Abstract: A uniform plating treatment is carried out on one-side of a steel strip in that the strip is travelled horizontally over a still surface of a plating bath while the plating bath is jetted onto the one-side of the strip, and the one-side is positively given on its edges a plating flow running in width of the strip outwardly from the edges and the other part except the edges is given the plating flow running in length of the strip.

Abstract: A workpiece of a non-planar, curved or intricate surface contour carried on a horizontal table is wire-machined with a vertical swivel head for traveling-wire tool by sensing an imaginary plane which is tangent to the surface contour at any point thereon to be successively substantially intersected by the axis of the traveling-wire tool; and tilting the head to cause the axis of the traveling-wire tool transversing the workpiece to be oriented at a predetermined angle, preferably 90.degree., relative to the said plane substantially at the said point so as to maintain substantially the predetermined orientation of the traveling-wire tool relative to the surface contour, irrespective of change in the inclination of the tangential plane relative to the horizontal plane from point to point, throughout a substantial portion of the entire machining operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plating means, wherein an accurate plating for a smaller work surface is carried out high-speedily. For this purpose, the smaller work surface is enclosed by a mask of the plating means, and a plating solution is jetted for the work surface from a nozzle disposed within a closed space of the mask inside. Further, the plating means according to this invention has means for suctioning and discharging speedily an extra plating solution together with atmosphere within the closed space as well as outer air induced by an outer air induction means. Further, the used plating solution is again returned to a plating solution tank by a preferred recycling system. Thus, consumption of the plating solution is saved greatly.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the electroplating of metal strips, and more particularly for the zinc-coating of steel strip, which comprises a tank filled with electrolyte liquid and immersed therein, at least one anode which is disposed above a strip to be electrolytically coated and at least one anode disposed below said strip, both of said anodes being parallel to said strip. The anode disposed above the strip is electrolytically consumable and made of an electrolytically depositable metal for deposition on said strip and the anode disposed below the strip consists essentially of a material that is insoluble in the electrolyte and not electrolytically consumable. Each anode is connected to a source of current, the anode disposed below said strip being provided with means for disconnecting it from said source of current.

Abstract: An energy efficient process is disclosed for the continuous production of semiconductor matrices formed from electrodepositing doped silicon or germanium films on metallic sheet substrates. The energy released from such electrodeposition can then be used to regenerate the anode material used in the electrodepositing position.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for electroerosively machining a desired contour in a workpiece with a wire electrode transported from a supply to a takeup and, in a path therebetween, supported by a pair of wire guide heads to tightly stretch the axially advancing wire electrode across the workpiece. On at least one side of the two opposite surfaces of the workpiece traversed by the wire electrode there is disposed a template blank secured to the workpiece and having a contour shaped to correspond to the desired contour to be machined in the workpiece for holding the axially advancing wire electrode on the surface of the template contour between the wire guide heads across the workpiece. At least one of the wire guide heads is movable and displaced to cause the machining wire electrode to move transversely to the axis thereof along the contour of the template block so that with the transverse movement of the wire electrode, the desired contour is progressively formed in the workpiece by electroerosion.

Abstract: Flat metallic varnish-coated metal stampings or laminations to be deburred are conveyed by contiguous vertically aligned pairs of horizontal rollers across the top of a plurality of deburring cells or vats which are continuously overflowing with an electrolyte. Alternate cells are equipped with positively and negatively charged electrodes. The electrolyte is continuously supplied to each of the cells at a rate such that the electrolyte overflows the lips of each cell over which the lamination approaches and retreats from the cell. In this manner, the top surface of the electrolyte is maintained above the top surface of the lamination so that the electrolyte inundates at least the burrs on the edges of the lamination. Current flow from each positive electrode through the electrolyte, the stamped burred edges of the laminations and to the negative electrode causing the burrs on the laminations to be removed by anodic action.

Abstract: An electrolytic apparatus for treating continuous strip material comprises a tank defining a rinse chamber and a contact roller assembly which includes an idler roller and two driven electrical contact rollers supported by shafts for rotation about vertical axes to define a serpentine path for strip material passing through the chamber. Three sleeves project upwardly from the bottom wall of the tank to a position above the liquid level in the chamber and respectively receive the shafts therethrough. Each electrical contact roller has a diametrically enlarged annular flange at its upper end disposed externally of the chamber. A brush holder associated with each flange carries a plurality of carbon brushes which engage a radially disposed surface of the flange. Torque limiters are provided for limiting the torque which may be applied to the driven contact rollers.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of metal foil or printed circuit patterns on a continuously advancing strip of electrically conductive material includes a cathode under which the conductive strip is fed in sliding contact therewith. An insoluble anode is disposed under the cathode, with an interelectrode gap between the anode and the cathodic conductive strip traveling under the cathode. Lying next to one end of the anode is a solution inlet block defining a solution inlet from which the electroplating solution containing the metal to be deposited is fed turbulently into the interelectrode gap to cause the electrodeposition of the metal on the downward-facing surface of the conductive strip. A shield block of electrically insulating material is mounted over the solution inlet block for shielding the conductive strip traveling thereover from premature metal deposition due to leaking current and hence for avoiding the development of pinholes in the metal foil or circuit patterns.

