Abstract: A film formation apparatus for forming a metal film includes an anode, a solid electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and a substrate that serves as a cathode, a power supply device that applies a voltage between the anode and the cathode, a solution container that contains a solution between the anode and the solid electrolyte membrane, the solution containing metal ions, and a pressure device that pressurizes the solid electrolyte membrane to the cathode side with a fluid pressure of the solution. The film formation apparatus includes an auxiliary cathode disposed in a peripheral area of the film formation region when the surface of the substrate is viewed in plain view, the auxiliary cathode having an electric potential lower than an electric potential of the anode.

Abstract: A system for EIT imaging comprises an electrode array for positioning on a patient and measuring an impedance distribution, a data entry unit and a calculation unit. The electrode array contains a visual aid coupled to the electrode array for visually indicating the position of at least one electrode, the data entry module accepts an entry of data describing the position of the visual aid, and the calculation unit calculates the position of the individual electrodes relative to the patient's body and provides correction for the image creation algorithm. A sensor device for EIT imaging may comprise the electrode array, which is connectable to an EIT imaging system comprising a data entry unit and a calculation unit. An EIT imaging method may employ the system or sensor device.

Abstract: The chamber frame element of the present invention, which has a smaller amount of voltage drop, consumes less reactive power than the prior art, and exhibits no metal corrosion, is a chamber frame element (14) for an electrolyzer or an electrodialysis cell. The chamber frame element (14) includes: a bag body (141); a frame (142) housed in an interior space of the bag body (141); and an inlet (143) and an outlet (144) to which piping can be attached, which are formed on the outer side of a region where the frame is housed in the bag body (141).

Abstract: According to an embodiment, there is provided a substrate holder including: a first holding member; a second holding member; a clamper configured to clamp the first holding member and the second holding member; and a seal including a contact portion configured to contact at least one of the first holding member, the second holding member, and a substrate when the first holding member and the second holding member are clamped, in which the contact portion includes, in cross-section viewed in a plane passing a center of the substrate and perpendicular to a surface of the substrate, a first arc portion centered on a first point and a second arc portion centered on a second point different from the first point, and at least one of the first arc portion and the second arc portion has a curvature radius of 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm.

Abstract: A method including running a simulated plating process on a substrate using a base shield, the base shield including a plurality of openings therethrough defining an array including two coordinates; after running the simulated plating process, determining if a predetermined criterion for the simulated plating process is satisfied; and if the predetermined criterion is not satisfied, adjusting one or more of the plurality of openings. A machine readable medium including program instructions that when executed by a controller cause the controller to perform a method including running a simulated plating process on a substrate using a base shield, the base shield including a plurality of openings therethrough defining an array including two coordinates; after running the simulated plating process, determining if a predetermined criterion for the simulated plating process is satisfied; and if the predetermined criterion is not satisfied, adjusting one or more of the plurality of openings.

Abstract: A method for testing the integrity of a component in a measurement area of the component, using an instrument having a flexible part and a rigid end part following the flexible part and carrying an eddy current probe. The method comprises a selection step in which a template corresponding to the measurement area is selected, a shaping step in which the flexible part is shaped against the template thus selected, a positioning step, in which the instrument thus shaped is positioned so that the eddy current probe is placed in the measurement area, and a measurement step, in which a measurement is made via the eddy current probe which has been thus positioned.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are lipseal assemblies for use in an electroplating clamshell for engaging and supplying electrical current to a semiconductor substrate during electroplating, which include an elastomeric lipseal for engaging the semiconductor substrate during electroplating, and wherein upon engagement the elastomeric lipseal forms multiple radially-separated sealing contact surfaces with the substrate which substantially exclude plating solution from a peripheral region of the substrate. Said lipseal assemblies may also include one or more electrical contact elements for supplying electrical current to the semiconductor substrate during electroplating.

