Abstract: An aluminium production cell includes an elongated cathode current collector bar in contact with a carbonaceous cathode, the cathode current collector bar of copper or a copper alloy coated on its surface facing the cathode or all around with a thin steel protective layer 0.15 mm to 4 mm thick that forms an effective protection of the current collector bar from diffusion of aluminium or other reaction products produced on the carbonaceous cathode during operation. The volume ratio of the copper or copper alloy to the thin steel protective layer is for example in a range 400%-500%. The protective thin steel layer including an optional pre-applied thinner conductive non-ferrous under or overcoat is preferably in direct contact with the carbonaceous cathode that is ready to use with no need for rodding with cast iron.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cathode block having a slot geometry, said carbon-based cathode block for an electrolysis cell for the production of aluminium being provided with at least one slot for accommodating at least one cathode bar, said at least one slot having at least one cavity, at least some sections of which extend in the longitudinal direction of the slot and which includes at least one undercut.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the production of aluminium including collector bars under the cathode, namely a copper collector bar whose external terminal end is connected by a conductor element providing electrical connection of the collector bar to an external bus. This conductor element comprises a flexible connector strip of the same or a different highly conductive metal as the conductor bar, such as copper.

Abstract: A novel cathode assembly and its use for the production of aluminum in an electrolysis cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cathode block having a slot geometry, said carbon-based cathode block for an electrolysis cell for the production of aluminium being provided with at least one slot for accommodating at least one cathode bar, said at least one slot having at least one cavity, at least some sections of which extend in the longitudinal direction of the slot and which includes at least one undercut.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the production of aluminium including collector bars under the cathode, namely a copper collector bar whose external terminal end is connected by a conductor element providing electrical connection of the collector bar to an external bus. This conductor element comprises a flexible connector strip of the same or a different highly conductive metal as the conductor bar, such as copper.

Abstract: A novel cathode assembly and its use for the production of aluminum in an electrolysis cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating a substrate has a vacuum chamber designed to receive the substrate and at least one sputtering target to be ablated during operation of the apparatus by particle bombardment. At least one window is arranged in the wall of the vacuum chamber. A device for determining the wear of the sputtering target, by optically measuring the distance between at least one predefinable point outside the vacuum chamber and at least one predefinable point on the surface of the sputtering target, and including an evaluation device correcting for any parallax offset and/or a geometric distortion.