Abstract: The present methods pertain to amplifying and/or detecting Staphylococcus aureus (“SA”) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (“MRSA”) nucleic acids based on a combined detection of ldh1 as a SA marker and mecA as a MRSA marker. In certain embodiments the methods also pertain to amplifying and/or detecting one or more SCCmec integration sites or bridge regions. Primers and probes are suitable to be used in the present methods to detect SA and MRSA simultaneously in a single reaction or in separate reactions. The amplified nucleic acid can be detected by a variety of state of the art methods, including fluorescence resonance energy transfer (“FRET”), radiolabels, enzyme labels, and the like.

Abstract: Methods of identifying inhibitors of retroviral propagation, tRNA used in the methods, and kits, including the tRNA, which can be used in the methods, are disclosed. Methods of treating or preventing retroviral infections by administering an effective amount of the inhibitors, and pharmaceutical compositions including the inhibitors, are also disclosed. The methods involve forming a mixture comprising a linear sequence of a tRNA anticodon stem loop fragment that is not capable of forming a stem-loop, a target nucleic acid molecule capable of binding to the tRNA anticodon stem loop fragment, and a test compound. The mixture is incubated under conditions that allow binding of the tRNA anticodon stem loop fragment and the target nucleic acid molecule in the absence of the test compound. Assays can then be performed that detect whether or not the test compound inhibits the binding of the tRNA anticodon stem loop fragment and the target nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for the purification of crude sugar beet juice. The present invention relates moreover to methods for the manufacture of non-sucrose substance combinations from crude sugar beet juice, as well as two devices for the purification of crude sugar beet juice. The measures according to the invention allow a reduction of lime consumption during the purification.

Abstract: A press-hardened steel component and a method of producing the same. In one form, a workpiece that will be formed into the component includes a coating that is pre-diffused with metal from the workpiece substrate. Examples of such protective coatings may include aluminum-based coatings, as well as from aluminum and silicon combinations. The pre-diffusion of the workpiece permits it to be subjected to the high heating rate of a subsequent press hardening operation without causing localized melting or vaporization of the protective coating.

Abstract: A hot-rolled austenitic manganese steel strip having a chemical composition in percent by weight of 0.4%?C?1.2%, 12.0%?Mn?25.0%, P?0.01% and Al?0.05% has a product of elongation at break in % and tensile strength in MPa of above 65,000 MPa %, in particular above 70,000 MPa %. A cold-rolled austenitic manganese steel strip having the same chemical composition achieves a product of elongation at break in % and tensile strength in MPa of above 75,000 MPa %, in particular above 80,000 MPa %.

Abstract: Illustrative methods are provided for annealing nuclear fission reactor materials, such as without limitation, a nuclear fission reactor core or fuel assembly or components thereof within the nuclear core. Annealing a metallic component of a nuclear fission reactor within the reactor core may include determining an annealing temperature for at least a portion of at least one metallic component of a nuclear fission fuel assembly of the reactor. The temperature of the core may be adjusted to affect the determined annealing temperature, which in some cases may be greater than the predetermined operating temperature range of the nuclear fission fuel assembly. The portion of the at least one metallic component of the nuclear fission fuel assembly is annealed within the core at the annealing temperature range.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a galvanized steel sheet includes heating a base steel sheet in a heating zone such that the surface of the base steel sheet is heated at a temperature of 600° C. or higher and 790° C. or lower while a furnace temperature T° C. in the heating zone of an annealing furnace is controlled based on the water vapor partial pressure PH2Oin Air of air fed into the heating zone, the base steel sheet having a chemical composition consisting of, by mass %, C: 0.05% or more and 0.25% or less, Si: 0.1% or more and 3.0% or less, Mn: 0.5% or more and 3.0% or less, P: 0.001% or more and 0.10% or less, Al: 0.01% or more and 3.00% or less, S: 0.200% or less, and the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, heating the base steel sheet in the heating zone such that the surface of the base steel sheet is heated at a temperature of 630° C. or higher and 850° C.

Abstract: A method for post-weld heat treatment of a without a filler material welded high strength component made of a gamma prime (??) strengthened superalloy can include providing the welded component, heating the welded component by applying a rapid heating-up rate in the range of 20° C./min to 40° C./min during the entire temperature range from room temperature (RT) up to a temperature T1 of at least 1000° C., holding the welded component at T1 and then heating the component by applying a slow heating-up rate of about 5° C./min to a final temperature Tf, then holding the welded component at Tf for a time tf sufficient for at least partially dissolving the gamma prime phase in a weld of the welded component and also in a base material surrounding the weld, and cooling the component with a cooling rate that is greater than or equal to about 20° C./min.

