Abstract: Examples herein relate to an electro-mechanical system for power cord detection, the system comprising a pin contained in a cavity of a receptacle adapted to receive a power cord, the pin comprising a first conductive pad, a second and a third conductive pads forming an open circuit and separated from the first conductive pad and an electrical circuit. The first conductive pad is adapted to be moved responsive to the power cord depressing the pin and the electrical circuit provides a first output responsive to the first conductive pad shorting the second and the third conductive pads.

Abstract: A combination switch includes an Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT), an anti-parallel diode, and a saturable inductor. The diode and inductor are coupled in series between a collector and an emitter of the IGBT. The inductor is fashioned so that it will come out of saturation when a forward bias current flow through the diode falls below a saturation current level. When the diode current falls (for example, due to another combination switch of a phase leg turning on), the diode current initially falls at a high rate until the inductor current drops to the saturation current level. Thereafter, the diode current falls at a lower rate. The lower rate allows the diode current to have a soft landing to zero current, thereby eliminating or reducing voltage and/or current spikes that would otherwise occur. Multiple methods of implementing and manufacturing the saturable inductor are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention comprises a high frequency inductor filter apparatus and method of use thereof. In one embodiment, an inductor is used to filter/convert power, where the inductor comprises a distributed gap core and/or a powdered core material. The inductor core is wound with one or more turns, where multiple turns are optionally electrically wired in parallel. In one example, the minimum carrier frequency is above that usable by an iron-steel inductor, such as greater than ten kiloHertz at fifty or more amperes. The core is optionally an annular core, solid rod core, or a core used for multiple phases, such as a ‘C’ or ‘E’ core. Optionally, the inductor is used in an inductor/converter apparatus, where output power has a carrier frequency, modulated by a fundamental frequency, and a set of harmonic frequencies, in conjunction with one or more of a silicon carbide, gallium arsenide, and/or gallium nitride based transistor.

Abstract: Flow battery. The battery includes high energy density fluid electrodes having a selected non-Newtonian rheology and structure for providing intermittent flow pulses of controlled volume and duration of the fluid electrodes, the structure adapted to promote interfacial slip to improve flow uniformity. The battery disclosed herein provides a potential solution to large-scale electrical energy storage needs.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to liquid anodes and fuels for production of metals from their oxides. In one aspect, the invention relates apparatuses for producing a metal from a metal oxide comprising a cathode in electrical contact with an electrolyte, a liquid metal anode separated from the cathode and the electrolyte by a solid oxygen ion conducting membrane, a fuel inlet, and a power supply for establishing a potential between the cathode and the anode. In another aspect, the invention relates to methods for production of metals from their oxides comprising providing a cathode in electrical contact with a molten electrolyte, providing a liquid metal anode separated from the cathode and the molten electrolyte by a solid oxygen ion conducting membrane, providing a fuel inlet, delivering a gaseous fuel comprising hydrogen to the liquid metal anode via the fuel inlet, and establishing a potential between the cathode and the anode.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrochemical modification of liquid streams employing an electrolytic cell having an oxidation site defined by an anode, an anode compartment comprising liquid electrolyte anolyte where oxidation is effected, a cathode compartment comprising liquid electrolyte catholyte where reduction is effected, a cathode comprising conducting cathode particulates forming a cathode particulates bed and a current feeder device in at least intermittent contact with said cathode particulates where the cathode particulates are in motion and the particulates motion is substantially independent of bulk electrolyte flow, a separator which confines the cathode particulates to the cathode compartment, constrains electrolyte flow through the cathode particulates bed and permits ionic conduction of current between the anode and cathode, a cathode particulates conveyance system arranged to manipulate cathode particulates motion including a magnetic subsystem having at least one source of magnetic field arranged to

Abstract: An electrolysis device producing alkali metals from a liquid alkali metal heavy metal alloy, including at least two connected tubes forming an electrolysis unit. Two solid electrolyte tubes are arranged concentrically in each tube and oriented with openings towards one end of each tube such that a first annular gap for guiding a liquid alkali metal forming an anode is located between the inside of the tube and the outside of the solid electrolyte tubes. An alloy inlet and outlet for the liquid alkali metal in each of the tubes leads into the first annular gap of a tube. An inner chamber sealed off from the alloy inlet, first annular gap, and alloy outlet in each solid electrolyte tube receives liquid alkali metal that can be used as a cathode connected to the alkali metal outlet. Two respective closure devices are arranged at the two ends of each tube.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell for preparing alkali metals from a liquid alkali metal heavy metal alloy, including a tube arranged essentially horizontally having a closure device at each of the two ends of the tube. At least one solid electrolyte tube arranged concentrically in the tube and oriented with openings towards one end of the tube such that a first annular gap for conducting a liquid alkali metal, which forms an anode, is present between the inside of the tube and the outside of the solid electrolyte tube. An interior space in the solid electrolyte tube, sealed off from an alloy inlet, first annular gap and an alloy outlet, accommodates liquid alkali metal that can be used as a cathode.

