Abstract: A method for filling recessed microstructures at a surface of a microelectronic workpiece, such as a semiconductor wafer, with metallization is set forth. In accordance with the method, a metal layer is deposited into the microstructures with a process, such as an electroplating process, that generates metal grains that are sufficiently small so as to substantially fill the recessed microstructures. The deposited metal is subsequently subjected to an annealing process at a temperature below about 100 degrees Celsius, and may even take place at ambient room temperature to allow grain growth which provides optimal electrical properties. Various novel apparatus for executing unique annealing processes are also set forth.

Abstract: A mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel generator system uses an electrolytic solution to generate gaseous hydrogen-oxygen fuel through the electrolysis of water. This generator system includes: at least one electrolytic cell with multiple metallic plates used as an internal isolation system in which two of the plates separately connect to both the positive and negative terminal of a DC circuit. These plates are used for the electrolysis of the electrolytic solution in the cell(s) to produce, under pressure, mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel. The apparatus also includes a cooling system containing a water cooling tank in which there are two zones: one is the electrolytic solution circulation coil and the another is a water circulation zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating a rotogravure cylinder out of a plating solution is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plating tank adapted to support the cylinder and to contain a plating solution so that the cylinder is at least partially disposed into the plating solution. The apparatus also includes a non-dissolvable anode at least partially disposed within the plating solution. A current source is electrically connected to the non-dissolvable anode and to the cylinder. An ultrasonic system may be provided to introduce wave energy into the plating solution includes at least one transducer element mountable within the tank and a power generator adapted to provide electrical energy to the transducer element. A holding tank having a circulation pump, a mixing system and heating and cooling elements for the plating solution may be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolytic cell for the production of aluminum comprising an anode and an electrolytic tank where the electrolytic tank comprises an outer shell made from steel and carbon blocks in the bottom of the tank forming the cathode of the electrolytic cells. At least a part of the sidewall of the electrolytic tank consists of one or more evaporation cooled panels, and wherein high temperature, heat resistant and heat insulating material is arranged between the evaporation cooled panels and the steel shell. The invention also includes a method for maintaining a crust on the sidewall of the tank and for recovering heat from the cooling medium inside the panel for transformation into electrical energy.

Abstract: A device for cleaning jewelry and the like has a housing with an electro-cleaning part and a steam cleaning part. A cleaning bath tank is made of an electrically conductive material. The tank is supported in the electro-cleaning part and can be connected to an electric potential and filled with a conductive fluid that cleans more effectively when heated. The jewelry cleaning device also has an electrical conductor extending into the tank, one that is electrically insulated from the tank and can be connected to an electric potential. There can be placed into the tank an insert with a support surface and conductive engagement means supported so that jewelry engages in an electrically conductive way with the insert. The insert is placed to avoid direct electrical contact between the engagement means and the tank.

Abstract: A device for cleaning jewelry and the like is disclosed, having a housing with an electro-cleaning portion and a steam cleaning portion, and a cleaning bath tank formed of an electrically conductive material. The tank is supported within the electro-cleaning portion of the housing and is connectable to an electric potential and fillable with a conductive fluid that exhibits enhanced cleaning properties when heated. The jewelry cleaning device also has an electrical conductor that extends into the interior of the tank. The electrical conductor is electrically insulated from the tank and connectable to an electric potential. Further, the device has an insert positionable in the tank, and this insert includes a support surface, and a conductive engagement means supported by the insert, for electrical conductive engagement with jewelry to be cleaned. The insert is positioned to avoid direct electrical contact between the conductive engagement means and the tank.

Abstract: An electropolishing device having: an electrode device, which includes a positive electrode guide, a negative electrode guide, a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate and a negative working electrode; a clamping apparatus, which includes at least an insulated screw, an upper insulated piece and a lower insulated piece; and an insulated structure, which includes an upper insulated cover and a lower insulated cover.

