Abstract: The invention relates to a surface-treatment facility (10) for surface-treating vehicle bodies (12), said facility comprising at least two floor-bound transport carriages (20), each of which comprises a fastening device (18), to which vehicle bodies (12) can be fastened. Each transport carriage (20) can be shifted by means of its own drive that can be carried therewith. The surface-treatment facility (10) also comprises a substantially gas-tight treatment chamber (14) that is delimited by a housing (15). The vehicle bodies (12) can be moved, at least temporarily, in the treatment chamber (12) by means of a relevant transport carriage (20). The surface-treatment facility (10) further comprises a travel region (22), arranged outside the housing (15), in which the transport carriages (20) can be moved, at least temporarily.

Abstract: A distributing device (10) for distributing liquid, pasty or viscous adhesives on plates, in particular adhesive sides of plates, and more preferably tiles which may comprise different sizes. The distributing device (10) comprises a base element (11) and two guide elements (13), such as lateral guide elements (13), for guiding the plates. The distributing device (10) comprises a distributing element (12) for distributing the adhesive on the plates. The distributing element (12) is directly or indirectly connected or connectable to the base element (11). The distributing device (10) comprises a receiving area (14), a guiding area (15) and a removal area (16) for receiving, guiding and removing the plates.

Abstract: A continuous coating line includes a snout assembly exposed to molten metal. The snout assembly includes a snout tip positioned about a steel strip that is immersible in the molten metal to provide a seal around the steel strip during entry into the molten metal. The snout tip includes a refractory material that is resistant to wear, abrasion, and corrosion when the snout tip is exposed to the molten metal.

Abstract: A continuous coating line includes a snout assembly exposed to molten metal. The snout assembly includes a snout tip positioned about a steel strip that is immersible in the molten metal to provide a seal around the steel strip during entry into the molten metal. The snout tip includes a refractory material that is resistant to wear, abrasion, and corrosion when the snout tip is exposed to the molten metal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for removing a rod-like element, like a smoking rod, from a loading zone of a hanging line, wherein the rod-like element is arranged in a loading position of said loading zone, in which the rod-like element can successively be loaded with sausage-shaped products, like sausages, each of which contain a flowable filling material in a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing provided with a suspension element, like a suspension loop, through which the sausage-shaped products can be suspended on the rod-like element in the loading position.

Abstract: A method for coating a paper drinking straw, an apparatus for coating a paper drinking straw, and a coated drinking straw assembly are disclosed. The apparatus includes a dipping tank containing a liquid bath for coating a straw when submerged in the liquid and a straw engagement means for submerging the straw in the bath. The method includes receiving an uncoated paper drinking straw and submerging the straw in a bath containing a water-resistant and/or a water-soluble coating. The drinking straw assembly includes an elongate tubular body and a coating that has been applied to all surfaces of the straw by submerging the body in a bath containing the coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for the hot-dip galvanization of components, preferably for mass-production hot-dip galvanization of a plurality of identical or similar components, in particular in batches, preferably for batch galvanization.

Abstract: An apparatus including a receptacle including a slot for receiving a basket; a push bar disposed in the receptacle, the push bar having an end to contact an edge of a single slide of a plurality of slides in a basket, the push bar including a first position below a bottom surface of a base of a basket that is received in the slot and a second position in the slot; and a sensor focused in a direction of the slot operable to acquire information from a slide in a received basket. A method including placing a slide basket into a slot of a receptacle; individually raising one or more slides from a respective position in the basket; using a sensor, acquiring information from the raised slide in the basket; and after acquiring information, lowering the raised slide.

Abstract: A system for sealing containers includes a first conveyor of containers to convey containers from an inlet zone to a sealing zone. A first processing station of containers applies a layer of sealing material to at least one end portion of each container. A second processing station polishes the layer of sealing material applied by the first processing station. A first moving unit of containers moves containers from the first conveyor to the first processing station and moves containers with a layer of sealing material from the first processing station to the second processing station. A second conveyor conveys containers from the sealing zone to an outlet zone. A second moving unit moves containers with a layer of sealing material from the second processing station to the second conveyor.