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 method of plating steel strip with a zinc-nickel alloy in an acidic bath, comprises continuously passing the steel strip through the electrolytic plating bath under the conditions that the concentration of Ni.sup.2+ is kept at a level of 20 g/l or more and the concentration of Zn.sup.2+ at a level of 10 g/l or more and the molar ratio of Ni.sup.2+ /Zn.sup.2+ is restricted to a range of from 1.5 to 4.0 with the speed of passage of the steel strip through the electrolyte relative to the counter-current flow of the electrolyte kept at 10-200 m/min.

Abstract: A metal strip is electrolytically treated by using an apparatus having:a vessel for defining an electrolytic treatment space for a metal strip;a plurality of conductor rolls arranged along a path of movement of the metal strip extending through the treatment space;at least one pair of electrode pads, each pair of electrode pads being located between two conductor rolls and being spaced from and facing each other with the path of movement of the steel strip therebetween, and each pad being provided with at least one slit through which an electrolyte is ejected toward the surface of the metal strip under conditions adquate for creating a static pressure of the ejected electrolyte sufficiently high for holding the metal strip in its path in the gap between the electrode pad and the metal strip, and;a voltage supply for applying voltage between at least one of the conductor rolls and the electrode pads.

Abstract: There is described a method for continuously electrodepositing with high current density, a coating metal on a metal sheet, which comprises moving by means of a movable cathode the metal sheet pressed thereagainst, in front of an anode inside a zone that comprises an electrolyte for transferring the coating metal, in which the cathode current is distributed uniformly over that portion of the metal sheet which moves in the area for metal transfer to the cathode in such a way as to cause a current density which is substantially equal in every point of said sheet portion.

Abstract: Device for selective electrodeposition of metal flat stock, on laddered or bandoliered component strips having at least one station filled with electrolyte through which the component strips are transported lengthwise. The device includes a longitudinal guide means for the component strips-the guide means is provided with a slot shaped chamber. The chamber, at its lower side is in open contact with a plating bath filled with electrolyte on a level lower than the electrolyte level in the plating bath. The guide means has apertures for introducing pressurized gas or air. The plating bath contains tubes with holes in such a position that during operation electrolyte recirculated through a transport pump can be jetted onto the portion of the metal or component strip which extends below the slot-shaped chamber of the guide means into the electrolyte.

Abstract: In an electrolytic treating on a strip of metal, namely electroplating, electrolytic degreasing or any other electrolytic treatment on a strip of metal, in order to fludify the liquid between the plane parallel plate electrodes immersed inside the tank or between the plane parallel electrodes and the metal strip passed therebetween by jetting the liquid from the nozzles into the tank, a plane dummy plate or plates are arranged between the nozzles and the plane parallel plate electrodes to adjoin the electrodes and extend in the direction of the nozzles in the same planes as the electrodes to thereby prevent the damping of the jet flow velocity. Moreover, the plane parallel plate electrodes have their edges on the nozzle side arranged in positions at which the half-value width of the nozzle jets from the nozzles overlap each other to thereby ensure a uniform distribution of the jet flow velocity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for electrolytically coating, e.g. zinc or tin, one side only of a horizontally moving flat rolled strip or sheet. More specifically, in the practice of this invention, a cathodically charged flat rolled sheet moves horizontally and contiguously above electrolytic cell body solution, and perforated, submerged, insoluble anode member. Fresh cell electrolyte (plating) solution contained within a solution chamber, under pressure, is continuously fed through said perforations. The cell electrolyte body solution extends to the strip edges, drops off, cascades over the edges of the solution chamber into a catch box, is returned to the recirculation system and pumped into the solution chamber. The flat moving strip, whose bottom surface is being electrolytically coated with metal from said plating solution, serves as a solution deflector and causes the solution flow along the strip edges to extend outward in a flat flow pattern.

