With Current, Voltage, Or Power Control Means Patents (Class 204/230.2)
  • Patent number: 7311809
    Abstract: The present invention provides a plating apparatus for a substrate which can plate a substrate under uniform pressure without increasing a load to be applied while holding the entire surface of a porous member in contact with the surface, to be plated, of the substrate. The plating apparatus for a substrate, includes: a substrate holder for holding a substrate; a cathode unit having a seal member for abutting against and sealing, in a water-tight manner, a peripheral portion of a surface, to be plated, of the substrate held by the substrate holder, and a cathode electrode which is brought into contact with the substrate to supply current to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignees: Ebara Corporation, International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Kurashina, Mizuki Nagai, Satoru Yamamoto, Hiroyuki Kanda, Koji Mishima, Brett Baker, Hariklia Deligianni, Phillipe Vereecken
  • Publication number: 20070272546
    Abstract: An anode and cathode for an electrolytic cell are configured as a low inductance transmission line to enable control of an interphase at an electrode surface. The anode and cathode are coupled to a switched current source by a low inductance path that include a parallel plate transmission line, a coaxial transmission line, or both. The switched current source provides switching between current sources at three or more voltages to provide fast charging and discharging of the double-layer capacitance associated with the electrode surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventor: Mehlin Dean Matthews
  • Patent number: 7288180
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for current control in gas generators capable of generating a fluorine or fluoride gas by and in which the electrolysis can be maintained in an optimum condition, stable operation is possible and no manpower is demanded. According to the method of current control in gas generators for generating a fluorine or fluoride gas by electrolysis of an electrolytic bath 5 comprising a hydrogen fluoride-containing mixed molten salt using a carbon electrode as the anode 4a, the range of voltage fluctuation between the cathode 4b and anode 4a as occurring when a certain current is applied to the gas generator is measured, and current application is continued while varying the current amount to be applied according to the voltage fluctuation range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Toyo Tanso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Tojo, Jiro Hiraiwa, Osamu Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 7267762
    Abstract: A fluid treatment system for reducing odor, bacteria, and biological oxygen demand from a fluid having at least one tube, a control box, and a pump. The at least one tube has a plurality of conductors in electrical communication with the control box. The control box controls the level of electrical communication to the plurality of conductors and the flow rate of the pump. The principle use is for biomass material derived from animals, however other fluids will benefit from this invention. For example, fluids derived from plants and humans will benefit from this application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Elm Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jamel Bourazak, Larry Coleman
  • Patent number: 7264712
    Abstract: A fluid treatment system for reducing odor, bacteria, and biological oxygen demand from a fluid having at least one tube, a control box, and a pump. The at least one tube has a plurality of conductors in electrical communication with the control box. The control box controls the level of electrical communication to the plurality of conductors and the flow rate of the pump. The principle use is for biomass material derived from animals, however other fluids will benefit from this invention. For example, fluids derived from plants and humans will benefit from this application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Elm Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jamel Bourazak, Larry Coleman
  • Patent number: 7260457
    Abstract: The present invention provides a secondary power supply for the telematics terminal. A secondary power supply for a telematics terminal including. a power control unit for controlling a power supply based on a power control signal of the telematics terminal and/or a start-up key signal; a telematics control unit which is operated by power supplied from a secondary power supply unit under the control of the power control unit and controls each of components inside the telematics terminal; the secondary power supply unit for supplying the power to the telematics control unit; and a rectifying unit for rectifying power from a main power supply unit one more time and protecting the components from a reverse voltage by opening the connection of the main power supply unit and the secondary power supply unit when a voltage level of the secondary power supply unit is higher than that of the main power supply unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jin-Suk Ma, Sun-Ja Kim
  • Patent number: 7254938
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Arvin Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Goldschmidt, Wilbur H. Crawley
  • Patent number: 7217345
    Abstract: Production of pure metals through electro-winning and electro-deposition is accomplished by electrolytic deposition of metal over a reusable stainless-steel plate (cathode). Metal is deposited on both faces of the cathode, as well as on its edges, creating problems when removing the deposited metal. Breaking the deposited edges to remove the metal deposited on both faces produces irregular edges, folding and damages to the surface of the cathode, requiring re-processing, increasing costs of the deposited metal, as well as repairs or replacement of the cathodes. This invention includes a structure made of insulating material to which are fixed electrically energizable cathode guidance profiles with a cross-section similar to an omega and which house the edges of the cathodes, holding them in position during the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: New Tech Copper S.A.
