Abstract: A device for operating a parking brake of a motor vehicle, wherein the parking lock includes an actuatable actuator element for disengaging the parking lock counter to a restoring pressure, and an actuatable holding device for holding the parking lock when the latter is disengaged. The device includes a selector control lever and a transmission control device communicating therewith, the selector control device actuating the holding device and the transmission control device actuating the actuator element.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a conveyor (4) adapted to move articles (3) along a certain conveyor path, at least one pass sensor designed to detect an article in motion on the conveyor going past at a certain point of the conveyor path and to respond to a detection of the article going past by delivering a pass detection signal (SD) to a monitoring and control unit (8) via a field-bus (9), is characterized in that it further includes a tracking system (10) suitable for generating digital images containing the articles in motion in the conveyor, in that the pass sensor is a virtual sensor represented in a 3D digital model of the conveyor, and in that it includes an emulator (11) configured to transform the images generated by the tracking system into pass detection signals that are delivered to the monitoring and control unit via the field-bus.

Abstract: An unjamming system is used in connection with mass-produced parts fed through a process by a rotating bowl feeder. The bowl feeder has a bowl with an axis of rotation and an outer wall. The parts are disposed against the outer wall by centrifugal force. The unjamming system includes a jamming region adjacent the bowl, wherein unjamming is carried out. A sensor adjacent the jamming region detects a jam. A pneumatic cylinder actuator and an air blow jet adjacent the jamming region removes the parts from the jam. The parts are returned to the bowl by the air blow jet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transporting items of media along a transport path. The apparatus comprises a first transport member and a further transport member located opposite the first transport member to transport a bunch of media items located between said transport members along a transport path, a drive mechanism to move a one of the first and further transport members towards or away from a remainder one of the first and further transport members to selectively locate the first and further transport members in a selectable spaced apart relationship, and at least one sensor to determine a position of the one transport member with respect to the remainder one transport member.

Abstract: A dolly and methods for transporting and discharging items. The dolly includes a frame and one or more power conveyer assemblies. The one or more power conveyer assemblies include a set of transfer rollers and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a drive motor, a continuous drive belt, a set of idler pulleys, a plurality of electrical actuation members, and a foot actuation pedal. Engagement of the foot actuation pedal can cause the drive motor to rotate the continuous drive belt around the set of idler pulleys and the plurality of electrical actuation members to move the continuous drive belt into an interference position with the set of transfer rollers. This can result in rotation of the set of transfer rollers and application of a discharge force to items set upon them.

Abstract: A tensioning assembly for a cable drag conveyor. The conveyor includes a head pulley mounted on a head pulley shaft positioned in a head pulley housing and a tail pulley mounted on a tail pulley shaft positioned in a tail pulley housing, infeed and discharge conveyor tubes interconnecting the head pulley housing and the tail pulley housing, and an endless rope having conveying disks attached to the rope positioned in the infeed and discharge conveyor tubes and around the head pulley and tail pulley. The tail pulley housing is positioned in a stationary position in relation to the head pulley and the head pulley housing. The tail pulley shaft and tail pulley is positioned on the tail pulley housing for movement in relation to the tail pulley housing, the head pulley and the head pulley housing. A tensioner moves the tail pulley to maintain the tail pulley at a distance in relation to the head pulley that results in correct tension on the rope during its travel through the cable drag conveyor.

Abstract: Hydraulic cylinders of a conveying apparatus includes piston rods that extend in parallel, pistons, and cylinder tubes that have an internal pressure chamber partitioned into first and second pressure chambers. A pair of the hydraulic cylinders are arranged in parallel with an interval in a width direction of a conveyance path. The cylinder tube slidingly moves to the first pressure chamber side by supplying a hydraulic pressure to the first pressure chamber and discharging a hydraulic pressure from the second pressure chamber, and the cylinder tubes slidingly move to the second pressure chamber side by supplying a hydraulic pressure to the second pressure chamber and discharging a hydraulic pressure from the first pressure chamber. The workpiece is supported by a pair of the cylinder tubes.

