Abstract: An electrical switch has a fixed contact and a moving contact arranged for movement between an ON position in contact with the fixed contact and an OFF position out of contact with the fixed contact, and an operating member for operating the moving contact. A spring co-acts between the operating member and the moving contact and resiliently biases the moving contact towards each of the ON and OFF positions through an over-centre action of the spring. An end piece is fitted at each end of the spring, which has a formations for example, a groove, for pure rotary engagement with a part, for example a pin, movable with the operating member or moving contact for imparting resilient action upon the operating member or the moving contact.

Abstract: A door mirror retraction switch apparatus is configured to include a switch case, an insulator in which an actuator is disposed movably which is provided in an interior of the switch case in such a manner as to be surrounded by the switch case, and a lock mechanism, and a guide portion of the lock mechanism is formed in the insulator in such a manner as to have an opening which is made to open to an external surface of the insulator at one end thereof and to extend inwards of the insulator in a groove-like fashion from the opening, a lock member is movably inserted into the guide portion, and the opening of the guide portion is made to be closed by the switch case.

Abstract: A switch having an actuating handle, a restoring mechanism, a contact carrier, and a rocker. The handle is rotatable to be movable upward and downward and moves downward in response to being actuated. The restoring mechanism is movable upward and downward and is biased to move upward. The handle forces the restoring mechanism to move downward in response to being actuated. The carrier is displaceable between two positions. The rocker is rotatable and an end of the rocker facing away from the swivel axis is engaged with the carrier. During downward movement the restoring mechanism swivels the rocker in a first direction thereby causing the rocker to displace the carrier from one position to the other. During upward movement the restoring mechanism swivels the rocker in an opposite direction thereby causing the rocker to displace the carrier back to the original position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas production apparatus of the present invention comprises a) a dielectric hollow tube, b) a means for maintaining the dielectric hollow tube to a reduced pressure, c) a microwave source that generates a microwave, d) a waveguide coupled to the microwave source that applies the microwave to the dielectric hollow tube, e) a gas supply source that supplies a hydrogen element-containing gas into the dielectric hollow tube, wherein the hydrogen element-containing gas supplied into the dielectric hollow tube undergoes plasma discharge with aid of the microwave from the waveguide and produces reaction products including hydrogen gas through intramolecular bond breakage rather than heat decomposition, by collision of an electron produced by the plasma discharge with the hydrogen element-containing gas, and f) a separator that separates the hydrogen gas from the reaction products.

Abstract: Methods of using a plasma generator to ash a work piece is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes flowing gas that has a gaseous component able to form plasma under conditions of radio-frequency energy excitation into the container. A proportion of the gas is directed to a first region of the container to form a higher gas density in the first region of the container and a corresponding lower gas density in a second region of the container. Sufficient energy is applied to the gas in at least the first region to excite a proportion of the gaseous component able to form plasma.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting arcs in a plasma processing system is disclosed. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises an input to receive a measured value of a parameter related to power transfer from the RF power generator to a plasma load; arc detection circuitry that computes a dynamic boundary about the value of the parameter; and controller logic responsive to the arc detection circuitry, wherein the controller logic indicates an occurrence of an arc within the plasma load if a subsequent value of the parameter exceeds the dynamic boundary.

Abstract: A high-voltage capacitive electrostatic device is used to improve the performance of membrane-separation processes, particularly reverse-osmosis units, wherein species of a given ionic polarity are separated from water. The device is immersed in the water flowing across the membranes and is operated continuously at very high voltages, preferably greater than 30,000 volts DC. The charge on the wetted surface of the suspended particles is altered by the electrostatic field so generated and is found to reduce biofilm formation, thereby materially enhancing the performance of the membrane-separation system. The application of high-voltage electrostatic fields is also found to reduce corrosion of metallic surfaces in the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for easily generating ozone with a high concentration in the air without requiring a high voltage power supply or a vacuum apparatus, wherein an ozone gas with a high concentration is generated in the atmosphere around a hemimorphic crystal of which the direction of polarization is uniform by placing the crystal in the air and repeatedly heating and cooling the crystal, are provided.

