Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for electrokinetic loading of samples of interest into sub-micron-scale reaction chambers are described. Embodiments include an integrated device and related apparatus for analyzing samples in parallel. The integrated device may include at least one reaction chamber formed through a surface of the integrated device and configured to receive a sample of interest, such as a molecule of nucleic acid. The integrated device may further include electrodes patterned adjacent to the reaction chamber that produce one or more electric fields that assist loading the sample into the reaction chamber. The apparatus may further include a sample reservoir having a fluid seal with the surface of the integrated device and configured to hold a suspension containing the samples.

Abstract: Provided are a sample analysis method using capillary electrophoresis capable of enhancing analysis accuracy, a solution for capillary electrophoresis, and a sample analysis kit. The sample analysis method includes separating and/or detecting a substance to be analyzed in a sample through capillary electrophoresis, in which the substance to be analyzed is separated and/or detected in the presence of a pH buffer substance and a non-surfactant-type zwitterionic substance. Further, the solution for capillary electrophoresis contains a pH buffer substance, a non-surfactant-type zwitterionic substance, and water.

Abstract: A NaSICON cell is used to convert carbon dioxide into a usable, valuable product. In general, this reaction occurs at the cathode where electrons are used to reduce the carbon dioxide, in the presence of water and/or hydrogen gas, to form formate, methane, ethylene, other hydrocarbons and/or other chemicals. The particular chemical that is formed depends upon the reaction conditions, the voltage applied, etc.

Abstract: The invention as described in the following relates to an apparatus for the electrochemical deposition of a metal on a substrate, which apparatus is capable of refreshing an electrolyte used for the deposition in a continuous way. Furthermore, the invention as described relates to a method of refreshing an electrolyte for the electrochemical deposition of a metal on a substrate.

Abstract: A method of harvesting Group I metals from waste materials, including agitating Group I metal-containing materials in water to define a Group I metal-rich aqueous solution, removing any solid material from the Group I metal-rich aqueous solution, and filling the cathode portion of an electrochemical cell with the Group I metal-rich aqueous solution. A current collector is introduced into the Group I metal-rich aqueous solution, a steel electrode is operationally connected to the cathode portion, and the cathode portion is operated to deposite Group I metal onto the steel electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alkaline cation-conducting ceramic membrane covered, over at least a portion of the surface thereof, with a cation-conducting organic polyelectrolyte layer that is insoluble and chemically stable in pH-basic water. The invention also relates to an electrochemical device including such a membrane as a solid electrolyte in contact with a liquid electrolyte formed of an alkali metal hydroxide aqueous solution.

Abstract: A process for analyzing a sample by a capillary electrophoresis method is provided that allows the apparatus to be reduced in size, allows a high analytical precision to be obtained, and can be carried out easily. The analytical process of the present invention is a process for analyzing a sample by a capillary electrophoresis method. The analytical process includes preparing a capillary tube to be used for the capillary electrophoresis method, and performing electrophoretic separation of a complex of a sample and an anionic group-containing compound that are bonded together, in the capillary tube, wherein the capillary tube includes an anionic layer that is formed of the anionic group-containing compound and that is coated on the inner wall of the capillary tube, and the anionic layer is fixed to the inner wall of the capillary tube by a covalent bond.

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: Metal recovery apparatus (20) being a diaphragm-less electrolytic cell arrangement where oxidizing reactions are achieved in a cathode cell (32) in an anode mode and reducing reactions in the anode cell (43) in a cathode mode by changing the direction of current flow. Better performance is achieved by pulsing (27b) the DC power (27b) to the electrodes and in some applications, installing plastic mesh (165) over the surface of the solution electrodes (24, 31) to reduce unwanted side reaction.

