Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the quality, e.g., thickness, porosity, or corrosion rate, of a coating inside a hollow body having an opening. The method comprises attaching a probe from a coating measuring device to one end of an extender arm having a flexible portion therein, placing the probe inside the hollow body through the opening, and making the desired measurements of the coating.

Abstract: Electrochemical surface analysis using a deoxygenated gel electrolyte provides advantages over a liquid electrolyte in processes such as sequential electrochemical reduction analysis. In sequential electrochemical reduction analysis, a solderable portion of an electronic component or circuit board to be tested is placed in contact with a deoxygenated gel electrolyte such as a borate buffer solution having a gelling agent. The gel electrolyte prevents capillary attraction up or along a lead of the component so that the power source cathode lead does not contact the electrolyte and electrochemical analysis can be localized to the area of interest, such as the portion of the component lead to be soldered. Interfering effects of atmospheric oxygen are minimized for deaerated gel electrolytes because convection mixing is practically absent and diffusion is generally a very slow process in a gel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the quality, e.g., thickness, porosity, or corrosion rate, of a coating inside a hollow body having an opening. The method comprises attaching a probe from a coating measuring device to one end of an extender arm having a flexible portion therein, placing the probe inside the hollow body through the opening, and making the desired measurements of the coating. The apparatus includes a flexible extender arm for use with a coating measuring device.

Abstract: Recovery of silver from a photographic fixer solution in an electrolytic cell is controlled so as to maintain a high current efficiency whilst minimizing unwanted side effects. The difference between plating voltages when operating at two different current levels is monitored, and the plating current adjusted in response to detection of a maximum of said differences. Such control allows the cell to be operated continually at high current efficiency in response to changing chemical conditions within the cell.

Abstract: A micro-circuit for performing analyses of multimolecular interactions and for performing molecular syntheses, comprising: (a) a support; (b) at least one micro-electrode attached to the support, the micro-electrode being selectively electronically activated and the micro-electrode having a protective layer which is removable; (c) a binding entity for attachment to the at least one micro-electrode, the binding entity being capable of attachment to at least one micro-electrode when the protective layer has been removed; and (d) a power source being operatively connected to at least one micro-electrode for electronically activating at least one micro-electrode. The micro-circuit of the present invention also includes embodiments featuring a micro-circuit reader for detecting the interaction of the binding entity to a complementary probe, as well as methods for making and using the micro-circuit of the present invention.

Abstract: A first solution is brought into contact with a surface of a sample so that impurities, which exist in the sample or on the surface of the sample, and the sample are dissolved in the first solution, and a voltage is applied across electrodes by putting the electrodes into the first solution so that substances including the impurities are deposited on the surface of the electrodes, and the deposited impurities are dissolved in a second solution so that impurities dissolved in the second solution are measured. As a result, an impurity measuring method and an impurity measuring device, which are capable of measuring a very small amount of impurities with high sensitivity, which exist in the sample or on the surface of the sample, are provided.

Abstract: Recovery of silver from a photographic fixer solution in an electrolytic cell is controlled so as to maintain a high current efficiency whilst minimizing unwanted side effects. The rate of change of plating voltage at constant current through the cell is monitored, and in response to detection of a maximum value thereof the current is reduced to a new constant level. Such control allows the cell to be operated continually at high current efficiency in response to changing chemical conditions within the cell.

Abstract: An internal stress testing device for high speed electroplating is disclosed. The testing device comprises: a tank to be filled with a plating solution; a metal plate for anode disposed within the tank; a metal rod for cathode disposed within the tank and rotatably held by a motor at a position opposite to the metal plate for anode; a metal plate for cathode in the shape of a thin plate mounted on the metal rod; and a DC power supply connected to the metal plate for anode and the metal rod for cathode.

