Abstract: A metal recovery apparatus in which metal-laden fluid is cycled through an electrolytic cell at a relatively low flow rate, but fluid within the cell is forced to swirl at a relatively high speed to improve electroplating of metal on an electrode. Two fluid circuits are used to achieve the high speed within the cell: a fluid supply circuit runs fluid through the apparatus at a relatively low flow rate (about 2 to about 4 gallons per minute); a fluid circulation circuit boosts the speed of the fluid within the cell and forces it to swirl by discharging fluid drawn from the cell back into the cell at a relatively high flow rate (about 20 to about 40 gallons per minute). The apparatus includes inner and outer electrodes defining an annular space in which the fluid circulates. The outer electrode is preferably removable from the apparatus and is preferably the cathode. A seam in the cathode allows the cathode to be opened for removal of metal plated on the cathode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating and removing ionizable components dissolved in fluids, such as for example, water, by separating said ionizable substances into fractions by the action of electric current and of Coriolis force. Liquid containing ionizable components is continuously fed in and the purified solvent and the solute in a concentrated solution are continuously removed while the liquid is rotated. Compound centrifugal force or Coriolis force causes the concentrated solution to move to a location where it can be effectively and continuously removed as well as causes the depleted liquid to move to a separate location where it also can be effectively and continuously removed. The invention can operate in several modes, the modes being electrolytic and electrostatic. The invention allows for almost universal application to removal of ionizable components and provides a cost effective and energy efficient continuous process to do so.

Abstract: A method of treating a body of conducting material electrolytically which comprises the steps of placing the material to be treated in an aqueous oxidising electrolyte, passing an electric current through the electrolyte and the material to be treated and sparging the electrolyte with gas. The material to be treated is placed in a basket comprising a conducting frame having an insulating container fitted therein, the basket being insertable in and removable from the electrolyte as desired. The insulating container is removable from the conducting frame, the frame having retaining means for receiving the insulating container. The container includes a base having perforations to allow electrolyte to contact the material to be treated. The electrolyte is sparged with gas in the region where the material to be treated is in contact with it, the gas being supplied by a plurality of pipes (21, 22) extending across the electrolyte at a location beneath the perforated base of the insulating container.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for thermal process control in electroforming stampers for the production of CD/LD data carriers or the like. The temperature of an electrolytic solution in an electroforming cell is maintained at a value nearest a specific maximum temperature by raising or lowering the temperature of the electrolytic solution in a storage tank provided outside of the electroforming cell as a function of the temperature measured in a cathode space of the electroforming cell. A temperature sensor is disposed in or near the cathode space adjacent an electrolyte injection nozzle in a space between the anode and cathode means for supplying signals to a control unit. The temperature sensor and the injection nozzle are preferably assembled into a single mounting unit. The electroforming process can thus be run with an optimum effectivity in the vicinity of a maximum permissible temperature of the electrolytic solution.

Abstract: The printed circuit boards (LP) are conducted through treatment baths (BB1 through BB3) in vertical attitude on at least two horizontal conveying paths (TW1 through TW4) proceeding next to one another, these treatment baths being accommodated in treatment cells (BZ10 through BZ13, BZ20 through BZ23, BZ30 through BZ33) that are arranged successively and next to one another. The end walls of the treatment cells are provided with vertical slots (S) and allocated seals (D) for the passage of the printed circuit boards. The bath liquid emerging from treatment cells arranged next to one another is collected in common collecting tanks (AW1 through AW3) and is returned into the treatment cells with the assistance of pumps (P). A common treatment cell for treatment zones lying next to one another can also be provided in a common collecting tank. The conveying of the printed circuit boards on the conveying paths lying next to one another preferably ensues with a common conveyor device.

Abstract: A halogen generator produces a halogen sanitizing agent to sanitize water in a spa or other water feature. A coaxial wall fitting desirably couples the halogen generator to the water feature. The halogen generator desirably includes a bipolar electrolytic cell in which a center electrode plate rotates between stationary anode and cathode plates. The bipolar electrode includes a plurality of vanes which motivate water flow between the anode and the cathode. The vanes on the rotating electrode also produce a flow of water through the generator. In this manner, the bipolar electrode functions as a impeller to pump water through the halogen generator. The vanes are positioned between the electrode and cathode, and are sufficiently spaced from the cathode to inhibit scale formation on the cathode. The vanes, however, generally do not contact the cathode when rotating.

