Abstract: A rotational coupling device for use as a clutch and/or brake is provided having a modular construction enabling relatively easy variation of braking torque and having improved magnetic efficiency during brake engagement and release. The device includes one or more brake modules attached to a mounting bracket to vary braking torque. The brake modules include brake poles axially aligned with one portion of an armature. Permanent magnets are contained in one of the brake pole and the armature and axially aligned with the other providing a strong magnetic circuit. The mounting bracket is axially aligned with another portion of the armature, radially outward of the portion aligned with the brake pole. At least one of the mounting bracket and the aligned portion of the armature has a high magnetic reluctance providing a flux busting gap in the magnetic circuit that allows easier release of the brake.

Abstract: A synchronizer ring assembly includes: a synchronizer ring formed with at least one inner peripheral portion; and a hub having an outer peripheral wall at a center of the hub. The synchronizer ring is arranged facing the hub and is coupled with the hub in a spigot manner with the inner peripheral portion of the synchronizer ring being in contact with the outer peripheral wall of the hub.

Abstract: In a process which is for controlling and/or regulating an automated clutch, in particular in the drive train of a vehicle, and in which an actuating element, whose position determines the clutch torque transmissible by the clutch, is actuated for setting a predefined clutch torque according to a characteristic curve, the actuating element is actuated according to a characteristic curve which in a first range of the clutch torque specifies the clutch torque as a function of the position of the actuating element and in a second range of the clutch torque specifies the clutch torque as a function of the force applied to the clutch by the actuating element.

Abstract: A decoupling vibration isolator comprising a driver member, a driven member, a retaining member immovably attached to the driver member and having a sliding engagement with the driven member to allow predetermined rotational movement of the driven member with respect to the driving member, an energy absorbing member disposed between the driver member and the driven member, the energy absorbing member compressed between the driver member and the driven member in a driving direction, and the driven member temporarily decoupleable from the driver member by decompression of the energy absorbing member whereby substantially no torque is transmitted from the driver member to the driven member for a predetermined angular range.

Abstract: Process for reducing clutch-grabbing oscillations in a motor vehicle drive train having a drive motor, clutch and another drive train, in which process the moment transmitted by the clutch for the control of an actuator that operates an operating member of the clutch when oscillations occur is changed such that oscillations are diminished, where an electric voltage driving the actuator is modulated according to the formula: UM=UMSt*w+UMR*(1?w), whereby, w is a weighting factor which assumes a value between 0 and 1, UMst is a modulation voltage controlled in a defined manner by an actuator model and a required travel modulation and, UMR is a modulation voltage regulated by a control device, which voltage is a magnitude that characterizes an operating state of the clutch on the basis of deviation between a required value and the actual value.

Abstract: In a clutch which is impelled by an actuator into the closed position and which automatically moves into the open position by an opening spring, the movement of the clutch into the open position is monitored and any malfunction is displayed.

Abstract: An electrorheological inertia brake for a manual or automated mechanical transmission provides improved control of the speed of input shafts and countershafts during shifts and extends the service life of the transmission. The electrorheological inertia brake includes a housing defining a cavity filled with electrorheological fluid. A shaft coupled to a transmission shaft extends into the cavity and includes vanes, paddles or other drag increasing features. An electric current which may be of variable intensity is passed through the fluid to increase the viscosity, create drag and slow the associated transmission components.

Abstract: A parking lock releasing apparatus includes a manipulator element operable to select a parking range of an automatic transmission, a sensor operable to detect a selection by the manipulator element, an actuator operable to operate a parking lock mechanism of the automatic transmission based on a detection by the sensor, and a manual lever operable to manually release an operation of the parking lock mechanism. The manual lever is operable on condition that a parking brake device is in operation.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, a magnetic sensor having a track width of greater than about 50 millimeters is provided. The magnetic sensor is adapted to detect a magnetic feature and produce a linear, analog output in response to the magnetic feature. The analog output is along a single data channel.