Abstract: A method is provided for electrodepositing a coating a conductive workpiece. The method provides for individually switching on or off electrodes both interior to and exterior to the workpiece so as to control the deposition of the coating material on the interior surface and the exterior surface of the workpiece. Further, an electrode having insulating positioners can be utilized to provide for better centering of the electrode in the interior of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for modifying a surface by generating nanotubes at one or more selected sites on the surface, the surface including a first metal. The method includes the steps of positioning at least one cathode and at least one anode relative to the surface in an electrolyte solution including a fluoride salt of a second metal, and applying a voltage between the at least one anode and the at least one cathode sufficient to generate nanotubes at one or more selected sites on the surface and to inhibit nanotube formation at one or more of the other selected sites, wherein the nanotubes include the first metal and the second metal.

Abstract: An electrode for use in bio-electrochemical systems is described, including: a substantially planar electrode material; a frame comprising a non-conductive substance; and one or more first conductive substances linked or secured to the frame. Bio-electrochemical systems, racks for inserting the electrode, and methods of using the racks are also described.

Abstract: This preheating connector for electrically connecting an anode stern to an anode frame of an electrolytic cell during the warm-up phase of the electrolytic cell, includes means of fixing to the anode frame, and bearing means designed to exert pressure on the anode stem in order to keep it pressed up against the anode frame, the fixing means and bearing means being configured and arranged so as to add on the preheating connector onto a so-called permanent connector for electrical and mechanical connection of the anode stem to the anode frame during the continuous operating mode of the cell.

Abstract: Sodium chlorate is produced industrially via electrolysis of brine and is thus an energy intensive process. An improved cathode for this and other industrial processes is a low nickel content stainless steel whose surface has been suitably modified. With an appropriate amount of surface roughening, the cathode provides for improved overvoltages during electrolysis while still maintaining corrosion resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a segmented contact bar for use boarding an electrolytic cell. The segmented contact bar has contact pieces made of electrically conductive material and being in spaced apart relation along the capping board, each of the contact pieces defining a segment for supporting and electrically connecting an anode and a cathode in the electrolytic cell. The segmented contact bar also has connection members including an insulating material and provided in between pairs of adjacent segments for providing insulating interconnection of the segments. There is also an electrolytic refining apparatus including adjacent electrolytic cells; a capping board positioned on the adjacent electrolytic cells; anodes and cathodes extending in spaced apart alternate positions into the each of the adjacent electrolytic cells along the capping boards; and a segmented contact bar.

Abstract: Modular anode assemblies are used in electrolytic oxide reduction systems for scalable reduced metal production via electrolysis. Assemblies include a channel frame connected to several anode rods extending into an electrolyte. An electrical system powers the rods while being insulated from the channel frame. A cooling system removes heat from anode rods and the electrical system. An anode guard attaches to the channel frame to prevent accidental electrocution or damage during handling or repositioning. Each anode rod may be divided into upper and lower sections to permit easy repair and swapping out of lower sections. The modular assemblies may have standardized components to permit placement at multiple points within a reducing system. Example methods may operate an electrolytic oxide reduction system by positioning the modular anode assemblies in the reduction system and applying electrical power to the plurality of anode assemblies.

Abstract: A machining system is provided and includes a machining tool comprising a spindle, one or more electrodes configured to perform the electromachining, and one or more tool holding elements configure to conductively hold the respective one or more electrodes and be assembled onto the spindle of the machining tool. The machining system further comprises one or more adapters and one or more power sources configured to electrically connect to the respective one or more adapters and the workpiece. The one or more adapters are configured to conductively contact the respective one or more tool holding elements. Further, the machining system comprises one or more machining solution sources provided to pass one or more machining solutions between the workpiece and the respective one or more electrodes. A tool adapter assembly is also presented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system consisting of an anode hanger means (10) and an enhanced geometry anode (22) which makes possible to reuse said anode hanger means (10) minimizing the production of scrap, allowing an enhancement of the process between the smelting and the electrorefining wherein said hanger means (10) is formed by a reusable central bar (11) to be located on the upper edge of the enhanced geometry anode (22) wherein said reusable central bar (11) has on its ends reusable ears (12) having engagement means (13) which take the enhanced geometry anode (22) on its upper corners and wherein in the upper corners of said enhanced geometry anode (22) emerge two small upper projections (15). The small upper projections (15) are fitted with said engagement means (13) to secure the hanger means (10) to the enhanced geometry anode (22).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolyzer for producing sodium hypochlorite by electrolyzing brine such as salt water or seawater and the like, and more specifically to a horizontal non-membrane type electrolyzer of a new structure which can maintain a constant interval among electrode plates without using a welding means or an adhering means on the inside of a housing by including a separator for dividing an inner space of a hollow type housing into a plurality of electrode chambers; the electrode plates which are arranged in parallel to each other in the constant interval within a rectangular space part of the separator; and a fixing bar for fixing the separator to an inner wall of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging particles in non-conductive liquids, so they agglomerate and can be removed by filtering, is comprised of a housing which contains a non-conductive insert having a multiplicity of channels. The incoming stream is divided into two halves, each of which is flowed through a set of charging channels which contain electrodes, preferably metal brush-like electrodes. One set of electrodes is charged to a high positive voltage; the other set is charged to a high negative voltage. The liquid streams are then merged and flowed trough a set of mixing channels, along the path of which are one or more reversals in flow direction. The mixing channel path length is substantially longer than the charging channel path length.

