Abstract: A system (100, 100′, 100″) and method for robotic manipulation of objects (130) is provided wherein particulates (110, 110′) are agitated by the transfer of energy thereto to establish patterned granular motion of the particulates (110, 110′). The patterned granular motion of the particulates (110, 110′) forms standing waves (112). The objects (130) align themselves with the standing waves (112) and thus are dynamically arranged in a configuration established by the location of the standing waves (112). The location of the standing waves (112) can be predetermined by controlling the waveform of the signals applied to the energy application system (140). The predetermined waveforms are supplied from the signal source (150, 154) to the energy application system (140).

Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating and deplating a rotogravure cylinder out of a plating solution using ultrasonic energy is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plating tank adapted to rotatably maintain the cylinder and to contain a plating solution so that the cylinder is at least partially disposed into the plating solution. The apparatus also includes a mounting structure mountable within the tank partially on each side of and generally below the cylinder, along with a plurality of conductors at least partially disposed within the plating solution. A current source is electrically connected to the upper portions of the conductors and to the cylinder. An ultrasonic system to introduce wave energy into the plating solution includes at least one transducer element mountable within the tank and a power generator adapted to provide electrical energy to the transducer element. A protective cover to protect the transducer element from the effects of the plating solution.

Abstract: A vessel for contacting a plurality of objects with a fluid and including at least one bottom wall inclined downwardly from at least one sidewall to an inlet for providing an upwardly directed stream of fluid, and a distribution shield arranged in spaced relation to the bottom wall. The fluid stream causes the objects to flow upward from a moving bed thereof to a disengaging position. The distribution shield has an upper surface inclined downwardly and extending away from the vicinity of the object disengaging position to a return position such that disengaged objects fall on the upper surface of the distribution shield and move downward thereon to the return position from which they fall onto an upper portion of the inclined bottom wall and move downward thereon to a feed position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a silver refining installation operating according to the Moebius method and designed for treating particulate raw silver. The anodes contain a section for receiving the raw silver, an underlying section for receiving anodic slime and, inserted between these two sections a support permeable to anodic slime and designed for the raw silver overflow. The support has at least two mutually mobile conveying elements with horizontal axes extending substantially over the support length and between which a slot allows the anodic slime to pass through. The invention is characterized in that the conveying elements have a reciprocating motion in the axial direction.

Abstract: The electrode positioning mechanism includes a reversible electric motor. The motor rotates a worm gear which drives a spur gear. The spur gear is connected to an internally threaded collar which is adapted to receive an externally threaded sleeve. The sleeve can move axially lengthwise with respect to the collar. The sleeve acts as a housing for the electrode. Means are provided to retain the sleeve within the collar such that mechanical movement is restricted. The restriction in mechanical movement causes the torque applied by the worm gear to increase. The worm gear is allowed to move axially along the length of the motor shaft. The worm gear is biased into a longitudinally central position by at least one spring. As torque increases, the worm gear is moved from its central position against the urging of the spring. The worm gear is also connected to a washer with a diameter greater than that of the worm gear.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in at least one of a plating and a pretreatment for plating, comprising:(A) a vibrationally stirring apparatus for a treatment bath, the vibrationally stirring apparatus (A) being provided with vibration generating means having an vibration motor, and vibrationally stirring means for vibrating a vibration vane at an amplitude of 0.5 to 3.0 mm and at a vibrational frequency of 200 to 800 times per minute, the vibration vane being fixed in one stage or in multistage to a vibrating bar which vibrates in the treatment bath interlockingly with the vibration generating means;(B) an aeration apparatus for the treatment bath;(C) an apparatus for swinging an electrode bar for suspending the plating target thereon; and(D) an apparatus for applying vibration to the electrode bar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a racking fixture for holding components while they are electro-chemically processed. The fixture includes at least one shelf for holding the components and is electrically connected to a bus bar. A motor is mechanically engaged with the shelf and causes it to agitate to remove gasses trapped in components held on the fixture. The fixture also includes localized anodes for positioning adjacent to specific portions of the component.

