Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new water treatment device comprising an electrolytic tank to put water in, an electrode provided in the electrolytic tank, a water treating path for pouring water in a pool and returning to the pool the water in the electrolytic tank, a residual chlorine sensor for measuring the residual chlorine concentration of water, and control means for controlling the energization of the electrode on the basis of the measured value by the residual chlorine sensor, and capable of simply and efficiently sterilizing water stored in pools of various sizes from a swimming pool to a home bathtub.

Abstract: In a production system of electrolyzed water A, alkaline water and acid water produced in a pair of electrode chambers 12, 23 of an electrolyzer 10 are discharged from discharge conduits 41, 42 through a flow passage changeover valve 50. The discharge conduits 41, 42 are provided at their outlet portions with manually operated faucets 43, 44 and 45, 46. Water flow sensors 81, 82 ate provided to be turned on and off in accordance with the flow of water supplied from a water supply conduit 24.

Abstract: A system is provided for removing dissolved metals from industrial wastewater by electrocoagulation. The system includes an electrocoagulation reactor with a DC power supply having an insulation support enclosure with positive and negative electrode plates disposed thereon. The electrode plates are insulated for each other but remain in direct contact with the wastewater as it flows between the electrodes. The DC power supply induces opposite charges on alternate electrodes thereby generating an electric field between adjacent electrodes to cause the electrodes to ionize and go into solution for interaction with the contaminants in the wastewater as it flows through the reactor. The reactor is housed in a pressure vessel container so the exterior pressure on the reactor is higher than its internal pressure preventing leakage of fluids and oxygen and hydrogen gases produced in the reactor by decomposition of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtration-detection device for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a test sample including a filtration device having a first binding material immobilized thereto, wherein the first binding material is capable of binding to a portion of the analyte, and a detection assembly positioned relative to the filtration device to detect or quantify analyte bound to the first binding material. The present invention also relates to methods of using the filtration-detection device.

Abstract: A method for killing microorganisms in water, by passing an aqueous feed solution comprising of water containing some form of halide salt into a non-membrane electrolysis cell comprising an anode and a cathode, adjacent to the anode, while flowing electrical current between the anode and the cathode to electrolyze the aqueous feed solution and convert the halide salt to anti-microbial mixed oxidants.

Abstract: A fan flow sensor for a hydrogen generating proton exchange member electrolysis cell includes a switching device and a sail slideably disposed on the switching device. The sail is configured to actuate the switching device in response to an airflow from a fan. The switching device may be actuatable in response to a magnet disposed on the sail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the recovery of a metal, such as silver, from a solution flowing through an electrolytic cell. A constant current is applied between the anode and cathode of the cell and the rate of change of the voltage monitored, the information obtained from the monitored change of voltage being used to control the rate of recovery of the metal.

Abstract: For an electromechanical machining of a work piece there is an optimal pulse duration for the machining pulses corresponding to the maximum copying accuracy. Such an optimal pulse duration corresponds to a certain value of the gap. By alternating the machining pulses with measurement pulses it is possible to obtain an accurate information about the gap dimensions on-line during the electrochemical machining process. The process control means (20) are used to automate the electromechanical machining, while keeping it in the optimal mode. For this purpose the process control means (20) comprise the pulse control unit (26) to establish the pulse duration of the voltage pulses to be applied across the gap (4).

Abstract: A method for on-line removal of cathode depositions during electrochemical process. The process control means (30) are arranged to alternate the unipolar machining voltage pulses U1 with the voltage pulses of opposite polarity U2 to the work piece (2) and the cathode (3). The process control means comprise an arrangement to determine the amount of cathode depositions on-line based on the operational parameter. Only in case the operational parameter exceeds the allowable level, the process control means (30) alternate the unipolar machining voltage pulses U1 with the voltage pulses of opposite polarity U2. In this case the cathode wear is minimized.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus and method that can detect the film thickness of a plated film, which is being deposited on the surface, to be plated, of a substrate, consecutively in real time, thereby enabling the detection of the end point of plating. The electroplating apparatus for plating a substrate by filling a plating solution between the substrate held by a substrate holding portion and an anode, and applying a voltage between the substrate and the anode, includes at least one of a voltage monitor for monitoring the voltage applied between the substrate and the anode, thereby detecting the end point of the electroplating, and a current monitor for monitoring an electric current that flows through a detection circuit, which is formed by connecting at least two cathode electrodes and to which a constant voltage is applied, thereby detecting the end point of the electroplating.

