Abstract: An automatic dishwashing appliance comprising an unattached electrolytic device which comprises an unattached electrochemical cell capable of generating electrolyzed water in the wash and/or rinse cycle, and more particularly to the unattached electrolytic device itself, methods of use, and articles of manufacture.

Abstract: At least a pair of electrodes comprising semiconductors or a semiconductor compounds are arranged to be submerged in water or a liquid of a hydrogen-containing organic compound. Applying pulse electric power between the at least one pair of the electrodes activates hydrogen atoms contained in the water or the hydrogen-containing organic compound to produce hydrogen gas. The hydrogen activating apparatus thus constructed eliminates the necessity of doping electrolysis or the like for improving an electric conductivity of the water and allows production of hydrogen from materials containing hydrogen atoms such as water and the hydrogen-containing compound or the like with a low energy.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for producing negatively charged nanoparticles. The device comprises a power supply, an electron supermicroemitter and a controller, the power supply connects with the electron supermicroemitter and the controller respectively. The potential of the electron supermicroemitter to the ground is controlled in the range of ?2 kV to ?29 kV by the power supply and the controller in accordance with the shape, size and different application of the materials of the emitter, so as to form field electron emitting of tunneling effect. The energy of electrons with high current density produced by the emitter can be adjusted during the electrons' colliding with particles in aerosol such that the electrons are attached to the nanoparticles of different size with wider energy band to form negatively charged nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device of the invention includes a plating process of filling a plurality of recesses provided to an insulating film formed on a substrate with an electro-conductive material, wherein the plating process includes a process step (S104) of performing the plating with a first current density which was obtained by correcting a predetermined first reference current density based on ratio of surface area Sr?S1/S2 of a first surface area S1 over the entire surface of the substrate which includes the area of side walls of the plurality of recesses over the entire surface of the semiconductor substrate, and a second surface area S2 over the entire surface of the substrate which does not include the area of side walls of the plurality of recesses, when fine recesses not larger than a predetermined width, out of all of the plurality of recesses, are filled with the electro-conductive material.

Abstract: A fuel cell power plant comprises a water circulation passage (5) which circulates the cooling water in a fuel cell stack (4). Sodium hydroxide which lowers the melting point of water is mixed with water in the water circulation passage (5) to prevent freezing of the water in the water circulation passage (5). Electrodes (11, 12) are disposed in the water. When the fuel cell stack (4) is running, a voltage is applied between the electrodes (11, 12) such that the positive electrode (11) attracts sodium ions, thereby removing sodium ions from the cooling water supplied to the fuel cell stack (4). When the fuel cell stack (4) stops running, sodium ions which were attracted to the positive electrode (11) are made to diffuse into the cooling water by ceasing to apply the voltage to the electrodes (11, 12).

Abstract: A circuit for providing a potential difference across a gap between two electrodes of a fuel reformer, oxides of nitrogen trap or soot filter regenerator for an internal combustion engine or the like. The circuit includes a power source, a transformer including a primary winding and a secondary winding for coupling across the electrodes. The power source is coupled to the primary winding. A switch or switches is/are coupled to the primary winding.

Abstract: A digital control device for tracking a sine wave according to the present invention has a compensator, a control object and a feedback gain. An input into the compensator is a signal obtained by subtracting a control quantity from a reference value. An input into the control object is a signal obtained by subtracting an output of the feedback gain from an output of the compensator. A transfer function of the compensator is (k2z+k1)/(z2?2z cos ?T+1), where ? is an angular frequency, T is a sampling period, z is a z operator, and k1 and k2 are constants. Thus, a second-order compensator can be configured, with which a sinusoidal reference waveform can be tracked simply and with high accuracy.

Abstract: There is provided a water treating method which can not only improve an effect of eliminating microorganisms in water intended for cooking and drinking or waste water but also prevent a reduction in trace amounts of nutritional elements. In the method, at least a pair of carbon fibers capable of collecting at least microorganisms are immersed in for-treatment water, potentials of opposite polarities are applied to the carbon fibers, and the polarities of the potentials are switched at a predetermined time interval so as to adsorb the microorganisms on the carbon fibers. After the microorganisms are adsorbed, a positive potential is applied to one of the carbon fibers, and a negative potential is applied to the other so as to cause electrolysis. Then, an alternating voltage is applied to the carbon fibers so as to heat the for-treatment water and the carbon fibers.

