Abstract: Protective edging for a cathode of an electroplating system. At least some of the illustrative embodiments a cathodes of an electroplating system, the cathodes including a sheet of metallic material that defines a front, a back and an edge, a plurality of apertures through the metallic material proximate to a portion of the edge and a plastic material that envelops the portion of the edge and the plurality of apertures. The plastic material extends through the apertures and is adhered to the metallic material.

Abstract: A coated product for use in an electrochemical device including a metal sheet substrate provided with a coating system. The coating system including a first metal layer as an outer layer and a second metal coating layer as a layer between the first metal layer and the substrate. An alloy diffusion layer including the first metal and the second metal is present to provide the substrate with a corrosion resistant coating system. A method for producing the coated product and the use thereof in fuel cells or electrolysers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lead 3 of an electrochemical device includes a lead body 3A containing Al, and a bent metallic thin film 3a provided to a tip part of the lead body 3A. The metallic thin film 3a includes a thin film body 3a1 containing Ni, and a plating layer 3a2 containing Sn and covering at least an outer surface of the bent thin film body 3a1. A specific area of an inner surface of the bent thin film body 3a1 and a surface of the lead body 3A are welded in a predetermined area without the plating layer 3a2 being disposed there between.

Abstract: A nonmetallic electrical contact or wiper composed of a composite carbon fiber material through which an electrical signal is terminated. The carbon fibers are arranged in and bonded into a multi-layer structure used to conduct a primary electrical signal. A nonwoven carbon fiber mat is used as one or more of the layers structure, which also includes one or layers of carbon fiber, aligned substantially in the same direction, and encapsulated within a matrix of electrometric material. This mat also improves an off-axis conductivity of the material and provides increased mechanical stability required for the fabrication of electrical contacts or wipers produced using this material.

Abstract: An electrolyte plate for an electrochemical system including a first face and a second face, being opposite each other, of largest surface area, the first face including linear parallel ribs and the second face including linear parallel ribs. The plate thus exhibits an increased rigidity without substantially increasing the thickness thereof.

Abstract: A protective sheet (for example, a protective sheet for masking during plating) is provided that has an excellent balance of adherence to the surface of an adherend and easy releasability when heat and pressure bonded. The protective sheet includes a substrate and a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer which is provided on one side of the substrate. The PSA layer is thermoplastic. When the protective sheet is pressure bonded to a polyimide film at a temperature of 120° C. and a pressure of 0.34 MPa for a pressing time of 5 seconds, the protective sheet has a peel strength PSHP, as measured by peeling the protective sheet from the polyimide film at a temperature of 25° C., a peel rate of 5 m/min and a peel angle of 180°, of from 0.05 N/10 mm to 1.0 N/10 mm.

Abstract: A stand-off for maintaining the separation between an electrode and an object during a flow-through electroplating process is disclosed. The stand-off comprises a substantially streamlined shape that mitigates the effects of shadowing during deposition.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell contact bar having a first pole and a pair of second poles. The second poles are opposite in charge to the first pole and each of the pair of second poles are adjacent to and parallel to the first pole. In various embodiments, the contact bar may include an electrode holder capable of holding at least one electrode.

Abstract: A work piece or structural component is coated with a system of film layers at least one of which is composed of (AlyCr1-y)X, where X=N, C, B, CN, BN, CBN, NO, CO, BO, CNO, BNO or CBNO and 0.2?y<0.7, with the composition within said film being either essentially constant or varying over the thickness of the film continually or in steps, as well as a process for producing it.

Abstract: A protective sheet 10 is provided which exhibits excellent properties as a protective sheet and a satisfactory handleability. The protective sheet 10 is formed of a substrate 1 which is a plastic film and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 2 which is provided on one side of the substrate, and satisfies all of the following properties: (A) the total flexural rigidity DTrt at 25° C. in a first direction and a second direction is from 3.0×10?6 to 20×10?6 Pa·m3; (B) the total flexural rigidity DTht at 80° C. is from 0.10×10?6 to 1.2×10?6 Pa·m3; (C) the flexural rigidity ratio DR, defined as DTrt/DTht, is from 3.0 to 80; and (D) the tensions T1rt and T2rt at 25° C. when stretched 10% in the first direction and the second direction respectively are at least 5.0 N/10 mm.

