Abstract: A large-width cathode roller for producing high-strength ultra-thin copper foil includes titanium side plates and a titanium cylinder sealed by the titanium side plates, and a cathode roller core penetrated through the titanium side plates. Steel-copper explosive clad cylinders and a steel support plate are disposed in/on the side plate, inner ring surfaces of the side plates and the copper plates are connected to a copper sleeve around the cathode roller core, outer ring surfaces of the copper plates and the steel support plates are connected to a copper cylinder, inner ring surfaces of the steel support plates are connected to the cathode roller core; and multiple electrically conductive support rings on the copper cylinder are connected to the copper plates on two sides through the electrically conductive copper bars to form a conducting loop to improve the distribution uniformity of the current on the surface of the cathode roller.

Abstract: A device and method for preparing high-purity titanium powder by continuous electrolysis are provided. The method includes: electrolyzing a titanium-containing conductive ceramic anode and a rotatable cathode in a fused salt electrolytic tank; continuously transferring titanium powder deposited on a surface of the cathode by the rotatable cathode to a position above the fused salt; scraping the titanium powder by a discharging scraper, and collecting; filtering the titanium powder, and recovering the fused salt; cooling separated titanium powder, washing with deoxygenated and deionized water, and vacuum-drying to obtain final titanium powder. The device includes a fused salt electrolysis mechanism, a continuous titanium powder collection mechanism, a filtering mechanism, a washing mechanism, and a vacuum-drying mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an electrolytic copper foil includes an electrolytic bath defining a cavity for receiving an electrolyte; an internal drum partially disposed in the cavity; an outer drum in contact with a surface of the internal drum; a counter electrode positioned in the cavity of the electrolytic bath and positioned to be spaced apart from the internal drum by a predetermined distance; and a power supply unit electrically connecting the internal drum and the counter electrode.

Abstract: A salt cell chlorinator adapted to run a self-cleaning program by scraping off residual buildup, the salt cell chlorinator having: electrodes arranged in a line within a housing, each electrode having: a first face; and an opposite second face; rotary wipers arranged within the line of the electrodes, such that each rotary wiper is adapted to make contact with at least one electrode of the electrodes, wherein each rotary wiper is adapted to rotate simultaneously on the first face or the second face of the electrodes; a drive motor adapted to cause a rotation of the rotary wipers; a control panel adapted to customize the self-cleaning program to run at a predetermined time interval; wherein the rotation of the rotary wipers removes the residual buildup from the electrodes; and wherein the predetermined time interval occurs between occurrences of the chlorination program.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrathin copper foil which has improved thickness accuracy of an ultrathin copper layer on a supporting copper foil. An ultrathin copper foil which is provided with a supporting copper foil, a releasing layer that is laminated on the supporting copper foil, and an ultrathin copper layer that is laminated on the releasing layer. The thickness accuracy of the ultrathin copper layer as determined by a weight thickness method is 3.0% or less.

Abstract: A differential signal transmission cable includes an insulated wire section including a pair of signal line conductors extending parallel to each other for transmitting a differential signal and an insulation covering the pair of signal line conductors, and a shield conductor including a band-shaped metal foil and spirally wound around the insulate wire section so as to overlap at a portion in a width direction thereof. An allowable elongation of the shield conductor as a stretchable limit in a longitudinal direction without breaking is not less than 2% at normal temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are electroplating systems for forming a layer of metal on a wafer which include an electroplating module and a wafer edge imaging system. The electroplating module may include a cell for containing an anode and an electroplating solution during electroplating, and a wafer holder for holding the wafer in the electroplating solution and rotating the wafer during electroplating. The wafer edge imaging system may include a wafer holder for holding and rotating the wafer through different azimuthal orientations, a camera oriented for obtaining multiple azimuthally separated images of a process edge of the wafer while it is held and rotated (the process edge corresponding to the outer edge of the layer of metal formed on the wafer), and image analysis logic for determining an edge exclusion distance, wherein the edge exclusion distance is a distance between the wafer's edge and the process edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to an equipment for the surface treatment of parts (4), that comprises a plurality of treatment vats arranged in series and comprising rotating drums (2) provided with means for temporarily attaching the parts to be processed and having their axes (XX?) rotatingly mounted horizontally so that the major portion of each drum (2) is submerged in the processing liquid contained in the corresponding vat, and a conveyor line (14) for supplying each drum (2) with parts to be processed and for removing from said drum the parts already processed, characterized in that the conveying process is carried out along a general axis (ZZ?), and in that the axes (XX?) of the drums are parallel relative to each other and parallel to the general axis (ZZ?) of the conveyor line.