Abstract: A proximity head and associated method of use is provided for performing confined area planarization of a semiconductor wafer. The proximity head includes a chamber defined to maintain an electrolyte solution. A cathode is disposed within the chamber in exposure to the electrolyte solution. A cation exchange membrane is disposed over a lower opening of the chamber. A top surface of the cation exchange membrane is in direct exposure to the electrolyte solution to be maintained within the chamber. A fluid supply channel is defined to expel fluid at a location adjacent to a lower surface of the cation exchange membrane. A vacuum channel is defined to provide suction at a location adjacent to the lower surface of the cation exchange membrane, such that the fluid to be expelled from the fluid supply channel is made to flow over the lower surface of the cation exchange membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel, small-scale, electrophoretic separation system based on photodefined polymers and electrode-defined sample injection. Diffusion and displacement coefficients may be modified by varying the gel concentration, the intensity of the incident UV radiation and the temperature at which the gel is run. The device is an major advance over current technology since it provides for a significant reduction in size of the micro-electrophoresis apparatus and a significant cost savings.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a sodium refining apparatus which has a simple constitution and does not deteriorate a solid electrolyte employed therein. The sodium refining apparatus of the invention, in which impurities contained in sodium are removed by a solid electrolyte having sodium ion conductivity, includes a bottom-closed casing made of a solid electrolyte and containing a small amount of highly pure sodium; an outer casing accommodating said bottom-closed casing and containing, outside said bottom-closed casing, impurity-containing sodium; a first electrode inserted in the impurity-containing sodium; a second electrode inserted in the highly pure sodium; and a power source for applying DC voltage to the electrodes; wherein the impurity-containing sodium and the highly pure sodium are in electrical contact with each other via the solid electrolyte.

Abstract: An efficient method and system, particularly well-suited for correcting natural language understanding (NLU) commands, corrects spoken commands misinterpreted by a speech recognition system. The method involves a series of steps, including: receiving the spoken command from a user; parsing the command to identify a paraphrased command; displaying the paraphrased command; and accepting corrections of the paraphrased command from the user. The paraphrased command is segmented according to command language categories, which include a command action category, an action object category, and an action and/or object modifying category. The paraphrased command is displayed in a user interface window segmented into these command language categories. The user interface window also contains alternative commands for each segment of the paraphrased command.

Abstract: A process for electrolytically producing an amalgam from metal salt, using an anion exchanger membrane. The chlorine-free process provides amalgam produced from metal salt and having a high degree of purity, and ensures advantageous parameters, such as a low cell voltage and high current efficiencies.

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 electrolyzing apparatus using a circulating capillary tube type mercury bundled electrode is disclosed, in which the advantage of mercury that it has a high overpotential for hydrogen evolution reaction compared with the general solid metals is preserved, and the disadvantage of mercury that it cannot be so shaped as to have a large contact area is overcome. That is, the mercury contact area is maximized. The oxidation and reduction reactions which occur in the vertically circulating capillary tube type mercury bundle electrode electrolyzing apparatus can be defined by a simple formula so as to quantize their analysis. Based on this formula, the stability checking, and the adjustment of the oxidation state of metal ions in the solution can be carried out in a rapid and continuous manner. Further, the concentration of the metal ions and the oxidation state of the metal ions within the solution can be analyzed in the same manner.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is disclosed having a cell bottom or baseplate that has at least one drain hole therein which is fed by drain canals adjacent an end of the catholyte chamber such that the drain holes are gradually inclined to increase in depth laterally downwardly from the opposing sides of the cell toward the center and longitudinally downwardly from the opposing end of the cell toward the drain hole to permit removal or the addition of the liquid metal cathode from the angled electrolytic cell without requiring disassembly of the cell.

Abstract: A particular side frame design for use in an electromechanical cell with a catholyte flow pattern is disclosed wherein the cell is angled from the horizontal and the catholyte is fed into a gap in the cathode compartment between the liquid metal cathode and the membrane on the lower first end and exits the gap on the opposing higher second outlet end. The side frame is obliquely angled on the interior of the cell to prevent the escape of the flowable liquid metal cathode and to prevent contact of the acidic catholyte with the cell bottom.

Abstract: A particular side frame design for use in an electrochemical cell with a catholyte flow pattern is disclosed wherein the cell can be generally horizontal or angled slightly from the horizontal and the catholyte is fed through a transition area into a gap in the catholyte compartment between the liquid metal cathode and the membrane on a first end and exits the gap on an opposing second outlet end. The side frame has opposing sides that are obliquely and downwardly angled in the corners to support the membrane in a wrinkle free manner so that the membrane is obliquely positioned between the liquid metal cathode and the anode. The membrane is above the level of the catholyte where the catholyte enters and exits the catholyte compartment, but drops to a level below the entry and exit points.

