Abstract: A rocker lever assembly includes a base having a first side formed with a receiving space, a circuit board mounted on the first side of the base, a press cover mounted on a second side of the base, a displacement device mounted in the receiving space of the base, and a control lever mounted between the base and the press cover and connected to the displacement device to move the displacement device. Thus, the longitudinal lever and the transverse lever of the displacement device are mounted in the receiving space of the base so that the longitudinal size of the rocker lever assembly is reduced largely, thereby greatly shortening the whole volume of the rocker lever assembly.

Abstract: A touch pad having an integrated lighting feature and touch sensor and method of controlling the same. The integrating lighting feature and touch sensor having a common electrical connection. The method of controlling the same including determining activation as a function of influences on the operation of the touch sensor.

Abstract: A pressure actuated switching device is made by applying at least a first layer of fluid conductive polymeric coating material to a surface of a sheet of green rubber material. The conductive polymeric coating is solidified to form an electrode, and the sheet of green rubber material is vulcanized. Two strips of green rubber may be simultaneously processed and then joined such that the respective layers of conductive coating are in spaced apart opposing relationship. The conductive polymeric coating may optionally be formulated with green rubber. Optionally, a blowing agent may be included in the conductive coating formulation so as to provide a cellular polymeric foam piezoresistive material from which the electrode is constructed. The green rubber sheets may be processed by a continuous rotary method or by a linear method using a clamping press having opening and closing dies for heating and joining the strips of green rubber.

Abstract: A multi-direction input device for computers includes a direction wheel, a toggle mechanism and a plurality of electrodes. The direction wheel has one-degree of rotational freedom and two-degree of freedom to perform clicking, forward rolling, backward rolling, leftward moving and rightward moving operations. Thereby mating electrodes are electrically connected to generate corresponding signals. In normal conditions, the toggle mechanism and a movable contact jointly support the direction wheel. When the direction wheel is depressed, the toggle mechanism drives and connects a corresponding electrode to generate a click signal.

Abstract: A detctor for a capactive contact switch comprises a flat material consisting of a transparent carrier foil and a ITO-coating. The ITO coating is embodied in the form of a transparent electric conductor. The flat material can be arranged between a transparent cover and a lighted display in such a way that a sensor element is obtained. The flat material as the sensor element 10 makes it possible to represent an illuminated symbol or the corresponding display thereof.

Abstract: An electronic switch for a device in an automotive vehicle comprises an input pad mounted in an interior of the automotive vehicle, the input pad comprising a sensing mechanism operable to generate a plurality of control signals associated with a plurality of sensing positions of the input pad. The electronic switch further comprises a controller in communication with the input pad and the device, the controller configured to actuate a plurality of switch control functions of the device in response to the plurality of control signals.

Abstract: A fully automated system for controlling water purification units based on distillation is provided. Control parameters and aspects in the system can include an overall power input fuse, a manual reset switch that resets the whole system to an initial state, a thermal overload switch, a product level switch, a boiler pressure switch, an inlet solenoid, a boiler drain solenoid, and a timer delay relay, a product output solenoid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a distillation system and method for recovering acetic acid from a feed stream containing acetic acid and water stream generated during terephthalic acid production. The invention includes a liquid-liquid extraction column and a dehydration distillation column utilizing azeotropic distillation or conventional to recover the acetic acid. The liquid-liquid extraction column is installed upstream from the dehydration distillation column. The liquid-liquid extraction column produces an extract of an extraction solvent and acetic acid which is sent to the dehydration distillation column to separate the extraction solvent and acetic acid. The dehydration distillation column may be used with or without a condenser system to recover the energy. The condenser system is a steam generator that condenses the vapor into a concentrated acetic acid stream while generating a low pressure steam. Any remaining acetic acid in water is sent to a waste water recycling facility.

