Abstract: A portable, hand-held fluid tester for testing and analyzing process fluids is provided with a volume controlled fluid reservoir. The test fluid reservoir is connected by a spillway to an overflow reservoir to provide more consistent and accurate fluid volumes for measurement. Improved mounting of electrodes in the test reservoir and connection to a testing printed circuit substrate provides for ease of assembly. A special temperature probe arrangement is also provided in a preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A filter has a first filter layer made of TiO.sub.2 of Ti.sub.4 O.sub.7 particles deposited on a second filter layer by stainless steel particles. The first layer has a smaller pore size than the second layer. The construction of the filter, the relative thicknesses of the layers and the resistances thereof to movement therethrough of electrolytically generated gas located between the two layers when the filter is permeated with liquid are such that the gas reaches the upstream side of the filter before the downstream side. In one embodiment stainless steel particles are sintered and rolled with a textured roller before ceramic particles are applied and rolled. An intermediate layer of metal particle peaks and ceramic filled troughs is thus provided which has high tortuosity. The resistance to flow at the metal/ceramic interface can be increased by electrodeposition of metal there.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that hyperbaric, hydrostatic pressure reversibly alters the partitioning of nucleic acids between certain adsorbed and solvated phases relative to partitioning at ambient pressure. The new methods and devices disclosed herein make use of this discovery for highly selective and efficient, low salt isolation and purification of nucleic acids from a broad range of sample types, including forensic samples, blood and other body fluids, and cultured cells.

Abstract: A mesoscale sample preparation device capable of providing microvolume test samples, separated into a cell-enriched fraction and a fraction of reduced cell content, for performing various analyses, such as binding assays, determinations involving polynucleotide amplification and the like. Analytical systems including such devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved insulator which assists operation of electrodes, particularly in the electro-winning process. Each insulator extends around the electrode and is secured by its ends to the electrode. Bulges or bumps on the insulators maintain a predefined distance between the electrodes when they are placed within the slurry bath. The insulators are preferably circular in shape with an interior channel; at selected points, the channel is crushed to provide for additional mechanical strength to the insulator. The top ends of the insulator are connected to the electrode either through the use of a mounting bracket or by way of hooked ends which are secured to the top portion of the electrode.

Abstract: A bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) sensor comprising (1) a gold recording surface, (2) a first lipid layer which is an imperfect layer of a thiolipid which comprises the residue of two phospholipid molecules linked to each end of a disulphide (--S--S--) group, each through an oxyethylene (--O--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2) chain which is short enough to allow the thiolipid to become anchored to the gold surface by self-assembly, but long enough to trap an aqueous layer between the gold surface and the bottom of the thiolipid layer, said thiolipid being attached to the gold surface and said imperfect layer being completed by a phospholipid which provides an unattached fluid phase at room temperature, and (3) a second lipid layer of phospholipid. The sensor is especially useful for measuring changes in electrical resistance and/or capacity when it is prepared to contain a receptor protein and an analyte containing an agonist to the receptor is contacted with the bilayer.

Abstract: A point-of-care analyzer unit characterized by a disposable sensor module, a capability of cooperation with multiple fluid sources for providing multi-point calibration, which sources are detachably connectable with the sensor module, and a waste reservoir integral with the sensor module operable to receive and house multiple sets of complete test sequences comprising multiple calibration fluids sets and an analyte sample.

Abstract: A closed loop energy conversion apparatus including a dissociation unit for dissociating water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas and separating hydrogen gas from oxygen gas. An energy source provides energy to the dissociation unit. Oxygen gas and hydrocarbon gas react in a hydrocarbon combustion unit to form a combustion product comprising carbon dioxide gas and water vapor. A first heat exchanger cools the combustion product and condenses water vapor from the combustion product. A carbon dioxide separator separates carbon dioxide gas from water condensed in the first heat exchanger. Carbon dioxide gas reacts with hydrogen gas in a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor to form a mixture comprising hydrocarbon gas and water vapor. A second heat exchanger cools the mixture and condenses water vapor from the mixture. A hydrocarbon separator separates hydrocarbon gas from water condensed in the second heat exchanger.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for the determination of a trace amount of an analyte substance or organism. A substrate solution is brought into contact with a small diameter tube which has captured, at least on its inner surface, a trace amount of an analyte substance or organism. The trace amount has the ability to change the pH of the substrate solution.