Abstract: A magnetic conveyance system comprising a support structure having a ferromagnetic capacity and a trolley moveable upon the support structure in a plurality of directions. The trolley may include a trolley frame and at least one attractor cell disposed on the trolley frame. The at least one attractor cell may comprise a housing and at least one magnet, at least one friction reducing load spreading device, and a load transfer member disposed within the housing. The magnet may provide a magnetic attraction force between the trolley and the support structure. The friction reducing load spreading device may comprise a plurality of bearing balls circulating within a reservoir and a channel formed by the load transfer member disposed within the housing. The load transfer member may also include a bearing surface wherein a portion of the plurality of bearing balls is disposed between the bearing surface and the support structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying device for conveying a product, comprising a plurality of individually movable conveying elements (2, 2?) for conveying the products, a stationary, circumferentially arranged guide rail (3), which defines a running path for the conveying elements (2, 2?), and a linear motor drive device (4) for driving the conveying elements (2, 2?), said conveying elemnts (2, 2?) each having permanent magnets (5, 5?) which are actively connected to the coils (6) of the linear motor drive device (4), each conveying element (2, 2?) having at least one first sub-component (21) and one second sub-component (22) which are connected to one another in an articulated manner by means of a hinge (7), each sub-component (21, 22) having at least one permanent magnet (5, 5?), each conveying element (2, 2?) having a reflux plate (15), and the hinge (7) being arranged on the reflux plate (15) in such a way that the reflux plate (15) is sub-divided into a first plate part (16) and a second plate part (17

Abstract: One embodiment of the disclosure includes an input module. The input module includes a switch, a rotatable and translatable input member operably connected to the switch and configured to actuate the switch, and an electrical contact operably connected to the switch and in electrical communication with the input member. During operation, the electrical connection between the input member and the electrical contact is maintained during translation and rotation of the input member. The input module may be used with a variety of electronic devices and can be used by a user to provide input to those devices.

Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus housing assembly for an electrical switching apparatus assembly is provided. The electrical switching apparatus housing assembly including a body assembly and a movable door member. The body assembly includes a number of outer sidewalls. The outer sidewalls define an enclosed space. The outer sidewalls include a top sidewall. The top sidewall includes a limited opening to the enclosed space. The movable door member is movably coupled to the top sidewall. The door member is movable between an open, first position, wherein the door member is not disposed in the limited opening, and a closed, second position, wherein the door member is disposed in the limited opening.

Abstract: A force-sense imparting type multidirectional input device includes a base body including a receiving space, a slider movably disposed in the receiving space, an operating member integrated with the slider, a first driving member that includes a first engaging portion rotationally driven along the movement of the slider, a second driving member that includes a second engaging portion rotationally driven along the movement of the slider and a force-sense imparting unit that imparts a sense of force to an operator through the operating member. The slider is slidingly moved along the first virtual axis and swings about the first virtual axis in a direction orthogonal to the first virtual axis, the first engaging portion of the first driving member is rotationally driven with the sliding movement of the slider, and the second engaging portion of the second driving member is rotationally driven with the swing of the slider.

Abstract: A switch device includes a housing, a substrate, a single operation knob including an operation plate having operation indications provided thereon and moving in a direction toward and away from the substrate, a push switch fixed to the substrate, a plurality of touch electrodes to mounted on the substrate for sensing proximity of a finger and outputting a proximity signal, and a control circuit configured to output a command signal to an electrical circuit based on proximity signals from the respective touch electrodes when a press signal is input thereto. The sensing portions of the touch electrodes are disposed so as to form a space between the sensing portions and the operation plate when the operation knob is not depressed by a finger, and to come close to the operation plate when the operation knob is depressed by a finger.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is disclosed which includes a plurality of fixed contacts and a plurality of corresponding movable contacts. An actuating shaft is operatively connected to and actuates the plurality of movable contacts to couple with/separate from the corresponding fixed contacts. A supporting device for the actuating shaft can be movably connected to a wall of the circuit breaker, and the actuating shaft can be operatively coupled to the supporting device to rotate around a rotation axis relative to the wall of the circuit breaker and the supporting device itself. The circuit breaker can include an adjustment device for adjusting at least the position of the actuating shaft relative to the wall.

Abstract: A multi-instruction switch for increasing electrical insulation includes a housing, a common pin and a switching pin set. The housing has an accommodating space, a conductive elastic plate disposed in the accommodating space, and a support rack disposed in the accommodating space and comprising a limiting track. The switching pin set, penetrating through the housing to extend into the accommodating space, comprises a first pin and a second pin disposed on the support rack. The first pin comprises a contact section located in the limiting track: The second pin comprises a trigger section located in the limiting track. The limiting track has an insulation space between the trigger section and the contact section. Thus, carbon residue generated during a switching process of the multi-instruction switch is not accumulated between the contact section and the trigger section due to the insulation space.

