Abstract: The present invention is to provide a plating apparatus and a process for manufacturing a semiconductor device whereby passivation of an anode can be prevented and reduction in a current efficiency and a deposition rate of a plating film can be prevented. A plating apparatus 1 has a plating bath 11 which contains a plating solution; an anode 12 and a cathode 13 within the plating bath 11; and a switching control unit 16 which switches between a first state where a current is applied between a plating object 2 in contact with the plating solution and the anode 12 and a second state where a current is interrupted between the plating object 2 and the anode 12 while applying a current between the anode 12 and the cathode 13. The anode 12 is a soluble electrode containing a metal capable of being passivated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods for reducing formation of void-type defects on the surface of a substrate during electrochemical plating. Embodiments of the invention provide methods to improve the wetting of a substrate surface prior to immersion and thereby minimize adhesion of bubbles to the substrate surface during immersion. A thin uniform metal oxide is formed on a metal layer on the substrate immediately prior to substrate immersion. In one aspect, exposing the substrate to an oxygen-containing gas, e.g. air, forms the metal oxide. The oxygen-containing gas may be flowed over the substrate or the substrate may be rotated at a high rate in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas. In another aspect, non-uniform metal oxides are first removed from the substrate in an anneal process and a thin uniform metal oxide is subsequently re-formed. An optimized substrate immersion method may also be used to further reduce void defects.

Abstract: A process for substantially improving the heat transmission and reflection properties of anodized metals is presented along with a method of improving such properties while allowing for such processed anodized metals to be used for food contact.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells modules made up of couples of catalytic multilayer porous electrodes forming the anodes and the cathodes and delimitating external gaseous areas and internal areas containing the electrolyte wherein the pressure modulators, generating two pressure cycles independently synchronized but of opposite phase, act at the inlet and at the outlet of the electrolyte and the multilayer porous electrodes are weeping on the gas side. According to a preferred embodiment the multilayer porous electrodes are hydrophobic and conductive on the gas side, the conductive and catalytic middle layers are hydrophobic and hydrophilic, the non-conductive and non-catalytic layer on the electrolyte side is hydrophilic.

Abstract: An electrolyzer which decomposes distilled water into a new fuel composed of hydrogen, oxygen and their molecular and magnecular bonds, called HHO. The electrolyzer can be used to provide the new combustible gas as an additive to combustion engine fuels or in flame or other generating equipment such as torches and welders. The new combustible gas is comprised of clusters of hydrogen and oxygen atoms structured according to a general formula HmOn wherein m and n have null or positive integer values with the exception that m and n can not be 0 at the same time, and wherein said combustible gas has a varying energy content depending on its use.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the production of hydrogen and oxygen within an electrolysis cell having a coated anode such that these gases can be added to the fuel source (fossil fuel and/or alternative fuels) of a combustion engine system as a supplement for said fuel source(s) for increased performance.

Abstract: Operationally-stressed components are often returned to use by means of an acid treatment. The duration during which the component remains in the acid is conventionally fixed at a standard value, such that individual stresses are not taken into account.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor strip has a base and a first electrode and a second electrode on the base. An oxidoreductase enzyme and a mediator are on the first electrode, and a soluble redox species is on the second electrode. The soluble redox species may be an organotransition metal complex, a transition metal coordination complex, an electroactive organic molecule, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of sensing NH3 in a gas and sensors therefore. In one embodiment, a method of sensing NH3 in a gas comprises: contacting a NOx electrode with the gas, and determining if a NOx emf between the NOx electrode and a reference electrode is greater than a selected emf. If the NOx emf is greater than the selected emf, a NH3 emf between an NH3 electrode and the reference electrode is determined. If the NOx emf is not greater than the selected emf, a NH3 emf between the NH3 electrode and the NOx electrode is determined.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are NOx sensors and methods of using the same. In one embodiment, a method for sensing NOx comprises: contacting a first NOx electrode with the gas, contacting a second NOx electrode with the gas, determining a NO2 emf between the first NOX electrode and a first reference electrode, determining a NOx emf between the second NOx electrode and a second reference electrode, and determining a NO2 concentration and a NO concentration using the NO2 emf and the NOx emf. The first electrode can be at a first temperature of greater than or equal to about 700 ° C., and the second electrode can be at a second temperature of about 500 ° C. to about 650 ° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for receiving a fluid sample, which is designed such as to form an electrode, such as a counter electrode or a working electrode, in an electrochemical cell. The inventive device comprises an end part having at least one cavity which opens to the exterior via an opening and which is equipped with a base. The invention is characterized in that the aforementioned end part comprises a first electrically-insulating hydrophobic zone which is adjacent to the cavity opening and a second electrically-conducting hydrophilic zone which is adjacent to the first zone and which at least partially covers the base of the cavity, such that, when the end part is immersed in the fluid and then removed therefrom, the cavity retains part of the fluid by means of capillary action.

