Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may generally provide a small volume electrochemical plating cell. The plating cell generally includes a fluid basin configured to contain a plating solution therein, the fluid basin having a substantially horizontal weir. The cell further includes an anode positioned in a lower portion of the fluid basin, the anode having a plurality of parallel channels formed therethrough, and a base member configured to receive the anode, the base member having a plurality of groves formed into an anode receiving surface, each of the plurality of grooves terminating into an annular drain channel. A membrane support assembly configured to position a membrane immediately above the anode in a substantially planar orientation with respect to the anode surface is provided, the membrane support assembly having a plurality of channels and bores formed therein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an electrochemical plating system. The plating system includes a substrate loading station positioned in communication with a mainframe processing platform, at least one substrate plating cell positioned on the mainframe, at least one substrate bevel cleaning cell positioned on the mainframe, and a stacked substrate annealing station positioned in communication with at least one of the mainframe and the loading station, each chamber in the stacked substrate annealing station having a heating plate, a cooling plate, and a substrate transfer robot therein.

Abstract: Electrolysis cell comprises, in one embodiment, a proton exchange membrane (PEM), an anode positioned along one face of the PEM, and a cathode positioned along the other face of the PEM. A multi-layer metal screen for defining a first fluid cavity is placed in contact with the outer face of the anode, and an electrically-conductive, compressible, spring-like, porous pad for defining a second fluid cavity is placed in contact with the outer face of the cathode. The porous pad comprises a mat of carbon fibers bound together with one or more, preferably thermoplastic, resins, the mat having a density of about 0.2-1.5 g/cm3. Cell frames are placed in peripheral contact with the metal screen and the compression pad for peripherally containing fluids present therewithin. Electrically-conductive separators are placed in contact with the metal screen and the compression pad for axially containing fluids present therewithin.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the reduction of aluminum having a layer of interlocking cathode tiles positioned on a cathode block. Each tile includes a main body and a vertical restraining member to prevent movement of the tiles away from the cathode block during operation of the cell. The anode of the electrolytic cell may be positioned about 1 inch from the interlocking cathode tiles.

Abstract: An ion source includes an anode and/or cathode which is/are coated with a conductive coating. The coating has a sputtering yield less than that of an uncoated anode and/or cathode, so that erosion of the resulting anode and/or cathode in the source is reduced during source operation. Example coating materials for the anode and/or cathode of the ion beam source include metal borides including but not limited to TiB2 and ZrB2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pulsed carbon plasma apparatus to produce a diamond-like carbon coating over an extended object, the coating having a high degree of thickness uniformity achieved by scanning the plasma flow over the surface of the object. The pulsed carbon plasma apparatus of the invention comprises a carbon plasma flow scanning device having at least one pair of deflecting coils, where the deflecting coils have, in the scanning plane, a different number of turns on opposite sides. The object may be made of metal, ceramic, glass or plastic. The coatings may be used to improve life and operating performance of tools and machine parts, and as decorative coatings.

Abstract: An electrode layer comprising a working electrode 1 and a counter electrode 2, and a reagent layer 10 are formed on an insulating support 5 and, further, a spacer 7 having a long and narrow cut-out portion on the reagent layer 10 is bonded to a cover 6 having an air hole 9 to form a cavity 12 that sucks blood as a liquid sample by capillary phenomenon, and a portion of side walls of the spacer 7 and the cover 6, which side walls face the cavity 12, is subjected to a treatment for making the portion itself have hydrophilicity.

Abstract: Processes for forming a coating on electroconductive flat blanks having two major surfaces and sheared edges are provided. Also provided is a process for forming a multi-composite coating on a pre-sheared, electroconductive, flat blank having two major surfaces and sheared edges. Methods for forming and coating metal blanks are also provided. The present invention further provides a pre-sheared, flat electroconductive blank having two major surfaces and coated with a multi-layer composite coating composition on one major surface. The present invention also provides a method for coating a continuous metal strip, optionally, thereafter forming a coated blank therefrom, and, optionally, applying a second coating to the blank.