Abstract: A method and two-part plating apparatus for plating groups of elongated objects. The plating apparatus includes a fixture and a fixture support. The fixture is configured to loosely retain a group of elongated articles in a generally vertical orientation where the upper ends are contained within a cavity and the lower ends are in contact with a support surface. The cavity includes an electrode which is electrically connected to the upper ends of the elongated articles. The fixture is configured to be placed onto and partially through a fixture support which is in contact with a container of plating solution. The fixture support has a base and an agitation element which moves the fixture with respect to the base, thus shifting and exposing surfaces of the elongated articles to facilitate plating.

Abstract: A processing chamber for depositing and/or removing material onto/from a semiconductor wafer when the wafer is subjected to an electrolyte and in an electric field. A hollow sleeve is utilized to form a containment chamber for holding the electrolyte. A wafer residing on a support is moved vertically upward to engage the sleeve to form an enclosing floor for the containment chamber. One electrode is disposed within the containment chamber while the opposite electrode is comprised of several electrodes distributed around the circumference of the wafer. The electrodes are also protected from the electrolyte when the support is raised and engaged to the sleeve. In one embodiment, the support and the sleeve are stationary during processing, while in another embodiment, both are rotated or oscillated during processing.

Abstract: In a plating apparatus 10, a known control signal for detection is supplied from a computer 50 to a motor 13 in advance; the motor 13 is rotated at a variable speed within a predetermined range; and the displacement of a basket 18 is detected by a displacement sensor 30 to obtain displacement characteristics data. Next, the computer 50 controls the rotating operation of the motor 13 through a motor controller 60 to put the basket 18 in a desired optimum state of vibration using the obtained displacement characteristics data and data of an optimum amplitude for the plating process obtained in advance.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating industrial wastes through electrolysis is disclosed. Steam or waste steam is utilized to heat the electrolyzing apparatus so as to separate contamination materials from the waste water, thereby treating the waste water. An electrolyzing tank has a waste water inlet on the bottom thereof, and a steam supply pipe is wound around the electrolyzing tank, for heating the electrolyzing tank during a passing of steam through the pipe. An insulating tube is formed inside the electrolyzing tank, and is coated with an insulating material on inside thereof, for insulating the electrolyzing tube from its contents. A cathode tube is installed within the insulating tank, for serving as a cathode during an electrolysis. An agitator having agitating blades is fixed on a shaft, the shaft is inserted into the center of the cathode tube, and anodes are attached on tips of the blades.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus and system for extracting and recovering metals from their compounds using electrochemical cells where the anolyte 10 is connected electrically to the catholyte 11 through an independent set of electrodes 13, 14 immersed in each electrolyte and connected to each other by a conductor 16. The specification details the application of this principle to commercial size cells and systems to extract metals from solutions, from ores in-situ, from ores in heaps and fixed beds, from fine metal concentrates dissolved either at the anode cell or in a separate leaching vessel. Alkaline electrolytes are also given for the extraction and recovery of nickel and copper from their oxide ores. A method for extracting gold from ores or residues is also included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating a strip such as a steel strip. The first object is to provide an electrode opening and closing mechanism having a simple construction. The second object is to uniform the flow of a solution around the electrode. The third object is to prevent causing irregularities in the treatment, caused by the variation of surface level of the solution between the electrodes. To attain the first object, one of the mutually facing electrodes is stationarily secured, and there is provided an opening and closing mechanism for moving the other electrode. To attain the second object, stabilizing members for solution flow are provided on the electrodes, a fluid-storing room is formed between the stabilizing member for solution flow and the electrode, and a slit-shaped hole for uniformly flowing the solution between the electrodes from the fluid-storing room, is formed at right angles to the travelling direction of the strip.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus comprises a rotating cage with a shaft therethrough and connecting seats, each of the connecting seats being tangent to the shaft, and a plurality of containers which are respectively received in each of the connecting seats. Each of the containers comprises a thin box and a screen provided thereon as a cap, and each box includes a plurality of spaced apart baffle plates sub-dividing the box into a plurality of compartments. Each of the compartments has two side walls which are respectively provided with a plurality of thorns, so as to form two thorny walls. All electronic parts are disposed in parallel between the thorny walls to avoid entanglements and damage of parts being electroplated. Also, the thorns provide extended area electrode contacts for the parts, resulting in more uniform parts plating.

