Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a housing disposed about an axis and having a retainer. The assembly further includes a coupling pack disposed about the axis, and an actuator lever having an end engaged with the retainer of the housing such that the actuator lever is pivotable with respect to the housing for applying an axial force on the coupling pack. Moreover, the retainer inhibits axial movement of the end of the actuator lever.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved fluid management system for dual and other multiple clutch assemblies having fluid-operated pistons and fluid operated balance chambers offsetting the undesired pressures exerted by fluids within the piston chamber induced by centrifugal forces. Among other improvements, the system provides an effective and cost efficient arrangement of fluid supply channels and supply openings capable of maintaining desired fluid levels in the balance chambers under low, otherwise insufficient, flow rate conditions. In another aspect, the system provides a reservoir for the balance chambers under conditions where the fluid flow is stopped or interrupted.

Abstract: A roller turn roller for an industrial conveyor comprises a continuous axle tube having opposed ends and a central axis of rotation, a pair of axially spaced, tapered roller bearings on the axle tube spaced inwardly from its ends, a roller shell supported by the bearings for rotation about the axis of the tube, and a pair of axially spaced retainers secured to the tube with the roller bearings disposed therebetween. Each of the retainers engages a corresponding bearing to pre-load the bearings to a desired clearance. A fastener extending across a pair of mounting bars on the conveyor, and through the axle tube mounts the roller turn roller between the bars.

Abstract: A handrail for one of an escalator and a people-mover the includes a cross-section formed by a first upper cross-sectional part and a second lower cross-sectional part, the first cross-sectional part that includes an upper belt structured and arranged to form a handle for individuals to be transported by one of the escalator and the people-mover, the second cross-sectional part that includes a lower belt structured and arranged to form an active connection with a guiding system and a driving system, and a connecting bridge that connects the upper belt to the lower belt, wherein the cross-section has a double “T” shape and the lower belt that includes side areas that extend beyond the connecting bridge as viewed in the cross section, and the side areas are wedge-shaped. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for deflecting a product from a distribution conveyor of a product determination and separation line are provided. Ejectors are positioned along a conveyor and are selectively activated and deactivated to result in deflection of product from the conveyor into a desired bin or other storage location. A flipper arm of the ejector is positioned to at least partially overlap the surface of the conveyor belt to reduce wear and ravel of the conveyor belt. An actuator which rotates the flipper arm is positioned above the conveyor to allow for easy cleaning and maintenance. The ejector is releasably and pivotally connected to the frame of the conveyor to allow for further ease of cleaning and maintenance.

Abstract: Device for automatically adjusting vertically directing and aligning means in dependence on said containers size. The directing means are formed by a plurality of cradles (5) and the aligning means are formed by a corresponding plurality of discharge channels (6), both means are provided with movable parts (10, 35), respectively, adjustable in dependence on plastic containers size. The device provides at least one control member located on the machine outer stationary cylindrical wall (3) and adapted to engage movable parts (10, 35) of cradles and discharge channels, respectively, while the inner hopper holding bulk plastic containers rotates. Movable parts (10, 35) respectively, act on a movable fin (26) that adjusts the cradle cross-section and a movable rear wall or back (33) of the discharge channel.

Abstract: A system for transferring an object between driven conveyors comprising an upper conveyor comprising a discharge end, a first belt for transporting the object, the first belt engaging a first end roller and a gooseneck roller, where the first end roller is disposed below the gooseneck roller by a displacement sufficient to create a downward sloping section in the first belt; a transfer guide located adjacent to the discharge end of the upper conveyor, to receive the object from the downward sloping section; a lower conveyor comprising a second belt to receive the object from the transfer guide; and means for driving the upper conveyor and lower conveyor such that the first belt moves towards the transfer guide and the second belt moves away from transfer guide. A lower run of the first belt may be disposed above an upper run of the second belt by a belt spacing approximately equal to or less than the thickness of the object.

Abstract: An envelope insert conveyor assembly includes a first pair of rotation members and a second pair of rotation members spaced apart from one another. A first conveying member is disposed around the first pair of rotation members, and a second conveying member is disposed around the second pair of rotation members, so that the conveying members rotate around the first rotation member and the second rotation member. A plurality of pusher members are fixed to each of the first conveying member and second conveying member. The pusher members each have paired sidewalls, a cross-wall connecting the paired walls, and an indented portion provided in each of the paired sidewalls. A gripping element is disposed adjacent an indented portion of one of the paired sidewalls and biased toward an interior surface of the indented portion.