    Inventor: Manuel Rafael Umana Casanova
  • Patent number: 7204916
    Abstract: A plating apparatus for performing a plating process for plating a surface of a substrate. This plating apparatus is provided with a first electrode to be brought into contact with a peripheral edge portion of the substrate; a plating vessel for containing a plating liquid to be brought into contact with the surface of the substrate, the plating vessel having a vertical tubular interior surface; a second electrode disposed in the plating vessel, the second electrode being spaced from the substrate by a distance which is not smaller than a distance between a center portion and a peripheral edge portion of the substrate during the plating process; and an electric current limiting member for limiting horizontal flow of an electric current in the plating liquid between the second electrode and the substrate within the plating vessel during the plating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Mizohata
  • Patent number: 7169283
    Abstract: In an anodization apparatus and an anodization method for electrochemically treating a target substrate by irradiating the target substrate with light, treatment of a large target substrate can be made possible with smaller constituent elements. The electrical contact with the target substrate by a contact member is realized by a plurality of contact members or by the movement of a contact member to change the electrical contact position. The target substrate is manufactured in advance so as to have such a structure that portions thereof to be in contact with the plural contact members are connected to portions of a conductive layer on a treatment part thereof respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yasushi Yagi, Kazutsugu Aoki, Mitsuru Ushijima
  • Patent number: 7160434
    Abstract: An electrolysis device is provided. The electrolysis device includes an ionizer unit having first and second plate assemblies that each provide a different surface area that is contacted by water when the unit is in use. The plate assemblies may each provide a different surface area by providing a different number of plates. The plate assemblies are formed from integral pieces of material, to enhance the reliability of the device. The present invention further provides a control unit programmed to provide an output to the ionizer unit that varies in polarity over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Robert E. Moroney, LLC
    Inventors: Hans Becker, Robert E. Moroney
  • Patent number: 7153410
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for electrochemical-mechanical processing of microelectronic workpieces. One embodiment of an electrochemical processing apparatus in accordance with the invention comprises a workpiece holder configured to receive a microelectronic workpiece, a workpiece electrode, a first remote electrode, and a second remote electrode. The workpiece electrode is configured to contact a processing side of the workpiece when the workpiece is received in the workpiece holder. The first and second remote electrodes are spaced apart from the workpiece holder. The apparatus can also include an AC power supply, a DC power supply, and a switching assembly. The switching assembly is coupled to the workpiece electrode, the first remote electrode, the second remote electrode, the AC power supply, and the DC power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Moore, Whonchee Lee, Scott G. Meikle, Trung T. Doan
  • Patent number: 7147760
    Abstract: An electroplating apparatus includes a reactor vessel having a segmented anode array positioned therein for effecting electroplating of an associated workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer. The anode array includes a plurality of ring-like anode segments which are preferably positioned in concentric, coplanar relationship with each other. The anode segments can be independently operated to create varying electrical potentials with the associated workpiece to promote uniform deposition of electroplated metal on the surface of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Woodruff, Kyle M. Hanson
  • Patent number: 7138042
    Abstract: An electrically regeneratable battery of electrochemical cells for capacitive deionization (including electrochemical purification) and regeneration of electrodes is operated at alternate polarities during consecutive cycles. In other words, after each regeneration step operated at a given polarity in a deionization-regeneration cycle, the polarity of the deionization step in the next cycle is maintained. In one embodiment, two end electrodes are arranged one at each end of the battery, adjacent to end plates. An insulator layer is interposed between each end plate and the adjacent end electrode. Each end electrode includes a single sheet of conductive material having a high specific surface area and sorption capacity, preferably a sheet formed of carbon aerogel composite. The batter further includes a plurality of generally identical double-sided intermediate electrodes that are equidistally separated from each other, between the two end electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Tri D. Tran, David J. Lenz
