Abstract: There are provided a holding strap, methods of making the same, and methods using such holding strap for tying down objects on a flatbed of a vehicle, retaining underground tanks, or lifting electrodes out of an electrolytic cell. The holding strap includes a chemically pre-treated strap component, an epoxy resin chemically bonded to the pre-treated strap component, and a hook component comprising a cavity that is configured and sized to receive at least a portion of the strap component, the epoxy resin being chemically bonded to internal surfaces of the cavity, so as to form the holding strap.

Abstract: Techniques for installing contact bar segments in an electrolytic cell can include positioning a series of contact bar segments on a capping board to provide enhanced current density distribution in the series of contact bar segments positioned along the capping board, the contact bar segments including at least three contact regions for anodes and cathodes. In some scenarios, sub-sets of contact bar segments may be provided, such that one sub-set is configured to contact N number of anodes and N number of cathodes; another sub-set is configured to contact N number of anodes and N+1 number of cathodes including one center segment; and a further sub-set configured to contact N+1 number of anodes and N number of cathodes including two end segments.

Abstract: There are provided a holding strap, methods of making the same, and methods using such holding strap for tying down objects on a flatbed of a vehicle, retaining underground tanks, or lifting electrodes out of an electrolytic cell. The holding strap includes a chemically pre-treated strap component, an epoxy resin chemically bonded to the pre-treated strap component, and a hook component comprising a cavity that is configured and sized to receive at least a portion of the strap component, the epoxy resin being chemically bonded to internal surfaces of the cavity, so as to form the holding strap.

Abstract: An assembly for use in refining metals includes two adjacent capping board segments defining a joint interface there-between, a contact bar that may be a contact bar segment and is sized and configured to lay on the two capping boards and to span across the joint interface, and two engagement mechanisms provided on respective sides of the joint interface, to hold the capping board segments together. Each engagement mechanism may include a projecting anchor element and a retaining cavity sized and configured to receive a corresponding projecting anchor element. The contact bar may include the projecting anchor elements and the capping board segments may include the retaining cavities. Methods and uses of such contact bars and capping board segments are also provided for hydrometallurgical refining operations.

Abstract: Techniques for installing contact bar segments in an electrolytic cell can include positioning a series of contact bar segments on a capping board to provide enhanced current density distribution in the series of contact bar segments positioned along the capping board, the contact bar segments including at least three contact regions for anodes and cathodes. In some scenarios, sub-sets of contact bar segments may be provided, such that one sub-set is configured to contact N number of anodes and N number of cathodes; another sub-set is configured to contact N number of anodes and N+1 number of cathodes including one center segment; and a further sub-set configured to contact N+1 number of anodes and N number of cathodes including two end segments.

Abstract: A hook, a hold down strap and a method for holding down an underground tank. The hook includes a base portion connectable to the hold down strap; a curved portion extending from the base portion and defining a concave receiving area having an entrance sized and configured for receiving an anchor element. The hook includes at least one hooking aid member being a flexible member or an extension member. The flexible member extends across the entrance of the concave receiving area and is sized and configured to bend from a closed position to an open position such that, when the anchor element traverses the entrance, the flexible member bends from the closed position toward the concave receiving area to the open position, thus allowing the anchor element to enter the concave receiving area. The extension member extends from the curved portion beyond the entrance of the concave receiving area.

Abstract: The present invention related to a contact bar or contact bar segment, a contact bar and insulating capping board assembly and a method for operating an electrolytic cell including electrodes for refining metal. Embodiments of the contact bar include support sections with multiple support surfaces for lying against the insulating capping board, thereby distributing weight of the electrodes hanging on the contact bar; and contact sections for receiving the electrodes while providing good electrical contact and precise positioning thereof. While following the steps of the method for operating the electrolytic cell, lifetime of the contact bar and insulating capping board may be increased.

Abstract: An assembly for use in refining metals includes two adjacent capping board segments defining a joint interface there-between, a contact bar that may be a contact bar segment and is sized and configured to lay on the two capping boards and to span across the joint interface, and two engagement mechanisms provided on respective sides of the joint interface, to hold the capping board segments together. Each engagement mechanism may include a projecting anchor element and a retaining cavity sized and configured to receive a corresponding projecting anchor element. The contact bar may include the projecting anchor elements and the capping board segments may include the retaining cavities. Methods and uses of such contact bars and capping board segments are also provided for hydrometallurgical refining operations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a segmented contact bar for use boarding an electrolytic cell. The segmented contact bar has contact pieces made of electrically conductive material and being in spaced apart relation along the capping board, each of the contact pieces defining a segment for supporting and electrically connecting an anode and a cathode in the electrolytic cell. The segmented contact bar also has connection members including an insulating material and provided in between pairs of adjacent segments for providing insulating interconnection of the segments. There is also an electrolytic refining apparatus including adjacent electrolytic cells; a capping board positioned on the adjacent electrolytic cells; anodes and cathodes extending in spaced apart alternate positions into the each of the adjacent electrolytic cells along the capping boards; and a segmented contact bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rail clamp for fastening rail equipment, said rail clamp being integrally composed of a polymeric composition produced by pultrusion or molding, vacuum molding or compression molding. It has high mechanical strength. It is anticorrosive and insulating and is preferably composed of a resin and reinforcing fibers and/or a thermoplastic. It is advantageously formed as a one piece structure. The rail clamp is especially used to fasten rails to base slabs and has economic advantages compared to the rail clamps known in the art, which are made of steel coated with rubber.