Abstract: An electroless nickel plating waste liquid (4) accommodated in an electrolytic oxidation tank (2) is treated by electrolytic oxidation with vibrating and fluidizing the waste liquid by means of an oscillating stirrer (10) to recover nickel by the electrolytic oxidation as well as recover the waste liquid in which an active component for fertilizer including phosphorus remains as a fertilizer solution. When the waste liquid is neutralized by a neutralizer including an active component for fertilizer such as potassium, nitrogen, etc., the fertilizer solution having higher content of the active component is obtained. The oscillating stirrer comprises an oscillation generator including a 25 to 500 Hz oscillating motor (18), an oscillating rod (22) connected to the oscillation generator, and multistage oscillating vanes (38) attached to the oscillating rod, and the oscillating vane is such that a tip end portion of the vane is fluttered when an oscillation is transmitted from the oscillating rod to the vane.

Abstract: In a plating apparatus 10, a known control signal for detection is supplied from a computer 50 to a motor 13 in advance; the motor 13 is rotated at a variable speed within a predetermined range; and the displacement of a basket 18 is detected by a displacement sensor 30 to obtain displacement characteristics data. Next, the computer 50 controls the rotating operation of the motor 13 through a motor controller 60 to put the basket 18 in a desired optimum state of vibration using the obtained displacement characteristics data and data of an optimum amplitude for the plating process obtained in advance.

Abstract: A fluidized bed electrowinning system and method includes a fluidized bed reaction vessel in which a fluidized bed of conductive particles serves as the cathode for the electrowinning reaction, the anodes being in the form of hollow tubes of electrochemically active material inserted into the fluidized bed and separated therefrom by a membrane. The catholyte and anolyte are separately supplied from an electrolyte supply tank, the catholyte being pumped through the conductive particles to form the fluidized bed and the anolyte being supplied to individual anodes, and are commingled at the top of the reaction vessel before return to the supply tank. Removal of particles from the tank occurs through a part in the side of the tank, the removed particles normally being recycled through a selector valve back into the tank to maintain continuous operation.

Abstract: A resonating electroplating anode electrode for electroplating the inside surfaces of steam generator tubing. The resonating electroplating anode electrode is formed from a plurality of tubular ceramic resonating material pieces glued to the inside and/or to one end of an anode tube to create a single resonating volume. In operation, an electrolyte solution is fed to the outside of the electrode in an annulus formed between the steam generator tube and the anode and returns through a hollow center in the anode. During use, the resonating materials resonate within the electrolyte solution during the electroplating process, thus creating an ultrasound enhanced-electroplating process.

Abstract: A plating system (10) for plating a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer (116) in an electrolytic tank (12). A fixture wheel (14) is mounted within the electrolytic tank to rotate about a first axis (140). The fixture wheel receives the semiconductor wafer and supplies electrical current to the perimeter edge of the wafer. A fixture wheel drive motor (90) drives rotation of the fixture wheel about the first axis. An anode assembly (18) is mounted in the tank spaced from and facing towards the fixture wheel and received semiconductor wafer. The anode assembly carries first and second anodes (72) which are supplied with electrical current. A second motor (142) causes reciprocation of the anode assembly transversely in front of the rotating fixture wheel for improved uniformity in plating thickness and composition.

Abstract: Small, closely spaced deposits of solder materials may be formed with high volumetric accuracy and uniformity of shape by depositing a layer of conductive material over surfaces of a dielectric layer having apertures or recesses (e.g. blind apertures) and conductors and/or pads exposed by those apertures or recesses, masking regions of the conductive material with a further patterned dielectric layer, electroplating solder materials onto regions of the conductive material exposed by the mask, removing the mask and portions of the conductive material by selective etching and reflowing solder away from at least a portion of the surfaces of the apertured dielectric layer. Uniformity of electroplating within blind apertures is enhanced by a combination of fluid jet sparging and cathode agitation. Excess conductor material in the resulting solder deposit can be avoided by replacing conductor material with a constituent component of a solder material in an immersion bath prior to electroplating.

