Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods and apparatuses for Non-Uniform Circular Motion for Electroplating Barrels and methods of use. Various system, parts, and parameters are used to maintain Non-Uniform Circular Motion for Electroplating Barrels for uniformity.

Abstract: A container such as a barrel or drum is provided for processing of solid material or parts with a liquid. The container is designed with grooves leading to holes or slots in the side that draw liquid into the container due to the rotation of the container when it is immersed in a tank of liquid. The holes or slots have a small dimension in the direction of rotation to minimize the probability of solid material coming out of the container. The fluid flow caused by the rotation serves to increase the rate of solution replacement inside the container as well as to keep the solid material from falling out through the holes or slots. The container disclosed is useful in processes in the plating, etching, leaching, and surface finishing industries.

Abstract: A rotational surface treating device with a high treatment efficiency that allows a treatment liquid to be discharged in a short time is provided. When a treatment bath 2 is rotated, parts 20 contact an electrode 50 to be electroplated. In this event, a plating liquid 16 is used as circulated by a pump P. The plating liquid 16 is discharged to the outside through a gap in a side wall 80 for replacement of the plating liquid 16 or the like. During discharge, the plating liquid 16 is not circulated by the pump P. The gap 8 which is formed in the side wall 80 is formed to be smaller than the minimum dimension of the parts 20 on the inner side. The gap 8 is formed to be wider toward the outer side. Thus, water is discharged immediately.

Abstract: An active (consumable) anode includes, in one aspect, a generally annular body and a protrusion used for connecting the anode to the power supply, where the protrusion extends outward from the generally annular body of the anode. The compositions of the generally annular body and of the protrusion are the same, and, in some embodiments, the anode is a one-piece anode that does not include any welding seams. Such structure results in reduced voltage fluctuations during plating and in improved control over plating uniformity. In some embodiments, the anode is a copper anode, a cobalt anode, or a nickel anode machined from a single sheet of anode-grade metal. The provided anode can be used in an electroplating apparatus as a secondary, peripherally disposed anode, in conjunction with a more centrally located primary anode. The provided anode is configured to modulate electroplating at the edge of the substrate.

Abstract: A molten salt electrolysis tank, comprises: an anode feeder which is equipped with a mechanism for recovering deteriorated contact resistance that takes place between the metal fuel rod and the anode in the course of the anodic electrolysis; a cathode feeder which is controlled so as to have a potential in a range that causes U and/or Pu ions to be reduced to metal; a heating mechanism for locally heating the metal fuel rod and/or an excitation mechanism for bringing the metal fuel rod into a locally excited state; and a solenoid coil or a permanent magnet that is disposed between the anode feeder and the cathode feeder so as to improve separation efficiency of U and/or Pu ions by applying a combination of an electric field and a magnetic field.

Abstract: Ionic liquid bath plating systems, methods, and plating anodes are provided for depositing metallic layers over turbomachine components and other workpieces. In an embodiment, the method includes placing workpieces in a plurality of cell vessels such that the workpieces are at least partially submerged in plating solution baths, which are retained within the cell vessels when the plating system is filled with a selected non-aqueous plating solution. After plating anodes are positioned adjacent the workpieces in the plating solution baths, the plurality of cell vessels are enclosed with lids such that the plurality of cell vessels contain vessel headspaces above the plating solution baths. A first purge gas is then injected into the plurality of cell vessels to purge the vessel headspaces. The workpieces and the plating anodes are then energized to deposit metallic layers on selected surfaces of the workpieces utilizing an ionic liquid bath plating process.