Abstract: An electro-thinning apparatus for removing excess metal from the surface metal layer of the substrate is provided. The apparatus includes an electrolysis bath, a transportation system, an anode roller, a cathode roller, and at least one shielding plate. The electrolysis bath contains an electrolysis liquid. The transportation system is disposed in the electrolysis bath for moving a substrate from an upstream end to a downstream end. The anode roller is disposed relative to the electrolysis bath and located upstream to the transportation system. The cathode roller is located above the transportation system and located downstream to the anode roller. The at least one shielding plate is located downstream to the cathode roller. During electrolysis, the anode roller contacts a surface metal layer of the substrate while the cathode roller is partly immersed in the electrolysis liquid and away from the surface metal layer of the substrate during electrolysis.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus for electroplating a surface of a wafer is provided. The wafer is capable of being electrically charged as a cathode. The electroplating apparatus includes a plating head capable of being positioned either over or under the surface of a wafer and capable of being electrically charged as an anode. The plating head is capable of enabling metallic plating between the surface of the wafer and the plating head when the wafer and plating head are charged. The plating head further comprises a voltage sensor pair capable of sensing a voltage present between the plating head and the surface of the wafer, and a controller capable of receiving data from the voltage sensor pair. The data received from the voltage sensor pair is used by the controller to maintain a substantially constant voltage to be applied by the anode when the plating head is placed in positions over the surface of the wafer. A method of electroplating a wafer is also provided.

Abstract: Analytical methods and devices are disclosed for separating low abundance analytes by electrophoretically driving the analytes through a sieving matrix to first remove high molecular weight species. Subsequently the remaining low abundance analytes are electrophoretically focused onto a capture membrane where the analytes become bound within a small capture site. After this step the capture membrane may be allowed to dry and then attached to a conductive MALDI sample plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide electrical contacts to a workpiece to facilitate electrotreating processes, including electroplating and electroetching processes are presented.

Abstract: A flow through capacitor system is provided having one or more movable electrodes. A movable electrode may be in the form of a movable belt structure or a roller. The system further includes at least one subsystem for removing ions that accumulate at the one or more movable electrodes.

Abstract: Substantially uniform deposition of conductive material on a surface of a substrate, which substrate includes a semiconductor wafer, from an electrolyte containing the conductive material can be provided by way of a particular device which includes first and second conductive elements. The first conductive element can have multiple electrical contacts, of identical or different configurations, or may be in the form of a conductive pad, and can contact or otherwise electrically interconnect with the substrate surface over substantially all of the substrate surface. Upon application of a potential between the first and second conductive elements while the electrolyte makes physical contact with the substrate surface and the second conductive element, the conductive material is deposited on the substrate surface. It is possible to reverse the polarity of the voltage applied between the anode and the cathode so that electro-etching of deposited conductive material can be performed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for at least partly removing a deposit created in the electrolytic refining or electrowinning of metal from the surface of the mother plate used as an electrode in the refining or electrowinning process, said device comprising at least one member for removing the deposit and at least one member for controlling the removal member with respect to the deposit to be removed. According to the invention, the device comprises at least one gripping element that is used for creating a mechanical contact between the deposit and the removal member, said gripping element being connected to a control member, to which there are coupled both the shaft part of the gripping element and the deposit removal member.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for electrolytically manufacturing a metal foil which can precisely control the uniformity of the foil thickness in a transverse direction of the metal foil, when the metal foil is continuously manufactured through the electroprecipitation by the use of a drum-like rotating cathode.