Abstract: Certain embodiments relate to treating bodies such as indium preforms on a tape, using a processing system. In one embodiment, the system is adapted to receive and process a tape, and includes a gas mixing chamber adapted to receive a plurality of gases. The system also includes a processing chamber adapted to receive gas from the gas mixing chamber and adapted to receive a tape to be processed using the gas. The system also includes a gate valve positioned between the gas mixing chamber and the processing chamber. The system also includes an inlet chamber adapted to transmit an unprocessed tape into the processing chamber, and an outlet chamber adapted to receive a processed tape from the processing chamber.

Abstract: Defects on the edge of copper interconnects for back end of the line semiconductor devices are alleviated by an interconnect that comprises an impure copper seed layer. The impure copper seed layer covers a barrier layer, which covers an insulating layer that has an opening. Electroplated copper fills the opening in the insulating layer. Through a chemical mechanical polish, the barrier layer, the impure an impure copper seed layer derived from an electroplated copper bath copper seed layer, and the electroplated copper are planarized to the insulating layer.

Abstract: A method for forming photoelectric conversion substrate is provided. First, a conductive substrate is fixed onto a base in a vacuum chamber having a TiO2 target therein. After that, the vacuum chamber is heated so that the temperature therein is kept between 70˜100° C. Then, a plasma gas consisting of argon and oxygen is filled into the vacuum chamber. The filling pressure of the plasma gas is in the range of 1˜10 Pa and the flow ratio of argon to oxygen thereof is in the range of 9:1˜7:1. Finally, an anatase TiO2 layer is formed on the conductive substrate by sputtering. A method for manufacturing a dye-sensitized solar cell is also disclosed in the specification.

Abstract: A method of sputtering a metal substance onto at substrate selected from the group consisting of at least one of aluminum and magnalium alloy, includes the steps of: cleaning a surface of the substrate by tap water and R.O. water; coating a base coat on the surface of the substrate; coating a media coat over the base coat, wherein the media coat includes a mixture of poly-butadiene resin, alkyd, and toluene; sputtering the metal substance over the media coat by Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) process to form a metal layer on the media coat, wherein the metal substance is selected from the group consisting of aluminum and copper; and coating a top coat over the metal layer.

Abstract: An electrochemical discharge machining device includes a base, a sensor disposed on the base, a shaft rotatably disposed on the base, an electrode disposed at one end of the shaft and contacting with a work piece, an isolating element disposed between the sensor and the shaft, and a control module connected to the sensor. Current flows to the electrode via the shaft to machine the work piece, and the force exerted on the electrode by the work piece is transmitted via the shaft and the isolating element to the sensor converting the force into a signal sent to the control module for raising or lowering the base to maintain contact between the electrode and the work piece. The sensor serves as a detecting mechanism to ensure appropriate contact between the electrode and the work piece.

Abstract: A chamber that includes electrical contacts and a protective lid with a manually operated release is designed to receive a multi-well electroporation plate and to allow high-throughput electroporation on the well contents with minimal risk of electrical shock to the user and minimal opportunity for sample loss and contamination.

Abstract: By providing an enhanced drive system for electrochemical etch process tools, the operational range, as well as the reliability, may be enhanced. For this purpose, a high torque electric motor may be used in combination with an appropriate power transmission, which may be attached to a corresponding tool frame at a height level that is above a corresponding height level at which respective chemicals are provided to the substrate under process. Hence, the probability for contamination by chemicals may be significantly reduced, thereby also reducing maintenance efforts resulting in reduced production costs.

Abstract: A system for the disinfecting of low-conductivity liquids, in particular water, is provided. The system includes an electrochemical cell in which electrodes are arranged such that the liquid flushes or flows around them, and in which oxidizing agents are produced from the liquid by applying a current. A mixing unit is mounted downstream of the electrochemical cell in the flow direction, in which mixing unit the oxidizing agents are intermixed with the liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metal boride precursor mixture comprising a metal oxide and a boric oxide combined in such a manner so as to produce intimately linked clusters wherein the boric oxide is found within the metal oxide. Furthermore, the invention discloses a carbon composite material made with the metal boride precursor mixture and a carbonaceous component. Finally, the invention also teaches the process for preparing the metal boride precursor mixture comprising steps of providing a metal oxide and a boron oxide, mechanically mixing the metal oxide and the boron oxide at a temperature that liquefies the boron oxide and may impregnate the metal oxide to produce an intimately linked cluster of metal oxide and boric oxide.

