Abstract: An electrophoretic gel comprising (a) at least one marine hydrocolloid processed from the class Rodophycea; and (b) a buffer. The electrophoretic gel is characterized in that the buffer (i) is selected from a group consisting of adipic acid, glutaric acid, itaconic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, succinamic acid, and tricarbalyllic acid and (ii) is present in a concentration of about 0.05 to about 0.09 M.

Abstract: This invention concerns an apparatus and method for reacting on matter, particularly to change its chemical properties and to create chemical reactions with respect to such matter by introducing the matter into a reaction chamber as one or more streams of particles, gas, liquid or plasma or a combination of such forms of matter and reacting on such matter by directing one or more beams of radiant energy, such as coherent light energy generated by a laser or a plurality of lasers wherein such radiant energy serves to initiate or complete the desired chemical reaction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cell for producing a metal by electrolyzing halides in a molten salt bath. It consists of using one cathode in the form of a basket, simultaneously passing a current I.sub.1 between this cathode and an anode in such a manner as to carry out a first deposit of crude metal in the basket and a current I.sub.2 between the said basket and complimentary cathodes for depositing the final metal thereon. The cell consists of a central anodic system, a tubular cathodic basket surrounding the anode and a series of cathodes surrounding this basket, a positioning which cathodes can be reversed in relation to the basket.

Abstract: A specimen of molecules containing the desired element is contained in a low-pressure environment and is exposed to a beam of electrons of predetermined energy, causing the electrons to be captured by the molecules. The reaction is chosen so that there is a natural dissociation into an ion containing the desired element. The reaction region is subjected to an electrical field that accelerates the ions and removes them from the reaction region, at which time the ions are exposed to a laser beam of a wavelength sufficient to photodetach a substantial number of electrons from the ions, producing neutral atoms of the desired element. The entire particle stream exiting the interaction region is subjected to a magnetic field that bends the charged ions away from the neutral atoms so that the neutral atoms can then be directed to a test specimen or collection device, as the case may be.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of fine and ultrafine powders of zinc by electrolyzing using a basic medium. A cathode coated with a film of varnish or silicon obtained from an aerosol is used. The electrolyte bath may be stirred during electrolysis by radiating it with ultrasonics. These ultra-sounds have an emission frequency on the order of 40 kHz. The initial concentration of the zinc in the bath is preferably limited to about 30 g/l.

Abstract: Disclosed is a molecular controlled structure which includes a plurality of normal chain hydrocarbon molecules having at one end an energy responsive group such as a double bonding between carbon atoms as C.dbd.C and having at the other end a reaction group which reacts the responsive group such as Si. Some of the molecules have functional groups which respond to light, electron beams, X-rays, r-rays, heat, electrons, or ions. The molecules are bonded in a three dimensional configuration.

Abstract: A fluorescent whitening agent is activated using a polymer of a hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate such as poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate).

Abstract: A process for the electrolytic deposition of aluminum at low temperatures and low electrical potential in which the anode is the sole source of aluminum and comprises a composite mixture of an aluminous material such as aluminum oxide and a reducing agent. The composite anode is positioned in the electrolyte with at least one active surface of the anode in opposed relationship to but spaced from the surface of the cathode. The greatly increased electrical resistance of the mixture of aluminum oxide and the reducing agent is minimized by passing the anodic current through one or more conductors of low electrical resistivity which extend through the mixture to or approximately to the active reaction face of the mixture in the electrolyte. The position of the ends of said conductors is maintained relative to the reaction face as the mixture is consumed in the electrolysis.

Abstract: A machine for sputter deposition of a wafer workpiece also sputters on the wafer supporting mechanism. This causes a need for cleaning or replacement of the support mechanism. A sputter machine is provided in which the supporting mechanism can be isolated from the sputtering source, the pumps and other processing apparatus for cleaning without exposing the entire machine to atmosphere.

Abstract: A molten reaction product of calcium oxide, silica and aluminum is quickly quenched from a temperature clearly in excess of the .alpha.'-.alpha. inversion in a manner which simultaneously forms stabilized B-phase dicalcium silicate fibers having diameters which do not exceed 15 microns. These fibers are milled into smaller particles which are particularly useful for producing high-strength cement which does not require activation with lime.

Abstract: A method for controlling the rate of aluminum fluoride addition to a cryolite-based electrolyte of an aluminum electrolytic reduction cell makes use of the known ratio between cell temperature and bath (NaF:AlF.sub.3) ratio. A target temperature is established corresponding to a target bath ratio. The cell temperature is measured at intervals and the rate of AlF.sub.3 addition altered depending on whether the measured temperature is above or below the target temperature. The method is faster than traditional methods involving analysis of electrolyte samples, and is amendable to computer control.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for substantially eliminating electrophoretic rate differentials between simultaneously disposed side-by-side lanes of test samples.

