Abstract: A method of coating a substrate with a washcoat is disclosed. The method comprises engaging the substrate with a headset of a substrate coating apparatus so as to locate an upper surface of the substrate below a washcoat showerhead of the substrate coating apparatus; and discharging a washcoat out of the washcoat showerhead towards the upper surface of the substrate; and drawing the washcoat through the substrate by applying a suction force to a lower surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrode for eloxing a component, in particular a component of a vehicle brake system, comprising an electrolyte inlet for feeding an electrolyte into the electrode, an inlet channel, which connects the electrolyte inlet to an electrolyte outlet opening formed in the region of an outer surface of the electrode, an electrolyte inlet opening formed in the region of the outer surface of the electrode at a distance from the electrolyte outlet opening, an electrolyte flow path, which runs between the electrolyte outlet opening and the electrolyte inlet opening along the outer surface of the electrode and is designed to bring a surface portion of the component, which surface portion is to be eloxed, into fluid contact with the electrolyte flowing through the electrolyte flow path, an outlet channel, and an electrolyte outlet.

Abstract: A fluid feed ring (5), a substrate coating apparatus (1) and a method are provided for coating a substrate (2) with a catalyst component. The fluid feed ring (5) comprises an annular body (40) having an inner face (45) bounding a central bore of the fluid feed ring. A fluid feed port (47) receives the liquid and a plurality of outlet apertures (50) on the inner face of the annular body discharge the liquid onto a piston face (23) of the substrate coating apparatus (1). A distribution channel (51) extending at least part-way around the annular body (40) provides fluid communication between the fluid feed port (47) and the plurality of outlet apertures (50).

Abstract: A container for storing a biological sample is disclosed. The container includes a housing having a closed end, an open end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a container interior. The container has a removable closure for enclosing the open end of the housing and a sample holder for housing a biological sample detachably connected to the closure and insertable within the container interior. A port is disposed within the closure adjacent the sample holder to allow fluid to pass therethrough into the container interior. An injection device for engaging the port may also be provided. A first fluid may be initially provided within the container interior and a second fluid may be subsequently injected by the injection device through the port into the container interior.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of coating a catalyst support, in which a monolithic catalyst support provided therein with a plurality of longitudinally formed channels is quantitatively coated with catalyst slurry applied to post-treatment of exhaust gas, including the steps of: introducing catalyst slurry into a quantitative container whose bottom is vertically moved; moving a catalyst support to the top of a container such that the bottom of the catalyst support and top of the container are horizontally disposed each other; sealing the bottom of the catalyst support and the top of the container from the outside; moving the bottom of the container upward; and applying a vacuum to the channels of the catalyst support.

Abstract: A speed and angle adjustable dip-coating film forming device includes: a base; two swing rods, where the two swing rods are disposed opposite to each other, separately movably connected to the base, and capable of swinging relative to the base; two angle fixing racks, separately disposed on two sides of the base and capable of fixing positions of the swing rods; a power element, disposed on the swing rods; and a lifting rack, movably disposed on the swing rods, and capable of swinging with the swing rods and being driven by the power element to move vertically along the swing rods. A lifting angle can be changed by swinging the swing rods and fixing the swing rods by using the angle fixing racks, and a lifting speed can be changed by changing a moving speed of the lifting rack by using the power element.

Abstract: A reactor assembly having vertically adjustable flow cells is provided. The vertically adjustable flow cells include passageways for distributing a fluid to a reaction region isolated below a bottom surface of corresponding flow cells. The adjustable flow cells enable another dimension of variability for combinatorial processing. Thus, additional data may be gathered for effects on process parameter variations, material variations, process sequence variations, etc., for semiconductor processing operations.

Abstract: In order to remove treatment liquid (21) from a planar material to be treated (10), which is transported in an assembly for wet-chemical treatment of the material to be treated (10), a retaining surface (4, 14) is provided for holding back the treatment liquid (21). The retaining surface (4, 14) is arranged relative to a transport path of the material to be treated (10) so that a gap (8, 18) remains between the retaining surface (4, 14) and a surface of the material to be treated (10) opposing the retaining surface (4, 14), when the material to be treated (10) is moved past the retaining surface (4, 14). The retaining surface (4, 14) may, for example, be provided as an offset portion of a peripheral surface of a roll (2, 3).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a micro-fluidic probe card that deposits a fluidic chemical onto a substrate with a minimal amount of fluidic chemical waste, and an associated method of operation. In some embodiments, the micro-fluidic probe card has a probe card body with a first side and a second side. A sealant element, which contacts a substrate, is connected to the second side of the probe card body in a manner that forms a cavity within an interior of the sealant element. A fluid inlet, which provides a fluid from a processing tool to the cavity, is a first conduit extending between the first side and the second side of the probe card body. A fluid outlet, which removes the fluid from the cavity, is a second conduit extending between the first side and the second side of the probe card body.