Abstract: A hook, a hold down strap and a method for holding down an underground tank. The hook includes a base portion connectable to the hold down strap; a curved portion extending from the base portion and defining a concave receiving area having an entrance sized and configured for receiving an anchor element. The hook includes at least one hooking aid member being a flexible member or an extension member. The flexible member extends across the entrance of the concave receiving area and is sized and configured to bend from a closed position to an open position such that, when the anchor element traverses the entrance, the flexible member bends from the closed position toward the concave receiving area to the open position, thus allowing the anchor element to enter the concave receiving area. The extension member extends from the curved portion beyond the entrance of the concave receiving area.

Abstract: The present invention related to a contact bar or contact bar segment, a contact bar and insulating capping board assembly and a method for operating an electrolytic cell including electrodes for refining metal. Embodiments of the contact bar include support sections with multiple support surfaces for lying against the insulating capping board, thereby distributing weight of the electrodes hanging on the contact bar; and contact sections for receiving the electrodes while providing good electrical contact and precise positioning thereof. While following the steps of the method for operating the electrolytic cell, lifetime of the contact bar and insulating capping board may be increased.

Abstract: Disclosed is a segmented contact bar for use boarding an electrolytic cell. The segmented contact bar has contact pieces made of electrically conductive material and being in spaced apart relation along the capping board, each of the contact pieces defining a segment for supporting and electrically connecting an anode and a cathode in the electrolytic cell. The segmented contact bar also has connection members including an insulating material and provided in between pairs of adjacent segments for providing insulating interconnection of the segments. There is also an electrolytic refining apparatus including adjacent electrolytic cells; a capping board positioned on the adjacent electrolytic cells; anodes and cathodes extending in spaced apart alternate positions into the each of the adjacent electrolytic cells along the capping boards; and a segmented contact bar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a contact bar for use on a capping board of a given length in order to electrically connect a plurality of anodes and cathodes extending in spaced apart, alternate positions in adjacent electrolytic cells all along the capping board. The contact bar extends over the length of the capping board and is of a given average cross-section. This contact bar comprises a central core that is made of an insulating material and extends all over its length. This contact bar also comprises a plurality of contact pieces that are made of an electrically conductive material and are positioned in spaced apart positions all along the core, each of the pieces defining a segment on which only a short number of the anodes and cathodes are connected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a contact bar for use on a capping board of a given length in order to electrically connect a plurality of anodes and cathodes extending in spaced apart, alternate positions in adjacent electrolytic cells all along the capping board. The contact bar extends over the length of the capping board and is of a given average cross-section. This contact bar comprises a central core that is made of an insulating material and extends all over its length. This contact bar also comprises a plurality of contact pieces that are made of an electrically conductive material and are positioned in spaced apart positions all along the core, each of the pieces defining a segment on which only a short number of the anodes and cathodes are connected.

Abstract: The invention concerns a capping board assembly and its multiple connectable sections. Each pair of sections is connected with an interlocking joint, each of which comprises at least one projection and at least one recess that cooperate and prevent the longitudinal and lateral movement of the sections. Each interlocking joint is reinforced by a rod embedded within the section and extending within the projection. The rod has a tip that anchors the projection. The interlocking joints allow precision assembly of the sections of the capping board which greatly benefits strength, installation, replacement and transportation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rail clamp for fastening rail equipment, said rail clamp being integrally composed of a polymeric composition produced by pultrusion or molding, vacuum molding or compression molding. It has high mechanical strength. It is anticorrosive and insulating and is preferably composed of a resin and reinforcing fibers and/or a thermoplastic. It is advantageously formed as a one piece structure. The rail clamp is especially used to fasten rails to base slabs and has economic advantages compared to the rail clamps known in the art, which are made of steel coated with rubber.

Abstract: Peptides exhibiting anti-viral and anti-fusogenic activity are modified to provide greater stability and improved half-life in vivo. The selected peptides include fusion inhibitors DP178 and DP107 and related peptides and analogs thereof. The modified peptides are capable of forming covalent bonds with one or more blood components, preferably a mobile blood component.

Abstract: Disclosed in a capping board for use to support hanging legs of anodes and cathodes within adjacent electrolytic cells. This capping board has a main body having a bottom surface shaped to fit onto upper edges of the adjacent cells, and a top surface. A first set of spaced part insulating blocks project from the top surface. This first set of blocks extends in line all over the length of the capping board on one side of the main body. A second set of spaced part insulating blocks also projects from the top surface. This second set of blocks also extends in line all over the length of the capping board at a given lateral distance from the first set of blocks. Thus, the two sets of blocks form two rows that together define a central path on the top surface. Each of the blocks has a recess forming an upwardly and laterally opening compartment to receive and support one of the hanging legs of the anodes and cathodes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a capping board for use to support anodes and cathodes within adjacent electrolytic cells, which has a plurality of individual seats positioned in spaced apart relationship all along its length to receive and support hanging legs projecting from these anodes and cathodes. This capping board is improved in that it has at least one sheet or wire of electrically conductive material embedded therein. This sheet or wire extends over the length of the board and is shaped and positioned so that part of its extends externally within at least some of the seats so as to allow electrical contact of the legs of either the anodes or the cathodes and to allow fast dissipation of heat in the case of a short circuit.