Abstract: An electrochemical cell for use in electrochemical processes, such as plating processes, has a first electrode which extends circumferentially about at least a portion of an electrode chamber. The article being treated is the second electrode and is disposed within the chamber. Electrolyte is flowed between the two electrodes. Various construction details of the electrochemical cell are developed which facilitate a plating process. In one embodiment, a supply conduit to the electrode chamber has a swirler.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method for treatment of wastewater containing organic contaminant materials by oxidatively decomposing the contaminant materials by a radical reaction involving hydroxyl radicals. The method comprises passing the wastewater through a wastewater treatment conduit (6) comprising a straightly tubular member (6) and a radical generating part consisting of a truncated pyramidal or conical tubular member (1) having an inner surface layer of titanium dioxide to serve as a positive electrode and connected to the upstream end of the straightly tubular member and a negative electrode rod (4) coaxially held relative to the truncated tubular member and applying a pulsed DC voltage having a rectangular wave form at a specified frequency.

Abstract: A cathode station (10) for a pipe electrochemical polishing system (12) has a valve (20) for preventing a cleaning fluid (56) from entering into a pipe (28). A cathode (14) is pulled into the cathode station (10) by a cathode puller cable (16) after a polishing operation (62) is completed. In a rinse cathode operation (66) the cleaning fluid (56) is introduced into the cathode station (10) through a fluid inlet (52) and removed from a fluid outlet (54). In a finish operation (68) the cathode (14) and cathode station (10) are removed from the pipe electrochemical polishing system (12).

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.

Abstract: An electrochemical stripping method for selectively removing at least one coating from the surface of a substrate is described. The substrate is immersed in an aqueous composition through which electrical current flows. The composition includes an acid having the formula HxAF6, in which “A” is Si, Ge, Ti, Zr, Al, or Ga; and x is 1-6. Various coatings can be removed, such as diffusion or overlay coatings. The method can be used to fully-strip a coating (e.g., from a turbine component), or to partially strip one sublayer of the coating. Related processes and an apparatus are also described.

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: Barrel-shaped anodes and cathodes are alternately arranged in layers in a concentric manner with space between the electrodes. Anodes are ferrite poles with a long hole along the center axis or a pipe, and the hole is filled with a metal with a low melting point heated to the temperature at which it has some fluidity. Alternatively the hole is filled with mercury, which is a liquid at room temperature, and then a conductive metal terminal main body is inserted so that it has a sufficient contact area between the terminal and the ferrite electrode,resulting in improved conductivity at the contact point. Consequently, a compact electrolyzer with superior electrolysis performance that is long lasting, even if the electrical current per electrode area is increased, is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved lock water purifier and method. In a presently preferred embodiment a floating salt housing is provided to produce a high salt concentration salt brine within the salt housing. A plurality of metallic probes are removably positioned within the salt housing. The metallic probes are preferably not connected to a power source but rather react within the salt brine to produce metallic ions. A channel is provided whereby the metallic ions can flow into the body of water. The number of metallic probes can be controlled to thereby control the amount of metallic ions produced. As well, moveable gates can be utilized to control the flow of metallic ions into the body of water. In a preferred embodiment, a chlorine generator is also provided which comprises a power source, preferably a solar power source, which supplies power to a plurality of cell plates.

Abstract: Chlorine dioxide is produced at high conversion rates from aqueous sodium chlorite solution by electrochemical oxidation in an undivided electrochemical cell. The cell utilizes an anode of high surface area through which the aqueous sodium chlorite solution flows into an interelectrode gap between the anode and a cathode. Water or acidified water is fed into the interelectrode gap to function as catholyte and also to dilute the electrolyzed sodium chlorite solution to provide an aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide exiting from the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the recovery of silver from a photographic fixer solution has a cylindrical cathode secured to and depending downwardly from a screw-on lid of the cell into the solution. The cathode is formed from a sheet of graphite foil laminated to a polyester base, and is clamped at its upper periphery around a boss of the lid. A metal connection ring is embedded around the outer periphery of the base and is contacted by the cathode. This arrangement is particularly suitable for allowing a thin, flexible disposable cathode to be conveniently removed from the cell by means of the lid, without the user being exposed to contact with the silver or with the solution.

