Abstract: This invention relates to methods and articles using compounds, polymeric compounds, and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices including thin film and band gap materials. This invention provides a range of compounds, polymeric compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, transparent conductive materials, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to polymeric precursor compounds and precursor materials for preparing photovoltaic layers. A compound may contain repeating units {MB(ER)(ER)} and {MA(ER)(ER)}, wherein MA is Ag, each MB is In or Ga, each E is S, Se, or Te, and each R is independently selected, for each occurrence, from alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, amido, silyl, and inorganic and organic ligands.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted. In one embodiment, a first test strip comprises: a first measurement electrode connectable to a test meter; a first trace loop with a first associated resistance, where the first trace loop is connectable to the test meter; and a second trace loop with a second associated resistance, where the second trace loop is connectable to the test meter. The test meter is adapted to: receive the first test strip; connect to the first measurement electrode, the first trace loop, and the second trace loop; and obtain a first resistance ratio by comparing the first and second associated resistances.

Abstract: The Miami Max Hydro consists of a cylinder, with an inlet and outlet, contains two disks at one end, one having a positive charge, the other having a negative charge, as dictated by the electrode it is attached to. They do not touch. One is placed over the other and secured to it via a non-conductive material. The inner disk, herein named DISK B, has bored holes, lined with a non-conductive material, to allow passage of the rods that are attached to the outer disk, herein named Disk A, from touching Disk B and short-circuiting the cell. The number of rods of the two disks is adjustable, from two to infinite. Water passes through the cell while a positive and negative charge is applied to each electrode respectively. The electrical current vibrates the rods at a frequency that breaks the hydrogen-oxygen bond. The hydrogen is then harnessed for energy.

Abstract: A method for removing gas components SOx, NOx, and CO2 from a flue gas, comprises the steps of contacting the flue gas successively with first, second and third liquid mediums each of which provides a plasma containing reactive electrons or ions in an amount such that the gas molecules SOx, NOx, and CO2 are successively subjected to impingement of the electrons or ions in the respective plasma to enable the dissociation of the gas molecules SOx, NOx, and CO2 so as to remove SOx, NOx, and CO2 from the flue gas. A system for removing gas components SOx, NOx, and CO2 from a flue gas is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus having improved contact deplating features includes a bowl assembly having a bowl for holding an electroplating solution. A head having a rotor including a contact ring and a head motor for rotating the rotor cooperates with the bowl assembly during plating operations. A lift/rotate actuator may be used to move the head to position a sector of the contact ring in a ring slot or opening of a deplating module. Since the deplating is performed within the deplating module, and not within the bowl assembly, the electroplating solution in the bowl assembly is not affected by the deplating process.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method for reduction of the CO2 content of flue and atmospheric gases and equipment for application of the method. The characteristic of the solution according to the invention is, that “hydroxide” ionized water containing (OH?) ions of alkaline characteristics is used as reaction medium for binding carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, and carbon dioxide (CO2) gas gets into reaction with alkaline ionized water, and during the reaction from the carbon dioxide (CO2) gas and water, carbonate ion (CO32?) and hydrogencarbonate/bicarbonate (2HCO3?) are formed, and they leave for the outside atmosphere and/or outside water with the bound CO2 content in stable gas or liquid form.

Abstract: A fluorine gas manufacturing plant wherein F2 is manufactured by the electrolysis of KF/HF compositions. The plant comprises skid modules for: HF storage, the electrolytic cells, storage and purification of the manufactured F2 raw gas, for fluorine gas delivery including a single buffer tank or multiple storage units, scrubbers to provide purified waste gas, for providing cooling water circuits, analysis, electrical rectifiers, an electrical sub-station with transformers and emergency supply, and for utilities including a control room with laboratory and a rest room for the personnel. The advantage of the skids is that they can be separately manufactured in workshops, tested, transported to the facility and assembled there. A great advantage is the safety aspect, a reliable F2 production for 24 hours and 7 days a week of high purity F2.