  • Patent number: 7135099
    Abstract: In a circulation system of treatment-object water (waste water), a water treating apparatus and a pH adjuster are provided. A carbon fiber that can collect at least microorganisms is disposed in the water treating apparatus. The carbon fiber is immersed in the treatment-object water, and potential is applied to the carbon fiber. Further, pH of the treatment-object water is adjusted by the pH adjuster in a direction in which adsorption of microorganisms in the treatment-object water to the carbon fiber is facilitated. As a result, the microorganisms are strongly attracted and adsorbed to the carbon fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhito Kondo, Masahiro Iseki
  • Patent number: 6998029
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for protecting electrowinning anodes having electrocatalytically active coatings in a bank of electrolytic cells from being damaged by reverse currents. In the first embodiment, one or more auxiliary power sources are provided that, when triggered by one or more predetermined conditions being met, keep the bank of electrolytic cells in an electrical state that is relatively harmless to the anodes having electrocatalytically active coatings. In a second embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of maintaining the polarization of anodes in an electrowinning cell positive of the cathodes (i.e. in a potential region where the anode coating is not susceptible to significant damage). In a final embodiment, the invention is directed to various methods for the installation of replacement anodes and maintenance of electrowinning cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Hardee, Michael S. Moats, Carl W. Brown, Jr., Robert L. Wilhelm, Edward M. Halko, Zane A. Wade
  • Patent number: 6991526
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention generally provide a method and apparatus for polishing a substrate using electrochemical deposition techniques. In one aspect, an apparatus for polishing a substrate comprises a counter-electrode and a pad positioned between a substrate and the counter-electrode and a pad positioned between a substrate and the counter-electrode. A dielectric insert is positioned between the counter-electrode and the substrate. The dielectric insert has a plurality of zones, each zone permitting a separate current density between the counter-electrode and the substrate. In another embodiment, an apparatus for polishing a substrate that include a conductive layer comprises a counter-electrode to the material layer. The counter-electrode comprises a plurality of electrically isolated conductive elements. An electrical connector is separately coupled to each of the conductive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Lizhong Sun, Liang-Yuh Chen, Siew Neo, Feng Q. Liu, Alain Duboust, Stan D. Tsai, Rashid Mavliev
  • Patent number: 6951599
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and apparatus for planarizing a substrate by electropolishing techniques. Certain embodiments of an electropolishing apparatus include a contact ring adapted to support a substrate, a cell body adapted to hold an electropolishing solution, a fluid supply system adapted to provide the electropolishing solution to the cell body, a cathode disposed within the cell body, a power supply system in electrical communication with the contact ring and the cathode, and a controller coupled to at least the fluid supply system and the power supply system. The controller may be adapted to provide a first set of electropolishing conditions to form a boundary layer between the substrate and the electropolishing solution to an initial thickness and may be adapted to provide a second set of electropolishing conditions to control the boundary layer to a subsequent thickness less than or equal to the initial thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Yahalom, Deenesh Padhi, Srinivas Gandikota, Girish A. Dixit
  • Patent number: 6939447
    Abstract: A method of electro-plating comprises providing an anode current for a target, applying an electron beam to the surface of a target and passing electrolyte between said target and anode, thereby to deposit material on said target. An electron beam gun directs an electron beam onto web while anode provides a current thereby depositing material on the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: TDAO Limited
    Inventor: John Michael Lowe
  • Patent number: 6929740
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: T.P. Technology plc
    Inventor: John Hayes
  • Patent number: 6919010