Abstract: A high strength hot dip galvanized steel strip including, in mass percent, of the following elements: 0.10-0.18% C, 1.90-2.50% Mn, 0.30-0.50% Si, 0.50-0.70% Al, 0.10-0.50% Cr, 0.001-0.10% P, 0.01-0.05% Nb, max 0.004% Ca, max 0.05% S, max 0.007% N, and optionally at least one of the following elements: 0.005-0.50% Ti, 0.005-0.50% V, 0.005-0.50% Mo, 0.005-0.50% Ni, 0.005-0.50% Cu, max 0.005% B, the balance Fe and inevitable impurities, wherein 0.80%<Al+Si<1.05% and Mn+Cr>2.10%. This steel offers improved formability at a high strength, has a good weldability and surface quality together with a good produce-ability and coat-ability.

Abstract: A process for producing high-purity magnesium by distillation at reduced pressure, which includes providing an apparatus having a retort formed from a material inert with respect to magnesium and an upper region defined by two vertically spaced level lines, a condensation vessel having a lower region and an upper region extending into the upper region of the retort, wherein the retort and condensation vessel are coupled to one another by an opening arranged in the upper region of the condensation vessel; providing a magnesium-containing metal melt to the retort at a level below the gap; and heating and maintaining the upper region of the retort at a temperature above the boiling point of magnesium to fill the retort with steam, thereby delivering a high purity melt into the condensation vessel via the opening.

Abstract: To provide a method for recovering lithium, that is capable of efficiently recovering lithium without containing impurities, such as phosphorus and fluorine, from a lithium-containing solution containing lithium hexafluorophosphate and separated from a lithium ion battery. In the present invention, alkali hydroxide is added to the lithium-containing solution and the solution is made to have pH 9 or more, a precipitate of a phosphate and a fluoride salt is formed, the formed precipitate is separated and removed, and then lithium is recovered from filtrate.

Abstract: A method for the hydrometallurgical recovery of lithium from the fraction of used galvanic cells containing lithium, iron and phosphate is disclosed. According to the method, lithium-iron-phosphate-containing fraction is introduced into sulfuric acid and/or hydrochloric acid, and hydrogen peroxide is added in an amount that is at least stoichiometric relative to the iron content to be oxidized of the lithium-iron-phosphate-containing fraction.

Abstract: A method of mineralizing calcium from industrial waste comprising extracting calcium ions from a suspension of calcium rich granular particles and aqueous ammonium chloride to form a calcium-rich first fraction and a heavy second fraction. The heavy second fraction is separated from the first fraction and the calcium-rich first fraction is carbonated with a gas comprising carbon dioxide to form a suspension of precipitated calcium carbonate and aqueous ammonium chloride. The precipitate is separated from the aqueous ammonium chloride by centrifugal means and the separated heavy second fraction comprises an enriched weight percent of iron.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for recovering scandium from scandium-containing intermediate products, formed during hydrometallurgical processing of scandium-containing feed materials, including: (a) leaching of the scandium-containing intermediate products with a suitable acid at a controlled pH selected to maximize scandium extraction and minimize the co-extraction of impurities, (b) solid/liquid separation, to obtain a scandium-containing leach solution; (c) selective precipitation of the scandium at a controlled pH from the scandium-containing leach solution using a suitable base, (d) solid/liquid separation, to obtain an upgraded scandium concentrate and a barren solution for return to the hydrometallurgical process. A further upgraded scandium concentrate can be obtained by (e) alkaline leaching of the upgraded scandium concentrate for additional removal of impurities, and (f) solid/liquid separation to obtain a further upgraded scandium concentrate and impurities-containing base solution.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for separating at least one first chemical element E1 from at least one second chemical element E2 coexisting in a mixture in the form of oxides, comprising the following steps: a) a step to solubilise a powder of one or more oxides of the said at least one first chemical element E1 and a powder of one or more oxides of the said at least one second chemical element E2 in a medium comprising at least one molten salt of formula MF—AlF3 wherein M is an alkaline element, after which there results after this step a mixture comprising the said molten salt, a fluoride of the said at least one first chemical elements E1 and a fluoride of the said at least one second chemical element E2; b) a step to contact the mixture resulting from step a) with a medium comprising a metal in the liquid state, the said metal being a reducing agent capable of predominantly reducing the said at least one first chemical element E1 relative to the said at least one second chemical element E2, after

