Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetron sputtering process that allows material to be sputtered from a target surface in such a way that a high percentage of the sputtered material is provided in the form of ions. According to the invention, said aim is achieved using a simple generator, the power of which is fed to multiple magnetron sputtering sources spread out over several time intervals, i.e. the maximum power is supplied to one sputtering source during one time interval, and the maximum power is supplied to the following sputtering source in the subsequent time interval, such that discharge current densities of more than 0.2 A/cm2 are obtained. The sputtering target can cool down during the off time, thus preventing the temperature limit from being exceeded.

Abstract: A processing method having excellent processing performance at a low flow rate is provided. A method for processing a surface of a sample uses reactive clusters produced by adiabatic expansion of a gas mixture ejected from a nozzle into a vacuum processing chamber. The gas mixture contains a reactive gas chlorine trifluoride, a first inert gas argon, and a second inert gas xenon. The gas mixture in an inlet of the nozzle has a pressure of 0.4 MPa (abs) or more. The reactive gas constitutes 3% by volume or more and 10% by volume or less. The first inert gas constitutes 40% by volume or more and 94% by volume or less. The second inert gas constitutes 3% by volume or more and 50% by volume or less of the gas mixture.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium for forming transmission electron microscopy sample lamellae using a focused ion beam including directing a high energy focused ion beam toward a bulk volume of material; milling away the unwanted volume of material to produce an unfinished sample lamella with one or more exposed faces having a damage layer; characterizing the removal rate of the focused ion beam; subsequent to characterizing the removal rate, directing a low energy focused ion beam toward the unfinished sample lamella for a predetermined milling time to deliver a specified dose of ions per area from the low energy focused ion beam; and milling the unfinished sample lamella with the low energy focused ion beam to remove at least a portion of the damage layer to produce the finished sample lamella including at least a portion of the feature of interest.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes placing a substrate in a chamber; and plasma sputtering the substrate in a presence of a non-zero pressure of a vapor, wherein the vapor at the non-zero pressure is effective to diminish an etch rate of a first material of the substrate. A plasma sputtering apparatus according to one embodiment includes a chamber; a reservoir in the chamber for releasing a vapor at an established rate; a mount for a substrate; and a plasma source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coating work pieces in a vacuum treatment system having a first electrode embodied as a target, which is part of an arc vaporization source. Using the first electrode, an arc is operated with an arc current and vaporizes material. A bias voltage is applied to a bias electrode, which includes a second electrode that is embodied as a work piece holder, together with the work pieces. Metal ion bombardment is carried out either to pretreat the work pieces or in at least one transition from one layer to an adjacent layer of a multilayer system, so that neither a significant material removal nor a significant material buildup occurs, but instead, introduces metal ions into a substrate surface or into a layer of a multilayer system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method of plating metal alloys, as well as to the structures thus obtained. The system for plating metal alloys comprises an electrolytic cell containing an electrolytic solution (3) in which an anode (4,4a,4b), a cathode (5), and a plurality of metal components to be plated onto the cathode are immersed, the anode (4,4a,4b) and the cathode (5) being electrically connected to means (6) adapted to apply a potential difference between said anode (4,4a,4b) and said cathode (5). The invention is characterized in that the means (6) adapted to apply a potential difference between said cathode (5) and said anode (4,4a,4b) impose a potential difference value that changes over time according to a predefined law.

Abstract: Photochemical devices having hematite photovoltaic junctions and methods for forming such devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a photovoltaic device includes a substrate and a photovoltaic junction deposited on the substrate, the photovoltaic junction having a n-type hematite and a p-type hematite.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sterilized water creating cartridge having an inlet and an outlet in one direction for producing sterilized water by underwater-discharging water supplied from an inlet and discharging the sterilizes water to an outlet, the cartridge including a sterilized water producing unit including a negative electrode plate having an electrode connector for underwater-discharging the water, and a positive electrode plate, and a case accommodating the sterilized water producing unit thereinside, formed with an electrode connector through hole passing the electrode connector, and having an inlet and an outlet on a surface of one direction toward both sides of the sterilized water producing unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electroplating basket, including: a basket member of which one surface facing a subject to be plated is formed in a mesh structure; and a blind member combined with one surface of the basket member and including a plurality of shielding plates capable of being independently opened or closed depending on region.

