Abstract: A method for preventing the deposition of material in an opening near a surface of an article, and a masking insert therefore. The method and insert are particularly suited for preventing the plating of a metal, such as platinum, on turbine airfoils or turbine blades and vanes having a complex geometry, as is the case when cast trailing edge cooling slots are present in the airfoil surface. The method entails the use of the masking insert, which is precisely configured to mask the cooling slots during plating by preventing circulation of the plating bath through the slots. For this purpose, the insert is equipped with appendages that are sized, shaped, spaced and oriented on a base member to register with, and preferably be received within, the cooling slots of an airfoil having a particular cooling slot design.

Abstract: An electrolyzer 1 for electrolyzing water existing between electrode plates 4, 5 disposed at a prescribed interval by imposing a voltage between the electrode plates is arranged such that at least the electrode plate 5 acting as an anode comprises a ferrite electrode including at least one hole 15 is formed therein, the interval between the hole and an extreme or terminal end of an electrode terminal 9 inserted into the hole 15 is filled with a conductive metal coupling member 16 that becomes deformed when the electrode terminal 9 is inserted in the hole so that the ferrite electrode 5 is made conductive to and arranged integrally with the electrode terminal 9.

Abstract: In an electroplating reactor for plating a spinning wafer, a diffusion plate is supported above an anode located within a cup filled with process fluid within the reactor. The diffusion plate includes a plurality of openings which are arranged in a spiral pattern. The openings allow for an improved plating thickness distribution on the wafer surface. The openings can be elongated slots curved along the direction of the spiral path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cathode contact ring for use in an electroplating cell. The contact ring comprises an insulative body having a substrate seating surface and one or more conducting members disposed in the insulative body. The conducting members provide discrete conducting pathways and are defined by inner and outer conducting pads linked by conducting members. A power supply is attached to the conducting members to deliver current and voltage to a substrate during processing. The substrate seating surface comprises an isolation gasket extending diametrically interior to the inner conducting pads such that electrolyte is prevented from depositing on the backside of the substrate. The insulative body provides seating surfaces for other cell components, such as the lid, so that no additional insulating material is needed to isolate the components. A portion of the insulative body is disposed through a plurality of holes formed in the conducting framework.

Abstract: An electroplating machine is disclosed as including an electrode positioning apparatus, an electrolyte delivery apparatus, an apparatus for covering a roller, an apparatus for dissolving copper oxide powder in an electrolyte passing through the apparatus, and an apparatus allowing the variation of the distance between two rollers. The electrode positioning apparatus has a first open end and a second end joined by two sets of connecting members, in which the connecting members in each set are parallel to one another and equally spaced from the adjacent member. The electrolyte delivery apparatus includes a pipe connected to a source of electrolyte and a nozzle through which the electrolyte is deliverable to an electrode mounted on the electrode positioning apparatus. The covering apparatus is elongate in shape and includes a cavity for accommodating a majority part of the outside surface of a roller.

Abstract: The present invention is an integrated screen comprising a screen portion having openings and an integral protector edge disposed about the periphery of the screen portion. This integrated screen protector edge can be utilized individually as the membrane support/flow field in an electrochemical cell or in conjunction with one or more subsequent screen layers. When utilized with subsequent screen layers, the integrated screen protector edge is disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the membrane assembly.

Abstract: An electroplating machine is disclosed as including an electrode positioning apparatus, an electrolyte delivery apparatus, an apparatus for covering a roller, an apparatus for dissolving copper oxide powder in an electrolyte passing through the apparatus, and an apparatus allowing the variation of the distance between two rollers. The electrode positioning apparatus has a first open end and a second end joined by two sets of connecting members, in which the connecting members in each set are parallel to one another and equally spaced from the adjacent member. The electrolyte delivery apparatus includes a pipe connected to a source of electrolyte and a nozzle through which the electrolyte is deliverable to an electrode mounted on the electrode positioning apparatus. The nozzle includes an elongate gap and the electrolyte exits the nozzle continuously along the entire length of the elongate gap. The electrode positioning and the electrolyte delivery apparatus are slidably engageable with each other.