Abstract: A process for treating solutions of quaternary ammonium hydroxide containing latent halide to lower the latent halide content of the solution comprises the steps of(A) providing an electrolytic cell comprising an anode and a cathode wherein the cathode comprises zinc, cadmium, tin, lead, copper or titanium or alloys thereof, mercury or mercury amalgam,(B) charging a solution containing at least one quaternary ammonium hydroxide which contains latent halide into the electrolytic cell,(C) passing a current through the electrolytic cell to lower the latent halide content in the solution, and(D) recoverying the quaternary ammonium hydroxide solution from the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing quaternary ammonium hydroxides of improved purity. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process of preparing quaternary ammonium hydroxides from the corresponding quaternary ammonium salts in an electrolytic cell which comprises an anolyte compartment containing an anode and a catholyte compartment containing a cathode and water, said anolyte and catholyte compartments being separated from each other by a cation-exchange membrane, said process comprising the steps of(a) providing the catholyte compartment with a cathode of zinc, cadmium, tin, lead, or alloys thereof, mercury, or mercury amalgam,(b) charging an aqueous solution containing a quaternary ammonium salt to the anolyte compartment,(c) passing a current through the electrolytic cell to produce quaternary ammonium hydroxide in the catholyte compartment, and(d) recovering the quaternary ammonium hydroxide from the catholyte compartment.

Abstract: A method for making light metal-alkali metal master alloy using alkali metal containing scrap comprises: (a) establishing an electrolytic cell divided into two or more laterally adjacent areas by porous alkali metal ion transport means, said cell including a first cell area supplied with alkali metal-containing scrap and a second cell area consisting essentially of molten light metal; (b) supplying current to this cell for transporting alkali metal ions from the first cell area to the second cell area; (c) forming master alloy by combining these ions with the molten light metal in said second cell area; and (d) withdrawing master alloy from the second cell area. An apparatus for making aluminum-lithium or magnesium-lithium master alloy using the lithium from aluminum-lithium alloy scrap is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a cathode suitable for an electrochemical cell of the type having a molten sodium anode, a beta"-alumina separator, and a cathode which comprises one or more transition metals selected from the group comprising Fe, Ni, Co, Cr and Mn. The method comprises heating a particulate starting material comprising at least one member of the group of transition metals in an oxidizing atmosphere to cause its particles to become at least partially oxidized, and to adhere together to form a unitary porous matrix. This matrix is then heated in a reducing atmosphere at least partially to reduce the oxide formed during the formation of the matrix, and the reduced matrix is then impregnated with a sodium aluminium chloride molten salt electrolyte. Sodium chloride in dispersed form is incorporated into the matrix, preferably by mixing sodium chloride in particulate form with the particulate transition metal starting material, before the heating in an oxidizing atmosphere to form the matrix.

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 gas-diffusion cathode is to be used in the trough-like electrolysis cell with horizontally disposed electrodes which are separated from each other by a membrane. The gas-diffusion cathode (3) rests on a grating (4) with supporting legs (2). A spacer (8) is disposed between membrane (6) and gas-diffusion cathode (3).

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolysis process which is characterized by carrying out the electrolysis of an aqueous alkali metal halide solution while supplying a cathode liquor into a cathode compartment formed between a cation exchange membrane positioned substantially horizontal and a cathode plate of gas-liquid impermeability, with which the membrane is wetted, then a mixed stream of the cathode liquor and cathode gas being removed from the cathode compartment.Also disclosed is an electrolytic cell which is comprised of an upper anode compartment and a lower cathode compartment partitioned by a cation exchange membrane positioned substantially horizontal, said anode compartment having therein substantially horizontal anodes and an anolyte solution inlet and outlet, and said cathode compartment having a cathode plate with gas-liquid impermeability and a cathode liquor inlet and an outlet of a mixed stream of the cathode liquor and cathode gas.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolytic process using a horizontal type cation exchange membrane electrolytic cell in which catholyte liquor is supplied into a cathode compartment with initial linear velocity of at least 8 cm/sec and gas content of at most 0.6 at a catholyte liquor outlet. Also disclosed is an electrolytic cell used for the foregoing process. The invention enables not only conversion of a mercury electrolytic cell to a cation exchange membrane electrolytic cell with low cost, but the long-term and stable operation.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell is disclosed comprising an upper anode compartment and a lower cathode compartment partitioned by a cation exchange membrane, in which partitioning spacers are provided on a cathode plate in order to eliminate the troubles owing to non-uniform flow of catholyte liquor, non-uniformity of anode-cathode gap, coarse surface of the cathode plate and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new a method for simultaneous recovering vanadium, molybdenum and gallium from alumina factory aluminate liquors. The recovering is carried out in one step by electrolyzing an alumina factory aluminate liquor a temperature exceeding 70.degree. C. with a current density of from 400 to 1200 A/m.sup.2 using a low-melting liquid alloy as a cathode and agitating said alloy mechanically.By using the new process the three precious metals can be recovered simultaneously in one step with good efficiencies without any preliminary treating of the aluminate liquor and without using any auxiliary chemical.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for producing oxygen and hydrogen bromide in an electrolytic cell utilizing, as the cathode, a consumable bromine electrode comprising bromide ions dissolved in a pool of liquid bromine surrounding a metal electrode. The electrolytic cell also contains a water solution of an electrolyte on both sides of a hydrogen ion permeable membrane forming a two-compartment electrolytic cell. In operation of the preferred process, hydrogen bromide gas is given off in the cathode compartment and oxygen gas is given off in the anode compartment.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for electrolysis of brine by mercury cathodes, being the latter cathode separated from the anode by a porous diaphragm or membrane with diameter of pore such that mercury cannot pass through it.