Abstract: An electrode is used for discharge surface treatment of a work piece. The electrode is made of a green compact obtained by compression-molding an electrode material including powder of any of a metal and a metallic compound, and the discharge surface treatment generating an electric discharge between the electrode and the work piece in an atmosphere of a machining medium and forming a film of a machining material on a surface of a work piece using energy produced by the electric discharge. The powder has an average particle diameter of not less than 10 nanometers and not more than 3 micrometers, and the electrode material of the electrode has substantially uniform composition and capable of forming a thick film with thickness not less than 100 micrometers.

Abstract: A sputtering apparatus of the present invention includes a chamber for containing a plasma. A first and a second target are positioned in the chamber proximate to a substrate. The first and the second targets include at least one type of target material. A power supply is coupled to the first and the second targets. The power supply supplies power to the first and the second targets such that when the first target sputters target material, the second target becomes anodic and when the second target sputters target material, the first target becomes anodic. The sputtering apparatus also includes a reactive source that supplies reactive species proximate to the substrate. The reactive species are supplied in synchronization with the power supplied to the first and the second targets. The reactive species combines with the sputtered target material to generate a sputtered film on the substrate.

Abstract: The uniformity of a plasma distribution having a tendency to peak toward the axis of a processing chamber is improved by positioning a hollow body on the chamber axis with an open end facing the processing space. The hollow body controls the distribution of the plasma away from the center and allows plasma at the center. The geometry of the hollow body can be optimized to render the plasma uniform for given conditions. In combined deposition and etch processes, such as simultaneous and sequential etch and iPVD processes, the hollow body provides for a uniform plasma for etching while allowing deposition parameters to be optimized for deposition.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a lifetime of a slab of consumable material used by a process tool. In the method and system, the slab of consumable material is provided with at least one indicator. A determination is made as to whether a value of a signal generated by a detector associated with the at least one indicator during operation of the process tool is equal to a warning setting value, is between the warning setting value and an alarm setting value, is equal to an alarm setting value, or is above the alarm setting value. A first warning is provided if the value of the signal is equal to the warning setting value or between the warning setting value and the alarm setting value, the first warning indicating that the slab of consumable material is approaching a predetermined quantity which is less than an original quantity of the slab of consumable material.

Abstract: A method for providing an endpoint layer for ion milling of top of read sensor having top lead connection and sensor formed thereby. A cap layer includes a thin layer of an endpoint detection material, such as a conductive or insulating material, that is inserted in the cap layer. The endpoint detection material provides a good signal for endpoint detection during ion milling of the of the cap layer.

Abstract: A structure for a plasma processing chamber which makes it possible to control the potential therein and simplify the construction of the plasma processing chamber. A gas-introducing showerhead 34 is disposed in the plasma processing chamber 10 including a container 11 having a process space S for receiving a semiconductor wafer W, and a susceptor 12 disposed in the container 11, for mounting the received semiconductor wafer W thereon. The susceptor 12 is connected to high-frequency power supplies 20 and 46. An electrode support 39 of the gas-introducing showerhead 34 is electrically grounded. An electrically floating top electrode plate 38 of the gas-introducing showerhead 34 is disposed between the electrode support 39 and the process space S. The top electrode plate 38 has a surface exposed to the process space S. An insulating film 48 is formed of a dielectric material and disposed between the electrode support 39 and the top electrode plate 38.

Abstract: A three-dimensional electrode with higher strength and higher toughness is provided. The three-dimensional electrode is fabricated by bending a plurality of snicks which are formed in a plate-like electrode substrate toward the same direction. The stabilization of the positional relation among the elements generated by the three-dimensional electrode neither mechanically damages the membrane nor causes the insufficient current supply. The three-dimensional electrode is preferably used for brine electrolysis and white liquor electrolysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a carbon electrode, suitable for use as an anode in an aluminum reduction cell, which comprises mixing an aggregate, comprising a mixture of particulate shot coke, and a particulate carbonaceous material other than shot coke with coal tar pitch or petroleum pitch or a combination of these pitches at an elevated temperature to form a paste wherein said aggregate comprises a combination of butts, coarse, and fine particles and said particulate shot coke may comprise a majority of said coarse particles or fine particles, and said paste comprises from about 80 to about 90%, by weight, of said aggregate and from about 10 to about 20%, by weight, of said pitch; forming said paste into a solid body; and baking said solid body at an elevated temperature to form said carbon electrode.

