Abstract: An electroplating apparatus capable of forming a film of a uniform thickness on a substrate for printed wiring irrespective of a size of the substrate. Insoluble anode plates are arranged in a plurality of pairs in an electroplating tank in a manner to be juxtaposed to each other along a transfer passage along which the substrate is horizontally transferred and electrically independent from each other for every pair. The insoluble anode plates in each pair are arranged so as to be vertically spaced from each other with the transfer passage being interposed therebetween and are independently connected to an anode terminal of each of rectifiers. Cathode terminals of the rectifiers are electrically connected together to clips for holding the substrate. Electroplating on the substrate is carried out by feeding only the insoluble anode plates contained in a plane of projection of the substrate defined in a vertical direction of the substrate with electricity.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the electrolytic deposition of a metal on a weakly conductive, flexible substrate such as a textile or a paper sheet for the manufacture of flexible heating elements such as heated gloves, heated car seats, panels used in construction for the heating of rooms, etc. Metallic circuits of varying shapes can be formed on the weakly conductive, flexible substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrodeposition of metal comprising an anode assembly and a moving cathode having a plating surface. The anode assembly and the cathode are spaced apart a predetermined distance to define an interelectrode gap therebetween. The anode assembly is comprised of an anode cradle having a non-conductive surface of a predetermined contour facing the cathode, and a plurality of deformable metallic anodes of general uniform thickness. The anodes have a configuration which nearly conforms to the contour of the non-conductive surface of the anode cradle. The deformable anodes are secured to the anode cradle such that the anodes are deformed into mating engagement with the non-conductive surface of the anode cradle to conform to the predetermined contour thereof. Means are provided for connecting the anodes to a source of electrical power.

Abstract: The apparatus for a continuous selective electrodeposition on a strip comprises a carrier (2), which guides the strip (1) in its longitudinal direction, which are faced by electrolyte discharge orifices (3), through which the electrolyte, which has been discharged by a pump (4) is sprayed onto the strip (1), which is covered by a mask tape (5), The mask tape (5) is provided with at least one row of holes (6) and urges the strip (1) against the carrier (2). The strip (1) is provided with drive means (7) for moving the strip (1) relative to the mask tape (5). The carrier (2) is straight and one or more pressure-applying elements (8), which are parallel to the carrier (2), are associated with the carrier (2) and urge the mask tape (5) against the carrier (2). The carrier and the pressure-applying elements, individually or jointly, define openings (3), which face the electrolyte discharge orifices (3) and overlap the holes (6) of the mask tape (5).

Abstract: Process for the electrolytic pickling of continuously advancing electrically conductive material, wherein the treatment periods as compared with purely chemical treatments are to be shortened respectively the length of the treatment plant is to be shortened and wherein the attack of aggressive ions onto the electrode material is to be counteracted for the attainment of longer life expectancies, in particular of the anode. The material to be treated is subjected to at least one cathodic treatment in a first vessel and merely an anodic treatment in an immediately following vessel, and the electrical circuit between the electrodes of different polarities in successive vessels is completed by way of the material being treated. In the apparatus according to the invention at least one anode dips into one of the successive vessels, whereas all electrodes in the immediately following vessel are of cathodic polarity.

Abstract: A device for continuous electrochemical treating of an electrically conductive web in an electrolyte cell is provided. The invention permits an electrodeless treatment of wide webs with high uniformity and low power consumption without additional electrodes, bars or cables and conductive means.

Abstract: A pouch for absorbing liquids. On one embodiment, the ouch is formed from two distinct layers of sheet material--one including thermoplastic fibers for the purpose of heat sealing and the other a tearable tissue paper capable of tearing upon expansion of the water-absorbent material contained between the sheet material layers. In another embodiment, the pouch is manufactured to include a relatively weak sealed seam, e.g., formed by heat sealing adjacent sheet material layers together, that has a weaker bonding strength than one or more other sealed seams, such that upon expansion of the water-absorbent material, the relatively weak seam separates or delaminates into its separate layers to allow the absorbent to spread beyond the pouch at the relative weak seam. In both embodiments, the pouches contain an inner layer of water-insoluble, liquid-absorbing material, such as cross-linked sodium polyacrylate.

Abstract: A wire plating cell comprises an enclosed housing into which plating solution is pumped at a high velocity so as to create substantial fluid pressure therein. The plating cell contains a plurality of consumable anodes through which a wire passes axially and through which plating solution flows transversely. Current densities of at least 200 amps per square foot are obtained. Use of a highly concentrated plating solution in the cell results in high-speed, high quality wire plating. The invention particularly applies to the plating of nickel onto steel wire at current densities of up to 14,500 amps per square foot.