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.

Abstract: In a liquid treating process according to the present invention, colloidal particles in stable hydrated states or in meta-stable hydrophobic colloidal states in a liquid are rendered hydrophobic and separated from liquid molecules by an electric field formed by a microwave. The separated colloidal particles are allowed to collide against one another to become flocculated under a cavitation effect by a ultrasonic wave having a frequency in a low frequency range, and the liquid is deodorized by an electromagnetic ultrasonic wave having a frequency in a high frequency range. Therefore, it is possible to easily and reliably remove the colloidal particles dissolved in the liquid and to deodorize the liquid without need for a large-scaled equipment.

Abstract: An anti-infective device generally comprising an oxidant generating formulation contained within at least a section of the device configured to electrolytically generate an anti-infective oxidant. The device has at least one of a cathode member and an anode member in the section of the device, configured to electrolyze the oxidant generating formulation to electrolytically generate the anti-infective oxidant. A power source is electrically connected to the cathode and anode members such that current passes between the cathode and anode members. In one embodiment, the oxidant generating formulation comprises a solid dispersed in a polymeric wall of the device. In a presently preferred embodiment, the cathode and anode members are completely embedded within the polymeric wall of the device, although in some embodiments they may be partially embedded within the polymeric wall of the device. In another embodiment, the oxidant generating formulation comprises a solution contained within a chamber in the device.

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: The tube inner surface electropolishing device includes an electrolyte delivery system to cause electrolyte to flow through the tube whose inner surface must be electropolished. An electrical cable having an electrode engaged to its distal end is slowly moved through the tube while an electrical current from a power supply passes through the electrode and the tube wall and the electrolyte flowing therebetween. Several electrode embodiments are disclosed including electrodes that include a chain of elements having alternating insulator and electrode elements, an electrode including a quantity of metallic wool enclosed in a permeable insulating member, and a flexible insulating member formed from a cylindrical tubular section which is axially compressible to produce a series of projecting flexible arms, so that any one section can be compressed to enter a smaller opening than the tube to be polished. An electrolyte dam is coupled to the electrode and controls the flow rate of electrolyte through the tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the removal of harmful substances from various objects or materials. More specifically, this invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for removing the harmful substances (i.e., toxins), from a variety of materials or objects by utilizing high-voltage electricity in conjunction with large surface charcoal, an electrical wire and water. The device of the present invention comprises a first conductive container which has large surface charcoal placed within it. This first container is then placed into a larger second conductive container which is filled with ordinary water (i.e., tap or faucet water). The electrical wire is immersed in the water filling the second container. Then the second container is sealed with a cover and insulated from the floor with insulating material. Finally, an electric source device generates 10,000 Volts at 1 Pico Ampere (10 micro watts) which is transferred to the purification device of the present invention.

Abstract: A cell for electrowinning a metal in powder form from solution includes a housing having an inlet towards one end thereof and an outlet towards an opposed end. The cell has a cylindrical anode extending substantially axially through the housing and a cathode surrounding the anode spaced outwardly away therefrom. The anode and cathode define a flow passage therebetween having a gap of 5 to 25 millimeters. In use the cell has a substantially vertical orientation with the inlet at the bottom and the outlet at the top. Periodically, flow process solution is interrupted and flush solution is passed in a reverse direction through the cell to remove powder metal from the cathode. A bank of cells in which the individual cells are connected in parallel to respectively an inlet main and an outlet main is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and assembly for recovering a metal from by-products produced from etching a metal (e.g., platinum, iridium, aluminum, etc.) in a plasma processing chamber. The method includes recovering from the plasma processing chamber a deposit of the by-products containing the metal. The deposit is dissolved in an acid, and the metal is recovered from the acid by inserting a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode into the acid and applying a difference in potential between the working and reference electrodes to cause current to flow through the working and counter electrodes and the metal to be removed from the liquid and deposit on the working electrode. The metal is removed from the working electrode to recover the metal.

