Abstract: Apparatus for the electrolytic deposition of metal onto metallic or appropriately pre-treated non-metallic objects and cleaning these objects of adhering surface treatment agents after further treatment as well as recovery of these treatment agents, with treatment station, drum installation, anodes, work container, supply bin, rotating arrangement, dosing and measuring arrangements, electrical attachments as well as connected conduit tubes, thereby characterized in that in the work container with overflow arrangement, two anodes are semicircularly arranged around the drum aggregate, whereby the work container is connected across an opening with fractionating arrangement, to a supply container with vacuum space for the surface treatment agent, which can be adjusted to a reduced pressure by means of a vacuum arrangement, and whereby the supply container is connected across a recirculation conduit to the work container, as well as a method using this apparatus. With current density up to 20.0 A/dm.sup.

Abstract: A metal finishing barrel having a body section 10 extending between a pair of end caps 12, that includes a sidewall comprising a plurality of wall sections 14, 16 joined edge-to-edge. In one embodiment, the wall sections are formed from a single, continuous sheet member 44, bent along lines of weakness in the form of V-shaped notches 46 that each define a relatively thin, hinge-like bridging section 46a that connects adjacent wall sections. External locking ribs 50 coengage edge portions of adjacent wall sections to maintain the sheet member in its assembled configuration. Alternately, individual wall panels 14', 16' are fabricated with beveled edge surfaces 46' and are secured in edge confronting engagement by the external locking ribs. In an alternate embodiment, an internal locking rib is employed that also serves as a tumbling rib and coengages locking grooves formed on inside surfaces of edge portions of each wall section.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for treating work pieces, and particularly to electroplating small metal articles such as nuts, bolts, arms, hangers and the like. The apparatus, with little variation, could also be used for cleaning, pickling, tumbling, blackening, dying, etc. The apparatus comprises a plurality of horizontally disposed cylinders, each having an inlet and an outlet, with the outlet of the first cylinder in communication with the inlet of a succeeding cylinder. The cylinders are rotatable about their axes in opposite directions and each has a spiral rib in the body thereof pitched in a certain direction, and a spiral rib in the outlet also pitched in said certain direction. Each cylinder also has a spiral rib in its inlet and this spiral is pitched in a direction opposite to that of the ribs in the cylinder body and the outlet thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the galvanic deposition of aluminum from aprotic organoaluminum electrolytes utilizing a rotatable galvanizing globe, a rotatable electrolyte container, and tubular connecting means joining said container and said globe to one another.

Abstract: A cleaning and plating method and apparatus comprising a plurality of tank assemblies arranged in series through which a batch of articles to be cleaned and plated is moved successively. Each tank assembly comprises a tank containing liquid treating or plating material. A barrel is at least partly submerged in each tank and is rotated about its longitudinal axis. The ends of the barrel are open and the barrel is formed with baffles on the interior thereof. When the barrel is rotated in one direction, the articles are agitated through the liquid and when the barrel is rotated in the other direction, the articles are elevated and deposited on a chute for transfer to the next succeeding tank assembly.

Abstract: A system for the galvanic deposition of aluminum from aprotic organo-aluminum electrolytes free from oxygen and water wherein it is not necessary to remove a galvanizing drum from its associated galvanizing tank in order to load and unload work pieces being galvanized from the drum.

Abstract: Rigid dangler cathode assemblies for use in a conventional, rotatable electroplating barrel are disclosed which remain relatively stationary in position within the barrel as the barrel is rotated in an electrolyte solution in which it is immersed. Each of the assemblies includes an L-shaped rod having a vertically extending end portion which lies within a guideway of a hanger arm rotatably attached to the outer barrel end wall and a horizontally extending end portion which projects through a hub in the barrel end wall into the interior of the barrel. A disc-shaped weight is slippably mounted offcenter on the rod within the barrel, which weight has a center of gravity below the rod.

Abstract: A metal plating process and apparatus is disclosed and includes a plurality of pre-plating stations comprising tanks or reservoirs containing various cleaning and rinsing solutions. A pulse plating or gold flash station including a plating tank is provided after the pre-plating stations, and a plurality of post-plating stations or tanks are provided after the pulse-plating station. Rotatable barrels for containing work loads are carried along a path of travel from station to station along the process. Differential speed mechanisms are provided along the process so that the work load containers rotate at a slower rate of rotation while traveling through air than while the containers are disposed within the various tanks or stations along the process.