Abstract: An electroless nickel plating waste liquid (4) accommodated in an electrolytic oxidation tank (2) is treated by electrolytic oxidation with vibrating and fluidizing the waste liquid by means of an oscillating stirrer (10) to recover nickel by the electrolytic oxidation as well as recover the waste liquid in which an active component for fertilizer including phosphorus remains as a fertilizer solution. When the waste liquid is neutralized by a neutralizer including an active component for fertilizer such as potassium, nitrogen, etc., the fertilizer solution having higher content of the active component is obtained. The oscillating stirrer comprises an oscillation generator including a 25 to 500 Hz oscillating motor (18), an oscillating rod (22) connected to the oscillation generator, and multistage oscillating vanes (38) attached to the oscillating rod, and the oscillating vane is such that a tip end portion of the vane is fluttered when an oscillation is transmitted from the oscillating rod to the vane.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for electrolytically surface-coating special metal workpieces in which the electrolyte is conveyed in a controlled circuit in and around the electrolysis region in that most of it is conveyed at a high flow rate, at a higher inlet pressure, through the space between a cathodically connected workpiece and an anode and a smaller proportion of it is conveyed at a lower flow rate upwards to the rear of the anode away from the cathode. After leaving the electrolysis region the electrolyte is taken into a separate overflow tank and/or in the feed back system.

Abstract: An integrated process for oxidizing aromatic and alkyl aromatic compounds to form carbonyl containing reaction products comprising the reaction of quadravalent cerium with a reactant stream containing an aromatic or alkyl aromatic compound and using a high degree of mixing, followed by the electrolytic regeneration of the reduced cerium ion in a cell under near turbulent or turbulent flow conditions at high solution velocities relative to the anode. The preferred cell structure for accomplishing the electrolysis utilizes an turbulence promoting anode arrangement which allows for the anolyte to flow past the anode under the conditions mentioned, and a reduced area cathode whereby the anode and cathode compartments need not be separated by an ion exchange membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for coating particles in a rotating container. A cathode forms an electrically conductive inner surface of a side wall of the container. An anode is positioned relative to the cathode so as to permit both the cathode and the anode to be immersed together in an electrically conductive fluid. A motor is connected to the container and arranged to cause the container to rotate so as to generate a centrifugal force. Particles are placed in the container, the container is filled with the electrically conductive fluid, and electrical current is caused to pass from the cathode to the anode through the electrically conductive fluid while the container is rotated. The particles rest against the electrically conductive inner surface of the side wall of the container while the electrical current passes from the cathode to the anode, so as to result in deposition of a coating material from the electrically conductive fluid onto the particles.

Abstract: Interface for a silver recovery unit (11) for indicating the operating condition of at least one pump (9a, 9b). A sensor (10) for detection of the operating condition of the pump (9a, 9b) is installed outside the at least one pump (9a, 9b) such that during installation an intervention in the electronic unit (24) of the pump (9a, 9b) or in the pump (9a, 9b) itself is avoidable. The output signal of the sensor (10) is passed to a series-connected electronic circuit (400) that comprises a series connection of an amplifying means (40), a first filtering means (41), a rectifying means (42), a second filtering means (43) and a comparator (44).

Abstract: A plating cell for plating a flat substrate, for example, a stamper for a high-density compact disk recording, employs a sparger to introduce a flow of electrolyte across the surface of the substrate to be plated. A fluid-powered rotary blade or wiper within the cathode chamber has a rotary blade with an edge spaced a small distance, preferably about three-eighths inch, from the substrate, and an annular turbine which rotates under a flow of the electrolytic fluid that is also being fed to the sparger. The rotary wiper is run at a speed between about 35 and 80 rpm and draws the electrolyte away from the substrate. This helps remove hydrogen bubble that form during electroplating. A semipermeable weir separates the cathode chamber from an anode chamber that contains an anode basket that is filled with plating material. The plating cell is provided with a backwash flow regime so that impurities and inclusions from the anode chamber are kept out of the plating bath.