Abstract: A machining electrode includes: a base substance including an electrolytic portion faced to a workpiece on one end face in an axial direction and having conductivity; an insulating unit provided on a face in a direction generally orthogonal to the axial direction of the base substance and having insulation; and a shielding unit provided on a face opposite to the base substance of the insulating unit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a motorized device for adjusting the interelectrodic gap in mercury cathode electrolysis cells, mainly consisting of a frame, to which a number of anodes are suspended, movable in the vertical direction by means of a single jackscrew driven by a gear motor acting on double levers. The jackscrew with the motor and the lever system are fixed to a main frame, supported on the cell bottom by means of supports positioned on adjustable columns, while the above mentioned movable frame (also called sub-frame) carrying the anodes, is connected to the lever arms by means of four hinged supports. The shifting of the movable frame and, consequently, of the anodes can be controlled by a centralized and computerized system (which is not part of the invention) as a function of voltage and current variation measurements.

Abstract: A method for anodizing silicon substrate includes forming an n-type silicon embedded layer (21) made of n-type silicon on a predetermined area of a first surface of the p-type single crystal silicon substrate (2). N-type silicon layers (4, 6) are formed on the upper surface of the p-type single crystal silicon substrate (2) and on the n-type silicon embedded layer (21). Silicon diffusion layers (5, 7) containing high-concentration p-type impurities are formed on predetermined areas of the n-type silicon layers (4, 6) to contact the n-type silicon embedded layer (21). An electrode layer (13) is formed on the lower surface of the p-type silicon substrate (2). The anode of a DC power source (15) is connected to the electrode layer (13), and the cathode is connected to a counter electrode (23), which is opposed to the p-type silicon substrate (2).

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for adding mercury ions to a sample fluid within a flow-through sensor system comprising housing means in fluid connection with a main sample stream conduit via a semi-permeable part (2.11), a first electrode (2.8) located within the housing means preferably designed so that it would be in electrical contact with only the mercury when the mercury is located within the housing means, and a second electrode (2.12) located ideally within the main sample stream conduit, the apparatus being arranged such that when mercury is located within housing means and an electrical current is passed between the first and second electrodes, mercury ions are formed in the housing means which then are able to migrate from the housing means via the semi-permeable part into the main sample stream conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing metal which provides a brushless electrical current continuity between a member, such as an electroforming mandrel or an electroplating rack, and a current source, comprising: (a) an electrode; (b) a member, spaced apart from the electrode, wherein the member defines a space that is partially or fully filled with a first conductive liquid in electrical contact with the member; (c) a second conductive liquid electrically isolated from the electrode; and (d) connecting means for electrically connecting the first conductive liquid and the second conductive liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for depositing metal on a mandrel which provides a brushless electrical current continuity between the mandrel and a current source, comprising: (a) a metal deposition vessel; (b) an electrode disposed in the vessel; (c) a mandrel disposed in the vessel, spaced apart from the electrode; (d) an electrically conductive liquid disposed in the vessel; (e) an electrolytic solution disposed in the tank; (f) a layer of a substantially electrically nonconductive material disposed between the electrolytic solution and the conductive liquid; and (g) connecting means for electrically connecting the mandrel and the conductive liquid, coupled to the mandrel.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery has a negative electrode, a positive electrode and a non-aqueous electrolyte with lithium ion conductivity. A composite oxide produced from a metal or a metalloid and lithium represented by composition formula Li.sub.x MO (where M represents metals or metalloids other than alkali metals, and x satisifies 0.ltoreq.x) is used as an active material of one or both of the negative electrode and the positive electrode. The battery exhibits a large charging/discharging capacity and a high energy density together with smaller polarization (internal resistance) on charging and discharging which facilitates a large current charging and discharging with a long cycle life and reduces deterioration due to excess charging and excess discharging.

Abstract: A process for the electrochemical regeneration of a co-enzyme, which process comprises the steps of(i) electrochemically oxidizing a medium containing oxidized co-enzyme and biochemically inactive isomers of the co-enzyme to oxidize the biochemically inactive isomers,(ii) generating a mercury amalgam in an electrochemical cell;(iii) contacting in a reaction vessel the mercury amalgam and the medium containing the oxidize co-enzyme from step (i), with one of the reactants selected from the mercury amalgam and the oxidized co-enzyme being in the form of a plurality of droplets.