Abstract: A system for plating according to one embodiment includes a plating cell containing plating solution; an anode in contact with the plating solution; a cathode in contact with the plating solution; and a hydrogen electrode in contact with the plating solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substrate carrier comprising two vertical plates and two horizontal plates. In order for the substrate during its transport through a sputter unit to be coated uniformly in its margin regions, a lever arrangement is provided between the two vertical plates. The lever arrangement comprises at least one horizontal web which under the effect of heat expands to a lesser degree than the horizontal plates.

Abstract: A PVD target structure for use in physical vapor deposition. The PVD target structure includes a consumable slab of source material and one or more detectors for indicating when the slab of source material is approaching or has been reduced to a given quantity representing a service lifetime endpoint of the target structure.

Abstract: A PVD target structure for use in physical vapor deposition. The PVD target structure includes a consumable slab of source material and one or more detectors for indicating when the slab of source material is approaching or has been reduced to a given quantity representing a service lifetime endpoint of the target structure. Each detector includes an enclosure which may be made by forming a plurality of bores in a bulk material and separating the bulk material into a plurality of discrete enclosure units each including one of the bores. Alternatively, the enclosure of the detector may be made using a mold having one or more mold members and an extrusion, casting, electrical chemical plating, and/or sheet forming method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor arrangement and sensor array with a sensor arrangement for the detection of particles possibly contained in an electrolytic analyte, comprising a working electrode which may be electrically coupled to the electrolytic analyte, with immobilized trap molecules such that in the presence of the electrolytic analyte containing the particles for detection, sensor events occur at the working electrode of the sensor arrangement. Furthermore, an auxiliary electrode which may be electrically coupled to the electrolytic analyte is provided and an operating circuit coupled to the working electrode, embodied such as to maintain an essentially constant potential difference between the working electrode and the auxiliary electrode. The sensor also comprises a device, embodied to maintain an essentially constant ratio between the current flowing to the working electrode and the current flowing to the auxiliary electrode.

Abstract: A biosensor strip having an identification function includes a first insulating substrate and a second insulating substrate, and the first substrate is deposited on the second substrate, and the first substrate has an electrode and an identifying electrode area, and the electrode and identifying electrode area are exposed from the second substrate. The identifying electrode area is made by coating an electrically conductive material. Since different conductive materials have different impedances, the conductive material can be changed according to different testing applications or different sensing instruments.

Abstract: In vitro electrochemical sensors that provide accurate and repeatable analysis of a sample of biological fluid are provided. Embodiments include sensors that include a sample chambers having overhangs extending therefrom.

Abstract: The blood test chip for a blood substance measuring device has an isolated substrate, first and second electrodes, an identification electrode, an electric resistor and a reactive film. When performing a blood test, a blood sample is dropped into an opening on the blood test chip, which is inserted into the device. A microprocessor provides a constant voltage to the second electrode. Two corresponding reaction currents are delivered to a current to voltage converting and amplifying circuit and converted into two corresponding voltage values, which are then delivered to a built-in analog-to-digital converter module of the microprocessor to get two digitized voltage values. A signal read by the identification electrode is compared with the electric current contrast values stored in the built-in memory unit to get an optimum electric current versus concentration function to calculate a concentration value of the test substance in the blood sample.