Abstract: An apparatus for anodizing a support for a lithographic printing plate which comprises a backing roller which guides a web made of aluminum or an alloy thereof in a state of contacting the backing roller, (an) electrode(s) which is/are arranged along the peripheral surface of the backing roller in a concentric arc, an electric supplier which is provided at least on the upstream side or the downstream side of the backing roller, and an electrolyte solution which fills the clearance between the backing roller and the electrode, and an anodizing method using the same. By using the apparatus, the electric voltage loss can be reduced in electrolyte solution, and only a single surface of the supports is anodized without the necessity for providing any special means. Anodizing can be conducted at a high speed and the thickness of anodized layer easily increased. Moreover, thin supports can be anodized without fusion troubles.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a galvanized steel sheet, comprising steps of coating a steel sheet with nickel in an amount of from 0.2 to 2 g/m.sup.2, heating the steel sheet thus coated to a temperature within the range of from 420.degree. C. to 500.degree. C. in a non-oxidative atmosphere, and dipping the nickel coated steel sheet into a molten zinc bath containing aluminum at a content of from 0.1 to 1% without contact with air, wherein the steel sheet is dipped into the molten zinc bath within 15 seconds after the temperature of the steel sheet exceeds 350.degree. C. in the heating step.

Abstract: A surface processing device for cleaning and other surface processing of running material, where the material is passed under movement in a path (19A) through the device, wherein the device is provided with means, comprising an inner cavity (13) that is fed with a processing agent under pressure and has a jet forming slot (20) to direct to the running material a well defined laminar jet of the processing agent under an acute angle.

Abstract: A hardmetal object is cathodically protected from corrosion by a protective electrode during the spark-erosion process, which protective electrode is electrically connected to the hardmetal object via an external power source. The protective electrode is preferably plate-shaped.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for applying dot-shaped coatings to metal or metallized bands by way of an electrolysis process or by way of currentless metal extraction, said device being provided with a wheel-shaped guide mechanism along which a metal or metallized band can be passed, and with an endless masking device, which co-operates with the band during operation and which is provided with passages, whose shape is adapted to the desired dot-shaped coating. The masking device is built up of independent masking segments, which are each provided with at least one passage and which are mutually coupled in such a manner that they can move with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction of the masking device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously forming printed circuits, the apparatus including a cylindrical drum rotatable about a generally vertical axis and a tank for holding an electrolytic plating solution. The tank is dimensioned to surround a lower portion of the drum and immerse the lower portion of the drum in the electrolytic plating solution. Means for introducing electrolytic solution into the tank are provided, and a plurality of metallic anodes are disposed within the tank surrounding and facing the lower portion of the drum defining a generally uniform gap therebetween. A plurality of cathodes are disposed above the tank and facing an upper portion of the drum, the cathodes being biased toward the drum. The apparatus is adapted to receive a movable continuous flexible web having a thin layer of conductive metal on one side thereof. The metal layer is masked to expose a plurality of patterns aligned along the web and a continuous strip of exposed metal along one edge of the web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for producing copper wire by electrolytically engrossing a copper starting wire. Basically the invention utilizes an electrolytic tank employing a pair or pairs of shafts positioned externally of the tank upon which a minimum of one but generally at least two starting wires are transported on each pair for transfer of the wires through the tank. Multiple tanks, e.g., 10 to 1000 or more, may be used in a single facility for refining or electrowinning processes depending on the quantity of copper wire desired to be produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertical type stream plating apparatus for plating the surface of a metal strip with tin, chromium, copper or the like. Fundamentally, the apparatus comprises an electrolyte feeding nozzle for feeding an electrolyte into a space between electrodes, a side seal provided on both sides in the widthwise direction of the electrode and a pressure equalizing chamber provided on the backside of the electrode. The apparatus further comprises a electrode having a plurality of through holes communicating with the pressure equalizing chamber provided in an electrode box, waste electrolyte equipment provided with a waste electrolyte box for gathering and discharging the electrolyte and a seal equipment provided at the lowermost portion of the apparatus for preventing the outflow of the electrolyte.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a surface treatment to a metal foil comprising a drum rotatable about a generally horizontal axis for guiding a continuous metal foil about a predetermined path;anode means adapted to contain electrolyte solution, the anode means having a smooth, generally upward facing anode surface defining a cylindrical cavity, which cavity is dimensioned to surround a portion of the drum and to define an annular gap between the smooth surface and the drum, a predetermined portion of the predetermined path of the metal foil extending through the gap; inlet means for creating a continuous flow of electrolyte through the gap; and power means connected to the foil and the anode to create an electrical potential across the foil and smooth surface of the anode means.