Abstract: An electrode structure of the present invention includes: an aluminum electrode which is to be in contact with a surface of an aluminum base; a fixing member for fixing the aluminum electrode on the surface of the aluminum base; an elastic member provided between the fixing member and the aluminum base; a lead wire which is electrically connected to the aluminum electrode at least under a certain condition; and a cover member which is tightly closed with the lead wire penetrating through an opening.

Abstract: Pot tending machine for a series of electrolysis cells designed for the production of aluminum by igneous electrolysis including: a) an overhead traveling crane which can be relocated above said electrolysis cells, b) a tool carriage onto which is fixed a service module comprising tools; c) a tapping winch, interdependent of said overhead traveling crane, designed to grasp and position near cell a tapping assembly including a ladle, a tapping tube and a vacuum device; d) a freestanding device able to generate compressed air; characterized in that said compressed air generating device of includes a first compressor, able to provide a flow of compressed air at least equal to the minimum air flow necessary for operations other than tapping, and at least one second compressor mounted in such a way that, when operating simultaneously with said first compressor, the unit provides a flow of compressed air at least equal to the minimum output of air necessary during tapping.

Abstract: An electrochemical machining tool and method capable of rounding sharp edges that may be prone to cracking, for example, edge regions of cooling slots within dovetail slots of turbine wheels. The electrochemical machining tool includes an electrode and is secured to the component. The electrode of the electrochemical machining tool is inserted into a first slot, an electrolyte solution is applied between the electrode of the electrochemical machining tool and a second slot that intersects the first slot, an electrical potential is applied to the electrode and the turbine wheel to create a potential gradient between the electrode and the edge of the second slot, and material is removed from the edge of the second slot by displacing the electrode about and along the edge.

Abstract: An electrode module includes a working electrode, a counter electrode, a reference electrode and a well (container) for retaining an electrolytic solution and is used in electrochemical measuring instruments. This electrode module is produced by integrating the well with at least one of the working electrode, the counter electrode and the reference electrode. This integrated electrode includes a chip-like electrode having a thin membrane of an electrode material formed on the surface of a chip-like base metal. This chip-like electrode is disposed on and integrated with the bottom of the well in a detachable manner. There is provided the compact, low price electrode module of high repetition use efficiency with no need of maintenance and having easy handling.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprising, a housing having a channel extending there through and an opening formed in the housing for receiving an electrode cartridge, an inlet allowing water to pass into the channel, an outlet allowing water to pass from the channel, and a removable electrode cartridge comprising, a support member, having a outer side an inner side, the support member being adapted to close off the opening in the housing when the electrode cartridge is received in the opening, and a series of separate spaced electrode plates supported by the support member, each electrode plate having a terminal which extends through the support member from the inner side to project from the outer side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contact bar assembly for use in a multi-cell electrolytic system for recovery of metal, to a system including the contact bar assembly, and to a method of using the assembly and system. The contact bar assembly includes a base cap board, a primary bar having a plurality of primary bar structures formed thereon, an auxiliary bar having a plurality of auxiliary bar structures formed thereon, and a top cap board, wherein the base cap board includes slots to receive the primary bar and the auxiliary bar, and wherein the top cap board includes a plurality of openings to receive the plurality of primary bar structures and the plurality of auxiliary bar structures. A system includes the contact bar assembly, an anode assembly, a cathode assembly, and a tank.