Abstract: Disclosed a trigger switch including: a case having a switch chamber in which a switch mechanism is arranged in a sealed state; a plunger inserted slidably into a shaft hole formed on one end side of the case, coupled to the switch mechanism, and biased forward; and a trigger provided on a distal end of the plunger for operating the switch, wherein the switch mechanism includes an air pressure stabilizing mechanism configured to cancel an air compressing action in the interior of the switch chamber caused by the switch mechanism moving in the interior of the switch chamber. The air pressure stabilizing mechanism includes a communication hole extending from a rear end opening facing the switch chamber to a distal end opening on the plunger, and a plunger-engaging portion of the trigger includes a discharge port communicating with the communication hole and configured to release air from the communicating hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switch spring arrangement for operating a switch, comprising a first spring arm that can be actuated by a card, and at least one second spring arm, with a contact dome at the free end thereof, for operating a switch that is located beneath the contact dome of the second spring arm, wherein the first spring arm can be actuated by the second spring arm.

Abstract: A button device includes a circuit board, a switch secured to the circuit board, a button, and a resilient member. The button includes a main body. The main body includes a pressing portion and an extending portion extending from the pressing portion. A resisting portion extends from the pressing portion and abuts the extending portion. A gap is defined between the resisting portion and the circuit board, and a resilient member is attached to the resisting portion. The button is moveable along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the circuit board to deform the resilient member, and the resisting portion is pressed against the circuit board for preventing the button from further moving along the direction.

Abstract: A switch comprising: a cover; a base; and a push button comprising: an elastic touch piece formed in a sidewall of a sliding part of the push button, wherein the push button is vertically and slidably installed in a space formed by assembling the cover to the base, wherein a free end of the elastic touch piece is configured to abut the base when the push button is pushed, and the free end is configured to abut the cover when the pushed push button is returned.

Abstract: This operating device for a vehicle includes: a holding portion provided at a steering wheel of the vehicle and adapted to be held by an operator; a first operation member provided on a surface of the holding portion, the first operation member having a first operating surface that is operatable by a finger of the operator through a contact operation and through a tilting operation; and a second operation member provided at a central portion of the first operating surface, the second operation member having a second operating surface that is operatable by the finger of the operator through a contact operation and through a pressing operation, wherein the first operating surface has an annular concave shape with the central portion being furthest recessed to an inside.

Abstract: An input device having a touch sensor installed on a push switch includes a first detection unit for detecting a first predetermined operation on the push switch, a second detection unit for detecting a second predetermined operation on the touch sensor, and a control unit for invalidating the second predetermined operation when the second predetermined operation is detected by the second detection unit within a predetermined time after detection of the first predetermined operation by the first detection unit. For example, the device is disposed on a spoke unit that is operable by a driver's thumb while the driver grips a steering wheel.

Abstract: There is provided a touch sensor including: a base substrate; a first electrode pattern formed on the base substrate and including first electrode lines repeatedly arranged in parallel with each other; and a second electrode pattern formed on a surface spaced apart from a surface on which the first electrode pattern is formed and including second electrode lines intersecting with the first electrode lines and repeatedly arranged in parallel with each other, wherein an extension line connecting intersection points between the first and second electrode lines to each other is formed as an oblique line with respect to a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A touch sensor including a plurality of first electrode films and a plurality of second electrode films which are formed on a surface of a substrate and are arranged in different directions from each other; and a manufacturing method for the same. The manufacturing method includes: a first transfer step, which uses a transfer ribbon made by at least an insulating layer and an electrode-imparting layer which are entirely sequentially stacked as a transfer layer upon an elongated release film, attaches to a substrate only a portion of the transfer layer to which heat and pressure have been applied, and by stripping the release film, transfers the transfer layer in at least the shape of a first electrode film; and a second transfer step including attaching only the portion of the transfer layer to which the heat and the pressure had been applied and stripping the release film.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel ITO crossover integrated capacitive touch screen and a manufacturing method thereof. The novel ITO crossover integrated capacitive touch screen comprises a transparent substrate, and a silicon dioxide layer, a niobium pentoxide layer, a black resin layer, an ITO crossover electrode, a first insulation layer, an ITO electrode, a metal electrode, and a second insulation layer sequentially stacked on the transparent substrate. The silicon dioxide layer covers the glass completely, and the niobium pentoxide layer covers the silicon dioxide layer completely. The ITO electrode comprises a capacitive screen driver and a sensing electrode, and is provided with a patterned graphic structure. The capacitive screen driver and the sensing electrode are on the same layer, mutually independent, mutually insulated, and vertical in design.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing metallurgical coke from petroleum coke generated in crude oil refineries, by coking in “heat-recovery” coking ovens, starting from petroleum coke obtained or generated in crude oil refineries and possessing from the outset a volatiles content of 15 to 19 weight percent and an ash fraction of up to 2 Weight percent, this petroleum coke being introduced in densified form into a coking oven of “non-recovery” or “hat-recovery” construction for the purpose of cyclical coking, said oven being equipped with at least one externally heated burner, so that the primary healing space or the secondary heating space below the coking oven chamber, or both, are heated to a temperature of between 1000° C. to 1550° C.

