Mechanical Patents (Class 204/230.3)
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Patent number: 8936704Abstract: Systems and methods for generating hydrogen by electrolysis of water from a volatile power source may facilitate adjusting the operating capacity of an electrolysis stack based on measurements of the electricity output of the power source. In various embodiments, capacity adjustment is achieved by incorporating fewer or more cells of the electrolysis stack into a closed electrical circuit including the incorporated cells in series with the power source.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2014Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Inventor: Haiming Li
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Publication number: 20140231245Abstract: One illustrative plating apparatus disclosed herein includes a substrate holder that is adapted to receive a substrate, an anode and an adjustable current shield positioned between the substrate holder and the anode. In this illustrative embodiment, the adjustable current shield includes a stationary member, a moveable member that is adapted to be moved relative to the stationary member and a plurality of current shield members that are operatively coupled to either the stationary member or the moveable member, wherein each of the current shield members is rotatably pinned to either the stationary member or the moveable member and wherein each of the current shield members is adapted to rotate when there is relative movement between the moveable member and the stationary member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.Inventors: Gunther Wilhelm Sandmann, Kerstin Siury, Christian Schroiff
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Publication number: 20140116874Abstract: A fluid interconnecting module for an HTE electrolyser with a stack of elementary electrolysis cells. The interconnecting module includes plates welded to each other, some of which are partly stamped, some of the plates being perforated to enable high temperature steam H2O supply to electrolysis cells and collection of the hydrogen H2 and oxygen O2 produced.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Commissariat a I'energie atomique et aux ene altInventor: Michel Planque
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Publication number: 20140097090Abstract: An anodizing device has: a power supply drum that supports, in close contact therewith, a web consisting of an anodizable metal and has a part configured with a conductive material, to which the web is closely attached; a counter electrode provided facing the power supply drum; an electrolysis tank filled with an electrolyte, into which part of the power supply drum and the counter electrode are immersed; a protection member formed of a non-conductive material that protects the lateral direction end portions of the web supported by the power supply drum in close contact therewith and a portion of the power supply drum, to which the web is not closely attached, from the electrolyte; and a driver adapted to make the web and the protection member travel concurrently in the electrolyte in synchronization with the circumferential speed of the power supply drum.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Shigenori YUYA, Keigo SATO, Ryozo KAITO
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Publication number: 20130126337Abstract: An apparatus for use in the electro-production of metals, comprising a plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes in an interleaved configuration, wherein each anode and cathode pair forms a cell; a plurality of power supplies, each cell associated with one or more respective power supplies; and the power supplies are arranged to control a direct current in the one or more cells to a predetermined value.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Inventor: Duncan Grant
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Publication number: 20130098755Abstract: Extraction device designed to extract a short-circuiting wedge inserted between two conductors to take an electrolysis cell offline. The extraction device includes a means of gripping said wedge and at least one jack directed vertically and including a body and a piston stem. said body (or stern) being interdependent with at least one horizontal support face directed downwards and laid out so that, when said extraction device is placed above said wedge to extract it, the upper horizontal face of each conductor is in line with one horizontal support face, b) said stem (or said body) being connected to said means of gripping said wedge, so that, when said jack is actuated to extract the wedge, said jack exerts opposing forces on said conductors and said wedge, tending to separate them.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: RIO TINTO ALCAN INTERNATIONAL LIMITEDInventors: Frédéric Brun, Serge Despinasse
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Publication number: 20130098773Abstract: Extraction device designed to extract a short-circuiting wedge inserted between two conductors to take an electrolysis cell offline. The extraction device includes a means of gripping said wedge and, in conjunction with the upper horizontal face of each conductor, at least one jack directed vertically and including a body and a stem, stem (or said body) being interdependent with at least one horizontal support face directed downwards and laid out so that, when said extraction device is placed above said wedge to extract it, the upper horizontal face of each conductor is in line with one horizontal support face, b) said body (or said stem) being connected to said means of gripping said wedge, so that, when said jack is actuated to extract the wedge, said jack exerts opposing forces on said conductors and said wedge, tending to separate them.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicants: RIO TINTO ALCAN INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, E.C.L.Inventors: Jérôme Guerin, Alain Rose, Frédéric Brun, Serge Despinasse