Abstract: A plant for immersion treatment of vehicle bodies may include: at least one skid configured to support a body; at least one process liquid tank; and/or a conveyor line configured to convey the at least one skid above the at least one process liquid tank. The at least one skid may include base and support parts. The support part may be supported on the base part using a rotatable shaft, so that the support part is rotatable between a first position, in which the body is not immersed in the at least one process liquid tank, and a second position for immersing the body in the at least one process liquid tank. The at least one skid may include a toothed wheel connected to the rotatable shaft for controlled rotation. The at least one skid may include a controllable locking/unlocking device configured to lock/unlock free rotation of the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: In a flow down type surface treating apparatus, a scattering amount of a processing solution is reduced. A film forming mechanism 110 is provided on an inlet side and an outlet side of each treatment chamber. The film forming mechanism 110 ejects a continuous laminar liquid under pressure of about 0.01 MPa at a flow rate of 5 to 10 L/min. Such a liquid film prevents droplets reflected on a surface of an antiscattering member 60 from splashing and entering the adjacent treatment chamber. When a plate-like work 10 is shaken to collide with the liquid film, the film flows down along the plate-like work 10 since the film formed by the film forming mechanism 110 is liquid. Thereby, a shake of the plate-like work 10 is converged. An amount of air flowing in toward a transport direction in each treatment chamber is reduced.

Abstract: To provide surface treatment that can reduce occurrence of defects caused by incorporation of dust. Rollers 40 are rotatably fixed to rotating shafts 72 provided to protrude from lateral protective walls 49. The lateral protective walls 49 are fixed perpendicularly to lower protective walls 47 fixed to outer walls 39. Hanging plates 64 of a hanger 50 extend through a space 43 between both lower protective walls 47 and support clips 52. A liquid 41, such as water, is filled in spaces defined by the lateral protective walls 49, the lower protective walls 47, and the outer walls 39. The liquid 41 is filled to cover about half of each rotating shaft 72. Thus, fine dust generated by a transferring mechanism is captured by the liquid 41 and prevented from drifting from the space 34 toward the substrate 54.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating apparatus for an elongate workpiece and a method of operating the coating apparatus. The coating apparatus generally includes a first tray and a second tray with coating tubes interconnected to the trays. The coating apparatus is operable to automatically adjust the coating tubes to a predetermined volume of fluid. In one embodiment, the coating apparatus can fill a first coating tube interconnected to the first tray with a first fluid while the elongate workpiece is being dipped into a second fluid within a second coating tube interconnected to the second tray. Optionally, the coating apparatus includes a control system operable to activate a pump to fill the coating tubes with the predetermined volume of fluid. The control system can receive data from a sensor operable to determine a position of an upper surface of the fluid in a tray or a coating tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for carrying out Romanowsky-type stains, specifically Wright-Giemsa and May-Grünwald stains, quickly and efficiently. The methods greatly reduce the overall amount of time required to complete a Wright-Giemsa stain or a May-Grünwald stain of sufficient quality on a biological sample. The subject methods can be applied to both manual and automated staining procedures.

Abstract: A material handler that uses chain driven magnetic plates to create a magnetic surface. The magnetic surface undulates and is able to lift ferrous material such as metal cans. The handler allows metal cans that are palletized to be removed quickly and easily.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object may be generated. Coalescing agent may be selectively delivered on a portion of a first layer of build material on a support member or previous layer. Energy may be applied to the first layer to cause the portion of the first layer to coalesce and solidify. A second layer of the build material may be provided on the first layer. While the second layer does not have coalescing agent delivered thereon, energy may be applied to the second layer such that energy may propagate through the second layer to the first layer to cause the portion of the first layer to coalesce and further solidify.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for implementing adjustable curing of layers of deposition materials, including ultraviolet (UV) light or photo curable ink layers, used in the formation and/or manufacture of three-dimensional (3D) printed parts, objects and components, particularly those parts, objects and components formed in 3D printers and additive material manufacturing systems such as 3D jetted ink printing systems. A multi-layer (or layer-by-layer) history of the deposited materials is developed by which to adjust an intensity of an addressable curing unit to provide complete curing to a particular layer without introducing damaging effects that may be caused by over curing the particular layer. The applied curing energy will differently penetrate a number of layers based on constitutions and/or colors of the individual layers in the number of layers to be penetrated. Discrete addressable curing of the individual layered components provides correct curing to the individual layers.