Abstract: An adjustable insertion assembly for an electrochemical sensor includes an electrode holder to receive the sensor, having a distal aperture to permit process fluid to contact the sensor. A receptacle slidably receives the holder, for a sliding range of motion extending from fully inserted to fully retracted positions. An open distal end portion of the receptacle extends through a wall of a process fluid vessel, so that the aperture is open to the process fluid when fully inserted, and closed when fully retracted. A leverage member is releasably movable relative to the receptacle, and moves with a captured extension. An abutment of the receptacle engages the extension so that movement of the leverage member in opposite directions alternately clamps and releases the electrode holder relative to the receptacle to substantially prevent and permit movement at substantially any point within the range of movement.

Abstract: A working electrode for cyclic voltammetry experiments and the like provides an electrode carrier releasably attaching to replaceable tips each holding a solid working electrode material that may be polished for receipt of a reactant material and which electrically connects to an electrode in the electrode carrier when the tip and carrier are connected.

Abstract: A permanent cathode that is to be used as electrode in the electro-refining and/or recovery of metals, such as copper, zinc, cobalt or nickel. The permanent cathode comprises a planar mother plate that is made of metal and comprises two sides. The mother plate comprises an edge, which at least partly surrounds the metal plate. The edge comprises a groove portion that is provided with a groove. The groove portion comprises at least one bridging section for joining together, over the groove portion of the edge of the metal plate at the at least one bridging section, the cathode metal halves, such as cathode copper halves, cathode zinc halves, cathode cobalt halves or cathode nickel halves, which are formed on the sides of the mother plate in the electro-refining of the metals.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell is suitable for production of aluminium, and includes at least one collector bar made of first metal and at least one complementary bar made of a second metal having an electrical conductivity greater than the first metal and arranged adjacent to one of the side faces of the collector bar so that the external end of the complementary bar is at a specified distance from a specified end face of the block. The second end terminates so as to limit heat losses from said cell. The cell makes it possible to obtain significantly lower voltage drops while avoiding excessive heat losses through the collector bars.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode arrangement for the defined rounding or deburring of edges of electrically conductive components, in particular turbine components, by means of electrochemical machining with at least one working electrode (5), which has a tubular electrode carrier, through which an electrolyte inflow line (10) is provided, the electrode carrier having on the front end a closure (13, 18), which is arranged such that the electrolyte inflow line in the axial direction of the electrode carrier is closed, and at least one outlet opening (19) being arranged in the radial direction. Also disclosed is a self-centering electrode arrangement and an installation for the defined rounding or deburring of edges of electrically conductive components by means of electrochemical machining with at least one corresponding electrode arrangement and also a method using the electrode arrangements and the described installation.

Abstract: Methods systems and devices for impeding an anode from being corroded or dissolved are provided. In one example, an electrolysis system includes an anode, the anode disposed on a support including a housing, the housing having an inverted cup on an end, the anode on an interior wall of the inverted cup such that electrical contact with an electrolysis solution is made along a concave portion of the inverted cup. Such an example may further include a cathode, the cathode disposed within a collection pipe such that gas produced at the cathode is retained within a channel of the collection pipe.

Abstract: A cathode assembly, a system including the cathode assembly, and method of using the assembly and system are disclosed. The cathode assembly includes high surface area material to allow efficient recovery of metal at reduced current densities at the cathode, which allows increased rates of metal recovery to be obtained, while maintaining desired properties of the electrowon metal.

Abstract: An electrode for use in producing copper in either a conventional electrowinning cell or the direct electrowinning cell is provided. The electrode includes a hanger bar and an electrode body coupled with the hanger bar. The electrode body includes at least one conductor rod having a core and an outer layer surrounding the core and a substrate coupled with the conductor rod.

