Abstract: A plating method can form a plated film having a uniform thickness over the entire surface, including the peripheral surface, of a substrate. The plating method includes: disposing an anode so as to face a conductive film, formed on a substrate, which serves as a cathode, and disposing an auxiliary cathode on an ring-shaped seal member for sealing a peripheral portion of the substrate; bringing the conductive film, the anode and the auxiliary cathode into contact with a plating solution; and supplying electric currents between the anode and the conductive film, and between the anode and the auxiliary cathode to carry out plating.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a substrate holder comprises a base supporting a substrate that includes a surface having a peripheral region. A cover may be assembled with the base and includes at least one opening exposing only a portion of the surface therethrough. A seal assembly substantially seals a region between the cover and base and further adjacent to the peripheral region of the substrate. An electrode includes at least one contact portion positioned within the region and extending over at least a portion of the peripheral region of the substrate. A compliant member comprises a polymeric material and may be positioned within the region between the at least one contact portion and either the peripheral region of the substrate or the cover. In other embodiments, an electroplating system is disclosed that may employ such a substrate holder.

Abstract: A processing system, electroplating cell, transport system, cathode contact subsystem and method of providing a cathode contact to the articles being transported within an electroplating cell. The processing system may include a loading station, pre-processing station, electroplating station, post-processing station, unloading station, and a transport system that transports the articles to the various stations. The electroplating cell comprises a container to support a plating fluid bath, and an anode electrode. In one embodiment, the cathode contact system provides a cathode contact to the articles by way of the transport system's electrically-conductive, conveyor structure. In another embodiment, the cathode contact system comprises an electrically-conductive moving conveyor structure adapted to make cathode contact to said articles and move substantially in synchronous with the articles.

Abstract: A processing system, electroplating cell, transport system, cathode contact subsystem and method of providing a cathode contact to the articles being transported within an electroplating cell. The processing system may include a loading station, pre-processing station, electroplating station, post-processing station, unloading station, and a transport system that transports the articles to the various stations. The electroplating cell comprises a container to support a plating fluid bath, and an anode electrode. In one embodiment, the cathode contact system provides a cathode contact to the articles by way of the transport system's electrically-conductive, conveyor structure. In another embodiment, the cathode contact system comprises an electrically-conductive moving conveyor structure adapted to make cathode contact to said articles and move substantially in synchronous with the articles.

Abstract: Cigarettes and cigarette components such as tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper, and methods for making cigarette components are provided that comprise nanostructured fibrils. The nanostructured fibrils, which can be formed and deposited in situ on tobacco cut filler and/or cigarette paper by laser vaporization controlled condensation or chemical reaction, are capable of acting as an oxidant for the conversion of carbon monoxide carbon dioxide and/or as a catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. Cigarettes are provided that comprise tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper, wherein nanostructured fibrils are deposited on, or incorporated in, at least one of the tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper.

Abstract: A system and method comprising a master electrode arranged on substrate, said master electrode comprising a pattern layer, least partly of an insulating material and having a first surface provided with a plurality of cavities in which a conducting material is arranged, said electrode conducting material being electrically connected to at least one electrode current supply contact; said substrate comprising a top surface in contact with or arranged adjacent said first surface and having conducting material and/or structures of a conducting material arranged thereon, said substrate conducting material being electrically connected to at least one current supply contact; whereby a plurality of electrochemical cells are formed delimited by said cavities, said substrate conducting material and said electrode conducting material, said cells comprising an electrolyte; herein an electrode resistance between said electrode conducting material and said electrode current supply contact and a substrate resistance between

Abstract: Voltage delay in an active metal anode/liquid cathode battery cell can be significantly reduced or completely alleviated by coating the active metal anode (e.g., Li) surface with a thin layer of an inorganic compound with Li-ion conductivity using chemical treatment of Li surface. Particularly, preferred examples of such compounds include lithium phosphate, lithium metaphosphate, and/or their mixtures or solid solutions with lithium sulphate. These compounds can be formed on the Li surface by treatment with diluted solutions of the following individual acids: H3PO4, HPO3 and H2SO4, their acidic salts, or their binary or ternary mixtures in a dry organic solvent compatible with Li, for instance in 1,2-DME; by various deposition techniques. Such chemical protection of the Li or other active metal electrode significantly reduces the voltage delay due to protected anode's improved stability toward the electrolyte.

