Abstract: A circuit breaker has a housing and switching elements arranged within the housing for switching electrical power. Each switching element has a longitudinal direction which corresponds to the direction of a current flow with the switching element closed or which is parallel thereto. The circuit breaker is a three-phase breaker and has three switching elements the longitudinal directions of which are parallel, the three switching elements being arranged adjacent to each other in a cross-section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal directions and forming the vertices of a triangle.

Abstract: A telecommunications apparatus for use with a plug having at least first, second and third pins. The telecommunications apparatus includes a plug connector for receiving the plug. The plug connector includes at least first, second and third electrical contacts for electrically contacting the first, second and third pins, respectively, when the plug is inserted in the plug connector.

Abstract: Inside an outer electrode 52 formed tubularly by a flexible conductor, an inner electrode 53 formed linearly by a flexible conductor is disposed. Between the outer electrode 52 and the inner electrode 53, three spacer members 54 formed helically by an insulator are disposed, and by these spacer members 54 a gap is formed between the outer electrode 52 and the inner electrode 53. An inner lead wire 55 is disposed in an axis of the inner electrode 53 electrically connected to the inner electrode 53, and a helical outer lead wire 56 is disposed inside the outer electrode 52 taking an opposite position from the corresponding spacer member 54 with respect to the inner lead wire 55 and electrically connected to the outer electrode 52. By such a construction, a degree of freedom of bend is enhanced, and directional difference of the detection sensitivity is eliminated.

Abstract: Tamper-resistant alarm switch assemblies (22, 100, 124, 148) are provided which include a first movement-sensing switch (24) and a second tamper-sensing switch assembly (25) including a switchable component (26) and an actuating component (74, 136, 166), mounted on a member (30) and each being switchable between respective first and second movement-sensing and tamper-sensing switch states in response to relative movement between first and second members (30, 32), and relative shifting between the switch (26) and actuating component (74, 136, 166).

Abstract: A switch apparatus for the horn device of a vehicle includes an inflator housing and a terminal unit provided in the inflator housing and configured to include a first contact element connected to the inflator and a second contact element connected to the inflator housing. A switching plate is installed using elastic members, which are spaced apart and insulated from the inflator housing, so that the switching plate makes contact with the inflator housing if the inflator housing is pressed, thereby operating the horn. A connector unit is coupled to the terminal unit with inflator wires and a horn wire, and is provided therein with a first connection element and a second connection element so that the horn wire and the inflator housing are electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To provide a small-sized operation key, in which various kinds of inputs by a user can be detected and that imparts the user with a predetermined tactile sensation in correspondence with each input to enable him/her to recognize his/her input. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] An operation key has a dome-like structure, a pressure detecting portion, a sheet member placed on the dome-like structure and pressure detecting portion, having a plate-like portion, and further having at least one first pusher and at least one second pusher formed on the lower surface of the plate-like portion, and an operating portion provided on the upper surface of the sheet member. In the operation key structure, the dome-like structure and the first pusher face each other and the pressure detecting portion and the second pusher face each other, and an initial load is applied to the pressure detecting portion by the second pusher.

Abstract: An assembly for installation of a switch in the dashboard of a vehicle without the use of any tools. The assembly comprises a housing, a resilient member such as a washer spring, and a bezel. The switch is secured to the housing and subsequently inserted into the bezel which is integrated with the dashboard. The installation of the switch, which is secured to the housing is then completed through the interaction of a profiled wall on the bezel and a flange on the housing with the washer spring interposed between.

Abstract: A keycap and a press key structure along with a keyboard using the same are disclosed. The keycap, being comprised of a top and a bottom having a concave-convex structure formed thereon, is structured for allowing light to pass therethrough. There is a connecting component sandwiched between the keycap and a substrate in a manner that it is pivotally connected to the two in respective for allowing the keycap to move up and down in relative to the substrate. Moreover, there is at least a light source being disposed between the keycap and the substrate for projecting light to the concave-convex structure on the keycap? bottom and out of the keycap through the top thereof after being uniformly scattered by the concave-convex structure. Thus a press key is constructed. It is noted that by arranging a plurality of the aforesaid press keys in an array, a keyboard is constructed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an illuminated keyboard. The keyboard includes a base plate; a membrane switch above the base plate; at least one key member above the membrane switch; an electroluminescent sheet between the key member and the membrane switch; and at least one elastic member positioned on the electroluminescent sheet, the electroluminescent sheet supporting the elastic member, wherein when pressing the key member, the elastic member will be pushed to trigger the membrane switch.