Abstract: To provide a barrel electroplating method which is less prone to bare spots and adhesion failure such as blisters and peeling, and which makes it possible to obtain uniform plated coatings free from burnt deposits and poor brightness, irrespective of the amount of workpieces. The present invention provides a method for performing barrel electroplating by use of an aluminum or aluminum alloy plating bath, the method comprising rotating, swinging, or vibrating an anode (6) placed inside a barrel (4) receiving workpieces, and simultaneously rotating, swinging, or vibrating the barrel, with a voltage being applied between the anode and a cathode provided on an inner wall surface of the barrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an equipment for the surface treatment of parts (4), that comprises a plurality of treatment vats arranged in series and comprising rotating drums (2) provided with means for temporarily attaching the parts to be processed and having their axes (XX?) rotatingly mounted horizontally so that the major portion of each drum (2) is submerged in the processing liquid contained in the corresponding vat, and a conveyor line (14) for supplying each drum (2) with parts to be processed and for removing from said drum the parts already processed, characterized in that the conveying process is carried out along a general axis (ZZ?), and in that the axes (XX?) of the drums are parallel relative to each other and parallel to the general axis (ZZ?) of the conveyor line.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for reclaiming metals from articles having one or more components containing or coated with copper are provided. An example technique may include providing an article having one or more components containing or coated with copper, providing a barrel disposed in a container, the container containing an electrolytic solution and a copper starting pole component, positioning a plurality of electrically conductive particles and the article within the barrel, and separating one or more copper ions from at least a portion of the article by electrolysis.

Abstract: A method of fabricating nanowires or microwires employs a robust conductive surface whose edges define electrodes for promoting electrochemical deposition of nanowire material at those edges. Controlled deposition times and thin conductive layers allow extremely small diameter wires to be created and then removed without destruction of the pattern and the wires to be applied to a second substrate or used for composite materials.

Abstract: To provide a small active oxygen generating device capable of efficiently continuously generating active oxygen while supplying oxygen in the air. In the active oxygen generating device in which water is made to exist between an anode and a cathode composed of a base material containing a conductive polymer and by turning on electricity between the anode and the cathode, the conductive polymer deoxidizes the oxygen dissolved in the water to generate active oxygen, the cathode is rotatably installed about a conductive horizontal axis with part of the surface being projected over the surface of the water.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a barrel plating apparatus. The barrel plating apparatus includes a barrel plating tank filled with an electrolytic solution, a barrel container immersed in the electrolytic solution of the barrel plating tank and filled with chip parts and media, a power supply unit for supplying current to an anode part and a cathode part which transfer the current to the barrel container and the electrolytic solution of the barrel plating tank, a driving motor for rotating the barrel container, and a hall current sensor formed in at least one cathode rod of the cathode part, coming into direct contact with the chip parts, the hall current sensor measuring the current. Accordingly, in the barrel plating apparatus, the currents of respective cathode rods are measured by hall current sensors, and thus variations in plating thickness can be reduced.

Abstract: An electropolishing system including an anode, a cathode, a rolling block and a motion controller. The anode is configured to removably retain a metal device to be electropolished, and may be formed as a bar made from a solid cylindrical piece of metal or other configurations, such as wires with hooks. The anode transfers the electricity to the metal device while grooming the surface of the metal device as it contacts the rolling block. The cathode may be configured as a mesh and completes the electrical circuit. The rolling block is formed from a relatively smooth, solid material and positioned so as to allow the metal device to roll against the surface of the block. The motion controller is configured to provide vertical and horizontal movement of the anode and metal device, using force transducers to control the compression of the metal device against the rolling block.

Abstract: A method of fabricating nanowires or microwires employs a robust conductive surface whose edges define electrodes for promoting electrochemical deposition of nanowire material at those edges.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anode assembly for electroplating comprising (a) an anode body comprising soluble anode material and (b) a shielding covering at least part of the anode body and comprising a self-passivating metal electrically connected to the anode body and allowing electrolyte transport therethrough. The shielding comprises at least one layer of self-passivating metal having no openings larger than 2 mm, preferably 1 mm, in width or the shielding comprises at least two layers of self-passivating metal wherein the openings of at least one layer are at least partially covered by the metal of another layer. The invention also relates to a shielded anode basket, a method for electroplating and the use of the anode assembly and the shielded anode basket.