Abstract: A system (100) for impregnation of castings is disclosed. The system (100) comprises a basket (10) and a gantry (50). The basket (10) includes a plurality of bins (12) and a stub (14) configured thereon. The plurality of bins (12) is adapted for holding the castings thereon and is lined with a partition sheet having a plurality of perforations (12A) and plurality of slots (12B) configured thereon. The gantry (50) includes grippers (16) configured thereon. The system (100) is designed to allow partial or full loading of the basket (10) with different castings held therein in a balanced manner to be impregnated without being damaged. The system (100) prevents excess sealant consumption from basket surfaces as well as prevents sticking of the sealant on gripper's pins (15) thereby preventing frequent blockage/jamming issues.

Abstract: Methods for separating a plurality of diamagnetic directed self-assembled diamagnetic components are provided. One method includes, for instance: contacting a release substrate to the plurality of diamagnetic components, the plurality of diamagnetic components including a non-diamagnetic component affixed to a diamagnetic portion by a first adhesive, and removing the release substrate, the non-diamagnetic component being affixed to a final substrate by a second adhesive and the release substrate being affixed to the diamagnetic portion by a third adhesive, and wherein the removing removes the diamagnetic portion and at least a portion of the first adhesive from the non-diamagnetic component.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a new membrane cartridge system comprising hollow fiber membranes, a special new end cap for the production of the new cartridge, membrane separation devices comprising the new membrane cartridges and a process for manufacture of the new cartridges.

Abstract: An article and a method of forming an article are provided. The article includes a thermoplastic build material and a polymeric support material. The polymeric support material is selectively removable from the thermoplastic build material through immersion in a solvent. The method of forming an article includes forming a part through additive manufacturing with a thermoplastic build material and a polymeric support material, immersing the part in a solvent, selectively softening the polymeric support material with the solvent, removing the part from the solvent, and separating the polymeric support material from the thermoplastic build material. Another method of forming an article includes forming a part through additive manufacturing with a thermoplastic build material and a polymeric support material, immersing the part in a solvent, selectively dissolving the polymeric support material with the solvent, and removing the thermoplastic build material from the solvent.

Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional object is carried out by: providing a carrier and a pool of immiscible liquid, the pool having a liquid build surface, the carrier and the liquid build surface defining a build region therebetween; filling the build region with a polymerizable liquid, wherein the immiscible liquid is immiscible with the polymerizable liquid (in some embodiments wherein the immiscible liquid has a density greater than the polymerizable liquid); irradiating the build region through at least a portion of the pool of immiscible liquid to form a solid polymer from the polymerizable liquid and advancing the carrier away from the liquid build surface to form the three-dimensional object comprised of the solid polymer from the polymerizable liquid.

Abstract: A device capable of performing surface treatment evenly to an upper portion of a substrate is provided. An upper end of a substrate 54 is sandwiched and held by a clip 52 of a hanger 50. A pipe 56 as a treatment solution releasing section is provided on each side of the substrate 54 that is held by the hanger 50. This pipe 56 is provided with a hole 58 from which the treatment solution is released obliquely upward. The released treatment solution flows down on a surface of the substrate 54, reaches a lower portion thereof, is circulated by a pump 60, and is released from the pipe 56 again.

Abstract: A debinder provides for debinding printed green parts in an additive manufacturing system. The debinder can include a storage chamber, a process chamber, a distill chamber, a waste chamber, and a condenser. The storage chamber stores a liquid solvent for debinding the green part. The process chamber debinds the green part using a volume of the liquid solvent transferred from the storage chamber. The distill chamber collects a solution drained from the process chamber and produces a solvent vapor from the solution. The condenser condenses the solvent vapor to the liquid solvent and transfer the liquid solvent to the storage chamber. The waste chamber collects a waste component of the solution.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus includes a wafer stage, a first chip stage, a first chip transporting device, a second stage and a second chip transporting device. The wafer stage is used for holding a wafer. The first chip stage is used for holding at least one first chip. The first chip transporting device is used for transporting the first chip from the first chip stage onto the wafer. The second chip stage is used for holding at least one second chip. The second chip transporting device is used for transporting the second chip from the second chip stage onto the wafer.

