Abstract: Process and apparatus controlling the cross-sectional flow distribution within a flowing stream such as a copper flux in an electrolytic copper deposition process. The flow distribution is controlled by a baffle comprised of two plates overlying one another, each having a set of openings, wherein the openings in the two plates generally correspond to one another but are slightly offset therefrom or varied in size in a non-uniform way along the radius of the plates such as to effect a modification of the uniformity or non-uniformity of the velocity flow rates across the cross section of the flowing stream in which the baffle is interposed.

Abstract: A combination of chemicals and electromagnetic radiation is used to alter the physical characteristics of keratinic fibers such as mammalian or human hair. A non-irritating, non-reactive disulfide in the form of a solution or gel is first contacted with the hair. Electromagnetic radiation is then applied to the hair to photochemically convert the disulfide into a dithiol. The dithiol breaks the disulfide bonds in the hair so that the hair can be permanently re-shaped.

Abstract: Thin polymeric films, coatings and ionic conductors by cross-linking a polymer matrix, such as a polyethyleneimine, polyetheramine, polyallylamine or polyacrlyamide, with a fluorocarbon containing epoxide or anhydride. The compositions are of high integrity and posses properties, such as insulation, ion conduction, anticorrosion, antifouling and self-adhesion. Specific compositions absorb and release acidic gases and liquids.

Abstract: A process for the regeneration of an at least partially spent Zn-alkali slurry for use in metal-air batteries, including subjecting the slurry to at least the steps of (i) separating the slurry into dissolved and undissolved phases; (ii) electrolyzing the separated dissolved phase so that Zn deposits on a cathode in removable form; (iii) removing Zn from the cathode and consolidating the Zn into particles; and (iv) combining the Zn from step (iii) with the separated undissolved phase from step (i) and an additional aqueous Group Ia metal hydroxide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removing fluoride and sulfate ions from an aqueous stream by adding calcium chloride and a source of phosphate ion to the stream to form a first precipitate of calcium sulfate and a compound of calcium, fluoride, and phosphate. The precipitate is separated from the aqueous stream and a source of carbonate ion is added to the stream to form a second precipitate which contains fluoride and calcium. The second precipitate is then separated from the aqueous stream.

Abstract: An improved high-efficiency electrochemical motor is disclosed that uses hydrogen gas in a gas-tight pump housing to convert electrical energy to mechanical work. The motor consists of an electrolytic membrane with pervious electrodes on both sides separated by the thickness of the electrolytic membrane such that the gas, being electrochemically reversibly active, enters into an anodic reaction on one side of the membrane where the gas molecules are converted to ions transportable through the electrolytic membrane and a cathodic reaction at the opposite electrode where the ions are reconverted to gas molecules. By applying a reversible electric current to the electrodes to transport the ions through the electrolytic membrane, the gas is pumped reversibly from one gas-tight chamber to another. A diaphragm disposed in a gas-tight motor housing moves from one motor housing partition to the other in response to an imbalance in the pressure of the gas.

Abstract: A fluorinated cation exchange membrane comprising one or more layers of an ion-conductive film and where one or more layers has adhered therein a fabric reinforcement made from fully ion conductive yarn that is oriented and then at least partially hydrolyzed, the film and the yarns being made of melt-fabricable fluorinated cation exchange resin precursors having a mole ratio of non-functional to functional monomer of 2.8-11.8:1, the mole ratio in the film adjacent to the fabric being different from that of the fabric by no more than three units, where the membrane is employed in the process of electrolyzing alkali metal halides.

Abstract: A method of making an (alkali metal) (metal) halide compound and an alkali metal, the compound having the formula MDHal.sub.x+1 in which D is a metal; M is an alkali metal; Hal is a halide; and x is the valency of the metal D. The compound is made by exposing to one another a molten MDHal.sub.x+1 compound, a metal D and an alkali metal halide having the formula MHal. The MDHal.sub.x+1 compound is separated from a molten alkali metal M by means of a separator which is in contact with both the molten MAlHal.sub.4 and molten alkali metal. The separator can include a solid conductor of ions of the alkali metal or a micromolecular sieve having the alkali metal absorbed therein. A sufficient electrical potential is applied across the electrolytic cell D/MHal/MDHal.sub.x+1 .parallel.separator.parallel.alkali metal to cause the following reactions to take place: xMHal+D.fwdarw.XM+DHal.sub.x and MHal+DHal.sub.x .fwdarw.MDHal.sub.x+1.

Abstract: A method of making a cathode suitable for an electrochemical cell of the type having a molten sodium anode, a beta"-alumina separator, and a cathode which comprises one or more transition metals selected from the group comprising Fe, Ni, Co, Cr and Mn. The method comprises heating a particulate starting material comprising at least one member of the group of transition metals in an oxidizing atmosphere to cause its particles to become at least partially oxidized, and to adhere together to form a unitary porous matrix. This matrix is then heated in a reducing atmosphere at least partially to reduce the oxide formed during the formation of the matrix, and the reduced matrix is then impregnated with a sodium aluminium chloride molten salt electrolyte. Sodium chloride in dispersed form is incorporated into the matrix, preferably by mixing sodium chloride in particulate form with the particulate transition metal starting material, before the heating in an oxidizing atmosphere to form the matrix.