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.

Abstract: Components of electrolytic cells for the production of aluminum in particular by the electrolysis of alumina in a molten fluoride electrolyte, made of carbon or other microporous material which remains stable or may be consumed in the cell operating conditions, are conditioned to better resist in the cell operating conditions by impregnating them with colloidal ceria, cerium acetate, silica, alumina, lithia, yttria, thoria, zirconia, magnesia or monoaluminum phosphate containing ionic species of sodium, lithium, potassium, aluminum, calcium or ammonium, followed by drying and heat treatment.

Abstract: A material handling device for reducing spillage of flowable or particulate material dispensed into a storage bin, the device comprising an upper region defining a first opening for receiving such material and a pair of discharge members extending in a direction opposite the first opening. The device is particularly suited for placement over a horizontal support rod from which the bin is typically suspended from. The device finds wide use in electroplating applications providing methods of maintaining a uniform arrangement of bins in an electroplating tank, and methods of protecting hardware utilized for suspending bins from electroplating tank support rods.

Abstract: An electrode edge protector that includes an elongate strip having a substantially H-shaped cross-section in combination with an expansion member. The elongate strip comprises two lever-arm portions made of rigid material that define a longitudinal edge slot for receiving and wrapping around the edge of an electrode and an opposing expansion slot for receiving the expansion member. The rigid lever-arm portions are interconnected between the slots by a coextruded hinge member made of resilient material which enhances the ability of the edge strip to adhere to the electrode in the edge slot as a result of the force exerted by the expansion member in the expansion slot.

Abstract: Carbon-containing components of cells for the production of aluminum by the electrolysis of alumina dissolved in a cryolite-based molten electrolyte are protected from attack by liquid and/or gaseous components of the electrolyte in the form of elements, ions or compounds, by a treatment composition which consists essentially of a solution of one or more phosphates of aluminum. The treatment composition may alternatively consist essentially of one or more phosphates of aluminum, and one on more colloidal carriers.

Abstract: Carbon-containing components of cells for the production of aluminum by the electrolysis of alumina dissolved in a cryolite-based molten electrolyte are protected from erosion by non-chemical attack due to movement of liquid and/or gaseous components of the electrolyte, by a refractory boride coating applied from a slurry composed of pre-formed particulate refractory boride in a colloidal carrier which is dried and heated to consolidate the coating.

Abstract: An improved electrolyte circulation manifold system for use in a copper electrowinning cell which includes an array of alternating cathode and anode plates positioned within a holding tank is disclosed. The manifold system itself includes a first manifold section positioned within the holding tank adjacent to a first lateral edge portion of each cathode plate and anode plate in the array. The first manifold section includes a first plurality of holes formed along it's length so that each hole is oriented in a horizontal plane and a single hole is positioned between and facing each anode plate and an adjacent cathode plate. A second manifold section is positioned within the holding tank adjacent to a second lateral edge portion of each cathode plate and anode plate in the array.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing metal which provides a brushless electrical current continuity between a member, such as an electroforming mandrel or an electroplating rack, and a current source, comprising: (a) an electrode; (b) a member, spaced apart from the electrode, wherein the member defines a space that is partially or fully filled with a first conductive liquid in electrical contact with the member; (c) a second conductive liquid electrically isolated from the electrode; and (d) connecting means for electrically connecting the first conductive liquid and the second conductive liquid.

Abstract: A current collector which uses a conductive primer layer under an electrode layer to improve the contact and adhesion of the electrode layer to a supporting member, wherein the conductive primer layer is composed of a polymeric material having pendant carboxylic acid groups crosslinked with a multifunctional crosslinking agent, and a conductive filler. The current collector may be used inter alia for making batteries.

Abstract: A cell for electrolytic silver recovery is provided with a threaded fitting and can be connected to a conventional fluid flow fitting having a fluid flow inlet and outlet by means of a collar connecting the dissimilar threads of the fitting and the cell. The cell is connected by an electric lead to an outside source of power and contains an electrode in electrical contact with liquid in the cell and a second electrode in the form of a thin conductive coating on the interior of the cell.

Abstract: In a tank confined electrolysis process, such as electrowinning or electrorefining, having circulated electroplating solution containing sulfuric acid, a multi-element cover system is applied below the electrode conductor connections and above the surface of the electrolyte bath. This cover is evacuated in the interstices below the cover and above the bath at a rate exceeding the stoichiometric ratio causing any leakage to occur into the volume overlying the bath thereby preventing acid aerosol from escape. The rate of evacuation is restricted so that humidity is maintain under the cover and over the surface of the bath to prevent the formation of crystals formed from aerosol droplets which become supersaturated. In a preferred embodiment, a circular weir in combination with gas discharge over the weir to a downcomer is disclosed. Entrainment of air over the weir and into the downcomer is disclosed to provide sufficient pumping for evacuation.

