Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a method and apparatus for processing a substrate in an electrochemical mechanical planarizing system. In one embodiment, a cell for polishing a substrate includes a processing pad disposed on a top surface of a platen assembly. A plurality of conductive elements are arranged in a spaced-apart relation across the upper planarizing surface and adapted to bias the substrate relative to an electrode disposed between the pad and the platen assembly. A plurality of passages are formed through the platen assembly between the top surface and a plenum defined within the platen assembly. In another embodiment, a system is provided having a bulk processing cell and a residual processing cell. The residual processing cell includes a biased conductive planarizing surface. In further embodiments, the conductive element is protected from attack by process chemistries.

Abstract: Systems for handling and/or dispensing hydrogen or a mixture of fuels containing hydrogen gas including refueling stations for hydrogen-powered vehicles. Pure hydrogen or various mixtures ratios of hydrogen and CNG may be dispensed. Hydrogen handling equipment may include a hydrogen generator, a pressurizing apparatus or compressor, pressure vessels, piping, valves, vent pipes, and/or a dispenser. Substantially vertical orientation of pressure vessels may reduce the amount of land required and facilitate installation in urban environments. Pressurization may take place before hydrogen generation to reduce the power required for pressurization. Safety features include enclosures and surrounding walls that lean away from the equipment. Any leaking hydrogen, fires, or explosions may be contained and/or directed upward, protecting human life and property. Systems may be shop assembled and certified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a potentiometric, ion-selective electrode for the measurement of cation concentration in a sample, which electrode is made of electrically conductive electrode material applied on an electrically insulating substrate using a thick-film technique and covered in the measurement area by an ion-sensitive membrane, preferably a liquid polymeric membrane. At least one water-soluble alkaline-earth metal salt is homogeneously dispersed in the electrode material. The water solubility of the alkaline-earth metal salt is preferably greater than 1×10?2 ?l, and lies preferably between 1×10?2 and 1×10?1 g/l.

Abstract: A lid for a well plate is provided. A pin penetrates the lid and projects downwardly into a well of the well plate. An electrical charge is applied to the pin and an electrical charge of opposite polarity is applied to an electrically conductive portion of a corresponding well, generating a small flow of electrical current and corresponding electrical fields within the well. Charged materials, such as DNA, selectably are attracted to the pin and segregated from the liquid sample.

Abstract: The invention is, for the purpose of putting on or taking off a target and an earth shield easily without spoiling a vacuum condition, to provide a sputtering device comprising at least a vacuum container, a substrate holder installing in said vacuum container, a substrate set on said substrate holder, a target using opposite to said substrate and a sputtering electrode, wherein: said sputtering electrode is constituted of: an electrode base portion having a first screw portion formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof; an electrode body portion having a second screw portion engaging with said first screw portion and having a third screw portion; a back plate portion having: a fourth screw portion engaging with said third screw portion and installing said target; and an earth shield portion provided around said electrode base portion, said electrode body portion and said back plate portion at a specific space.

Abstract: A biosensor for monitoring an analyte content with a partial voltage generated therefrom is provided. The present biosensor includes a chip having a resistance Rs, a power source, and a microprocessor. The power source is used for supplying an applied voltage on the chip. The chip generates a time-dependent response current in response to a content of an analyte of a specimen applied thereon upon supplying the applied voltage on the chip. The microprocessor receives a time-dependent partial voltage caused from the chip due to the time-dependent response current, and determines the content of the analyte in accordance with the time-dependent partial voltage. The present biosensor is provided with fewer elements than a conventional one. A purpose of cost down is thus obtained.

Abstract: A biosensor with multi-channel A/D conversion and a method thereof are provided. The present biosensor includes a chip generating a time-dependent analog signal in response to a content of a specific component of a specimen provided thereon, a multi-channel A/D converter, and a microprocessor. The multi-channel A/D converter has multiple channels simultaneously receiving the time-dependent analog signal in each sampling interval to convert the time-dependent analog signal to a set of digital signals. The microprocessor receives the sets of digital signals in a period of sampling time and determines the content of the specific component based on the sets of digital signals. The present biosensor provides a multi-channel A/D conversion for the time-dependent analog signal to improve the resolution of the determination of the content of the specific component.

