Abstract: The invention provides polyol (allyl carbonate) polymer for electrokinetic devices. The devices can be modified for attachment of a chemical moiety or ligand. The electrokinetic devices can be used for a variety of applications, including chemical analysis, biochemical analysis, cell sorting, purification, analytical devices, diagnostic devices, and tissue culture applications. The invention also provides methods of using the polyol (allyl carbonate) polymer electrokinetic devices. The invention also provides for a sensor that allows for the detection of various chemicals, biochemicals, ions, metals, solvents, and bio-polymers.

Abstract: An electrode device for high pressure applications. These electrodes, designed to withstand pressure of greater than 10,000 psi, are adapted for use in microfluidic devices that employ electrokinetic or electrophoretic flow. The electrode is composed, generally, of an outer electrically insulating tubular body having a porous ceramic frit material disposed in one end of the outer body. The pores of the porous ceramic material are filled with an ion conductive polymer resin. A conductive material situated on the upper surface of the porous ceramic frit material and, thus isolated from direct contact with the electrolyte, forms a gas diffusion electrode. A metal current collector, in contact with the gas diffusion electrode, provides connection to a voltage source.

Abstract: A method of forming a metal film of copper on the surface of a resin substrate by successively effecting the conditioning treatment, Pd activation treatment, electroless copper plating treatment and electrolytic copper plating treatment. In the conditioning treatment, a conditioning treatment solution is interposed in the form of a thin layer between the surface and a cover glass plate, and the surface is irradiated with ultraviolet light from the upper side of the cover glass plate. Irradiation with ultraviolet light in the presence of the treatment solution causes the molecules in the surface of the resin to chemically react with the component of the treatment solution, whereby the surface of the resin is more activated to improve the adhesion with copper that is deposited on the surface of the resin.

Abstract: An electroplating method not that is especially suited for the filling of vias is provided. In this method, a current is applied in a forward method for a set period of time and then reversed for a set period of time. This method utilizes a rest time either before or after or both before and after the reverse current period.

Abstract: An improved copper ECD process. After the copper seed layer (116) is formed, a first portion of copper film (118) is plated onto the surface of the seed layer (116). The surface of the first portion of the copper film (118) is then rinsed to equalize the organic adsorption on all sites to prevent preferential copper growth in dense areas. After rinsing, the remaining copper of the copper film (118) is electrochemically deposited.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for uniform electroless plating of layers onto exposed metallizations in integrated circuits such as bond pads. The apparatus provides means for holding a plurality of wafers, and rotating each wafer at constant speed and synchronous within the plurality. Immersed in a plating solution flowing in substantially laminar motion and at constant speed, the method creates periodic superposition of directions and speeds of the motion of the wafers and the motion of the plating solution. The invention creates periodically changing wafer portions where the directions and speeds are additive and where the directions and speeds are opposed and subtractive. Consequently, highly uniformly layers are electrolessly plated onto the exposed metallizations of bond pads. If the plated layers are bondable metals, the process transforms otherwise unbondable pad metallization into bondable pads.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an electrochemical processing system configured to provide multiple chemistries for a single plating process. The multiple chemistries are generally delivered to individual plating cells positioned on the processing system. The individual chemistries may generally be used to conduct direct plating on a barrier layer, alloy plating, plating on a thin seed layer, optimized feature fill and bulk fill plating, plating with minimized defects, and/or any other plating process wherein multiple chemistries may be utilized to take advantage of the desirable characteristics of each chemistry.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a two-coat electrocoating process. More particularly, the present invention relates to a process wherein a substrate is first coated via a cathodic electrodeposition system and a second coat is subsequently applied via an anodic electrodeposition system, and curing the at least two electrodepositable layers simultaneously in a single bake where the primer coating composition is still wet when the second coat is applied.

Abstract: Methods of electrodepositing layers of tin or tin-alloys on a substrate are provided. The methods involve electrolytically treating a substrate with a solution comprising a phosphoric acid and a carboxylic acid, and electrodepositing a layer of tin or tin-alloy on a surface of the treated substrate. The methods can provide tin or tin-alloy layers having a reduced tendency to form whiskers.

Abstract: A metal seed layer on a substrate is pre-cleaned prior to formation of an electrochemically deposited metal fill layer. A liquid-based pre-clean may include, for example, an agitated rinse, an etchant solution, a surfactant solution and/or a solvent-solution to remove organic and/or other contaminants from the metal seed layer. A dry pre-clean may utilize, for example, a hydrogen and/or an oxygen plasma to remove contaminants and/or reduce a metal oxide of the seed layer. In at least one embodiment, the reduction of the metal oxide may occur at a pressure in excess of 0.1 atmosphere.

