoir 3.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously applying a coating to a running web, includes an elastic doctor blade having first and second ends, a frontal ride adapted to be oriented towards the web and a reverse side opposite the frontal aide and adapted to be oriented away from the web. The apparatus further has a clamping device firmly holding the doctor blade by engagement therewith in a zone of the first end. The clamping device positions the doctor blade for contacting the web at the second end along a scraping line. The apparatus also has an inflatable actuator engaging the reverse side of the doctor blade between the clamping device and the first and of the doctor blade. The actuator has a pressurized state in which a surface portion of the actuator is enlarged by an inflating fluid towards the reverse side of the doctor blade for pressing it against the web. A fluid pressure source is connected to the in inflatable actuator.

Abstract: This invention provides for methods and apparatus for increasing the speed of material deposition by a blade element traversing across an apertured mask. The invention involves varying the velocity of the blade element as it sweeps across different sections of the apertured mask. Varying the sweep velocity of the blade element allows for increases in the average speed of material deposition while retaining precision in the application of material deposited through the apertured mask.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an object using stereolithography includes a container, a bath of a liquid or powder material filling the container and having a free surface, the material being solidifiable under the action of electromagnetic radiation, a support for positioning the object relative to the free surface of the bath so as to form a layer of the material adjacent to the free surface, a device for solidifying the layer using electromagnetic radiation, a wiper device extending along a first direction across the free surface and drive means for moving the wiper device across the free surface along a second direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for stereolithographically forming a three-dimensional object includes a vessel for holding a building material and a smoothing member for forming a uniform coating over a previously formed layer of the object. The smoothing member has a plurality of blades. The smoothing member is swept over a previously formed layer of the object, in at least two directions. Different clearances between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the upper surface of the previously formed layer are used to provide a uniform coating for a subsequent layer over the previously formed layer. The sweeping velocity of the smoothing member can be varied. Retractable needles are attached to the smoothing member for adjusting a blade gap between a lower surface of the smoothing member and the surface of the building material.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously applying a coating to a running web, includes an elastic doctor blade having first and second ends, a frontal side adapted to be oriented towards the web and a reverse side opposite the frontal side and adapted to be oriented away from the web. The apparatus further has a clamping device firmly holding the doctor blade by engagement therewith in a zone of the first end. The clamping device positions the doctor blade for contacting the web at the second end along a scraping line. The apparatus also has an inflatable actuator engaging the reverse side of the doctor blade between the clamping device and the first end of the doctor blade. The actuator has a pressurized state in which a surface portion of the actuator is enlarged by an inflating fluid towards the reverse side of the doctor blade for pressing it against the web. A fluid pressure source is connected to the inflatable actuator.

Abstract: A system is provided for producing a three dimensional object from a reactive liquid medium capable of being solidified. The object is constructed from many successive layers of the solidified reactive liquid medium when subjected to appropriate synergistic stimulation. A reservoir contains both the reactive liquid medium and an underlying supporting, substantially immiscible, non-reactive liquid medium. To begin forming the object, a platform within the reservoir is initially positioned at a depth equal to the thickness of a first layer to be solidified, and continues to support the object being constructed. The synergistic source radiates toward the reactive liquid medium and imaging apparatus defining a three dimensional object of required configuration selectively controls the size and shape of that part of a new two dimensional layer to be solidified. At least part of the new layer is solidified, after which a further layer is applied.

Abstract: This invention improves a machine that has a squeegee-like blade that wipes across an apertured mask to apply to a printed circuit board solder paste or other conductive mounting material. The apparatus and method of the invention involve reciprocating the blade back and forth transverse to the direction of blade sweep across the mask, during the material-applying sweep of the blade across the mask. The reciprocating movement of the blade, combined with the sweep movement, deposits material onto the printed circuit board with high fidelity and with minimal voids.

Abstract: Apparatus for and related methods of forming three-dimensional objects out of a building material, which is normally solid but which is flowable when heated. In one embodiment a support material is used to fill in portions of layers which are not to be solidified as part of the object to provide support to otherwise unsupported portions of other layers. Advantageously, the support material is also normally solid and flowable when heated, and has a lower melting point than the building material enabling the support material to later be removed without damaging the object. In an alternative embodiment this support material can be used to build a support such as a web support, or the like, for supporting an object surface from a second surface.