Abstract: The device is a portable drum having a removable end cap and a removable plug. The end cap is electrically connected to an electric current and has a pair of anodes secured to the inside thereof. A cathode is mounted on the inside of the end cap, along with a perforated basket. The film is chopped up and placed in the drum. Bleach, water, and photography fixer solution are added through the plug. The solution washes the silver ions off of the film as the drum is rotated about its axis. The silver collects on the negatively charged cathode. The perforated basket prevents any pieces of film from coming in contact with the cathode. The cathode can then be removed and the silver removed from the cathode.

Abstract: A plating barrel having a number of plating electrodes coupled to a constant source of electrical potential outside the barrel and connected to a metal plate which rotates with the barrel. A spring biases a non-rotating conductor against the plate inside the barrel to provide a low resistance path to the constant source outside the barrel. A number of seals prevent plating solution from reaching the contact between plate and conductor to avoid corrosion and/or plating of the contact area.

Abstract: A contactor and a dangler assembly for particular use in a plating barrel for electro-chemical plating operations. The dangler assembly is comprised of a sheathed electrical conductor having a connector disposed at one end and the contactor disposed at the other end. The contactor is comprised of a generally cylindrical housing and an elongated lag screw. An internal passageway defined by three coaxial bore sections extends between opposed casing outer and inner ends and is dimensioned to closely receive a portion of the length of the sheathed electrical conductor from the cable other end. The side wall of the second or central one of the bore sections is advantageously threaded substantially over the length thereof to enhance conductor retention thereby. Upon insertion of the lag screw into the passageway from the casing inner end, the lag screw shank axially penetrates the electrical conductor to cause radial expansion thereof into close retained engagement by the passageway side wall.

Abstract: A portable unit for recovering metallic silver from photographic processing solutions includes a lightweight, molded tank structure. Spaced, elongate, stationary anodes are disposed within the tank and are positioned parallel to each other. An elongate cathode assembly is supported for rotation in the tank about an axis parallel to the anodes. The cathode assembly includes a specially configured apertured barrel designed to promote efficient contact between photographic solution and the remainder of the cathode components. The barrel is readily removed from the unit and disassembled to permit cathode components to be stripped of plated silver. Alternate cathode constructions are disclosed by which extremely efficient plating and silver recovery may be accomplished. The unit also includes a drive shaft seal assembly for supporting the cathode assembly for rotation. The seal assembly is flexible to permit operation of the device even when misaligned bearing support structures are provided.

Abstract: An electrolytic stripping cell is provided which is particularly adapted for use in processing shredded, silver brazed, stainless steel honeycomb scrap. The cell comprises a mesh anode basket which rotates within a cathode cylinder to provide partial stirring of the cell electrolyte. The anode basket includes a central hollow shaft having holes therein through which the electrolyte continually circulates. The basket includes wiper blades for dislodging silver dentrites which grow between the anode and cathode and which, as they fall, are collected in a mesh basket located at the bottom of the cell housing.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electroplating electrode characterized by a drum having a longitudinally-extending groove therein that constitutes the groove of a first tongue and groove connector, the tongue of which comprises a second tongue and groove connector adapted for insertion into the groove of the first.

Abstract: An automatic electroplating apparatus which comprises a power-driven larger rotary drum containing plating solution therein, a plurality of power-driven smaller rotary drums disposed within the larger drum and immersed in the plating solution, and a plurality of through holes formed in each of the smaller drums for permitting the plating solution to interflow between insides of the larger and the smaller drums, each of the smaller drums being arranged so as to rotate on its own axis and synchronously to revolve orbitally around a vertical axis of the larger drum.

Abstract: Method for treating metal containing waste water employing a vessel containing the waste water in which there is provided at least one anode and a cathode comprised of a plurality of electrically conductive elements and in which the waste water is subjected to electrolysis during which the cathode elements are being moved. The cathode elements are provided in the form of rods which are arranged in the vessel by means of at least two holding devices so that the rods extend parallel to one another and can be moved in the holding devices relative to one another. The holding devices are moved during the electrolysis process so that the rods strike one another again and again at spaced intervals. An apparatus is provided for practicing the method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single electroplating apparatus capable of utilizing varying numbers and sizes of drums for electroplating batches of small elements. All drums have a common end portion which connects with the apparatus to orient the drum with an essentially horizontal axis of rotation permitting interchangeability of drums. The drums in a preferred embodiment are diecast from a synthetic plastic and have mesh sides to facilitate electrolyte circulation and current flow.