Abstract: The concentration of a leveler in a plating liquid that is used by a plating apparatus for filling metal such as copper in interconnection trenches and holes defined in the surface of a semiconductor substrate or the like is determined based on a peak area (Ar value) in a peel-off region of the plating liquid measured according to a CV or CVS process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of anodizing a component, preferably aluminum, is disclosed. The component is placed in an electrolyte solution. A number of pulses are applied to-the solution and component. Each pulse is formed by a pattern including having three magnitudes. The third magnitude is less, preferably substantially less, than the first and second magnitudes, and all three magnitudes are of the same polarity. The pulse pattern may include alternations between the first and second magnitudes, and following the alternations, the third magnitude. Other patterns may be provided. The solution is in a reaction chamber, along with at least a portion of the component. The fluid enters the reaction chamber from a transport chamber through a plurality of inlets directed toward the component, preferably at an angle of between 60 and 70 degrees. The inlet is preferably the cathode, and the component is the anode, whereby current flows between the cathode and the anode in another embodiment.

Abstract: An electrochemical method for generating both mesoporous metal and metal oxide films from dilute surfactant solutions by utilizing self assembly of surfactant-inorganic aggregates in the electric field of the solid-liquid interface at an electrode to specifically direct the morphology of the film. The surface of the working electrode serves as a solid-liquid interface in a plating solution containing surfactant and inorganic ions and salts.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method for plating copper into features formed on a semiconductor substrate. The method includes positioning the substrate in a plating cell, wherein the plating cell includes a catholyte volume containing a catholyte solution, an anolyte volume containing an anolyte solution, an ionic membrane positioned to separate the anolyte volume from the catholyte volume, and an anode positioned in the anolyte volume. The method further includes applying a plating bias between the anode and the substrate, plating copper ions onto the substrate from the catholyte solution, and replenishing the copper ions plated onto the substrate from the catholyte solution with copper ions transported from the anolyte solution via the ionic membrane, wherein the catholyte solution has a copper concentration of greater than about 51 g/L.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for immersing a substrate for plating operations. The apparatus generally includes a plating cell configured contain a plating solution therein. The plating cell includes at least one fluid basin, a diffusion plate position in a lower portion of the at least one fluid basin, and an anode positioned below the diffusion plate, the anode and the diffusion plate being positioned in parallel orientation with each other and in a tilted orientation with respect to horizontal. The apparatus further includes a head assembly positioned proximate the plating cell, the head assembly including a base member, an actuator positioned at a distal end of the base member, and a substrate support assembly in mechanical communication with the actuator, the substrate support assembly being configured to support a substrate in the at least one fluid basin for processing in an orientation that is generally parallel to the diffusion plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides means for recovering and reusing useful component ions in electrolytic phosphate chemical treatment bath without subjecting them to waste water treatment. In the present invention, a phosphate chemical treatment bath which contains phosphate ions and phosphoric acid, metal ions that form a phosphate crystal to provide a film, metal ions that are reduced from cations in the solution to form a film as metals, and ions that are involved in the reaction of the above-mentioned phosphoric acid and various metal ions to form a film, but which does not substantially contain ions that are not involved in film formation, is used as the phosphate chemical treatment bath.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and devices for the chemical reaction of liquid, vapor or gaseous hydrocarbons with either water or water vapor and either air or oxygen, to produce a hydrogen-rich synthesized gas for use in fuel cells. In the process, the chemical reaction of the reactants takes place on the catalytically coated surface of a material that is electrically conductive, and as a consequence of the feeding an electrical voltage, directly heatable and consequently temperature-controllable.

Abstract: A method is provided for the manufacture of an implant, in particular of a metallic implant, comprising the steps of roughening the surface of the implant by blasting with blasting particles and of treating the surface with a solvent which selectively dissolves the blasting particles.

Abstract: An alloy solute sensor probe, measurement system and measurement method are disclosed for directly measuring solute concentration profiles in conductive material components at elevated processing temperatures. The disclosed device and method permit direct, real-time non-destructive measurement of solute concentration profiles in treated surfaces in alloy components. In disclosed embodiments, a novel concentric carbon sensor and rod-shaped carbon sensor are disclosed which employ AC frequencies for probing the subsurface region of alloy samples to determine carbon concentration profiles at steel surfaces from measurements of alloy resistivity profiles. Results of carbon profile measurements obtained with the disclosed device and method compare favorably with conventional destructive analytical measurements made on post-processed samples.