Abstract: During electroplating, an article immersed in an electroplating solution is held by an ultrasonic transducer supplied with an alternating-current energy produced by an ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic transducer converts the alternating-current energy to mechanical vibrations at an ultrasonic frequency corresponding to the excitation frequency. The mechanical vibrations produced by the transducer are applied directly to the article to cause it to vibrate at the ultrasonic frequency. This vibration results in removing air bubbles from the article surface.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell and system for electrolysizing and/or heating a liquid electrolyte containing water having a conductive salt in solution flowing through the cell. The electrolytic cell includes a non-conductive housing having an inlet and an outlet and spaced apart first and second conductive foraminous grids connected within the housing. A plurality of cross linked polymer microspheres each having improved conductive exterior multi-layers of uniform thickness are positioned within the housing in electrical contact with the first grid adjacent the inlet. The conductive microspheres are plated first with a metal cation which will reduce with hydrazine to form a conductive metal flash coating. The microspheres are then plated with a uniform layer of nickel, followed by plated layer of metallic hydride which is readily combineable with hydrogen or an isotope of hydrogen, then a uniform metallic support plating having a high hydrogen diffusion rate and a low hydride formation ratio.

Abstract: A method for coating particulate substrate materials is provided which comprises (a) combining particles and an electrolyte in an imperforate container; (b) vibrating the container to generate a fluidized bed of particles in the electrolyte; and (c) electrochemically depositing a coating on the particles from reactants in the electrolyte. An apparatus for coating particles is also provided which comprises an imperforate container for receiving particles to be coated and an electrolyte and a device for generating a fluidized bed in the container, the device being operatively associated with the container.

Abstract: Cross-linked polymer microspheres having a sulfonated cation exchange surface are carefully separated into fractions of equal size and density. Each fraction is separately plated preferably with copper, palladium, nickel, titanium or any metal cation which will reduce with hydrazene to form a conductive metal flash coating. The flash coat plated microspheres are again separated into fractions of equal size and density. Each fraction is then given additional metal platings first of nickel, then preferably palladium, then a support plate for the palladium, followed preferably by a stabilizing metal plate such as chromium. The thus plated microspheres have uniformly thick platings and have a maximized surface area for the amount of metal plated making them particularly useful as catalysts or in electrical products or processes. Microspheres having a plating of palladium exhibit a marked improvement in the adsorption of hydrogen both quantitatively and in rapidity.

Abstract: In a wet processing apparatus, an electrolytic cell, a first storing cell for storing anode active water of the electrolytic cell, a first processing cell for processing a target with the anode active water of the first storing cell, a second storing cell for storing cathode active water of the electrolytic cell, and a second processing cell for processing a target with the cathode active water of the second storing cell are provided. Also, a first reactivating feedback path is provided between the first processing cell and an anode region of the electrolytic cell, and a second reactivating feedback path is provided between the second processing cell and a cathode region of the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: An anode positioning hoist supported on an overhead crane used in a smelting apparatus including a cathode with an upwardly facing surface and an anode with a downwardly facing surface. The anode positioning hoist includes a pair of channel members defining opposed vertical channels and a cylinder/piston assembly including a cylinder located between the channel members and a piston rod extending downwardly from the cylinder. A carrier is fixed to the piston rod for movement therewith and includes rollers guided in the channels. A connector assembly is mounted on the carrier to releasably secure the anode to the carrier. A control system including a counterbalance valve mounted on the cylinder and a pressure switch operates to cause extension of the piston rod until the downwardly facing surface of the anode engages the upwardly facing surface of the cathode. The control system thereafter causes retraction of the piston rod a predetermined distance to provide a desired anode-cathode gap.

Abstract: A plating apparatus (11) includes a plating solution container (13) storing a plating solution (14) and a cathode (18) dipped therein, for plating objects which are placed on the cathode (18) by driving an air cylinder (22) for applying vibration to the cathode (18) while making a stopper (24) collide with a forward end (21a) of a coupling member (21) which is coupled to the air cylinder (22) and the cathode (18) thereby applying an impact to the cathode (18).