Abstract: An integrated facility for the co-production of ethanol and renewable diesel fuel is provided. Corn oil, an ethanol production by-product, is utilized as a feedstock for a renewable diesel plant operating within the same general facility as the corn ethanol plant. By-products of the renewable diesel plant, such as fuel gas, steam, and/or naphtha, can be utilized in various parts of the ethanol plant to increase the operating efficiency thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a combined evaporator and condenser for a fresh water generator. The generator comprises an evaporation unit into which is introduced water to be treated (typically seawater) heated to at least a saturation temperature for the pressure in the evaporation unit for generating vapor by evaporating water from the seawater, and the condenser unit for condensing the evaporated fresh water. Moreover the generator comprises circulation means for returning the brine, after being evaporated in the evaporation part. The generator utilizes specially designed stacked evaporator and condenser plates having a circular form with a flat peripheral portion and a cone like central portion with an aperture in the centre of the plates providing.

Abstract: Split-shell fractionation columns and associated processes for separating aromatic hydrocarbons are provided herein. In an embodiment, a split-shell fractionation column includes a housing shell having a first height and a partition having a second height and disposed within the housing shell. The partition includes first and second vertically oriented baffles separated by a gap region, a seal plate connecting top ends of the baffles, a first input port formed to extend through the partition for the introduction of a gas into the gap region, and a first output port formed to extend outwardly from a bottom of the gap region and through the housing shell. The partition defines a first distillation zone and a second distillation zone within the housing shell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dividing wall distillation column for producing high-purity n-butanol, and a method for the production of high-purity n-butanol by fractional distillation. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method which provides a dividing wall distillation column with crude n-butanol as a feed to perform a fractional distillation of n-butanol, and an apparatus thereof. The dividing wall distillation column of the present invention exhibits the effects of a two distillation column from only one distillation column, thereby reducing energy and the costs of installing the apparatus as compared to conventional distillation systems.

Abstract: Method and device for the production of acetylene using plasma technology, wherein a gas containing at least one type of hydrocarbon is fed into a non-thermal plasma of a plasma source.

Abstract: A sputtering apparatus includes: a first cylindrical target unit, a second cylindrical target unit facing the first cylindrical target unit; a third cylindrical target unit facing the first cylindrical target unit and the second cylindrical target unit; a fourth cylindrical target unit facing the first cylindrical target unit, the second cylindrical target unit, and the third cylindrical target unit; and a power unit configured to provide power such that two of the first cylindrical target unit, the second cylindrical target unit, the third cylindrical target unit, and the fourth cylindrical target unit function as different electrodes.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell, in particular for producing an electrochemically activated sodium chloride solution, includes an anode chamber provided with an anode and a cathode chamber separated therefrom by a membrane and provided with a cathode. The membrane is designed as a hollow ceramic cylinder surrounded by an outer housing and is intended to make it possible to produce a particularly high-quality, electrochemically activated sodium chloride solution. The ends of the hollow ceramic cylinder and the outer housing surrounding the cylinder are each mounted in a closure cap, which has a central hole forming an entry channel to the interior of the hollow ceramic cylinder and an annular chamber that extends around the central hole and, on the media side, is connected to the intermediate chamber between the membrane and the outer housing.

