Abstract: A process for upgrading raw synthesis gas comprising at least CH4, CO2, CO and H2, includes heating the raw synthesis gas by addition of energy derived from electricity to provide an upgraded synthesis gas comprising less CH4 and CO2 and more CO and H2 than the raw synthesis gas. The invention extends to a process for producing synthesis gas, which process includes reforming a hydrocarbonaceous gas feedstock which includes CH4 to raw synthesis gas comprising at least CH4, CO2, CO and H2, and upgrading the raw synthesis gas in a process which includes heating the raw synthesis gas by addition of energy derived from electricity to provide an upgraded synthesis gas comprising less CH4 and CO2 and more CO and H2 than the raw synthesis gas.

Abstract: There are provided an apparatus and a method for producing an ozonated water by a water discharge in a dielectric barrier discharge system. The apparatus comprises high voltage alternating current power supply unit, water supply unit, oxygen supply unit, water discharge unit. The apparatus and the method do not require any dissolving module, contrary to the conventional apparatus. Further, the apparatus and the method makes it possible to produce more highly concentrated ozonated water than the conventional pulsed corona discharge system.

Abstract: A process for producing single-walled carbon nanotubes in a continuous manner includes carbon plasma generation, plasma stabilization, and product deposition. The plasma is generated by electrical resistance heating or electron beam vaporization of feedstock. The plasma is stabilized with radio frequency energy from inductance coils and with electrical resistance heaters in the reactor. Stabilization homogenizes the plasma energy density and concentration, leading to a more efficient reactor. Finally, a transition metal catalyst and associated catalyst support are used to form the end product. The formation region may have variations of geometry and supporting equipment that will affect the rate and purity of the swcnt production. The formation region is immediately downstream from the plasma stabilization region. In addition, the entire apparatus is designed so that it can be mounted vertically such that continuous deposition of product can be applied with precision using an overhead robotic arm.

Abstract: The present invention presents a method of roughening one or more exposed surfaces on a processing element in order to improve the adhesion of materials on these surfaces during processing. The roughening procedure comprises the application of a belt sanding technique to these one or more exposed surfaces to produce an average surface roughness in excess of Ra=250 mil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing multilayer systems for mirrors in the extreme ultraviolet and x-ray wavelength range, whereby at least one layer, in particular made of Mo, Si, Ru, C., B, Rb, Sr, Y, Cr, Sc or components thereof, is at least partly deposited with ion-beam assistance. In order to improve the surface properties of multilayer systems and to achieve the highest possible reflectivity the ion energy of the ion-beam is selected as an energy equivalent to or below the layer's sputtering threshold.

Abstract: A gapfill process is provided using cycling of HDP-CVD deposition, etching, and deposition step. The fluent gas during the first deposition step includes an inert gas such as He, but includes H2 during the remainder deposition step. The higher average molecular weight of the fluent gas during the first deposition step provides some cusping over structures that define the gap to protect them during the etching step. The lower average molecular weight of the fluent gas during the remainder deposition step has reduced sputtering characteristics and is effective at filling the remainder of the gap.

Abstract: A processing system for processing a substrate with a plasma is provided with a cylindrical target, open at both ends, and with a magnet array of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,611, which forms a hollow cathode magnetron (HCM). At one of the open ends of the cylindrical target is placed an inductively coupled RF energy source, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,080,287 and 6,287,435. A dielectric window at one end of the cylindrical target acts to form a seal between atmosphere and the processing system, and is protected from deposition by a deposition baffle shield located inside of the vacuum space and which is designed to permit the coupling of RF energy therethrough from the coil into the chamber. The open end of the cylindrical target that is opposite the RF source faces the processing space within the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: In order to avoid an edge-effect (increased electrical field line density at the edges of electrolytically to be processed work pieces) during the electrolytic processing of work pieces 3.x in a conveyorized system, the electric currents originating from various counter electrodes 5.x in the plant are set to values in function of the electrolytically to be processed surface areas of the work pieces 3.x as far as they are located directly opposite the respective ones of the various counter electrodes 5.x. Moreover, the distance between the work pieces 3.x and the counter electrodes 5.x is chosen to be 50 mm maximum. Means 19 for individually controlling and adjusting every single current supply unit 15.x of the counter electrodes 5.x are provided for this purpose. Said means 19 are configured in such a manner that the respective electric currents originating from the various counter electrodes 5.x are settable to values in function of the electrolytically to be processed surface areas of the work pieces 3.

