Abstract: A gas sensing element has a pump cell for pumping oxygen into or from a measuring-object gas chamber and a sensor cell for measuring the concentration of a specific gas contained in a measuring-object gas. The pump cell includes a measured gas side pump electrode exposed to the measuring-object gas stored in the measuring-object gas chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a multilayer gas sensing element having a high measurement accuracy and less susceptible to a leakage current. The element comprises an oxygen pump cell for adjusting an oxygen concentration in a measured gas chamber, a sensor cell for detecting a specified gas concentration in the measured gas chamber, and a heater for heating the cells up to an activating temperature. The heater includes a heat generator for generating heat when energized, a heater terminal provided externally and a heater lead for making electrical connection therebetween. When the electrical resistance value of the heat generator is taken as RH and the electrical resistance value of the heater lead is taken as RL, these values are set to satisfy the relationship of 1.5≦RH/RL.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating and identifying proteins in protein mixtures using a protein-permeable material in the shape of a tube, hose, capillary, fiber, or braided tubes or fibers. Proteins are separated in a first dimension, then the porous protein-permeable material is inserted into a case containing a flat gel without removing the gel fiber from the porous tube. Separation in a second dimension is then performed by gel electrophoresis. The porous protein-permeable material may be encased in a plastic housing which may connect several porous tubes and form a tube array. The tube array may be enclosed and connected by a double-layer plastic film, which can be easily separated to remove the porous tubes. A transverse reinforcement platform and a clamping member may fasten the tube array in an isoelectric focusing chamber. A pipetting robot may be provided for automatically dispensing a protein sample into the porous tube.

Abstract: A device and method for generating drops. The drops are generated by applying an electrical potential to a set of feeding tips which have immiscible or poorly miscible liquids running through them.

Abstract: Nanolaminate materials are composites that consist of alternating layers of different materials (often conducting and insulating materials) that are manufactured by repeated sputter coating of a flat substrate. The layers can be exceedingly thin—on the order of a few atomic layers up to hundreds of nanometers. When the composite is cut perpendicular to the planes of these layers, a surface results that along one dimension has closely spaced alternating stripes of the materials. This patterned surface is incorporated into electrochemical and electrophoretic devices. The device may be positioned such that sample fluid may pass horizontally or vertically relative to the exposed closely spaced stripes. Such a device may be constructed to use an array of discrete conducting layers to define a voltage gradient so as to perform electrophoretic transport in a narrow fluid channel with one surface defined by the nanolaminate material.

Abstract: A method for coating a substrate with silane that comprises contacting in an inert environment a substrate with a vapor containing a bifunctional silane, preferably a bifunctional silane containing an acrylic functionality. The method may further comprise the step of attaching a coating of polyacrylamide to the acrylic functionality by in-situ polymerization or the step of immobilizing acrylic-modified molecules by copolymerization with the acrylic functionality of the bifunctional silane. The substrate may be a capillary, a microchip, a bead, or a slide, preferably of glass. A substrate coated using the instant method, as well as a method for reducing EOF in capillaries used for electrophoresis are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for concentrating dilute biomolecules in samples using electrophoresis are described. The method involves using the charged nature of the biomolecules to localize them to a microspot containing a dialysis membrane. The method and apparatus may also be used for identifying the presence of a biomolecule in a mixture or to quantitate the amount of a specific biomolecule in a mixture. The method and apparatus may also be used to produce a high throughput method for analysis and quantitation of a sample containing biomolecules.

Abstract: A method of reproducibly manufacturing circuit carriers with very fine circuit structures and an electrophoretic varnish to be applied in this method are described in which a dielectric substrate comprising a base metal surface is provide, a varnish layer is applied onto the substrate surface electrodepositing the electrophoretic varnish, thereafter the varnish layer is ablated in at least parts of the regions that do not correspond to the metal pattern to be formed by means of ultraviolet radiation, the base metal surface being laid bare, and finally the bare base metal surface is etched.

Abstract: Provided is an electrodepositable coating composition of a resinous phase dispersed in an aqueous medium, the resinous phase including (a) an active hydrogen-containing, cationic salt group-containing resin; and (b) an at least partially blocked polyisocyanate curing agent.