Abstract: An electrolytic cell and system for electrolysizing and/or heating a liquid electrolyte containing water having a conductive salt in solution flowing through the cell. The electrolytic cell includes a non-conductive housing having an inlet and an outlet and spaced apart first and second conductive foraminous grids connected within the housing. A plurality of cross linked polymer microspheres each having improved conductive exterior multi-layers of uniform thickness are positioned within the housing in electrical contact with the first grid adjacent the inlet. The conductive microspheres are plated first with a metal cation which will reduce with hydrazine to form a conductive metal flash coating. The microspheres are then plated with a uniform layer of nickel, followed by plated layer of metallic hydride which is readily combineable with hydrogen or an isotope of hydrogen, then a uniform metallic support plating having a high hydrogen diffusion rate and a low hydride formation ratio.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolytic device.The electrolytic device comprises at least one porous stirring electrode associated with at least one counter-electrode, as well as a method for treating the effluents with this device.These electrolytic device and method can be applied, for example, to the recovery, the recycling and the purification, in concentrated or dilute solution, of compounds exhibiting redox properties. The efficiency of the electrolytic device is clear in FIG. 3, which shows the amount of silver recovered with the electrode of the invention (3b) and with a non-stirring electrode (3a).

Abstract: A support structure for supporting continuous prebaked anodes in an aluminium smelting cell comprises a pair of side plates (3) and a pair of end plates (4) connected together to form an enclosed superstructure. The supporting structure includes at least one pair of spaced cross-plates (8, 9) that are configured to provide wedging surfaces which act to support an anode (14) therebetween. Electrical current is fed to the anodes via the cross-plates. Respective pairs of cross-plates supporting adjacent anodes may be spaced to define heat exchange passages which can be used to control the temperature of the support structure. A method for operating an aluminium smelting cell at variable amperage by positive and controlled extraction of heat from the cell is also described.

Abstract: Method and device for pickling, and possibly for degreasing, of elongate metal items, in particular wires, strips and steel section. These items are placed in an electrolyte solution through which an electric current is passed by means of electrodes, said items being moved preferably in a substantially continuous manner lengthwise through at least two successive separate baths of an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution and/or a chlorine mineral salt solution. At least one electrode is placed in each bath and an electric voltage is applied to these electrodes so that the sign of the voltage on the electrode of one of the baths is always different from the sign of the voltage on the electrode of the adjacent bath, the baths being substantially insulated from each other so that the electric current flows between two adjacent baths mainly via that part of the item being moved between said two adjacent baths.

Abstract: Water containing scale forming materials is passed in a tortious path into contact with a series of alternating positively and negatively charged grids, causing scale to be selectively deposited on the grids. The grids are vibrated periodically to break up the scale into fine particles, which do not redissolve or form scale elsewhere.

Abstract: The invention provides a process and apparatus for improving the quality of water in an easy manner and with reasonable cost and high efficiency. The process provides a grounding electrode and a pair of applying electrodes in water to be treated. First and second high-frequency switches are connected respectively to a DC voltages source through a variable resistor. A switching commander circuit, which is a flip-flop circuit, is connected to the first and second switches through a resistor. An oscillator is connected to the switching commander circuit. The switching commander circuit alternately outputs a switching command to the first and second switches, in response to a signal from the oscillator, so that the first and second switches are periodically turned ON and OFF resulting in voltage being alternately applied to the pair of applying electrodes which causes an ORP value of the water to decrease.