Abstract: The oxalic acid aqueous solution filled in an electrolytic tank is electrolyzed with an electrolyzer to produce carbonic acid gas, while ultrasonic wave from an ultrasonic generator is applied to the produced carbonic acid gas bubbles, to form micro bubbles, which is dissolved in said oxalic acid aqueous solution, so as to easily produce carbonic acid gas solution with micro carbonic acid gas bubbles dissolved at a low cost; said carbonic acid gas solution can substitute carbonated spring.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrical power storage system using hydrogen includes a power generation unit generating power using hydrogen and oxidant gas and an electrolysis unit electrolyzing steam. The electrical power storage system includes a hydrogen storage unit storing hydrogen generated by the electrolysis and supplying the hydrogen to the power generation unit during power generation, a high-temperature heat storage unit storing high temperature heat generated accompanying the power generation and supplying the heat to the electrolysis unit during the electrolysis, and a low-temperature heat storage unit storing low-temperature heat, which is exchanged in the high-temperature heat storage unit and generating with this heat the steam supplied to the electrolysis unit.

Abstract: A system for in situ monitoring within a specified environment includes a housing with an intake inserted into the environment. A plurality of pumps are included in the housing with a number of test beds, each being separately coupled to one of the number of pumps, where each of the number of test beds holds material and where each of the plurality of pumps operate to separately push fluid through a coupled test bed. An effluent storage device is disposed to receive effluent from the number of test beds.

Abstract: The present invention allows simple and sensitive detection of microimpurities, microdefects, and corrosion starting points which may be present in a material. A probe microscope has a function to sense ions diffused from a specimen in a liquid. A probe is caused to scan over a predetermined range on a specimen. Then, the probe is fixed to a particular position in a liquid so as to set the distance between the specimen and the probe to a given value at which the microstructure of the specimen surface cannot be observed. Thereafter, one of the current between the probe and a counter electrode and the potential between the probe and a reference electrode is controlled, and the other of the current and potential which varies in accordance with the control is measured. Thus, ions diffused from the specimen are sensed.

Abstract: A desalination plant, includes a sea water intake, a desalination unit having a reverse osmosis or a thermal desalination unit, a fresh water outlet and a brine outlet. The plant also includes a salinity gradient power unit having a brine inlet, a seawater inlet and a mixed water outlet. The brine outlet is connected to the brine inlet and the salinity gradient power unit is arranged to generate an electrical current. A solar power heater is between the brine outlet and the brine inlet. A method for reducing the power consumption of a desalination plant providing fresh water and brine from sea water, includes a first step of providing a salinity gradient power unit, a next step of feeding the salinity gradient power unit with brine from the desalination plant as high salinity feed and sea water as low salinity feed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided, which includes an electrolysis cell, a liquid flow path that passes through the electrolysis cell, and an indicator light. The indicator light is illuminated as a function of an operating characteristic of the electrolysis cell and luminous flux radiated from the light illuminates liquid along at least a portion of the flow path.

Abstract: An electrolyser for generating hydrogen including a plurality of elementary electrolysis cells including a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte provided between the cathode and the anode. An interconnection plate is interposed between the anode of an elementary cell and a cathode of a following elementary cell, in electric contact with the anode and the cathode, and includes a cathodic compartment, an anodic compartment for circulation of fluid to the cathode and the anode respectively, and a chamber for collecting a gas generated at the cathode, separated from the cathodic compartment and the anodic compartment by first and second walls respectively, the first wall at least having a thickness allowing diffusion of the gas through the first wall from the cathodic compartment to the chamber.

Abstract: There is provided a hydrogen generator. The hydrogen generator including: an electrolytic bath having an inner space of a predetermined size; a cover hermetically covering an open top of the electrolytic bath and having at least one hydrogen outlet; a flexible pocket disposed in the electrolytic bath and filled with an electrolyte of a predetermined amount; an electrode part fixed to the cover, and immersed in the electrolyte filled in the flexible pocket to electrolyze the electrolyte upon application of power; and a power supply supplying current to the electrode part. In the hydrogen generator, the electrode part and the electrolyte maintains a substantially constant contact area there between, thereby allowing hydrogen to be generated constantly and stably.