Abstract: Method for treating metal containing waste water employing a vessel containing the waste water in which there is provided at least one anode and a cathode consisting essentially of electrically conductive particles and in which the waste water is subjected to electrolysis during which the waste water and the particles of the cathode are being moved. The particles of the cathode are arranged in a cage closed on all sides whose walls are perforated. The cage is moved by an external force during the electrolysis in order to move the particles. The waste water is simultaneously moved by producing a forced flow through the particles. An apparatus is provided for practicing the method.

Abstract: A loading and unloading station for the chemical and/or electro-chemical treatment of mass-produced parts contained in a rotatable drum, the rotatable drum having a cover which is displaceable in a direction parallel to its axis in a controlled, pre-determined, angular position by means of a pressure cylinder, to open or close a filling aperture.

Abstract: A method of conducting an electrolysis is described. The method comprises tumbling an anode made up of a plurality of electrically conducting particles in an electrolyte while feeding a positive D.C. current to the particles. The current is fed via an anode feeder that is connected to a positive D.C. supply. A cathode is maintained in electrical contact with the electrolyte and is spaced from the anode. A negative direct current is applied to the cathode.

Abstract: Method for treating metal containing waste water employing a vessel containing the waste water in which there is provided at least one anode and a cathode comprised of a plurality of electrically conductive elements and in which the waste water is subjected to electrolysis during which the cathode elements are being moved. The cathode elements are provided in the form of rods which are arranged in the vessel by means of at least two holding devices so that the rods extend parallel to one another and can be moved in the holding devices relative to one another. The holding devices are moved during the electrolysis process so that the rods strike one another again and again at spaced intervals. An apparatus is provided for practicing the method.

Abstract: Method for treating metal containing waste water employing a vessel containing the waste water in which there is provided at least one anode and a cathode consisting essentially of electrically conductive particles and in which the waste water is subjected to electrolysis during which the waste water and the particles of the cathode are being moved. The particles of the cathode are arranged in a cage closed on all sides whose walls are perforated. The cage is moved by an external force during the electrolysis in order to move the particles. The waste water is simultaneously moved by producing a forced flow through the particles. An apparatus is provided for practicing the method.

Abstract: A cathode for an electro-chemical apparatus, such as an electroplating barrel, is provided with a contactor removably attached to the end of the electrical conductor cable in order to be discarded and readily replaced by another contactor after the plating material "builds-up" on the contactor to a condition where the plating inhibits electrical conductivity. The combination of a cathode and a length of insulated electrical conductor cable extending into the electroplating barrel is referred to in the art as a dangler. The subject dangler assembly comprises an insulated conductor cable having one end stripped of insulation.

Abstract: The processing apparatus comprises a rotatable barrel supported from a stationary cross bar by a pair of stationary U-shaped hanger arm and collar bearing assemblies of rigid construction, with one assembly opposite each end of the barrel. Inner portions of the collar bearings are received in openings provided in the ends of the barrel and upon which the barrel is adapted to rotate about the axis of the barrel. The outer portions of the collar bearings are located outside of the barrel and are provided with circumferentially extending annular grooves which surround the axis of the barrel. The ends of the U-shaped hanger arms are secured to mounting lugs provided on the cross bar, with the bottoms of the U-shaped hanger arms being located in the grooves and wrapped around the collar bearings. The hanger arms are each secured in two places, one to the corresponding mounting lug and the other to the corresponding stationary collar bearing.

Abstract: A system for the continuous dielectrophoretic separation of mixtures of particulate and granular materials by passing the materials through a divergent electric field created in a fluid dielectric medium by applying a voltage to an electrode configuration including a rotatable cylindrical-shaped electrode having a non-uniform conductor surface and a stationary perforate electrode spaced therefrom to define a contact zone. The particles having dielectric constants lower than that of the fluid medium are collected through the perforate electrode while those particles having dielectric constants higher than that of the fluid medium are attracted to and separated by the rotatable electrode.

Abstract: In a procedure of preparing fibrous metal material by electrolytically deiting metal on conductive fibres forming a skeleton, the fibres are carded during deposition of the metal. The fibres are carded in a rotatable drum containing a fibre carding device which operates during rotation of the drum to card fibres whilst metal is being electrolytically deposited on the fibres.