Abstract: A metal amalgamatable with mercury, gold in particular, is extracted from a slurry in which it is dispersed in low concentration, in particular from alluvial sands, by contact with mercury the surface of which is continuously freed of the sulfides which form thereon as a secondary process and is renewed continuously by electrolytic deposit of mercury.

Abstract: A cathodic protection system for protecting a metallic structure (16, 74) from corrosion caused by current flowing between the structure and surrounding environment includes a non-ionized metal anode (18) which exists in a liquid state at the particular pressure and temperature at its location in a hole (20) in the earth. The liquid anode (18) is composed of a metal having a specific gravity greater than 10 and a molecular weight greater than, or equal to, 100. In a preferred embodiment, it is mercury. The amount of liquid anode can be adjusted to regulate the density of electrical current emanating from the anode and the hole in which the anode is located includes a measuring system (46) for monitoring the quantity of liquid anode (18) in the earth hole.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolytic cell including means for holding a first electrode in position relative to a second electrode to form an inter-electrode zone of specified dimension for containing electrolyte, wherein the first electrode is held essentially free from support by the internal surfaces of the cell, said means for holding including means for supporting the first electrode from the second electrode; and conductive means for electrically connecting one electrode to a separate liquid pad of higher conductivity than the electrolyte.

Abstract: A method for protection against overloads in mercury cathode electrolytic cells, consisting in detecting, in an indirect way, the average currents of the two semicells forming the cell to be protected by measuring the average of the anode potentials of the two semicells with respect to the two average potentials of the two semibottoms of the next cell, via a bridge circuit connecting said two average potentials of the semicells with said two average potentials of the semibottoms of the next cell, and in obtaining, with a balanced cell, two signals of bridge unbalance, by connecting in said bridge two double potentiometers having only one control, such as to actuate alarm devices when, because of overloaded anodes or of current unbalances, the value of one of said signals is zero. A device for carrying out this method consists of bridge electric circuits, with a double potentiometer for working out signals, as well as contact-connected alarm thresholds for setting in action alarm and/or anode-lifting devices.

Abstract: A monitoring and control apparatus for flowing mercury electrolytic cells by measurement of the voltage drop in the shunted feed line of each electrode group comprising taps at the ends of a measured section of electrical bus bars for each electrode group electrically connected to a measuring means whereby the measured voltage drop is fed as an amplified signal to the measuring means, a control means set for a value from the total cell current divided by the number of taps comparing the actual measured values at various feed lines and a signal means activated when a set excess current is exceeded and to actuate the adjusters for a group of electrodes to lift the electrodes stepwise by an adjustable amount until excess current is not measured by comparison indicating that the feed line is no longer overloaded and a method of monitoring electric current in a mercury cell.

Abstract: In a flowing mercury cathode electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of aqueous solutions there is provided an improved brine flow baffle insertable into the brine inlet trough.

Abstract: A protective shield adjacent the electrolyzer container and electrolyzer cover for a flowing mercury chlor-alkali electrolytic cell is provided to serve as a stop to prevent retaining means utilized to hold the electrolyzer cover in position from being propelled into the work area and hot brine from being spewn into the work area in the event of explosive hydrogen gas buildup within the electrolytic cell gas.

Abstract: An electrolysis method involving electrolyzing, between anodic and cathodic surface areas, a compound dissolved in a solvent. A liquid cathodic body is located in a region such that it is possible for waves in the body to touch anodic surface area. The improvement includes placing a bed of objects into the mentioned region. Interstices remain between the objects for accommodating liquid from the mentioned body.

Abstract: A coated metal anode for the electrolytic recovery of metals is disclosed, whereby the working surface of this anode is represented by rods 4 which are arranged in a plane in spaced, parallel relationship to each other and which are electrically connected to a current supply rail 3.To provide a coated metal anode of the identified type, which ensures an operation with acceptable current density and which permits with a simple constructive assembly an energy saving deposit of metal with high purity on the oppositly disposed cathode, the total surface F.sub.A of the rods 4 and the surface F.sub.p assumed by the total arrangement of the rods 4 fulfills the relationship 6.gtoreq.F.sub.A :F.sub.p .gtoreq.2.