Abstract: A mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel generator system uses an electrolytic solution to generate gaseous hydrogen-oxygen fuel through the electrolysis of water. This generator system includes: at least one electrolytic cell with multiple metallic plates used as an internal isolation system in which two of the plates separately connect to both the positive and negative terminal of a DC circuit. These plates are used for the electrolysis of the electrolytic solution in the cell(s) to produce, under pressure, mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel. The apparatus also includes a cooling system containing a water cooling tank in which there are two zones: one is the electrolytic solution circulation coil and the another is a water circulation zone.

Abstract: An electrolytic reactor system for producing non-joule heat has a plurality of small cells arranged in an interconnected array, wherein each cell is characterized by having a relatively small cathode separated from a relatively large anode by a small gap, with the cells immersed in an electrolytic bath.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plating method for use in forming a liner for plating in a conductor-embedding fine recess that is defined in a surface of a semiconductor substrate, and an interconnection forming method for use in forming an interconnection using such a liner, and characterized by reducing an organic metal compound in a nonaqueous solvent to plate a surface of a base material with metal. The plating method can easily be used similarly to an aqueous electroless plating process and is capable of forming a defect-free sound metal plated layer on the surface of a substrate which has a fine recess or the like for embedding a conductor therein, and the interconnection forming method is capable of forming an embedded interconnection that comprises a defect-free sound electric conductor in a fine recess.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus having a platen; a polishing pad disposed over the platen; a slurry dispenser disposed over the polishing pad; a cathode connected electrically to the polishing pad; a wafer carrier disposed over the polishing pad; an anode connected electrically to the wafer carrier; and a power supply connected to the anode and the cathode. The present invention further discloses a method to remove a surface layer from a wafer using a polishing pad, a slurry, and an electrical current.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for chemically heating one or more components of, or intake air flowing to, an internal combustion engine by feeding hydrogen to a catalyst. In accordance with the invention, condensation of fuels on cold engine cylinder walls during and after cold start-ups is prevented, thereby reducing wear on the engine. The invention also provides a method and apparatus for reducing pollutants commonly occurring during cold start-up of combustion engines by heating components of, or intake air flowing to, a combustion engine, in order to quickly warm the engine and its catalytic converter to operating temperatures. Preferably, the hydrogen is supplied from an electrolyzer or other on-board source of hydrogen and the hydrogen and a source of oxygen are provided to the catalyst resulting in exothermic oxidation of hydrogen to heat the air intake or other components of the engine.

Abstract: The present invention is a device, which generates a hydrogen and oxygen gas, preferably used for welding. The hydrogen and oxygen gas is generated by an electrolyzing process. Electrolyte is pumped into the hydrogen-oxygen generator where the gas is separated from the electrolyte by applying a direct current voltage across the generator. Oxygen is formed in one part, hydrogen in the other and then combined to form the gas. As the gas is generated, pressure is built up. When the pressure reaches an operating pressure, the gas is pumped via the plumbing system into the electrolyte reservoir, through a filtering process, and stored in a gas reservoir that is connected to a supply line. In operation the supply line is attached to a torch.

Abstract: According to aspect of the invention, a plating system is provided which includes a tank for containing a plating solution, a shaft extending into the tank, and a substrate holder mounted to the shaft. The shaft and the tank are rotatable relative to one another. The substrate holder is configured to support a substrate in position so that at least a first face of the substrate is exposed to the plating solution in the tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adding a metal, for example sodium, to a melt of a material, for example aluminum, in a vessel, in which a molten compound of the metal or a solution of a compound of the metal is provided in a container (12), the container being positioned outside the vessel, the compound is electrolytically decomposed and ions of the metal are caused to pass through a wall of a solid-state electrolyte (14) which is a conductor therefor, from a first side of the wall to an opposite second side thereof, and to combine with electrons at the second side of the wall and then to flow as molten metal from the container into the melt in the vessel.