Abstract: A gas probe, in particular a lambda probe for the analysis of exhaust gases from a mobile internal combustion engine, includes at least one protective device, at least partly surrounding a sensitive sensor element of the gas probe, which comes into contact with a gas. The at least one protective device includes a gas contact face which at least partly has a hygroscopic surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring the breath chemistry of a patient's breath using a specially designed self-condensing sensor module mounted in a mask, nasal cannula, headband with boom apparatus, or similar device for directing the patients' breath towards the self-condensing sensor. Monitoring of a patient's breath pH provided by the miniaturized self-condensing pH sensor provides for real-time monitoring of patient airway pH values. The specially designed self-condensing sensor module incorporates a data transfer means, e.g. direct wiring or by providing a transmitter with an antenna for wireless transferring of the pH data to a processing receiver. The self-condensing pH sensor comprises a multi-tubular design with the outer tubular member housing a silver chloride reference element, an ion conducting path, and an antimony sensor plug isolated in an inner tubular member that is co-linearly or coaxially configured with the outer tubular member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring, diagnosing, and treating certain respiratory conditions, such as asthma. The system includes a mask apparatus fitted with a pH sensor and thermocouple, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, a processing receiver, and a therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The mask apparatus, CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device are connected by a pneumatic means. The pH sensor and the thermocouple are in electrical communication with the processing receiver that controls, through an electronic means, the CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The electrical communications can be in the form of a plurality of wires or employ wireless means.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device for electrochemically regulating the pH of a fluid comprising: a cathode substrate; an anode substrate facing the cathode substrate and forming a reaction chamber with the cathode substrate; and a nonconductor which forms a boundary between the portions of the cathode substrate and the anode substrate that are capable of contacting one another, wherein at least one of the cathode substrate and the anode substrate is a semiconductor doped with impurities and the other is a metal electrode.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device for electrically regulating the pH of a fluid comprising: a first chamber comprising a first electrode; a second chamber comprising a second electrode; a third chamber comprising a third electrode, a metal ion exchange membrane between the first and second chambers; and a hydrogen ion exchange membrane between the first or second chamber and the third chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for de-watering porous material, e.g., concrete. In select embodiments, durable, dimensionally stable anodes (DDAs), preferably configured as arrays on a strip, are impressed into the concrete and a pulsed signal is provided by a DC power supply to the DDAs and cathode rods inserted in soil. The DDAs comprise a valve metal substrate mesh having a semi-conductive coating of a precious metal, cement or ceramic. In select embodiments, conducting grout of a hydraulic cement-based mineral-aggregate may be used to emplace the DDAs. In select embodiments, a single cycle of the signal comprises a pulse train consisting of an initial positive pulse followed by a shorter duration negative pulse and ending with a short off period before re-cycling. The cycles continue until the porous material has been sufficiently treated.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic micro pump having a nano porous membrane is introduced. When a voltage is applied to two opposing sides of the nano porous membrane, an electro-osmotic flow can be induced in each nano pore of the membrane. Since the pore diameter of the nano porous membrane is in the range of nano meters, the fluid inside the nano pore would be almost unipolar. As a result, by compared to a traditional micro electro-kinetic pump, the electro-kinetic micro pump having the nano porous membrane can produce a larger flow rate. Moreover, since the required driving voltage for the present micro pump is much smaller than that for the traditional micro pump, energy conversion efficiency of the present pump can be greatly improved.

Abstract: A separation medium comprising a hydrogel preparation having macropores and micropores, wherein the hydrogel preparation is prepared by reacting a first gel component and a second gel component in an aqueous solvent. The first gel component comprises a first monomer, oligomer, polymer, or combination thereof having at least one polymerizable double bond, and a first crosslinker having at least two polymerizable double bonds. The second gel component comprises a second monomer, oligomer, polymer, or combination thereof having at least one pendant functional group per repeat unit, and a second crosslinker having at least two functional groups, each capable of reacting with the at least one pendant functional group of the second monomer, oligomer, polymer, or combination thereof.