Abstract: A cross-flow filtration system includes a first filter element having a first conduit for receiving a flow of a first aqueous feed stream, a second conduit operable to discharge a flow of first permeate water and a third conduit operable to discharge a flow of first retentate water. The cross-flow filtration system includes a coil assembly disposed about the first conduit. The first coil assembly is operable to subject the first aqueous feed stream to electromagnetic pulses. A second filter element is in fluid communication with the first filter element via the third conduit. The second filter element is operable to receive the first retentate water via the third conduit. A second coil assembly is disposed about the third conduit and is operable to subject the first retentate water to electromagnet pulses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for the electrochemical machining of a fuel injection device, the tool having an electrode holder and an electrode element which forms a cathode during the machining operation in order to be able to electrochemically remove material from the fuel injection device in a machining region. The electrode element is arranged in such a way that it can be displaced in relation to the electrode holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of deactivating an antigenic substance by causing positive and negative ions to act on the antigenic substance, and the positive and negative ions are caused to act in an atmosphere in which each of positive ion concentration and negative ion concentration is at least about 50,000/cm3, and more preferably, at least about 100,000/cm3.

Abstract: A scaling factor for scaling an output of a first electrochemical cell, is determined in order to compensate for the effect on the output caused by an variation in value of a property of a working electrode of the first cell from a reference value of that property. A measured value for the property is obtained from a portion of material formed so as to have substantially the same value of the property as does the working electrode and the measured value is processed to generate the scaling factor.

Abstract: The surface treatment apparatus includes: a supply device for supplying an introduced workpiece to the inside of a treatment cell of a subsequent surface treatment device; a surface treatment device for supplying a surface treatment liquid to the inside of the treatment cell while rotating the treatment cell, thereby performing a surface treatment on the workpiece; a workpiece collection device for inverting the treatment cell, and squirting the inside of the treatment cell with water from below to flow out the workpiece, thereby collecting the workpiece into a collection vessel; a drying device for receiving the collection vessel from the workpiece collection device, and exposing the workpiece within the collection vessel to air, thereby drying the workpiece; and a carrying device for carrying the treatment cell between the surface treatment devices, and between the surface treatment device and the workpiece device, wherein the surface treatment apparatus includes the one or more surface treatment devices.

Abstract: An anodizing apparatus for forming an anodized film on the surface of a workpiece (11) made of aluminum or aluminum alloy includes a treatment tank (1) for containing an electrolytic solution, a cathode plate (2) disposed in the treatment tank, a supporting means (3) for supporting the workpiece so as to be immersed in the electrolytic solution, and a power supply (4) for continuously or intermittently applying a short-period bipolar or unipolar pulse voltage or an alternating voltage to between the workpiece and the cathode plate. The cathode plate (2) is arranged in a crosswise direction with respect to the workpiece (11).

Abstract: The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted. In one embodiment, a first test strip comprises: a first measurement electrode connectable to a test meter; a first trace loop with a first associated resistance, where the first trace loop is connectable to the test meter; and a second trace loop with a second associated resistance, where the second trace loop is connectable to the test meter. The test meter is adapted to: receive the first test strip; connect to the first measurement electrode, the first trace loop, and the second trace loop; and obtain a first resistance ratio by comparing the first and second associated resistances.

Abstract: Methods for preparing an implant coated with a conversion electron emitting source (CEES) are disclosed. The typical method includes cleaning the surface of the implant; placing the implant in an activating solution comprising hydrochloric acid to activate the surface; reducing the surface by H2 evolution in H2SO4 solution; and placing the implant in an electroplating solution that includes ions of the CEES, HCl, H2SO4, and resorcinol, gelatin, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, before tin plating, a seed layer is formed on the surface. The electroplated CEES coating can be further protected and stabilized by annealing in a heated oven, by passivation, or by being covered with a protective film. The invention also relates to a holding device for holding an implant, wherein the device selectively prevents electrodeposition on the portions of the implant contacting the device.