Abstract: In an anode of a cell for alkali metal chloride electrolysis by the amalgam method and comprising a grid-like or net-like level titanium anode surface, optionally current distributing rails, a bridge acting as a primary conducting rail and at least one copper bolt as a current supply means, the improvement wherein the copper bolt has a screw thread, the bridge having a threaded passage for receiving the screw thread and a conical passage for receiving the conical portion of the copper bolt, the copper bolt and bridge being screwed together in a force- and form-locking manner.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for electrolysis of an aqueous sodium chloride solution is provided with a closure for its open side which is resistant to degradation by chlorine and ozone. The cover has an external elastomeric layer which is stable when exposed to ozone and a polytetrafluoroethylene layer facing the aqueous solution which resists attack by chlorine, and intermediate polyamide, polyester or fiberglass mesh on synthetic rubber layers. The synthetic rubber layer is chloroprene vulcanized with lead oxide.

Abstract: Mass transfer to the surface of a substantially horizontal, foraminous gas-evolving electrode, suspended in the electrolyte pool over a co-operating electrode, is improved by inducing a vigorous multiple recirculation motion of the electrolyte to and from the interelectrodic gap through the openings in the foraminous electrode exploiting the gas lift of evolved gas bubbles by means of a multiplicity of baffles, alternatively slanting one way and the opposite with respect to the vertical axis, and defining, with their lower edges, an alternating series of large and small areas over the foraminous electrode surface; electrodes and cells incorporating the hydrodynamic means to effect recirculation are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for adjusting the space between an adjustable anode and a cathode in an electrolytic cell wherein current measurements and voltage measurements are obtained for conductors to the anode sets and compared with predetermined standards for the same conductors and anode sets. Measurement of deviation from the predetermined standards are used to determine the direction of anode adjustment. A digital computer operably connected to motor drive means adapted to raise or lower anode sets upon appropriate electric signals from the computer is a preferred embodiment of this invention.

Abstract: A process for chemical enrichment of uranium with respect to a lighter one of its isotopes. The process consists in contacting uranium of valence state III and uranium of valence state IV, or a compound of uranium of valence state III and a different compound of uranium of valence state III. One of the phases which are contacted or the only phase is liquid. The system should be substantially free of elements which would cause uranium III to oxidize to valence IV.

Abstract: Equipment for controlling, monitoring, determining the most effective operating conditions and operating, and for displaying data in, alkali metal chloride electrolysis plants which are operated by the amalgam process, wherein the equipment has, for each electrolytic cell or for each group of electrolytic cells, a data collecting and processing device for controlling, monitoring and determining the most effective operating conditions the electrolytic cell or group, and all the data collecting and processing devices are connected to a central data collecting and processing device for central operation and for displaying data.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of halogens and alkali metal hydroxide by electrolysis of aqueous solution of alkali metal halides in a flowing mercury electrolysis cell wherein the salt solutions do not have to purified and to novel amalgam denuders and a mercury electrolytic cell plant without a salt purification step.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for adjusting the space between an adjustable anode and a cathode in an electrolytic cell wherein current measurements and voltage measurements are obtained for conductors to the anode sets and compared with predetermined standards for the same conductors and anode sets. Measurement of deviation from the predetermined standards are used to determine the direction of anode adjustment. A digital computer operably connected to motor drive means adapted to raise or lower anode sets upon appropriate electric signals from the computer is a preferred embodiment of this invention.In a preferred embodiment, potential incipient short circuits are detected and avoided by the improvement which comprises:(a) obtaining the difference between two successive current signals for a selected conductor and doubling the difference to obtain a total current difference, .DELTA..sub.

Abstract: A deflected flow inlet system for use in mercury-type electrolytic cells to help prevent inlet flow from jumping the inlet channel and splattering the mercury cathode onto the anodes.

Abstract: A flexible elastomeric cover particularly for an electrolytic cell of the mercury type. The cover has at least one layer comprised of a corrosion resistant elastomeric composition including a vulcanized rubbery polymer to resist deleterious fluids and a multiplicity of small, non-porous, inert particles of a plate-like structure dispersed throughout the polymer to further resist the permeation and penetration of such fluids into the cover with the preponderance of the particles having an aspect ratio of at least 20:1 and being oriented in a direction generally parallel to a surface of the cover to provide a barrier to the migration of such deleterious fluids. The rubbery polymer is preferably polyisoprene and the plate-like or platy particles are preferably graphite or glass flakes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining signals from the anode buses of a mercury cell to provide automatic protection against short circuits, visual readouts, and computer information. A multiplexer is associated with each cell which scans the signals from the various bus bars. The scanned signals from each bus bar are sequential with one another and are converted to proportional voltage and anode bus current signals, which are transmitted to a console for decoding and processing to provide a visual readout and to a computer for processing and anode adjustment. In addition, each cell has an overcurrent and short circuit protection circuit based upon anode bus current. The instantaneous anode bus current for a given bus of a cell is compared with an average anode bus current for that cell and the anodes raised when the current exceeds the average bus current by a certain percentage.