Abstract: A mobile zinc stripping device for stripping zinc from cathodes comprising a moveable base frame, a cathode support frame to support the cathodes during stripping, a stripping assembly for stripping the zinc sheets from the cathodes and at least one power source for powering the stripping assembly. The stripping assembly includes a lateral stripper for separating an upper edge of a zinc sheet from each of the cathodes, the lateral stripper being adapted to bias away from the cathode immediately upon entering between the zinc sheet and the cathode, and a scraping device for completing removal of the sheet from each said cathode. The device also includes a cathode cleaner and a bottom up stacker assembly for stacking zinc sheets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for manufacturing a Ni—Fe alloy thin foil using a single-step electrodeposition-based plating process without requiring processes such as melting, casting, forging, and rolling. A manufacturing apparatus is provided which includes an electrolyzer adapted to receive an electrolyte containing, as a major component thereof, a solution of nickel and iron compounds, a cathode partially dipped in the electrolyte and arranged in such a fashion that it is rotatable, an anode completely dipped in the electrolyte and arranged in such a fashion that it faces the cathode while being spaced apart from the cathode by a desired distance, and a current supply device adapted to generate a flow of current between the cathode and the anode, whereby a Ni—Fe alloy thin film is electrodeposited to a desired thickness over a surface of the cathode facing the anode, and then peeled off from the surface of the cathode, so that a continuous Ni—Fe alloy thin foil is manufactured.

Abstract: An electrodeposition cell for electrodepositing metal onto a surface of a rotating drum that is partially immersed in an electrolytic solution. The cell includes an anode comprised of a main anode body portion and an anode extension portion. The main anode body portion has an arcuate main anode body surface having a radius of curvature slightly larger than the radius of curvature of the drum. The main anode body portion is totally immersed in the electrolytic solution adjacent the drum wherein a generally uniform gap is formed therebetween. The anode extension portion has an anode extension surface facing the drum and at least one opening extending therethrough. The anode extension portion is disposed within the electrolytic solution wherein a portion thereof extends above the electrolytic solution and the electrolytic solution can flow through the opening.

Abstract: A halogen generator produces a halogen sanitizing agent to sanitize water in a spa or other water feature. A coaxial wall fitting desirably couples the halogen generator to the water feature. The halogen generator desirably includes a bipolar electrolytic cell in which a center electrode plate rotates between stationary anode and cathode plates. The bipolar electrode includes a plurality of vanes which motivate water flow between the anode and the cathode. The vanes on the rotating electrode also produce a flow of water through the generator. In this manner, the bipolar electrode functions as a impeller to pump water through the halogen generator. The vanes are positioned between the electrode and cathode, and are sufficiently spaced from the cathode to inhibit scale formation on the cathode. The vanes, however, generally do not contact the cathode when rotating.

Abstract: A halogen generator produces a halogen sanitizing agent to sanitize water in a spa or other water feature. A coaxial wall fitting desirably couples the halogen generator to the water feature. The halogen generator desirably includes a bipolar electrolytic cell in which a center electrode plate rotates between stationary anode and cathode plates. The bipolar electrode includes a plurality of vanes which motivate water flow between the anode and the cathode. The vanes on the rotating electrode also produce a flow of water through the generator. In this manner, the bipolar electrode functions as a impeller to pump water through the halogen generator. The vanes are positioned between the electrode and cathode, and are sufficiently spaced from the cathode to inhibit scale formation on the cathode. The vanes, however, generally do not contact the cathode when rotating.

Abstract: A length of electroplated metal foil, typically copper foil is prepared by placing a stationary arcuate anode concentrically with a rotating cathode drum to define a channel therebetween, passing a plating solution through the channel, conducting electricity across the channel for depositing metal on the cathode drum, and separating the metal deposit from the cathode drum. The anode includes a plurality of circumferentially arranged electrode segments formed of a valve metal material and coated with a platinum group metal or oxide thereof. The electrode segments are removably attached and electrically connected to a back plate. The split anode is easy in assembly and disassembly and, hence, in maintenance and repair, has a high degree of precision in configuration and dimensions, and ensures manufacture of copper foil of quality with a minimized variation in thickness during continuous operation.