Abstract: This invention concerns a scanning electrochemical microscope prove capable of measuring a specimen which does not have a smooth surface. The probe is insulated by a monomolecular adsorption film, a monomolecular laminated film, or polymer film (i.e., organic thin film). Its front end has the organic thin film removed by an electric field evaporation process to expose the metal wire, and the current is detected by this portion. Active hydrogen is present on the surface of the metal wire which preferably has a pointed end. A silane surfactant such as octadecyl trichlorosilane or the like is brought into contact with the metal wire surface to cause a dehydrochlorination reaction, thereby forming a monomolecular film, a monomolecular laminated film, or polymer film which is chemically adsorbed by colvant siloxane bonds to the surface of the metal. Only the front end portion of the metal wire is evaporated by the electric field, so that a probe with a very fine tip is obtained.

Abstract: The device (1) has a cell (3) with an electrode structure for carrying out electrochemical detection or measurement of a liquid sample. A means for mechanically or pneumatically drawing the liquid sample into the cavity (20) of the cell (3) is provided. The drawing means may be in the form of a strip (10) which is mechanically drawn through the cell (3) drawing the liquid sample into the cavity (20) of the cell (3). The strip (10) can have a V-shape (44) portion which is placed in the liquid sample before the strip (10) is drawn through the cell (3).

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for detecting a defect in a dielectric film. The dielectric film is electrified in an electrolyte solution containing a metal in such a manner the dielectric film is charged negative, thereby the metal is deposited on the dielectric film at a position corresponding to the defect. The detecting method has a first deposition step for forming a first metal deposit on the dielectric film in an annular form surrounding the position corresponding to the defect; and a second deposition step for forming a second metal deposit located on the position corresponding to the defect, on the dielectric film. The detecting apparatus has a vessel for accommodating the electrolyte solution; a first electrode for electrifying the dielectric film and a second electrode; and an electric power source for controlably applying a voltage to electrifying between the first electrode and the second electrode in which a value and a direction of the applied voltage is variable.

Abstract: The present invention provides microband electrode array sensors for detecting the presence and measuring the concentration of analytes in a sample. The microband electrodes of the invention have both a width and a thickness of microscopic dimensions. Preferably the width and thickness of the microband electrodes are less than the diffusion length of the analyte(s) of interest. In general, both the thickness and width of the electrodes are less than about 25 micrometers. The electrodes are separated by a gap insulating material that is large enough that the diffusion layers of the electrodes do not overlap such that there is no interference and the currents at the electrodes are additive. Microband electrode arrays of this invention exhibit true steady-state amperometric behavior.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the quality, e.g., thickness, porosity, or corrosion rate, of a coating inside a hollow body having an opening. The method comprises attaching a probe from a coating measuring device to one end of an extender arm having a flexible portion therein, placing the probe inside the hollow body through the opening, and making the desired measurements of the coating.The apparatus includes a flexible extender arm for use with a coating measuring device.

Abstract: A sinusoidal voltage is appied to a zirconium alloy clad fuel rod. The current is measured and the impedance is determined to provide a check for the compactness and adhesion of an oxide surface layer on the fuel rod.

Abstract: An electrolytic test machine is used for a corrosion resistance test for a test material comprised of a metal blank and a coating film. The electrolytic test machine is constructed so that an adverse influence, due to chlorine gas generated during a test, can be inhibited. The electrolytic test machine includes an electrolytic cell in which an aqueous solution of NaCl is stored so that a test material is immersed in the aqueous solution of NaCl. An electrode is immersed in the aqueous solution of NaCl. A DC power source supplies electric current between the electrode and the test material. A chlorine gas treating device collects chlorine gas which is generated with electrolysis of the aqueous solution of NaCl and which is released out of the aqueous solution of NaCl along with the aqueous solution of NaCl. The chlorine gas treating device includes a treating pipe line, a suction pump mounted on the treating pipe line, and a chlorine gas purifying member.

Abstract: A process for promoting corrosion of a test material, is provided including the steps of immersing, in an electrolytic liquid, a test material which is comprised of a metal blank and a coating film formed on the metal blank, and allowing a DC current to flow between the metal blank and an electrode in the electrolytic liquid while reversing the polarity of the metal blank alternately from positive to negative and vice versa, thereby causing the coating film to be at least partly peeled off the metal blank in one state of polarity and promoting corrosion of the metal blank in the reversed state of polarity. The process may also be conducted with a metal blank having a damaged portion of the coating film which exposes a portion of the surface of the metal blank underlying the coating film.