Abstract: A plating method comprising: continuously electroplating a surface of a film having a surface resistivity of from 1 to 1,000 ?/D in a plurality of times, wherein the plurality of times are equally divided into a former half stage and a latter half stage, and wherein an average plating time of the former half stage of the electroplating step is shorter than an average plating time of the latter half stage of the electroplating step or an average plating voltage at the latter half stage of the electroplating step is 60% or less of an average plating voltage at the former half stage of the electroplating step.

Abstract: An electrolyte and method of producing the same. In one embodiment, the electrolyte includes water, ascorbic acid, a phosphorous donor, ammonium perchlorate, ferrous perchlorate, cobalt perchlorate, and a buffering agent.

Abstract: A method for providing a two dimensional spatially varying surface potential on a surface of a conductive substrate and use thereof. The method comprises providing a conductive substrate having a first conductive surface and comprising an array of“n” electrical potential contact points spatially arranged in two dimensions on the first conductive surface, wherein “n” is at least 3. An electrical potential is then applied to each of the “n” electrical contact points, wherein the electrical potentials applied to at least two of the “n” electrical potential contact points are different. Also disclosed are methods and applications for use of the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrolytic cathode assemblies typically used in the refining or winning of metals and to methods of manufacturing and using same. The cathode assembly comprises an electrically conductive hanger bar and a deposition plate attached along an upper end to the hanger bar to define a joint. The cathode assembly further comprises a protective covering having lateral edges and surrounding the hanger bar and a portion of the upper end of the deposition plate so as to substantially enclose the joint and to leave end portions of the hanger bar exposed outside of the lateral edges of the protective covering. Each end of the protective covering includes a corrosion resistant material positioned to form a substantially continuous seal between the protective covering and the hanger bar, thereby to at least hinder fluid flow into the protective covering. Methods of manufacturing and using the electrolytic cathode assemblies are also described.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, an electroplating aqueous solution is disclosed. The electroplating aqueous solution includes at least two acids, copper, at least one accelerator agent, and at least two suppressor agents. The at least one accelerator agent provides an acceleration strength of at least about 2.0 and the at least two suppressor agents, collectively, provide a suppression strength of at least about 5.0. Methods of making and using such an electroplating aqueous solution are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solar cell having a multi-layered structure that is used to generate, transport, and collect electric charges. The multi-layered nanostructure comprises a cathode, a conducting metal layer, a photo-active layer, a hole-transport layer, and an anode. The photo-active layer comprises a tree-like nanostructure array and a conjugate polymer filler. The tree-like nanostructure array is used as an electron acceptor while the conjugate polymer filler is as an electron donor. The tree-like nanostructure array comprises a trunk part and a branch part. The trunk part is formed in-situ on the surface of the conducting metal layer and is used to provide a long straight transport pathway to transport electrons. The large contact area between the branch part and the conjugate polymer filler provides electron-hole separation.

Abstract: A modification rate at a surface of an anode formed on a substrate is controlled. The anode is connected to a cathode comprised of a material having a higher nobility than the anode. An electrically conductive path is established between the anode and the cathode through an electrolyte to induce formation of an oxide layer at the anode surface that is more resistive to modification than the anode.