Abstract: A fluorine gas generator is provided with which the gases used and/or generated, in case of leakage thereof, can be prevented from mixing together as far as possible and, even in case of gas leakage into the outside of the generator system, the leakage gas can be treated safely and in which the maintenance, exchange and other operations are easy to carry out. The generator comprises a box-shaped body containing an electrolyzer for fluorine gas generation, and the box-shaped body is divided into two or more compartments, including a compartment containing the electrolyzer.

Abstract: An electrolysis device producing alkali metals from a liquid alkali metal heavy metal alloy, including at least two connected tubes forming an electrolysis unit. Two solid electrolyte tubes are arranged concentrically in each tube and oriented with openings towards one end of each tube such that a first annular gap for guiding a liquid alkali metal forming an anode is located between the inside of the tube and the outside of the solid electrolyte tubes. An alloy inlet and outlet for the liquid alkali metal in each of the tubes leads into the first annular gap of a tube. An inner chamber sealed off from the alloy inlet, first annular gap, and alloy outlet in each solid electrolyte tube receives liquid alkali metal that can be used as a cathode connected to the alkali metal outlet. Two respective closure devices are arranged at the two ends of each tube.

Abstract: Detailed is electricity generation for powering devices associated with swimming pools or other structures utilizing recirculating fluid. The recirculating fluid is used to produce electricity for direct or indirect supply to electrical devices. Turbines may be placed in by-pass channels so as to have access to some fluid flow yet not unduly disrupt main flow of the recirculating fluid.

Abstract: A method is provided for synthesizing synthesis gas from carbon dioxide obtained from atmospheric air or other available carbon dioxide source and water using a sodium-conducting electrochemical cell. Synthesis gas is also produced by the coelectrolysis of carbon dioxide and steam in a solid oxide fuel cell or solid oxide electrolytic cell. The synthesis gas produced may then be further processed and eventually converted into a liquid fuel suitable for transportation or other applications.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatuses for removing selenium from water. Sulfates and organics are first removed to discourage such materials from overwhelming subsequent processing of water to remove selenium.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation treatment device includes a plurality of spaced reaction plates disposed within a reaction chamber. A voltage is applied to selected reaction plates to create an electrical field within the electrocoagulation chamber. The plates are arranged vertically which induces a vertical flow of liquid through a device. The voltage and amperage of the electrical field chamber may be adjusted by placing selected reaction plates in electrical contact with the voltage source. One embodiment is adapted for treatment of fluid containing soluble or particulate organic compounds recalcitrant to biodegradation, including nitrogenous contaminants, such as ammonia or an ammonium compounds. The device and method of the invention include the use of an oxidizing agent such as sodium hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide to aid in the removal of organic contaminants.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for processing semiconductor wafers sequentially. Sequential processes employ multi-station processing modules, where particular encompassing wafer processes are divided into sub-processes, each optimized for increasing wafer to wafer uniformity, result quality, and overall wafer throughput. In one example, a copper electroplating module includes separate stations for wetting, initiation, seed layer repair, fill, overburden, reclaim, and rinse.

Abstract: An electrode for electrochemical water treatment, the electrode including a nanodiamond and a conducting agent.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of a saline water including: treating the water to adjust the salinity thereof and produce treated water having a predetermined salinity level; and directing at least a portion of the treated water having said predetermined salinity level to a bioreactor housing a microalgae for generating biomass; wherein said predetermined salinity level of the treated water is predicated by the specie of microalgae housed in the bioreactor.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell for preparing alkali metals from a liquid alkali metal heavy metal alloy, including a tube arranged essentially horizontally having a closure device at each of the two ends of the tube. At least one solid electrolyte tube arranged concentrically in the tube and oriented with openings towards one end of the tube such that a first annular gap for conducting a liquid alkali metal, which forms an anode, is present between the inside of the tube and the outside of the solid electrolyte tube. An interior space in the solid electrolyte tube, sealed off from an alloy inlet, first annular gap and an alloy outlet, accommodates liquid alkali metal that can be used as a cathode.