Abstract: A combiner conveyor arrangement for conveying articles of product has a first longitudinal conveyor for urging a plurality of the articles of product in parallel in a predetermined direction of travel. First and second bilateral guide ways urge the articles translongitudinally. A switching arrangement selects articles of product from between the first and second bilateral guide ways. A plurality of actuatable fingers block or open the first and second bilateral guide ways synchronously. A switching arrangement directs a product being conveyed to a selectable conveyance pathway, and has a gate that is pivotally displaceable between first and second positions in response to the conveyance of the product. A first spring applies a position restoration force and locking arrangement locks the gate. In a dual gate arrangement, a further pivotable gate has applied thereto a spring that is stronger than the first spring.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a plurality of pistons, each of the pistons comprising of a cylinder and a piston rod, a first collar for supporting the cylinders at a first end and a second collar for supporting the cylinders at a second end, for each of the cylinders, a first air inlet through the first collar into the first cylinder end and a second air inlet through the second collar into the second cylinder end, a plurality of valves, each of the valves connected to a source of compressed air, and a plurality of air hoses interconnecting each of the valves with one of the air inlets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for cooling a sealed portion of a container, the apparatus having a transferring arrangement for transferring one or more containers; and a plurality of cooling arrangements with one or more gripping mechanisms for gripping the containers and one or more cooling mechanisms for cooling one or more sealed portions of the containers. Preferably, the cooling arrangements are constructed and arranged to cool the sealed portions of the containers while the containers are being transferred.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discharging material at spaced intervals each provide a conveying tube and a conveying mechanism for moving material from a first end of the tube toward a second opposite end. Discharge openings are provided spaced along the tube at different heights thereon. Openings near the first end are at a higher elevation on the tube than those near the second end, corresponding to downward slope of material upon initial entry and conveyance within the tube. The decreasing elevation of discharge openings and corresponding slope of material act to delay discharge near the first end, by requiring a build up of material height to reach the opening, and hasten discharge near the second end, by eliminating the need to fill drop tubes or metering devices before conveying material further along the tube. This reduces lag time between progressive discharge openings thereby providing more even material distribution therefrom.

Abstract: In one embodiment, apparatus for controlling spacing of objects conveyed by an object conveyor include flights that can be actuated from a retracted state to an extended state in which the flights extend transversely across the object conveyor, the flights limiting travel of the objects to control their relative spacing, wherein the flights actuate with relatively little force such that a retracted flight will not extend once it contacts a directly adjacent object that occupies space into which the retracted flight would normally extend.

Abstract: Apparatus that receives multiple screws serially from a vibrating bowl with a single exit ramp, collects a plurality, e.g., six, of screws and distributes the plurality of screws simultaneously to different tubes in one assembly. A rotary holder having a plurality of notches for receiving and holding screws, receives the screws serially from a feeder rail coupled to a vibrating screw feed bowl. After the notches have filled with screws, the screws are released into a corresponding plurality of exit tubes, where the screws may be fed (e.g., by air pressure) to a screw applicator device coupled to a distal end of the exit tubes.

Abstract: In a conveyor chain, which includes chain links (1) being connected to one another via pivoting bearings (4), each chain link (1) has two link plates (2 and 3) and a bolt (5) which connects the two bolt ends (2.2 and 3.2) of the link plates (2 and 3) and is articulately mounted in the bearing ends (2.1 and 3.1) of the link plates (2 and 3) of an adjacent chain link. The bearing housing of the pivoting bearing (4) comprises two bearing housing parts (8 and 9), and each bearing housing part (8 and 9) comprises a part flange (17). The part flange (17) of the bearing housing parts (8 and 9), and the bearing ends (2.1 and 3.1) of the link plates (2 and 3) are held together with the help of a common fixation means, in a manner such that, alone by way of this fixation means, the bearing housing parts (8 and 9) firmly enclose the bearing body (6) and are fastened in the bearing ends (2.1 and 3.1) of the link plates (2 and 3), secured against rotation and axial displacement, and the bearing ends (2.1 and 3.

Abstract: A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of positionable cross members and optionally a baffle. The cross members and frame each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the button assemblies to activate switches associated with the keypad. Dynamic status lights and back lights may provide illumination of varying colors and intensities. Button labels may be easily replaced in the button assemblies. Button assemblies of different sizes and shapes may be easily attached to the configurable switch matrix assembly in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation and/or environment.