Abstract: There is provided an electrolysis gas converter, which prevents excessive gas generation and can maintain a constant amount of gas conversion even if outside air conditions such as humidity changes. The converter, which provides DC current to a jointed electrochemical device 8 comprising a solid polymer electrolytic film 3 between an anode 1 and a cathode 2 having a catalytic layer on a base substrate of conductive porous material, comprises means 11 and 17 which provide a fixed current to the jointed electrochemical device 8.

Abstract: A process for cleaning an electrically conducting surface (3) by arranging for the surface to form the cathode of an electrolytic cell in which the anode (1) is maintained at a DC voltage in excess of 30V and an electrical arc discharge (electro-plasma) is established at the surface of the workpiece by suitable adjustment of the operating parameters, characterized in that the working gap between the anode and the cathode is filled with an electrically conductive medium consisting of a foam (9) comprising a gas/vapor phase and a liquid phase. The process can be adapted for simultaneously coating the metal surface by including ions of the species required to form the coating in the electrically conductive medium.

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

Abstract: To generate an especially good heat transfer between a seating face of a storage plate support and a storage plate, during coating with a sputter source in a vacuum installation, the seating face of the storage plate support is slightly annularly convexly arched and the storage plate is clamped in the center as well as on its outer margin by a center mask and an outer mask against the arched seating face. Hereby an especially good heat transfer is attained with very low arching d, whereby the storage plate is treated gently and simultaneously, during the coating process, no layer thickness distribution problems occur through arching that is too large.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cooling system for a high intensity electric circuit designed to power an electrolysis vessel with high intensity current. Said system comprises a tube (18) made of conductive metal in series and/or in parallel in the electric circuit, conveying the high intensity current and liquid circulating circuit (34) comprising a pump with variable flow rate (28) maintaining a liquid flow in the tube for recovering the heat released by the passage of high intensity current in said tube and a heat exchanger (30) for evacuating the heat recovered in the tube and restore it to the electrolysis vessel for maintaining its temperature above a crystallisation threshold of the electrolysis, the variable flow rate of the pump being able to be adapted based on the value of the intensity of the high intensity current.

Abstract: A method for filling recessed microstructures at a surface of a microelectronic workpiece, such as a semiconductor wafer, with metallization is set forth. In accordance with the method, a metal layer is deposited into the microstructures with a process, such as an electroplating process, that generates metal grains that are sufficiently small so as to substantially fill the recessed microstructures. The deposited metal is subsequently subjected to an annealing process at a temperature below about 100 degrees Celsius, and may even take place at ambient room temperature to allow grain growth which provides optimal electrical properties. Various novel apparatus for executing unique annealing processes are also set forth.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to apparatus and methods for planarization of metal surfaces having both recessed and raised features, over a large range of feature sizes. The invention accomplishes this by increasing the fluid agitation in raised regions with respect to recessed regions. That is, the agitation of the electropolishing bath fluid is agitated or exchanged as a function of elevation on the metal film profile. The higher the elevation, the greater the movement or exchange rate of bath fluid. In preferred methods of the invention, this agitation is achieved through the use of a microporous electropolishing pad that moves over (either near or in contact with) the surface of the wafer during the electropolishing process. Thus, methods of the invention are electropolishing methods, which in some cases include mechanical polishing elements.

Abstract: A temperature handling subsystem (12) for a pipe electrochemical polishing system (10) has a chiller (46) and associated heat exchanger (44) for cooling the acid electrolyte (24) circulating through a pipe (28) while a cathode (14) is drawn therethrough for the purpose of electropolishing the interior of the pipe (24). A temperature control method (48) has a temperature low enough decision operation (58) wherein a temperature indicating control (38) is used to determine if the chiller (46) should be activated. The electrolyte (24) is pumped by an electrolyte pump from an electrolyte reservoir (22) containing a temperature indicating controller (38) for determining the temperature of the electrolyte (24) and further containing an electric heater (36) for heating the electrolyte (24), as necessary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical cells and electrochemical systems using a one piece or unitary electrode plate hereinafter also referred to as a double electrode plate (DEP) which serves to electrically connect two adjacent cell compartments and wherein the current flow in the electrodes is parallel to the working face of the electrode. In the cell designs disclosed, the cells are assembled as a contiguous stack of cells (cell stack) appearing similar to a filter press where the electrical connections between adjacent cells are made using the double electrode plate.