Abstract: A production line includes a number of production units, production equipments and a sliding bracket. The sliding bracket slides between the production units. Each production unit includes at least one base unit which is made in series. The at least one base unit has an enclosure. The sliding bracket and the production equipment are received in the enclosure. The production units are arranged in a configuration such as straight line, U-shaped or rectangular.

Abstract: A planar electrochemical gas sensor is provided with at least one working electrode (4), at least one counterelectrode (4?), at least one electrolyte-filled planar electrolyte carrier (10), at least one planar housing upper part (3) and at least one planar housing lower part (2). The electrodes (4, 4?) are arranged such that they are in two-dimensional contact with the electrolyte carrier (10). The housing upper part (3) and the housing lower part (2) are connected with one another such that the electrodes (4, 4?) and the electrolyte carrier (10) are pressed against one another in such a way that they are secured against displacement. The housing upper part (3) and the housing lower part (2) are partially in direct two-dimensional contact with one another, and the connection of the housing upper part (3) and the housing lower part (2) in the area of the direct two-dimensional contact is present at least along a closed figure, which surrounds the electrodes (4, 4?) and the electrolyte carrier (10).

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and articles using compounds, polymeric compounds, and compositions for semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices including thin film and band gap materials. This invention provides a range of compounds, polymeric compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, transparent conductive materials, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to polymeric precursor compounds and precursor materials for preparing photovoltaic layers. A compound may contain repeating units {MB(ER)(ER)} and {MA(ER)(ER)}, wherein MA is a combination of Cu and Ag, each MB is In or Ga, each E is S, Se, or Te, and each R is independently selected, for each occurrence, from alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, amido, silyl, and inorganic and organic ligands.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and articles using compounds, polymeric compounds, and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices including thin film and band gap materials. This invention provides a range of compounds, polymeric compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, transparent conductive materials, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to polymeric precursor compounds and precursor materials for preparing photovoltaic layers. A compound may contain repeating units {MB(ER)(ER)} and {MA(ER)(ER)}, wherein MA is Ag, each MB is In or Ga, each E is S, Se, or Te, and each R is independently selected, for each occurrence, from alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, amido, silyl, and inorganic and organic ligands.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and articles using compounds, polymeric compounds, and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices including thin film and band gap materials. This invention provides a range of compounds, polymeric compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, transparent conductive materials, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to polymeric precursor compounds and precursor materials for preparing photovoltaic layers. In particular, this invention relates to molecular precursor compounds and precursor materials for preparing photovoltaic layers including CAIGAS.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analyzing instrument (1A) which includes a capillary (31), a fluid feed port (20) for introducing a sample liquid to the capillary (31), and a fluid feed promoter (6) for promoting the introduction of the sample liquid into the feed port (20). The capillary (31) of the analyzer (1A) may be formed on a substrate (2) for example. The fluid feed promoter (6) may include at lease one of a water-absorbing layer having a higher water-absorbing capacity than the substrate (2) and an adhesive layer having a greater adhesion to the skin than the substrate (2).

Abstract: An anode and cathode for an electrolytic cell are configured as a low inductance transmission line to enable control of an interphase at an electrode surface. The anode and cathode are coupled to a switched current source by a low inductance path that include a parallel plate transmission line, a coaxial transmission line, or both. The switched current source provides switching between current sources at three or more voltages to provide fast charging and discharging of the double-layer capacitance associated with the electrode surface.

Abstract: The inventions relates to a kit comprising a swallowable capsule (1, 45) with a potentiometric sensor (3), such as a pH sensor, with an unfilled electrolyte cell (31). The kit further includes a separate container (46) containing a liquid electrolyte. The kit can, e.g., be packed in a blister package. After unpacking the capsule the electrolyte cell (31) is filled with the electrolyte.