Abstract: Two types of HgO-modified electrodes are disclosed. The HgO-modified electrode according to the present invention comprises, HgO particles as precursor of mercury, which can be exposed on the surface of the said electrode and then can be reduced electrochemically into micro-droplets of mercury; and electro-conductive material to maintain optimal conductivity of the said modified electrode. In the HgO-modified electrode according to the present invention, built-in mercury precursor, HgO can be utilized feasibly for the generation of the surface mercury droplets by in situ electrochemical treatment or pretreatment without necessity of Hg.sup.2+ solution. The electrode surface can be renewed easily either by a simple polishing process for the bulk-modified electrode type-I or by simple exchange for the screen-printed disposable type modified electrode type-II. So further simplification of anodic stripping analysis process is possible by employing the HgO-modified electrodes according to the present invention.

Abstract: A high sensitivity multiple waveform voltammetric method and instrument are provided for use in electrochemical and other applications. The method consists of applying one or several variable potential excitation signals between electrodes of an electrochemical cell to produce an electrochemical reaction in the solution. The excitation signals include a DC bias potential increasing cyclically by a potential step to form a potential staircase signal sweeping across a potential domain, and a number of pulse trains either of opposite polarity or shifted in potential per potential step. An electric current derived from a diffusion flux of ions through the solution is measured as a result of the applied excitation signal.

Abstract: An electrode is mounted in a vertical manner in an electrolytic liquid in an electrolytic cell. A harmful gas collecting hood is disposed within the electrolytic cell to cover the entire upper portion of the electrode. One end of a bottom surface of the hood lies at a higher location than the other end of the bottom surface of the hood. An inlet of a harmful gas treating pipe line is disposed in the vicinity of that portion of the bottom surface of the hood which lies at the higher location thereof. A harmful gas generated around the electrode is smoothly guided to the inlet by a guide effect of the hood and sucked into the inlet.

Abstract: An electrolytic test machine includes an electrolytic cell in which an electrolytic liquid is stored so that a test material is immersed in the electrolytic liquid. An electrode is immersed in the electrolytic liquid. A DC power source supplies a current between the test material and the electrode. A treating pipe line extends from the electrolytic cell to collect a harmful gas which is generated from the electrolytic liquid during supplying of a current and which is released out of the electrolytic liquid, along with the electrolytic liquid. A harmful gas purifying device is disposed in the treating pipe line. The harmful gas purifying device includes a catalyst for purifying the harmful gas, and a determining device for determining the replacement time of the catalyst.

Abstract: Sinusoidal voltammetry was employed to detect both purine and pyrimidine-based nucleic acids. Adenine and cytosine, representing these two classes of nucleic acids, could be detected with nanomolar detection limits at a copper electrode under these conditions, where the sensitivity for adenine was much higher than that for cytosine. Detection limits for purine-containing nucleotides (e.g., adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP), adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP)) were on the order of 70-200 nM using this method. These detection limits are achieved for native nucleotides and are over two orders of magnitude lower than those found with UV absorbance detection. Pyrimidine-based nucleotides could also be detected with high sensitivity due to the presence of a sugar backbone which is electroactive at the copper surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the quality, e.g., thickness, porosity, or corrosion rate, of a coating inside a hollow body having an opening. The method comprises attaching a probe from a coating measuring device to one end of an extender arm having a flexible portion therein, placing the probe inside the hollow body through the opening, and making the desired measurements of the coating.The apparatus includes a flexible extender arm for use with a coating measuring device.

Abstract: A new electrochemical probe(s) design allowing for continuous (renewable) reagent delivery. The probe comprises an integrated membrane-sampling/electrochemical sensor that prevents interferences from surface-active materials and greatly extends the linear range. The probe(s) is useful for remote or laboratory-based monitoring in connection with microdialysis sampling and electrochemical measurements of metals and organic compounds that are not readily detected in the absence of reacting with the compound. Also disclosed is a method of using the probe(s).

