Abstract: A system for electroplating a semiconductor wafer is set forth. The system comprises a first electrode in electrical contact with the semiconductor wafer and a second electrode. The first electrode and the semiconductor wafer form a cathode during electroplating of the semiconductor wafer. The second electrode forms an anode during electroplating of the semiconductor wafer. A reaction container defining a reaction chamber is also employed. The reaction chamber comprises an electrically conductive plating solution. At least a portion of each of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the semiconductor wafer contact the plating solution during electroplating of the semiconductor wafer. An auxiliary electrode is disposed exterior to the reaction chamber and positioned for contact with plating solution exiting the reaction chamber during cleaning of the first electrode to thereby provide an electrically conductive path between the auxiliary electrode and the first electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus and process is disclosed for the electrolytic removal of metal from a device, such as a medical device. More particularly, the apparatus of the invention includes a mandrel having slots or openings therein to expose portions of a metallic device, such as a stent, to an electrolytic solution to remove metal from the exposed portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering at least two liquid media to consumers of a fuel cell system, with a feed pump is made less complicated than known apparatuses in that at least one pressure transmission unit between the at least two media is provided with at least one pressure transmission element, which has at least two pressure faces for pressure imposition that communicate with the liquid media.

Abstract: An electrochemical device (18) for generating a desired gas of the type includes an ionically conductive electrolyte layer (20), a porous electrode layer (22), and a current collector layer (16) that has a high electrical conductivity and is porous to a desired gas (24) generated by the electrochemical device (18). The current collector layer (16) is substantially formed as a film comprised of a layer of spherical refractory material objects (26) having a conductive coating (12) of a precious metal. The coated spherical objects (26) have a desired diameter (28) making them suitable for forming into the film.

Abstract: In an electroplating reactor for plating a spinning wafer, a diffusion plate is supported above an anode located within a cup filled with process fluid within the reactor. The diffusion plate includes a plurality of openings which are arranged in a spiral pattern. The openings allow for an improved plating thickness distribution on the wafer surface. The openings can be elongated slots curved along the direction of the spiral path.

Abstract: A two dimensional vernier is provided along with a method of fabrication. The two dimensional vernier has a reference array patterned into a substrate, or a material overlying the substrate. An active array is patterned into photoresist overlying the substrate or the material. Both the reference array and the active array each comprise a two dimensional array of shapes. A difference between a combination of size or spacing of the shapes in each array determines vernier resolution. Vernier range is determined by a combination of vernier resolution and an integer related to a total number of shapes along a given axis. The two dimensional vernier allows an operator to readily measure the misalignment of a pattern to be processed relative to a previous pattern in two dimensions using a microscope. The two dimensional vernier reduces, or eliminates, repositioning of the microscope to determine both x-axis misalignment and y-axis misalignment.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the reduction of aluminum having a layer of interlocking cathode tiles positioned on a cathode block. Each tile includes a main body and a vertical restraining member to prevent movement of the tiles away from the cathode block during operation of the cell. The anode of the electrolytic cell may be positioned about 1 inch from the interlocking cathode tiles.

Abstract: Deposition of conductive material on or removal of conductive material from a workpiece frontal side of a semiconductor workpiece is performed by providing an anode having an anode area which is to face the workpiece frontal side, and electrically connecting the workpiece frontal side with at least one electrical contact, outside of the anode area, by pushing the electrical contact and the workpiece frontal side into proximity with each other. A potential is applied between the anode and the electrical contact, and the workpiece is moved with respect to the anode and the electrical contact. Full-face electroplating or electropolishing over the workpiece frontal side surface, in its entirety, is thus permitted.

Abstract: A method of operating a cell for electrowinning of copper, the cell including a plurality of anodes and cathodes therein, the method including the steps of introducing fresh electrolyte and sparging gas to a manifold system in the cell, controlling flow of fresh electrolyte and sparging gas in the manifold system and providing outlet openings in the manifold system such that streams of fresh electrolyte and sparging gas from the outlet openings are directed relatively uniformly across the cathodes in the cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an edge insulation member for an electrode plate used for electrolytic refinement of metal, and to a fixing method for it. On a tip portion 22A of a main body 22, a fitting groove 23 and a jaw portion 24 for tightly fitting an electrode plate 1 are formed to extend along the lengthwise direction of the main body 22. On a base end portion of the main body 22, an engagement notch 25 for fitting a support rod 26 is formed to extend along the lengthwise direction of the main body 22. A plurality of pin insertion holes 27 are formed on the side surface of the jaw portion 24. Fitting jigs made up from a pin 30 and a stopper 40 is removably fitted in this pin insertion hole 27. The support rod 26 is removably fitted in the engagement notch 25.

