Abstract: The invention relates to reference electrodes for use in voltammetric measuring chains for oxidative as well as reductive detection of analytes, which are open with respect to the measuring medium. A metal-containing phthalocyanine or a metalloporphyrin is employed as potential-determining electrode material for reference electrodes of the invention used in oxidative detection. A fourth period metal, preferably copper, and a salt of said metal is employed as potential-determining electrode material for reference electrodes of the invention used in reductive detection. The potential-determining electrode material is coated as a layer or component of a layer on a planar support. The open reference electrodes according to the invention are particularly suited for voltammetric chemo- or biosensors having a planar structure.

Abstract: A battery charge is provided which automatically controls the charging process independent of individual battery construction or temperature. Control of the charging process is achieved by periodically interrupting the charging current, determining resistance-free voltage of the battery in fixed intervals after interruptions of current, and comparing the resistance-free voltage with a reference voltage. Reference voltage is automatically determined for each recharging subject by analyzing the change in resistance-free voltage with respect to time during an initial, constant current period to locate certain characteristic points indicative of the onset of overcharge. The charging current is reduced as necessary, so that the resistance-free voltage does not exceed the reference voltage and significant overcharge is avoided.

Abstract: A non-ferrous matte conversion process is disclosed in which molten non-ferrous matte, essentially nickel and/or copper sulfide and iron sulfide, is provided in a suitable vessel, such as a modified Pierce-Smith converter. The bath is stirred from below with a non-reactive sparging gas, such as nitrogen, and surfaceblown from above with an oxygen-containing gas. A flux is added to the melt to raise a fluid slag. In addition, cold crushed matte is added to the bath. The cold matte acts to maintain the temperature of the bath, so as to prevent overheating which can damage the converter lining. The matte addition also serves as a source for additional converter feed. As the reaction progresses, the slag layer is periodically skimmed, and additions of flux and cold matte are made when necessary. When it is no longer possible to raise a slag, a non-ferrous sulfide matte is obtained having a greatly reduced iron content.

Abstract: This invention relates to a thermal upgrading process whereby nickel-containing limonite or limonite/saprolite blends are pelletized with requisite amounts of solid carbon reductant and a sulfure-bearing concentrating agent. The pellets are fed to a reactor where they are gradually heated, causing reduction of the metal values. The reduced pellets are then held in a "metallics growth zone" of the reactor at a temperature high enough to allow for liquid-phase migration of the metallics within the pellets but below the point at which the pellets become sticky. The metallics growth zone is provided with a carefully controlled combustion gas atmosphere equivalent to about 60-65% aeration of partial combustion of natural gas which prevents further reduction or re-oxidation and thus provides a good environment for metallic particle growth. After a sufficient retention time, the pellets are then rapidly cooled to prevent the disproportionation of wustite to magnetite.

Abstract: A material for electric heater element sheathing, which has good weldability, is oxidation- and corrosion-resistant, and forms an eye-pleasing dark gray or black surface oxide, consists essentially of, by weight, from about 8.75-15.5% nickel, about 19.5-21.0% chromium, about 0.30-0.50 manganese, about 0.50-2.0% silicon, about 0.25-0.60% aluminum, about 0.25-1.0% titanium, up to about 0.05% carbon, up to about 0.005% sulfur, up to about 0.75% copper, up to about 1.0% cobalt, up to about 1.0% molybdenum, up to about 0.02% phosphorus, about 0.001-0.015% calcium plus magnesium and remainder essentially iron, wherein the Ferrite Number is between 3 and 15.

Abstract: A furnace system particularly adapted for use with a continuous upcaster. Instead of employing discrete furnaces, tundishes, ladles and the like, the instant unitary system employs a furnace, a feeding mechanism for directly introducing material into the furnace and a plasma torch to melt the material. The rate of material entering the furnace is balanced by the quantity of product emerging from the upcaster.

Abstract: A pump capable of shear mixing and supplying high density grout over long distances and through relatively narrow conduits. The pump includes a hopper, a series of agitators in the hopper and a coincident auger and rotor/stator disposed below the hopper. The pump is held together by a pair of side bars having quick release bear clamp clasps for expeditious disassembly.