Abstract: A plating hooking apparatus incorporated into an automatic conveyer permits plate-objects to rotate in and above a plating tank. This apparatus has a current conduction bar extending over the plating tank, hung-down rods suspended from the current conduction bar, hooking jigs rotatably secured to the lower ends of the hung-down rods, a driven rod engaging with a driving unit to move laterally and drive transmission means for rotating the hooking jigs by propagating the lateral movement of the driven rod to the hooking jigs. The drive transmission means includes a rack, a pinion, first means for converting a rotation of the pinion into a rectilinear motion, second means for converting the rectilinear motion into a rotary motion and means for propagating the rotary motion to the hooking jigs. With this arrangement, the hooking jigs are capable of rotating in and above the plating tank.

Abstract: System, apparatus, circuitry and method for improving electrical conductivity of contact between an electrically conductive workpiece and an electrically conductive work carrier while the workpiece is supported on the work carrier prior to moving the workpiece through an electrocoating treatment zone while supported by the work carrier. The workpiece is suspended on the carrier prior to entry into the zone bath, and then carried past a series of electrically conductive wipers during transit on the carrier toward said zone to cause successive contact with each wiper as the workpiece travels thereby. Each wiper is energized with a high voltage from a capacitor discharge power supply prior to contact with said workpiece, and the power supply is discharged from the wiper into said workpiece as a result of contact therebetween during transit of the workpiece past the wiper.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for continuous electroplating of selected portions of the inside of elongate generally tubular metallic articles including a moving conveyor to receive the articles so the portion of article to be electroplated extends downwardly from the conveyor and is received in a receiver which shields the outside of the article whereby the portion to be electroplated is passed through at least one cell containing electroplating liquid as the conveyor moves and the portion of the article to be electroplated contacts the liquid in the cell wherein the processing liquid is agitated at at least sonic frequency enhance capillary action to effect contact of the liquid with the inner surface of the portion of the part exposed to the liquid.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for the plating of the contact elements of encapsulated electronic components - suitably of the type known as P-Dip strips - is provided with a continuous flexible parts-carrier belt of stainless steel, running in a horizontally aligned loop, with the web of the belt vertical. In the lower edge of the belt an array of flexible gripping fingers is formed, provided with projections, suitable for engagement by laterally disposed cams, on alternating sides of the belt for successive grip fingers. A loading device, co-ordinated with the operation of the cams, presents a part to be plated into the gripping fingers during an interval when the belt is stationary and the cams have been activated to separate the tips of the grip fingers. Upon retraction of the cams the parts are securely held by the grip fingers and moved through the plating stations upon the activation of belt motion. After plating, the parts are released by cam action on the grip fingers.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for the plating of the projecting, bent contact elements of electronic components encapsulated in ceramic packages--suitably of the type known as C-Dips--is provided with a continuous flexible conveyor belt of stainless steel running in a vertically aligned loop with a web of the belt horizontal. The edges of the belt are bevelled to receive, pressed thereover, a gap between the ceramic package and the selvedge associated with the untrimmed lead frame of the contact elements in a frictional, reversible grip. The parts to be plated are forced onto the edge of the intermittently moving belt during its period of rest, and are carried through the treatment stations of the plating apparatus as the belt progresses from a loading station towards an unload station, after the parts have been plated, where the individual encapsulated electronic components are stripped from the belt into receiving trays or magazines.

Abstract: In a plating machine the circuit board workpieces are held in clamp assemblies which grip the leading edge of each board so that the lower edges of the boards can be plated as the clamps travel around the machine. These clamps are adjustably mounted on a chain, and can be quickly removed for varying the spacing between them. Each clamp is designed to be loaded by the machine operator in a one handed operation without any separate clamp opening motion by him.

Abstract: A wire-cut electroerosion machining method and apparatus in which the rate of axial travel of the electrode wire is temporarily increased immediately upon a change by the electrode wire of its course at a corner in a prescribed cutting path. The axial travel rate is preferably increased as a function of the angle of intersection defining the corner. Also, the time period in which the wire axial travel rate is increased should advantageously be varied as a function of, e.g. in inverse proportion to, the angle of intersection defining the corner.