Abstract: Electroanalysis of an electroactive, and especially ionized, species, in trace form, in a liquid sample, is by potentiometry with coulometric stripping (elution), and is by employing a working electrode in electrical contact with the sample. A practically exhaustive electrolysis, or a practically exhaustive complexing with adsorption, of the electroactive species, a main coulometric stripping and at least two poststripping cycles including a post-electrolysis step and a poststripping step are performed in succession. By a particular choice of the operating parameters and of the measured parameters it is possible to determine automatically the equivalent mean chemical current, for example for oxidation, competing with the current applied to the working electrode, during the stripping stage. This is done directly from the liquid sample which is being analyzed. As a result, the required concentration of the species is determined without previous calibration.

Abstract: A first solution is brought into contact with a surface of a sample so that impurities, which exist in the sample or on the surface of the sample, and the sample are dissolved in the first solution, and a voltage is applied across electrodes by putting the electrodes into the first solution so that substances including the impurities are deposited on the surface of the electrodes, and the deposited impurities are dissolved in a second solution so that impurities dissolved in the second solution are measured. As a result, an impurity measuring method and an impurity measuring device, which are capable of measuring a very small amount of impurities with high sensitivity, which exist in the sample or on the surface of the sample, are provided.

Abstract: A microsensor for electrochemical measurements allowing the determination of concentration or concentration profile of at least one chemical compound with small size or molecular weight, under organic, inorganic, neutral or ionic form in an aqueous environment. The microsensor comprises an array (15) of microelectrodes (16), assembled on a chip (10) supported by an isolating substrate (7), and linked with at least one conductor protected by an insulating layer to a contact allowing the connection to a measuring apparatus. The said microsensor is totally coated with an hydrophilic gel (25) which is chemically inert with respect to the chemical compound, is hydrated at a level of at least 70 %, and has a thickness superior to 10 times the size of the microelectrodes (16). And an integrated electrochemical microsystem including the microsensor.

Abstract: Chemical mechanical polishing slurry characteristics, such as oxidant concentration and abrasive particle dispersion, are determined using electrochemical measurement techniques, such as chronoamperometry, amperometry, chronopotentiometry, ionic conductivity, or linear sweep potentiometry. Slurry characteristics may be tested and monitored independent of a CMP polishing tool. Slurry characteristics may also be automatically controlled in an on-line chemical mechanical polishing process using electrochemical measurements.

Abstract: A disposable sensor for metal analysis comprises a housing including a first section, a second section, and a flexible intermediate section therebetween. An ampoule containing a reagent is disposed in the intermediate section. A liquid seal is formed between the first and second sections. The intermediate section of the housing of the disposable sensor may be flexed to break the ampoule. When the seal is broken between the first and second sections, and the water (or any other liquid) sample mixes with the reagent, the mixture flows into the second section containing an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly may be disposed in engagement with the monitoring device to determine the concentration of the at least one metal in the water (or any other liquid) sample.

Abstract: A process is provided for the electrochemical analysis of compounds of solutions, such as can, e.g., be used in chemical analysis or for control measurements in industrial and environmental sectors. Identification or detection of individual substances takes place by the deposition thereof on electrodes and subsequent detection of the deposited substances. In the process, use is made of a plurality of electrodes. The substances to be identified from the solution are so simultaneously deposited on the electrodes that each electrode is coated with a different substance or substance mixture. Then, the deposited substances are simultaneously identified on the individual electrodes. Thus, the measuring time is significantly shortened and the risk of faulty measurements due to interactions between the substances to be identified on the electrodes is significantly reduced.

Abstract: An electrochemical method for forming a partial monomolecular layer of a predetermined extent of coverage of a thiolate of the formula, XRS--, therein R can be a linear or branched chain hydrocarbon or an aromatic or the like and X can be any compatible end group, e.g., OH, COOH, CH.sub.3 or the like, upon a substrate such as gold, which involves applying in an electrochemical system a constant voltage preselected to yield the desired predetermined extent of coverage.

