Abstract: Plasmons on a waveguide may deliver energy to photocatalyze a reaction.

Abstract: A vacuum pumping system and method in conjunction with a sputter reactor having a vacuum-pumped magnetron chamber sealed to the target backing plate. A main sputter chamber is vacuum sealed to the target front and cryo pumped. A bypass conduit and valve connect the magnetron and main chambers. A mechanical roughing pump connected to the magnetron chamber pumps the main chamber through the bypass conduit to less than 1 Torr before the bypass valve is closed and the cryo pump is opened and thereafter continues to pump the magnetron chamber to reduce the pressure differential across the target. A pressure differential switch connected across the bypass valve immediately open it whenever the pressure differential exceeds a limit, such as 20 Torr, for example when there is a leak or an electrical failure. The bypass conduit is also used in a venting procedure.

Abstract: A deposition system includes a process chamber, a workpiece holder for holding the workpiece within the process chamber, a first target comprising a first material, a second target comprising a second material, a single magnet assembly disposed that can scan across the first target and the second target to deposit the first material and the second material on the workpiece, and a transport mechanism that can cause relative movement between the magnet assembly and the first target or the second target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for real-time monitoring and controlling surface area erosion of a sputter target assembly utilized in a physical vapor deposition process.

Abstract: A High Electric Field Electrolysis (HEFE) cell is provided for electrolyzing water to transform it into Free Radical Solution (FRS) water for cleaning, deodorizing, and sterilizing. The HEFE cell is comprised of a pair of flat electrodes attached (or coated) onto a flat proton ion exchange membrane enclosed in a corresponding structure that accommodates the electrodes and the proton ion exchange membrane. The structure is comprised of at least one inlet channel for receiving purified water and two outlet channels for output of electrolyzed FRS water and hydrogen rich water. The HEFE cell further provides a mechanism for recycling of hydrogen rich water for re-use or electric power generation. The quantity and the quality of FRS water production is controlled with an external control circuit that automatically monitors and maintains appropriate parameter values for the production of FRS water.

Abstract: An automatic in-line sputtering system with an integrated surface corona pretreatment includes a first loading region, a corona processing region, a first unloading/reversible region, a first return region, a transfer region, a second loading region, a pressure-down region, a sputtering region, a pressure-up region, a second unloading/reversible region, and a second return region. The substrate is transported by different carriers in the corona processing region and the sputtering region for the conductive issues, respectively. The carriers are recycled in two corresponding independent internal return regions that make the carriers without having to expose in an open environment. As a result, no fingerprint/dust adheres on the surface of carriers and the pollution of the transport process can be minimized. The system is integrated in a real close and in-line type to achieve the functions of continuous process, automation, cleanness and efficiency.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sputter target the method including the step of preparing a plurality of raw materials into a composition corresponding to alloy system, the plurality of raw materials comprising pure elements or master alloys. The method also includes the step of heating the plurality of raw materials under vacuum or under a partial pressure of argon (Ar) to a fully liquid state to form a molten alloy corresponding to the alloy system, solidifying the molten alloy to form an ingot, and reheating the ingot to a fully liquid state to form a diffuse molten alloy. The method further includes the steps of rapidly solidifying the diffuse molten alloy into a homogeneous pre-alloyed powder material, admixing pure elemental powders to the homogeneous pre-alloyed powder material, consolidating the homogeneous pre-alloyed powder material into a fully dense homogeneous material, hot rolling the fully dense homogeneous material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for improving plasma activity in a magnetron sputtering reactor containing substrates to be coated where a primary plasma is created by a DC or AC voltage applied between the substrates and an additional electrode. Increased plasma activity is obtained by thermionic emission of electrons from a hot filament heated by either DC or AC current or combinations thereof. The device is particularly useful for increasing the adhesion of layers deposited by magnetron sputtering on cutting tool inserts made of cemented carbide, high speed steels, cermets, ceramics or cubic boron nitride.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in this application is a method and device for combining the sampling and analyzing of sub-dermal fluid samples, e.g., interstitial fluid or whole blood, in a device suitable for hospital bedside and home use. It is applicable to any analyte that exists in a usefully representative concentration in the fluid, and is especially suited to the monitoring of glucose.