Abstract: An ultrasonic agitator (10) for generating turbulence in the vicinity of elongated metal workpieces (12) such as newly formed strands of wire. The system includes a bath (14) that is filled with a cleaning solution (16). The workpiece is introduced into the bath so as to move along a predetermined path of travel. One or more transducers (20, 24) are disposed in the bath to produce ultrasonic waves in the cleaning solution. The transducers are further configured and spaced so that the focal points of the vibrations substantially coincide with the path of travel with the workpiece. The transducers are driven by a signal generator (28) that causes the transducers to vibrate at a frequency between 0.5 and 3.0 MHz. The vibrations of the transducers produce ultrasonic waves that can be used to scrub off contaminants from the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for determining the presence of an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte. The method comprises contacting a concentrate of a determinable element capable of being detected by means of a semiconductive electrode with the electrode in the presence of a relatively large volume of an assay medium. The determinable element is present in the concentrate in the amount related to the amount of analyte present in the sample. The volume of the medium in diffusive communication with the concentrate is then reduced and the determinable element is detected by means of the effect that the determinable element has on the semiconductive electrode.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell and method of electrolysizing and heating water containing a conductive salt in solution. The electrolytic cell includes a non-conductive housing having an inlet and an outlet and spaced apart first and second conductive foraminous grids connected within the housing. A plurality of non-conductive microspheres each having a uniformly thick outer conductive palladium layer thereon are positioned within the housing in electrical contact with the first grid adjacent the inlet. An electric power source is operably connected across the first and second grids whereby electrical current flows between the grids within the water solution.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus is provided for the conversion of compounds, elements, or mixtures which are in particulate form, into new compounds, elements or mixtures in gaseous, liquid, or particulate form. In a reaction chamber, particulates are mechanically transported into a first region of high electric field, where they acquire a charge and are projected into a second region in which a low-density plasma is maintained. Energetic plasma ions strike the surfaces of the particulates, causing chemical reactions and release of both neutral and ionic products species. Charge exchange on particulates causes the reduced-size particles to fall back into the first region, where the charging recurs and the cycle is repeated. Gaseous and particulate products are removed from the chamber. In one application, naturally-occurring ores may be reduced by a methane plasma; in another, coal may be converted in a methane plasma to intermediate range hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A barrel polishing machine includes an electrically conductive inner container for containing workpieces, the inner container having a number of holes formed in a circumferential wall thereof so that an electrolyte supplied to the workpieces passes through the holes, an electrically conductive outer container disposed to surround the inner container with a predetermined gap between them, a pair of electrode terminals connected to the inner and outer containers respectively so that the containers serve as electrodes with polarity opposite each other, respectively, an insulator interposed between the inner and outer containers with a predetermined gap between the same and each container, and a drive source supplying a rotational or vibratory force to the inner container. The gap between the inner and outer containers is 10 millimeters long or below. The barrel polishing machine may be diverted to an electroplating machine when the polarity is inverted.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for the electroplating of material onto substrates, such as computer memory disks, by use of a plating cell comprising cathodes, anodes, passive shields, filters, an oscillation system and an electrical power supply. Anodes and magnets are attached to the inside side walls of the plating cell. The magnets have a coating of an electrically nonconducting material covering it. Shields, each having a filter attached to it, are also fixed to the inside side walls. A pallet, having openings for holding disk substrates during electroplating, is placed between the shields in the plating cell. The disk substrates function as cathodes during electrolytic plating. The anodes and cathodes when electrically energized results in deposition of desired material, having uniform thickness, across the entire surface area of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for the electroplating of material onto substrates, such as computer memory disks, by use of a plating cell comprising cathodes, anodes, passive shields, filters, an oscillation system and an electrical power supply. Anodes and magnets are attached to the inside side walls of the plating cell. The magnets have a coating of an electrically non-conducting material covering it. Shields, each having a filter attached to it, are also fixed to the inside side walls. A pallet, having openings for holding disk substrates during electroplating, is placed between the shields in the plating cell. The disk substrates function as cathodes during electrolytic plating. The anodes and cathodes when electrically energized results in deposition of desired material, having uniform thickness, across the entire surface area of the substrate.

Abstract: A system for electroplating a tin-bismuth alloy at near eutectic composition is disclosed. The system includes the plating bath and the process for initially preparing the bath as well as the process for plating an object with tin-bismuth alloy. The system further includes an apparatus for regulating the concentrations of tin and bismuth in the plating bath and the process by which the concentrations are controlled.