Abstract: Target assemblies for use in a substrate processing system are provided herein. In some embodiments, a target assembly for use in a substrate processing system may include a source material to be deposited on a substrate, a first backing plate configured to support the source material on a front side of the first backing plate, such that a front surface of the source material opposes the substrate when present, a second backing plate coupled to a backside of the first backing plate, and a plurality of sets of channels disposed between the first and second back plates. These channels permit a coolant to be provided closer to the heat source (target face) thereby facilitating more efficient heat removal from the target. More efficient heat removal from the target results in a target with a lesser thermal gradient and therefore less mechanical bowing/deformation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a process kit for use in a physical deposition chamber (PVD) chamber. In one embodiment, the process kit provides adjustable process spacing, centering between the cover ring and the shield, and controlled gas flow between the cover ring and the shield contributing to uniform gas distribution, which promotes greater process uniformity and repeatability along with longer chamber component service life.

Abstract: Target assemblies for use in a substrate processing system are provided herein. In some embodiments, a target assembly for use in a substrate processing system may include a source material, a backing plate configured to support the source material on a front side of the backing plate, and a central support member to support the target assembly within the substrate processing system, wherein the central support member is coupled to a center portion of the backing plate and extends perpendicularly away from the backside of the backing plate.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, an alcohol detection apparatus is provided for use in conjunction with a mobile application resident on a mobile device. The apparatus comprises: a memory and one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to: determine whether at least one communication pathway exists between the apparatus and the mobile application resident on the mobile device; responsive to a determination that at least one communication pathway exists, generate an indication that the apparatus is ready to facilitate conducting of at least one blood alcohol content (BAC) level test therewith; capture test data associated with the conduct of at least one BAC level test; and convert the test data into formatted data, the formatted data being suitable for transmission from the apparatus and to the mobile application via the at least one communication pathway. Associated computer-implemented methods and non-transitory computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: An alcohol-measuring device includes a mouthpiece (1), designed to enable a test subject to release breathing air into the mouthpiece, an electrochemical sensor (6), in fluidic connection with the mouthpiece (1) to measure alcohol in the breathing air of the test subject and a control unit. The sensor (6) has at least two heating elements (9, 10), one heating element arranged on the front side and one heating element arranged on the rear side of the sensor (6). The control unit (4) is electrically connected to the heating elements to supply electrical energy for the heating elements. The control unit (4) is set up to heat the heating elements each to a desired temperature. The control unit (4) is also electrically connected to the sensor (6) in order to determine the value of the alcohol concentration in the breathing air of the test subject.

Abstract: A non-enzymatic glucose sensor and method for fabricating the sensor are disclosed. The glucose sensor contains at least one non-enzymatic electrode configured to catalyze the electro-oxidation of glucose in preference to other bio-molecules. The surface of the electrode comprises CuO nanoparticles. The sensor shows sensitivity and selectivity exceeding enzyme based devices presently in use.

Abstract: A method of depositing reagent on an electrochemical test sensor adapted to determine information relating to an analyte includes providing a base and forming an electrode pattern on the base. The method further includes depositing the reagent on at least the electrode pattern using a reagent-dispensing system. The reagent-dispensing system applies mechanical force to the reagent in the reagent-dispensing system to assist in providing a wet reagent droplet on at least the electrode pattern.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, an alcohol detection device is provided for use in conjunction with a mobile application loaded on a mobile device. The device comprises: a body portion defining an exterior surface of the alcohol detection device, the exterior surface having at least one opening formed thereon; a slide mechanism mounted relative to at least one internal surface of the body portion such that the slide mechanism is configured for translational movement along a length of the at least one internal surface of the body portion; and an audio jack operatively mounted to the slide mechanism such that a longitudinal axis of the audio jack is substantially aligned with the at least one opening and the translational movement of the slide mechanism is configured to move the audio jack relative to the body portion and between a first position and a second position. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: In an electrochemical gas sensor (1), a carrier substrate (2) has an underside (3) and a top side (4), wherein an electrode structure (20) with an electrolyte layer (6) is arranged at the top side (4), while a gas inlet for a measurement gas is formed at the underside (3). A porous region (7) formed of a porous material is provided in the carrier substrate (2), such that diffusion openings in the porous material connect the underside (3) to the top side (4) in a gas-permeable manner, and a connection (5, 27) of a measurement electrode (25, 26) is formed in a gas-tight surface region (33, 34, 35) at the top side (4) adjacent to the porous region (7) and the connection (5, 27) is at least partly covered by the electrolyte layer (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for nanopore sequencing. The invention provides for using the signals from n-mers to provide sequence information, for example where the system has less than single base resolution. The invention includes arrays of nanopores having incorporated electronic circuits, for example, in CMOS. In some cases, the arrays of nanopores comprise resistive openings for isolating the electronic signals for improved sequencing. Methods for controlling translocation of through the nanopore are disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques, devices and systems are described for incorporating a printed circuit with a microfluidic device and wirelessly powering the microfluidic device. In one aspect, a microfluidic device includes a substrate with a fluidic channel to provide a path for a fluid with particles. The fluidic channel includes fluid inlet and outlet. A pair of electrodes near the inlet and the outlet guides the particles toward a center of the fluidic channel using negative-dielectrophoresis (DEP) effect in response to an alternating current (AC) frequency voltage received at the pairs of electrodes. Additional pairs of electrodes are disposed along a border of the fluidic channel between the pairs of electrodes near the inlet and the outlet of the fluidic channel to isolate a subpopulation of the particles using positive and negative DEP effects in response to AC voltages of different frequencies received at different ones of the additional pairs of electrodes.