Abstract: An edge protector for an electrolysis electrode onto which a thick-electrodeposited copper product is deposited for producing an electrolytic copper product, has an outer surface shape in the central portion thereof which reduces the thickness in that portion to improve uniformity of cooling, and thereby reduce stress cracking as a result of the reduced buildup of thermal stresses. The outer surfaces may be inclined planes or suitable curved shapes that converge from an outer jaw toward an inner jaw. In one embodiment an edge protector is taught such that its top end is angled downward from its center outward at an angle of less than twenty degrees to prevent creation of sharp edges and difficulty in removal. A spreader bar has a shape which enables clamping of the edge protector onto an electrolysis electrode without excessive expansion of the outer jaw, thereby lengthening service life, and easing installation. Both a hollowed and a tapered spreader bar are taught for end insertion.

Abstract: Accumulated dimensional variations in fuel cells and electrolysis cell assemblies can reduce the efficiency of the assembly and provide leakage paths for fuel and oxidant. A metal compression pad comprised of a metal having an elastic strain of about 3% to about 40% at about 2,500 psig can compensate for component dimensional variations and improve inter-cell conductivity at pressures up to and exceeding about 10,000 psig.

Abstract: Electrodes in plate form can be electrocatalytically coated and secured to a current distributor, such as by welding to a base plate, and may be serviceable, e.g., as anodes, in cells electrolyzing brine. Recoating of plate electrodes can require removal from the cell, removal of old coating, application of fresh coating, then returning and securing the freshly coated electrodes to the cell. There are now provided envelopes for covering the original electrode plates. The original plates thus do not need to be separated from a base member of the cell. The envelopes can have an electrocatalytic coating on their outer surfaces. The resulting electrodes are thus a combination of an old inner plate and a new outer envelope, with an outer surface coating on the envelope. The envelopes can be secured to the inner plate and/or to a current distributor such as a base plate.

Abstract: A resilient dielectric wiper blade is mounted between a cathodic workpiece and an anode to wipe bubbles of hydrogen from the surface, sever dendritic material, if such is present as the coating thickens, and to remove a surface layer of partially depleted electrolytic solution and replace with fresh solution. The resilient dielectric wiper blade is preferably used with perforated anodes.

Abstract: A high temperature electrochemical converter provides regenerative heating of electrochemical converter reactants to an operating temperature using an exhaust flow. Additionally, a radiant thermal integration configuration transfers heat from an electrochemical converter assembly to power a bottoming plant, thereby achieving flexible and efficient system design. In a fuel cell operating mode, for example, it facilitates the recovery of waste heat of the fuel cell reaction for integration with bottoming thermodynamic devices, such as a gas or steam turbine. The radiant thermal integration is accomplished by efficient radiative heat transfer between the external columnar surface of the converter assembly and the heat transfer assembly containing the working medium of a heat sink or a heat source device, and by a regenerative process where incoming reactants are heated to the converter operating temperature by outgoing exhaust.

Abstract: An anodization apparatus for anodizing the surface of a semiconductor substrate by supporting the semiconductor substrate between a pair of electrodes in an electrolytic solution and applying a voltage across the pair of electrodes. The anodization apparatus includes an elastic sealing member for supporting a peripheral portion of the semiconductor substrate such that a surface portion of a semiconductor substrate remains exposed, a support jig which includes a tapered hollow portion for supporting the sealing member, and a device for introducing a fluid of gas or liquid into the tapered hollow portion. When the fluid is introduced, the sealing member is pressed against and brought into hermetic contact with the tapered hollow portion and with the entire peripheral portion of the semiconductor substrate such that the electrolytic solution is separated into electrically isolated parts by coordination between the semiconductor substrate, the sealing member, and the support jig.