Abstract: Electrophoric/electrochemical devices involving two separate, parallel, flat surfaces consisting of metal/insulator nano-laminates. The use of two nano-laminates increases the electrophoretic flow through a channel of given dimensions at a given applied voltage as compared to prior approaches. The introduction of these separate electrodes to the walls of the fluid channel maximizes the amount of exposed metal and minimizes the diffusion distance to facilitate electrochemical redox reactions. The combination of rapid solvent turnover and efficient detection of low concentrations of analyte creates a fast and sensitive detector.

Abstract: A resin chip 1 has a plate 2 and a lid member 3 fixed to the surface 4 of the plate 2. The plate 2 is formed by the injection molding. The surface 4 of the plate 2 has first and second grooves 5 and 6 having a fine cross section. A pair of sample receiving holes 8 are formed in both end portions of each of the first and second grooves 5 and 6. The plate 2 has a recessed portion 11 on the side of the reverse surface 7 so as to correspond to a part of the first groove 5 which is a region (measuring region) to be irradiated with light. Thus, the thickness t1 of the bottom portion of the first groove 5 in the measuring region is thinner than other portions so as to easily transmit ultraviolet rays. On the other hand, portions of the plate 2 having no recessed portion 11 are so thicker as to be difficult to transmit ultraviolet rays. Thus, it is difficult to detect excessive light with which a sample in the first groove 5 has not been irradiated, so that the sensitivity of measurement is improved.

Abstract: A tubular electrodeposition and electrodialysis cell (1), in particular for painting processes by immersion in a paint bath, having preferably a rigid supporting structure (8), at least one electrode (7), to separate the paint bath from a dialysis liquid circulating in the cell; members (21, 24, 41, 42, 46) are provided which cooperate with the supporting structure (8) to fit the membrane (9) hermetically to the supporting structure (8) and permit removal of the membrane.

Abstract: A non-cyanogen type electrolytic solution, for plating gold, contains a gold salt as a supply source of gold and is added with a non-cyanogen type compound wherein the electrolytic plating solution is added with one selected from a group of thiouracil; 2-aminoethanethiol; N-methylthiourea, 3-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole; 4,6-dihydroxy-2-mercaptopyrimidine; and mercapto-nicotinate; as a compound forming a complexing compound with gold. Chloroaurate or gold sulfite is preferably used as a gold salt.

Abstract: The subject invention includes a plating apparatus (10) having an electrically conductive rack (12) and a frame assembly (14). The frame assembly (14) includes a rod (24) and series of support structures (26). A number of removable (34) and fixed (32) bars are attached to the support structures (26) such that a strand of interconnected workpieces (18) are wrapped over the bars (32, 34) to define a revolution of the interconnected workpieces (18). The plating apparatus (10) and frame assembly (14) are characterized by a series of spacers (38) mounted along the removable bars (34) for separating adjacent revolutions of the interconnected workpieces (18) such that the workpieces (18) can be effectively coated with the material.

Abstract: A process for chrome plating a non-ferrous object includes copper plating the non-ferrous object which has had burrs and surface irregularities removed. The surface of the copper plated object is smoothed, and copper plate irregularities removed, by moving dry abrasive media over the object for a pre-determined period of time. Typically, this is done by placing the copper plated object into a finishing machine having dry abrasive media therein. The object is then chrome plated.

Abstract: A wafer is prepared for electroplating via a spin, rinse and dry process performed on the wafer prior to electroplating. The process may be performed in a standalone tool or may be performed in a preclean module integrated into an electroplating tool.

Abstract: A surface mountable laminated circuit protection device comprises a first metal layer including a first unit and a second unit, a first insulating layer disposed on the first metal layer, and a second metal layer disposed on the first insulated layer. There is also a composite electroplated layer containing carbon black disposed on the second metal layer, and a first conductive composite material having positive temperature coefficient (PTC) characteristics disposed on the composite electroplated layer containing carbon black. Above the first conductive composite material is a third metal layer. Furthermore, there is a first conducting mechanism for conducting the first metal layer and the second metal to each other; and a second conducting mechanism for conducting the third metal layer and the first metal layer to each other. The application of double-sided metal foil clad substrate simplifies the production process of the protection device and improves its structural strength and dimensional stability.