Abstract: This invention is, in a vibration type parts feeding method and its device that welding nuts are put on a parts transportation track (3) arranged in an inner wall of a vibration bowl (2) of a parts feeder to be arranged in turn and normal positioned welding nuts are sorted and transported from a parts discharging outlet at a top end portion of the track to a desired place, that a sort unit (7) for passing only the normal positioned welding nuts is installed detachably to adjacent to the parts discharging outlet of the vibration bowl (2), and thus, that it becomes possible to correspond to sorting upward and downward of the welding nuts with various kinds of shapes and dimensions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conveyor chain including modular links interconnected by an elongated transverse connector rotatably supporting article engaging assemblies including rotatably mounted caps. In one embodiment, the caps are provided with a generally spherical outer surface and are mounted for rotation about an axis generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the connector. This arrangement thus allows for article conveyance with low backline pressure while facilitating the smooth and efficient diversion of an article in a direction generally transverse to the direction of chain movement through engagement with the caps. The chain may be of fixed length, or alternatively may be adapted to undergo side-flexing movement to negotiate curves or bends when driven in an endless path over a support structure forming part of a conveyor system, as well as longitudinal expansion and compression. One or more spacers may laterally offset the article engaging assemblies on alternating connectors forming the chain.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring an object from a first conveyor to a second conveyor, the apparatus having a drive roller; a guide having a first end and a length, the first end being positioned adjacent the drive roller; a guide roller, the guide roller being magnetic and positioned adjacent to the guide along the length of the guide; and a conveyor positioned around the drive roller, the guide, and the guide roller; wherein the conveyor has a ferrous component causing the conveyor to be moveably coupled to the guide roller.

Abstract: A belt device that includes an endless belt having a projection on an inner surface of the endless belt, the projection extending parallel to a running direction of the endless belt and a support roller having a guide portion that contacts the projection, the support roller supporting the endless belt so as to run the endless belt, wherein the projection is designed such that frictional forces between the guide portion and the projection is lower than frictional forces between the guide portion and a rectangular, square or circular shaped projection.

Abstract: A modular link (10) or link section for use in forming a riddles conveyor belt or a section thereof is provided. In one embodiment, the link section is unitary and includes a plurality of laterally-repeating link-shaped portions (16), each including an apex portion (14) and a pair of leg portions (22, 24). Each apex portion includes a receiver (18) for receiving an integral first connector (36) extending between the leg portions of a next-adjacent link or link section, preferably in snap-fit engagement, such that relative pivoting movement is established. A second integral connector (40) may be provided between the leg portion of each adjacent apex portion to create an engagement surface for a tooth of a drive or idler sprocket(s). The underside surface of each link section may also be specially contoured or curved to facilitate smooth passage over a guide structure (B), such as a small diameter, cylindrical nosebar or the like.

Abstract: A switch device includes a base member, an operation member conducting a rotating operation in a first direction and a second direction, a pushing operation in a third direction, and a tilting operation in forward and backward directions, an urging member which urges the operation member constantly so that the operation member is restored to a reference position, a first and a second switches which are operated by the rotating operation of the operation member in the first and second directions, a third switch, which is operated by the pushing operation of the operation member; and a fourth and a fifth switches which are operated by the tilting operation in the forward and backward direction of the operation member. The first, second and third directions is parallel to a surface or the base member. The forward and back ward directions are perpendicular to the surface of the base member.

Abstract: A switch device includes a base member which includes a containing portion, the containing portion having a bottom face, side faces and upper opening, a switching unit which is slidably provided on the bottom face, a cover member which is attached to the base member so as to cover the upper opening of the containing portion, and the cover member having an operation hole, an operating member which rotates for a first switching function and slides in a sliding direction for a second switching function, and a connecting portion which connects the operating member with the switching unit through the operation hole.

Abstract: A switch assembly for a laptop computer includes a push member connected to the lid of the computer. An activation member is disposed to a base of the computer. A switch is located at a position where the activation member movably touches the switch when the lid is pivoted toward the base and the activation member is moved by a movement of the push member.