Abstract: A device for applying blot-shaped coverings to metal or metallized tapes by electro-plating, comprising a guide member along which a metal and/or metallized tape can be guided and an endless masking member co-operating with the tape and the guide member and having passages, the shapes of which match the desired blot-shaped coverings, whereby the masking member is formed by independent segments, each of which has at least one passage, sealing means being arranged between the segments the structure of said means being such that while maintaining the sealing relationship between the segments they allow a movement of the segments relative to one another in the direction of length of the masking member.

Abstract: A device for electroplating portions of a continuously moving, cathodically connecting workpiece as it is moved past a plurality of anodically connected spray nozzles characterized by the spray nozzles comprising precious metal and being positioned one after another in a row along the direction of movement of the workpiece with each of the nozzles having an individual stream of electrolytes emerging unimpeded therefrom. The continuously moving workpiece is positioned so that selected portions thereof are moved along the row of nozzles to be contacted by the stream of electrolyte emerging from the individual nozzles for a free and unimpeded electroplating of the portions contacted by the streams.

Abstract: A discrete, precut strip, lead frame plating system wherein each strip is loaded onto a linked chain, located against plating masks, contacted electrically, plated, dried, and unloaded from the chain in successive sequential fashion.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous electroplating of selected portions of elongate metallic articles. The articles are carried in spaced relation between cooperating longitudinally aligned first and second conveyor belts with the portion of the article to be electroplated internally and/or externally extending downwardly from the belts with a contact portion of the article extending upwardly from the belts where the portion to be electroplated is then passed through an electroplating station including selected electroplating solution in a cell in contact with the electroplating solution while a direct current potential is applied between a contact strip in contact with the contact portion of the article and the electroplating solution.

Abstract: A device for electrodepositing aluminum from an aprotic, oxygen-free, water-free aluminum-organic electrolyte, which comprises an electroplating tank, which is subdivided into a plurality of identical individual cells for receiving an electrolyte and anode plates, which cells contain support racks and are positioned one after another in a line or row, and the tank has a hood forming a protective chamber which contains a protective atmosphere. To charge and discharge workpiece holders into and out of the device includes a charging lock at one end of the row of cells forming the tank, a discharging lock at the other end of the row and a conveyor in the tank.

Abstract: An improved galvanizing device for the galvanic precipitation of aluminum from an anhydrous, aprotic, and oxygen-free aluminum-organic electrolyte is provided. The known device having an annularly shaped galvanizing trough, which is sealed from the atmosphere and which utilizes a centrally located, rotatable support mechanism which guides the goods carriers through the electrolyte in a circular, rotating manner, and also furnishes the goods carriers with an electrical contact, is herein provided with separate charging and discharging locks attached to the galvanizing trough. Each of the locks is provided with a U-shaped fluid lock to maintain the gaseous seal and an endless chain conveyor to transport the goods carriers to and from the galvanizing trough. Additionally, the anode plates which are located in the electrolyte trough are provided with a transport rod to permit their removal and replacement in a manner similar to that utilized with the goods carriers.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for partial electrolytic coating of individual metal parts, wherein a conveying chain, running over a pair of rolls, has individual holding elements joined together by pins. The holding elements have a contact cover plate and clamping cover plate with spacing means therebetween. Spring means is provided which is adapted for forcing the contact cover plate and clamping cover plate toward each other.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for continuous electroplating of selected portions of elongate metallic articles including a moving conveyor with spaced apertures therein to receive the articles so the portion of articles to be electroplated extending downwardly from the conveyor whereby the portion to be electroplated is pass through cells containing processing liquid as the conveyor moves and the articles contact the liquid in the cells.

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: 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: A method and system for continuously grinding tubing to finished cannulae, where the tubing is loaded in a carrier and the carrier is continuously guided past stations which cut the primary bevel, finish the butt end, clean the cut ends, and then make lancelet cuts on the primary bevel. The system further includes a cannula carrier and guide system which permits the cannulae to be unclamped, rotated and reclamped prior to each lancelet cutting station.