Abstract: A plating method and apparatus for a substrate fills a metal, e.g., copper, into a fine interconnection pattern formed in a semiconductor substrate. The apparatus has a substrate holding portion 36 horizontally holding and rotating a substrate with its surface to be plated facing upward. A seal material 90 contacts a peripheral edge portion of the surface, sealing the in a watertight manner. A cathode electrode 88 passes an electric current upon contact with the substrate. A cathode portion 38 rotates integrally with the substrate holding portion 36. An electrode arm portion 30 is above the cathode portion 38 and movable horizontally and vertically and has an anode 98 face-down. Plating liquid is poured into a space between the surface to be plated and the anode 98 brought close to the surface to be plated. Thus, plating treatment and treatments incidental thereto can be performed by a single unit.

Abstract: A plating apparatus provided with: three copper dissolution tanks connected to a plating liquid circulation path for supplying copper ions to a plating liquid; a buffer container for supplying a replacement liquid into some of the copper dissolution tanks not in use; and an undiluted replacement liquid supplying section for supplying an undiluted replacement liquid as a source of the replacement liquid into the buffer container. Copper mesh members each prepared by weaving a copper wire, straight copper pipes or copper plates are accommodated as a copper source in each of the copper dissolution tanks. The copper dissolution tanks each include a detachable cartridge, in which the copper mesh members or the like are disposed.

Abstract: A conductive material is electroplated onto a platable resistive metal barrier layer(s) employing a plating bath optionally comprising a super filling additive and a suppressor, and by changing the current or voltage as a function of the area of plated metal. A structure is also provided that comprises a substrate, a platable metal barrier layer(s) located on the substrate and a relatively continuous uniform electroplated layer of a conductive material located on the platable resistive metal barrier layer.

Abstract: A flexible printed board production method which ensures higher adhesion of copper, excellent workability, easier continuous production and lower costs. The flexible printed board production method comprises the steps of: treating a surface of a polyimide resin film with plasma or short wavelength ultraviolet radiation; activating the treated surface with the use of an alkali metal hydroxide; electrolessly plating the surface of the polyimide resin film with nickel; and electroplating the electrolessly plated surface of the polyimide resin film with copper, whereby a copper layer is formed on the surface of the polyimide resin film.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for forming a uniform and dense electroplating film with high adhesion strength on the surface of an article, yet irrespective of the surface material and the surface properties of the article. A means for a solution of the problem comprises: forming on the surface of the article, a resin coating made of a resin containing dispersed therein a powder of a first metal; then forming a second-metal substituted plating film on the surface of the resin coating by immersing the resin-coated article in a solution containing ions of a second metal having an ionization potential nobler than that of the first metal; and further forming an electroplating film of a third metal on the surface of the metal-substituted plating film.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for electrodepositing a metal onto a substrate. An oxide treatment process is performed on a substrate prior to making electrical contact between a seed layer of the substrate and a conductive contact element which provides a current. In one embodiment, the pressure at the interface between the seed layer and the conductive contact element is controlled to avoid detrimentally affecting a material(s) of the substrate.

Abstract: Upon performing electrolysis with a solution containing nickel as the electrolytic solution, anolyte is adjusted to pH 2 to 5; impurities such as iron, cobalt and copper contained in the anolyte are eliminated by combining any one or two or more of the methods among adding an oxidizing agent and precipitating and eliminating the impurities as hydroxide, eliminating the impurities through preliminary electrolysis, or adding Ni foil and eliminating the impurities through displacement reaction; impurities are thereafter further eliminated with a filter; and the impurity-free solution is employed as catholyte to perform the electrolysis. The present invention relates to a simple method of performing electrolytic refining employing a solution containing nickel from nickel raw material containing a substantial amount of impurities, and provides technology on efficiently manufacturing high purity nickel having a purity of 5N (99.999 wt %) or more.

Abstract: A process for an electrochemical reduction of a reducible dye by contacting said reducible dye with a cathode comprising a support of an electrically conductive material and an electrically conductive, cathodically polarized layer formed thereon in situ by alluviation comprises conducting said electrochemical reduction in the presence of a base.