Abstract: A detecting electrode is a NOx-decomposing electrode having a certain or a high NOx-decomposing/reducing ability, which is formed on a third solid electrolyte layer for decomposing a NOx to produce oxygen. The detecting electrode contains a noble metal Pt, a material ZrO2 of the third solid electrolyte layer, and a mixture containing silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3). Specifically, the detecting electrode contains 80% to 90% by weight of the Pt, 9.5% to 19.8% by weight of the ZrO2, and 0.2% to 0.5% by weight of the mixture containing silica and alumina.

Abstract: An erythrocyte sedimentation rate log capable of quickly and easily measuring an erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the blood by measuring the number of erythrocytes in the blood passing through a branched channel from a small amount of blood in an electrical manner without an additional driving means is disclosed. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate log includes a main body formed of an upper plate and a lower plate, a blood introduction part formed in the main body to include an inlet and an outlet formed at one side of the upper plate of the main body, a channel disposed at one side of the blood introduction part to communicate with the blood introduction part such that erythrocytes in blood pass through the channel, and a current supply part installed in the channel to supply constant current to cause an electrical resistance in erythrocytes.

Abstract: The present invention details a nanostructured electrochemical biosensor based on aptamer as the molecular recognition probe. The biosensor is comprised of an electrochemical cell that can be plugged into an electric controller. This electrochemical biosensor contains a working electrode made of the micro-/nano-scale gold dot array pattern, on which aptamer is immobilized on the surface of the dot array as the molecular recognition probe. The aptamer is labeled with an electrochemical indicator. Reversible binding of an analyte to the aptamer causes the change in the conformation of aptamer, consequently brings the electrochemical indicator close to the electrode surface. This results in the electron transfer from the electrochemical indicator to the electrode, which can be read as a change in output current or potential.

Abstract: A method of applying a coating to an internal surface of a device includes applying an electric current through an interior space of the device to electrodeposit resin particles onto a first portion of the internal surface and curing the resin particles to form a coating on the first portion of the internal surface. The method further includes repeating an application of the electric current through the interior space of the device to electrodeposit resin particles onto a second portion of the internal surface and curing the resin particles to form a coating on the second portion of the internal surface. The application of the electric current through the interior space and the curing of the resin particles may be repeated until a coating is formed on all of the internal surface.

Abstract: Method for improving selectivity and productivity during purification of charged macromolecules and particles by electrofiltration by means of membranes in the electric filed. The ratio between the electric field and the permeate flow through the membrane is kept constant.

Abstract: A method of augmenting the separation of immiscible heavier and lighter components of an emulsion including the steps of conducting the emulsion into a treatment vessel, providing an AC voltage source, employing from the source an AC voltage of at least one selected frequency F1 to establish at least one electric filed within the vessel through which the emulsion passes, and cyclically modulating the AC voltage with a method of modulation selected from: (a) amplitude modulation; (b) frequency modulation; and (c) combined amplitude and frequency modulation.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an electroless deposition process are provided. The system generally includes an electroless plating cell having a work piece to be plated positioned therein, the work piece also being positioned in communication with an electroless plating solution contained by the plating cell, and a voltage measurement device in communication with the work piece and the electroless plating solution, the voltage measurement device being configured to measure the electrical potential difference between the work piece and the plating solution.

Abstract: Provided are a method of forming a phase change layer, a method of manufacturing a storage node using the method of forming a phase change layer, and a method of manufacturing a phase change memory device using the method of manufacturing a storage node. The method of forming a phase change layer may use an electrochemical deposition (ECD) method. The method of forming the phase change layer may include forming an electrolyte by mixing a solvent and precursors, each precursor containing an element of the phase change layer, dipping an anode plate and a cathode plate in the electrolyte to be spaced apart from each other, wherein the cathode plate may be a substrate on which the phase change layer is to be deposited, setting deposition conditions of the phase change layer; and supplying a voltage between the anode plate and the cathode plate.