Abstract: The pressure switch, constituted by a cylindrical body, comprises two portions which are interconnected; also, a first of the portions is connected to a micro-switch and the second to an inlet for pressurise fluid delivery. A stem is housed inside the cylindrical body and oscillates alternatively between an inactive position, with the micro-switch deactivated, and an active position, with the micro-switch activated by pressing. Elements for slowing a translation velocity of the stem are included between the stem and the inlet.

Abstract: A method and assembly for use with a printed circuit board (PCB), the assembly comprising a relay assembly including a relay housing and a trip free reset assembly mounted within the housing and linked to other relay components mounted within the housing for manually resetting the relay after the relay is tripped and at least one pin linked to at least one of the relay components and including a distal end extending from the housing and suitable for direct connection to the PCB.

Abstract: An operating device for a household appliance is formed with an aperture, and an operating element is guided through an assembly hole in the aperture. A plurality of light sources in the operating element, indicate the operational state of the household appliance. The information content is increased with the plurality of light sources that indicate at least two mutually different operational states of the household appliance.

Abstract: The present invention disclosures a two-position three-wire switch comprising a shell and two three-wire switches located in the shell.

Abstract: A safety switch, in particular for thermal protection of an electrical apparatus, comprises a container inside which means for activation of said switch is housed, said means comprising a command key and a pair of contact carriers, that are movable and fixed respectively, and a thermoprotector device responsive to temperature variations in the environment to be controlled and adapted to act on the electric supply circuit of said apparatus depending on the perceived heat level. Said movable contact carrier oscillates between two positions, an open position at which said contact carriers are separated from each other and respectively a closed position, at which said contact carriers are in mutual contact, each of said positions being imposed by a corresponding position of said command key. The thermoprotector device acts in case of need on the electric supply circuit and separates the contact carriers from each other by forcing the command key to the open position.

Abstract: A continuous supply of fresh water achieved through desalinization by a system of Venturi shafts to increase the velocity and pressure of air flow allowing for increased condensation and processing of evaporated water through a structure (1) that incorporates a blackened evaporation surface (16), concave Venturi wind walls (50), a vertical Venturi wind shaft (10), condensation chambers (5) connected by horizontally stacked hollow cylinders (61), a heat transfer duct (40) that draws cool air from a water body, vents hot air through an air exhaust port (48), and a water drainage port (35) that flows water to a reservoir (36).

Abstract: A deposition system and method for creating tilted thin films with azimuthal symmetry by oblique deposition. The deposition system includes a collimator for use with physical vapor deposition to provide control of the angle of incidence of the flux with improved flux throughput compared to conventional oblique deposition techniques. Additionally, the deposition system includes a collimator that may be used as a vacuum barrier for reduction of thermalization near the substrate.

Abstract: A metallic coating composition and vacuum metalization process for applying the coating composition on various substrates, for example vehicle wheels, hub caps, bumpers and the like. The process is environmentally compatible and produces a decorative, wear-resistant chrome finish and comprises four stages: a cleaning or preparation stage, a base coat application stage, a two-step PVD stage, and a topcoat application stage. An organic epoxy, thermosetting powder base coat is applied to smooth the surface to a glass-like finish and to ensure adhesion of the metal coatings. A two part metal coating is then applied via a PVD process, consisting of a Ni/Cr base and a Cr layer. A protective acrylic, thermosetting topcoat is then applied to protect the metal coating layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electroplating apparatus that provides a turbulent current and an even fluid flow pressure of a plating solution for uniformly distributing the flow of the plating solution over a wafer. By using the electroplating apparatus of the present invention, a metal can be grown uniformly in a via hole, and a metal layer can be uniformly formed on the wafer. Therefore, non-uniformly formed metal layer and partially filled via holes can be effectively avoided.

Abstract: In a water treatment apparatus, the time for treatment after water to be treated is introduced into an electrolytic bath is reduced. The water to be treated in a reservoir is subjected to electrolysis at a first electrolytic bath. Electrolysis is carried out at respective first and second electrolytic baths. By the electrolysis at the second electrolytic bath, hypochlorous acid is generated from chloride ions at the anode side. The solution subjected to electrolysis at the second electrolytic bath is mixed at a predetermined site of the pipe connected between the reservoir and the first electrolytic bath with the water output from the reservoir via a pipe prior to introduction into the first electrolytic bath. Accordingly, the water subjected to electrolysis at the first electrolytic bath can be sterilized in advance by the hypochlorous acid generated by electrolysis at the second electrolytic bath.