    Abstract: A substantially uniform layer of a metal is electroplated onto a work piece having a seed layer thereon. The current of a plating cell is provided from an azimuthally asymmetric anode, which is rotated with respect to the work piece (i.e., either or both of the work piece and the anode may be rotating). The azimuthal asymmetry provides a time-of-exposure correction to the current distribution reaching the work piece, whereby peripheral regions of the work piece see less current than central regions over the period of rotation. In some embodiments, the total current is distributed among a plurality of anodes in the plating cell in order to tailor the current distribution in the plating electrolyte over time. Focusing elements may be used to create “virtual anodes” in proximity to the plating surface of the work piece to further control the current distribution in the electrolyte during plating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Mayer
  • Patent number: 6919012
    Abstract: A ceramic coating is formed on a conductive article by immersing a first anodic electrode, including the conductive article, in an electrolyte comprising an aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxide and an alkali metal silicate, providing a second cathodic electrode in contact with the electrolyte, and passing an alternating current from a resonant power source through the first electrode and to the second electrode while maintaining the angle ? between the current and the voltage at zero degree, while maintaining the voltage within a predetermined range. The resulting ceramic coated article comprises a coating which includes a metal, silicon, and oxygen, wherein the silicon concentration increases in the direction from the article surface toward an outer surface of the ceramic coating surface layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Olimex Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Sergiu Bucar
  • Patent number: 6916411
    Abstract: A method to demolish concrete that comprises electrically connecting rebar disposed within the concrete to a power supply, electrically connecting a counter electrode within electro-osmotic communication of the concrete to a power supply, and externally providing electrolyte as supplemental moisture for the concrete. An electric field is created within the concrete and causes water moisture to migrate toward the rebar thereby expediting the corrosion thereof. The corrosion of the rebar generates iron oxides, which because of their greater volume, cause areas of localized pressure within the concrete. As the corrosion process proceeds, an accumulation of oxides increases the localized pressure to cause cracking within the concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Cisar, Adrian Denvir, Dalibor Hodko, Kyle Uselton, Amanda Campbell
  • Patent number: 6916413
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: TDAO Limited
    Inventor: John Michael Lowe
  • Patent number: 6893551
    Abstract: A process for forming oxide based dense ceramic composite coatings on reactive metal and allow bodies involves suspension of at least two reactive metal or alloy bodies in a non-metallic, non-conducting, non-reactive chamber in such a way that it causes either partial or full immersion of the bodies in a continuously circulating electrolyte. Thyristor controlled, modified shaped wave multiphase alternating current power supply is applied across the bodies where in each body is connected to an electrode. Electric current supplied to the bodies is slowly increased to a particular value till the required current density is achieved and the maintained at the same level throughout the process. Visible arcing at the surface of the immersed regions of the bodies is identified when the applied electric potential crosses 60V. Electric potential is further increased gradually to compensate the increasing resistance of the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI)
    Inventors: Lingamaneni Rama Krishna, Alexander Vasilyevich Rybalko, Govindan Sundararajan
  • Patent number: 6881307
    Abstract: In order to provide an image creating apparatus which is driven at a high speed by a low voltage and realizes high contrast, the image creating apparatus of the present invention applies a voltage selectively to surfaces of arranged plural polymeric electrolyte films and generate a potential difference between both surfaces of the polymeric electrolyte films to which the voltage is applied to deform the polymeric electrolyte films. This image creating apparatus can provide an optical shutter of an image recording apparatus and a reflection or transmitting type image display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihito Ikegawa
  • Patent number: 6866761