Abstract: A halogen generator produces a halogen sanitizing agent to sanitize water in a spa or other water feature. A coaxial wall fitting desirably couples the halogen generator to the water feature. The halogen generator desirably includes a bipolar electrolytic cell in which a center electrode plate rotates between stationary anode and cathode plates. The bipolar electrode includes a plurality of vanes which motivate water flow between the anode and the cathode. The vanes on the rotating electrode also produce a flow of water through the generator. In this manner, the bipolar electrode functions as a impeller to pump water through the halogen generator. The vanes are positioned between the electrode and cathode, and are sufficiently spaced from the cathode to inhibit scale formation on the cathode. The vanes, however, generally do not contact the cathode when rotating.

Abstract: Small, closely spaced deposits of solder materials may be formed with high volumetric accuracy and uniformity of shape by depositing a layer of conductive material over surfaces of a dielectric layer having apertures or recesses (e.g. blind apertures) and conductors and/or pads exposed by those apertures or recesses, masking regions of the conductive material with a further patterned dielectric layer, electroplating solder materials onto regions of the conductive material exposed by the mask, removing the mask and portions of the conductive material by selective etching and reflowing solder away from at least a portion of the surfaces of the apertured dielectric layer. Uniformity of electroplating within blind apertures is enhanced by a combination of fluid jet sparging and cathode agitation. Excess conductor material in the resulting solder deposit can be avoided by replacing conductor material with a constituent component of a solder material in an immersion bath prior to electroplating.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell and system for electrolysizing and/or heating a liquid electrolyte containing water having a conductive salt in solution flowing through the cell. The electrolytic cell includes a non-conductive housing having an inlet and an outlet and spaced apart first and second conductive foraminous grids connected within the housing. A plurality of cross linked polymer microspheres each having improved conductive exterior multi-layers of uniform thickness are positioned within the housing in electrical contact with the first grid adjacent the inlet. The conductive microspheres are plated first with a metal cation which will reduce with hydrazine to form a conductive metal flash coating. The microspheres are then plated with a uniform layer of nickel, followed by plated layer of metallic hydride which is readily combineable with hydrogen or an isotope of hydrogen, then a uniform metallic support plating having a high hydrogen diffusion rate and a low hydride formation ratio.

Abstract: Electrolytic cell apparatus and methods for generating a useful energy product from a plurality of energy sources. In a preferred embodiment, hydrogen gas is produced at a cathode by transmission of electrons through a low voltage potential barrier to electron flow achieved by careful control of electrolyte constituent concentrations and surface materials on the cathode. A portion of the energy captured in the hydrogen gas is provided by heat transmitting activity of ions dissociated from water at an anode which catalytically dissociates the water and thereby transfers thermal energy from the anode to the ions and other constituents of the cell electrolyte. Thermal energy is replaced in the anode by absorption of heat from the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A plating cell for plating a flat substrate, for example, a stamper for a high-density compact disk recording, employs an arcuate sparger to introduce a laminar flow of electrolyte across the surface of the substrate to be plated. In a preferred embodiment, the sparger occupies about 90 to about 120 degrees of arc. A semipermeable weir separates the main plating bath from an anode chamber that contains an anode basket that is filled with nuggets of nickel or other plating material. The plating cell is provided with a backwash flow regime so that impurities and inclusions from the anode chamber are kept out of the plating bath. The substrate can be positioned between vertical and about forty-five degrees from vertical, and can be supported with or without rotation.