Abstract: Provided is a Li-containing phosphoric-acid compound sintered body of both high relative density and very small crystal grain diameter with reduced incidence of defects (voids) such as air holes, the Li-containing phosphoric-acid compound sintered body causing a Li-containing phosphoric-acid compound thin film useful as a solid electrolyte for a secondary cell or the like to be stabilized without any incidence of target cracking or irregular electrical discharge, and offering high-speed film-forming capability. This Li-containing phosphoric-acid compound sintered body contains no defects measuring 50 ?m or larger within a 1 mm2 cross-sectional region in the interior thereof, while having an average crystal grain diameter of no more than 15 ?m and a relative density of at least 85%.

Abstract: A silver-based cylindrical target is provided. The target consists of silver or a single-phase silver alloy in which an additive component is solid-soluted, wherein a ratio A/B is 0.8-1.2, A being a diameter of crystal grains in a direction along a central axis of a cylinder in a cross section including the central axis of the cylinder; and B being a diameter of crystal grains in a direction perpendicular to the central axis, an oxygen content is 100 ppm or less, and a content of non-metallic inclusions is 20 ppm or less.

Abstract: An annular member 10 according to an aspect of the invention surrounds the periphery of a substrate to be processed 2. The annular member 10 includes an annular main body 11 which is made of a ceramic sintered body or quartz glass, and has at least one main surface S1. The main body 11 has a groove portion G disposed on the main surface S1 and a plurality of projections 14 protruded from a bottom surface B of the groove portion G. A film forming apparatus 1 according to an aspect of the invention includes the annular member 10 and a reaction chamber 4 in which the annular member 10 is disposed, and which performs formation of a metal film 3 on the substrate to be processed 2. The groove portion G of the annular member 10 is exposed to the inside of the reaction chamber 4.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes and devices for use in the electrochemical detection of a target in a sample. For example, silicon or glass surfaces are treated with silanes functionalized with various side chains to tune the surface wetting characteristics.

Abstract: One of embodiments is a semiconductor micro-analysis chip for detecting particles in a sample liquid. The chip comprises a semiconductor substrate, a first flow channel provided on the semiconductor substrate to allow the sample liquid to flow therein, a second flow channel provided at a different position from the first flow channel of the semiconductor substrate to allow the sample liquid or an electrolyte solution to flow therein, a contact portion where a portion of the first flow channel and a portion of the second flow channel abut each other or intersect one another with a partition being arranged between the flow channels, and a fine hole provided on the partition of the contact portion to allow the particles to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A precision bipolar digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that provides a bipolar current output having a substantially fixed zero center point is provided. The DAC includes digital-to-analog converter circuitry configured to provide, responsive to a reference signal indicative of the digital data, a first analog current signal having a first potential and a second analog current signal having a second potential, subtractor circuitry configured to provide a bipolar current signal by subtracting the second analog current signal from the first analog current signal, the bipolar current signal having a zero center point, and first control circuitry electrically coupled to the subtractor circuitry and to the digital-to-analog converter circuitry, and configured to modify the second potential so that the second potential equals the first potential.

Abstract: An O2 sensor has a sensor element, which includes a solid electrolyte layer and a pair of electrodes. The solid electrolyte layer is held between the electrodes. The electrodes include an atmosphere side electrode, which becomes a positive side at a time of outputting an electromotive force from the sensor element, and an exhaust side electrode, which becomes a negative side at the time of outputting the electromotive force from the sensor element. A resistor is provided in an electric path that connects between the atmosphere side electrode and a ground. When the sensor element generates the electromotive force, the resistor conducts an electric current, which is generated while using the electromotive force as an electric power source, to induce a change in an output characteristic of the O2 sensor.

Abstract: An O2 sensor has a sensor element, which includes a solid electrolyte layer and a pair of electrodes. The solid electrolyte layer is held between the electrodes, which includes an atmosphere side electrode and an exhaust side electrode. A constant current circuit is installed in an electric path, which connects between the atmosphere side electrode and a ground, to induce a flow of a predetermined constant electric current between the electrodes through the solid electrolyte layer. When the sensor element generates an electromotive force, the constant current circuit conducts an electric current, which is generated while using the electromotive force of the sensor element as an electric power source, to induce the flow of the predetermined constant electric current between the electrodes in an electromotive force range, which is equal to or larger than an electromotive force of the sensor element generated at a stoichiometric air-to-fuel ratio.