Abstract: Manufacture of semiconductor products such as LCD driver requires a bump plating step for forming a gold bump electrode having a size of from about 15 to 20 ?m. This bump plating step is performed by electroplating with a predetermined plating solution, but projections intermittently appear on the bump electrode during a mass production process. In the invention, abnormal growth of projections over the gold bump electrode is prevented by adding, prior to the gold bump plating step, a step of circulating and stirring a plating solution while erecting a plating cup and efficiently dissolving/discharging a precipitate. This step is performed for each wafer to be treated.

Abstract: A method of plating a plurality of semiconductor devices includes: applying an electrical power source to an anode terminal and a cathode terminal; placing the plurality of semiconductor devices on a non-conductive platform in a plating solution; moving conductive parts across surfaces of the semiconductor devices to be plated, wherein the conductive parts electrically connect the surfaces of the semiconductor devices to the cathode; and wherein plating particles connected to the anode terminal move to and plate the surfaces of the semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A process employing a rack having an article carrier that is movably supported on a frame and mechanically coupled for translating movement from a motor to the article carrier to effect movement of an article during processing to provide more uniform surface treatment, reducing or eliminating the need for shielding.

Abstract: A plating process apparatus (1) for small objects, including a treatment cell (2) formed by combining a base plate (23), a bottom plate (24), an electrode ring (21) and a cover (25) using bolts (26), energizes a plating solution within the treatment cell (2) while bringing the small objects (100) into contact with the electrode ring (21) and circulating the plating solution (4) from the inside of the treatment cell (2) to the outside thereof through a flow-out means by rotating the treatment cell (2) with a vertical rotation shaft (3), thereby plating the small objects (100). The apparatus (1) is characterized in that the flow-out means is a gap channel formed between adjacent sheet members (61) by sandwiching the sheet members (61), each having a dimension smaller than a minimum dimension of each small object (100), between the bottom plate (24) and the electrode ring (21) circumferentially at appropriate intervals.

Abstract: A system for mounting a prefabricated construction unit in an aperture in a building structure comprises a plurality of clips. The clips have exterior ends adapted to be affixed to a frame of the construction unit and interior ends adapted to be affixed to the building structure. The exterior ends may be bent to provide deep grooves which receive a flange of the construction unit. The clips permit a construction unit to be installed without the need for a worker to insert fasteners through the flange from outside the building structure.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a production apparatus for electro-deposited metal foil or the like that can reduce thickness fluctuation of electro-deposited metal foil. To achieve the object, a production apparatus for electro-deposited metal foil or the like in which a cathode and an insoluble anode apart from each other, supplying an electrolytic solution through a gap between the cathode and the anode, making the cathode move along to the insoluble anode, electrodepositing a metal component on an electro-deposition surface of the moving cathode is applied.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for simultaneously electropolishing a plurality of metallic stents. A plurality of elongated members on the apparatus are movably engaged with a plate such that movement of the plate relative to the elongated members causes each of the elongated members to rotate on its respective longitudinal axis when immersed in an electrolytic solution. A continuous cathode is located in close proximity to each of the elongated members when they are immersed in the electrolytic solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drum which has a wall, wherein at least the inside of the wall is provided with a surface of insulating material, an opening, defined by wall segments of the wall, radially spaced from one another with respect to a central rotational axis of the drum, and a drive mechanism for rotating the drum in a first or in a second direction, wherein at least one first electrode is arranged on the inside of the wall, and wherein at least one counter electrode is arranged on or between a central axis of the drum and the wall, and a method for coating workpieces.

Abstract: A method and device for sterilizing containers in which a plasma treatment is executed through excitation of an electromagnetic oscillation so that the plasma is excited in a vacuum in the vicinity of the container regions to be sterilized. Between arrival and discharge, the container regions to be sterilized are moved closer to the oscillation-generating device in the chamber, with continuous movement of the container and/or of the oscillation-generating device for one or more predetermined time intervals in such a way that a plasma is excited in these regions inside and/or outside the container. The chamber is provided with a transport apparatus inside it, which produces an essentially rotating motion of the container during the transport from the arrival to the discharge in the chamber.