Abstract: A keepsake storage jewelry apparatus hermetically preserves and securely stores remembrance objects in a decorative jewelry piece. A first portion of the apparatus has an external door member. A receiving vessel is fixedly housed within the first portion. The receiving vessel has an inner vessel door for housing the remembrance object in an airtight environment therewithin. This dual door configuration provides a highly secure and airtight environment. Remembrance objects, such crematory ashes, hair samples, blood, or other DNA containing items are permanently secured within a decorative jewelry piece, enabling them to be admired and worn in a safe, reliable manner.

Abstract: A rupturable seal includes a first and second thermoplastic polymer layer and a third continuous polymer layer between the first and second polymer layers. The third polymer layer forms a first physical polymer blend with the first layer, and forms a second physical polymer blend with the second layer. The third layer can include a continuous fibrous strip of nonwoven polymeric microfibers, which may melt within a sealing region. Methods of making such seals and multi-compartment containers comprising such seals are disclosed. Applications for food storage and preparation and other diverse end uses are disclosed.

Abstract: Packaging and delivery systems and methods for lighting devices such as streetlights. One embodiment of the invention includes a lighting device packaging and delivery system for a partially or completely preassembled and pre-wired luminaire and pole. The packaging and methods allow the unit to be shipped and installed with very little or no assembly required. The unit, or multi-pack of units, may be packaged with all of the required components, such as the photo control and lamp, already installed.

Abstract: A storage container system of stackable containers for storage and transport of assembleable toys or puzzles. The device features a container with hinged first and second halves forming an interior cavity when releasably engaged. Each container has a plurality of projections extending from one exterior surface adapted for cooperative frictional engagement into the recesses in the opposite side of a similar sized container stacked upon it. In addition to storage, the containers provide depictions of the stored toy allowing identification by non-reading children, and an organized working surface for toy assembly.

Abstract: A toothbrush box with sterilization function includes a box body, a fixing rack, an ozone generator, a negative ion generator, an ultraviolet lamp, and an antibiotic filter that is coated with a nano-silver on a surface thereof and is wrapped on the ultraviolet lamp, wherein the fixing rack and the ultraviolet lamp are mounted on an upper surface of a bottom portion of the box body, and the ozone generator and the negative ion generator are installed in a compartment of the bottom portion. When the toothbrush box is power supplied, the ultraviolet lamp wrapped with the antibiotic filter, the ozone generator and the negative ion generator can sterilize toothbrushes placed in the box. Moreover, the negative ion generator can produce negative ions to dehumidify and deodorize the toothbrushes.

Abstract: The Carpet/Rug Sleeve Protector is the only sleeve rug protector for carpets and rugs that is made of a 1.5 millimeter polyvinyl material. Being made of a polyvinyl material, the sleeve protector will totally enclose the carpet or rug, allowing it to withstand any type of environment regardless of whether it is being stored in the warehouse, or is in transit on the back of a carrier. The Carpet/Rug Sleeve Protector is the only carpet or rug protector that allows the manufacturer or dealer the opportunity to advertise its business on the sleeve, giving the protector a greater value. The advertising can be custom designed for each of the manufacturers or dealers and can be changed for different promotions or products. There were no other patents found in the search that resembled this carpet/rug sleeve protector. The only protectors found had to do with furniture protection.

Abstract: A carton for enclosing cylindrical articles includes a dispenser that provides access to at least two endmost articles in an uppermost row, and to at least one article in a lowermost row, when fully loaded. The dispenser is defined by contiguous severance lines that extend across the top wall, side walls, and end wall. The dispenser is opened by tearing the severance lines to define a stopper wall and as a recess in each side wall that, at its lowest point, is spaced at a distance above the bottom wall less than half the height of the carton, with the dimensions and position of the recess being sufficient to expose at least part of the ends of one or more lowermost articles. Each side wall severance line meets the end wall severance line at a distance above the bottom wall no less than half the height of the carton.

Abstract: A package is formed from a carton and containers extending through a bottom panel of the carton. Engaged upper and lower strut pairs and brace apertures in the carton sidewalls provide support for the containers accommodated within the carton.