Abstract: Electrodes such as mesh electrodes can be in configurations where they are separated from electrode back pans by standoffs. The mesh electrodes are very adherently secured to the standoffs. When the electrodes are in need of repair, removal and refurbishing can be a problem. There is now disclosed a method of electrode repair which in large part retains original structure by first removing the mesh electrode and then at least substantially the top of the standoff. A replacement standoff assembly is placed against the retained portion of the original standoff and secured thereto. Refurbished or new electrode mesh can be adhered to the resulting replacement standoff. This may include welding of mesh electrode strands utilizing weld nuggets which are substantially the size of the strands. The refurbishing technique can maintain original separation distances between the back pan and the electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus and process are disclosed for fabricating an endless metal belt comprising a center region between a first end region and a second end region, wherein a portion of the first end region is at least 1.5 times thicker than the center region, thereby resulting in a thickened end portion.

Abstract: Fluid leakage restriction in multi-layered systems that contain fluids such as electrochemical cell devices with sealing surfaces defining patterns of ridges forming concentric rings surrounding through apertures within the surfaces require a new surface design for use of a potential through aperture site. A crossed-ridge sealing surface is comprised of a first plurality of aligned ridges and a second plurality of aligned ridges that crosses the first plurality of aligned ridges to define sealing cells that surround the existing through apertures and potential through aperture sites, so that one sealing surface design may enhance fluid leakage restriction for a variety of actual and potential through apertures.

Abstract: Nickelized shaped articles are produced by electrodeposition of nickel from aqueous acidic baths containing as essential constituents one or more nickel salts, one or more inorganic acids and one or more brighteners, the brighteners used being cyclic ammonium compounds I ##STR1## where the nitrogen atom is part of a pyridine, quinoline or isoquinoline ring system which can additionally carry one or two C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl substituents,R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl,A is a group of the formula --CO--O--R.sup.3, --CO--CH.sub.2 --CO--O--R.sup.3, --O--CO--R.sup.3 or --O--R.sup.3,whereR.sup.3 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 -alkyl, C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.7 -C.sub.12 -phenylalkyl or phenyl which can be substituted by one or two C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl radicals, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkoxy radicals, halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, phenyl radicals or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxycarbonyl groups, m is from 0 to 10, n is from 1 to 4, p is 0 or 1, and X.sup..crclbar.

Abstract: A shortcircuiting system, particularly useful for by-passing an electrolyzer in a multiplicity of monopolar or bipolar electrolyzers in an electrolysis circuit, said system comprising power supply means for feeding electrolysis current to said electrolyzers, a jumper switch means for by-passing said electrolyzer and means for controlling and interrupting the electric current supplied to said electrolyzers at least for a time sufficient to permit shortcircuiting of the electrolyzer to be by-passed without significantly affecting the operating conditions of said electrolyzers.

Abstract: A plating device for a wafer employs an air bag 6, 20 as a holding means for downwardly depressing the wafer 8 upon performing plating on the wafer 8. The air bag 6, 20 constrain only the upper surface 13 of the circumferential edge of the wafer at an expanded state and releases the constraint by contracting to restore an initial configuration at a non-expanded state. By this, the holding means will not occupy the upper side space of the wafer both during plating process and during non-plating process so as to avoid adhering of dust and foreign matter onto the wafer 8.

Abstract: A magnesium electrolysis cell having a refractory lining comprising at least one glass-ceramic shape, the lining itself, and the method of increasing the service life of the refractory lining of a magnesium electrolysis cell comprising using a plurality of glass-ceramic shapes to form the lining.

Abstract: A feeder assembly for an alumina electrolysis cell includes an alumina dose holder (5) defined between inner and outer walls (6, 7, 7') with an inlet port in the outer wall above an outlet port in the inner wall. The inlet and outlet ports (8, 11) are closable and openable by valve means formed by relative movement between the outer wall (7, 7') and a valve seat (10, 12) cooperating with a seating edge of the outer wall (7, 7'). The valve means is moved by drive means (13) including a pneumatically operated piston (14) movable within a cylinder (15) concentric with the shaft (2) of an electrolyte crust-breaking plunger (1). The plunger shaft (2) is axially slidable within an annular sleeve (18) of the piston (14) which is connected to at least one movable component of the valve means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter press electrolyzer of the type having front and rear bulkheads. The electrolyzer comprises an electrolytic cell between the bulkheads. The cell comprises a pair of planar electrode assemblies, typically including a center compartment assembly therebetween, all in a stacked relationship. Separators are clamped between the electrode and center compartment assemblies. Each electrode assembly comprises an annular frame defining an electrolyte chamber, a planar electrode member having an electrode active area within said chamber, and a current distributing bus on the side of the electrode member which is opposite the side facing the separator. The current distributing bus has a planar surface area which is substantially co-extensive with the electrode active area. Each of the electrode assemblies comprises a plurality of spaced-apart separator strips affixed to the electrode member on the side opposite the current distributing bus.