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 system is provided for the electrolytic cleaning of metal wire which is arranged generally in horizontal, overlapped non-concentric loop form. The system includes a container for holding an electrolyte, means for conveying the wire in loop form through the electrolyte, and a plurality of tandem electrodes of opposite polarity separated by non-conductive barriers. The elongated electrodes include a wrap-around portion at each of their opposite ends. Each wrap-around portion provides from 5 to 35 percent additional electrode area which enables more effective cleaning to be accomplished adjacent the outer edges of the wire loops.

Abstract: An electrolysis device for electrolytic deposition of a metal on at least one surface of the tape which has been precoated with a metal provides an electrolytic metal deposition band in which there is a first electrode for connection to a first voltage source. A tape drive is provided for moving the tape through the bath including first guide rollers defining a single loop for the tape through the bath. A second electrode is provided in the tape path and mounted to contact the tape above the entrance to the bath and over an area of the one metallized surface and is connected to a second source potential. Second guide rollers along the tape path downstream of the bath, including a second guide roller contact the metallized surface and is connected to a third source potential.

Abstract: A loose parts plating apparatus wherein the loose parts are assembled in a spaced-apart manner through holes mounted within a continuous belt. The continuous belt is conducted over a plating bath reservoir. A portion of each loose part that is desired to be plated is conducted through a plating solution located within a reservoir.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for electrolytic etching of aluminum or its alloy is disclosed wherein an electric current is passed between an anode and a cathode which are spaced opposed in an electrolytic bath with a workpiece removably supported on an insulating frame so that the side of the workpiece to be etched faces the cathode, the insulating frame being disposed between the anode and the cathode and having at least one opening formed therein.

Abstract: To prevent transport of deleterious oxygen and moisture to liquid electrolyte in an aluminum electroplating vessel, workpieces move towards the vessel through an antechamber containing inert gas under pressure and comprising a plenum chamber opening downwardly into a lock chamber containing aprotic liquid. They move down into the liquid, then up out of it, into and through an inverted-U-shaped passageway containing higher pressure inert gas and which communicates with the lock chamber below the surface of the liquid therein and communicates with the electrolysis vessel above the surface of the electrolyte. At each connection between parts, where atmospheric oxygen might move towards the electrolyte, there are double mechanical seals defining a substantially annular chamber filled with aprotic liquid that forms a gas barrier, and such liquid is, where possible, shielded by inert gas.

Abstract: Electrocoating equipment having a conveyor I-beam monorail with a plurality of trolleys movable therealong for carrying parts through a bath to be electrocoated. The trolley comprises wheels, yoke arms dependent from the wheels below the rail and a part carrier suspended from the arms. A chain drive interconnects and propels the trolleys. An electrical grounding shoe in the form of one or more hollow pipes, bars or cables is suspended from the monorail between the rail and yoke arms and is electrically connected to the ground return side of a power supply system associated with said electrocoating equipment. The grounding shoe is disposed in sliding electrical contact with at least one of the trolley arms and extends along the path of travel thereof while the same is transitting the electrocoating bath of said equipment.

