Abstract: A brake assembly utilizes a conical brake drum and matching conical brake lining assembly to provide a more efficient braking system. An adjuster mechanism with a pair of conical adjuster members is controlled by an electric motor and worm gear drive. As the lining wears, the adjuster mechanism pulls the conical adjuster members towards one another to force the brake linings outwardly to maintain a predetermined distance between the drum and the brake lining assembly.

Abstract: A dual-mode drum brake assembly including: (a) a backing plate which is fixed to a vehicle body; (b) first and second arcuate brake shoes disposed on the backing plate; (c) an actuator for moving the two brake shoes away from each other to force the two brake shoes against a brake drum so that the brake assembly acts as a leading/trailing drum brake; (d) an intermediate lever pivotably connected to a web of the first arcuate brake shoe; (e) a second strut associated with the intermediate lever and the second arcuate brake shoe; (f) a positioning spring for positioning the intermediate lever and the second strut in respective positions for their engagement with each other; (g) a first strut engaged with one of the second arcuate brake shoe and the intermediate lever; (h) a parking lever which is engaged with the other of the second arcuate brake shoe and the intermediate lever, and which is operable to be pivoted to be engaged with the first strut whereby the two brake shoes are moved away from each other by a

Abstract: In a shaft seal part structure of a hydraulic shock absorber, a diameter of an upper portion of the outer cylinder is reduced toward the tubular portion of the oil seal, and the diameter reduced portion of the outer cylinder presses the tubular portion of the oil seal downward, thereby holding the inner cylinder, the rod guide and the oil seal in an inner portion of the outer cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus that minimizes shock/vibrational motion in interposer sockets. The ability to control shock/vibration can ensure successful operation and substantially increase socket lifetime. The present invention discloses a device for maintaining a heat sink in a desired relationship to a mounting base while limiting the transmission of shock and vibrational motion to and from the heat sink includes a fastener extending from the mounting base, a spring compressed between the fastener and the heat sink, and a damper compressed between the fastener and the sink wherein the fastener maintains the spring and the damper in a compressed state such that the spring and the damper bear on said heat sink.

Abstract: A control system is utilized for the starting and running-down of a PTO shaft on an agricultural vehicle, such as a tractor. The hydraulically actuated clutch, as well as the other parts and sub-assemblies connected with the clutch as part of the drive, attain a maximum service life under all conditions of use. The control system, both in normal operating mode and also in management operating mode, protects the cardan shaft against destruction through too great an angle of flexion. Finally, in the management mode of operation, the control system prevents the occurrence of a loss of time, which would reduce the effective time of use of the tractor with the tool in question, and renders impossible a stalling of the engine when starting the PTO shaft through too early ground contact of the tool, in which the PTO shaft is not yet turning.

Abstract: A clutch system is described wherein a two-way roller clutch system transmits torque in from one direction (i.e., input side) only, and allows the clutch system to be physically decoupled from the power steering system when torque is forced in from the output side, e.g., during loss of electrical power to the power steering motor. Additionally, the clutch system can include a torque limiting system that permits slip when overall torque exceeds a preset limit. Both the clutch system and the torque limitation system are especially useful in conjunction with automotive power steering systems.

Abstract: A starter mechanism for an internal combustion engine for a motor-driven, manually-guided implement is provided. A clutch drum is rotatably mounted about a journal pin on a housing of the implement. The clutch drum is fixedly connected with a carrier of a ratchet for transfer of drive torque from the drum to the motor shaft. For the reversible engagement of the ratchet in a clutch member fixedly connected with the motor shaft, the ratchet has a pawl on the carrier that, with the aid of a guide element resting against a pawl pin, pivots during a starting process. On that side facing away from the carrier the pawl is spanned by an abutment element, at least in the region of its pivot axis.

Abstract: A one-way clutch is provided which has improved compactness. The one-way clutch comprises an inner member, an outer ring relatively rotatably mounted on the inner member, a rolling element mounted between the inner member and the outer ring, and a spring member for biasing the rolling element in one direction. A rolling element receiving portion having a predetermined wedge angle and a spring receiving portion communicating with the rolling element receiving portion are provided between the inner member and the outer ring. The spring member is received in the spring receiving portion, and the rolling element is received in the rolling element receiving portion and biased by the spring member toward the narrow side of the rolling element receiving portion. The inner member has a semi-columnar portion, which forms the rolling element receiving portion and the spring receiving portion.