Abstract: An electrolytic pot for the production of aluminum by the Hall-Héroult electrolysis process includes a cooling device for blowing air with localized jets, advantageously with variable flow, in order to evacuate and dissipate thermal energy from the pot. An aluminum production plant using the Hall-Héroult electrolysis process has at least some pots which, either individually or in common, include at least one cooling device.

Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating and deplating a rotogravure cylinder out of a plating solution is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plating tank adapted to rotatably maintain the cylinder and to contain a plating solution so that the cylinder is at least partially disposed into the plating solution. The apparatus also includes a non-dissolvable conductor at least partially disposed within the plating solution. A current source is electrically connected to the non-dissolvable conductor and to the cylinder. An ultrasonic system to introduce wave energy into the plating solution includes at least one transducer element mountable within the tank and a power generator adapted to provide electrical energy to the transducer element. A holding tank having a circulating pump and heating and cooling elements for the plating solution may be provided.

Abstract: A method and system for electroplating a metal coating onto a continuous part, such as the leadframe stock used in packaging integrated circuits, whereby the method comprises plating metal from a series of plating baths having the same or compatible chemical composition, supplying a continuous electrical connection between the D.C. power supply via a rotating contact held in intimate contact with the cathode, and cooling the contact by using the plating solution itself.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an electro-chemical deposition system that is designed with a flexible architecture that is expandable to accommodate future designs rules and gap fill requirements and provides satisfactory throughput to meet the demands of other processing systems. The electro-chemical deposition system generally comprises a mainframe having a mainframe wafer transfer robot, a loading station disposed in connection with the mainframe, a rapid thermal anneal chamber disposed adjacent the loading station, one or more processing cells disposed in connection with the mainframe, and an electrolyte supply fluidly connected to the one or more electrical processing cells. One aspect of the invention provides a post electrochemical deposition treatment, such as a rapid thermal anneal treatment, for enhancing deposition results.

Abstract: A method to process waste water by removing metals, such as nickel or iron during the production of alkali metal hydroxides comprising the steps of: mixing the waste water with a cell liquor and blending the two fluids, magnetically removing up to 33% of the metals present in the solution from blended fluids using a first magnet prior to evaporation, flashing and cooling of the blended fluids, and then magnetically removing an additional amount of metals from the resultant more concentrated caustic solution using with a second magnet prior to filtration of the more concentrated caustic solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for regenerating exhausted tin-plating solutions which contain tin and copper ions, free complexing agent and complexing agent bound to the copper ions, as well as expended and unexpended reducing agent. By means of a suitable rinsing technique, the rinse water of the tin-plating process is concentrated to a 10 to 15 percent dilution of the process solution. The regenerating solution thus produced is fed to an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell comprises a cathode chamber, a middle chamber and an anode chamber. The cathode chamber is separated from the middle chamber by an anion-exchange membrane and the anode chamber is separated from the middle chamber by a cation-exchange membrane. The regenerating solution is initially provided in the cathode chamber. Here, the interfering copper component is cathodically deposited.