Abstract: Electrophoretic systems, formulations and methods are described which allow a user to perform electrophoresis experiments under conditions of high voltage and with reduced run time. An electrophoretic system, formulation or method may be run at 50% higher field strength than comparable systems already in use in the art. The presently described systems and formulations may be run at voltages above 225 V, above 250 V, above 275 V, above 300 V, above 325 V or above 350 V. The time required for performing an electrophoresis experiment may be reduced to less than about 30 minutes, less than about 20 minutes, less than about 15 minutes or less than about 12 minutes.

Abstract: A filtering film structure includes a film, a conductive layer and a dielectric layer. The film includes a plurality of holes. The conductive layer is disposed on the inner surface of the holes, and the dielectric layer is disposed on the conductive layer. When applying a voltage to the conductive layer, an electrical charge layer forms on the surface of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A copper-substitute aluminum material made from a copper and cobalt anodizing process. The process includes the steps of: anodizing the aluminum material by submersing it in a basic sulfuric acid to build an anodic layer producing anodized aluminum material; combining copper and cobalt salts together in one bath; lowering the pH of the bath to between about 1.0 and about 3.0; coloring the anodized aluminum material electrolyticly by submersing the anodized aluminum material in the bath of copper and cobalt salts; and applying an electrical current to the bath plating the copper and cobalt salts into the anodized aluminum material.

Abstract: In an electroplating process, electric current is applied to two or more electrodes, with the current varying over time according to a multi-variable function. The multi-variable current function is integrated over time, for each electrode, to determine a net plating charge delivered. A plating profile of a plated-on layer of material is compared to a target plating profile. Deviations between the actual plating profile and the target plating profile are identified and used to determine new net plating charges for each electrode. One or more variables of the multi-variable function is changed to provide as new multi-variable function. The new net plating charges are distributed according to the new multi-variable current function, and are used to electroplate a layer of material on a second substrate.

Abstract: An anodizing color drawing method includes the steps of providing a metal workpiece; performing an anodic treatment of the metal workpiece to form a coating layer on a surface of the metal workpiece and a plurality of pores on the coating layer; using a plurality of electronic ink-jet nozzles to spray a plurality of dyes by a printing method and the dyes permeate into the pores of the coating layer, and forming a color drawing pattern on the coating layer; and performing a sealing treatment on the coating layer with the color drawing pattern. A color drawing layer processed by the anodic treatment has an enhanced hardness to reduce scratches and damages and maintain the aesthetic look.

Abstract: The invention relates to a removable anodising agent, in particular for local anodic oxidation of metal surfaces, and its use, and a method for anodic oxidation by means of an anodising agent according to the invention.

Abstract: Methods for the use of nanocrystalline or amorphous metals or alloys as coatings with industrial processes are provided. Three, specific, such methods have been detailed. One of the preferred embodiments provides a method for the high volume electrodeposition of many components with a nanocrystalline or amorphous metal or alloy, and the components produced thereby. Another preferred embodiment provides a method for application of a nanocrystalline or amorphous coatings in a continuous electrodeposition process and the product produced thereby. Another of the preferred embodiments of the present invention provides a method for reworking and/or rebuilding components and the components produced thereby.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to photovoltaic and photoelectrosynthetic cells, devices, methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: An aerobic method for oxidizing an alkane is disclosed herein. At least a portion of a surface of a platinum working electrode is activated at an interface between the platinum working electrode and an ionic liquid electrolyte (i.e., 1-ethyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-propyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-pentyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-hexyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-heptyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-octyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-nonyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, and 1-decyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imidem, and combinations thereof). An interface complex is formed at the interface. An alkane gas is supplied to the interface. The alkane adsorbs at or near the interface complex.