Abstract: A pump mechanism is constituted by a groove which is inclined with respect to a diametrical direction on a side surface of an inner wheel, and a side surface of an inner diameter side extending portion which opposes to the side surface, and a lubricating oil is supplied to an inner wheel raceway surface and a sprag by the pump mechanism.

Abstract: An axle module for use in an automotive vehicle. The axle module includes a housing and a shaft rotatably supported within that housing. The axle module also includes a ring gear connected to the shaft. The axle module also includes a clutch pack housing engaged with an end of shaft while a side shaft joint is arranged within the clutch pack housing. The side shaft joint is connected to a side shaft which is further connected to a wheel of the automotive vehicle. A plurality of plates extend from the clutch pack housing and from the side shaft joint such that they overlap in an alternating manner with one another. The axle module also includes a motor which is used to control the transfer of an axial torque through the clutch pack housing and plurality of plates.

Abstract: A twin clutch, in particular an actively closing, dry friction twin clutch is provided for a twin clutch transmission of a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a crankshaft, and two transmission input shafts. The two transmission input shafts are connected to respective friction clutches and can be selectively connected to the crankshaft. At least one axial bearing is provided at the twin clutch such that axial forces, which are present when the clutch is actuated, can be transferred to the transmission housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle equipped with a torque transfer coupling which includes a clutch pack and a ball-screw actuator. The ball-screw actuator functions to axially translates an apply plate to operatively engage the clutch pack and vary the frictional engagement. This arrangement yields numerous operational advantages over the prior art including, but not limited to, establishing a direct drive between the motor output shaft and the apply plate, concentric mounting of the actuator elements with the motor output shaft, and a simplified mechanical arrangement that reduces the number of frictional elements increasing operational efficiency and decreasing motor requirements.

Abstract: A device for dispensing coins is described which is constructed with a sensor for generating a signal when a coin is dislodged from the coin canister. Through a system of sensors, the travel of the coin to the user can be tracked and confirmed. A method is described which times the sequence of coin travel and compiles the information for use by the microprocessor of the dispenser or host device for accounting, coin inventory and other purposes.

Abstract: A miniaturized coin hopper device is provided so as to have a lower height. The device has an electric motor which is arranged such that the projection end of a rotated axis thereof is located at a lower side. A first gear is fixed on this projection end of rotated axis. A disk for discharging coins one by one is provided at the bottom of a hopper which stores the coins. A second gear rotates this disk. A gear train connects this second gear and the first gear. The problem of a true coin being disbursed when a pseudo-coin was stored in a hopper device and the return button was pushed is also addressed. A distinguishing element checks the money kind of a deposited coin. A reserve temporarily holds the coin distinguished by this distinction element. A storage for coins of same money kind and a disbursing element is provided for the the coin in this storage to return the coin reserved in the temporary reservation.

Abstract: The invention provides an image reading apparatus and method capable of performing skew error correction at high speed. In an image reading apparatus that conveys a stacked medium along a conveyance path, reads an image of the medium being conveyed, and discharges the medium after reading the image, the apparatus comprises calculation means for calculating the amount of skew of the medium while being conveyed, and correction means for correcting the amount of skew of the medium in accordance with the amount of skew calculated by the calculation means. The correction means comprise determination means for determining whether correction for the amount of skew should be performed or not, and control means for correcting the amount of skew of the medium. The calculation means comprise medium detection means for detecting the state of the medium conveyed along the conveyance path, and calculate the amount of skew from the detected result of the state of the medium.

Abstract: A device for the elimination of trimmings of rolls or logs of ribbon-like material that can be connected below a cropper machine of at least one roll or log, in turn fed by a feed surface (11) of rolls (12) and top and/or tail crop ends (21), one after another, comprising, below of the feed surface (11), at least one conveyor element (16) closed in a ring which moves around a pulley (14) and which receives the rolls (12) and top and/or tail crop ends (21) on an upper section, the conveyor element (16) having an opening (17) with a dimension at least equivalent to the diameter of a log, inside which the top and/or tail crop ends (21) fall, the opening (17) being positioned as the conveyor element (16) rotates at the beginning of the upper section when the top and/or tail crop ends (21) reach this point.