Abstract: A process of preparing an aluminum alloy includes the following steps: first adding and completely melting a ZL101 Al-Si ingot and then covering the melt next adding one of modifiers Te and Sb and then performing heat preservation; finally adding one or more of rare earth elements La, Ce, Y and transition metal element Hf and then performing heat preservation. The ZL101 Al-Si alloy melt after the treatments can be casted into an ingot or a part after refining.

Abstract: Copper-free aluminum alloys suitable for high pressure die casting and capable of age-hardening under elevated temperatures are provided. The allow includes about 9.5-13 wt % silicon, about 0.2 to 0.6 wt % Magnesium, about 0.1 to 2 wt % iron, about 0.1 to 2 wt % manganese, about 0.1 to 1 wt % nickel, about 0.5 to 3 wt % zinc, and 0 to 0.1 wt % strontium, with a balance of aluminum. Methods for making high pressure die castings and castings manufactured from the alloy are also provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a martensitic stainless steel sheet by allowing ingot steel to pass through two casting rolls rotating in opposing directions through a twin roll strip caster is provided. The method includes rolling a steel sheet cast between the casting rolls at a temperature of 1000 to 1200° C. and a draft percentage of 25 to 50% with a first roller, and rolling the steel sheet at a temperature of 800 to 1000° C. and a draft percentage of 5 to 15% with a second roller.

Abstract: A purpose of the present invention is to provide a martensitic stainless steel tube exhibiting excellent performance even in severe corrosive environments in which a partial pressure of hydrogen sulfide exceeds 0.03 bar. Provided is a low C-high Cr alloy steel tube for OCTG (Oil Country Tubular Goods) having minimum yield strength of 862 MPa and excellent corrosion resistance, wherein the steel tube contains, in percent by mass, 0.005 to 0.05% C, 12 to 16% Cr, 1.0% or less Si, 2.0% or less Mn, 3.5 to 7.5% Ni, 1.5 to 3.5% Mo, 0.01 to 0.05% V, 0.02% or less N, and 0.01 to 0.06% Ta and satisfies the relationship in the following formula (1), and the rest comprises Fe and unavoidable impurities. 25-25 (% Ni)+5 (% Cr)+25 (% Mo)?0??(1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for thermally treating an aluminium workpiece, comprising the steps of providing an aluminium workpiece, which is essentially in the T4 structural state, and exposing a first portion of the workpiece to a first precipitation hardening process by artificial ageing to change the structural state of the first portion of the workpiece, wherein a part of the workpiece is actively cooled during the first precipitation hardening process, so that a second portion of the workpiece essentially remains in the same structural state during the first precipitation hardening process. The invention further relates to an apparatus for thermally treating an aluminium workpiece and to an aluminium workpiece, especially producible with a method according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a titanium alloy having superelastic properties and/or shape memory for biomedical use, which comprises the steps of: preparing an ingot by melting the various metals that form the desired alloy in a vacuum; optionally homogenizing the ingot in a vacuum by high-temperature annealing (higher than 900° C.); first quenching; mechanical shaping (rolling, drawing, machining or the like); heat treatment for redissolution in beta phase beyond the beta transus temperature (until a second temperature and then maintaining same for a certain time); and second quenching; characterized in that said heat treatment phase is carried out in a gaseous atmosphere and also constitutes a surface treatment suitable for forming on the surface a layer of nitride, carbonitride, oxide, oxynitride or the like.

Abstract: A high strength galvanized steel sheet excellent in coating adhesiveness is made from a base material that is a high strength steel sheet containing Si, Mn, and Cr. A method includes performing an oxidation treatment on steel containing Si, Mn, and Cr in an oxidation furnace under the condition that a selected exit temperature T, reduction annealing and a galvanizing treatment, or optionally, further an alloying treatment under conditions that heating is performed at a temperature of 460° C. or higher and 600° C. or lower for an alloying treatment time of 10 seconds or more and 60 seconds or less.