Abstract: A method for the modification of a surface of a silver electrode wherein the surface is treated with a chlorine plasma is described. Control of the power, flux density and timing provide the manner to modify the silver surface, and so implant the chlorine atoms and ions into the silver. The present invention provides a method to produce thin-film silver electrodes with a very controlled surface. Such electrodes can provide quantitative quality of measurement. The present invention extends to a method for the modification of a surface of any metal wherein the surface is treated with a plasma.

Abstract: The invention concerns an oxide ion conductive ceramic membrane, characterised in that it comprises a non-null finite volume with non-null total thickness E, comprising, a dense layer (CD) of a solid electrolyte, a so-called bonding layer (CA), of mixed conductive porous cathode (EP) and porous anode (EP′), a cathode current collector (CC) and an anode current collector (CC′), a coating porous layer (ER), and a coating porous layer (ER′), and characterised in that the volume E of said membrane, is equal to the sum of the thickness of said elements. The membrane is used for separating oxygen from air or from a gas mixture containing same and in particular for producing ultra-pure oxygen under high pressure in a closed chamber.

Abstract: Data sets (11) characterising a chemical sample under analysis, eg. molecular weight distributions of nucleic acid mixtures in PCR obtained by measuring the temperature dependence of the fluorescence of conductivity of the mixture, are transformed by computer into a virtual gel image (16) to aid interpretation and comparison with conventional electrophoresis or chromatography gels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal electrode stabilised by a coating, the coating comprising a sulfur containing moiety in its molecular structure. The coating may also include a hydrophilic group and a spacer between the sulfur containing moiety and the hydrophilic group. Preferably, the sulphur-containing moiety is selected from the group comprising thiol, disulphide and SOx, and the hydrophilic group is selected from the group comprising hydroxyl, amine, carboxyl, carbonyl, oligo (ethylene oxide) chain, and zwitterionic species. Compounds useful in the present invention include 2-mercaptoethanol, 2-mercaptoethylamine, 3-mercaptopropionic acid, thiophene, 4-carboxythiophene, cysteine, homocysteine, and cystine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a housing (10) for a key, especially for use in motor vehicles. Said housing consists of electric and electronic components (32) disposed therein and arranged at least partially on a plate (31); a recess which can be covered by an elastic keypad (14) comprising at least one key (15). According to the invention, a support (21) is associated with the keypad (14) for retention on said housing (10). The keypad (14) surrounds the support (21) which is disposed beneath the keypad with a peripheral edge (19), whereby the elastic edge (19) is supported on a shoulder (28) of the housing (10) and the edge (19) is pressed against the shoulder (28) of said housing in a sealing manner by retaining means (24, 25).

Abstract: A wrap around carrier for carrying bottle with a petaloid base having heel assemblies that have hinge doors with a vertical cut line in the bottom of each hinge with a horizontal cut line at the top of each cut line that extends inwardly towards the heel aperture formed by the door. This carton has a second cut line that is either at the bottom of the vertical cut line in each hinge or near the center of the door. None of these cut lines extend into the heel aperture. This combination of cut lines facilitates the control tearing of the cut line at the top of the vertical cut line into the heel aperture.

Abstract: An insert for a magazine or book has a recording medium compartment defining a top edge, a bottom edge and two lateral side edges. Two of the edges are closed at all times, one of the edges is initially open for passage therethrough of a recording medium into the compartment (and then closed), and another of the edges is initially closed but openable for passage therethrough of the recording medium out of the compartment.

Abstract: Security devices which are detachable or removably attachable are provided for keeping access means to particular spaces separate from identification means for the spaces. The devices can be removably attached to holder assemblies for the access means, e.g. a holder for a hotel room key or the like, preferably with incentives provided for the user to separate the access means from the identification means for security reasons. A business method for selling advertising for inclusion in such holder assemblies, sorting editing the resulting advertising copy, printing holder assemblies for particular facilities and distributing same to the facilities is also disclosed.

Abstract: Various apparatus and methods are provided for positioning and handling hard memory disks. A disk carrier is provided with adjustably positionable side wall inserts. The inserts or panels may be moved between a plurality of positions to accommodate disks of different diameters. The inserts may also be substituted to accommodate disks of different thickness or different orientations, such as pairs of disks in gap merge orientation or contact merge orientation.