Abstract: A gas sensor element including: a solid electrolyte layer having a first surface and a second surface; a first electrode formed on the first surface of the solid electrolyte layer; a second electrode formed on the second surface of the solid electrolyte layer; and an insulating layer provided between the first electrode and the first surface of the solid electrolyte layer. The insulating layer covers an outer edge of the first electrode and has an opening through which a portion of the first electrode is exposed. The opening has an area that is smaller than that of the second electrode, and is provided at a position opposite the second electrode to form a detection portion constituted by the portion of the first electrode exposed through the opening, the second electrode and the solid electrolyte layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor (12) for a short-range detection system and/or parking system of a motor vehicle, especially an ultrasound sensor. The sensor comprises a pot-shaped housing (10), whereby the base thereof (14) is embodied as an oscillating membrane. The housing comprises a coating on at least the outer side. The invention is characterized in that the coating is made of powder (18) which is weather-proof, which can be coated and which has no or no significant negative influence upon the oscillation behavior of the membrane. The invention also relates to a method for the production of this type of sensor.

Abstract: A two-dimensional separation apparatus includes first and second modules operating respectively to separate a sample amount in a first dimension and a second dimension. A valve structure controllably isolates the first separation module from the second separation module.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assay for discriminating between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and patients with ALS-like disorders that express symptoms like ALS. The method is based on the use of 2-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis to separate the complex mixture of proteins found in blood serum, the quantitation of a group of identified biomarkers, and the biostatistical analysis of the concentration of the identified biomarkers to differentiate patients having ALS from patients having other ALS-like disorders.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device for electrochemically regulating the pH of a fluid. The microfluidic device includes: an ion-exchange material; an anode chamber having a surface defined by a surface of the ion-exchange material and an anode electrode disposed along an edge of the surface of the anode chamber; and a cathode chamber having a surface defined by a surface of the ion-exchange material and a cathode electrode disposed along an edge of the surface of the cathode chamber, wherein the anode chamber and the cathode chamber are separated by an insulation material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for improvement of flow rates and reduction of fouling in process equipment such as for instance heat exchangers (2) where fluids are flowing in single or multiphase. This is obtained by imposing a DC-potential at the walls of the process equipment that exactly opposes the naturally ocurring potential due to interaction between the walls of the process equipment and the fluid flowing inside. An improved flow rate will cause that the heat exchanger (2) becomes more efficient, i.e. a lower deposition rate and a higher removal rate of inorganic agents. The fluid may be a pure fluid, colloidal fluid or contain inclusions in the form of particles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing improved sample injection systems and microfluidic devices with structures such as microchambers that can provide relatively large sample volumes. The microchambers can be formed with a geometry to define sample plugs that can be symmetrical from the perspective of a sample load channel and a sample waste channel. Upon selective application of electrical fields, a defined amount of sample can be injected or loaded from a sample channel into the relatively larger interior volume of a sample chamber prior to ejection into a separation channel so that a sample volume can be separated electrophoretically.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in conducting gel electrophoresis. The apparatus includes a gel matrix and a tray for containing the gel. The tray consists of a bottom surface, opposed side walls and opposed end walls. The side walls are connected to the bottom surface and the end walls by frangible joints such that the side walls may be completely detached from the tray for ease of use.

Abstract: A heat spreader (10) and a method for manufacturing the heat spreader are disclosed. The heat spreader includes a metal casing (12) and a wick structure (16) lines an inner surface of the metal casing. The metal casing defines therein a chamber (14) and includes an evaporating section (126) and a condensing section (127). The wick structure is in the form of metal foam and occupies a portion of the chamber. In one embodiment, the wick structure has a pore size gradually increasing from the evaporating section towards the condensing section of the metal casing. The heat spreader is manufactured by electrodepositing a layer of metal coating (70) on an outer surface of a metal foam framework (20). The metal coating becomes the metal casing and the metal foam framework becomes the wick structure.