Abstract: A method for assembling a conveyor belt and a conveyor belt is provided, the conveyor belt including a plurality of elongated rods, a plurality of slide-in overlay elements, and a plurality of retaining overlay elements having a vertical opening to allow vertical insertion of the retaining overlay element on to an elongated rod. In one embodiment, the vertical opening includes a retainer such as a clip that resists removal of the retaining overlay element from the elongated rod. In another embodiment, the slide-in overlay element includes a lock mechanism which locks the retaining overlay element with the slide-in overlay element to resist removal of the retaining overlay element. The lock mechanism preferably includes a lock protrusion on the slide-in overlay element, and an interlock protrusion provided on the retaining overlay element offset relative to one another to allow interlocking of the lock protrusion with the interlock protrusion.

Abstract: In the operation button structure, pressing switch contact portions are satisfactorily pressed by a tilting button operating member even if the button operating member and the switch contact portions are long distance apart from each other or positions of the switch contact portions vary. When an operator's finger presses a right end of a button operating member, a pressing portion on a right side moves in a direction perpendicular to an upper surface of a substrate, whereby a switch contact portion on the right side is pressed. On the other hand, when the finger is lifted from the button operating member, the pressing portion retracts from the switch contact portion by a connecting portion formed in a shape having elasticity.

Abstract: An appliance controller simulates the user operation of electro-mechanical appliance controllers that are currently on the market. The present control knob is configured to allow a user to turn the control knob to a particular wash operation to be selected, and thereafter pulls outwardly on the control knob thereby commencing an appliance mode. The control knob is provided with a shaft extension. When the control knob is pulled outwardly, the extension actuates a master power switch, placing the appliance in a run mode. To return the appliance to a stop mode, the user pushes the knob inwardly. This de-actuates the master power switch thereby placing the appliance in the stop mode.

Abstract: A gravity responsive attitude switch containing electrical contacts separated by a gap, the switch containing a bead liquid and a carrier liquid, the two liquids being immiscible and having different electric resistivity values, where the liquid bead may be disposed between the contacts by properly positioning the switch. The contacts are connected in an electronic circuit which senses the difference in resistivity dependent on whether the bead liquid or the carrier liquid is bridging the gap between the contacts, which in turn determines whether an operative electric circuit is opened or closed.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel comprises a steering wheel body and at least one electric switch attached to the steering wheel body. The switch, for adaptation to the length of the fingers of a driver, is adjustably attached to the steering wheel body in such a way that it can be adjusted by the driver to assume various positions relative to the steering wheel body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to switch or volume control assemblies, in particular to switch or volume control assemblies to be mounted in e.g. hearing aids, said assembly comprising a movable member, such as a wheel-like member positioned between at least two detachable parts defining the exterior of a housing, the movable member having a part extending out of the housing, the movable member engaging a contact member so as to move the contact member with the movable member.

Abstract: A protective switch includes a switch housing, a switching mechanism for closing and opening a movable contact, a tripping mechanism instantaneously pulling a plunger upon detection of an instant current, a tripping control device, an alarm switch, and a trip member. The trip member is divided into an upper trip member away from a bottom of the housing, and a lower trip member close to the bottom of the housing urged by a back spring. The upper trip member includes a plunger operating section opposed to an operating member of the plunger and a switch operating section opposed to an actuator of the alarm switch. The lower trip member includes a locking member operating section opposed to a locking member of a switching mechanism and a tripping section opposed to an operating member of a tripping control device.

Abstract: The present invention is a distillation system with individual fractionator tray temperature control, with the use of either a heating element or a cooling element, and in some preferred embodiments, the use of both a heating element and a cooling element in a plurality of fractionator trays. There is at least, and typically more than one distillation column having a plurality of fractionation trays, and having feed input, liquid removal, and vapor removal with the plurality of trays including at least one of a heating element and a cooling element. Controls are included for separate control of each of the heating element(s) and/or said cooling element(s). These controls may be regulated by a programmable microprocessor, and feedback from temperature sensors may be employed to provide discrete tray-by-tray temperature controls.