Abstract: A method of producing graphene by the electrochemical insertion of alkylammonium cations in a solvent into graphite is disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention an electrolytic cell is provided comprising a containment vessel; a first electrode; a second electrode; a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; a gas, wherein the gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode; and a separator; wherein the separator includes an inclined surface to direct flow of the electrolyte and the gas due to a difference between density of the electrolyte and the combined density of the electrolyte and the gas such that the gas substantially flows in a direction distal to the second electrode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to transform contaminants in water by electrolytic processes are described. In some embodiments, the apparatuses and electrolytic processes couple an anode comprising iron and a high specific surface area cathode. Methods and apparatuses described herein provide advantages over conventional apparatuses and methods such as, for example, cost savings, efficiency, environmentally benign impact and versality for a variety contaminants.

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: An electrode for active oxygen species comprising a conductive component with a polymer membrane of a metal porphyrin complex formed on the surface is disclosed. The electrode for active oxygen species can detect active oxygen species such as superoxide anion radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and .OH and other active radical species (NO, ONOO—, etc.) in any environment including in vivo environment as well as in vitro environment. The electrode thus can be used for specifying various diseases and examining active oxygen species in food or in water such as tap water and sewage water.

Abstract: The thickness of a palladium coating on copper (or another substrate) is measured by passing a cathodic current through a predetermined area of the coating in contact with an electrolytic solution and measuring the potential as a function of time. Protons from the electrolytic solution are electrochemically reduced to palladium hydride at cathodic potentials less negative than required for evolution of hydrogen. As formation of the PdH0.58 beta-phase throughout the Pd coating is completed, the cathodic potential increases rapidly to a cathodic potential plateau corresponding to evolution of hydrogen gas on the PdH0.58 surface. This step in the cathodic potential provides an endpoint time for the measurement. The absolute thickness of the Pd coating is calculated from the integrated cathodic charge passed up to the endpoint time and the predetermined area of the coating in contact with the electrolytic solution.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a pallet or other flat platform having one or more, preferably two, perpendicular dividers secured to the surface of the flat platform and each other in a stable manner. Gas cylinder(s) are set in an upright position on the same surface of the flat platform as the divider(s). The cylinder(s) are secured, generally by steel bands or nylon straps, to the divider(s) and/or the flat platform surface.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage apparatus includes a canister and at least one hydrogen storage unit. The canister has at least a hollow rod. The hydrogen storage unit is disposed in the canister. The hydrogen storage unit includes a housing, a heat-dissipating channel and a plurality of heat-dissipating partitions. The periphery of the housing is configured with a plurality of grooves, and each groove has a plurality of first holes. The heat-dissipating channel is located within the housing. Each heat-dissipating partition has a plurality of second holes and connects to the housing and heat-dissipating channel. The heat-dissipating partitions divide the space inside the housing. The first holes and the second holes connect to the inner space of the housing.

Abstract: A packaging system includes an outer shell and a sliding member. The sliding member is disposed in the interior chamber of the outer shell such that the sliding member is movable between a locked position where one end of the sliding member is near the closed end of the outer shell and a withdrawn position where the one end of the sliding member is near the open end of the outer shell. The sliding member has a locking edge which abuts a locking portion of the outer shell when the sliding member is at the locked position such that the sliding member is prevented from moving toward the withdrawn position. The outer shell has an area that is deflected inward of the interior chamber upon application of pressure thereto such that the locking edge of the sliding member clears the locking portion of the outer shell. The area is not defined by any visible boundaries.

Abstract: A personal electronic device handbag includes: (a) a main support with three connected fold-out panels including one base panel located between other panels; (b) a personal electronic device holding case located on the base panel; (c) at least two storage units having sides and a bottom, such that the main support has a first position, wherein the panels are folded and at least two of the storage unit bottoms nest atop the holding case and any personal electronic device therein to protect such personal electronic device, and has a second position, being an open position.

Abstract: A protector for portable electronic devices is disclosed, including a portfolio-style protective cover having device-capturing lugs attached to stretchable legs of an X-shaped frame capable of accommodating a wide variety of sizes.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a case for a portable electronic device. The method includes: adhesive applying for applying an adhesive to a back side of a sliced veneer sheet; reinforcing strengthener attaching for attaching a reinforcing strengthener, which has a higher tensile and rupture strength than the sliced veneer sheet, to the back side of the sliced veneer sheet, so as to reinforce a strength of a sliced veneer; elastic layer forming for providing an elastic layer, which is made of a more elastic material than the sliced veneer sheet, to a surface of the reinforcing strengthener so as to provide elasticity to the sliced veneer sheet; and injection molding for injection-molding a case body that is formed of a synthetic resin material to cover at least one side of the portable electronic device, by inserting the sliced veneer sheet, the reinforcing strengthener, and the elastic layer into a mold.