Abstract: An electrical switch including a first section; a second section; and a contact arm rotatably connected to the first section. An end of the contact arm is movable between an open position spaced from the second section and a closed position contacting the second section. The second section includes a cam assembly configured to assist in moving the end of the contact arm between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for treating flammable wastes and a method for treating the same, and more particularly, to a thermal decomposition treatment system of the flammable waste and a waste treatment method of the waste using the same through which the flammable waste inputted into a trash burner is shielded from air or gas and the waste is thermally decomposed and carbonated through a indirect heating by a heating tube for combustible gas to be extracted and recovered for a reuse without emitting contaminated gas, etc.

Abstract: Method for automatically distilling liquid specimens in a standardized distillation apparatus containing a heater, a distillation flask, a collecting cylinder and control and regulation means, characterized in that: the specimen is introduced into the distillation flask; this flask is positioned in the distillation apparatus; the specimen to be analysed is classified in a group defined by the standard selected; the distillation is started, with the amount of condensate collected in the collecting cylinder, the temperature of the evaporated vapour. the temperature of the liquid specimen present in the flask, together with an operating parameter of the heater, being constantly measured; and the measured values are sent to the control and regulating means that in return control the operating parameter of the heater so as to obtain, directly and automatically, distillation parameters in accordance with a standard.

Abstract: A method for identifying a stabilized plasma within a processing chamber of a plasma processing system is provided. The method includes executing a strike step within the processing chamber to generate a plasma. The strike step includes applying a substantially high gas pressure within the processing chamber and maintaining a low radio frequency (RF) power within the processing chamber. The method also includes employing a probe head to collect a set of characteristic parameter measurements during the strike step, the probe head being on a surface of the processing chamber, wherein the surface is within close proximity to a substrate surface. The method further includes comparing the set of characteristic parameter measurements against a pre-defined range. If the set of characteristic parameter measurements is within the pre-defined range, the stabilized plasma exists.

Abstract: A highly protonated, supercharged, low pH, non-corrosive composition and process for making the composition wherein the composition has a milli-volt charge between 400 and 1400, a proton count between 8×10??and 14×10??, and a pH level at 1 part composition with 99 parts water between 0.9 and 1.8.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system for the generation of high voltage, pulsed, periodic corona discharges capable of being used in the presence of conductive liquid droplets. The method and system can be used, for example, in different devices for cleaning of gaseous or liquid media using pulsed corona discharge. Specially designed electrodes and an inductor increase the efficiency of the system, permit the plasma chemical oxidation of detrimental impurities, and increase the range of stable discharge operations in the presence of droplets of water or other conductive liquids in the discharge chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a magnetic recording medium, including a quartz lamp within a sputtering chamber to heat the medium between the application of layers and without disruption to the vacuum integrity of the sputtering system. A process using the apparatus for manufacturing the magnetic recording medium is also claimed.

Abstract: A method of sputtering a component includes positioning a conductive substrate into a vacuum chamber, wherein the conductive substrate is tubular and has a surface. A source electrode including a source material may be inserted into the conductive substrate. A first bias voltage ?Vac1 may be applied between the conductive substrate and the vacuum chamber and a second bias voltage ?Vas1 may be applied between the source electrode and the vacuum chamber, sputtering the source material onto the conductive substrate.

Abstract: A sputtering system for depositing a thin film on the surface of a disc substrate in which high precision positioning of an inner mask and an outer mask is facilitated. The sputtering system has a mask member placed on the surface of the substrate mounted on a substrate holder to cover a partial region on the surface of the substrate. A thin film is deposited by sputtering in a region on the surface of the substrate not covered by the mask member. A section for carrying in and carrying out the substrate has mechanically holds and releases the substrate holder mounting the substrate, and mechanically holds and releases the mask member.

Abstract: A magnetic field generation control unit and a magnetron sputtering apparatus and method using the magnetic field generation control circuit. The magnetic field generation control unit includes a magnetic field generator for providing a specific magnetic field to a target consisting of a metal material to be deposited on a substrate, and a magnetic field generator control module electrically connected with the magnetic field generator, receiving an electrical signal from outside, and selectively supplying a current capable of generating the magnetic field to the magnetic field generator. The target is prevented from being magnetized when a sputtering process is not performed, and the magnetic field is generated from the target when the process is performed. Consequently, it is possible to perform uniform deposition on the substrate.

Abstract: A magnetron unit moving apparatus for preventing magnetization and magnetron sputtering equipment having the same. The magnetron unit moving apparatus includes a magnetron unit disposed adjacent to a target, to generate a specific magnetic field, and a movement unit to space the magnetron unit and the target apart such that a strength of a magnetic field generated over the target is within a predetermined reference strength range. It is possible to space the target and the magnetron unit apart so as to prevent the target from being magnetized when a process is not performed.