Abstract: Metal-containing nanostructured films are prepared by electrodepositing a metal-containing composition within the pores of a mesoporous silica template to form a metal-containing silica nanocomposite. The nanocomposite is annealed to strengthen the deposited metal-containing composition. The silica is then removed from the nanocomposite, e.g., by dissolving the silica in an etching solution to provide a self-supporting metal-containing nanostructured film. The nanostructured films have a nanowire or nanomesh architecture depending on the pore structure of the mesoporous silica template used to prepare the films.

Abstract: A method for plating a homogenous copper-palladium alloy. The method includes providing a plating solution to an electrochemical plating cell. The plating solution includes a copper ion source at a concentration of between about 0.1 M and about 1.0 M and a palladium ion source at a concentration of between about 0.0005 M and about 0.1 M. The method further includes supplying an electrical deposition bias to a plating surface. The electrical deposition bias is configured to simultaneously deposit copper ions and palladium ions onto the plating surface.

Abstract: Lithium is isolated from lithium amalgam by electrolysis over a solid lithium ion conductor having the composition Li4−xSi1−xPxO4, where x is at least 0.3 and not more than 0.7.

Abstract: An oxygen emitter which is an electrolytic cell is disclosed. When the anode and cathode are separated by a critical distance, very small microbubbles and nanobubbles of oxygen are generated. The very small oxygen bubbles remain in suspension, forming a solution supersaturated in oxygen. A flow-through model for oxygenating flowing water is disclosed. The use of supersaturated water for enhancing the growth of plants is disclosed. Methods for applying supersaturated water to plants manually, by drip irrigation or in hydroponic culture are described. The treatment of waste water by raising the dissolved oxygen with the use of an oxygen emitter is disclosed.

Abstract: Cathodic protection of an existing concrete structure, including a steel member at least partly buried, such as steel rebar, in the concrete structure, is provided by embedding anodes into a fresh concrete layer applied over an excavated patch and/or as a covering overlay. The anodes are embedded at spaced positions or as an array in the layer and connected to the rebar. A corrosion inhibitor is added into the fresh concrete at least at the interface and more preferably in admixture with the fresh concrete which acts to reduce the flow of ionic current to the steel or between the anode member and the steel in the fresh covering material without significantly increasing the resistivity of the fresh covering material and without inhibiting the ionic current between the anode member and the fresh covering material. In this way the current to the steel in the existing concrete is maximized to maximize the cathodic protection to the existing steel which is the primary target.

Abstract: One embodiment of an ammonia gas sensor includes: a reference electrode, an ammonia selective sensing electrode and an electrolyte disposed therebetween. The sensing electrode comprises the reaction product of a main material selected from the group consisting of vanadium, tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium oxides, tungsten oxides, molybdenum oxides, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing main materials, and an electrically conducting material selected from the group consisting of electrically conductive metals, electrically conductive metal oxides, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing.

Abstract: An analyte test instrument that has a test strip circuitry that can be configured using information provided by a calibration strip to perform assays with test strips having two electrodes and test strips having three electrodes.

Abstract: Electrochemical test strips and methods for their use in the detection of an analyte in a physiological sample are provided. The subject test strips have a plurality of reaction zones defined by opposing metal electrodes separated by a thin spacer layer. The reagent compositions present in each reaction zone may be the same or different. In addition, each reaction zone may have a separate fluid ingress channel, or two or more of the reaction zones may have fluid ingress channels that merge into a single channel. The subject electrochemical test strips find application in the detection of a wide variety of analytes, and are particularly suited for use the detection of glucose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination eyeglass case and eyeglass strap. The case includes a outer wall and two side walls. The outer wall has a first, second and third section, the first and second section are pivotably attached to the third section. A fastening device connects said first section with the second section to open and close the case. A post is affixed to each side wall. A strap having two free ends with each free end being removably from the attachment to each post permitting each free end of the strap to alternatively be attached to eyeglasses.

Abstract: A single unit cardboard carrier is transformed from a collapsed state into an expanded multi-use carrier with a minimum of assembly actions. A preferred embodiment of the multi-use carrier has a central chamber, a plurality of vessel apertures located around the centered chamber, and has a handle spanning across the chamber.

