Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the continuous casting process for making copper by using a probe and analyzer which measures the gases present in the molten copper and controls the process based on the analyzer results.

Abstract: A new environmentally safe fire refining precious metal assay method is provided wherein bismuth oxide is used with a special flux composition as the precious metal collector and the cupelling procedure is performed in a controlled temperature range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for producing copper wire by electrolytically engrossing a copper starting wire. Basically the invention utilizes an electrolytic tank employing a pair or pairs of shafts positioned externally of the tank upon which a minimum of one but generally at least two starting wires are transported on each pair for transfer of the wires through the tank. Multiple tanks, e.g., 10 to 1000 or more, may be used in a single facility for refining or electrowinning processes depending on the quantity of copper wire desired to be produced.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for melting copper without incorporating unwanted oxygen and/or hydrogen into the copper by effectively controlling the burners used to melt the copper within desired fuel/air ratio operating limits by employing a special fuel/air mixture sampling and control system.

Abstract: An improved process for deleading debismuthized dross is provided wherein the upgraded dross is treated by cupellation to form a slag until the level of bismuth in the upgraded dross reaches about 45% by weight. After cupellation, the partially deleaded upgraded dross may be treated by conventional means such as halogenation to provide a substantially pure bismuth product.

Abstract: Bismuth impurity is removed from copper electrolyte by contacting the electrolyte with an effective amount of finely divided lead oxide.

Abstract: Fume generated by roasting speiss is contacted with an oxygen-containing gas at an elevated temperature for a sufficient time to product arsenic and antimony products which may be separated from each other by means such as condensation. Further, in the roasting of antimony-containing phases (such as speiss) the presence of arsenic can enhance the volatility of the antimony.

Abstract: A method for making printed circuit boards wherein the resistance of catalyzed nonconductive surfaces to solutions used in the processing stages, e.g., KOH used to remove an etch resist covering through-holes and the desired circuit lines, is enhanced by treating the catalyzed surface with an accelerator to activate the catalyst, treating the accelerated surface with a reducing agent, followed by baking.

Abstract: A process for electrodespositing a conductive material on a substrate is disclosed which comprises movably mounting the substrate in a first conductive liquid electroplating bath which contains the conductive material, maintaining substantially constant conditions of temperature and liquid circulation in the first bath, passing an electric current through the substrate and the first bath so as to deposit the conductive material on the substrate, periodically transferring the substrate to a second liquid bath, the second bath containing a liquid of the same composition or lower concentrations of dissolved ingredients as compared to the first bath, weighing the substrate when immersed in the second bath and calculating therefrom the weight in air of conductive material deposited, returning the substrate to the first bath, and continuing the plating in a series of stages of plating, weighing in liquid and plating until the desired deposit is built up.Apparatus for carrying on the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Continuous casting of discrete solid shapes from a molten material using modified continuous casting machines and processes are disclosed. In a conventional twin belt continuous caster, for example, forming means such as dividers are employed on the upper belt to define a mold cavity in the casting region of the machine. Different size and shape forming means may be used to provide a variety of cast products.

Abstract: A process is provided for the reduction roasting of ores using a C.sub.2 to C.sub.8 hydrocarbon. The process is particularly applicable to manganese dioxide containing ores and provides enhanced reduction of the manganese to lower oxidation states at low operating temperatures for manganese dioxide ores and provides increased silver recoveries from refractory manganese-silver ores.

Abstract: A method for waste treating metal containing solutions comprising decomposing the metal from the solution in the substantial absence of air and separating the decomposed (precipitated) metal from the solution.

Abstract: The method of making copper rod by rolling is significantly improved by effectively controlling the water-soluble oil emulsion used to lubricate the rolls by employing a conductivity probe to maintain the conductivity of the emulsion within desired operating limits.

Abstract: A mobile truck for moving containers and other articles comprising a base, supporting standards at opposite sides of the base, a handle pivotally attached at the upper ends of the standards, a lift supporting member pivotally attached to the handle and to a suitable lifter arm, the lifter arm having attached at one end a lifting device and the other end of the lifter arm being pivotally attached to a connecting bar, with the other end of the connecting bar being pivotally attached to the truck base.

Abstract: Arsenic and antimony are separated from speiss by a roasting operation employing pyrite and coke and the arsenic is separated from the resultant product by a water pressure leaching operation.

Abstract: An orifice assembly for use in connection with diffusion cells for the percutaneous absorption of fluids which is composed of a pair of resiliant and mating members having structure for securely retaining a flexible membrane therebetween in a predetermined and fluid tight relationship with each other and the diffusion cells.

Abstract: The permanganate process for treating plastics, e.g., printed circuit boards, to enhance the adhesion of metal plating to the plastic is improved by employing electrolysis to either maintain a certain permanganate level in the operating bath or to regenerate a spent or used bath.

Abstract: A process is provided for improving the electroless nickel plating of aluminum which has been pretreated with a barrier coating such as zinc by employing multiple plating baths under controlled operating conditions.

Abstract: Fume generated by roasting speiss is contacted with an oxygen-containing gas at an elevated temperature for a sufficient time to produce arsenic and antimony products which may be separated from each other by means such as condensation. Further, in the roasting of antimony-containing phases (such as speiss) the presence of arsenic can enhance the volatility of the antimony.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for electrolytic refining of copper and the production of copper wires for electrical purposes on a continual basis which produces round copper wires directly from impure copper anodes and to treat such wires in order to impart the desired characteristics as electrical conductors. The apparatus handles copper anodes of customary size refining them at normal current densities of less than 55 amps/foot.sup.2 onto starting wires of adequate tensile strength which is done continuously, the wire being provided to an electrolytic bath and, after withdrawal from the bath, the wires are finished by drawing and annealing.