Abstract: Lipid bilayers which incorporate poly-3-hydroxybutyrate/polyphosphate ion channels. The ion channels are preferably purified polyhydroxybutyrate polyphosphate complexes extracted from organisms or prepared from the individual constituents which have been size selected. The bilayers are useful for testing the affect of various molecules and ions on the channel which correlates to the in vivo result. The bilayers are useful for transporting the channels into cells or other bilayers.

Abstract: An automatic system uses sacrificial galvanic anodes to to provide a controlled and optimum amount of cathodic protection against galvanic corrosion on submerged metal parts. Intermittently pulsed control circuitry enables an electro-mechanical servo system to control a resistive element interposed between the sacrificial anodes and the electrically bonded underwater parts. In an active mode of operation a current is applied directly to the anodes to quickly establish the proper level of correction which is maintained during the passive mode. Incremental corrections are made over a period of time to provide stabilization of the protection and to conserve power. A visual indication of the amount of protection is available at all times. Circuitry and indicating devices are included which facilitate location and correction of potentially harmful stray currents and to prevent loss of sacrificial anodes to nearby marine structures.

Abstract: To obtain a stable non-linear oscillator using polypyrrole, KCl liquid electrolyte is separated with a working electrode 14 provided with a polypyrrole film 14a. A counter electrode 16 is provided on one of the separated portions of the liquid electrolyte, and a reference electrode 12 is provided in the other separated liquid electrode portion. The counter electrode 16, working electrode 14 and reference electrode 12 are connected to a potentiostat 10. The potential on the working electrode 14 is set to be between the oxidizing and reducing potentials of polypyrrole. With oxidizing or reducing reaction of polypyrrole, an ion concentration gradient is produced in the liquid electrolyte across polypyrrole film to change the potentials on the reference and working electrodes 12 and 14, thus causing an oscillating current between the working and counter electrodes 14 and 16.

Abstract: The apparatus is formed of a centrifugal force and Coriolis force generating device and a gas and liquid separation device. The centrifugal force and Coriolis force generating device gives high energy to supplied liquid by generating a spirally flowing air stream therein, to thereby ion-dissciate the liquid. Also, it provides energy necessary to micronize and activates the liquid drops with the centrifugal force and Coriolis force acted in the spirally flowing air stream. The activated liquid drops ionize oxygen particles at the gaseous side when electric doublets is oriented on the surface of the liquid drops, thereby causing groups of negative ions to be generated. The gas and liquid separation device separates the gas and liquid sent out from the centrifugal force and Coriolis force generating device and discharges air including negative ions into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Lipid bilayers which incorporate poly-3-hydroxybutyrate/polyphosphate ion channels. The ion channels are preferably purified polyhydroxybutyrate polyphosphate complexes extracted from organisms or prepared from the individual constituents which have been size selected. The bilayers are useful for testing the affect of various molecules and ions on the channel which correlates to the in vivo result. The bilayers are useful for transporting the channels into cells or other bilayers.

Abstract: A procedure and machine for cleaning the anodes of electrolytic tanks, said procedure comprising the operations of mechanically breaking the deposits on the surfaces of the anodes, detaching and separating the deposits, once broken, and then subjecting the plate of the anodes to a flattening operation. The procedure is carried out with a machine which includes at least one pair of cutting rollers (1), nozzles for supplying jets of water under pressure (2) situated above said rollers (1), two flattening plates (3) with flat opposing surfaces, and means of suspending and raising the anodes (13) between the rollers (1), nozzles (2) and plates (3). The plates (3) may be provided on their opposing surfaces with cutting grooves.