Abstract: There is provided a sample preparation device and method for preparing a sample of liquid for detection of impurities. First (40) and second (38) electrodes are provided, located for immersion in a liquid under test. A semipermeable membrane (42) is positioned to protect the first electrode (40) from a body of liquid under test (32). The semipermeable membrane allows the liquid under test to pass therethrough to reach the first electrode, while preventing solids carried in the liquid from reaching the first electrode, the first electrode being positioned to affect the liquid under test in the vicinity of a sensor (36). Particular embodiments feature a hydrophilic membrane to protect the electrodes from suspended solids in the sample, a thin electrode assembly to achieve a faster response and the addition of a heater for temperature control to achieve consistent detection conditions and improved anti-fouling properties.

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 water purification apparatus used to prevent the formation of scale around electrodes which form part of the apparatus. The apparatus comprises at least one electrode containing a proportion of an ion-emitting electrode such as copper, silver or a copper and silver alloy and at least one electrode containing a proportion of a non-emissive metal such as titanium. The electrodes are connected to a DC power supply which has switching means to reverse the polarity of the electrodes at predetermined intervals. The apparatus ensures accurate control of disinfection and minimal equipment maintenance.

Abstract: Electroplating station S has a head 1 with anode 2, to one side of which there is located an electrically neutral wall 3. The width of anode 2 is provided to accommodate the width of web 6. Serrations 9 are provided on the anode 2, especially in the area of top surface 8. A passageway 4 for electrolyte 5 is between anode 2 and wall 3. Mesh 11 is located at a throat section 12 of passageway 4 shortly before the start of the guide 7. In addition, mesh 13 is located further upstream in passageway 4 as an alternative and/or as an addition to mesh 11. Guide 7 of wall 3, serrations 9, and meshes 11 and 13 enhance and maximize the production of stream-wise vortices. These vortices cause a substantial increase in the ion flow, which overcomes boundary layers and results in additional deposition of copper onto the web 6.

Abstract: A method of producing chlorine dioxide gas in an enclosed space including the steps of electrochemically generating chlorine dioxide gas in an electrochemical cell and transporting the chlorine dioxide gas to the enclosed space.

Abstract: A cathode current control system employing a current thief for use in electroplating a wafer is set forth. The current thief comprises a plurality of conductive segments disposed to substantially surround a peripheral region of the wafer. A first plurality of resistance devices are used, each associated with a respective one of the plurality of conductive segments. The resistance devices are used to regulate current through the respective conductive finger during electroplating of the wafer. Various constructions are used for the current thief and further conductive elements, such as fingers, may also be employed in the system. As with the conductive segments, current through the fingers may also be individually controlled. In accordance with one embodiment of the overall system, selection of the resistance of each respective resistance devices is automatically controlled in accordance with predetermined programming.

Abstract: A bipolar assembly for filter-press type electrolysers is described comprising a single sheet, whose two faces work respectively as anodic and cathodic wall, characterised by a design of perimetral flanges which greatly simplifies its construction enhancing its reliability. The peripheral flanges are made of a first flange obtained by folding the peripheral portion of the single sheet and of a second flange formed by a rod or a tube with quadrangular section or, alternatively, the first and second flange are pre-formed by folding of adequate strips subsequently fixed to the single sheet. The electrolyser resulting from the assemblage of a multiplicity of assemblies of the invention is particularly suited to the process of electrolysis of hydrochloric acid solutions carried out with chlorine-evolving anodes and oxygen-consuming cathodes.

