Abstract: An apparatus for plating and planarizing metal on a substrate includes a plurality of dispensing segments, each having at least one hole for dispensing electroplating solution onto the substrate. The dispensing segments form a circular counterelectrode and are movable with respect to each other during an electroplating process, so that the counterelectrode has a variable diameter. The electroplating solution is thus dispensed on an annular portion of the substrate having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the counterelectrode; accordingly, the variable-diameter counterelectrode permits localized delivery of the plating solution to the substrate.

Abstract: A fan flow sensor for a gas generating proton exchange member electrolysis cell includes a switching device and a sail disposed in communication with the switching device. The sail is pivotally mounted and movable in response to an airflow from a fan. The sail is further configured to actuate the switching device in response to the airflow from the fan.

Abstract: A device for preventing electrolyzed products from further reactions having a driver, a cathode, an anode, an electrode axis, an insulation inner tube, an electrode outer tube, and an insulation outer tube, the anode has a plurality of through holes and an axis hole in the center position thereof, the anode is placed above the cathode, the electrode axis is driven to rotate by the driver, the insulation inner tube encasingly covers the electrode axis and goes through the axis hole on the anode, with the bottom end thereof being connected to the cathode, whereas the electrode outer tube encasingly covers the insulation inner tube, with the bottom end thereof being connected to the anode, the insulation outer tube is installed on the anode and covers the outer part of the electrode outer tube, forming a channel between the insulation outer tube and the electrode outer tube, the through holes on the anode are disposed within the area of the channel as the escape paths for the gas product generated at the anode,

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for producing strong alkaline reductive electrolyzed water and acidic water that enables efficient production of electrolyzed water that has excellent washing and sterilizing effects.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell system and method are described. The electrochemical cell system provides a matrix of reaction cells with a first electrode in each cell and a single multiple element counter electrode wherein there is a separate element which is inserted into each cell. Methods and applications of the multiple electrode platform are described. Also described are modified electrodes having immobilized redox catalysts at the electrode surfaces and their use in optimizing performance in electrochemical processes.

Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen gas generator comprising an electrolytic cell, an electrode group formed from an anode and a cathode mutually installed in that electrolytic cell, a power supply for applying a voltage across the anode and cathode, a gas trapping means for collecting the hydrogen-oxygen gas generated by electrolyzing the electrolyte fluid and a vibration-stirring means. The gas trapping means is comprised of a lid member installed on the electrolytic cell, a hydrogen-gas extraction tube connecting to the hydrogen-oxygen gas extraction outlet of that lid member. A vibration-stirring means for stirring and agitating the electrolytic fluid is supported by support tables. The distance between the adjacent positive electrode and negative electrode within the electrode group is set within a range of 1 to 20 millimeters.

Abstract: A solid material (12′) circumscribing an anode system (10) in an electrolysis apparatus is made from a mixture of cryolite and/or alumina (Al2O3), where the solid material (12′) contacts and surrounds the anodes (14, 14′).

Abstract: A system for a method of applying a coating to an insulative substrate. The method includes applying a coating material to the insulative substrate by physical vapor deposition to a predetermined thickness at a rate and for a predetermined time which does not cause thermal damage to the insulative substrate. Then, before thermal damage can occur, moving the partially coated substrate proximate and active cooling station device to drive the temperature of the insulative substrate substantially down. The deposition and cooling steps are then repeated until the desired coating thickness is obtained to avoid thermal damage to the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for high-deposition sputtering are described. A sputtering source includes an anode and a cathode assembly that is positioned adjacent to the anode. The cathode assembly includes a sputtering target. An ionization source generates a weakly-ionized plasma proximate to the anode and the cathode assembly. A power supply produces an electric field between the anode and the cathode assembly that creates a strongly-ionized plasma from the weakly-ionized plasma. The strongly-ionized plasma includes a first plurality of ions that impact the sputtering target to generate sufficient thermal energy in the sputtering target to cause a sputtering yield of the sputtering target to be non-linearly related to a temperature of the sputtering target.