Abstract: Fuel concentrations are determinable in a solid oxide fuel cell through voltage measurement of one or more fuel cell units, which voltage is a function of hydrogen gas present in the fuel feed stream to the one or more fuel cell units. The voltage in the one or more fuel cell units is proportionally related to the fuel concentration in the fuel feed stream to the entire fuel cell. A sensor determines concentrations of the fuel flowing in the fuel cell. The sensor comprises a fuel cell unit, and an indicator electrically coupled to the fuel cell unit, the indicator being capable of displaying a voltage or being adapted to convert a voltage to a fuel concentration display. The voltage measured is correlated to the fuel concentration flowing in the fuel cell.

Abstract: A single delivery channel is formed by, and between, inner wall 2 and baffle 3. Electrolyte 5 is pumped up the interior of channel 1 and is directed onto substrate 4 being a cathode maintained at −10 volts. The upper part of the inner wall 2 of channel 1 forms the anode such that electrote is forced between the substrate and the upper horizontal surface of the anode 6. A second baffle 7 is provided in order to assist in collecting and removing electrolyte 5 after impingement with substrate 4, possible for re-use. Contact between the electrolyte 5 and substrate 4 is optimised by providing the electrolyte with a swirling motion as it passes up channel 1. Anode 6 is a solid conducting bar 10, alternatively it is formed of solid rods 11 nor tubes 12.

Abstract: A low energy nuclear reaction power generator provided with an electrolytic cell containing an electrically-conductive heavy or light water electrolyte in which is immersed an electrode pair whose anode is formed of platinum and whose cathode is formed of palladium. Applied across these electrodes is a train of voltage pulse packets, each comprised of a cluster of pulses. The amplitude and duration of each pulse in the packet, the duration of the intervals between pulses, and the duration of the intervals between successive packets in the train are in a predetermined pattern in accordance with superlooping waves in which each wave is modulated by waves of different frequency. Each packet of voltage pulses gives rise to a surge of current in the electrolyte which flows between the electrodes and causes the heavy or light water to decompose, oxygen being released at the platinum electrode while deuterium ions migrate toward the palladium electrode.

Abstract: The invention concerns a motorized device for adjusting the interelectrodic gap in mercury cathode electrolysis cells, mainly consisting of a frame, to which a number of anodes are suspended, movable in the vertical direction by means of a single jackscrew driven by a gear motor acting on double levers. The jackscrew with the motor and the lever system are fixed to a main frame, supported on the cell bottom by means of supports positioned on adjustable columns, while the above mentioned movable frame (also called sub-frame) carrying the anodes, is connected to the lever arms by means of four hinged supports. The shifting of the movable frame and, consequently, of the anodes can be controlled by a centralized and computerized system (which is not part of the invention) as a function of voltage and current variation measurements.

Abstract: A mineral ionizing device (10) consisting of a container (20) filled with water and containing a solid-mineral, cylindrical first electrode (50), a second electrode (58) coaxially located within the first electrode (50), a vibration unit (100) which produces a vibration within the container (20), a set of protrusions (64) located on the surface of the second electrode (58) and a periodic current reversing unit (84) which applies a d-c current across the first and second electrodes (50,58). The combination of the vibration unit (100), the protrusions (64) and the current reversing unit (84) aids in releasing gaseous bubbles which form on the surface of the second electrode (58). The application of the d-c current causes the mineral in the first electrode (50) to release mineral ions into the water which results in the production of very clean mineral water.

Abstract: A level sensing system includes a flow control device disposed in fluid communication with a liquid outlet stream of a hydrogen/water phase separation apparatus and a controller disposed in operable communication with the flow control device. The controller is configured to receive and quantify input data corresponding to a measure of the rate of generation of hydrogen gas from a proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell. A method of maintaining a liquid level in the hydrogen/water phase separation apparatus includes deriving the rate of generation of hydrogen gas from the electrolysis cell, transmitting a value corresponding to the rate of generation to the flow control device, and adjusting the flow rate of the liquid exiting the hydrogen/water phase separation apparatus correspondingly with the rate of generation of hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A facility for selecting and refining electrical parameters for processing a microelectronic workpiece in a processing chamber is described. The facility initially configures the electrical parameters in accordance with either a mathematical model of the processing chamber or experimental data derived from operating the actual processing chamber. After a workpiece is processed with the initial parameter configuration, the results are measured and a sensitivity matrix based upon the mathematical model of the processing chamber is used to select new parameters that correct for any deficiencies measured in the processing of the first workpiece. These parameters are then used in processing a second workpiece, which may be similarly measured, and the results used to further refine the parameters.