Abstract: A device and a method for metallic electrolytic coating of an object of electrically conductive material, wherein the object has at least two surface portions that are desired to be coated with layers of different thicknesses. The device includes an anode. The device is designed to receive the object in such a way that the object constitutes a cathode and that, upon receipt of the object, a space is formed for receiving a liquid-absorbing material and an electrolyte for coating the object. The body of the anode includes at least two surface portions) that have different electrical conductivity and that are arranged opposite to the surface portions of the received object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to one-piece reinforcement elements consisting of an elongate shell-shaped basic body, the inner space of which has reinforcement ribs which are fixedly connected to the basic body, the reinforcement ribs consisting of plastic injection-molded on and their connection to the basic body taking place at discrete connection points via perforations in the basic body through which the plastic passes and extends over the surfaces of the perforations, and of a rigid structure reinforcement which is appended from the same plastic, by means of the same injection-molded operation, at at least one end of the basic body and which corresponds essentially to the form of the cross section of the hollow profile to be reinforced at this point of a body, an expandable adhesive material being applied over a portion of the surface of the rigid structure reinforcement and of the elongate shell-shaped basic body, the form of the rigid structure reinforcement and of the elongate basic body and also the

Abstract: A heat exchange device that includes a structural section and a thin layer of material attached to a surface of the structural section. The thin layer of material has a thickness less than 100 microns. The combination of the structural section and the thin layer of material has a higher thermal transfer coefficient than the structural section alone, the thermal transfer coefficient representing an ability to exchange thermal energy with an ambient gas.

Abstract: A carbon based material produced from the consolidation of amorphous carbon by elevated temperature compression. The material having unique chemical and physical characteristics that lend themselves to a broad range of applications such as in electrical, electrochemical and structural fields.

Abstract: A method of forming a carbon film on a metal substrate at a low temperature has steps of preparing a metal substrate having a softening temperature; forming a catalytic layer having a thickness of greater than 0.01 ?m on the metal substrate, and forming a carbon film on the catalytic layer by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at a reaction temperature less than the softening temperature of the metal substrate. A carbonaceous material is carried into a CVD reaction area by a carrier gas and is thermally decomposed at a reaction temperature between 300° C. and 1000° C. to form the carbon film having a thickness between 0.1 ?m and 10 ?m on the catalytic layer.

Abstract: To make a metal feature, a non-plateable layer is applied to a workpiece surface and then patterned to form a first plating region and a first non-plating region. Then, metal is deposited on the workpiece to form a raised field region in said first plating region and a recessed region in said first non-plating region. Then, an accelerator film is applied globally on the workpiece. A portion of the accelerator film is selectively removed from the field region, and another portion of the accelerator film remains in the recessed acceleration region. Then, metal is deposited onto the workpiece, and the metal deposits at an accelerated rate in the acceleration region, resulting in a greater thickness of metal in the acceleration region compared to metal in the non-activated field region. Then, metal is completely removed from the field region, thereby forming the metal feature.

Abstract: A metal hand tool is fabricated by a method to manufacture the metal hand tool, and the metal hand tool has a body with an outer surface and a preparing region, a printing layer with a mark and an electroplate layer. The method has a forming step, a printing step and an electroplating step. In the preparing step, the body is made of metal. In the printing step, the printing layer is printed on the preparing region in the outer surface of the body and the mark is enchased on the printing layer with an external surface. In the electroplating step, the electroplate layer is electroplated on the external surface of the mark and the outer surface of the body except the preparing region with the printing layer to complete the metal hand tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an assembly for positioning and holding abrasive particles to be electroplated with a metal. The assembly can include a substrate with a surface that is configured for receiving abrasive particles. The assembly can further include an intermediate layer configured to hold the particles and mask at least a portion of each abrasive particle. Additionally, a method for making an abrasive tool using such an assembly is provided, as well as abrasive tools made thereby. In one aspect of this invention, abrasive tools can have abrasive particle tips that are arranged in accordance with a predetermined vertical pattern and a predetermined horizontal pattern as well as a predetermined particle attitude.

Abstract: A magnesium alloy part includes a part body composed of a magnesium alloy containing aluminum; a paint film at least partially covering the part body; and a magnesium fluoride layer provided immediately under the paint film. The magnesium alloy has an aluminum content of about 6.5 weight % or less.