Abstract: It is a compact water purification/sterilization method and its device with a high electrolytic efficiency in which even though it is used continuously for a long period of time in order to purify and sterilize water with low electrical conductivity such as the water from a swimming pool, bathtub, pond, 24-hour bath, farming tank or AC, there is no deterioration or breakage of the electrodes or deformation of the plastic case for the electrolyzing device due to heat, and even if the electrical flow per electrode surface area is increased, it provides superior long-term endurance performance. Barrel-shaped (cylindrical-shaped)anodes and cathodes are arranged alternately in a concentric manner in layers at given inter-electrode intervals. The anode is a ferrite rod with a long hole along the center axis direction or a ferrite pipe, and in the hole, heating so that it has fluidity, or mercury, which is liquid at ordinary temperature, is filled, in advance, fills a low-melting point metal.

Abstract: A temperature handling subsystem (12) for a pipe electrochemical polishing system (10) has a chiller (46) and associated heat exchanger (44) for cooling the acid electrolyte (24) circulating through a pipe (28) while a cathode (14) is drawn therethrough for the purpose of electropolishing the interior of the pipe (24). A temperature control method (48) has a temperature low enough decision operation (58) wherein a temperature indicating control (38) is used to determine if the chiller (46) should be activated. The electrolyte (24) is pumped by an electrolyte pump from an electrolyte reservoir (22) containing a temperature indicating controller (38) for determining the temperature of the electrolyte (24) and further containing an electric heater (36) for heating the electrolyte (24), as necessary.

Abstract: An apparatus for plating a conductive film directly on a substrate with a barrier layer on top includes anode rod (1) placed in tube (109), and anode rings (2), and (3) placed between cylindrical walls (107) and (105), (103) and (101), respectively. Anodes (1), (2), and (3) are powered by power supplies (13), (12), and (11), respectively. Electrolyte (34) is pumped by pump (33) to pass through filter (32) and reach inlets of liquid mass flow controllers (LMFCs) (21), (22), and (23). Then LMFCs (21), (22) and (23) deliver electrolyte at a set flow rate to sub-plating baths containing anodes (3), (2) and (1), respectively. After flowing through the gap between wafer (31) and the top of the cylindrical walls (101), (103), (105), (107) and (109), electrolyte flows back to tank (36) through spaces between cylindrical walls (100) and (101), (103) and (105), and (107) and (109), respectively.

Abstract: A water chlorinator comprises a housing having in-line inlet and outlet openings and a removable cover. The cover supports two electrode terminals which are spaced apart and have corresponding rods extending therefrom through concentric anode and cathode discs. Alternate discs are electrically connected to each rod. The power supply is a DC supply which includes an input bridge connected to a buck convertor and an output relay arranged to switch the output from the convertor to the electrodes of the chlorinator.

Abstract: Compound electrodes are used instead of an anode and solution electrode and cathode and solution electrode in an electrochemical system that does not rely on a diaphragm or membrane directly between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. The compound electrode consists of a solution electrode inside the anode or cathode electrode with a liquid or gel or electrolytic membrane located between the solution electrode and the anode or cathode electrode. The compound electrode may be used in a electrolytic cell, a fuel cell or a unipolar activation cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plating pretreatment apparatus that includes a cylindrical cathode disposed in a hollow portion of a fixing jig. A cylindrical object to be treated is installed on the fixing jig so that the cathode is also arranged therein. A lower portion of the cathode has a smaller diameter than an upper portion thereof. The invention also provides a plating treatment apparatus that includes an outlet jig having a hollow portion for installing a cylindrical object to be treated on a top face thereof, a cylindrical anode disposed therein so that a top end thereof projects from the top face of the outlet jig, and a plating liquid tank connected to the anode and the outlet jig. A lower portion of the anode has a smaller diameter than an upper portion thereof.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell for use in electrochemical processes, such as plating processes, has a first electrode which extends circumferentially about at least a portion of an electrode chamber. The article being treated is the second electrode and is disposed within the chamber. Electrolyte is flowed between the two electrodes. Various construction details of the electrochemical cell are developed which facilitate a plating process. In one embodiment, a supply conduit to the electrode chamber has a swirler.

Abstract: An electro-polishing fixture for polishing stents which incorporates multiple anodes in contact with the stent and a center cathode disposed coaxially within the interior of the stent and a curved exterior cathode disposed about the perimeter of the stent. The invention further includes an electrolyte solution adapted for polishing stents composed of nickel-titanium alloy and a method of using the electrolyte in combination with the electro-polishing fixture.