Abstract: There is provided the reagent layer composition that can substantially reduce the measurement bias arising from hematocrits. The addition of fatty acid (4-20 carbons) and quaternary ammonium salt to a commonly used reagent layer composition composed of an enzyme, an electron transfer mediator, and several water soluble polymers not only reduce the hematocrit level-dependent bias but also provide very stable performance for an extended period of time. Disclosed are also various types of sub microliter sample volume electrochemical biosensors that are suitable to use with the reagent layer composition of present invention.

Abstract: A fuel sensor assembly includes a housing and back plate forming a cathode, and a chamber containing an anode. Fuel flows into the chamber surrounds the anode and is continuously replenished providing accurate and current measurements of fuel characteristics indicative of fuel content. A first opening and a second opening are offset a distance creating a flow path through the chamber that constantly circulates and replenishes fuel adjacent the sensor. The offset first and second openings create improved fuel content measurements by improving circulation of fuel through the chamber and around the anode.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor is employed for determining whether the exhaust air-fuel ratio is rich or lean. A voltage is applied to the oxygen sensor at device impedance calculation intervals to calculate device impedance. After device impedance calculation, a reverse voltage is applied to the oxygen sensor with a view toward promptly negating the influence of voltage application on the sensor output. Subsequently, the sensor output of the oxygen sensor is sampled at sampling time intervals until it is concluded that the device impedance calculation period is over.

Abstract: Electrophoretically enhanced methods are disclosed for carrying out binding and other reactions using pulsating and polarity reversing electric fields. The methods are exemplified by E3 ELISAs using free flow electrophoresis in multiwell plates and E3 Westerns using saturated matrices. The E3 methods are much faster than conventional methods and provide superior results. Reagents, buffers, devices and power supplied for carrying out E3 methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated apparatus includes a miniaturized flattened support having a planar surface whereon are formed wells and a microchannel, elements for projecting exciting light locally on an excitation zone of the microchannel along a direction forming an angle (?) greater than 60° with a longitudinal direction of the microchannel, optical collector elements coupled with one free end of the microchannel, optical measurement elements and processing elements, the microchannel having a portion forming a reservoir with internal cross-section flaring from its free end up to the excitation zone, the portion being extended by a conical, ellipsoidal or paraboloidal internal wall, and emerging onto a second microchannel portion with reduced internal cross-section, the latter communication with the wells.

Abstract: Copper chromite particles can advantageously be used as black particles in electrophoretic media and displays. Preferably, the copper chromite particles are coated with a silica coating and a polymer coating.

Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating a rotogravure cylinder out of a plating solution is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plating tank adapted to support the cylinder and to contain a plating solution so that the cylinder is at least partially disposed into the plating solution. The apparatus also includes a non-dissolvable anode at least partially disposed within the plating solution. A current source is electrically connected to the non-dissolvable anode and to the cylinder. An ultrasonic system may be provided to introduce wave energy into the plating solution includes at least one transducer element mountable within the tank and a power generator adapted to provide electrical energy to the transducer element. A holding tank having a circulation pump, a mixing system and heating and cooling elements for the plating solution may be provided.

Abstract: The plate includes an electrochemically anodisable metallic support of a thickness of 0.1-0.6 mm, carrying on one of its side a ceramic film of multilayer structure. The plate has greater hydrophillicity, resistance to chemical oxidation and to mechanical abrasion, and a lower surface tension that those of the prior art. The method comprises a first step in a bath containing sodium, potassium, ammonium or calcium borates, chlorides, carbonates and/or nitrates or forming mixed salts with elements of groups IIIB, IVB and VB, in a proportion of 5-40% by weight in relation to the total of the solution, at 20-60° C., 5-20 kC/m2 and 50-250 V; and a second step in a bath containing sodium, potassium or lithium phosphates, silicates and/or carbonates, in a proportion of 1-35% by weight in relation to the total of the solution, at 20-70° C., 5-25 kC/m2 and 150-400 V.