Abstract: The invention provides electrolytes for the electrochemical generation of nitrogen gas by anodic oxidation of triazole and tetrazole derivatives. Electrolytic cells incorporating these electrolytes are also disclosed. The nitrogen gas so produced may be useful to actuate mechanical transducers in fluid dispensers.

Abstract: A biosensor in which at least one reagent constitutes a portion of a working electrode, a conductive track leading from a working electrode to an electrical contact associated with a working electrode, or an electrical contact associated with a working electrode. For example, the biosensor can have a mediator or an enzyme or both incorporated into the working electrode itself. Other reagents can be dispensed on the electrode itself either directly or by impregnating a matrix, such as a mesh or a membrane, with the enzyme, and then placing the impregnated mesh or membrane over the electrode. Alternatively, the biosensor can have a mediator or an enzyme or both incorporated into the conductive track leading from the working electrode to an electrical contact associated with the working electrode. In another alternative, the biosensor can have a mediator or an enzyme or both incorporated into the electrical contact associated with the working electrode itself.

Abstract: Disclosed is an enzyme electrode having an oxidoreductase (for instance, glucose oxidase, cholesterol oxidase, fructosylamine oxidase and glucose dehydrogenase) and an electron-transfer protein (for instance, cytochrome C, cytochrome b562 and cytochrome c551), as well as a sensor utilizing the enzyme electrode as working electrode. The enzyme electrode of the invention can provide high response current values.

Abstract: A sensor array integrated electrochemical chip is provided wherein the chip has an array of electrodes. The array may be formed on a base plate bonded to a cover plate having an opening. The opening can be a window or a depression. The plates are bounded such that they define a cavity, with the array being within the cavity. Conducting lines for connecting the electrodes to electrochemical instruments may be formed on the same surface of the base plate on which the electrodes are formed. At least one of the electrodes may be covered by a coating doped with a ferrocene compound. The coating may be a supported bilayer lipid membrane doped with benzoylferrocene. The doped ferrocene compound may be oxidized.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell for detection and quantification of analytes in a liquid sample, particularly a liquid sample having a small volume. In a preferred embodiment, the electrochemical cell comprises an assembly of conducting layers and insulating layers. The electrochemical cell can be formed by depositing conducting materials and insulating materials in alternating layers on an insulating substrate. It is preferred that the layer furthest from the insulating substrate be an insulating layer to minimize the damage of the conducting layers during handling of the electrochemical cell. A passage can be formed through the conducting layers and the insulating layers to expose the edges of the layers, which collectively form the wall or walls of the passage. The exposed edges of the conducting layers form the electrodes of the electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell comprises at least one working electrode and at least one other electrode, e.g., a dual-purpose reference/counter electrode.

Abstract: A hydrogen sensor 1 includes detection elements 4A, 4B, 4C formed from hydrogen-absorbing alloys which exhibit different hydrogen-absorbing pressures at a given temperature; a strain gauge 6 which detects changes in volume upon absorbing of hydrogen by the detection elements 4A, 4B, 4C; a micro-heater 2 which controls the temperatures of all the detection elements 4A, 4B, 4C to approximate equal values; and a substrate 3.

Abstract: A sensor element is used to determine a physical property of a measuring gas, which may be to determine the concentration of a component of an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The sensor element includes a first electrode, which is positioned on a solid electrolyte and which is connected to the measuring gas located outside the sensor element via a first diffusion pathway, in which a first diffusion resistor is provided. The sensor element also has a second electrode, which is positioned on a solid electrolyte and is connected to the measuring gas located outside the sensor element via a second diffusion pathway, in which a second diffusion resistor is positioned. The second diffusion resistor includes a catalytically active material.

Abstract: A planar, layered sensor element for detecting a physical property of a gas to be analyzed is provided. The sensor element has at least one inner, first solid-electrolyte layer which is situated between two outer solid-electrolyte layers, a second solid-electrolyte layer being one of the outer solid-electrolyte layers. The inner, first solid-electrolyte layer and the second solid-electrolyte layer contain zirconium oxide stabilized with yttrium oxide. The inner, first solid-electrolyte layer has a higher yttrium-oxide content than the second solid-electrolyte layer, the yttrium-oxide content being based on the zirconium oxide.