    Abstract: A method for dehydrating a porous material using electro-osmosis, includes applying a pattern of D.C. voltage pulses to an anode system embedded in the porous material, wherein the anode system is electrically interactive with a cathode structure embedded in earth, and wherein the pattern of D.C. voltage pulses, has a pulse period T in a range from about 3 to about 60 seconds, and each pulse period T includes a positive pulse duration of T+ from about 0.7 T to about 0.97 T, a negative pulse duration of T? from about 0.01 T to about 0.05 T, and a neutral pulse duration of Tp from about 0.02 T to about 0.25 T. In another embodiment, each pulse period includes two or more positive pulses separated by at least one of either a negative pulse or a neutral pulse, with the positive pulse duration being the combined duration of the two positive pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Drytronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Egil Bjerke, Henning Olson
  • Patent number: 6846639
    Abstract: The use of impedance measurements to detect the presence of pathogens attached to antibody-coated beads. In a fluidic device antibodies are immobilized on a surface of a patterned interdigitated electrode. Pathogens in a sample fluid streaming past the electrode attach to the immobilized antibodies, which produces a change in impedance between two adjacent electrodes, which impedance change is measured and used to detect the presence of a pathogen. To amplify the signal, beads coated with antibodies are introduced and the beads would stick to the pathogen causing a greater change in impedance between the two adjacent electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Robin R. Miles, Kodumudi S. Venkateswaran, Christopher K. Fuller
  • Patent number: 6843894
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Berner, Joseph J. Fatula, Jr., Robert Hitzfeld, Richard Contreras, Andrew Chiu
  • Patent number: 6841046
    Abstract: A system is for supplying a generator with hydrogen, in particular a generator of a power generating plant. The system offers a high level of safety while at the same time making handling easy. The system includes a closed system cycle for carrying water and/or gas and a hydrogen feed line, branching off from the system cycle, for the generator. The system cycle includes an electrolysis unit designed as a membrane electrolyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anwer Puthawala, Peter Schönfeld
  • Patent number: 6837986
    Abstract: This invention discloses a device for producing electrolytic water (100) comprising an electrode unit (2) comprising a closed-type anode chamber (16), at least part of whose wall is a septum (18) and within which an anode (20) is disposed, and a cathode (24) disposed outside of the anode chamber (16); and a power source unit (4) for supplying DC power to the electrode unit (2). Electrolysis is conducted by filling the anode chamber (16) of the device for producing electrolyte water with a 0.01 to 2 M aqueous electrolyte solution while immersing the device for producing electrolyte water in a 0.001 to 0.01 M aqueous electrolyte solution and then supplying electric power between the anode and the cathode. For example, tap water may be directly used as the 0.001 to 0.01 M aqueous electrolyte solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignees: Mikuni Corporation
    Inventor: Kokichi Hanaoka
  • Publication number: 20040262159
    Abstract: A self-contained delivery device for delivery a selected volume of stored electrolyte solution at selected time intervals is disclosed. The device includes a housing having a delivery port, and contained within the housing, a chamber containing an upstream supply reservoir for holding a quantity of electrolyte solution, a downstream delivery reservoir for receiving electrolyte solution from the supply reservoir and, disposed between the two reservoirs, a membrane having a plurality of flow-through channels extending between the two reservoirs. A pair of electrodes placed in the chamber on either side of the membrane are controlled by a controller contained within the housing, for pumping selected quantities of the electrolyte solution at selected time intervals. The invention also includes a device for detecting a target nucleic acid sequence contained in a solution of solution of nucleic acid fragments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Francis J. Martin, Robbie J. Walczak
  • Publication number: 20040262151
    Abstract: A method and a device for developing an electrochemical measuring system, in particular a sensor, is provided. A plurality of different electrode materials are applied to at least one substrate and introduced into a medium together with at least one reference electrode. Subsequently, the electrochemical potentials of the individual electrode materials in relation to the reference electrode are determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Gerd Scheying, Thomas Brinz
  • Publication number: 20040262152