Abstract: A method of recovering palladium from a palladium-containing aqueous solution by electrolysis is provided. The method comprises the steps of dc-electrolyzing the palladium-containing aqueous solution acidified with nitric acid by using an electrolytic cell equipped with a platinum electrode as a cathode to thereby deposit and collect palladium on the cathode, taking the cathode on which palladium has been deposited and collected out of the electrolytic cell, transferring the palladium-deposited cathode to a recovery vessel containing dilute nitric acid therein, and mechanically shaking the cathode in the recovery vessel to remove and recover palladium from the cathode. An apparatus for carrying out the above-described method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of electroplating in which the electroplating bath is treated by the direct injection of electromagnetic radiation. Most preferably, the electromagnetic radiation is within the radio frequency range and is injected through a metal conductor directly in contact with the bath. Such treatment increases the speed of electroplating as well as the quality of the plated product. The invention is applicable to the plating of zinc, chrome, nickel, precious metals and the like.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for obtaining an intensive and continuous exchange of electrolyte on the surfaces of workpieces (11, 21) subjected to chemical or electrolytical treatments wherein the exchange is achieved by subjecting the workpieces (11, 21) to strong pulsating oscillations of a frequency of at least 1 Hz and of an amplitude of less than 10 mm, when immersed in the electrolyte. The vibrations are transmitted from an oscillation generator (3) mounted on a workpiece carrier, such as a rack (1, 4) or a rotating dipping drum 92). These high frequency low amplitude oscillations may be combined with low frequency, relatively long oscillations (7, 9, 10, 18), occurring simultaneously. The oscillation generator (3) is arranged on the individual transportable workpiece carriers (1, 2, 14). The workpieces may be boards (11) for printed circuits having through holes (12) or a pourable mass of parts (21).

Abstract: A method and electrolytic catalytic cell that chemically modifies the structure of hydrocarbon fuels in which the cell is immersed, by electrochemical series potential, electrolytic cell and catalytic action of preferably a noble metal cathode and zinc anodic elements movably continually contacting and circulating the fuel, giving rise to evenness in ignition and completion of combustion with elimination of noxious by-products largely by combination with the hydroxyl ions formed by the catalytic action. Preferred helical-cathode and anode cell structures and other types of hydroxyl ion generators are described for scavenging also in post-combustion exhausts including industrial effluents.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for surface treating agitable material that includes a conveyor trough for transporting the agitatable material. The trough is at least partially submerged in a treatment bath and it includes at least a first and second shaking chute each having a length along which the material is conveyed. The first and second chutes are disposed at angles from the horizontal such that the conveying direction of the first chute is substantially opposite to the conveying direction of the second chute.

Abstract: In the electroplating apparatus, which consists of a rod which links a vibrator to a basket, the vibrator comprising at least a baseplate, an electromagnet, a vibrating plate and a supporting device, and the basket being connected to the rod by means of braces, the air gap is directly formed by the space between the lower base of the electromagnet and the top surface of the baseplate. Adjustment of the air gap is effected by means of a spindle and without disassembling the springs; the air gap is automatically uniform over the entire surface of the core.The electroplating apparatus is further characterized by the fact that cathode current transfer is ensured directly by the rod, which is a solid piece of metal, possibly having recesses and preferably consisting of aluminum. The carrying device comprises two shanks which are insulated from vibrations. The cover of the vibrator is made of polypropylene, which provides a better tightness and excludes all risks of corrosion.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for rapidly determining the biochemical oxidation demand (BOD) of a liquid at an on-site location. The apparatus includes a cell body member having a vertically extensive plunger chamber formed therein and a sample holding chamber communicating therewith, a dissolved oxygen sensor for generating a signal in proportion to the amount of dissolved oxygen content in a liquid sample and a culture medium disposed in the sample holding chamber, and a tubular plunger member extensive into the plunger chamber for supporting the dissolved oxygen sensor such that the dissolved oxygen sensor extends into the sample chamber and into contact with the liquid sample and the culture medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting agitatable material through a liquid treatment bath, comprising a spiral conveyor trough mounted around a central tube in a gas-tight tank which contains a liquid into which a portion of the trough is submerged. The conveyor trough is provided with at least one product mixer mounted radially beneath the trough which is provided with openings which serve to guide the flow of the liquid. The device is especially effective as an electroplater.

Abstract: A catalytic process and apparatus has at least one electrode composed of catalytic material. An electric current is applied to the at least one electrode which is mechanically mmanipulated to increase the operating efficiency thereof during application of the electric current.