Abstract: The present invention is a bulk loader apparatus for providing bulk material through an open roof of an electric arc furnace. The bulk loader apparatus is a base, a swing arm pivotally connected to the base, a swing cradle pivotally connected to an upper region of the swing arm, and a hopper positionable in the swing cradle. In operation, a hydraulic cylinder mounted on the base and connected to the swing arm moves the swing arm from a standby position where a full hopper is positioned in the swing cradle to a charging position where the contents of the hopper are emptied into the electric arc furnace. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a wire and pulley assembly is also included to reduce the distance the swing arm must be rotated to empty the bulk material from the hopper. In another embodiment of the present invention, the swing arm is mounted on a turret which rotates the swing arm between the standby position and one or more charging positions.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for annealing an ion-implanted semiconductor sample duces the deleterious side effects otherwise associated with the process. A semiconductor sample, fabricated, for example, from indium phosphide or gallium arsenide, is set upon the fingers of a carrier which is displaced to the interior of an elongate furnace having its internal temperature maintained at the proper annealing temperature. Next, the fingers are rotated and the sample is placed on a number of razor blade-like edges extending up from an internal rack. The carrier is withdrawn and the sample is quickly brought to the annealing temperature for the precise period of time usually no more than 20 seconds. After the exact annealing period, the carrier is reintroduced and the fingers are rotated to lift the sample from the rack and the sample is withdrawn.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering solid fuel into a fireplace safely and easily includes a fuel supporting rack which may be pivoted between a horizontal fuel supporting position to a downwardly angled unloading position by means of a control lever having its operating end positioned a substantial distance from the fireplace.

Abstract: A device for thermally treating scrap employs a charging facility for conveying scrap to a furnace chamber. The charging facility is fitted with a waste gas flue and a loading port and has a pre-loading space in which the scrap is pre-heated. The device is easily operated and can be run with relatively little loss of energy by having the pre-loading space of the charging facility releasably connected to the furnace chamber and/or waste gas flue such that the pre-loading space is fed with waste heat from the furnace chamber. Preferably the pre-loading space is part of a waste gas or waste heat circuit. The pre-loading space is also provided with an extendable unit which can be pushed into the mouth or loading port of the furnace for feeding the scrap to the furnace.