Abstract: An electrode forming apparatus comprises a recovery blade for collecting electrode paste on the bottom surface of a dipping vessel toward a first end of the dipping vessel and a levelling blade for levelling the electrode paste, being collected toward the first end, toward a second end of the dipping vessel for adjusting the same to a constant film thickness. The recovery blade and the levelling blade are supported by a blade support frame, which is horizontally reciprocated with respect to the dipping vessel. The recovery blade is vertically moved by a cylinder, while the vertical position of the levelling blade is finely controlled by a levelling control motor. Thus, the film thickness of the electrode paste can be accurately adjusted with excellent repeatability, thereby carrying out homogeneous electrode application.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for spreading a material on an object. The apparatus includes a continuously moving conveyor for moving the object in a downstream direction, and a dispenser for applying the material to the object. The apparatus also includes a carriage located above the conveyor, and a spreader coupled to the carriage for engaging the material applied to the object by the dispenser to spread the material on the object. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for moving the carriage in the downstream direction over the continuously moving object as the spreader engages the material, and another mechanism for providing movement of the spreader relative to the carriage from an first position in which the spreader engages the material to a second position in which the spreader disengages the material.

Abstract: A method and process for computer-controlled manufacture of three-dimensional objects involves dispensing a layer of liquid, insoluble material onto a platform at predetermined locations, which then hardens. A second media, preferably water soluble, is then sprayed onto this layer to thereby encapsulate the hardened insoluble media. The uppermost surface of this encapsulant is planed, thus removing a portion of the encapsulant to expose the underlying insoluble material for new pattern deposition. After the resulting planing residue is removed, another layer of liquid, insoluble media is dispensed onto the planed surface. The insoluble media can be of any color and may vary from layer to layer, and from location within a layer to location within a layer. These steps are repeated, until the desired three-dimensional object, surrounded by a mold, is completed. At this point, the object is either heated or immersed in a solvent, thereby dissolving the mold and leaving the three-dimensional object intact.

Abstract: A dispensing device for automatically dispensing measured amounts of particulate material which includes supply means for supplying a quantity of the particulate material and a chute for receiving the particulate material from the supply means. A reciprocating pusher means is positioned in the chute for controlling the amount of particulate material dispensed from the supply means and for discharging the dispense particulate material from the chute. A distribution hopper receives the particulate material from the chute and discharges it to a reciprocating measuring plate having a plurality of removable measuring inserts therein whereby the particulate material is received in cavities in the inserts. As the measuring plate is moved forwardly, the particulate material passes through a control plate having a plurality of slots therein and is deposited in a plurality of mask hoppers for ultimate dispensing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stereolithographically forming a three-dimensional object includes a vessel for holding a building material and a smoothing member for forming a uniform coating over a previously formed layer of the object. The smoothing member has a plurality of blades. The smoothing member is swept over a previously formed layer of the object, in at least two directions. Different clearances between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the upper surface of the previously formed layer are used to provide a uniform coating for a subsequent layer over the previously formed layer. The sweeping velocity of the smoothing member can be varied. Retractable needles are attached to the smoothing member for adjusting a blade gap between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the surface of the building material.

Abstract: Apparatus for and related methods of forming three-dimensional objects out of a building material, which is normally solid but which is flowable when heated. In one embodiment a support material is used to fill in portions of layers which are not to be solidified as part of the object to provide support to otherwise unsupported portions of other layers. Advantageously, the support material is also normally solid and flowable when heated, and has a lower melting point than the building material enabling the support material to later be removed without damaging the object. In an alternative embodiment this support material can be used to build a support such as a web support or the like for supporting an object surface from a second surface.

Abstract: Mechanism is disclosed for wiping solder paste onto a printed circuit board through a stencil superposed on the board, including a first squeeges for wiping solder paste onto the stencil, a second squeegee for depositing solder paste at a location for engagement by the first squeeges and a tray, alternatively engagable with both squeeges to cooperate with the squeeges to deposit solder paste at the beginning of a wiping stroke and to pick up excess solder paste at the end of a wiping stroke.