Abstract: A facility for selecting and refining electrical parameters for processing a microelectronic workpiece in a processing chamber is described. The facility initially configures the electrical parameters in accordance with either a mathematical model of the processing chamber or experimental data derived from operating the actual processing chamber. After a workpiece is processed with the initial parameter configuration, the results are measured and a sensitivity matrix based upon the mathematical model of the processing chamber is used to select new parameters that correct for any deficiencies measured in the processing of the first workpiece. These parameters are then used in processing a second workpiece, which may be similarly measured, and the results used to further refine the parameters.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for plating objects. At least one aspect associated with the object plating is monitored to determine the amount of at least one byproduct created during the plating and/or the reduction in the amount of at least one plating component. Based on this monitored aspect, an adjustment is made to the flow rate of substances added to a plating cell and/or the flow rate of used plating substances drained from the plating cell. The used plating substances are purified to remove at least some of the byproduct and then the purified plating substances are combined with at least one component before passing back into the plating cell to reuse at least some of the plating substances. The method and system could be used during the plating of semiconductor wafers with copper.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling the movement of a combined alumina feeding and crust breaking chisel in an aluminum production cell, wherein the chisel is moved downwards and upwards by means of a pneumatic cylinder which is alternatively fed with pressurized air, wherein electrical contact between the chisel and the melt is detected when the chisel reaches the melt, wherein it is monitored whether said electrical contact has been reached within a predetermined time interval, and if not, air at a second, high, pressure is fed to said first, and wherein air at high pressure is fed to the second side of the cylinder after said electrical contact has been established so as to quickly withdraw the chisel from the hot melt in order to minimize heat transfer from the melt to the cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that supplies electricity to a substrate. In one embodiment, the device includes multiple contacts, a current sensor, and a current regulator. The current sensor is attached to each of the plurality of contacts to sense their electric current. A current regulator controls current applied to each of the multiple contacts in response to the current sensor. In another embodiment, a compliant ridge is formed about the periphery of each contact to seal the contact from undesired chemicals.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus and methods for the purification of water are provided. The invention features an atmospherically-isolated, but ventable, reservoir electrolysis cell with control features for selecting an electrolysis duration depending on temperature, time since last electrolysis, or time since last gas venting. The device and associated method can easily take a wide range of input water qualities into account for the production of an effective amount of sterilizing water.

Abstract: A cathode potential is applied to a conductive layer formed on a substrate having a depression pattern. A plating solution in electrical contact with an anode is supplied to the conductive layer to form a plating film on the conductive layer. At this time, the plating solution is supplied by causing an impregnated member containing the plating solution to face the conductive layer. Since the plating solution stays in the depression, a larger amount of plating solution is supplied than on the upper surface of the substrate, and the plating rate of the plating film in the depression increases. Consequently, the plating film can be preferentially formed in the depression such as a groove or hole.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing electrode foil for aluminum electrolytic capacitors and an AC power supply unit used therewith. An etching is performed on an aluminum foil immersed in a electrolytic solution by applying an AC current to a pair of electrodes in the electrolytic solution. A waveform of the AC current is a deformed sine wave including a period of time (a) when an electric current rises from zero to a peak value, and another period of time (b) when the electric current falls from the peak value to zero. With the periods of time (a) and (b) made different from each other, the surface area of the aluminum foil is expanded by the etching efficiently and an enhancement of electric capacity of the electrode foil is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a power supply device, particularly for supplying a controlled electrical signal in an electrochemical process, e.g., plating, etching, etc. The power delivery device provides an electrical signal with optimal characteristics and setting for processing one or more surfaces in an electrochemical process. The power delivery device comprises a power stage having an input for receiving a power signal and an output being operably connected to the object. A sensor is operably connected to the output. A controller is operably connected to the output and responsive to the sensor. A modulator is operably connected between the controller and the power stage wherein the power stage outputs the electrical signal to the object in response to the modulator and the controller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that supplies electricity to a substrate. In one embodiment, the device includes multiple contacts, a current sensor, and a current regulator. The current sensor is attached to each of the plurality of contacts to sense their electric current. A current regulator controls current applied to each of the multiple contacts in response to the current sensor. In another embodiment, a compliant ridge is formed about the periphery of each contact to seal the contact from undesired chemicals.