Abstract: The invention refers to a simultaneous system for the distillation and elevation of water on top of the water table itself, which driven by thermo solar energy allows in an autonomous operation the generation of electrical power through transportation and free fall of water.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desalination of salt water (and purification of polluted water) are disclosed. Saline (or otherwise polluted) water is pumped to a desalination installation and down to the base of a desalination fractionation column, where it is mixed with hydrate-forming gas or liquid to form either positively buoyant (also assisted buoyancy) or negatively buoyant hydrate. The hydrate rises or sinks or is carried into a lower pressure area and dissociates (melts) into the gas and pure water. In preferred embodiments, residual salt water which is heated by heat given off during formation of the hydrate is removed from the system to create a bias towards overall cooling as the hydrate dissociates endothermically at shallower depths, and input water is passed through regions of dissociation in heat-exchanging relationship therewith so as to be cooled sufficiently for hydrate to form at pressure-depth.

Abstract: In diesel engines, soot particles in the engine exhaust gas flow through an exhaust gas line. According to the invention, the soot particles flowing through the exhaust gas line are deposited by inertial forces onto electrodes of a reactor for producing dielectrically hindered gas discharges, the electrodes being periodically structured in the direction of flow of the exhaust gas, and are oxidized on the electrodes by the continuous action of the gas discharge. To such an end, at least one reactor for producing the dielectrically hindered discharges has metallic electrodes, which have a dielectrically active coating and an undulated or pleated structure.

Abstract: An ultra fast photodissociation system includes a water acidifier, a water vaporizer, and a photolysis cell. The water acidifier is connected in fluid communication with a water supply, and is operable to acidify the supplied water to produce acidic water. The water vaporizer is connected in fluid communication with the water acidifier to receive the acidic water, and is configured to convert the received acidic water into acidic water vapor. The photolysis cell is connected in steam communication with the water vaporizer to receive the acidic water vapor, and is operable to dissociate the acidic water vapor into H2 and O2 gas.

Abstract: Apparatus for synergistically combining a plasma with a comminution means such as a fluid kinetic energy mill (jet mill), preferably in a single reactor and/or in a single process step is provided by the present invention. Within the apparatus of the invention potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and subsequently into angular momentum by means of wave energy, for comminuting, reacting and separation of feed materials. Methods of use of the apparatus in the practice of various processes are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a chemically reacted layer proximate an exposed surface of a substrate. A gas supply provides a chemically reactive molecular gas to an ion source that generates a divergent ion current directed at a target. The ion current contains at least one species of chemically reactive molecular ion, and the target is disposed in a chamber having a partial vacuum. A voltage source applies a bias to the target such that chemically reactive molecular ions from the ion source are accelerated toward the target with sufficient kinetic energy to dissociate at least some of the chemically reactive molecular ions by collision with the surface of the target to form a population of neutral chemically reactive molecular fragments, atoms or radicals at least some of which scatter away from the surface of the target and into the chamber.

Abstract: A method of sputtering a layer from a target having a plurality of recesses or openings includes using Krypton as a sputtering gas and is characterized in that the gas flow is less than 20 sccm and or the Krypton pressure is less than 1 militor.

Abstract: An improved chlorination system for pools, spas, potable water supplies, and the like, provides a vertically oriented electrolytic cell connected between a pump and a lightly salinated pool. The cell preferably contains a metallic electrode, such as copper, and a precious metal coated titanium electrode, and has means for passing an electric current through the cell. The present invention further provides a novel electrode stack design, conducive for forming an efficient chlorinator comprising a plurality of interconnecting electrode stacks of separate electrical cells.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to various aspects of a plasma process, and more specifically the monitoring of such plasma processes. One aspect relates in at least some manner to calibrating or initializing a plasma monitoring assembly. Another aspect relates in at least some manner to various types of evaluations which may be undertaken of a plasma process which was run, and more typically one which is currently being run, within the processing chamber. Yet another aspect associated with the present invention relates in at least some manner to the endpoint of a plasma process (e.g., plasma recipe, plasma clean, conditioning wafer operation) or discrete/discernible portion thereof (e.g., a plasma step of a multiple step plasma recipe). A final aspect associated with the present invention relates to how one or more of the above-noted aspects may be implemented into a semiconductor fabrication facility, such as the distribution of wafers to a wafer production system.