Abstract: An electrolyzed water production apparatus of the type which includes an electrolytic cell provided therein with a set of electrodes for producing electrolyzed water by electrolysis of brine, a water supply conduit for supply of the brine into the electrolytic cell, a discharge conduit for introducing the electrolyzed water into a storage tank, a controller box formed to contain therein an electric power source device and its accessory parts for applying DC voltage between the electrodes and an electric blower for cooling the power source device and its accessory parts, and a cabinet formed to contain the electrolytic cell, water supply conduit, discharge conduit and controller box, wherein the blower is arranged in the controller box to circulate cooling air in the interior of the cabinet through a water system composed of at least one of the electrolytic cell, water supply conduit and discharge conduit.

Abstract: A heat pump system based on the Peltier effect, built around a transparent or translucent material element and formed by two sheets (1) in which chains of thermoelements (3, 4) are embedded, trapped or inserted, said thermoelements being connected along their respective alternate ends with the aid of parts (2) made of a material with good thermal and electric conductivity properties, which chains are liable of being supplied with external electric energy so that heat transport is based on the direction of the current flowing through said thermoelements.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a plating system is provided which includes a tank for containing a plating solution, a substrate holder, and a temperature control device. The substrate holder is configured to support a substrate in position so that at least a first face of the substrate is exposed to the plating solution in the tank. The temperature control device provides selective control of temperature in various regions of the substrate during plating so as to control plating over the first face of the substrate.

Abstract: An electrochemical converter is disposed within a pressure vessel that collects hot exhaust gases generated by the converter for delivery to a cogeneration bottoming device, such as a gas turbine. The bottoming device extracts energy from the waste heat generated by the converter, such as a fuel cell for the generation of electricity, yielding an improved efficiency energy system. Bottoming devices can include, for example, a gas turbine system or an heating, ventilation or cooling (HVAC) system. The pressure vessel can include a heat exchanger, such as a cooling jacket, for cooling the pressure vessel and/or preheating an input reactant to the electrochemical converter prior to introduction of the reactant to the converter. In one embodiment, a compressor of a gas turbine system assembly draws an input reactant through the pressure vessel heat exchanger and delivers the reactant under pressure to a fuel cell enclosed therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique, compact hydrogen electrochemical system which eliminates the need for explosion-proof equipment. This system merely separates the electrical equipment from the hydrogen source with a wall, but employs a positive pressure, of about 0.1 inches water column, air purge throughout the system to prevent the introduction of hydrogen gas to the electrical equipment and to recover and use waste heat.

Abstract: A turbine power system that includes a compressor for compressing a first medium, and an electrochemical converter in communication with the compressor and adapted to receive the first medium and a second medium. The converter is configured to allow an electrochemical reaction between the first and second mediums, thereby generating electricity and producing exhaust having a selected elevated temperature. The power system further includes a turbine in fluid communication with the electrochemical converter and adapted to receive the converter exhaust, such that the turbine converts the electrochemical converter exhaust into rotary energy and electricity. The system can further include a steam generator and a steam turbine that produces electricity. The electrochemical converter is utilized herein as an electrochemical combustor-replacement (ECCR) or as a fuel cell for combustor-replacement (FCCR).

Abstract: An apparatus for electopolishing a helix used for a traveling wave tube has the following structure. A bath is provided which receives an electrolyte solution for etching the helix. A holder is further provided for holding the helix in the electrolyte solution without any displacement or any vibration, wherein a part of the helix is electrically connected to an anode. A controller mechanically supporting a cathode is provided for moving the cathode around the helix at substantially a constant speed in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the helix so as to keep a distance of the cathode from the helix to be substantially constant.