Abstract: Nozzle body acting as an insoluble anode for the galvanic or chemical treent of rod-shaped or pipe-shaped objects continuously moved through the nozzle body and acting as cathode. The nozzle body is arranged in a hollow body serving as a pressure vessel, the electrolyte flowing through the hollow body. The hollow body has a plurality of radial bore holes acting as nozzles, these bore holes being arranged in a plurality of cross-sectional regions lying at a distance from one another and being inclined at angles (.alpha.) and (.beta.) relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body and relative to the respective cross-sectional region. Diaphragms are associated with the nozzle body which is coated on all sides with a layer of metal from the platinum group. The diaphragms are arranged in the through-opening of the nozzle body, surround the body to be treated, and are situated in planes between the outlet openings of the bore holes.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for electrolytically treating a surface, as for pickling, cleaning and/or degreasing a high-speed continuous metal strip. The strip to be treated is passed through a container holding an electrolyte and including strip electrodes disposed in confrontingly-spaced relation above and below the movement path of the strip. The electrodes are arranged along the movement path in serial adjacency so that each electrode is disposed immediately adjacent to an opposite polarity electrode along the path. Electrolyte is applied to the strip by a number of nozzle pairs, each pair being associated with and arranged on opposite sides of a respective electrode and acting on a region of the strip confrontingly opposite that electrode so as to prevent the electrolyte from entering gap regions defined between adjacent electrodes. This arrangement avoids short circuits through the electrolyte between adjacent, opposite charge electrodes.

Abstract: In a wet processing apparatus, an electrolytic cell, a first storing cell for storing anode active water of the electrolytic cell, a first processing cell for processing a target with the anode active water of the first storing cell, a second storing cell for storing cathode active water of the electrolytic cell, and a second processing cell for processing a target with the cathode active water of the second storing cell are provided. Also, a first reactivating feedback path is provided between the first processing cell and an anode region of the electrolytic cell, and a second reactivating feedback path is provided between the second processing cell and a cathode region of the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A combination anode and cathode for an electrorefiner which includes a hollow cathode and an anode positioned inside the hollow cathode such that a portion of the anode is near the cathode. A retaining member is positioned at the bottom of the cathode. Mechanism is included for providing relative movement between the anode and the cathode during deposition of metal on the inside surface of the cathode during operation of the electrorefiner to refine spent nuclear fuel. A method is also disclosed which includes electrical power means selectively connectable to the anode and the hollow cathode for providing electrical power to the cell components, electrically transferring uranium values and plutonium values from the anode to the electrolyte, and electrolytically depositing substantially pure uranium on the hollow cathode. Uranium and plutonium are deposited at a liquid cathode together after the PuCl.sub.3 to UCl.sub.3 ratio is greater than 2:1.

Abstract: A hollow member whose internal surface is to be applied with composite plating is held in a condition in which a generatrix of the internal surface extends vertically. An electrode is inserted into the hollow member with a predetermined clearance to the internal surface of the hollow member. A composite plating liquid supply passage has a discharge opening which is in communication with an opening at a lower end of the hollow member. A gas is entrained in a form of bubbles into a composite plating liquid which is supplied into the clearance through the supply passage.

Abstract: An electroplating cell includes a floor, ceiling, front wall, and back wall forming a box having first and second opposite open ends. A rack for supporting an article to be electroplated is removably positioned vertically to close the first open end and includes a thief laterally surrounding the article to define a cathode. An anode is positioned vertically to close the second open end, with the assembly defining a substantially closed, six-sided inner chamber for receiving an electrolyte therein for electroplating the article. The article and surrounding thief are coextensively aligned with the anode, with the floor, ceiling, front and back walls being effective for guiding electrical current flux between the cathode and the anode. In a preferred embodiment, the cell is disposed as an inner cell inside an outer cell substantially filled with the electrolyte, and a paddle is disposed inside the inner cell for agitating the electrolyte therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for electrodepositing metals onto a substrate or the like which creates a uniform laminar flow of the electroplating solution across the surface of the substrate. Specifically, the plating bath according to this invention utilizes an insert plate with a plurality of conical-shaped apertures and a cylindrical tunnel plate to create and maintain a laminar flow of the solution across the surface of the substrate. Additionally, every plate in the invention can be separately and slidably removed to facilitate easy disassembly for cleaning and user customization to achieve the various results and specifications desired by the user.