Abstract: A circuit board structure and a method for fabricating the same are proposed. A plurality of conductive bumps and a first solder mask are formed on a carrier board, and the first solder mask is filled in the gaps between the conductive bumps and the conductive bumps are exposed. A first circuit layer and a first heat sink are formed on the first solder mask and the conductive bumps. A second heat sink is formed on the first heat sink, and a dielectric layer is formed on the first circuit layer and the first solder mask except the first and second heat sinks. A second circuit layer is formed on the dielectric layer and is electrically conductive to the first circuit layer. A third heat sink is formed on the second heat sink and a heat sink used for a chip mounting thereon is embedded in the dielectric layer. Therefore, the dimension of the circuit board is reduced and it is conformed to the dimension minimization progress of electronic devices.

Abstract: This invention is for providing a copper electrolyte solution producing an electrolytic copper foil capable of providing a foil in which the shape and size of mountains of the rough surface of the deposited foil are uniform and which has low roughness, substantially without decrease of the yield of deposited foil by controlling the molecular weight and the concentration of protein, etc. and a method of producing an electrolytic copper foil using the same. In this copper electrolyte solution for producing an electrolytic copper foil, protein in the copper electrolyte solution preferably has a number average molecular weight Mn of 1000 to 2300 and the copper electrolyte solution preferably has a protein concentration of 2 to 4.5 ppm. The electrolyte solution preferably has Cu2+ concentration of 60 to 100 g/L. In addition, the electrolyte solution preferably has a free SO42? concentration of 60 to 250 g/L. Also the electrolyte solution preferably has Cl? concentration of 0.5 to 2.0 ppm.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing components of a gas turbine includes at least the following steps: a) a component is produced using a metal injection molding process (MIM process); b) subsequently, the component produced using the metal injection molding process is machined to completion on its surface using a precise electrochemical machining process (PECM process).

Abstract: A system and method for electropolishing a conductive surface of a wafer using an electrolyte comprising an electrically resistive agent that modulates the conductivity of the electrolyte. The electrically resistive agent is a urea or a urea derivative. The electrolyte may also include a chelating agent a pH adjusting agent, and/or a surface film forming agent. The system includes a wafer carrier configured to hold the wafer, a polishing pad, and an electrode in proximity to the polishing pad. The wafer carrier may be configured to rotate or laterally move the wafer on the polishing surface of the polishing pad.

Abstract: A method for removing a metal layer comprising the steps of providing a part having a slot, providing a porous metallic cathode comprising a recess bounded by a wall having an outer surface corresponding to the slot, inserting the porous metallic cathode into the slot, introducing an electrolyte into the recess of the porous metallic cathode, and removing a portion of an inner surface of the slot by flowing an electric current between the part and the porous metallic cathode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biocidal solution having a pH of from 5 to 7 and an available free chlorine content of from 500 to 1000 ppm when produced by an electrolytic cell. Also provided is a method of producing a biocidal solution in an electrolytic cell, the method including supplying to the cell a solution with a sat concentration of 2.0 to 5.0 g/L such that the solution passes through an anode chamber at a flow rate per anode surface area of 1.25×103 to 2.75×103 L hr?m-z and applying current to the cell sufficient to produce a biocidal solution with an available free chlorine content of 500 to 1000 ppm and a pH of from 5 to 7.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reversible electrochemical sensor for polyions. The sensor uses active extraction and ion stripping, which are controlled electrochemically. Spontaneous polyion extraction is suppressed by using membranes containing highly lipophilic electrolytes that possess no ion-exchange properties. Reversible extraction of polyions is induced by constant current pulse of fixed duration applied across the membrane. Subsequently, polyions are removed by applying a constant stripping potential. The sensors provide excellent stability and reversibility and allow for measurements of heparin concentration in whole blood samples via protamine titration. The sensors can also monitor a polyion concentration and an enzyme activity, wherein the polyion decomposition is directly proportional to the enzyme activity in a sample. Additionally, the sensors can monitor an enzyme inhibitor activity.