Abstract: The use of an insulating shield for improving the current distribution in an electrochemical plating bath is disclosed. Numerical analysis is used to evaluate the influence of shield shape and position on plating uniformity. Simulation results are compared to experimental data for nickel deposition from a nickel—sulfamate bath. The shield is shown to improve the average current density at a plating surface.

Abstract: An insulated vibration-stirring apparatus comprising a vibration generating means containing a vibration motor and a vibrating member attached to that motor, and a vibrating rod attached by an installation piece to allow vibration linked with the vibration generating means, and vibrating vanes installed on this vibrating rod. An electrical insulation area made from hard rubber is installed on a section nearer to the installation section to the installation piece than the section where the vibrating vanes are mounted on the vibrating rod. An electrical line is connected to the lower section of the vibrating rod on the electrical insulation area side where the vibrating vanes are installed. This electrical line conducts power to the vibrating vanes by way of the lower section of the vibrating rod.

Abstract: The invention concerns a coating precursor comprising a silicone resin, a metal compound and an organic solvent capable of dissolving said silicone and of suspending said metal compound, said silicone resin and said metal compound being capable of chemically reacting so as to produce a solid layer on a substrate after the organic solvent has evaporated and a cohesive refractory layer after a calcination process. The invention also concerns a method for coating a specific surface of a substrate with at least a refractory silicon-containing layer which consists in coating the substrate with a coating precursor of the invention, so as to form a raw layer and carrying out a heat treatment so as to calcine said raw layer and form a cohesive refractory layer. The invention enables to obtain a protective coating resistant to oxidizing environments, liquid metal or molten salt.

Abstract: A separating element for separating the bottom part of an electrolytic tank from the rest of the tank space in connection with the removal of solids settled on the bottom of the electrolytic tank, said separating element being installable in the electrolytic tank and removable therefrom along a path formed by support and control members arranged in the electrolytic tank. The separating element comprises a flexible wall element and at least one set of support members arranged in the wall element.

Abstract: An oven insert (110) for a gas generating system of the type that includes heating elements, heat exchanger, a gas generating module (22), an air inlet, and a product gas outlet, includes a furnace enclosure member formed with a plurality of interior chambers. The interior chambers (112) are adapted for holding at least one gas generating module (22). The interior chambers (112) each have an opening (122) formed an exterior face (124) of the furnace enclosure member (110). The openings are spaced along a central axis (126) of the face (124) of the furnace enclosure member (110).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing thimbles (12) from stubs (20) of an anode yoke which includes the step of advancing a ram (20) towards each stub with the force applied by the ram against the stub being limited to a preset maximum, and another step of advancing the rams at the same speed to push the stubs through the thimbles.

Abstract: An electrode structure for use, for example, in a bipolar electrolyser comprising (i) a pan with a dished recess and a flange around the periphery thereof for supporting gasket means for sealing a separator between the flanges in adjacent electrode structures, which separator is disposed between the surface of the anode of a first electrode structure and the cathode of a second electrode structure such that the anode surface is substantially parallel to and faces but is insulated and spaced apart from the cathode surface by the separator and is hermetically-sealed to the separator, (ii) an electrically conductive plate spaced from the pan, (iii) a plurality of electrically-conductive members to which the electrically conductive plate is electroconductively attached and which provide electrically-conductive pathways between the pan and the electrically conductive plate, (iv) inlet for electrolyte and (v) outlets for liquids and gases wherein where the electrode structure is an anode structure the dished recess

Abstract: Cathode plate edge protector systems formed by secondary and tertiary molding processes, in which fluid plastic is molded around and/or introduced into previously manufactured plastic edge protectors. A U-shaped edge protector system is formed by bevel-cutting abutting ends of edge protector strips, securing the strips in the desired configuration a molding jig, and molding corner pieces around the abutting ends. The system is then removed from the jig and slip-installed over the two sides and the bottom edge of a cathode plate. In an optional tertiary molding process, fluid plastic may be introduced into the remaining void between the edge protector system and the cathode plate. Another edge protector system is formed by mounting edge protector strips on opposing side edges of a cathode plate, damming the open ends, and introducing fluid plastic in the contained voids between the strips and the cathode plate.