Abstract: A venting methodology and system for rapid shutdown of a fuel cell apparatus of the type used in a vehicle propulsion system. H2 and air flows to the fuel cell stack are slowly bypassed to the combustor upon receipt of a rapid shutdown command. The bypass occurs over a period of time (for example one to five seconds) using conveniently-sized bypass valves. Upon receipt of the rapid shutdown command, the anode inlet of the fuel cell stack is instantaneously vented to a remote vent to remove all H2 from the stack. Airflow to the cathode inlet of the fuel cell stack gradually diminishes over the bypass period, and when the airflow bypass is complete the cathode inlet is also instantaneously vented to a remote vent to eliminate pressure differentials across the stack.

Abstract: Toxic PCB has been broadly used as insulating oil in electric equipment such as capacitors, transformers and the like. Since the PCB is a refractory organic compound, the disposal of PCB is not advanced until now. This is a great social problem in Japan and the world. Thus, the early disposal of PCB is demanded.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment operations, i.e. the coagulation, decomposition, sterilization and separation of impurities such as the sludge, organisms, etc. in a liquid to be treated are carried out by applying an AC voltage of a specific frequency between first and second electrodes provided in the liquid to be treated, and thereby making an AC field work on the same liquid. An AC voltage of a high frequency suited to the quality of the water in a frequency band in which metal ions, hydrogen, and oxygen are dissolved into and are taken take out in large quantities, occurring in the AC electrolysis of the object liquid elute, and an AC voltage of a low frequency are switched from one to the other in a contactless manner in a predetermined cycle, and the resultant voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes. This causes crystals and bubbles in the water, and sludge, organisms, etc.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for in-situ cleaning of semiconductor electroplating electrodes to remove plating metal without requiring the manual removal of the electrodes from the semiconductor plating equipment. The electrode is placed into the plating liquid and an electrical current having reverse polarity is passed between the electrode and plating liquid. Plating deposits which have accumulated on the electrode are electrochemically dissolved and removed from the electrode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for electrolyzing water for enhanced production of oxygen, hydrogen and heat by the steps of (i) providing an electrochemical cell comprising an isotopic hydrogen storage cathode, an electrically conductive anode and an ionically conducting electrolyte comprising water, and (ii) impressing a repeating sequence of voltages across the cathode and anode comprised of at least two cell voltage regimes, a first cell voltage regime consisting of a voltage sufficient to enhance cathodic absorption of hydrogen, and a second cell voltage regime consisting of at least one voltage pulse which is at least two times the voltage of the first cell voltage regime for a total duration no greater than 0.10 seconds.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing microelectronic workpieces. The apparatus can include a housing at least partially enclosing a process environment, with a first processing chamber and a second processing chamber positioned within the housing. The first processing chamber can have a first electrically powered device, such as a first anode and/or a first cathode, and the second processing chamber can have a second electrically powered device, such as a second anode and/or a second cathode. A first power supply is electrically coupled to the first processing chamber to provide electrical power to at least one of a first anode and a first cathode, and a second power supply is electrically coupled to the second processing chamber to provide electrical power to at least one of the second anode and the second cathode.

Abstract: An oxygen emitter which is an electrolytic cell is disclosed. When the anode and cathode are separated by a critical distance, very small microbubbles and nanobubbles of oxygen are generated. The hydrogen forms bubbles at the cathode, which bubbles rise to the surface. The very small oxygen bubbles remain in suspension, forming a solution supersaturated in oxygen. The electrodes may be a metal or oxide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, iridium, nickel, iron, rhodium, rhenium, cobalt, tungsten, manganese, tantalum, molybdenum, lead, titanium, platinum, palladium and osmium or oxides thereof. The electrodes may be formed into open grids or may be closed surfaces. The most preferred cathode is a stainless steel mesh. The most preferred mesh is a {fraction (1/16)} inch grid. The most preferred anode is platinum and iridium oxide on a support. A preferred support is titanium. Models suitable for different uses are disclosed.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for treating membrane-containing material with electrical fields, in vitro, and with an added treating substance. With the method, a plurality of electrodes are arrayed around the material to be treated and are connected to outputs of an electrode selection apparatus. Inputs of the electrode selection apparatus are connected to outputs of a pulse sequence generator. A treating substance is added to the membrane-containing material. Electrical pulses are applied to the electrode selection apparatus and are routed through the electrode selection apparatus in a predetermined, computer-controlled sequence to selected electrodes in the array of electrodes, whereby the membrane-containing material is treated with the added treating substance and with electrical fields. The routing of applied pulses through the electrode selection apparatus to selected electrodes can be done in an enormous number of ways.