Abstract: A coating machine for coating fiber yarns includes: a yarn supply device; a coating device including a tank, a drum rotatably disposed in the tank, and at least one annular groove formed circumferentially in an outer surface of the drum; a thickness adjuster disposed downstream of the coating device and including an adjuster support and at least one adjusting die mounted movably to the adjuster support, the adjusting die having a through hole, the through hole having an upstream inlet end and a downstream outlet end and being tapered from the upstream inlet end to the downstream outlet end; a shape-setting device disposed downstream of the thickness adjuster and having a heating unit controllable to operate at a predetermined temperature; a cooling device disposed downstream of the shape-setting device; and a yarn pick-up device disposed downstream of the cooling device.

Abstract: A system and method for photo-grafting a coating polymer onto the surface of a medical device are provided. The system comprises a plurality of stations including a novel grafting station. The system and method of the invention are both time- and resource-efficient. The system includes several stations, each station including a dipping tank. The system allows for the automated, semi-automated, or manual dipping of medical devices into the dipping tanks in a specified order, as desired, wherein at least one of the stations is a grafting station for photo-grafting the coating polymer onto the surface of the medical device. The system is modular, which allows for modification of the process as required, depending on the needs of the user. The system may comprise stations for incorporating an antimicrobial agent into the coating, and/or for rendering the coating lubricious.

Abstract: A device is provided for depositing a treatment substance on the surface of a moving thread. The device comprises a tank configured to contain a liquid solution of the substance that is used to deposit the substance on the surface of the thread. The device also includes at least one nozzle having a nozzle inlet configured to receive said solution. The at least one nozzle is directed to spray the received solution towards the thread with a spray velocity in a form of jets, and the jets converge on the thread to adjust a thickness of the solution remaining on the thread by removing excess liquid entrained by the thread. The device further includes a pump that is coupled to the nozzle inlet and a treatment apparatus. The pump is configured to regulate the spray velocity according to a run speed of the thread.

Abstract: A flow regulating member of a hot dip coating tank which can suppress stir-up of bottom dross, characterized by being provided with horizontal plates which are respectively arranged horizontally from below two side end parts of a sink roll, which is arranged inside of a coating tank in a rotatable manner, toward outside directions of the sink roll and louvers which are arranged above from the end parts of the respective horizontal plates at positions separated from the two ends of the sink roll and which have flow direction changing members which are slanted so that their heights become gradually higher toward the wall surface sides of the coating tank.

Abstract: A concealment composition and method of application may provide a colored composition and a method of applying the composition on at least a portion of an object, such as a hearing aid transmission tube. The application of the composition to the object may be permanent. The composition may be comprised of a plurality of colored compositions, configured to be mixed to a desired color for adhering to at least a portion of the object. In some embodiments, the object may be configured to be operable to join with a body part. In this manner, a portion of the object may be camouflaged, integrating with the body part for enhanced aesthetics and functionality. A composition applicator may allow a concealable portion of the object to engage the composition, while a nonconcealable portion of the object remains without the composition for minimizing functionality problems for the object.

Abstract: A method and a device for direct printing onto plastic containers, where an intermediate layer is in a first step using a first device applied onto the container to be printed and the container is in a second step using a second device printed in certain areas, and the intermediate layer enters into a bond with the container and the print layer that is insoluble in aqueous solutions having a pH value between 3 and 10, and is very soluble in aqueous solutions having a pH value in a range less than 3 and/or greater than 10; and a recycling method for a plastic container having an intermediate layer applied.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a method for manufacturing a plurality of high quality cylindrical members. The method includes: vertically holding a mandrel so as to be coaxial with a central axis of an annular slit; and discharging a liquid coating through the slit to form a film of the coating on a surface of the mandrel while vertically moving up the mandrel. A circular cleaning blade is rotatably mounted around a lower holding shaft. The step includes the steps of: (1) forming a film of the coating up to a lower end of a coating region of the mandrel, and then stopping the discharge; and (2) moving up the lower holding shaft so that the cleaning blade passes through the annular slit to clean it, in this order. Then the cleaning blade is rotated to clean the cleaning blade.