Abstract: A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of positionable cross members and optionally a baffle. The cross members and frame each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the button assemblies to activate switches associated with the keypad. Dynamic status lights and back lights may provide illumination of varying colors and intensities. Button labels may be easily replaced in the button assemblies. Button assemblies of different sizes and shapes may be easily attached to the configurable switch matrix assembly in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation and/or environment.

Abstract: An electronic input control assembly adjusts to the shape of a receiving assembly. The input control assembly includes an input control module and an actuator module. The actuator module has one or more actuators that are manually activated by a user. Advantageously, the input control module and the actuator module are moveably attached in a manner allowing relative motion which facilitates alignment when the input control assembly is placed within a receiving assembly. A garage door opener utilizes this adjustable design. A method of assembly the input control assembly is described.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a complex material in which an ion conduction film is curved and deformed when a potential difference is applied, which is operated at small electric power, has a large deformation amount, quick response performances, large degree of freedom in shape, and is easy in control of deformation, while having strength and durability necessary for practical use and being excellent in an economical aspect. A conductive cloth (preferably having stretchability), which is made conductive through plating of metal on a cloth or metal complex implantation, is joined as an electrode to both surfaces of the ion conduction film (the film in which an ion exchange film or ion liquid is immersed) made of a fluororesin and the like. When the potential difference is applied, the ion conduction film is deformed.

Abstract: A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of positionable cross members and optionally a baffle. The cross members and frame each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the button assemblies to activate switches associated with the keypad. Dynamic status lights and back lights may provide illumination of varying colors and intensities. Button labels may be easily replaced in the button assemblies. Button assemblies of different sizes and shapes may be easily attached to the configurable switch matrix assembly in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation and/or environment.

Abstract: A light guide (30) for illuminating a keypad (20) including a plurality of keys (22) includes a plurality of apertures (300) corresponding to the keys, a first end portion (32) defining at least one receiving hole (320) for receiving at least one light source, and a second end portion (34) opposite to the first end portion. A thickness of the first end portion is greater than that of the second end portion.

Abstract: A light guide (30) for illuminating a keypad (20) including a plurality of keys (22) includes a plurality of apertures (300) corresponding to the keys, and a plurality of slots (340). The slots are defined in a face of the light guide adjacent to the keypad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-directional input unit. A thin plate-type operating member having an elastic force is fixed to any one of first and second keytops, and the first and second keytops are elastically urged to a predetermined height whereby a reliable click is generated. A portion of an outer peripheral portion of an operating member is mounted on a fixing plate, a first operating portion or a second operating portion is fixed to either the first or second keytops, the first and second keytops are elastically urged to a predetermined height from the fixing plate, and when either of the first and second keytop are pressed down, either of the dome-shaped first and second keytops are inverted, whereby a switch portion is operated.

Abstract: A disclosed keyboard includes a housing with a base member, a top plane member, and a membrane switch installed inside the housing. The membrane switch has a first resin sheet, a second resin sheet, and a spacer resin sheet arranged between the first and second resin sheets. The membrane switch includes a UWB flat antenna that has an antenna element pattern formed on the first resin sheet, a microwave transmission line extending from the antenna element pattern, and a ground pattern arranged in a position facing the antenna element pattern.

Abstract: A button assembly includes a first-button assembly (70), and a second-button assembly (80). The first-button assembly comprises a first button (72), and a first-supporting frame (74) used for supporting the first button. The first supporting frame includes a plurality of latching poles (78) projecting therefrom. The second-button assembly includes a plurality of second buttons (82) arranged around the first button, and a second-supporting frame 86 for supporting the second buttons. The second-supporting frame includes a plurality of latching holes 842 for receiving the latching poles. An electronic product having the button assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus in which an electrically conductive contact is in slidable contact with a polymeric composition comprising thermoplastic polymer, a fibrous reinforcing agent, and a mineral filler. The Mohs hardness of the electrically conductive contact is within 1 unit of the Mohs hardness of the mineral filler.

Abstract: A reactor is provided for converting organic material to charcoal, with the reactor having a furnace and a retort extending through the furnace. The retort has an auger extending therethrough, with the auger having a flight with gaps therein. Members project inwardly from the walls of the retort at the gaps in the flight to unplug blockages in the retort. A gas collection system is provided which has a branched portion having two or more venting tubes, each with valves so that each may be shut off independently to allow to off-line cleaning without requiring shutdown of the system. A method for converting organic material may be practised by introducing combustible materials into the reactor.