Abstract: Steel strip provided with a hot dip galvanized zinc alloy coating layer, in which the coating of the steel strip is carried out in a bath of molten zinc alloy, the zinc alloy in the coating of: 0.3-2.3 weight % magnesium; 0.6-2.3 weight % aluminum; optional <0.2 weight % of one or more additional elements; unavoidable impurities; the remainder being zinc in which the zinc alloy coating layer has a thickness of 3-12 ?m.

Abstract: A film growing method includes: (A) attaching wall members to ends of a film grown surface of a base material; (B) growing a film on the film grown surface by a cold spray method; and (C) removing the wall members after a thickness of the grown film on the film grown surface becomes equal to a desired film thickness. It can be prevented that the side ends of the grown film are formed in a slope when a thick film is to be grown by using the cold spray.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for modifying piece surfaces consisting in bringing pieces into contact with at least one type of a modifying agent in such a way that the modification of the surface is carried out.

Abstract: An article (50; 100) has a metallic substrate (22), a bondcoat (30) atop the substrate, and a thermal barrier coating (28; 27, 28) atop the bondcoat. The thermal barrier coating or a layer thereof comprises didymium oxide and zirconia.

Abstract: A touch panel includes a first substrate; a mask layer formed on the first substrate, and on a marginal region thereof; a first high density conductive layer covering the mask layer and the first substrate. An adaptive method for manufacturing the touch panel incorporating a HiPIMS-assisted-DC sputtering process is provided as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for coating AI-Cr-0 coatings with the help of a PVD-coating process. The PVD-coating process is performed with the help of Al and Cr comprising targets which are doped with Si. The doping of Si prevents the forming of oxide islands on the target during the reactive coating process.

Abstract: Provided is a target formed of a sintering-resistant material of high-melting point metal alloy, high-melting point metal silicide, high-melting point metal carbide, high-melting point metal nitride or high-melting point metal boride comprising a structure in which a target material formed of a sintering-resistant material of high-melting point metal alloy, high-melting point metal silicide, high-melting point metal carbide, high-melting point metal nitride or high-melting point metal boride and a high-melting point metal plate other than the target material are bonded. Additionally provided is a production method of such a target capable of producing, with relative ease, a target formed of a sintering-resistant material of high-melting point metal alloy, high-melting point metal silicide, high-melting point metal carbide, high-melting point metal nitride or high-melting point metal boride, which has poor machinability, can relatively easily produced.

Abstract: A method of processing a workpiece is disclosed, where the plasma chamber is first coated using a conditioning gas and optionally, a co-gas. The conditioning gas, which is disposed within a conditioning gas container may comprise a hydride of the desired dopant species and a filler gas, where the filler gas is a hydride of a Group 4 or Group 5 element. The remainder of the conditioning gas container may comprise hydrogen gas. Following this conditioning process, a feedgas, which comprises fluorine and the desired dopant species, is introduced to the plasma chamber and ionized. Ions are then extracted from the plasma chamber and accelerated toward the workpiece, where they are implanted without being first mass analyzed. In some embodiments, the desired dopant species may be boron.

Abstract: Methods for forming a liner layer are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of forming a liner layer on a substrate disposed in a process chamber, the substrate having an opening formed in a first surface of the substrate, the opening having a sidewall and a bottom surface, the method includes exposing the substrate to a cobalt precursor gas and to a ruthenium precursor gas to form a cobalt-ruthenium liner layer on the first surface of the substrate and on the sidewall and bottom surface of the opening.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein for forming transition metal oxide thin films, preferably Group IVB metal oxide thin films, by atomic layer deposition. The metal oxide thin films can be deposited at high temperatures using metalorganic reactants. Metalorganic reactants comprising two ligands, at least one of which is a cycloheptatriene or cycloheptatrienyl (CHT) ligand are used in some embodiments. The metal oxide thin films can be used, for example, as dielectric oxides in transistors, flash devices, capacitors, integrated circuits, and other semiconductor applications.

Abstract: A film deposition method includes placing a substrate in a substrate receiving portion of a table provided in a vacuum chamber; and performing, at least once, a film deposition-alteration step and an alteration step. The film deposition-alteration step includes an adsorption step of allowing a first reaction gas to be adsorbed on an upper surface, a reaction product production step of allowing a second reaction gas and the first reaction gas adsorbed on the upper surface to react each other, thereby producing a reaction product, and an alteration process of allowing the upper surface to be exposed to plasma into which an alteration gas is activated. The first reaction gas is supplied from the first reaction gas supplying portion, the second reaction gas is supplied from the second reaction gas supplying portion, and the alteration is supplied from the plasma.