Abstract: Embodiments of a closed-contact electroplating cup are disclosed. One embodiment comprises a cup bottom comprising an opening, and a seal disposed on the cup bottom around the opening. The seal comprises a wafer-contacting peak located substantially at an inner edge of the seal. The embodiment also comprises an electrical contact structure disposed over a portion of the seal, wherein the electrical contact structure comprises an outer ring and a plurality of contacts extending inwardly from the outer ring, and wherein each contact has a generally flat wafer-contacting surface. The embodiment further comprises a wafer-centering mechanism configured to center a wafer in the cup.

Abstract: Provided is a roll unit to be dipped in a surface treatment liquid of a copper foil, wherein a bearing box for housing a roil shaft is configured from two bearing boxes that are divisible, one of the bearing boxes is configured from a roll-side bearing box arranged on a roll main body-side and the other bearing box is configured from a shaft end-side bearing box arranged on the shaft end-side of the roll, a shaft sleeve covering an outer periphery of the roll shaft is provided in the roll-side bearing box and an oil seal is provided along an outer periphery of the shaft sleeve, and a bearing for rotatably supporting the shaft is disposed in the shaft end-side bearing box.

Abstract: Pot tending module (7) for a series of electrolytic cells for production by igneous electrolysis, including a chassis (8) that can be fixed to a trolley (6) moving along a travelling crane (4) and provided with a set of tools, particularly including at least one anode handling device (11), which is also provided with at least two display means (41 and 42) capable of taking views and transmitting them in the form of electromagnetic signals, typically two video cameras, the display means disposed at a distance from each other and from the working area, to be able to aim at the working area (23) of the anode handling device(s) along two non-parallel directions (D1) and (D2), forming an angle preferably close to 90°. This pot tending module may also include a third camera (43) that presents an overview of the tools and working areas for these tools, and a fourth camera (44) fixed onto the base of the anode grab actuators.

Abstract: Composite materials comprising titanium diboride and boron nitride that are used to line electrolytic aluminum production cells are disclosed. The composite materials may be used to line the side walls and/or bottom wall of the cell. The ratio of titanium diboride to boron nitride may be controlled in order to provide the desired level of electrical conductivity depending upon the particular region of the cell in which the liner plate is installed. The titanium diboride/boron nitride composite materials exhibit desirable aluminum wetting behavior, and are capable of withstanding exposure to molten cryolite, molten aluminum and oxygen at elevated temperatures during operation of the electrolytic aluminum production cells.

Abstract: Embodiments of a closed-contact electroplating cup assembly that may be rapidly cleaned while an electroplating system is on-line are disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises a cup assembly and a cone assembly, wherein the cup assembly comprises a cup bottom comprising an opening, a seal surrounding the opening, an electrical contact structure comprising a plurality of electrical contacts disposed around the opening, and an interior cup side that is tapered inwardly in along an axial direction of the cup from a cup top toward the cup bottom.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulating frame of an electrolysis cell having a microstructured internal section allowing the penetration of the electrolyte even if the structured section is partly or completely overlapped by the membrane, and to an electrolysis cell equipped with the same.

Abstract: In a process for the operation of copper electrolysis cells including a plurality of anode and cathode plates arranged vertically and parallel to each other, a longitudinal electrolyte inflow and an electrolyte outflow, the electrolyte is injected via the electrolyte inflow horizontally and parallel to the electrodes in each electrode gap always at the height of the lower third of the electrodes at a speed of from 0.3 to 1.0 m/s, with the cathode plates being arranged stationarily relative to the inflow direction. As a result, an optimized flow guidance of the electrolyte with regard to the electrodes is achieved, resulting in an increase in the limiting current density.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolytic cell for the production of chlorine from an aqueous alkali halide solution, which mainly consists of two semi-shells, an anode, a cathode and an ion exchange membrane arranged between the electrodes. Spacer elements are arranged between the ion-exchange membrane and the electrodes for fixing the membrane in position and distributing the compressive forces, made of electrically conductive and corrosion-resistant material on at least one side of the membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluororesin-coated polymer film for reinforcing a polymer electrolyte membrane, wherein the fluororesin-coated polymer film is fabricated by forming on at least one side of a polymer film a coating of a reaction product of (A) a fluorine-containing copolymer composed of a fluoroolefin, a cyclohexyl group-containing acrylic ester, and a hydroxyl group-containing vinyl ether, and (B) a crosslinking agent having two or more isocyanate groups. The polymer film according to the present invention not only exhibits sufficiently high initial adhesion strength, with respect to the polymer electrolyte membrane, but also retains thereafter high adhesion strength in actual operating environments.

