Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for cleaning materials, such as flooring and upholstery. In some cases, the systems and methods use an electrolytic cell to electrolyze a solution comprising sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium acetate, sodium percarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and/or any other suitable chemical to generate electrolyzed alkaline water and/or electrolyzed oxidizing water. In some cases, the cell comprises a recirculation loop that recirculates anolyte through an anode compartment of the cell. In some cases, the cell further comprises a sensor and a processor, where the processor is configured to automatically change an operation of the cell, based on a reading from the sensor. In some cases, a fluid flows past a magnet before entering the cell. In some additional cases, fluid from the cell is conditioned by being split into multiple conduits that run in proximity to each other. Additional implementations are described.

Abstract: A continuous plating apparatus, when the number of the workpieces simultaneously transferred in the plating tank in a completely immersed state is N, (N+1) cathode relay members that extend in a workpiece transfer direction and (N+1) power supply units being provided outside the plating tank, anode terminals of the power supply units being connected to opposed anodes that are provided in the plating tank, cathode terminals of the power supply units being respectively connected to the cathode relay members so that power is supplied to each of the workpieces transferred in the plating tank from a corresponding power supply unit among the power supply units through a corresponding cathode relay member among the cathode relay members, and each of the power supply units being able to be controlled by constant current control when being transferred in the plating tank in a completely immersed state, by current gradual increase control when being carried into the plating tank in a partially immersed state, and by cu

Abstract: High power RF energy supplied to a reaction chamber at a resonant frequency is used to break the covalent bonds of a hydrocarbon material without heat. An RF signal generator may be used to supply RF energy to a resonant ring through a four port coupler. The phase of the RF energy passing through the resonant ring may be adjusted to achieve an integral multiple of a resonant wavelength. Wavelength and intensity may be adjusted to sublimate or pyrolyze the hydrocarbon material to yield a useful gaseous product.

Abstract: A continuous plating apparatus, when the number of the workpieces simultaneously transferred in the plating tank in a completely immersed state is N, (N+1) cathode relay members that extend in a workpiece transfer direction and (N+1) power supply units being provided outside the plating tank, anode terminals of the power supply units being connected to opposed anodes that are provided in the plating tank, cathode terminals of the power supply units being respectively connected to the cathode relay members so that power is supplied to each of the workpieces transferred in the plating tank from a corresponding power supply unit among the power supply units through a corresponding cathode relay member among the cathode relay members, and each of the power supply units being able to be controlled by constant current control when being transferred in the plating tank in a completely immersed state, by current gradual increase control when being carried into the plating tank in a partially immersed state, and by cu

Abstract: A conductive contact ring for an electroplating or electrodeposition process on a cylindrical surface includes a frame defining an opening through which the object can be passed and an array of electrically conductive fibers spanning the opening. The frame is electrically conductive and is connected to a DC power source in the process. Two or more contact rings can be used in a process to provide consistent electrical contact with the surface sliding therethrough. A single contact ring can have first and second groups of filaments spaced from each other along the axial length of the surface.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a mobile body configured to travel over a surface, a cleaning device carried by the mobile body, a liquid flow path, and an electrolyzing device in the liquid flow path. An indicator provides a humanly-perceptible indication of an electrical operating characteristic of the electrolyzing device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a variable voltage protection device for electronic devices which in one aspect comprises a thin layer of neat dielectric polymer or glass positioned between a ground plane and an electrical conductor for overvoltage protection, wherein the neat polymer or glass layer does not include the presence of conductive or semiconductive particles. Also disclosed is the combination of the neat dielectric polymer or glass thin layer positioned on a conventional variable voltage protection material comprising a binder containing conductive or semiconductive particles. A multi-layer variable voltage protection component is disclosed comprising three layers of overvoltage protection material wherein the outer two layers contain a lower percentage of conductive or semiconductive particles and wherein the inner layer contains a higher percentage of conductive or semiconductive particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for evening out the thickness of metal layers on electrical contact points on flat items to be treated 7, such as conductor foil and printed circuit boards, during the electrolytic treatment of the items to be treated, guided in a horizontal plane of conveyance in a continuous electroplating plant. The device has counter-electrodes 2, 3 located opposite the plane of conveyance and clamps 4, secured to a continuously revolving means of conveyance 5, for contacting the items to be treated 7. The clamps 4 have a lower portion 14 and an upper portion 13 which are electrically conductive, have a surface consisting of metal, are moveable in relation to one another and respectively have at least one contact point 6 for the items to be treated 7. In addition, at least one current source is provided to produce a flow of current between the counter-electrodes and the items to be treated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring electrodes for the electrodeposition of paint onto metallic workpieces includes detecting current from the electrodes and displaying a plot of current versus time. A method and apparatus for controlling electrodeposition of paint onto metallic workpieces includes monitoring current from electrodes over time and adjusting a rate of current increase over time. The monitor and/or control may be performed for each electrode individually or for the electrodes as a group. The monitor and/or control allows bad and/or poorly positioned electrodes to be located. The monitor and/or control may be used to stop the electrodeposition coating after a sufficiently thick coating has been obtained.