Abstract: A dielectric processing chamber unit for use in electroprocessing large surface areas including electropolishing and electroplating. The processing chamber unit has an open face, an open top, a sealing strip, an electrolyte inlet and an electrode. The processing chamber unit is placed with its open face against a surface to be electroprocessed and an electrolyte is introduced into the chamber through the inlet. The inlet is located so that the entering electrolyte dislodges gas bubbles formed during electroprocessing and then both the electrolyte and gas leave the chamber through its open top.A method of electroprocessing a surface using such a processing chamber unit whereby a relatively small amount of electrolyte is used and recirculated during processing.

Abstract: A method of electroplating tin - cobalt, tin - nickel or tin - cobalt - nickel alloys as a substitute for chrome plating. An electroplating barrel having dangler members of a length sufficient to contact and partially overlay the inner surface of said barrel is disclosed for performing said method.

Abstract: An improved barrel-type treating apparatus comprising a framework, a foraminous treating barrel having an elongated opening supported at its ends on the framework, and a drive mechanism including a shaft on the framework having a driven gear at one end drivingly coupled to the barrel, a drive gear at the opposite end coupled to the shaft through a slip clutch and a stop arm on the shaft for engaging an abutment at a treating station to limit oscillating movement of the barrel between an angularity of preferably at least about 180.degree. up to an angularity below that at which workpieces are inadvertently discharged from the barrel opening. The gear on the barrel is preferably provided with coacting means to prevent loss of synchronization between the barrel and drive assembly. A secondary drive assembly is also preferably provided for oscillating the barrel through a controlled angularity while in an elevated position above a treating station to facilitate drainage of treating solution from the workpieces.

Abstract: Apparatus for electrodepositing aluminum from aprotic, oxygen-free and water-free organo-aluminum electrolytes in which a heatable treatment tank is closed off in an airtight manner and contains a rotatable electroplating drum with a first heatable tank for storing an aprotic oxygen-free and water-free organo-aluminum electrolyte and a second tank for storing a rinsing liquid connected to the treatment tank.

Abstract: There is provided a plating system comprising a series of plating and/or processing tanks with spiral grooved plating and processing barrels. The spiral groove is located interally of the barrels which are substantially hollow. The spiral groove or channel is arranged to automatically translate the material to be plated through the barrels. In addition, each barrel includes a chute at the end of the spiral groove. The chute is arranged such that the plated material from one barrel is automatically transferred into the adjacent barrel or the like wherein no manual labor is required. Internally of at least one of the barrels is disposed a plating unit comprising a plurality of individual, flexible strips which contact material to be plated thereby determining the polarity of the material and assisting in the plating process.

Abstract: Relatively large parts, such as large fasteners and the like, are mass electroplated in a plating drum rotatable in a plating solution, without damaging contact of the parts with one another, by confining the parts in separate plating cells of the drum containing openings for circulation of plating solution through the cells and electrodes between which the parts move back and forth during drum rotation to effect exposure of the entire surface area of each part to the electroplating action.

Abstract: This invention relates to the recovery of tin as tin metal from tin plate scrap on a continuous basis comprising continuously advancing shredded scrap through an electrically anodic rotating perforated drum partially but not completely immersed in a caustic solution containing no oxidizing agents, plating the tin content of said tin plate scrap upon cathodes disposed obversely and externally to said electrically anodic rotating drum arranged in a longitudinal row on the inside wall of a tank containing said caustic solution.

Abstract: An electroplating barrel of polygon shape has interlocked panels, and each panel has an outer grid portion defining relatively large rectangular openings, and an integrally formed inner portion including a perforated plate contiguous with the outer grid portion. A method is disclosed for forming the panel from polypropylene with a substantial portion of chopped glass fibers both the inner and outer panel portions being integrally formed with one another in an injection molding machine.

Abstract: An arrangement for the chemical treatment or galvanizing of articles or bulk materials in which the articles to be treated or processed are made of metal, plastics or other materials, and are held within a drum. The wall of the drum is provided with distributed openings or perforations having a conical shape in an alternating manner.