Abstract: A cationic coating composition containing (A) an unsaturated group-modified blocked polyisocyanate crosslinking agent obtained by reacting a hydroxyl group-containing unsaturated compound (a), a blocking agent (b) and a polyisocyanate compound (c), (B) a cationic epoxy resin, and (C) a photopolymerization initiator, preferably further containing a polymerizable unsaturated group-containing compound (D).

Abstract: The present invention is related to the decrease of crosstalk, in which part of light emission from a specific capillary is overlayed on the light emission position of its adjoining capillaries and is detected as signal from adjacent capillaries. Study conducted by the inventor has found that the crosstalk contains at least the following components. The signal light from a capillary may propagate through an adjoining capillary or a plurality of capillaries, the reflection at the inner surface of the outer diameter of quartz capillary makes plural signal paths to the photodetector. The crosstalk component may be focused at a point at a predetermined distance from the center axis of the capillary. The present invention is aimed at the control of the range of image to be detected as the capillary signal among the images focused on the photodetector from the capillaries. The present invention may decrease the crosstalk by controlling the detection of the light emission from the adjacent capillaries.

Abstract: Various techniques for the fabrication of highly accurate master molds with precisely defined microstructures for use in plastic replication using injection molding, hot embossing, or casting techniques are disclosed herein. Three different fabrication processes used for master mold fabrication are disclosed wherein one of the processes is a combination of the other two processes. In an embodiment of the first process, a two-step electroplating approach is used wherein one of the metals forms the microstructures and the second metal is used as a sacrificial support layer. Following electroplating, the exact height of the microstructures is defined using a chemical mechanical polishing process. In an embodiment of the second process, a modified electroforming process is used for master mold fabrication.

Abstract: A method and means of providing an improved refractive correction contact lens which increases user comfort, retards protein and lipid deposition, and can be utilized for pharmaceutical delivery. The invention discloses a technique for creating polymer fibril diameters and spacing that duplicates the optical transmission and diffusion characteristics of natural corneal collagen.

Abstract: In a storage tank for a process liquid, such as a plating liquid for a plating reactor, one or more barriers are implemented so as to define an inlet area and an outlet area, wherein a fluid flow path is substantially determined by the barrier to significantly suppress the migration of bubbles from the inlet area to the outlet area. In particular embodiments, the introduction of liquid into the storage tank is achieved by inlet lines terminating closely beneath the liquid surface so as to substantially avoid bubble generation and to remove moderately sized bubbles that are conveyed in the inlet lines.

Abstract: An electrolytic processing apparatus can detect the endpoint of electrolytic processing stably with high precision and with a relatively simple construction. The electrolytic processing apparatus including: a processing electrode which can come close to or into contact with a processing object; a feeding electrode for feeding electricity to the processing object; a fluid supply section for supplying fluid between the processing object and at least one of the processing electrode and the feeding electrode; a processing power source for applying a voltage between the processing electrode and the feeding electrode; a drive section for causing relative movement between the processing object and at least one of the processing electrode and the feeding electrode; and an eddy current sensor for detecting the thickness of the processing object from a change in eddy current loss, said sensor being disposed not in contact with or separately by an insulator from the processing electrode and/or the feeding electrode.

Abstract: An electroplating tool is operated in combination with a controller which automatically determines the individual currents for a multi-anode configuration of the plating tool. The calculation of the anode currents may be based on sensitivity data and measurement data as well as on a desired target profile, so that a fast response with respect to process variations may be achieved even for a plating tool including a plurality of process chambers.

Abstract: A method of producing high purity electrolytic copper through halide-bath electrowinning is provided. The method includes the steps of: growing copper in dendritic form to be deposited on a cathode; and recovering growth ends of 3.0 mm or shorter from the dendrites.

Abstract: Multilayer structures are electrochemically fabricated on a temporary (e.g. conductive) substrate and are thereafter bonded to a permanent (e.g. dielectric, patterned, multi-material, or otherwise functional) substrate and removed from the temporary substrate. In some embodiments, the structures are formed from top layer to bottom layer, such that the bottom layer of the structure becomes adhered to the permanent substrate, while in other embodiments the structures are formed from bottom layer to top layer and then a double substrate swap occurs. The permanent substrate may be a solid that is bonded (e.g. by an adhesive) to the layered structure or it may start out as a flowable material that is solidified adjacent to or partially surrounding a portion of the structure with bonding occurring during solidification. The multilayer structure may be released from a sacrificial material prior to attaching the permanent substrate or it may be released after attachment.