Abstract: A method of making a microstructure includes the steps of providing a circuit board that includes a dielectric layer and a conductor layer formed on the dielectric layer, forming a metal structure on the circuit board such that the metal structure extends through the dielectric layer, and removing at least a portion of the dielectric layer adjacent to the conductor layer and the metal structure to result in the microstructure.

Abstract: Reactors having multiple electrodes and/or enclosed reciprocating paddles are disclosed. The reactor can include multiple electrodes spaced apart from a process location to provide virtual electrodes proximate to the process location for transferring material to or from the workpiece. A magnet may be positioned proximate to the process plane to orient magnetically sensitive material deposited on the workpiece. The electrodes may be removable from the reactor without passing them through the magnet to reduce interference between the electrodes and the magnet. The workpiece may be carried by a rotatable workpiece support to orient the workpiece for processing. At least one of the electrodes can operate as a current thief to reduce terminal effects at the periphery of the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved electroplating method, chemistry, and production worthy apparatus for depositing noble metals (e.g., platinum) and their alloys onto the surface of the workpiece, such as a semiconductor wafer, pursuant to manufacturing a microelectronic device, circuit, and/or component. The reliability of the noble metal material deposited using the disclosed method, chemistry, and/or apparatus is significantly better than the reliability of noble metal structures deposited using the teachings of the prior art. This is largely attributable to the low stress of films that are deposited using the teachings disclosed herein. The metals, which can be deposited, include gold, silver, platinum, palladium, ruthenium, iridium, rhodium, osmium and alloys containing these metals.

Abstract: A method for forming a highly adherent coating of a desired calcium phosphate phase on titanium-based substrates for use as orthopedic and dental implants. The calcium phosphate phase coating is electrochemically deposited onto the substrate from a metastable calcium phosphate electrolyte solution using a modulated electrical potential under pH, temperature and electrolyte composition and concentration conditions favorable for forming the desired calcium phosphate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are set forth capable of processing a substrate with a high uniformity within the surface area even for a thin feeding layer. The method comprises arranging a counter electrode and the substrate to confront each other; providing a membrane between the counter electrode and the substrate to define a substrate side region and a counter electrode side region. The substrate side region and the counter electrode side region are capable of accommodating respective electrolytes. The substrate side region and the counter electrode side region are supplied with respective electrolytes having different specific resistances. A processing current is also supplied between the substrate and the counter electrode.

Abstract: The invention includes anodes for electroplating, baths. The anodes have a purity of at least 99.9%, and comprise one or more of silver, gold, nickel, chromium, copper or various solder compositions. The anodes can, for example, comprise at least 99.995% copper/phosphorus alloy, by weight; or at least 99.995% nickel and sulfur, by weight. The invention also includes methods of electroplating, materials over semiconductor substrates.

Abstract: A carrier or substrate for a photoconductor to be used for the formation of an electrophotographic recording element, particularly an imaging drum for an electrophotographic printing press, wherein the carrier is made of a metal or a metal alloy, preferably of aluminum, is prepared wherein the surface of the carrier supporting the photoconductor, used to form a barrier layer, is oxidized, preferably by etching and/or anodizing. The oxidized surface of the barrier layer is sealed with a sealing material following oxidation, and a preservative or impregnating agent is used as the sealing material.

Abstract: An iron-based metal anode for the electrowinning of aluminium by the electrolysis of alumina in a molten fluoride electrolyte has an electrochemically active integral outside oxide layer on an iron-based alloy that consists of 75 to 90 weight % iron; 0.5 to 5 weight % in total of at least one rare earth metal, in particular yttrium; 1 to 10 weight % aluminium; 0 to 10 weight % copper; 0 to 10 weight % nickel; and 0.5 to 5 weight % of other elements. The total amount of aluminium, copper and nickel is in the range from 5 to 20 weight %; and the total amount of rare earth metal(s), aluminium and copper is also in the range from 5 to 20 weight %. The electrochemically active surface layer is predominantly of iron oxide that slowly dissolves into the electrolyte during operation and is maintained by progressive slow oxidation of iron at the interface of the bulk metal of the alloy with the oxide layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to phosphorous borates, methods for their preparation and to the use of these salts in primary batteries, secondary batteries, capacitors, supercapacitors and/or galvanic cells. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of these salts as hydraulic liquid, conducting salt, catalyst, solvent, electrolyte or starting compound.