Abstract: Metal formed on a semiconductor wafer is brought into contact with ions adapted to corrode the metal, and subjected to constant-current electrolysis using a galvanostat. The electrode potential of the metal is measured. There are obtained (i) the relationship between current value and time of pitting corrosion and (ii) the critical current value, based on which the metal is evaluated for surface smoothness, the pitting corrosion resistance of metal surface, resistance to pitting corrosion, the segregation amount and concentration of trace metal contained in the metal, and the grain size or grain boundary length of the metal.

Abstract: A photo-ablation technique is used to create apertures (4) in a layer (2) of electrically insulating material and allow electrically conducting material (3) exposed through the apertures to create a microelectrode. The microelectrode can be used for assay methods and in an assay unit.

Abstract: A device for monitoring voltage and amperage on an article being electrocoated with a primer composition in an aqueous electrocoating bath which contains the following components: a sealed container for holding electrical components; a recording device positioned in the container for recording voltage and amperage; a voltage measuring circuit board positioned in the container and electrically connected to the recording device containing an electrical circuit for measuring; a first electrical probe positioned on the article being electrocoated and electrically connected to the circuit of the circuit board for measuring voltage and a second electrical probe for measuring amperage positioned on the article being electrocoated and electrically connected to the recording device; whereby as the article being electrocoated with a primer composition is passed through an aqueous electrocoating bath, measurements of voltage and amperage are being taken at set time intervals as the article is passing through electrocoat

Abstract: A coating analysis apparatus is suitable for analyzing four physical properties including the internal stress of a coating, the thickness of a coating, the current efficiency of electroplating and the corrosion rate of a coating. The apparatus comprises a testing cell filled with an electrolyte solution or an electroplating solution; a programmable power supply for supplying power to electroplate or electrolyze a specimen; and a microprocessor for controlling the programmable power supply to supply the power and analyzing the four physical properties.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for remote detection, particularly useful for metal contaminants and organic or other compounds. The sensor circumvents technical difficulties that previously prevented in-situ remote operations. The microelectrode, connected to a long communications cable, allows convenient measurements of the element or compound at timed and frequent intervals and instrument/sample distances of ten feet to more than 100 feet. The sensor is useful for both downhole groundwater monitoring and in-situ water (e.g., shipboard seawater) analysis.

Abstract: Electrochemical heavy metal analysis includes a printed electrode having a layer of a mercury compound or salt supported thereon. The compound or salt is reduced to metallic mercury in use of the electrode. The mercury layer may comprise a layer of hydroxyethyl cellulose or other permeable polymer.

Abstract: A large amplitude sine wave is applied as the excitation potential to a amperometric measurement to produce a current output that is a phase shifted sine wave containing faradaic information at many frequencies. A current obtained from a conventional potentiostat coupled to the electrode is coupled to a lock-in amplifier that monitors the signal at one frequency at a specified phase angle. Since most of the background remains at the fundamental frequency, a higher harmonic of the fundamental frequency of the sinusoidal sweep frequency is monitored. By locking in on the higher harmonic components, the faradaic signal is therefore distinguished from the background signal. The background is diminished thereby allowing signal recognition at low analyte concentrations and increasing the signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A method for real-time determination of the concentration of Lewisite in the ambient atmosphere, the method includes separating and collecting a Lewisite sample from the atmosphere in a collection chamber, converting the collected Lewisite to an arsenite ion solution sample, pumping the arsenite ion containing sample to an electrochemical detector connected to the collection chamber, and electrochemically detecting the converted arsenite ions in the sample, whereby the concentration of arsenite ions detected is proportional to the concentration of Lewisite in the atmosphere.

Abstract: A photo-ablation technique is used to create apertures (4) in a layer (2) of electrically insulating material and allow electrically conducting material (3) exposed through the apertures to create a microelectrode. The microelectrode can be used for assay methods and in an assay unit.

Abstract: A device for batch injection stripping voltammetric analysis of metal traces, of very high sensitivity. This sensitivity extends down to about 0.03 to 0.3 ppb for certain metals. The microanalysis can be carried out at a high rate and in addition to the high sensitivity is characterized by accuracy and high reproducibility. One of the main features is a novel microcell with a rotating working electrode of the mercury coated graphite type.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plating metals which delivers a voltage pulse with the possibility of a widely varying current magnitude characteristic to a plating electrode and an object having a large electrical reactance in terms of a parallel resistance and capacitance in order to raise the voltage potential between the electrode and an object to a programmed plating voltage overpotential and underpotential. The programmed plating voltage overpotential determines how fast the electrochemical reaction is allowed to proceed in the diffusion layer, and the programmed voltage underpotential determines how quickly the electrochemical reaction of the diffusion layer will slow down.