Abstract: Apparatus for coating successive batches of workpieces with respectively different paints, composed of a plurality of coating tank units disposed along a conveying path and each arranged to hold a bath of a respective paint, a workpiece conveyor extending along such path for conveying workpieces therealong, a carriage movable along the conveying path to the region of a selected one of the tank units, and a conveyor guide structure carried by the carriage for controlling the movements of the conveyor in order to cause workpieces being conveyed by the conveyor to be immersed in the bath contained in the selected unit where the carriage is located.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemically and electrochemically processing, especially electroplating, flowable bulk material comprises a tank containing a chemical solution and a device forming a trough receiving the material to be processed, the device is removably supported on the tank to extend into the solution. The trough forming device comprises a perforated belt, preferably of plastic material and trained over an upper and a lower reversing roller and a tension roller turnably mounted on a pair of transversely spaced side plates, which laterally define the trough in such a manner that the upper run of the belt has a first branch extending from the lower reversing roller to the deepest point of the trough at a small angle to the horizontal, whereas the second branch of the upper run which extends from the deepest point to the upper reversing roller extends nearly in vertical direction. The belt is driven over a gear transmission by a reversible electromotor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for mass-production formation of aluminum oxide coatings on a plurality of aluminum or aluminum alloy articles by means of continuous anodic oxidation. The process is characterized by connecting one or more of the aluminum articles to the positive terminal of a power supply capable of maintaining constant current. Depending on the volume of work to be anodized, two or more power supplies are utilized with the negative terminals connected to common cathodes of a common anodizing tank and the positive terminals being electrically isolated from each other. Individual racks containing one or more aluminum articles are brought into contact with the positive terminals of the power supplies. Contact is made through a series of segmented bus bars of positive electrical potential corresponding to the number of power supplies and a system is used to move the racks through the common anodizing tank. Thus, continuous anodizing of one or a plurality of articles is accomplished.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for the production of copper foils intended to be applied in particular to substrates of plastic material, comprising, inside a first electrolytic tank, an endless belt made of electrically conducting material, rotating continuously and having its lower part immersed in the electrolytic solution, wherein the formation of the electrolytic copper layer and, simultaneously, the desired structural formation of the superficial layer of the copper foil take place in this first tank and in one electrolytic solution.

Abstract: An apparatus used in the electrodeposition coating of a continuous sheet of metal as it travels in a horizontal pathway between a pair of electrically charged electrodes and through a bath of liquid coating solution that is continuously circulated to the bath through a pair of liquid seals which are disposed adjacent opposing, aligned openings through which the sheet of metal enters and exits a chamber containing the bath. The liquid seals are each comprised of a pair of nozzles for directing converging streams of liquid coating solution against the traveling sheet of metal in the direction of the chamber and have a three-fold purpose.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous application of strip-, ribbon- or patch-shaped coatings of a noble metal to an electrically conductive tape by utilizing non-conductive belt means moving in concert with the tape as they simultaneously traverse an electrolitic solution. The non-conductive belt means shields the tape from the solution in those areas where a coating is not desired.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic metal sheet, e.g. of mild steel to be tin-plated, is transported across the surface of a bath of electrolyte by means of a conveyor comprising a series of rollers. A magnetic field is produced in each roller, e.g. by permanent magnets, so that the sheet is held against the underside of the conveyor by the resulting magnetic force acting on the sheet. The upper surface of the sheet may be in contact with the series of rollers or with an endless flexible strip passing along the underside of the series of rollers. The lower surface of the sheet is in contact with the electrolyte.

Abstract: The electrofinishing of stainless steel items, especially cutlery items, to a substantially corrosion resistant mirror finish is achieved in two steps, the first step involving electropolishing and the second step passivation of the electropolished surface. Apparatus for effecting the electrofinishing operation is also described.

Abstract: In a process for purifying an aqueous liquid by flotation of suspended solids with gas bubbles produced by electrolysis between at least one pair of electrodes, at least one of said electrodes, preferably in the form of an endless belt or band, is transported in or through said liquid while said electrolysis and flotation are taking place. Bridging and fouling of the electrodes are thereby minimised.