Abstract: Electrode joint for threadably joining two abutting carbon electrode sections is provided with an elongate carbon fastening element which is force fitted into a passage extending from outside of the electrode joint through a portion of the interface contact between the abutting carbon electrode sections.

Abstract: A carbon containing paste for use in particular as components of electrolytic cells as such or compacted to form anodes, cathodes and cell linings of cells for the electrolysis of alumina for the production of aluminium, consists of a compact mixture of one or more particulate carbonaceous material(s) with a non-carbonaceous non-polluting binder and optionally with one or more fillers, the binder being a suspension of one or more colloids such as colloidal silica, alumina, yttria, ceria, thoria, zirconia, magnesia, lithia or being derived from one or more colloid precursors or colloid reagents optionally with one or more chelating agents. Cell components are produced by forming the paste to a desired shape and size, for instance in a mold, an injection die or in a cell bottom, compacting and drying before use, or the paste can be used as such like in a Soderberg type anode, or for bonding together carbon blocks like a ramming paste.

Abstract: A method of producing a component of an aluminium production cell made of a carbon-based composite material containing a refractory hard metal boride, carbide, oxide, nitride or combinations or mixtures thereof and aluminium as metal, alloy or as an aluminium compound, comprises firstly providing a reaction mixture of aluminium and precursors which react to form the refractory hard metal compound, and optional fillers and additives. The reaction mixture is mixed with particulate carbon in an amount of from 1 to 20 parts by weight of carbon for 1 part by weight of the reaction mixture; and with a colloidal binder containing at least one of colloidal silica, alumina, yttria, ceria, thoria, zirconia, magnesia, lithia, in an amount to fully wet the carbon particles. The resulting mixture is compacted and dried and heated to initiate reaction of the reaction mixture by self-propagating micropyretic reaction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for coupling two similar or different types of bus bar conductors, where a conductor strap of each bus bar is submersed in a low melting point conductive alloy contained in a chamber. One of the conductor straps may be fabricated to include the chamber for containing the alloy. The chamber is preferably designed to provide ample room for movement of the conductor straps resulting from expansion or contraction of the bus bars. By providing sufficient room and depth in the chamber, the system can maintain its connection even when subjected to seismic shocks. According to different aspects of the invention, the chamber containing the low melting point conductive alloy can be used: to effect an aluminum to copper conductor coupling; to avoid corrosion problems; to act as an electrical coupler for vibration producing electrical equipment such as motors, generators, transformers, etc.; and to act as an electrical switch or circuit breaker.

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: The invention is directed to a clamping device for gravure printing cylinders to be processed in an electroplating plant. The clamping device for gravure printing cylinders to be processed in an electroplating plant is equipped, in accordance with a first basic solution, with an interchange holder (1) for a plurality of cone sleeves (2) which have an inside diameter adapted to different spindle ends of various gravure printing cylinders, so that adaptation to a respective identical receiving cone quill (8) is made possible and in the same electroplating plant a plurality of different printing cylinders can be continuously successively processed without the complicated fitting and removal of different collet chucks. According to a second basic solution the interchange holder and the different cone sleeves are not required for the clamping device. Instead, a hardened cone sleeve (21) is used as essential clamping element and clamping is effected with very high contact pressure.

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 electrical connector for use in an aluminum reduction cell is disclosed. The portion of the connector extending into the carbon anode block is formed from a steel alloy having at least about 0.8% by weight chromium and having electrical resistivity characteristics close to those of mild steel at the cell operating temperatures of the block.

Abstract: A method of producing a component of an aluminium production cell made of a carbon-based composite material containing a refractory hard metal boride, carbide, oxide, nitride or combinations or mixtures thereof and aluminium as metal, alloy or as an aluminium compound, comprises firstly providing a reaction mixture of aluminium and precursors which react to form the refractory hard metal compound, and optional fillers and additives. The reaction mixture is mixed with particulate carbon in an amount of from 1 to 20 parts by weight of carbon for 1 part by weight of the reaction mixture; and with a colloidal binder containing at least one of colloidal silica, alumina, yttria, ceria, thoria, zirconia, magnesia, lithia, in an amount to fully wet the carbon particles. The resulting mixture is compacted and dried and heated to initiate reaction of the reaction mixture by self-propagating micropyretic reaction.