Abstract: A plating apparatus includes a processing bath configured to store a processing liquid therein, a transporter configured to immerse a substrate holder, holding a substrate, in the processing liquid, raise the substrate holder out of the processing bath, and transport the substrate holder in a horizontal direction, and a gas flow generator configured to generate a clean gas flow forward of the substrate with respect to a direction in which the substrate holder is transported. The transporter moves the gas flow generator together with the substrate holder in the horizontal direction while transporting the substrate holder in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional object is carried out by: providing a carrier and a pool of immiscible liquid, the pool having a liquid build surface, the carrier and the liquid build surface defining a build region therebetween; filling the build region with a polymerizable liquid, wherein the immiscible liquid is immiscible with the polymerizable liquid (in some embodiments wherein the immiscible liquid has a density greater than the polymerizable liquid); irradiating the build region through at least a portion of the pool of immiscible liquid to form a solid polymer from the polymerizable liquid and advancing the carrier away from the liquid build surface to form the three-dimensional object comprised of the solid polymer from the polymerizable liquid.

Abstract: A device used as an instrument for microfabrication and/or nanofabrication featuring exchangeable module heads and multi-axis positioning of components. For example, a single module head can be adapted for carrying out photolithography, microcontact printing, and/or nanoimprint lithography. Another module head can be adapted to carry out different methods. The versatile device is used for training and is compact and relatively inexpensive. A working example for microcontact printing is provided.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system utilizing an oxygen-permeable membrane to facilitate low-volume printing and high-speed resin change in a stereolithography-based 3D printer. The membrane is used to constrain the fluid surface at the focal plane of the stereolithography printer and a carrier fluid is used to hold the fluid against the membrane. The small amount of resin is quickly switched using integrated microfluidic channels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soldering module (3) for the, in particular selective, soldering of components to a circuit board (14), having a soldering nozzle (32) for creating a solder wave. It is proposed that the soldering module (3) comprises a linear conveyor (8), in particular a belt conveyor or a chain conveyor, for applying solder to the circuit board (14) by moving the circuit board (14) in a conveying direction over the solder wave, and that the linear conveyor (8) is tiltable, in particular about a first tilting axis (23).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a secondary battery, built in a battery case, having an electrode assembly impregnated with an electrolyte solution, the method including: (a) injecting an electrolyte solution into a chamber; (b) impregnating by soaking an electrode assembly, which has a separator interposed between a cathode and an anode, in an electrolyte solution contained in the chamber; and (c) moving into the electrode assembly from step (b) with the electrolyte solution into a battery case, whereby interfacial wetting of the electrode assembly and the electrolyte solution is improved. A secondary battery manufactured according to the method may have improved electrolyte solution impregnation properties, ionic conductivity, electronic conductivity and the like and, as such, may have improved electrochemical performance.

Abstract: The invention describes a system and method how tissue compression can be measured continuously in a non-contact way to provide a low cost, patient/user specific measurement system. The method may be used to inform existing and future pressure relief mattress systems. The invention may also be used for any application either in conjunction with another system or on its own to measure tissue compression. In another embodiment the invention can be used for measuring any type of compression of a compressible material, for example compression of viscoelastic foam or other materials. The invention may also be used to make inferences about the changes of blood flow at site of measurement.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object printer enables forming portions of an object with a material having a higher melting temperature and a lower coefficient of friction. The printer includes a member, a printhead, and an applicator. A controller operates the printhead to eject a first material having a first coefficient of friction toward the member and operates the applicator to eject a second material having a second coefficient of friction toward the member. The second material has a higher melting temperature and a lower coefficient of friction than the first material. The printer further includes a curing device. The controller operates the curing device to direct radiation toward the member to cure the first material. The second material is cured into the first material.

Abstract: An electronic component mounting machine is provided with a film thickness gage. The film thickness gage is provided with measurement sections. The mounting head moves to a position above the storage section and lowers the film thickness gage to cause the film thickness gage to come into contact with the flux film. In the film thickness gage, the measurement sections form measurement marks corresponding to the film thickness in the flux film. The electronic component mounting machine images the measurement marks using a mark camera, and determines the film thickness of the flux film which is actually formed based on imaging data.