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Patent number: 8329006Abstract: An apparatus for establishing more uniform deposition across one or more faces of a workpiece in an electroplating process. The apparatus employs eductors in conjunction with a flow dampener member and other measures to provide a more uniform current distribution and a more uniform metal deposit distribution as reflected in a coefficient of variability that is lower than conventional processes.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Faraday Technology, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence E. Gebhart, Jenny J. Sun, Phillip O. Miller, E. Jennings Taylor
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Patent number: 8307484Abstract: An automated self-propelled pool cleaner having a housing, a water pump for moving water through the housing, drive means for moving the pool cleaner over the surface of the salt water pool to be cleaned, and an integral electrochemical chlorine generator mounted in the housing, includes a processor/controller that is programmed to activate the chlorine generator, the pump and drive means in predetermined operational sequences that minimize wear and tear on the water pump and drive means, while at the same time distribute and maintain a safe level of sanitizing chlorine in the pool, to thereby obviate the need for an in-line chlorinator or other chemical additive treatments; an optional automated sensor device can be provided to activate a secondary maintenance program which enables the pool cleaner to operate over prolonged periods of time as the sole means for filtering and sanitizing the pool water.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2011Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Aqua Products, Inc.Inventor: Joseph Porat
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Patent number: 8293078Abstract: The invention relates to a device (50) and a method for short-circuiting a specified electrolysis in a row of electrolysis cells intended for the production of aluminum. This device includes a bridging member (60) including at least two opposite contact arms and at least one bridging conductor electrically that electrically connects the contact arms. The contact arms are shaped like a wedge. The device further includes a clasping member (70) including a frame and a least two opposite thrust members. The clasping member (70) is fit to embrace the bridging member (60) so that each thrust member bears on each contact arm and so that, upon moving the contact arms with respect to the clasping member, each thrust member urges the corresponding contact arm towards the conductors (201, 202) inserted between the contact arms, so as to create and secure a short-circuit. The invention makes it possible to short-circuit electrolysis cells with increased amperages.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Rio Tinto Alcan International LimitedInventors: Serge Despinasse, Yves Rochet, Olivier Martin
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Publication number: 20120193220Abstract: A plating apparatus can form a bump having a flat top or can form a metal film having a good in-plane uniformity even when the plating of a plating object (substrate) is carried out under high-current density conditions. The plating apparatus includes a plating tank for holding a plating solution; an anode to be immersed in the plating solution in the plating tank; a holder for holding a plating object and disposing the plating object at a position opposite the anode; a paddle, disposed between the anode and the plating object held by the holder, which reciprocates parallel to the plating object to stir the plating solution; and a control section for controlling a paddle drive section which drives the paddle. The control section controls the paddle drive section so that the paddle moves at a velocity whose average absolute value is 70 cm/sec to 100 cm/sec.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventors: Nobutoshi SAITO, Jumpei Fujikata, Tadaaki Yamamoto, Kenji Kamimura
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Patent number: 8097131Abstract: A method and a device for electrochemically machining workpiece having blade end plates at the longitudinal both ends of a blade-shaped portion having aerofoil shape in cross section by extending and retracting divided electrodes. A part of the blade-shaped portion and one blade end plate continued therewith are electrochemically machined by advancing the main electrode in an acute angle direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the blade-shaped portion. At the same time or subsequently, the remaining part of the blade-shaped portion and the other blade end plate continued therewith are electrochemically machined by slidably advancing an auxiliary electrode along the slope of the main electrode forming an acute angle relative to the blade-shaped-portion-machining-surface. Thus, the number of the parts of an electrode unit can be reduced and the structure thereof can be simplified.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignees: APC Aerospecialty Inc., IHI CorporationInventors: Toshiyuki Matsuo, Kazuhiko Yoshiwaki, Yasuo Fujihara, Masaaki Inoue, Mitsutoshi Watanabe
