Abstract: Supplementary cooling for a mechanical refrigeration plant using ammonia as a refrigerant is provided by placing a tube in the vapor space of a buffer vessel and introducing liquid nitrogen into the tube. Although ammonia solidifies at -78.degree. C. and liquid nitrogen enters the tube at -196.degree. C. no ammonia solidifies on the tube even after extended operation. The present invention also provides a method of refrigeration which comprises introducing liquid nitrogen into the heat exchanger of a refrigeration apparatus in accordance with the invention and condensing refrigerant therewith. Preferably, the refrigerant is selected from the group consisting of ammonia and fluorocarbon R22.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel multi-layer composite solid state membranes which are capable of separating oxygen from oxygen-containing gaseous mixtures at elevated temperatures. The membranes comprise a multicomponent metallic oxide porous layer having an average pore radius of less than about 10 micrometers and a multicomponent metallic oxide dense layer having no connected through porosity wherein the porous and dense layers are contiguous and such layers conduct electrons and oxygen ions at operating temperatures.

Abstract: Powder is coated with valve-metal by rotating it in a drum 15 so that it is presented to valve-metal vapor derived by evaporation of a source of valve-metal. In the case of coating with aluminum, the vapor may be produced by directing aluminum wire 10 on to a heater 11, and oxygen or air is admitted to control agglomerate formation. Aluminum and tantalum coating are both described using electron beam evaporators.

Abstract: The vitreous material, e.g. silica, is deposited on the inner surface of the tube from a hot, intense, inductive plasma, which plasma is formed by utilization of wavelengths substantially longer than the diameter of the plasma. The process may be employed in the production of preform tubes or step or graded index optical fiber manufacture by gradually varying the contents of the vapor introduced into the plasma.

Abstract: A process for preparing porous high surface over metal films for electrolytic capacitor manufacture. An anodizable metal is evaporated in a vacuum chamber to form a metal vapor, the metal vapor being directed towards a foil substrate. The deposition angle is chosen such that the evaporated metal condenses as a porous surface layer.The coated foil may be used in the manufacture of electrolytic capacitors by anodizing the coating, applying contacts, and winding up the foil.

Abstract: One shot coating of powdered material with a metal film is achieved by allowing the material to fall through a vertical refractory cylinder, the inside of which is covered with the metal. The process takes place in a vacuum chamber and the cylinder is heated to evaporate the metal onto the falling material as it passes through the cylinder.

Abstract: An electro-plating method and apparatus therefor in which a discrete area of plating, such as a stripe about an elongated workpiece can be deposited without the use of separate masking. A plating solution having a depth equal to the length of the stripe desired is floated over a denser, inert, immiscible liquid (such as a liquid fluorocarbon). Workpieces are attached to a carrier which is electrically energized as cathodes and which are positioned vertically such that the area to receive the plated stripe is within the layer of plating solution, the workpieces projecting above the plating solution layer and below into the inert liquid as necessary. Pump weir and sump arrangements provide for maintenance of the plating solution and inert liquid levels and an anode is separately provided.