Abstract: An electrolyte cell includes a membrane (114) supporting frame (104) which having an aperture (180) having a stepped sidewall, including a peripheral sealing ledge (182) in which is set a seal (184), a membrane (114) whose periphery is urged against the seal (114) by a subframe (202) mounted in the aperture (180), the sub-frame (202) being provided with vertically extending stand-offs (218) at each corner so as to define a cavity partially bounded by the frame (104) and sub-frame (202) at the top of bottom of the aperture (180), the top and bottom edges of the sub-frame (202) being provided with a plurality of through-holes (216).

Abstract: A cathode frame for receiving and retaining a cathode plate for electrowinning and/or electrorefining processes is constructed as an integrally-formed frame body having a base member and side members which provide a continuous channel therethrough for retaining the peripheral edge of a cathode plate, and is further structured with a cross frame extending between the side members for receiving a cathode plate therethrough. The cross frame is sized and positioned to extend proud of the frame body thereby providing contact surfaces for striking when recovering the cathode plate from the frame. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cross frame is integrally formed with the side members and base member and the cathode frame is configured to retain a filter media thereagainst.

Abstract: The tube inner surface electropolishing device includes an electrolyte delivery system to cause electrolyte to flow through the tube whose inner surface must be electropolished. An electrical cable having an electrode engaged to its distal end is slowly moved through the tube while an electrical current from a power supply passes through the electrode and the tube wall and the electrolyte flowing therebetween. Several electrode embodiments are disclosed including electrodes that include a chain of elements having alternating insulator and electrode elements, an electrode including a quantity of metallic wool enclosed in a permeable insulating member, and a flexible insulating member formed from a cylindrical tubular section which is axially compressible to produce a series of projecting flexible arms, so that many one section can be compressed to enter a smaller opening than the tube to be polished. An electrolyte dam is coupled to the electrode and controls the flow rate of electrolyte through the tube.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new design of elements for ion exchange membrane electrolyzers for the electrolysis of brine to produce chlorine, hydrogen and caustic soda. This new design solves the problems affecting prior art, by both minimizing the electrolyte concentration and temperature gradients, and the pressure fluctuation resorting to components which are easy to be installed and may be obtained through automated production cycles.

Abstract: Anti-corrosive detachable wall-covering for side walls for new and used electrolytic cells holding chlorine-containing process gases.

Abstract: Anti-corrosive apparatus cover with an improved detachable wall-covering for new or used covers of electrolytic cells.

Abstract: A glazing covered ferrite core electrode terminal has a ferrite core, a glazing covered layer coated on a surface of the ferrite core, a silver paste layer disposed on the glazing covered layer, a nickel plated layer disposed on the silver paste layer, a solder plated layer disposed on the nickel plated layer, and a solder paste layer disposed on the solder plated layer.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a conductor roll which obviates burning troubles caused by poor contact between the collector rings (C rings) and the roll shafts, which makes removal and installation of the C rings and operation of sliding contact adjustment unnecessary during the repairing operation of the roll body, and which extends the life of the sliding collector parts. The ringless-collector conductor roll according to the present invention comprises an electroplated Cu layer provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft ends of the conductor roll and having a Vickers hardness of at least 100 Hv, the electroplated Cu layer being directly contacted with brushes.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing an electrically conductive layer on the surface of a wafer comprises a flange. The flange has a cylindrical wall and an annulus attached to a first end of the cylindrical wall. The annulus shields the edge region of the wafer surface during electroplating reducing the thickness of the deposited electrically conductive layer on the edge region. Further, the cylindrical wall of the flange can be provided with a plurality of apertures adjacent the wafer allowing gas bubbles entrapped on the wafer surface to readily escape.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing filling of structures in a substrate. At least one electrolyte evacuator adjacent a surface of a substrate including the structures evacuates electrolyte from the structures. At least one electrolyte injector adjacent the surface of the substrate including the structures injects electrolyte into the structures.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a protector strip (10) for an edge zone of an electrode plate (40), said protector strip (10) including a first channel shaped member (11) of relatively resilient material adapted, in use, to engage over the edge zone of the electrode plate, and a second channel shaped member (12) of relatively more rigid material separate to said first channel shaped member (11) adapted, in use, to engage over the first channel shaped member (11) to press at least a portion of said first channel shaped member (11) into sealing engagement with the edge zone of the electrode plate (40).