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Publication number: 20110132747Abstract: A novel electromechanical, chemical, thermal apparatus having the combined properties of a voltage intensifier, a diode and a capacitor for the molecular breakdown of water into its oxygen and hydrogen components. The instant invention uses only water (tap water, distilled water, purified water, etc.) without the need of adding any electrolyte. The system comprises a unique molecular reactor core having conductive inner and outer windings and a molecular reactor control assembly having water level controls via a float switch mechanism and temperature control process serving as the basis for the unique operation of the system. The instant invention provides a novel combination of the molecular reactor core and molecular reactor control assembly, in conjunction with a means for replenishing the water therein, all powered and controlled by simple control circuitry, and having usage implications for various functions, including but not limited to the generation of hydrogen gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventor: Michael F. Houser
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Publication number: 20100252421Abstract: A hydrogen gas generating system comprising at least one electrolytic cell having nested annular electrodes, a water distribution system arranged to contain and deliver an aqueous electrolytic solution to the electrolytic cell, and a gas collection network having at least one module for drying the hydrogen gas stream. The system delivers the hydrogen gas into the aft intake of an internal combustion engine to supplement the fuel. A supplemental electrical signal is supplied to the engine oxygen sensor to prevent the engine computer from compensating for the drop in oxygen content.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventor: Jimmy Yang
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Publication number: 20100230298Abstract: An electrochemically driveable actuator according to one embodiment includes a nanoporous carbon aerogel composition capable of exhibiting charge-induced reversible strain when wetted by an electrolyte and a voltage is applied thereto. An electrochemically driven actuator according to another embodiment includes a nanoporous carbon aerogel composition wetted by an electrolyte; and a mechanism for causing charge-induced reversible strain of the composition. A method for electrochemically actuating an object according to one embodiment includes causing charge-induced reversible strain of a nanoporous carbon aerogel composition wetted with an electrolyte to actuate the object by the strain.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventors: Juergen Biener, Theodore F. Baumann, Lihua Shao, Joerg Weissmueller
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Publication number: 20100219065Abstract: Apparatus (10) for harnessing ocean wave energy and for converting the harnessed energy to high pressure sea water, typically above 100 psi and preferably above 800 psi. The high pressure seawater generated by the apparatus (10) can be piped to shore for use in any appropriate purpose. The apparatus (10) comprises a float (12) buoyantly suspended within the body of seawater (1) and a pump (13) operatively connected to the float (12). The pump (13) comprises an intake chamber (47), a discharge chamber (49) and a piston (61) extending between the intake and discharge chambers (47, 49). The piston (61) comprises a tube (63) having a flow passage (102) extending between the intake and discharge chambers (47, 49). The piston (61) and discharge chamber (49) cooperate to define a pumping chamber (100) adapted to undergo expansion and contraction in response to reciprocatory motion of the piston. The piston (61) is operatively connected to the float (12) to be driven by upward movement of the float.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2006Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: SEAPOWER PACIFIC PTY LTD.Inventor: Alan Robert Burns
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Publication number: 20090263694Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for generating hydrogen and a fuel cell power generation system that have the same. The apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention include: an electrolytic bath configured to contain electrolyte solution; an anode placed inside the electrolytic bath and configured to generate an electron; a cathode placed inside the electrolytic bath and configured to generate hydrogen by receiving the electron from the anode; a controller electrically connected to the anode and the cathode, and configured to control flow of electricity between the anode and the cathode; and a mechanical switch electrically connected to the controller in parallel and configured to flow electricity between the anode and the cathode in order to start the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventors: Kyoung-Soo CHAE, Jae-Hyuk JANG, Chang-Ryul JUNG, Sung-Han KIM, Hye-Yeon CHA, Jae-Hyoung GIL, Bo-Sung KU
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Patent number: 7594987Abstract: A method and an apparatus for electroerosive material machining of a workpiece with an elongated tool electrode are described. The tool electrode is guided in an electrode guide, in which an oval void is embodied. The wire segment located in the void is exposed to a magnetic field, as a result of which the wire segment can be deflected laterally. The lateral deflection is converted into an axial motion of the wire segment located in the region of the workpiece, in order to create an optimal work gap between the workpiece and the free end part of the wire segment.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Boris Lukic