Abstract: A basket, for use in the reduction of UO2 to uranium metal and in the electrorefining of uranium metal, having a continuous annulus between inner and outer perforated cylindrical walls, with a screen adjacent to each wall. A substantially solid bottom and top plate enclose the continuous annulus defining a fuel bed. A plurality of scrapers are mounted adjacent to the outer wall extending longitudinally thereof, and there is a mechanism enabling the basket to be transported remotely.

Abstract: An apparatus 245 and method are provided for electrochemically etching grooves 235 in an inner surface 215 of a hub 160 to form at least one fluid dynamic bearing. The apparatus 245 includes a cathode 250 having an electrically conductive substrate 270 with an outer surface 275 that corresponds to the inner surface 215 of the hub 160. The outer surface 275 has raised lands 280 corresponding to areas in which the grooves 235 are to be formed in the inner surface 215 of the hub 160. A layer of electrically insulating material 285 covers the outer surface 275 of the substrate 270 between the raised lands 280 to reduce etching of the inner surface 215 of the hub 160 in corresponding areas.

Abstract: An electrochemical stripping process is described that strips at least one metallic coating from a substrate. Due to the electrochemical selectivity of the disclosed process, the parent alloy is minimally affected by the electrochemical stripping process. The process comprises providing an electrolyte; disposing the coated articles and at least one electrode in the electrolyte; applying a current between the electrode and the coated articles, and removing the at least one coating from the coated articles without modifying the parent alloy. The system for the electrochemical stripping process comprises an electrolyte; a direct current source; and plurality of electrodes from which a direct current may be directed to the article being stripped. The direct current source is capable of being connected to the coated articles and the plurality of electrodes. The system permits removal of the at least one coating from the parent alloy.

Abstract: A reactor for electrochemically processing at least one surface of a microelectronic workpiece is set forth. The reactor comprises a reactor head including a workpiece support that has one or more electrical contacts positioned to make electrical contact with the microelectronic workpiece. The reactor also includes a processing container having a plurality of nozzles angularly disposed in a sidewall of a principal fluid flow chamber at a level within the principal fluid flow chamber below a surface of a bath of processing fluid normally contained therein during electrochemical processing. A plurality of anodes are disposed at different elevations in the principal fluid flow chamber so as to place them at difference distances from a microelectronic workpiece under process without an intermediate diffuser between the plurality of anodes and the microelectronic workpiece under process. One or more of the plurality of anodes may be in close proximity to the workpiece under process.

Abstract: A process for metallization of a workpiece, such as a semiconductor workpiece. In an embodiment, an alkaline electrolytic copper bath is used to electroplate copper onto a seed layer, electroplate copper directly onto a barrier layer material, or enhance an ultra-thin copper seed layer which has been deposited on the barrier layer using a deposition process such as PVD. The resulting copper layer provides an excellent confirm copper coating that fills trenches, vias, and other microstructures in the workpiece. When used for seed layer enhancement, the resulting copper seed layer provide an excellent conformal copper coating that allows the microstructures to be filled with a copper layer having good uniformity using electrochemical deposition techniques. Further, copper layers that are electroplated in the disclosed manner exhibit low sheet resistance and are readily annealed at low temperatures.

Abstract: Barrel-shaped anodes and cathodes are alternately arranged in layers in a concentric manner with space between the electrodes. Anodes are ferrite poles with a long hole along the center axis or a pipe, and the hole is filled with a metal with a low melting point heated to the temperature at which it has some fluidity.

Abstract: There are provided a plating pretreatment apparatus capable of causing a plating pretreatment liquid to flow uniformly between a cathode and an object to be treated, and a plating treatment apparatus, which can also be used for a multi-cylinder engine.

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: An electrochemical processing chamber which can be modified for treating different workpieces and methods for so modifying electrochemical processing chambers. In one particular embodiment, an electrochemical processing chamber 200 includes a plurality of walls 510 defining a plurality of electrode compartments 520, each electrode compartment having at least one electrode 600 therein, and a virtual electrode unit 530 defining a plurality of flow conduits, with at least one of the flow conduits being in fluid communication with each of the electrode compartments. This first virtual electrode unit 530 may be exchanged for a second virtual electrode unit 540, without modification of any of the electrodes 600, to adapt the processing chamber 200 for treating a different workpiece.