Abstract: An improvement for use in conjunction with the preventing of short circuits in one of a plurality of electrolytic cells and one of a plurality of horizontal mercury cells electrically connected in series with each cell having means for raising a plurality of anodes relative to the cathode and a plurality of anode buses. Switch means are associated with at least two of each plurality of anode buses for closing an electric circuit upon sensing a short circuit condition. The closing of the electric circuit results in the lighting of the lamp indicating which one of the plurality of anode buses the switch that has closed is associated with, a lamp for indicating which one of the plurality of cells the switch that has closed is associated with, and causes the raising of the plurality of anodes with which the switch that has closed is associated.

Abstract: An annular rigid disc and elastomeric annular ring sealing assembly for electrolytic cells with adjustable anode posts. The seal assembly has extended life, less costly construction and easier replacement due to the reduced cross-sectional area of flexible sealing material exposed to the hostile environment of the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: In a computer-controlled mercury cell plant comprising a cell room, a mercury cell in the cell room, a control room remote from the cell room, and a central control apparatus including a memorized program digital computer arranged to adjust the height of anode banks in the cell in response to analog signals supplied by anode current sensors associated with the banks, a substation is provided in the cell room by means of which the analog signals are multiplexed, digitalized, encoded and serialized before leaving the cell room and are sent to the central control apparatus through a telephonic loop. The substation is preferably situated adjacent a front end of the cell at a distance not exceeding 2 meters. Signal disturbances and use of bundles of cables are thus avoided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode having an electroconductive substrate and an electroconductive layer on the substrate. The electroconductive layer is an intermetallic compound of a platinum group metal and a transition metal. Also disclosed is a method of electrolyzing brine, such as sodium chloride brine, where the brine is fed to an electrolytic cell having an anode and a cathode, an electrical current is passed from the anode to the cathode, and chlorine is evolved at the anode, which anode has an electroconductive substrate with an electroconductive layer thereon formed by an intermetallic compound of a platinum group metal and a transition metal. The electroconductive layer may either be an intermediate layer with a further layer of a catalytic material, as an electrocatalytic material or surface catalytic material, or it may be the catalytic material itself.

Abstract: A vertical liquid electrode is employed in an electrolytic cell used to manufacture chemical products by the electrolytic decomposition of an electrolyte. The cell incorporates the advantages of high current density, high current efficiency, low space requirement, low liquid electrode requirement, and convenience of optional diaphragm employment.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the variation from a predetermined value of the current flowing in any one of a set of electrical conductors which comprises a plurality of saturable resonant circuit devices arranged in a network, each device being associated with a conductor, and wherein the network is connected to a means for measuring changes in resonance frequency of one or more of said devices.The apparatus is especially applicable for the detection of short circuits in electrolytic cells having a flowing mercury cathode, for example in cells for the manufacture of chlorine and sodium hydroxide by electrolyzing sodium chloride brine.

Abstract: The anode is particularly designed for use at anodic densities D.sub.A greater than 10 kA/m.sup.2, and comprises substantially horizontally extending coated anode segments having a clear spacing of at least 1.5 mm from each other and upwardly extending lateral surfaces. Each segment has an active coated part higher than 5 mm and not exceeding 20 mm, measured from the horizontal undersurface of the anode. The actual active surface of the parts, up to heights of 5 mm, 7.5 mm, 10 mm and 15 mm, respectively, exceeds at least 2.5, 3.33, 4 and 4.7 times, respectively, the projected anode area which latter is the total area bounded by the periphery of the anode. At least half the actual active surface extends upwardly relative to the horizontal base area of the anode.

Abstract: A continuous flow-through mercury cathode electrolysis cell is described having a parallel anode and cathode and a non-conductive porous diaphragm separator. The cathode chamber is constructed so as to develop turbulence in the catholyte flowing therethrough to effect the maximum contact between the mercury and the catholyte solute and to promote removal therefrom of any gaseous by-products. Built-in heat exchangers provide efficient control of temperature sensitive electrolyses.

Abstract: An improved anode adjustment means for mercury cells is disclosed in which a plurality of worm gears are employed to adjust the height of a plurality of anodes attached to arms secured to a central anode support member which is operated by the plurality of worm gear apparatus. Utilization of this novel worm gear apparatus eliminates the need for individual adjustment of each anode in the cell and thereby minimizes the overall operating costs.