Abstract: A barrel plating device is disclosed, wherein hollow support shafts placed to be approximately level with each other are mounted in a piercing form to support members combined together to face each other at a prescribed interval, the opposite ends of a barrel having a hollow drum part whose opposite ends are closed with end plates are supported to the above support shafts in a rotatable condition, a lead wire having an electrode at a tip end and coated with an insulation layer is inserted in watertight and non-rotatable conditions into a hollow part of each support shaft in such a manner as to allow the above lead wire to pierce through the corresponding end plate of the barrel, and a collar formed with a low friction member is mounted to each lead wire portion that pierces through the above corresponding end plate of the barrel.

Abstract: In the invention, there is provided a plating treatment technique which permits uniform plating treatment and easy replacement of articles to be plated without the effect of bubbles in a plating solution by improving wet plating apparatuses of the contact type to thereby solve problems such as the removal of bubbles in a plating solution and the removal of an adhering plating solution. Provided is a plating apparatus having a plating tank, which comprises: an opening which has a solution seal to prevent a plating solution from leaking when an article to be plated is placed on the opening; a solution-supply portion which supplies the plating solution; a solution-discharge portion which discharges the plating solution; and an anode which is opposed to the article to be plated that is placed, wherein the plating tank has rotational means for rotating the plating tank itself.

Abstract: A new device is provided for the electrorefining of uranium in spent metallic nuclear fuels by the separation of unreacted zirconium, noble metal fission products, transuranic elements, and uranium from spent fuel rods. The process comprises an electrorefiner cell. The cell includes a drum-shaped cathode horizontally immersed about half-way into an electrolyte salt bath. A conveyor belt comprising segmented perforated metal plates transports spent fuel into the salt bath. The anode comprises the conveyor belt, the containment vessel, and the spent fuel. Uranium and transuranic elements such as plutonium (Pu) are oxidized at the anode, and, subsequently, the uranium is reduced to uranium metal at the cathode. A mechanical cutter above the surface of the salt bath removes the deposited uranium metal from the cathode.

Abstract: We make particulates, especially magnetic Fe—Co alloys having high magnetic permeability, of controlled dimensions, especially those having a narrow thickness size distribution centered around a median or target thickness in the range of about 0.1–1.0 ?m, using electrodeposition typically on a smooth (polished) titanium cathode. Our preferred continuous process uses a rotating drum cathode inside a fixed anode to grow flakes and to produce them automatically by inherent instability in the deposited film. The drum preferably rotates about a substantially vertical axis. The particulates shed (slough off) into the electrolyte (because of mismatch between the cathode surface and the plated metal or alloy at the molecular level) where they are separated in a magnetic separator or other suitable device. If the flakes are soft iron or iron-cobalt alloys, the drum generally is titanium or titanium alloy.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to provide a method for producing conductive fine particles having a plating layer of extremely uniform thickness and free from scratches without being accompanied with agglomeration of fine particles to be plated during the plating process and a method for producing conductive fine particles comprising resin fine particles and a tin/silver alloy plating layer formed thereon. The invention is a method for producing a conductive fine particle, which comprises forming a plating layer on the surface of a fine particle to be plated using a barrel plating apparatus having a rotatable barrel in a plating bath, said method comprising putting the fine particle to be plated and a dummy particle with a lager particle diameter than that of the fine particle to be plated in the barrel and forming a plating layer while vibrating the barrel at an amplitude of 0.05 to 3.0 mm and a frequency of 20 to 120 Hz.