Abstract: A procedure and machine for cleaning the anodes of electrolytic tanks, said procedure comprising the operations of mechanically breaking the deposits on the surfaces of the anodes, detaching and separating the deposits, once broken, and then subjecting the plate of the anodes to a flattening operation. The procedure is carried out with a machine which includes at least one pair of cutting rollers (1), nozzles for supplying jets of water under pressure (2) situated above said rollers (1), two flattening plates (3) with flat opposing surfaces, and means of suspending and raising the anodes (13) between the rollers (1), nozzles (2) and plates (3). The plates (3) may be provided on their opposing surfaces with cutting grooves.

Abstract: A plane of a treatment liquid holder having a number of through holes faces a treatment surface of a substrate. A treatment liquid is held between the treatment surface and the liquid holder by utilizing a surface tension of the treatment liquid. Since the treatment liquid is applied only to the treatment surface, an extremely small amount of treatment liquid suffices for the treatment. In addition, since a fresh treatment liquid can be used in every treatment, cross-contamination is suppressed and the treatment can be performed with safety at a low cost.

Abstract: Apparatus for automated polyelectrolyte measurement of liquid process materials including a sample vessel which defines an electrically insulating, cylindrical cavity below a larger-diameter reservoir. Electrodes are located at the ends of the cylindrical cavity and an insulating piston is reciprocated with a predetermined, small clearance within the cavity. The charge displacement is measured between the electrodes. An outlet channel opening at the floor of the cylindrical cavity is connected to an outlet pipe. A rinsing duct with valve control for introducing a rinsing fluid into the reservoir. A controller is connected to an actuator for reciprocating the piston, to a valve in the outlet pipe and to the rinsing valve. After each polyelectrolyte measurement the substance under test is removed from the sample vessel through the outlet channel, rinsing fluid is introduced, and the rinsing fluid is removed through the outlet channel while the piston reciprocates.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus is provided for the conversion of compounds, elements, or mixtures which are in particulate form, into new compounds, elements or mixtures in gaseous, liquid, or particulate form. In a reaction chamber, particulates are mechanically transported into a first region of high electric field, where they acquire a charge and are projected into a second region in which a low-density plasma is maintained. Energetic plasma ions strike the surfaces of the particulates, causing chemical reactions and release of both neutral and ionic products species. Charge exchange on particulates causes the reduced-size particles to fall back into the first region, where the charging recurs and the cycle is repeated. Gaseous and particulate products are removed from the chamber. In one application, naturally-occurring ores may be reduced by a methane plasma; in another, coal may be converted in a methane plasma to intermediate range hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the uniform electroplating of printed circuit boards is described. At least one non conductive apertured mask covers selected areas of the electroactive surface of the anode or cathode electrode, whereby to establish substantially uniform electroplating ion transfer over the target areas of the target cathode.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating any fluidizable solid material having an organic oxidizable contaminant absorbed or adsorbed thereon, particularly a sludge contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyl or other toxic chemicals having a boiling point of at least 110.degree. C. The method and apparatus includes heating the fluidizable solids, to a temperature of about 200.degree. F. to about 700.degree. F., preferably about 200.degree. F. to about 400.degree. F., e.g., by using hot turbulent gas at a temperature in the range of 850.degree. to 2,500.degree. F. to vaporize and thereby separate the toxic organic material. The recoverable or toxic contaminant vapors and/or liquids are charged to an electrochemical cell where they are oxidized to less toxic or non-toxic materials, such as HCl and CO.sub.2.

Abstract: Apparatus for pickling metal sheet as it moves along a generally flat horizontal path, comprises elongated shallow and sequentially arranged electrolytic pickling and mixed acid pickling tanks each having input and output ends and through which metal sheet to be pickled is continuously fed along a linear, flat path through the use of support rolls underlying the metal sheet at spaced locations between the input and output ends of the tanks. Pickling liquid is maintained in each of the tanks at a given level above the support rolls, whereby the sheet material is immersed in the pickling liquid between the input and output ends of the corresponding tank. Each tank has guide rolls at the input and output ends thereof for guiding the sheet material therethrough, and the support rolls are driven at the speed of the sheet material to minimize the tension on the sheet as it is being pickled.