Abstract: A method of accelerating the hydrogenation of organic compounds is provided. The method includes positioning an microwave transparent reaction vessel containing at least one reactant suitable for hydrogenation in a microwave cavity, purging the reaction vessel, charging the reaction vessel with hydrogen gas, and applying a continuous single mode of microwave radiation within the cavity and to the vessel and its contents for a time sufficient to effect a chemical change in the reactants.

Abstract: A substrate processing method practiced in a plasma sputter reactor including an RF coil and two or more coaxial electromagnets, at least two of which are wound at different radii. After a barrier layer, for example, of tantalum is sputter deposited into a via hole, the RF coil is powered to cause argon sputter etching of the barrier layer and the current to the electromagnets are adjusted to steer the argon ions, for example to eliminate sidewall asymmetry. For example, the two electromagnets are powered with unequal currents of opposite polarities or a third electromagnet wrapped at a different height is powered. In one embodiment, the steering straightens the trajectories near the wafer edge. In another embodiment, the etching is divided into two steps in which the steering inclines the trajectories at opposite angles. The invention may also be applied to other materials, such as copper.

Abstract: The present invention relates a physical vapor deposition (PVD) system. e.g. a planetary system, for forming one or more layers of a coating material on a substrate and for treating, or modifying, the substrate surface, which can include the surface of the substrate or a deposited layer of coating material thereon. The PVD system includes a single vacuum (or process) chamber having an ion source and at least one PVD source of the coating material. The ion source, such as a linear ion source, is configured to emit a beam of energetic particles at a substrate for surface modification of the substrate surface, for example, to provide film densification, etching, cleaning, surface smoothing, and/or oxidation thereof. The PVD source(s) of the coating material deposits one or more layers of coating material(s) on the substrate.

Abstract: The first object of this invention is to provide a magnetron sputtering device in which switching the magnetic field arrangement from the balanced mode to the unbalanced one and vice versa can be easily achieved. The second object is to provide a dual magnetron sputtering device which allows one to rapidly form a film from an inorganic film formation material over a wide temperature range from a low to high temperature. Provided is a magnetron sputtering device in which a sputtering cathode is arranged to produce a balanced distribution of magnetic fluxes and in which an article that exhibits ferromagnetism at room temperature is removably placed close to the surface of the sputtering cathode for holding a material target such that conversion of the balanced magnetic field arrangement into the unbalanced one can be easily achieved by removing the ferromagnetic article.

Abstract: A transparent conductive film for constructing a transparent electrode that is free from the generation of residue, etc. by etching with a weak acid (for example, organic acid). Further, there is provided a sputtering target for producing the transparent conductive film. In particular, there is provided a sputtering target composed of indium oxide and cerium oxide, characterized in that in the observation of crystal peaks by X-ray diffractometry, the presence of peaks ascribed to indium oxide and cerium oxide is observed, and that in the EPMA measurement, the diameter of cerium oxide particles dispersed in indium oxide is measured as being ?5 ?m. A transparent conductive film is formed by a sputtering technique with the use of this sputtering target. This transparent conductive film is substantially free from the generation of residue, etc. by etching with a weak acid (for example, organic acid).

Abstract: An electropolishing apparatus and method are provided for polishing stents and other medical implants. The apparatus includes a motor that rotates a roller. The roller continuously rotates the medical implant to be electropolished. One of the advantages of the apparatus and method is that marks generated around the electrical contact between the anode and the medical implant are minimized. In addition, the medical implant is polished more evenly than conventional electropolishing systems.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and apparatuses that are adapted to form a high quality dielectric gate layer on a substrate. Embodiments contemplate a method wherein a metal plasma treatment process is used in lieu of a standard nitridization process to form a high dielectric constant layer on a substrate. Embodiments further contemplate an apparatus adapted to “implant” metal ions of relatively low energy in order to reduce ion bombardment damage to the gate dielectric layer, such as a silicon dioxide layer and to avoid incorporation of the metal atoms into the underlying silicon. In general, the process includes the steps of forming a high-k dielectric and then terminating the surface of the deposited high-k material to form a good interface between the gate electrode and the high-k dielectric material.