Abstract: A conducting belt is used with an anode holder for supplying an electric current to an anode for plating a surface of a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer. The anode and the substrate are vertically disposed so as to face each other in a plating tank of a plating apparatus. The conducting belt includes a belt capable of contacting an outer circumferential edge of the anode and holding the anode.

Abstract: Problem to be Solved To provide a processing tank with a simple construction which enables fluidization and agitation of a processing liquid in order to reliably prevent settling of the processing liquid.

Abstract: An anode rod is placed between two hooks fixed to an anode beam and onto which a connector bears, including two levers, two coaxial lateral rods and a screw that can pivot levers between a clamping position of the anode rod in contact with the anode beam and a release position. The geometry of at least one hook, a lever and/or a lateral rod and the material from which they are formed are such that the elastic deformation of the holding device with respect to the anode beam when the screw is tightened is sufficient. Thus, this device can compensate for a change in the position of the anode rod by elastic return towards its unstressed position, and thus continues to keep the anode rod firmly in contact with the anode beam.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are directed to a cartridge for use with an electrolytic cell having an interface. The cartridge includes a reservoir for containing a catholyte solution. The reservoir is removably coupleable with the cell. The cartridge also includes at least one cartridge port that is removably coupleable to an interface on the electrolytic cell. The port of the cartridge is also configured to cycle a catholyte solution between the reservoir and the electrolytic cell when the cartridge port is coupled to the interface of the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A mounting plate assembly for selectively securing a sacrificial anode to the exposed surface of a tank or boat hull. The mounting plate assembly provides for a pair of watertight space mounting studs to be extended through the attached surface and provide anode engagement thereon. The studs are welded to both the mounting plate and a fixation nut on the plate to which the anode is correspondingly registerably engaged.

Abstract: This invention relates to pot tending module intended for aluminium production plants by fused bath electrolysis. According to the invention, the turret (9) of the pot tending module (7) is equipped with a determined set of tools, in which the tool (101, 102, 103) is mounted on a telescopic arm (111, 112, 113) fixed to the turret (9) through an articulated support (121, 122, 123) that enables pendular movements of the telescopic arm with respect to a determined articulation point while preventing rotation movements of the telescopic arm about its principal axis. The telescopic arms are connected to each other through a mechanical connecting device (200) capable of maintaining the relative angular difference between the pendular movements of the telescopic arms within a determined tolerance range. The invention enables the tools to be arranged closer to each other without any risk that they will collide during use.

Abstract: A symmetrical double-double contact mechanism for an electro-deposition mechanism. Using a base insulator, a cap block insulator is formed to support four series of electrodes of two different types (anode and cathode). Because of the contact mechanism employed, redundant contacts are provided so that should a short occur, alternative electrical pathways are available to maintain operation of the affected cathode or anode.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide analyte sensors having optimized permselective membranes and methods for making and using such sensors. Embodiments of the invention also provide analyte sensors such as those having porous matrices coated with an analyte sensing composition and methods for making and using such sensors. Illustrative embodiments include electrochemical glucose sensors having glucose oxidase coatings.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a frame for an electrolyser module as well as to an electrolyser module and an electrolyser incorporating such frames. The frames include a variety body having at least one electrolyser chamber opening and at least one degassing chamber defined therein. The degassing chamber opening preferably has a rounded shape as does the unitary body and the electrolyser chamber opening.