Abstract: Design improvements in constructing electrolytic cell receptacles for electrowinning and electrorefining of nonferrous metals are disclosed, along with a novel mold and molding method. Also disclosed arc formulations for three-layered polymer composite materials and surface scaling coatings, which are used in monolithic formation of receptacles or containers of electrolytic cells.

Abstract: Cathode plate edge protector systems formed by secondary and tertiary molding processes, in which fluid plastic is molded around and/or introduced into previously manufactured plastic edge protectors. A U-shaped edge protector system is formed by bevel-cutting abutting ends of edge protector strips, securing the strips in the desired configuration a molding jig, and molding corner pieces around the abutting ends. The system is then removed from the jig and slip-installed over the two sides and the bottom edge of a cathode plate. In an optional tertiary molding process, fluid plastic may be introduced into the remaining void between the edge protector system and the cathode plate. Another edge protector system is formed by mounting edge protector strips on opposing side edges of a cathode plate, damming the open ends, and introducing fluid plastic in the contained voids between the strips and the cathode plate.

Abstract: Insulation assemblies provide reduced heat loss from electrolytic metal production cells such as inert anode aluminum production cells. The insulation assemblies may be located at the end, side and/or center aisles of the cell, and may be supported by the anodes and deckplate of the cell. The assemblies reduce heat loss and bath vaporization losses, and permit stable operation of the inert anode cell.

Abstract: A power supply (S) for a gas generating system (G) of the type including a barrier system (10) permeable to selected charged particles (12) flowing from a first side (14) to a second side (16) includes a direct current (DC) power source (18) in an electrical power circuit (20) connected across the first and second sides of the permeable barrier system (10). A plurality of resistive elements (22) are parallel connectable in the electrical circuit (20). Switches (24) selectively connect a desired resistive element (22) between the power source (18) and barrier system (10). A controller (26) activates certain switches (24) to connect a corresponding resistor (22) in the circuit (10) to controllably vary the flow of charged particles across the permeable barrier (10).

Abstract: A pipe electropolishing system (10, 10a) for in place polishing of a pipe (28) has provision for detecting the instant position of a cathode (14) within the pipe (28) such as cable marks (52) and cable mark sensor (50), an infrared camera (60), heat sensing crayon marks (64), thermisters (66), and capacitance sensors (68), used individually or in combination. According to the inventive in place electropolishing method (80) when it is determined that the cathode is in a nonuniform portion (70) of the pipe (28), then increased polishing action is provided as by increasing the voltage using a variable power supply (30a) and/or by slowing down the progress of the cathode (14) using a variable speed cable puller (18).

Abstract: An improved plastic border utilized in cathodes used in the processes for the electrolytic refinement of minerals, characterized in that the plastic border presents a transversal aperture of a conical like base section with straight walls, thereafter converging with another quadrangular aperture, to end in an oblong section aperture opening.

Abstract: A reactor for plating a metal onto a surface of a workpiece is set forth. The reactor comprises a reactor bowl including an electroplating solution disposed therein and an anode disposed in the reactor bowl in contact with the electroplating solution. A contact assembly is spaced from the anode within the reactor bowl. The contact assembly includes a plurality of contacts disposed to contact a peripheral edge of the surface of the workpiece to provide electroplating power to the surface of the workpiece. The contacts execute a wiping action against the surface of the workpiece as the workpiece is brought into engagement therewith The contact assembly also including a barrier disposed interior of the plurality of contacts. The barrier includes a member disposed to engage the surface of the workpiece to assist in isolating the plurality of contacts from the electroplating solution.

