Abstract: The negative electrode for aqueous solution electrolysis of the present invention includes a conductive substrate having a nickel surface, a mixture layer including metal nickel, a nickel oxide and carbon atoms, formed on the conductive substrate surface, and an electrode catalyst layer formed on the mixture layer surface, wherein the electrode catalyst layer is formed by a layer including a platinum group metal or a platinum group metal compound. The negative electrode for aqueous solution electrolysis of the present invention is preferably used in electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an alkali metal halide, and the like.

Abstract: In some embodiments, substrate processing apparatus may include a chamber body; a lid disposed atop the chamber body; a target assembly coupled to the lid, the target assembly including a target of material to be deposited on a substrate; an annular dark space shield having an inner wall disposed about an outer edge of the target; a seal ring disposed adjacent to an outer edge of the dark space shield; and a support member coupled to the lid proximate an outer end of the support member and extending radially inward such that the support member supports the seal ring and the annular dark space shield, wherein the support member provides sufficient compression when coupled to the lid such that a seal is formed between the support member and the seal ring and the seal ring and the target assembly.

Abstract: In some embodiments of the present invention, a gun shutter is provided that comprises a gun shutter lip that aligns with a grounded shield lip to form a gap. The gap is operable to prevent contamination from other sputter guns present in the chamber. Additionally, the gun shutter is spaced apart from the face of the target so that a stable plasma may be ignited and maintained between the face of the target and the gun shutter. This allows the gun shutter to be used as a burn-in or conditioning shield and allows the elimination of other shields, thus lowering the size, complexity, and cost of the chamber.

Abstract: Provided are an indium target capable of achieving a high deposition rate while suppressing the occurrence of arcing, and a method for manufacturing the indium target. In the process of solidification at the time of melting and casting an indium ingot, ultrasonic vibration is applied to molten indium liquid which is at least in a state immediately before solidification, and thereby, coarsening of the grain size is suppressed. Thus, an indium target is provided An indium target in which an overall average grain size is 10 mm or less; for the grains observed from a cross-section parallel to a thickness direction, a ratio of an average grain size in a direction parallel to the thickness direction with respect to an average grain size in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction is 0.7 to 1.1; and pores with a pore size of 50 ?m or greater exists at a density of 1 pore/cm3 or less.

Abstract: An apparatus for combinatorial RF biasing at selectable spots includes one or more RF biasing elements that can be moved to or selectively activated to provide an RF hot spot. The RF hot spot may be selectively provided at various locations of a substrate such as a wafer undergoing combinatorial processing. An RF biasing element may be moved, via a movable arm, to a select location. Alternatively or additionally, more than one RF biasing element may be provided in an array so that an RF biasing element corresponding to the select location is activated. The apparatus may be coupled to or disposed within a substrate support such as a chuck such that the apparatus can operate with a combinatorial processing apparatus.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a micro-channel that defines a plane. A plurality of drive electrodes is located on a first side of the plane. At least one ground electrode is operable to establish an electric potential with the plurality of drive electrodes. An array of electrochemical biosensors is located on a second, opposite side of the plane.

Abstract: A reference electrode for improving a product life cycle without using a gelled hydrophobic ionic liquid having a prescribed hardness or viscosity and without having a large thickness so as to be difficult to manufacture is provided. The reference electrode is provided with a housing for accommodating an internal electrode, a filler for electrically connecting the internal electrode, and a sample liquid. The filler is formed having a layer between the internal electrode and an opening formed in the housing for contacting the sample liquid and the filler. The filler includes a first layer including a water soluble electrolytic solution formed to be in contact with the internal electrode a second layer including a hydrophobic ionic liquid formed to be in contact with the first layer; and a third layer including a gelled hydrophobic ionic liquid formed in the opening so as to be in contact with the second layer.

Abstract: A sensing device is provided. A suction port of a chamber is sealed by using a gas sealing layer with a gas sealing filter. The gas sealing filter has a plurality of one-way passes. The one-way passes have a width in a range of several nanometers to several hundred nanometers. A gas molecular exhausts to the outside of the chamber through the one-way passes. Owing to preventing the material of gas sealing layer from flowing into the chamber by the gas sealing filter, superior sealing performance is achieved as compared to those adopting solder or sealing material, thereby facilitating control of the condition in the chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of generating physical analog polypeptides, and polypeptides generated employing the methods of the invention, that have the same amino acid composition of a reference protein, but have an unrelated primary sequence. The invention further provides compositions and methods employing such proteins.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for concentrating samples for application to microfluidic devices are disclosed. The methods involve electrophoresing charged molecules from a high volume sample into a smaller volume. The analyte of interest can be a charged molecule or can be modified to be charged using, for example, one or more ionic moieties.