Abstract: Sensors formed from a substrate, an electrode layer and at least a first reagent layer are manufactured by transporting a continuous web of the substrate past at least two print stations, and printing the electrode layer and the first reagent layer on the substrate. One of the print stations prints the electrode layer on the continuous web of substrate, and the other of the print stations prints the first reagent layer on the continuous web of substrate as it is transported past the print stations. Additional print stations may be included for the printing of insulation layers, glue prints and the like. The order of printing will depend on the structure desired for the sensor, although the electrode layer(s) will frequently be deposited before the reagent layer(s).

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical cell containing two or more electrodes wherein the half-cell potential of at least one electrode is determined by the concentration of a specific ion anticipated to be present in all test solutions, said ion concentration being measured in the cell by a first electroanalytical technique that does not depend on a known reference electrode potential, such that said electrode, its half-cell potential being calculable from the measured ion concentration, can then serve as a reference electrode in one or more subsequent electroanalytical techniques that do depend on a known reference electrode potential, said subsequent technique or techniques being carried out in the same cell.

Abstract: A hydrogen sensor includes a solid electrolyte made of a barium cerium oxide, and a first electrode and a second electrode that are formed on the surface of the solid electrolyte. The first and the second electrodes are made of a material having a catalytic effect with respect to an oxidation reaction of hydrogen and are made of the same material. Thus, the hydrogen sensor can be inexpensive and has good hydrogen selectivity and responsiveness to detection, and thus it is possible to measure hydrogen in a high concentration region.

Abstract: In an improved amperometric gas sensor, the structure, composition, and electrode potential are adjusted so as to prevent or minimize any unwanted reactivity at the counter and/or reference electrode of any analyte or interfering component of the matrix that may cross over thereto. The sensor is preferably structured so that the product of the analyte reaction at a first working electrode can be reconverted to the original analyte at a counter electrode or at a second working electrode and then reacted again at the first working electrode, with such back-and-forth reactions repeating many times, so as to yield an amplification of the analyte signal.

Abstract: Joule (ohmic) heating and electro-osmosis are combined in a hybrid process for removal of both water-soluble contaminants and non-aqueous phase liquids from contaminated, low-permeability soil formations that are saturated. Central to this hybrid process is the partial desaturation of the formation or layer using electro-osmosis to remove a portion of the pore fluids by induction of a ground water flow to extraction wells. Joule heating is then performed on a partially desaturated formation. The joule heating and electro-osmosis operations can be carried out simultaneously or sequentially if the desaturation by electro-osmosis occurs initially. Joule heating of the desaturated formation results in a very effective transfer or partitioning of liquid state contaminants to the vapor phase. The heating also substantially increases the vapor phase pressure in the porous formation.

Abstract: An ion-exchange membrane having excellent resistance against organic fouling by high molecular weight organic ions etc. and showing low electric resistance is provided. Said ion-exchange membrane is characterized by that a polyether compound containing polyalkylene glycol chain, such as polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, their derivatives, etc., is fixed on the surface and/or inside of the membrane. As examples of the mode of the fixation there are mentioned fixation by entanglement of the molecules forming the membrane and the molecules of the polyether compound, physical fixation of both molecules by the anchor effect, and chemical fixation of both molecules by the formation of covalent bond or ionic bond. Said ion-exchange membrane can be preferably used in case of removing low molecular weight electrolytes from an aqueous solution containing low molecular weight electrolytes and high molecular weight organic ions etc. through electrodialysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring the progress of membrane fouling that occurs on pores as well as on the surface of a membrane by means of variations of zeta potential (&zgr;) of a hollow-fiber membrane according to time passage of filtration of a suspension, wherein colloid particles, biopolymers and other inorganic particles are dispersed, and the method thereof. Moreover, the present invention also relates to a method to identify the effect of concentration polarization layer and cake layer which can vary according to the axial position of a hollow-fiber and the developing progress of a membrane fouling by measuring the position-dependent zeta potential of the hollow-fiber membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fully transposed composite superconductor (2) that can be especially used for AD devices and that contains subconductors (3j) composed according to the Roebel bar principle and containing high Tc superconducting material. The aim of the invention is to provide subconductors, that can be laterally bent in the plane of their width B so that the bending radius R is more than 100 times the width B and the bending zone length H is more than 20 times the width B. The inventive device for producing the conductor (2) comprises means disposed in series for combining, bending, assembling to a Roebel bar, and fixating the subconductors.