Abstract: A product conveying mechanism is provided for an electroplating device which electroplates a thin-wall ribbonlike product such as a printed wiring board given to be plated. It suspends the product from the upper part thereof nipped with a jig supported laterally movably by a cathode bar and conveys the product laterally in an electrolyte solution held in a tank meanwhile feeding an electric current from the cathode bar via the jig to the product through the upper part thereof. The product conveying mechanism is particularly furnished with a jig of striking originality combining the function of nipping a product and the function of feeding an electric current to the product.

Abstract: A bottom lining for electrolytic cells formed from steel pots for use in primary production and secondary refining, made from a monolithic stamping of a finely granulated powder having a high alumina content, and a process for producing same. The powder is obtained from aluminum industrial scrap recovery and salt slags and has the following components in the following amounts based on dried weight:______________________________________ Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 40-90% AlN 0.1-25% MgO 4-20% SiO.sub.2 0.5-15% CaO 0.1-15% Al (metallic) 0.1-10% Si (metallic) 0.1-10% Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 0.1-5% C not more than 5% F not more than 5% Na.sub.2 O 0.1-5% K.sub.2 O 0.1-2% TiO.sub.2 0.1-2% Others not more than 5% Loss on ignition not more than 10%.

Abstract: A mist preventing cover for an electrode has an upper end which surrounds and is sealed to an electrode above the surface of the electrolyte in an electrowinning cell to thereby form a substantially closed chamber above the electrolyte surface. The lower end of the cover extends below the electrolyte surface and prevents escape of bubbles generated at the surfaces of the electrode, while permitting the passage of electrolyte to the electrode. The bubbles rise to the surface of the electrolyte, where they burst and generate a mist in the closed chamber formed by the electrode cover. The mist contains droplets having substantially the same composition as the electrolyte, as well as gaseous components including water vapor, gas generated by the electrode, and entrapped ambient air.

Abstract: A cell frame is for use in an electrochemical cell wherein the cell frame includes fluid communicating inserts for providing process water to the electrochemical cell and to transport waste water and product from the cell. The cell frame comprises inserts positioned about the periphery of the frame to facilitate a uniform fluid field and membrane hydration. The cell frame further comprises a protective plate comprising sealing features and lip extensions to prevent fluid leakage and membrane damage.

Abstract: An electrochemical device for separating oxygen from an oxygen-containing gas comprises a plurality of planar ion-conductive solid electrolyte plates and electrically-conductive gas-impermeable interconnects assembled in a multi-cell stack. Electrically-conductive anode and cathode material is applied to opposite sides of each electrolyte plate. A gas-tight anode seal is bonded between the anode side of each electrolyte plate and the anode side of the adjacent interconnect. A biasing electrode, applied to the anode side of each electrolyte plate between the anode seal and the edge of the anode, eliminates anode seal failure by minimizing the electrical potential across the seal. The seal potential is maintained below about 40 mV and preferably below about 25 mV. A gas-tight seal is applied between the cathode sides of each electrolyte plate and the adjacent interconnect such that the anode and cathode seals are radially offset on opposite sides of the plate.

Abstract: Process and apparatus controlling the cross-sectional flow distribution within a flowing stream such as a copper flux in an electrolytic copper deposition process. The flow distribution is controlled by a baffle comprised of two plates overlying one another, each having a set of openings, wherein the openings in the two plates generally correspond to one another but are slightly offset therefrom or varied in size in a non-uniform way along the radius of the plates such as to effect a modification of the uniformity or non-uniformity of the velocity flow rates across the cross section of the flowing stream in which the baffle is interposed.

Abstract: The invention pertains to linear electrochemical functional elements which have strip-shaped ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) and/or hydrogen-diffusion electrodes accessible at the ends which are enclosed on all sides in an insulating manner by a jacket of a solid material. The invention describes the structure, production, and use of the functional elements in electrochemical measuring techniques. In one embodiment, a charge state indicator is created by the incorporation of a lead/lead sulfate half-cell into a lead/lead oxide cell. This coupling takes place via a linear functional element in the form of an installed ion-exchanger membrane. It makes it possible to measure three voltage values on the cell and to evaluate them in order to determine the current charge state by conventional methods.