Abstract: Device (1) and method for dosing an aqueous solution (2) of an additive, e.g., a non-caking agent, into an amount of a particulate material, such as a salt. The device comprises a conveyor (4) for transporting the particulate material and a dispenser (5) arranged above the conveyor. The dispenser is connected to a supply for the aqueous solution. The dispenser comprises a pouring outlet (10) extending over at least a part of the width of the conveyor (4). The additive solution is poured with a controlled flow velocity over at least a part of the width of the conveyor (4) transporting the particulate material.

Abstract: In a viscous liquid feed nozzle having a nozzle body provided with a thin and long hole with a front end serving as a feed port, a lubricative plated layer is provided by immersing the liquid feed nozzle in a plating tank containing a lubricative plating solution and forming, by electroless plating, the lubricative plated layer at least on the inside and outside of the feed port.

Abstract: A pre-treatment process surface preparation of workpieces for subsequent nickel coating is provided including a thermal process to remove residue, grit blasting for surface roughening, such as with garnet, and rust avoidance by submergence in hot ammonia. Use of expensive tank materials for electroless nickel coating are avoided through the provision of replaceable liners optionally protected from the subject workpieces using movable wall panels. Further, tank heating is effectively provided using industrial hot water heaters and an indirect water/nickel solution heat exchanger, obviating the need for risky and regulated heat sources. In a final option, a fluoropolymer sealer is provided over the nickel coating.

Abstract: A film formation system and a film formation method are disclosed. The film formation method includes the following steps performed in the film formation system that includes a container containing liquid, a liquid draining device for draining the liquid, a ring-shaped component installed in the container, and a carrying component installed in the liquid in the container for carrying at least a substrate: enabling the carrying component in the liquid and enabling the ring-shaped component to float on the liquid; when a film layer that is composed of nano-spheres is formed on the liquid, locating the film layer in a ring of the ring-shaped component; and removing the liquid, allowing the film layer to move downward in accordance with the ring-shaped component and be formed on the substrate, thereby preventing the nano-spheres from contacting an inner wall of the container and bursting, through the installation of the ring-shaped component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coating a catalyst support body, which comprises: providing the catalyst support body as well as slurry located within a pan; introducing an open input end of the catalyst support body into the slurry; and, subsequently, directing an amount of the slurry though the input end and into the inside of the catalyst support body. At least a part of the circumference of the input end is covered with an impermeable sealing element while slurry is directed through the open end. In this way, contact between slurry and a circumferential outer surface of the catalyst support body is prevented and slurry is provided through the open end to an inner surface of the catalyst support body. Further, the invention relates to a loading platform for carrying out the method. The inventive assembly comprises a loading platform adapted for releasably holding a catalyst support body, and a cover mechanism having a sealing holder and a ring shaped sealing element attached to the sealing holder.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member that has a coating machine for dipping plural members to be coated in a coating liquid in a coating bath and then lifting up the coated members to form a coating film on the surface of each of the plural members to be coated and a transport holding member for holding and transporting the members to be coated, and has plural stretching hoods which can individually cover each side of the plural members to be coated and can extend in association with the movement of the plural members to be coated to individually cover each side of the plural members to be coated when the coating machine is lifting up the plural members to be coated, wherein the plural stretching hoods are linked with each other at the lower parts of the hoods.

Abstract: Device, system, method of coating an expandable member is provided. The method comprises providing an expandable member with a plurality of folds defined therein, the expandable member having a folded configuration and a fully expanded configuration at a rated nominal pressure. The expandable member is inflated to an initial pressure of from 10% to about 300% of nominal pressure. A therapeutic agent is disposed on at least a portion of the expandable member. The expandable member is partially deflated to an intermediate pressure by withdrawing an amount of inflation medium from the expandable member, and by applying an external force to the expandable member.

Abstract: A capsule forming apparatus comprising a plurality of outputs configured to output capsule materials, a tank for housing a first capsule material and being configured to supply the first capsule material to the outputs and at least one conduit being configured to convey a second capsule material to the outputs. A method for forming capsules is also described.