Abstract: A plating cell base design that utilizes a single connection that provides both fluid communication and electrical communication to the cell. The design eliminates many of the components previously necessary to effectuate fluid and electrical seals. With fewer connections, material cost is reduced, reliability is enhanced, and downtime is reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved design of electrolyzer, in particular to the design of a diaphragm electrolyzer for the production of chlorine and alkali from aqueous solutions of alkali chlorides, comprising at least one anode fixed to an anodic base and in electrical contact therewith by means of a current collecting stem separated from the electrolyte circulating in the anodic compartment by means of a hydraulic seal system, wherein a conductive and deformable contact element is interposed between said current collecting stem and said anodic base, and wherein the hydraulic seal system comprises at least one O-ring.

Abstract: A guide apparatus comprising a plurality of guide linkages. Each one of the plurality of guide linkages comprises a pair of linkage members, each pair of the linkage members are rotatably connected about a guide pivot axis. The guide pivot axis of each guide linkage is arranged in a direction opposed to the direction of the guide pivot axis of the remainder of the guide linkages. In one aspect, each guide linkage is arranged between a robot platform or a cassette and a base such that extending each of the plurality of guide linkages acts to linearly displace the robot platform relative to the base while limiting tilting of the robot platform or the cassette. In another aspect a robot can extend its end effectors while limiting tilting of the end effectors.

Abstract: In a method of etching a substrate having a surface layer of conductive material, a circuit pattern is transferred to the surface layer in a central surface area portion of the substrate by electrochemical etching. To prevent excessive current densities from forming at the periphery of the central surface area portion during the etching step, a frame adapted to attract electrical field is provided adjacent to the central surface area portion. The frame can be part of a separate frame element which is placed on the substrate before the etching step, or be incorporated in a resist coating on the substrate. The frame can be transferred to the resist coating by any suitable means, for example by photolithographic exposure through a mask with a suitable frame pattern. Alternatively, the frame can be incorporated in a prefabricated substrate element, to which the circuit pattern is transferred in the etching step.

Abstract: A mist trap mechanism and method for a plating apparatus, which can provide an improved mist removing effect by a simple structure, are provided. A gas discharge passage is formed to connect the space in a plating chamber and space outside of the plating chamber and provided with a liquid spouting portion and a solid wall. The discharge gas collides with the liquid spouted from the liquid spouting portion, and the discharge gas collides with the solid wall which has its surface wetted with the liquid spouted from the liquid spouting portion. Such a two-staged collision of the discharge gas effectively takes the mist contained in the discharge gas into the liquid. A liquid recovery portion is disposed in connection with the gas discharge passage to collectively catch the mist in a state captured by the liquid.

Abstract: In an array apparatus, each MEMS element, comprising an actuatable element and a supportive handle, is mounted over a plurality of electrodes wherein the air gap is controlled by the thickness of the electrodes and not primarily by the structure of the handle. The structure of electrostatic actuation electrodes in specific embodiments is disclosed. While the invention is primarily a technique for reducing the air gap without unduly limiting the thickness of the handle, the invention may also be used to establish an air gap greater than the thickness of the handle.

Abstract: A water purification system and method for residential or commercial application having a first support structure coupled to a water supply having a first heat source of sufficient magnitude to change the water into steam, thus abandoning any insoluble material dispersed within the liquid. The steam is further heated in a second support structure to form a substantially gaseous vapor and exposed to a second heat source of sufficient magnitude to super-heat the vapor to a temperature capable of destroying most, if not all living matter. Preferably, the second heat source is an electrical field of sufficient voltage to increase the temperature of the vapor in excess of 2000° F. The super-heated vapor is then allowed to condense to form potable water. This system may be powered by a standard 120 volt outlet found in the home.