Abstract: A container (1) for drink is provided with a top (2) and with an outlet (4) that is located at the top and is connected to a flexible dispensing line (5), the container having a chamber (32) at the top in which the dispensing line (5) is accommodated. The dispensing line (5) is provided at its outlet end (6) with a grip element (30) that is located in or close to a cut-out (35) in the peripheral wall. By positioning the flexible tube in the chamber this tube can be hygienically protected from the environment during storage and transport of the container and mechanical damage thereto is prevented, whilst easy handling remains possible. The chamber (32) can be closed by a lid (52).

Abstract: A device for attachment to a container. The device having an upper cap member connected to a middle cap member. The middle cap member connected to a lower cap member, and the lower cap member covering and sealing a neck of the container. A chamber for storing a predetermined substances defined by the connection of the middle cap member to the upper cap member. An aperture formed on the top plate member of the middle cap member. A sliding door placed on the top plate member for covering the aperture and enclosing the chamber. The door being movable to an open position for discharge of any contents in the chamber therethrough. The lower cap member having an aperture formed therethrough for passage of any contents discharged through the aperture of the middle cap member into the container.

Abstract: A polymeric film, multiple-compartment, pouch having an internal frangible seal for confining a fluid and related beverage container with a re-closable fitment for storing and delivering two different flavored liquids or the like. The frangible seal of the clear plastic pouch will burst when sustained squeezed thus allowing the flavors to swirl and mix within the pouch.

Abstract: A process for producing a water-soluble article comprising a first compartment containing a first composition and a second compartment comprising a second composition, which process comprises:

Abstract: The invention consists of compiling seven essential articles of clothing into a carry on bag to be marketed to women traveling on short vacations seeking versatile clothing fashion without having to pack numerous articles. The essential articles of clothing are as follows: 1) a white T-shirt, 2) white button down oxford shirt 3) a black camisole, 4) black Capri pants, 5) khaki pants, 6) a black wrap-around sarong, and 7) little black dress. All of the articles of clothing will be included in a carry on bag that will be marketed under the name “Just for the Weekend”.

Abstract: A tamper resistant package comprises a packaging enclosure in the form of an open-ended sleeve or carton with a plurality of product packs inside the enclosure engaging the interior surface thereof. Each of the product packs includes outer wrap material at least a portion of which is secured to the interior surface of the enclosure. Upon removal of a product pack from the enclosure at least a portion of the outer wrap material remains within the enclosure thereby destroying the integrity of the outer wrap material which effectively prevents the product packs from being removed from the package and individually sold. The wrapping material is disturbed sufficiently so that the pack is not suitable for sale after being separated from the enclosure.

Abstract: A package for storing discs comprises at least one section comprising a first panel and a second panel together forming a dual disc storage area, the first and second panels each optionally including at least one disc receiving opening in communication with the dual disc storage area, the dual disc storage area comprising a first storage space between the second panel and an intermediate panel integral with the second panel at one end, and a second storage space formed between the first and a portion of the intermediate panel, the intermediate panel having a lower portion with a slot therein defined by a flap covering a portion of the disc when the disc is positioned in the slot.

Abstract: A carrier/case for disc-like media is provided in the form of a puzzle device. Articulation of pivotable components reveals one or more storage areas into which the media may be placed and subsequently concealed.

Abstract: A jewel case (30) has a first housing section (31) and a second housing section (32) hinged to the first housing section (31). Two boxed hinge members (38, 39) are operatively connected to the first housing section (31). The second housing section (32) has first and second posts (51) adapted and configured to be positioned in bores (41a). The bores have perimeters sufficiently greater than 180 degrees, wherein the posts (51) enter the bores (51a) generally along the axis of the bores (41a). The second housing section (32) has a stop member which limits opening to substantially 180 degrees.

Abstract: A carrying bag for a brass instrument includes a shell made of flexible material and having opposite end portions. A transport member, e.g. a handle, is secured to the shell. Arranged in the interior of the shell at one of the end portions adjacent to a bell of a brass instrument is a closed stiffening frame which is made of a firm material. The stiffening frame includes a ring-shaped closed end piece and a rim portion attached all-round about the end piece and pointing toward the interior of the shell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially tubular carrying case, wherein the tube is sectioned into multiple substantially separated transverse compartments for carrying personal items. In one embodiment, the carrying case looks like a golf bag. In another embodiment, the carrying case is a diaper bag. In a further embodiment, the carrying case is a diaper bag that looks like a golf bag.