Abstract: An electric field adjusting apparatus for adjusting electric field distribution inside an electroplating bath is provided. The electric field adjusting apparatus has a regulation plate with a plurality of evenly distributed through holes. A plurality of evenly distributed through holes with a smaller total through hole area is formed in the regulation plate that corresponds to an area of a plated film on a wafer that conducts a larger current during an electroplating process (close to the edge of the wafer). Meanwhile, a plurality of evenly distributed through holes with a larger total through hole area is formed in the regulation plate that corresponds to an area of the plated film on the wafer that conducts a smaller current during an electroplating process (close to the central region of the wafer). Furthermore, the total area of through holes around a particular location is inversely proportional to the current density in the plated film over the plating object.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for treating membrane-containing material with electrical fields, in vitro, and with an added treating substance. With the method, a plurality of electrodes are arrayed around the material to be treated and are connected to outputs of an electrode selection apparatus. Inputs of the electrode selection apparatus are connected to outputs of a pulse sequence generator. A treating substance is added to the membrane-containing material. Electrical pulses are applied to the electrode selection apparatus and are routed through the electrode selection apparatus in a predetermined, computer-controlled sequence to selected electrodes in the array of electrodes, whereby the membrane-containing material is treated with the added treating substance and with electrical fields. The routing of applied pulses through the electrode selection apparatus to selected electrodes can be done in an enormous number of ways.

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: A method and apparatus for increasing the oxygen content of water have been shown and described. A volume of water is passed between the electrodes of an electrolytic cell, a portion of the volume of water converting to dissolved oxygen. A desired level of dissolved oxygen is selected, and the number of times the volume of water must flow through the electrolytic cell to ensure that the volume of water contains the selected percentage of dissolved oxygen is also selected. The volume of water is then forced through the cell the selected number of times, such that the volume of water contains the desired percentage of dissolved oxygen. The electrolytic cell is in fluid communication with a tank and a pump, the pump drawing the volume of water from the tank and forcing it through the electrolytic cell and back into the tank. The volume of water is thereby recirculated through the electrolytic cell by the pump for the selected number of times.

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: An electrochemical planarization apparatus for planarizing a metallized surface on a workpiece includes a polishing pad and a platen. The platen is formed of conductive material, is disposed proximate to the polishing pad and is configured to have a negative charge during at least a portion of a planarization process. At least one electrical conductor is positioned within the platen. The electrical conductor has a first end connected to a power source. A workpiece carrier is configured to carry a workpiece and press the workpiece against the polishing pad. The power source applies a positive charge to the workpiece via the electrical conductor so that an electric potential difference between the metallized surface of the workpiece and the platen is created to remove at least a portion of the metallized surface from the workpiece.

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: The present invention provides a plating apparatus comprising: a plating bath filled with a plating solution; at least an anode in the plating solution; at least a plating object which serves as a cathode in the plating solution, so that the at least plating object is distanced from the at least anode; and at least a dummy cathode in the plating solution, so that the at least dummy cathode is applied with voltage to suppress a substitute-deposition of metal ions in the plating solution.

Abstract: A method for separating metal ions absorbed on a resin includes: suspending or percolating a cationic exchange resin charged with a polar solvent containing an eluting agent or a mixture of eluting agents containing at least an organic or mineral ligand complexing the metal ions to be separated; circulating a direct electric current, whether constant or not, in the charged eluting solution forming an electrolyte so as to recuperate at least a metal by deposition; and finally optionally repeating the last step by setting up one or several cathode(s) made of another metal and by re-adjusting the cathode potential and the anode/cathode potential difference to new values, depending on the new type of metal to be recuperated. An installation for treating/recycling photographic bath waste includes an exchanger connected to a tank for waste bath to be treated, to a treated waste bath tank, to a regenerating solution tank and to an electrolysis vessel.