Abstract: Codes, such as those representing dates (324), barcodes (326) and incrementing values (325) are applied onto packaged consumer products by a coder (410). The coder receives instructions from a processing system (406) composite data (405) representing information to be coded onto the packaging is received by the processing system (406). Coder instructions for a coder processing subsystem (411) are generated by processing system (406) with reference to coder capabilities (409). In response to these coder capabilities, the processing system (406) either instructs the coder to generate a graphical representation in response to said instructions or assists the coder to generate a graphical representation before supplying lower level instructions to the coder.

Abstract: A tool packaging includes a suspension part by means of which a tool having a grooved shaft can be hung. An end of the suspension part has a receiving tunnel, through which the shaft of the tool can be inserted. A stop for axially bracing the tool is spaced from the receiving tunnel. A bracket can be snapped in between the stop and the tunnel, whereby there at least one projection that is adapted to at least one groove of the shaft is formed and engages into the groove.

Abstract: A bundle pack includes a tray having a bottom, a sidewall, and a tray longitudinal axis. A plurality of packaged products disposed in the tray and the packaged products each having a product longitudinal axis and a product transverse axis. The plurality of packaged products is each disposed at an angle in the tray such that each product longitudinal axis forms a product angle ? with the tray longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A grommet is provided with an anchoring structure or structures for capturing a shrink wrap sleeve thereagainst, to inhibit the sleeve from sliding off the grommet. The anchoring structures are remote from an end surface of the grommet in an assembly.

Abstract: Camp boxes have end plates adapted to support the boxes in a variety of positions. The end plates on a box have a series of pole receiver holes formed around their edges, so that poles inserted into the holes support the box. The plate edges and/or faces may also include peg receiver holes, so that two boxes may be attached by inserting a peg into a peg receiver hole on an end plate of each box. The pegs and peg receiver holes may include locking mechanisms.

Abstract: A child-resistant medicament storage and distribution back card for senior-friendly and child-resistant distribution of a medicament. The back card is incorporated into a medication package where it protects the area of the package that is most susceptible to attacks on the integrity of the package. The back card has a card opening feature bounded by a perimeter that includes at least two cuts and at least two lands, often thought of as perforations. The cuts extend through the back card, and the lands connect the back card to the card opening feature. Each cut has a cut length and each land has a land length. The ratio of any land length to any cut length is between approximately 0.25 and approximately 0.

Abstract: A stack (24) of vest-style bags (10), each bag comprises a front layer and a rear layer of flexible sheet material. The layers define a bag body having a closed base end (12), closed sides (14, 16) and an open mouth end (18) opposite the base end (12). The front and rear layers each define a tab (42) extending between handles (20, 22) of the bag. Each handle part defines an aperture (30, 32) to receive a pin of a dispenser. A further aperture (36) is provided to receive a hook pin of the dispenser adjacent the mouth of the bag.

Abstract: A compacted tube structure for forming bags. The structure includes a plurality of alternating inner and outer longitudinally extending folds that define a plurality of outwardly extending projections. The outwardly extending projections are stacked one upon another on a first side and a second side of the structure on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis. The structure may further include at least one S-fold extending across a width for shortening the length of the structure. Top and bottom projections on each side may include an edge tab. The top and bottom edge tabs may be sealed together to form an edge margin on each side for retaining the compacted configuration of the structure. The structure may also include a plurality of separation lines and sealed ends for defining one or more bags.

Abstract: A diagnostic test strip vial has a container, a lid, and a plurality of diagnostic test strips. The container has a generally annular wall that terminates at a base and at an open mouth at an end that is opposite the base. The annular wall is cut at an oblique angle creating a wall that has a high side and a low side at the open mouth. The low side of the annular wall of the container is shorter in length than a diagnostic test strip that enclosed in the vial when the lid is closed with the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic container having a rotatable cover including a mirror so that a user may look at the mirror from a desired direction. In a configuration of the cosmetic container, a body and the cover of the cosmetic container are connected by a shaft penetrating a pivot bearing and hinges formed on one side of the body or the cover, and the cover may be horizontally rotated with respect to the body by a pivot head integrally formed with the cover or the pivot bearing and divided in two.

Abstract: A packaging assembly includes a frame member and a retention member which is not permanently affixed to the frame member. The frame member can include a variety of features which allow the retention member to be tightened around an article to be packaged and thus protected from shocks and impacts during transport, display, and/or retail use. The retention member can be formed as a sleeve or with pockets for engaging the frame member.