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 spray plating method is shown wherein a multiplicity of spray nozzles mounted on a feed pipe direct a high velocity spray at an article to be plated. The spray is deflected onto portions of the article by metal deflectors located near the article. The deflectors serve as the anode of the plating process. This results in a high current density and a high plating rate. The method is advantageously used for hard plating gold onto connector pins or other articles on a continuous strip-plating line. In another application, metal may be selectively removed from an article. Different portions of an article may have different amounts of metal deposited or removed.

Abstract: Selected, relatively inaccessible, areas of surfaces (28) which define openings (21) that extend through a strip, which is being advanced at a relatively high velocity along a path through a closed plating cell, are electroplated with a minimum required thickness of metal. The strip (11) is cathodically charged and is masked along a portion of a path to expose at least the surfaces which define the openings. A flow passage for an electroplating electrolyte (41) is established from a source (42) past a charged anode (101) in a direction through the openings (21) and includes a linear portion extending substantially normal to the strip on each side thereof. The anode extends along the portion of the path, parallel to and spaced from the strip (11), and focused on the areas to be plated. The charged anode (101) and the exposed areas of surfaces of the strip (11) are contacted with the electrolyte (41) to charge the electrolyte and pass an electric current therethrough to plate the exposed areas of the surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are described for plating tin-lead solder on metallic surfaces. Particularly significant is the high plating rate and the limited amount of plating in designated areas of the metallic surface. Solder is introduced into the plating solution from anode baskets holding tin-lead solder. This apparatus and process are particularly adaptable for continuous strip plating on metallic electrical connectors.

Abstract: Mill scales formed on the surface of a steel wire are continuously removed by causing the wire to pass through a plurality of pairs of electrodes which are connected to an electric power source and arranged in series in an electrolytic cell without contacting the electrodes. This apparatus is applicable in a continuous stretching equipment.

Abstract: An improvement in a device for plating a thin layer of a first metal onto the surface of a generally flat metal strip formed of a second metal as the strip is moving in a selected direction along a given path, wherein the device includes an anode in the chamber and means for supplying electrolyte containing ions of the first metal between the anode and the moving strip. The improvement involves providing the anode as an electrically conductive, non-consumable, anode element having an outer surface with a transverse width substantially as great as the width of the strip. A plenum chamber is formed behind the anode element and generally coextensive with the outer surface of the element so that apertures in the anode element direct jets of electrolyte through the anode element and directly against the surface being plated to provide a uniformly turbulent flow of electrolyte at the surface of the strip.

Abstract: A method for the electrolytic tinning of steel strip in an electrolytic bath wherein the steel strip is the cathode and insoluble anodes are used, the electrodes are immersed in an electrolyte solution containing tin ions and wherein the concentration of the tin ions in the bath is controlled by passing the solution exterior of the bath in contact with tin in particulate form, while simultaneously maintaining a high content of dissolved oxygen in the solution. This latter treatment replenishes the tin concentration of the solution and the thus replenished electrolytic solution can be returned to the bath in a manner so as to consistently maintain the tin ion concentration at the desired level.

Abstract: A composite material for graphical applications, in particular for nameplate production and having foil of aluminium or one of its alloys stuck on to a support foil. This aluminium foil bears on its side facing away from the supporting layer an aluminium oxide layer, which is thick by comparison with the thickness of the aluminium foil, on top of which there is a further layer of a light sensitive plastic.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for continuous chromium electroplating of bars; bars are mechanically and electrically connected in an uninterrupted row, which is rotated and advanced along a straight path through an anode immersed within an electroplating bath. The bar surfaces, in the course section crossing the electroplating anode, are brushed clean by means of a stationary brushing device, acting on rotations bars.

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: A relatively little adherent and fragile powdery layer is deposited on a continuous metallic tape or strip by passing continuously said tape negatively polarized through an electrolytic bath contained in a vat and containing ions of the active metal to be deposited; in the bath is immersed an electrode made out of active metal and a compensation electrode; the powdery layer is consolidated by means of a calender.Said process is applicable to the manufacture of cadmium or zinc negative electrodes for electrochemical generators.

Abstract: A process for electrolytically forming on a metallic element a protective layer or film in an electrolyte consisting of an aqueous solution of preferably sodium silicate or alternately of other salts rendering the electrolyte substantially basic, the metallic element constituting the anode in the process. The processed metallic element has particular usefulness as a support member for photolithographic printing plate, the electrolytically formed film acting as a barrier layer preventing deterioration of the light sensitive diazo resin, or the like, utilized as a photosensitive coating on lithographic plates.

