Abstract: A method for galvanically depositing nickel, cobalt, nickel alloys or cobalt alloys in a galvanic bath includes using electrolytes containing nickel compounds or cobalt compounds. At least one anode and at least one cathode of the bath are subject to periodic current pulses. The IA/IC ratio of the anode current density IA to the cathode current density IC is selected to be greater than 1 and smaller than 1.5, where the anode current density IA and the cathode current density IC are defined as current densities with respect to a deposition body on which deposition occurs during the application of periodic current pulses where the deposition body serves as anode and cathode respectively. The charge ratio QA/QC=TAIA/TCIC of the charge QA, transported during anode pulse of duration TA, to the charge QC transported during a cathode pulse of duration TC, is between 30% and 45%.

Abstract: A hold-down apparatus clamps functional elements, for instance solar cell nels which are unfoldable from a carrying body, possibly a spacecraft, in their folded condition. The folded functional elements (15) rest on a counter support (3) provided on the carrying body. A pressure piece (4) is mounted on the outermost functional element (15a). A swingable retaining arm or bail (5) rests with its one end on the pressure piece (4). In order to produce a high biasing force in the locked position, and in order to be able in an easy and reliable manner to reverse at any time from the unlocked to the locked position, the hold-down apparatus has the following features. A lever arm (7) is articulated or journalled to the counter support (3) and may be rotated by means of a drive element (10). The lever (7) is rotatably connected at one of its ends to the retaining arm or bail (5) which is biased by a spring (9) pressing in the direction toward the pressure piece (4).