Abstract: A method for producing film-forming materials including resins and/or crosslinkers having a —Si(OR)3 group. Methods of producing coating compositions and coating a substrate, such as a metal substrate, by electrodeposition. Applied coatings containing the film-forming materials can be cured to form crosslinked films on substrates.

Abstract: Provided herein are new methods for the fabrication of gold (Au) alloys and films containing metal or semimetal oxides such as oxides of vanadium (V), for example, Au—V2O5 for use in electrical, mechanical, and microelectromechanical systems (“MEMS”). An example embodiment provides a thin film of an alloy comprising Au—V2O5 in a MEMS for a contact switch. Also described herein are gold-metal oxide thin films for use in, e.g. wear-resistant MEMS. Measurements of contact force and electrical contact resistance between pairs of Au or Au—V films show that increased hardness and resistivity in the alloy films results in higher contact resistance and less adhesion than in pure Au.

Abstract: Electrolysis using a suitable electrolyte provides a completely nonsludging zinc phosphate conversion coating process that produces a high quality conversion coating in a very short time. The suitable electrolyte contains at least water, dissolved nitric acid, and dissolved zinc cations and optionally also contains m chemically distinct species of cations other than zinc and n chemically distinct species of anions other than anions derivable by ionization of phosphoric and nitric acids, each of m and n independently being zero or a positive integer.

Abstract: A plating method, despite employing a face-down manner of plating and using a resistor body between a substrate and an anode, can securely bring an entire surface to be plated of the substrate into contact with a plating solution without permitting intrusion of air bubbles to the surface to be plated, thereby enabling uniform plating, and can easily regulate the temperature of the plating solution.

Abstract: Aqueous, cationic polyelectrolyte dispersions of improved stability are provided in which copolymers of ethylene and selected aminoalkyl acrylates and methacrylates are self dispersed in water with a mixture of phosphoric acid and at least one additional acid selected from alkylsulfonic acids and gallic acid.

Abstract: Flat shaped bodies which comprise at least one metallic layer, a conversion coat applied thereto, and at least one paint coat, and methods for producing such bodies starting from flat, metallic, semifinished products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-cyanide aqueous acidic immersion plating solution having a pH of from about 3.5 to about 6.5 and comprising zinc ions, nickel ions and/or cobalt iron ions, and fluoride ions. In one embodiment the immersion plating solutions of the invention also contain at least one inhibitor containing one or more nitrogen atoms, sulfur atoms, or both nitrogen and sulfur atoms. The present invention also relates to methods for depositing zinc alloy protective coatings on aluminum and aluminum alloy substrates comprising immersing the aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate in the non-cyanide acidic immersion plating solutions of the invention. Optionally, the zinc alloy coated aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate is plated using an electroless or electrolytic metal plating solution.

Abstract: A magnetic anodized aluminium oxide has a layer of anodized aluminium oxide forming a housing for an array of nanowires of a magnetic material formed in nanopores in the layer of anodized aluminium oxide. The nanowires have their side walls embedded in the nanopores in the layer of anodized aluminium oxide for preventing oxidation of the side walls. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite target material which is prepared a thin film on the substrates via electroplating or electroless plating method. The thin film contains phosphorus or boron atoms. The ratio of phosphorus or boron atoms of the thin film is controlled by the solution or process parameters of electroplating or electroless plating process. The multi-elements functional thin film, which possesses optimum contents of phosphorus or boron atoms by coating process, can be used for high-temperature applications because of its better thermal cyclic properties and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A circuit package includes a substrate having an opening and a single unitary heat sink adapted to effectively dissipate heat is positioned in the opening to expose top and bottom surfaces which are respectively coplanar with top and bottom surfaces of the substrate. Selective plating includes applying first and second metal patterns to a substrate surface, creating a potential voltage difference between the first metal pattern and a metal source, and plating the first metal pattern by attracting a first metal type to the voltage potential of the first metal pattern. The voltage potential of the first metal pattern is less than the voltage potential of the metal source.