Abstract: To permit continuous roll-off or stripping of metal in form of a ribbon, tape or foil from a rotating cathode roller or drum (3, 43) within a metal ion containing solution, the cathode roller or drum is cooled during operation and the solution of the processing liquid contains a halogen compound or a sulfur compound, for example zinc chloride, to obtain zinc in form of a ribbon, tape or foil. The cathode roller or drum is at least partly, and for example entirely submerged in the ion containing processing solution, rotatable about a horizontal or vertical axis, and the anodes (4, 44) are separated from the ion containing solution by a separating diaphragm or ion exchange membrane.

Abstract: A portable drum machine for producing electrodeposited copper foil continuously is disclosed. The drum machine has an electrolyte supply system which supplies copper ions at a substantially uniform composition. The machine produces copper foil that may be taken directly to a foil surface treatment system or rolled for treatment later. The result is a readily replicable, highly standardized computer-aided design stored on discs or in computer memory. A drum of readily fabricated design is made of three different metals designed for minimum voltage loss and uniform current distribution. The machine also incorporates a dimensionally stable anode precision-produced by ring-rolling concentric with the drum. Low-loss electrical connections are symmetrically configured. A spray reactor is provided for dissolving scrap metal or foil scrap. The system can be electrically and chemically isolated from other machines. There is also apparatus for thoroughly washing the foil with electrolyte and water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved titanium metal drum cathode for use in the production of metal foils and a novel method of making the same. The method includes the steps of welding together the ends of a strip of titanium that has been roll formed into a cylinder. During the welding operation some of the weld beads that form the weld are hot peened immediately upon solidification. Upon complete formation of the weld, the formed and welded trip of titanium is subjected to a heat treating cycle that includes a double anneal. Preferably, the strip of titanium metal and the weld metal that is used to form the weld both comprise an addition agent such as yttria.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrodeposition drum having an inner drum and a cylindrical outer skin provided on the circumferential surface of said inner drum, characterized in that a wire rod having higher coefficient of thermal expansion than those of the inner drum and the outer skin, good electrical conductivity and excellent corrosion resistance is wound around the circumferential surface of said inner drum, and then the outer skin is shrink-fitted on said wound wire rod, whereby not only electrical conductivity between the inner drum (1) and the outer skin (2) can be improved but also contact resistance therebetween can be reduced, and thus the electrodeposition drum according to this invention allows high electric current to be flowed thereto.

Abstract: A drum cathode for the production of metal foil, the drum having a titanium top cylinder and a stainless steel base cylinder integrallly connected by welding (1) a niobium or vanadium ring to the top cylinder, (2) a copper ring to the niobium or vanadium ring, and (3) the base cylinder to the copper ring, so as to provide a high electric current carrying path between the top and base cylinder. The drum cathode eliminates the formation of "hot spots" during use, while permitting increased electric current flow and foil product rate.

Abstract: A drum is rotatably immersed as a cathode in an electrolytic solution with an anode placed therein. When a current flow from the anode through the solution to the drum, a metal foil is deposited on the drum as it rotates. The drum includes an electric insulating layer disposed between the outer circumferential surface of an inner drum body and the inner circumferential surface of an outer skin, and an electrically conductive member attached to the outer skin and disposed on one axial end of the inner drum body.

Abstract: A drum cathode for the electrolytic production of metal foil having a current collection yoke of high current carrying capacity which electrically connects each end of the drum to a current collecting hub in the center of the drum. The current collecting hub is positioned on an electrically conducting sleeve over the drum's shaft for conducting the collected current to the exterior of the drum. This permits the electric current to flow through the top sheet of the drum symmetrically to enable the production of foil having a more uniform and symmetrical weight distribution across the width of the drums.