Abstract: A magnetron sputtering apparatus and a magnetron sputtering method using the same, wherein a vacuum chamber has a discharge gas inlet and a discharge gas outlet, a substrate holder is installed inside the vacuum chamber, a magnetic circuit unit, which includes a target electrode installed opposite to the substrate and a magnetron fixed on a rear surface of the target electrode, faces the substrate holder and circulates around the central axis of the substrate holder, and a driving unit circulates the magnetic circuit unit and adjusts a distance between the target electrode and the center of the substrate holder. Accordingly, in the magnetron sputtering apparatus of the present invention, the uniformity of a thin film and the step coverage is improved.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a cell for electrochemical analysis is provided, comprising a body having a chamber, and a pair of electrodes opposing each other within the camber comprising a electrically conductive rod extending through the body transverse to the longitudinal direction and removed within the capillary channel. According to a preferred embodiment, at least one reagent is provided within the capillary channel. The cell may be part of a plurality of such cells connected in seriatim.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biosensor that is provided with a first electrode having a first holding area and a second electrode having a second holding area for holding probe molecules which can bind macromolecular biopolymers to be detected. The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in relation to one another in such a way that essentially unbent field lines of a generated electric field can be embodied between said electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas sensor (S) that comprises at least one gas-sensitive region (2) that is applied to a substrate (1), said substrate (1) being provided with at least one diffusion-open section.

Abstract: A sensor comprises: a pump cell comprising an inner pump electrode, an outer pump electrode, a pump cell electrolyte layer interposed between the inner pump electrode and the outer pump electrode and a cell isolation layer disposed on the inner pump electrode on a side opposite the pump cell electrolyte, wherein the outer electrode is in fluid communication with a reducing gas. A reference cell is in operable communication with the pump cell, the reference cell comprising an outer reference electrode and an inner reference electrode, and a reference cell electrolyte interposed between the outer reference electrode and the inner reference electrode.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte layer or body capable of being co-fired with an insulating ceramic substrate or body to be used as a gas sensor laminate. The gas sensor laminate is preferably composed of an alumina substrate (1) and an oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte layer (6) bonded to the alumina substrate (1) by firing. The oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte layer or body is formed from partially or wholly stabilized zirconia, which layer contains alumina in an amount of 10% to 80% by weight, particularly 30% to 75% by weight. In this manner, another ceramic layer; particularly, a ceramic layer (7) of alumina can further be bonded to the oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte layer. The relative density of the ceramic layer can be 60% to 99.5%, preferably 80% to 99.5%.

Abstract: This invention relates to a microchannel device comprising a microchannel and a liquid introduction means for introducing at least two liquids into the microchannel; characterised in that the introduction means comprises a pulse means for introducing each liquid into the microchannel in the form of a plurality of pulses, and for staggering the pulses of each liquid relative to the pulses of the other liquids. The device may be used to mix liquids for microfluidic applications.

Abstract: To provide a method for analyzing a nucleic acid according to high throughput microcapillary electrophoresis during microchip electrophoresis under non-steady electric field, the method being capable of detecting polymorphism of a large number of genes at a high speed. The present invention is useful for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as detection of gene diseases and application to Taylor-made therapy.

Abstract: Methods of forming electrostatically charged gelatin are provided. Gelatin is extracted by an acid extraction method (12) thereby producing a gelatin dispersion (14), the pH of which is adjusted to the isoelectric point of the gelatin. The pH of the gelatin dispersion (14) is then further adjusted (22) so as to cause the gelatin to assume an electrostatic charge.

Abstract: A method of augmenting the separation of immiscible heavier and lighter components of an emulsion including the steps of passing the emulsion into a treatment vessel, establishing at least one dual frequency electric field within the vessel and selectably varying the electric field at a frequency F1 modulated in intensity at a frequency F2 where F1 is greater than F2.

Abstract: An electrophoretic medium (100) comprises at least one type of particle (108) suspended in a suspending fluid (106) and capable of moving therethrough on application of an electric field to the medium, the particles (108) including at least one electrophoretically mobile specularly reflective particle.

Abstract: A method for treating a hinge holder includes the following steps: polishing a surface of the hinge holder; degreasing the hinge holder; cleaning the hinge holder; baking the hinge holder; cooling the hinge holder; screen-printing a part of the surface of the hinge holder; and plating the other part of the surface of the hinge holder with chromium or a chromium-containing compound. The plated hinge holder has a layer of chromium or chromium nitride on the surface, which renders the surface of the hinge holder more attractive and more wear-resistant. Therefore, it is not as easily scratched during assembly and frequent use.

Abstract: A method for applying a metal coating to graphite structural members, in which a galvanic metal layer is deposited after said graphite structural members have been anodically etched in an alkaline etchant. The metal coating can serve as a basis for solder connections and can be employed for creating electrical contacts or for mechanically fixing the graphite structural member or it can fulfil other demands on the surface (e.g. abrasion resistance).