Abstract: Methods of forming a barrier layer are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate into a physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber, supplying at least two reactive gases and an inert gas into the PVD chamber, sputtering a source material from a target disposed in the processing chamber in the presence of a plasma formed from the gas mixture, and forming a metal containing dielectric layer on the substrate from the source material. In another embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate into a PVD chamber, supplying a reactive gas the PVD chamber, sputtering a source material from a target disposed in the PVD chamber in the presence of a plasma formed from the reactive gas, forming a metal containing dielectric layer on the substrate from the source material, and post treating the metal containing layer in presence of species generated from a remote plasma chamber.

Abstract: A method for depositing at least one stable, transparent and conductive layer system on chalcopyrite solar cell absorbers. The at least one stable, transparent and conductive layer system may be formed via ionizing PVD (physical vapor deposition) technology by using either high power pulsed magnetron sputtering (HPPMS) or high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HIPIMS).

Abstract: A reactor for carrying out an etching method for a stack of masked wafers, using an etching gas, preferably chlorotrifluoride (ClF3), wherein the reactor includes a device for carrying out a plasma process. An etching method for masked wafers, using an etching gas, preferably chlorotrifluoride (ClF3), the wafer being pretreated in a plasma process before an etching process, wherein the wafer pretreatment and the etching process for a stack of wafers take place in a reactor chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for electromechanically and/or electrochemically-mechanically removing conductive material from a microelectronic substrate. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment includes a support member configured to releasably carry a microelectronic substrate and first and second electrodes spaced apart from each other and from the microelectronic substrate. A polishing medium is positioned between the electrodes and the support member and has a polishing surface positioned to contact the microelectronic substrate. At least a portion of the first and second electrodes can be recessed from the polishing surface. A liquid, such as an electrolytic liquid, can be provided in the recess, for example, through flow passages in the electrodes and/or the polishing medium. A variable electrical signal is passed from at least one of the electrodes, through the electrolyte and to the microelectronic substrate to remove material from the substrate.

Abstract: A sputtering apparatus includes: a film forming chamber that houses a substrate hold so as to be capable of being carried in a horizontal direction; a sputtered particle ejecting section that includes an upper target and a lower target that are disposed so as to face each other and oblique to the substrate, and an opening, and in which sputtered particles are generated from a pair of the targets by plasma, and the sputtered particles are ejected from the opening to the substrate carried from a side adjacent to the upper target to another side adjacent to the lower target; and a slit member that has a slit through which the sputtered particles are selectively passed, and is disposed between the substrate and the sputtered particle ejecting section.

Abstract: A backing plate for use in a sputtering deposition apparatus being capable of stably holding Ga, and a sputtering deposition apparatus which is equipped with the backing plate are provided. Such a backing plate for use in a sputtering deposition apparatus is a backing plate for holding a target material which contains Ga, and at least a contact surface of which coming into contact with the target material is constituted from an easily wettable material having a contact angle to Ga in a liquid state of not more than 90°.

Abstract: A self powered sensing device (100) comprising: a first electrode (110) comprising a conducting polymer; a second electrode (120); and an electrolyte (130), the self-powered sensing device configured such that said first and second electrodes (110, 120) and said electrolyte (130) operate as an electrochemical cell following an occurrence of a condition to be sensed and at least the first electrode functions as the sensing indicator.

Abstract: In a biosensor for measuring a specific substance in a liquid sample, one or a combination of sugar alcohol, metallic salt, organic acid or organic acid salt which has at least one carboxyl group in a molecule, and organic acid or organic acid salt which has at least one carboxyl group and one amino group in a molecule, is included in a reagent layer provided on electrodes, thereby providing a highly-accurate biosensor which is excellent in stability and has high response (sensitivity, linearity) of the sensor to the substrate concentration.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a substantially cylindrical metal shell; a laminated sensor element held within the metal shell, and including a plate-shaped solid electrolyte layer extending in a longitudinal direction; an electrode portion provided on the solid electrolyte layer; an insulating layer; and a lead portion connected with the electrode portion, extending in the longitudinal direction, and having a front end portion laminated on the solid electrolyte layer, and a rear end portion laminated through the insulating layer on the solid electrolyte layer. The insulating layer has an end portion over and across which the lead portion extends, and which has a recessed shape, a raised shape, or a recessed and raised shape in the longitudinal direction as viewed in the lamination direction.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting phosgene includes a pair of electrodes separated by an electrode gap, and a layer of conducting polymer material positioned over and making electrical contact with the pair of electrodes, the layer of conducting polymer material being modified with an amine such that the electrical resistance of the conducting polymer material measured across the electrodes is responsive to changes in an amount of phosgene to which the conducting polymer material is exposed.