Abstract: The installation comprises a set of radial type cells (25a, 25b). The electrical supply of the strip (16) to be coated constituting the cathode is ensured by way of two electrically conducting deflector rollers (20) each mounted rotatably about an axle parallel to the axle of the drum (8) of the electrolysis cell. The deflector rollers (20) are arranged at least in part below the upper level of the drum (8) close to its outer surface. Two support rollers (21a, 21b) associated with each of the deflector rollers ensure the holding of the strip against the deflector roller over a substantial part of its periphery and as far as a zone close to the part of the outer surface of the drum (8) which is submerged in the electrolytic liquid (2). The invention applies in particular to the electrogalvanizing of a steel sheet.

Abstract: An electrolytic processing system performs a continuous electrolytic process to discrete conductors such as metal coupling elements of a slide fastener chain or conductive objects having a large electrical resistance. In the electrolytic processing system, an object is electrolytically processed while it is guided between intermediate rollers and arc electrodes.

Abstract: An electrolytic treatment apparatus for continuously electrolyzing an elongated product of aluminum or an aluminum alloy at a low electrolyzing voltage and reduced amount of electric power. The apparatus includes at least one electrolytic section and front- and rear-side power supply section disposed respectively at front and rear sides of the electrolytic section in the longitudinal direction of the elongated product in the electrolytic section. Each of the power supply sections contains at least one electrode, and the electrolytic section contains a plurality of electrodes. The electrolytic section and the power supply sections are filled with an electrolyte in which the elongated product and the electrodes is immersed.

Abstract: A wire plating cell comprises an enclosed housing into which plating solution is pumped at a high velocity so as to create substantial fluid pressure therein. The plating cell contains a plurality of consumable anodes through which a wire passes axially and through which plating solution flows transversely. Current densities of at least 200 amps per square foot are obtained. Use of a highly concentrated plating solution in the cell results in high-speed, high quality wire plating. The invention particularly applies to the plating of nickel onto steel wire at current densities of up to 14,500 amps per square foot.

Abstract: Iron foil is made by deposition of iron in an electrochemical cell having an insoluble anode from an acid electrolyte onto a moving cathode by the reaction:Fe.sup.2+ +2e.sup.- .fwdarw.Fe (foil) (I),and removing the iron foil so made from the cathode. In a regenerator iron is dissolved into the electrolyte. To avoid reduction of the foil by Fe.sup.3+ in the electrolyte, hydrogen in the form of hydrogen gas or a gas containing hydrogen is supplied to the anode, the anode being such that the anode reaction:H.sub.2 .fwdarw.2H.sup.+ +2e.sup.- (II)takes place, said reaction (II) predominating at the anode over the reaction:2Fe.sup.2+ .fwdarw.2Fe.sup.3+ +2e.sup.- (IV).The dissolution of iron in the regenerator takes place at least partly by the reaction:Fe+2H.sup.+ .fwdarw.Fe.sup.2+ +H.sub.2 (III).

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus having a tank containing a bath of an electrolytic solution, and a roll supported for immersion into the electrolytic bath for transporting a sheet material through the bath. The roll has a current collector rotatably supported on a shaft thereof for transmitting high amperage electricity to the roll. The current collector is supported on a part of the shaft which projects exteriorly of the tank side wall, and incorporates a sleevelike housing structure which surrounds and is rotatable relative to the shaft and mounts therein a plurality of conductive shoes which are of a highly electrically conductive material and are spring urged for snug radial contact with a conductive ring secured to a conductive sleeve arrangement which snugly axially and nonrotatably mounts to the shaft. The housing cooperates with the sleeve arrangement to define a generally sealed interior annular chamber in which the current-conducting shoes are positioned.

Abstract: Apparatus for horizontally plating one surface of conductive sheet with a metal or metal alloy. The apparatus includes an electrolyte holding tank, a horizontally disposed enclosed electrolyte conduit having extended inlet and outlet portions, a variable speed pump for passing electrolyte from the holding tank through the conduit and a rectifier for supplying electrical current. The holding tank includes means for dissipation of entrapped gas bubbles generated during metal deposition or caused by aeration. The conduit has a horizontal opening including an insoluble anode within the opening for defining a plating cell. The anode is positioned parallel to the axis of the conduit and in alignment with the opening. The plating cell includes means for supporting the sheet above the opening. The inlet and outlet portions of the conduit are positioned in-line with the plating cell.