Abstract: A process for producing a multicoat system on a substrate, in which a) an electrodeposition coating film is deposited on the substrate, b) the electrodeposition coating film is predried by heating to a predrying temperature for a predetermined period, c) a coat of a surfacer is applied to the electrodeposition coating film, and d) the electrodeposition coating film and the coat of the surfacer are baked together at elevated temperatures, and in which the predrying temperature in step b) is equal to the temperature (Tp) or lies above the temperature (Tp) at which the loss factor tan&dgr;, which is the quotient formed from the loss modulus E″ and the storage modulus E′, of the unbaked electrodeposition coating material shows a maximum, and the use of the resulting multicoat system.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a decorative plate (1) includes the steps of: preparing a metal substrate and covering selected areas (11, 16) of the substrate with a protective film; anodizing the substrate; and removing the protective film to expose metallic surfaces in the selected areas of the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for performing both electroplating of a metal layer and planarization of the layer on a substrate. Electroplating and electroetching of metal (such as copper) are performed in a repeated sequence, followed by chemical-mechanical polishing. An electroplating solution, electroetching solution, and a non-abrasive slurry are dispensed on a polishing pad in the respective process steps. The substrate is held against the pad with a variable force in accordance with the process, so that the spacing between substrate and pad may be less during electroplating than during electroetching.

Abstract: Process for preparing highly purified silicon and optionally aluminum and silumin (aluminum silicon alloy) in the same cell. wherein silicate and/or quartz containing rocks are subjected to electrolysis in a salt melt containing fluoride. whereby silicon and aluminum are formed in the same bath.

Abstract: A material suitable for use as the active anode surface in the electrolytic reduction of alumina to aluminium metal defined by the formula: A1+xB1+&dgr;CdO4 where A is a divalent cation or a mixture of cations with a relative preference for octahedral coordination, B is a trivalent cation or mixture of cations with a relative preference for tetrahedral coordination, C is a trivalent cations with a relative preference for octahedral coordination or a four-valent cation with a relative preference for octahedral coordination, O is the element oxygen: When C is trivalent x=0, 0.8<d<1, &dgr;<0.2 and x+d+d is essentially equal to 1. When C is four-valent 0.4<x<0.6, 0.4<d<0.6, &dgr;<0.2 and x+d+&dgr; is essentially equal to 1.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a fluid dynamic pressure groove in a fluid dynamic pressure bearing. The method is accomplished by imparting an electrochemical dissolving effect to each machined surface of multiple workpieces, each of these workpieces serving as a part of the fluid dynamic pressure bearing and forming at least one fluid dynamic pressure grove on each machined surface. Each groove may have a specified shape, dimension and surface condition. The same electrolyte is directed from a common electrolyte tank to each machining device used on the multiple workpieces.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate substrate web is brush grained with some of the brushes having the bristles moving over the web along a first track and some additional brushes having the bristles moving over the web along a second track at an angle of at least 5° to the first track. Some of the brushes may have the axis of rotation perpendicular to the direction of movement of the web in the conventional manner and at least one additional brush having the axis of rotation at an angle to the direction of movement of the web. There may be a plurality of such additional brushes, usually two, with the additional brushes being angled with respect to each other. In one embodiment, the bristles of the additional brush track over the web in a direction perpendicular to the web movement. Subsequent to brush graining, the brush grained surface is electrochemically grained.

Abstract: A system for measuring a glucose level in a blood sample includes a test strip and a meter. The test strip includes a sample chamber, a working electrode, a counter electrode, fill-detect electrodes, and an auto-on conductor. A reagent layer is disposed in the sample chamber. The auto-on conductor causes the meter to wake up and perform a test strip sequence when the test strip is inserted in the meter. The meter uses the working and counter electrodes to initially detect the blood sample in the sample chamber and uses the fill-detect electrodes to check that the blood sample has mixed with the reagent layer. The meter applies an assay voltage between the working and counter electrodes and measures the resulting current. The meter calculates the glucose level based on the measured current and calibration data saved in memory from a removable data storage device associated with the test strip.