Abstract: A pre-treating solution for electroplating zinc alloy surface contains copper ions, hydroxyl ions, a complexing agent and an additive, wherein the additive is selected from sodium phosphate, sodium hypophosphite, phosphoric acid and dissolvable salts of phosphoric acid. The zinc alloy is dipped in the pre-treating solution and electroplated with a copper coating layer. Then, the zinc alloy is further dipped in a copper sulfate solution for thickening the copper coating layer and lastly coated with an anti-corrosion metal layer. Thereby, zinc alloy has excellent anti-corrosion and anti-wearing efficiency and varnish appearance. Moreover, the pre-treating solution contains no cyanide and thus is low toxic and safe to operator during electroplating and to environment after discharging.

Abstract: A pre-treating solution for electroplating magnesium alloy surface contains copper ions, a complexing agent and an additive, wherein the complexing agent is selected from potassium sodium tartrate, potassium tartrate, sodium tartrate, tartaric acid, and dissolvable salts derivative from tartaric acid and the additive is selected from sodium phosphate, sodium hypophosphite, phosphoric acid and dissolvable salts derivative from phosphoric acid or hypophosphite acid. The magnesium alloy is dipped in the pre-treating solution and electroplated with a copper coating layer. Then, the magnesium alloy is further dipped in a copper sulfate solution for thickening the copper coating layer and lastly coated with an anti-corrosion metal layer. Thereby, magnesium alloy has excellent anti-corrosion and anti-wearing efficiency and varnish appearance. Moreover, the pre-treating solution contains no cyanide and thus is low toxic and safe to operator during electroplating and to environment after discharging.

Abstract: Designs, fabrication and applications of nanostructures made of an alloy of two or more different metal elements to provide a unique identification code based on the composition of the alloy. Such compositionally encoded nanostructures can be in various geometries including but not limited to nanoparticles, nanowires and nanotubes. In one example, a single-step electroplating process may be used to form alloy nanowires without separate electroplating steps.

Abstract: A cathode plate and method for electro-refining or electro-winning of metal. The cathode includes a cathode blade and hanger bar. A quantity of electrically conductive material is wrapped around the hanger bar and along the cathode blade to a position, in use, proximate the level of electrolyte in the electrolytic bath. The provision of a deeper and preferably thicker coating of electrically conductive material, as compared with conventional cathode plates, reduces power consumption in the electrolytic circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for recovering copper and other metal values from metal-containing materials through pressure leaching operations. In accordance with the various aspects of the present invention, metal-containing pregnant leach solutions from pressure leaching operations need not be significantly diluted to facilitate effective metal recovery using solvent extraction and electrowinning.

Abstract: Embodiments of a ball assembly are provided. In one embodiment, a ball assembly includes a housing, a ball, a conductive adapter and a contact element. The housing has an annular seat extending into a first end of an interior passage. The conductive adapter is coupled to a second end of the housing. The contact element electrically couples the adapter and the ball with is retained in the housing between seat and the adapter.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for electrolytically controlling the formation of scale and biofilm in water purification and other systems. An anode is deposited on or disposed on or adjacent to a surface, such as that of a quartz UV tube, providing a low pH environment which inhibits the formation of carbonate scale and biofilm.