Abstract: A producing method of a flexible wired circuit board that can prevent the formation of a gap between an elongate substrate and a stiffener sheet bonded thereto to prevent contamination of the flexible wired circuit board obtained. In the process subsequent to the process of forming a conductive pattern 3 on a surface of the elongate substrate 1 by the semi-additive process using electrolysis plating and then annealing the elongate substrate 1 with the conductive pattern 3 in its wound up state, a stiffener sheet 9 having a width narrower than the elongate substrate 1 is bonded to the back side of the elongate substrate 1. Thereafter, an oxidized film formed on a surface of the conductive pattern 3 is removed and then a solder resist 11 is formed thereon. This prevents the strip of the stiffener sheet 9 from the elongate substrate 1 and in turn prevents etching solution or developing solution from entraining in a gap therebetween.

Abstract: A method in which a SOI substrate structure is fabricated by oxidation of graded porous Si is provided. The graded porous Si is formed by first implanting a dopant (p- or n-type) into a Si-containing substrate, activating the dopant using an activation anneal step and then anodizing the implanted and activated dopant region in a HF-containing solution. The graded porous Si has a relatively coarse top layer and a fine porous layer that is buried beneath the top layer. Upon a subsequent oxidation step, the fine buried porous layer is converted into a buried oxide, while the coarse top layer coalesces into a solid Si-containing over-layer by surface migration of Si atoms.

Abstract: Methods of forming a continuous seed layer in a high aspect via and its associated structures are described. Those methods comprise forming a recess in a substrate, forming a non-continuous metal layer within the recess, activating the non-continuous metal layer and a plurality of non-deposited regions within the recess, electrolessly depositing a seed layer on the activated non-continuous metal layer and the plurality of non-deposited regions within the recess, and electroplating a metal fill layer over the seed layer, to form a substantially void-free metal filled recess.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying electro-deposited metal coatings (3) upon aluminium or aluminium alloy components (1). According to said method, the surface (4) of the component is cleaned in an appropriate solution, in particular a solution of oils, fats, emulsions, pigments, etc. Said surface (4 ) is then etched in an appropriate solution, such that a certain quantity of material or near-surface alloy constituents is dissolved. After cleaning and dissolution, water rinsing is carried out. Immediately after the dissolution of the near-surface regions, the surface (4) of said component (1) is activated in a solution, containing iron ions, with a sulphate base by the anodic coupling of said component (1). The functional layer (3) is then applied by the cathodic coupling of said component (1), without intermediate rinsing, in the same electrolyte or in a similar or equivalent electrolyte, said functional layer (3) being made of iron (5).

Abstract: Bottom-up filling of fine Damascene trenches and vias in semiconductor chips is attained using a copper pyrophosphate electroplating bath with a single accelerating additive species present at low concentration (<5 ?M). This bath is much easier to control than the acid copper sulfate bath, which employs a complicated additive system involving a minimum of two organic additives and chloride ion (as well as significant additive breakdown products). Pyrophosphate copper deposits exhibit stable properties without annealing and are typically twice as hard as acid sulfate copper deposits, which facilitates chemical mechanical planarization. The mechanical properties and texture of the fine-grained pyrophosphate copper deposits are also much less substrate dependent, which minimizes the effects of variations and flaws in the barrier and seed layers. Attack of copper seed layers is minimized for the copper pyrophosphate bath, which operates in the pH 8 to 9 range.

Abstract: Process for early detection of an anode effect in an aluminum production cell based on molten salt electrolysis. The cell comprises at least one anode, at least one cathode and cathode connecting conductors and anode connecting conductors.

Abstract: In a metal-winning method, copper ore or copper-ore concentrates is effectively hydraulically leached in a chloride leach liquor and the resultant leached liquor is diaphragm-electrolyzed. A chloride electrolyte containing Br? ions and the leached metals is subjected to a diaphragm-electrolysis in an electrolytic cell comprising an anode compartment (4) and a cathode compartment (3). A portion of the electrolyte in the anode compartment (4) is withdrawn from below an anode (2) of the anode compartment (4) and is returned to the leaching step so as to increase the oxidation potential of the chloride leach liquor.