Abstract: An O2 sensor has a sensor element, which includes a solid electrolyte layer and a pair of electrodes. The solid electrolyte layer is held between the electrodes, which includes an atmosphere side electrode and an exhaust side electrode. A constant current circuit is installed in an electric path, which connects between the atmosphere side electrode and a ground, to induce a flow of a predetermined constant electric current between the electrodes through the solid electrolyte layer. A voltage circuit is installed in an electric path, which connects between the exhaust side electrode and a ground, to increase an electric potential of the exhaust side electrode by a predetermined amount relative to an electric potential at an output side of the constant current circuit, from which the electric current flows out of the constant current circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed are gel systems prepared with a substantially neutral gel buffer solution, which contains an amine base and at least one zwitterionic component and an acid component. Methods of making and using these gel systems are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A desalination system comprises a silica removal unit. The silica removal unit comprises first and second electrodes, a plurality of ion exchange membranes disposed between the first and second electrodes and a plurality of spacers disposed between adjacent ion exchange membranes and between the first and second electrodes and the respective ion exchange membranes. The plurality of the ion exchange membranes comprises a pair of cation exchange membranes and a pair of anion exchange membranes disposed between the pair of cation exchange membranes. A first channel is defined between the anion exchange membranes and second and third channels are defined between each anion exchange membrane and an adjacent cation exchange membrane. A silica removal apparatus and a desalination method are also presented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a salt solution electrodialysis cell for production of the relevant acids and bases by means of a process with reduced or nil consumption of electrical energy. The cell comprises an anodic chamber fed with hydrogen and a cathodic chamber fed with oxygen or air, provided with the relevant gas-diffusion electrodes; the driving power of the electrodialysis process is given by the oxidation and reduction chemical potentials of hydrogen and oxygen fed to the two chambers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a microfluidic sensor device includes microfluidic sensor mounted on and electrically connected a micro lead frame substrate. The microfluidic sensor is molded to form a package body. The package body includes a molded panel portion and, in some embodiments, a mask portion having one or more open channels, sealed channels, and/or a sealed chamber exposing an active surface of the microfluidic sensor. The molded panel portions and mask portions are configured to allow a material to dynamically or statically contact the microfluidic sensor for analysis.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional PDMS cell sorter having multiple passages in a PDMS layer that follow the same path in a DEP separation region and that are in fluid communication with each other within that region. The passages may differ in width transverse to the flow direction within the passages. Flat plates may sandwich the PDMS layer; each plate may have a planar electrode used to generate a DEP field within a sample fluid flowed within the passages. The DEP field may concentrate target cells or particulates within one of the passages within the DEP separation region. The passages may diverge after the DEP-separation region, leaving one passage with a high concentration of target cells or particulates. Techniques for manufacturing such structures, as well as other micro-fluidic structures, are also provided.

Abstract: Electroplating systems and methods are provided that employ a structure for defining a zone of deposition for co-depositing metal and nanomaterial on a cathode. Materials that may be co-deposited include copper and carbon nanotubes Pulsed power may be employed to produce a more dimensionally uniform and/or more functionally uniform deposit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are electroplating systems for electroplating nickel onto a semiconductor substrate having an electroplating cell for holding an electrolyte solution during electroplating which includes a cathode chamber and an anode chamber configured to hold a nickel anode, and having an oxygen removal device arranged to reduce oxygen concentration in the electrolyte solution as it is flowed to the anode chamber during electroplating and during idle times when the system is not electroplating. Also disclosed herein are methods of electroplating nickel onto a substrate in an electroplating cell having anode and cathode chambers, which include reducing the oxygen concentration in an electrolyte solution, flowing the electrolyte solution into the anode chamber and contacting a nickel anode therein, and electroplating nickel from the electrolyte solution onto a substrate in the cathode chamber, wherein the electrolyte solution in the cathode chamber is maintained at a pH of between about 3.5 and 4.5.

Abstract: A method for plating electrodes includes contacting a substrate with an electrolyte, the substrate comprising a plurality of working electrodes, applying an electric potential to one or more working electrodes of the plurality of working electrodes, monitoring a separate current through each of the one or more working electrodes of the plurality of working electrodes, and in response to determining that a first current through a first electrode of the plurality of working electrodes has reached a predetermined value, interrupting the first current through the first working electrode.

Abstract: A method of depositing nickel on a surface of an object, the method including the steps of providing a source of direct current having a positive and a negative terminal; connecting the object to the negative terminal; connecting an anode to the positive terminal; and submerging the object and anode in a solution comprising nickel. The anode is positioned at a distance equal to or less than 2 mm from the surface of the object and when the source of direct current is switched on, nickel in the solution comprising nickel is deposited on the surface of the object.