Abstract: The susceptibility of steel to electroplating is improved, by an electrolytic pretreatment of the steel part. The steel part is connected alternately as cathode and anode in an electrolytic cell containing an electrolytic bath which is an aqueous solution of sodium sulphate of a concentration from 0.5 M to 2.5 M and a pH of 6 to 8, at a temperature of 20.degree. to 100.degree. C. and a direct current density of 1 to 60 A/dm.sup.2.

Abstract: A photoelectrochemical metal plating and purification process includes at least one electrolyte containing a reduction-oxidation couple, one species of which is a metal cation which can be reduced to elemental metal at an electrode. The system includes an N-type photosensitive semiconductor electrode at which, under illumination, an oxidation reaction occurs, with concurrent reduction of the metal cation at the counter electrode. In operation, one ionic species of the electrolyte is oxidized while metal ions are reduced and collected as the elemental metal at the counter electrode. In cases where the elemental metal is liquid at the operation temperature, it is collected as a liquid metal pool under the counter electrode.

Abstract: An electrical storage battery consisting of one or a plurality of cells, each comprised of a normally positive electrode for reducing a halogen disposed in electrical contact therewith and a normally negative electrode having an oxidizable metal disposed in electrical contact therewith during an electrical discharge of the cell. The cell is filled with an aqueous metal halide electrolyte which is adapted to be circulated between the cell and a storage area containing a replenishable halogen hydrate which is progressively consumed during discharge of the battery. A replenishment of the oxidizable metal is also effected periodically accompanied by a withdrawal of a controlled portion of the electrolyte to maintain the volume thereof within a preselected range.

Abstract: In a photovoltaic cell which comprises: a substrate, a bottom electrode, a first layer of cadmium sulfide, a second layer of cuprous sulfide forming a barrier junction with said first layer and a top electrode, the improvement wherein said substrate is an insulative ceramic material and the bottom electrode is a conductive ceramic layer fused to said substrate. Said conductive layer is optionally coated with a metal having a high electrical conductivity.

Abstract: An ionization chamber for use in eliminating or controlling scale in water systems, such ionization chamber including a generally cylindrical housing having a side wall and ends, and an electrode, extending within the housing along the longitudinal axis thereof, the electrode and the housing being connected to the opposite poles of a source of direct current. The electrode projects into the housing through one end wall thereof, and the extending end of the electrode is spaced from the opposite end wall of the housing by a dimension substantially equal to the radial spacing between the electrode and the side wall of the housing. A dielectric sleeve is arranged about the electrode, and extends along the electrode from the aforesaid one end wall for a length corresponding to the spacing between the end of the electrode and the opposite end wall of the housing.

Abstract: A thin, luminescent sheet having upper and lower large area surfaces separated by upstanding edge faces, said sheet being contoured in the vicinity of at least one of said edge faces so as to widen such edge face substantially, and at least one photovoltaic cell carried on and occupying a substantial portion of such widened edge face.

Abstract: A process for electroplating nickel on titanium which comprises connecting the titanium as the cathode in an acid solution to form a layer of titanium hydride on the titanium and thereafter immersing the hydrided titanium in a nickel plating solution and cathodically plating nickel thereover.

Abstract: In a method of continuously feeding alumina to an aluminum electrolytic cell in which aluminum is prepared by the electrolysis of alumina, the feed of alumina is controlled by starting it when occurrence of an anode effect is detected or anticipated, and the feed is switched between high speed, low speed and interruption during each one of a series of cycles of operation.

Abstract: A method of treating an aluminum article prior to plating by first cleaning the article to be substantially free of aluminum oxide and then immersing the article in a solution containing sodium hydroxide, sodium metasilicate, trisodium phosphate and sodium carbonate.

Abstract: Cathode sputtering apparatus and a related method for its use in sputter cleaning and bias sputtering operations, in which work-pieces to be sputter-cleaned are secured to a cathode assembly in a configuration lending itself to the utilization of plasma traps which are highly conducive to efficient sputtering. Two basic embodiments are disclosed. In one embodiment, the cathode assembly takes the form of a hollow cylinder with inwardly projecting end flanges, the work-pieces being mounted with their surfaces to be cleaned facing inwardly, and in the other embodiment it takes the form of a cylindrical post with outwardly projecting end flanges, with the surfaces to be cleaned facing outwardly.Also disclosed are related techniques for sputter coating work-pieces immediately following a sputter cleaning step.

Abstract: Aluminum wire, of either pure aluminum or an aluminum alloy is plated with a firm layer of nickel by passing the wire through a pickling bath of an aqueous solution of phosphoric and hydrochloric acids at a temperature of between 50.degree. and 70.degree. C and then electroplating the wire with nickel.