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Patent number: 7504016Abstract: This invention relates to a method for controlling additions of powder materials into an electrolytic cell designed for the production of aluminium by fused bath electrolysis. The method according to the invention, which can easily be automated, can be used to maintain monitoring of operation of the feed even during anode effects.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Aluminum PechineyInventors: Claude Ritter, Benoît Sulmont
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Patent number: 7481909Abstract: A plating apparatus includes a plating bath, a member provided in the plating bath and a moving device. The member is configured to cover a surface to be plated. A moving device is configured to relatively move the member or the surface to change an area of the surface covered by the member.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2005Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: IBIDEN Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Nakai, Satoru Kawai, Hiroshi Niwa, Yoshiyuki Iwata
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Patent number: 7429314Abstract: Device for equipment of a cell (1) comprising an electrolytic bath (4) covered with a crust (5), with a chisel (13) that can be moved vertically between a high position in which it is above the crust (5) and a low position in which the crust (5) is perforated and in which contact is made with the bath (4), the device (11) comprising means of detecting electrical contact between the chisel (13) and the bath (4), these means comprising an electrical circuit (19) capable of making an electrical measurement between the chisel (13) and a point (20) in the cell used as an electrical reference, and taking immediate action on the actuator to cause vertical upwards displacement of the chisel when a predetermined value of an electrical measurement is reached.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: Aluminium PechineyInventors: Sebastien Couvreur, Jerome Bos, Silvino Caetano, Christian Dreyer
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Patent number: 7390382Abstract: Reactors having multiple electrodes and/or enclosed reciprocating paddles are disclosed. The reactor can include multiple electrodes spaced apart from a process location to provide virtual electrodes proximate to the process location for transferring material to or from the workpiece. A magnet may be positioned proximate to the process plane to orient magnetically sensitive material deposited on the workpiece. The electrodes may be removable from the reactor without passing them through the magnet to reduce interference between the electrodes and the magnet. The workpiece may be carried by a rotatable workpiece support to orient the workpiece for processing. At least one of the electrodes can operate as a current thief to reduce terminal effects at the periphery of the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2003Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Semitool, Inc.Inventors: Paul R. McHugh, Gregory J. Wilson, Daniel J. Woodruff, Nolan Zimmerman, James J. Erickson
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Patent number: 7090751Abstract: A processing chamber comprising a reaction vessel having an electro-reaction cell including a virtual electrode unit, an electrode assembly disposed relative to the electro-reaction cell to be in fluid communication with the virtual electrode unit, and an electrode in the electrode assembly. The virtual electrode unit has at least one opening defining at least one virtual electrode in the electro-reaction cell. The electrode assembly can include an electrode compartment and an interface element in the electrode compartment. The interface element can be a filter, a membrane, a basket, and/or another device configured to hold the electrode. The interface element, for example, can be a filter that surrounds a basket in which the electrode is positioned.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2002Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Semitool, Inc.Inventor: Kyle M. Hanson
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Publication number: 20040074763Abstract: A plating device and a plating method are provided that are capable of enhancing uniformity in plating on a treatment surface of an object to be treated.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Wataru Okase, Takenobu Matsuo
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Patent number: 6478934Abstract: The invention concerns a motorized device for adjusting the interelectrodic gap in mercury cathode electrolysis cells, mainly consisting of a frame, to which a number of anodes are suspended, movable in the vertical direction by means of a single jackscrew driven by a gear motor acting on double levers. The jackscrew with the motor and the lever system are fixed to a main frame, supported on the cell bottom by means of supports positioned on adjustable columns, while the above mentioned movable frame (also called sub-frame) carrying the anodes, is connected to the lever arms by means of four hinged supports. The shifting of the movable frame and, consequently, of the anodes can be controlled by a centralized and computerized system (which is not part of the invention) as a function of voltage and current variation measurements.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: De Nora Elettrodi S.p.A.Inventors: Dario Oldani, Salvatore Peragine