Abstract: Tools having mounting modules with registration systems are disclosed. The mounting module includes positioning elements for precisely locating a processing chamber and a transport system that moves workpieces to and from the processing chamber. The relative positions between positioning elements of the module are fixed so that the transport system does not need to be recalibrated when the processing chamber is removed and replaced with another processing chamber. The processing chamber includes a paddle device for agitating processing liquid at a process surface of the workpiece. The paddle device, the processing chamber, and electrodes within the processing chamber are configured to reduce the likelihood for electrical shadowing created by the paddles at the surface of the workpiece, and to account for three-dimensional effects on the electrical field as the paddles reciprocate relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: An electrochemical half cell comprises a gas diffusion electrode (22) that serves as an anode or cathode and separates an electrode space from a gas space (2). In addition, a number of gas pockets (2) are provided that are formed by the gas diffusion electrode (22) and a rear wall (5). A gas connecting channel (1) that connects two gas pockets to one another is provided through which the gas flows via a gas supply connection (3) into the gas pocket located thereabove. In order to be able to easily detach the connection, the gas supply connection (3) is accessible from the side of the gas diffusion electrode (22).

Abstract: An anode for the electrolysis of aluminium made from an outer dense layer of a ceramic material on a dense core made from a composite of the ceramic material of the outer layer and an electronic conductor.

Abstract: The present invention presents an adaptable processing element for use in a processing system having multiple configurations. The processing element comprises a primary component and at least one detachable component, wherein the at least one detachable component can be retained for one configuration and removed for another configuration. For example, the detachable component may include a punch-out or knock-out located on a right-hand side and a left-hand side of a processing element in order to permit access of a gas supply line to a processing chamber for either a right-hand orientation or a left-hand orientation, respectively. Additionally, for example, the detachable component, whether retained or removed, can permit flexible use with different size processing chambers.

Abstract: The present invention presents a method of fabricating a processing element for use in a plasma processing system from spun metal. In particular, the method comprises fabricating a dark space shield and a ring shield from spun metal, wherein the two ring-components are designed for use in a physical vapor deposition (PVD) system.

Abstract: Provided is a sputtering target manufactured by die forging, characterized in that an average crystal grain size D at a portion where an average crystal grain size is the largest and an average crystal grain size d at a portion where an average crystal grain size is the smallest are related as 1.0<D/d<2.0. Further provided is a method capable of constantly manufacturing a sputtering target excellent in characteristics by improving and elaborating forging and heat treatment processes to render a crystal size fine and uniform, and a sputtering target excellent in quality obtained by this method.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to apparatus, systems and methods for testing for short-circuited cells within an electrochemical cell stack. In order to test for a short-circuit, each cell in the stack is supplied with a non-fuel gas at both the anode and cathode sides of the cell. A voltage is supplied across the whole electrochemical cell stack and the individual electrical potentials (ie. voltages) between the anode and cathode of each cell is measured. If the voltage measured across the anode and cathode of a cell is below a certain amount, the cell is determined to be short-circuited.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the determination of an analyte in a liquid medium. The system comprises a self-powered biosensor and a detector for measuring an electrical signal generated by said biosensor while the analyte is being oxidized or reduced, the biosensor comprising a pair of electrodes, one of the electrodes being an anode and the other a cat-ode, both of which carry redox enzymes on their surface. An enzyme carried on one of the electrodes can catalyze an oxidation or reduction reaction in which the analyte is oxidized or reduced, respectively, and the other of said pair of electrodes carries on its surface enzymes that can catalyze a reaction in which the oxidizer or the reducer are reduced or oxidized, respectively, in the presence of the analyte.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating microfluidic components in a microfluidic system enables the microfluidic system to perform a selected microfluidic function. A capping module includes a microfluidic element for performing a microfluidic function. The capping module is stacked on a microfluidic substrate having microfluidic plumbing to incorporate the microfluidic function into the system. The microfluidic element may comprise a matrix having an affinity for selected molecules in a sample. The matrix binds, reacts with and/or retains the selected molecules without affecting other molecules in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrophoretic device in the form of a casing having inside sealed spaces isolated by an electrophoretic carrier, wherein the device comprises at least one liquid injection/discharge opening, communicable with the outside, on the outer wall of said sealed spaces, and an electrophoretic method and a specimen detection method using the device. Additionally, the present invention relates to an electrophoresis apparatus having a structure for sandwiching the electrophoretic carrier between a pair of electrodes, and having a space capable of holding liquid between the sandwiched electrophoretic carrier and the respective electrodes, and to an electrophoretic method using the same device.