Abstract: The present invention involves a process and associated apparatus for producing surface treated metal foil, comprising:providing an electrolytic cell having an electrolyte and a cathodic surface immersed in the electrolyte, the electrolyte containing a concentration of matel ions;applying a first current density in a frist zone for plating a relatively smooth metal foil deposit on the cathodic surface; andapplying a pulsed second current density having a magnitude greater than the limiting current density in a subsequent second zone, the pulsed second current density forming a plurality of self adhering nodules on the base metal deposit.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and an apparatus for electrolyzing zinc.The method comprises vertically disposing a rotatable disk made of an electrically conductive metal functioning as a cathode at least of which an outer periphery has an insulation covering; immersing the lower portion of the disk into an electrolyte; disposing a circular arc shaped gas permeable electrode functioning as an anode to be closely opposed to the lower portion of the expressed portion of the both sides of the rotatable disk in the electrolyte; operating the electrolysis with the supply of hydrogen; and peeling off the zinc foil deposited onto the exposed portion of the both sides of the rotatable disk with rotation of the disk. This method can be modified by replacing the rotatable disk with a rotatable drum.

Abstract: An electrodeposited foil having isotropic tensile elongation properties. The foil is formed by a process and apparatus wherein the plating surface is polished in a random manner. This provides a surface finish on the plating surface having scratches extending in random directions to provide a generally isotropic surface finish.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making electrolytic metal foil, comprising carrying out electrolysis by filling with an electrolytic solution a space defined between a cathode drum capable of rotating on a horizontal axis and an anode provided in face of the surface of the drum, wherein the electrolytic solution is allowed to flow down from the upper part toward the lower part of the space at the flow velocity such that a gas generated in the solution during the electrolysis may virtually flow out downward in its whole quantity.

Abstract: A current collecting assembly for a body, such as an electrodepositing drum, mounted to rotate about a shaft (16) includes a current collector removably connected to an end of the shaft (16), a current conductor (12) connected to a current supply conductor (19) and means (13,14) for pressing a contact portion (12a) of the current conductor means (12) against the current collector (11) with a predetermined pressure. The contact portion (12a) is carried by a hollow body (12b) through which water is passed to water cool the contact portion (12a).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for forming in situ surface treated metal foil. The apparatus includes a cathode and anode arranged and/or shaped to define a plating region characterized by a first zone having a first interelectrode gap and a second zone having a second interelectrode gap smaller than the first interelectrode gap. It has been found that by providing such an arrangement it is possible to generate in the first zone a localized current density below the limiting current density sufficient to plate metal foil onto the cathode and to simultaneously generate in the second zone a localized current density above the limiting current density sufficient to form dendrites on the freshly produced foil.

Abstract: A system for producing continuous lengths of electroformed metal foil or strip having enhanced ductility and a moderately refined grain structure is described. The system includes an anode and a cathode having a moving plating surface at least partially immersed within an electrolytic solution. To obtain the aforementioned improvements in foil or strip properties, the electrolytic solution is sonically agitated in the vicinity of the moving plating surface. Preferably, one or more ultrasonic generators are used to agitate the electrolyte. The generators may be mounted in a variety of locations including within the electrolyte flow path, within one of the anode and the cathode, or in contact with a surface of either the anode or the cathode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a process for producing improved quality electrodeposited and/or treated metal or metal alloy foil to be used in electrical and electronic applications. The quality of the foil being produced and/or treated by the system is improved by providing each treatment tank in the system with a dual filtration system. The dual filtration system for each tank comprises a filter conditioning loop for substantially continuously withdrawing solution from the tank and removing particulate matter from the withdrawn solution and a system for removing surface impurities from the solution. In a first embodiment, the surface impurities removing system comprises an off-line solution filtration and replenishment system. In a second embodiment, the surface impurities removing system comprises a skimmer floating on the surface of the solution. The present invention has particular utility in systems for producing electrodeposited and/or treated copper foils.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for forming a 3D-shaped article, such as a die or mold, utilizing an electroforming process in which a metal layer is electroformed on an electroforming mold and removed therefrom to form the desired article. The removal is facilitated by mirror-finishing anodizing the shaped electroforming mold and thereafter anodizing to form an oxide film thereon. The electroforming apparatus utilizes a worktank having a first and a second region separated by a partition. The partition has a plurality of apertures which provide communication between the first region with the second region, the latter having an anodic electrode and a source of the electroforming metal. The electroforming mold supported by a shank is introduced into the first region and reciprocated longitudinally of the axis of the shank with a stroke not less than the dimension of the electroforming surface of the mold in the direction of that axis.