Abstract: The invention relates to graft copolymers, their preparation, and compositions, such as electrophoresis separation media, containing the same; also to ultra-high molecular weight poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (“poly(DMA)”) polymers, their preparation, and compositions, such as electrophoresis separation media, containing the same; and more particularly to supports, such as capillaries, containing these polymers and methods for separating biomolecules, especially polynucleotides, using capillary electrophoresis. The graft copolymers can be prepared by, e.g., grafting polyacrylamide units onto a poly(DMA) backbone. Separation media comprising such graft copolymers or ultra-high molecular weight poly(DMA) polymers yield superior performance in the analysis and separation of biomolecules by capillary electrophoresis.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to micro-fluidic devices and related methods of fractionating samples of analytes, such as peptides or proteins, according to their isoelectric points. The disclosed micro-fluidic devices and related methods provide a fractionation sufficient to enhance the performance of immunochemistry and/or tandem liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry workflows. Such methods and devices are capable of fractionating complex samples in a short time, using a small amount of sample, do not require high voltages and are further characterized by their high degree of reproducibility and ease of use.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to remove ions from water are provided. The apparatus has at least three electrodes: at least two master electrodes, each master electrode including a current collector connected or connectable to a power supply configured to create an electrical potential difference between at least two master electrodes and at least one floating electrode located between at least two master electrodes. The apparatus is constructed to provide a potential difference between at least two master electrodes and to allow water containing ions to flow from an inlet to an outlet between at least two adjacent electrodes. The ions in the water are attracted to the master and floating electrodes by the potential difference and the at least one floating electrode has an ion barrier layer.

Abstract: Provided is a microchip, including independently an introduction area inside having a pressure negative to atmospheric pressure and into which a liquid is injected by puncturing, and a degassing area inside having a pressure negative to atmospheric pressure for degassing a cavity of a hollow tube that punctures the introduction area for injecting the liquid.

Abstract: An electroosmotic pump comprises a plurality of membranes comprising one or more positive electroosmotic membranes and one or more negative electroosmotic membranes, a plurality of electrodes comprising cathodes and anodes, and a power source. Each of the positive electroosmotic membranes and negative electroosmotic membranes are disposed alternatively and wherein at least one of the cathodes is disposed on one side of one of the membranes and at least one of the anodes is disposed on other side of the membrane. At least one of the cathodes or anodes is disposed between a positive electroosmotic membrane and negative electroosmotic membrane.

Abstract: A membrane enhanced deionized capacitor (MEDC) device, consisting of insulating plates (6,7) and a series of MEDC unit cells, is provided. The MEDC unit cell includes a cation and anion ion-exchange membranes (2,4), one pair of carbon electrodes (1-1,1-2), a spacer (3) and an insulating holder (5) and is assembled in the order of [(1-1)/(2)/(3)/(5)/(4)/(1-2)]. The cation-exchange membrane combined with one electrode is used as negative electrosorptive electrode while the anion-exchange membrane combined with another electrode is used as positive electrode. Unit cells can be connected with each other in series, or in parallel. The devices can be made as either stack type or roll type.

Abstract: An article having a metal surface is treated to have one or more desired effects, such as desired functional properties or a desired cosmetic appearance. The surface is anodized to create an oxide layer having pores therein and a metal deposition process is performed to deposit multiple different metals within the pores. A pretreatment act, such as degreasing, chemical etching, chemical polishing, and desmutting can also be conducted on the surface prior to anodization. The surface can also be dyed, sealed, and polished.

Abstract: A surface treatment for metal surfaces can be used to create one or more desired effects, such as functional, tactile, or cosmetic effects. In one embodiment, the treatment involves selectively masking a portion of the surface using a photolithographic process. The mask can protect the masked portion of the surface during subsequent treatment processes such as texturizing and anodization. The mask can result in the creation of a surface having contrasting effects. A pattern can be formed by the contrasting effects in the shape of a distinct graphic, such as a logo or text.

Abstract: A metal surface treated to have two anodized layers or regions may be used in electronic devices. The surface treatment may include performing a first anodization process to create a first anodized layer, removing the first anodized layer at select locations, and performing a second anodization process to create a second anodized layer at the select locations. The first and second anodized regions may have different decorative properties, such as color, and different structural properties, such as degree of abrasion resistance. One of the anodization processes may be hard anodization and the other may be standard anodization.