Abstract: An electrode suitable for use in a monopolar electrolytic cell of the filter press type the electrode comprising a group of elongated metal members, e.g. wires or rods, electrically conductively mounted on and projecting from at least one surface of a metal sheet, and optionally from both surfaces thereof, so that a part of the members lies in a plane laterally spaced from and substantially parallel to the surface of the sheet, the members mounted on one surface, and optionally the members mounted on both surfaces, being flexible.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for directly converting solar energy into electrical energy for utilization in driving any desired load. The apparatus comprises an electron emitting means, a collecting means, a first electrode means positioned proximate the emitting means and spaced therefrom and positioned on the opposite side of the emitting means from the collecting means, a second electrode means positioned proximate the collecting means and spaced therefrom and positioned on one side of the collecting means away from the emitting means, control means for selectively charging and discharging the first and second electrode means, and means for electrically connecting the emitting means and collecting means in circuit with the load to be driven.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a plating unit, the cavity of which communicates with a plating solution feed system, and pressing means mounted above the plating unit. The pressing means according to the invention is made in the form of a magazine with two or more pressure surfaces whereon sealing members, workpiece orientation members and workpiece retaining members are mounted. The magazine is operatively connected to a vertical movement actuator in a manner which provides for rotation of the magazine about its horizontal axis. A masking member is mounted on the surface of the plating unit to mask the workpiece surface areas not to be plated. The apparatus comprises an anode which is mounted in the internal space or cavity of the plating unit in the path of the plating solution flowing towards the workpiece, and a cathode connected to the workpiece.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device has a body which includes a thin film active region and a layer substantially transparent to solar radiation. The thickness of the transparent layer is such that a first antireflection condition is present for solar radiation at a wavelength which is relatively highly absorbed by the material of the active region. Furthermore, the combined thickness of the transparent layer and active region are such that a second antireflection condition is present for solar radiation at a wavelength which is poorly absorbed by the material of the active region. As a result of the prevailing antireflection conditions the solar radiation absorption efficiency of the photovoltaic device is increased.

Abstract: A method for depositing aluminum layers having a predetermined reflectance or a predetermined resistivity is disclosed. The layers are deposited by sputtering a target comprising 90% or greater aluminum. The parameters which must be controlled include the partial pressure of reactive gases, such as nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen and water vapor, which are minor constituents of the sputtering gas, the total sputtering gas pressure, the substrate temperature, and the deposition rate.

Abstract: Composite metal/porcelain tooth reconstructions are manufactured by bonding porcelain to a basis metal which is pretreated by electrolytically depositing thereon a thin layer of a different metal. The pretreatment has the effect of increasing the bond strength between the metal and the porcelain.If the basis metal is a noble metal, the different metal may be deposited directly, and the porcelain then bonded on. If the basis metal is a base metal the pretreatment preferably includes an etching step, deposition of a preliminary metal layer on the etched surface, followed by deposition of the main metal layer, followed by a final deposition of metal prior to bonding to the porcelain.

Abstract: In the electrolytic production in water of insoluble metal hydroxide from the metal thereof, more especially of coagulant ferric hydroxide from iron, rectangular channels with flanking ribs provide for pre-established, uniform spacing of the electrode plates and intermediate binary wiping structures. Electrolytic current contact is protected against corrosion by a metallic embossment on the plates. Binary reciprocating wipers are at different wiping levels between successive plates and reversely directed to the opposite surfaces thereof. The wipers are urged against the plate surface by bilateral springs, as the surfaces recede due to thinning of the plates as they are consumed. Terminal panels, on which the wipers land after a reciprocating stroke, coextensively bound the plates; protuberances facilitate the transit of a wiper between them. The terminal panels may be employed to concurrently generate oxygen or chlorine as a supplement to coagulant ferric hydroxide.

Abstract: A method of electrochemically polishing a metal body which comprises juxtaposing the surface to be polished with a tool electrode in the presence of an abrasive and an electrolyte, and applying pulses having a duration not exceeding 100 microseconds between the electrode and the workpiece with the electrode being poled negatively.

Abstract: Tubular solar cells are provided which can be coupled together in series and parallel arrays to form an integrated structure. Solar energy concentrators are combined with the solar cells to maximize their power output. The solar cells may be cooled by circulating a heat exchange fluid through the interior of the solar cells and the heat captured by such fluid may be utilized, for example, to provide hot water for a heating system. The coolant circulating system of the solar cells also may be integrated with a solar thermal device so as to form a two-stage heating system, whereby the coolant is preheated as it cools the solar cells and then is heated further by the solar thermal device.