Abstract: An electroforming apparatus for producing metal foil having a rotating drum cathode and an improved anode construction and a process for using the apparatus are described. The improved anode construction comprises an arcuate anode having a perforated zone. The perforated zone is placed over a manifold for distributing electrolyte into a gap between the cathode and anode for providing a more uniform current distribution and a more uniform foil deposition in the plating region over the manifold as well as other advantages.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell is described for continuously producing multivalent metals, in particular titanium and titanium alloys. The cell is physically separated into a plurality of zones to better control the stepwise reduction of the multivalent metal. To further increase control over the stepwise reduction process, each zone is also provided with a reference electrode for controlling the voltage potential at each cathode. A process for reducing and plating the multivalent metal is also described.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing surface treated metal foil is described. The process comprises plating a relatively smooth metal foil onto a cathodic surface and thereafter forming a dendritic layer on the foil and firmly bonding it thereto while the foil is still on the cathodic surface. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an electrolytic cell containing an electrolyte, a rotating drum cathode at least partially immersed in the electrolyte, at least two primary anodes and a plurality of treatment anodes embedded in one of the primary anodes.

Abstract: An electrolytic metal recovery cell is described in which a cylindrical cathode is mounted for rotation in a housing having an inlet and outlet for solution from which metal is to be recovered. The housing contains an anode and a cutter blade is mounted so as to be capable of removing metal deposited over the whole face of the cathode when the cell is in use. In order to control the operation of the cell, electrical means are provided for operating the cutter blade at predetermined intervals of time irrespective of the electrolysis conditions and for operating the cutter blade when a monitored cathode potential deviates a predetermined amount from a desired value.By this means the use of previously proposed scrapers and their attendant disadvantages are avoided and the cell can be easily controlled either under steady state electrolytic conditions or even when there are large variations in the concentration of the metal ions in solution.

Abstract: A roll for electroplating having low volume resistivity is provided which consists essentially of, in wt %, below 0.1% C, below 1.5% Si, below 1.5% Mn, 14% to 21% Cr, 13% to 20% Mo, below 6% Fe, and the balance substantially Ni. The roll may further contain one or more of the elements selected from the group consisting of below 0.5% Al, below 1.0% Ti, below 1.5% Nb, below 0.5% V, and below 3.0% W.

Abstract: The apparatus for electrodeposition of a metal includes a cylindrical cathode which is rotated about a horizontal axis and is partly submerged in an electrolyte, the cylindrical cathode having a surface layer thereon upon which metal from the electrolyte may be deposited and from which a deposited layer of the metal may be stripped, comprising a plurality of strips of dimensionally stable anode, means for supporting each of the plurality of strips parallel to the horizontal axis and spaced a predetermined distance from the surface layer to form a generally annular space between the surface and the plurality of strips extending about substantially the entire portion of the surface layer which is submerged in the electrolyte.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in extracting primary zinc metal from ore concentrates is described. The apparatus includes first and second electrolytic cells, the first cell receiving an acid zinc sulfate solution derived from an ore concentrate, and having an anode which is insoluble in said solution, and the second cell containing an alkaline electrolyte and having a cathode which is insoluble in said electrolyte. A common electrode is also provided which is insoluble both in the acid zinc sulfate solution and in the alkaline electrolyte. The common electrode can be transferred between the first cell, in which it acts as a cathode, and the second cell, in which it acts as an anode. The zinc sulfate solution is subjected to electrolysis in the first cell with the common electrode acting as a cathode, thereby causing primary zinc metal to be deposited as a coating on the common electrode.

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: A method of making a flexible seamless brass cylinder which comrises forming a thin continuous layer of brass of uniform thickness on the surface of a cylindrically shaped vertical rotating mandrel by electrolitic deposition in an electrolic bath containing at least one brass anode. Apparatus for carrying out the electroforming process is also disclosed.