Abstract: A cell frame is for use in an electrochemical cell wherein the cell frame includes fluid communicating inserts for providing process water to the electrochemical cell and to transport waste water and product from the cell. The cell frame comprises inserts positioned about the periphery of the frame to facilitate a uniform fluid field and membrane hydration. The cell frame further comprises a protective plate comprising sealing features and lip extensions to prevent fluid leakage and membrane damage.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymeric netting for use as an ion-conducting ser in an electrodialysis stack having charged groups incorporated in a in polymeric coating applied thereto, imparting to the spacer an average ion exchange capacity of at least 0.25 meq/gr.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus comprising a plating tank containing electroplating solution, one or more substrates to be electroplated, and an electrical contact mechanism. The electrical contact mechanism comprises a first set of one or more conductive contacts electrically connected to a power supply and a second set of one or more conductive contacts mounted to a substrate carrier. The second set of contacts wipes against the first set of contacts when the carrier is maneuvered into and out of a plating position. At least one of the first and second sets of contacts is spring-biased. The first set of contacts may comprise one or more inverted-L-shaped, pivotable contacts, each mounted within a notch in a contact block.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a racking fixture for holding components while they are electro-chemically processed. The fixture includes at least one shelf for holding the components and is electrically connected to a bus bar. A motor is mechanically engaged with the shelf and causes it to agitate to remove gasses trapped in components held on the fixture. The fixture also includes localized anodes for positioning adjacent to specific portions of the component.

Abstract: A filtering mechanism for especially well suited for corrosive mists which are generated from electro-refining systems. A layer of bristles forming a brush is secured to an electrode within the electro-refining system. As the electro-refining system produces a mist of corrosive chemicals above the slurry, the mist rises through the bristles. As the mist passes through the bristles, the corrosive chemical adheres to the bristles; hence, the corrosive chemical does not pass into the surrounding environment. Periodically, the bristles are washed to remove the corrosive chemicals. In one embodiment of the invention, the edge between the electrodes and the wall of the slurry bath are partially sealed with a pliable member which assists in directing the mist through the bristles.

Abstract: The invention pertains to linear electrochemical functional elements which consist of strip-shaped ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) and/or hydrogen-diffusion electrodes accessible at the ends which are enclosed on all sides in an insulating manner by a jacket of a solid material. The invention describes the structure, production and use of the functional elements in electrochemical measuring techniques.

Abstract: The invention concerns a diaphragm chlor-alkali electrolysis cell comprising a cover, a conductive base for supporting the anodes and a cathode in the form of a box provided with internal wall, external wall and tubular fingers made of a mesh or perforated sheet covered with a porous diaphragm. One or more copper sheets for electric current distribution are fixed to the cathode external walls. The connection between the copper sheets and the cathode external walls is made by means of bolts with the interposition of a conductive and deformable element provided with residual elasticity under compression. The weldings for the assembling of the cathode walls are free from internal stresses.

Abstract: In order to improve a method for determining the substance conversion during areal electrochemical reactions in at least one local surface area between a counterelectrode arrangement of an areal design and an electrode arrangement of an areal design, which has a contact element segment designed in accordance with the surface area and a contact element contacting the remaining surface areas and being electrically insulated in relation to the contact element segment, in such a manner that the substance conversion can be determined in as simple a manner as possible it is suggested that not only the contact element but also the contact element segment be connected to one current source or current drain provided for carrying out the electrochemical reaction, that a current flowing between the contact element segment and the current source or current drain via a conductor generate a magnetic field around the conductor and that the magnetic field be determined as a measure for the substance conversion in the local s

Abstract: A monopolar or bipolar filter press electrolyzer. The bipolar filter press electrolyzer can contain a bipolar electrode consisting of a planar metal anode and planar metal cathode electrically connected to respective planar current collectors which can be electrically connected by welding either directly or through an intermediate metal layer different than said metal anode or cathode, or by adhesive bonding utilizing an electrically conductive adhesive. The cell frames can be a molded thermoplastic polymer or laminated thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer sheets. The bipolar electrode assemblies can include at least a pair of thermoplastic or thermosetting cell frame units which can be assembled with either a single gasket or a polymer adhesive.

