Abstract: An underwater camera in a pressure tight housing and a release mechanism for releasing the shutter at a predetermined distance from the sea bed. The release mechanism includes a transducer on the housing exterior for transmitting ultrasonic signals and receiving echo signals and an electronic circuit on the interior of the housing for opening the shutter in response to the echo signals when the camera has reached the predetermined distance from the sea bed.

Abstract: A method for production of high purity antimony by producing antimony(III) oxide from hydrolysis of antimony chloride, dissolving the antimony(III) oxide in a solution containing d-sorbitol and a base, and electrolyzing the solution using insoluble electrodes.

Abstract: A method of refining crude cadmium by vacuum distillation in which crude cadmium is passed into a reflux condenser in which higher boiling point impurities are condensed together with a portion of pure cadmium vapor, this condensate flowing in counterflow with the crude cadmium vapor. The remaining portion of the pure cadmium vapor is subsequently condensed. The apparatus comprises an inverted U-shaped vacuum chamber having an evaporator and a reflux condenser in one leg and a further condenser in the other leg. A feed pipe for liquid crude cadmium enters the one leg adjacent the evaporator and a residue outlet pipe leaves the one leg, the feed pipe and the residue pipe being arranged so that no back-flow takes place from the residue pipe to the feed pipe. An outlet pipe for the refined cadmium issues from the other leg of the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An improved housing assembly for an underwater camera with a flash device is disclosed and includes a hollow cylindrical pressure housing. The hollow cylindrical pressure housing has a shell or wall including a window for the objective of the camera and has a pressure tight head, made of transparent material, in which the flash device is disposed.

Abstract: A method of refining crude cadmium by vacuum distillation in which crude cadmium is passed into a reflux condenser in which higher boiling point impurities are condensed together with a portion of pure cadmium vapor, this condensate flowing in counterflow with the crude cadmium vapor. The remaining portion of the pure cadmium vapor is subsequently condensed. The apparatus comprises an inverted U-shaped vacuum chamber having an evaporator and a reflux condenser in one leg and a further condenser in the other leg. A feed pipe for liquid crude cadmium enters the one leg adjacent the evaporator and a residue outlet pipe leaves the one leg, the feed pipe and the residue pipe being arranged so that no back-flow takes place from the residue pipe to the feed pipe. An outlet pipe for the refined cadmium issues from the other leg of the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A scissors-type, free-fall grab is disclosed for picking up ground samples from a sea bed. The grab includes two grab halves which may pivot relative to one another. A transverse bar engages the upper ends of the grab halves to hold the grab in its opened position. This transverse bar is attached by a cable arrangement to a buoyancy member. Upward movement of the buoyancy member causes the transverse bar to become disengaged from the upper ends of the grab halves and forces the grab halves to move to their closed position. The grab carried weights which fall off of the grab as the grab moves from its opened to its closed position.

Abstract: In a zone melting process, current is passed transversely through the process charge by electrodes arranged laterally of the charge consisting of the charge material and having a height corresponding substantially to the height of the melting zone in the direction of pulling.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging an electrical energy source secured within a water-tight or hermetically sealed housing. The apparatus includes a transformer having a primary and secondary coil. The secondary coil is secured within the housing, whereby the housing need not be opened to effect charging of the electrical energy source.

Abstract: Increased heat control is obtained in the melting zone of a zone melting process utilizing an electric current passed longitudinally through the charge, to melt the charge, by constricting the melted charge in the melting zone.