    Abstract: The invention relates to the analysis of the performance and properties of electrochemical processes, and specifically, to electrolytic solutions and electrode processes. The invention discloses a device and a method for obtaining qualitative and quantitative information for the kinetics of the electrode reactions, the transport processes, the thermodynamic properties of the electrochemical processes taking place in the cell. When a deposition reaction takes place, the device provides also valuable information about the relationship between the current density and deposit properties including but not limited to the deposit color, luster, and other aspects of its appearance. The device disclosed herein typically is comprised of a multiplicity of cathodic or anodic regions where one or more electrochemical reactions take place simultaneously, but at a different rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Uziel Landau
  • Patent number: 6835292
    Abstract: A polishing method able to easily flatten unevenness formed on the surface of a film to be polished and able to efficiently polish the film flat while suppressing damage to an interlayer insulating film below the film, comprising, when polishing an object having a film such as an interconnection layer formed burying interconnection grooves formed in an insulating film of a substrate, supplying a polishing solution over the surface to be polished at least substantially parallel to the surface to preferentially remove by polishing the projecting portions of the film and flatten the surface by the shear stress of the processing solution or arranging a cathode member facing the surface and supplying an electrolytic solution containing a chelating agent between the surface and cathode member while supplying voltage between the film and the cathode member to preferentially remove by polishing the projecting portions of the film and flatten the surface by the shear stress of the electrolytic solution, and a polishin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shuzo Sato, Yuji Segawa, Akira Yoshiq, Takeshi Nogami
  • Patent number: 6835552
    Abstract: The use of impedance measurements to detect the presence of pathogens attached to antibody-coated beads. In a fluidic device antibodies are immobilized on a surface of a patterned interdigitated electrode. Pathogens in a sample fluid streaming past the electrode attach to the immobilized antibodies, which produces a change in impedance between two adjacent electrodes, which impedance change is measured and used to detect the presence of a pathogen. To amplify the signal, beads coated with antibodies are introduced and the beads would stick to the pathogen causing a greater change in impedance between the two adjacent electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Robin R. Miles, Kodumudi S. Venkateswaran, Christopher K. Fuller
  • Patent number: 6833205
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for an electrochemical cell system. The electrochemical cell system includes: an electrochemical cell; an energy source configured for providing a quantity of energy to the electrochemical cell; a sensing apparatus in operable communication with a gas output from the electrochemical cell, the sensing apparatus provides an output signal indicating a parameter of the gas output; and a computer in operable communication with the sensing apparatus. The computer includes a memory device configured to store a first operational parameter, and a processor configured to receive a digital representation of the output signal and the first operational parameter. The processor compares the digital representation of the output signal to the first operational parameter for regulating the quantity of energy provided to the electrochemical cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: A. John Speranza, Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6827827
    Abstract: In order to make plating thickness uniform in a metal plating apparatus, a metal plating apparatus capable of performing metal plating to a uniform thickness is provided by aligning lines of electric force uniformly and in parallel by disposing a pair of conductive perforated plates 20a and 20b, which are electrically connected to each other, between plating metals 16 immersed in a plating solution and an object 18 to be plated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Johji Nakamoto, Tatsuji Yamada
  • Publication number: 20040238374
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for current control in gas generators capable of generating a fluorine or fluoride gas by and in which the electrolysis can be maintained in an optimum condition, stable operation is possible and no manpower is demanded. According to the method of current control in gas generators for generating a fluorine or fluoride gas by electrolysis of an electrolytic bath 5 comprising a hydrogen fluoride-containing mixed molten salt using a carbon electrode as the anode 4a, the range of voltage fluctuation between the cathode 4b and anode 4a as occurring when a certain current is applied to the gas generator is measured, and current application is continued while varying the current amount to be applied according to the voltage fluctuation range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Toyo Tanso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Tojo, Jiro Hiraiwa, Osamu Yoshimoto