Abstract: An electropolishing system for uniformly polishing the inner surface of a pipe includes an electrode for placement within the pipe, a plurality of electrical leads for coupling the pipe to a common voltage source, and a power supply. The power supply includes a first voltage supply terminal, for coupling to the electrode, and second voltage supply terminal, for coupling to the common voltage source. A disclosed method for electropolishing the inner surface of a pipe includes the steps of placing an electrode within the pipe, electrically coupling the pipe to a common voltage source with a plurality of electrical leads, coupling the electrode to a first voltage supply terminal of a power supply, coupling the common voltage source to a second voltage supply terminal of the power supply, and drawing the electrode through the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrocoriolysis, the separation of ionic substances from liquids in the electrodynamic mode. The method maximizes centrifugal forces on a fluid contained in a chamber having oppositely polarized electrodes. A feed fluid is fed into the chamber. Spacing of the electrodes can be minimized for enhancement of the process. A constant voltage can be applied. Centrifugal force and the electric potential across the chamber create enhanced separation. Concentrated solution can be removed from a location in the chamber and depleted solution from another location.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the recovery of silver from a photographic fixer solution has a cylindrical cathode secured to and depending downwardly from a screw-on lid of the cell into the solution. The cathode is formed from a sheet of graphite foil laminated to a polyester base, and is clamped at its upper periphery around a boss of the lid. A metal connection ring is embedded around the outer periphery of the base and is contacted by the cathode. This arrangement is particularly suitable for allowing a thin, flexible disposable cathode to be conveniently removed from the cell by means of the lid, without the user being exposed to contact with the silver or with the solution.

Abstract: In a water purifying apparatus (1) having inner and outer cylindrical electrodes (51,52) concentrically arranged together to form a water channel (500) therebetween, the outer electrode has a plurality of small perforations (55) penetrating therethrough. The electrodes are placed in a water tank (2) reserving raw water. A voltage is applied between the electrodes for causing electrolysis of the raw water in the water channel. As a result of the electrolysis, the raw water is processed into purified water. Resultant gases generated by the electrolysis may be released from the water channel through the small perforations of the electrodes. In addition, the inner electrode may have small perforations penetrating therethrough.

Abstract: A gas generator comprising a layer of first material are provided with a layer of second material on one surface and a layer of third material on the other opposing surface is provided. The application of an external potential results in the flow of gas from one side of the generator to another due to the properties of the materials presented. The use of an electrolyte material as the first material and mixed conductors as the second and/or third materials is particularly beneficial in obtaining high flow rates. The use of the generator to produce oxygen for injection into a methane stream is particularly preferred.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method for achieving reliable, consistent metal electroplating or electrochemical deposition onto semiconductor substrates. More particularly, the invention provides uniform and void-free deposition of metal onto metal seeded semiconductor substrates having sub-micron, high aspect ratio features. The invention provides an electrochemical deposition cell comprising a substrate holder, a cathode electrically contacting a substrate plating surface, an electrolyte container having an electrolyte inlet, an electrolyte outlet and an opening adapted to receive a substrate plating surface and an anode electrically connect to an electrolyte. Preferably, a vibrator is attached to the substrate holder to vibrate the substrate in at least one direction, and an auxiliary electrode is disposed adjacent the electrolyte outlet to provide uniform deposition across the substrate surface.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the recovery of silver from a photographic fixer solution is of generally cylindrical configuration. The cell has a screw-on lid that carries the disposable cathode of the cell. Inlet and outlet for the solution are at the bottom of the cell. The anode is tubular and extends upwardly from the outlet at the base of the cell towards the lid. The cathode is easily replaced, together with the lid, and flow through and the dimensions of the cell are arranged to avoid entrapment of gas therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of anodizing a component, which is placed in an electrolyte solution. A number of pulses are applied to the solution and component. Each pulse is formed by a pattern having three magnitudes. The third magnitude is less than the first and second magnitudes, and all three magnitudes have the same polarity. The pulse pattern may include alternations between the first and second magnitudes, and following the alternations, the third magnitude. The fluid enters the reaction chamber from a transport chamber through a plurality of inlets directed toward the component, at an angle of between 60 and 70 degrees. The inlet is the cathode, and the component is the anode. Current flows between the cathode and the anode. The inlets are in a side wall where the fluid enters the reaction chamber substantially horizontally. The reaction chamber has at least one outlet beneath the inlets. Which may be in a bottom wall. The fluid follows a return path.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus 245 and method of etching grooves 235 in a shaft 175. In one embodiment, a cathode 250 is provided for electrochemically etching grooves 235 in an outer surface 215 of the shaft 175 to form a fluid dynamic journal bearing 225. The cathode 250 includes an electrically conductive cylindrical substrate 270 having an inner surface 275 that corresponds to the outer surface 215 of the shaft 175, the inner surface 275 having raised lands 280 corresponding to areas in which the grooves 235 are to be formed. A layer of electrically insulating material 285 covers the inner surface 275 of the substrate 270 between the lands 280 to preclude etching of the shaft 175 in areas between the lands. Preferably, the lands 280 are arranged so that the grooves 235 etched in the shaft 175 form one or more fluid dynamic bearings.