Abstract: Chlorinators are provided for use with saltwater swimming pools. The chlorinators do not require mains electric power and can be fitted to the pool without requiring any significant modification of the pool piping. One form of chlorinator (10) comprises a set of electrodes (18) which are connected to the output of an electric generator (16) which, in turn, is driven by the flow of water produced by the pool pump during filtration. The generator (16) has a shaft on which is mounted an impeller (15) which may be driven by the water flow through the pool return pipe outlet (13) or the water flow in the leaf basket cavity (14). In another form, a generator (36) is mechanically coupled to the pump motor (35). In yet another form of the invention, the electrodes (26) of a chlorinator (21) are mounted on the underside of a floating housing (24) and are powered from solar cells (23) located on the topside of the housing.

Abstract: The concentration of a plating solution in which a workpiece is plated is automatically controlled within a permissible range by replenishing a consumable ingredient to the plating solution in an amount corresponding to the amount of consumption estimated from the surface area of the workpiece for a given plating solution composition under given plating conditions. By measuring the concentration of the consumable ingredient in the plating solution, the replenishment of consumable ingredient is interrupted for a predetermined time or the amount of the consumable ingredient replenished is reduced when the measured concentration is above the permissible range, or the amount of consumable ingredient replenished is increased or a necessary amount of the consumable ingredient is additionally supplied to the plating solution separately from the normal replenishment of consumable ingredient when the measured concentration is below the permissible range.

Abstract: Silver is recovered from the rinse water from a photographic film processing unit by means of a silver recovery device in which the rinse water is passed through at least one bed of ion exchange resin particles maintained in fluidized condition by the water flow. A plurality of such beds are preferably connected in series with rinse water being recirculated until fresh rinse water causes overflow to the next bed and finally to a collection vessel. Fluidization is interrupted periodically to create quiescent periods which aid in removal from the resin particles of accumulated gelatin from the processed film.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting lenses includes a single hand-held case with a lens compartment and a power supply compartment. A battery powered unit disposed within the power supply compartment responds to activation of a switch on the case to generate an electric current which is coupled to a pair of electrodes within the lens compartment to electrolyte a solution in the lens compartment and thereby disinfect lenses submerged in the solution. Disinfecting proceeds using a buffered solution to retain solution pH within predefined limits while enabling electrolysis with a large current of shorter duration to decreased disinfecting time. A lip circumscribing an upper opening of the lens compartment is covered with a single hinged cover member that lifts directly away from the lip, and a slidable retainer member is used to retain the cover member in a closed position. Ribs on the cover member retain the lenses submerged in the solution, and a hydrophobic element discharges gases produced by electrolysis.

Abstract: An electroplating shield for providing controlled electroplating of an article having an irregular surface of crests and valleys. The shield, being made of a nonconductive material such as chlorinated polyvinylchloride, includes at least one aperture that spatially corresponds to the valleys of the article to be plated. A remote alignment fixture may be used to precisely align the shield apertures with the article valleys. Alternatively, a plurality of threaded alignment holes may be interspersed between a plurality of shield apertures, alignment being accomplished by threading a plurality of alignment screws through the threaded alignment holes and into the article valleys. A cylindrical embodiment of the electroplating shield having at least one spiralling aperture, is particularly suited for uniform plating of a spiral lobe rotor.

Abstract: An apparatus for stripping starting sheets of the present invention comprises stripping rods which are horizontally disposed at positions opposite to the right and left sides of both surfaces of a mother board, which is stripped at the upper end and is suspended and transferred by a trolley conveyor, so that they can be inserted into the stripped upper end when the mother board reaches a predetermined stripping position; elevating members which respectively carry the stripping rods through attachments so as to upwardly and downwardly move the stripping rods at small distances from the surfaces of the mother board between an upper position above the stripped upper end of the mother board and a lower position under the lower ends of the starting sheets; and a driving member for upwardly and downwardly moving the elevating members in synchronism with each other.