Abstract: An electrodeposition apparatus for depositing material on a surface of a substrate. The electrodeposition apparatus includes at least one contact for vertically contacting the substrate and providing electrical connection to the substrate. The at least one contact does not scratch the surface of the substrate to be plated. A voltage source is connected to the at least one contact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal cathode sheet assembly for use in the electrolytic recovery of pure metals, especially copper, in an electrolysis tank. The metal cathode sheet is provided at its side edges with an edge protector formed by a grooved profile strip. The edge protector is secured to the side edge by engaging at least one trapezoidal holding wedge that has back surfaces facing away from the narrow sides. The wedge is able to be secured in a cutout on the edge. The edge protector grips behind the back surface with counter-support surfaces.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprising a walled enclosure including a cathode sidewall has busbar structure external to the cell. The busbar structure can include a gird bar releasably secured at the sidewall. It also may include a foraminous interface member between the gird bar and the sidewall, as well as have a small cathode busbar member on the sidewall. The small busbar member is typically located above and adjacent to the gird bar. Particularly when the gird bar and foraminous interface member are present, there can be internal support members for the cathodes directly secured to the inside face of the cathode sidewall. Furthermore, intercell connection may be handled directly to the outside face of the cathode sidewall. The overall structure can provide reduced potential for sidewall stress corrosion cracking, reduced cathode manufacturing cost, and accommodation of stress relief for the cathode weldment.

Abstract: A carbon black is provided which is useful as an electrocatalyst carrier. The carbon black has a DBP oil absorption of 170 to 300 cm3/100 g, a specific surface area as measured by a BET method of 250 to 400 m2/g, a primary particle diameter value of 10 to 17 nm, and a total volume of open pores at the surface which have a pore radius of 10 to 30 nm of 0.40 to 2.0 cm3/g. The electrocatalyst can be used in electrochemical devices such as solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal cathode sheet as component of cathode equipment for an electrolysis tank for the electrolytic recovery of pure metals, especially copper. The cathode sheet is provided, at its side edges which come into contact with the electrolyte and are vertically aligned in the electrolysis tank, with an edge protector, made of a ceramic material. The edge protector is electrically insulating, of dense porosity and resistant to electrolyte. Sharp-edged breakthroughs and the outer cathode cutting edges are completely coated by edge protector. In this manner flux line concentrations at these locations are forestalled.

Abstract: Design improvements in constructing electrolytic cell receptacles for electrowinning and electrorefining of nonferrous metals are disclosed. Also disclosed are formulations for three-layered polymer composite materials and surface sealing coatings, which are used in monolithic formation of receptacles or containers of electrolytic cells.

Abstract: An electrolytic apparatus, for supporting a lithographic printing plate, including a guide roller for transporting an aluminum web. The guide roller includes a skeleton section formed with a strong material, a liquid contact section on the surface of the skeleton section, and a nonwoven fabric is provided on the liquid contact section and contacts a surface of an aluminum web. The liquid contact section is formed with a fluororesin coating of 100-3000 &mgr;m in thickness, and the insulation resistance value of the fluororesin coating is 105 &OHgr;cm or more in volume resistivity. The nonwoven fabric is formed mainly with polyphenylene sulfite or fluororesin of 5-50 mm in thickness. Additionally, the nonwoven fabric is condensed in the direction of the guide roller axis, and is treated with a surface finish so as to have a surface hardness in the range of 50-95.

Abstract: An electrochemical deposition apparatus and method for depositing a material onto a surface of a workpiece and for polishing the material are disclosed. The apparatus includes a platen and a polishing surface, including a conductive material and conductors embedded therein, disposed proximate the platen. During material deposition, a bias is applied across the conductor and the platen to cause deposition of material onto the workpiece surface.

Abstract: An electrical contact element for electrically connecting an electric device and providing current transmission in an electric device wherein the electrical contact element comprises a metallic body, and wherein at least one contact surface, present on the body, is completely or partially coated with a friction-reducing layer. The friction-reducing layer comprises a metal salt.

Abstract: The inventive prove (10) for taking samples of an analyte located in the fluid medium has a membrane which closes the probe (10) to the outside and which is permeable to the analyte, a flow-through cell which is configured behind the membrane, a probe part (14) with at least one incoming line and one outgoing line leading to or from the flow-through cell, and a membrane holder (160) which, together with the membrane, forms a replaceable unit of the probe part (14) together with the incoming line and outgoing line.