Abstract: Atomic layer deposition (ALD) type processes for producing metal containing thin films comprise feeding into a reaction space vapor phase pulses of metal containing cyclopentadienyl precursors as a metal source material. In preferred embodiments the metal containing cyclopentadienyl reactant comprises a metal atom that is not directly bonded to an oxygen or halide atom. In other embodiments the metal atom is bonded to a cyclopentadienyl compound and separately bonded to at least one ligand via a nitrogen atom. In still other embodiments the metal containing cyclopentadienyl compound comprises a nitrogen-bridged ligand.

Abstract: A dual-temperature, multi-plenum showerhead for use in semiconductor processing equipment is described. The showerhead may supply multiple separate gases to a wafer reaction area while keeping the gases largely segregated within the showerhead. Additionally, the showerhead may be configured to allow a faceplate of the showerhead to be maintained at a significantly higher temperature than the rest of the showerhead.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a substrate support for use in a processing chamber. The substrate support is divided into quadrants with each quadrant capable of heating independent of the other quadrants. The independent heating permits the substrate support to provide different heating to either different substrate simultaneously disposed on the substrate support or to different areas of a common substrate. Thus, the substrate heating may be tailored to ensure desired processing of the substrate or substrates occurs.

Abstract: Alkoxyaminosilane compound having formula I, and processes and compositions for depositing a silicon-containing film, are described herein: (R1R2)NSiR3OR4OR5 ??Formula (I) wherein R1 is independently selected from a linear or branched C1 to C10 alkyl group; a C2 to C12 alkenyl group; a C2 to C12 alkynyl group; a C4 to C10 cyclic alkyl group; and a C6 to C10 aryl group; R2 and R3 are each independently selected from hydrogen; a linear or branched C1 to C10 alkyl group; a C3 to C12 alkenyl group, a C3 to C12 alkynyl group, a C4 to C10 cyclic alkyl group, and a C6 to C10 aryl group; and R4 and R5 are each independently selected from a linear or branched C1 to C10 alkyl group; a C2 to C12 alkenyl group; a C2 to C12 alkynyl group; a C4 to C10 cyclic alkyl group; and a C6 to C10 aryl group.

Abstract: A method is provided of creating a pipe connector including a first connector member and a second connector member, said connector members being adapted to be connected and disconnected multiple times, the method comprising: a) providing at least one of the connector members with a contact surface; b) depositing particles of a galling resistant metal on each said contact surface; c) at least partially melting the particles of the galling resistant metal by subjecting the particles to a quantity of heat; and d) allowing the molten galling resistant metal to solidify thereby forming a galling resistant metal coating which is metallurgically bonded to the contact surface. The heat may be provided in the form of radiant energy, using a laser beam.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique engine hot section component having a coating system operative to reduce heat transfer to the hot section component. Another embodiment is a unique method for making a gas turbine engine hot section component with a coating system. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for gas turbine engines, hot section components and coating systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: There are provided methods for preparing lithium hydroxide. For example, such methods can comprise submitting an aqueous composition comprising a lithium compound to an electrolysis under conditions suitable for converting at least a portion of said lithium compound into lithium hydroxide.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons may be formed from six carbon sugars. This process involves obtaining a quantity of a hexose sugar. The hexose sugar may be derived from biomass. The hexose sugar is reacted to form an alkali metal levulinate, an alkali metal valerate, an alkali metal 5-hydroxy pentanoate, or an alkali metal 5-alkoxy pentanoate. An anolyte is then prepared for use in a electrolytic cell. The anolyte contains the alkali metal levulinate, the alkali metal valerate, the alkali metal 5-hydroxy pentanoate, or the alkali metal 5-alkoxy pentanoate. The anolyte is then decarboxylated. This decarboxylating operates to decarboxylate the alkali metal levulinate, the alkali metal valerate, the alkali metal 5-hydroxy pentanoate, or the alkali metal 5-alkoxy pentanoate to form radicals, wherein the radicals react to form a hydrocarbon fuel compound.