Abstract: In order to discharge current from a gas diffusion electrode in an electrolytic unit cell including a gas chamber, the gas diffusion electrode is electrically connected to the wall surface of the gas chamber having conductivity through an electric connecting element in partial contact with the gas diffusion electrode

Abstract: An electrolyte solution for driving an electrolytic capacitor having a solvent composed of 20 to 80 wt % of an organic solvent and 80 to 20 wt % of water, characterized in that it comprises one or more nitro compounds or nitroso compounds exclusive of nitrophenol, nitrobenzoic acid, dinitrobenzoic acid, nitroacetophenone and nitroanisole; an electrolytic capacitor comprising the electrolyte solution for driving an electrolytic capacitor; and an electrolytic capacitor comprising one or more nitro compounds or nitroso compounds located at another portion than an electrolyte solution therein. The electrolyte solution preferably contains a carboxylic acid or a salt thereof or an inorganic acid or a salt thereof as an electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid tank which has a compact construction comprising a process bath, an agitation service bath, an agitation room, a liquid supply tunnel, and a liquid supply outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods of reducing electroplating defects by adjusting immersion conditions. For one embodiment, the immersion conditions are adjusted based upon characteristics of the substrate, including feature size. Additionally or alternatively, the immersion conditions may be adjusted based upon aspects of the electroplating process, including motion of the substrate upon immersion. Immersion conditions that may be adjusted in accordance with various embodiments of the invention include entry bias voltage/current, vertical immersion speed, and angle of immersion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of depositing a layer of metal and to a method of regenerating a solution containing metal ions in a high oxidation state. To regenerate tin ions consumed from a tin plating solution by metal deposition, it has been known in the art to carry the plating solution over metallic tin to cause tin (II) ions to form. However, the amount of tin contained in thus regenerated baths slowly and continuously increases. The solution to this problem is to utilize an electrolytic regeneration cell that is provided with at least one auxiliary cathode and with at least one auxiliary anode. Tin serving for regeneration is electrolytically deposited from the solution onto the at least one auxiliary cathode in the electrolytic regeneration cell. The solution is carried over the tin serving for regeneration in order to reduce formed tin (IV) ions to tin (II) ions.

Abstract: A film carrier tape for mounting electronic devices thereon has a tin-bismuth alloy deposit in which the bismuth content in the deposit is substantially uniform along a thickness direction thereof. The film carrier tape can be produced by plating at least a part of a wiring pattern with a tin-bismuth alloy and washing the tin-bismuth alloy deposit formed by plating with a water-ejecting washing nozzle within 6 seconds after the plating is completed. A plating apparatus for use in the above production includes a washing nozzle for washing the film carrier tape within 6 seconds after the film carrier tape has exited a plating tank.

Abstract: A method of wiring formation includes forming a feeder film partially on a substrate, forming on the substrate a plating base film via a physical film making method so that the plate base film partially overlaps the feeder film, forming a plated wiring on the plating base film using an electrolytic plating, and selectively removing at least an area of the feeder film which is exposed from the plated wiring, using a wet etching process.

Abstract: A plating machine for plating a film carrier tape for mounting electronic parts includes a plating tank for plating wiring patterns of a film carrier tape and also has a bubble adhesion prevention means that is position adjustable with respect to the surface of a plating solution contained in the plating tank. The process for producing film carrier tapes for mounting electronic parts comprises partially immersing a film carrier tape in a plating solution contained in a plating tank and selectively plating wiring patterns formed in the immersed area while adsorbing bubbles generated in the plating solution to a bubble adhesion prevention means arranged at the surface of the plating solution.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a plating apparatus and method in which bubbles generated at the plating surfaces are easily removed and the uniformity of the thickness of the plated film within the plated surface can be improved. The plating apparatus comprises a cassette table for loading a cassette in which a substrate having a plating surface is contained. An aligner for aligning the substrate, a rinser-dryer for rinsing and drying the substrate, and a plating unit for plating the substrate are also provided. The plating unit comprises a plating vessel containing a plating solution, a holder for holding the substrate to immerse the substrate in the plating solution in the plating vessel. The plating surface is exposed to a nozzle which ejects the plating solution toward the plating surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of plating a tin alloy in an efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly manner. An electrochemical cell containing an anolyte compartment and a catholyte compartment separated by a selective membrane is employed. The selective membrane prevents ionic metals from migrating from the catholyte compartment to the anolyte compartment. A conduit may be employed in the electrochemical cell to permit one way flow of anolyte to the catholyte compartment thereby replenishing tin to the catholyte compartment.