Abstract: A high temperature gas separation apparatus, integrated with, and enclosed by, a heat exchanger-thermal insulation, providing for counter-flow heat exchange between a cold inlet flow of a gas mixture containing one gas component and the hot return gas being depleted of the one gas component. Two adjacent heat exchanger flow channels surround a heated central gas separation unit in multiple spiral windings and provide the thermal insulation for the gas separation apparatus which operates at ambient or elevated pressure, resulting in significant savings in materials and energy cost, and greatly reduced weight for gas separation systems, such as electrochemical oxygen generators, and for hydrogen and helium separators.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating industrial wastes through electrolysis is disclosed. Steam or waste steam is utilized to heat the electrolyzing apparatus so as to separate contamination materials from the waste water, thereby treating the waste water. An electrolyzing tank has a waste water inlet on the bottom thereof, and a steam supply pipe is wound around the electrolyzing tank, for heating the electrolyzing tank during a passing of steam through the pipe. An insulating tube is formed inside the electrolyzing tank, and is coated with an insulating material on inside thereof, for insulating the electrolyzing tube from its contents. A cathode tube is installed within the insulating tank, for serving as a cathode during an electrolysis. An agitator having agitating blades is fixed on a shaft, the shaft is inserted into the center of the cathode tube, and anodes are attached on tips of the blades.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and useful process for the production of a molten metal by electrolysis in an electrolytic cell having an electrolysis compartment, a metal recovery compartment, and a partition separating upper parts of said compartments, said process comprising: electrolysing in said electrolysis compartment an electrolyte containing a fused salt of said metal said electrolyte being of greater density than said metal; continuously withdrawing the product metal mixed with said electrolyte in a stream from said electrolysis compartment to a top part of said metal recovery compartment; allowing said metal to form in said metal recovery compartment a pad floating on said electrolyte; maintaining said pad out of contact with said partition; and recovering said pad.

Abstract: A gas producing high pressure electrolysis tank in combination with a water tank and pressure control and recollection valve units is capable to fill and recollect electrolyte automatically in the process of gas production. The electrolysis tank has good heat dissipation effect and is divided into a plurality of densely spaced electrolysis cells so as to make the electrolysis efficiency and pressure high.

Abstract: A turbine power system that includes a compressor for compressing a first medium, and an electrochemical converter in communication with the compressor and adapted to receive the first medium and a second medium. The converter is configured to allow an electrochemical reaction between the first and second mediums, thereby generating electricity and producing exhaust having a selected elevated temperature. The power system further includes a turbine in fluid communication with the electrochemical converter and adapted to receive the converter exhaust, such that the turbine converts the electrochemical converter exhaust into rotary energy and electricity. The system can further include a steam generator and a steam turbine that produces electricity. The electrochemical converter is utilized herein as an electrochemical combustor-replacement (ECCR) or as a fuel cell for combustor-replacement (FCCR).

Abstract: An on-demand fluorine cell is described together with the construction of a suitable anode and a means of mounting the anode within the cell. The fluorine cell comprises a cell container having a cathode compartment and an anode compartment, the anode compartment having an anode therein, the cathode compartment and the anode compartment having separation means therebetween so as to separate fluorine gas and hydrogen gas generated during operation of said fluorine cell but said separation means allowing passage of electrolyte between said compartments; said anode extending below a lower end of the separation means and being continuously in contact with the electrolyte, control sensor means in at least one of said compartments to sense the level of electrolyte in said at least one compartment; electric current supply means responsive to signals from said control sensor means so as to either start or stop current supply in accordance with said signals.

Abstract: Catalytic particles, electrolytic cell and system for producing heat in a water-based liquid electrolyte. The catalytic particles are formed of clay doped with an active gent capable of becoming a proton carrier in the presence of hydrogen or an isotope of hydrogen, preferably lithium chloride, and temperature cured into a ceramic core. The active agent is taken from the groups now known to exhibit this proton carrier characteristic and include sulfonated or carbonated salts of alkali metal earths and resin based sulfonate salts or sulfonic acid. The ceramic cores are uniformly coated with a layer of one or more metals of a group of metals, each of which is highly capable of combining with hydrogen or an isotope of hydrogen to form a metal hydride or deuteride. The electrolytic cell of the system includes a non-conductive housing structured for liquid electrolyte flow therethrough and includes a bed of the catalytic particles held within the housing between spaced conductive grids.