Abstract: This invention is a method of providing conductive tracks on a printed circuit including coating a substrate carrying printed tracks with an electro-plating solution with a tool which provides a first electrode of an electro-plating circuit and a second electrode provided by the tracks which are to be electroplated, and a tool suitable for use in electro-plating electrically conductive regions of a substrate, the tool including an absorptive member in which plating solution can be carried; a first electrode of an electro-plating circuit adapted to make electrical contact with plating solution carried by the absorptive member; and at least one tool second electrode electrically insulated from the first electrode and spaced from the absorptive member, the tool second electrode being so positioned that as the absorptive member is wiped across a surface of a substrate, the second electrode contactor can be wiped across the surface of the substrate to contact electrically conductive regions of the substrate to for

Abstract: In a method for fabricating an array of microstructures, a substrate with an electrically-conductive portion is provided, an insulating mask layer is formed on the electrically-conductive portion of the substrate, a plurality of openings are formed in the insulating mask layer to expose the electrically-conductive portion, and a first plated or electrodeposited layer is deposited in the openings and on the insulating mask layer by electro- or electroless-plating, or electrodeposition. At least a surface of the first plated or electrodeposited layer is made electrically conductive. After that, the insulating mask layer is removed, and a second plated layer is formed on the first plated or electrodeposited layer and on the electrically-conductive portion by electroplating to firmly fix the first plated or electrodeposited layer to the substrate.

Abstract: A recovery system for platinum electrolytic baths operating at low current densities is disclosed. An oxidizing system is provided in a closed-loop recirculation system for platinum plating at low current densities. The oxidizing system reoxidizes Pt+2 ions, which are typically formed at low current densities, to Pt+4 ions by using oxidizers, for example peroxide. A sensor may be also provided to detect the relative concentration of [Pt+2] ions to [Pt+4] ions and to tailor the relative concentrations to a predetermined level.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the deposition of a silver-tin alloy from an acidic, cyanide-free electrolyte, containing silver ions, tin ions as well as a complexing agent. In order to provide a process which, despite the great differential of potential between silver and tin, makes it possible to simultaneously precipitate both metals to form well-adhering layers which, in addition, have a smooth, matte to silky surface and which are easily soldered, the invention involves the use of, as a further component an aromatic compound with an aldehyde group added to the electrolyte.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing self-assembled monolayers on a metal comprising electrolyzing a thiosulfate compound in a solvent, where the electricity for the electrolysis is applied at a voltage for a period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the electrochemical preparation of chlorine from aqueous solutions of hydrogen chloride in an electrolysis cell, comprising an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, the anode chamber being separated from the cathode chamber by a cation exchange membrane, the anode chamber containing an anode and the cathode chamber a gas diffusion cathode, and the aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride being passed into the anode chamber and an oxygen-containing gas into the cathode chamber, and the oxygen pressure in the cathode chamber being at least about 1.05 bar.

Abstract: An electromachining apparatus includes a mandrel for supporting a workpiece next to a cutter mounted on an arbor. The workpiece is powered as an anode and the cutter is powered as a cathode, and a coolant is circulated therebetween. The cutter is rotated and plunge twisted into the workpiece to form a twisted slot therein, with adjacent ones of such slots forming twisted blanks therebetween. The individual blanks may then be subsequently machined to final shape such as an airfoil configuration.

Abstract: Generally, a method and apparatus for electrochemical polishing a metal layer disposed on a substrate is provided. In one embodiment, the electrochemical polishing apparatus generally includes a substrate support having a plurality of contact members, a cathode and at least one nozzle. The nozzle is adapted to centrally dispose a polishing fluid on the substrate supported by the substrate support. The cathode is adapted to couple the polishing fluid to a negative terminal of a power source. A positive terminal of the power source is electrically coupled through the contact members to the conductive layer of the substrate. The nozzle creates a turbulent flow in the portion of the polishing fluid boundary layer proximate the center of the substrate which enhances the polishing rate at the center of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention has application to the disabling of vehicles such as automobiles and other vehicles having an engine controlled by a motor controller or other component that is vulnerable to malfunctions induced by a pulse of electrical energy. The invention has application to remotely disabling vehicles in high speed pursuits. In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for remotely disabling an electronic device may be deployed from a platform. In various embodiments, the platform may be a stationary platform in the path of an approaching vehicle incorporating the electronic device or a movable platform for pursuing the vehicle.