Abstract: Simultaneous determination of general corrosion and localized corrosion rate measurements is achieved with polarization applied by the electrodes themselves rather than externally applied polarization. Two or more working electrodes may be galvanically coupled. A localized pitting corrosion event on one of the electrodes will lead to a potential transient. The area within the potential transient is measured with the baseline being the initial starting potential. This gives localized corrosion as a function of time. The relationship Rp=?V/?I is calculated, where Rp is the polarization resistance of the working electrodes and is a measure of generalized corrosion rate.

Abstract: A method of detecting a metal in a sample comprising a plurality of metal is disclosed. The method comprises providing the sample comprising a metal to be detected. The sample is added to a reagent solution comprising an enzyme and a substrate, where the enzyme is inhibited by the metal to be detected. An array of chelating agents is used to eliminate the inhibitory effects of additional metals in the sample. An enzymatic activity in the sample is determined and compared to an enzymatic activity in a control solution to detect the metal to be detected. A method of determining a concentration of the metal in the sample is also disclosed. A method of detecting a valence state of a metal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A biosensor (12) includes a working electrode (5) and a counter electrode (3), wherein at least a part of the working electrode (5) is disposed between and in electrical connection with two separate conductive tracks (1,2). Other aspects of the invention provide a meter (26) for use with the biosensor (12) and a method of determining whether a fluid sample applied to the biosensor (12) has sufficiently wetted the working electrode (5).

Abstract: A filter paper pod packaging machine characterised by the fact that it comprises a polygonal prismatic wheel (P) with an intermittently rotating horizontal axis (R), each flat face (L) of the prism (P) directly incorporating at least one recess (G) matching the size and shape of the pods to be produced.

Abstract: This invention concerns a fingerprint powder container that incorporates a fingerprint brush into the lid. The fingerprint container has a lid designed to have a fingerprint brush inserted through the center of it making it possible to store the fingerprint brush with the powder. The fingerprint brush would be able to be fixed into the lid with a clamp allowing it to descend into the fingerprint powder at the bottom of the container that also holds fingerprint powder. The fingerprint brush hole in the lid may be sized to accept different brushes. The container and/or lid may be made of plastic, glass, metal, or other materials as well as different sizes and shapes. The container and/or lid may have writing on the side of it.

Abstract: The invention is directed to columns, trays and systems including columns and trays that enable a user to conveniently and safely transport objects, such as one or more beverage containers, by tension (hanging) as opposed to compression (supporting). Column embodiments of the invention include a substantially elongate column extending from a central portion of a primary tray. Preferably, insertable column embodiments are formed from a pulp slurry and molded into a clam-shell configuration prior to assembly and used with a tray having an aperture and preferably a collar adapted to receive the insertable column. Supporting elements of the column engage a base portion of the tray, thereby providing a distributed support interface.

Abstract: A carrier is provided with vertical support panels, each with a receptacle extending outwardly from its lower region. The vertical support panels are hinged together at their side-edges so that they can be folded together for forming a handle structure to carry the carrier and its contents, and swung apart to expose advertising copy, promotional items and/or books. The motion used is like that used in opening a book, and is very comfortable for the user.

Abstract: A wrap-around carrier package has side panels with inclined or tapered side edges that allow a greater surface area of containers accommodated within the carrier to be viewed.

Abstract: A device (10) for location at an opening to a receptacle comprises a projection in the form of a hingedly movable cutter (32) which is located on a sleeve (38) which is adapted for location at the opening of the receptacle. The device (10) also comprises a lid (12) for location at the opening including a sealed compartment (20) in the lid (12) that is positionable at the opening and a longitudinal rib (24) located inside the lid (12). In use when the lid (12) and its compartment (20) are positioned at the opening and the lid is rotated relative to the receptacle, the rib (24) is caused to act on the cutter (32) to move it into a position whereby it opens the sealed compartment (20). The movement of the lid (12) in a unidirectional rotation alone with respect to the receptacle causes both opening of the compartment (20) followed by removal of the lid (12) from the receptacle.