Abstract: A micromachined valve and valve array having one or more pores which are electrochemically opened and closed by dissolving and redepositing a barrier layer across a tiny opening or pore in substrate. The pore is spanned by two electrodes which apply a voltage to an electrolytic barrier layer material which dissolves in an electrolyte. Each open pore has a distinct flow rate related to its minimal cross-sectional area which together can form a binary sized array with each subsequent member in the array having a flow rate twice as large as the preceding member in the array. Any integral multiple of the smallest flow rate may be achieved by opening an appropriate combination of the pores with addressing logic. In a preferred embodiment, each bit in a binary representation of the desired flow rate acts as a switch for a pore having a flow rate corresponding to the bit position.

Abstract: An edge protector for an electrolysis electrode, has an outer surface shape in the central portion thereof which reduces the thickness in that portion to improve uniformity of cooling, and thereby reduce stress cracking as a result of the reduced buildup of thermal stresses. The outer surfaces may be inclined planes or suitable curved shapes that converge from an outer jaw toward an inner jaw. In one embodiment an edge protector includes a sealing member made of a sealing material such as silicone rubber, either integrally formed with the inner jaws, or affixed after forming. A spreader bar has a shape which enables clamping of the edge protector onto a mother blank without excessive expansion of the outer jaw, thereby lengthening service life, and easing installation. A tapered spreader bar for end insertion, and embodiments of spreader bars having flattened surfaces for edgewise insertion and then rotation for tightening are disclosed.

Abstract: A body of carbonaceous or other material for use in corrosive environments such as oxidizing media or gaseous or liquid corrosive agents at elevated temperatures, in particular in molten salts such as cryolite, is coated with a protective surface coating which improves the resistance of the body to oxidation or corrosion and which may also enhance the bodies electrical conductivity and/or its electrochemical activity. The protective coating is applied in one or more layers from a colloidal slurry containing reactant or non-reactant substances, or a mixture of reactant and non-reactant substances, in particular mixtures containing silicon carbide and molybdenum silicide or silicon carbide and silicon nitride, which when the body is heated to a sufficient elevated temperature reaction sinter as a result of micropyretic reaction and/or sinter without reaction to form the protective coating.

Abstract: A portable drum machine for producing electrodeposited copper foil continuously is disclosed. The drum machine has an electrolyte supply system which supplies copper ions at a substantially uniform composition. The machine produces copper foil that may be taken directly to a foil surface treatment system or rolled for treatment later. The result is a readily replicable, highly standardized computer-aided design stored on discs or in computer memory. A drum of readily fabricated design is made of three different metals designed for minimum voltage loss and uniform current distribution. The machine also incorporates a dimensionally stable anode precision-produced by ring-rolling concentric with the drum. Low-loss electrical connections are symmetrically configured. A spray reactor is provided for dissolving scrap metal or foil scrap. The system can be electrically and chemically isolated from other machines. There is also apparatus for thoroughly washing the foil with electrolyte and water.

Abstract: Bodies (3) such as tiles, plates, slabs or bricks of Refractory Hard Material (RHM) or other refractory composites are bonded to the cathodes or to other components, in particular to a carbon cell bottom (1), of a cell for the production of aluminium by electrolysis of a cryolite-based molten electrolyte, made of carbonaceous or other electrically conductive refractory material, by a non-reactive colloidal slurry (4) comprising particulate preformed RHM in a colloidal carrier selected from colloidal alumina, colloidal yttria and colloidal ceria. The slurry usually comprises preformed particulate TiB.sub.2 in colloidal alumina. The bodies (3) are usually TiB.sub.2 --Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 composites. The bonding is achieved simply by applying the slurry and allowing it to dry.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell construction in which the cell includes at least one anode and cathode, and a separator therebetween held under a compressive force by a frame assembly. The anodes and cathode are provided with a portion for electrical connection to an electric connector plate. The electric connector plate is positioned in contact with a respective anode and cathode. The compressive force of the frame assembly which holds the components of the cell in compression to provide a fluid tight seal simultaneously serves to apply a force between the electrical connector plates and their respective anode or cathode to hold the electrical connector plates in contact therewith. Preferably spring means are provided for biasing the electrical connector plates and the portions of the anode and cathode for connection to the plate into engagement with each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolytic cell (1) comprising an anodic end wall (6) and a cathodic end wall (5) facing each other and supporting alternately arranged plate-shaped anodes (8) and cathodes (10) extending substantially perpendicularly to said end walls. At least some of the anodes (8) and/or cathodes (10) cooperate with the opposite end wall (5,6) via electrically insulating spacer members (4), thus enabling compressive forces to be transmitted between the cell end walls (5,6). The invention also relates to an electrolyser comprising two or more cells (1) according to the invention. Further, the invention relates to a method of performing electrolyses.