Abstract: A plastic polehydral electroplating barrel whose rails, end heads and perforate panels are made of a mineral or fiberglass-filled thermoplastic resin, preferably fiberglass-filled polypropylene, in which the perforate panels are made of modules which when abutted edge to edge form the 30 or 36 inch panel, each module being made of a relatively thin perforate plate injection molded to contain an increased number of square drainage holes and a plurality of crossed ribs upstanding from the plate to strengthen it, those edges of the modules which engage in the rail and head grooves being reinforced to reduce load stress at the connecting points. The modules can be held in abutting relation unconnected to each other in the final barrel assembly, or can be interconnected by tongues and grooves, or can be welded together. The ribbed injection molded perforate panels can be used as inserts to make barrel halves or barrel bodies by matched metal low pressure molding.

Abstract: An electroplating barrel for immersion in an electroplating electrolyte or other treatment liquid and for tumbling therein a bulk-mass of small parts, made of either electrolessly metal-coated plastics (synthetic resins) or of metals. The tumbling barrel consists essentially of a pair of spaced end walls, an annular treatment chamber defined by inner and outer peripheral walls between the end walls, and cathodic contacts, the length of the barrel being significantly less than the average overall diameter thereof.

Abstract: A hanger bracket for supporting a rotatable barrel within a fluid treatment tank, which bracket is in turn mounted on a support frame. A metal strip is sealed within the plastic hanger bracket in fluid tight arrangement to strengthen the bracket against bending and twisting. The bracket itself is curved inwardly from its connection to the frame toward its connection with the barrel to compensate for changes in the length of the barrel due to thermal expansion and contraction when the barrel is moved from one environment to another.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrolytic treatment drum of the type suspended by a drive pulley.This drum comprises a double-flanged wheel in which passes the suspension and drive belt, this drum comprising an inwardly opening door, of which the axis is fast with an arm provided with a catch, which, during rotation, is pushed by the belt into one of two notches according to the direction of rotation, opening or closing the door.

Abstract: A plastic polehydral electroplating barrel whose rails, end heads and perforate panels are made of a mineral or fiberglass-filled thermoplastic resin, preferably fiberglass-filled polypropylene, in which the perforate panels are made of modules which when abutted edge to edge form the 30 or 36 inch panel, each module being made of a relatively thin perforate plate injection molded to contain an increased number of square drainage holes and a plurality of crossed ribs upstanding from the plate to strengthen it, those edges of the modules which engage in the rail and head grooves being reinforced to reduce load stress at the connecting points. The modules can be held in abutting relation unconnected to each other in the final barrel assembly, or can be interconnected by tongues and grooves, or can be welded together. The ribbed injection molded perforate panels can be used as inserts to make barrel halves or barrel bodies by matched metal low pressure molding.

Abstract: A rotatable barrel for the surface treatment of particulate matter enclosed therein including a generally round perforated barrel with end elements. An opening is provided in the side for the insertion and discharge of particulate matter and a door for opening and closing said opening is mounted on lever arms to swing in an arc between open and closed positions. The lever arms are mounted on hubs extending from the ends of the barrel along its axis of rotation and are mechanically, rigidly attached to gears spaced from the ends of the barrel. A limitation is placed on the arc through which the door may swing relative to the barrel; stop means are provided both adjacent one edge of the opening and remote from the other edge of the opening whereby the door may swing into closed position in abutment with the one stop means adjacent the opening and may swing completely out of the opening into engagement with the other stop means.

Abstract: A nonsymmetrical electroplating barrel having two end pieces and six sides, one side being a door opening suitable for loading and unloading the barrel. The door opening having a width greater than each of the other five sides. The two sides closest to the door opening being of the same width but being of a smaller width than the door and the other three sides. The three sides farthest from the door being of uniform width. The purpose of the dimensional limitations is to increase the inside volume of the electroplating barrel while using a conventional pair of end pieces thereby allowing the larger volume barrel to be substituted in conventional sizes of electroplating tanks.

Abstract: Polygon shaped barrels of different size can be readily assembled from conventional end plates of appropriate diameter, and conventional support members connect the end plates to one another to define rectangular openings. Panels, which can be readily cut to size along predetermined lines are placed in these openings. The largest barrel size utilizes panels which need not be cut, whereas proportionately smaller barrels are made up from panels cut to predetermined, somewhat smaller, sizes. Each panel includes an outer portion having relatively wide generally longitudinally extending ribs, and intersecting cross ribs, to define relatively large rectangular openings. The inner portion of each panel has smaller openings defined by partitions molded integrally to this one-piece, "one-size" panel.