Abstract: A pail (50) for dry contents (32) with an inner container (20) for liquid contents (34). The inner container (20) has a lip (24) that overlays a lip (51) of the pail (50) for sealing of both the pail (50) and the inner container (20) with a common lid (52). The inner container (20) has two bottom walls (26, 28) forming an air pocket (30) to accommodate settling of the dry contents (34). The air pocket (30) may optionally contain instructions (36) for mixing and usage of the compounds (32, 34).

Abstract: A process for producing partitioned packages by which a first film is formed into an elongated inner tube and a second film is formed into an elongated outer tube surrounding the inner tube. Reactive components are filled into the inner and outer tubes as the tubes are formed to maintain the reactive components separate from each other. Only the outer tube is actively engaged to advance the tube longitudinally. Frictional forces from the advancing outer tube are applied to the component within the outer tube and, in turn, are applied to the inner tube thereby advancing the inner tube at a rate substantially the same as the outer tube.

Abstract: A wall mountable razor holder is provided. The razor holder has two pairs of curved arms extending from a back plate and wall mounting structure, such as a suction cup. The razor holder retains a safety razor at least one of two alternate positions. A head down position will ensure adequate drainage from the razor to ensure an erodable shaving aid body member of the razor will not soften from unnecessary contact with water. A head up position will be more familiar to a user.

Abstract: A portable speaker assembly having a first driver coupled to a first portion of a telescoping enclosure and a second driver coupled to a second portion of the telescoping enclosure. The telescoping enclosure is movable between a first position and a second position and has an intermediate portion extending outwardly from the first portion and having a telescopically nesting engagement with a second portion. The intermediate portion is able to move telescopically relative to the second portion along a longitudinal axis of the enclosure. The second portion has at least one predetermined void adjacent to the telescopic connection of the intermediate portion with the second portion.

Abstract: A case for carrying pole vault poles is made of an elongate flexible bag of a length approximately equal to the length of the pole vault pole or poles to be carried and a sheet of semi-rigid laterally bendable material generally coextensive with the bag and forming therewith a shell for protectively encircling the pole or poles contained within the bag. The bag is preferably of butterfly style foldable and unfoldable about a longitudinal fold line between a closed position and an open position. The sheet of semi-rigid material lies flat in the open position of the bag and is bendable about the longitudinal fold line to form a pole encircling protective shell in the closed position of the bag. The case facilitates convenient carrying of pole vault poles from place to place, for example, from track meet to track meet, and insures safe, damage free transport of pole vault poles when transported, for example, via commercial carriers.

Abstract: An apparatus for temporarily storage of paint roller sleeves, the roller cage, and a portion of the handle assembly. The apparatus consists of an enclosure receiving the roller sleeve, the roller cage, and a portion of the handle assembly and also fully enclosing the roller sleeve and the roller cage.

Abstract: A holder for holding a plurality of blades, where one embodiment of the holder includes a base portion, a main body and an openable cover portion. The main body is preferably configured and arranged to be removably attached to the base portion. There are a plurality of cells defined within the main body, with each cell configured and arranged to hold at least one blade on a seating portion, wherein the seating portion defines a blade seating plane. Additionally, the openable cover portion is preferably configured and arranged to be removably attached to the main body. Preferably, the base portion is separate from the main body, and these components are preferably configured to enable the holder to either be attached to a wall or seated on a horizontal surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of promoting the sale of a disposable mat comprising at least 2 removable sheets in a stacked configuration, comprising the step of displaying a container comprising at least one disposable mat, said disposable mat being rolled-up in a cylindrical configuration. The present invention also relates to a container comprising at least one disposable mat, rolled-up in a cylindrical configuration, and to a shelve displaying said container.