Abstract: Electrodeposition baths, systems and methods are provided. In some embodiments, the baths, systems and methods are used to deposit metal alloy coatings.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming devices using nanotubes. In one embodiment, an apparatus for depositing nanotubes onto a workpiece comprises a vessel configured to contain a deposition fluid having a plurality of nanotubes including first nanotubes having a first characteristic and second nanotubes having a second characteristic. The apparatus further includes a sorting unit in the vessel configured to selectively isolate or otherwise sort the first nanotubes from the second nanotubes, and a field unit in the vessel configured to attach the first nanotubes to the workpiece. For example, the field unit can attach the first nanotubes to the workpiece such that the first nanotubes are at least generally parallel to each other and in a desired orientation relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for applying an amorphous NiP alloy coating on pipes and rods, particularly for use in the oil and gas industries to inhibit corrosion, In an embodiment, the method comprises applying an amorphous nickel phosphorus or NiP alloy coating to pipes and rods for use in oil and gas industries, comprising; preparing a Watt's type nickel phosphorus (NiP) plating bath solution utilizing a Watt's type nickel electrolyte containing hypophosphorous acid; maintaining the plating bath solution temperature at between 120° F. and 170° F. adjusted to regulate phosphorus content over 11%; regulating a pH level of the plating bath solution between 1.0 and 3.0 utilizing sulphuric acid; and controlling the cathode current density in the range of 10-100 amps/sq/ft.

Abstract: There is provided a method of production of chlorine.sodium hydroxide capable of being operated stably and economically by preventing calcium from being deposited in an ion exchange membrane. The liquid retention layer 3 having a liquid retention amount per unit volume of the liquid retention layer of 0.10 g-H2O/cm3 or more and 0.80 g-H2O/cm3 or less is put between the ion exchange membrane 12 and the gas diffusion electrode 16. Calcium ions transferred through the ion exchange membrane 12 easily diffuse, thereby making it possible to suppress increase in an electrolytic voltage and drop in current efficiency generated by deposition of the calcium ions inside the ion exchange membrane 12.

Abstract: An electrolytic extraction method wins a target element from an oxide feedstock compound thereof. The feedstock compound is dissolved in an oxide melt in contact with a cathode and an anode in an electrolytic cell. During electrolysis the target element is deposited at a liquid cathode and coalesces therewith. Oxygen is evolved on an anode bearing a solid oxide layer, in contact with the oxide melt, over a metallic anode substrate.

Abstract: A cathode assembly, a system including the cathode assembly, and method of using the assembly and system are disclosed. The cathode assembly includes high surface area material to allow efficient recovery of metal at reduced current densities at the cathode, which allows increased rates of metal recovery to be obtained, while maintaining desired properties of the electrowon metal.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a process roasting a metal bearing material under oxidizing conditions to produce an oxidized metal bearing material, roasting the oxidized metal bearing material under reducing conditions to produce a roasted metal bearing material, and leaching the roasted metal bearing material in a basic medium to yield a pregnant leach solution.

Abstract: A cathode assembly, a system including the cathode assembly, and method of using the assembly and system are disclosed. The cathode assembly includes a conductive element and a barrier element proximate the conductive element. The assembly, system and method provide for improved metal powder formation. The system may be stationary or portable.