Abstract: The Quick Draw Card (“QDC”) is a convenient card holder and dispensing device housing a plurality of cards with the ability to pull one card at a time while moving the next card forward for easy dispension with the help of a bow spring mechanism inside the holder. The holder is small in size, similar to a standard business card and can clip into your belt (much like cellular phone can) or inside or on your purse. It measures approximately 2.5″×3¾″×¼″ with a clip on the back for horizontal mounting and a finger or thumb size opening on the front of the holder to pull cards out so they can exit through a horizontal opening on the top side of the holder. The inside has a bow spring mechanism to push forward the next business card after dispensing the card on top. The clip allows for a holder that is not easily scratched or bent as those are which fit into your pocket.

Abstract: A disposable drawstring bag has odor-related material in the drawstring, but not in the bag member or the drawstring channel, so that prior to activation of the drawstring arrangement the odor-related material is substantially contained within the channel, but after activation of the drawstring arrangement the odor-related material is substantially exposed.

Abstract: An instant concrete system for including in one portable package all the necessary ingredients and corresponding mixing device for making concrete. The instant concrete system includes a premeasured amount of concrete mix in a container. Included in the container is a bag containing a premeasured amount of water. The inside of the container is shaped with curved projections. The container includes a removable handle that can be used to open the water bag. A lid securely fits to the container. The portable instant concrete system can be transported to a remote work site, the bag of water opened and emptied into the concrete mix. The lid replaced on the container and the container moved back and forth to mix the ingredients. The curved projections internal to the container assist in making a concrete of the correct proportions and consistency.

Abstract: For plastic bags put up as a supply roll from which the bags are detached one-at-a-time from a free end thereof in the bagging of dry cleaned garments to obviate soilage during transit to the customer's home, the sequential numbering of the bags in the supply roll to verify the starting quantity and usage at the bagging site.

Abstract: A compact, free-standing garment bag capable of being carried aboard commercial aircraft as carry-on baggage comprising a suit folder apparatus for hanging at least one suit wherein said suit folder apparatus is removable from the garment bag, an enclosure for receiving the suit folder apparatus wherein the apparatus is used to initiate at least two folds of the enclosure, and a compartment for receiving the folded enclosure.

Abstract: A remote control cover has a body, a plurality of window openings incorporated within the body, a closure flap at an open end of the body, and a closure flap with hook and loop fastening material for securing the flap in a closed position. The body has a pair of lateral seams that are reinforced with a pair of crimps. The remote control cover is generally flat when empty, but is flexible in order to conform to the shape of a remote control unit that is inserted in the cover.

Abstract: A jewel case 10 for housing at least one piece of recording media is constructed from a blend of resins. The blend includes at least two resins, the first being a stiffer resin and the second, a flexible resin, wherein a clear and flexible jewel case is produced.

Abstract: A multimedia storage case structure comprises a case and a holder mounted within the case. The holder includes an elevating base and a snap boss thereon. The elevating base has first and a second resilient lips that are separated from each other via a plurality of grooves. The first and second lips bend toward a center of the holder and protrude upward to form the snap boss. A first portion of the snap boss, connected to the first lip, includes a claw and further bend toward the center of the holder to terminate in a top pressing cap that centrally overlies the snap boss meanwhile being spaced away by a gap from a second portion of the snap boss connected to the second lip.

Abstract: A club organizer for a golf club carry bag, comprising a cover means adapted to fit across the opening of the golf club carry bag, the cover means having an arcuately shaped ridge member adapted to be supported along a portion of a rim defining the opening of the carry bag, the ridge member having a convex outer side wall and a concave inner side wall defining a concavity, and web means located within the concavity for rigidizing the ridge member by urging the ridge member against the rim, the ridge member being so inclined as to have an upper and a lower end and including a plurality of descending apertures for passing the shaft of each of the iron clubs therethrough and into the carry bag, each of the apertures including a groove formed through the outer side wall for locating the head of respective ones of the iron clubs so that, in accordance with the inclination of the ridge member, each of the apertures is at a different height to each other of the apertures whereby the head of each of the iron clubs ar

Abstract: A windshield packaging system that provides effective support for the windshield during substantial vertical drops, protects the windshield against side impacts, is simple in design, requires only modest skill to effectively assemble, protects windshields of different size with the same size carton, and minimizes inventory management problems. The windshield packaging system includes jaw components having a synergistic effect, horizontally-running flutes, and pressure-regulated clamps.