Abstract: A form for a package for holding consumer articles including optically-based media. The form is comprised of a base member comprised of a first section with one or more tandem slots and a second section with one or more corresponding tandem fold lines. The first section is folded over onto the second section and then secured to the second section so that the tandem slots at least partially fit over the corresponding set of tandem fold lines. Holders, such as one or more trays for digital video disks, can be secured to this two layer thick assembly. The assembly with the holders and their contents can then be folded-up along the tandem fold lines into a book-like configuration without substantial binding or creasing of the overlying first section. The invention includes the package made from the form and a method of making that package.

Abstract: An improved structure golf club bag support comprised of two clevis sections disposed at intervals apart, furthermore, at an outwardly oriented included angle on the appropriate positions of the upper lateral edges and bottom mount sides; support members, each top and bottom ends support members connected to the clevis sections, each support member consisting of a primary and secondary sub-member; a coupling fixture at the center portion having hinge tabs connected to a linkage hole in each secondary sub-member; a positioning torque spring, having a linearly projecting upper and lower tip that are situated against each primary and secondary sub-member. When the golf club bag is inclined at the two clevis sections, pressure exerted onto the secondary sub-members and directed outward against the primary sub-members, at which time, the primary and the secondary sub-members are articulated into a rigid pyramidical state that provides for stable support.

Abstract: A side mount device, which is adapted for mounting on multiple foldable furniture each having a side rim portion, includes an elongated mold strip including a first reinforcing panel and a second reinforcing panel longitudinally extended therefrom to define a longitudinal mounting channel therebetween. The first reinforcing panel has a longitudinal guider edge, a plurality of mounting slots spacedly and transversally extended from the longitudinal guider edge for slidably receiving the side rim portions of the foldable furniture into the mounting channel so as to spacedly hold the foldable furniture in position, and a plurality of retaining arms which are extended from upper ends of the mounting slots respectively and arranged for pressing on the side rim portions of the foldable furniture when the side rim portions of the foldable furniture are slid through the mounting slots respectively.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing and dispensing a plurality of objects including a tray defining a storage area and a divider assembly located within the storage area.

Abstract: Cases are provided for carrying medication delivery devices such as auto-injectors, syringes or vials. The cases include a cradling structure to protect the medication delivery device from jostling and impact encountered during transport.

Abstract: Tool trays (46, 48, 50, 52) are fittable into inner compartments (18, 20) in carrying case parts (12, 14). A plurality of lugs (L) on the side walls of inner compartments (18, 20) in the carrying case parts (12, 14) cooperate with a light number of sockets (S) in wall portions of the tool trays (46, 48, 50, 52). The tool trays are snap-fitted downwardly into the inner compartments (18, 20). As the tool trays (46, 48, 50, 52) move downwardly, the lugs (L) move into the sockets (S). When the trays (46, 48, 50, 52) are within the compartments (18, 20) the upper end portions (44) of the lugs (L) will be above end wall portions (66) of the sockets (S). They will be positioned to block unwanted movement of the holders (46, 48, 50, 52) out from the inner compartments (18, 20). However, the trays (46, 48, 50, 52) can be easily pulled out from the compartments (18, 20). The lugs (L) and sockets (S) act as detents for removably securing the trays (46, 48, 50, 52) within the inner compartments (18, 20).