Abstract: While a rectangular sheet is being passed between a masking packing having at least one opening of a configuration corresponding to the selected area of the sheet to be plated and a pressure packing, a jet of plating solution is continuously directed from a nozzle against the masking packing opening or a jet of plating solution is intermittently directed from a specially designed nozzle against the opening in response to the intermittent movement of the rectangular sheet, thereby selectively plating the rectangular sheet in the lengthwise direction continuously or intermittently.

Abstract: Apparatus for electrolysis by projection for deposit of or removal of a metal material on parts which are at least partially electrically conducting, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one jet fed by a pump and which continuously projects the electrolyte onto a defined area on the surface of the parts, these parts being placed on a support with a device insuring their electrical connection to a direct current polarity while the other polarity is connected to an electrode positioned in the hydraulic circuit upstream of the jet.

Abstract: A galvanic coating apparatus for coating of relatively long objects. The coating apparatus is provided with a trough for accommodating a bath liquid with the trough including two opposite end walls, each of which are provided with an opening for permitting the long object to pass therethrough. The trough is disposed in a larger container which is also provided with two openings for accommodating the object to be coated. The openings in the trough and the container are arranged such that they are in alignment when the trough is disposed in the container.

Abstract: An electrolytic process and a cathode structure for use in the process for treatment of an elongated strip of metal as the strip is passed between an anode immersed in an acidic anolyte solution and a cathode immersed in a basic catholyte solution separated from the anolyte solution by an ion-permeable membrane. The cathode structure includes means for directing a flow of the catholyte solution through a chamber enclosing a negatively-charged cathode plate to cool the structure and to remove hydrogen gas which is evolved on the active cathode surface to increase the efficiency of the electrolytic process.

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 method of continuously electroplating alloys onto strip and wire. The strip is moved in an essentially mirror symmetrical path through the plating bath with the anode generally bisected by the mirror plane. The distance between anode and strip is smaller within the mirror plane, and larger at strip positions removed from the mirror plane, resulting in essentially uniform current density over the length of the strip immersed in the plating bath and in a homogeneous composition of the plated surface layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using same are disclosed for electro-polishing large flat or slightly curved surfaces on metal objects. The apparatus includes a shallow structure for electro-polishing flat horizontal surfaces, and a thin deep structure for electro-polishing vertical surfaces. The structure may be a tank having a liquid bath therein for immersing therein the metal object to be electro-polished. If the object is too large to be immersed in a separate tank, a temporary liquid bath containing structure is built on and around the object such that the surface to be electro-polished forms a boundary of the liquid containing structure. In either embodiment, a movable electrode (cathode) is depended from the sides of the structure and includes an active portion thereof which is positioned parallel to and spatially related from at least a portion of the surface to be electro-polished.

Abstract: Continuous lengths of metal foil, such as 4 micron thick nickel foil stored in coils, are perforated by anodic etching through a perforated titanium mask while foil and mask are simultaneously moving together through electrolytic etching bath.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for the continuous manufacture of metal foil or printed circuit patterns includes a cathode supported over a plating tank with its flat bottom surface disposed horizontally. A continuous strip of basis metal to be plated is fed horizontally over the tank from reel to reel while being held in sliding contact with the bottom surface of the cathode by suction. Within the plating tank a pair of insoluble anodes having a block of electrically insulating material sandwiched therebetween are mounted opposite to the cathode, with a spacing between each anode and the basis metal traveling under the cathode. The insulating block has an upwardly opening groove formed transversely therein, and from this groove the electrolyte solution within the tank is caused to flow turbulently through the spaces between the anodes and the basis metal traveling under the cathode in order to speed the electrodeposition, as of copper, on the downward-facing surface of the basis metal.

Abstract: A cathode structure for use in an electrolytic process in which the article or material to be treated is passed between an anode immersed in an anolyte solution and a cathode immersed in a catholyte solution separated from the anolyte solution by an ion-permeable membrane. The cathode structure includes means for flowing the catholyte solution over the charged cathode surface at a rate sufficient to remove gas which is evolved on the surface and to control the temperature of the solution to protect the membrane separating the two electrolytic solutions.

