A method is described which permits electrolytic oxidation of semiconductor samples with contact metallization in place. An anodizable metal such as Al, Ni, Ta, Ti, Zn or alloys including such metal is deposited over the contacts. During electrolytic oxidation, the oxide formed over the metal closes off shunting paths which would normally exist through the contacts and thereby permits a native oxide to grow into the exposed surface of the semiconductor. The oxide formed over the metal can be eas...

There is disclosed an improved process for the isomerization of 1-olefins containing tertiary carbon atoms by means of a catalyst comprising sulfonated ion-exchange resins. The improvement comprises the use of very small amounts of water or water producing materials to inhibit the polymerization of the feed stock by the catalyst.

A fixture for positioning a sewing machine cutting element in a grinding machine. A horizontally disposed bolt or shaft is carried by a grinding machine attachment mounting. A clamping plate is rotatably and longitudinally positionable on the shaft at selected positions along the axis thereof. A second bolt or shaft extends from the clamping plate, at right angles to the first shaft and is securable at selected angular and longitudinal positions with respect to its own axis. The second bolt has ...

Apparatus for controlling dust produced during gravity chute-loading of dusty solids into ships comprises a base plate having a central aperture engaging the chute, a flexible skirt extending downwardly from the plate to enclose loaded solids, variable-length bellows surrounding the chute and connected at the bottom to the plate and at the top to an air de-duster, and openings in the plate providing access for dust-laden air from the loaded solids into the bellows.

A vibration wave driving apparatus includes a vibration member having an electro-mechanical energy conversion element and a vibration member supporting member fixed to an elastic member, each having a through-hole in the axial portion thereof; the apparatus further includes a rotary member in pressure contact with the vibration member and having a through-hole in the axial portion thereof, an output shaft extending through the through-holes of the vibration member and the rotary member, a case s...

The present invention provides a system and method allowing customers to conduct a remote banking transaction at a fuel dispenser, including obtaining cash in association with the transaction at the dispenser or a common terminal in the dispenser forecourt. The system may include a cash dispenser at the dispenser, fueling position, or the central terminal, or, alternatively, a delivery system configured to deliver cash from a central location to the customer at the dispenser, fueling position, o...

Provided are systems and methods for facilitating loading of data from a portable medium into a device. Initially, a portable medium encoded with data is accepted and the data from the portable medium is loaded into a mass storage device. A paging signal is caused to be wirelessly transmitted when a specified portion of such loading has been completed.

A method for stabilizing an enzyme during freezing, wherein the enzyme is in a zwitterionic buffer solution. The zwitterionic buffer is able to maintain the activity of the enzyme during freezing and thawing.

A process for automatically controlling combustible vapors during debinding and firing of ceramic products which includes establishing a maximum percentage of lower flammability limit (LFL) setpoint no greater than 50%; measuring continuously the percentage of LFL in the kiln atmosphere; and, maintaining the measured percentage of LFL to be less than or equal to the maximum percentage of LFL setpoint by an action selected from the group consisting of increasing gas volume delivered to the kiln, ...

An oscillating pedal bicycle in which the downward force exerted by a rider is converted from the oscillating motion of the pedals into a unidirectional rotation of the drive wheel. The oscillating motion of the pedals is transmitted by flexible tension members to a conversion mechanism for converting the linear motion of such tension members into the rotary motion of the drive wheel. Maximum utilization of the motive power of the rider is achieved through the use of a quick-release, variable po...