Abstract: A process for providing surface layers of copper or copper alloyed with zinc on die castings of zinc or zinc alloys comprises a step of immersing the castings in an agitated bath containing an aqueous vehicle, which has been adjusted to a pH of from 8 to 10, and to which cupric oxide has been added as a powder in an amount of approximately from 200 to 250 grams per liter of the agitated bath. Cuprous oxide may be substituted for cupric oxide. At a pH not exceeding 8.5, the surface layer tends to be copper alloyed with zinc. At a pH exceeding 8.5, the surface layer tends to be copper. At a pH of 9, the surface layer of copper tends to be very adherent. The pH is adjusted by addition of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or ammonium hydroxide, preferably sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: In an apparatus for thermal treatment of semiconductors, a substantially spherical portion of a cap for a tube is confined between distal ends of a plurality of members and distal ends of a plurality of springs, whereby problems arising from angular deviation are overcome. The framework supporting the cap confining means is biased toward the tube.

Abstract: A remote-controlled pressure regulator comprises a stepping motor, which is operatively connected to a tiltable arm engaging a connecting rod, so as to adjust loading of a pressure-regulating unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for thermal oxidation of silicon wafers at high pressures of a type wherein a reactor of a refractory material is disposed within a pressure vessel, and wherein a margin of a wafer portal of the reactor and a closure of the refractory material have congruent surfaces enabling a hermetic seal to be effected, an improvement is disclosed wherein the closure is mounted within a pressure-vessel head used to close an access portal of the pressure vessel by means of gimbals, whereby a hermetic seal can be effected at said surfaces despite misalignments.

Abstract: In a deep fryer of a compact, portable type comprising a vessel, a handle, which is mounted to the vessel, a basket, which is adapted to be lowered and raised within the basket, a cover, which fits removably onto the vessel so as to cover the vessel, and means for lowering and raising the basket within the vessel while the vessel remains covered by the cover, wherein the handle has opposite ends mounted pivotally to opposite sides of the vessel, an improvement is disclosed wherein the basket lowering and raising means comprises a pair of pins, each of which is attached to one of the ends of the handle so as to rotate as the handle is pivoted, and which are linked to the basket so as to lower and raise the basket within the vessel as the handle is pivoted oppositely.

Abstract: For a vacuum pump, as used to maintain a partial vacuum in a diffusion furnace for chemical vapor deposition in intermittent runs wherein oil for the vacuum pump becomes contaminated by particulates, an apparatus for removal of particulates from oil for the vacuum pump comprises a settling tank, which is connected to receive oil from the vacuum pump, an oil pump, which is arranged to pump oil from the settling tank, means for filtering particulates from oil pumped from the settling tank, a plurality of oil valves, which are arranged to control flow of oil from the vacuum pump, through the settling tank, through the filtering means, and into the vacuum pump, means for operating the oil pump and opening the oil valves for timed intervals wherein oil flows from the vacuum pump, through the settling tank, through the filtering means, and to the vacuum pump, and means for coordinating the intervals with the runs so that each interval is initiated approximately when a run is terminated.

Abstract: An electrical hot air grill includes a control and stand unit, a blower and heating unit, a grilling compartment bounded by two shells, a device for supporting articles to be grilled in the grilling compartment and an apertured plate mounted on the blower and heating unit and arranged between the blower and heating unit and the grilling compartment.

Abstract: In a refrigerator comprising a cabinet, means to refrigerate contents of a chamber within the cabinet, a door for access to such chamber, a fan to circulate air within such chamber, and a switch operable with the door to a first mode wherein the switch enables the fan when the door is closed and to a second mode wherein the switch disables the fan when the door is opened, a relay having contacts arranged to be closed after a delay of preset duration from energization of the relay and to be opened upon deenergization of the relay is connected so as to be energized in the second mode of said switch, so as to be deenergized in the first mode of the switch, and so as to enable the fan when the contacts are closed. A lamp indicates that the contacts are closed.

Abstract: Bottler's liquid sugar is produced essentially from brown sugar, which is derived from cane sugar and crystallized in one or more intermediate strikes, by remelting the crystallized product of one or more intermediate strikes, filtering the remelted product, and passing the filtered product in contact with chloride form of Type-1 strong-base anion-exchange resin. An array of plural columns, which contain similar resin, is operated in a merry-go-round sequence allowing continuous operation. Countercurrent regeneration is preferred. Regeneration by an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid followed by an aqueous solution of sodium chloride and sodium hydroxide allows service at 30.degree. C.