Abstract: A wrap-around carrier has side end panels that facilitate erection of the carrier and closure of the carrier ends.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a stacking of fibrous pads, in particular impregnated pads, for skin care, capable of being contained in packaging. According to the invention, each pad is positioned in a staggered manner in relation to the juxtaposed pad(s) so as to promote the grasping by one of the edges of each pad situated on the top of the stack. The invention also relates to resealable packaging containing the stacking as well as to a manufacturing process for preparing the stacking.

Abstract: A reusable dense packaging system used to transport large size display substrates, is provided made up of three main components; a pallet frame, a cover, and restraining means. The restraining means securely hold the glass sheets within the cover and on the pallet frame. Restraining means includes one or more retaining bars moving towards and away from the front of the glass sheets and a mechanical system. The mechanical system may include the use of a pressing panel, a belt apparatus, a scissor-like mechanism, positioning devices, or a retaining bar pulling system, each capable of moving towards and away from the front of the glass sheets. Each embodiment allows for packaging from 1 to N glass sheets with flexibility and stability and with manual or automatic operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging device (1) for a windscreen wiper blade (100) comprising a curved blade (110) and an integrated flexible structure (120). The inventive device comprises a housing (10) which is intended to receive the blade (100) and holding means (20) which are used to hold the blade (100) in a position inside the housing (10) such that it is at least partially straightened out in relation to the rest position thereof.

Abstract: A stackable display case for protecting products which are unable to support a compressive load. Such display case provides improved protection of products during shipping and sale. Such display cases are loaded with products, stacked three or more cases high, two per layer, on a pallet at a production facility before being shipped to warehouse style and other retail outlets. Such display cases allow products to be sold directly from pallets and require a minimal amount of manual labor compared to prior art shipping displays. Such display case provides visibility and accessibility from four sides of pallets, and from at least three sides of each display case. Such a display case requires substantially less manual labor at a manufacturing and shipping facility, and almost no manual labor at the point of sale.

Abstract: The objects of the present invention are to provide a packaging material of gas-bag type for packaging easily deformable parts or devices of office equipment or OA equipment having various sizes and shapes such as containers containing toner, containers containing developing agent, photoconductors, process cartridges, and complex units of a developer and a toner collector. In order to achieve the object, a packaging material of gas-bag type is provided which comprises tube-like bodies and connecting portions, wherein the tube-like bodies are able to swell by being injected inner gas, the connecting portions connect the tube-like bodies in parallel, the tube-like bodies are bendable so as to wrap an article to be packaged, and the packaging material is formed from substantially flat two sheets of one front sheet and one back sheet in a condition that the inner gas is substantially evacuated from the tube-like bodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to packages of a fibrous material for receiving frangible products such as eggs, the packages being provided with a bottom part (2) and a cover part (3) hingedly connected to the bottom part and specifically to various retainment means for releasably retaining the cover part to the bottom part in a simple, yet reliable manner. According to the invention there is thus provided retainment means on the cover part for engagement with appropriate parts of an upper flange-like rim portion (6) of the bottom part, said means according to one embodiment consisting of protrusions (7) provided on the inner surface of the front side (4) of the cover part. When the cover part from an open position is swung to a closed position on the bottom part, one or more protrusions on the cover part are brought into engagement with the lower surface of said upper rim portion of the bottom part, thereby releasably retaining the cover part to the bottom part. The alternative possibility, i.e.

Abstract: A bag evacuation valve mechanism which can be used with suction devices having suction nozzles of different diameters and does not damage tightly closed bag stacked thereon to form a flat and stable shape of packing. A suction connector attached to the outer surface of a bag having a hole formed therein, and having a vent formed in its center has a generally flat shape, and a valve base on the inner surface of the bag has a recessed shape in cross-section. Such a valve mechanism can be used with suction devices having different nozzle diameters by placing the nozzle in contact with the suction connector to covering its vent, and as it has no projection on the outer side of a tightly closed bag, it does not damage any other, for example, tightly closed bag stacked on its outside or placed adjacent to it.