Abstract: An improved electrode assembly is disclosed for use in a cell for the production of metal by electrolytic reduction comprising a nonmetallic conductive electrode having a top surface and a central current carrying support shaft received in a central bore extending axially downward from the top surface. Conductive fin members extend radially from the central support shaft in the electrode, the fin members comprising a plurality of gate members extending radially from the central shaft adjacent a top surface of the electrode and wing members extending from the gate members downwardly into the electrode from the top surface. The gate members are provided with tapered surfaces extending toward the center of the electrode whereby expansion of both the nonmetallic and the metallic portions of the electrode assembly will enhance the electrical contact between the wing members and the nonmetallic portions of the electrode to thereby further minimize the voltage drop in the electrode.

Abstract: An improved electrode assembly is provided for use in a cell for the production of metal by electrolytic reduction comprising a nonmetallic conductive electrode, such as a carbon electrode, having a top surface and a central current carrying support shaft received in a central bore extending axially downwardly from the top surface. Conductive fin assemblies extend radially from the central support shaft in the electrode, the fin assemblies comprising a plurality of gate members extending radially from the central shaft adjacent a top surface of the electrode and wing members extending from the gate members downwardly into the electrode from the top surface. Metal conductive means, comprising a metal which will not contaminate the molten salt bath, extend downwardly in the electrode beyond the depth of the central shaft and fin assemblies.

Abstract: An improved electrode assembly is disclosed for use in a cell for the production of metal by electrolytic reduction comprising a nonmetallic conductive electrode having a top surface and a central current carrying support shaft received in a central bore extending axially downward from the top surface. Conductive fin members extend radially from the central support shaft in the electrode, the fin members comprising a plurality of gate members extending radially from the central shaft adjacent a top surface of the electrode and wing members extending from the gate members downwardly into the electrode from the top surface. The gate members are provided with a width exceeding the depth at least adjacent the top surface of the electrode to provide better heat dissipation adjacent the top face of the electrode.

Abstract: A method of determining the penetration of an isotherm into a mass, including the steps of distributing material in the mass, the material having the ability to fix a record of an isotherm, cycling the temperature of the mass, and checking the material for the location of the isotherm relative to the mass.