Abstract: A process for producing hydrogen gas fuel from water source or waste water source or a combination thereof, which includes the steps of generating electrical power by at least an electrical power supplying means or from a means to supply electrical power, storing the electrical power in at least an electrical power storage means, supplying electricity for pumping the from the water source or waste water source or a combination thereof to a hydrogen fuel electrolyzer while level of the water source or waste water source or a combination thereof within the electrolyzer and pump are controlled, and electrolyzing the water source or waste water source or a combination thereof in the presence of a catalyst solution such as potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide or ethanoic acid, having 2% to 6% v/v% (or any other unit that is appropriate) for a period of at least 0.03 hours to 60 hours to produce hydrogen gas fuel.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a new method of mass-transfer/fabrication of micro-sized features/structures onto the inner diameter (ID) surface of a stent. This new approach is provided by technique of through mask electrical micro-machining. One embodiment discloses an application of electrical micro-machining to the ID of a stent using a customized electrode configured specifically for machining micro-sized features/structures.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing salt water and/or solutions containing salt water with RF energy. Exemplary systems and methods may use RF energy to combust salt water, to produce hydrogen from salt water or solutions containing salt water, to volatilize a secondary fuel present in solutions containing salt water, to produce and combust hydrogen obtained from salt water or solutions containing salt water, to volatilize and combust secondary fuel sources present in solutions containing salt water, to desalinate seawater, and/or to carry out the electrolysis of water are presented.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for evaluating ex-situ chemical degradation of fuel cell membranes. One embodiment of a method for evaluating ex-situ chemical degradation of a membrane comprises submerging a membrane in Fenton solution in a reaction vessel with a non-reactive weight configured to maximize exposure of the membrane to the Fenton solution, sealing the reaction vessel, heating the reaction vessel at a fixed rate to a predetermined temperature, holding the reaction vessel at the predetermined temperature for a predetermined test period, cooling the reaction vessel to room temperature, removing the membrane and analyzing the Fenton solution for fluoride ions.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a housing having disposed therein a membrane electrode assembly comprising a sensing electrode, a counter electrode, and a polymer membrane disposed between the sensing electrode and the counter electrode. The polymer membrane comprises an ionic liquid retained therein. The sensor also includes a catalyst support that can be stable in a range of potentials to allow for detection mode and catalyst regeneration mode to be operative. The sensor further includes a circuitry and algorithm to implement the catalyst regeneration mechanism electrochemically. The sensor further includes a chamber for reference gas to which the counter electrode is exposed, and a chamber for test gas to which a gas to be tested is exposed. The sensor also includes a pathway for test gas to enter the chamber and a measured electrical circuit connecting the sensing electrode and the counter electrode.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring a concentration of a specific protein using a biosensor with a measurement speed improved from a conventional impedance measurement. The sensor is capable of efficiently and accurately measuring impedance generated by a selective binding to the protein by Fourier-transforming an electric current signal obtained by applying a potential signal of a delta function waveform. The device for measuring a protein using a biosensor is capable of measuring concentration of the protein with accuracy, measurement time is shortened and the concentration of protein can be accurately measured by removing the influence of dispersion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single-piece container adapted to receive and secure an insert card. The container is a generally rectangular, relatively flat structure having an interior chamber defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, one open end, and one closed end. The container is formed from a blow molding process and adapted to receive an insert card. The container further comprises locking elements that work in cooperation with the insert card to secure the insert card within the interior chamber such that it can not be removed without manipulation of the locking elements. The material comprising the container can be a clear plastic such that optical scan codes present on an insert card contained within the container can be read through the container.

Abstract: A sorbent container includes a plurality of sealed pockets connected in a strip. At least one of the pockets is a filled pocket containing a quantity of sorbent material. A pocket adjacent to the filled pocket is empty.

Abstract: A medical device assembly is disclosed, comprising: a medical device; a fluid and a package forming a storage compartment, which at least partly accommodates the medical device, and a fluid compartment, housing the fluid, wherein a first joint separates the storage compartment and the fluid compartment, the first joint forming a first rupture zone.

Abstract: An armrest assembly may include a base member, an armrest member, a mechanism and a biasing member. The armrest member may be linearly movable relative to the base member between a first position and a second position. The mechanism may be associated with the armrest member and may be movable between an engaged configuration restricting linear movement of the armrest member relative to the base member and a disengaged configuration allowing linear movement of the armrest member relative to the base member. The biasing member may bias the armrest member in a linear direction from the second position toward the first position.

Abstract: The present invention is a medical drug solution container (13) which is formed of a plastic film including seal layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packet for smoking products, in particular a cigarette packet, comprising a front area (1), a rear area (2) and two opposing lateral areas (3, 4), wherein a hollow space (5) is formed on at least one lateral area (3, 4) in the interior space of the packet bounded by these areas and extends between the lateral area (3, 4) and the smoking product accommodating space (6).

Abstract: A protective cover for firearms is provided, the cover comprising a body formed from an injection molded elastomer material, such as a liquid silicone rubber (LSR), having a pair of flexible sides that are adapted to surround a selected firearm, the body having an integrated handle molded within the sides, and a water-proof zipper operatively connected between the sides and adapted to enable opening and closure of the protective cover. The sides include reinforced edges having a material thickness greater than the remainder of the cover. Preferably, the cover includes a butt end, an elongated barrel end, and an integral intermediate region, and further includes at least two strap clearance regions formed in the body adjacent the intermediate region for allowing access to and use of a firearm shoulder strap when the cover is installed.