Abstract: A windshield packaging system that provides effective support for the windshield during substantial vertical drops, protects the windshield against side impacts, is simple in design, requires only modest skill to effectively assemble, protects windshields of different size with the same size carton, and minimizes inventory management problems. The windshield packaging system includes jaw components having a synergistic effect, horizontally-running flutes, and pressure-regulated clamps.

Abstract: A caddy having a socket shaped to receive the scrubbing end portion of a cleaning implement such as a brush when the implement is being stored, particularly including the type of cleaning implement having a long handle that is used for cleaning toilet bowls or the like that is commonly used and stored in bathrooms. The cooperating shapes of the cleaning and a socket in the caddy allow storage of the cleaning implement or brush either with the long handle of the cleaning implement projecting upwardly in the conventional manner, or with its long handle extending generally horizontally, thereby facilitating storage of the caddy containing the cleaning implement in cabinets of the types typically found in bathrooms.

Abstract: A toothbrush storage device is disclosed which is both surface mountable and portable. A mounting bracket is first secured to the surface. The mounting bracket includes a first mating means. A portable housing is then mated to the mounting bracket via a second mating means disposed the housing. The first and second mating means are easily releasable which allows for portablilty of the housing. The housing includes a pair of opposing blades which supports the toothbrush. Finally, the housing substantially encloses the toothbrush head and bristles.

Abstract: A storage and carrying case includes semi-rigid spaced end panels and a semi-rigid bottom panel all joined together by means of a fabric over layer and a fabric under layer which are stitched together by a binding which also connects to front and back panels to form an enclosure for tools or the like. A single binding may thus be utilized to join all of the flexible fabric materials which retain the semi-rigid or rigid panels forming the enclosure.

Abstract: A tool box includes a plurality of hooks and a plurality of clamping members extending from a surface of the tool box. The hooks and the clamping members are located in alignment with each other so that shanks of the tool is clamped by the clamping members and the function end is engaged with the hooks. A test device is connected to the surface of the tool box and includes an inclined support member on which an engaging piece is connected for function end of the wrench to engage with. A restriction frame is on the test device and restrain the range of the shank of the tool to swing.

Abstract: A box for supplying items to be used in garages such as seat covers, steering wheel covers, floor carpets, trash bags, replacement parts bags, foils for sealing the interior of doors and bags for tires includes a portion being made of cardboard and including a plurality of side walls and front walls. The portion in its upright position forms the shape of the box. A roll having a width is located in the portion in its upright position. The roll includes a sheet material including items to be used in garages. The items are interconnected by perforations. The sheet material has been wound up on a bobbin having a width, the width of the bobbin being more than the width of the roll. A plurality of supporting elements is located in the box, and it is designed and arranged to support the roll to be rotatable. An opening is located in the portion, and it is designed and arranged to allow for passage of the sheet material out off the box and to remove items from the box.

Abstract: A windshield packaging system that provides effective support for the windshield during substantial vertical drops, protects the windshield against side impacts, is simple in design, requires only modest skill to effectively assemble, protects windshields of different size with the same size carton, and minimizes inventory management problems. The windshield packaging system includes jaw components having a synergistic effect, horizontally-running flutes, and pressure-regulated clamps.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a jewelry storage and concealment device having a rigid frame which is substantially thin and planar and which is suitable for attachment to a standard hanger, over which any ordinary article of clothing may be placed, for concealing the device between clothes in a closet. Or, it may be provided with a mirrored door on its front or a decorative picture and picture frame so that it may be hung on a wall and the device may be obscured from the view of thieves or unauthorized users. The present invention contains a plurality of square or rectangular compartments which are provided with hooks, posts or curtain walls so that the device can easily hold earrings, either pierced or clip on style, bracelets, necklaces, rings, etc. In such a manner, a highly secure jewelry organizing and storage system is shown.