Abstract: Electrocatalyst, electrode coating and an electrode for preparing chlorine and process for producing the electrode, the electrocatalyst comprising a noble metal oxide and/or a noble metal of transition groups VIIIa of the Periodic Table of the Elements and at least one finely divided pulverulent oxide of another metal, in which one or more components are doped and the base metal oxide powder is chemically stable in the presence of aqueous electrolytes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and current measuring arrangement for measuring electric current flowing in an individual electrode in an electrolysis system. The electrolysis system comprises a plurality of interleaved electrodes (1, 2), cathodes (1) and anodes (2), arranged in an electrolysis cell (3) and immersed in electrolyte, said electrolysis system having a busbar arrangement (4) disposed on a separating cell wall (5) between each of the two adjacent cells. The busbar arrangement comprises an equalizer busbar (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) to electrically connect anodes in one cell to cathodes in a next cell providing the current with multiple electrical pathways between electrodes, said electrical connection being formed by contact points (12) between the equalizer busbar (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) and hanger bars (13) of the electrodes.

Abstract: A film formation system for continuously forming metal films with desired thickness on the surfaces of substrates, and increase the film forming speed while suppressing abnormality of the metal films. A film formation system includes an anode; a solid electrolyte membrane between the anode and a substrate serving as a cathode such that a metal ion solution is disposed on the anode side thereof; and a power supply portion for applying a voltage across the anode and the substrate. A voltage is applied across the anode and the substrate o deposit metal out of the metal ions contained in the solid electrolyte membrane onto the substrate surface, thereby forming a metal film made of the metal ions. The anode has a base material, which is insoluble in the metal ion solution, and a metal plating film made of the same metal as the metal film, formed over the base material.

Abstract: A bipolar electrochemistry printer and method are disclosed wherein electrolytic deposition onto a conductive substrate is accomplished by inducing ionic current in an electrolytic cell disposed above the substrate to undergo charge transfer at the conductive substrate, such that a portion of the substrate becomes a bipolar electrode. The ohmic current in the substrate undergoes a second charge transfer back to ionic current and returning to the cathode of the electrolytic cell. In an alternative embodiment the printing is similarly accomplished by electrolytic etching.

Abstract: A method of forming a non-metallic coating on a metallic substrate involves the steps of positioning the metallic substrate in an electrolysis chamber and applying a sequence of voltage pulses of alternating polarity to electrically bias the substrate with respect to an electrode. Positive voltage pulses anodically bias the substrate with respect to the electrode and negative voltage pulses cathodically bias the substrate with respect to the electrode. The amplitude of the positive voltage pulses is potentiostatically controlled, whereas the amplitude of the negative voltage pulses is galvanostatically controlled.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to methods and apparatus for immersing a substrate in electrolyte in an electroplating cell under sub-atmospheric conditions to reduce or eliminate the formation/trapping of bubbles as the substrate is immersed. Various electrolyte recirculation loops are disclosed to provide electrolyte to the plating cell. The recirculation loops may include pumps, degassers, sensors, valves, etc. The disclosed embodiments allow a substrate to be immersed quickly, greatly reducing the issues related to bubble formation and uneven plating times during electroplating.

Abstract: A plating apparatus that can obtain each one of electric resistances of plural inner contacts of a substrate holder is disclosed. The plating apparatus includes a resistance-measuring device configured to measure a combined resistance of two electric contacts selected from the plural electric contacts, repeat measuring of a combined resistance of two electric contacts while changing a combination of two electric contacts until a same number of plural combined resistances as the plural electric contacts are measured, create linear equations by coupling each of the plural combined resistances to two variables with use of an equal sign, the two variables representing electric resistances of the corresponding two electric contacts, and solve the linear equations to determine each one of electric resistances of the plural electric contacts.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein pertain to methods and apparatus for electrodepositing material on a substrate. More particularly, a novel membrane for separating the anode from the cathode/substrate, and a method of using such a membrane are presented. The membrane includes at least an ion exchange layer and a charge separation layer. The disclosed embodiments are beneficial for maintaining relatively constant concentrations of species in the electrolyte over time, especially during idle (i.e., non-electroplating) times.

Abstract: A device suitable for the electrochemical processing of an object is at least provided with a chamber that is to accommodate an electrolyte, a support for the object that is to be processed in the chamber, at least one set of electrodes located in the chamber such that during operation at least one electrode is located opposite each portion of a surface of said object that is to be processed. The device also includes a controller configured to provide an electric current between the object that is to be processed and the electrodes.