Abstract: In an automatic wax coating apparatus for use with skis, a securing device for securing ski, a wax supplying device, a brushing device and a movement device are provided in the interior of a box for accommodating the ski strips. The brushing device comprises a hot air nozzle for blowing hot air onto the ski, a roller brush for brushing the sliding surfaces of the ski, and a wax nozzle for spraying the sliding surfaces of the ski with a wax supplied from the wax supplying device, and the brushing device can be moved along the longitudinal axes of the ski by means of the movement device.And as occasion demands, the brushing device makes a plurality of reciprocating movmeents along the longitudinal axes of the ski to apply a wax coat of even more accurately controlled uniformity, thickness, surface texture and so forth.

Abstract: A bar with two surfaces, a first that unifies, and a second to smooth a layer of liquid coating on a support transported past the bar. Recessed grooves of different types are present on the bar to unify the coating layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for incorporating a powder into a continuous fibrous web containing multiple corrugations. In the method, a fibrous web provided with multiple parallel corrugations is continuously passed over a curved surface having an arc with a radius to web thickness ratio of 0.5-3 and the corrugations are opened at their upper side, while any bonded fibers connecting adjacent corrugations together are broken apart. A powder having 50-1000 micron particle size is deposited by gravity into the opened spaces between adjacent corrugations of the web. The deposited powder is then compacted into the fibrous corrugated web by rubbing with a pad moved in an oscillating motion generally perpendicular to the corrugations. The powder filled web is bent in the opposite direction around a roller to break the fibers between the corrugations on the opposite side of the web. The second roller can be made vertically movable so as to convert the web continuous forward motion to an intermittent forward motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of coating a surface of a fiber blanket comprising forcing a plurality of probes through the fiber blanket until the probes extend beyond the surface to be coated, so that holes are formed in the fiber blanket, applying fluid coating material on the surface to be coated, retracting the probes from the fiber blanket, allowing the coating material to flow into the holes during the retraction of the probes, forming heads of the coating material at the uncoated surface of the fiber blanket, and allowing the coating material to harden. The invention relates moreover to an apparatus for carrying out this method. The coated fiber blanket obtained by the method according to the invention has the advantage that the hardened layer of coating material is firmly anchored to the blanket.

Abstract: A portable, manually operable device for preparing a monolayer film of a biological fluid sample or the like on a slide for microscopic examination. Said device includes a base for retaining the slide thereon and a spreader manually movable linearly relative to the base and slide in a pass which spreads a sample of the fluid on the slide into such a monolayer. Preferably, the spreader is constructed to be disposable.

Abstract: A portable, manually operable device for preparing a monolayer film of a biological fluid sample or the like on a slide for microscopic examination. Said device includes a base for retaining the slide thereon and a spreader manually movable linearly relative to the base and slide in a pass which spreads a sample of the fluid on the slide into such a monolayer. Preferably, the spreader is constructed to be disposable.

Abstract: A manually-operated applicator for use in applying a film of wet material in a preselected, uniform, initial wet film thickness on the top flat surface of a workpiece which is in a level position. The applicator comprises a cylindrical rod having a plurality of equally spaced-apart, annularly-shaped protrusions which form contact surfaces with the wet material and with the surface of the workpiece. The protrusions extend from the circumferential surface of the applicator a distance equal to the desired uniform thickness of the wet film. The wet material is manually rolled or pushed or pulled with the applicator by the user until the wet material covers the surface of the workpiece in its entirety, and until the top surface of the wet film is flush and level with the contacting circumferential surface of the applicator.

Abstract: A trowel for use in troweling a fluid resin-hardener mixture into the interstices of reinforcing filaments disposed about a rotating pipe-forming mandrel is provided. The trowel is semicircular in cross-section and is biased upwardly against the rotating mandrel as it moves along the length thereof. The trowel has substantially universal movement enabling it to maintain constant contact with the rotating pipe periphery.