Abstract: An article includes a ceramic member (5) and a composite member (9) bonded together. The composite member is formed of a substrate member and a deformable metal layer which is mechanically fixed to the substrate member. The substrate member is formed of a material which is harder than the deformable metal. The ceramic member and the deformable metal layer of the composite member are hermetically sealed together by a solid phase bond formed by ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: The cathode region of a sodium sulphur cell has hitherto sometimes been sealed by a thin metal member welded at its outer periphery to the metal casing and at its inner periphery to the alpha alumina lid of the electrolyte. The welding operation damages the essential protective coating of the thin metal member. This invention discloses sealing the cathode region with a thin metal member (5) secured to a concentric outer thicker metal member (4), the thin member being sealed to the lid (15) and the thicker member being sealed to the casing (1). The thickness of the outer member eliminates the need for a protective coating so that the combined seal has greater integrity than previous seals.

Abstract: Apparatus for constructing an alkali metal energy conversion device, for example a sodium sulphur cell. Such cells typically employ a solid electrolyte element separating cathodic and anodic reactants which are liquid at the cell operating temperature.

Abstract: A welding electrode arrangement comprising an inner electrode and a plurality of electrically interconnected outer electrodes defining a closed figure about the inner electrode, the outer electrodes being resilient in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the closed figure, the outer electrodes further being in the form of a plurality of inwardly directed fingers extending from and integral with an outer connecting rim.