Abstract: In the IS process, the reaction between sulfur and water is performed on the positive electrode side of a cation exchange membrane and the iodine-involving reaction is on the negative electrode side, so that the subsequent separating operation is eliminated to reduce the amounts of recycling iodine and water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reel-to-reel substrate tape polishing and cleaning system including precleaning, electropolishing section and post cleaning sections and which is suitable for polishing and cleaning long lengths of metal substrate tape used in the manufacture of HTS-coated tape.

Abstract: A process of producing a heat generating molded article comprising the steps of making an intermediate product by a papermaking process from a raw material composition containing at least an oxidizable metal powder, a moisture retaining agent, a fibrous material, and water and incorporating an electrolyte into the resulting intermediate product.

Abstract: A medicated electrochemical oxidation process is used for sterilization/disinfection of contaminated instruments and infectious waste. Contaminated instruments and waste are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the infectious waste with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the infectious waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable infectious waste species have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place at temperatures between ambient and approximately 100 degree celsius. The oxidation process will be enhanced by the addition of reaction of reaction enhancements, such as: ultrasonic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: An analyzer (A) includes a measurer (42) for measuring an electro-physical quantity of a sample, and an acceleration measurer (43) for computing the acceleration of change of the electro-physical quantity such as a current measured by the measurer (42). The fail determination as to whether or not a predetermined condition necessary for performing analysis of the sample is satisfied is made based on the acceleration computed by the acceleration measurer (43). As a result, the fail determination in the analysis process of the sample can be performed accurately.

Abstract: Chemical sensors for detecting analytes in a fluid is disclosed. The chemical sensors include chemically sensitive resistors that utilize carbon nanotubes as a chemically sensitive element. The disclosed sensors have excellent sensitivity to chemicals and can provide fast results. Methods of preparing the sensors as well as methods of their use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system using tank corrosion sensors to provide for an overall assessment and monitoring of the electro-chemical corrosion and coatings condition in ships' tanks, and particularly in ships' seawater or compensated fuel tanks. The system includes reference half-cells mounted along a suspended cable and one instrumented sacrificial anode at the end of the cable to provide optimal sensing capability within a tank structure. The reference half-cells and the sacrificial anode measure a potential and current output, respectively. Together the measurements provide objective information that can be used to predict corrosion damage and coating deterioration occurring throughout the structure of the tank. The system may be used for an overall assessment and monitoring of the electro-chemical corrosion and coatings condition. In a preferred embodiment, the measurements are stored in a datalogger that is optimally contained within an associated instrument housing.

Abstract: A lambda probe (1) is used with the measuring apparatus for monitoring residual oxygen in an exhaust gas, in which a measuring point for oxygen in a sensor (2) is connected via a diffusion gap (22) with a reaction chamber (24). During operation of the probe the reaction chamber drives a stream of oxygen IO2 along the diffusion gap by means of a controllably adjustable oxygen partial pressure pi. By means of an electro-chemical, oxygen ion pump driven by an electrical pump current Ip, an oxygen partial pressure pi predetermined as a desired value is set in the reaction chamber. In this arrangement the pump current, the strength of which is proportional to the strength of the stream of oxygen driven along the diffusion gap, can be used as a measurement parameter for the partial pressure pm of the residual oxygen in the exhaust gas or its concentration. The residual oxygen can be monitored during a normal operating phase, the phase N.

Abstract: A package for a radiator or similar product is provided wherein the radiator is affixed to a portion of the package having a reinforcing web laminated thereto. The reinforcing web extends to a pair of flaps which are bendable or foldable about opposed edges of the radiator. Spacer blocks and cushioning pads are pre-affixed to the package. The flaps include friction pads which assist in the retention of the radiator. Once the flaps are folded or bent over opposed edges of the radiator, one or more bands are applied to maintain the radiator within the grasp of the flaps. The radiator is then covered to complete the packaging.

