Abstract: A silver-based alloy composition for use as a reflective, semi-reflective or highly reflective coatings or layer(s) for use in optical data storage media, low emissivity glass, transparent conductive displays, and electro-chromic mirrors, or other reflective, semi-reflective or highly reflective applications. The alloy compositions comprise silver with hafnium, and/or indium, and/or copper, and/or zinc, and/or silicon and/or tin.

Abstract: A silver-based alloy composition for use as a reflective, semi-reflective or highly reflective coatings or layer(s) for use in optical data storage media, low emissivity glass, transparent conductive displays, and electro-chromic mirrors, or other reflective, semi-reflective or highly reflective applications. The alloy compositions comprise silver with hafnium, and/or indium, and/or copper, and/or zinc, and/or silicon and/or tin.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a locking ring assembly for a rotary target used in a physical deposition process of the type that comprises at least one rotary target segment mechanically disposed on a backing tube. The locking ring assembly comprises an inner ring and an outer ring, both comprising cooperative threading. The inner ring comprises two or more separable segments.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring effluent from photograph development systems, especially highly automated, high-volume developer systems. A silver-recovery system discharges an iron-rich solution into a tank. Developer fluid and fixer solution is mixed with the iron-rich solution in the tank to buffer its pH. A float in the tank activates a switch located outside the tank to actuate a pump for evacuating the mixed effluent from the tank for disposal. Water may be mixed under pressure with the pumped effluent to reduce clogging in effluent drainage lines due to precipitate and other and build-ups from effluent.

Abstract: A target-backing plate assembly for use in physical vapor deposition (PVD) processes. The lower curved surface of the target of the assembly is received in a conformingly-shaped backing plate, while a planar upper surface is presented for PVD. The shape of the target increases the amount of material dissipated and the quality of the film and reduces the amount of necessary machining in production.

Abstract: A silver recovery apparatus is provided for removing silver from waste solutions. The apparatus includes a vessel which defines an internal cylindrical chamber having a transverse cross sectional area. An inlet port is provided at a first end of the vessel and is adapted to receive the waste solution. An outlet port is similarly provided at a location suitable for discharging the waste solution from the vessel once substantially all silver has been removed. A silver replacement core is disposed within the vessel between the inlet and outlet ports. The core substantially fills the transverse cross sectional area of the internal chamber along a longitudinal length of the vessel. The silver replacement core includes sequentially arranged first, second, and third replacement media, wherein each media is composed of a metal which is electropositive relative to silver. The first and third replacement media each have an apparent density lower than that of the second replacement medium.

Abstract: The invention is related to apparatuses and methods for recovering metals from solution using electroplating processes. Batch processing of electrolytic solution occurs by circulating electrolytic solution through a specified configuration of anodic and cathodic plates. One or more electrolytic cells are stacked upon a single holding tank. Automatic controls are provided.