Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlled spray etching, in which panels, such as printed circuit boards are delivered through an etching chamber, to have a spray etchant sprayed generally on upper and lower surfaces of the panel. The spray is controlled such that a reduced amount of etchant is provided on the perimeter surface portions of the panel, relative to the central surface portions of the panel, transversely of the path of travel of the panels through the etching chamber. The spray may be varied in amount, preferably by varying the pressure at different locations transversely of the chamber; the spray longitudinally through the chamber, may vary, to spray leading and trailing surface portions of the panels a lesser amount than central portions of the panels, measured longitudinally. The control of the spray of leading and trailing surface portions of the panels may be facilitated by one or more sensors that control an intermittent discharge of spray etchant near the inlet to the etch chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for controlled spray etching, in which panels, such as printed circuit boards are delivered through an etching chamber, to have a spray etchant sprayed generally on upper and lower surfaces of the panel. The spray is controlled such that a reduced amount of etchant is provided on the perimeter surface portions of the panel, relative to the central surface portions of the panel, transversely of the path of travel of the panels through the etching chamber. The spray may be varied in amount, preferably by varying the pressure at different locations transversely of the chamber; the spray longitudinally through the chamber, may vary, to spray leading and trailing surface portions of the panels a lesser amount than central portions of the panels, measured longitudinally. The control of the spray of leading and trailing surface portions of the panels may be facilitated by one or more sensors that control an intermittent discharge of spray etchant near the inlet to the etch chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for transporting thin materials, such as printed circuit boards or films, in an etching or other chemical treatment operation whereby a series of guide members, such as wires, which move back and forth in a reciprocating manner, guide the articles being transported through the apparatus and facilitate generally uniform treatment coverage of the articles with a treatment fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for chemically treating articles, often with a liquid treatment fluid that is corrosive, while the articles are being delivered along a path through a substantially closed chamber. During treatment, the articles pass through a nip formed between opposed rollers, at least one of which is rotatably driven. Because of the thickness of the articles, at least one roller of the nip must be moved away from the other roller in order for articles to pass through the nip. The roller being moved remains positively driven as it moves away from the nip and remains driven until the nip is again closed, all without interferring with the drive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for fluid treatment of articles, while the articles are being delivered along a path through a preferably substantially closed chamber. During treatment, the articles are conveyed by rotating disk-like members that establish their path, with the disks being mounted on shaft-like rods for movement therewith. The treatment can comprise spraying or flooding the articles with a liquid or a gas, or may comprise drawing of air or other gases from the vicinity of the articles, or even drawing of liquid from the vicinity of the articles, if desired. Whatever the fluid treatment, it is provided by means of individual nozzles that are mounted between disk-like members on the rods, and which are there adapted for movement with the rods.In one embodiment, the nozzles may be mounted opposed each other, with openings for fluid generally opposed each other, above and below a generally horizontal path of travel such that articles pass between the nozzles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for chemically treating articles, often with a liquid treatment fluid that is corrosive, while the articles are being delivered along a path through a substantially closed chamber. During treatment, the articles pass through a nip formed between opposed rollers. Because of the thin flexible nature of the articles, they may tend to wrap around a roller after passing through the nip. The articles are engaged as they pass downstream of the nip and are urged away from the surface of the roller, to continue to follow a predetermined path of travel. In engaging the articles to urge them away from the nip, they are preferably contacted by eccentrically mounted rings, carried by the roller. The rings have portions that protrude away from the surface of the roller that enables them to engage the article.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for fluid treating articles delivered along a predetermined path through a zone where the angle of application of such fluid is varied. A plurality of discharge orifices at different pre-set angular orientations are provided at such zone to sequentially discharge and interrupt treating fluid in a controlled manner to impinge upon the articles at different angles of impingement. The orifices are provided in sets at said orientations and are alternatively open and closed to delivery the fluid sequentially by means of appropriate valving with sufficient force to prevent puddling as the articles are conveyed along a generally horizontal path.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided to remove protective layers, such as various chromate coatings from metal sheets such as printed circuit boards, copper foils and the like, in a continuous manner while the articles are being conveyed along a predetermined path, by subjecting the same to an electric current, to electrolytically remove the layers.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for treating articles, such as printed circuit boards and the like, by removing solid particles, such as polymer resists, by a chemical action such as a stripping action, with the chemical action being provided by spraying a solution onto the articles. The removed particles are then separated from the solution, by novel separation apparatus, so that the solution can be re-used. The novel separation apparatus employs one or more screens or filters that are angularly disposed to allow solution to fall through the screen or screens, and solution is provided in such a manner as to wash along or across the screen or screens, to wash particles into a residence zone, from which they may be evacuated. The particles are preferrably propelled from the residence zone on a periodic basis, for subsequent filtration, whereby the solution in which they are carried may likewise be returned for re-use.

Abstract: Guide elements are provided to be mounted on rotatable drive rods of a conveyor apparatus, preferably of the type for wet processing of thin electrical printed circuit boards or printed circuit film, as the same is subjected to acid, neutralizer, water, air, sprays, rinses or the like, as such thin materials are moved through the machine. The guides serve to keep the thin materials from falling out of their intended planar path of travel through the machine, but are readily removable, preferably in snap-on, snap-off fashion for ready conversion of the apparatus to handle thicker materials in which such guide elements are not needed. The guide elements may be mounted in staggered fashion across the apparatus and serially along the path of travel through the apparatus. The elements are configured to resist twisting and allow rotatable drive rods to continue to rotate while the elements are disposed on the drive rods, but without rotation of the guide elements.