Abstract: A method for forming a microfluidic channel with improved flow characteristics for one or more analytes is disclosed. A microfluidic channel having modified surfaces is formed in fused silica. The fused silica surfaces are modified by the addition of a layer of borophosphosilicate glass. The addition of the borophosphosilicate glass results in an improved flow velocity profile of the analyte. As a result, control over the position and movement of analytes within the solution is improved.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for measuring hemoglobin that enables short-time, high-accuracy measurement of hemoglobin, in particular stable hemoglobin A1c, which is used as a diagnostic indicator of diabetes mellitus, and an electrophoresis apparatus that is suitably used in this measurement method. The present invention provides a method for measuring hemoglobins using electrophoresis, which includes: using a migration path having an inner surface coated with a cationic substance to be immobilized on the inner surface or a migration path having an inner surface made of a cationic material; and using a buffer solution containing a water-soluble polymer having an anionic group as an electrophoresis buffer solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a target nucleotide sequence. This method involves forming a ligation product on a target nucleotide sequence in a ligase detection reaction mixture, amplifying the ligation product to form an amplified ligation product in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) mixture, detecting the amplified ligation product, and identifying the target nucleotide sequence. Such coupling of the ligase detection reaction and the polymerase chain reaction permits multiplex detection of nucleic acid sequence differences.

Abstract: An efficient system for desalinization of water is described wherein multiple stages of deionization result in drinking water quality and provision is made for recycling wastewater through the system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manipulation, detection, imaging, characterization, sorting and/or assembly of biological or other materials, involving an integration of CMOS or other semiconductor-based technology and microfluidics. In one implementation, various components relating to the generation of electric and/or magnetic fields are implemented on an IC chip that is fabricated using standard protocols. The generated electric and/or magnetic fields are used to manipulate and/or detect one or more dielectric and/or magnetic particles and distinguish different types of particles. A microfluidic system is fabricated either directly on top of the IC chip, or as a separate entity that is then appropriately bonded to the IC chip, to facilitate the introduction and removal of cells in a biocompatible environment, or other particles/objects of interest suspended in a fluid.

Abstract: The apparatus for electrophoretic repainting of metal objects, in particular lids for containers for food use, comprises a tank (30) containing an electrophoretic bath; an electrode, immersed in the eletrophoretic bath, a conveyor line (10), provided with elements for supporting lids (20), the conveyor line (10) being arranged such as to transit internally of the tank (30) in order to immerse the lids (20) in the electrophoretic bath; and a unit (40) for establishing an electrical contact with the lids (20) transiting immersed in the bath, having an opposite polarity with respect to a polarity of the electrode immersed in the bath. The contact unit (40) includes a rotation element (4) which rotates about a longitudinal axis thereof, an external lateral surface (42) thereof affording a groove (5) having a helical progression destined to receive conductive electrical means such as to contact at least an end portion (21) of the lids (20).

Abstract: Microfluidic system comprising a space for containing a liquid and at least one lateral chamber in communication with said space, said lateral chamber containing a metal electrode. The lateral chamber and the space are designed to be filled by the same or different liquid when the system is active.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for application of a metal layer on a substrate via deposition of a metal from a metal salt solution by a chemical and/or electroplating method, a significant factor in these processes being that carbon nanotubes are present in the substrate surface. The present invention moreover relates to the use of carbon nanotubes for application of a metal layer on a substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to the formation of beam-like structures using electrochemical fabrication techniques where the beam like structures have narrow regions and wider regions such that a beam of desired compliance is obtained. In some embodiments, narrower regions of the beam are thinner than a minimum feature size but are formable as a result of the thicker regions. In some embodiments the beam-like structures are formed from a plurality of adhered layers.

Abstract: A magnetic film plating apparatus employs a dip method that allows relatively good escape of bubbles and does not require a wide footprint and, even when a ferromagnetic material is used for an anode, can form a magnetic film on a substrate surface while minimizing the influence of the anode on the uniformity of magnetic anisotropy in the magnetic film. The magnetic film plating apparatus includes a plating tank for holding a plating solution; an anode vertically disposed in the plating tank at a position to be immersed in the plating solution; a substrate holder for holding a substrate W and positioning the substrate W opposite the anode; and a magnetic field generator, disposed outside the plating tank, for generating a magnetic field around the substrate W held by the substrate holder and positioned opposite the anode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for simultaneously electroplating at least two parts in a series electrical configuration in an electroplating system using a shared electrolyte with excellent consistency in thickness profiles, coating weights and coating microstructure. Parts in high volume and at low capital and operating cost are produced as coatings or in free-standing form.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a printed circuit board with an inner via hole, the method including applying a first current to both surfaces of a core layer having the inner via hole, so that a first plating layer grows centerwardly in an equal rate from all the directions of an inner wall of the inner via hole to close one entrance of the inner via hole, leaving a remaining space the inner via hole unfilled; and applying a second current to fill the remaining space of the inner via hole. Also, the manufacturing method does not require filling an inner via hole with an insulating ink, and forming a conductive layer on the insulating ink. Therefore, the method increases productive capacity and reduces manufacturing cost by simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the lead time.