Abstract: An oxygen-consuming electrode is described, more particularly for use in chloralkali electrolysis, comprising a novel catalyst coating, as is an electrolysis apparatus. Also described is a production process for the oxygen-consuming electrode and the use thereof in chloralkali electrolysis or fuel cell technology. The oxygen-consuming electrode comprises at least an electrically conductive support, an electrical contact site and a gas diffusion layer comprising a catalytically active component, characterized in that the coating at least one fluorinated polymer, silver in the form of silver particles and silver oxide in the form of silver oxide particles, which is produced in a selected precipitation step.

Abstract: Disclosed therein are a method and a system for anodizing metals. The anodizing system includes: an electrolytic bath storing electrolyte of a predetermined amount therein; an anode line mounted on an upper portion of the electrolytic bath, the anode line having insulation blocks for dividing the anode line into several sections; a cathode line disposed outside the anode line, the cathode line having insulation blocks mounted correspondingly to the insulation blocks of the anode line for dividing the cathode line into several sections; a chain connected to a driving sprocket and a driven sprocket inside the anode line, the chain having a plurality of transfer blocks; and hangers electrically connected to the anode line and adapted to fixe and support objects to be plated, which are deposited in the electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrode for use in producing copper in either a conventional electrowinning cell or the direct electrowinning cell is provided. The electrode includes a hanger bar and an electrode body coupled with the hanger bar. The electrode body includes at least one conductor rod having a core and an outer layer surrounding the core and a substrate coupled with the conductor rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to a current collector for electrochemical diaphragm or membrane-type cells, comprising a layer obtained by interlacing or weaving of a multiplicity of first sets of metal wires with a multiplicity of single metal wires or of second sets of metal wires and provided with substantially parallel corrugations. Such layer is coupled to a planar element consisting of a cloth or a flattened stocking formed by weaving of a single metal wire. The current collector is characterised by a low angular coefficient of the pressure/thickness ratio over a wide range of compression levels.

Abstract: A water body self-generating electrolytic reduction module is applied to a water body containing oxidizing substances. The water body self-generating electrolytic reduction module includes a self-generating unit and an electrolysis unit. The self-generating unit is coupled to the electrolysis unit. When circulating in a water transmission pipeline, the water body drives the self-generating unit to generate an electric power and deliver the electric power to the electrolysis unit. Upon receiving the electric power, the electrolysis unit performs electrolysis on the water body circulating to the electrolysis unit, so that a reduction reaction occurs to the oxidizing substances in the water body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrolytic cathode assemblies typically used in the refining or winning of metals and to methods of manufacturing and using same. The cathode assembly comprises an electrically conductive hanger bar and a deposition plate attached along an upper end to the hanger bar to define a joint. The cathode assembly further comprises a protective covering having lateral edges and surrounding the hanger bar and a portion of the upper end of the deposition plate so as to substantially enclose the joint and to leave end portions of the hanger bar exposed outside of the lateral edges of the protective covering. Each end of the protective covering includes a corrosion resistant material positioned to form a substantially continuous seal between the protective covering and the hanger bar, thereby to at least hinder fluid flow into the protective covering. Methods of manufacturing and using the electrolytic cathode assemblies are also described.

Abstract: An electropolishing system including an anode, a cathode, a rolling block and a motion controller. The anode is configured to removably retain a metal device to be electropolished, and may be formed as a bar made from a solid cylindrical piece of metal or other configurations, such as wires with hooks. The anode transfers the electricity to the metal device while grooming the surface of the metal device as it contacts the rolling block. The cathode may be configured as a mesh and completes the electrical circuit. The rolling block is formed from a relatively smooth, solid material and positioned so as to allow the metal device to roll against the surface of the block. The motion controller is configured to provide vertical and horizontal movement of the anode and metal device, using force transducers to control the compression of the metal device against the rolling block.

Abstract: An electrochemical anode is formed using friction stir welded (FSW) joints. A FSW joint may be formed between the bus bar and anode sheet or the lead encapsulation and anode sheet. The FSW joints may also comprise fillet and butt joints. FSW joints may also be utilized to seal the ends of the electrochemical anodes to prevent corrosion.