Abstract: A process for detecting nitrotoluenes, particularly trinitrotoluene, dinitrotoluene and derivatives of nitrotoluenes in soils, liquids and gases is proposed and a voltage is applied to an electrode which is in contact with an electrolytic solution having the substance to be tested, the voltage being reduced for producing a reduction reaction and increased for producing an oxidation reaction and the current intensity of at least a residual current and an anodic current maximum occurring is determined, particularly as a function of the voltage applied.

Abstract: A disposable sensor for metal analysis comprises a housing including a first section, a second section, and a flexible intermediate section therebetween. An ampoule containing a reagent is disposed in the intermediate section. A liquid seal is formed between the first and second sections. The intermediate section of the housing of the disposable sensor may be flexed to break the ampoule. When the seal is broken between the first and second sections, and the water sample mixes with the reagent, the mixture flows into the second section containing an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly may be disposed in engagement with the monitoring device to determine the concentration of the at least one metal in the water sample.

Abstract: A thin, flexible rectangular sheet of copper for attracting corrosion from ambient corrosive atmosphere is disclosed. One side of the copper sheet is covered by an adhesive that, in turn, is overlaid by a peel off protective strip to be removed when it is desired to affix the unit to a battery casing. The shorter edges of the rectangular sheet have cutout areas to incorporate the terminals, thus exposing more surface area of the device to the corrosive atmosphere.

Abstract: A photo-ablation technique is used to create apertures (4) in a layer (2) of electrically insulating material and allow electrically conducting material (3) exposed through the apertures to create a microelectrode. The microelectrode can be used for assay methods and in an assay unit.

Abstract: An electrolyte such as a saturated picric acid solution in a cell for measuring electrochemical polarization is placed in contact with an alloy steel such as a CrMoV steel which has been subjected to a high-temperature and stress-applied condition, and a potential is swept between the CrMoV steel and a salt bridge in the cell, whereby the Mo-rich carbide M.sub.6 C undergoes a dissolution reaction at a potential near a specified value and this reaction is visible as the secondary anode peak current, or the second appearance of peak current on the waveform of electric polarization. Since the secondary anode peak current is closely related to the amount of M.sub.6 C precipitation, the progress of degradation in the CrMoV steel can be evaluated by a simple method with good precision.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for testing solder mask material for suitability with an electroless plating process. The Emix potential of the electroless bath is measured. A test substrate including the mask material is then immersed in an electrolyte, and a constant potential at least equal to the Emix potential is applied to a pair of electrodes also immersed in the electrolyte. The test substrate is then inspected to determine adherence of the mask material.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for measuring the quality of a coating on a plate. The invention uses a method of measuring the impedance of a coating on a plate, which uses the steps of placing the coating on a plate in a chamber, and then placing a counter electrode in the chamber so that the coating lies between the plate and the counter electrode. A reference electrode is placed in the chamber so that the coating lies between the reference electrode and the plate, and the chamber is filled with a fluid with an ionic substrate. A potentiostat induces a voltage between the plate and the reference electrode, and impedance of the coating is measured to determine the quality of the coating.

Abstract: A feedback control system for providing automated control of multi-component chemical concentrations in a hydrogen peroxide/ammonia (SC-1) aqueous bath or in a hydrogen peroxide/hydrochloric (SC-2) aqueous bath used for semiconductor processing. A sample from the liquid bath is routed to two sensors. Three separate schemes for determining concentrations of the two chemicals in the bath are provided by the selection of one of three separate pairs of sensors. A processor is used to monitor and control the chemical makeup of the bath.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for quickly and easily detecting trace amounts of metallic or non-metallic, electro-active substances, and in particular trace amounts of metals, such as lead in a portable, hand-held detector system with single potential control.