Abstract: A method of preparing an ultra sharp tip, in particular a single atom tip, is provided, comprising providing a tip having a shank, an apex, and a coating covering the shank and the apex; locally removing the coating from the apex by field evaporation; and partially or fully restoring the coating at the apex.

Abstract: This invention describes a method of producing a metal, M1, in an electrolytic cell consisting of a molten electrolyte, MZY-MZO, at least one anode and at least one cathode, characterised in that the passage of current between said anode(s) and cathode(s) through said electrolyte, produces a metal, M1, from a raw material, M1X, containing a non-metallic species, X, under conditions such that the potential at the cathode causes the reduction of the MZ cation and the formation of MZ at activities less than one, and the potential at the cathode is insufficient to cause formation of MZ metal as a discrete solid or liquid phase, and the MZ so produced reduces the raw material, M1X, at the cathode, to M1.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrolytic synthesis method of nitrogen trifluoride, comprising electrolytically synthesizing nitrogen trifluoride gas from ammonium fluoride in an ammonium fluoride-containing molten salt mixture using a carbonaceous electrode as an anode, wherein the method comprises: a step of dissolving, in the molten salt mixture, metal ions capable of electrolytically yielding a highly oxidized metal fluoride through reaction with fluorine radicals (F.) that are generated upon the discharge of fluoride ions which are a component of the ammonium fluoride, thereby reacting the metal ions with the fluorine radicals (F.) to yield the highly oxidized metal fluoride, and reacting the highly oxidized metal fluoride with ammonium ions on a surface of the electrode and in a solution to synthesize nitrogen trifluoride gas.

Abstract: An electrode comprising an electrically conducting diamond plate wherein the diamond plate comprises at least one elongate aperture and having an aperture edge length per unit working area of the diamond plate of greater than about 4 mm/mm2, electrolysis cells comprising such electrodes, methods of treating water using such electrolysis cells and a method of production of ozone are disclosed.

Abstract: A biosensing device for detecting a presence of target biomolecules is provided, including at least one working electrode having a systematic array of nano-electrode wires projecting vertically from an electrode pad. The nano-electrode wires all have a same shape and size and are distributed non-randomly over the electrode pad. Biosensor probes are attached to the nano-electrode wire, each including a bioreceptor selected to bind with a complementary target biomolecule to create a binding event, and an electrochemical transducer transducing this binding event into an electrical signal conducted by the corresponding nano-electrode wire. A biosensing method using such a device is provided, as well as a fabrication method thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for detecting the presence of an analyte of interest. A biosensor device can include a reaction chamber and an electrochemical detection chamber. The reaction chamber can include at least one immobilized binding site and a probe conjugate adapted to bind to at least one of the target analyte and the immobilized binding site while the detection chamber can include electrodes for detecting an electrochemical reaction. If present, the target analyte in the fluid sample results in a change in the amount of probe conjugate bound in the reaction chamber, which can be detected electrochemically in the detection chamber.

Abstract: A method for detecting a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, by subjecting it to an amplification and taking continuous electrochemical measurements on it during the reaction. The method can be used to determine whet amplification reaction has taken place, to quantitate the amount of target in the sample or to determine sequence characteristics. disclosed is apparatus for use in the method, comprising (i) an amplification reaction vessel which comprises an electrochemic (ii) means for taking continuous electrochemical measurements on a sample contained in the vessel and (iii) tempertature coat measurement means, wherein the electrochemical cell comprises an element formed from an electrically conducting plastics such as a polymer loaded with an electrically conducting material. Further disclosed is a reaction vessel for use in the appar probe for use in the method and a kit for effecting the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel reservoir for gaseous fuel in a vehicle, in particular a sorption reservoir. The fuel reservoir is delimited by at least one wall and includes a sorption material that is contained in its interior. The fuel reservoir has a tank inlet valve containing a shut-off valve and a throttle restriction valve. The restriction of the gaseous fuel takes place inside the fuel reservoir.