Abstract: A moist paper towel package includes a stack of moist paper towels, a bag body, a cover member, a layer of releasable adhesive, and a membrane. The moist paper towels contain cleansing solution. The bag body has a top wall formed with an opening. The top wall further has an outer surface, an inner surface, and an adhering region on the outer surface around the opening. The membrane is adhered removably on the inner surface of the top wall so as to isolate the moist paper towels from the adhering region and so as to prevent the cleansing solution from damaging the releasable adhesive.

Abstract: A flexible bag is positioned in a rigid container, such as a fifty-five gallon drum, and the bag is filled through its spout with flowable product, such as tomato paste. The bag is then expanded in the container to be substantially rigid and thereby reduce film movement and resultant flex cracking. One way that the bag can be expanded, pursuant to this invention, is for a lid to be sealed onto the container and a vacuum drawn from between the bag and the container. Gas volume needs to be present in the bag before the vacuum is applied so that the gas in the bag can expand from the vacuum on its outside. Another way to expand the bag is, after filling the bag with the flowable product, to inject pressurized gas into the bag. For this embodiment, the container need not be vacuum sealable. For example, the container may be formed from a metal, plastic, cardboard and the like, and the container walls can be either solid or have openings.

Abstract: A meal container that retains food and beverages while providing the ability to play a game. The meal container is generally a rectangular shaped receptacle that consists of a cover or lid, a base, and an outer wall. The lid and the base are separated by the outer wall and form an opening between them to receive the food and beverages. The lid pivots between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the lid has an interior surface that displays and provides a game for use by the owner or child. It is also contemplated that different games may be substituted in the lid of the meal container to keep the owner or child entertained.

Abstract: A packing device (1) is for accommodating electrical connectors (2). The packing device includes a body (10), and a plurality of cavities (11) defined in the body. Each cavity is bounded by a bottom wall having a higher front end (12) and a lower rear end (13), a front wall (14) adjacent the front end, and a rear wall (15) adjacent the rear end. A through slot (18) is defined in the front end. When the packing device filled. with electrical connectors reaches a corner or curve of an assembly line, a rearward one of two adjacent cavities tilts. The front wall at the rearward cavity bends into the slot at the rearward cavity, instead of contacting and bending or distorting the rear wall at the adjacent forward cavity. Thus, the electrical connector in the forward cavity can be reliably picked up by a suction machine of the assembly, line.

Abstract: An improved self-lifting apparatus for box cover comprising a -shaped bar provided on the box cover with both ends bended to accommodate elastic component. The elastic component is provided with extended arms on both ends, one end pressing the -shaped bar and the other end being inserted into the hole of the box, thereby simplifying the production procedure and allowing box cover to be lifted automatically. With the elastic component, the -shaped bar can be used as file holder in the box and the box can be used for a longer period of time.

Abstract: A catalytic composition useful for cracking and reducing the viscosity of heavy hydrocarbons. The catalytic composition comprises Portland cement, a volcanic ash component, titanium dioxide, and a transition metal salt. Optionally, a hydrogen source is added to the catalytic composition.

Abstract: A screen assembly for a vibratory separator which, in at least certain aspects, has supporting apparatus with a plurality of openings therethrough, screening material on the supporting apparatus over the plurality of openings, the supporting apparatus recovered from a predecessor screen assembly by applying heat to the predecessor screen assembly, the predecessor screen assembly having the supporting apparatus and predecessor screening material secured to the supporting apparatus by securing material, the heat applied to the predecessor screen assembly sufficient to degrade, powderize, turn to ash and/or cook off the securing material so that recovery of the supporting apparatus is facilitated; and methods for effecting such recovery.