Abstract: A fastener carrier assembly used to secure rows of fasteners in a workpiece using a conventional driving tool. The fastener carrier assembly includes a plurality of fasteners, an upper strip and a separate lower strip. The upper strips include a plurality of interconnected, frangible collating elements. The lower strip includes sleeves that are intended to stay with the fastener after the fastener is embedded into a workpiece.

Abstract: A fastener carrier assembly used to secure rows of fasteners in a workpiece using a conventional driving tool. The fastener carrier assembly includes a plurality of fasteners, an upper strip and a separate lower strip. The upper strips include a plurality of interconnected, frangible collating elements. The lower strip includes sleeves that are intended to stay with the fastener after the fastener is embedded into a workpiece.

Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for displaying a plurality of tools on a point-of-sale display. The device may comprises a pair of support members, each retaining a tool such that one tool partially obscures the other while allowing a customer to properly identify each tool.

Abstract: A chisel scabbard (10) comprises a pouch (12) and a belt clip (22). An insert (14) is received in the mouth (16) of the pouch (12) and is adapted to receive various sizes of chisel. A flat front surface (64) is provided with abrasion material to permit sharpening of the chisel. Clip-means (50) enable two scabbards to be connected together by insertion of the clip-means (50) into a female clip receptor (52) on the front of the scabbard. A sharpener (90) is provided comprising an abrasion plate (110) mounted in a slider (100). The chisel displaces the plate in the slider on insertion of the chisel in the scabbard. The slider can be actuated to repeat the sharpening stroke. The pouch (12) can comprise two extruded sections (92, 94) and end caps (96, 14′).

Abstract: A scrapbooking instrument set comprises three elongated hole punches of different bit sizes and three elongated setters of different bit sizes, each hole punch and setter of substantially identical size and shape except for the bits. The hole punches and setters are arranged in a base, in a circle around a larger mounting tool configured with an axially extending hole of identical radial shape and slightly larger radial size as the hole punches and setters, such that the hole punches and setters each fit inside the tool. The base contains holes into which the hole punches, setters and mounting tool fit, such that the hole punches, setters and mounting tool are stored vertically in the base. A transparent cover screws onto the base to protect the instruments stored therein while allowing them to be displayed.

Abstract: A retractable razor assembly includes a foldable blade support for mounting a razor blade or cartridge, and a mounting assembly connected to the blade support that can extend and retract the blade support from a handle and can stabilize the foldable blade support when extended. The adjustment assembly, when extended from the handle, remains substantially stationary to promote stability of the blade or cartridge, and to thereby promote comfort and safety during use of the razor assembly. A packaging system for containing and for displaying operation of the retractable razor includes at least a portion that provides visual inspection of the razor assembly. The packaging system further enables a consumer to physically interact with the razor assembly while contained therein. The packaging system permits a consumer to actuate the adjustment assembly to display its extension and retraction, and to provide a demonstration of the different operating states of the razor assembly.

Abstract: A container including a rigid plastic pallet having a platform portion defining a central discharge port, a tubular cardboard sleeve supported at a lower edge thereof on the pallet, and a flexible plastic liner positioned within the sleeve. The liner includes an upper portion of uniform cross-sectional configuration conforming to the cross-sectional configuration of the sleeve and a lower portion of downwardly and inwardly tapering configuration terminating in a bottom liner opening positioned proximate the pallet discharge port.

Abstract: A Christmas light storage bag includes a center panel, a right bank of leaves, a left bank of leaves, and a plurality of straps. The lights are placed within the bag, and the bag is rolled and the straps secured to encase the lights.

Abstract: A floral transport apparatus to facilitate the transportation and delivery of floral arrangements is disclosed. The floral transport apparatus includes a hard plastic container housing a support carriage having a set of longitudinal elastic bands and a set of lateral elastic bands stretched tightly over a box frame to form an upper and lower mesh. The floral arrangement is held securely in the gaps between the tensioned bands of the upper and lower mesh to prevent lateral displacement which would otherwise result in tipping of the floral arrangement. The floral transport apparatus provides a means for carrying many floral arrangements of various sizes simultaneously. Moreover, the floral transport apparatus is easily portable and manageable by a single delivery person and can be washed to keep the apparatus attractive in view of floral customers and potential floral customers.