Abstract: A water heater includes a metal storage tank for holding a quantity of water to be heated. Extending into the interior of the tank is a sacrificial anode assembly operative to inhibit corrosion of the tank and including a cylindrical metal anode member having an end retained within a cylindrical plastic insulating sleeve which, in turn, is captively retained within a metal cap portion of the assembly. To regulate the amount of electrical current generated by the assembly during use thereof, a barrel-shaped resistor is supported within the assembly and interconnected between its anode and cap portions. The insulating sleeve has a generally U-shaped groove formed in a closed end thereof, with one leg of the groove extending diametrically across a central opening in the sleeve end that receiving a core wire portion of the anode member, and the other groove leg extending generally chordwise relative to the sleeve end.

Abstract: An electro-chemical cell suitable for chromic acid regeneration or the electro-chemical treatment of methane sulphonic acid has several plate shaped bipolar electrodes which are spaced by means of frames to form an electrolyte space between every two adjacent electrodes. The electrolyte spaces are closed at the sides and at the bottom so they are impermeable to liquids and adjacent bipolar electrodes are electrically insulated against each other. The electrodes are tightly secured against the frame by means of hose-shaped sealing elements that can expand if internal pressure is applied, these sealing elements each being located in a fixed position in a U-shaped groove inside the frames. The cell is not sealed at the liquid surface of the electrolyte, however, it can be equipped with a cover, depending on the application. In order to remove an electrode, the sealing pressure is decreased by means of a pressure reduction in the interior of the sealing elements.

Abstract: A device for one-sided etching of a semiconductor wafer (silicon wafer) is proposed, which consists in the manner of an etching box of a trough-shaped basic body (3, 23) and a lid (2, 22) which matches the latter hermetically. The lid (2, 22) has on the topside an opening (5, 25) for the passage of the etching liquid. The etching box bears at least two O-rings (7, 8, 27, 28), of which one is arranged centrally in the basic body (3, 23) and the other centrally in the lid (2, 22). The wafer (1) is clamped between the O-rings (7, 8, 27, 28). A wire (10) connected to the wafer by means of a plate of a spring contact (11, 41) is guided out of the etching box through a bore (4) extending through the basic body (3, 23).

Abstract: Accumulated dimensional variations in fuel cells and electrolysis cell assemblies can reduce the efficiency of the assembly and provide leakage paths for fuel and oxidant. An elastomeric compression pad comprised of an oil adsorbent sheet surrounding an elastomeric material with expansion pathways and electrical pathways, that utilize a conductive powder and elastomeric binder compensates for component dimensional variations, improves inter-cell conductivity, and allows high pressure operation up to about 3,000 psig.

Abstract: A test apparatus for measuring concentration of test solution, in which a thin sheet having a plurality of through holes and diffusion-limiting membranes to cover corresponding through hole, is movably installed, and one or two openings for deposition and a concentration measuring section are disposed in a thin sheet moving direction.

Abstract: A slave assembly is provided to protect an anodic workpiece joined to a shuttle from stray electrochemical machining. The assembly includes a slave having a support flange joined integrally with a sacrificial flange positionable adjacent to the workpiece for being electrochemically machined along with the workpiece to prevent stray electrochemical machining between the sacrificial flange and the workpiece. A retainer is positionable on the slave support flange to clamp the slave to the shuttle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a current-conducting roller comprising a central portion constituting the main axial portion of the roller and two half-shafts extending respective ends of the central portion, each half-shaft comprising a steel body provided with an internal copper heat-shrink fitting itself provided with an internal protective bushing, wherein the internal copper fitting is placed in a blind bore of the steel body and wherein it is provided with a compressible gasket interposed between the end of the blind bore and the corresponding end of the internal copper fitting.

Abstract: An external electrical metal conductor strap mounted a spaced distance from the external steel wall of an electrolytic cell where the steel wall is internally joined to the cathodes of the cell with the interspace between the external metal conductor strap and the external steel wall filled with an electrical conductor filler metal so that the external metal conductor strap and the external steel wall of the cell is in continuous electrical contact across the entire surface area interface between the external metal conductor strap and the external steel wall of the electrolytic cell. The filler metal may be a metal alloy that melts and becomes liquid at the normal operating temperature of the cell, or the filler metal may be chosen so that it remains solid at the normal operating temperature of the cell.