Abstract: An improvement in an automatic developing apparatus in which an electroconductive body upon which a predetermined pattern has been written on a resist film applied to a surface of that body, is placed in a solution of developer and containing an electrode, and then the value of the change of the current that flows between the electroconductive body and the electrode is used as the basis for then determining the point at which developing of the written pattern is completed is disclosed.The automatic developing apparatus comprisesinclusion section for including an electrolytic substance into the developing solution,detection section for detecting an electroconductive ratio of the developing solution, andcontrol section for controlling the inclusion section so that a value detected by detection section is used as the basis for controlling the electroconductive ratio of the developing solution so that there a developing completion point is clearly indicated.

Abstract: A stamper cleaning apparatus comprises an electrocleaning tank for performing electrodegreasing, a washing room adjacent to this cleaning tank, a shower, disposed in the upper section of the washing room, for water-washing a stamper by spraying washing water onto the stamper while the stamper is positioned inside the washing room and is wet with an electrocleaning solution, a water drain tank, disposed in the lower section of the washing room, for collecting water after the stamper is washed with water and for draining the water, and a small drying room disposed in the upper section of the washing room for operating to heat and dry the stamper after the shower has operated during the predetermined time the stamper is held in the washing room.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for stripping a thin, sheet-like layer of electrolytically accumulated metal precipitate (6) from its supporting structures (1) by means of a peeling blade (4) driven towards the upper edge of the precipitate layer (6). For the stripping operation, the supporting structure (1) is first attached to the stripping station by aid of gripping members (2, 3), the frame whereof advantageously provides a housing in common with the peeling blades (4). Moreover, the measuring and control members (7, 8) which are advantageously located in the common housing, are used in determining the surface profile of the supporting structure (1), and the obtained profile is made use of while choosing the orientation of the peeling blade (4).

Abstract: The invention resides in an apparatus for the decontamination of radioactivated metallic waste by the electrolytic oxidation-reduction with an aqueous nitric acid solution containing trivalent cerium ions, i.e. the step of converting the trivalent cerium ions into tetravalent cerium ions through electrolytic oxidation and the step of dissolving the surface layer of the radioactivated metallic waste by oxidizing it with the electrolytic solution now vested with the oxidative power of the freshly produced tetravalent cerium ions and, at the same time, effecting regeneration of the tetravalent cerium ions.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for removing impurities from a liquid, the liquid containing impurities is supplied to an electrolytic bath at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. Electrolysis is performed by applying a voltage to electrodes consisting of a metal which easily dissolves upon electrolysis. The liquid is then exposed to atmospheric pressure, and is treated in a flotation separation tank. Fine bubbles formed during the treatment of the liquid in the flotation separation tank attach to the impurities flocculated in the liquid by electrolysis. The flotation separation of the flocculated impurities is performed very efficiently, and high-purity water can be recovered.

Abstract: An elongated dimensionally stable flexible electrode (30) having a current carrying inner portion (31) in an outer protective and electrically conductive sheath (33) preferably formed of ruthenium dioxide. A layer of titanium cladding (33) may be provided on the inner current carrying portion (31) for carrying the outer sheath (33). The anode electrode is utilized for generating electrical current, such as for use in developing magnetic fields in salt water environments, preferably as an element of a sweep cable device having a floatation means around which one or more electrodes are helically wound.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for killing organisms in situ within a host by means of successive short-duration high-current-density pulses of electricity of alternately opposite polarity. These pulses are passed through the host and concomitantly the organisms for a period of a few seconds. The cellular structure of the host is not destroyed, nor is the temperature thereof appreciably elevated. The current is conveyed to the host from electrodes immersed with the host in a weak electrolyte. The pulses are formed by phase-controlled thyristors.

