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 adjusting the position of objects in relation to a datum plane, the method including the step of providing a mark on the objects at a known distance from the surface of the objects that will be positioned in predetermined relationship with the datum plane. One of the objects is next placed in the predetermined relationship with the plane, the object being moved from an original position relative to the plane after a predetermined period of time. A second object is then placed in the predetermined relationship with the plane, and a beam of light is directed to the second object, the beam providing a light image on the object. The second object is now moved until the image of the light coincides with the mark provided on the object.