Abstract: A package for containing and dispensing wire from a coil of wire having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a top and bottom defining a coil height comprising an outer carton having a rectangular bottom wall and four side panels extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The package further includes an octagonal inner liner having eight walls and wherein every other wall engages a portion of one of the side panels of the outer carton. The package has a planar retainer ring which engages the top of the wire coil and which has an opening forming an inner edge and an outer periphery comprising a plurality of nodes extending radially outwardly beyond the outer surface of the wire coil.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a wrapper about a floral grouping wherein the wrapper is a sleeve or sheet of material having a cinching tab or strip of bonding material or both and optionally a detaching element such as perforations for detaching a portion of the sleeve or sheet of material and a reservoir disposed in the interior space of the sleeve. The cinching tab is attached near one end of the sheet or sleeve. The cinching tab has a bonding material disposed thereon which, when the cinching tab is pulled tightly about the wrapper, causes the wrapper to be crimped and tightly bound about the stems of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A plurality of candy and gum containers with a variety of shapes and features. The shapes of the different embodiments include a guitar, a racecar, a surfboard, a book, a star, a rectangle, a lighter and an ice cream cone. All embodiments are made of metal and the upper portion of each embodiment can be hinged together to the lower portion of that embodiment or the upper portion of each embodiment can be separated from the lower portion of that embodiment. Certain embodiments of the candy and gum containers provide a quick release mechanism for providing easy access to the contents of the containers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an encasement for completely enclosing an object comprising a material for preventing the passage of particulate matter, a window for viewing the object inside, and an enclosable means for enclosing the object inside the encasement. The present invention also discloses an encasement for completely enclosing an object comprising a see-through material, which enables the viewing of the object inside while preventing the passage of particulate matter, and an enclosable means for enclosing the object inside the encasement. In addition, the present invention discloses an encasement for completely enclosing an object comprising a stretchable material, which conforms to the shape of the object inside while preventing the passage of particulate matter, and an enclosable means for enclosing the object inside the encasement.

Abstract: A device for storing a DNA-containing object and providing information from the individual supplying the DNA-containing object is provided. Preferably, the invention comprises a receptacle which can include the information thereon. Preferred forms include a layer of adhesive for adhering the receptacle to a desired location. Other preferred forms are in the form of layered cards which have the receptacle therein. A first layer provides the desired information as indicia or in a medium which can be read with the aid of an electronic device and a second layer includes the receptacle. Preferably, the first layer overlies the second layer such that a DNA-containing object which is placed within the receptacle is enclosed therein by the positioning of the first layer over the open end of the receptacle. Other preferred forms include a sheet of removable backing paper or a releasing agent overlying the adhesive so that the device can be selectively placed.

Abstract: An improved temporary pharmaceutical product packaging solution provides users with multiple individual cavities that may be filled with multiple individual doses of various pharmaceuticals and subsequently sealed by the user for future consumption of the pharmaceuticals. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the user is able to simultaneously seal a plurality of individual cavities with a sheet of cover material after the individual cavities have been filled with the desired pharmaceuticals. In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the cover material is reverse printed with dosing information for an individual.

Abstract: A blister package comprises a medication holder molded from a transparent plastic sheet and having one end closed by an integrally-formed flexible and non-resilient wall and the other end closed by a removable lid attached to the holder by a line hinge. The holder has four ribs pressed out of its sidewall and which respectively receive four detents provided at the sides of a central spigot formed on the lid and which locate in the interiors of respective ribs. The sidewall of the holder provides a socket for the reception of the lid spigot and the combined wall strengths of the spigot and socket when interfitting with one another makes the combination relatively inflexible until the lid is removed from the holder.

Abstract: A unitarily molded display tray for displaying articles of jewelry having indicia tags is provided. The display tray included a plurality of recesses dispersed upon a single-plane unitary surface. Each recess has a corresponding clip which extends from one edge of the recess above the unitary surface to form a gap between the clip and the unitary surface. The clip is resiliently attached to the edge of the recesses such that an article of jewelry, such as a ring, may be inserted into the gap. After placement into the gap, the upper portion of the ring rests on the clip while the lower portion of the ring extends partially into the recess on the unitary surface. Since the lower portion of the ring is hidden from view below the unitary surface, indicia tags attached to the ring may be attached to the portion of the ring which extends through the recess, thereby keeping the indicia tag out of sight of consumers viewing the rings in the display tray.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container comprising an edge delimiting an aperture and a rigid protective element arranged in a removable manner supported on said edge, said protective element comprising a gripping element centered on an outer surface of the protective element, said gripping element being of elongated form along an Y axis, said protective element comprising means arranged along the Y axis and/or an axis perpendicular to the Y axis and, at the time of a movement of the protective element intended to separate it from said edge, suitable for forming a tear to break the seal, in such a manner as to facilitate its removal.

Abstract: A cosmetic and utility kit includes a container formed with a back side, bottom side, front side and opposite lateral side and further includes an extension flap extending from the back side that folds over the bottom side, front side and top side to enclose contents within the container.