Abstract: A continuous contact plater is disclosed having a pair of opposed belts for grasping and driving contact points through a pair of opposed jaws to be plated by contact on an anode roller, the same describing a helical trace on the roller. A metering roller is provided to adjustably determine the concentration of the plating fluid on the main roller, and a tray is positioned beneath the anode roller to the end that a porous sleeve on the anode roller constantly passes into the electro-plating solution in the tray. Adjustment means are provided to adjust the roller with regard to the contact points between the opposed belts, the latter being fixed with regard to the frame of the unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for continuous electroplating of at least first and second selected portions of an electronic component or the like, while effecting differential plating thicknesses upon said portions. The apparatus includes means for moving the components through an electroplating station with the portions selected to be plated in contact with a moving applicator belt. Means are provided for shunting a portion of the plating current preceding toward at least one of the selected portions of the component, back to the source which enables the plating potential, whereby differential plating is effected between the first and second portions of the component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plating the posts of a semiconductor chip header is described. A means is provided for orientating the headers and feeding them in single file to a predetermined position in the apparatus. A transporting means is provided for transporting the headers from the feeding means over a plating bath such that the posts of the header are immersed in the bath. Attached to the transporting means is a plurality of clamping assemblies. Each of the clamping assemblies includes a knife-like member for electrically insulating the thru-leads of the header from its envelope lead and means for clamping the thru-leads of the header to the knife-like member. The clamping means of the clamping assemblies also include means for coupling a source of potential between the plating bath and the thru-leads clamped therein.

Abstract: Apparatus for selective electroplating of discreet areas of strips intermittently advanced through said apparatus. A particularly important aspect of the apparatus is the means whereby the strip is advanced intermittently but is, at all times, held under tension by a dual-clutch arrangement comprising two indexing wheels, a drag clutch positioned to control tension on a first wheel at one side of the electroplating bath, and another indexing wheel intermittently operated to advance the strip on intermittent engagement by controlled by a second clutch mechanism.

Abstract: An electroplating device for partial plating of items in continuous transit through a plating bath. The bath includes an enclosure having slots for movement of the articles to be plated lengthwise of the bath. A cross flow of treatment liquid is maintained in the constant level bath through the provision of flow directing vanes, the flow being provided by a treatment liquid circulation pump.

Abstract: A device for the partial electro plating of two-row pin strips utilizing an endless chain of pin strip carrying transfer carriages to move the pin strips through a succession of treatment areas, the pin strips being automatically fed onto the carriages in electrical conductive contact therewith and being automatically stripped from the carriages upon termination of processing.

Abstract: The solid content of aqueous suspensions is separated from the liquid phase by electrophoresis and electro-osmosis. An electrode assembly comprising two closely spaced mesh electrodes is placed in the suspension and a potential is applied between the electrodes so that the solids in the suspension migrate to one electrode where they are electro-osmostically consolidated, the consolidated material being periodically removed. Preferably the assembly comprises collapsible spacer means which are periodically collapsed in order to squeeze out the consolidated material.

Abstract: An arrangement for processing information pertaining to articles to be treated in automatic electroplating plants with work stations, article transport means, and article storage or holding locations. To each transport device and each location in the electroplating plant, there is assigned at least one storage unit which is logically connected with the central control unit and with the transport device circuit elements triggering the transport operation. It is also connected with the article storage or holding locations. The prevailing information pertaining to the articles treated is always inserted in that storage which is assigned to the transport device or to the location where the article is positioned at that time.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous electroplating of selected portions of discrete electronic components. The components are carried by a conveyor belt through an electroplating station where the portions to be plated make contact with a moving porous applicator surface wetted with the electroplating solution, while a D.C. potential is suitably applied. A stationary guide at the electroplating station accurately spaces the components with respect to the applicator, and restrains the components fron undesired wobble or vertical movements. The discrete components include leads which are connected to electrically isolated terminals on the die-receiving face of the component. In order to assure effective plating, an electrical potential must be provided to both the die-receiving face and the isolated terminals.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous electroplating of selected portions of discrete electronic components. The components are carried by a conveyor belt through an electroplating station where the portions to be plated make contact with a moving porous applicator surface wetted with the electroplating solution, while a D.C. potential is suitably applied. The respective movements of conveyor and applicator surfaces are such that the trace of each conveyed component upon the applicator surface continuously overlies fresh electroplating solution. The conveyor belt passes through a channel in a stationary guide means at the electroplating station, which accurately spaces the components with respect to the applicator and restrains the components from undesired wobble or vertical movements. The leads of the components, which are connected to electrically isolated terminals on the die-receiving face of the component, protrude from the guide as they progress through the channel therein.