Abstract: A plating apparatus, anode assembly, and method therefor are disclosed herein that improves the uniformity of the plating deposition across the surface of a wafer, substrate or article. This improvement is accomplished by compensating for the uneven plating deposition caused by a seed layer disposed on the article. The seed layer typically has a high resistance. As a result of the high resistance characteristic of the seed layer, plating currents that flow through substantial portion of the seed layer to the cathode contact encounter more resistance than plating currents that flow through less seed layer. This produces non-uniformity in the plating currents across the surface of the wafer, which results in an uneven plating deposition across the surface of the wafer. The plating apparatus, anode, and method therefor provide an anode having a plurality of separate anode sections designed to plate different surface regions of the wafer.

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: Both a process and plant are provided for electrolytically coating with a metal layer the casting surface of a roll for twin-roll or single-roll continuous casting of thin metal strip. The casting surface is at least partially immersed in an electrolyte solution containing a salt of the metal to be deposited, so as to face at least one anode. The surface is placed at a cathode and a relative movement is created between the casting surface and the electrolyte solution. Insulating masks are interposed between the anode or anodes and the arrises of the casting surface, the insulating masks preventing a concentration of the lines of current on the arrises and in their vicinity.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus including an elongated, hollow conductive anode tube having first and second ends, an inner conductive surface, and an outer conductive surface from which sacrificial plating metal may be suspended. An elongated cathode conductor is disposed within the hollow conductive anode tube, the cathode conductor having first and second ends, corresponding to the first and second ends of the anode tube, and an outer conductive surface. An insulation layer is placed between the outer surface of the cathode conductor and the inner surface of the anode tube. Power and ground cables respectively connect a power supply to the first end of the anode tube and the first end of the cathode conductor, and a conductive jumper connects the second end of the cathode conductor to an elongated cathode bar, from which articles to be plated may be suspended.

Abstract: A resilient dielectric wiper blade is mounted between electrodes and a workpiece, particularly in an anodizing operation, to wipe bubbles of oxygen from the anodic work surface, to remove a surface layer of excessively heated electrolytic solution and replace with fresh cooler solution, and in the case of flexible strip processing, to stabilize the strip between cathodes. The resilient dielectric wiper blade is preferably used with perforated electrodes to facilitate removal of overheated electrolytic solution and replace with freshly circulated solution.

Abstract: The tube inner surface electropolishing device includes an electrolyte delivery system to cause electrolyte to flow through the tube whose inner surface must be electropolished. An electrical cable having an electrode engaged to its distal end is slowly moved through the tube while an electrical current from a power supply passes through the electrode and the tube wall and the electrolyte flowing therebetween. Several electrode embodiments are disclosed including electrodes that include a chain of elements having alternating insulator and electrode elements, an electrode including a quantity of metallic wool enclosed in a permeable insulating member, and a flexible insulating member formed from a cylindrical tubular section which is axially compressible to produce a series of projecting flexible arms, so that many one section can be compressed to enter a smaller opening than the tube to be polished. An electrolyte dam is coupled to the electrode and controls the flow rate of electrolyte through the tube.