Abstract: A plating apparatus (11) includes a plating solution container (13) storing a plating solution (14) and a cathode (18) dipped therein, for plating objects which are placed on the cathode (18) by driving an air cylinder (22) for applying vibration to the cathode (18) while making a stopper (24) collide with a forward end (21a) of a coupling member (21) which is coupled to the air cylinder (22) and the cathode (18) thereby applying an impact to the cathode (18).

Abstract: An electrolytic cell and system for electrolysizing and/or heating a liquid electrolyte containing water having a conductive salt in solution flowing through the cell. The electrolytic cell includes a non-conductive housing having an inlet and an outlet and spaced apart first and second conductive foraminous grids connected within the housing. A plurality of cross linked polymer microspheres each having improved conductive exterior multi-layers of uniform thickness are positioned within the housing in electrical contact with the first grid adjacent the inlet. The conductive microspheres are plated first with a metal cation which will reduce with hydrazine to form a conductive metal flash coating. The microspheres are then plated with a uniform layer of nickel, followed by plated layer of metallic hydride which is readily combineable with hydrogen or an isotope of hydrogen, then a uniform metallic support plating having a high hydrogen diffusion rate and a low hydride formation ratio.

Abstract: A pump for exerting a pumping force on a fluid in an attached conduit, the pump being actuated by a voltage from a power supply, the pump comprising a liquid metal pool, a containment vessel for confining the pool, an inner tubular member in hydraulic contact with the attached conduit and with an open end disposed in the pool to divide a free upper surface of the pool into an actuation surface and a working surface, an electrolyte in contact with the actuation surface, an electrode in contact with the electrolyte, and an electrode in contact with the pool, such that application of a voltage to the electrodes causes a surface tension change in the actuation surface and a resulting height change in the working surface, whereby a pumping action is transferred to the fluid in the attached conduit.

Abstract: An ultrasonic agitator (10) for generating turbulence in the vicinity of elongated metal workpieces (12) such as newly formed strands of wire. The system includes a bath (14) that is filled with a cleaning solution (16). The workpiece is introduced into the bath so as to move along a predetermined path of travel. One or more transducers (20, 24) are disposed in the bath to produce ultrasonic waves in the cleaning solution. The transducers are further configured and spaced so that the focal points of the vibrations substantially coincide with the path of travel with the workpiece. The transducers are driven by a signal generator (28) that causes the transducers to vibrate at a frequency between 0.5 and 3.0 MHz. The vibrations of the transducers produce ultrasonic waves that can be used to scrub off contaminants from the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A water purifier comprising an electrolytic cell housed in an enclosure and an attaching apparatus. The enclosure attaches over an outlet fitting of a water circulation line in a swimming pool by the attaching apparatus. The attaching apparatus and the enclosure define apertures and outlet openings, respectively, having increasing areas in the direction of the water flow. This configuration increases flow rates through the apertures and outlet openings; the increased flow rates break off scale formations extending into the center of the apertures and outlet openings and thereby prevent scale from clogging the purifier.

Abstract: Attaching apparatus which has a cell of electrodes (30) with an aperture (32) in the center, housed in an enclosure (34) containing a matching bore (36). A nipple (46) with a flange (50) on one end and a series of adjacent notches (48) is screwed into a pool adapter (58) retaining the enclosure tightly against the wall of the pool. Edge spacers (44) fill the gap where pools are contoured.

Abstract: An apparatus and method especially adapted for electropolishing reactive metal workpieces which require aggressive electrolytes. It incorporates a single, closed, pressure-tight polishing chamber into which metal workpieces are placed for a multi-step operation. All electrolyte cleaning and rinse fluids are pumped in and out of the chamber as required for sequential operations, and vacuum assisted purging and dying removes the electrolyte or polishing residue from the chamber after each step.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for water treatment by electrolysis, particularly for decarbonizing water, as well as an apparatus for carrying out this process.This process is characterized in that a metal is chosen for the cathode (1) whose redox potential, which constitutes a reference potential remaining substantially constant relative to the water during the electrolysis, is greater than the effective reduction threshold of the water so as to prevent the reduction of this water and during electrolysis the OH.sup.- ions required for the nucleation of the calcium carbonate are produced exclusively from the dissolved oxygen in the water.