Abstract: A system for measuring a glucose level in a blood sample includes a test strip and a meter. The test strip includes a sample chamber, a working electrode, a counter electrode, fill-detect electrodes, and an auto-on conductor. A reagent layer is disposed in the sample chamber. The auto-on conductor causes the meter to wake up and perform a test strip sequence when the test strip is inserted in the meter. The meter uses the working and counter electrodes to initially detect the blood sample in the sample chamber and uses the fill-detect electrodes to check that the blood sample has mixed with the reagent layer. The meter applies an assay voltage between the working and counter electrodes and measures the resulting current. The meter calculates the glucose level based on the measured current and calibration data saved in memory from a removable data storage device associated with the test strip.

Abstract: A reusable coin holder, counter and sorter, known as COINSMETER™ may inexpensive semi-disposable packaging technology. In each half of a semi-elastic plastic material, at least one grove is provided in the shape of half cylinder. When the two halves are closed, a cylinder or a number of cylinders are created. Each cylinder has a scaled line(s) for indicating the amount of coins vertically stacked in the cylindrical columns. Coins may be inserted through a slot at the top of each cylinder. The diameter of the cylindrical columns may be slightly bigger than the diameter of the coins. The two meeting sections may be connected from a solid base portion of the article. The present invention also includes a handle and stand for supporting the coin holder. In another embodiment, a carrying case for multiple coin holders may be provided to store and carry coins in a secure manner.

Abstract: An article carrier of the basket type adapted to accommodate a plurality of articles, such as bottles, comprises a base, opposed side and end walls, and a medial partition structure. The bottles are received on both the sides of the medial partition structure. A securing flap is hinged to the medial partition structure and is secured to one end wall to create a joint between said medial partition structure and that end wall. The medial partition structure includes first and second medial panels hinged together along a first fold line. The first fold line is disposed inwardly of the carrier from the one end wall relative to a second fold line by which the securing flap is hinged to one of the first and second medial panels.

Abstract: A desiccant container is positioned within a box for delivering a pizza to absorb moisture and resist the crust from getting soggy, or the box from getting soaked with moisture, in order to deliver the pizza with a delicious taste and texture.

Abstract: A packaging system for display and distribution of products is disclosed in which a container with an interior has a window capable of displaying the products in the interior and a dispenser through which the products may be selectively removed from the container. The container also has one or more angled surfaces positioned in the interior to direct the movement of products within the container toward the window or the dispenser upon removal of some of the products from within the container.

Abstract: A garment holder made up of a cylindrical body of a suitable length and diameter that a garment can be rolled around it without becoming unacceptably wrinkled, and garment retaining means to hold the garment securely in its rolled position, and securing means to keep the garment retaining means from disengaging their hold on the garment.

Abstract: A device for storing media comprises at least one frame module having a support surface adapted for receiving media thereon, a peripheral ledge around the support surface for preventing the media on the support surface from sliding off therefrom. The frame module also has a support structure for allowing the frame module to support another frame module similar thereto in a stacked relationship, such that the device is modular and expandable. The device also includes a cover module for covering the support structure of an uppermost one of the frame modules. Labels each having respective reference indicia thereon are each adapted to be secured to a respective one of the media, with a reference list being provided to receive information relating to a content of each one of the media in relation to the reference indicia on the label secured thereto, whereby the media in the device are classified.

Abstract: A device for sending compact discs or like plate-shaped data carriers, comprising a storage box for the data carrier and a label, wherein the label preferably comprises at least an address field, the storage box being manufactured from plastic of high impact resistance and relatively high elasticity, such that the storage box is at least substantially unbreakable, the storage box comprising at least two box parts which are pivotable relative to each other and connected via pivot means, the label being designed for attachment on the storage box, such that the two box parts in closed condition are interconnected by the label, at a distance from the pivot means, the arrangement being such that a data carrier in the storage box can be locked between the box parts, whereupon the storage box can be closed off and sealed by the label, whereupon the box can be sent by mail, without further outer package, to an addressee stated on the label.

Abstract: A container is disclosed for individual fishing lures and attachment to lures i.e., leader and snap-swivel.

Abstract: A carpet-tack-strip container has a rectangular container (1) that is suitably moisture proof, durable and adapted to contain approximately a conventional package of carpet-tack strips (12) either in the package or out of the package for access to the carpet-tack strips conveniently and safely as needed by one or more people to tack down-pointed tacks into a floor for holding the tack strips in place in order to hold carpet placed on the up-pointed tacks in place on the floor. The carpet-tack strip container has a lid (8) that preferably hinges open from near a top end (7) on a back edge (3) and closes further downward on a front edge for exposing ends of the carpet-tack strips. The lid opens without contacting the carpet-tack strips. A shoulder strap (11) and a handle (10) are positioned on a front edge (2).