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: A method of and system for cleansing a toilet or urinal are proposed which require less maintenance work and are safer to users than conventional methods using acid substances, and which can prevent the formation of stain on the toilet or urinal effectively and suppress the generation of ammonia sufficiently, thus accomplishing a sufficient countermeasure to the stench. A urinal (A1) is provided with a continuous electrolytic cell (1) having at least a pair of electrodes, a passage formed between the electrodes, and an inlet and an outlet that lead to the passage. Tap water is electrolyzed by the continuous electrolytic cell (1), whereby free chlorine is produced. Then the water containing free chlorine produced is supplied to the urinal (A1), and the water containing free chlorine sterilizes the inside of the urinal, thus preventing urease, an enzyme carried by bacteria, from acting to decompose urea.

Abstract: Electropurification of contaminated aqueous media, such as ground water and wastewater from industrial manufacturing facilities like paper mills, food processing plants and textile mills, is readily purified, decolorized and sterilized by improved, more economic open configuration electrolysis cell designs, which may be divided or undivided, allowing connection as monopolar or bipolar cells. When coupled with very narrow capillary gap electrodes more economic operation particular when treating solutions of relatively low conductivity is assured. The novel cell design is also useful in the electrosynthesis of chemicals, such as hypochlorite bleaches and other oxygenated species.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel proton-exchange membrane (PEM) based solid polymer electrolyte electrochemical oxygen control (EOC) system that can deplete and control the oxygen from a closed container to levels sufficient for both disinfestation and preservation. With the use of this electrochemical process, many insects that infest raw agricultural products and other produce can be exterminated, without detriment to the quality of the produce and without deposition of harmful residue, by reducing the ambient oxygen to a controlled low level for several days. The electrochemical process features the use of a bipolar stack comprised of a selected number of PEM cells connected electrically in series and separated by an electrically conductive bipolar plate. Each cell contains a membrane and electrode assembly, consisting of an anode structure and cathode structure in intimate contact with a PEM.

Abstract: In an electrolytic water producing apparatus, an anode and a cathode in an electrolytic cell are periodically switched to reduce degradation thereof. The concentration of hypochlorous acid formed in the strong acidic liquid is measured through a concentration sensor, and a concentration variation pattern varying in a sawteeth pattern according to the switching of the anode and cathode is taken into a control device. A control pattern inversely corresponding to the sawteeth pattern is calculated by the controlling device. Electrolytic current or voltage to be supplied to the electrodes may be controlled according to the control pattern, or supply quantities of raw water or a chloride solution may be controlled by a flow rate controlling valve and a metering pump. Thus, although the polarities of the electrodes are switched, the strong acidic liquid containing hypochlorous acid with a constant concentration can be obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the oxygen content of water have been shown and described. A volume of water is passed between the electrodes of an electrolytic cell, a portion of the volume of water converting to dissolved oxygen. A desired level of dissolved oxygen is selected, and the number of times the volume of water must flow through the electrolytic cell to ensure that the volume of water contains the selected percentage of dissolved oxygen is also selected. The volume of water is then forced through the cell the selected number of times, such that the volume of water contains the desired percentage of dissolved oxygen. The electrolytic cell is in fluid communication with a tank and a pump, the pump drawing the volume of water from the tank and forcing it through the electrolytic cell and back into the tank. The volume of water is thereby recirculated through the electrolytic cell by the pump for the selected number of times.

Abstract: An electroplating system for plating at least one metal on at least one substrate. At least one plating tank contains a plating solution including the at least one metal to be plated on the at least one substrate. At least one anode is arranged in the at least one plating tank. The at least one anode is at least partially immersed within the plating solution during plating of the at least one metal. At least one cathode includes at least one workpiece portion in contact with the at least one substrate and at least one thief portion arranged in the vicinity of at least one portion of the at least one substrate for controlling plating of the at least one metal on the at least one portion of the at least one substrate. At least one power supply is connected to the at least one cathode. At least one controller separately controls a flow of power to the at least one workpiece portion of the cathode and the at least one thief portion of the cathode.