Abstract: A system and method for photo-grafting a coating polymer onto the surface of a medical device are provided. The system comprises a plurality of stations including a novel grafting station. The system and method of the invention are both time- and resource-efficient. The system includes several stations, each station including a dipping tank. The system allows for the automated, semi-automated, or manual dipping of medical devices into the dipping tanks in a specified order, as desired, wherein at least one of the stations is a grafting station for photo-grafting the coating polymer onto the surface of the medical device. The system is modular, which allows for modification of the process as required, depending on the needs of the user. The system may comprise stations for incorporating an antimicrobial agent into the coating, and/or for rendering the coating lubricious.

Abstract: A plating jig can perform the processing of plating wherein a thickness of a plating film formed on each object to be plated becomes even when a plurality of objects to be plated are plated at a time. The plating jig is horizontally disposed, immersed in plating solution, and rotated about a rotational axis. The plating jig includes a plurality of supporting rods and a pair of end plates which support both ends of the supporting rods. The supporting rods are disposed on the circumference of the end plates. A plurality of notches are formed on the supporting rod at regular intervals along the rotational axis.

Abstract: Chemical bath deposition (CBD) apparatuses and fabrication methods for compound thin films are presented. A chemical bath deposition apparatus includes a chemical bath reaction container, a substrate chuck for fixing a substrate arranged face-down toward the bottom of the chemical bath reaction container, multiple solution containers connecting to a reaction solution mixer and further connection to the chemical bath reaction container, and a temperature control system including a first heater controlling the temperature of the chemical bath reaction container, a second heater controlling the temperature of the substrate chuck, and a third heater controlling the temperature of the multiple solution containers.

Abstract: A device for guiding a strip through a liquid contained in a tank, includes an immersed diverting roller, in particular a roller immersed in a bath of liquid metal such as zinc, mounted rotatably about an axis on two aligned supporting shafts extending through two respective side walls of the tank, and each rotating in a centering bearing positioned outside of the tank. Each bearing of one shaft of the roller includes two rotary supporting members mounted in a fixed housing and spaced apart from each other, namely an outer supporting member and an inner supporting member. The housing of the bearing is held against a support plane formed on the wall and perpendicular to the axis of a hole through which the shaft passes. The wall has measures for centering the housing on the axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for thoroughly soaking wood for use in the grilling or preparation of food. The apparatus being capable of accepting and soaking wood in the form of wood planks, wood chunks, or wood chips. The apparatus in a form of a tank which holds the cooking wood plank in liquid for any amount of time, ensuring that the plank absorbs the liquid evenly and for a long enough period for proper cooking. Other items can be added to the liquid while soaking, such as seasonings, sauces, or other wood types. These flavors will meld with the liquid in the tank and evenly distribute the flavor to the cooking plank.

Abstract: A support-heat unit that supports and heats a substrate from the back side of the substrate, a reaction bath having an opening for supplying a CBD reaction solution for forming a film onto a front surface of the substrate, which is supported by the support-heat unit, and a reaction bath forward-backward drive unit that can press the opening onto the front surface of the substrate by moving the reaction bath toward the front surface of the substrate, which is supported by the support-heat unit, and that can detach the opening from the front surface of the substrate by moving the reaction bath away from the front surface of the substrate are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a deposition reactor that compensates for lateral flow variation are disclosed. The reactor has at least one wall defining a deposition chamber comprising a first region and a second region, the wall having a purposely formed curvature defining a height of the deposition chamber. An inlet for a fluid comprising reactants or deposition material is in fluid communication with the deposition chamber. Portions of the fluid flowing through the deposition chamber have a residence time within the deposition chamber that varies by ?20% across a cross-sectional width of the deposition chamber. The deposition chamber may further comprise an outlet in fluid communication with a third region. The reactor is suitable for depositing material layers having a uniform thickness. Methods of using the reactor also are disclosed.

Abstract: A chemical bath deposition (CBD) apparatus includes a first cap, a second cap, and a solution input/output device. The second cap is arranged corresponding to the first cap so as to form a deposition space. The solution input/output device is located in the first cap so as to feed a solution into/out of the deposition space. The position of the solution input/output device is fixed, or the solution input/output device is movable in the deposition space.