Abstract: A polishing pad includes at least one conductive polishing element supported by a compressible under layer having conductive patterning therein, the conductive patterning adapted to permit coupling of a potential to the conductive polishing element; a guide plate above the compressible under layer, the guide plate having a hole through which the polishing element passes and further having a cathodic element connected thereto; and a slurry distribution layer adhered to the guide plate opposite the compressible under layer. The polishing pad may further include a proton exchange membrane placed over the cathodic element. A semiconductor wafer having a metal film thereon may be polished using the polishing pad by placing the wafer in contact with the polishing element, applying anodic current to the polishing element and cathodic current to the cathodic element, and polishing with an anodic solution. For copper films, a sulfuric acid-copper sulfate solution may be used.

Abstract: A system to monitor, control and management of a plant where hydrometallurgical processes of electrowinning or electrorefining of non ferrous metals which enables measuring the process variables which comprises: at least one group of electrolytic cells, said cells having means for the collection and transmission of the variables of the process; a plurality of electrodes (5) installed in the interior of each electrolytic cell, making up, alternately, anodes and cathodes of basic cells; a plurality of electrode (5) hanger bars forming, alternately, hanger bars for electrical contact of anodes (20) and hanger bar for electrical contact of cathodes (18); a plurality of support electrical insulators (15) which are positioned in the upper portion of the lateral walls between two adjacent cells; a plurality of electrical bus bars (6) which are fitted on top of each support electrical insulator (15) and underneath the plurality of electrodes (5); a plurality of electrical spacer insulators (16) each spacer insulator

Abstract: A collector bar for electrical connection to a busbar system of an electrolytic cell, the collector bar being received within a recess in a cathode block of the cathode of the electrolytic cell; wherein the collector bar comprises a first conductor which electrically connects to the busbar system, the first conductor having an external surface or surfaces which electrically contact the cathode block and at least one second conductor having a lower electrical resistance to the first conductor, the second conductor being positioned on at least one external surface of the first conductor in electrical contact with the first conductor.

Abstract: A tending module (7) for a series of electrolytic cells (2) to be used for the production of aluminum by fused bath electrolysis including a frame (8) that can be fixed to a trolley (6) and a turret (9) fitted on the frame (8) so as to pivot about a vertical axis A, and equipped with a set of tools including a crust breaker (11), a bucket shovel (12), at least one first anode clamp (13) and a hopper (15) fitted with a retractable duct (16), and a balcony or a cab (18) having controls that will be used to maneuver the module and the tools, and a control station (19) from which an operator can actuate the controls.

Abstract: Anode and cathode separator plates are suitable for use in ion pumps for converting an input stream such as reformate into a pressurized and purified hydrogen-rich gas stream. The plates may include a single cathode outlet opening forming a portion of cathode output gas manifold, an anode inlet opening forming a portion of an inlet gas stream manifold and being sized larger than inlet cathode outlet opening, the distance of the anode inlet opening to an edge of the plate being less than the distance of the cathode outlet opening from an edge of the plate, and the size of the fluid flow channel of the anode separator plate being smaller than the size of the fluid flow channel of the cathode separator plate. Methods for forming the plates and infrastructure systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A suction pad used for use in a substrate treatment apparatus which treats a substrate by immersing the substrate in a solution while the pad attaches to the substrate, including: a main face for attaching to the substrate; an outer face disposed along the outer periphery of the substrate; and a suction opening formed in the main face. In a cross-sectional shape including the main face and the outer face, the angle formed between a line corresponding to the main face and a line corresponding to the outer face is an acute angle.

Abstract: A ceramic joining unit, ceramic heater and gas sensor, the ceramic joining unit including: a ceramic base member; an electrode pad provided on a surface of the ceramic base member; a coupling terminal; and a joining portion, wherein the electrode pad includes: a first layer in contact with the ceramic base member; and a second layer laminated on a surface of the first layer and in contact with the joining portion, wherein each of the first and second layers contains a ceramic material as a main component, a content of the ceramic material in the first layer is greater than that of the second layer, and a contour of the first layer is located outside of a contour of the second layer at an entire periphery of the first layer.