  • Publication number: 20040238366
    Abstract: Radioactive material can be processed by an apparatus that includes at least a cylindrical outer shell electrode, an inner electrode, and a plurality of prism-shaped ferromagnetic elements positioned between the outer and inner electrodes. The prism-shaped ferromagnetic elements are positioned around the inner circumference of the metal cylinder. The inner electrode component is located within the metal cylinder and is configured to cover the inwardly-pointing portions of the prism-shaped ferromagnetic elements. Radioactive material in a container is placed into the apparatus, and an AC voltage excitation signal is applied to the electrodes of the apparatus during treatment of the material. The frequency of the excitation signal is selected according to the frequency of structurization or the frequency of destructurization of the ferromagnetic material. The process can be monitored and controlled with the use of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation intensity measuring instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Kinderevich Anatoly Vladimirovich, Kicha Leonid Ivanovich
  • Publication number: 20040232005
    Abstract: In order to even out the electrolytic treatment of workpieces 9 made of electrically non-conductive material and having a very thin base metallising 6, 8, a device is employed in a manner according to the invention comprising means for bringing treatment liquid into contact with the workpieces 9, means 10 for electrical contracting of the workpieces 9 at contacting sites and counterelectrodes 5.x which are so arranged that the workpieces 9 may be arranged opposing them, whereby the counterelectrodes 5.x are each subdivided into at least two electrode segments 13.x such that at least one contact-near electrode segment 13.1 and at least one contact-remote electrode segment 13.4 and possibly further electrode segments 13.2, 13.3 arranged between them are provided and each electrode segment 13.x is fed by a separate current source 15.x.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Egon Hubel
  • Publication number: 20040231977
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for increasing the stability and/or efficacy of chlorine dioxide, and particularly chlorine dioxide generated via electrolysis of chlorite. The present invention further relates to electrolysis devices for producing chlorine dioxide, comprising the stabilizing and efficacy-increasing compositions of the present invention, as well as methods of using both the chlorine dioxide-stabilizing and efficacy-increasing compositions and devices disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Brian Joseph Roselle, Gregory Bruce Huntington, Mario Elmen Tremblay, Charles Allen Pettigrew, Freddy Arthur Barnabas
  • Patent number: 6814847
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining electro-deposition of metal on a cathode in an electrolytic cell. The cell comprises a metal anode, a cathode, an electrolytic bath and a main power supply to apply an electric potential across the anode and cathode resulting in a forward current and deposition of metal from said anode to the cathode. An auxiliary power supply is also provided for connection to the cell. In cases where the mains power supply falls below a predetermined value, the auxiliary power supply maintains a predetermined direction and quantity of current flow in the cell. The auxiliary power supply may be continuous or activated only when the current flow and/or direction of current falls below said predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Copper Refineries Pty Ltd
    Inventors: John Cutmore, David Bailey
  • Patent number: 6802946
    Abstract: An apparatus which can control thickness uniformity during deposition of conductive material from an electrolyte onto a surface of a semiconductor substrate is provided. The apparatus has an anode which can be contacted by the electrolyte during deposition of the conductive material, a cathode assembly including a carrier adapted to carry the substrate for movement during deposition, and a conductive element permitting electrolyte flow therethrough. A mask lies over the conductive element and has openings permitting electrolyte flow. The openings define active regions of the conductive element by which a rate of conductive material deposition onto the surface can be varied. A power source can provide a potential between the anode and the cathode assembly so as to produce the deposition. A deposition process is also disclosed, and uniform electroetching of conductive material on the semiconductor substrate surface can additionally be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: NuTool Inc.