Abstract: A dip coating apparatus includes a housing and a workpiece holder movably and rotatably received in the housing. The housing includes an immersing portion configured for carrying out immersion process and a drying portion configured for carrying out drying process. The inner spaces of the immersing portion and the drying portion are communicated with each other. The lifting workpiece holder is configured for fixed workpieces thereon and moving and rotating relative to the immersing portion and the drying portion of the housing. The workpieces are driven by the lifting-rotating to carry out the immersion process and the drying process.

Abstract: A spin coating device includes a container and a rotating member. The container is used for holding a first solution and includes a sidewall which a plurality of substrates are arranged on. The rotating member is rotatable within the container and includes an inlet and at least one outlet. A second solution flows into the rotating member through the inlet, and flows into the container through the at lease one outlet. A mixture of the first solution and the second solution is spread onto the substrate by centrifugal force of the rotating member.

Abstract: An apparatus for extrusion forming a sheet product having an extruder assembly with a sheet die through which a flowable material is delivered and a roll stand assembly made up of a roll stack sub-assembly and a sheet take-off sub-assembly. The roll stack assembly has first and second rolls between which a nip location is defined at which flowable material from the sheet die is delivered. The sheet take-off sub-assembly produces an advancing force upon a first sheet component made up of at least the first sheet layer. The roll stand assembly further has a coating system for applying a coating component to a surface on at least one sheet component advancing through the apparatus. The roll stand assembly is constructed to be reconfigured thereby to change a path traveled by the at least one sheet component and facilitate selective application of the coating component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a fluid such as paint to the surfaces of a plurality of lengths of pipe, the apparatus including an automated processing line composed of a receiving platform configured for receiving the plurality of lengths of pipe, a vat down the line from the receiving platform for containing the fluid, a draining platform down the line from the vat, the draining platform being configured for elevating an end of each length of pipe of the plurality of lengths of pipe relative to an opposite end of the length of pipe, and a conveyor system configured for engaging the plurality of lengths of pipe and advancing the plurality of lengths of pipe through the vat and across the draining platform by rolling.

Abstract: A glass rimming device and method which permits bartenders to produce more types of drinks, more efficiently. A drawer compartment, holding food trays, is attached by a set of guide rails to the underside of a bar counter. When the glass rimming device is in the closed position the food trays are kept hidden out of the way. When the bartender is ready to rim glasses they use one hand to pull the drawer compartment out, and the other hand dips the glass into the food trays. When finished the bartender just pushes the drawer compartment back under the bar, thereby saving time by using a cleaner glass rimming method that only takes up unused space.

Abstract: A plating apparatus allows a substrate holder to be serviced easily while ensuring easy access to the substrate holder and while a substrate is being processed in the plating apparatus. The plating apparatus includes a plating section for plating a substrate, a substrate holder for holding the substrate, a substrate holder transporter for holding and transporting the substrate holder, a stocker for storing the substrate holder, and a stocker setting section for storing the stocker therein. The stocker includes a moving mechanism for moving the stocker into and out of the stocker setting section.

Abstract: A system for prevention of stirred up dross in continuous hot-dip plating bath of a metal sheet characterized by placing flow regulating members partially separated from each other under a sink roll at the two side wall surfaces of a hot-dip plating bath which axial ends of the sink roll face so that said members contact the wall surfaces and thereby suppressing the flow of hot dip metal ascending or descending along the wall surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for applying resin to a plurality of fibres, comprising: a housing (10) having at least one fibre entry port (20) and at least one fibre exit port; at least one fibre spreading surface (50a) arranged, in use, to spread a plurality of fibres as they move over the at least one fibre spreading surface; and at least one resin applicator head located within the housing, the at least one resin applicator head being arranged, in use, to apply resin to the fibres as they move past the at least one resin applicator head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a uniform membrane coating to a substrate, such as a honeycomb structure, having a plurality of through-channels, wherein the through-channels have an average diameter of less than or equal to 3 mm. The method includes providing a liquid precursor comprising membrane-forming materials to the substrate and applying a pressure differential across the substrate. The pressure differential causes the liquid precursor to travel uniformly through the through-channels, depositing the membrane-forming materials on the walls of the through-channels and forming the membrane on the walls of the through-channels. The apparatus includes a chamber capable of holding the substrate and of maintaining a pressure differential across the plurality of through-channels.