Abstract: In a load port portion of a conventional clean device, it can happen that cleanliness is reduced by dust caused by wear of bellows and a lid is not separated by its weight from a main body. In order to solve such problems, a clean device is structured as follows: a lid of a clean box has a non-circular reception hole, a load port portion of the clean device has an opening/closing mechanism with a projection fittable in the receiving hole and has a buffer chamber, one end of bellows of the buffer chamber is connected to the bottom surface of the buffer chamber, and the other end of the bellows is fixed, on the outside of the buffer chamber, to raising/lowering means of a port door.

Abstract: A method for thermally cracking a hydrocarbonaceous feed material using a combustion fuel fired furnace wherein at least part of the combustion fuel employed in the furnace is syngas.

Abstract: Improved desulfurization compositions are provided for removing substantial fractions of sulfur, sulfur complexes, and sulfur compounds from liquid hydrocarbons such as crude oil and fuels. The preferred compositions comprise amine adducts, such as the adduct formed by reacting benzoic acid and a fatty acid amine. The compositions may be contacted with liquid hydrocarbons in the presence of water to achieve high levels of desulfurization. Preferably, the compositions are added substantially continuously to a flowing stream of liquid hydrocarbon and water, e.g., to the output from a producing oil well or in pipeline transmission and/or refinery equipment.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process and catalyst for removing arsenic and one or more other metal compounds, e.g. silicon, vanadium and nickel, from a hydrocarbon feedstock. The catalyst comprises a molybdenum compound and a nickel compound on a carrier. The catalyst has a surface area of at least 200 m2/g. Next to contaminant removal, the catalyst is also suitable for hydrodesulphurisation, hydrodenitrogenation and/or hydrogenation.

Abstract: A hybrid water and power system comprises a power generation device for generating electricity and waste heat and a thermal purification system that utilizes at least a portion of the waste heat to cleanse nonpotable water introduced therein to produce a semi-cleaned water stream and a water filtration system for receiving and processing at least a portion of the semi-cleaned water stream to produce a potable water stream. In one embodiment, a containerized hybrid water and power unit comprises a power generation device, a thermal purification system and a water filtration system, and is housed in a containment vessel. Containerized water and power unit has an input for fuel and nonpotable water and produces both electricity and potable water.

Abstract: An isotonic Ozone generator is disclosed. A supplementary liquid reservoir with pipeline is connected to the outlet of water-gas mixer with 3-way adapter and a flow meter pump at lower position. The hypertonic solution is accommodated in the liquid reservoir. With precise control of flow meter pump, the hypertonic solution from liquid reservoir is mixing with concentrated Ozone water from water-gas mixer at constant rate and ratio to form ISOTONIC OZONE WATER for directly applying onto internal or external wounds of human bodies for disinfection.

Abstract: A water dispenser in a refrigerator door can include a filter casing in the door opening into the bottom of the dispenser housing. The filter casing can include a top wall positioned in the bottom of the dispenser housing, a head assembly at the bottom of the filter casing connected to the water supply and to a water outlet in the dispenser, and can include a filter casing drain. A filter cartridge in the filter casing can connect to the head assembly. The filter casing can include a filter retainer mounted adjacent the opening into the filter casing and can hold the filter cartridge connected to the head assembly in a first position and can release the filter cartridge in a second position. The filter casing can include a drain line leading from the filter casing drain to a pan outside the refrigerated space.

Abstract: A filter for producing potable water filter comprises a housing including a water inlet and a water outlet, and a filter material arranged within the housing. The filter material comprises activated carbon particles, and a plurality of carbon nanofilaments disposed on the surface of the activated carbon particles. The filter is operable to provide potable water by removing contaminants from a liquid water stream flowing from the water inlet to the water outlet of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device having two or more separate filtration layers that can be independently tested for integrity yet which allow for serial filtration through the two or more layers to obtain the desired characteristics such as retention. The device is made of two or more filtration areas, each containing one filter layer. Each area has one filtration layer and a first endcap bonded to a first end of the filter and a second endcap bonded to a second end of the filter. The areas are arranged concentrically around each other such that the first area is inward of the second area which is inward of a third area and the like. Each area is formed separately and integrity tested separately before final assembly. The first area is slid into the inside of the second area and then the two endcaps are either bonded to each, bonded to a third overall endcap or overmolded by a third endcap.