Abstract: Electrocoating equipment having a conveyor I-beam monorail with a plurality of trolleys movable therealong for carrying parts through a bath to be electrocoated. The trolley comprises wheels, yoke arms dependent from the wheels below the rail and a part carrier suspended from the arms. A chain drive interconnects and propels the trolleys. An electrical grounding shoe in the form of one or more hollow pipes, bars or cables is suspended from the monorail between the rail and yoke arms and is electrically connected to the ground return side of a power supply system associated with said electrocoating equipment. The grounding shoe is disposed in sliding electrical contact with at least one of the trolley arms and extends along the path of travel thereof while the same is transitting the electrocoating bath of said equipment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for mass-production formation of aluminum oxide coatings on a plurality of aluminum or aluminum alloy articles by means of continuous anodic oxidation. The process is characterized by connecting one or more of the aluminum articles to the positive terminal of a power supply capable of maintaining constant current. Depending on the volume of work to be anodized, two or more power supplies are utilized with the negative terminals connected to common cathodes of a common anodizing tank and the positive terminals being electrically isolated from each other. Individual racks containing one or more aluminum articles are brought into contact with the positive terminals of the power supplies. Contact is made through a series of segmented bus bars of positive electrical potential corresponding to the number of power supplies and a system is used to move the racks through the common anodizing tank. Thus, continuous anodizing of one or a plurality of articles is accomplished.

Abstract: Workpieces vertically suspended on carrier bars in side-by-side relation are dipped into an electrolyte bath which has a plurality of electric contact plates of alternating polarity spaced along one side. Electric energy is applied to the workpieces from the plates through the carrier bars and the successive work pieces serve as electrodes of opposite polarity, the polarities reversing as the individual carrier bars are advanced from plate to plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for the production of copper foils intended to be applied in particular to substrates of plastic material, comprising, inside a first electrolytic tank, an endless belt made of electrically conducting material, rotating continuously and having its lower part immersed in the electrolytic solution, wherein the formation of the electrolytic copper layer and, simultaneously, the desired structural formation of the superficial layer of the copper foil take place in this first tank and in one electrolytic solution.

Abstract: A method and system for anodizing and particularly for hard anodizing of aluminum and aluminum alloy articles in which a wide range of operating voltages can be employed without danger to personnel and without burning of the articles. For continuous (dynamic) processing, a plurality of electrolyte-containing tanks are employed with an associated cooling system for maintaining the electrolyte at a low operating temperature. Each tank, cathode, electrolyte and cooling apparatus are electrically insulated from ground, while each cathode, which can be the tank itself, is connected to a predetermined negative potential of a power source which source comprises one or more separate power supplies. A conductive conveyor system is provided to carry articles through the several tanks and is connected to ground to which is also connected a positive terminal or terminals of the power source.

Abstract: A continuous electrolytic treatment apparatus for anodic oxidation and electrolytic coloring operations on an object such as a strip, wire or foil of aluminum and its alloys, wherein there are provided electric field buffer means which comprises a plurality of self-standing plates of plastic resin or the like having an electrically insulating property. The electric field buffer means are located at least in one zone in the electrolytic cell so that it can serves to effectively buffer concentration of excessive electric current to the interface between the object and the electrolytic solution at the above mentioned zone, thereby preventing burning in the surface of the object or in the oxide film formed thereon during the anodic oxidation treatment and unevenness in coloring of the object during the electrolytic coloring operation due to such current concentration, particularly when treating with a high current density.