Abstract: A container (41) has adjustable-span support posts (52)—to accommodate load height diversity and to meet external tunnel gauge through passage constraints—upstanding from a deck (46), with extendible post elements (53)—by multiple indexed, connector bar latching—carrying capture and handling fittings (54), accessed by localised extension above a load. Optional transverse post bracing is through a header beam (55), with optional arched profile, and/or coupled gate pairs upon opposed posts.

Abstract: A cap assembly for an automatic cap feeder and fastener driver comprises a plurality of relatively thin, domed metal discs that can be pierced by fasteners discharged from a fastener driver such as a nail gun without bending the nail or jamming the driver, with the caps being connected together by a paper backed adhesive tape mounted on the undersides of the concave caps, with the caps having outer edges that are sufficiently sharp that they sever the tape from the strip of caps when the caps are driven into a substrate after a fastener has penetrated the caps. The fastener driver includes improved feeder teeth and an anti-backup pawl that extend into recesses in the track. A cover encloses an open edge of a cap storage basket.

Abstract: A tool box includes a main body formed with a plurality of receiving recesses for receiving and locking a plurality of sockets. Each of the receiving recesses has a first wall formed with a first locking portion and a second wall formed with a second locking portion. Each of the sockets has a first end locked on the first locking portion of the respective receiving recess and a second end locked on the second locking portion of the respective receiving recess. Thus, the first locking portion and the second locking portion form a three-point locking effect, so that the socket is positioned in the respective receiving recess rigidly and stably without sway.

Abstract: There is provided a cleaning apparatus which comprises a hand brush 11 and a box 16. The hand brush 11 comprises a thick plate 13 provided with a brush part 12 around an periphery surface thereof, and a grip bar 14 connected to a portion of the periphery surface of the thick plate 13 at the head edge thereof. The grip bar 14 comprises an engage part 15 at each side of a head portion thereof. Each engage part 15 protrudes in an axial direction. The box 16 comprises a periphery wall 17 and a bottom wall 18. The periphery wall 17 is provided with engage grooves 19 at an inner surface thereof. Each engage groove 19 receives the engage part 15 at a position where an head edge of the brush part 12 of the hand brush 11 makes no contact with the bottom wall 18.

Abstract: A portable container for holding office products and documents includes a rigid structural portion capable of holding hanging folders in a cascading configuration and a cover portion attached to the rigid structural portion. The cover portion may be made from a pliable material, to make the container lightweight and aesthetically pleasing. The container may include a wire insert for supporting hanging file folders.

Abstract: A folder system includes folders having a tab on the top of the folders and a side tab on a side of the folders. Multiple containers may be provided for stacking on top of each other. The uppermost container may have an opening facing up, whereas the lower containers may have openings facing the side. Folders may be placed in the container having the opening facing up such that the tabs on the top of the folders are visible. The tabs may be offset so that multiple folders may be placed side by side and the tabs may still be visible. Also, the folders may be placed in the containers having the opening facing the side with the side tabs exposed. The folders may be sized for receiving 12 inch by 12 inch papers for use in the scrap book industry.

Abstract: A carton for carrying a plurality of like-sized objects of generally circular cross-sectional shape includes a generally triangular first panel forming a carton base bounded by three sides. Each side is connected to an adjacent side by a rounded corner having a radius of curvature approximately equal to that of curvature of the objects. A generally triangular second panel is coextensive with and spaced from the base panel in aligned facing relation. A one-piece peripheral sidewall secured to and extending between the first and second panels has a cross-sectional shape coextensive with the first and second panels. The peripheral sidewall has three planar sides, each connected to an adjacent planar side through a non-folded corner having a radius of curvature which is approximately equal to a radius of curvature of the objects to be carried. In further aspects, a carton blank and method of carton assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A specimen package includes a top, a first side, connected to the top, a bottom, connected to the first side, and a second side, connected to the bottom. The package also includes therein an internal separator. The internal separator forms a first compartment and a second compartment within the package. The top includes a window for viewing the first compartment. The bottom includes a second window for viewing the second compartment. The top, the first side, the bottom, the second side, and the internal separator can all be formed by folding a shaped planar sheet. The first compartment can contain a specimen, placeable within the first compartment. The second compartment can contain a label, placeable within the second compartment. The specimen is viewable through the first window, and the label is viewable through the second window.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides bundled printed sheet articles, an apparatus for the manufacture of bundled printed sheet articles, and methods of making and using the bundled printed sheet articles.