Abstract: The present invention of a carbon material activation equipment and method is advantageous in that since a carbon material used for electric process does not have to be an electrode shape, it is possible to separate the activated carbon material from a reactor free from damage to the activated carbon material after the electric process. A carbon material activation equipment according to the present invention comprises a reactor 12 to be filled with a particulate carbon material, an insulating container 10 with said reactor 12 placed therein, an electrolyte 18 to fill said insulating container 10 and said reactor 12, a counter electrode 14 placed under said reactor 12 in said insulating container 10, and a voltage applying means 22 to apply a voltage to said reactor 12, a working electrode, and said counter electrode 14.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cathodic protection system of reinforced concrete structures with discrete anodes obtained starting from a corrugated planar substrate welded to a longitudinal current collector. The anodes of the invention are particularly suitable for being installed rolled in cylinders, with their axis parallel to the current collectors, positioned inside holes made in the concrete of the structure to be protected.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a method of determining hydration of a sensor having a plurality of electrodes is disclosed. In particular embodiments, the method couples a sensor electronics device to the sensor and measures the open circuit potential between at least two of the plurality of electrodes. Then, the open circuit potential measurement is compared to a predetermined value. In some embodiments, the plurality of electrodes includes a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode. In still further embodiments, the open circuit potential between the working electrode and the reference electrode is measured. In other embodiments, the open circuit potential between the working electrode and the counter electrode is measured. In still other embodiments, the open circuit potential between the counter electrode and the reference electrode is measured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical sensor strips and methods of determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample or improving the performance of a concentration determination. The electrochemical sensor strips may include at most 8 ?g/mm2 of a mediator. The strips, the strip reagent layer, or the methods may provide for the determination of a concentration value having at least one of a stability bias of less than ±10% after storage at 50° C. for 4 weeks when compared to a comparison strip stored at ?20° C. for 4 weeks, a hematocrit bias of less than ±10% for whole blood samples including from 20 to 60% hematocrit, and an intercept to slope ratio of at most 20 mg/dL. A method of increasing the performance of a quantitative analyte determination also is provided.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a substrate patterning process, wherein at least two electrodes (2, 3) are used to apply a voltage to the substrate (1) to cause a reaction in a portion of the substrate, comprises recording a current-driven by said voltage as a function of time and/or as a function of a position of the substrate (1) or a patterning mask. Also disclosed are a device and a computer program product for monitoring the substrate patterning process.

Abstract: An etching process is employed to selectively pattern the top magnetic film layer, the tunnel barrier, and the pinned bottom magnetic layer of a magnetic thin film structure. The pinned bottom magnetic film layer has an antiferromagnetic layer or a Ru spacer formed thereunder. The etching process employs various etching steps that selectively remove various layers of the magnetic thin film structure stopping on the antiferromagnetic layer or the Ru spacer. The progress of this etching process can be monitored by measuring the electrochemical potential difference of a part or wafer containing a magnetic structure with respect to a reference electrode simultaneously with the selective etching process.

Abstract: A coin change organizing holder for personal use in a wallet/billfold or purse is constructed in such a fashion as to allow the coins to be retained in a series of rows or channels on the surface of a small thin rectangular card and to easily slide slightly above the surface of the card and partially overlap in a compact manner.

Abstract: A carrier is configured to hold a container having a door mounted for reciprocation between opened and closed positions. The carrier includes a body adapted to receive the container as well as an extension coupled for reciprocal movement with respect to the body. The extension is adapted for engagement with the door of the container, and the reciprocal movement of the extension is adapted to reciprocate the door of the container between the opened and closed position. A container system including a container and the carrier is also provided.

Abstract: An artist's paint box comprising: a substantially parallelepiped box having an interior chamber, combination hinged easel and cover, and storage compartment having a hinged cover; a removably replaceable palette matingly received within the chamber and having opposing cutouts substantially parallel to each other and another cutout transverse to the opposing cutouts, the opposing cutouts and the transverse cutout forming a substantially U shape, a recessed paint color mixing area substantially centrally disposed between and adjacent the opposing cutouts and adjacent the transverse cutout, and a recessed paintbrush and tool holding area adjacent the transverse cutout and opposing the recessed paint color mixing area; removably replaceable paint wells removably and matingly received within the opposing cutouts and the transverse cutout, each of the removably replaceable paint wells having exteriorly disposed opposing side ridges resting on opposing edges adjacent each of the opposing cutouts and other opposing e

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for preparing a grand bale (10) of pulp sheet or similar. The grand bale (10) of pulp sheet contains two or more pulp-sheet bales (12), each of which pulp-sheet bales (12) is bound by wrapping a web-like wrapping band (16) around the bale to bind the bale. The wrapping band (16) has a start (18) lying against the pulp-sheet bale (12) and an end (20) remaining on the surface of the wrapping band (16). 1.5 or more rounds of wrapping band (16) are wrapped around the pulp-sheet bale (12). The pulp-sheet bales (12) are placed on top of each other, in such a way that gravity forms a bond between the rounds of wrapping band (16) when they remain between two of the pulp-sheet bales (12) on top of each other in the grand bale (10). The invention also relates to a corresponding grand bale (10) of pulp sheet.