Abstract: Fabrication techniques are disclosed for the formation of electrically conductive, optically transparent films of exfoliated graphite nanoparticles (EGN). The techniques allow the controlled deposition of EGN nanoplatelets (graphene sheets) and other nanoparticles (e.g., metals, metal oxides) in compact monolayer or multilayer film structures. The compact films have high electrical conductivities and optical transparencies in the visible spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. A first method relates to the deposition of nanoparticles onto a substrate from a bulk suspension using a convective assembly technique. A second method relates to the suspension deposition of EGN nanoplatelets from a from a liquid-liquid interface onto a substrate. Both methods can be used to form EGN film-coated substrates. The second method also can be used to form multilayer, free-standing, defect-free EGN films.

Abstract: A method for producing an ion-permeable membrane which has at least one profiled surface includes contacting a shaping element with an uncured polymer film which contains at least one polymer, impressing the shaping element onto the polymer film and generating a regular pattern of identically or differently structured elevations and/or recesses on the polymer film.

Abstract: A device that supports a remote identifier for permanent cathodes in the electro-winning process. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a support for a proximity identification device for permanent cathodes that, when interconnected with a remote system, provides for a record of its behavior and position in time of each cathode during its useful life in an electro-winning process.

Abstract: Provided is a roll unit to be dipped in a surface treatment liquid of a copper foil, wherein a bearing box for housing a roil shaft is configured from two bearing boxes that are divisible, one of the bearing boxes is configured from a roll-side bearing box arranged on a roll main body-side and the other bearing box is configured from a shaft end-side bearing box arranged on the shaft end-side of the roll, a shaft sleeve covering an outer periphery of the roll shaft is provided in the roll-side bearing box and an oil seal is provided along an outer periphery of the shaft sleeve, and a bearing for rotatably supporting the shaft is disposed in the shaft end-side bearing box.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a top surface of a workpiece surface influencing device and a method of using the same. The top surface of the workpiece surface influencing device is adapted for use in an electrochemical mechanical processing apparatus in which a solution becomes disposed onto a conductive surface of a workpiece and electrochemical mechanical processing of the conductive surface is performed while relative movement and physical contact exists between the top surface and the conductive surface. The top surface comprises a ceramic material that presents a substantially planar contact area to the conductive surface, the ceramic material having a hardness greater than that of the conductive surface. A plurality of channels are formed through the top surface.

Abstract: An ionically conductive ceramic element (20) comprises a plurality of tubes (30) each having interior (24) and exterior (38) surfaces and closed (48) and open (50) ends. A tube support (14) receives open tube ends (50). A first electrically conductive coating (36) is formed on the exterior tube surfaces (38). A second coating (22) is formed on the interior tube surfaces (24). A bottom electrically conductive stripe (16) makes electrical connections between second coatings (22) on the interior tube surfaces (24). A top electrically conductive stripe (40) creates electrical connections between first coatings (36) on the exterior tube surfaces (38). The top and bottom stripes are connected such that at least one stripe (40) on the top is electrically connected to at least one stripe (16) on the bottom.

Abstract: Cell frame for high-pressure water electrolyzer and method of manufacturing the same. According to one embodiment, radial openings in a water electrolyzer frame are provided by laminating half-frames, one or both of which contains grooves that may be formed by molding, machining or die-cutting. Another to another embodiment, radial openings are provided by laminating three or more thin frame portions, the center piece of which may include transverse slots that may be made by molding, machining or die-cutting. According to yet another embodiment, two or more frame portions are provided, at least one of which includes a recess for receiving a porous structure. The frames of the present invention can be additionally laminated to the membrane and electrode assembly, as well as the bipolar separator plate in the perimeter or seal area, comprised of the same or similar material as the frame, to form unitized electrolyzer stack subassemblies or full assemblies.