Abstract: A distribution switch for sorting and guiding parts, particularly workpieces made of plastic, includes rods which are movable axially parallel to one another. The rods define paths which guide the parts in question into at least two different receiving elements while either forming a slope or leaving an opening in the center, depending on a predeterminable position of the rods. The rods correspond with guide elements through which they are movable substantially horizontally, in that drive units are provided, by which means the rods can be moved independently toward one another or away from one another along their longitudinal axes, and in that the lines can be changed in length depending on the position of the rods.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus has at least two sorter cells arranged substantially one above the other. Sorter cells are fitted to a driving unit for moving the sorter cells from a horizontal loading plane to a horizontal discharge plane, both of which are assigned to the sorter cells. A vertical distance between the sorter cells is equal to the vertical distance between two loading planes arranged one above the other and to the vertical distance between the upper and lower plane of at least a first and a second pair of discharge planes arranged one above the other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing concentrated spots of collected particulates from an impact collection surface, and transferring those particulates into a container suitable for preparing a liquid sample. A jet of fluid can be utilized to remove and transfer the particulates. If a liquid jet is employed, care is taken to minimize the quantity of liquid to avoid unnecessarily diluting the sample. A mechanical scraper can alternatively be employed to remove and transfer the particulates into the container. The scraper can be rinsed with liquid or vibrated to remove the particulates. Alternatively, the portion of the surface containing a specific spot of particulates can be removed and placed into a container.

Abstract: To provide a mail sorting and distributing transfer system, which extends transformable time of mail fed from a mail charging line so that the mail can be timely, reliably transferred to conveyor baskets on a mail sorting line, there is a mail sorting and distributing transfer system in which transfer timing levers maintain the receipt ports of transfer baskets provided on an outer circumferential edge of a sorting and distributing turntable in a state where the receipt ports of the transfer baskets are in registry with a mail charging line during the receipt of mail and where the lever pivots so it moves the associated transfer basket. Underlying conveyor baskets on a mail sorting line are moved parallel to and in synchronization with the transfer baskets during the transfer of the mail. The lever is pivoted about an axis parallel to the axis of the mail sorting and distributing turntable.

Abstract: A particle sizing and separating apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base and a frame that is movably connected to the base. A motor assembly is provided to vibrate the frame and at least two screens are connected to the frame. Means also are provided for feeding particles to each screen from two opposing sides of each screen and for evenly distributing the particles onto the screens. A pan is disposed beneath each screen to receive sized particles that pass through the screens and an outlet receives oversize particles that pass over the screens.

Abstract: A system for handling checks is provided that includes a sorter operable to retrieve MICR data from a plurality of checks. An emulator is coupled to the sorter. The emulator is operable to access the MICR data, to generate a process buffer based on the MICR data, and to generate a plurality of feature instructions for each check based on the process buffer. A communication engine is coupled between the emulator and a check processing system. The communication engine is operable to communicate between the emulator and the check processing system in real-time. The check processing system is operable to receive the process buffer from the emulator through the communication engine. The emulator is further operable to communicate the feature instructions to the sorter. The sorter is further operable to process the checks based on the feature instructions.

Abstract: The present invention reveals a sorting system for use in manual sorting, which presents a detached ephemeral display moving in a manner corresponding to the movement of the article, by which an article to be sorted can be quickly and easily identified. To accomplish its purpose, the device comprises: feed conveyors; a switching unit; optical readers positioned to capture destination indicia affixed to each article; a detached moving display which remains close to the article to be sorted and presents information representative of the article's destination location; a destination location which signals when a related article is approaching; and a controller capable of assigning destination locations and controlling display devices.

Abstract: A system for screening fluid-borne material from a fluid that carries particulate matter along with the material, e.g. for screening usable fibers in papermaking or tissue making white water that also contains waste material such as fines and ash. The system employs a flexible and pliable screen to which the fluid is applied. The screen is supported in a suspended manner from a frame. The fluid is directed onto an inside surface defined by the screen, and the location at which the fluid strikes the screen is varied so as to result in bending and flexing of the screen due to the flexibility and pliability of the screen material. In this manner, the configuration of the screen drainage passages is continuously altered, to provide a self-cleaning action that prevents the screen passages from plugging or blinding over. In one form, the screen is generally frustoconical, and the fluid is applied to the inside surface of the screen in a manner which results in rotation of the screen.