Abstract: An oil filter includes an integrated bypass and anti-drain back valve. The valve is part of a valve assembly that includes a rigid support. The valve is constructed from a flexible material and includes unitary first and second legs that provide the bypass and anti-drain back features. The valve assembly is arranged between a tapping plate and a filter assembly.

Abstract: A spin-on oil filter can be mounted in an easily accessible position on an engine by means of an oil filter housing comprising a lower housing unit, which comprises an open-topped chamber, and an upper housing unit. A male threaded portion, adapted to mount a spin-on oil filter, extends up from the bottom surface of the lower housing unit. A flat gasket sealing surface is located on the bottom surface, wherein the gasket surface is perpendicular with the male threaded portion. The housing comprises three passages: (i) a first passage adapted to permit flow of dirty oil to an oil filter mounted on the male threaded portion; (ii) a second passage adapted to permit flow of filtered oil away from an oil filter mounted on the male threaded portion; and, (iii) a third passage adapted to permit drainage of oil from the open-topped chamber. The upper housing unit is removably attached to the lower housing unit, and is adapted to cover the open-topped chamber.

Abstract: Provided are a nanoporous membrane and a method of fabricating the same. The nanoporous membrane includes a support, and a separation layer including a plurality of nano-sized pores at a density of 1010/cm2 or greater and a matrix. The nanoporous membrane has a high flux and a high selectivity.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a hollow fiber membrane with enhanced phosphorus-removing performance without impairing antithrombogenicity in order to inhibit in vivo accumulation of phosphate ions in living body that might cause bone metabolism disorders. The present inventors have found that a hollow fiber membrane having a specific membrane structure and a specific membrane composition possesses a very useful range for inner surface charges of the membrane. More particularly, the inventors have discovered that the above object can be achieved in a limited range in which the zeta potential on the inner surface of a hollow fiber membrane measured under given certain conditions is greater than ?3.0 mV but less than 0 mV. This finding has led to the completion of the present invention.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of uniaxially drawn porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane is to process a semifinished product of polytetrafluoroethylene membrane after a corona treatment with an extension procedure and a shaping procedure to obtain finished porous membrane having uniform thickness, pore distribution, pore size and pore-space rate. By having the procedures and controlling the operational conditions in the manufacturing method, the finished porous membrane has excellent ventilation, moisture-permeability, and water-repellence efficiency. Moreover, the manufacturing method has simple produces without using accessory devices to reduce cost and to increase throughput as well. The finished membrane enables to apply on fabric, non-fabric, cloth or the similar for industrial applications.

Abstract: A septic tank cover formed of a blow molded body having an interior and an exterior. The septic tank cover body is formed from one or more layers of plastic material that are chosen for their chemical, mechanical or other properties. The septic tank cover body includes a port for inserting ballast or insulation into the interior of the cover. Additionally, septic tank cover includes non-slip and locking features.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane filter for water treatment, comprising a head piece including a permeate collecting chamber with a permeate outlet, and at least one fiber bundle made from capillary membranes, which are secured into the head piece with an end that is open towards the permeate collecting chamber and sealed on the opposite end thereof. The head piece contains an air duct to which the mouth piece that protrudes into the fiber bundle is connected with at least one air outlet. At its other end, the fiber bundle terminates in freely movable manner in the untreated water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating fluids, in particular waste waters involving coagulation/flocculation, clarification by filtration or flotation stages and a stage of filtration through micro-, ultra, and nanomembranes or of hyperfiltration. The inventive method consists in injecting two times several coagulating reagents in a quantity ranging from 75 to 125% of an optimal coagulation dose or a dose cancelling a Zeta potential (pz) in an area (area n° 1) situated upstream of the clarification stage (2) and from 0.1 to 25% of an optimal dose cancelling the pz in a second area (area n° 2) situated upstream of the stage of membrane filtration (4).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for desalinating seawater utilizing a two stage seawater desalination system, a first stage including at least one high performance nanofiltration membrane to receive seawater feed pressurized by a first stage pump sufficiently and to produce a first permeate, and a second stage including at least one high performance nanofiltration membrane to receive the first permeate pressurized by a second stage pump to between about 200 psi and about 300 psi to produce potable water.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reducing the contaminants in condensate resulting from the conversion of bauxite to alumina. The process involves coagulating solids in the condensate, filtering the condensate, and then purifying the condensate with a cation exchange resin and an anion exchange resin.

Abstract: Metal oxide modified or impregnated activated carbon as a sorbent to reduce multiple contaminants, such as arsenic and pesticide residues from a fluid.