Abstract: In a horizontal-type electroplating apparatus which includes a tank containing an electroplating bath for electroplating onto a single surface of running metal strip, the tank including anodes therein which have a width substantially equal to the width of the strip which passes through the tank, the apparatus also including an electric insulator sheet positioned in contacting relation to the upper surface of the strip which is opposite to the lower surface facing the anodes, the improvement wherein a nozzle for supplying the electroplating solution to the bath in the tank is provided at the bottom of the tank and is oriented to discharge the solution towards the lower surface of the running strip; wherein gas-jet nozzles are positioned to discharge gas towards the zones of the upper surface of the strip which are not contacted by the integral insulator sheet; and wherein an overflow device is provided along the side of the tank to control the level of the plating solution substantially equal to the level of t

Abstract: A process for the production of electroplated aluminium stock, such as strip or wire, comprises passing the stock continuously through a bath having a high dissolving power for aluminium oxide, such as strong aqueous sulphuric acid and phosphoric acid and subsequently through an electroplating bath, the first bath having a cathode electrode and the electroplating bath having an anode electrode so that the stock is anodic in the first bath. The stock may pass through one or more intermediate non-electrolytic treatment stages, such as immersion tinning or zincating. It may also pass through one or more electrolytic pretreatment stages during its passage between the first bath and the electroplating bath. In such pretreatment stages, such as the application of a bronze strike, there may be an anode electrode at the same potential as the anode in the electroplating bath.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the continuous electrolytic refining and electrochemical extraction of elements and compounds, in which cathodes and anodes, connected to a D.C. power supply, are continuously moved through a tank containing electrolyte along parallel paths with the direction of movement of the cathodes being opposite that of the anodes. Since the effective area of the cathodes increases as the effective area of the anodes decreases, the opposite motion of the anodes and cathodes tends to equalize the effective areas of the cathodes and anodes in close proximity with one another along the entire length of travel through the tank, thus allowing a higher current density to be maintained, and a high quality deposit on the cathodes. The cathodes and/or anodes can be in the form of a continuous sheet or a series of individual plates.

Abstract: Continuous lengths of metal foil, such as 4 micron thick nickel foil stored in coils, are perforated by anodic etching through a perforated titanium mask while foil and mask are simultaneously moving together through electrolytic etching bath.

Abstract: A process of electro-plating elongate articles of passive metal with a thin, homogeneous coating of a noble metal. The article is passed through an electrolyte bath comprising a salt melt of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals containing a cyano radical. The articles are guided through the bath by guides of a material selected from oxides of aluminum, silicon, yttrium, or zirconium; nitrides of silicon, borium, or titanium; or carbides of silicon or titanium. The entire process is carried out in an inert atmosphere.

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: An apparatus is described for selectively depositing a continuous stripe of one type of material on a strip of another type of material as the strip is transported through the apparatus on a path of spaced rails. The rails are provided for supporting the strip along its lateral edges. A weight or pressure in the form of a movable member is carried on the strip between tape-guiding means for forming a fluid-tight seal between the lateral edges of the strip and the rails. A plurality of fluid jets are provided in a line between the rails for jetting fluid against the strip. At opposite ends of the line of jets there is provided at least one fluid jet for jetting fluid inwardly against the back-spray of fluid from the strip for preventing the escape of spent fluid from between the rails and preventing plating in unwanted areas. Means are also provided for changing the width and position of the stripe on the strip by changing the relative position of the rails and strip-guiding means.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electroplating device for partially plating a series of items moving along a path at a constant level, the device including at least one electroplating bath positioned along the path having end walls with slots therein through which the items to be plated may pass, and an end wall configuration adjacent the slot which combines with a circulation pump to maintain a constant liquid level in the bath above the bottom of the slot.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for high speed wire and/or strip line electroplating of metals such as tin and zinc on a metal substrate by utilizing in the anode assembly therefor a combination of the plating metal as the anode and an anode support comprised essentially of a member selected from the group consisting of tantalum, niobium, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An improved process for electrolytically coloring an anodically oxidized aluminum or aluminum base alloy strip or wire which comprises, while continuously travelling the strip or wire through an electrolytic coloring means, subjecting the anodically oxidized strip or wire as a cathode to direct current electrolysis using an electrolytic coloring means comprising at least one hollow body having an opening for continuously supplying a coloring bath onto the surface of the oxidized strip or wire and an electrode acting as an anode therein, and continuously supplying the coloring bath through the opening of the hollow body onto the surface of the oxidized strip or wire.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for moving at least one aluminum anode with respect to a cathode, to maintain a fixed determined distance between the anode and cathode. An emulsion or contaminated water to be treated is run in the region between the electrodes, and means are provided for preferably running the emulsion or water along the aluminum anode before it reaches the space between the electrodes. The flock is then removed from the resultant flocculated liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for electroplating wire cable having a plastic sheath which has been made conductive. The apparatus comprises a T-tube containing one or more anodes having a geometric configuration which creates an electric field substantially symmetric about any point on the axis of the T-tube along which the cable passes during the plating operation. Means are provided for cathode contact, for advancing the cable through the apparatus, and for maintaining a proper level of plating solution.