Abstract: A combination container and applicator where the container has an outside surface and an interior and an extension tube which is magnetically attracted to the container outside surface such that when placed on the container the extension tube becomes releasably magnetically affixed to the outside surface.

Abstract: A hanger is provided for holding at least one wrench including a head and a handle. The hanger includes a first shell and a second shell for releasable engagement with the first shell. The first shell includes a board with a thickened portion and at least one recess defined in the thickened portion for receiving the handle of the at least one wrench. The first shell can be disengaged from the second shell for mounting of the at least one wrench mounted onto the first shell. The first shell can be engaged with the second shell for firmly holding the at least one wrench on the hanger.

Abstract: A container liner comprising a backing, a porous covering, a seed carrier interposed between the backing and the covering, and a plurality of seeds embedded in the seed carrier such that upon germination the seeds will sprout through the porous covering to form a soft, natural, protective cushion for objects, such as candies or Easter eggs. The container liner is sufficiently flexible so that the container liner can be easily manipulated to substantially conform to the interior contour of the container.

Abstract: A medical information system utilizing a document listing particular medical information of a subject. The document is compressible into a container for holding the document. The container is positioned in a particular place and includes alerting means indicating position of such container and the identification of such container.

Abstract: A package particularly for packaging food products, comprising an inner package sheet, which individually wraps each product of the package and is composed of a coextruded film constituted by two outer layers of a styrene-butadiene copolymer resin and by a central layer chosen among polythene, polypropylene and other plastic material, and an outer package sheet, which wraps around a set of products contained in their respective inner packages and is composed of a high-barrier film coupled to a paper film.

Abstract: The invention provides a cushioning material for packaging that is suitable for packaging an electronic apparatus, an optical apparatus or an electronic apparatus having an optical system mounted therein, and a package that uses the cushioning material for packaging. A lower spacer 7 formed of corrugated cardboard, a lower pad 20, a projector 50 as an article to be packaged that is wrapped in an anti-static bag 500 having electrical conductivity, an upper pad 10 and an upper spacer 8 formed of a corrugated cardboard are stacked inside a corrugated cardboard box 2 in the foregoing order named. The upper and lower pads 10 and 20 are respectively provided with a plurality of upper pad side hollow convex portions 15 and a plurality of lower pad side hollow convex portions 25 protruding in such a fashion as to encompass an accommodation space 21 for the projector 50.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable container for a medicament or cosmetic agent for topical application, containing a single dose of melatonin or of a melatonin derivative which corresponds to a locally effective dose but which does not cause any systemic effect.

Abstract: Replaceable component carriers (40) are adapted to be freely floating in belt apertures (74) and have alignment features (160), such as conical holes (170), mated to features (162), such as tapered pins (184), in processing stations to temporarily hold a carrier (40) and its components (10), such as resistors, in a fixed position during various processes, such as termination. The carriers (40) include a rigid substructure (50) and a more elastic coating (60) to provide receiving holes (46) that can be adapted to hold particular components (10). The carriers (40) can be replaced without removing the belt (72), whenever differently shaped holes (46) are desired or become too worn to reliably handle components (10), thereby reducing damage risk, replacement cost, and operational down time of the belt (72).

Abstract: In a carrier tape for supplying an electronic part to an electronic part mounting apparatus for taking out the electronic part from a tape feeder to mount to a board, a tail side connecting portion having a cutout portion is provided to a tail side of the carrier tape mounted to the tape feeder, a front side connecting portion having a chipped portion is provided to a head side of the carrier tape to be used newly, respectively, and in tape splicing operation when a reel is interchanged, the cutout portion is fitted to the chipped portion and adhesive tapes are pasted thereon from two upper and lower faces thereof. Thereby, the tail side connecting portion and the head side connecting portion can be positioned in a longitudinal direction, a width direction and a thickness direction of the tape and held to each other and can efficiently be connected without using an exclusive connecting jig.

Abstract: A box for shipping and displaying a product is disclosed. The box has a plurality of sides with flaps. Panels are preformed in the box. The panels allow the product to be fully enclosed in the box when shipped. The panels are selectively removable for displaying and removing the product contained in the box. The box is capable of selectively displaying the product from four sides and a top of the box.