Abstract: A continuous electrolytic deposit of constant thickness is formed on a moving substrate (2) constituting a cathode passing in adjacent spaced relation to an anode (3) to provide a narrow electrolysis gap therebetween. The anode consists of a plurality of anode modules (3) which are supported mechanically independent of each other. The electrical and hydraulic circuits respectively feeding the anode modules include flexible sealing members (8, 11, 12, 14) between the fixed sources of current and electrolyte respectively and the anode modules. The anode modules are provided with supports (4, 9, 10) whereby they are supported on the cathode (2) or on a surface (1) directly linked to the cathode. The support for at least one anode module (3) may be adjustable for adjusting the distance between the anode module and the cathode. The supports (4) are shoes or rollers, for example, which may be mounted at the ends of arms (9, 10) supporting the anode modules.

Abstract: Brush plating of metal objects with noble metals is improved by using a brush body of a rigid, dimensionally stable non-porous material such as titanium which will not distort appreciably at higher temperatures, e.g. 77.degree.-83.degree. C., together with a porous brush insert lying along the edge of the brush which bears against the workpiece and to which the plating electrolyte is supplied through branches from a conduit through which the electrolyte flows at a controlled rate. In this system the electrolyte is supplied to the work area at an elevated temperature, e.g. 77.degree.-87.degree. C., with resultant increase in the speed at which higher quality plating can be performed. Special forms of anode electrode and of the electrical contact to the workpiece are preferably also employed.

Abstract: Selective plating apparatus for a web includes optical sensor means rigidly attached directly to the plating mask. The optical sensor means is physically isolated from corrosive chemical and vapors in the environment, and cleaning means keeps the ends of the optical fibers free of salt and chemicals and otherwise prevents corrosion.

Abstract: An enclosed plating wheel system includes a fixed mounted shaft, feed and return spargers mounted on the shaft, and a plating wheel rotates around the fixed mounted spargers as a result of a lead frame strip being pulled around the plating wheel. A belt is also rotated around a portion of the plating wheel assembly over the lead frame strip to contain the plating solution within the plating wheel assembly.

Abstract: The present invention resides in the discovery that a strip of reticulated foam which is semi-conductive can be continuously electroplated, utilizing a cathode roll which is positioned, in a first electroplating zone, outside of the electroplating bath. An anode is immersed in the electroplating bath. The strip of reticulated foam is first introduced into the electroplating bath and travels in the direction from the anode to the cathode roll prior to contacting the cathode roll. In this way, the strip achieves a partial plate at the anode which provides a current path between the anode and the cathode roll effective for sustaining the plating reaction in said first electroplating zone.

Abstract: An electrolytic treatment apparatus is provided in which one or more electrolyte discharge outlets and one or more electrolyte supply inlets are provided between main counter electrodes so that the concentration and temperature of the electrolytic treatment solution at the the inlets and at the outlets can be made close to one another. As a result, uniformity and fineness in grains can be maintained, electrolysis efficiency can be raised, and the production speed can be improved.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a radial cell-type electrodeposition cell having a radial cathodic conductor roll with a central conductor band for improving the transfer of electric current between the to be plated strip and the conductor band. The apparatus includes a holddown roll which contacts the strip proximate the contact point of the strip and the conductor roll prior to the entry of the strip into the electrolyte bath and a second holddown roll which contacts the strip after the strip has exited from the electrolyte bath. The holddown rolls urge the strip uniformly against the conductor band to improve current transfer to the strip.

Abstract: Continuous spot plating, for example, of spots or separately defined regions of precious metals onto a metal substrate is disclosed. According to the disclosure, a multiplicity of plating heads are mounted for movement upon command on a rotating, endless belt or bandolier which is disposed adjacent to the path of travel of a moving strip of substrate metal, such as copper, on which the regions are to be plated. Sensing devices are mounted adjacent to the path of travel of the metal strip to detect and indicate the regions on the strip which are to be plated. The sensing of a region to be plated connects the next available plating head to the belt or bandolier for movement along a path in which the plating head is in contact with the region to be plated and moves at the same speed as the strip to effect electrolytic deposit of metal ions on the strip. Sufficient plating heads are provided so that a separate plating head is avaiable for activation to effect plating one each region requried to be plated.