Abstract: A high pressure electrolyzer as represented in the figure, having a number of electrolysis chambers being held in frame (1), being separated by membrane (2) to which the electrodes (3) are pressed. The electrodes are electrically connected to the bipolar plate (4) with a metal woven sheet (5). The frame has the larger conduit openings (7) on the top side and (8) on the bottom side. Conduit openings (7) evacuate the gas that is generated and openings (8) form a supply channel of electrolyte. Opening (7) is connected to the electrolyzer module's inner space with the small connecting conduit (9) and similarly opening (8) is connected to the inner space via small connecting conduit (10). A ring shaped frame having conduit openings for the supply of electrolyte and the removal of the gasses that are generated and further having a connecting surface with concentric elevations and depressions.

Abstract: A corner insert for edge strips used with modified electrodes for electrolytic processes. An electrode that is at least partially submerged in an electrolyte is protected by edge strips to prevent depositions and metallic bridges. The edge strips are typically mitered to abut one another at the corners of the electrode and it is difficult to seal this junction. One solution is to remove the corners of the electrode, provide non-mitered edge strips, and close the gap at the corner with an insert adapted to seal to the additional edges of the electrode created by removing the comers. Another solution is to provide a corner insert having one or more anchors for anchoring the corner insert to the electrode and to respective adjacent edge strips, the corner insert sealing against the edge strips and against opposite sides of the electrode whether or not the corner portion has been removed.

Abstract: The reference electrode comprises an electrode plug and a chamber (16) closed at the rear containing an electrolyte. The chamber (16) has an aperture (23) covered by a membrane (26) of a material permitting diffusion of ions therethrough, but whose surface is closed for proteins and similar macromolecular substances. A diffusion tight diaphragm element (27) having a through-going orifice (30) located radially within the aperture is situated on the outer side of the ion diffusion membrane (26) relative to the chamber, and the orifice (30) is smaller than the aperture (23).

Abstract: A conducting roller assembly for an electroplating apparatus includes two conducting rollers arranged one above another so as to clamp and move a plate-shaped workpiece therebetween. The rollers are disposed intimately over one of two conducting members, and under the other one of the members. Each of the members is connected to two opposite sides of the respective one of the rollers by means of two horizontal rows of equidistant conducting posts. Each of the posts has one end that is fixed to and that is in electrical connection with a respective one of the members, and another end that is biased to contact the respective one of the rollers so as to establish an electrical connection between the respective one of the members and the respective one of the rollers.

Abstract: A cathode arrangement having a mounting rail (1) and a cathode plate (2) bonded to the mounting rail (1). Two parallel, flanges extending in its longitudinal direction are formed on the underside (5) of the mounting rail (1). The cathode plate (2) is accommodated and bonded to the flanges (8, 9) by explosion welding between the parallel flanges. A full-surface metal-to-metal bond is thus obtained, which has very good current-conducting properties at the contact surfaces between the flanges (8, 9) and the cathode plate (2). The ends of the mounting rail (1) projecting over the cathode plate (2) have a flangeless design and have oblique surfaces (6, 7) intersecting in the shape of a wedge on the underside.

Abstract: The present invention is an integrated screen comprising a screen portion having openings and an integral protector edge disposed about the periphery of the screen portion. This integrated screen protector edge can be utilized individually as the membrane support/flow field in an electrochemical cell or in conjunction with one or more subsequent screen layers. When utilized with subsequent screen layers, the integrated screen protector edge is disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the membrane assembly.

Abstract: A roller assembly for an electroplating apparatus includes a plurality of feeding rollers adapted to advance a sheet-shaped workpiece, and a threaded rod disposed parallel to the feeding rollers and having a left-hand thread portion and a right-hand thread portion. Two guiding members are respectively formed with two threaded holes, which engage the left-hand and right-hand thread portions of the rod. A sensing unit detects the width of the workpiece to activate a controller and a driving unit, which rotates the rod so as to move the guiding members in opposite directions such that the guiding members abut against two opposite sides of the workpiece, thereby guiding the workpiece to move therebetween. Two conducting units are attached respectively to the guiding members for supplying cathode current to the sides of the workpiece.

Abstract: A conducting roller is used in an electroplating apparatus, and includes a conductive roller body, which has two diameter-reduced end portions that are journalled within two stationary conductive sleeve units. A conductive liquid is filled within two sealed gaps between the end portions of the roller body and the sleeve units, thereby transmitting cathode current from the conductive sleeve units to the end portions of the roller body.