Abstract: A multi-functional storage apparatus for selectively supporting a capturing device includes a main casing having a receiving cavity and a supporting arrangement. The supporting arrangement is provided on the main casing to operate the main casing between a normal storing mode and an capturing mode, wherein in the normal storing mode, the supporting arrangement is arranged to rest on the main casing so as to allow the main casing to function as a portable carrying device through storing objects within the receiving cavity, wherein in the capturing mode, the supporting arrangement is selectively extended from the main casing to detachably attach to the image capturing device, in such a manner that the image capturing device is securely and suspendedly supported by the main casing as a supporting base for stably capturing image in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A multi-functional storage apparatus for selectively supporting a capturing device includes a main casing having a receiving cavity and a supporting arrangement. The supporting arrangement is provided on the main casing to operate the main casing between a normal storing mode and an capturing mode, wherein in the normal storing mode, the supporting arrangement is arranged to rest on the main casing so as to allow the main casing to function as a portable carrying device through storing objects within the receiving cavity, wherein in the capturing mode, the supporting arrangement is selectively extended from the main casing to detachably attach to the image capturing device, in such a manner that the image capturing device is securely and suspendedly supported by the main casing as a supporting base for stably capturing image in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a case comprising at least one partition wall. Said at least one partition wall is dismountable and useful as a sitting and/or knee cushion.

Abstract: This invention is a method and device for treating beverages, particularly wine, with negative ions and thereby enhancing the flavor of the beverages. The invention is preferably a container designed to enclose the beverage where the inside of the container is coated with a substance (such as a powder) that emits or generates negative ions. The treatment process will take place over several hours to several days depending on the desired strength of the treatment.

Abstract: A handheld storage and mixing device is disclosed. The device can include first and second separate containers each defining a distinct internal cavity. The first container can be movable (e.g., rotatable) relative to the second container between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the cavities can be substantially sealed from one another. In the second position, a first gas forming ingredient in one of the cavities can mix with a second gas forming ingredient in the other cavity to form a gas, such as chlorine dioxide gas. The device can have one or more filtered openings to allow gas generated by mixing the first and second gas forming ingredients to escape into the ambient environment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatuses and systems for storing, dispensing, and reconstituting materials. Apparatuses may comprise a container to store a material having an open end and a dispensing aperture. A cover may be configured to seal the open end of the container and a sleeve can include a passageway to slidably receive the container. The container may be moveable within the sleeve between a storing position wherein the dispensing aperture is covered and a dispensing position wherein the dispensing aperture is uncovered to dispense the material. Systems may additionally comprise a reservoir having an opening and the sleeve configured for mounting on the reservoir opening so that when the container is moved to the dispensing position the material is dispensed into the reservoir to form a reconstituted material.

Abstract: A media package configured to contain a piece of print media such that a cover of the piece of print media may be displayed without opening the removable lid and to contain one or more product display portals enabling a product other than the print media to be contained in the box and be viewable outside of the box without opening the box. Thus, the media package enables print media and other products, such as those that appeal to readers of the print media, to be marketed together with the print media to increase sales of the print media. The products may be, but are not limited to, lotions, body cleansers, soaps, makeup, and sun care products.

Abstract: A memory card holder and organizer is disclosed providing consumers with a compact, convenient, and complete solution to organize their flash memory cards and catalog the contents of each memory card. An individual memory card holder includes a piece of paper, cardboard or other stock to which is affixed a memory card pocket for holding a memory card. The stock further includes an indexing space next to the memory card pocket, which indexing space may have lines printed on the stock for a user to provide a description of the contents of the memory card stored in the pocket. One or more individual memory card holders may be stored within pockets on a folio panel, or page. The card holders may be on a front surface of a folio page, and the back surface may have a corresponding number of pockets for storing print-outs or other information contained on or related to the contents of the memory card within the corresponding pocket on the front surface of the folio.