Abstract: An impeller is provided that is adapted to be rotationally driven, and which is constructed of a resiliently stretchable elastomeric material, such that, with increased centrifugal force that is applied to the impeller vanes with increased rotation of the impeller, the impeller increases in diameter and provides increased output performance beyond the output performance of a non-stretchable impeller of the same general size as the impeller at rest.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for chemically treating articles, generally in a corrosive environment by etching or the like, where a corrosive substance is applied to the articles being delivered through a substantially closed chamber. The chamber is provided with access through an openable door, and a seal is provided between the door and the wall of the chamber. The seal is flexible and is inflatable, to prevent a treatment fluid with which articles are being treated within the chamber, from being dispersed from inside the chamber to outside the chamber at the juncture of the door with the wall of the chamber in which the door is located. The seal is expanded by means of a fluid pressure, and is releasable upon desired access to the chamber.

Abstract: An electroplating test cell is disclosed which permits the measurement of the throwing power of an acid. The cell comprises a cathode having a member which is surrounded by an insulating tube. The tube redirects the current in the cell, thereby reducing the amount of metal deposited on the cathode. The pattern of metal deposition on the cathode can be used to estimate the throwing power of the acid in the electrolyte.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus and method is provided, whereby generally flat workpieces, such as metal plates and the like may be electroplated, on a continuous basis, automatically and without manual intervention. The workpieces are delivered horizontally through a bath of electrolyte. They are conveyed through the bath by being engaged by driven contact wheels that also serve as one of the electrodes. The other electrode is in the bath electrolyte solution. As the workpieces are delivered through the bath, they are engaged and disengaged by the contact wheels, but are always in engagement with contact wheels for not only continuous conveyance, but for continuous electrical connection therewith. A particular slide mount is provided for holding an opposite side of the plate as the plate is carried along its flow path, and this mount is adjustably positionable to accommodate different width workpieces.

Abstract: Printed circuit boards are carried generally vertically, along a path, with the tabs at the lower end being immersed in an electrolyte. The boards are automatically conveyed through opposed serially arranged pairs of rollers, which drive them along their path. Brushes wipe the boards to prevent contact with electrolyte above the desired contact level, as they are conveyed along the path. The solution is constantly replenished and turbulence provided by delivering electrolyte solution, with insoluble metallic ions in it, by pumping the solution from a sump, through an array of nozzles along each side of the path, thus providing fresh electrolyte along with providing turbulence to the electrolyte. The nozzles are charged at a sufficiently low level to avoid their destruction.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus and method is provided, whereby generally flat workpieces, such as metal plates and the like may be electroplated, on a continuous basis, automatically and without manual intervention. The workpieces are delivered horizontally through a bath of electrolyte. They are conveyed through the bath by being engaged by driven contact wheels that also serve as one of the electrodes. The other electrode is in the bath electrolyte solution. As the workpieces are delivered through the bath, they are engaged and disengaged by the contact wheels, but are always in engagement with contact wheels for not only continuous conveyance, but for continuous electrical connection therewith. A particular slide mount is provided for holding an opposite side of the plate as the plate is carried along its flow path, and this mount is adjustably positionable to accommodate different width workpieces.

Abstract: An electronic circuit measures the torque of a motor used to drive rotatable brushes, which may be used to clean the surfaces of flat articles, such as printed circuit boards. The circuit measures the torque by determining the average power consumed by the motor. The measured torque provides the operator of the system with an indication as to whether the brushes are spaced for proper impingement upon the article being scrubbed. The invention also comprises a servomechanism which provides for automatic and continuous readjustment of the position of the brushes, relative to the flat articles, in accordance with changing motor load conditions. The invention may be used to regulate the torque of a motor which is used in many other applications.

Abstract: A system is provided for control of ion concentration (as for example in pH or redox control), for use for example in etching articles, wherein other features such as specific gravity control are also provided. The ion concentration control is provided with cleaning and recalibration features. In a specific embodiment, provision is made for adding ammonia to an etching solution and for continuously monitoring the pH of the system. Visual indicators are provided for operator observation of fluid flow through various lines, generally by windows being provided in the cabinet apparatus. A particular electrode cell is disclosed as a prominent feature of ion concentration control.

Abstract: A system is provided for control of ion concentration (as for example in pH or redox control), for use for example in etching articles, wherein other features such as specific gravity control are also provided. The ion concentration control is provided with cleaning and recalibration features. In a specific embodiment, provision is made for adding ammonia to an etching solution and for continuously monitoring the pH of the system. Visual indicators are provided for operator observation of fluid flow through various lines, generally by windows being provided in the cabinet apparatus. A particular electrode cell is disclosed as a prominent feature of ion concentration control.

Abstract: Modular chemical treatment apparatus with improved sidewall connecting and alignment means consisting of a connecting member secured to abutting sidewalls, the connecting member overlying and held in intimate contact with a longitudinal, vertical planar surfce. A variety of such connecting and alignment means are disclosed.