Abstract: This disclosure relates to an electrolytic cell for electroplating a continuous strand of steel wire which is spread out in a series of consecutive circular loops while passing through the electroplating cell. The loops of wire are carried by two or more steel chains spaced apart and designed to convey the wire through the electroplating solution, each chain being supported by a cooperative steel track which also serves as the cathode for transferring current to the chains and hence to the wire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for uncoiling material such as wire, from a coil supported about a horizontal axis by a drum, including separating a loop from the coil, and bending the leading end of the material upon its exit from a pinch roll unit so that it takes a path generally parallel to that of a predetermined passline, and straightening the material once the leading end passes through the straightener roll area. An end bender roll and two of the straightener rolls are mounted on a pivotal frame connected to a piston cylinder assembly which causes the frame to be rotated through an arc in a direction to either bring the end bender roll into an operative position while the two straightener rolls are in an inoperative position, or to bring the end bender roll into an inoperative position while the two straightener rolls assume a nested relationship with a fourth roll in an operative position.