Abstract: A hexagonal and pentagonal molecular structure water making apparatus includes an upper water reservoir disposed at a predetermined portion of the refrigerating chamber of the refrigerator, a hexagonal and pentagonal molecular structure water generating section for generating hexagonal and pentagonal molecular structure water by electrolysis of water from the upper water reservoir, a hexagonal and pentagonal molecular structure water storing section for storing hexagonal and pentagonal molecular structure water generated at the hexagonal and pentagonal molecular structure water generating section, and a freezing container for storing hexagonal molecular structure water after receiving water stored at the hexagonal molecular structure water storing reservoir of the hexagonal molecular structure water storing section through a connecting pipe. The hexagonal and pentagonal molecular structure water have useful effects for preventing adult diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and useful process for the production of a molten metal by electrolysis in an electrolytic cell having an electrolysis compartment, a metal recovery compartment, and a partition separating upper parts of said compartments, said process comprising: electrolysing in said electrolysis compartment an electrolyte containing a fused salt of said metal said salt being of greater density than said metal; continuously withdrawing the product metal mixed with said electrolyte in a stream from said electrolysis compartment to a top part of said metal recovery compartment; allowing said metal to form in said metal recovery compartment a pad floating on said electrolyte; maintaining said pad out of contact with said partition; and recovering said pad.

Abstract: A channelized mass transfer membrane (MTM) is disclosed which has improved ion separation characteristics when employed in electrodialysis cells. The MTM exploits the unexpected ion separation ability of channelized membrane geometries. A major improvement of the disclosed invention is the use of tubular channels formed by means of hollow fibers which limit the directions in which ions can diffuse. The chief embodiments of the MTM exploit either the formation of capillary voids in solid material or the use of hollow fibers to form capillary channels. Additional levels of MTM porosity are achieved by filling of the channels with microporous material. Means are disclosed for cooling the MTM and adaptation of the MTM hydraulic resistance.

Abstract: Electrolytic cell apparatus and methods for generating a useful energy product from a plurality of energy sources. In a preferred embodiment, hydrogen gas is produced at a cathode by transmission of electrons through a low voltage potential barrier to electron flow achieved by careful control of electrolyte constituent concentrations and surface materials on the cathode. A portion of the energy captured in the hydrogen gas is provided by heat transmitting activity of ions dissociated from water at an anode which catalytically dissociates the water and thereby transfers thermal energy from the anode to the ions and other constituents of the cell electrolyte. Thermal energy is replaced in the anode by absorption of heat from the surrounding environment.

Abstract: This electrolytic apparatus for a welding machine uses an electrolytic cell, a mixing tank and a multi-control switch. The electrolytic cell is composed of several pieces of electrode plates which are assembled in a row, the farthest side of which is connected to the positive and negative poles of electrolysis power. After electrolysis, the gas proceeds in a storage tank and the liquid is guided back into the electrolytic cell for recycling use. The fuel gas then goes into a first chamber to get rid of water. In the meantime, part of the fuel gas will be combined with carbohydrate dissolvent to alter its fuel composition and then be recombined with the rest of the gas to provide a desired fuel. This way, the heat of the gas can be heightened, flame temperature can be lowered, and the output ratio for the fuel gas can be controlled and adjusted to attain a welding gun's flame within a comprehensive scope of temperature and heat.

Abstract: An electrolytic system and cell for excess heating of water containing a conductive salt in solution. The electrolytic cell includes a non-conductive housing defining a substantially closed interior volume and spaced apart first and second conductive members positioned within the housing. A plurality of conductive particles each having a conductive metal which is readily combinable with hydrogen or an isotope of hydrogen to form a metallic hydride are positioned within the housing in electrical contact with the first conductive member and electrically spaced from said second conductive member. The conductive particles may be of any convenient regular or irregular shape. An electric power source in the system is operably connected across the first and second conductive members whereby electrical current flows therebetween and through the conductive particles within the liquid electrolyte.