Abstract: A protective cover of a mobile terminal is provided. The protective cover for supporting a mobile terminal in a dual direction and a multi angle includes: the protective cover for housing the mobile terminal at the inside; and a support sheet mounted in a recess formed at an outer surface of the protective cover and spread based on a groove line formed in a lattice and having a portion close contacting with the protective cover and having the remaining portions spread from the protection cover and contacting with the ground and for supporting the mobile terminal. Thereby, by supporting the mobile terminal in various heights and angles using an auxiliary card, the mobile terminal can be supported in a multi direction and a multi angle.

Abstract: A bottle carrier made of foldable flat material having a handle comprising two overlapping outer handle walls and two inner handle walls between the outer handle walls, front walls, perpendicular to the handle and two front wall sections on different sides of the handle, connecting straps, connected with an inner edge of a front wall section via a front folding line, folded around front folding lines and connected with the handle, longitudinal walls, parallel to the handle and connected with the outer edges of two front wall sections via side folding lines, a bottom wall, connected with lower edges of longitudinal walls via bottom folding lines, separating webs, connected with lower edge areas of the outer handle walls via inner web folding lines, folded around the inner web folding lines out of the lower edge areas, an insert is arranged between the two outer handle walls.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a container for tobacco for use in hookahs or other smoking apparatuses. Specifically, this invention relates to a hookah tobacco container that is configured such that liquids contained in the tobacco or stored with the tobacco are allowed to be separated and stored away from the tobacco. Embodiments of the present invention include a container comprising a chamber for the retention of tobacco and one or more separation areas for the separation of liquids from the tobacco.

Abstract: A pack for smoking articles such as cigarettes comprises a plurality of planar panels, and a blank for producing such a pack. At least one of the panels includes a plurality of formations extending out of the plane of a surface of the or each panel. The formations may be formed by an embossing method. The formations may provide protection for the contents of the pack from subsequent processes performed thereon.

Abstract: A golf bag having one or more adjustable features is disclosed herein. In particular, the golf bag comprises a handle rotatable around an axis perpendicular to a vertical axis extending through the body of the golf bag, and may be fixed in place via a locking mechanism so that the handle maintains a desired angle with respect to the vertical axis. The handle of the present invention preferably is rotatably affixed to a collar or upper portion of the golf bag. The golf bag also comprises an external pocket that is removably affixed to an exterior surface of the golf bag with hook and loop fasteners and other attachment mechanisms.

Abstract: A golf bag having an internal strap channel is disclosed herein. The strap channel is affixed to a top collar, is located proximate a rear portion of the golf bag body, and extends from one side to the other side of the bag body. In some embodiments, the strap channel includes a center portion and two openings, which may further include rims made of rubber or another lightweight polymeric material.

Abstract: Described is a device comprising a retro-reflective marker sphere comprising: a core ball comprising: a generally spherical body portion, a mounting base extending from one end of the body portion of the core ball, and a mounting recess having a recess opening in the mounting base and extending into the body portion of the core ball, and a retro-reflective covering on the core ball, the retro-reflective covering comprising an opening through which the mounting base of the core ball extends, wherein a flat lower surface of the mounting base is spaced proximally from a lower edge of the opening of the retro-reflective covering, and wherein the mounting recess includes an interior screw thread for engaging an exterior screw thread of a mounting post when the retro-reflective marker sphere is mounted on the mounting post.

Abstract: Systems and methods for portfolio expansion according to various aspects of the present invention may comprise an insert portion configured for coupling a portfolio expansion system to an internal pocket of one or more organization systems, a folder portion configured for storage and organization of various items, a pad attachment system for coupling various external components, and a storage space configured for storage and organization of various items.

Abstract: A touch screen barrier system having a multiple layer touch screen barrier and dispenser. The touch screen barrier adheres to a user's forger or thumb to provide a barrier to the touch screen or other public device, such as elevator buttons, to prevent the transfer of oils, germs or other debris that cause smudges on the screen during use or transfer germs. The dispenser holds and provides access to a plurality of touch screen barriers and is compact for transporting in the user's pocket.