Abstract: Components of a mixture are separated by feeding charged molecules of the components into a end surface of a suitable medium, for example a gel. The molecules are drawn in a first direction through the medium by means of an DC electric field, while at the same time being subjected to an alternating voltage with a strongly asymmetric profile in a direction transverse to the first direction. The nonlinear behavior of the electrically-generated migration causes a large number of molecules to migrate transversely out of the medium while only a small number of molecules reach the opposite end surface of the medium. A superimposed DC voltage in the transverse direction selects which of the mixture components migrate all the way through the medium in the first direction. The separated components can be sampled from the opposite end surface and from points on the upper and lower medium surfaces.

Abstract: An electroplating system is provided. The system comprises a reaction tank, a tube, and a video bubble detector. The reaction tank, having a first diameter, contains a plating solution. The tube, connecting to the reaction tank, comprises an inflow tube and a branch, wherein the inflow tube inputs the plating solution into the reaction tank, and the branch has an enlarged part having the first diameter. The video bubble detector, mounted on the enlarged part of the branch, detects the presence of a bubble in the plating solution flowing through the branch.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for plating conductive materials on a substrate. One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for plating a conductive material on a substrate. The apparatus comprises a fluid basin configured to retain an electrolyte, a contact ring configured to support the substrate and contact the substrate electrically, and an anode assembly disposed in the fluid basin, wherein the anode assembly comprises a plurality of anode elements arranged in rows.

Abstract: Processes and systems for electrolytically processing a microfeature workpiece with a first processing fluid and an anode are described. Microfeature workpieces are electrolytically processed using a first processing fluid, an anode, a second processing fluid, and an anion permeable barrier layer. The anion permeable barrier layer separates the first processing fluid from the second processing fluid while allowing certain anionic species to transfer between the two fluids. The described processes produce deposits over repeated plating cycles that exhibit resistivity values within desired ranges.

Abstract: A pulse current from a pulse current supply side is fed to a middle part of an anode holding body to which anodes are connected; both end portions of a cathode holding body, to which cathodes are connected, are connected to a negative pole on the pulse power source side; and inductances of wiring between adjacent anodes and inductances of wiring between adjacent cathodes are set at a ratio of 1:2:3:4 in a direction of spacing from a connection to the pulse power source side. Pulse currents are equally fed to each work and it can be ensured that chromium plating treatment of each work is made equal.

Abstract: A method for fabricating metal wires is disclosed. A substrate is first provided, and a first metal layer is formed over the surface of the substrate. Next, a mask with patterns is formed on the surface of the substrate, in which the first metal layer is partially exposed. Next, an electroplating process is performed to form a second metal layer on top of the partially exposed first metal layer. Next, the mask with patterns is removed and an etching process is performed to remove part of the first metal layer by utilizing the second metal layer as a mask for forming a metal wire.

Abstract: To provide a tin electroplating solution devoid of harmful lead and having excellent solder wettability, and a method for depositing a tin film on electronic parts using such a tin electroplating solution. The tin electroplating solution includes organic acids, a naphtholsulfonic acid and, as needed, an antioxidant and a surfactant is disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for electrochemically depositing a polysaccharide mass having a selected physical state. According to an embodiment, an electrically conductive support of a substrate is contacted with an aqueous solution including a selectively insolubilizable polysaccharide, and the selectively insolubilizable polysaccharide is electrochemically deposited on the electrically conductive support while controlling deposition conditions to form the polysaccharide mass having the selected physical state, such as that of a hydrogel. Deposition may be performed in a spatially and/or temporally controlled manner.

