Patents by Inventor Richard J. Zimmermann

Richard J. Zimmermann has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Method for continuously masking a web
    Patent number: 6663759
    Abstract: A method for continuously electroplating metal webs by coating a masking ink thereto in a fashion resembling flexographic printing, then electroplating the uncoated areas of the web and finally removing the ink, is described. The masking ink is applied continuously from a reservoir to an “anilox” roller which synchronously and rotatingly contacts either a plate roller or an intermediate roller. Contact between the rollers transfers the masking ink from one roller to the other. The plate roller has “proud” or raised areas in which the ink is drawn and contacts a guided metal web that is coated with the ink in a pattern matching that of the plate roller. Electroplating is effected after cleaning the inked web in an aqueous acid media. Finally, the masking ink is removed in an alkali medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Precious Plate, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Copping, Paul M. Bronschidle, Richard J. Zimmermann
  • Apparatus for continuous masking for selective electroplating and method
    Patent number: 6143145
    Abstract: An apparatus for continuously electroplating metal webs by coating a masking ink thereto in a fashion resembling flexographic printing, then electroplating the uncoated areas of the web and finally removing the ink, is described. The masking ink is applied continuously from a reservoir to an "anilox" roller which synchronously and rotatingly contacts either a plate roller or an intermediate roller. Contact between the rollers transfers the masking ink from one roller to the other. The plate roller has "proud" or raised areas in which the ink is drawn and contacts a guided metal web that is coated with the ink in a pattern matching that of the plate roller. Electroplating is effected after cleaning the inked web in an aqueous acid media. Finally, the masking ink is removed in an alkali medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Precious Plate Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Copping, Paul M. Bronschidle, Richard J. Zimmermann