Abstract: A thermosetting composition that includes an ungelled copolymer composition and a crosslinking agent. The ungelled copolymer composition includes a functional group-containing copolymer that includes segments of alternating residues derived from a donor monomer composition comprising an acceptor monomer composition. The donor monomer composition includes one or both of isobutylene and diisobutylene, and the acceptor monomer composition includes acrylic monomers and monomers containing functional groups. The ungelled copolymer composition is substantially free of transition metals and Lewis acids, and the copolymer is substantially free of maleate-type monomer residues and fumarate-type monomer residues. The crosslinking agent has at least two functional groups that are reactive with the functional groups of the copolymer. The thermosetting composition may be in liquid, powder, or dispersed form and may be applied by traditional or electrocoating methods.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of orthoesters of the general formula I, 1

Abstract: Simple and economic electrolytic synthesis of peracetic acid is performed, and cold drink containers, etc., are sterilized/cleaned with an aqueous solution of peracetic acid thus obtained. Peracetic acid is electrolytically synthesized from acetic acid and/or acetate and an oxygen-containing gas as starting materials in the presence of a solid acid catalyst in an electrolytic cell. An object to be cleaned is sterilized/cleaned with an aqueous solution of peracetic acid thus obtained. Peracetic acid can be simply obtained at a reduced cost. The sterilizing/cleaning of an object to be cleaned with peracetic acid can be conducted efficiently.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the electrolysis of aqueous solutions of hydrogen chloride, for producing chlorine by means of a gas-diffusion electrode in compliance with set operating parameters.

Abstract: A method of recycling process gas into an electrochemical process comprising at least one gas diffusion electrode, the method comprising:

Abstract: A method of electro-polishing a copper plated wafer. The method includes providing an opening which is at least as long as the copper plated wafer. The method includes dispensing an electrolyte through the opening such that the electrolyte contacts the copper plated wafer, and while dispensing the electrolyte through the opening, relative movement is effected between the opening and the copper plated wafer. The opening can have a uniform width, be convex, concave, or take any other shape depending on the application. The copper plated wafer can be moved linearly across the opening and can also be rotated. The electrolyte can be delivered to a process tank having a containment device thereon which provides the opening. As such, the opening functions an overflow weir.

Abstract: When an electrolytic solution of an electric double layer capacitor is prepared, an association is assumed as a model of a solute dissolved in a solvent. The energy of the association and the energies of the reduced association and oxidized association are calculated and a withstand voltage is estimated based thereon. If the withstand voltage exceeds the target value, only the estimated electrolytic solution is actually prepared. As a result, the development time in the development of electrolytic solution is greatly shortened.

Abstract: The present invention relates to technology for constructing a reaction system including a test target, an oxidation-reduction enzyme, and an electron mediator, and measuring the concentration of the test target by an electrochemical process. A Ru compound is used as the electron mediator. The present invention provides a concentration test instrument including a substrate, first and second electrodes formed on the substrate, and a reagent layer formed as a solid. The reagent layer contains an oxidation-reduction enzyme and a Ru compound, and is constituted so as to dissolve and construct a liquid phase reaction system when a sample liquid is supplied.

Abstract: A coin holder (1) for carrying in a pocket or handbag comprises a base member (4), a pair of opposed plates (2,3) mounted one on either side of the base member in spaced apart relationship therefrom, recessed so as to define, in combination with one side of said base member, a plurality of coin-receiving pockets (6) about the periphery of the holder accessible by slits (9). Through holes (7), each communicating with a respective one of the pockets (6) allow finger access to a coin (10) when stored therein, to push and slide the coin outwards from the pocket through the slit (9) for dispensing. Spring means (8a,8b) press against the coin from below and/or from its side edges to retain the coin within the pocket when not required for dispensing.

Abstract: A beverage container holder includes a box portion integrally divided into a plurality of compartments for each holding a beverage container therein, and two generally U-shaped handles integrally extended from two opposite sides of the box portion and provided at predetermined positions with complementary studs and sockets. Each of the two handles defines an opening between the handle and the box portion, and a suspender is integrally connected to two near middle points of the handle to extend across the opening. When a desired number of beverage containers are positioned in the compartments of the box portion and the two handles are turned upward with the complementary studs and sockets engaged with one another, the suspenders are brought toward the box portion to stably confine the beverage containers thereto.

Abstract: A mixing bag having an interior mixing chamber having a volume sufficient to receive a predetermined weight of substantially dry material and a selected volume of process compatible solution to form a solution having the material in suspension with a selected concentration is shown. In the preferred embodiment, the mixing bag is in the form of a bioprocess container having at least three sealable openings. Any one of the sealable openings is configured for at least one of injection of a process compatible solution into the interior mixing chamber to form the solution, enabling transporting the substantially dry material into the interior mixing chamber, enabling agitation of the material and process compatible solution in the interior mixing chamber to form the solution or enabling withdrawal of the solution at the selected concentration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cap for a microbiological specimen collection tube. The cap includes a hollow space to collect any aerosols that may be generated during the process of specimen collection, transport and incubation. The hollow space defines an aerosol collection chamber. The invention also provides kits for collection of microbiological specimens and methods for their use.