Abstract: The purpose is to provide a cathode electrode for manufacturing an electrodeposited copper foil which is possible to be continuously and stably usable for a long duration of 3000 hours or longer to subsequently lessen the frequency of maintenance work execution as low as possible and to contribute to lower the running cost of the electrodeposited copper foil manufacture. As the means for achieving the purpose, a cathode electrode made of a titanium material is employed for obtaining an electrodeposited copper foil using an electrolytic copper solution and the titanium material having 7.0 or higher crystal grain size number and 35 ppm or lower initial hydrogen content is used for manufacturing the cathode electrode for manufacturing an electrodeposited copper foil. Further, also provided is a manufacturing method of the titanium material to be employed for the cathode electrode made of a titanium material.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an electrical bias to a substrate in a processing system is described. The apparatus generally includes a conductive annular body defining a central opening. The conductive annular body may have a substrate seating surface adapted to receive the substrate and a plurality of scallops formed on a surface opposing the substrate seating surface. A plurality of electrical contacts may be formed on the substrate seating surface opposite the plurality of scallops. The electrical contacts may be adapted to engage a plating surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coating or treating powdered material, particularly ultra-fine powders in the nanometer or submicron range of mean diameters, by electrolytic processes. A platen is mounted for rotation upon a fixed shaft, and a rotary flow-through electrolytic cell is mounted upon a platen for rotation thereon, the cell's axis of rotation being offset from the platen's axis of rotation. The cells axis of rotation revolves around the platen's axis as the platen rotates. The electrolytic cell accordingly undergoes a planetary rotation, as the cell revolves around the platen's axis of rotation. The planetary rotation of the cell allows the powdered material to be collected by centrifugal force and constantly agitated to promote uniform electroplating.

Abstract: A system for mounting a prefabricated construction unit in an aperture in a building structure comprises a plurality of clips. The clips have exterior ends adapted to be affixed to a frame of the construction unit and interior ends adapted to be affixed to the building structure. The exterior ends may be bent to provide deep grooves which receive a flange of the construction unit. The clips permit a construction unit to be installed without the need for a worker to insert fasteners through the flange from outside the building structure.

Abstract: An e-coating line for small parts includes a series of load carriers, each having a rotatable shaft supporting an apertured metal barrel with parts to be treated. Electrically conductive drive chains and sprockets connect the rotatable shaft to barrel shafts to suspended the barrel from the carrier for submersion of the barrel into treating tanks including an e-coating tank. The chain/sprocket units are self cleaning and establish a reliable grounding of the barrels through the load carrier and slide rail conveyor conducting the load carriers to ground. A rack is mounted on a support secured to move with the load carriers. The rack engages a drive sprocket on the rotatable shaft. A push cylinder secured to the rack, moves the rack with the slide rail held stationary to rotate the shaft and coupled barrel. The system provides a low cost and effective grounding of the barrels and minimizes maintenance requirements and costs.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an electrochemical plating cell having an electrolyte container assembly configured to hold a plating solution therein, a head assembly positioned above the electrolyte container, the head assembly being configured to support a substrate during an electrochemical plating process, and an anode assembly positioned in a lower portion of the electrolyte container. The anode assembly generally includes a copper member having a substantially planar upper surface, at least one groove formed into the substantially planar upper surface, each of the at least one grooves originating in a central portion of the substantially planar anode surface and terminating at a position proximate a perimeter of the substantially planar upper surface, and at least one fluid outlet positioned at a perimeter of the substantially planar upper anode surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an electrochemical plating cell having an electrolyte container assembly configured to hold a plating solution therein, a head assembly positioned above the electrolyte container, the head assembly being configured to support a substrate during an electrochemical plating process, and an anode assembly positioned in a lower portion of the electrolyte container. The anode assembly generally includes a copper member having a substantially planar upper surface, at least one groove formed into the substantially planar upper surface, each of the at least one grooves originating in a central portion of the substantially planar anode surface and terminating at a position proximate a perimeter of the substantially planar upper surface, and at least one fluid outlet positioned at a perimeter of the substantially planar upper anode surface.

Abstract: The present invention can provide 1 which barrel plating apparatus where a plating barrel has permeable holes and slits in a size of order of micrometers on the wall thereof. The plating barrel is fabricated with porous plastic materials which have permeable holes and slits to the plating liquid and no piece materials to be plated are dropped thereoff. Further advantage of the present invention is to provide a drain tool to drain the plating liquid L staying in the plating barrel.