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Publication number: 20020074230Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for plating a conductive material on a substrate surface in a highly desirable manner. The invention removes at least one additive adsorbed on the top portion of the workpiece more than at least one additive disposed on a cavity portion, thereby allowing plating of the conductive material take place before the additive fully re-adsorbs onto the top portion and causing greater plating of the cavity portion relative to the top portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2000Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventor: Bulent Basol
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Patent number: 6344123Abstract: A compositionally modulated material electroplated film is deposited by using at least two source metal anodes in an electroplating apparatus, and changing at least one power setting of an electroplating power supply. In order to obtain sharp boundaries between successive layers of the film, voltage can be switched from an electroplating substrate to a dummy electrode immediately before the power setting is changed, in order to allow the electrolyte to equilibrate at a new set of solute concentrations, before electroplating on the substrate is recommenced.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2000Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Parijat Bhatnagar
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Publication number: 20010054556Abstract: In order to make plating thickness uniform in a metal plating apparatus, a metal plating apparatus capable of performing metal plating to a uniform thickness is provided by aligning lines of electric force uniformly and in parallel by disposing a pair of conductive perforated plates 20a and 20b, which are electrically connected to each other, between plating metals 16 immersed in a plating solution and an object 18 to be plated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2001Publication date: December 27, 2001Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Johji Nakamoto, Tatsuji Yamada
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Patent number: 6274010Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating at least one substrate is disclosed as including a trough, two anodes, at least one bath and two poly-tetrafluoroethylene sheets or a number of substantially rigid polypropylene plates, in which the trough supports the substrate and is in an electrically conductive relationship therewith, and the bath contains the anodes, the trough and an electrolyte, in which, in operation, an electric field exists in the electrolyte between the trough and the anodes, and in which the poly-tetrafluoroethylene sheets or the polypropylene plates are movable to vary the amount of electric current passing between the trough and the anodes.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1998Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Process Automation International LimitedInventors: Paul Henington, Chun Pan Fung, Kwok Wah Li, Chi Chung Lee
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Patent number: 6267864Abstract: Methods and devices for transforming less desirable chemical species into more desirable or useful chemical forms are disclosed. The specifications can be used to treat pollutants into more benign compositions and to produce useful chemicals from raw materials and wastes. The methods and devices disclosed utilize continuous or temporary pulse of electrical current induced by electromagnetic field and high surface area formulations. The invention can also be applied to improve the performance of existing catalysts and to prepare novel devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1999Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: Nanomaterials Research CorporationInventors: Tapesh K. Yadav, Bijan K. Meramadi
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Patent number: 6245209Abstract: An electro-refining system in which the deposited metal is harvested without the need to remove the cathode from the slurry bath. The cathode has a hollow cavity permitting steam or hot water to be introduced to heat the cathode. During the deposition process, the heating of the cathode encourages the deposition process. When the deposited material is to be harvested, the cathode is heated to “melt” the bonds between the cathode and the deposited metal. Using a bracket which was installed before the deposition process and into which the deposited metal has been formed, the now-released sheet of deposited metal is easily removed.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Inventor: Jacobs Bill
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Patent number: 6179983Abstract: An apparatus for depositing an electrical conductive layer on the surface of a wafer includes a virtual anode located between the actual anode and the wafer. The virtual anode modifies the electric current flux and plating solution flow between the actual anode and the wafer to thereby modify the thickness profile of the deposited electrically conductive layer on the wafer. The virtual anode can have openings through which the electrical current flux passes. By selectively varying the radius, length, or both, of the openings, any desired thickness profile of the deposited electrically conductive layer on the wafer can be readily obtained.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1997Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan David Reid, Steve Taatjes