Abstract: A method of purifying aluminum contaminated with cerium or other rare earth metal comprises bringing the molten metal into contact with a halogenating agent. Preferred halogenating agents are aluminum fluoride for reducing cerium levels to around 0.1% to 0.3%, and chlorine gas for reducing cerium levels still further, and these may advantageously be used in sequence. Particulate aluminum fluoride may be introduced into the vortex of a stirred body of the molten metal. The controlled addition of chlorine may be effected by bubbling a mixture of chlorine and an inert gas into a body of the molten metal. The cerium contamination may arise from the use of a dimensionally stable anode comprising cerium dioxide in an aluminum reduction cell.

Abstract: Process for the formation of carbon-containing free radicals R., which optionally include functional groups, wherein thermal and/or photochemical energy is supplied to a thiocarbonyl-containing ester corresponding to the general formula (I): ##STR1## in which: R denotes a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, aliphatic or aromatic, acyclic or alternatively mono- or poly-cyclic or mono- or poly-heterocyclic, carbon-containing radical which in addition can optionally include functional groups;R' and R" denote, independently of each other, an alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, aralkyl or alkaryl radical, or alternatively form together a 5- or 6-membered nitrogen-containing heterocycle which can also contain an additional heteroatom chosen from nitrogen and sulfur and which can optionally be substituted or fused to at least one other aliphatic or aromatic ring;R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 denote, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl radical, andn is an integer equal to 0, 1, 2 or 3.

Abstract: A process for depositing metal in the form of an interlayer within a solid matrix. The process is characterized in the use of electroactive transfer agents to carry electrons from the cathode to the desired locus within the matrix where the metal cation (M.sup.n+) is reduced to its zero-valent state. Also disclosed are composites of metallic-interlayer-containing matrices.

Abstract: System, apparatus, circuitry and method for improving electrical conductivity of contact between an electrically conductive workpiece and an electrically conductive work carrier while the workpiece is supported on the work carrier prior to moving the workpiece through an electrocoating treatment zone while supported by the work carrier. The workpiece is suspended on the carrier prior to entry into the zone bath, and then carried past a series of electrically conductive wipers during transit on the carrier toward said zone to cause successive contact with each wiper as the workpiece travels thereby. Each wiper is energized with a high voltage from a capacitor discharge power supply prior to contact with said workpiece, and the power supply is discharged from the wiper into said workpiece as a result of contact therebetween during transit of the workpiece past the wiper.

Abstract: A process for automatically going into the mode for increased suction extraction of the gases emitted by the tanks of series for the production of aluminium by igneous electrolysis using the Hall-Heroult process, each tank being closed around its periphery by a plurality of removable covers which are disposed in substantially sealed relationship with each other and between each thereof and their support means on the periphery of the tank, the gases being collected over each tank by at least one duct connected to a centralized suction extraction system.The temperature of the gases in the duct is continuously measured. Opening of at least one cover gives rise to an abrupt drop in temperature, which makes it possible to put the system into the increased suction extraction mode, which will be automatically stopped when, all the covers being closed again, the temperature of the gases will substantially resume its initial value.The power required for the suction system is thus substantially reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrolytic cell and method in which first and second electrodes are adapted to pass a current through an inter-electrode zone of specified dimension for containing electrolyte, wherein the first electrode is held free from support by internal cell surfaces, and one electrode is provided with electrical connection to a liquid pad, e.g., of molten metal product, having a higher electrical conductivity than cell electrolyte.A preferred embodiment includes channeling gas from the anode, facilitating run-off of product liquid from the cathode, and incorporating bipolar electrode assemblies. The cell and method of the present invention are suitable for the production of a metal, for example, aluminum, from a compound of the metal, e.g., alumina, dissolved in an electrolyte, e.g., cryolite.

Abstract: Propargylic halides, preferably the bromide and iodide, react with metallic mercury in a finely divided state, in the presence of sunlight to form the corresponding allenic or propargylic organomercuric halides in high yield.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are a plasma treating method and an apparatus therefor. The plasma treating method comprises: the step of monitoring the energies of plasmas corresponding to the faces of a plurality of samples to be treated; the step of adjusting to equalize the energies of said plasmas on the basis of the monitored values; and the step simultaneously treating said samples with the plasmas having said equalized energies. The plasma treating apparatus comprises: a plurality of sample electrodes disposed independently of one another in positions opposed to an opposed electrode in a treating chamber evacuated to be supplied with a treating gas; power supply means for applying and adjusting electric power to said sample electrodes; and monitor means for monitoring the energies of plasmas to be generated between said opposed electrode and said sample electrodes.