Abstract: A plating apparatus for use in forming a plated film in trenches, via holes, or resist openings that are defined in a surface of a semiconductor wafer, and forming bumps to be electrically connected to electrodes of a package, on a surface of a semiconductor wafer. The plating apparatus has a plating tank for holding a plating solution, a holder for holding a workpiece and bringing a surface to be plated of the workpiece into contact with the plating solution in the plating tank, and a ring-shaped nozzle pipe disposed in the plating tank and having a plurality of plating solution injection nozzles for injecting the plating solution to the surface to be plated of the workpiece held by the holder to supply the plating solution into the plating tank.

Abstract: A device and method for preparing an electrochemical sensor may enable the sensor head thereof to be provided with an electrolyte and a membrane. The device may include a retaining means for the sensor in addition to means for depositing the electrolyte and means for depositing the membrane.

Abstract: The invention provides a high-pressure hydrogen production apparatus for preventing hydrogen gas from leaking toward an anode side and for obtaining excellent electrolytic efficiency. The apparatus includes a single cell having a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, power feeders, separators, and fluid channels provided in respective separators. High-pressure hydrogen gas accompanied by water is obtained in the fluid channel by supplying water to the fluid channel and applying current to each power feeder to electrolyze water. The obtained hydrogen gas and water are subjected to gas-liquid separation in a second compartment of a high-pressure vessel, and hydrogen gas thus separated is used to press a barrier member towards the single cell. The separated water is supplied to the fluid channel through the hydrogen gas guide channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolytic reactor and related methods for supplementing the air-intake of an internal combustion engine with hydrogen.

Abstract: An electroplating system is provided. The system comprises a reaction tank, a tube, and a video bubble detector. The reaction tank, having a first diameter, contains a plating solution. The tube, connecting to the reaction tank, comprises an inflow tube and a branch, wherein the inflow tube inputs the plating solution into the reaction tank, and the branch has an enlarged part having the first diameter. The video bubble detector, mounted on the enlarged part of the branch, detects the presence of a bubble in the plating solution flowing through the branch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating sludge by the combined action of electro-osmosis and pressure. This process comprises providing a cell for treating the sludge, the cell comprising at least two electrodes including at least one cathode and at least one anode. At least one of the electrodes is movable, and at least one of the electrodes is perforated so as to drain effluents. Then, the sludge is introduced into the cell between the at least two electrodes, each of the electrodes defining a surface adapted to constantly contact the sludge. Then, the sludge is submitted to an electric current by applying a voltage to the electrodes, and applying a pressure to the sludge by means of the at least one movable electrode so as to permit a constant contact between the surfaces and the sludge. An apparatus for carrying out such a process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A processing solution tank of forming an agitating flow by flowing and circulating a processing solution in directions opposite to each other between the side of a liquid surface and the side of a tank bottom, in which a guide plate substantially of an arcuate shape is formed to an end of the tank situated at least to the downstream on the side of the liquid surface or the downstream on the side of the tank bottom in the agitating flow for reversing the flow downward to the tank bottom or upward to the liquid surface, and a swirl chamber having a swirl generating portion of a substantially arcuate face for capturing dusts is provided at the bottom of the tank, whereby high quality surface treatment, for example, electrodeposition coating can be conducted by uniformly stirring the processing solution so as not to cause backflow or turbulence in the processing solution tank while dipping a work on a conveyor in the processing solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for forming a polymeric organic film on an electrically conductive or semiconductive surface by application of an electric potential between a gel, in contact with said surface, and said surface, the gel comprising (i) a protic solvent, (ii) compounds having colloidal properties, (iii) an adhesion primer, optionally (iv) a monomer and the potential applied being at least equal to the reduction potential of the adhesion primer. The invention also relates to said gel, to its use and to a kit for forming an organic film.

Abstract: A conductive contact ring for an electroplating or electrodeposition process on a cylindrical surface includes a frame defining an opening through which the object can be passed and an array of electrically conductive fibers spanning the opening. The frame is electrically conductive and is connected to a DC power source in the process. Two or more contact rings can be used in a process to provide consistent electrical contact with the surface sliding therethrough. A single contact ring can have first and second groups of filaments spaced from each other along the axial length of the surface.