Abstract: In order to perform the electrochemical roughening of the surface of preferably strip-like metal substrate for the production of printing plates or the like so that the surface is free of smuts and stripes with an even distribution of the roughness, there is a roughening station with three zones and in each zone the current density, the frequency, the temperature of the electrolyte, the type of electrolyte and the residence time may be individually set. Accordingly in the first zone it is possible to use a higher frequency and a higher current density than in the second zone in order to produce a large number of points of attack. In the second zone a longer residence time serves to enlarge the points of attack which have already been formed. In the third zone a particularly high frequency may be used to remove smuts.

Abstract: The present invention resides in an anode structure as well as in an electrolytic cell utilizing the anode structure. The anode structure comprises a resilient anode sheet having an active anode surface, and a support substructure for the anode sheet. The anode substructure has a predetermined configuration. Means are provided for flexing the anode sheet onto the anode substructure so that the anode sheet conforms to the configuration of the anode substructure and at the same time provides an adequate electrical junction for uniform current distribution.

Abstract: In electrolytic coating of one side of a moving metal strip, the strip as cathode is in contact with a rotating roller and an insoluble anode is concentric with the roller at a distance from the strip so that a slot is formed in which the electrolytic coating takes place. The electrolyte flows through the slot at a sufficient average velocity that turbulent flow occurs and is fed from a nozzle into the slot with a tangential component opposite to the direction of travel of the strip at the end of the slot at which the strip axis. The conformation of the nozzle is substantially uniform across the whole width of the strip and the electrolyte is fed into the slot at a velocity that nowhere varies more than 10% from the said average velocity of the electrolyte.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus for plate-shaped workpieces, particularly printed circuit boards which are guided through an electrolytic solution in a horizontal path for the application of metal has a conveying arrangement comprising laterally arranged upper band drives and laterally arranged lower band drives whereby the workpieces are entrained in a friction-actuated fashion between a lower run of the upper band drive and an upper run of the lower band drive. In addition, a sealing wall is arranged between the upper and lower runs of each of the band drives to produce a sealing arrangement for a laterally exposed edge of the workpiece, which is engaged by a contacting mechanism for the cathodic contacting of the workpiece projecting through the band drives.

Abstract: An insoluble electrode device comprises a box having a plurality of faces, one of which is an open face. An outlet for discharging an electrolyte solution is provided on at least one of the other faces of the box, and a porous electrode plate is mounted on the open face of the box. A liquid flow control panel is mounted behind the porous electrode plate for the interior of the box, whereby a fresh and uniform liquid flow of an electrolyte solution is provided in the space between the electrodes, and whereby a high quality electrolytic surface treatment can be achieved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for plating metal onto wire or ribbon. The wire or ribbon is wrapped around two or more barrels with grooves formed around the outside surface. The barrel is immersed within an appropriate electroless or electroplating solution, and rotated at a speed depending upon the immersion time needed for a particular desired plated thickness.

Abstract: An anode provide with edges into which strips of an electrolytic carrier are sunk in the vicinity of the anode edges. These carrier strips are used for the selective galvanic coating of objects. The anode edge and the electrolytic carrier are connected to a band of a liquid-permeable, adsorbent and wear-resistant material which closely surrounds the anode. This band is used to fasten the carrier to the anode in a fold-free, bulge-free manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting, on a metallic member, an electrolytic process such as descaling, electrolytic acid cleaning, passivation, electrolytic polishing, coloring or plating. The apparatus comprises a rotatable cylindrical electrode arranged to oppose the member to be processed, with a gap between them, a paste electrolyte supply device for introducing a paste electrolyte into the gap between the cylindrical electrode and the metallic member, a pad disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical electrode and capable of retaining by impregnation the paste electrolyte supplied by the paste electrolyte supply device; an electrical power supply device for causing an electric current to flow between the cylindrical electrode and the member across the paste electrolyte; and a moving device for effecting relative movement between said metallic member and said cylindrical electrode.