Abstract: A process kit for a semiconductor processing chamber is provided. In one embodiment, a process kit includes a notched deposition ring. In another embodiment, a process kit includes a cover ring configured to engage the notched deposition ring. In another embodiment, a process kit includes an annular deposition ring body having inner, outer, upper and bottom walls. A trough is recessed into an upper surface of the body between the upper and inner walls. A recessed surface is formed on a lower surface of the body between the bottom and inner walls. A notch extends inward from the body to catch deposition material passing through a notch of the substrate being processed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sputter deposition system and to methods of use thereof for processing substrates using planetary sputter deposition methods. The sputter deposition system includes a deposition chamber having an azimuthal axis. A rotatable member is situated in the chamber and includes a plurality of magnetrons provided thereon. Each magnetron includes a corresponding one of a plurality of sputtering targets. The rotatable member is configured to position each of the magnetrons to direct sputtered material from the corresponding one of the sputtering targets to a deposition zone defined in the deposition chamber. A transport mechanism is situated in the deposition chamber and includes an arm rotatable about the azimuthal axis. A substrate holder is attached to the arm of the transport mechanism and supports the substrate as the arm rotates the substrate holder to intersect the deposition zone for depositing sputtered material on the substrate.

Abstract: A temperature control type sample-holding electrode using a heater capable of enhancing the performance of controlling the electrode temperature and ensuring the uniformity of static adsorption force over the entire surface, the sample-holding electrode being provided in a processing chamber with a sample being disposed thereon, including a dielectric film having a sample-placing surface and a thin electrode film disposed so as to oppose to the sample-placing surface by way of the dielectric film and comprising a layer of a substantially identical height serving both as a static adsorption electrode and a heater electrode, and provided with power source device capable of simultaneously supplying an AC power for heater and DC power for static adsorption to the thin electrode film.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the separation of particles from a plasma used for the coating of substrates under vacuum conditions. It can be used particularly advantageously in a method in which the plasma is formed by means of electrical arc discharge. It is the object of the invention to propose a solution which is easy to realize and with which particles can be separated from a plasma made for the formation of coatings such that they are not incident onto the surface of a substrate to be coated, with large targets being able to be used for the plasma formation. In the arrangement in accordance with the invention, a plasma is formed from a target that can be connected as a cathode and positive charge carriers of the plasma are accelerated in this process in the direction of a surface of a substrate to be coated by means of at least one absorber electrode connected to an electrical potential positive with respect to the plasma.

Abstract: Systems for positioning and/or analyzing samples such as cells, vesicles, cellular organelles, and fragments, derivatives, and mixtures thereof, for electrical and/or optical analysis, especially relating to the presence and/or activity of ion channels.

Abstract: A lead portion (25) of a heater coil (22) is constituted of a single coil wound into a coil and a bead portion (24) is constituted of a double coil formed by further winding the single coil into a coil. By constituting a detecting element (2) by burying the bead portion (24) in a heat conductive layer (21) and adhering a catalyst layer (23) on the surface of the heat conductive layer (21), improvement of the gas sensitivity and the response speed of a catalytic combustion gas sensor is facilitated. Zero point variation is reduced by improving impact resistance. When both ends of the heater coil are fixed to electrode pins, both ends of the heater coil are welded to the electrode pins using a resistance welding method, etc., with a platinum wire, etc., wound on a primary core wire, and thereafter, the primary core wire is melted and eliminated while leaving the platinum wire, etc., by a wet etching process.

Abstract: A remotely readable hydrogen detector is in the form of a tag or card that can be worn on clothing or mounted on a variety of surfaces and can be monitored from a distance for the presence of hydrogen gas. It includes a hydrogen sensor device, which changes in electrical resistivity in response to being exposed to hydrogen gas, that is incorporated into an electric detector circuit, which detects changes in resistivity of the sensor device, and, when such change in resistivity indicates the presence of some predetermined concentration of hydrogen gas, the electric circuit outputs a signal or state that indicates the presence of hydrogen to a transceiver circuit, which can transmit that information to a remote receiver or interrogator/reader via an antenna in the sensor device.