Abstract: An electrolytic ozone cell anode spring fastening board structure includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (1), an anode electrocatalyst layer (2), a diffusion layer (3), frame body and support parts (5). A diffusion layer counterpiece (4) has one side attached to the diffusion layer (3), the other side of the diffusion layer counterpiece (4) equipped with a centered elevated step, which contacts the center of the convex side of a spherical spring board (6). In addition, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane (1), frame body and support parts (5), diffusion layer (3), diffusion layer counterpiece (4) and spring board (6) are held together by mechanical fastening means. It prevents a decrease in ozone generation rate in electrolytic ozone cell that can occur from the metal board deformation and thinning of the anode electrocatalyst layer.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell contact bar having a first pole and a pair of second poles. The second poles are opposite in charge to the first pole and each of the pair of second poles are adjacent to and parallel to the first pole. In various embodiments, the contact bar may include an electrode holder capable of holding at least one electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of providing an electric current taker made from silver and having a highly electroconductive contact surface into an aluminium support bar to be used in electrolysis.

Abstract: In the method and system, a number of electrolytic cells are arranged as a cell group, which cells are separated by a number of partition walls; in each cell, a number of anodes and cathodes are arranged in an alternating order, so that in each cell, next to each anode, there is arranged a cathode, and so that in each cell, each individual anode is fitted in the same anode line with the anode of the adjacent cell, and in each cell, each individual cathode is fitted in the same cathode line with the cathode of the adjacent cell, and each anode is galvanically connected to at least one cathode of the adjacent cell. The flowing direction of the current passing in the cell group is deviated in different directions in order to make the current flow mainly in the direction of the cell group.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus for depositing a conductive material on a semiconductor wafer includes a vessel for holding an electroplating bath, a support for holding a semiconductor wafer within the vessel and beneath a surface of the bath; first and second electrodes within the vessel, between which an electrical current may flow causing conductive material to be electrolytically deposited onto the wafer, a third electrode disposed outside of the bath for applying a static electric charge to the wafer, and an electrical power supply coupled with the third electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell comprising a vibratile electrode (eg a vibratile microelectrode).

Abstract: A handling device for hoods of an aluminum production cell by fused bath electrolysis, including a positioning device and a hood-gripping device. The positioning device includes a vertical guide device, a mobile support mounted on the guide device so that it can be moved in at least a vertical direction during use, an articulated arm, a first framework mounted on the articulated arm so that it can pivot about a first rotation axis A substantially horizontal during use, a motor to make the first framework pivot about the first rotation axis A, a second framework mounted on the first framework so that it can be moved along the first translation axis B that is substantially horizontal during use, and means of displacing the second framework along the first translation axis B. The hood-gripping system is fixed to the second framework and includes a set of gripping devices designed to grip a set of hoods at a number of fixing points.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus includes an electroplating tank, a first supporting bar, a first holding element, two second supporting bars, a number of spaced crossbars, a number of second holding elements, and a power supply. The first holding element is suspended in the tank from the first supporting bar, and the first holding element is configured for holding a plate-shaped workpiece in a manner that the workpiece is oriented along the first supporting bar. The second holding elements are suspended from the corresponding crossbars, each of the second holding elements arranged between the first and one of the second supporting bars and configured for holding a metal block. The power supply includes a cathode for electrical connection to the workpiece through the first supporting bar and the first holding element and an anode for electrically connection to the metal blocks through the second supporting bars and the second holding elements.

Abstract: A carrier provides the ability to perform wet chemical processing on substrates using low cost equipment inspired by the electroplating methods typically utilized in leadframe-based semiconductor packaging or printed circuit board industries. Two frame pieces are mated together to form the carrier which enables transport of at least one substrate through wet chemical processing and includes a non-conductive frame with an exposed conductive flange to allow electrical coupling with processing equipment. Electrical contacts within the non-conductive frame make contact with the at least one substrate and are coupled to the conductive flange allowing an electrical potential to develop across the substrate while undergoing processing within the electroplating equipment.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a substrate carrier for use in electroplating a plurality of substrates. The substrate carrier includes a non-conductive carrier body on which the substrates are held, and conductive lines are embedded within the carrier body. A conductive bus bar is embedded into a top side of the carrier body and is conductively coupled to the conductive lines. A thermoplastic overmold covers a portion of the bus bar, and there is a plastic-to-plastic bond between the thermoplastic overmold and the non-conductive carrier body. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.