Abstract: A device for the electrodeposition of aluminum and/or aluminum alloys from organometallic electrolytes containing alkylaluminum complexes on materials to be coated, said device consisting of a supporting frame with a stand and transportation bearings, at least one plating barrel, at least one drive unit for the plating barrel, and one or more holding arms for the plating barrel, characterized in that the drive unit (3) is arranged in an encapsulated gas-tight housing, the plating barrel (13) has a perforated inner tube (15) arranged along the longitudinal axis thereof and open at its side, so that, when placing the device in an electrolyte container, the lateral openings are arranged directly opposite the electrolyte feed in the electrolyte container, the plating barrel (13) consists of a material which is stable both in aqueous and organometallic electrolytes at temperatures up to 110° C.

Abstract: An electroplating barrel holds items to be electroplated while permitting the passage of electroplating solution into and out of the barrel. The solution enters the barrel through small perforations in the sidewalls of the barrel and then is circulated by the rotation of the barrel in an electroplating bath. In this invention the circulation of the electroplating solution, and thus the efficiency of the electroplating process, is increased by directing the flow of the electroplating solution into and out of the barrel through the use of a support rib structure defining perforated sections in the shape of parallelograms. Also, within those parallelogram shaped sections, the utilization of parallel, elongated openings defined by support segments further encourages the multidirectional flow of electroplating solution. The access doors, through the use of an improved locking mechanism also utilize an identical rib support structure with elongated openings.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electroplating barrel whose barrel shell consists of a plurality of plastic shell elements (11) which are firmly interlinked across the circumference of the shell by gluing or welding without preheating. The shell elements (11) facilitate the production of polygonal barrel shells (10) of different cross-sections. To this end, the shell elements (11) have respective integrally formed rib-shaped projections (16 and 18), whose outer surfaces (21, 22) form between them an angle &agr;. The sides of said angle intersect in the barrel axis a-a and the degree of angle is determined, for example, for a maximum number of shell elements (11) that are to be firmly interlinked. The profile of the rib-shaped projections (16, 18) is chosen in such a manner that in the present case the angle &agr; can be increased to produce an electroplating barrel from a smaller quantity of shell elements (11) by machining the rib outer surfaces (21, 22).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a substrate to deposit, clean or etch material on a substrate uses a first horizontal chuck to which a plurality of substrates is attached and electrically charged. Spaced closely to the first horizontal chuck is a coextensive horizontal second chuck which receives and showers reaction solution over all portions of each substrate. During the reaction process, both chucks are substantially submerged in reaction solution within a tank. At least one of the chucks is attached and controllable from a control arm. At least one of the chucks is rotated about a vertical axis at a slow speed during the reaction process. The axes of rotation of the two chucks may be coincident, or the axes may be offset from each other, and/or one or both axes may be offset from the chuck centerpoint(s). One of the chucks may also be periodically moved in a vertical direction relative to the other chuck.

Abstract: A metal finishing barrel side opening has a cover secured by a series of cover and barrel tabs, the cover slid into a secured position with the cover tabs partially overlain by the barrel tabs. A locking handle assembly includes a graspable portion supported on a deflectable spring blade attached to the cover at one end which allows the handle assembly to move away from an aligned locator feature on the barrel as the cover is pushed into position. When the cover is shifted lengthwise, the handle assembly moves past the locking feature, and the locking blade pushes the handle assembly back down alongside the locking feature which then prevents reverse sliding of the cover back from under the barrel tabs. When the handle is pulled to initiate removal of the cover, the handle assembly is then moved out above the locking feature to enable the cover to be slid to the released position. An automation apparatus interacts with one form of the locking assembly to automatically install and remove the cover.

Abstract: A method of carrying out an electro-chemical treatment, especially for electro-chemically coating conducting parts or parts made to be conducting, in a container which is filled with an electrolyte and in which there are arranged two electrodes which are connected to a constant voltage source, has the parts, while being treated in the electrolyte, being continuously re-arranged in the rotating basket. The parts are cathodically switched by a hub of the basket. The electrolytic solution is pumped in a cycle through the container, with the container remaining sealed so as to be gas-tight.