Abstract: In an aligning device, in plan view, a first recess of a first transfer jig allows an entire region of a second recess of the first transfer jig to be situated within the first recess of the first transfer jig by a predetermined interval. When the first transfer jig and the second transfer jig overlap each other, the first recess of the second transfer jig allows the entire region of the second recess of the first transfer jig to be situated within the first recess of the second transfer jig by a predetermined interval. With the alignment object being transferred into a cavity of the first transfer jig, by causing the first transfer jig and the second transfer jig to overlap each other, the alignment object is transferred from the cavity of the first transfer jig to a cavity of the second transfer jig.

Abstract: A dip coating system having at least one dip-coating tank, which can be filled with a treatment fluid. A conveying system displaces the articles to the dip-coating tank, into the interior of the dip-coating tank, out of the dip-coating tank, and away therefrom. This conveying system has at least one trolley which has a fastening device for the article, which can be rotated around an axis of rotation. The trolley is drawn by at least one driven traction chain extending parallel to its movement direction. A rotating device having at least one sprocket or gear wheel that can be connected to the fastening device in a rotation-locking manner, that is arranged coaxial to the rotational axis of the fastening device, and at least one rotation chain or rotation gear rack, which extends parallel to the movement direction of the trolley, with which the sprocket or gear wheel cams.

Abstract: [Problem] Even if heat cycles are applied, degradation of joint strength is restrained. [Solution to problem] Lead solder joint structure, in which a first member is joined to a second member using lead solder, the structure comprising: a first solder layer that includes the first member as a core; a second solder layer that exists between the first solder layer and the second member and joins the first solder layer and the second member together; and a third solder layer that exists between the second solder layer and the second member.

Abstract: A method of supporting a part with particulate shape retaining media, the method including placing the part on a bed of the particulate shape retaining media, fluidizing the particulate shape retaining media until the part penetrates therein, and vibrating the bed of particulate shape retaining media to compact the particulate shape retaining media around the part. The part may be a green part to be debound in a powder injection molding process. Fluidization may be performed through vibrations at a different frequency than the compaction.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing apparatus that forms a three-dimensional object using cross-sectional shapes of the object includes a controller that is configured or programmed to include a dividing unit that divides a cross-sectional shape into a plurality of blocks, a shape determining unit that determines whether one of the blocks has a predetermined shape and defines the block having the predetermined shape as a characteristic block, a count determining unit that determines whether the proportion of the number of the characteristic blocks to the total number of the blocks is equal to or greater than a predetermined proportion, and a light application unit that sets the energy of light from a light source to a first energy or to a second energy being lower than the first energy depending on the proportion, when applying the light to a photocurable resin in a region corresponding to the characteristic blocks.

Abstract: A suspension conveying device according to the present invention includes screw shafts of two suspension line pulling-up/feeding mechanisms in a conveying traveling body 1. The screw shafts have low-speed drive regions, in which feed pitches for driven bodies are small, and high-speed drive regions, in which feed pitches for the driven bodies are large. The screw shafts are installed so that the low-speed drive regions and the high-speed drive regions are disposed mutually oppositely as viewed from the driven bodies when a conveyed object supporter is at one end of an elevation/lowering stroke, and the conveyed object supporter is tilted in a middle of the elevation/lowering stroke when the screw shafts are driven to undergo forward/reverse rotation at a fixed speed by a motor.

Abstract: A method including forming at least one passive structure on a substrate by a build-up process; introducing one or more integrated circuit chips on the substrate; and introducing a molding compound on the at least one passive structure and the one or more integrated circuit chips. A method including forming at least one passive structure on a substrate by a three-dimensional printing process; introducing one or more integrated circuit chips on the substrate; and embedding the at least one passive structure and the one or more integrated circuit chips in a molding compound. An apparatus including a package substrate including at least one three-dimensional printed passive structure and one or more integrated circuit chips embedded in a molding material.

Abstract: A method including forming at least one passive structure on a substrate by a build-up process; introducing one or more integrated circuit chips on the substrate; and introducing a molding compound on the at least one passive structure and the one or more integrated circuit chips. A method including forming at least one passive structure on a substrate by a three-dimensional printing process; introducing one or more integrated circuit chips on the substrate; and embedding the at least one passive structure and the one or more integrated circuit chips in a molding compound. An apparatus including a package substrate including at least one three-dimensional printed passive structure and one or more integrated circuit chips embedded in a molding material.