Abstract: A multi-compartment electroplating system for electroplating two or more objects simultaneously such that the electrodeposited material is substantially uniform in thickness and composition. Electroplating solution is circulated between a reservoir and a multi-compartment tank which has one cathode-paddle-anode (CPA) assembly for each compartment. Each CPA assembly has an anode, a cathode adapted for holding a wafer and employing a single thieving electrode which covers all of the floor of the compartment not covered by the wafer, and a paddle. Also included is a cover which houses a single linear motor for driving all of the paddles in synchrony.

Abstract: The invention is related to apparatuses and methods for recovering metals from solution using electroplating processes. Batch processing of electrolytic solution occurs by circulating electrolytic solution through a specified configuration of anodic and cathodic plates. One or more electrolytic cells are stacked upon a single holding tank. Automatic controls are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing an adjustable constant flow of electrochemical fluid. The apparatus is designed for use in an in-tank electrochemical plating bath sensor. The apparatus and method utilize pumping electrodes placed within an electrode chamber. An electrical potential is applied to the electrodes to produce a gaseous stream which produces vertical movement of the electrochemical fluid through the electrode chamber. The voltage applied to the electrodes is periodically reversed in order to prevent the buildup of metal deposits.

Abstract: A method of recovering palladium from a palladium-containing aqueous solution by electrolysis is provided. The method comprises the steps of dc-electrolyzing the palladium-containing aqueous solution acidified with nitric acid by using an electrolytic cell equipped with a platinum electrode as a cathode to thereby deposit and collect palladium on the cathode, taking the cathode on which palladium has been deposited and collected out of the electrolytic cell, transferring the palladium-deposited cathode to a recovery vessel containing dilute nitric acid therein, and mechanically shaking the cathode in the recovery vessel to remove and recover palladium from the cathode. An apparatus for carrying out the above-described method is also provided.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell (60) and method for treating waste having an anode in the form of a number of elements comprising spheres (80) which locate between plates (78, 81). The spheres (80) divide the anode compartment (64) into parts (110, 111). The porous pot (62) separates the anode compartment from the cathode compartment (63). The electrode liquor is circulated over the elements from part (110) to part (111) by an impeller (86) located in a tube (75) having inlets (77) and outlets (76), the outlets (76) being at a different level from the inlets (77). A rake may stir the contents of chamber (111) particularly for solid waste. There may be a plurality of porous pots, each housing a cathode, in the anode compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrowinning metal from particulate waste metal material is provided whereby waste metal material is mixed with an electrolyte to form a suspension. The suspension is separated into portions. A first portion enters the anodic compartment and a second portion is filtered and enters the cathodic compartment where metal is electrowon onto a rotating cathode.

Abstract: A device for producing and recycling hydrogen (DPRH) from electrolyte and hydrocarbons comprises an electrolysis unit which is energized by the source of direct electro-current and agitated by the generator of ultrasonic vibrations. The electrolysis unit comprises a container having inlet means for introducing a gasoline or other hydrocarbons and for introducing an electrolyte; a pair of positive and negative electrodes connected to the source of direct electro-current; outlet means for exiting hydrogen and oxygen. A DPRH is adapted for producing hydrogen from an electrolyte, gasoline, petroleum or the like, including gaseous hydrocarbons. A DPRH is adapted for producing oxygen from an electrolyte. A DPRH is adapted for recycling hydrogen from exhaust gases and for reducing polluting emission into the atmosphere. A DPRH is adapted for powering a vehicle utilizing an electrolyte and hydrocarbons as sources of energy. A DPRH is adapted to be inserted in the space gas station for producing hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of electroplating in which the electroplating bath is treated by the direct injection of electromagnetic radiation. Most preferably, the electromagnetic radiation is within the radio frequency range and is injected through a metal conductor directly in contact with the bath. Such treatment increases the speed of electroplating as well as the quality of the plated product. The invention is applicable to the plating of zinc, chrome, nickel, precious metals and the like.

