Abstract: An automated open topped apparatus and improved method for cleaning soil from metal parts which employs a low vapor tension, low density, LVTC, liquid cleaner in a first tank and a high vapor tension, higher density, immiscible rinse, HVTR, liquid in a second tank and a rinse vapor zone above both tanks in the apparatus which provides steps and means for preventing rinse vapor loss during shut down periods by using microprocessor controlled steps that cause a layer of the liquid cleaner to be positioned atop and cover the liquid rinse in its tank and at the end of the idle period returns the liquid cleaner cover to the first tank and re-starts the cleaning process and thereafter monitors and controls cleaning operation until the succeeding shut down period.

Abstract: An automated open topped apparatus and improved method for cleaning soil from metal parts which employs a low vapor tension, low density, LVTC, liquid cleaner in a first tank and a high vapor tension, higher density, immiscible rinse, HVTR, liquid in a second tank and a rinse vapor zone above both tanks in the apparatus which provides steps and means for preventing rinse vapor loss during shut down periods by using microprocessor controlled steps that cause a layer of the liquid cleaner to be positioned atop and cover the liquid rinse in its tank and at the end of the idle period returns the liquid cleaner cover to the first tank and re-starts the cleaning process and thereafter monitors and controls cleaning operation until the succeeding shut down period.

Abstract: A system is provided for vapor phase soldering of articles, in a hot vapor, in which the articles are preheated prior to being delivered to a vapor zone, to raise the temperature of the wires or other contact points that are to be soldered together, to be compatible. Techniques are employed to prevent escape of the soldering vapor, including controlled opening of inlet and outlet closures to the system, sloped inlet and outlet tunnels, heated inlet and outlet zones, the condensation of vapor at transition locations and an air screen or air shield system just inside the openable closures to the system. A control of the locations of condensation of the vapors is provided, with delivery of the condensate for re-use. A condensate flash tray is provided in the system for substantially immediate re-vaporization of some of the condensate. An electric fluid boil system and a still are provided.

Abstract: A method for forming a chromate conversion coating on aluminum surfaces is described in which an aluminum surface is immersed in an aqueous acidic solution containing hexavalent chromium and the aluminum surface and the solution are subjected to ultrasonic energy thus reducing the need for including environmentally harmful accelerator components in said solution.

Abstract: A method for forming conversion coatings on metallic surfaces using an aqueous zinc phosphate immersion bath within which there is positioned a source of ultrasonic energy and the coated metallic object produced in carrying out the process in a controlled ultrasonic power environment.