    Inventors: Bulent M. Basol, Paul Lindquist
  • Patent number: 6797135
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a conductive layer and an electroplating device, and in particular, to a method of forming a conductive layer that provides an electrically-conductive layer having both characteristics of increased adhesiveness to an electroplated body and increased uniformity. The electroplating apparatus and method can produce supersonic waves for electroplating. Thus, the electroplating device can include a wave generator. The electroplating device can further include a plating bath filled with an electrolyte solution that can propagate super sonic waves, a power supply, a plated body connected electrically to a first terminal of the power supply, and a plating body connected electrically to a second terminal of the power supply where the plating body provides ions the same as dissolved in the electrolyte solution to maintain a desired concentration of dissolved ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Hyundai Microelectronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Do-Heyoung Kim, Jae-Jeong Kim, Jae-Hee Ha
  • Patent number: 6787368
    Abstract: A diagnostic method and device for use in detecting or quantitating an analyte present in a liquid sample. The method includes reacting an analyte-containing sample with reagents capable of generating a first coil-forming peptide in solution form. This peptide is then contacted with a biosensor whose detection surface has surface-bound molecules of a second, oppositely charged coil-forming peptide, under conditions effective to form a stable &agr;-helical coiled-coil heterodimer on the detection surface. The formation of the coiled-coil heterodimer produces a measurable change in biosensor signal, which is measured to detect the presence of or quantitate the amount of analyte in a sample. Also disclosed is a biosensor device for carrying out the reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Helix BioPharma Corporation
    Inventors: Wah Y. Wong, Heman Chao, Donald Segal, Jerry McElroy
  • Patent number: 6780304
    Abstract: A device as described for the generation of high purity carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) by electrochemical decomposition of aqueous solutions of liquid and solid organic acids. A d.c. power source is used to apply a pre-selected current to an electrochemical cell, consisting of an ion permeable membrane and two electrodes. The generation rate of CO2 and H2 are continuous and proportional to the applied current; it can be stopped instantaneously by interrupting the current. Small battery operated generators can produce propellant CO2 and H2 to deliver fluids from containers other uses include the creation of anaerobic environments in incubation chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Henri J. R. Maget
  • Patent number: 6780293
    Abstract: A floatable sanitizer employs a plurality of electrodes to contact a body of water in order to achieve a near maintenance-free sanitizing chemical generator. In one embodiment, the sanitizing chemical is chlorine and the chlorine is generated by an electrolytic process. The electrolytic reaction may be powered by photovoltaic cells, making the apparatus self-contained and able to float freely within a body of water. In one embodiment, the energy source is channeled through a polarity-reversing module. The polarity-reversing module alternates the direction of the current generated by the photovoltaic cells at a predetermined time interval. The reversing of the polarity reduces scale build-up and prevents corrosion of the metal electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventors: Dell R. Munk, Stanley S. Munk
  • Publication number: 20040140200
    Abstract: A chlorine generator cell (10) contains components that require physical isolation between the anode compartment (20), cathode compartment (30), and outside environment. The cell (10) also contains a membrane (50) that provides selective electrical conductivity between the anode compartment (20) and cathode compartment (30). The cell (10) consists of a series of pipe fittings that allow access to the interior of cell (10) for placement of water and salt to generate chlorine. The anode stem (71) and cathode stem (81) located outside of cell (10) are connected to a power supply (91). Power supply (91) may be further connected to a power controller (92) that allows for adjustment of the energy output of power supply (91) to the optimum energy level, thus the desired chlorine output. This invention provides a chlorine generator that is portable, yet is allows for expanded size with additional pipe fittings as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Chris Alan Lemke
  • Patent number: 6716331
    Abstract: An electrolytic method is disclosed by which occlusion of hydrogen or sticking of atoms or molecules in plating and so forth is not disturbed by electronic magnetic force produced by main electric current and ion current flowing from the positive electrode to the negative electrode through electrolyte. An electric circuit separate from a positive electrode and a negative electrode is provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and electric current of a direction opposite to that of main electric current and ion current flowing in the electrolyte from the positive electrode to the negative electrode is supplied to the electric circuit to produce an opposite magnetic field which cancels a magnetic field produced by the main electric current and the ion current flowing in the electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Toichi Chikuma