Abstract: A conducting roller for an electroplating apparatus, includes: a conductive shaft having one end for making an electrical connection; a rotatable conductive sleeve provided coaxially around the conductive shaft with an annular space formed between the conductive shaft and the conductive sleeve; a plurality of rollable conductive elements disposed in the annular space; a rotatable first closure member which closes one end of the annular space, the first closure member being connected to the conductive shaft in a rotatable relationship and fixed to the conductive sleeve for simultaneous rotation; a drive member drivingly sleeved on the first closure member; a rotatable second closure member which closes another end of the annular space, the second closure member being connected to the conductive sleeve for simultaneous rotation and rotatably sleeved around the conductive shaft; and a tubular cover provided around the second closure member and fixed immovably to the conductive shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for sealing a cover plate for an electrolytic cell. Prior-art cell constructions suffer from the problems of, inter alia, a short service life of certain materials and cracking in the materials which results in leakage, which makes it necessary to put the cell out of operation. The problem is solved by the present method of sealing a cover plate for an electrolytic cell, the cell having a base (2), in which risers (1) for the anodes of the cell are attached, the base consisting of at least one basic material with high thermal conductivity, preferably copper, and at least one cover plate (8) which is arranged on the basic material towards the inside of the cell, the riser having a sealing flange (6), to which the cover plate is connected, an additional plate being attached between riser and cover plate to act as a bellows (9; 20), said bellows being attached by welding (10; 11) to the sealing flange (6) of the riser and the cover plate (8), respectively.

Abstract: A mandrel comprising a surface effective for electroforming an article thereon, wherein a portion of the mandrel has a contoured surface effective for facilitating axial movement away from the mandrel of the article formed thereon when the article experiences circumferential motion relative to the mandrel.

Abstract: A cathode current control system employing a current thief for use in electroplating a wafer is set forth. The current thief comprises a plurality of conductive segments disposed to substantially surround a peripheral region of the wafer. A first plurality of resistance devices are used, each associated with a respective one of the plurality of conductive segments. The resistance devices are used to regulate current through the respective conductive finger during electroplating of the wafer. Various constructions are used for the current thief and further conductive elements, such as fingers, may also be employed in the system. As with the conductive segments, current through the fingers may also be individually controlled. In accordance with one embodiment of the overall system, selection of the resistance of each respective resistance devices is automatically controlled in accordance with predetermined programming.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reducing metal acid or salt evolved from electrolytic baths housed in electrolytic tanks during electrolytic operations. This method involves covering all of the surface of the electrolytic bath with a layer of shredded foam (e.g., polymeric foam, metal foam, glass foam, or vitreous material foam). The shredded foam is irregular in shape, lacking in uniform particle size, is inert to the electrolytic operation, and floats at the surface of the electrolytic bath. Desirably, the layer of shredded foam is about 3 to 4 inches (76-102 mm) in thickness. Examples of specific processes benefiting from the present invention are anodizing, electroplating, electrowinning, and electrophoresis operations.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the galvanic deposition of a metal layer on a substrate and comprises a substrate holder connected to a drive shaft that extends in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the substrate. The cathode current is supplied to the substrate by the drive shaft. The drive shaft has an outer insulating layer. The substrate is held in contact with a contact plate by a supporting ring on the outer periphery of a supporting plate. The contact plate rests on a base of the supporting plate and has a central sleeve connectable with the drive shaft. A mounting portion is provided in the base around the sleeve and a tube portion is inserted into the mounting portion in a sealing and detachable manner. An internally threaded ring is arranged on the drive shaft and is shiftable along the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A ceramic element is provided which can be injection molded from an electrolyte and a binder. The ceramic element includes a tube support portion and a plurality of tubes extending from the tube support portion. The plurality of tubes are arranged in rows and columns. A plurality of vias extend from one surface of the tube support portion to an opposite surface of the tube support portion. The ceramic element is coated with an electrically conductive coating and a current collector coating. The vias are coated with the electrically conductive coating and plugged. After the coatings are removed in selected areas of the ceramic element, the tubes of the ceramic element form a series-parallel array because tubes in the same column are connected in parallel electrically and tubes in adjacent rows are connected in series electrically. Two ceramic elements are sealed together to form a modular electrochemical device. The electrochemical device can be either an oxygen generator or a fuel cell.