Abstract: An ozonized water generating device in which an inside of a casing is defined by a solid electrolyte film into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber. An anode electrode made of noble metal having an ozone generating catalyst function is arranged to be impressed against the solid electrolyte film at the anode chamber, a cathode electrode is arranged to be impressed against the solid electrolyte film at the cathode chamber, respectively. Each of the anode chamber and the cathode chamber is provided with a raw water flow inlet port and an electrolyzed water flow outlet port, and a DC voltage is applied between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, wherein either one of or both the anode electrode and the cathode electrode are arranged in such a way that they can be impressed against and separated from the solid electrolyte film by a movable driving piece.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to ceramic oxygen generating modules, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for controlling a duty cycle for each of a plurality of ceramic oxygen generating modules in a modular ceramic oxygen generating system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical deposition system that is designed with a flexible architecture that is expandable to accommodate future designs and gap fill requirements and provides satisfactory throughput to meet the demands of other processing systems. The electrochemical deposition system generally comprises a mainframe having a mainframe wafer transfer robot, a loading station disposed in connection with the mainframe, one or more processing cells disposed in connection with the mainframe, and an electrolyte supply fluidly connected to the one or more electrical processing cells. Preferably, the electrochemical deposition system includes a spin-rinse-dry (SRD) station disposed between the loading station and the mainframe, a rapid thermal anneal chamber attached to the loading station, and a system controller for controlling the electrochemical deposition process and the components of the electrochemical deposition system.

Abstract: Improved electrolytic cells are described. The cells comprise the novel electrolyte K2HPO4, or a less alkaline phosphate buffer solution, electrodes having a modified composition, or a combination of the new electrolyte and a modified composition electrode. The K2HPO4 electrolyte, or less alkaline phosphate buffer solution, and modified electrodes can be used in liquid delivery devices which deliver a liquid agent at a constant rate or a controlled variable rate over a period of time.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus suited for forming a plated film in fine trenches and plugs for interconnects, and in the openings of a resist formed in the surface of a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer, and for forming bumps (protruding electrodes) on the surface of a semiconductor wafer. The apparatus includes a substrate holder capable of opening and closing for holding a substrate such that the front surface of the substrate is exposed while the backside and the edge thereof are hermetically sealed; a plating tank accommodating a plating liquid in which an anode is immersed; a diaphragm provided in the plating tank and disposed between the anode and the substrate held by the substrate holder; plating liquid circulating systems for circulating the plating liquid to the respective regions of the plating tank separated by the diaphragm; and a deaerating unit disposed in at least one of the plating liquid circulating systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrochemically machining of a workpiece by means of an electrode has an actuator for setting a gap between the electrode and the workpiece. The apparatus further has a channel for flushing the gap with an electrolyte and a container for containing the electrolyte. Power cords and are provided for feeding an electric current I supplied by a power supply through the electrolyte in the gap. Near the gap an antenna is provided to pick up electromagnetic waves radiated from the gap. The antenna is connected to a band-pass filter which passes signals in a frequency band of 40 to 100 MHz to a level detector. The level detector compares the amplitude of the filtered signal with a threshold value and supplies a stop signal to the control unit when the amplitude exceeds the threshold value. The control unit is programmed to open a switch in the power supply in response to the stop signal.

Abstract: A diagnostic card device for use in detecting or quantitating an analyte present in a liquid sample, comprising a card substrate having a sample introduction region, a biosensor, and a sample-flow pathway communicating between the sample-introduction region and the biosensor, circuitry for generating an analyte-dependent electrical signal from the biosensor; and a signal-responsive element for recording such signal. In one embodiment, the biosensor includes a detection surface with surface-bound molecules of a first charged, coil-forming peptide capable of interacting with a second, oppositely charged coil-forming peptide to form a stable &agr;-helical coiled-coil heterodimer, where the binding of the second peptide to the first peptide, to form such heterodimer, is effective to measurably alter a signal generated by the biosensor. The sample-flow pathway contains diffusibly bound conjugate of the second coil-forming peptide and the analyte (or an analyte analog) and immobilized analyte-binding agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new water treatment device comprising an electrolytic tank to put water in, an electrode provided in the electrolytic tank, a water treating path for pouring water in a pool and returning to the pool the water in the electrolytic tank, a residual chlorine sensor for measuring the residual chlorine concentration of water, and control means for controlling the energization of the electrode on the basis of the measured value by the residual chlorine sensor, and capable of simply and efficiently sterilizing water stored in pools of various sizes from a swimming pool to a home bathtub.