Abstract: An e-coating line for small parts includes a series of load carriers, each having a rotatable shaft supporting an apertured metal barrel with parts to be treated. Electrically conductive drive chains and sprockets connect the rotatable shaft to barrel shafts to suspended the barrel from the carrier for submersion of the barrel into treating tanks including an e-coating tank. The chain/sprocket units are self cleaning and establish a reliable grounding of the barrels through the load carrier and slide rail conveyor conducting the load carriers to ground. A rack is mounted on a support secured to move with the load carriers. The rack engages a drive sprocket on the rotatable shaft. A push cylinder secured to the rack, moves the rack with the slide rail held stationary to rotate the shaft and coupled barrel. The system provides a low cost and effective grounding of the barrels and minimizes maintenance requirements and costs.

Abstract: Proposed is a drum 1 for electropolishing bulk metal parts, in particular stainless steel parts, comprising a drum jacket 12 made of metal and equipped with a filling opening 13 located on the side of the jacket, and a concentrically arranged cathode 3, whereby provision is made in the drum 1 for a space 2, 10 for receiving the metal parts, said space being closed on all sides and forming the anode and being arranged concentrically with a spacing 8, 9 in relation to the drum jacket 11 and the concentric cathode 3.

Abstract: A method for making conductive particles that efficiently permit a plated layer of uniform thickness to be formed over each of the particles without aggregating the particles in a plating liquid.

Abstract: A plating barrel includes a rotatable barrel of which the exterior shape is approximately a hexagonal column, cathode-lead connections which penetrate through end surfaces of the barrel generally along a rotational axis of the barrel, cathodes placed inside the barrel and which are connected to the ends of the cathode-lead connections, and attachments which are attached to the cathode-lead connections or the barrel in a manner such that the central axes of the attachments are approximately the same as the rotational axis of the barrel, the vertices of the attachments point toward the center of the barrel, and peripheral portions of the bases of the attachments at the opposite ends relative to the vertices are close to the inside end surfaces of the barrel so that objects do not pass through the gaps.

Abstract: In at least one bath of the system, tumbling barrels containing pieces to be treated are arranged with their respective longitudinal axes set parallel to or coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the bath and are free to move longitudinally along the bath, supported by idle wheels resting on the edges of the bath. At least one pusher in each bath is free to move for a length longitudinally and engages a frame of a barrel at a trailing position to push the said barrel and possible barrels in front of it in an advance direction. The system may comprise a spray wash in sequential stages.

Abstract: A particular anode assembly can be used to supply a solution for any of a plating operation, a planarization operation, and a plating and planarization operation to be performed on a semiconductor wafer. The anode assembly includes a rotatable shaft disposed within a chamber in which the operation is performed, an anode housing connected to the shaft, and a porous pad support plate attached to the anode housing. The support plate has a top surface adapted to support a pad which is to face the wafer, and, together with the anode housing, defines an anode cavity. A consumable anode may be provided in the anode cavity to provide plating material to the solution. A solution delivery structure by which the solution can be delivered to said anode cavity is also provided. The solution delivery structure may be contained within the chamber in which the operation is performed. A shield can also be mounted between the shaft and an associated spindle to prevent leakage of the solution from the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method that removes electrolyte solution from a substrate, the apparatus comprises a thrust plate and a substrate extension unit. The thrust plate at least partially defines a spin recess. The substrate extension unit can be displaced between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the spin recess. The substrate extension unit is disposed within the spin recess when positioned in the retracted position. The substrate extension unit at least partially extends from within the spin recess when positioned in the extended position. The substrate is processed by immersing at least a portion of the substrate in a wet solution. The substrate is removed from the wet solution. The substrate extension unit extends into its extended position, and the substrate is spun. Extending the substrate extension unit limits the formation of fluid traps within the substrate holder assembly or between the substrate and the substrate holder assembly.