Abstract: A device for galvanic coating of a piston has a pot-shaped interior for accommodating the piston and an electrolyte fluid, a holder device for fixing the piston in place, a cover that is structured like a shutter and leaves only the surfaces of the piston that are to be coated uncovered, a first electrical contact that is connected with an anode and with the plus pole of a direct voltage source, and a second electrical contact that connects the piston with the minus pole of a direct voltage source. The piston can be simply and quickly attached to the holder device, since the holder device is in plate shape, and has an oblong centering device, the length of which corresponds to the radial inside diameter of the piston to be coated so that the piston can be pushed onto the centering device by way of its underside.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for applying single and multiple coatings of a liquid coating material to a continuously moving backing web, in which a free-falling, vertical curtain is formed out of the coating material and strikes the backing web along a wetting line. In particular, the present invention pertains to a process for producing heat-sensitive recording material. The backing web is pushed down over its entire width by at least one guide element before it passes through the wetting line, and is lifted by a support in the form of round element extending transversely to the direction of movement of the backing web after the web has passed through the wetting line, where the support also includes an air guide with an angle of 2-15° between the backing web and the top surface of the air guide means.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method of impregnating fibrous webs. An apparatus generally includes a volume of liquid curable resin having a liquid surface, and a liquid curable resin (310) saturated roll of fibrous web (320) at least partially submerged in the volume of resin. The apparatus is configured to unwind the liquid curable resin saturated roll of fibrous web such that the fibrous web separates from the roll of fibrous web below the liquid surface and forms a resin impregnated fibrous web.

Abstract: In a method for producing a hollow body—implemented as a sandwich construction—in particular an aircraft fuselage, an inner layer is formed from a specifiable number of plies of a specifiable at least resin-wetted fiber material, for simple, rapid, and cost-effective formation of a large-volume cavity, which has a low weight and a high mechanical carrying capacity in relation to its size. At least a first ply of the inner layer has a helical configuration and is configured without interruption essentially over an entire length of the hollow body.

Abstract: A body structure has an inner region shape that defines a cavity within the body structure. The cavity within the body structure is designed to hold a fluid. A chuck includes a top that is capable of holding a substrate, and a body portion that has a complementary shape with respect to the inner region shape of the body structure. The complementary shape of the chuck body portion at least partially aligns with the inner region shape that defines the body structure cavity. The chuck body portion is designed to move into the cavity of the body structure and displace the fluid held within the cavity, so as to shift the fluid over the top of the chuck. The body portion of the chuck is also designed to move out of the cavity of the body structure, so as to remove the fluid from over the top of the chuck.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a solid film onto a substrate from a reagent solution includes a reservoir of solution maintained at a low temperature to inhibit homogeneous reactions. The solution contains multiple ligands to control temperature stability and shelf life. The chilled solution is periodically dispensed onto a substrate positioned in a holder having a raised peripheral structure that retains a controlled volume of solution over the substrate. The solution is periodically replenished so that only the part of the solution directly adjacent to the substrate is heated. A heater maintains the substrate at an elevated temperature at which the deposition of a desired solid phase from the solution may be initiated. The apparatus may also dispense excess chilled solution to cool various components within the apparatus and minimize nucleation of solids in areas other than on the substrate. The apparatus is particularly suited to forming films of II-VI semiconductors.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a coated needle electrode comprising the steps 5 of holding an uncoated sharpened needle by the tip, dipping the uncoated sharpened needle into a bath of coating material, and withdrawing the sharpened needle from the bath of coating material. In this way, the coating can be applied after the needle has been sharpened thereby allowing more precision during the sharpening process. The invention also provides an apparatus for use with the method.

Abstract: A problem during electrolytic treatment of printed circuit boards having a very thin basic metallization is that the treatment yields irregular results in various regions on the surface of the printed circuit board. In overcoming this problem the invention provides a device for electrolytically treating an at least superficially electrically conducting work piece having at least two substantially opposing side edges. The device comprises current supply devices for the work piece, said current supply devices each comprising contact strips located on the opposing side edges which are capable of electrically contacting the work piece at the substantially opposing side edges.

Abstract: A novel semiconductor wafer lifter is disclosed for handling wafers during wet bench processing. In particular, the lifter has a plurality of holes formed in its vertical support surface to allow cleaning or rinsing fluid to flow through the vertical support instead of around its sides. These holes facilitates a constant flow of fluid across the wafer during recirculation of the tank contents during etching and rinsing operations, thus ensuring more even etching of all wafers and minimizing the deposition of particulate matter on wafer surfaces.