Abstract: The invention describes heat exchange devices for dry-type inlet end-boxes of mercury cathode chlor-alkali electrolysis cells. The devices increase the heat exchange between recycled mercury and feed brine with the purpose of reducing the temperature of mercury to a substantial extent The devices consist of a first element directed to subdivide the mercury flow into a fine and a stable dispersion of rivulets and droplets and of a second element capable of increasing the brine level to allow the prolonged contact thereof with mercury. The decrease of mercury temperature below the critical value of 90-95 ° C. determines an advantageous duration improvement of the end-box internal lining.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation reactor is provided for treating waste water and removing contaminants therefrom. The reactor is typically a six sided rectangular water tight housing which has an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. There are a multiplicity of charged plates located parallel to one another within the housing. Adjacent plates are typically oppositely charged and water will pass between the plates as it flows through the reactor. The electric field between the plates will help encourage coagulation of waste matter which then may be removed from the waste water downstream of the electrocoagulation reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an external capsule for holding fluid material suitable for preserving medical device, in particular a dental implant, wherein the external capsule is formed of cyclic olefin copolymer.

Abstract: Handle device (100) for bottles or containers of various sizes comprising at least one grasping portion (2) for the manual engagement and at least one gripping portion (4) for a neck of a bottle (3) or container. The gripping portion (4) comprising at least one through hole (7) provided with an X axis, and at least two teeth (5), opposite and spaced with respect to the X axis. Said through hole (7) is centrally arranged in said device (100).

Abstract: A self-standing type golf bag comprising a light-weight main body and a pair of support legs is disclosed wherein the support legs are pushed out and spread with ease even if the weight of golf clubs and other items placed in the golf bag is heavy. The golf bag comprises a main body 12, support legs 30 attached to the main body, a push-up plate 34 attached to a lower end of the main body 12, push-up rods 36 whose upper ends are coupled to the support legs and whose lower ends are coupled to the push-up plate, and a support belt 102 attached to the main body 12 for supporting the push-up rods 36 from an inner side of the push-up rods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a package for products, in particular electronic components,comprising a box-shaped outer package (1) and an inner package (102), wherein the outer package is provided with an inner space (6) formed by at least a bottom (2) and sidewalls (3, 4) and the inner package is borne on at least two bearing parts (13) of the outer package folded in the inner package such that the inner package extends substantailly parallel to and at distance from the bottom of the outer package.

Abstract: A container for collecting sharps includes an opening adapted to receive sharps in a substantially vertical orientation, and an interior region for storing sharps received through the opening. The container includes a means for reorienting the sharps into an arrangement in which the sharps lie substantially parallel to one another within the interior region of the container. A method for configuring a sharps collection container includes the step of positioning a contoured surface of a guide element beneath an opening of the container to reorient sharps that are deposited through the opening into an arrangement in which the sharps are stored substantially parallel to one another in the container.

Abstract: A container for collecting sharps includes an opening adapted to receive sharps in a substantially vertical orientation, and an interior region for storing sharps received through the opening. The container includes a means for reorienting the sharps into an arrangement in which the sharps lie substantially parallel to one another within the interior region of the container. A method for configuring a sharps collection container includes the step of positioning a contoured surface of a guide element beneath an opening of the container to reorient sharps that are deposited through the opening into an arrangement in which the sharps are stored substantially parallel to one another in the container.

Abstract: A container for collecting sharps includes an opening adapted to receive sharps in a substantially vertical orientation, and an interior region for storing sharps received through the opening. The container includes a means for reorienting the sharps into an arrangement in which the sharps lie substantially parallel to one another within the interior region of the container. A method for configuring a sharps collection container includes the step of positioning a contoured surface of a guide element beneath an opening of the container to reorient sharps that are deposited through the opening into an arrangement in which the sharps are stored substantially parallel to one another in the container.

Abstract: A container for collecting sharps includes an opening adapted to receive sharps in a substantially vertical orientation, and an interior region for storing sharps received through the opening. The container includes a means for reorienting the sharps into an arrangement in which the sharps lie substantially parallel to one another within the interior region of the container. A method for configuring a sharps collection container includes the step of positioning a contoured surface of a guide element beneath an opening of the container to reorient sharps that are deposited through the opening into an arrangement in which the sharps are stored substantially parallel to one another in the container.