Abstract: Electrodes for electrochemical treatment of metal strips, in particular for electrolytically coating metal strips, in which a plurality of spacer elements having an electrically insulating surface protrude from the electrode surface facing the strip to be treated during operation, are known. In order to devise an electrode that has a longer service life than known electrodes, the spacer elements are spacer rollers aligned in the same travel direction with respect to one another, and the roller diameter is between 20 and 60 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing, through reverse electrolysis, an electroplating metal deposited onto the surface of a conductor roll for electroplating. The above-mentioned removal is accomplished by means of a reverse-electrolylzing electrode (23) provided in the electroplating solution near the conductor roll (5). The start and the end of the removal can properly be controlled on the basis of a value of potential difference between a reference electrode (21) immersed in the electroplating solution and the conductor roll (5), as measured by means of a potentiometer (25). The reverse-electrolyzing electrode (23) return-travels, together with the reference electrode (21), in the axial direction of the conductor roll (5) by the action of a reverse-electrolyzing electrode moving mechanism (30).

Abstract: An apparatus for removing, by means of a scraper, an electroplating metal deposited onto the surface of a conductor roll for electroplating. The above-mentioned removal is accomplished by pressing the scraper (23) arranged near the conductor roll (5) against the conductor roll (5). The start and the end of the removal can properly be controlled on the basis of a value of potential difference between a reference electrode (21) immersed in the electroplating solution and the conductor roll (5), as measured by means of a potentiometer (25). The scraper (23) return-travels, together with the reference electrode (21), in the axial direction of the conductor roll (5) by the action of a scraper moving mechanism (30).

Abstract: An electrolytic treatment apparatus for applying an electrochemical treatment by supplying an alternating current between a material being treated and a counter electrode in an electrolyte, wherein said electrolytic treatment being carried out by forming the counter electrode by a main counter electrode and an auxiliary counter electrode, connecting a circuit for the auxiliary counter electrode, in parallel, to a circuit connected to the main counter electrode, providing a diode or a mechanism of performing a diode-like action in the circuit for the auxiliary counter electrode for controlling an anode current in the main counter electrode, using an electrode containing magnetic iron oxide as the auxiliary counter electrode. The deterioration of the auxiliary counter electrode can be prevented without reducing the electrolytic treatment capacity, and cost for the equipment preservation can be greatly reduced.

Abstract: A thin plastic elongate mask is disclosed for use in continuously electroplating an elongate substrate. Apparatus is disclosed wherein the mask is mated with the substrate, is passed through an electroplating zone, supported by support belts, such that only those areas of elongate substrate covered by plating cavities in the mask are plated. The mask may be located on the substrate by means of corresponding location features positioned on the elongate substrate and the mask. A method of continuously electroplating an elongate substrate using a thin plastic elongate mask is further disclosed.

Abstract: An array of rollers arranged to impose tension on a fiber passing through a continuous process and an apparatus for releasably mounting contact rollers.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a submersible electrical current supply device and method of plating using said device for providing electrical current to a strip as it is continuously moved through an electroplating bath is provided. The electrical current supply device includes a housing having a slot extending therethrough with entry and exit openings and has wipers disposed at both the entrance and exit openings. In the central section of the device, electrical contacts in the form of electrical brushes are biased into contact with the strip and are provided with electrical contacts to supply current for plating to the brushes. The strip is continuously passed through the slot and contact with the brushes and electrical current is supplied by the brushes.

Abstract: A graphite fiber is electroplated by passing the fiber continuously through an electrolyte solution in a tank. Current is delivered to the fiber at a contact immediately prior to the surface of the electrolyte in the tank. The voltage is maintained above 16 volts. The fiber is kept cool enough outside the bath to prevent degradation by recycling the electrolyte to bathe the fiber from the point of contact to the point of immersion into the electrolyte.

Abstract: In the electrolytic metal coating of a strip-shape metal substrate, the substrate is passed in a continuous process as cathode through an electrolytic coating apparatus having an insoluble anode, the cathode and anode being connected to an external voltage source so that metal ions are deposited onto the substrate from an acidic electrolyte between the cathode and anode. To increase the anode service life and reduce power consumption, a hydrogen-providing gas, e.g. molecular hydrogen, is fed to the anode and a catalyst is available at the anode, so that under the influence of the catalyst electrons and hydrogen ions are formed from said hydrogen-providing gas, the hydrogen ions passing into the electrolyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for electrolytic refining of copper and the production of copper wires for electrical purposes on a continual basis which produces round copper wires directly from impure copper anodes and to treat such wires in order to impart the desired characteristics as electrical conductors. The apparatus handles copper anodes of customary size refining them at normal current densities of less than 55 amps/foot.sup.2 onto starting wires of adequate tensile strength which is done continuously, the wire being provided to an electrolytic bath and, after withdrawal from the bath, the wires are finished by drawing and annealing.