Abstract: A cooking appliance comprising an electrolyzer which produces a combustible fuel, a burner downstream from the electrolyzer, and, an electrically heatable cooking surface on which food is receivable for cooking, the electrically heatable cooking surface being operable simultaneously with the electrolyzer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cathode element for use in a pot of an electrolytic cell intended for production of aluminum. The cathode element comprises a cathode block and a steel connection bar. The connection bar includes at least one metal insert, whose electrical conductivity is greater than the electrical conductivity of the said steel. The presence of an insert according to the invention can simultaneously result in a very large drop in the global cathode voltage and a very strong reduction in the current density at the head of the block.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to cell plates for an electrolyser module and to an electrolyser module incorporating the plates. The plates comprise an electrolysis chamber opening, at least one degassing chamber opening, and at least one gas-liquid conduit opening. The plates further comprise a channel connecting the electrolysis chamber opening and the gas-liquid conduit opening. The present invention is directed further to a process and apparatus for separating a gas-liquid mixture generated at an electrolysis cell.

Abstract: A semiconductor device production method of the present invention first collects data including an initial volume of plating solution, volume of replenished solution, number of wafers processed, value of current applied and volume of waste solution in a step of filling a metal plating film in a via hole or a trench formed in an insulating film on a semiconductor substrate. Then, a cumulative charge during the plating is calculated based on the obtained current value. Also, a total volume of plating solution is calculated. Furthermore, an amount of decomposition products of suppressors contained in the plating solution based on the calculated total volume of plating solution, the volume of waste solution and the calculated cumulative charge. The semiconductor substrate is plated only when the amount of decomposition products is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The Tamian Fusion Cell is a uniquely designed electrolytic cell that promotes the process of nuclear fusion. The cell consists of an outer cylinder whose inner surface is lined with palladium (Pd), a middle cylinder of platinum (Pt), which acts as an ion “kicker”, and a central palladium (Pd) electrode post. The middle (Pt) cylinder is perforated, allowing for the electrolyte and ions to flow from the outer cell chamber through these holes to the inner cell chamber and vice versa. A dual-polarity, direct current power supply is connected to the cell by either a “double-pole double-throw” switch or by an “integrated timing circuit”. The purpose of the I.C. timing circuit or switch is to periodically reverse the polarities of the cell's palladium electrodes, which creates a fluctuating ion flow, whereby promoting constant fusion at the negative palladium electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to blends and blend membranes from low-molecular hydroxymethylene-oligo-phosphonic acids R—C(PO3H2)x(OH)y and polymers, the group R representing any organic group and the polymers containing the following functional groups: cation exchanger groups or their nonionic precursors of the type SO2X, X=Hal, OH, OMe, NR1R2, OR1 with Me=any metal cation or ammonium cation, R1, R2=H or any aryl- or alkyl group, POX2, COX and/or basic groups such as primary, secondary or tertiary amino groups, imidazole groups, pyridine groups, pyrazole groups etc. and/or OH groups. Low molecular hydroxymethylene-oligo-phosphonic acids R—C(PO3H2)x(OH)y are preferred in which x=2 and y=1. The invention also relates to low-molecular hydroxymethylene-oligo-phosphonic acids R—C(PO3H2)2(OH)1 and polymers, wherein the group R of the hydroxymethylene-oligophosphonic acid contains an aliphatic or aromatic basic group which ionically interacts with the acidic groups of the polymer or of the polymer mixture.

Abstract: An electrode assembly includes a distribution plate having a plurality of grooves that communicate with openings in an overlying polishing pad layer. The grooves include end openings that allow for draining of process solution, both during processing and subsequent cleaning/rinsing of the pad. Drainage occurs continually during processing, cleaning and rinsing, and so is constricted through the end openings relative to the grooves, to prevent wastage. The end openings are sufficiently large, however, to substantially completely drain fluids from the grooves between steps without delaying robotic motions.

Abstract: A current collector structure that is used to distribute an electrical potential to an electrode layer of an electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell has an electrolyte layer adjacent the electrode layer for transport of oxygen ions. The current collector structure has a porous, electrically conductive layer located on the electrode layer. Additionally, at least one elongated strip-like layer formed of an electrically conductive material is located on the porous, electrically conductive layer, opposite the electrode and oriented in a lengthwise direction of the electrode layer.