Abstract: A single rod measuring probe has a hollow probe portion which contains an electrolyte solution and an electrical connector plug. The hollow probe portion and electrical connector plug are joined by a refill unit which receives the probe portion and plug in opposite ends thereof. The refill unit includes a lateral opening for filling the probe portion with electrolyte solution and a slidable cover for closing the opening. The slidable cover includes an elastic seal which seals the lateral opening when the cover is over the lateral opening. Preferably, the refill unit is non-circular in cross-section to facilitate venting.

Abstract: An electrode (10) for performing an electrochemical treatment process has two cathode disks (35, 45) used as treatment locations for a component (55). By means of a return flow channel (23) formed parallel with the inflow bore (12), these two treatment locations are possible one behind the other, viewed in the axial direction of the electrode (10). Furthermore, the gaps (43, 45, 38, 39) located at both sides of the cathode disks (35, 45) have been embodied to be of different sizes. Together with the shape and the radius of the cathode disks (35, 45), contours with different sections are possible. The electrode (10) makes possible an economical production of components with specially shaped contours, and several contours in a single work step.

Abstract: A collector bar adapted for utilization with carbon during the production of molten metal, such as aluminum, under Hall Heroult applications includes a one-piece metallic extruded and/or drawn tube of relatively low electrical conductivity, such as steel or ferrous metal and a one-piece rod of relatively high electrical conductivity, such as copper. The tube is in encircling relationship to the rod and the rod and tube have surfaces in intimate surfaces-to-surface contact. The rod has an exterior profile exactly complementing an interior profile of the tube, or alternately the rod is relatively elongated and narrow and opposite longitudinal edges thereof are in intimate surface-to-surface contact with parallel opposite surfaces of the tube or opposite diagonal corners of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming method that (i) yields lower running costs, (ii) produces high resolution and high quality images as it allows for a minimum unit of the image being of molecular size, (iii) provides continuous image gradation, (iv) consists of environmentally friendly manufacturing steps, and (v) offers energy savings, low production cost and high efficiency which results in a versatile process with extensive applications in the related arts.

Abstract: A process for changing spent anodes while recovering the majority of the gaseous compounds evolved by the spent anodes and by the bath crust removed from the electrolytic pots during the cooling phase uses an effluent-collection device for electrolytic pots. A device for collecting gaseous effluents from pots for the production of aluminum by igneous electrolysis allows the recovery of the gaseous compounds evolved by the spent anodes and by the crust which they contain during the replacement and cooling of these anodes and this crust. The device preferably includes a degassing and cooling container located at one of the ends of the hooding device of the pots. The container can be made to communicate with the suction produced by the gas collection device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to produce an oxide coating that protects against corrosion and wear on the metal surface of a workpiece, more specifically, for the metal surface of a body for accepting a valve, wherein with the use of a cathode, the workpiece, as an anode, is subjected to constant or pulsating direct current in an electrolyte, with an auxiliary anode, which is resistant to the electrolyte, being attached to the workpiece before the workpiece is dipped into the electrolyte, which discharges the anodizing current at locations where no anodized coating is required or only a limited anodized coating is required.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the quality, e.g., thickness, porosity, or corrosion rate, of a coating inside a hollow body having an opening. The method comprises attaching a probe from a coating measuring device to one end of an extender arm having a flexible portion therein, placing the probe inside the hollow body through the opening, and making the desired measurements of the coating.The apparatus includes a flexible extender arm for use with a coating measuring device.

Abstract: A clamp for use in an electrolytic plating bath is disclosed. The clamp comprises two levers at least two opposing levers, at least one lever being pivotally attached to each other at a fulcrum wherein the clamp, when floating on top of a liquid, is in an open position but when submerged is caused, by virtue of its buoyancy, to move to a closed position. Each lever comprises a first part integrally attached to a second part. The first part and the second part are situated on opposite sides of the fulcrum from each other such that rotational movement about the fulcrum between the open position and the closed position causes the second parts of each lever to move from an upper position to a lower position. In operation, at least one substrate is supported in a substantially vertical plane for submersion into an electrolyte bath. The substrate is positioned over the electrolyte bath and then is submersed into it. The clamp clamps the substrate at its lower edge as the substrate enters the electrolyte bath.

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. The attaching apparatus also can be coupled directly to the water circulation line and can be adjusted to accommodate fittings and circulation lines of various sizes.