Abstract: A collection container for disposal of individual consumable items typically packaged in paper or plastic, food litter, personal and other litter generated within a restaurant, lounge, cafeteria, home, or other gathering place. The opaque container may be vase-like, square or any other shape that is open on the top, closed on the bottom, and has upright sides. It will have the distinctive logo, registered or unregistered trademark, service mark or other art work of a restaurant, corporation, company or art work customized for the customer applied to or on its exterior. The artwork is digitally processed and could be printed on or attached using a standard decal, ceramic decal or by sublimation printing. The container itself may be disposable. The container may allow the use of a liner. The liner may be paper, plastic or other disposable material.

Abstract: A bag system for a breast pump system is provided. The bag system separates used and unused components of the breast pump system, provides thermal isolation for stored breast milk, and orientates the breast pump so that it is readily useable and accessible.

Abstract: A media storage and organization system is comprised of a durable enclosure and a plurality of inserts for holding photographs, negatives, digital computer disks, memory cards, slides, business cards, a calendar, and the like. Inserts are attached to the enclosure by means of a mounting rail, which is integral to a hinge used for connecting a top and bottom covers that form said enclosure.

Abstract: Described is a packaging (10) for a magnetic tape reel (12) wound on to a core element (32), comprising a tray element (14) with a bottom (16) from which a central centering projection (20) for centeredly fixing the core element (32) of the magnetic tape reel (12) and stacking projections (22) which are radially equally far away from the centering projection (20) for stacking tray elements (14) one upon the other project upwardly in the same direction.

Abstract: A CD pocket has two outer covers, two inner covers, and a plurality of CD receiving bags. The two inner covers are disposed within the two outer covers; and the plurality of CD receiving bags are disposed within the inner covers; each of the inner cover having an insertion bag. The plurality of CD receiving bags are connected side by side so as to formed with a bag assembly. Each CD receiving bag has an insertion opening. Two sides of the bag assembly are formed with respective hard inserting plates. Each of the inserting plates is inserted into one of the inserting bags. The two outer covers are connected by connecting belts. Each of the inner cover is placed in a respective outer cover. When the two outer covers are closed, a packet is formed; a holdable belt is extended from the connecting belts for being held by users.

Abstract: A compact disc storage device having a plurality of expandable pockets as an integrating body to store and secure a plurality of compact discs within. A pocket is defined by two partitions and two side-folds. A side-fold is a sheet of transparent material, having an elongated shape, folded in half at the center. A partition is a sheet of compact disc protective material, having an area to accommodate a compact disc. Each pocket creates two compartments within. Each compartment receives and secures a compact disc respectively so that the side edge of compact disc is sandwiched between folded, engaging edge of partition and side-folds. A media side of compact disc faces and touches a surface of partition. A label side exposes itself to the opening top of pocket. The compact disc received within the compartment is further sandwiched and secured between the surfaces of partition and side-folds.

Abstract: A storage case for disc-type media comprising a base and a cover. The base having integral supporting means for supporting the media disc a distance above the base. A pick-up device for lifting the stored disc from the storage case. A container, holder for the pick-up device.

Abstract: The invention is a golf club holder. The golf club holder comprises of at least one flute coupled to a golf club support via a generally horizontal arm. The flute has an inner surface that has at least one magnet to secure a golf club shaft within the flute. The flute is any structure that accepts a golf club shaft. The golf club support is any structure that is adapted to hold a golf club head and that prevents a golf club head from chaffing and scratching against another golf club or other items found in the golf club bag.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for protecting individuals from the sharp ends of medical objects following use on a patient. Such sharp objects include hypodermic needles, scalpel blades, cannulae, trocars, and the like. The invention utilizes a disposable protective cover for the used sharp. The protective cover is designed to surround and embed the sharp in a permanent cover that is blunt and will not permit further puncture or cutting with the sharp. In an embodiment, the protective cover also absorbs any fluids on or in the used sharp. A refillable or replaceable dispenser dispenses the protective covers at points of use. A disposable receptacle receives the used sharp embedded in the protective cover. When the receptacle is full, the entire receptacle may be discarded in a medical waste container.

Abstract: The subject invention is a method and apparatus for collecting medical devices. The apparatus according to one embodiment is a collection tray having a flexible base having at least one aperture and at least one flexible wall. The method according to one embodiment includes removing a collection container from a sterilized package at a point of use and placing a used medical device in the container.