Abstract: A plating method includes the steps of (a) forming a roughened area in a predetermined area of a substrate, (b) forming a surface-active agent layer above at least the roughened area, (c) forming, above the roughened area, a catalyst layer above the surface-active agent layer, and (d) precipitating a metal layer above the catalyst layer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device that includes a substrate and a nanowall structure disposed on the substrate surface. The device also includes at least one layer conformally deposited over the nanowall structure. The conformal layer(s) is at least a portion of a photoactive junction. A method for making a photovoltaic device includes generating a nanowall structure on a substrate surface and conformally depositing at least one layer over the nanowall structure thereby forming at least one photoactive junction. A solar panel includes at least one photovoltaic device based on a nanowall structure. The solar panel isolates such devices from its surrounding atmospheric environment and permits the generation of electrical power. Optoelectronic device may also incorporate a photovoltaic device based on a nanowall structure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic head can suppress dulling of a magnetic pole tip portion of a write magnetic pole during ion milling carried out when forming the write magnetic pole, and can also suppress fluctuation and nonuniformity in the write core width of the write magnetic pole. The method includes a laminating process of successively laminating a lower magnetic pole layer, a gap layer on the lower magnetic pole layer, and an upper magnetic pole layer on the gap layer to produce a laminated film and an ion milling process of irradiating the laminated film produced by successively laminating the lower magnetic pole layer, the gap layer, and the upper magnetic pole layer from above with an ion beam to trim the laminated film to a narrow width and thereby form the lower magnetic pole layer, the gap layer, and the upper magnetic pole layer into a write magnetic pole.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating light-emitting diode (LED) array structures comprising multiple vertical LED stacks coupled to a single metal substrate is provided. The LED array structure may comprise two, three, four, or more LED stacks arranged in any configuration. Each of the LED stacks may have an individual external connection to make a common anode array since the p-doped regions of the LED stacks are all coupled to the metal substrate, or some to all of the n-doped regions of the LED stacks may be electrically connected to create a parallel LED array. Such LED arrays may offer better heat conduction and improved matching of LED characteristics (e.g., forward voltage and emission wavelength) between the individual LED stacks compared to conventional LED arrays.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a substrate having at least two surfaces and a multilayered film disposed on at least a portion of at least one surface of the substrate. Elongated nanostructures are disposed on the multilayered film. The device incorporates a top layer of the multilayered film contacting the elongated nanostructures that is a tunnel junction. The device has at least one layer deposited over the elongated nanostructures defining a portion of a photoactive junction. A solar panel includes at least one photovoltaic device. The solar panel isolates each such devices from its surrounding atmospheric environment and permits the generation of electrical power.

Abstract: In a through hole closing process, a metal plate is attached to one surface of a conductive base member having a plurality of through holes by the use of a magnet, in a copper plating process, a copper plating layer is formed on the conductive base member and the metal plate exposed within the through holes, from the side of the conductive base member where the metal plate is not attached, thereby to fill up the through holes, in a film forming process, a Pd alloy film is formed by plating on the surface of the conductive base member after removal of the metal plate, and in a removal process, the copper plating layer is removed by selective etching, thereby to produce a hydrogen production filter that is used in a reformer of a fuel cell so as to be capable of stably producing high purity hydrogen gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-temperature fuel cell system, consisting of a fuel cell stack (1) with a layering of several ceramic fuel cells (2) which in each case are separated from one another by way of interconnect layer (3). The interconnect layers comprise openings for cooling (4) or for the supply (5a) and removal (5b) of media to and from the fuel cells. The fuel cell stack may be set under mechanical compressive stress in the direction (6) of the layering. Elastic bead arrangements (7; 7?) for sealing the openings (4, 5a, 5b) or the electrically active region (10) are provided at least in regions.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to compositionally-graded hybrid nanostructure-based photovoltaic devices comprising elongated semiconductor nanostructures and an amorphous semiconductor single layer with continuous gradation of doping concentration across its thickness from substantially intrinsic to substantially conductive. In other embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods of making such photovoltaic devices, as well as to applications which utilize such devices (e.g., solar cell modules).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming conductive interconnect layers useful in articles such as semiconductor chips, memory devices, semiconductor dies, circuit modules, and electronic systems. An electrochemical cell may be used in the reduction of oxides on a dual-purpose layer.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The electrochemical gas sensor includes: a substrate; an electrode patterned on the substrate; a solid electrolyte layer having proton conductivity formed on the substrate having the patterned electrode; and a hydrophobic microporous membrane formed on the solid electrolyte layer. The gas sensor chip is easily integrated with a driving circuit and uses a solid electrolyte layer, and thus it can be manufactured in a smaller size and in a large area process.