Abstract: A vertical electrolytic cell has an anode separated from a cathode by a diaphragm. The cathode comprises continuous threads of mercury flowing down by gravity from evenly distributed apertures in the bottom wall of at least one channel fed with mercury.

Abstract: A horizontal electrolyzer comprises a mercury cathode, an anode located above the cathode and an inclined diaphragm separating the cathode from the anode, the cathode, diaphragm and anode being substantially parallel. The cathode consists of mercury flowing longitudinally in a plurality of channels which are vertically offset with respect to each other.

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: A method and apparatus for the electrolysis of an aqueous solution containing alkali metal ions, for example, the electrolysis of brine to produce chlorine and caustic. In one embodiment, a composite membrane comprising at least an ion-conductive polymer and a metal permeable to alkali metal is used in an electrolytic cell. An illustration of such a polymer is a perfluorocarbon polymer containing sulfonic acid or sulfonate groups, in intimate contact with a layer of mercury. Another aspect is the use of elevated pressures or other techniques substantially to eliminate the presence of normally gaseous products from the electrolyte. For example, high pressures may be employed to dissolve chlorine in a brine electrolyte and/or liquefy it. In another aspect, sodium sulfate is electrolyzed in a cell comprising a composite membrane, a formaminous anode, and a diaphragm between the composite membrane and anode; the oxygen produced is withdrawn through the anode.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for carrying out processes during which gas is evolved is disclosed. The cell includes at least one hoodlike cover positioned above one or more electrodes and having an outlet opening below the electrolyte surface for the gas-electrolyte suspension and an elecrolyte-recycling space positioned outside the projection of the cover. The recycling space is free from gas-producing electrodes and is spaced a sufficient distance from the outlet opening that the backflow of gas is precluded.

Abstract: An electrolyzer has an electrolyte tank wherein are accommodated a cathode of the refined metal and an anode of the metal being refined located equidistant from the cathode over shelves of a box-type cross-section arranged in stepped relationship, the shelves being mounted with a clearance relative to the tank inner surface. To circulate the metal there is a pump feeding the metal being refined, from a metal collector situated in the tank bottom, to the top shelf wherefrom the metal flows by gravity over the shelves located therebeneath back into the metal collector. During the circulation of the metal being refined in the electrolyte it dissolves electrochemically and a refined metal deposit is formed on the cathode.

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 metal anode assembly formed as an integral titanium casting which is comprised of a spider-like distributor having an anodic surface secured to the bottom thereof. At least one anode post receiver is formed in the top of the distributor. The active face of the anodic surface is coated with at least one oxide of a platinum group metal. Utilizing cast titanium to form the distributor, the anode post receiver and the anodic surface of the metal anode assembly of this invention simplifies fabrication of the metal anode assembly and improves the durability and stability of the metal anode assembly.

Abstract: Alkali metal chlorides, e.g. brine, are electrolized in the presence of substantially horizontal anodes provided on the underside with channel- or groove-like recesses. The anodes and/or the course of the channel- or groove-like recesses in the anodes are positioned to define spaced apart regions between the anodes so as to provide for an outflow of chlorine from the space between the electrodes and for an inflow of brine into this space.