Abstract: Method that facilitates sensitive biopolymer characterization is disclosed. Post-column fluorescence detection is uniquely suitable for dynamically labeled biopolymers such as protein. Detection sensitivity has been enhanced by adding fluorescent stain and organic modifier to non-gel sieving matrix and by increasing the viscosity of sheath fluid. A detection limit better than silver staining is possible using the method according to the present invention. Throughput may be increased by parallel operation of capillary array or an array of sheath flow cuvettes.

Abstract: A system including apparatus and method of use that insures uniform contact and transfer of analytes from a first dimensional electrophoretic analytical gel to a second dimension, such as an electrophoretic analytical gel, has been developed. The device provides a means for transfer of analytes from a first dimension isoelectric focusing gel to a second dimension electrophoretic analytical gel. In a preferred embodiment, the device facilitates the transfer of protein analytes from a digital proteome chip to a second dimension electrophoretic analytical gel. The second dimension electrophoretic analytical gel can be for use with any technique known in the art, such as, but not limited to SDS-PAGE molecular weight analysis, secondary isoelectric focusing, and capillary electrophoresis.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for mixing and self-cleaning elements in microfluidic systems based on electrothermally induced fluid flow. The apparatus and methods provide for the control of fluid flow in and between components in a microfluidic system to cause the removal of unwanted liquids and particulates or mixing of liquids. The geometry and position of electrodes is adjusted to generate a temperature gradient in the liquid, thereby causing a non-uniform distribution of dielectric properties within the liquid. The dielectric non-uniformity produces a body force and flow in the solution, which is controlled by element and electrode geometries, electrode placement, and the frequency and waveform of the applied voltage.

Abstract: Fluidic flow is directed in a capillary or channel in a miniaturized separation or microfluidic device by the addition of liquid crystals to the fluid filling the channel. The liquid crystal medium undergoes changes in morphology upon the addition of external stimuli (magnetic and/or electric field and temperature). Under appropriate conditions this externally triggered change in liquid crystal produces a change in viscosity. This triggered change in viscosity directs fluid flow in multiple path channels and/or capillaries and therefore serves as a means of directing and controlling fluid flow within a capillary or channel in a miniaturized separation or microfluidic device.

Abstract: An electrolyzer inc;ides a receptacle having a chamber and an inlet port for receiving an electrolytic solution, one or more cathode plates and one or more anode plates disposed alternatively in the receptacle and separated from each other for forming flowing passages between the cathode plates and the anode plates, the cathode plates may generate and attract anolyte toward the cathode plate, and the anode plates may generate and attract catholyte toward the anode plate The receptacle two separated compartments communicating with the chamber of the receptacle, and a guiding device may effectively guide the catholyte and the anolyte to flow into the two compartments of the receptacle respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for grafting an organic film onto an electically conductive or semiconductive surface by electro-reduction of a solution, wherein the solution comprises one diazonium salt and one monomer bearing at least one chain polymerizable functional group. During the electrolyzing process, at least one protocole consisting of an electrical polarization of the surface by applying a variable potential over at least a range of values which are more cathodic that the reduction or peak potential of all diazonium salts in said solution is applied. The invention also relates to an electrically conducting or semiconducting surface obtained by implementing this method. The invention further relates to electrolytic compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dimensionally stable oxygen-evolving anode for use in an electrolytic cell for the production of aluminium. The anode comprises of a container made from an alloy comprising aluminium and at least one metal more noble than aluminium; a fluid bath in the bottom of the container having the ability to dissolve aluminium, said fluid having a density that is higher than the density of molten aluminium at the operating temperature of the cell, a pool of molten aluminium floating on top of the fluid bath in the bottom of the container; a refractory layer arranged on the inner sidewalls of the container at least in the area of the pool of molten aluminium, said refractory layer protecting the molten aluminium from contacting the inner sidewalls of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to semiconductor silicon technology. The inventive method consists in electolytically decomposing a silicon tetrafluoride-saturated eutectic melt of a ternary system of alkali metal fluoride salts. For saturating the melt, a silicon tetrafluoride obtainable by fluorinating a silicon dioxide is used, wherein said fluorination is carried out in two stages, i.e. at a first stage, an elemental fluorine is supplied with excess and a silicon dioxide is supplied at the second stage. The silicon powder separation from the fluoride salt eutectic melt is carried out by dissolving the silicon particles-containing melt with the aid of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride and by subsequently filtering for isolating a solid phase in the form of a silicon powder.