Abstract: An etching process for selectively etching exposed metal surfaces of a substrate and forming a conductive capping layer over the metal surfaces is described. In some embodiments, the etching process involves oxidation of the exposed metal to form a metal oxide that is subsequently removed from the surface of the substrate. The exposed metal may be oxidized by using solutions containing oxidizing agents such as peroxides or by using oxidizing gases such as those containing oxygen or ozone. The metal oxide produced is then removed using suitable metal oxide etching agents such as glycine. The oxidation and etching may occur in the same solution. In other embodiments, the exposed metal is directly etched without forming a metal oxide. Suitable direct metal etching agents include any number of acidic solutions. The process allows for controlled oxidation and/or etching with reduced pitting.

Abstract: Methods are provided for electrochemically depositing copper on a work piece. One method includes the step of depositing overlying the work piece a barrier layer having a surface and subjecting the barrier layer surface to a surface treatment adapted to facilitate deposition of copper on the barrier layer. Copper then is electrochemically deposited overlying the barrier layer.

Abstract: A wooden floor truss/foundation wall combination is not made entirely from all-weather wood. In one embodiment, opposed end studs of untreated lumber rest upon treated lumber resting upon a footing just inside and near the bottom of the concrete foundation stem wall. In another embodiment, the end stud bottoms rest in a pocket depression in the footing lined with an environmental barrier to protect the stud bottom from dampness in the concrete footing. In another embodiment, an elongated floor joist member extends to the foundation wall to rest on a pad on the wall or in a pocket depression in the wall that is lined with an environmental barrier, or to hang on a joist hanger connected to the wall, and frame webbing extends down from the floor joist member to an environmentally-lined corner between the top of the footing and the bottom of the inside foundation wall.

Abstract: The present invention is a steel floor truss system for buildings, especially residential homes, wherein the truss includes a steel top member, or chord, extending between two vertical bearings. Typically, a vertical bearing is an inside (interior) or outside (foundation wall) steel stud, in which case, the steel chord is fastened to the top of the vertical steel stud, typically via a metal plate which overlaps and is screwed to both the chord and the stud. In some embodiments, however, a vertical bearing may be a concrete or cinder block (CMU) wall, and, in this case, the steel chord is fastened to the concrete or cinder block wall, for example, by being fastened to bolts extending up from the top or out from the side of the wall, or by interfitting into recesses made in the top of the wall.

Abstract: The invented device is a golf tee that helps eliminate interference between a golf club and ball, and that reduces compression between the golf ball and tee to improve overall golf ball trajectory. The preferred tee includes a reduced circumference/cross-section zone along the shaft, which makes the tee more likely than conventional tees to break, deform or otherwise fail upon impact of the golf club head against the ball or the tee. Also, the preferred tee includes leading and trailing edges, relative to club movement, that are “scalloped” to produce a ball-receiving surface that is elongated in its transverse direction “T” (generally perpendicular to path of club) relative to its width direction “W” (generally parallel to path of the club). The ball-receiving surface is still slightly cupped to hold the ball, but much of the leading and trailing material is removed compared to conventional tees, for less compression and less resistance to follow-through.