Abstract: An improved electrolysis system includes a cylindrical anode, a cylindrical cathode, a cathode material including nanocrystalline particles, and an insulator disposed between the anode and the cathode material to prevent contact between the anode and the cathode material.

Abstract: A method for coating a metal strip using a coating metal, in particular for coating a steel strip using zinc or a zinc/nickel compound, by means of at least one electroplating cell through which current flows and which contains an electrolyte through which the metal strip is passed, the current effecting the deposition of a layer of coating metal on the metal strip, and the current being controlled by a so-called monitor controller that has a process model and a controller part. The current is controlled in such a way that a layer of a desired thickness is deposited on the metal strip, the controller part being adjusted to the altered state of the coating plant in the event of changes in the state of the coating plant, in particular when a new metal strip enters or the coating falls below a minimum intended layer thickness.

Abstract: Recovery of silver from a photographic fixer solution in an electrolytic cell is controlled so as to maintain a high current efficiency whilst minimizing unwanted side effects. The difference between plating voltages when operating at two different current levels is monitored, and the plating current adjusted in response to detection of a maximum of said differences. Such control allows the cell to be operated continually at high current efficiency in response to changing chemical conditions within the cell.

Abstract: A method and circuit (14) for monitoring an electroplating operation of an electroplating machine (10) of the type having a first electroplating cell (18) for depositing nickel onto an integrated circuit leadframe (12) and a second electroplating cell (19) for subsequently depositing palladium onto the leadframe (12). A first current (30) is applied in the first electroplating cell (18) to form a nickel deposit on the leadframe (12) and a second current (31) is applied in the second electroplating cell (19) to from a palladium deposit on the nickel deposit. The second current (31) is greater than the first current (30) if the electroplating machine (10) is operating normally. The first current (30) and second current (31) are compared in a comparator (44) during the electroplating operation, and if the second current (31) is less than the first current (30), an error signal is generated on an output line (50). If desired, the electroplating machine (10) may be stopped in response to the error signal.

Abstract: Recovery of silver from a photographic fixer solution in an electrolytic cell is controlled so as to maintain a high current efficiency whilst minimizing unwanted side effects. The rate of change of plating voltage at constant current through the cell is monitored, and in response to detection of a maximum value thereof the current is reduced to a new constant level. Such control allows the cell to be operated continually at high current efficiency in response to changing chemical conditions within the cell.

Abstract: The circuit arrangement and method for supplying pulsed current to electrolytic cells according to the invention are used in electroplating systems. To supply current to each electrolytic cell, there are provided two galvanic rectifiers 5, 32 and one change-over switch 12 with respectively two individual switches 23, 24, one output of the rectifiers being connected via a first electric line 33 with the one terminal of the electrolytic cell, the respective other outputs of the rectifiers being connected each via a second electric line 34, 35 with the inputs of the change-over switches, and the output 18 of the change-over switch being connected with the other terminal of the electrolytic cell, a capacitor 20, 21 being respectively connected, in addition, between the first electric line and the second electric lines. Periodic pulse sequences are generated by alternate opening and closing said separate switches.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing an electrical conductive layer on the surface of a wafer includes a virtual anode located between the actual anode and the wafer. The virtual anode modifies the electric current flux and plating solution flow between the actual anode and the wafer to thereby modify the thickness profile of the deposited electrically conductive layer on the wafer. The virtual anode can have openings through which the electrical current flux passes. By selectively varying the radius, length, or both, of the openings, any desired thickness profile of the deposited electrically conductive layer on the wafer can be readily obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating alkali ion water includes an electrolytic cell. At least two electrodes are disposed in the electrolytic cell. A diaphragm disposed in the electrolytic cell extends between the electrodes. A dc voltage is supplied to the electrodes. A mean value of the dc voltage is varied at a given inclination. A first detecting device operates to detect an ac current and generate a signal representative thereof. The dc voltage is derived from the ac current. A second detecting device operates to detect the mean value of the dc voltage in response to the signal generated by the first detecting device. A third detecting device operates to detect an inclination in a variation in the mean value of the dc voltage in response to the mean value of the dc voltage which is detected by the second detecting device. The mean value of the dc voltage is controlled in response to the inclination detected by the third detecting device.