Abstract: A device and method for using the device for applyng and/or removing coating on workpieces are disclosed. The device comprises a medium conveying device and a container adapted to receive the workpieces. The container has an inlet line connected to a medium source, an outlet line connecting the container to a medium source, the medium source being positioned below the conveying device, and a control device which connects the inlet and outlet lines to the medium source. The conveying device is a vacuum pump incorporated in the outlet line of the container.

Abstract: This invention concerns a fluid treatment apparatus wherein active particles are used to perform fluid treatment.As active particles have a very short lifetime, it has conventionally been difficult to use them for fluid treatment. In this invention, active particles generated in electrolytic dissociation chamber (104) under reduced pressure are aspirated by a fluid jetted from jetting throat (108) into a diffuser throat (110), and then perform treatment of the source fluid.

Abstract: Process for electroplating and apparatus therefor characterized by guiding just released bubbles to rise up symmetrically between the substrate plate and each of the anode plates so as to cause stable rising currents; providing a pair of passages outside of the bath so as to receive the bath solution overflowing above the upper edges of the bath wall to be jointed with the respective rising currents near the bath bottom; and preventing the descending and turning currents from disturbing just released bubbles near the joint positions of the descending and rising currents.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for surface treating agitable material that includes a conveyor trough for transporting the agitatable material. The trough is at least partially submerged in a treatment bath and it includes at least a first and second shaking chute each having a length along which the material is conveyed. The first and second chutes are disposed at angles from the horizontal such that the conveying direction of the first chute is substantially opposite to the conveying direction of the second chute.

Abstract: An apparatus for the electrolytic recovery of metals from liquid solutions containing recoverable metal values. The apparatus comprises a housing containing a tubular cathode concentrically disposed about and radially spaced from an elongated anode for defining a solution-containing volume there-between. An elongated tubular baffle means having a plurality of thoroughgoing perforations through the side wall thereof and along the longitudinal length thereof is disposed about a substantial length of the anode and is in registry with the inlet to a solution pumping means located within the housing that is utilized for circulating the solution in a helical flow pattern within the housing volume.

Abstract: Apparatus for plating electrical or electronic components, comprises a plating chamber (2) for receiving electrolyte through which a current is to be passed via a first anode (10) and cathode (13) pair, means being provided to arrange a component (12) to be plated as the cathode of said first pair, means for supplying the plating chamber with electrolyte enriched with plating material, the supplying means including a reservoir chamber (4) for receiving electrolyte through which a current is to be passed via a second anode and cathode pair (21, 22), means being provided to arrange a body of plating material (17) as the anode of said second pair, whereby in use plating material dissolved from the anode of the second pair enriches the electrolyte supplied to the plating chamber (2) and is deposited on the cathode of the first pair.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrochemical machining has a bath for machining workpieces capable of providing in the zone of treatment an ascending laminar flow of electrolyte occupying the bath. A bath for cleaning the electrolyte communicates with the bath for machining the workpieces by way of a pipe for feeding the electrolyte having a pump and pipe for discharging the electrolyte. The workpieces are conveyed to the bath by workpiece gripping mechanisms.

Abstract: A portable self-contained solar powered water purifier for swimming pools, spas, and other bodies of water is disclosed. The purifier includes a buoyant housing for supporting a solar cell array above the surface of water to be treated and a purification cell below the surface of water to be treated. Suitable electrical connections, between the solar cell array and purification cell, are sealed to prevent the entry of water therebetween which could result in electrical shorts and corrosion. The purification cell includes a sacrificial anode, having a metal alloy essentially composed of copper and silver and a cathode which is preferably constructed of stainless steel so as to not react adversely with the sacrificial anode. Metallic copper and silver ions are released by the sacrificial anode to prevent algae and bacterial growth.

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: Highly concentrated and toxic petroleum-based and synthetic fuels wastewaters such as oil shale retort water are treated in a unit treatment process by electrolysis in a reactor containing oleophilic, ionized, open-celled polyurethane foams and subjected to mixing and lBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe invention described herein arose in the course of, or under, Contract No. DE-AC03-76SF00098 between the U.S. Department of Energy and the University of California.