Abstract: An adjustable anode assembly for a wet processing apparatus to allow selective tuning of the electrical field density distribution within a wet process chemical of the apparatus, which in turn allows the process specification or specifications to be selectively varied across the process surface of a wafer when processed by the apparatus. The adjustable anode assembly includes an anode which may be divided into several plates, at least one of which is capable of being moved from a first plane to at least a second plane.

Abstract: There are described thermoelectric elements that are manufactured by using a porous matrix or a porous substrate. The matrix consists of an electrically insulating material having sufficient thermal and chemical resistance as well as the lowest possible thermal conductivity, and is provided in predetermined regions with different thermoelectric materials, so that continuous conductors are formed in the matrix. These are electrically connected to one another to form thermocouples, which in turn are electrically interconnected with one another to form the thermoelectric element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of a surface-structured substrate, comprising the steps: (i) production of a first substrate, nanostructured with inorganic nanoclusters on at least one surface, (ii) application of a substrate material for a second substrate, different from the first material to the nanostructured surface of the first substrate as obtained in step (i) and (iii) separation of the first substrate from the second substrate of step (ii), including the inorganic nanoclusters to give a second substrate nanostructured with the nanoclusters.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an electrolytic copper plating method characterized in employing a phosphorous copper anode having a crystal grain size of 1500 ?m (or more) to 20000 ?m in an electrolytic copper plating method employing a phosphorous copper anode. Upon performing electrolytic copper plating, an object is to provide an electrolytic copper plating method of a semiconductor wafer for preventing the adhesion of particles, which arise at the anode side in the plating bath, to the plating object such as a semiconductor wafer, a phosphorous copper anode for electrolytic copper plating, and a semiconductor wafer having low particle adhesion plated with such method and anode.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device that includes a plurality of elongated nanostructures disposed on the surface of a substrate and a multilayered film deposited conformally over the elongated nanostructures forming a plurality of photoactive junctions. A method making such a photovoltaic device includes generating a plurality of elongated nanostructures on a substrate surface and conformally depositing a multilayered film forming a plurality of photoactive junctions. The plurality of photoactive junctions are designed to capture different wavelengths of light. A solar panel includes at least one photovoltaic device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a nano-particulate electrode for Dye Solar Cells including the steps of providing an electrically conductive substrate, formation of a nanoparticulate layer on the substrate, application of dye to the nanoparticulate layer and an additional step of electrolytic treatment of the nanoparticulate layer in an electrolyte.

Abstract: A molten salt bath includes at least one kind selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, and iodine, zinc, at least two kinds of alkali metals; and fluorine. Here, the molten salt bath may include oxygen. Furthermore, the molten salt bath may include at least one kind selected from the group consisting of tungsten, chromium, molybdenum, tantalum, titanium, zirconium, vanadium, hafnium, and niobium. Additionally provided are a deposit obtained using the aforementioned molten salt bath, a method of manufacturing a metal product using the aforementioned molten salt bath, and a metal product.