Abstract: A sleeve for a conveyor roller includes a tubular wall configured to receive and press-fittingly engage with an outer surface of the conveyor roller. The sleeve includes a plurality of engagement members. The plurality of engagement members are formed on an outer surface of the tube and configured to engage with a torque transmitter.

Abstract: A system for treating wire includes an elongated vessel that contains a molten fluid. A pump is disposed in the molten fluid in the vessel. The pump includes an elongated discharge conduit extending for at least a portion of the length of the vessel. Conveyance structure enables the wire to be conveyed through the molten fluid. Operation of the pump enables a temperature of the molten fluid in the vessel to be changed. The wire is heat treated as a result of passing through the molten fluid.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a chamber that has a longitudinal centerline, inlet valving operable to admit constituents of a combustible mixture into the chamber for combustion in the chamber to provide a pressure increase in the chamber and outlet valving operable to release an outflow of liquid from the chamber under an influence of the pressure increase. An annular flow passage is defined in the chamber to conduct liquid towards the outlet valving and cause spiraling of the liquid in the flow passage by which a rotatable part exposed to the spiraling flow is caused to rotate. An electrical generator disposed externally of the chamber is driven by rotation of the rotatable part.

Abstract: A laser 3D printer includes a printer stand, a resin tank, a loading plate, a lifting module, and a rapid prototyping module. A front cover and a back cover are connected to the front end and back end of the printer stand, respectively. A work surface of the printer stand includes a resin tank installation opening. The resin tank is installed in the resin tank installation opening. The lifting module is provided at the top edge of the printer stand. The front of the lifting module is connected to the loading plate. The loading plate is located on top of the center of the resin tank.

Abstract: A method of supporting a part with particulate shape retaining media, the method including placing the part on a bed of the particulate shape retaining media, fluidizing the particulate shape retaining media until the part penetrates therein, and vibrating the bed of particulate shape retaining media to compact the particulate shape retaining media around the part. The part may be a green part to be debound in a powder injection molding process. Fluidization may be performed through vibrations at a different frequency than the compaction.

Abstract: Provided is a steel strip stabilizing apparatus which dampens vibrations of a plated steel strip in a non-contact manner or corrects the shape of the plated steel strip. The steel strip stabilizing apparatus comprises: a plurality of steel strip damping means arranged on at least one side of a steel strip undergoing processing in a direction there towards so as to damp vibrations in the steel strip; and a damping means moving unit connected to the steel strip damping means to move at least a portion of each of the steel strip damping means in a widthwise direction with regard to the steel strip corresponding to the width of the steel strip. According to the present invention, (unit) damping means are movable in the widthwise direction with regard to the steel strip, thus improving the vibration damping properties, the steel strip curvature correcting properties and the plated quality of the steel strip.

Abstract: A method of forming a detailed image on a surface of an earthenware item is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) processing a digital image to produce an output image; (b) etching a burnable material to create peaks, valleys and indents corresponding to the output image to form a mold; (c) casting a flexible template against the mold to obtain a mirror image of the output image in the flexible template; (d) casting a surface of the earthenware in an unsintered state against the flexible template to record the output image by peaks and valleys in the surface of the earthenware item; (e) bisque firing the earthenware item in the unsintered state to render the output image permanent; and (f) applying stain to the surface of the bisque fired earthenware item and removing excess stain from of the surface of the earthenware item.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a tissue processing and slide staining equipment with a three degree freedom robotic arm that simultaneously performs tissue processing and slide staining for several sample baskets with similar or different processing methods. The equipment comprises two dimensional array of cylindrical containers with lids to hold sample baskets in position. The arm moves freely in X, Y, and Z axis using rails and stepper motors. The arm is not connected to lids and baskets and accepts new baskets of samples while processing previous samples. The arm grips the basket containing samples and leaves the basket in proximity to the reagent. The equipment comprises a user friendly interface having appropriate callouts to guide a user during process programming/running. The interface allows the user to freely design and modify each step of the processing method. The equipment comprises an intelligent rule database that automatically handles human-induced errors.