Abstract: A film wrapped container is disclosed including a container having no human-readable visible display markings thereon; and a heat shrinkable PVC or PETG film wrapping having human-readable display markings thereon is heat shrunk on the container in a manner such that the heat shrunk film wrapping is fixedly attached to the container without applying any adhesive and is removable, if desired, to reveal the container with no information about the product recognizable to a human. Additionally, a process for producing such a film wrapped container and a process for marketing the container are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is placed in a cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a tray and its modifications for housing growth plugs in a stabilizing environment. A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method of forming trays for housing growth plugs, comprising the steps of extruding plastic through a die and cutting the extruded plastic periodically at an angle perpendicular to the direction of extrusion.

Abstract: A file that has a holding portion configured for holding at least one stack of paper at a holding location. A first panel covers the holding location, and a second panel includes a traction surface and is rotatably associated with the first panel for movement between closed and open positions. In the closed position the second panel is disposed against another portion of the file in the open position, the second panel extends at an angle from the holding location for resting on a desktop. A traction surface has sufficiently high traction for supporting the holding portion and its held stack hanging therefrom while preventing the second panel from sliding off the desktop.

Abstract: A cap stacking structure comprises a plurality of caps. Each cap has at least one axial ribs for stacking the plurality of caps together so that the plurality of caps are stacked along an axial line passing through an axial center of each cap; and gaps between two adjacent caps have a predetermined length. Each rib is extended from a periphery of each cap. One side of each cap is formed with a protruding round end and another side of each cap is formed with a groove having a shape with respect to the protruding round end. Thereby, the plurality of caps are stacked by the coupling of the protruding round end and groove.

Abstract: A container for monitoring consumption of a volume of liquid or selected chemical compounds thereof includes a container body having a construction defining an open top. A first set of linear scale indicia is positioned on a container side wall along with a corresponding first set of graduated numeric indicia for indicating an amount of liquid consumption. Second sets of corresponding linear scale and graduated numeric indicia are positioned on another side of the container body for indicating consumption of a preselected chemical compound of the liquid. Thus, a user is able to visually determine the relationship between consumption of a particular volume of the liquid and consumption of an amount of a preselected chemical compound thereof. This enables a user to modify consumption habits if desired. The container may include a third set of indicia, the second and third sets being distinguished by different shape and color components.

Abstract: A packaging for metallic findings and others, particularly small blocks and twist drills includes a plate element (2) and a hollow body (6) joined to the plate element (2) through joining members (3, 11); the joined hollow body (6) and plate element (2) form a space (7) for housing the findings; the packaging is characterised by the fact that an area (10) is provided in the hollow body (6), the area (10) allowing the access to the space (7); the area (10) is capable of being crossed by a twist drill (24) when the hollow body (6), disjoined from the plate element (2), rests on a wall, for allowing the access to the inner space (7) in order to hold the dust due to a drilling.

Abstract: A patch bag comprises a lay-flat bag having a patch adhered thereto. The bag has an open top, a closed bottom, and first and second closed sides. The bag is made from a bag film having an inside surface which is sealed to itself. The bag film includes a seal impression on its outside surface. The patch is made from a patch film which is adhered to the outside surface of the bag film. The patch covers at least a portion of the seal impression on the outside surface of the bag film. The patch has a smooth, unimpressed outer surface over the seal impression on the bag film. A process for making the patch bag comprises sealing the bag film to itself and thereafter adhering the patch to the bag, with the patch being adhered over the seal impression on the bag film.

Abstract: A self-telescoping storage enclosure comprises a first tray that includes a bottom wall, and a major wall, a minor wall, a right wall, a left wall extending up from the bottom wall. The major wall and the minor wall each having an outer surface. The left wall and the right wall each have a notch. The outer surface of the major wall defines a first major outer width, and the outer surface of the minor wall defines a first minor outer width, the first major outer width being greater than the first minor outer width. The first tray can nest with a second tray substantially similar to the first tray that is inverted and oriented 180° relative to the first tray by the inter-engagement of their respective notches.

Abstract: A stackable container, including side walls extending upwardly from a bottom wall and defining an open-top, enclosed space therein, and rigid support members spaced about the bottom wall, the rigid support members having a vertical height. The side walls are tapered outwardly so as to be stackable in a nesting relationship within a similar container with a stacking offset less than the support members vertical height whereby the support members are supported on aligned rigid support members of the similar container. Outwardly tapered stress-relieving triangular corner surfaces extend upwardly between 130° and 140° from corners of the bottom wall and connect to side walls to form each junction of the bottom wall with two side wall.