Abstract: An industrial plating system operative from a relatively high voltage, 60 Hz, three phase a-c source for providing a relatively low voltage pulsed d-c for delivering currents above around 1,000 amperes to plating load and including amplitudes of 3,000 to 5,000 amperes, and including a controlled rectifier operative with the a-c source to provide a rectified d-c output voltage of a preselected high amplitude, an inverter operative with the controlled rectifier and situated at substantially the same physical location for providing a pulsed a-c output of a preselected width and a-c frequency, the a-c frequency being from around 300 Hz to 3000 Hz, a high frequency rectifier operative with the inverter for providing plating loads with a rectified pulsed d-c having d-c amplitude and a preselected pulsed d-c frequency, the pulsed d-c frequency being greater than the preselected a-c frequency, the high frequency rectifier having a high frequency step down power transformer and a pair of high speed diodes operative in

Abstract: A warning device for indicating a predetermined temperature level of a solid object includes inner and outer concentric telescoping tubes having outer surfaces of different and contrasting appearances; a heat-conducting device for fixing one of the tubes to the solid object; a temperature-responsive spring element disposed within and abutting each of the tubes, the spring element being made of a material having shape memory properties such that upon an increase in temperature it expands and causes outward telescopic movement of one tube relative to the other tube to thereby expose the outer surface of the inner tube to view.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for separating a replica from a matrix. The apparatus consists of a rotatable lower turntable and a movable upper turntable assembly between which the replica and matrix assembly to be separated are clamped during the separation process. A tool is provided to selectively apply pressure to the outer edge of the matrix to cause the seal between the replica and the matrix to be broken and also to provide a gap between the replica and the matrix. A pair of opposing clamp members having an aperture in the jaws of the clamps is inserted into the gap between the replica and the matrix. The clamp members are advanced so as to lock the matrix to the surface of the lower turntable. A pair of upper clamp members which are mounted on the support assembly for the upper turntable are moved into position so as to engage the replica.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating electrolytic deposits from both sides of a generally vertically suspended cathode includes sets of suction cups which are attached to the deposits on both sides of the cathode. The sets of suction cups are configured and arranged so as to be capable of moving from a first position wherein the sets of suction cups are attached to the deposits to a second position wherein the sets of suction cups are positioned away from the cathode. Arms which are pivotally mounted about a first horizontal axis are connected to the lower edge of a respective set of suction cups by a first jointed coupling which is also connected to the arms. A second jointed coupling is connected to the set of suction cups so as to permit the set of suction cups to pivot about the first jointed coupling. Mechanisms are provided for pivoting the arms about the first horizontal axis and additional mechanisms being pivotally mounted about a second horizontal axis located at a lower level than the first horizontal axis.

Abstract: A cam-actuated stop member in an electrode stripping mechanism prevents any lifting of the electrode away from the hooked lifting elements during lowering of the electrode against the doctor blades and so avoids damaging the electrode and/or lifting elements by dropping the electrode after doctoring.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus comprises a plating tank, first, intermediate, and final rinse tanks, and a plurality of weirs which connect the plating tank and the first rinse tank, the first and intermediate rinse tanks, and the intermediate and final rinse tanks. The plating tank is filled to a predetermined level with a plating solution including plating chemicals and water. The rinse tanks are each filled to the predetermined level with rinse solution including water and plating chemicals which have been rinsed from preceding workpieces. The final rinse tank has an overflow outlet at the predetermined level and receives a continuous flow of water. As water evaporates from the plating tank, rinse solution flows by gravity through the connecting weir to the plating tank to replace it.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for recovering geopressured methane gas dissolved in ocean depths including at least a pair of spaced-apart electrodes lowered into electrical contact with the geopressured methane dissolved in the ocean salt water at a selected depth. The salt water carrying the dissolved methane gas acts as an electrolyte. The electrodes are insulated from substantially all overlying ocean above the selected depth to establish an electrical circuit composed of the spaced-apart electrodes and the salt water electrolyte at the selected depth containing the methane gas. An AC electrical current flow is then established through the electrodes and the salt water electrolyte for establishing an AC electrical field surrounding the electrodes and releasing molecules of free methane gas which rises vertically to the ocean surface. Means are provided at the ocean surface for trapping and recovering the free methane gas.

