Abstract: The invention relates to a method, an apparatus and a computer program for electrochemical machining where a removal of cathode depositions is performed in a fully automated way by means of an application of optimal pulses of a suitable polarity.

Abstract: A processor for making porous silicon or processing other substrates has first and second chamber assemblies. The first and second chamber assemblies include first and second seals for sealing against a wafer, and first and second electrodes, respectively. The first and/or second seal is moveable towards and away from a wafer in the processor, to move between a wafer load/unload position, and a wafer process position. The first electrode may move along with the first seal, and the second electrode may move along with the second seal. A light source shines light onto the first side of the wafer. The processor may be pivotable from a substantially horizontal orientation, for loading and unloading a wafer, to a substantially vertical orientation, for processing a wafer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating hydrogen. The hydrogen generator includes a cylindrical body and two end plates defining a cavity therein. A plurality of elements are disposed within the cavity including an outer and inner gaskets, an outer and inner electrodes, and a proton exchange membrane. A bladder inflated within the cavity compresses the elements together and into firm contact with the inner wall of the body. A plurality of elongated bolts compresses the end plates against the ends of the cylindrical body. The hydrogen generator includes a water inlet port, an oxygen and water outlet port, and a hydrogen port extending. Connecting a DC voltage across the electrodes and pumping distilled water into the water inlet port produces hydrogen gas that can be used to fuel an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manufacturing process of a sintered iron-copper base porous alloy and of an oil-impregnated sintered bearings, having the steps of: preparing a mixed powder comprising an iron powder, and at least one of a copper powder and a copper alloy powder; forming the mixed powder into a green compact; and sintering the green compact to obtain a sintered iron-copper base porous alloy. The iron powder contains a porous iron powder which has a particle size of 177 microns or less and a specific surface area of 110 to 500 m2/kg according to a gas adsorption method. The sintered compact has high intercommunicating porosity and low permeability, and it is sized to prepare the sintered bearing into which a lubricating oil is impregnated.