Abstract: A protection case for protecting an electronic device is disclosed. The protection case includes a main body. The main body defines a receiving cavity for accommodating the electronic device and a plurality of connecting through holes for exposing a plurality of interface ports of the electronic device. The main body defines a number of grooves encircling the connecting through holes for receiving moisture in the air.

Abstract: A system may include a bottom deck to a shipping platform. The system may also include a block joined to the bottom deck, and a top deck joined to the block. The system may further include a T3 panel carried by the top deck that is structurally different from the top deck and does not extend to two ends of the top deck.

Abstract: A container adapted for use by a child in storing and transporting rolled documents is provided. The container is generally cylindrical, having a hinged container lid and a carry handle attached to the hinge mechanism to facilitate carrying by hand or attachment to another transported item, such as a child's backpack.

Abstract: A transaction card holder for holding a transaction card, such as a gift card, on or within an insert that may be withdrawn from an enclosing main body of the holder. The holder is shaped to associate a transaction card with a product related to the transaction card via marketing, subject matter, point of sale placement or the like. The holder includes a sleeve sized for receiving and holding a sliding insert, an outer surface or outer conformation shaped to evoke the related product and may include one or more enhancement elements such as graphics and text upon the holder surfaces.

Abstract: A packaging system for personal care products includes a package configured for receipt of personal care products therein, the package comprising an external surface, a package circumference, a package height, and a package width; and a concealment element repositionable between a first position in which the packaging system exhibits product-identifying graphics and a second position in which the packaging system is substantially bereft of product-identifying graphics, wherein the concealment element is a tubular sleeve that is open at two ends and that, in the first and second positions and at all intermediate positions while being repositioned between the first and second positions, circumscribes the package at the package circumference and does not extend beyond one of the package height and the package width.

Abstract: A containment case comprises a composite core, with an inner and outer surface, at least one puncture resistant layer bonded to the inner surface of the composite core and at least one energy capture layer bonded to the outer surface of the composite core. The puncture resistant layer having a high through-thickness shear strength and high interlaminar toughness at impact. The energy capture layer having a high in-plane tensile strength and low resistance to delamination and fiber-matrix debonding at impact. A method of fabricating a containment case includes the steps of disposing one or more layers of a puncture resistant material on a layup mandrel, disposing one more layers of a structural composite material on an exterior surface of the puncture resistant material, disposing one or more layers of an energy capture material on an exterior surface of the structural material and curing a resin in the plurality of layers.

Abstract: A protective case includes a main body having a recess and a flange in the recess, a strengthening plate received in the recess. The strengthening plate includes a latching block. The latching block is latched with the flange to latch the strengthening plate in the recess. When the case is used to protect an electronic device, the strengthening plate shield the electronic device from damaging.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coating system deposited onto at least a portion of a substrate comprising: an inner coating layer deposited onto at least a portion of the substrate; a viscous gel coating layer deposited onto at least a portion of the inner coating layer wherein the viscous coating layer comprises: (A) the reaction product of: (i) at least one primary amine; (ii) a monofunctional surfactant; and (iii) a liquid polybutadiene; (B) optionally, a fatty acid; and (C) optionally, a secondary swelling agent; and an outer coating layer deposited onto a least a portion of the viscous coating layer; and an outer coating layer deposited onto a least a portion of the viscous coating layer.

Abstract: Provided is a package that exhibits satisfactory moldability as well as moisture adsorption and gas adsorption properties. A package P includes a container sheet 6 in which a concave receptacle unit 5 that accommodates a solid preparation 8 containing solifenacin succinate or 1-{[?-isobutanoyloxyethoxy]carbonyl}aminomethyl}-1-cyclohexaneacetic acid is formed, and an airtight cover material sheet 7 for sealing the solid preparation 8. The container sheet 6 is formed by a package film F1 in which an adsorption layer 1, at least one or more substrate layers 2 formed by resins, an aluminum foil 3, and a barrier layer 4. The adsorption layer 1 is laminated with the substrate layer 2 while also being disposed on the side where the solid preparation 8 is accommodated, and contains at least zeolite.

Abstract: A blister pack comprises a bottom film and a top film for forming a plurality of film containers (1) that can be separated from one another by perforations (10), each having one accommodating chamber (2) for a filling, particularly a pharmaceutical active substance formulation, the accommodating chambers (2) being arranged around the peripheral boundary of the blister pack (7). The centre of the blister pack (7) is formed by a detachable film section (4), after the removal of which an opening region (5) is available for opening the accommodating chamber (2).