Abstract: A stripping apparatus for use with a cathode base plate for electrolytic refining comprises a supporting means for holding a cathode plate in an upright position; a pair of stripping means having sharpened wedges mounted on their heads and including elastic means for actuating said stripping means so that the wedges may be spaced apart or draw toward each other, said wedges being arranged to move along the cathode base plate from its upper part to its lower part; working means for moving said stripping means; and controlling means for causing the stripping means to be drawn toward each other so that the wedges which are initially spaced from the surfaces of the base plate owing to the spacing movement of the stripping means engage the surface of the base plate and thereafter the stripping means are moved apart so that said wedges may be kept spaced from the surfaces of the base plate.

Abstract: Hydrogen and Oxygen are produced by photoelectrically-induced electrolysis wherein solar and/or laser light is passed through a thin layer of a water-caustic soda solution to ionize the solution adjacent an anode. A cathode spaced from the anode and connected thereto by a diode circuit, including a resistance, is used to prevent current flow between the anode and cathode until the potential therebetween exceeds a threshold two volts and preferably 2.4 volts. Upon sufficient ionization in the thin layer of solution, the potential between the anode and cathode exceeds the threshold and current flows therebetween, causing hydrogen gas to form at the cathode. Circulation of the solution between the anode and cathode is caused by convection due to heating of the fluid with solar or laser light.

Abstract: To provide for uniform distribution of contact element bodies which are placed in a drum immersed in a galvanic bath and to provide contact to the metallic coating on components, the metallic coating of which is to be reinforced by galvanic deposition, the contact elements comprise tiny, especially cylindrical cores made of a material having approximately the same order of magnitude of specific gravity as the components, for example being made of a similar material, of glass, plastic, or the like, and coated with a metallic coating on the outside, essentially entirely covering the cores. The coating may be nickel or copper, and for use with tiny capacitors, lead-through elements, and the like, a preferred size of about the same length as diameter of the coated e.g. cylindrical cores is suitable, for example about 3 mm length and diameter. These elements can be made by multiple dry extrusion, with the edges rounded off before being coated.

Abstract: A method for changing the concentration of a preselected atom or molecule in a mixture containing the preselected atom or molecule and atoms or molecules having mass different from the preselected one which employs a solid electrolyte which preferentially conducts the preselected atom or molecule in ionic form at a rate different from that of the other atoms or molecules in ionic form in the mixture; and apparatus suitable for carrying out the process are provided.

Abstract: A deposition unit having a cathode surface is submerged in a natural body of moving water containing various materials including metallic materials carried by the flow of movement of the water body. The flow of water encompasses the deposition unit and contacts the cathode surface. An electric current at the cathode surface causes electrodeposition of certain materials contained within the flow of moving water. The electrical energy for electrodeposition is derived from a naturally occurring and proximate energy source at the body of water. Energy from tidal flow, from water movement beneath the surface, from wave motion at the upper surface, or from a temperature difference between the upper and lower levels of the water body, operates an electrical generator which supplies the electrodeposition energy. The flow of water relative to the deposition unit cooperatively interacts with magnetic flux emanating from another embodiment of the deposition unit to establish the electrodeposition energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for high speed electroplating or anodizing tubular members such as nuclear reactor fuel elements. A loading arm positions the member on a base for subsequent support by one of two sets of electrical contacts. A carriage assembly positions electrodes into and around the member. Electrolyte is pumped between the electrodes and the member while electric current is applied. Programmed controls sequentially employ each of the two sets of contacts to expose all surfaces of the member to the electrolyte. The member is removed from the apparatus by an unloading arm.

Abstract: A crust breaking machine includes a self-propelled carriage having front wheels and rear wheels, a crust-breaking tool of the continuously breaking type mounted on the carriage, and an arm provided on the carriage and adapted to support the tool. This arm is mounted for swinging movement in the vertical plane and in the horizontal plane, with a mounting located between the front and rear wheels and in front of the driver's seat seen in the normal driving direction of the machine during crust-breaking. Thus the tool can be brought into a working position on each side of the carriage and into a rest position in front of the carriage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a nickel/chromium plated automobile wheel comprising plated rim and plated center, including special electroplating procedures and apparatus; and the resulting wheel.