Abstract: A carrying case has a storage section that has at least one storage compartment for receiving articles. An amusement feature is provided with the carrying case. The amusement feature can be an electronic device, or a non-electronic device. The amusement feature can be provided on an outer surface of the carrying case, on an inner panel disposed inside the storage section, on a pouch attached to the storage section, or at any internal or external location of the carrying case.

Abstract: An information ring for use with a catheter is disclosed. The information ring includes a body having a first end and a second end. The body has a first body face extending between the first end and the second end, and a second, generally convex face extending between the first end and the second end. The body has an opening extending therethrough between the first body face and the second face. A first indicia portion is located at the first end. The first indicia portion has a first indicia face sized to allow indicia to be printed on the first indicia face.

Abstract: This invention provides comparatively thin trade sample packing containers that securely protect the trade samples inside, samples such as foods, cosmetics, and medicines, and that are suitable for card-shaped trade samples packing a small amount of a trade sample. The features of the trade sample container of this invention are the sheet of sample packing film that forms the sample packing space and the reinforcing material packing space into which the reinforcing material that encloses the sample packing space is packed, the samples to be packed into the sample packing space, a reinforcing material to be packed into the foregoing packing space, and a film that seals the container holding the samples and reinforcing materials.

Abstract: A storage container for alkyl iodide comprising a stabilizing material for an alkyl iodide being disposed inside the container so as to contact an alkyl iodide liquid and an alkyl iodide gas is provided. By disposing the stabilizing material, it represses the decomposition of the alkyl iodide of both the liquid phase and the gas phase and generation of iodine, thereby ensuring the stability of the alkyl iodide itself.

Abstract: A baked goods container is disclosed having an upright position adapted to contain a large baked goods item, the baked goods container including a plastic base and a removable lid. The base includes a first base portion adapted to accept the lid over the base, and a second base portion or divider which removably inserts into or onto the first base portion. When the baked goods container is in the “upright” position, the first and second base portions cooperate to form the base of the container to hold one type of baked goods, such as a typical sized cake or pie. When the baked goods container is in the flipped, inverted or “upside-down” position, the first and second base portions cooperate to hold different baked goods, such as cupcakes. The second base portion or divider is adapted to separate from the first base portion and rest upon a ridge or extensions in the lid to form a two level baked goods container which holds a plurality of baked goods on multiple support surfaces.

Abstract: A carrying case for transporting chef's knives to a professional kitchen also functions as a work platform for using the knives in the kitchen when the device stands on its two planar legs when the legs are sufficiently separated to balance the device. The legs join together at a spine from which a handle projects outward. Multiple pockets situated in a left and right planar leg of the device are angled so that the chef can single-handedly grab the handle of a knife and put it back. The device stands on its legs so that the edge of the legs forms a triangle with an edge of the surface the device rests on.

Abstract: A cosmetics container includes a hollow container and a cover unit. The cover unit is composed of a connecting cover, a brush, a revolving base and a revolving cover. The brush is normally positioned in the connecting cover of the cover unit. To do makeup, the revolving cover is turned around to move forward together with the revolving base, and simultaneously the brush is rotated together to move forward and extend out of the cover unit. Thus, a user can do makeup with the brush, which can tinge the cosmetics in the container.

Abstract: A multiple-color combination lipstick and cosmetic case, including a cover unit and a base. The base provides a plurality of non-opened storage spaces or storage units that are divided by partition boards, wherein lipsticks, eyeshadows and other cosmetic materials in various colors are contained. Each storage space and storage units respectively has an opening that is sealed by a brush assembly. The brush is used to simultanously open a desired container and take up a desired cosmetic material. The multiple-color lipstick or eyeshadow container has a compact size for easy portability and easy access.